The Times of India

MS Dhoni, at 44, is training intensely for IPL 2026, sparking speculation about his role. Former teammate R Ashwin believes Dhoni might bat higher up the order, potentially at number three, to be an aggressor. Ashwin also praised CSK's formidable batting lineup, bolstered by new signings, predicting a challenging season for opponents.

India's Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, and allrounder Shardul Thakur will miss Mumbai's Ranji Trophy match against Delhi due to injuries and illness. Pant is recovering from a side strain, Jaiswal from stomach pain after food poisoning, and Thakur from a calf injury. Mumbai has already qualified for the quarterfinals.

Yuvraj Singh acknowledged Abhishek Sharma's rapid T20I fifty, a feat just shy of his own record. Sharma's aggressive batting propelled India's powerplay score, showcasing his fearless approach and strategic thinking. This explosive performance marks him as a significant emerging talent for India's T20 World Cup aspirations.

Former BCCI president and veteran cricket administrator Inderjit Singh Bindra passed away at his New Delhi residence on Sunday at the age of 84. His health deteriorated suddenly after lunch, and he died around 6.30 pm. The last rites of Bindra, a key figure in Indian cricket administration, will be performed at the Lodhi crematorium on Monday.

India's batters showcased explosive intent, achieving their fastest-ever team fifty in just 3.1 overs against New Zealand. Abhishek Sharma's blistering 14-ball half-century and Suryakumar Yadav's quickfire fifty powered India to a dominant eight-wicket victory, securing the series. This aggressive batting display signals a new era for Indian T20 cricket.

India crushed New Zealand by eight wickets in the third T20I to seal the series 3-0. Bumrahs 3/17, backed by Hardik, Bishnoi, and Rana, restricted New Zealand to 153/9. In reply, Abhishek Sharmas 68 off 20 and Suryakumar Yadavs 57 off 26 powered India to 155/2 in just 10 overs, completing a commanding win.

Abhishek Sharma etched his name in the record books with a blistering 14-ball fifty, the joint third-fastest in men's T20Is against a Full Member nation. His fearless counter-attack, including a rapid 53-run partnership with Ishan Kishan, set the tone for India's comfortable chase. This historic knock followed a mixed series start, showcasing Sharma's growing reputation as a formidable top-order batter.

Sanju Samson's T20I struggles persisted as he was dismissed for a golden duck on the first ball against New Zealand. His recent lean patch, with scores of 10, 6, and 0, has intensified discussions about India's opening combination. Meanwhile, India's bowlers, led by Ravi Bishnoi and Jasprit Bumrah, restricted New Zealand to 153 for 9.

Hardik Pandya delivered a spectacular catch in the third T20I against New Zealand. This moment of brilliance provided India with an early advantage. India captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to bowl. Harshit Rana took an early wicket. India leads the series 2-0. The team aims to play fearlessly.

Josh Inglis blasted a six to seal a crushing six-wicket victory for the Perth Scorchers and their record sixth Big Bash League T20 title over the Sydney Sixers in Perth on Sunday. A sixth title for this club, it's special.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad announcement is not a confirmation of participation, with the PCB awaiting government approval. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated the board will follow the government's decision regarding the tournament in India and Sri Lanka. The PCB also voiced strong disapproval of the ICC's stance on Bangladesh's exclusion.

Rohit Sharma lauded Suryakumar Yadav's crucial role in the Indian cricket team. Sharma highlighted Yadav's consistent performance and unique batting style as vital for the team's strength. He also commended Abhishek Sharma's smart and impactful opening batting. These players are set to be key for India's upcoming T20 World Cup campaign.

Joe Root has backed England head coach Brendon McCullum, expressing confidence in the team's direction despite the Ashes defeat. Root highlighted McCullum's positive impact on his own game, stating his performance has improved tenfold since the coach's arrival. This support comes after England's ODI series win against Sri Lanka.

Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur are set to receive the prestigious Padma Shri for their significant contributions. Sharma's leadership saw India clinch the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy, while Kaur captained the historic Women's World Cup victory on home soil. Their achievements mark a new era for Indian cricket.

Chennai teenager RS Ambrish, a right-arm fast bowler and left-handed batsman, draws inspiration from Ben Stokes. He showcased his all-round potential with a 4/29 spell against New Zealand at the U-19 World Cup. Guided by his father, a former Railways cricketer, Ambrish prioritizes strong technique and temperament as he navigates his promising junior cricket career.

Indian teenagers Maaya Rajeswaran Revathi and Arnav Vijay Paparkar faced early exits in the Australian Open junior singles. Maaya lost to Russia's Anna Pushkareva, struggling with her second serve. Arnav was defeated by Indian-American Vihaan Reddy, despite having a stronger serve. In doubles, Arnav and Roshan Santosh also fell to the top seeds.

Carlos Alcaraz is showcasing a significantly improved serve at the Australian Open, mirroring Novak Djokovic's efficiency. Having worked on his service motion, Alcaraz reached the quarterfinals, demonstrating a smoother, more consistent delivery. He faces Alex De Minaur next, while American Learner Tien, the youngest quarterfinalist since 2015, takes on Alexander Zverev.

Novak Djokovic advances to the Australian Open quarter-finals without playing after opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew due to an abdominal injury. The young Czech star expressed sadness at missing the chance to face his idol. Djokovic, seeking to break Sinner and Alcaraz's recent Grand Slam dominance, now awaits either Lorenzo Musetti or Taylor Fritz.

Jonty Rhodes acknowledged the unavoidable collision of politics and cricket after Bangladesh's dramatic exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup. The Bangladesh Cricket Board's refusal to tour India over security concerns led to their replacement by Scotland. Rhodes, drawing on his apartheid-era experiences, highlighted how sport and politics often intertwine, despite administrators' best efforts.

The World Cricketers' Association expressed disappointment over Bangladesh's withdrawal from the T20 World Cup, calling it a sad moment and urging deep reflection. The ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after the BCB's request to move matches to Sri Lanka was rejected, citing security concerns. The WCA highlighted broader trends of agreements not being honored and a lack of player consultation.

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Former India all-rounder R Ashwin has urged Team India to stay patient with Sanju Samson despite his twin failures against New Zealand. With Ishan Kishans strong knock increasing competition and Tilak Varma set to return, Ashwin warned against frequent changes, saying it could hurt team balance. He backed Samsons attacking intent, while Aakash Chopra called the next match crucial for his future.

Bangladesh has been removed from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 after the government refused to grant clearance for the team to travel to India due to security concerns. Despite BCB's attempts to relocate matches, the ICC upheld the original fixtures, leading to Scotland's replacement.

Former Australian cricketer Jason Gillespie has criticized the ICC's decision to remove Bangladesh from the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup. He questioned the lack of consistency, drawing parallels to India being allowed to play the 2025 Champions Trophy at a neutral venue due to security concerns in Pakistan. This decision has sparked wider unease within the cricketing community.

Aryna Sabalenka reached the Australian Open quarterfinals after beating Victoria Mboko 6-1, 7-6. She dominated the match and won her 20th straight Grand Slam tiebreak, breaking Novak Djokovics Open Era record. Djokovic reacted jokingly, saying, I'm upset right now. Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, continues her strong run as other top seeds also competed for quarterfinal spots.

Cricket Scotland has accepted an invitation from the ICC to replace Bangladesh in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. The team is preparing to travel immediately to acclimatize and compete on the global stage. This unexpected opportunity arises after Bangladesh's withdrawal due to security concerns.

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Pakistan has unveiled their 15-man squad for the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026, captained by Salman Agha. The 2009 champions, featuring Babar Azam and a strong pace attack led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, will face co-hosts India in Group A. Their campaign begins against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.

Ishan Kishan's triumphant return to the Indian squad, marked by a match-winning 76 off 32 balls, highlights his unwavering belief during a two-year hiatus. His stellar domestic performance, including leading Jharkhand to a title, paved the way for this impactful comeback. With the T20 World Cup approaching, Kishan's form offers India crucial momentum and potential batting order adjustments.

Suryakumar Yadav silenced critics with a blistering unbeaten 82, his first fifty in 23 innings, showcasing a revitalized approach. He focused on new scoring zones and shut out external noise, drawing strength from his wife's advice. Crucial dropped catches also aided his return to form, easing pressure ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Bangladesh has accepted the ICC's decision to replace its national team with Scotland in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Bangladesh Cricket Board cited government advice regarding safety concerns in India as the reason for their refusal to travel. Despite repeated efforts and alternative proposals, the ICC did not agree to relocate Bangladesh's matches.

Former India all-rounder Madan Lal backed the ICC's decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland for the 2026 T20 World Cup, deeming it justified and timely. He suggested external influence led to Bangladesh's withdrawal, calling it a significant mistake that opens opportunities for Scotland.

Shahid Afridi criticises the ICC for its perceived double standards after Bangladesh was removed from the 2026 T20 World Cup. He contrasts this with India's security concerns being accommodated for the 2025 Champions Trophy, highlighting a lack of fairness in global cricket governance.

Virat Kohli's childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, supports the ICC's decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the T20 World Cup 2026. This follows Bangladesh's refusal to participate as scheduled, citing security concerns that the ICC and independent assessments found unsubstantiated. The ICC's move aims to maintain tournament integrity and avoid setting problematic precedents.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape captain Tristan Stubbs, who has had a mediocre return since the highs of 2024, is keen to find form in the SA20 final against the Pretoria Capitals. Having been called up to the T20 World Cup squad as an injury replacement, Stubbs has personal and team goals to achieve at Newlands in Cape Town.

Music composer Palash Muchhal faces renewed cheating allegations from actor-producer Vidnyan Mane, a friend of Smriti Mandhana. Mane claims Muchhal was caught with another woman during pre-wedding festivities, leading to a physical confrontation with cricketers. Muchhal has denied these claims, initiating a Rs 10 crore defamation suit against Mane. Several Instagram posts featuring Mandhana have also been removed.

Ravindra Jadeja's constant encouragement proved pivotal as Saurashtra's Parth Bhut dominated Shubman Gill, taking 10 wickets in their Ranji Trophy win over Punjab. Bhut, inspired by Jadeja, credited his hero's guidance for his match-winning performance and fulfilling a childhood dream of playing alongside him.

Former India cricketer Atul Wassan slammed PCB chief Mohsin Naqvis remarks on possibly skipping the 2026 T20 World Cup, calling it foolish bravado. He said dragging politics into cricket hurts players, not administrators. Wassan felt Pakistan was backing Bangladesh for political mileage. His comments followed Naqvis criticism of the ICC after Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland for refusing to follow the tournament schedule.

Bangladesh cricket faced fresh turmoil as BCB director Ishtiaque Sadeque resigned on the same day the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Sadeque cited family and personal reasons, denying any internal disputes. The ICC removed Bangladesh after it refused to play in India over security concerns. Scotland were named as the replacement based on ICC rankings.

England leveled the ODI series against Sri Lanka at 1-1. Joe Root played a crucial role with a steady 75 runs. England chased down a target of 220 with five wickets in hand. The bowlers also performed well, using spin extensively. The series decider is set for Tuesday. Both teams will then play T20 internationals.

India continued their dominant run in the U-19 World Cup with a seven-wicket DLS win over New Zealand in a rain-hit match. After restricting New Zealand to 135, led by strong spells from RS Ambrish and Henil Patel, India chased a revised target of 130 with ease. Skipper Ayush Mhatre starred with a rapid 27-ball 53 as India topped Group B.

Scotland steps in for Bangladesh at the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, after Dhaka cited security concerns for playing in India. The ICC confirmed Scotland will join Group C, with all other match details remaining unchanged. Bangladesh's refusal to travel despite security assurances led to their removal.

The ICC has confirmed that Bangladesh will not take part in the T20 World Cup after the BCB refused to play under the published schedule. Scotland have been officially named as their replacement and will compete in Group C alongside England, Italy, Nepal and West Indies. The announcement was made on Saturday, bringing clarity to weeks of uncertainty over Bangladeshs participation in the tournament.

Novak Djokovic etched his name further in tennis history at the Australian Open, achieving his 400th Grand Slam singles victory. He also matched Roger Federer's record for most Australian Open match wins. Despite a brief scare and a fall in the third set, Djokovic showcased his resilience, saving set points and ultimately clinching the win.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistans participation in the T20 World Cup will depend on the governments decision after Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland. He stated that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will take the final call once he returns. Naqvi criticised the ICC for unfairly treating Bangladesh, questioned selective decision-making, and stressed that the PCB follows only government directives, leaving Pakistans participation uncertain.

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