Australia Name Harper, Maddinson As Cover For Injured Inglis Ahead Of South Africa Tests
ICC World Test Championship: Australia have added wicketkeeper-batter Sam Harper and left-handed batter Nic Maddinson to their squad for the opening Test against South Africa in Durban, with the duo brought in as cover after Josh Inglis was ruled out with a fractured right index finger. Inglis suffered the injury ahead of the three-match series and will miss the first Test, while his availability for the second match in Gqeberha will be determined based on his recovery. Harper earned his call-up after making an impressive contribution for Australia A in the recent series against India A in Puducherry. The wicketkeeper-batter struck a 128-run century, strengthening his case for a place in the senior squad. Maddinson, meanwhile, could make his return to Test cricket almost a decade after his last appearance in the format. The 33-year-old last played a Test for Australia in 2016 and has since endured a challenging period that included treatment for testicular cancer. His inclusion gives Australia additional batting depth ahead of the series, while also marking a potential return to the longest format after a lengthy absence. Australia have another fitness concern surrounding all-rounder Cameron Green, whose participation in the Durban Test remains uncertain. Green sustained a lower abdominal strain while batting during the final ODI against South Africa. His condition will be monitored over the next week before a decision is taken on his availability for the series opener. The Test series is scheduled to begin on October 9 in Durban, with the second Test to be played in Gqeberha from October 18 and the third in Johannesburg from October 27. The three-match series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Australia currently sit at the top of the standings, while defending champions South Africa occupy second place. The Test series is scheduled to begin on October 9 in Durban, with the second Test to be played in Gqeberha from October 18 and the third in Johannesburg from October 27. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Klinger: Wyatt-Hodge release driven by GG's overseas combination, England commitments
GG head coach also said it was a
Irani Cup: Pacers call the shots on the opening day
Sunil and Nasir claims three apiece to bowl out Rest of India for 237; Choudhary and Akash strike to reduce J&K to 21 for two
Niki, Vaishnavi Power India A To 281-run Win Over Australia A In Womens Unofficial Test
IS Bindra Stadium: Left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma and batting all-rounder Niki Prasad delivered stellar performances as India A registered a resounding 281-run victory over Australia A on Day Three of the unofficial Test match at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Thursday. Chasing an improbable target of 446, Australia A were bundled out for 164 in 76 overs late in the final session. Player of the Match Niki was the star with the ball in the second innings, picking up 5-50. Her five-wicket haul complemented her first-innings contributions, where she scored a brilliant 91 and took 2-27, and finished with match figures of 7-77. Vaishnavi backed up her six-wicket effort in the first innings with figures of 3-58 in the second innings and ended with a dominant match-haul of 9-110. Resuming their second innings at 134/2 and an overall lead of 322 runs, India A suffered an early collapse. Lilly Mills struck in quick succession by dismissing Tejal Hasabnis for a four-ball duck, followed by taking out Yastika Bhatia (46) and Tanisha Singh on consecutive deliveries. When Frankie Nicklin removed Niki, India A found themselves tottering at 156/6. But Anushka Sharma anchored the lower order with a vital 48, while Vaishnavi played a quickfire cameo of 24 off 14 balls to stretch India A's total to 257. Australia A made a solid start to their steep run-chase, with skipper Rachel Trenaman and Tahlia Wilson putting together a 51-run opening stand. But Tahlias run-out for 28 triggered a dramatic batting collapse. The visitors lost five wickets for just five runs in a span of 43 balls, thus slipping to 56/5. Courtney Webb, Charli Knott, and Anika Learoyd were all dismissed for ducks, while Rachel fell for 26. Niki then broke through the middle order and took out Sianna Ginger and Milly Illingworth to leave Australia A reeling at 80/8. Tess Flintoff (58) and Lily offered spirited resistance by adding 74 runs for the ninth wicket to delay the inevitable. But broke the partnership by dismissing Lily before Prasad sealed the victory by taking out Tess to complete her five-wicket haul. Brief scores: Tess Flintoff (58) and Lily offered spirited resistance by adding 74 runs for the ninth wicket to delay the inevitable. But broke the partnership by dismissing Lily before Prasad sealed the victory by taking out Tess to complete her five-wicket haul. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Ranji Trophy: Karnataka Get Rahul, Prasidh Boost
India internationals KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna have been named in Karnataka's squad for their Ranji Trophy season opener against Andhra. Rahul is expected to play to prepare for the New Zealand Test tour, while Prasidh's participation is uncertain due to injury. The squad, led by Ravichandran Smaran, also sees a new coaching staff and a new sponsorship deal for Karnataka teams.
ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 Schedule Announcement LIVE: Focus On India vs Pakistan Clash
ICC ODI World Cup 2027 Schedule Announcement LIVE Updates: 14 teams will take part in the tournament, which will have three rounds before the semi-finals and final.
SA20 Season 5: Du Plessis, Van Der Dussen, Mulder Headline Player Auctions Shortlist
Joburg Super Kings: 95 South African cricketers and 61 overseas stars are set to go under the hammer at the October 7 auction for 19 remaining slots ahead of the milestone in Season 5 of the SA20, South Africa's franchise-based domestic T20 competition. A total of 789 players had registered for the auction, which has now grown into one of the most anticipated events on the South African sporting calendar, before the list was trimmed down to 156 players. It will be a smaller auction compared to last year, with most of the teams having retained their core group from the previous edition. Durbans Super Giants and Paarl Royals have already completed their 19-player squads and will not be taking part in the auction. A maximum of $2.11 million will be spent, with Joburg Super Kings and MI Cape Town having to fill six slots each. Former JSK skipper Faf du Plessis, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, pacer Nandre Burger and veteran top-order batter Rassie van der Dussen will be among some of the biggest South African names on whom the four teams will have their eyes. Du Plessiss appetite for the franchise circuit remains strong, with the veteran recently topping the run-scoring charts in Europe. The two U23 spots are expected to be hotly contested. After fetching the joint-highest bid in the Season 2 auction, fast bowler Matthew Boast features strongly in this category, along with former SA U19 captain Jason Rowles. The first four auctions have produced fairytale stories, from Tristan Stubbs $554,693 deal at the inaugural auction to Dewald Brevis record-breaking $994,834 deal last season. Beyond the headline deals, several local cricketers have become millionaires overnight, with most being given the chance to showcase their talent to a global audience in front of packed stadiums, often leading to more opportunities on the global circuit. Among the overseas players, Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult, Shimron Hetmyer, Shamar Joseph, Mohammad Nabi, AM Ghazanfar, Jordan Cox, Aneurin Donald, Rehan Ahmed and Richard Gleeson are some of the biggest and most highly anticipated names in the auction. Beyond the headline deals, several local cricketers have become millionaires overnight, with most being given the chance to showcase their talent to a global audience in front of packed stadiums, often leading to more opportunities on the global circuit. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Manifesting To Feature In 2027 ODI WC By Staying In Present And Keeping Fit: Rohit Sharma
Cricket World Cup: Outlining his long-term ambition to feature in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, senior India opener Rohit Sharma says his strategy revolves around staying strictly in the present, keeping fit, and performing consistently in every immediate assignment rather than looking too far ahead. Rohit made a vintage 101 at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, as India chased down a massive 406 against the West Indies. He also shared an opening stand of 255 runs with captain Shubman Gill, who hit an unbeaten 223. Another superb performance from Rohit Sharma will be expected when the third ODI takes place in New Chandigarh on Saturday. What I want to manifest is that I keep myself capable enough until 2027, so I keep myself fit, keep working hard, and keep performing well in every tournament that comes up. This is what I need to think about, and this is what I need to do. So, I think my immediate goal is that whatever is in front of me right now, I do that properly, Rohit told JioStar in an interaction. Because thinking about next October right now is not going to help me play my game. What will help me is to stay in the present, keep ticking every box that comes my way, and then keep moving forward. In life, I've progressed step by step like this, so right now I have to do the same. So basically, what I mean is that I don't need to change anything. The way my journey has been so far, I want to keep driving it the same way. Keep working hard on my batting, keep working hard on my fitness, help the boys in the team, give input wherever it's needed, that's all, he added. Assessing Gill's transition into the captaincy role over the past year, Rohit urged critics to give the youngster time while praising his clarity of thought on the field. Shubman Gill has a great cricketing brain, no doubt about that. He has been captaining for about a year now, so it is unfair to judge him as a captain so early. But from what I have seen, he has been impressive. He is very clear about what he wants. That is the most important thing a captain should have. If the captain is clear, the players around him will also be clear. That is what I see with Shubman. He knows what he wants and is moving in the right direction. Of course, any captain needs the support of the players and the staff around him. I am sure that in whatever way I can help him, I will do that, he added. Rohit stressed that taking a backseat from the leadership role does not mean stepping away from guiding the team, adding that his dynamic with Gill remains unchanged. Shubman is the captain, but that does not mean I stay away from him or talk less with him. Ever since he made his debut, we have been moving in the same direction. That is how it should be, and it should not change for any reason. He needs the confidence of the team, knowing that everyone is moving together. Our job is to support him and take the team forward, he added. Having experienced the high of lifting World Cups twice in his career -- as a 20-year-old in the 2007 T20 World Cup and as captain in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit stated that the feeling of winning a global trophy for India remains unmatched. It'll be great to win the upcoming ODI World Cup; that's all I'll say. I wouldn't think about full circle and all that now. Winning a World Cup for India is a special feeling. I have experienced that twice in the T20 format. In 2007, I was just a young kid of 20 years. Of course, it's a big tournament; you've won a World Cup in your first year, it's great. Then we won the Champions Trophy in 2013, and after that there was a long period, almost for 11 years, where we couldn't win an ICC title. So that's why, when we won the T20 World Cup in 2024, there was a realisation of how important it was. So that feeling is still inside to a great extent. So, I know what winning a World Cup feels like. So that's why I want that feeling back. The fun we had, you cant describe what that feeling is, because you can't match that. That's why winning that World Cup is very important to me, because I want to feel that feeling again, which we felt recently, he concluded. Then we won the Champions Trophy in 2013, and after that there was a long period, almost for 11 years, where we couldn't win an ICC title. So that's why, when we won the T20 World Cup in 2024, there was a realisation of how important it was. So that feeling is still inside to a great extent. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Irani Cup: Rishabh Pant Fails As Rest Of India Bowled Out For 237 By Jammu And Kashmir Bowlers
Rest of India were bowled out for a below-par 237 by a spirited Jammu and Kashmir attack which missed its spearhead Auqib Nabi on the opening day of the Irani Cup.
10 Off 36 Balls: Rishabh Pant Flops in Irani Cup
Rest of India were bowled out for 237 by a spirited Jammu and Kashmir attack on Day 1 of the Irani Cup. Skipper Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan failed to convert starts, while Shikhar Mohan and Ravichandran Smaran scored half-centuries. J and K ended the day at 21 for 2, losing two early wickets.
WPL 2027: Klinger Counts On Scouting And Camps To Navigate Auction Preparation
Renuka Singh Thakur: Gujarat Giants (GG) head coach Michael Klinger is placing his faith in intensive off-season camps and a broad scouting network to build squad depth in the 2027 Womens Premier League (WPL) mini-auction to be held in Kochi on October 28. Unlike previous editions in which the players' auction took place after the women's domestic season began, this year's WPL auction happens just two days after the start of the 2026/27 Indian womens domestic season on October 26. GG, who have made it to the Eliminator twice in the last two WPL seasons, retained 15 players and have to fill only three spots, one of which is for an overseas player, with a purse of Rs 1.25 crore. Obviously, last domestic season, we were following really closely. You see a lot of players in the WPL, and a few quality players have been released. We're currently having a camp now actually in Bengaluru with our local contracted players, and also some invited players to scout, not only for this auction, but potentially for the next couple of auctions over the next year or two as well, with a mega-auction coming in the following year, Klinger told IANS in a virtual interaction organised by the franchise on Thursday. So we've only got either two or three picks in terms of local players in the auction. We're pretty confident with what we've got in options in the starting eleven, so probably looking to build some depth in the squad and we have a luxury, I think, of having most skill sets covered, he said. With a majority of the core retained, GG are targeting specific backup roles, particularly in fast bowling and batting. So it's going to be areas, I think, that we can add depth - that could be fast bowling. It could be an extra spare batter, if we feel like that as well. So we're doing some scouting at the moment to work out what we're going to go with at the end of October, added Klinger. This is the off-season time in the WPL, and GG have been quick in getting camps up and running, as well as have a close eye on performances of domestic stars like Yastika Bhatia and Anushka Sharma, who are currently with the India A team. We keep tabs on all our players. We watch them really carefully in domestic cricket. This year probably is a little bit different because in previous years, the player auction has been sort of a month or even more after the start of the domestic season, he said. This year, it's only two days after. So we're probably not going to get, I suppose, the feedback from good performances from players in domestic cricket, both ours and also potential buyers in the auction. But we've held two camps just in the last six weeks. We held one about six weeks ago with all our local players and a few invited players that we're sort of looking to scout potentially for whether it's this auction or auctions in the future. I'm in Bengaluru as we speak, holding a camp now with all our retained players, plus a couple we released and who we invited to come to the camp to make sure that we keep an eye on them either potentially for this auction coming up or the mega auction next year, added Klinger. He also credited team management with investing heavily in year-round player monitoring. Our management have been fantastic in investing in these sorts of training camps to keep tabs on our own players. We've got our physios and strength and conditioning coaches here to see how they're all traveling physically as well. But also just to see what else is out there and keep an eye on it. We've got a great scouting program where we have people going to watch all the domestic competitions and that information getting fed back to me is extremely helpful coming into an auction. Klinger also provided an encouraging progress report on fast bowler Kashvee Gautam, who has been out of action since the T20I tour of South Africa due to a knee injury and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Her recovery is going well. She's at the CoE at the moment here in Bengaluru, so she's unable to train with us because obviously she's under the BCCIs guidance. But her return to play is likely to be sometime in October. She's actually been bowling multiple overs regularly. So I think its six plus overs at the moment per session. But I think India are trying to get her to build up her loads to be able to play 50-over cricket as well, and she's doing that at the moment. So its going well - she's batting well in the nets. I feel probably more middle to late October, when they give her the green light to play. I know there's an India A series versus an England A series at the end of this month (December), which she's targeting. So hopefully everything keeps going in the right way, and she's back for that, and that'll give her a good six weeks of competitive cricket before WPL. Then obviously, hopefully she can break into that Champions Trophy team with some good cricket coming into that as well, he revealed. Beyond the auction, the inclusion of a fully fit Yastika gives GG further tactical freedom to tweak their overseas combination. Bhatia was picked up by Gujarat in the previous auction despite being ruled out of the season due to left ACL surgery, and her return will bolster the top order. You've got Yastika now, who I thought was a really good buy for us in the last auction, even knowing she wasn't going to be available this year. That really strengthens our squad and our starting 11 this year. So it gives us options with our overseas players as well. We could go with the same four with multiple all-rounders, or we could go with an out-and-out fast bowler. Part of my role, I feel, as a franchise coach is two things: one is to win a trophy, and the second one is to help develop local players to play for their country. So we'll be doing everything we can during the WPL to help players like Yastika, Anushka (Sharma), and Renuka (Singh Thakur) as well... to get back into that Indian starting eleven. Addressing squad departures, Klinger explained that fast bowler Titas Sadhu, who was released after not playing WPL 2026 due to a hand injury, is in attendance at GG's off-season camp. There's no reason we may not look to get her back, but it will also give us a chance to look at some other options as well, he said. On releasing Danni Wyatt-Hodge due to schedule overlaps with national duties, Klinger added, I'm not sure if she's going to enter the auction or not, but she was quite keen to play that series for England around that same time as well. So probably for both parties, it was the best way to go. Reflecting on the broader evolution of domestic talent in WPL, Klinger highlighted noticeable athletic and physical improvements among Indian fast bowlers since coming on board, especially with GG having options in Kashvee, Happy Kumari, Jintimani Kalita, and Renuka Singh Thakur. I feel we've got some really good Indian bowlers within our ranks. Overall, domestically, I think that's probably the area in Indian cricket where they can keep building that depth. There's certainly been a big change from when I sort of started in this role a few years ago, where I feel that, seeing the fast bowling around the country, they're physically better. You look at them and watch them bowl, and in the field, they're physically fitter. They're more versatile, they can move better, they're more agile. So I think that's definitely been a difference that I've seen from when I first started, and that's only going to help them be able to maintain their pace and aggression for longer periods of time without injury. I feel we've got some really good Indian bowlers within our ranks. Overall, domestically, I think that's probably the area in Indian cricket where they can keep building that depth. There's certainly been a big change from when I sort of started in this role a few years ago, where I feel that, seeing the fast bowling around the country, they're physically better. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India A 28/1 At Stumps, Need 337 More Runs To Beat Australia A In Second Four-Day Match
Hosts are leading the two-match series 1-0. Opener Sam Konstas hit 40, Nathan McSweeney 36 and Jason Sangha remained unbeaten 44 as the visitors declared their second innings at 173 for four an hour before close to set India A an improbable target of 365.
Delhi Cricket Body Hosts MCC Laws Of Cricket Workshop
The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) hosted a special MCC Laws of Cricket Workshop in Delhi for the Association's umpires, ahead of the New Laws of Cricket taking effect from October 1, 2026
Rashid, Curran Return as England Reveal Pakistan Tri-Series Squad
England named a 16-man squad for the Pakistan tri-series, recalling Adil Rashid and Sam Curran, handing three players maiden ODI call-ups to the side led by Harry Brook.
ICC New Rules: What's Changed in Playing Conditions
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a series of changes to its Playing Conditions, effective from October 1, 2024, aimed at improving game pace, standardising ball specifications, and clarifying fielding rules. These updates include penalties for time-wasting batters, tighter ball tolerances for women's cricket, and a trial for pink balls in daytime Test matches.
Maddinson, Harper added to Australia's Test squad in South Africa
Cameron Green is in doubt for the opening Test after suffering an abdominal injury while Josh Inglis has been ruled out
This is not cricket, this is just batting: Head coach Gambhir critical of Guwahati track
Five centuries and a total of 800 plus runs in an ODI might be enthralling for the spectators but the uneven contest turns bowlers into bystanders, reckoned Gambhir.
Fast bowlers' day in Srinagar as J
Akash Deep and Mukesh Choudhary returned the favour leaving J
Pink ball for India-Australia Test in Guwahati? Here's why
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved the use of pink balls in day-time Test matches on a trial basis, aiming to mitigate the frequent loss of overs due to fading light in the final session. This decision, applicable to series starting from October 1, allows for mutual agreement between teams to use the pink ball for the entire duration of a Test.
Unofficial Test: Australia A Build Commanding Lead Against India A
Australia A has established a commanding 364-run lead over India A on the third day of their second four-day match in Puducherry. India A, chasing an improbable target of 365, finished the day at 28 for one, still needing 337 runs. Key contributions from Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, and Jason Sangha helped Australia A declare their second innings at 173 for four.
Gill combines beauty with responsibility in pursuit of greatness
The Indian captain appears to relish the challenge of being the set batter who carries the innings through; he seems to have discovered that the shortest distance between himself and greatness is simply to keep batting
Australia A strike after setting India A target of 365
The hosts lost Sai Sudharsan a few minutes before stumps on day three, still needing another 337 runs for victory
Batters face five-run penalty for time wasting in new ICC playing conditions
Women's cricket now has a distinctly-specified cricket ball size
CRICKET | Kotak raves about Gills hunger for big scores
Rizwan questions NCCIA over changing explanation for investigation
While the initial enquiry was about betting and gambling in Pakistan cricket, the NCCIA letter on Wednesday said he was being investigated under
ICC brings major changes to cricket rules across all formats
ICC unveils sweeping playing-condition changes across formats, including time-wasting penalties, ball standardisation, fielding clarity, and pink-ball Test pilot
India make changes to ODI, T20I squad for ongoing series vs West Indies
India pacer Prasidh Krishna has been ruled out of the third and final ODI against West Indies, slated to be played on October 3 in Mullanpur. BCCI has confirmed that the Karnataka pacer sustained a...
Faf du Plessis, Trent Boult and Kieron Pollard in SA20 mini-auction shortlist
A total of 156 players are up for grabs on October 7
India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir: India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir said that exposing fast bowlers Auqib Nabi and Gurnoor Brar to demanding, high-stakes match scenarios rather than making them play in low-intensity matches is vital for the team's long-term preparation ahead of the 2027 Mens ODI World Cup. In Guwahati, that plan didnt pan out in the desired manner as on a placid pitch, Gurnoor conceded 96 runs in his ten overs, while picking two wickets. Nabi, who got his ODI debut cap and replaced Nitish Kumar Reddy in the playing eleven, gave away 84 runs in 8.5 overs - the most by an India bowler on ODI debut, going past Karsan Ghavri conceding 83 against England at Lord's in 1975. It wasn't a dead rubber, not at all. We were 1-0 up in the series, but we gave Auqib an opportunity. We could have given him the opportunity in the next match too, when it's a dead rubber, but in a dead rubber, you don't have that pressure which comes with the pressure of winning a series, Gambhir said to JioStar. And we all know that the World Cup is all about pressure. Cricket isn't going to change much, bat and ball won't change, only the pressure will be different because the World Cup comes once in four years, the head coach added. Reflecting on Brar's struggles on a flat Guwahati pitch, Gambhir opined that his trial by fire is essential for the future of Indian cricket. For example, having Gurnoor bowl in the first 10 overs and then bowling at the death, I know people will talk about his analysis, but the more he bowls in tough conditions, in tough situations, the better it is for Indian cricket. Because you can have him bowl in the middle overs and get him to improve his analysis or stats and make him bowl defensively, but the more we expose them at such times, the better it is for Indian cricket, he added. Despite the series-clinching victory, thanks to Shubman Gills 223 not out and Rohit Sharmas 101, Gambhir called for a fairer contest between bat and ball. If I have to be absolutely honest, I feel there has to be a bit more contest between bat and ball. This is not cricket, this is only batting. Because imagine a young bowler bowling on this wicket, and the opposition getting 400 and then we go on to chase 400. Obviously, for the records, for the crowd, it's outstanding, but if you ask me as a genuine cricket fan and as a coach, because I have to have a sympathy for the bowlers as well. When you bowl on this kind of a wicket, it's not fair for the bowlers. So, we've got to give something to the bowlers so there's at least something which they can work with, he said. Elaborating on what needs to be done to restore balance, Gambhir highlighted how existing playing rules, such as five fielders inside the 30-yard circle and the use of two new balls, severely restrict a bowler's tactical options against modern-day batters. You need a bit of margin for the bowlers. Often, you can't be hard on bowlers, because sometimes bowling figures are such that they haven't bowled as poorly as their figures suggest. Because the margin is very small. Plus, with five fielders inside, two new balls, and the kind of power-hitting there is now, bowlers don't really have many options. That is why, as a coach, as a support staff, the first thing you look at is: were they able to execute their bowling or their plans properly? If they were able to do that, then you aren't that hard on them. If you get too hard just looking at their analysis, then we will never be able to develop bowlers. You need a bit of margin for the bowlers. Often, you can't be hard on bowlers, because sometimes bowling figures are such that they haven't bowled as poorly as their figures suggest. Because the margin is very small. Plus, with five fielders inside, two new balls, and the kind of power-hitting there is now, bowlers don't really have many options. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'I was not feeling so confident': Ishan on tricky surface
Ishan Kishan's unbeaten 80 off 46 balls against Sri Lanka in the Asian Games semi-final was a 'gem' on a difficult, cracked pitch, securing India's spot in the gold medal match against Pakistan.
Nitish Kumar Reddy: Fast bowler Anshul Kamboj has been called up to replace the injured Prasidh Krishna for the third and final ODI against the West Indies, set to take place in New Chandigarh on Saturday. Prasidh sustained a left hamstring injury during Indias second ODI match in Guwahati, which they won by eight wickets, and has subsequently been ruled out. Kamboj, who has been pulled out of the India A match against Australia A in Puducherry, will join the squad in Chandigarh ahead of the final ODI. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna sustained a left hamstring injury during the second ODI in Guwahati and has been ruled out of the third ODI. The Mens Selection Committee has named Anshul Kamboj as Prasidhs replacement. Kamboj will join the squad in Chandigarh, the BCCI said in an official statement on Thursday. Kamboj, who took 3-34 in 17.3 overs in the first innings, bowled just two overs in the second innings before departing Puducherry and was replaced by Praful Hinge in the playing eleven. Prasidh, who opened the bowling attack during India's eight-wicket victory in the second ODI at the ACA Stadium, walked off after sending down just five overs. After bowling a four-over opening spell, Prasidh bowled the 31st over before walking off the field and took no further part in the contest. His sudden exit forced the Indian team management to turn to part-time off-spin of Naman Dhir, who bowled 6.1 overs, though he himself briefly left the field earlier due to cramps. Kamboj is yet to play ODIs, but made his Test debut for India in the Manchester Test against England last year. Meanwhile, off-spin bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar, who is currently with the T20I team in the Asian Games in Japan, has been released from the T20I squad for the five-game series against the West Indies to feature in the Ranji Trophy for Tamil Nadu, to prepare for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. Batting all-rounder Naman Dhir, who made his ODI debut against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram, has been named as Washington's replacement in the T20I squad for the series starting on October 6. The decision has been taken in view of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. With the Ranji Trophy season commencing on October 11, Washington will get an opportunity to play red-ball cricket for his state team and prepare for the Test series, added the BCCI. Indias updated ODI Squad: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (vc & wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Naman Dhir, and Anshul Kamboj. The decision has been taken in view of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. With the Ranji Trophy season commencing on October 11, Washington will get an opportunity to play red-ball cricket for his state team and prepare for the Test series, added the BCCI. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Are We Killing Contest Between Ball and Bat?
There was a time when a score close to 380 was a sure shot victory for that team, and the captain would be preparing his victory speech while fielding, points out K R Nayar.
Indian tennis contingent to return without medal from Asiad for first time in 40 years
Prajnesh Gunneswaran and Ankita Raina were the last singles players to win medals at the Asian Games. Both stood on the podium with bronze in the 2018 Jakarta Games
Mason Crane Recalled After 8 Years As England Name 16-member ODI Squad For Pakistan Tri-series
But Jos Buttler: Leg-spinner Mason Crane earned a surprise international recall after eight years via being named in Englands squad for the upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan, which features Sri Lanka as the third side. Crane, 29, last played for England came the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney in January 2018. Crane, who also featured in two T20Is in 2017, replaces Rehan Ahmed in the squad following an impressive domestic summer with Glamorgan. England have also handed call-ups to uncapped duo of all-rounder James Coles and fast bowler Henry Crocombe. Senior leg-spinner Adil Rashid and all-rounder Sam Curran have returned after recovering from hand and groin injuries respectively. But Jos Buttler continues to sit out as he recovers from the hamstring injury sustained during the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, which England won by 2-1, while star fast bowler Jofra Archer has been rested to manage his summer workload. Middle-order batter Jacob Bethell remains sidelined following knee surgery, while pacer Brydon Carse, who was investigated by the Cricket Regulator over an incident outside a Derby nightclub, is still not included. The tri-series in Pakistan provides another valuable opportunity for our ODI squad to test themselves against quality opposition in different conditions. Adil Rashid and Sam Curran return to the squad following their respective injuries while Jofra Archer has been rested to manage his workload following a busy summer. Mason Crane has been performing consistently for Glamorgan across both formats during the summer. Hes an experienced, high-class leg-spinner who thoroughly deserves another opportunity at international level, said chief selector Marcus North in a statement on Thursday. The tri-series, which will be held across Rawalpindi and Lahore, begins on October 18 with Pakistan taking on Sri Lanka. England open their campaign against hosts Pakistan in Rawalpindi on October 20, with the final to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on October 31. Former England batter Kevin Pietersen will not be with the team in Pakistan, though he remains slated to restart his mentor duties for the winter matches against Australia and South Africa. Additionally, Marcus Trescothick has been given a break following his interim stint in the 3-0 Test sweep against Pakistan, with Mike Yardy to step in as batting coach after working with Englands development teams. Former England batter Kevin Pietersen will not be with the team in Pakistan, though he remains slated to restart his mentor duties for the winter matches against Australia and South Africa. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India To Be Confronted With Handshake Question With Pakistan Waiting In Asian Games Cricket Final
The Indian players have so far refused to shake hands with their Pakistan counterparts in the Asia Cup and ICC events since Operation Sindoor.
Naseem Shah, Dasun Shanaka Among Stars Picked At 2026 Abu Dhabi T10 Player Draft
The 2026 Abu Dhabi T10 Player Draft saw a host of international stars find new homes ahead of the upcoming season
Are you a fan of the man or not? The post The return of Steve Smith why SA fans should ditch the sandpaper references appeared first on Cricket365 .
Ishan Kishan's Unbeaten 80 On Tough Pitch Sends India To Asian Games Final, Pakistan Await
Ishan Kishan's calculated 46-ball 80 on a difficult track laid the foundation as defending champions India hammered Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the Asian Games men's cricket semifinal here on Thursday to set up a gold-medal clash with arch-rivals Pakistan.
Kamboj replaces injured Prasidh for final India vs West Indies ODI
Prasidh Krishna picked up a hamstring strain during the second ODI against West Indies and could be a doubt for the first round of the Ranji Trophy too
Asian Games: Playing For India, Especially For A Medal, Hits Different, Says Ishan Kishan
Korogi Sports Park: Dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan admitted that representing the country at the Asian Games brings a unique kind of pressure that is different from playing regular international fixtures, adding that the quest of clinching a medal creates a distinct, heart-felt emotion in the entire squad. At the Korogi Sports Park, Kishan hit a magnificent 80 that propelled India to post 169 and clinch a convincing victory by bundling out Sri Lanka for just 45 in the semi-finals. To be very honest, I was thinking about this and it does make a difference in your heart, at least, when you're playing for India, especially when it's about the medal. It's not just a thing where you're related to the BCCI - it's always about India here. There are so many flags going around and so many people cheering for you. So you get that feeling inside, though you don't show it. But I think you get that feeling like this is a different kind of thing, even if we have a very good side and we have those bowlers and batters. But still, I feel there's a bit of more pressure here, to be very honest, Kishan said in the post-match press conference. Navigating a pitch laden with visible cracks, Kishan highlighted the importance of a set batter staying through the innings to post a winning total, especially given India's formidable spin attack. I think it was very important for us to get to that total. First, you target, when you go in, you do know how much total is needed on this kind of wicket, especially having those spinners in your side, you need to at least get 150 odd runs on this pitch to just be on the safer side. So the goal was simple, just to reach anyhow to 150 and I was just playing those shots which were needed at that point of time, he added. Detailing the team's tactical approach on a surface that tested even established batters, Kishan added, I think it's very tricky, to be very honest. I was not feeling so confident in the middle, but like our team, we had a team meeting and we had a plan. Any one batsman who is set in the middle is supposed to be there and play till all the 20 overs because that is the best way he can score big runs and help the team get to a certain total because I felt someone coming in and suddenly, if you ask him to just go for big shots or you ask him to get those runs going, it's very difficult for him to get those things. But at the same time, like we discussed, one batter in the middle, if he is set, just try and score big runs. Asked whether the unpredictable nature of such tracks makes a high-stakes final feel like a lottery, Kishan dismissed the notion. No, it actually doesn't. Cricket is all about, you get out in one good ball and it just changes the whole scenario of the game. So you have to be very aware of the situation, what the pitch is going to do, what you are planning to do, what the team requires. So especially on these wickets, I feel it's more about your team goals other than your individual goals. So we just focus on those little things. With India setting up a gold medal clash against Pakistan, to be played on Saturday, Kishan insisted the squad is focused on keeping things simple rather than getting weighed down by the occasion. I think just keeping it simple, as you don't think so much. We played today; we know the conditions are not going to be so easy, especially when they are also a spinner-friendly team. At the same time, you know, you just don't think like what's going to happen after two days. You just keep calm, you play your shots, you are in the moment and just enjoy those crunch moments, he said. Off the field, Kishan expressed deep appreciation for the warm hospitality in Japan and the seamless support from local organizers and volunteers despite language barriers. I think it's been lovely. Everyone has been so sweet. They've been very helpful, especially going around here and there, though there's a language barrier. But I've seen all the locals here trying to help us get to wherever we want to go, trying to be like on their toes and help us with whatever we need in the match during the game as well. If I speak, they were all there, whatever we needed; they were on their toes doing everything for us and even for those little things you can't like talk about. But you feel very good when you see people helping you out here, especially when you are in some other company and country. Sometimes it's not their job as well, but still they're trying to help us. So that's a very big thing for us. Japan is lovely. I think I just decided I'll come here with my family once I get married. Acknowledging the vocal Indian diaspora that continues to turn up in large numbers across venues, Kishan expressed gratitude for their unwavering support. No, I think the support which we get, the best thing is that wherever we go in this world, I think Indian supporters are always there and we always have that extra bit of backing from the supporters. So we are always starting the game with a little bit of an upper hand. But at the same time, all I can say is I'm very thankful to each and every one coming from far away, coming here to support us. Even if we're losing, even if we are winning, it doesn't matter to them. Acknowledging the vocal Indian diaspora that continues to turn up in large numbers across venues, Kishan expressed gratitude for their unwavering support. No, I think the support which we get, the best thing is that wherever we go in this world, I think Indian supporters are always there and we always have that extra bit of backing from the supporters. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Baker gears up for reverse after summer in fast-forward
England rest Archer, include Mason Crane in 16-player white-ball squad for Pakistan tour
Five hundreds, including a double century, more than 800 runs and a slew of batting records broken in the India-West Indies second ODI fuelled criticism of the nature of surfaces in the country, but India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak felt there was o perfect pitch in cricket.
Naseem, Noor, Shanaka Among Draft Picks For Abu Dhabi T10 League 2026
Abu Dhabi T10 Player Draft: Several international stars were picked in the Abu Dhabi T10 League player draft on Wednesday as teams completed their squads ahead of the upcoming season, which gets underway from November 7. Naseem Shah (Royal Desert Champions), Noor Ahmad (Emirates Eagles), Muhammad Amir (UAE Bulls), Alzarri Joseph (Arabian Aces), Dasun Shanaka (Yas Lions), Shadab Khan (UAE Bulls), Kusal Perera (Emirates Eagles) and Chris Jordan (Royal Desert Champions), among others, headlined the draft. Several leading UAE players also joined the squads, with the likes of Alishan Sharafu (Arabian Aces), Aayan Afzal Khan (Royal Desert Champions), Muhammad Waseem (Royal Desert Champions), Haider Razzaq (Emirates Eagles), Muhammad Rohid (UAE Bulls), Ansh Tandon (Yas Lions) and Luqman Faisal (Emirates Eagles) set to be in action in the upcoming season. UAE have more local player presence with the likes of Awais Ali Shah (United Tigers), Dhruv Parashar (Royal Desert Champions), Harshit Kaushik (Emirates Eagles), Wali Muhammad (UAE Bulls), Adithya Shetty (United Tigers), Haider Ali (Yas Lions) and Vriitya Arvind (Arabian Aces) also selected. Former Indian cricketer KS Bharat will also be in action for Emirates Eagles, with Alex Hales, Hassan Nawaz, Kusal Perera, David Wiese and Chris Green also part of the squad. Noor Ahmad, Rehan Ahmed and Ali Raza further strengthen the bowling department, complementing pre-draft signings Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer and Trent Boult. The Royal Desert Champions have strong players like Naseem Shah, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera and Chris Jordan. Muhammad Waseem, Brandon King and Jayanth Liyanage give the batting strength, while Gulbadin Naib and Keemo Paul provide all-round ability. The side already had Nicholas Pooran, Phil Salt and Sherfane Rutherford on board as pre-draft signings. The UAE Bulls have been bolstered by power-hitting options through Andre Fletcher, Aneurin Donald, Khwaja Nafay, Max Bryan and Azam Khan, with Shadab Khan and Khushdil Shah offering all-round depth. The pace attack has the likes of Muhammad Amir and Nuwan Thushara, while the franchise had already secured Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine and Romario Shepherd before the Draft. Azmatullah Omarzai, Odean Smith and Mahedi Hasan have joined The United Tigers, with Abbas Afridi and Sufyan Moqim also present. The Tigers pre-draft haul comprised the Pakistani trio of Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf. The Yas Lions have plenty of experience with James Vince, Dasun Shanaka, Tom Moores and Akeal Hosein among their notable selections. Eshan Malinga and Obed McCoy build their bowling strength, while the Lions had already secured Jason Holder, David Willey and Andries Gous before the Draft. Netherlands Aryan Dutt also joins the squad as their Associate Member selection. Arabian Aces: Moeen Ali*, Andre Russell*, Liam Livingstone*, Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Arfan, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Richard Gleeson, Sam Billings, Paul Walter, Alzarri Joseph, Imran Tahir, Salman Irshad, Quentin Sampson, Dwaine Pretorius, Vriitya Arvind, Ibrahim Masood, Amshi De Silva, Dunith Wellalage Emirates Eagles: Rovman Powell*, Shimron Hetmyer*, Trent Boult*, Haider Razzaq, Luqman Faisal, David Wiese, Noor Ahmad, Alex Hales, KS Bharat, Akif Javed, Hassan Nawaz, Rehan Ahmed, Ali Raza, Chris Green, Harshit Kaushik, Hilal Afghan, Toby Albert, Kusal Perera Royal Desert Champions: Nicholas Pooran*, Phil Salt*, Sherfane Rutherford*, Ali Naseer, Aayan Afzal Khan, Muhammad Waseem, Naseem Shah, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Luke Wood, Gulbadin Naib, Brandon King, Janith Liyanage, Keemo Paul, Dhruv Parashar, Raizal Nadir, Tajinder Singh Dhillon, Chris Jordan UAE Bulls: Kieron Pollard*, Sunil Narine*, Romario Shepherd*, Muhammad Rohid, Tahir Zaman, Aneurin Donald, Muhammad Amir, Andre Fletcher, Khwaja Nafay, Nuwan Thushara, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Max Bryant, Azam Khan, Wali Muhammad, Uddish Suri, Bradley Currie, Shadab Khan United Tigers: Fakhar Zaman*, Iftikhar Ahmed*, Faheem Ashraf*, Zeeshan Naseer, Awais Ali Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sufyan Moqim, Abbas Afridi, Odean Smith, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Habibur Rahman Sohan, Noor ul Rahman, Shamim Hossain, Adithya Shetty, Noor Ullah Ayubi, Paul van Meekeren, Yasin Patel Yas Lions: Jason Holder*, David Willey*, Andries Gous*, Ajay Kumar, Ansh Tandon, James Vince, Dasun Shanaka, Eshan Malinga, Karim Janat, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Tom Moores, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Obed McCoy, Kamil Pooran, Haider Ali, Masood Gurbaz, Aryan Dutt, Akeal Hosein United Tigers: Fakhar Zaman*, Iftikhar Ahmed*, Faheem Ashraf*, Zeeshan Naseer, Awais Ali Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sufyan Moqim, Abbas Afridi, Odean Smith, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Habibur Rahman Sohan, Noor ul Rahman, Shamim Hossain, Adithya Shetty, Noor Ullah Ayubi, Paul van Meekeren, Yasin Patel Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
There Was Not A Lot For The Bowlers, Wish It Was Equally Balanced, Says Kotak On Guwahati Pitch
ODI World Cup: Expressing disappointment over the stark imbalance between bat and ball during Indias record-breaking run chase of 406 against the West Indies, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak admitted that the pitch at the ACA Stadium practically offered no assistance to the bowling unit. India chased down a massive 406 with 39 balls to spare in the second ODI on Wednesday, in a match that saw five centuries, including a double century from skipper Shubman Gill, and 811 runs being scored in all. There was not a lot for the bowlers. We wish that it is equally balanced. Maybe on a 300 runs wicket, other team had to fight hard to get that 300, 320 (is ideal). The outfield was quick and 20, 30, 40 runs go from there. Particularly in this game, yes, you do feel for the bowlers, said Kotak at the conclusion of the game. He reckoned India could have avoided conceding 400-plus runs to the West Indies, though he refrained from blaming the pitch curators directly. See, we keep talking about pitches. But, let me tell you, I don't think anyone can make a perfect pitch in the world. No one can make a wicket and say that it will have only 250 or 300 runs. It is possible that the curator tries to make a match with 250 or 300 runs and the wicket spins or seams more and the team gets out for 150 runs. So, he will get criticism in that too. Sometimes I also wonder that, say in the 1983 World Cup, 180 runs in 60 overs were lot. Today, it looks like 400 is also not enough. So, whether it is only the wicket to blame or standard of batting is going high, the way guys are batting, it's debatable, he added. His thoughts were echoed by West Indies bowling coach Ravi Rampaul, who pointed out that such pitches leave little margin for error. Flat pitches are everywhere now. This is flatter, more for batting, because it allows nothing for the spinners, nothing for the fast bowlers. Obviously whoever scores more runs wins the game, and its tough for bowlers coming into these conditions and coming out without any set of wickets. With India scheduled to tour New Zealand shortly before hosting Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in home ODIs, questions were raised on whether playing on such batting paradises could lead to a false sense of security ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Kotak, though, expressed complete confidence in the batting group's capability to adapt to tougher surfaces. About preparation, I would say we will be playing five games in New Zealand. I have been to South Africa. Some wickets will be similar to our conditions. They also want to play on decent wickets because if you give uneven wickets in white-ball cricket, and if it is a low scoring one-day game, nobody wants that. So, wickets may not be like 350, 400. It could be 300, 300+. But it depends. So, we should be preparing for whichever conditions are present. While talking to the broadcasters, India head coach Gautam Gambhir was also critical of the pitch on offer for the second ODI. Look, if I have to be absolutely honest, I feel I think there has to be a bit of more contest between bat and ball, because I think you talk about cricket but this is not cricket, this is only batting. Because imagine a young bowler bowling on this wicket, and the opposition getting 400 and then we go on to chase 400. Obviously, for the records its outstanding, for the crowd its outstanding, and for the broadcaster its outstanding. While talking to the broadcasters, India head coach Gautam Gambhir was also critical of the pitch on offer for the second ODI. Look, if I have to be absolutely honest, I feel I think there has to be a bit of more contest between bat and ball, because I think you talk about cricket but this is not cricket, this is only batting. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Stinker: South Africa Great's Blunt Verdict On Rohit Sharma's New Celebration In 2nd ODI vs WI
Rohit Sharma slammed a 72-ball hundred and did a unique celebration, but former South Africa cricketer Herschelle Gibbs was not impressed.
'Nothing like these colours': Kishan has a record in sight
Ishan Kishan's unbeaten 80 off 46 balls guided India to a 124-run victory over Sri Lanka in the Asian Games men's cricket semi-final, securing their place in the final against Pakistan. His exceptional performance also saw him surpass Virat Kohli's T20I record for fifty-plus scores in a calendar year and move closer to Suryakumar Yadav's record for most T20I runs in a year.
Prasidh To Miss Third ODI Against WI Due To Hamstring Injury, Kamboj Likely Replacement
Nitish Kumar Reddy: It is understood that India pacer Anshul Kamboj, who has been pulled out of the ongoing red-ball game between India A and Australia A is likely to be named as his replacement in the squad. In the ongoing days play in Puducherry, Kamboj was replaced by fast bowler Praful Hinge in the playing eleven. It is understood that India pacer Anshul Kamboj, who has been pulled out of the ongoing red-ball game between India A and Australia A is likely to be named as his replacement in the squad. In the ongoing days play in Puducherry, Kamboj was replaced by fast bowler Praful Hinge in the playing eleven. Prasidh is definitely not playing the third ODI due to the hamstring injury he has picked. He will now report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for further scans, and his recovery timeline will be drawn based on that. For now, Kamboj is likely to be his replacement, said a source familiar with the development to IANS on Thursday. Kamboj, who took 3-34 in 17.3 overs in the first innings, bowled just two overs in the second essay before departing Puducherry. Prasidh, who opened the bowling attack during India's eight-wicket victory in the second ODI at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday, walked off after sending down just five overs. After bowling a four-over opening spell, Prasidh bowled the 31st over before walking off the field and took no further part in the contest. His sudden exit forced the Indian team management to turn to part-time off-spin of Naman Dhir, who bowled 6.1 overs, though he himself briefly left the field earlier due to cramps. Both India and the West Indies are scheduled to reach Chandigarh on Thursday evening. Prasidh, however, will head directly to Bengaluru to report at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) for detailed scans and rehabilitation. While Prasidh is not included in the upcoming five-match T20I series against the West Indies starting on October 6 in Lucknow, him picking a hamstring injury remains a key concern considering Indias multi-format tour of New Zealand features five ODIs and two Tests. Both India and the West Indies are scheduled to reach Chandigarh on Thursday evening. Prasidh, however, will head directly to Bengaluru to report at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) for detailed scans and rehabilitation. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Ishan Kishan breaks Kohli record, closes in on Suryakumar
Ishan Kishan smashed an unbeaten 80 against Sri Lanka to overtake Virat Kohli's T20I record for fifty-plus scores in a calendar year and move within 80 runs of Suryakumar Yadav's India record.
India enter Asian Games final after Kishan and Bumrah ride roughshod over Sri Lanka
The result sets up the first India vs Pakistan final this year, with the Asian Games gold medal at stake
Prasidh Krishna Suffers Niggle As India Lose Key Pacer Ahead Of ODI Finale
India pacer Prasidh Krishna has been ruled out of the third and final ODI of the West Indies series after sustaining a niggle during the second match, according to a BCCI source.
Asian Games: Axar's message to teammates before Pakistan final
We have to perform in both batting and bowling, Axar Patel says ahead of India's Asian Games 2026 cricket final against Pakistan on Saturday.
Asian Games: Litton Das rues lack of game time after loss against Pakistan in SF
Digital Desk | Nisshin, Oct 1 (IANS) Bangladesh captain Litton Das rued the lack of preparation and game time in the Asian Games stood as a major reason for their loss to Pakistan in the cricket semifinal at the Karogi Sports Park here in Nisshin on Thursday. Bangladesh batters struggled big time in tricky conditions and managed to put up only 111/7 in the shortened 13-over per-side contest, which was curtailed due to a slushy outfield. Pakistan went on to chase the target with six wickets in hand and nine balls to spare. None of the four seeded quarterfinalists got any game time due to rains in Nisshin, as Litton called out the lack of preparations for the event. No, it was never ideal, Litton told reporters on the preparation after the Pakistan loss. We had been sitting in our rooms for several days and then lost the toss, so there was not much we could do. The wicket was also difficult to read. It would have been better if we had played well, but it is never easy to sit around for so long and then come out and play an extraordinary innings. Credit goes to Hridoy for bringing us back from that position. The partnership between Mosaddek and Hridoy was also very good, he added. Bangladesh were scheduled to face Malaysia in the fourth quarterfinal; however, the clash was washed out, and the Bangla Tigers made it to the semis on virtue of being the higher-ranked side. Litton highlighted the alien conditions they encountered in the semifinal, as their batters could not gauge the conditions. It is natural that when you have been indoors for so long and then finally get to play on a wicket, you need some time to understand the conditions. We had no such reference point because we had not played a game in the last few days and did not get the opportunity to practise on the wicket either, he said. So, we started the first few overs without really knowing what to expect. Gradually, the batters got a better understanding of the conditions, he said, adding that losing the chance of not winning the gold is disappointing for them, he said. Obviously, when we left the country, we said we wanted to play in the final. We could not make it there. We obviously wanted to win gold, and that was what we were trying to achieve. We will keep trying. Another Bangladesh team will come in the future, and they will try as well. But when certain things are lacking, a lot of factors go beyond your control. We obviously gave it our best, and those who come after us will continue trying to achieve it, he added. The skipper also backed Mustafizur Rahman, who had an off-day and gave away 41 runs in two overs with a wicket of Saim Ayub. I think if we had bowled a little better in the middle overs and conceded fewer sixes, we would have had a better chance, he said. There were several options (apart from Mustafizur). If Mustafizur had taken three wickets today, you would not have asked me this question. He has been doing it for us for so long. I felt Mustafizur was the best option, so I went with him. If you feel at any point that another option is better, then you can go with that, Litton added.
India Create History, Become First Team To Achieve Unique ODI Landmark
The Shubman Gill-led Team India shattered a huge record during their historic chase against West Indies in the second ODI in Guwahati on Wednesday.
Head Coach Lance Klusener Confident Of Arabian Aces Squad In 'explosive' Abu Dhabi T10 League
The Abu Dhabi T10: Arabian Aces head coach Lance Klusener is confident of his Arabian Aces squad for their debut in the Abu Dhabi T10 league and feels the format is an 'explosive' one which would test the players. The Abu Dhabi T10 will be held from November 7 to November 20th, with six teams gearing up to put their best foot forward following the Wednesday draft. Arabian Aces have added some firepower to their squad with the likes of Sam Billings, Imran Tahir and Richard Gleeson amongst other notable picks. Moeen Ali, Andre Russell and Liam Livingstone were already pre-signed by the franchise. The plan was always to go with a squad that could do their job both up top and pull off games for us with the ball if it comes down to that. T10 is an explosive format and is nothing like any of these players have played before barring here. You need innovation and serious problem-solving skills, and Im confident that the squad is full of boys who will put their hand up and make it happen for Arabian Aces. Its the perfect formula to excel in a T10 format, and we cant wait to get started, said Lance Kluesner, Head Coach, Arabian Aces. Owners Pankaj Jain and Neeraj Jain reflected on their ambition to field a team in the Abu Dhabi league. Arabian Aces represents an exciting new chapter for us, and we are delighted to be joining the Abu Dhabi T10 at such an important point in the tournament's evolution. Our ambition is to create a professionally managed franchise with a strong identity and a culture built around performance, ambition and teamwork. We definitely leave the draft quite content with our picks. Lance is no stranger to excellence, and we are happy to let him do what he does best with the Arabian Aces, said Pankaj Jain and Neeraj Jain, Owners, Arabian Aces. The franchise chief operating officer, Shoeb Ahmed, was also satisfied with the squad assembled. Happy with the squad that we have assembled today. We have some really serious talent that will take the league by storm and some really promising names that are tomorrows superstars. This is a unique opportunity for the young boys to play along with and learn from the likes of Moeen Ali, Andre Russell and Liam Livingstone, said COO Shoeb. We definitely leave the draft quite content with our picks. Lance is no stranger to excellence, and we are happy to let him do what he does best with the Arabian Aces, said Pankaj Jain and Neeraj Jain, Owners, Arabian Aces. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Asian Games: India Beat Sri Lanka By 124 Runs To Enter Mens Cricket Final
Karogi Sports Park: Defending champions India thrashed Sri Lanka in the mens cricket semi-final of the Asian Games here at the Karogi Sports Park on Thursday and cruised smoothly into the final, where a high-profile clash against Pakistan awaits. Defending a 170-run target against the Islanders, Indias pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah ran through the oppositions top-order to start off the second innings with a double-wicket over as opener Sineth Jayawardena and keeper-batter Sohan de Livera were dismissed for a duck. In the next over, Ravi Bishnois sharp throw helped India claim a third wicket after opening batter Lasith Croospulle was run out as the Sahan Arachchige-led side slipped to 2-3 in just seven deliveries. What followed next was complete dominance from the Indian bowlers as Axar Patel returned with two wickets in the fourth over, further reducing Sri Lanka to 18/5 at the end of that over. With Axar and Sanju Samson then inflicting Nuwanidu Fernandos run-out and Washington Sundar dismissing Wanuja Sahan, trouble loomed over the Lankans as their batting unit came tumbling down. As the win looked easily achievable, skipper Iyer handed the ball to Abhishek Sharma to bring a bowling change, and the move worked tremendously in Indias favour as the left-arm orthodox spinner scalped two in two, sending Chamika Karunaratne and Binura Fernando back to the pavilion on the very next ball after Chamika Karunaratne was run out. With the 10th over, seeing three wickets falling, India closed out the Sri Lankan innings in just 9.5 overs, bowling the side out for mere 45 runs. Except Nuwanidu Fernando, no other batter could manage to score in double figures as the batting unit fell like dominoes. Earlier, India, after being put to bat first, piled up 169/7 in their 20-over quota courtesy of Ishan Kishans unbeaten 80 off 46 deliveries on what looked like a challenging pitch. With Vaibhav Sooryavanshi returning to the lineup and opening the batting for the side, the youngster held one end strong while his fellow opener Abhishek Sharma and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson were dismissed cheaply with identical scores of seven. Skipper Shreyas Iyer too couldnt put up a show as Wanuja Sahan picked him for a run-a-ball 13. Coming in to bat at No. 5, Ishan Kishan then steadied the innings and kept piling on runs, hitting five sixes and four boundaries during his stay in the middle as the Men in Blue managed to post a defendable total. India, the defending champions at the Games, will now face Pakistan, who beat Bangladesh in the other semi-final, eyeing a top-of-the-podium finish for a second consecutive time. Skipper Shreyas Iyer too couldnt put up a show as Wanuja Sahan picked him for a run-a-ball 13. Coming in to bat at No. 5, Ishan Kishan then steadied the innings and kept piling on runs, hitting five sixes and four boundaries during his stay in the middle as the Men in Blue managed to post a defendable total. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Asian Games 2026: India thrash SL, face Pakistan in final
Ishan Kishan's explosive unbeaten 80 and Jasprit Bumrah's two wicket burst were instrumental in guiding India to a 124-run win over Sri Lanka in the Asian Games men's cricket semifinal on Thursday.
Royal Desert Champions Look To 'kickstart A Long-time Legacy' After Draft Picks
The Royal Desert Champions: The Royal Desert Champions are looking to kickstart a long-time legacy after building their squad for the upcoming Abu Dhabi T10, which starts on the 7th of November. With Nicolas Pooran, Philip Salt and Sherfane Rutherford already pre-signed, the Royal Desert Champions have added Muhammad Waseem, Naseem Shah and Maheesh Theekshana to their arsenal as they look for a strong season ahead. The important thing is to build a really strong core before going into the draft since the draft can be a draw sometimes. Its a challenge to pick a new team and the process is extremely dynamic, but we had a really strong strategy for the auction. Its a well-known fact that bowlers win tournaments like this. If you dont have a good bowling unit, things can go downhill quite fast. Excited to get going in the tournament, Royal Desert Champions are here to kickstart a legacy that will last a very long time in the Abu Dhabi T10, Robin Singh, Team Director, Royal Desert Champions said. Pooran will be leading the side, which has the presence of several other international stars in Salt, Rutherford, Brandon King and Waseem, while the bowling unit has a packed line-up featuring the likes of Naseem, Dushmantha Chameera, Theekshana, Chris Jordan and Luke Wood. With a dynamic blend of pace, power, versatility and experience, the Royal Desert Champions are ready to bring a new level of intensity to the fastest format of cricket. Royal Desert Champions is built on the belief that champions are revealed when conditions are toughest. The desert embodies the qualities we want this team to stand for - resilience, courage, adaptability, and ambition. The squad that we have built is a testament to the way we define what it means to play for Royal Desert Champions - a team that the emirate can be proud of, a brand that connects with fans locally and globally, and a franchise with the ambition to build a lasting legacy, said Amit Narang, Owner, Royal Desert Champions. Pooran will be leading the side, which has the presence of several other international stars in Salt, Rutherford, Brandon King and Waseem, while the bowling unit has a packed line-up featuring the likes of Naseem, Dushmantha Chameera, Theekshana, Chris Jordan and Luke Wood. With a dynamic blend of pace, power, versatility and experience, the Royal Desert Champions are ready to bring a new level of intensity to the fastest format of cricket. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India decimated Sri Lanka in the mens cricket semi-finals in the ongoing Asian Games 2026. With conditions in Japan unknown for both teams, a close contest was expected. Especially after Japan were close to pulling...
Asian Games: Kishan pushes India to 169/7 in semifinal against Sri Lanka
If it weren't for the 'X' factor of Sooryavanshi and Kishan, India would have ended up with a much lower total
Asian Games: Ishan's Unbeaten 80 Leads India To 169/7 In SF Against Sri Lanka
Karogi Sports Park: Ishan Kishan played a stellar knock of 80 from 46 balls to power India to a strong total of 169/7 in challenging conditions in the semifinal against Sri Lanka here at the Karogi Sports Park on Thursday. With the cracks on the surface assisting spinners, the batters found big runs challenging; however, Ishan and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (38 from 21 balls) led the charge with the bat and helped India put up what seems to be an over-par score in the semifinal after being asked to bat first. Ishan continued his rich vein of form as he played a gem of a knock considering the challenging conditions, mirroring his 77 from 40 balls in the T20 World Cup against Pakistan in tough conditions. He carried the innings after Sooryavanshi provided a strong start, although India had lost Abhishek Sharma (7) and Sanju Samson (7) early in the innings. Sooryavanshi returned to the Playing XI after missing the previous four T20Is, while Jasprit Bumrah was also back after being rested for the one-off T20I against Japan. The 15-year-old was measured in his approach at the start but unleashed some breathtaking strokes as he hit six fours and a couple of sixes in his stroke-laden knock. This included hitting a reverse-hit four off spinner Tharindu Ratnayake and a few fierce hits. While he kept going, India lost Abhishek and Samson in the second and third overs to spinners. Off-spinner Tharindu Ratnayake showed his ambidextrousness as he switched to left-arm spin for right-handers and got Samson cleaned up. Sooryavanshi made 38 before he was dismissed by spinner and captain Sahan Arachchige trying to hit him big. India captain Shreyas Iyer (13 from 13) could not do much and was cleaned up by a jaffa from left-arm spinner Wanuja Sahan. Axar Patel was promoted up the order to No.6 ahead of Tilak Varma, but Axar managed eight from 13 balls as he was dismissed by Arachchige top-edging a slog. Part-time off-spinner Nuwanidu Fernando removed Tilak Varma, stumped for two as India were 125/6 in 15 overs. But Ishan continued going and brought up his fifty in 33 balls in the 17th over. He was a bit lucky too, as his mishit was dropped, while one top edge landed in no-man's land. The ambidextrousness from Ratnayake continued as he switched to right-arm off-spin for Shivam Dube and got him caught at covers for three, although Arachchige took a brilliant catch. Ishan and Sundar hit a couple of sixes in the 20th over to take 18 from that and help India finish strong on 169/7. But Ishan continued going and brought up his fifty in 33 balls in the 17th over. He was a bit lucky too, as his mishit was dropped, while one top edge landed in no-man's land. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Prasidh Krishna Ruled Out of Final West Indies ODI
India pacer Prasidh Krishna has been ruled out of the third and final One Day International against West Indies after sustaining a niggle during the second match in Guwahati, a BCCI source confirmed.
'This is not cricket': Gambhir slams 400-run Guwahati pitch
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Australia win rain-marred ODI to avoid South Africa whitewash
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India bring in Sooryavanshi; Sri Lanka hand three debuts and field
Both teams have picked spin-heavy bowling attacks with Jasprit Bumrah India's only specialist fast bowler
Asian Games: Sooryavanshi, Bumrah return as SL ask India to bat first in SF
Digital Desk | Nisshin, Oct 1 (IANS) Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and pace maestro Jasprit Bumrah returned as India fielded their full-strength available team after being asked to bat first in the semifinal against Sri Lanka at the Korogi Sports Park here on Thursday. India made two changes to their Playing XI from the one-off T20I against Japan as Sooryavanshi and Bumrah returned, with Yash Thakur and Arshdeep Singh making way for them. After missing the entire Afghanistan series and the one-off T20I against Japan in the build-up to the Asian Games, Sooryavanshi was back in the Playing XI and slated to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma. Sanju Samson was carded to bat at No.3, while India also didn't drop Ishan Kishan, who is slated to bat at No.5. India also brought in Bumrah after he was rested for the Japan T20I, as the Men in Blue fielded their full-strength team that is available, with only the injured Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana not in the squad. Sri Lanka have a largely second-string side with Sahan Arachchige leading the side, which has the likes of Chamika Karunaratne, Nuwanidu Fernando and Binura Fernando. Both the teams enter into the semifinals with minimal game time as their quarterfinals were washed out due to rain in Nisshin. India were to face Afghanistan in the quarterfinals, while Sri Lanka were to lock horns against Nepal. However, incessant rains in the city washed the clashes out as India and Sri Lanka made it to the semis on virtue of being the higher-ranked teams than their opponents. Playing XIs: Sri Lanka Playing XI: Lasith Croospulle, Sineth Jayawardena, Sohan de Livera(w), Ashen Bandara, Sahan Arachchige(c), Nuwanidu Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Wanuja Sahan, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Tharindu Ratnayake, Binura Fernando India Playing XI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah
Samad special books Pakistan's spot in gold-medal clash
Samad and Nawaz took Pakistan home after a scratchy start in a shortened game
Asian Games: Pakistan Beat Bangladesh In Shortened Semifinal To Move Into Gold Medal Clash
Korogi Sports Park: Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in a curtailed semifinal at the Korogi Sports Park after chasing down 112 in 11.3 overs with six wickets in hand here on Thursday. Although the weather was clear, a slushy outfield delayed the toss and the start of play due to incessant rains washing out all four quarterfinals in the tournament. The contest was reduced to 13 overs per side as Bangladesh gave Pakistan some scares, but the Men in Green managed to hunt down the target with nine balls to spare. This is now Pakistan's first men's cricket final at the Asiad after they bagged only a bronze medal in the 2010 edition. Meanwhile, Bangladesh were the inaugural champions and have finished third in the 2014 and 2022 Asian Games. With cracks on the pitch, the spinners received a lot of assistance as they had the major say in the contest. The likes of Sufyan Moqim, Arafat Minhas, Saim Ayub, Rishad Hossain and Mahedi Hasan troubled the batters. Bangladesh managed to put up 111/7 in the 13 overs. The Pakistani bowlers spun a web to keep Bangladesh to 111/7. Ayub was in particular hard to deal with as he gave only three runs in his two overs for a wicket. On a sluggish pitch, Bangladesh still had a competitive target with Towhid Hridoy (42 from 25 balls) giving that much-needed push in the middle overs. Bangladesh were losing wickets at regular intervals as Tanzid Hasan Tamim (7), captain Litton Das (2) and Parvez Hossain Emon (1) all lost their wickets inside the powerplay. The other opener Saif Hassan (19) got a start but could not keep on going as he was dismissed LBW by Moqim. Bangladesh were 45/4 in 6.3 overs but then came the fight from Hridoay, who hit four sixes and two fours in a stroke-laden knock. Mosaddek Hossain also scored 11 from 16 balls as Bangladesh finished on 111/7. Pakistan were given a scare when Mahedi Hasan removed Sahibzada Farhan in the second over. Maaz Sadaqat (15 from 7 balls), Usman Khan (14 from 9 balls) and Saim Ayub (21 from 12 balls) kept the scoreboard ticking with their cameos. Pakistan were 76/4 and then got the over that they needed when Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz took 23 overs from Mustafizur Rahman's 10th over, with Samad hitting 22 of them. The Men in Green then needed 13 runs from 18 balls, and they had done the hard work. Nawaz hit the winning four in the 12th over to win the game. Pakistan were given a scare when Mahedi Hasan removed Sahibzada Farhan in the second over. Maaz Sadaqat (15 from 7 balls), Usman Khan (14 from 9 balls) and Saim Ayub (21 from 12 balls) kept the scoreboard ticking with their cameos. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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Mitchell Marsh Hails Improvements After Australia Win Final One-Day International
Australian captain Mitchell Marsh hailed the improvement shown by his team after they were convincing winners of the third and final one-day international against South Africa in Potchefstroom on Wednesday. Australia won by 45 runs according to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method after South Africa's reply to Australia's 322 for nine was ended by rain after 28 overs. South Africa, who won the first two matches to clinch the series, were struggling on 145 for four at the stoppage, well short of the required rate. I thought the batting in particular showed some real improvement, especially from a few of our young guys, said Marsh. It was a disappointing series but nice to finish with a win. Marsh said there were encouraging signs looking ahead to the 2027 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. It's gradual improvement. We have some guys that haven't a lot of experience at this level and in particular playing in South Africa against a team that plays very well at home. Marsh said he was sorry the match had not gone the distance which seemed a fair comment because Ryan Rickelton, on 71 not out, was the last remaining specialist batsman after Tony de Zorzi injured a hamstring while fielding and was ruled out of the rest of the match. South Africa, having already won the series, rested key players in captain Temba Bavuma, batsman David Miller and bowlers Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj. Australian Test captain Pat Cummins returned for his first one-day international since November 2024. Marsh and Travis Head again gave Australia a fast start after stand-in captain Aiden Markram won the toss and sent them in, putting on 78 for the first wicket off 53 balls. Unlike in the first two matches, there were solid contributions down the Australian batting order, anchored by Alex Careys 74 off 88 balls. Australia's bowlers kept the pressure on South Africa. Xavier Bartlett was excellent with the new ball, dismissing Quinton de Kock and Markram inside the ten-over powerplay. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa found his best form after being expensive in the first two matches, taking two for 33 in six overs, while Cummins built up lively pace. Although he did not take a wicket he conceded only 17 runs in five overs. Bavuma said in accepting the series trophy that South Africa had definitely made strides during the series. He said the decision to rest leading players was a combination of providing opportunities to other players and prioritising a three-match Test series which starts in Durban on October 9. Brief scores: Australia 322-9 in 50 overs (M. Marsh 56, O. Peake 48, A. Carey 74, M. Renshaw 30; G. Coetzee 2-61, L. Williams 2-48, C. Bosch 4-60) v South Africa 145-4 in 28 overs (R. Rickelton 71 not out; X. Bartlett 2-25, A. Zampa 2-33). Result: Australia won by 45 runs (DLS method). Toss: South Africa. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Series: South Africa won the three-match series 2-1.
'What A Player, Unreal Form By Gill'
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Keonjhar Miners Beat Sambalpur Warriors To Lift Odisha T20 League Trophy
Subhranshu Senapati Credits Team Effort: Keonjhar Miners were crowned champions of the Odisha T20 League - CM Trophy after registering a dominant nine-wicket victory over Sambalpur Warriors in the final at the iconic Barabati Stadium. The Miners delivered a commanding all-round performance with both bat and ball to seal the title, capping an impressive campaign with a comprehensive victory in the summit clash. Sambalpur Warriors were bowled out for 102 in 18.3 overs after Keonjhars bowlers produced an excellent performance. The Warriors struggled to build momentum from the outset and kept losing wickets at regular intervals, eventually being reduced to 55/8 before being bowled out for a modest total. Jamala Mohapatra was among the standout performers with the ball for Keonjhar, returning impressive figures of 2/13 in his four overs and playing a key role in restricting the Warriors. In reply, Keonjhar suffered an early setback when Rajesh Dhupar was dismissed for just one run off four deliveries. However, Mayank Pattanayak and captain Subhranshu Senapati ensured there were no further hiccups, stitching together an unbeaten 89-run partnership to guide their side to the title. Pattanayak led the charge with an unbeaten 72 off just 34 deliveries, while Senapati provided valuable support with 32 not out off 26 balls. The duo remained composed throughout the chase and took Keonjhar across the finish line in style. Subhranshu Senapati Credits Team Effort Reflecting on the triumph, Keonjhar captain Subhranshu Senapati expressed his happiness and credited the team owner, support staff and players for their contribution throughout the title-winning campaign. I am extremely happy with this victory. I would especially like to thank our team owner and support staff for the way they stood by us throughout the tournament. We lost our first two matches, and making a comeback from that position was not easy. The support and belief they showed in us played a huge role in our journey. The credit also goes to all the players, who remained committed to the team and played for each other. Their dedication was visible on the field, and I am delighted that we have finished the tournament as champions. Pratyush Manish Khemka Hails Team's Resilience Keonjhar Miners owner Pratyush Manish Khemka also expressed his pride in the team's achievement, highlighting the players' resilience after losing their opening two matches. It has been a fantastic game and an incredible journey for us. Although we lost our first two matches in the tournament, the team showed tremendous character to bounce back and win three games in a row. We carried that momentum into the final and delivered a dominant performance. The way the players have come together and performed as a unit has been remarkable. As a team owner, I am extremely proud of what this group has achieved. Watching them play with such commitment and deliver these results truly fills my heart with joy. Words cannot fully describe how happy and proud I feel today. Dignitaries Attend the Grand Finale 1. SHRI KANAK VARDHAN SINGH DEO Honble Deputy Chief Minister, Odisha 2. SHRI SURYABANSHI SURAJ Honble Minister Sports and Youth Affairs, Odisha 3. SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHATAB Honble Member of Parliament, Kataka, Odisha 4. SHRI MANMOHAN SAMAL Honble Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha 5. Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, President, OCA 6. Jagamohan Pattnaik, Vice President, OCA 7. Sanjay Behera, Secretary, OCA 8. Bikash Pradhan, Treasurer, OCA 9. Pratap Chandra Pradhan, Apex Council Member 10. SHRI Binod Dash, President Odisha Association for Rowing and Skulling 11. Shri Avijit Paul, General Secretary of Odisha Olympic association The dignitaries were felicitated during the ceremony by members of the OCA Apex Council. Season Awards The tournament's individual awards recognised some of the leading performers of the season. Moment of the Season: Swastik Samal presented by Gulshan Jhurani. Player of the Season: Vageesh Sharma, Keonjhar Miners presented by Susanta Kumar Panda, Managing Director, Bharat Masala. Purple Cap: Vageesh Sharma, Keonjhar Miners presented by Jyoti Ranjan Mishra, Representative, Budhababa Hospital. Orange Cap: Shantanu Mishra presented by Susanta Kumar Panda, Managing Director, Bharat Masala. The match officials were also recognised during the ceremony, including umpires Dhiraj Kumar Singh and Arun Kumar Basa, third umpire Durgadatta Das, fourth umpire Subrat Das, scorers Birabara Nayak and Sandeep Jee, and referee P. Jayachandra. Champions Crowned at Barabati The Keonjhar Miners players received their winner's medals from OCA President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty. The winner's cheque was presented to Keonjhar Miners by Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Rajya Sabha MP Manmohan Samal. The Keonjhar Miners players received their winner's medals from OCA President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Green and Renshaw suffer injury concerns ahead of Test series
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Irani Cup: Srinagar Ready To Host Historic Clash As Big-ticket Cricket Returns To Sher-i-Kashmir
Save Sharda Temple Committee: Its hard to ignore the sheer buzz around the picturesque Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium. Located in Srinagars Sonwar Bagh area, the ground is nestled in an environmentally rich area by the side of the Jhelum River, tall chinar trees, serene hills and the Shankaracharya temple atop make for a picture-perfect view. Add to it the cool breeze that comes in brings a setting that makes cricket feel at home. But when you look closer, barbed wire rings around the ground catch your eye, while sniffer dogs are doing a final check. Outside, fans jostle in line for passes, holding up a copy of their Aadhaar card, and nobody seems to mind. When the Irani Cup begins here, with Rishabh Pant's Rest of India facing Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir, it will mark the start of a time Srinagar has waited for a very long period. The last big-ticket fixture in the city was an ODI between India and Australia in 1986. The one before it, in 1983 against the West Indies, came just months after Kapil Dev's team epically won the ODI World Cup. Raju Raina, then a college student, was in the stands for the clash on October 13, 1983 and still remembers it clearly. Excitement was there as it was the first ODI between India and the West Indies after India were crowned the World Cup winners at the mecca of cricket Lords in London. Upon reaching the stadium, the teams were doing their warm-up. Soon the match started, and India were put in to bat first. It was a full house & the atmosphere was good initially. It was the first time I had the opportunity to see our World Cup-winning cricket stars so up close. One of the friends of my elder brother-in-law got us tickets for 10 rupees, which translates to 1000 rupees for seeing modern-day international games in India. The conditions were comparable to the ones obtainable in England. The ball swung well, as October in Srinagar is pretty cold & fresh. Quite a picturesque cricket stadium, with the Jhelum River on one end & the Shankaracharya hill on the other. A slight breeze was running across the ground, he said in a free-wheeling chat with IANS. After India were bowled out for 176 in 41.2 overs, twelve men came in to dig in the pitch at lunch break, but matters got settled before the West Indies reply started. At 108/0 in 22.4 overs, a dust storm came and forced the game to be abandoned, with the West Indies declared winners. Raju, who also saw a three-day match between North Zone and the visiting Australian team, which had the likes of Ashok Malhotra and Raman Lamba, still remembers it well. The match progressed well until India completed their innings. During lunchtime, suddenly a few people emerged from nowhere and dug up the pitch. But the management got the pitch rolled, and the West Indies innings started. Soon there was a dust storm due to which the match had to be abandoned and the West Indies won. A section of the crowd was restive, engaging in sloganeering etc. Though 12 men were arrested, they were acquitted in 2011. Ravinder Pandita, a former All India Radio and Doordarshan Kashmir commentator who now chairs the Save Sharda Temple Committee - Kashmir, clearly remembers the mood around the 1983 ODI in Srinagar Cricket had its own place in Kashmir, despite the craze for football. Even in cricket, the craze was particularly for Pakistani players because if you go to any college or hostel in those days, then you would find cricket players - not just footballers, cricket players. Before that 1983 ODI, Ranji Trophy matches were going on and, suppose Punjab would come to play or Haryana, they would boo them out. Support was for the J&K team, but J&K was always losing, he said to IANS from Teetwal village. Pandita still remembers the tension before the match in October 1983. Before this India-West Indies ODI, they dug the pitch at night. The West Indian players, I remember, were staying in Broadway Hotel. Many were opposing the hosting of this game, and in this way, the separatists tried to derail it by saying that they don't want to play it happen. Such was the effect that an entertainment band assigned for the entertainment of the visitors couldnt reach their hotel. Then at the last moment, they called us from REC Srinagar. A few youths led by Sukumar Singh Manipuri, who played the guitar, were there, and my brother was playing the mouth organ, and then there would be Anuj Dayal; he would be on the congo. We played in the band and entertained the West Indies players because the main band couldn't come due to the mahaul created. So, it was only the filmi tunes which were played. I think for half an hour we entertained them, and that was the situation. The next day, they found the pitch was dug on the day of the match. Then again, during the lunch break, it was dug in, and then a storm came, and the game was over. So, players had to take cover because booing and throwing bottles were happening towards the Indian fielders. The West Indies were also worried about what would happen in those days. They were quite frightened about whether they were playing in India or not. They were not willing to play, but somehow, I think organisers convinced them to take on the field. So, Indians were always astonished by what was happening. The atmosphere was very bad. The stadium was filled, but it was not mainly for the interest of the game it was full of people there to boo Indian cricketers. Then, next was 1986, India versus Australia ODI. That was captained by Allan Border, and two Kashmiri Pandits were working on the game - Dhruv Narayan Koul, an SBI employee at that time, was the scorer, and I was the commentator, though I didnt do anything as I was observing JP Narayan in English and Indramohan Sahay in Hindi commentary. I interviewed Sunil Gavaskar at a houseboat in Dal Lake, and Allan Border was also there. So, that match went okay and was won by Australia. Then the quiet came. As militancy spread and Kashmiri Pandits like Pandita and Raina were forced to leave Srinagar, paramilitary forces occupied the stadium complex for 18 years and used the dressing rooms as living quarters and stores. First-class cricket returned in 2009, but big games stayed rare. The love of the game never faded, though, and when the Legends League visited Srinagar in 2024, even a makeshift venue was packed. Pandita went back to see the ground for himself two months ago. The majestic Chinar trees are still standing, and I saw them while I was staying in Circuit House. But it's a very small stadium, right? Now we have exposure to bigger stadiums. I thought. 'What kind of a stadium is this?' He believes cricket has won over the valley and its people, now that the likes of Parvez Rasool, Umran Malik, Rasikh Salam and Auqib Nabi are now in India and India A set-ups. Yes, definitely, because the way local tournaments are happening here, people have forgotten football now, while hockey is totally gone. I think Hockey will never pick up again. Football is not the same as it used to be before. So now it's all cricket. Whether it's Baramulla or Anantnag, cricket has become a big thing. That devotion and love for cricket now has a team to match. Jammu and Kashmir won their first Ranji Trophy in February, after 67 years of trying, and Nabis ODI debut in Guwahati, though he leaked 84 runs, made everyone delighted in Srinagar. The stadium was in a race against time to have everything a top-class stadium needs for smooth functioning. He believes cricket has won over the valley and its people, now that the likes of Parvez Rasool, Umran Malik, Rasikh Salam and Auqib Nabi are now in India and India A set-ups. Yes, definitely, because the way local tournaments are happening here, people have forgotten football now, while hockey is totally gone. I think Hockey will never pick up again. Football is not the same as it used to be before. So now it's all cricket. Whether it's Baramulla or Anantnag, cricket has become a big thing. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Rohit Sharma: Veteran India opener Rohit Sharma described the uncharacteristic celebration behind his 35th ODI century against the West Indies at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati as a deeply personal moment, revealing that it was strictly meant for myself. Rohit smashed a brilliant 101 off 75 balls to set up India's historic run-chase of 406 against the West Indies, while stitching a monumental 255-run opening stand with skipper Shubman Gill, who slammed an unbeaten 223. After reaching his century, Rohit did a high-knee kind of jog while completing the single and did a light bat raise. I keep that celebration for myself. Ah, it's for me. It's for me. Some things are just meant to be with you. It's not to be shared. So yeah, that was for me, Rohit said after the match ended. He also shared a light-hearted exchange with teammate Ravindra Jadeja, who quizzed him about the celebration on the field. He was asking me what that was about. I said I'll tell you in the dressing room. It's for me. But he was quite innovative. He wanted me to come and slide and jump, and that's how he wanted me to celebrate. I said, 'Man, after 50 overs of fielding and batting almost for 25-30 overs, I was never going to do that,' he said. Reflecting on the record-breaking chase, Rohit emphasised that the key was not getting overwhelmed by the 400-plus scoreboard and focusing purely on building partnerships. Absolutely. I think the wicket was good. We just wanted to continue to keep batting. We were not thinking too much about the scoreboard, to be honest. We were just trying to play according to the merit of the ball, and we kept stitching the partnership, which was, I think, when you're chasing a target like that, you need to keep stitching big partnerships, and that's what we did, he observed. Rohit was all praise for his opening partner Gill, who stayed till the end to anchor India to a famous eight-wicket victory. Gill was fantastic on the other side, very much in control of his batting the entire innings, and to stay not out till the end was fantastic to see as well, he said. Batting for nearly 30 overs after spending 50 overs on the field in oppressive humidity required immense physical and mental grit, something Rohit attributed to sheer concentration and years of experience. Again, that comes down to concentration. You've got to keep telling yourself not to throw it away, because conditions here are challenging, but that's where I wanted to just bring my experience of playing for so many years. You just don't want to give it that easily; try and stay as much as possible in the game, and we knew that the pitch was good, and we needed big runs from the top order, and that's exactly what happened. Again, that comes down to concentration. You've got to keep telling yourself not to throw it away, because conditions here are challenging, but that's where I wanted to just bring my experience of playing for so many years. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'This is not cricket, this is only batting' - Gambhir after India's record ODI chase
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For TN vice-captain Andre, pressure is a privilege
2nd ODI: 'Every Part Of My Body Is Cramping', Says Gill After Hitting Epic Double-century
Shubman Gill: Battered by oppressive heat and battling severe leg cramps, India captain Shubman Gill admitted that every muscle in his body was hurting after his record-breaking unbeaten 223 carried India to a historic eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second ODI here. In the face of the monumental task of chasing down 406, the second-highest successful run-chase in ODI history, Gill played an innings of supreme composure laced with 26 boundaries and eight sixes at a monstrous strike rate of 167.67 to complete a victory for India with 39 balls to spare and seal the three-match series, with a game still left to play in New Chandigarh. I mean, I think every part of my body is cramping right now, and it was very hot in the afternoon. When we had about 13 overs, it was feeling like we had already fielded for 20-25 overs, the way they were batting. So great a game, I think, Gill said at the end of the game. Gill reached his 150 off a staggering 89 balls before bringing up his double century off just 117 deliveries with a single off Lawes in the 39th over. In doing so, he broke Ishan Kishan's record (126 balls) for the fastest ODI double-century in world cricket. It was also Gills second career ODI double century, making him the only captain in cricket history to score double tons in both Tests and ODIs while leading the side. His unbeaten 223 also surpassed Glenn Maxwell's 201 not out against Afghanistan in 2023 to become the highest individual score in an ODI run-chase. I mean, at the halfway mark, 400 on the board, there was a bit of pressure on us. Never, no matter how good the wicket is, no matter how small the ground is, chasing 400 is never easy. So very pleased with the performance and very happy that I was able to stay till the end and finish the game for the team, noted Gill. Detailing his tactical approach during the epic chase, the right-handed batter explained how breaking down the massive target into smaller, manageable phases with opening partner Rohit Sharma made the task effortless. Honestly, it's just about playing; I break the game into small parts. First, we had a target in the powerplay that if we get around 75-80 runs without losing any wicket, that would be a good start. Initially, the ball might do a bit with the new ball. Once the ball gets old, the wicket would get much better to bat on, and one side was very short, so we thought we were going to target that side whenever the fast bowlers came on. And at about 25 overs, I thought if we were around 200-210, we'd be in a good space. But I think we were around 230-240, and I think after the powerplay, the pressure never really was on us. It was more on them, and we didn't lose any wickets up until halfway through our innings, so that was a great bonus for us, he explained. While pleased with the bat, Gill remained brutally honest about India's bowling performance in the first half of the match, noting that the Caribbean batters took early control before the hosts staged a late comeback to restrict them to 405/7. I thought initially we didn't bowl that well in the powerplay, much like the first game as well. We didn't bowl well in the powerplay, and they batted with a lot of freedom. They batted quite well, and I think at one point it looked like they might get even 420-430, and to be able to pull the game back, even if it's 25-30 runs, was a bonus for us at the back end of the innings, he observed. I thought initially we didn't bowl that well in the powerplay, much like the first game as well. We didn't bowl well in the powerplay, and they batted with a lot of freedom. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Bundela, Lahiri, Doru Emerge As Applicants For BCCI Mens Junior Selection Panel
Harvinder Singh Sodhi: Domestic cricket stalwarts Devendra Bundela, Saurasish Lahiri, and Nikhil Doru are among the prominent former players in contention for spots on the BCCIs new five-member junior selection committee. Yes, the likes of Bundela, Lahiri and Doru have expressed interest in being the next junior selection panel members. The BCCI is in the final stages of shortlisting candidates to succeed the outgoing S Sharath-led panel and may make an official statement in October, said a source tracking the development to IANS on Wednesday. The Sharath-led panel, which took charge in September 2021, comprises Ranadeb Bose (East Zone), Harvinder Singh Sodhi (North Zone), Pathik Patel (West Zone), and Krishen Mohan (Central Zone). As previously reported by IANS, former India off-spinner Ramesh Powar and ex-Uttar Pradesh fast bowler Ashish Winston Zaidi had submitted applications for positions on the panel, for which the BCCI invited applications in August. It is also understood that ex-India pacers Praveen Kumar and Sudeep Tyagi, along with former Mumbai batter Manoj Joglekar, have also submitted their applications for the junior selection panel, while a word on who comes from South Zone is yet to be known. While there was initial interest surrounding Powar being handed the chief selector's role, the decision could ultimately boil down to international experience following Praveens entry. As per the BCCIs selection committee protocols, the candidate with the highest number of Test caps is generally appointed as the chairman of the panel. Powar represented India in two Tests and 31 ODIs, while Praveen featured in six Tests, 68 ODIs, and 16 T20Is. Powar was recently involved as a spin consultant with the Australia Under-19 team during their ODI series against India in Rajkot. The Sharath-led panel had recently selected the India U-23 squad for a game against the CK Nayudu Trophy winners Tamil Nadu, with the clash to happen at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and shortlisted a provisional squad for the upcoming U-19 Asia Cup, to be played later this year. With the new selectors yet to be finalised, coaches from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) have been busy monitoring the next set of future U19 stars. The national junior mens domestic calendar will kick off when the Vinoo Mankad Trophy begins on October 8. Meanwhile, India fast bowler Umesh Yadav will play for Punjab as a guest player in the ongoing domestic season, after previously getting his NoC from Vidarbha. A new chapter begins. Grateful to start the 202627 domestic season with Punjab Cricket Association. With the new selectors yet to be finalised, coaches from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) have been busy monitoring the next set of future U19 stars. The national junior mens domestic calendar will kick off when the Vinoo Mankad Trophy begins on October 8. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
How Gill, Rohit Scripted ODI History In Guwahati
Shubman Gill's magnificent double century and Rohit Sharma's fluent hundred propelled India to their highest successful run chase in ODI history, chasing down 406 against West Indies by 8 wickets to seal the three-match series.
Gill and Rohit flip the script - 'After the powerplay, the pressure wasn't on us'
The India captain scored his second ODI double-century and shared a 255-run opening partnership with Rohit Sharma, who scored a 75-ball 101 himself
Multiple Records Tumble in Guwahati as India Scale 406 With Ease
India secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ODI series against West Indies, largely due to Shubman Gill's record-breaking fastest double century and Rohit Sharma's significant milestones, including his 35th hundred and reaching 12,000 ODI runs. The match also saw the West Indies post their highest-ever ODI total and became the third highest aggregating match in ODI history.
Rohit Sharma reveals Ravindra Jadeja's hilarious celebration advice for century against West Indies
Senior India cricketer Rohit Sharma smacked his 35th ODI century in the second ODI against West Indies at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. He arrived to the series under tremendous pressure regarding his future...
