Harmanpreet Kaur | The game changer
The cricketer who helped popularise womens cricket in India has stepped down as captain but will continue to play for the national team
Coach Asnodkar wants Kerala to do well in all the formats
Kerala eyes good start against a strong Jharkhand side
Arunachal Pradesh forfeit Ranji Trophy opener amid cricket association dispute
Arunachal Pradeshs domestic cricket campaign has suffered an early setback, with the team deemed to have forfeited its opening Ranji Trophy Plate Division fixture against Nagaland and set to miss its first CK Nayudu Trophy...
Shubman Gill to Miss Punjab's Ranji Opener
India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill will miss Punjab's opening Ranji Trophy match against Assam. While the official reason for his absence is not stated, he is expected to feature in the team's second game against Chhattisgarh. This aligns with the national selection committee's directive for international players to participate in domestic cricket.
Shubman Gill set to miss Punjab's Ranji Trophy opener, could return against Chhattisgarh
India captain Shubman Gill will not feature in Punjabs opening Ranji Trophy fixture against Assam in New Chandigarh. However, the batter could return for the teams next match against Chhattisgarh, scheduled from October 18 to...
Ranji Trophy: Karnataka faces Andhra test in opening match
Virender Sehwag has thrown his support behind Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the young India opener spent back-to-back matches against West Indies on the sidelines. He lauded Sooryavanshis attacking prowess and urged India to give him opportunities to prove himself at the international level.
Royal Desert Champions Robin Singh: Former Indian cricketer and Team Director of Abu Dhabi T10 League's Royal Desert Champions Robin Singh called his squad a well-balanced one as they gear up for the upcoming season of the tournament that begins on November 7. Royal Desert Champions have the likes of Nicholas Pooran, Sherfane Rutherford and Phil Salt pre-signed before the draft and later picked in the likes of Muhammad Waseem, Naseem Shah and Maheesh Theekshana, among others, to bolster their squad. Speaking to IANS, Singh analysed his squad as having strong personnel that is needed to perform well in a fast-paced tournament like the Abu Dhabi T10 League. Yeah, we have tried to pick a well-balanced team. Most of these guys play the T20 format really well, he told IANS. I think Nicholas Pooran as well as Phil Salt have played T20, and it's not only them; I think many other players in the setup have too. So it looks like a pretty well-balanced team. It's one of those formats where it's quick, so you need to execute, he added. Singh, who has coached the erstwhile Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians, felt that the think tank did well in the draft and has most of the bases covered. They had strong batters and picked a decent bowling line-up at the draft. Yeah, I think we got about 80% of what we wanted. Drafts are always a bit tricky. You don't really know who you'll get because it depends on the pick before you and how people build their squad. So it really depends on a little bit of luck in terms of what you want. But at the same time, you have a strategy in place where if you don't get X, you can try and get Y to compensate. So you build a team around those things, he added. He has his eyes on winning the title with Desert Champions and also opened up about his experience of having worked with Pooran previously in the league. We need the win (title). Definitely, without a doubt. I think, as I said, they are all professionals. Once you lay down the ground rules and they understand what is expected from them, we expect similar things from them as well. Yeah, I think we got about 80% of what we wanted. Drafts are always a bit tricky. You don't really know who you'll get because it depends on the pick before you and how people build their squad. So it really depends on a little bit of luck in terms of what you want. But at the same time, you have a strategy in place where if you don't get X, you can try and get Y to compensate. So you build a team around those things, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Ranji Trophy: Plenty of incentives for hopefuls as the grind begins
History proves that there has been no dearth of great stories in the countrys premier domestic competition; the opening round will feature stars such as Rahul and Jaiswal in action
Former India cricketer and IPL captain Ajinkya Rahane hit out at the contentious impact player rule in the Indian Premier League, advocating for the rule to be taken out.
India Champions vs South Africa Champions LIVE Score Updates, World Championship of Legends 2026: India Champions will be taking on South Africa Champions in their third match on Saturday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Rohit Sharma Reflects On Desperation And Hunger In Team Post 2023 World Cup Final Loss
Rohit Sharma spoke on the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final heartbreak and the desperation and hunger which the painful loss to Australians instilled, helping them break their 11-year drought with a T20 World Cup trophy
Install A Bowling Machine: Yuzvendra Chahal's Explosive Rant As West Indies Chase Down 250 vs India
Yuzvendra Chahal raised concerns over the increasingly batter-friendly conditions in T20 cricket after the West Indies chased down 250 against India in the second T20I in Ranchi on Friday.
'Play Him More': Sehwag Sees His Own Daredevilry in Sooryavanshi
Former India opener Virender Sehwag has praised young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, comparing his aggressive style to his own. Sehwag emphasised that age is not a barrier in top-flight cricket if performance is consistent. He also lauded Shubman Gill for his recent double century and record-breaking performance, and expressed confidence in India's bowling attack for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Sanju Samson Or Vaibhav Sooryavanshi? Robin Singh Weighs In On India's Big Dilemma
Robin Singh pointed out that the Vaibhav Sooryavanshi-Sanju Samson debate in T20Is presents the Indian team with healthy competition.
IND vs WI third T20: India, West Indies keen to get their nose ahead in slam-bang fest
The home attack conceding sixes with alarming frequency will be a big worry for the team management; the Caribbean batters have come to the party but the bowlers need to raise their performance
Ranji Trophy: Hyderabad begins campaign with high hopes
Tripura, on the other hand, looks to shed its underdog tag
Tanush Kotian eyes India Test call-up with another strong Ranji Trophy season
The 27-year-olds performances in Mumbais triumphant 2023-24 Ranji Trophy campaign earned him the Player of the Tournament award and, subsequently, a maiden India call-up as a replacement for R. Ashwin during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia
KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal Headline Star-Studded Ranji Trophy 2026-27 Season
The presence of India cricketers will provide gravitas to the Ranji Trophy 2026-27, which begins across various venues on Sunday, and it will be interesting to see whether the competition can produce another surprise champion.
Yuzvendra Chahal has called for conditions that offer bowlers a fairer contest in T20 cricket after Indias 250-run total failed to stop the West Indies from securing a six-wicket victory in the second T20I in Ranchi on Friday. The leg-spinner questioned the increasing difficulty of containing batters on surfaces with little assistance, particularly when dew makes gripping the ball harder and smaller boundaries leave bowlers with limited room for error.
India and West Indies head to Indore for potential run-fest with series level
After 501 runs were scored in Ranchi in just 38.3 overs, the two teams will be put to the sword in another batting paradise
Rahul, Jaiswal, Jadeja Lead Star Cast as Ranji Trophy Kicks Off
The Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season is set to begin on Sunday, featuring several prominent India cricketers like KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Their participation aims to provide valuable red-ball practice and fine-tune skills, while also offering a platform for players like Mohammed Shami to impress selectors. The tournament will also highlight emerging young talents from various states.
Sri Lanka hope to get out of T20I rut and keep series alive
Pakistan, who're 1-0 up in the three-match series, might go unchanged for the second game
'That was the toughest phase of my career'
Rohit Sharma said India's heartbreaking 2023 World Cup final defeat fuelled the desperation and hunger behind their 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, ending an 11-year ICC trophy drought.
Gautam Gambhir Can Make India 'Scary' By Solving One Problem, Australia Great Explains
Since Gautam Gambhir's appointment after the 2024 T20 World Cup, India have endured contrasting fortunes in limited-overs and red-ball cricket.
Litton Das returns as captain, mystery spinner Aliss handed maiden ODI call-up in Bangladesh squad
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) Litton Das returned to the Bangladesh ODI side as captain as the Bangladesh Cricket Board on Saturday named the squad for the UAE tri-series, which also features Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, with mystery spinner Aliss Al Islam earning a maiden call-up too. Aliss has played one T20I in the Asian Games and has been impressive in the domestic circuit, where he has 35 wickets in 19 List A games and 60 in 59 T20Is. Right-arm fast bowler Hasan Mahmud is also back in the squad as Nahid Rana stays out due to his side strain. Rana has been absent from the international side since July 2026, having missed the 1-1 historic Test series draw against Australia, the Asian Games and the ongoing one-off Test against Afghanistan. Das is back in the side and now as captain. He missed the ODI series against Zimbabwe in July due to a calf injury. Das was named the ODI captain in July as he took over from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, whom the board wants to focus on his all-round skills without the added responsibility. Recently, Zimbabwe named their squad for the tri-series, with Sikandar Raza set to captain the team for the tri-series as Richard Ngarava continues his recovery from a back injury. The ODI squad largely comprises players who faced Australia in Harare last month, with Tafadzwa Tsiga and Vincent Masekesa coming in for Innocent Kaia and Graeme Cremer. Kaia is working his way back to full fitness after suffering a thigh strain but is expected to be ready for the T201 series, Zimbabwe Cricket informed in a release. Earlier, Afghanistan had also named their squad for the tri-series. Bangladesh squad for ODI tri-series: Litton Das (capt), Towhid Hridoy, Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Aliss Al Islam
Josephine Nkomo To Lead Zimbabwe During Maiden India Tour
All-rounder Josephine Nkomo will lead a 15-member Zimbabwe women's squad for their first-ever white-ball tour of India, starting October 16.
Ranji Trophy: Mumbai keen to start off on a winning note
Opener Jaiswals availability is a big boost boost for the 42-time champion; Chandigarh has its task cut out against the home team at the Wankhede
Josh Inglis set to rejoin Australia squad ahead of second South Africa Test
Josh Inglis is set to rejoin Australias squad before the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha. The wicketkeeper-batter is reported to have recovered from his fractured finger and will link up with the squad...
Forgotten Test quick Richardson sparks stunning WA fightback
Richardson took 5 for 19 to bowl Queensland out for 68, with WA needing just 67 on the final day with five wickets in hand for a stunning win
'Skill Levels In T10 Need To Be Very High': Robin Singh On Format's Difference From T20 Cricket
Team Director Robin Singh: Former Indian cricketer and Royal Desert Champions' Team Director Robin Singh highlighted that playing in T10 cricket needs very high levels of skills as there is hardly any time to bide. The rigours of T20 cricket have already tested some of the classical batsmen with the playing techniques significantly different from what is seen in the Test format. However, the shorter 60-ball T10 leagues present an entirely different challenge for the batters to go all guns blazing from ball one. Speaking exclusively to IANS, Robin spoke on what makes T10 cricket a different ball game than T20 cricket. T10 is almost like playing the last 10 overs of a T20 game to some extent or in the power plays, for that matter, he told IANS. You have to take a lot more risks in T10. So your skill levels have to be very high. So people who are confident (in skills) are the ones who succeed. If you second-guess yourself, you'll be in trouble in T10, the former India international added. Meanwhile, Singh is the Team Director of Royal Desert Champions. They had pre-signings in Nicholas Pooran, Phil Salt and Sherfane Rutherford and roped in the likes of Muhammad Waseem, Naseem Shah and Maheesh Theekshana, among others during the player draft. Singh stated that their approach to the draft was the same that is needed for picking a team for a tournament as short as a T10 format. Yeah, I think we got about 80% of what we wanted (from the draft). Drafts are always a bit tricky. You don't really know who you'll get because it depends on the pick before you and how people build their squad. So it really depends on a little bit of luck in terms of what you want. But at the same time, you have a strategy in place where if you don't get X, you can try and get Y to compensate. So you build a team around those things. Singh stated that their approach to the draft was the same that is needed for picking a team for a tournament as short as a T10 format. Yeah, I think we got about 80% of what we wanted (from the draft). Drafts are always a bit tricky. You don't really know who you'll get because it depends on the pick before you and how people build their squad. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
RANJI TROPHY | Will Tamil Nadus top-of-the-class cricket ecosystem finally shine through?
CRICKET | The under-achieving two-time champion begins its campaign away to Rajasthan with a new coach in Yo Mahesh, who has promised less of chopping and changing, in charge and an under-cooked pace attack
Dream Come True To Play For Home Team JSK, Says Rowles On Big Payday In SA20
Joburg Super Kings: Fast bowler Jason Rowles described him being signed by Joburg Super Kings as a dream come true, after he emerged as the biggest buy at the recent SA20 season five player auction, especially less than 100 days remaining for the league to kick-off on January 17, 2027. Rowles, who fetched the highest bid at the auction held on October 7, said he was delighted at the opportunity to represent his hometown franchise at the iconic Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The SA20 is an incredible tournament, and to be selected by my home team, Joburg Super Kings, is a dream come true. I can't wait to get the season started and learn from all the coaches and players, Rowles said in a statement by the tournament on Saturday. Pretoria Capitals also secured a major coup by signing South Africa Test and ODI captain Temba Bavuma, who returns to the league after missing the last two editions. It's cool to be back in the mix with the guys. Not too far from home, Pretoria, led by Keshav (Maharaj) over there. So yeah, I look forward to being a part of that team. Yeah, hopefully we'll be able to go all the way next year, Bavuma said, as he looks to help the Capitals secure their maiden title after two runners-up finishes in four seasons. Under-23 all-rounder Oliver Whitehead expressed his thrill at being picked up by season three champions MI Cape Town to play at Newlands. I am super stoked to be picked up by MI Cape Town for the 2027 season. I can't wait for the experience and to play in front of the full Newlands crowds, he said. English allrounder Craig Overton is set to return for a second stint with three-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Gqeberha. I am buzzing to be back at St Georges Park for the fifth season of the SA20. It was a great experience last time I was there, playing in front of the Orange Army and the St Georges band. I cant wait to get back out there. Weve got a great squad to be able to compete and try to win that fourth trophy out of five. English allrounder Craig Overton is set to return for a second stint with three-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Gqeberha. I am buzzing to be back at St Georges Park for the fifth season of the SA20. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
IND vs WI 3rd T20I Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XIs
IND vs WI 3rd T20I, Cricket Tips: The T20I series has certainly got spicy, as West Indies have hammered the no. 1 ranked T20I side in their own backyard. West Indies chased down a record total of 252 in the second T20I in Ranchi. Captain Shai Hope slammed a blistering century and scored an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls. A total of 501 runs were scored in 38.3 overs, and India had a poor game with the ball. Can India rectify their error and bounce back? Can West Indies produce two dominating performances and take a lead? Everything will be decoded in the third game. The third T20I will start at 7 PM IST on Sunday at Holkar Stadium in Indore. IND vs WI: Match Details Date : October 11, 2026 (Sunday) Time : 7 PM IST Venue : Holkar Stadium, Indore IND vs WI: Live Streaming Details The third T20I will be live on Star Sports Networks, while the live stream will be available on the Jio Hotstar app or website. IND vs WI: Head-to-Head in T20Is Total Matches : 33 India : 21 West Indies: 11 No-result: 1 IND vs WI: Ground Pitch Report Holkar Stadium is a great venue for the batters. It is a smaller venue, and the outfield is also very fast. The toss will be important here because batting second will be an advantage. It will be tough to bowl here. IND vs WI: Possible XIs India : Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mayank Yadav West Indies: Kamil Pooran, Shai Hope (c & wk), Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Keemo Paul, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Springer, Shamar Joseph IND vs WI: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Sanju Samson played a brilliant innings in the last game, and Shai Hope has scored three centuries and one fifty in the last four innings. These two players will be key for their teams. Probable Best Bowler Kuldeep Yadav and Roston Chase are two smart operators, and they can get some purchase from the wicket. Today Match Prediction: West Indies will be confident, but they have not been consistent with their form. Hence, we still go with India and pick them as potential winner. IND vs WI Match 3rd T20I, Today Match IND vs WI, IND vs WI Prediction, IND vs WI Predicted XIs, Injury Update for India vs West Indies 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.
Renshaw's Gritty Century Leads Australia's Fightback Vs South Africa
Matt Renshaw's unbeaten 102 anchored Australia's recovery to 277-8 at lunch on day two against South Africa, with Wiaan Mulder claiming four wickets to lead the bowling attack.
Samson T20I: Former Indian cricketer Robin Singh pointed out that the Vaibhav Sooryavanshi-Sanju Samson debate in T20Is presents the Indian team with healthy competition, one that will not allow the other to slip up with their performances. With Sooryavanshi graduating to the senior level following setting the IPL stage and U19 cricket to fire, the Indian T20I team has found itself in a selection headache of choosing between the fiery teenager Sooryavanshi and experienced Samson at the top of the order with Abhishek Sharma. Former all-rounder Robin Singh highlighted that a youngster should be given a long run, but as others have also done well, he might have to wait for his chances. It is a question of giving people a good run. You don't want to give a youngster just one game or two games, and then you make him sit on a bench. I think those days are gone. It's important to also let him understand what international cricket is, Robin told IANS. Sooryavanshi has enough and more talent. So, you know, even if he has to sit on a bench and wait it out, it's okay. But the others have done very well. So, you know, it's good to have competition. It's good to have people beating down your neck so that you don't slip up with your performances, he added. Sooryavanshi has been part of India's T20I teams from the away Ireland series onwards but has played in eight of the 18 matches since then. He made his debut during the second T20I of the five-match series in England as India took a tough call of dropping Samson after only three failures despite his stellar T20 World Cup 2026. Samson was back in the reckoning after being rested for the Zimbabwe T20I series and has kept the opening slot, especially in the home T20Is. India also tried playing both Sooryavanshi and Samson during the Asian Games in Japan but had only one pacer and a plethora of spin-bowling all-rounders in the playing XI as spinners were getting help there. Sooryavanshi has been part of India's T20I teams from the away Ireland series onwards but has played in eight of the 18 matches since then. He made his debut during the second T20I of the five-match series in England as India took a tough call of dropping Samson after only three failures despite his stellar T20 World Cup 2026. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Aliss Al Islam in Litton-led Bangladesh squad for ODI tri-series
The mystery spinner is uncapped in ODI cricket, but has played one T20I so far
Star Power Meets Exuberance Of Youth As 92nd Ranji Trophy Season Kicks Off From Sunday
T20 World Cup: The 92nd edition of the Ranji Trophy begins from Sunday, with much-needed star power meeting the exuberance of youth in India's premier domestic red-ball competition. The first round will see a handful of high-profile India internationals feature before joining the India A squad for the shadow three-game red-ball tour of New Zealand. With everyones attention on India's T20 World Cup defence at home, the Ranji Trophy happenings initially flew under the radar before exploding on to the spotlight as Jammu & Kashmir clinched their historic maiden title triumph in Hubbali led by Auqib Nabis 60 scalps, which led to him getting an international debut against the West Indies in Guwahati ODI last month. As J&K prepare to defend their crown and whether they will be able to do it will make for an interesting watch. The Paras Dogra-led side will be aiming to bounce back against Madhya Pradesh in Srinagar after suffering a defeat to Rest of India in the Irani Cup. The opening round of the 2026/27 season is set to be a blockbuster. KL Rahul (Karnataka), Yashasvi Jaiswal (Mumbai), Ravindra Jadeja (Saurashtra), Mohammed Siraj (Hyderabad), Manav Suthar (Rajasthan), Washington Sundar (Tamil Nadu), Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep (Bengal) are set to feature in the first round for their respective teams. For some, the Ranji Trophy will be a crucial window for pressing claims for being back in national reckoning like for Mumbais Sarfaraz Khan and Karnatakas Karun Nair. Youngsters such as Mumbais Ayush Mhatre and Jharkhand's left-handed opener Shikhar Mohan will look to enhance their reputation in red-ball cricket. Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who toiled hard to claim 37 wickets last season, is also back in action. Shami, who along with Mukesh and Akash, will be in Bengal, who take on Delhi in Kalyani, will be eager to break back into the Test set-up after seeing his India new-ball partner Bhuvneshwar Kumar earn a T20I recall for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. Delhi, meanwhile, restart their race for red-ball glory by sporting a revamped support staff following the appointments of former India wicketkeeper-batter Vijay Dahiya as head coach and Rajkumar Sharma, childhood coach of batting stalwart Virat Kohli, as the team mentor. Eyes of the four-member selection panel will also be on Vidarbha's Harsh Dubey, Praful Hinge, Yash Rathod, and Uttar Pradesh leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari. Seasoned campaigners such as Umesh Yadav (Punjab), Harshal Patel (Gujarat), Mandeep Singh and Hanuma Vihari (both Tripura) will shoulder vital mentorship roles. While the opening round belongs to India's marquee names, the coming weeks will test if a new crop of domestic heroes can rise from the relative obscurity to reshape the national red-ball talent pool. With Arunachal Pradesh at risk of forfeiting their game against Nagaland due to the ongoing legal dispute between two factions of the Arunachal Cricket Association (ACA), it remains to be seen when the legal deadlock will end so that the states cricketers dont miss out on a season of showcasing their talent. Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season groups: Group A: Bihar, Baroda, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Pondicherry, Uttar Pradesh and Vidarbha. Group B: Karnataka, Andhra, Saurashtra, Chhattisgarh, Hyderabad, Tripura, Punjab, and Assam. Group C: Bengal, Delhi, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Kerala, Maharashtra, Services and Odisha. Group D: Mumbai, Rajasthan, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Railways. Plate Group: Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh. First Round games to be broadcasted: - Jammu & Kashmir vs Madhya Pradesh JioHotstar and Star Sports Khel First Round games to be broadcasted: - Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Liverpool vs Man City: Erling Haaland Calls for Unity Ahead of Anfield Test
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has called for the fans' unity and positivity as his team is set to face off against Liverpool at Anfield on October 11. The Premier League clash will be highly anticipated by the fans as both
'Jaiswal Is Getting Desperate'
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has expressed surprise and concern over Yashasvi Jaiswal's decision to take up wicket-keeping at 24, advising the Test opener to instead focus on his primary skill of batting, especially with India's New Zealand tour approaching.
Flamboyant Badoni keen to put a price on his wicket
I like to take challenges. As a batter, I like it when there is pressure. As a captain too, there is pressure. I will try to keep things simple and rely on my instincts to do what is best in that given moment, says Ayush Badoni
'Rohit, Virat Will Be Big Assets To Indian Team': Robin Singh Backs Veterans For ODI 2027 WC
ODI World Cup: Former Indian cricketer Robin Singh said Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be big assets to the Indian team in the ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Rohit and Virat have been in good form in recent ODIs, with the former scoring two centuries and a 92 in his last five innings, and Kohli hitting one hundred and two fifty-plus scores (74 and 65) in his last five outings. With the World Cup less than a year away, they seem to be in line to play the global showpiece. Speaking exclusively to IANS, former India all-rounder Robin Singh highlighted that the experience and form of the two former captains would be crucial for the Men in Blue in the World Cup. I think experience is one thing. But more importantly, I think it's their form that is important. And of course, you know, with age you have enough and more experience. So that's really not a problem. They know what to do, Robin told IANS. He stated that the two have been doing exceptionally well in staying fit and will be a big asset for the team going into the global showpiece. It's more about staying in the moment, staying fit and keeping playing well. I think they are doing that exceptionally well. So there are no complaints. They definitely will be a big asset to the Indian team, he said. India have experimented with several players in the recent ODI series against the West Indies as they chalk out their plan for the best playing combination for the World Cup. Singh highlighted that head coach Gautam Gambhir has a formula and is looking to pick the players in the upcoming ODI series around his World Cup strategy. Look, I think they are trying out as many players as possible. They do have their formula in place. So I am pretty sure Gautam and his team members will have their formula. I am sure he has a way of what he would like to do in the World Cup. What type of players he wants for the World Cup. So I am pretty sure they will try and pick people around that strategy to give them enough opportunities to perform and to have the ability to pick the best team going forward before the World Cup, Singh, who has played 136 ODIs and a Test for India, said. India have called back Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the T20I side for the upcoming New Zealand tour, and speculations have begun about whether he and Mohammed Shami can make it to the World Cup, considering the tournament will be held in seam-friendly conditions. Singh, who has also coached the erstwhile Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians in the IPL, stated that the two should play the World Cup if they are in the scheme of things. Again, you know, it depends on what they (team management) want. So if they are in the mix, they should be playing. I don't see any surprises happening. But if they are not in the mix, then it becomes difficult, Singh further said. He heaped praise on both the bowlers and emphasised that they have done enough to earn a chance for a call-up to the Indian team, with Bhuvi getting it, although Shami still remains out of the side. I don't see any surprises happening. But if they are not in the mix, then it becomes difficult, Singh further said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Virat Kohli Was A Bit Bitter: Ex-India Star Drops Explosive Claim On Test Retirement
Virat Kohli's Test retirement came as a massive surprise as he decided to quit the format right before India's tour of England in May 2025.
Renshaw's century resurrects Australia after Mulder's four
Renshaw went to lunch 102 not out to help Australia to 277 for 8 after Wiaan Mulder claimed four wickets to end Cummins' stubborn resistance
Star Sports Network: Another bat-versus-bat encounter on cards is set to increase the pressure on bowlers when India and the West Indies square off in the third T20I to be played at the Holkar Stadium on Sunday. As many as 501 runs were scored in the second T20I in Ranchi, where the West Indies pulled off a thrilling win by hunting down 250 with more than an over to spare. The result forced India head coach Gautam Gambhir to cast his spotlight on the woes of bowlers for the second time in a fortnight. With the pitch expected to be a belter again in Indore, Gambhir's think tank along with his bowling attack and the same in the opposition camp cannot reprieve, as apart from short boundaries, dew is also expected to play a big role. All will boil down to precise execution of plans and basics across departments, including fielding. In Ranchi, Mayank Yadav, who breathed fire in the power-play and took three scalps, spilled a regulation catch of Sherfane Rutherford. It proved to be a turning point as Rutherford went from 38 off 18 balls to smash a scintillating 84 off 37 balls, hitting seven sixes and as many fours in a match-defining 120-run stand with skipper Shai Hope, who himself hit an unbeaten century. India will always be wary of the dangerous big-hitter Hope at the top of the order, who has already plundered two centuries on this tour to keep his side competitive against the hosts batting prowess. India will also hope that rest of the bowlers Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Shivam Dube and Naman Dhir will support Mayank in what will be another tough exam in Indore. Among the bright sparks in the series for India so far has been skipper Shreyas Iyer. With the help from former India batting coach Abhishek Nayar, Iyer has rediscovered his touch by hitting 102 not out in Indore and a quickfire 18-ball 40 in Ranchi. Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson's 41-ball 82 ended his lean patch and that will mean young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait for his opportunity. India are expected to stick with their experimentation, even as the West Indies enter with confidence on their side - boosted by Rutherford's fine form coupled with Hope's exploits and Roston Chase's crucial spell of 3-24. When: October 11, Sunday at 7:00 PM Where: Holkar Stadium, Indore Where to watch: The match will be shown live on the Star Sports Network channels on TV and live-stream is available on the JioHotstar app and website. Squads India: Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, and Mayank Yadav. Squads Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Aakash Chopra Hails Mayank Yadavs Comeback After Fiery Spell Against WI
Aakash Chopra: Former India opener Aakash Chopra praised Mayank Yadav for rediscovering his express pace and making an impact on his return to international cricket, saying the fast bowlers three-wicket haul against the West Indies in the second T20I in Ranchi was an important confidence boost after an extended injury lay-off. In the last match, he went for a few runs. Also, youre obviously nervous when making a comeback. This is top-flight cricket, and you understand that you are playing on good batting wickets in India and coming back after a lay-off, Chopra told JioStar. Mayanks performance came during a high-scoring contest in which Indias total of 249/5 proved insufficient to stop the visitors. The right-arm pacer struck three times, including the dismissals of Kamil Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer, to give India crucial breakthroughs during the powerplay. So, getting that wicket early, although he had conceded a boundary before that, dismissing Kamil Pooran was a good start. The next one, to dismiss Shimron Hetmyer, was an absolute peach. It tells you what pace can do, how it can cramp you and how it can slightly embarrass you, Chopra added. Returning from rehabilitation can bring uncertainty over whether a player can recover his previous intensity, particularly for a fast bowler whose effectiveness depends heavily on pace. Mayanks ability to approach the 150 kmph mark and trouble batters offered encouragement after his recent absence from the game. Chopra viewed that return to speed as a significant personal milestone, with the wickets providing further evidence of his potential to influence matches. And the last one, again, was nearly 150 clicks. It was the final over of the powerplay, which usually goes for runs, so getting another wicket was a huge validation for himself because, after rehab, that thing always stays in the back of your mind: Will I get injured again? That memory of pain stays with you until it doesnt. Because you live alone for six to eight months, its like youre living in a cave. Everyone else is playing, and youre just watching and waiting for your turn. So, what he did in this game, more than the wickets, was the validation that he can get back to bowling at that high pace, he stated. And the last one, again, was nearly 150 clicks. It was the final over of the powerplay, which usually goes for runs, so getting another wicket was a huge validation for himself because, after rehab, that thing always stays in the back of your mind: Will I get injured again? That memory of pain stays with you until it doesnt. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
With less than 100 days to go until Season 5 of SA20 gets underway on 17 January 2027, the League's newest recruits are already counting down to their first taste of the action in the milestone edition
Gavaskar Slams India's Bowling Tactics in T20I Defeat
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has criticised India's bowling strategy in the second T20I against the West Indies, particularly the decision to give Kuldeep Yadav the crucial 17th over instead of pacers Mayank Yadav or Arshdeep Singh, a move he believes cost India the match.
Inglis to rejoin Australia Test squad after finger injury
The wicketkeeper-batter was injured during the ODI series late last month
Sunil Gavaskar Identifies India's Big Mistake In 250-Run Chase By West Indies
Did India get the wrong end of the toss factor in conditions where dew played a big part, or could Shreyas Iyer and Co. have done things differently in the second T20I against the West Indies after putting up a mammoth total of 249/5 in 20 overs?
India, West Indies Look For Upper Hand In Another Bat-versus-Bat Contest In 3rd T20I
Another bat versus bat contest is likely to exert further pressure on the bowlers who have taken enough battering already, when India and West Indies face off in the third T20 International at the Holkar Stadium's batting haven on Sunday.
Vijay Dahiya Throws Challenge To Delhi Stars Ahead Of Ranji Trophy Opener
Vijay Dahiya wants Delhi's players to take ownership of the team's fortunes as they begin their Ranji Trophy campaign against Bengal, with the head coach stressing that individual talent must translate into collective success.
He scored with a century in Guwahati, where his 104 helped the West Indies post 405 for seven, only for India to chase down the target inside 44 overs.
'Don't Want Impact Player Rule To Be Taken Out This Season': Karthik Wants It To Stay In IPL 2027
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru's batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik wants the Impact Player rule to stay intact at least for the upcoming IPL 2027, calling that scrapping the contentious rule in the middle of an IPL cycle would not make sense. Karthik, although, criticised the rule for educing the chances for India to produce all-rounders, but batted for the rule to stay in IPL 2027. Speaking to Cricbuzz, he stated that the teams have built their squads with the impact player rule in their minds, highlighting that taking it away in the middle of an IPL cycle would not be sensible. The rule came ahead of IPL 2023 and in the middle of an IPL cycle after the mega auctions were completed for IPL 2022. The current IPL cycle runs till 2027 after the mega auction took place in 2025. When it first came on (Impact Player rule), it was very good because there were high-scoring games and there were a lot of teams that were almost chasing it down. But strangely, this last season, there were not too many close games. It just felt like one team scored a lot, and another team ended up chasing it down. And if you look at how the impact player rule has impacted the IPL, it was quite positive at the start. But slowly but steadily, it started losing the charm and the reason why it was there, Karthik told Cricbuzz. He highlighted that the rule has made an impact on India not being able to produce many all-rounders. It helped make the game more high-scoring than what it was. But it definitely decreased the chances of India as a cricketing country producing all-rounders, he said before wanting the rule to stay this season. But what I wouldn't want is it to be scrapped for this season because teams have been picked with having an impact player in mind. So it makes a lot of sense. When you pick a team, you're picking a team based on 12 players that you're going to play. Now suddenly if you make it 11, there could be a team which is obviously not as strong as a 12 but much better as an 11, and it is an unfair advantage, and it's something that they could do away with after the end of this season. But in general, I do feel it was quite good at the start, but right now it's losing the relevance and importance that it probably provided for the fans and for the players as well, he added. Karthik further stated that a rule should be brought before the start of the cycle and scrapped after the cycle ends, consolidating his claim of why he wants the rule to stay until 2027, which will also bring curtains to the three-year cycle. But in general, I do feel it was quite good at the start, but right now it's losing the relevance and importance that it probably provided for the fans and for the players as well, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
It Was Just Playing The Situation: Renshaw On Australias Fightback Against South Africa
South Africa: Australia batter Matt Renshaw said his unbeaten knock against South Africa was about assessing the match situation and maintaining positive intent as he helped the visitors recover from a top-order collapse on the opening day of the first Test at Kingsmead. Renshaw remained unbeaten on 46 as Australia reached 187/6 before bad light and rain brought an early end to play on Friday. He shared an unbroken 63-run stand with captain Pat Cummins, who was batting on 33, after South Africa reduced the visitors to 124/6. It was just playing the situation as much as I could and having, yeah, I speak about trying to have good intent against both spin and pace, and that gets my body moving the way I want it to, Renshaw said as quoted by Cricinfo. The left-hander said his experience of batting in the middle order in one-day cricket had helped him prepare for the role in the Test side, allowing him to adapt to different match situations. I think in the one day as batting in that middle order shows, Ive done it in the past in the middle order, and it shows that I can be pretty versatile. I think the thinking was just in that middle order, continuing on from a successful one day tour, he said. Renshaw also explained how he prepared for the possibility of batting at No. 5, a position that can require a player to wait for several hours before getting an opportunity at the crease. He said he went to the nets during the lunch break and faced around 20 balls to get his eyes accustomed to the light and prepare his body for batting. I think for me, batting at five, the challenge is sitting around for a while and not batting. So I went and faced probably 20 balls in the nets at lunch when I knew I was going straight in, Renshaw said. Australia had elected to bat but lost Travis Head and Nic Maddinson early before Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith attempted to rebuild the innings. Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen then struck at regular intervals to leave the visitors in trouble. I think for me, batting at five, the challenge is sitting around for a while and not batting. So I went and faced probably 20 balls in the nets at lunch when I knew I was going straight in, Renshaw said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
People Underrate Shai Hope A Lot, Has Special Skill In Shutting Out Noise: Roston Chase
JSCA International Stadium: West Indies off-spin bowling all-rounder Roston Chase believes skipper Shai Hope does not get enough credit for evolving his batting and commended him for having the special skill of shutting out the noise after his unbeaten century inspired the visitors to a record chase against India in the second T20I on Friday night. An in-form Hope hammered an unbeaten 102 off just 45 balls as the West Indies chased down India's imposing 249/5 with six wickets in hand to level the five match series 1-1 at the JSCA International Stadium. Hope had previously led the West Indies chase down 353 by hitting an unbeaten 162 in the third ODI against India in New Chandigarh last week. I think about Shai Hope, people underrate him a lot. But Shai Hope is a guy that he can blank out a lot of noise and just focus on what he has to do and I think that's his special skill. Because when everything seems to be going wrong, he's still out there giving his best and performing for the team, Chase said to reporters at the conclusion of the game. He also dismissed the criticism that Hope bats too slowly or plays for personal milestones and described him as an exemplary professional who works tirelessly behind the scenes. Everyone knows he's great in 50-over cricket and still sometimes people don't give him the credit. They always say he either bats too slow or he bats for himself. He puts in the hard work and he's the ultimate professional. He tries to tick every box and do the right things all the time. He also revealed about the efforts Hope makes in the gym, which helped transform from a slow starter into a power-hitter. He's done a lot of gym work to make himself stronger in terms of hitting the ball over the ropes. He also practises a lot of range hitting to get in those strong positions. Speaking about the mammoth 120-run partnership between Hope and Sherfane Rutherford (84 off 37 balls), Chase said, To chase 250 in any conditions, any ball in attack, I think that was a tremendous effort. I think it's a record chase for us. It was just a great feeling and it came out in the celebration. On his own bowling, which saw him pick 3-24, with his scalps being Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Shivam Dube, Chase revealed that he changed his tactic after Sanju Samson smashed his first delivery for four. I told myself probably the wicket is a bit too good to be using the wicket consistently. So I thought I had to mix up in terms of using the wicket and then going for the yorkers as well. On his own bowling, which saw him pick 3-24, with his scalps being Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Shivam Dube, Chase revealed that he changed his tactic after Sanju Samson smashed his first delivery for four. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Tasmania's top order defies NSW in battle for survival
Caleb Jewell led the way with 88 while Tim Ward has faced 169 deliveries
I Would Have Gone With Arshdeep Or Mayank: Gavaskar Questions Indias 18th-over Call
Captain Shai Hope: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar questioned Indias bowling choices in the closing stages of the second T20I against the West Indies in Ranchi, saying Arshdeep Singh or Mayank Yadav could have been better options to bowl the 18th over rather than Axar Patel during the visitors record chase. Definitely! I would have gone with either Arshdeep or Mayank. Yes, Arshdeep went for plenty in his final over, but Mayank had struck the early blows. Of the wickets that had fallen, he had taken three. His economy rate was about 12 an over, and at that stage, the West Indies needed more than that. So, if he had taken a wicket, and sometimes when the game is going in your favour, who knows, you would have got a wicket even if it had not been off a great delivery, Gavaskar told JioStar. Gavaskar also questioned the decision to introduce Shivam Dube in the ninth over, suggesting that Kuldeep Yadav might have been a more suitable option while the batters were still settling in. And once you get a wicket, suddenly, the opposition is on the back foot. A new batter has to come in. So, maybe that could have been tried. For me, I think giving Shivam Dube the ball in that ninth over was not exactly what was required at that stage. When the batters were still trying to get their eye in, maybe Kuldeep coming in would have been a better idea, he added. Gavaskars comments came after India failed to defend 249/5, with the West Indies reaching 252/4 in 19.2 overs to win by six wickets and level the five-match series 1-1. The visitors successful pursuit marked the highest successful T20I chase against India. Mayank had finished with three wickets, providing India with early breakthroughs, but the hosts could not prevent the West Indies from building momentum. Captain Shai Hope led the chase with an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls, while Sherfane Rutherford hammered 84 from 37 deliveries. The pair added 120 runs to swing the contest decisively in the visitors favour. Gavaskars comments came after India failed to defend 249/5, with the West Indies reaching 252/4 in 19.2 overs to win by six wickets and level the five-match series 1-1. The visitors successful pursuit marked the highest successful T20I chase against India. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Dinesh Karthik weighs in on India's playing XI after 2nd T20I loss against the West Indies
Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik had a lot to say about the Men in Blues team composition as the side faced a loss against the West Indies in the second T20I of the ongoing series....
Rahane bats against impact player rule, calls it of 'no use'
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) Former India cricketer and IPL captain Ajinkya Rahane hit out at the contentious impact player rule in the Indian Premier League, advocating for the rule to be taken out. Rahane joined the chorus of several cricketers criticising the rule for reducing the growth of all-rounders in Indian cricket, calling it of no use. I think it should be taken out, Rahane, who has led Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals in the league, told Cricbuzz. I remember last year, before the IPL captains' meeting, most of the captains said they don't want the impact player rule. And I think the guidelines or the rules, they have it till 2027. So we don't know if this year they will take it out or after this year (when) the big auction is coming up, in that they will take it out. But ideally, I feel there is no point or use in having an impact rule, he added. The rule has also been hampering the growth of all-rounders in Indian cricket as franchises tend to replace batters with bowlers and vice-versa to get the best possible result with the bat or the ball. Hardik Pandya's absence from the Indian team has often found the Indian team searching for cover-ups, and although Shivam Dube and Nitish Reddy have turned up, they are still far from Hardik's capabilities. Moreover, there seem to be not many all-rounders in the pipeline, especially the fast-bowling all-rounders, which has been a rarity now in Indian cricket. All-rounders are going out of the game, especially in the IPL. And I am a firm believer that you've got to develop your all-rounders. From the Indian team's point of view, all-rounders are really important. So the impact player rule should be taken out. See, why I feel we should take it out is because last year, I don't want to take any team's name, but a few teams were probably at 90/7, 100/7, and they ended up getting 200 because of that one impact (rule), one extra batter with that. So, I feel (we should) give some advantage to bowlers, and also all-rounders should be involved in the games thoroughly. They should take it out, he added.
Tickets For Historic Big Bash League Game To Be Hosted In Chennai Go On Sale
Cricket Australia Executive General Manager: Tickets for the historic Big Bash League (BBL) season 16 opener between Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers at the MA Chidambaram Stadium are now available on sale from Saturday. An initial allocation of first-release tickets is available on the District by Zomato website in India, with more to follow in the coming days. In addition to this, four or 12-day international travel packages, including match tickets and Big Bash League merchandise, are also on sale and have been specially designed by the Cricket Australia Travel Office (CATO). The match to be played on December 12 is set to become the most-watched game in the history of Australian domestic cricket as the Big Bash League is preparing to deliver a big spectacle to fans in a stadium that has hosted more than its share of iconic cricketing moments. A packed stadium is what makes the BBL what it is, and we cant wait to bring a piece of the Big Bash to Chennai, offering fans a one-of-a-kind experience with some of the biggest names in sport. With fireworks from the bat, drama on the field and world-class entertainment, this is set to be a memorable day out for anyone wanting to experience a BBL match, said Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia Executive General Manager Big Bash Leagues, in a statement on Saturday. It was back in May this year that a five-member Cricket Australia delegation arrived in Chennai for the final home game of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, with BCCI President Mithun Manhas joining them for the match. Cricket Australia then approached the BCCI to host the BBL season 16 opener in Chennai, which was accepted. The Perth Scorchers are the reigning BBL champions having clinched a record-breaking sixth title in the competitions history. With incredible early demand for these matches and the local cricket-loving community, it is expected that the stadium will be stretched to capacity on December 12, with a huge welcome anticipated for the visiting fans. We encourage Aussie fans to come and experience this unique BBL match in a special place it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to not only be part of Big Bash League history but to discover a new city, added Dobson. With incredible early demand for these matches and the local cricket-loving community, it is expected that the stadium will be stretched to capacity on December 12, with a huge welcome anticipated for the visiting fans. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Saleem bags four as Afghanistan bowl Bangladesh out for 346
Yamin Ahmadzai finished with three wickets as Bangladesh's last two pairs added 29 on the second morning
India, West Indies brace for batting onslaught in Indore
The third T20 International between India and West Indies in Indore is anticipated to be another high-scoring affair, with the Holkar Stadium's flat pitch and short boundaries favouring batters, putting immense pressure on bowlers after a 501-run fest in the previous match.
2nd T20I: India Pressed Panic Button Way Too Early, Says Varun Aaron On Bowling Errors Against WI
Varun Aaron: Former India cricketer Varun Aaron criticised Indias bowling strategy after the West Indies chased down a target of 250 in the second T20I in Ranchi, saying that the hosts abandoned disciplined lengths too soon as Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford took control of the contest with an aggressive partnership. The way Shai Hope and Rutherford played was brilliant. It was almost a Batman-and-Robin kind of partnership: Shai Hope held guard, kept things steady at one end, and Rutherford just kept going. They batted brilliantly, but the Indian bowlers, after that first four or five overs, just completely forgot about bowling length. I think they pressed the panic button way too early, Aaron told JioStar. The Men in Blue decided to move away from a consistent length after making early inroads. Mayank Yadav claimed two wickets in the opening over and finished with three scalps, giving India and opportunity to keep the pressure on the visitors. Aaron felt the bowlers could have made better use of that early advantage by continuing to target disciplined lengths instead of frequently switching to variations. They went to their yorkers, slower balls, bouncers, wide bouncers and wide slower balls way too early. Mayank Yadav got three wickets. Two of those three wickets were off proper length. That's exactly what Arshdeep should have done, especially when Rovman Powell was batting at the start and was looking very shaky. They gave him a few full tosses, trying to bowl yorkers. He got a few boundaries off them, and then they kept building the innings. Since they had those two early wickets from Mayank Yadav, India could have stuck to their lengths a little longer, he added. West Indies, however, recovered from losing three wickets for 58 runs as Hope and Rutherford combined to transform the chase. Hope remained unbeaten on 102 off 45 balls, while Rutherford snuck strick 84 off 37 deliveries. Their 120-run stand put the visitors back in command and laid the foundation for a successful pursuit. They gave him a few full tosses, trying to bowl yorkers. He got a few boundaries off them, and then they kept building the innings. Since they had those two early wickets from Mayank Yadav, India could have stuck to their lengths a little longer, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Shivam Dube was promoted to No. 4 but failed to fire as India lost to West Indies in the second T20I in Ranchi.
South Africa vs Australia LIVE Score Updates, 1st Test Day 2: Australia will look to build on late momentum as they enter Day 2 in the first Test against South Africa in Durban.
IPL 2026 Mini-Auction: Can Shai Hope Finally Find a Buyer?
Roston Chase calls Shai Hope underrated after his 45-ball T20I century powered the West Indies to a record chase, strengthening the skipper's case ahead of the IPL mini-auction.
It is the best format there is: Nortje relishes Test cricket return after three years
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje said he was delighted to return to Test cricket after three years, describing the longest format as the best in the game after making an immediate impact against Australia in the opening Test at Kingsmead. Nortje, who last played red-ball cricket for South Africa against the West Indies in Centurion in 2023, claimed two wickets on the opening day of the first Test, helping the hosts restrict Australia to 187/6 before bad light and rain brought an early end to play on Friday. The right-arm pacer struck twice in the same over to dismiss Alex Carey (14) and Beau Webster (4), reducing Australia to 124/6 after the visitors had recovered from an early setback. Nortje returned to the test setup after a prolonged absence caused by fitness issues and missed opportunities. Its always been, sort of; I wanted to play. The opportunities and the timing and the things were not always great. Obviously, having had a few issues, things didnt always work out, Nortje said as quoted by Cricinfo. Reflecting on his previous attempts to return to the longest format, the fast bowler recalled an injury that had disrupted his chances during the home ODI series against Pakistan. The closest I got was, I think, Pakistan at home. Broke my toe in the ODIs when David was throwing reverse swing balls to me in the nets. So, yeah, it came close in the past, he said. Its nice to finally, sort of, get it to work out and to be on the park, to play for the country again, especially wearing the baggy. Its a bit worn out just from laying at home, he added. Nortje said he continued to enjoy the physical demands of Test cricket, particularly the challenge of finding breakthroughs during extended spells of bowling. I enjoy the hard graft. Ive always said it, that the second, third, maybe the fourth spell is the sort of point in the game that I enjoy the most, where you have to try and dig deep and try and get something out for the team, he said. So, Ive always enjoyed it, and Ill continue to enjoy it. Its probably the best format there is. So, yeah, its nice to be here again, he added. Nortje was among three South African bowlers to claim two wickets each on the opening day, alongside Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen. Mulder removed Travis Head, while Jansen dismissed Nic Maddinson and Steve Smith to put Australia under pressure. However, Matt Renshaw (46 not out) and Australia captain Pat Cummins (33 not out) helped the visitors recover with an unbeaten 63-run stand for the seventh wicket, leaving the contest evenly balanced heading into the second day.
Weatherald backed to return as South Australia thump Victoria
Two-time defending Sheffield Shield champions South Australia have started their new campaign with an innings win over Victoria at Junction Oval
There Might Be Some Paddles In The Air: Pietersen Backs Hopes IPL Appeal After Record Chase
Indian Premier League: Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has tipped Shai Hope to attract interest from Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises after the West Indies skipper produced a match-winning century against India in the second T20I in Ranchi on Friday, steering his side to a six-wicket victory with a record chase of 250. If Shai Hope puts his name into mini IPL auction, there might be some paddles in the air from a few tables, Kevin Pietersen wrote on X. Hopes unbeaten 102 off 45 balls helped West Indies reach 252 for four in 19.2 overs, completing the highest successful T20I chase against India and levelling the five-match series at 1-1. His innings combined controlled strokeplay with a late acceleration that left the Indian bowling attack unable to defend a formidable total. The 31-year-old found crucial support from Sherfane Rutherford, who smashed 84 off just 37 deliveries in a 120-run partnership that transformed the contest. West Indies had stumbled to 58 for three inside the powerplay after losing two wickets in the opening over, but the pair turned the pressure back on India with an aggressive counterattack. Hopes performance offered a reminder of his ability to adapt his game to the demands of T20 cricket. While Rutherford supplied the explosive hitting during the middle overs, the captain ensured the chase remained on course before taking charge in the closing stages. India had posted 249 for five, with Sanju Samson leading the innings with 82 off 41 balls and Tilak Varma contributing 44. However, Roston Chases three-wicket haul and the early dismissals of the West Indies batters were overshadowed by the visitors remarkable recovery. Pietersens remark came after Hope demonstrated both qualities in a chase that required sustained aggression and composure. India had posted 249 for five, with Sanju Samson leading the innings with 82 off 41 balls and Tilak Varma contributing 44. However, Roston Chases three-wicket haul and the early dismissals of the West Indies batters were overshadowed by the visitors remarkable recovery. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'NZ Tour Will Challenge Sooryavanshi'
New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson believes the coming tour of New Zealand will present significant challenges and exciting opportunities for 15-year-old Indian cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, despite his impressive recent performances.
Injured pacer Will O'Rourke Ruled out of India Series
New Zealand fast bowler Will O'Rourke has been officially ruled out of the highly anticipated home series against India and is expected to return in late December.
1st Time In 149 Years: Australia Achieve Unique Feat vs South Africa. A Glaring Concern Pops Up
Australia achieved a unique first in the first Test against South Africa, but it also highlighted an underlying issue.
'They Are Not Foreign Bowlers': Gautam Gambhir's Strong Message After India Defeat vs West Indies
In a T20I contest where batters scored over 500 runs in a match (only the second time in history), it is only natural that the bowlers will be under the microscope
Gambhir Defends Dube Move, Urges India to Learn From WI Loss
After India's defeat despite scoring 249, Gautam Gambhir says only the openers are permanent in T20 cricket and backs a flexible batting order.
2nd T20I: Shai Hope Is A World-class Cricketer, Says Gambhir After West Indies Record Chase
The West Indies: India head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged Shai Hopes class after the West Indies skippers unbeaten century powered the visitors to a record-breaking six-wicket victory in the second T20I in Ranchi, helping them chase down Indias 250-run target and level the five-match series at 1-1. Hope struck 102 off 45 balls to anchor the highest successful T20I chase against India, combining with Sherfane Rutherford, who smashed 84 off 37 deliveries, to overturn an early collapse and complete the pursuit with four balls remaining. Hopes innings was particularly significant given the position West Indies found themselves in during the opening stages. India struck twice in the first over and reduced the visitors to 58 for three in the powerplay, but the West Indies captain kept the chase on track through a commanding partnership with Rutherford before taking responsibility for the finish. Gambhir highlighted Hopes experience in both formats of white-ball cricket, pointing to the captains ability to maintain an aggressive scoring rate while ensuring he remained at the crease until the target was within reach. Shai is a world-class cricketer, Gambhir said in the post-match press conference. We respect him for what hes done in white-ball cricket, not only in the 50-over format but in this format as well. His record speaks for him. What he did today, especially after losing two wickets (in the first over). To continue batting at run-rate of 12-plus (an over) with Sherfane, just shows how good they are when the wicket is flat and theres dew. He batted deep which was important and in the end he finished the game. He was able to pace his innings really well. The West Indies recovery also underlined the limitations of Indias early breakthroughs on a surface where dew made defending a large total increasingly difficult. Rutherford took the attack to the Indian bowlers, while Hope provided the stability and acceleration required to prevent the chase from losing direction. Their 120-run stand transformed the contest, leaving India unable to regain control despite Mayank Yadav finishing with three wickets. Gambhir maintained that the opening exchanges were not enough to determine the outcome against a side capable of recovering from setbacks and sustaining its intensity throughout a T20 match. Ive played enough cricket to know that games are not decided in the first over. They are a strong T20 side and we respect them, Gambhir said. We know how dangerous they are. A game of cricket is won and lost when you play consistently for a period of 40 overs. While Hopes century dominated the result, Indias batting decisions also featured in Gambhirs assessment of the match. Shivam Dube, promoted to No. 4, scored five off seven balls as India lost momentum against Roston Chase, who returned figures of three for 24. Gambhir, however, defended the promotion, arguing that the teams flexible batting order was based on a longer-term strategy rather than an isolated performance. Weve used him like this for a long period of time, even at the World Cup and before that. It was not just a one-off today. Weve lost momentum today but weve gained a lot of momentum when hes gone at No. 4 and taken down opposition bowlers, Gambhir said. This is international cricket, sometimes it goes your way, sometimes it doesnt. And more importantly, weve always been flexible with our batting line-up and well continue with it. Ive said in T20 cricket only the openers are fixed. The bottom line is we couldnt defend 250. They batted extremely well. They deserved to win and we still need a lot of work to be done when youre playing against a dangerous team, especially when you lose the toss. India had posted 249 for five, with Sanju Samson scoring 82 and Tilak Varma contributing 44, but Hopes unbeaten 102 ensured that total was not enough. West Indies finished on 252 for four, registering their highest successful chase in T20 internationals and the highest successful T20I chase against India. The bottom line is we couldnt defend 250. They batted extremely well. They deserved to win and we still need a lot of work to be done when youre playing against a dangerous team, especially when you lose the toss. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
All Selectors Are On Same Page: Ex-India Star Drops Massive Bomb On Possible Mohammed Shami Comeback
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed uncertainty over star pacer Mohammed Shami making a comeback to the Indian team, disclosing what the BCCI selection committee thinks of him.
Dont Shrug Off Any Defeat: Gambhir Urges India To Find Answers After WI Run Riot
Gautam Gambhir: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has called for a more competitive contest between bat and ball and urged his side to address its bowling shortcomings after the West Indies chased down 250 against India in the second T20I in Ranchi, winning by six wickets to level the five-match series at 1-1. Despite India reducing the visitors to 58 for three inside the powerplay, Shai Hopes unbeaten century and Sherfane Rutherfords explosive 84 powered the West Indies to their highest successful T20I chase, exposing Indias inability to defend a formidable total in dew-laden conditions. Reflecting on the defeat, Gambhir stressed that India could not afford to overlook their shortcomings, even as he acknowledged the difficulties of bowling on a batting-friendly surface. He also made it clear that the teams status as world champions should raise its expectations rather than shield it from criticism. You dont shrug off any defeat. If you want to keep improving, you dont want to put anything under the carpet. We are a world-champion team so we want to keep improving. These are obviously tough conditions to bowl - we know flat wickets with the dew - obviously its tough but we need to figure out and find the way. Especially with the opposition having lost two wickets in the first over and then lost three wickets in the powerplay. But again, credit to the West Indies, the way Shai Hope and Sherfane batted, we know they are world-class batters, especially in the format. It was tough on us but were going to keep improving, Gambhir told the media in the post-game press conference. The result also renewed questions about the balance between bat and ball in high-scoring T20 cricket. India posted 249 for five, with Sanju Samson leading the charge with 82 off 41 balls and Tilak Varma contributing 44, but the West Indies batters made light of the target with a relentless assault. Asked about the nature of the contest, Gambhir emphasised that conditions should allow bowlers a fair opportunity to compete rather than leave them at the mercy of the batters. You dont want a good bat-and-ball competition? Gambhir asked. What you want to see, thats also what we want to see. We also want to see an even contest. These bowlers are our bowlers, not someone elses bowlers. Their careers are at stake, they have worked hard to sit in this dressing room. If its an even competition, well see a better game of cricket. India had appeared to seize control when Mayank Yadav struck twice in the opening over and removed another batter early in the sixth. However, Hope and Rutherford dismantled the attack through a 120-run partnership, with Rutherford smashing 84 off 37 deliveries before Hope completed an unbeaten 102. Gambhir backed Mayanks decision to rely on pace rather than take the pressure off with slower deliveries, saying the young quick had followed the approach expected of a fast bowler. India had appeared to seize control when Mayank Yadav struck twice in the opening over and removed another batter early in the sixth. However, Hope and Rutherford dismantled the attack through a 120-run partnership, with Rutherford smashing 84 off 37 deliveries before Hope completed an unbeaten 102. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'Can BCCI Stop Making Dead Pitches?'
'There is nothing for the bowlers and it's killing the game.'
Dortmund's Late Collapse, Lens's Timely Victory
Borussia Dortmund squandered a two-goal lead in the final minutes against former player Niclas Fullkrug's Werder Bremen, drawing 2-2 and dropping points for the first time this Bundesliga season. Meanwhile, RC Lens secured a much-needed 2-1 home victory over Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1, despite a late red card.
Will ORourke Ruled Out Of India Series, Eyes Australia Test Comeback
Batsman Mark Chapman: New Zealand fast bowler Will ORourke will sit out the upcoming home series against India as he continues his recovery from injuries to his left hamstring and calf, with the pacer and the team management prioritising his availability for the four-Test tour of Australia in December. The 25-year-old had only returned to international cricket earlier this year after spending seven months on the sidelines with a back stress fracture. However, his comeback was interrupted by a hamstring tear sustained on the final day of New Zealands third Test against England in June, followed by a calf strain during a training session in late August. The Blackcaps coach Rob Walter said the decision was taken jointly with ORourke and the teams medical staff to allow the fast bowler sufficient time to recover and rebuild his bowling workload without risking further setbacks. Its obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India. He was set to feature in both the ODI and Test series, but following subsequent discussions, we all agreed it was best for him to take some more time to rehabilitate both injuries and safely build up his bowling loads. Our pace bowling resources will be critical over the next few months so were taking a conservative approach to Wills return to ensure hes fully fit before he takes the field again. Ideally hell be able to return for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield in late December, and in a perfect world hell be ready to go for the opening Test against Australia in Perth on December 9, Walter said. ORourkes absence is a setback for New Zealands pace attack ahead of a demanding international schedule, although the team management is keen to avoid rushing back a bowler who has already endured two significant injury interruptions. Since making his Test debut in 2024, ORourke has claimed 49 wickets in 14 matches at an average of just under 25. His performances during New Zealands 2-1 Test series victory in England in June underlined his value, with the right-arm pacer taking 10 wickets before his hamstring injury ruled him out of further action. His immediate rehabilitation will determine whether he can return to domestic cricket for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield later in December, ahead of the first Test against Australia in Perth on December 9. New Zealands preparations for Indias visit have already been affected by other fitness concerns. Batsman Mark Chapman and all-rounder Zak Foulkes were ruled out of the T20 squad on Saturday, with Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner named as their replacements. The India tour will begin with five T20 Internationals on October 22, followed by five one-day internationals and two Test matches. New Zealand are scheduled to announce their squad for the ODI series on Sunday. New Zealands preparations for Indias visit have already been affected by other fitness concerns. Batsman Mark Chapman and all-rounder Zak Foulkes were ruled out of the T20 squad on Saturday, with Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner named as their replacements. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Shai Hope was at the forefront of another historic West Indies win, as he smashed a 102 off 45 balls to take his team to victory over India in the second T20I in Ranchi on Friday.
Raipur to Host India-Zimbabwe Women's T20I Series
Raipur is set to host all three matches of the India-Zimbabwe women's T20I series from October 16 to 20 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, with ticket sales opening on October 12.
New Zealand Suffer Major Injury Blow Ahead Of Series vs India, Star Pacer Ruled Out
Injured strike bowler Will O'Rourke has been ruled out of the home series against India and will target a return to face Australia, New Zealand Cricket announced on Saturday.
Chennai Super Kings part ways with batting coach Mike Hussey as part of a major coaching restructure
In a major development, IPL (Indian Premier League) franchise Chennai Super Kings came forward and announced that they will be parting ways with former Australia cricketer and batting coach Mike Hussey. The side decided on...
IND vs WI T20Is | Keep it simple, keep it fast: Speedster Mayank lets it rip
Mayank Yadav turned out to be a fast learner. He quickly understood he should be quick, and quick he was come the second T20I.
Arjun Tendulkar Omitted From Goa Ranji Squad
The Goa Cricket Association has named its 16-member squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy campaign, with Abhinav Tejrana appointed captain and notable exclusion of Arjun Tendulkar, who had scored a century on his debut for Goa in 2022.
Gambhir Has a Clear Message for India After WI Chase 250
India head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged Roston Chase's disciplined bowling spell as a 'game-changing' factor in the second T20I, but stressed the need for India to improve their ability to defend large totals after West Indies successfully chased down 250.
