India's women's wrestling contingent has secured a historic achievement at the World Championships in Astana, with Manisha Bhanwala becoming the country's first female world champion after defeating American wrestler Elizabeth Nette 8-6 in the 59kg...
A sensational century from Glenn Phillips set the tone as New Zealand clinched their first win of the T20I series on Friday. Phillips' hundred was well supported by Michael Bracewell who scored a half-century of his own as the hosts plundered 259/7. In response, India's chase never got going as they were restricted to 172/9.
'All The Credit Goes To Him': Yuvraj Singh Lauds Abhishek Sharma's Hard Work
ICC T20I: Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has credited Abhishek Sharmas hard work for his remarkable rise in international cricket, saying the left-handed opener deserves all the credit for reclaiming the number one spot in the ICC T20I batting rankings. Abhishek has been in sensational form in the shortest format, with his explosive batting making him one of Indias most influential players. Yuvraj, who has mentored the young opener, said his performances were a reflection of the hard work he had put in over the years. Abhishek Sharma scored a century off 30 balls and then off 34 balls. I think its the result of his hard work. He has worked very hard to get where he is. He is back at the number one spot (T20I rankings) in world cricket, and all the credit goes to him, Yuvraj told IANS on the sidelines of a launch event. Yuvraj also praised the improvement in Indian players, particularly in white-ball cricket, while highlighting the role of better recovery methods and sports science in helping athletes deal with injuries and improve their performances. If you play sports, you will get injured. There will be on-ground injuries. Recovery has to be better. Feel in terms of science, obviously players are getting better. They are recovering better; they are playing better. Their skill is better; they are becoming faster. So I feel that our players are doing really well. Especially in white-ball cricket, he said. Abhishek recently produced another breathtaking performance in the third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington on October 27, smashing 113 off just 38 deliveries to help India register a six-wicket victory and take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. The 25-year-old reached his half-century in just 14 balls before completing his fourth T20I century. His innings featured a relentless display of power-hitting and helped India chase down New Zealands 198/3 in just 13.2 overs. Yuvraj had also reacted to the knock on social media, taking a playful dig at Abhishek while praising his remarkable hitting ability. You still cant get 50 off 12, can you? @OfficialAbhi04! Looks like two left-handers batting in their backyard! Yuvraj posted on X. The 25-year-old reached his half-century in just 14 balls before completing his fourth T20I century. His innings featured a relentless display of power-hitting and helped India chase down New Zealands 198/3 in just 13.2 overs. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Saina Nehwal, Rahul Dravid nominated to Commonwealth Games 2030 organising board: Report
Former Indian cricket captain Rahul Dravid and Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal are set to take up administrative responsibilities for the Commonwealth Games 2030 after being nominated to the event's Organising Company Board. The appointments, made...
'Abhishek, Ishan, Vaibhav merit ODI chances'
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has expressed his belief that talented young players like Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are not being given due justice by not being regularly picked for the ODI squad. He acknowledged the challenge posed by senior players but hopes their performance will soon earn them a spot.
'Hamstring has been declared fit' - Rodrigues eyes return to action after three months of rehab
India's next assignment will be a multi-format tour of South Africa in December
Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara recently alleged that Ryanair staff at Dublin Airport behaved in a discriminatory and hreatening manner towards him and his family while they were travelling
Why Yuvraj Feels His Iconic Six-Sixes Record Is Nearing Its End
Yuvraj Singh expects his iconic six-sixes record to fall soon while crediting Abhishek Sharma's exceptional work ethic for his rise to the top of T20I batting rankings.
James Anderson not sure about retirement after being left shocked following Lancashire exit
England's record wicket-taker James Anderson has admitted that Lancashire's decision not to renew his contract has left him deeply disappointed. Following which, the veteran fast bowler is considering his future, but is yet to determine...
Why Kuldeep, Varun Remain on Sidelines Even After Bowling Debacle
India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule addressed the limited opportunities for Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, stating they understand the team's preferred combination. Despite a heavy defeat in the fourth T20I, Bahutule highlighted the spinners' readiness and the team's attacking approach, while also discussing challenges at Eden Park and the potential for changes in the next game.
Varun, Kuldeep might get an opportunity, lets see how it turns out in Hamilton: Bahutule
Digital Desk | Auckland, Oct 30 (IANS) Indias spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said the team management would decide its combination for the next game only after seeing the conditions in Hamilton, adding that wrist-spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, who have not featured in the series so far, could be given a chance. India, who have an unassailable lead in the series, won the toss in the fourth game held at Eden Park on Friday, but New Zealand bounced back in style in front of a sell-out crowd. In-form Glenn Phillips smashed 107 off 49 balls while Michael Bracewell hit 65 off 25 deliveries as New Zealand made 259/7, their highest T20I total. Its also the highest total India have ever conceded. In reply, India could make only 172/9, and lost by 87 runs. I think obviously today was a different day. I think we played real good cricket in the last three games. Different pitches, different conditions is something which we really learnt to adapt. Thats what the effort was, but it didnt happen. In the next venue, we will decide as to what combination would be ideal. They might get an opportunity, but lets see how it turns out at Hamilton, said Bahutule in the post-match press conference. He also said both Kuldeep and Varun understood that team balance could keep them out and are working in the background. I think more than anything they are well prepared to play. The team combinations, whatever they need, its very important to understand that they might not get that opportunity. They are very much aware of it. At the same time, they keep working behind the doors. Whenever they are needed, in fact, they will be ready for it. I think its a question of giving them the opportunity. Hopefully, in the next game and the coming one-dayers, they will get opportunities. Bahutule further stated the final word on the playing eleven would come only after the team arrives in Hamilton, the venue for the fifth T20I on Sunday. We will decide once we reach Hamilton. Decide after having a look at the pitch, the dimensions again, conditions again. Then the decision will be taken. On the plans given to the spinners, especially with the 2028 Mens T20 World Cup set to happen in New Zealand, who will co-host with Australia, Bahutule said the team wants its bowlers to attack, though the approach can change as per the situation. So, I think we encourage our bowlers to be attacking. Sometimes being defensive can also be an attacking role. You know what I mean? So, there are different situations which you need to handle. Like Axar (Patel) is somebody who bowls in the powerplay and whichever over number he is given, he executes it very well. When you have Varun as well as Kuldeep in the wings, they too are ready to bowl at any stage. They play a different role in conditions like this. But there is a lot of clarity given to them in terms of what is expected from them. So, moving forward, when the opportunity arises for them to contribute and play, I am sure they are very much well prepared and that will help them to get better and sort of play more games in the coming tournaments, he elaborated. Bahutule revealed that attacking opener Abhishek Sharma puts in regular work on his left-arm spin in the nets, though if he would bowl depends on captain Shreyas Iyer. He keeps practising. He is somebody who in the nets keeps working at his bowling. He always tries to contribute through his bowling. But its all about the captains instinct on the ground. He has to go according to that. That is the time sometimes you get a chance. You can get a chance by looking at the conditions. But they are very much well prepared. In any situation, I think the opportunity will be given. They will surely go there and execute their skills. Bahutule also spoke about teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshis bowling efforts, adding that the teenaged opener was serious about it but was still some way from being used regularly with the ball. I think still some time to go. Definitely, he is very keen on his bowling. He does his routines in terms of the bowling. But I think he has got some time. We are trying to create as many opportunities for him. But eventually we have got some experienced players as well who will get their dues. But when it comes to bowling, I think he is somebody who is very keen. If he can bowl those one or two overs in a T20 and then hopefully, maybe in the one day or whenever his time comes. But behind the scenes, he is working towards it and he is very serious about his bowling.
Mitchell Santner's Mega Record, Surpasses Ish Sodhi For Most T20I Wickets Against India
New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner became only the third player from his team to reach the 150 T20I wickets mark on Friday
Perry, Coyte help Sixers seal a final ball thriller over Heat
Perry struck 58 before Coyte scored a boundary off the final ball of the match to help Sixers sneak home chasing 155 after Redmayne and Knott made half-centuries for Heat
'It Was Fabulous, Made Most Of The Pitch': Phillips On His 107 Against India In The 4th T20I
New Zealand: New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips enjoyed batting at Eden Park in Auckland as he smashed a brilliant 107 from 49 balls to power the team to a strong 87-run win against India in the fourth T20I of the series on Friday. He reflected on his knock, saying that he felt fabulous for having contributed to the team yet again. Yeah, it was fabulous. Obviously it was a really good pitch to bat on out there today, and I think we made the most of it, which was fantastic. And yeah, obviously nice to get a few and contribute to the lads, Phillips, who was named the Player of the Match, told broadcasters after the win. Phillips was well partnered by another all-rounder Michael Bracewell in the fourth match, and the duo put up a 115-run partnership from 40 balls to help the Kiwis boss the crucial middle phase of the innings. Phillips also reserved praise for Bracewell, who made 65 from 25 balls. I think we really just talked about the fact that the wind from this end was probably the easier end to go from, but obviously the way Beast (Bracewell) hits, that doesn't really matter which end he goes from, and to be able to take that momentum, especially when it was sort of like a knife-edge part of the game, for us to take it effectively away from India like that was fantastic. Phillips has been the best batter of the series so far as he has smashed 276 runs across the four innings. He has been on a purple patch and also opened up on his approach over the last six months. I think sometimes it's just ebbs and flows of the game. You see the ball well, and you see the ball badly at other times of the year, so I think it's just trying to make that purple patch last as long as possible and just try and make one nice decision as much as I can, he added. The 29-year-old went off the field during India's chase after batting for nearly the entirety of the innings. He opened up on his decision to limit his fielding involvement and whether there are hamstring concerns. I think sometimes it's just ebbs and flows of the game. You see the ball well, and you see the ball badly at other times of the year, so I think it's just trying to make that purple patch last as long as possible and just try and make one nice decision as much as I can, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'We're Back to Where...': Uthappa Returns to MI With a Mission
Newly appointed Mumbai Indians batting coach Robin Uthappa discusses the team's poor performance in IPL 2025 and his plans to rebuild trust with fans and empower domestic players. He views his return to MI, where he started his IPL career, as destiny and aims to make the team a formidable force both at home and away.
Acquaintance Helps You Get Into The Dressing Room, Not Earn A Place, Says Dilip On Joining MI
T20 World Cups: T Dilip, the newly-appointed fielding coach of Mumbai Indians, believes that knowing many of the franchises star players would help him settle in quickly, though he added that he would still have to earn his place in the dressing room through every day work. Dilip rose to prominence as fielding coach of the Indian mens team, a stint that saw him be a part of three ICC title wins: the T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026, and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Much of that golden run came under Rohit Sharmas captaincy, and Dilip will reunite with him in MI colours after replacing Carl Hopkinson as the sides fielding coach from IPL 2027. I have worked with Rohit as a captain when I started, then Surya as a captain, Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, you name anyone, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur. So acquaintance is always there, that really helps. But trust me, acquaintance helps you to come into the dressing room. But to earn that place in the dressing room, I think its an everyday work. Like, hard work, what we do and relationship and how can I help the team to take forward, whether its through culture or work. That is where I want to earn that back again, Dilip said in a video posted by the franchises social media accounts on Friday. He also felt building trust as a coach in a team is built slowly, and much of that happens off the field. Mumbai badge is a privilege and as well as a responsibility. As a Mumbai Indians team, I want to build fielding as an attacking weapon in the field. I think everything revolves around the culture, and trust doesnt happen overnight. I think its built over a period, because its not only just what happens on the field, but I think how we interact and spend time with each other off the field, because it gives you an insight about what that person thinks, added Dilip. He also wants his players to value the small contributions that rarely make the highlights. We generally see catches, we generally see run-outs. Once players recognise that its not the spectacular highlights which is highlighted, but the 1 percent factors which can impact a game, then automatically they will put in those efforts. And for us is to make sure that in a practice or a match, we create that environment where players having fun on the field, enjoy the field, and go out there. Sometimes you may have a bad day in your primary skills, whether batting or bowling, but still you can impact a game through fielding. The same approach shapes how he views the fielding medal that became popular in the Indian dressing room. Dilip said he would first understand MIs existing traditions and speak to new head coach Kieron Pollard before deciding whether to bring it in. I think when it comes to fielding medal, I am very, very happy that a great initiative was taken, and actually, its the players who made it really big, the way they have taken it. But I feel end of the day, I am new to this Mumbai Indians setup, and as we know that there are certain traditions which already goes. My way of working generally is that whoever is the head coach, I would understand their philosophy, and Ill definitely have a chat with them and see what best can be introduced or in an existing environment what can be done. But definitely fielding is something I would like to be rewarded and recognised. He also spoke about the home crowd at the Wankhede Stadium and accepted that recent results had not lived up to its expectations. When it comes to Wankhede, I have seen personally theres always tremendous support because it is a small ground, it resonates and feels like in a tougher situation there is someone else backing you all the time. My way of working generally is that whoever is the head coach, I would understand their philosophy, and Ill definitely have a chat with them and see what best can be introduced or in an existing environment what can be done. But definitely fielding is something I would like to be rewarded and recognised. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Neeraj Chopra provides major injury update after missing Diamond League final, Asian Games
India's javelin star Neeraj Chopra is moving closer to returning to the training ground after receiving medical clearance to restart his preparations following an ankle ligament injury. The two-time Olympic medallist has indicated that he...
Triangular Series: Pakistan Look to Rewrite Home ODI History
Pakistan's head coach Mike Hesson is optimistic about his team's chances in the triangular series final against Sri Lanka in Lahore on Saturday, despite recent top-order batting struggles. Sri Lanka, having beaten Pakistan in the 2023 Asia Cup final, enter with strong batting form.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Dropped For Fourth T20I, Stephen Fleming Explains Why It's A 'Great Message'
India's rotation policy with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued in the fourth T20I, with the team management dropping the teenager for Ishan Kishan. Sooryavanshi played in the second and third T20Is after Ishan Kishan was injured
Rohit Sharma Reveals The Story Behind Picking Number 45 For His Iconic Jersey
Family Full House: Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma, who hosts the gaming reality show Family Full House with Rohit Sharma, has shared the story behind his iconic number 45 jersey. The personal story involves an early cricketing memory, a conversation with his mother, and a number that simply felt right to him. During the conversation on the show actor Rahul Lohani asked Rohit about the significance of the number 45, saying, Sir, 45 number jersey dekhte hi ya sunte hi samajh aa jaata hai logon ko ki Hitman aa gaya hai, Par ye 45 number kyun choose kiya aapne, sir? Recounting the story behind his choice, Rohit said, It was a very simple logic, when I played cricket in a jersey for the first time, because when you wear a jersey, you have to choose a number. So people had already chosen all the numbers, number 5, number 8, number 9. I wanted a single-digit number, but everyone had already chosen. So, the only number left for me was 19. Because I just liked the number 19. So I put on the number 19 and I played too, in the Under-19. However, Rohit realised that he would have to reconsider his choice if he went on to represent the Indian team. Explaining how he discovered this, he shared, Then after that, I think we were playing together at that time, but I can't remember the name right now. They told me, 'Hey brother, this is Under-19, you will play in the India team, you can't take this number.' So I said, 'Why?' dude, and he said, 'It's Rahul Dravid's number,' and Rahul Dravid was playing with number 19 at that time, and he was the captain. Rohit then sought advice from his mother, as he said, So right after that, immediately in the evening, I reached the hotel and called mom. I told Mom, 'Mom, I can't play with this number.' Now you tell me which number I should play with. So, mom picked this number '45' for me. Mom told me, 'Play with number 9, it will be good for you. The number 9 had gone, I didn't want to play with the number 27. So I was really liking 4 and 5 being around. So I also gave this feedback to my mom that 4-5 looks much better, so I said, 'Mom, I'll take this number. This is also 9, and the number on the jersey 4-5 will look very good too, he added. Rohit then sought advice from his mother, as he said, So right after that, immediately in the evening, I reached the hotel and called mom. I told Mom, 'Mom, I can't play with this number.' Now you tell me which number I should play with. So, mom picked this number '45' for me. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Santner joins elite club with 150 T20I wickets
New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner has become the third player from his country to claim 150 T20 International wickets. He achieved this feat during the fourth T20I against India, where he also surpassed Ish Sodhi for the most T20I wickets against India. Santner's performance contributed to New Zealand's 87-run victory in Auckland.
'260 Is Good, But You've To Bowl Well Against Them': Santner Reflects On 4th T20I Win
Mitchell Santner: New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner reflected on his team's performance in the fourth T20I against India at Eden Park in Auckland as he credited the batters and also the bowlers for a complete performance to defeat India for the first time in the series. Having lost all the previous three matches of the five-match series, New Zealand went hammer and tongs yet again and smashed 269/7, their highest T20I total and also the top score against India in T20Is. The destructors-in-chief with the bat were centurion Glenn Phillips and half-centurion Michael Bracewell, who put up a 115-run partnership off 40 balls for the fifth wicket. The bowlers followed them well, with Jacob Duffy picking up a four-wicket haul to restrict India to 172/9 in a big 87-run win for the Black Caps. Speaking after the match, Santner reflected on the strong performance of the batters and the bowlers, admitting that the total was good enough but the bowling still had to be tight against an Indian batting juggernaut as the visitors had already chased down 226 in the first T20I. Yeah, obviously, another lost toss, but I think with the wind, it didn't dew up as much tonight. Obviously 260 is a good score, but you have to bowl well against these guys, and I think we did, Santner said in the post-match presentation. Phillips made 107 from 49 balls, while Bracewell hit 65 from 25 deliveries as their stand in the middle overs turned out to be the difference. The skipper highlighted how the players went hammers and tongs. Yeah, I think we summed up the pitch. We saw a couple fly through at the start and then you stick to those lengths. The boys bashed away nicely, and we were able to take wickets at the start, which is obviously a massive thing in the powerplays. But I think our lengths, our lines were really good tonight, and there's obviously a little bit in the wicket. That's kind of what we wanted for most of the games. So, I think when we get it right on a wicket that bounces nicely, it's going good, he added. The all-rounder reserved special praise for Bracewell, because of whom he thinks New Zealand were able to take the total beyond India's reach. Yeah, the way he came out from the start, obviously we were in a pretty good position, but from ball one to keep going, and that pushes that score from a 220, which is still a good score, to 260, obviously with Glenn going as well. But yeah, it's nice to see Beast (Bracewell) get some runs because he's been striking in the nets, Santner said. Auckland is an unforgiving ground for the bowlers with straight boundaries pretty short. Santner was particularly happy with the bowling performance as they were able to keep India to 172/9. Yeah, pretty happy. It's a tough ground. We've made them take some tough options down the ground off heavy lengths, and a couple went up, which was nice, and then a couple dropped catches again, but it's tight in there, swirling. The all-rounder reserved special praise for Bracewell, because of whom he thinks New Zealand were able to take the total beyond India's reach. Yeah, the way he came out from the start, obviously we were in a pretty good position, but from ball one to keep going, and that pushes that score from a 220, which is still a good score, to 260, obviously with Glenn going as well. But yeah, it's nice to see Beast (Bracewell) get some runs because he's been striking in the nets, Santner said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Jemimah Rodrigues Declares Herself Fit After Hamstring Injury
India top-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues on Friday announced that she had recovered from the hamstring injury she sustained in August and was raring to go for her next assignment.
Duffy scripts history, leaves India reeling in Auckland
New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy registered the best bowling figures by a Kiwi pacer against India, taking 4/23 in the fourth T20I. His performance, including crucial early wickets, helped New Zealand secure an 87-run victory and their first win in the five-match series.
4th T20I: 'We Fell A Bit Short In Our Bowling,' Says Iyer After An 87-run Loss
Shreyas Iyer: India captain Shreyas Iyer admitted that his team fell short with the ball in the fourth T20I against New Zealand, saying the hosts gained momentum during the powerplay, particularly in the third over, which proved costly in their 87-run defeat at Eden Park here on Friday. New Zealand registered their first victory of the five-match series after Glenn Phillips smashed a sensational 107 off 49 balls, and Michael Bracewell contributed 65 off just 25 deliveries to power the hosts to a mammoth 259/7, their highest-ever T20I total. In reply, India were restricted to 172/9 in 19 overs, with Jacob Duffy claiming four wickets. Speaking after the match, Iyer acknowledged that India's bowling performance was below expectations and praised Phillips for his outstanding knock. Yeah, absolutely. I think we fell a bit short in our bowling to start with. Powerplay, especially in the third over, they got that momentum from there on, and yeah, a couple of bowlers, they tried to squeeze in, but I think an exceptional knock by Glenn. Some phenomenal shots, which were like pure bliss. So kudos to him. He's been consistent throughout the series, so there's a lot to learn from him, Iyer said. The Indian captain said the team would review its performance and work on improving its execution ahead of the fifth and final T20I in Hamilton. Yes, absolutely. I feel that it's important to retrospect, see where we can actually bounce back, come into Hamilton and just have a day off. So I personally feel that we can probably go back to the drawing board and see to it we analyse and try to execute to the best of our abilities in the next game, he added. Iyer also acknowledged that adapting to the dimensions of New Zealand grounds had been a challenge for some Indian players, particularly those experiencing such conditions for the first time. He, however, backed the team's efforts in the first three matches and described the defeat as a learning experience for the visitors. Conversation was just that we knew that the dimensions are going to be like this, and some of them, it's their first time playing on such grounds. So it takes a bit of time for them to adapt to the challenge. It's not that easy; I understand that, but the way they executed the first three games, it was magnificent, and yeah, this is just a learning curve, I feel, that next time when they come here, they would probably have a better idea of how to go about their business. So a great learning curve, and hopefully we come back positive in the next game, he said. Iyer also acknowledged that adapting to the dimensions of New Zealand grounds had been a challenge for some Indian players, particularly those experiencing such conditions for the first time. He, however, backed the team's efforts in the first three matches and described the defeat as a learning experience for the visitors. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
PAK vs SL Final Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XIs
PAK vs SL Final, Cricket Tips: The tri-series final in Pakistan will be featuring two Asian teams. England would be disappointed after their poor show in the tri-series. They started with three consecutive defeats, which put them out of the race. Now, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be up against each other on Saturday in the final. This will start at 1:30 PM IST at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Pakistan had a poor batting collapse in their last group game, and they were all out for just 110 runs. Sri Lanka are coming into the final after losing to England. Sri Lanka have conceded 305, 429, and 386 in the last four games. They need to address their bowling issues. PAK vs SL: Match Details Date : October 31, 2026 (Saturday) Time : 1:30 PM IST Venue : Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore PAK vs SL: Live Streaming Details The live action of the final of the tri-series will be accessible on the Veto streaming platform in India. PAK vs SL: Head-to-Head in ODIs Total Matches: 162 Pakistan : 98 Sri Lanka : 59 No-result : 5 PAK vs SL: Ground Pitch Report Gaddafi Stadium has been a sporting wicket. The first two games of the tri-series here were low-scoring ones. But the last game produced more than 715 runs. There might be swing and movement with the new ball, and spinners will get some grip when the ball gets old. PAK vs SL: Possible XIs Pakistan : Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saad Baig (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha, Arafat Minhas, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi (c), Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf Sri Lanka: Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Sahan Arachchige, Dunith Wellalage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka PAK vs SL: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Pavan Rathnayake and Salman Agha are two top scorers for their teams. They will be the ones to watch out for. Probable Best Bowler Dasun Shanaka and Shaheen Afridi have been consistent with the ball. They have taken early wickets with the new ball. Today Match Prediction: Pakistan lost the last game, but their numbers against Sri Lanka are pretty good, and they have an advantage of home conditions. Hence, we predict Pakistan to win the tri-series final. PAK vs SL Match Final ODI, Today Match PAK vs SL, PAK vs SL Prediction, PAK vs SL Predicted XIs, Injury Update for Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Match Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Hit Nets Ahead Of ODI Series Against New Zealand
Team India stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have hit the ground running for the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand, as the duo gear up for the crucial assignment ahead of next year's ODI World Cup.
Anderson 'sad' and 'quite shocked' by Lancashire release
Anderson has not yet made a decision on his playing future but said that
Rostan Chase Sparks Bangladesh Collapse As West Indies On Top In Mirpur
West Indies captain Roston Chase ripped through Bangladesh's top order to leave the hosts reeling at 79-6 on the third day of the first Test in Mirpur on Friday. Bangladesh held a 106-run lead at stumps, with concussion substitute Jaker Ali and Nayeem Hasan -- both on 18 -- at the crease when bad light stopped play early. Earlier, off-spinner Nayeem took four wickets to bowl West Indies out for 245, conceding a lead of 27 runs in response to Bangladesh's first-innings total of 272. We are in a very good position, West Indies batting coach Floyd Reifer said after the day's play. We bowled in disciplined areas, stuck to the team plans and everyone really hustled out there in the heat. Reifer added: If we're going to chase 125 runs, I think that's really possible for us on a pitch like that. But obviously, you have to get early wickets. West Indies resumed the day on 134-4 and continued to frustrate Bangladesh through a fifth-wicket partnership between Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who top-scored with 56, and Justin Greaves. The pair added 65 runs before Shoriful Islam broke the stand, with Chanderpaul edging to second slip where captain Najmul Hossain Shanto took a sharp catch. Bangladesh had to wait for another breakthrough as Greaves kept up the defiance with skipper Chase, who made an unbeaten 43 after being dropped on 27, for company. Off-spinner Nayeem broke through by trapping Greaves lbw for 46 shortly before lunch, leaving West Indies at 213-6. Chase came out attacking, while Joshua Bishop contributed 15 before being stumped off Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Bishop had earlier been dropped on 11 by Mominul Haque at short leg, with the Bangladesh batter suffering concussion while attempting the catch. He was replaced by Jaker. Nayeem, who took 4-33, then cleaned up the tail, removing Shamar Joseph and Jomel Warrican in the 81st over before dismissing Jayden Seales in the next. West Indies fast bowler Joseph struck in the second over to send back opener Tanzid Hasan for a duck. Shadman Islam, who scored 105 in the first innings, and Shanto briefly steadied things before Chase took control and bowled the opener for 13. Chase had Towhid Hridoy out for a duck two balls later and trapped skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto lbw for 10 in his next over to leave Bangladesh tottering at 33-4 before rain interrupted play for around 30 minutes. West Indies continued their assault after the break as Warrican trapped Litton Das lbw for four before bowling Mehidy Hasan Miraz to reduce Bangladesh to 53-6. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories We will try to give the team as many runs as possible, said Nayeem. A total of 200 would be very good. We will try to score even more.
Iyer Sounds Alarm as NZ Six-Hitting Storm Sinks India
India suffered an 87-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth T20 International, with skipper Shreyas Iyer admitting the bowling unit performed below par. New Zealand posted a massive 259 for 7, powered by Glenn Phillips' century and Michael Bracewell's quickfire fifty. Iyer stressed the need for the team to go back to the drawing board before the final match, acknowledging the challenging dimensions of Eden Park.
Lancashire Release Left Me Wondering If Something Is fundamentally Wrong With Me: Anderson
Lancashire Cricket Board: Fast bowling great James Anderson has said Lancashires decision not to renew his contract in the county championship made him question whether the fault fundamentally lies with him as a person. Anderson, Englands leading Test wicket-taker with 704 dismissals, added that he was sad and shocked by the decision and has yet to make up his mind about playing on for another county. Anderson captained Lancashire last season and took 50 County Championship wickets, but the team finished second from bottom in Division Two. All of the way through the season myself and the head coach were like is it something we are doing? Could we be doing more to help the team? I finished the season thinking, was it something I did? Was I doing something wrong? - and then I get this news. Now I am thinking that even more. I am thinking this is happening again. Is there something fundamentally wrong with me as a person? Your head just sort of races. I wanted to see my career out with Lancs. I dont know if my career is done, we will have to wait and see, but it would be nice at some point if someone would let me retire, said Anderson on the BBC Tailenders podcast. The again refers to 2024, when England ended Andersons Test career as the side set about building a new pace attack for the Ashes trip in Australia. This time the news came from Lancashires incoming director of cricket Paul Farbrace, who met Anderson along with new chief executive Richard Kenyon and told him the club wanted to build an attack for the future. I went in for what I thought was a conversation about how the team moves forward. It wasnt a great year for the team. Being a captain I thought it was chat about that. A couple of minutes in I realised it wasnt a conversation. I was being told they thought the best way for the team to move forward was without me. I was quite shocked. It was quite brief, added Anderson. The decision to move on from Anderson has upset many Lancashire members. Stuart Broad, Andersons long-time new-ball partner for England, called it pretty disrespectful and said denying the veteran a farewell showed poor leadership at the club. Anderson first appeared in List A cricket in 2000 as a 17-year-old, playing for the Lancashire Cricket Board against Suffolk. Along with his 911 international wickets, the most by any England player and by any fast bowler in history, he has taken 443 first-class wickets for the county, while taking 83 and 50 scalps in List A matches and T20 games respectively. Other counties are understood to be interested in signing Anderson, who turns 45 next summer. Asked about a move to arch-rivals Yorkshire, he joked that he wouldnt have thought it was possible, but admitted to slowly coming to terms with what had happened. I am still trying to process everything and weigh up the best way forward for me. It has been 10 days since it happened. I am starting to get excited about the future, whether it is something different or playing cricket again. It is exciting. There are exciting challenges ahead. I have to attack it like that and not dwell too much on how or why it finished at Lancs. Despite the manner of his exit, Anderson said his bond with Lancashire remains intact. I am sad the way it ended with the club I supported as a kid but now that I have thought about it, I am quite excited for the future. I am always going to support Lancashire. I am still trying to process everything and weigh up the best way forward for me. It has been 10 days since it happened. I am starting to get excited about the future, whether it is something different or playing cricket again. It is exciting. There are exciting challenges ahead. I have to attack it like that and not dwell too much on how or why it finished at Lancs. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Mominul Haque Doubtful For Second West Indies Test After Concussion In Opener
The Bangladesh Cricket Board: Bangladesh batter Mominul Haque faces a race against time to be fit for the second Test against West Indies, beginning in Sylhet on November 5, after sustaining a head injury during the opening Test in Dhaka on Friday. The left-handed batter has shown signs of concussion and will need medical clearance before returning to competitive action. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that Mominul would take no further part in the ongoing Test, with wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali Anik drafted in as his concussion substitute for the remainder of the match. The incident occurred during the 78th over of the West Indies first innings on the third day, shortly after the lunch break. Positioned at short leg, Mominul attempted to complete a catch off the bowling of Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz after Joshua Bishop defended an off-spin delivery with hard hands. The ball flew towards Mominul, who dived to his left and initially appeared to have secured the catch. However, he lost control of the ball during the fall and landed face-first on the ground while wearing his helmet. He was immediately taken off the field for medical assessment. Following an evaluation, the team management determined that the batter had displayed concussion symptoms, ruling him out of the remainder of the match. Mominul Haque had suffered a head injury while fielding in the 78th over of the West Indies first innings. As he has shown signs of concussion, he has been replaced by Jaker Ali Anik as the concussion sub for the remainder of the match, the BCB said in a statement. Mominuls availability for the second Test will depend on his recovery and the medical assessments conducted in the coming days. Under the International Cricket Councils (ICC) concussion management protocols, players must follow a graded return-to-play programme, with each stage monitored to ensure symptoms do not recur. Although concussion symptoms can subside within a few days, recovery periods vary between individuals. The standard recovery window for a head concussion is generally seven to nine days, meaning Mominuls fitness for the Sylhet Test could remain uncertain until he progresses through the required medical checks. Mominuls availability for the second Test will depend on his recovery and the medical assessments conducted in the coming days. Under the International Cricket Councils (ICC) concussion management protocols, players must follow a graded return-to-play programme, with each stage monitored to ensure symptoms do not recur. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
All-round Jamal hands Markhor IT Solutions maiden first-class title
Jamal ripped through the SBP batting unit with seven wickets in the first innings and scored a fifty in the second to give his side a hard-fought win
Aaryavir Sehwag, Anvay Dravid named as India announce squad for U-19 Asia Cup 2026
India have unveiled a 15-member squad for the upcoming U19 Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Muscat, Oman, from November 4 to 14. Lakshya Raichandani will lead the side , with Yashbardhan Chauhan continuing as his deputy. Meanwhile, Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid, sons of Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid, respectively, have also found a place in the squad.
Former BCCI Chief Selector MSK Prasad Joins Venice Livewires Ahead Of Italia T10 League
Former Indian cricketer and BCCI Chief Selector MSK Prasad has joined Venice Livewires as Team Director for the upcoming Italia T10 League.
NZ PM Christopher Luxon Dons Commentary Hat During 4th T20I, Praises Glenn Phillips' Blitz
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon took to social media to share the glimpses from the commentary box and lavished praise on Glenn Phillips for his batting masterclass.
South Africa Tighten Grip on Series Decider vs Australia
South Africa reached 202 for five at lunch on day four, building a 102-run lead as Rickelton held firm, with the series winner set to claim Test cricket's top ranking.
Phillips' century, Duffy's four-for topple India
India could manage only 172 for 9 in their chase of 260
Siraj's Arrival Adds Muscle to India A Attack Vs New Zealand A
Devdutt Padikkal's exceptional form and the inclusion of pacer Mohammed Siraj are set to bolster India A as they face New Zealand A in the second unofficial four-day Test starting on Saturday. The series serves as crucial preparation for India's upcoming Test series against New Zealand, with several players vying to make an impression. India A will look for more consistency from their batting unit after a mixed performance in the first match, which ended in a draw despite their strong comeback.
She Has Been Outstanding: Nayar Hails Neetu Davids Influence On UPW Recruitment
The UP Warriorz: UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar has credited former India chief selector Neetu David for bringing invaluable domestic cricket knowledge to the franchises recruitment process ahead of the Womens Premier League (WPL) 2027 season, describing her as a key support system in identifying players and strengthening the teams auction strategy. David, who has joined the Warriorz support staff as Head of Scouting, played an important role in helping the franchise assess domestic talent during the auction. Nayar believes her extensive understanding of the Indian cricket circuit gave the management greater clarity while making recruitment decisions, particularly when balancing overseas acquisitions with Indian players. Speaking about her contribution, Nayar revealed that Davids involvement extended beyond her scouting responsibilities, with her inputs proving particularly useful during the auction proceedings. Neetu David is unbelievable. I was discussing this with our owner, Jinisha, about this. She has been a solid support system, especially with domestic players. When you enquire about them, she is aware of most of them. So, at the time of the auction, knowledge about domestic players makes it easy for us to pick foreign players, Nayar told JioStar. The UP Warriorz coach also disclosed that getting David involved at the auction table was not straightforward, as the former India cricketer was initially hesitant about appearing in front of the cameras. However, the franchise insisted on having her alongside the management, a decision Nayar believes has already proved beneficial. Neetu David is unbelievable. I was discussing this with our owner, Jinisha, about this. She has been a solid support system, especially with domestic players. When you enquire about them, she is aware of most of them. So, at the time of the auction, knowledge about domestic players makes it easy for us to pick foreign players, Nayar told JioStar. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Cummins ends wicketless streak in morning of attrition
Breetzke fell pulling after stonewalling with Rickelton before South Africa's lead crossed three figures
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally decided to look for a foreign coach for its national women's team after persisting with former Test pacer Wahab Riaz despite a string of disappointing results.
ICC launches 'criiio day' to celebrate one million grassroots cricket participants
Digital Desk | Dubai, Oct 30 (IANS) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the launch of 'criiio Day', an annual global celebration of grassroots cricket, on November 1, marking the programme's milestone of reaching one million participants worldwide since its inception in 2021. The criiio programme aims to introduce cricket to new audiences through a free and adaptable curriculum available in 18 languages. Built around the principle of 'anytime, anywhere, by anyone', it seeks to make the sport accessible to people across different communities and regions. The millionth participant in the programme is 13-year-old Saidat Hamzat from Nigeria's Lagos State, who was initially unfamiliar with cricket before being introduced to the game through a criiio Festival organised at her school. Cricket has given me purpose, discipline and joy; it has changed my life, Saidat said. Her mother also acknowledged the positive impact of the sport on her daughter, saying, We see a happier daughter now, and that came from criiio. One day, I hope to see her in a Nigeria jersey. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta said the programme had made a significant impact in its five years of existence and highlighted its potential to expand cricket's global reach. We are proud of the impact that criiio has had in just five years. It is a truly transformative programme, demonstrating the power of 'play' to unite communities and change lives while keeping fun and discovery at its core, Gupta said. He added that the achievement of reaching one million participants reflected the collective efforts of ICC members, partners and other stakeholders. With cricket set to return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028, Gupta said the programme offered an opportunity to introduce the sport to millions of people worldwide, particularly children. The initiative has reached more than 65 ICC Associate Members, while all 12 Full Members have certified criiio trainers. It has also recorded an equal gender split, with women and girls accounting for 50 per cent of its one million participants. Africa has emerged as the leading continent for the programme, with more than 400,000 participants. Brazil leads among individual countries with nearly 200,000 participants, while Bhutan has crossed the 100,000 mark. The programme has also been adapted to local requirements in several countries. In Tanzania, it has been introduced as the Swahili-language 'Chanzo Cricket', with the government making cricket a priority sport across 3,542 secondary schools. In Japan, sessions have been conducted on padel courts beneath Tokyo Skytree, while the initiative has also reached remote parts of Mongolia and supported migrant children in Chile. The programme has also helped nurture emerging international players. Argentina's Luna Olivera, who joined through a community initiative in 2023, was selected for the country's Women's U19 team in 2026. Nigeria's Chisom Mary Okpe, introduced to cricket through a school session in 2025, has progressed to the country's U19 team. The inaugural criiio Day will be marked through a global digital campaign, with ICC members encouraged to share their stories on social media using the hashtag #criiioDay. The date, November 1 (1.11), also represents the three 'i's in the programme's branding, which symbolise the stumps and bails of a cricket wicket.
Glenn Phillips, Jacob Duffy decimate as New Zealand register second-biggest win over India in T20Is
New Zealand have blown India away in the fourth T20I at Eden Park in Auckland. Leading up to the match, the Mitchell Santner-led side was under tremendous pressure, having lost three matches on the trot....
Jemimah Rodrigues gives fitness update
Indian top-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues has announced her full recovery from a hamstring injury sustained in August, making her available for upcoming assignments, including the multi-format tour of South Africa in December.
4th T20I: NZ PM Christopher Luxon dons commentary hat at Eden Park, lauds Phillips' blitz
Digital Desk | Auckland, Oct 30 (IANS) New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon traded his political responsibilities for cricket commentary during Blackcaps' fourth T20I against India here at Eden Park PM Luxon took to social media to share the glimpses from the commentary box and lavished praise on Glenn Phillips for his batting masterclass and the team's overall batting effort. In the commentary box at Eden Park tonight for the @BLACKCAPS v India. Unreal innings from Glenn Phillips and a huge effort with the bat from the Blackcaps, the New Zealand PM posted on X. Phillips (107 from 49 balls), arguably the batter of the series so far, smashed his third T20I century, while Bracewell also hit 65 from 25 balls to help New Zealand pile up their highest-ever T20I total and also the highest by any team against India in the format. This surpassed New Zealand's previous highest score of 254/5, which they had smashed four years ago against Scotland, and is the most by any team against India, going past the previous 257/3 that England had hit in Southampton earlier this year. Phillips has been the batter of the series, having hit an 82 not out and 70 in the first two matches before his 107 in the fourth game. He was dismissed by Nitish in the final over when he miscued a lofted drive to Abhishek at deep extra covers, but the Kiwis have put up a record total against India as Nathan Smith finished with a four on the final ball. India have already sealed the five-match series comfortably after victories in the opening three games. In the third T20I, India openers Abhishek Sharma (113) and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (45) stitched together a powerplay display for the record books, piling on 118 runs in six overs as they chased down 199 runs off just 13.2 overs against New Zealand. This was the second-quickest chase of a 190-run target or more (with 40 deliveries remaining), second only to Estonias chase of 193 against Cyprus in 2024, which they completed with 42 deliveries to spare.
ISL: Punjab FC Look To Maintain Unbeaten Run As They Face Heavyweights Mohun Bagan
Punjab FC Head Coach Panagiotis: Punjab FC will strive to maintain their unbeaten run and continue the upward momentum as they face heavyweights Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their fourth match of the Indian Super League 2026-27 season at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Saturday. Punjab are currently in second place in the table with seven points from three matches, while Mohun Bagan is fifth with six points from the same number of matches. Punjab will be riding high on confidence from their thrilling 3-2 win against Churchill Brothers SC in their last fixture in Goa, with Sanathoi Singh finding the winner in the 95th minute of the game, while Mohun Bagan scraped out a 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC in Kolkata with Manvir Singh scoring the winner in the 85th minute. Pavlos Dermitzakis has used his squad efficiently this season, making tactical substitutions at the right moments of the game which has ensured Punjab stretch oppositions in the final minutes. All three matches of The Shers have been decided in the final minutes of the game with Raphael Messi Bouli scoring the winner against Odisha in the first match, Gurkirat Singh scoring the equaliser against Mumbai and Sanathoi scoring the winner against Churchill Brothers. On facing Mohun Bagan, Head Coach Dermitzakis said, We know that tomorrow's game is a difficult and demanding one against a strong team and one of the biggest clubs in the country. We have prepared in the best way possible, and like all our games, we are going to compete for a positive result and continue our good start to the season. The Greek tactician will be up against his fellow countryman and former Punjab FC Head Coach Panagiotis Dilimperis, who led the team for two seasons. While asked about facing Panos, Dermitzakis said, Panos is a coach who did great work over the last two seasons in Punjab, and I am sure he is going to do the same at Mohun Bagan. I am happy to face him tomorrow because he is a good friend of mine, but on the touchline, each coach will be looking out only for what is best for their own team. Both teams have already faced each other in the semi-finals of the IFA Shield where Mohun Bagan prevailed on penalties after both sides remained goalless after 120 minutes. Punjab FC has never won against Mohun Bagan in the ISL with the Kolkata side winning all their previous encounters. Captain Nikhil Prabhu spoke about the importance of squad depth, The coach has been very straightforward that everyone has their own responsibility. More than just the starting XI, the players coming off the bench are equally important for us. We have experienced players who speak constantly with the youngsters to help them grow and develop. Dermitzakis was also concerned about the defensive issues that the side faced in the previous matches, conceding four goals. The fact that we conceded goals in our previous games is certainly something that bothers us, but it is something we are actively working on in training. We don't play alone; the opponents play too, and they try to put us in trouble. That is how football works, he added. Nikhil Prabhu who has shifted back to being a centre back this season said about the defensive problems of the team, There were some minor mistakes from my side in the last game but I have worked that out with the coaching staff and rectified the same. I started my career as a centre-back, and then my position was shifted to a defensive midfielder. I really enjoy playing in the midfield, but I am always ready to step up and help the team in whichever way I can. We've analyzed our recent mistakes, worked on them in training, and we are completely ready for this game. The meeting between the two Greek tacticians adds another layer to an important fixture, with former Punjab FC head coach Dilimperis now leading the opposition. However, Dermitzakis and his players will be focused on extending their unbeaten run and maintaining their position near the top of the table. The meeting between the two Greek tacticians adds another layer to an important fixture, with former Punjab FC head coach Dilimperis now leading the opposition. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid, sons of legendary Indian cricketers Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid respectively, have been named in India's squad for the upcoming men's U19 Asia Cup.
Anvay Dravid, Aaryavir Sehwag in India U19 Asia Cup squad
Anvay Dravid and Aaryavir Sehwag, sons of former India cricket legends Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag, have been selected for India's U19 squad for the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup in Muscat, Oman, following their impressive performances in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy.
We Come In Again As Underdogs, Says MI's New Batting Coach Robin Uthappa
Kolkata Knight Riders: Mumbai Indians will go into the next IPL season as underdogs who must win back the trust of their fans, said the franchises newly appointed batting coach Robin Uthappa. On Friday, Uthappa was named the new batting coach of the franchise and will join the backroom staff headed by Kieron Pollard. And today, we find ourselves back in that similar situation right now where the trust of the fans need to be earned again. We come in again as underdogs. Its been one full cycle, and were back to where we started again, which is nice, Uthappa said in a video released by the franchise on Friday. Uthappa was part of Mumbais squad in the first season of the IPL in 2008, where he scored 320 runs from 14 matches at an average of 35.55 and a strike rate of 114.69. He has watched the franchise grow from a side still finding its feet into one of the most successful teams in the league with five titles. Would have loved to be a longer part of the playing journey, but Ive seen Mumbai go through earning the trust and the faith of the fans, to becoming champions, and then winning consistently and becoming one of the best franchises in the world, from a winning perspective, he added. Uthappa went on to turn out for five more IPL franchises and won the title with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014 and Chennai Super Kings in 2021, and finished with 4,952 runs from 205 IPL matches. He said beginning his coaching career at the franchise that gave him his first IPL break was something meant to happen. I am just genuinely happy to be back. Thrilled about this and delighted to have this opportunity to work with this special set of cricketers and this franchise. Incredible, and it just feels like destiny, to be honest. As in, I started my IPL career with Mumbai Indians and I start my IPL coaching career with Mumbai Indians, which seems like destiny to me. He recalled finding out about his auction pick while on national duty overseas, and the thrill of being in the same team with Sachin Tendulkar. So back in 2008, when I got into the franchise, I remember we were in Australia, playing the CB Series in Australia when the auctions happened, and I knew that I was going to be playing with my hero, Sachin Tendulkar, and with Paaji over here. So for me, that was really exciting feeling, because everyone was finding their feet in that first season, and including the franchises and players and teams, and the IPL itself. We had, I would say, a fairly decent season, could have been better. We had injuries, and Paaji (Sachin Tendulkar) missed a big part of that tournament, and then Bhajjupa (Harbhajan Singh) captained as well, and Sanath (Sanath Jayasuriya) played really well, Polly (Shaun Pollock) played really well. For the climb back, especially with MI not winning an IPL title after 2020, Uthappa has set his sights on making MI as feared on the road as they are when playing at the Wankhede Stadium. Were a force to reckon with at home. I want to take that same emotion, that same energy to every venue away from home. My goal would be, or my vision would be to make sure that that sense of intimidation that teams feel when they come to Mumbai Indians, to the Paltan. I want them to feel that same intimidation when we go away from home as well. And to be able to be on the same side of the Mumbai Indians fans. On the same side of the Paltan. So Im looking forward to playing a part in that journey of earning the fans trust back and making sure that this underdog journey will be one to be remembered. Uthappa also said much of his work would be with the domestic players in the squad. The confidence to express yourself with freedom is what I would love to or empower domestic cricketers with, and help them get clarity. Thats one of the most important aspects that young cricketers, perhaps maybe because of my own experience, Im saying this, that young cricketers need at this point in time: clarity of what they want to do, how they want to do it, and what is the process by which theyre going to achieve those aspects. Youre also emotionally investing in their own journey, and then youre rooting for them. You want them to do well. And so when they do well, it feels like personal achievement. I remember when one of the lads I was working with and mentoring got picked up in the Indian Test squad, it felt like I got selected. Uthappa also said much of his work would be with the domestic players in the squad. The confidence to express yourself with freedom is what I would love to or empower domestic cricketers with, and help them get clarity. Thats one of the most important aspects that young cricketers, perhaps maybe because of my own experience, Im saying this, that young cricketers need at this point in time: clarity of what they want to do, how they want to do it, and what is the process by which theyre going to achieve those aspects. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Rohit Sharma set to replace Hardik Pandya as Mumbai Indians captain for IPL 2027: Report
Mumbai Indians are preparing to bring back Rohit Sharma as captain for IPL 2027. The team management wasnt convinced by Hardik Pandya, who replaced Rohit as captain three years ago. During his tenure, Mumbai qualified...
Arshdeep Singh sets new T20I record with 150 wickets
Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh has become the first Indian bowler to take 150 wickets in T20 Internationals, achieving the milestone during the 4th T20I against New Zealand at Eden Park.
'It's privilege to watch Phillips': Bracewell praises New Zealand star for third T20I century
Digital Desk | Auckland, Oct 30 (IANS) New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell heaped praise on fellow batting all-rounder Glenn Phillips for smashing his third T20I century during the fourth match of the series against India at Eden Park in Auckland. Bracewell called Phillips a eal character and an entertainer, one who is a privilege to watch when he gets going. Phillips hit a brilliant 49-ball 107 to power New Zealand to 259/7. Bracewell himself hit his career-best T20I score, making 65 from 25 deliveries and being crucial in the innings as he put up a 115-run stand for the fifth wicket with Phillips. 'It was great to be out there with GP, playing with him in front of this amazing crowd. It's pretty cool to play in a sold-out Eden Park. And, to be able to contribute to the total is pretty exciting, Bracewell said after the first innings. Oh, it's amazing, yeah. He's a real character and entertainer, and when he's batting like that, it's a privilege to watch from the other end. I think we bounced off each other really nicely tonight and we were able to put the bowlers under a bit of pressure, he said on Phillips. Meanwhile, Bracewell's knock was pretty important as well for the hosts to pile up a record total. It was nice to get out there and get a couple of boundaries away early. When you can get that momentum early in your innings, then you're sort of putting the game to them, and that's the way that I like to play my cricket. So yeah, it's nice to be able to do that tonight, he said. India had chased down their highest T20I score of 226 in the first T20I, and with an even steeper mountain in Auckland, the Kiwi all-rounder hoped that this would prove to be enough for the hard-hitting Indian side. Yeah, we'll make it enough. I think we've learned a lot from the lessons that we took from the last game. So yeah, hopefully we can implement those and have a better night with the ball tonight. (Looking forward to having a bowl tonight?) Yeah, it's always a great opportunity to come up against the best players in the world. I think when you test yourself against them, then you really see where you're at. So yeah, I'm excited to get the ball in hand and see what we can do, he said.
Arshdeep Singh Scripts Twin Records, Becomes Fastest Player To Achieve This Huge Feat
India pacer Arshdeep Singh unlocked multiple milestones as he returned figures of 1/38 in the fourth T20I against New Zealand in Auckland on Friday.
Sehwag, Dravid in India squad for Under-19 Asia Cup; Raichandani to lead
At the Under-19 Asia Cup, India are in Group A with Nepal, Pakistan and UAE, with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Sri Lanka in Group B
4th T20I: Arshdeep Singh becomes first Indian to complete 150 T20I wickets
Digital Desk | Auckland, Oct 30 (IANS) India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh etched his name into the history books as he completed 150 wickets in T20I cricket during the fourth match against New Zealand at Eden Park here on Friday to become the first Indian to achieve the feat. Arshdeep achieved the milestone when he dismissed New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner in the 19th over of the first innings. He bowled one fuller outside off as the Blackcaps skipper smashed one straight to sweeper cover to fall for just five. With this, Arshdeep also became only the ninth player overall to get to 150 wickets in the shortest international format. Arshdeep has become the quickest bowler to achieve the feat in terms of days from debut. Having made his T20I debut in November 2022, Arshdeep completed 150 T20I wickets in just 1577 days from his debut, as per Cricbuzz. The record for the previous fastest player to reach 150 wickets after debut was Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga, who completed his 150 wickets in 2325 days from debut. The Indian left-arm seamer is also the third-fastest bowler and quickest pacer to complete 150 wickets in terms of balls bowled. Arshdeep achieved the milestone in 2143 balls, only behind Hasaranga (2035 balls) and Rashid Khan (2098). The previous quickest fast bowler to get to the mark was Mustafizur Rahman, who took 150 wickets in 2532 deliveries. Arshdeep also broke the record for most wickets in a T20I calendar year by players from full-member nations. Santner's wicket was his 40th of the year, breaking the record of Josh Little, who had 39 scalps in 2022. Although Arshdeep took 1-38 and Mayank Yadav got 3-48, New Zealand made a record 259/7 in Auckland. Glenn Phillips (107 from 49 balls), arguably the batter of the series so far, smashed his third T20I century, while Michael Bracewell also hit 65 from 25 balls to help New Zealand pile up their highest-ever T20I total and also the highest by any team against India in the format. This surpassed New Zealand's previous highest score of 254/5, which they had smashed four years ago against Scotland, and is the most by any team against India, going past the previous 257/3 that England had hit in Southampton earlier this year. The Indian bowlers had a very tough time in the middle. They were meted out tough treatment, similar to what the Indian batters have generally done against the Kiwis this series.
Watch - 4, 6, 6, 6, 6: Glenn Phillips Smashes 32 Runs In 1 Over; Nitish Reddy Joins Unwanted List
New Zealand star Glenn Phillips caused havoc on the Indian bowling in the fourth T20I in Auckland, slamming 32 runs in a single over against Nitish Reddy.
Phillips, Bracewell blitz helps NZ post record total vs India
Centurion Glenn Phillips (107 off 49 balls) and Michael Bracewell (65 off 25 balls) forged a blistering 115-run partnership off just 41 balls, propelling New Zealand to a massive 259 for seven, their highest-ever T20 International total against India, in the fourth T20I in Auckland.
4th T20I: Phillips, Bracewell power NZ to record-breaking 259/7 against India
Digital Desk | Auckland, Oct 30 (IANS) Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell turned up for a batting show to lead New Zealand to a record 259/7 in the fourth T20I here at the Eden Park on Friday. Phillips (107 from 49 balls), arguably the batter of the series so far, smashed his third T20I century, while Bracewell also hit 65 from 25 balls to help New Zealand pile up their highest-ever T20I total and also the highest by any team against India in the format. This surpassed New Zealand's previous highest score of 254/5, which they had smashed four years ago against Scotland, and is the most by any team against India, going past the previous 257/3 that England had hit in Southampton earlier this year. The Indian bowlers had a very tough time in the middle. They were meted out a tough treatment, similar to what the Indian batters have generally done against the Kiwis this series. Nitish Kumar Reddy was hit for a huge 32-run over, while Axar Patel, Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav were also meted out with some punishing treatment. Arshdeep Singh also achieved a significant milestone during the game as he completed his 150 T20I wickets, becoming the first Indian to reach the milestone in the format. For India, Mayank Yadav was the pick of the bowlers as he scalped 3-48 in his four overs on return, while Arshdeep, Prince Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy also picked one wicket each. Phillips and Bracewell put together New Zealand's innings with a jaw-dropping 115-run partnership for the fifth wicket off just 40 balls. Finn Allen also enjoyed his brief time in the middle, scoring 31 off 17 balls, while Daryl Mitchell made 24 from nine deliveries. India opted to bowl first after Shreyas Iyer won his fourth consecutive toss of the series. The visitors made two changes to the team as Mayank Yadav and Ishan Kishan returned for Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. India started well with Mayank getting the struggling Tim Seifert out in the first over as the opener toe-ended an uppercut to third man, where Prince Yadav took an easy catch. The tearaway speedster was taken to the cleaners in the third over as the last match's half-centurion Daryl Mitchell smacked him for two sixes and as many fours before Mayank plumbed him for LBW with a fuller-length ball, and the batter also burnt a review. Finn Allen was joined by the in-form Glenn Phillips, and the two brought the hosts back on track. They ended the powerplay on a high note by hitting Prince Yadav for 14 runs to take the team 67/2 after the first six overs. Allen meted out a punishing treatment to Axar Patel, smashing him for a four and two sixes in the eighth over, before the Indian spinner had the last laugh. Axar cleverly pitched one short and away from the hitting arc of the big-hitting Kiwi opener as he threw his arms but got caught at extra cover. The visitors pulled things back with a couple of economical overs. Axar conceded only five runs in his next over, while Mayank returned for his third over and bounced out Bevon Jacobs for Arshdeep Singh to take an easy catch at mid-wicket in a four-run 11th over. However, Phillips and Bracewell turned the momentum with some big next overs. They welcomed off-spinner Naman Dhir for his first over with 16 runs in the 12th before hitting Prince Yadav for 18 in the next as Phillips got to his third fifty of the series. Bracewell went hammers and tongs behind Axar in the next over, hitting him for three fours and a six, despite a couple of hits not timed perfectly. Arshdeep returned with a seven-run 15th over, but Phillips put Nitish Kumar Reddy to the sword in the 16th over. Having given 19 in his two overs, Nitish was smashed all around the park in a 32-run over with one no-ball as Phillips hit four straight sixes in that 16th over. The carnage continued as Mayank wasn't spared in his final over. Having taken 3-28 in three overs, the speedster was smashed for 20 runs in the 17th. Bracewell brought up his third T20I fifty off just 19 balls, which is now also the joint-second-fastest T20I half-century against India. Prince returned for his final over in the 18th and got the important wicket of Bracewell for 65. The Indian speedster went fuller as Bracewell looked to lap it behind but was hit on the pad as India got their man and the Kiwis burnt another review on LBW. Prince nailed a brilliant over as he used his variations to concede only six runs. Phillips was in a different touch today as he brought up his third T20I century off 46 balls. Phillips has been the batter of the series, having hit an 82 not out and 70 in the first two matches before his 107 in the fourth game. He was dismissed by Nitish in the final over when he miscued a lofted drive to Abhishek at deep extra covers, but the Kiwis have put up a record total against India as Nathan Smith finished with a four on the final ball. Brief Scores: New Zealand 259/7 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 107, Michael Bracewell 65; Mayank Yadav 3-48, Arshdeep Singh 1-38) against India
Harvey, McSweeney give South Australia chance of huge turnaround
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'Need to keep pushing yourself to stay in contention'
India spinner Varun Chakaravarthy reveals head coach Gautam Gambhir's directive for the team to approach every match with a winning intention, even after securing the T20I series against New Zealand, aiming for a 5-0 clean sweep.
The fourth T20I of the ongoing series between India and New Zealand saw the two teams take on each other at Eden Park in Auckland. The teams clashed on October 30th, and the game began...
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2027 WPL Auction Proves The Strength Of Womens Cricket, Says Chairman Jayesh George
Chairman Jayesh George: Womens Premier League (WPL) chairman Jayesh George said the recently-concluded auction, which drew about 150 players competing for just 27 slots, showed how far womens cricket has come, adding that the league now attracts talent from associate nations as well. I was excited to be a part of this because being the chairperson of this WPL and having it in my hometown adds value, right? The auction went on very well, and in my opening speech also, I said that we have only 27 players to be auctioned and 150 players in that lot. So it adds value to women's cricket. I think nowadays more and more women players are coming into the field, so thats very exciting, George said in a video posted by the WPL on its social media accounts on Friday. He pointed to the number of teenagers like Uma Kashvi and Samaira Raghav in the auction list getting picked by teams like Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants respectively. I think the women players are still growing and we could see from the list also. There are so many 15-year-olds, 16-year-olds, 17-year-old kids, one or two had been picked up from Mumbai Indians and it adds value playing with or maybe being a part of a team which has so many great players in their side. George said the presence of Indias biggest names in the league, including Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, would draw more girls to the sport. Like they have Harman and Smriti all there, that adds value, and a lot of youngsters watching this will be prompted to play cricket. I think we have some older players who got into the auction, I think we have Asha Sobhana; shes from my state, and UP Warriors has taken her place, but it adds value, he added. George further said the number of players who went unsold reflected the depth of the pool rather than any shortfall. Around 150 players were there and so many are left out, so that shows the strength of the tournament. We could see players from Scotland have been picked up. Then some Sri Lankans, and so many, I think even from the UAE, somebody had been in the list; it adds value that, global-wise, the Womens Premier League is growing. The fifth season of the WPL will happen from January 14 to February 7, 2027, with the venues yet to be known. George also credited Indias ODI World Cup triumph and the aggressive batting of players like Shafali Verma for bringing womens cricket closer to the mens game in public appeal. I think after our World Cup victory and the way the women cricketers are playing, just like mens cricket, the way they hit sixes like Shafali and all those, it adds value just like mens cricket. The fifth season of the WPL will happen from January 14 to February 7, 2027, with the venues yet to be known. George also credited Indias ODI World Cup triumph and the aggressive batting of players like Shafali Verma for bringing womens cricket closer to the mens game in public appeal. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'Trying To Forget It, Confronting New Opportunity': Fisher After Wellington Bashing
New Zealand: New Zealand fast bowler Matthew Fisher opened up on the team's atmosphere after the heavy defeat in the third T20I to India and how the team approaches the fourth clash at the Eden Park here on Friday. The Indian batters were in butcher mode as they hunted down 199 in Wellington in just 13.2 overs. Abhishek Sharma slammed 113 from 38 balls to make a mockery of the target. Speaking ahead of the fourth match, the speedster stated that the team interacted about the bashing and also spoke to bowling coach Jacob Oram, but the conclusion turned out to be just forgetting the game and looking forward ahead. Well, obviously being one of the younger guys, the older fellas kind of met together and kind of fell through to me to just forget it and sometimes, batters can get on heaters, especially in T20 cricket. We went back and talked with Jake (Jacob Oram, bowling coach) about some plans and what we can do to combat that if they keep going again. But yeah, I think it's just trying to forget it as quickly as possible and just confronting the new opportunity this game brings, Fisher said ahead of the fourth match in Auckland. Fisher had joined the squad as a bowling cover and was originally named to play the third match only and was later drafted for the rest of the series after Lockie Ferguson got ruled out. He spoke on his unexpected call-up and how he got into the playing XI. Yeah, it all happened so fast. I got called into the team the day before and told I was playing. So, yeah, watching the fireworks at halftime, I think Santner said, and then during the game, it was pretty surreal, a little bit daunting if I'm honest. It was a tough day. It was a tough day for the bowlers. It was pretty extraordinary batting, he added. The ground dimensions in Auckland are different from Wellington, as straight boundaries are shorter at the venue. I played the one Super Smash game here four years ago, so I'm kind of rallying around the boys and seeing what they say. He spoke on his unexpected call-up and how he got into the playing XI. Yeah, it all happened so fast. I got called into the team the day before and told I was playing. So, yeah, watching the fireworks at halftime, I think Santner said, and then during the game, it was pretty surreal, a little bit daunting if I'm honest. It was a tough day. It was a tough day for the bowlers. It was pretty extraordinary batting, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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'Goal Is To Win Every Match': Chakravarthy On India's Aim Against New Zealand After 3-0 Lead
New Zealand: India spinner Varun Chakravarthy opened up about India's goal for the remainder of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand after taking an unassailable 3-0 lead with two games to go. Speaking ahead of the start of the fourth match at Eden Park in Auckland, Chakravarthy stated that head coach Gautam Gambhir had told the team to win every match in the series, adding that this remains the teams target. See, the first thing GG told us was that it's a five-match series and we look to win every match. So that's the goal. And the next two matches we'll be taking it as a two-match series. So we need to win both matches, Chakravarthy said ahead of the fourth T20I. India chased down the 199-run target in just 13.2 overs in the third T20I in Wellington, making a mockery of New Zealands bowling line-up. He also praised the Indian batters and hoped they would produce another similar performance in the fourth game. I don't think you can top that, but I hope they can repeat that today. And yeah, they are used to playing on such pitches and in such small venues. Yeah, so that played into our advantage for sure, he added. Chakravarthy has recently struggled with injuries. He suffered a side strain during India's T20I series against Afghanistan in September, which ruled him out of the Asian Games and a one-off T20I against Japan. He was picked for the T20I series against New Zealand but has not played a single game so far. The spinner also spoke about his fitness, adding Yeah, lot better. I'm ready to go. Chakravarthy has recently struggled with injuries. He suffered a side strain during India's T20I series against Afghanistan in September, which ruled him out of the Asian Games and a one-off T20I against Japan. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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India T20I: India captain Shreyas Iyer's luck with the toss continued as he won it again in the fourth T20I against New Zealand at Eden Park and chose to bowl first. India made two changes to their playing XI from the third match, bringing back the now-recovered Ishan Kishan and Mayank Yadav, while benching Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the fourth clash. Speaking at the toss, Shreyas confirmed his decision to bowl first and also the changes to the team. We're going to bowl. Just following the same pattern. The intent, the positivity was there from ball one. The execution was phenomenal. The wind is following us everywhere; it's getting chillier. It's important to be ruthless. The boys have been given the same message. Everyone is in high spirits. Expecting bounce and seam movement. Ishan Kishan comes in for Vaibhav and Mayank comes in for Bhuvi, Shreyas said at the toss. Meanwhile, New Zealand have also made a change to their Playing XI as they look to register their first win of the series at home. Nathan Smith returns for Kyle Jamieson, who will be missing the rest of the series due to his workload management. For India, Ishan's return gives them a boost as the wicketkeeper batter had missed the last two T20Is due to his low-grade right adductor (groin) strain. Sooryavanshi, who made 45 in the previous match, misses out, and so does Bhuvneshwar, who hasn't set the stage on fire on his India comeback yet, as Mayank returned. India have already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series and are now looking to sweep the hosts. India T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma, while speaking to the media on the eve of the fourth match, had opened up on the desire to whitewash New Zealand. We are thinking this is a great opportunity to achieve a clean sweep. The next goal is to win the upcoming match and give the Indian crowd a great chance to witness a 5-0 series win, Tilak told reporters on the eve of the match. Playing XIs: New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (w), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Adam Milne, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher Playing XIs: Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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She Will Be The Talk Of The Town: Why Indian Cricket Is Excited About Uma Kashvi
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WBBL 12: Mooney Takes Over Scorchers Captaincy From Devine
Big Bash League: Australia star Beth Mooney will lead Perth Scorchers in the upcoming Womens Big Bash League (WBBL) season with the wicketkeeper-batter succeeding Sophie Devine, who will continue to contribute to the teams on-field leadership. Mooneys elevation comes after an impressive run of performances for Australia and the Scorchers. The three-time WBBL champion was named Player of the Series during Australias triumphant 2026 ICC Womens T20 World Cup campaign and has established herself as one of the most consistent performers in the domestic competition. The 32-year-old has scored a club-record 3,024 runs in 80 matches for Perth since joining the franchise ahead of its title-winning WBBL 7 campaign. She has won the competition twice with the Brisbane Heat before adding another championship with the Scorchers, giving her considerable experience of what it takes to succeed in the tournament. Mooney said the opportunity to captain the Perth-based franchise carried special significance, given the role it has played in her career. Its an incredible honour and opportunity to be offered the chance to lead Perth Scorchers in WBBL 12. Perth and the Scorchers have become a second home to me, and Ive been fortunate to play alongside some amazing teammates and leaders during my time in WA. Weve built a strong culture on and off the field and were incredibly proud to represent the State and the whole Wild West. Soph has done an incredible job over the last six years, and Ill no doubt be picking her brains throughout the season. We have a talented team that is hungry for success - especially after falling just short in last years decider - so were itching to step on to the field and put on a show for our members and fans, Mooney said. Devines departure from the captaincy marks the end of a six-year stint in which she guided the Scorchers to their maiden WBBL championship. The New Zealand all-rounder will remain part of the leadership group, allowing the franchise to retain her experience as Mooney assumes the top job. Head coach Becky Grundy backed the decision, highlighting Mooneys influence within the squad and her ability to lead through both performances and preparation. Beth is an exceptional leader whose actions consistently set the benchmarks for those around her. Her experience at the highest level of the game, combined with her competitiveness, professionalism and genuine care for her teammates, make her the ideal person to lead this group. She has been a driving force within our environment since she arrived and has earned enormous respect through the way she prepares, performs and supports others. Soph has been an exceptional leader, our first championship captain and a huge driver of our fantastic team culture. Beth is an exceptional leader whose actions consistently set the benchmarks for those around her. Her experience at the highest level of the game, combined with her competitiveness, professionalism and genuine care for her teammates, make her the ideal person to lead this group. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Lyon strikes late to put Australia in the driver's seat
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Sai Satya Vijay: On Wednesday evening, Sai Satya Vijay sat alone in a hotel room in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, with his eyes firmly fixed on the WPL auction happening in Kochi for next years season. His niece, Uma Kashvi, was in another hotel across town, with her teammates for the Under-19 Challenger Trophy, set to begin at the Luhnu Cricket Ground on Friday. Back home in Bengaluru, Kashvi's parents Vijitha and Praveen Kumar were watching the same auction feed. When Kashvis name came up, number 68 on the auction list, Delhi Capitals opened the bidding at her base price of Rs 10 lakh. No other franchise bid against them, as at 15 years and 202 days, Kashvi became the youngest player ever signed at a WPL auction and surpassed Haryana batter Deeya Yadav, who set the record last year at 16. I cried for like two, three minutes. It was a moment you were waiting for, Vijay told IANS in a free-wheeling conversation. Kashvis record signing shows how far down the search for talent in Indian womens cricket now reaches. Her journey to that record-breaking WPL deal is the story of a village firmly behind her: a family that split its home in two, parents who stepped down the corporate ladder, and an uncle who gave his niece the cricketing life he never had. Vijay grew up in Andhra Pradesh and played district-level cricket that, he says, cannot be even counted. There was no infrastructure and no support system. He fought his parents to keep playing, but eventually gave up to go into the IT world. The game, though, never left him. Every April 24, he cuts a cake for Sachin Tendulkars birthday and visit a temple wearing new clothes, a ritual he followed for a long time. He has kept photographs of all 100 of the legendary batters international centuries. I cant say I am a fan. I am a devotee of Sachin Tendulkar, he said. He helped raise Kashvi, born on April 9, 2011, a week after Tendulkar finally laid his hands on the ODI World Cup trophy at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Vijay observed that Kashvi was a sporty child who grasped things quickly, whether in classroom or on the field. In 2019, he took her to an academy near the family home when she was seven and a half years. A young kid does not have the strength to hit fours and sixes, so he and another coach worked on two things: fitness and technique. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Kashvis days began at 5:30am with fitness work, before leaving for school. Evenings were group sessions of learning the nuances of the game and about 30 overs of side-arm throwdowns from Vijay with semi-soft balls. She used to get one body blow per day, for sure, he said. Her mother found the daily bruises hard to look at, but Kashvi came home happy anyway. When the pandemic shut schools, Vijay used the empty nets of an academy to sharpen Kashvis technique. The pull shot became her signature stroke. I used to tell her, you are a female Rohit Sharma same pull shot, he said. With few girls matches around, Kashvi played with older boys. At nine, she usually batted at number 11, bowled two overs in a 50-over game and fielded or kept wicket. Most of her first 100 matches went that way. The break came through Shantha Rangaswamy, Indias first womens Test captain, who brought Kashvi into the India Nippon Cup, where each side mixed four India internationals with local players. At nine, Kashvi shared a dressing room with Veda Krishnamurthy, Jemimah Rodrigues, her WPL skipper at DC, Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil. Arjun Dev, now her coach at NICE Academy in Bengaluru, recalled wanting to know about the child who took Shreyankas place in the playing eleven. I was obviously livid. What is an eight- or nine-year-old doing, firstly playing in this tournament and then taking Shreys spot? he recalled to IANS. Then he watched her play and felt she was indeed very talented. Everyone knew that she had the talent, she had the skill. Kashvi won the Young Talent Award in that competition and Vijay says, ex-India skipper Mithali Raj walked beside her until she left the ground and passed on top about how to grow as a player. Jemimah took to Kashvi, then a bubbly child, and in later years spent a few minutes giving her advice whenever they met. As a nine-year-old kid, she was good enough to play in the seniors category. But then BCCI rules said anyone below 13 cannot be a part of it, said Shantha. Vijay says Shantha let Kashvi play senior zonal probables matches at nine but would not select her. He recalls her saying, I cannot put her into the senior team, even though she has the skill, because of the age. It will backfire. Former India player Veda Krishnamurthy also picked Kashvi as wicketkeeper for her club side, and Vijay says the nine-year-old made an unbeaten 185 in a senior league match. At 12, she struck an unbeaten 217 in a junior inter-school tournament in Bengaluru. But Vijay feared for Kashvi going behind the stumps. When MS Dhoni came, there were a lot of wicketkeepers who lost their careers, he said. He then taught her off-spin. It meant she would be more involved in the game, and became an all-rounder who can be a keeper when asked. Kashvis career rests on a careful division of labour between Vijay and her parents. Her mother, Vijitha, a senior manager who has spent more than 17 years at a multinational firm, turned down promotions requiring more travel. Her father, Praveen Kumar, who studied for a masters degree in the USA, left salaried work about five years ago to start his own company so he could be available. Vijay stepped down a position and now works a few hours a day as a consultant. As Kashvi approached adolescence, Vijay requested Vijitha to travel with her for matches. A day after her birthday, Kashvi got her first period at a ground, dressed in whites for a red-ball match. Vijitha quickly went out and bought sanitary pads. There was no washroom, so Kashvi changed behind some bushes, then played and scored runs. From that day, Vijitha has majorly worked from the grounds and attending meetings online via Microsoft Teams, including on the day Kashvi made her India Under-19 debut against Sri Lanka in Chennai earlier this year. For two and a half years, the family has lived apart. Their home is in Bellandur, in Bengalurus south-east region, while NICE Academy is near the Kempegowda airport. Vijay and Kashvi live near the academy, and her parents visit at weekends. It is very, very tough. As a family, you dont stay together, said Vijay. Moving out was not an option for her parents. We are not from a rich family background. We need to work for our bread, he said. They have not had a holiday in three years. Their only trips are temple pilgrimages. Vijay, who is unmarried, says he does not plan to marry. For me, Kash is priority number one. School, too, has bent around the game. In Class eight, Kashvi attended for 21 days. The school agreed she would come only for exams. She now studies through open schooling and is due to sit her Class 10 exams in March, though tournaments have left little time for books. When the auction news spread, Vijithas managers in the US told her to take two days off and celebrate. At a time when industry layoffs are aplenty due to pivot towards AI, Vijay said, that support matters. Kashvi joined NICE at 13 and Dev now counts her among his closest friends. For a 15-year-old, the maturity level that she shows is unbelievable. She also understands my jokes very quickly. He says there is little to fix technically. The work is about belief. I think she undervalues her talent and ability a little bit. Our job has honestly been to push her out of her comfort zone. He had long urged her to bowl her off-spin with a more attacking field, five fielders on the leg side instead of four. She kept saying she was not ready. At an Under-19 game, she was still using the safer setting. In the next match, she switched. She was so happy and said, Yeah, I could bowl with it, said Dev. Dev saw a captain early. Under her leadership, her club side won all 11 tournaments it entered. She has always been our first-choice captain, he said, adding he would pick her ahead of senior players because it makes my life easy. She has captained Karnatakas Under-15 side and led Bengaluru Blasters in the Maharani Trophy, the states womens T20 competition, and scored 48 off 42 balls against Mysore Warriors in the 2025 edition. In the 2025/26 Under-15 One-Day Trophy, she was the leading run-scorer, with 516 runs at an average of 172, including three centuries. Against Manipur in Kolkata in January, she hit an unbeaten 158 off 66 balls, with 23 fours and seven sixes, as Karnataka won by 275 runs. She also played in Karnatakas Under-19 T20 side and in the one-day team that reached the semifinals, before getting India Under-19 call-up against Sri Lanka in June and July. She took four wickets in three T20s and two in two one-day games. On October 22, in the Under-19 T20 quarterfinal against Vidarbha, she took 3-18 as Karnataka defended 140 to win by six runs, and was named player of the match. Vijay has deliberately not rushed her. Last season, with continuous cricket leaving her with wrist pain, he was wary of an early senior debut. If you jump the guns and try to take a faster, steep step, and if you fail there, the fall will be very bad, he said. Dev is blunter. After the Under-19 tournament, he gave her a dressing-down, wanting quicker scoring and more intent from the start. Its just not good enough, he recalled telling her. Is she ready to set the WPL on fire, provided she is not picked for next years U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh and Nepal? I dont know. Maybe, maybe not. Time will tell. If she doesnt (become a remarkable cricketer), then the failure is on us as much. She has the raw material (to be one). Dev stated that Kashvis WPL signing left everyone surprised. After Kashvis signing was sealed, Shreyanka was the first to call Vijay, who was in tears. Jemimah texted him welcome home with a blue heart and a red heart, the franchises colours. Years earlier, she had sent Kashvi a birthday video hoping they would one day share Indias colours. Later, on a call with Kashvi, she teased the Bengaluru teenager: Are you sad that you did not go to RCB? She also told her DCs scouts had been following her for some time. Vijay had hoped for Delhi because of how it has groomed young players such as Niki Prasad and Sree Charani mentally, physically, as well as your game-wise. Shantha calls Kashvi a batting all-rounder with great fielding ability. I have seen her take one catch and it looked like she was floating in the air, she said. Shanthas one worry is fitness as Kashvi grows. Otherwise, she says, for her age, she is too mature, and I think she has a very sane head on her shoulders. Shantha also has a message for cricket fans eager to see Kashvi in action. People who havent watched her, please hold your breath. I can assure you she will be the talk of the town in the days and years to come. Vijay says Kashvi models herself on all-rounders such as Ashleigh Gardner and Hayley Matthews to become a player the depends on with bat and ball for winning games. Shanthas one worry is fitness as Kashvi grows. Otherwise, she says, for her age, she is too mature, and I think she has a very sane head on her shoulders. Shantha also has a message for cricket fans eager to see Kashvi in action. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
