Cricket

AFG vs BAN One-off Test Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XIs

AFG vs BAN One-off Test, Cricket Tips: Bangladesh and Afghanistan will compete in an ODI tri-series, along with Zimbabwe. But before that, these two sides will face each other in the one-off test, starting on October 9. This contest will start at 11 AM IST at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Rahmat Shah will replace Hasmatullah Shahidi as the test captain for Afghanistan. He will lead the Afghan side, which has made some changes to their squad as compared to the one against India a few months back. Bangladesh are coming off a 1-1 draw series in Australia. They will be high on confidence about their performance. AFG vs BAN: Match Details Date : October 09-13, 2026 (Friday-Tuesday) Time : 11 AM IST Venue : Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi AFG vs BAN: Live Streaming Details The live action of the one-off test will be available on the FanCode mobile app or website for the Indian fans. AFG vs BAN: Head-to-Head in Tests Total Matches : 2 Afghanistan : 1 Bangladesh : 1 No-result : 0 AFG vs BAN: Ground Pitch Report The wicket in Abu Dhabi is slow and low, which will offer good help for the slow bowlers. The batters can score well for the first few days, but the wicket will deteriorate, and it will be a tough task for the batters. AFG vs BAN: Possible XIs Afghanistan : Abdul Malik, Sediq Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah , Ismat Alam, Afsar Zazai (wk), Shahidullah Kamal, Zia Ur Rahman, Qais Ahmad, Md. Saleem Safi, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi West Indies : Tanzid Hasan, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto , Musfiqur Rahim, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain AFG vs BAN: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Najmul Hossain Shanto and Rahmat Shah are two experienced batters for their sides. They will be key for their respective teams. Probable Best Bowler Taijul Islam and Qais Ahmad will be tough bowlers on this surface. Especially with the old ball, they will get a good turn and grip. Today Match Prediction: Afghanistan are inconsistent in this format. Hence, we predict Bangladesh to win this game in Abu Dhabi. AFG vs BAN Match One-off Test, Today Match AFG vs BAN, AFG vs BAN Prediction, AFG vs BAN Predicted XIs, Injury Update for Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Match Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

SA20 Season 5: Teenager Rowles Most Expensive Pick In Auction; Du Plessis, Pollard Head To JSK

SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith: Teenage cricketer Jason Rowles emerged as the standout buy with a price tag of $174,248 USD in the Player Auction for Season 5 of SA20, South Africa's domestic T20 competition, which will be held in January 2027. The Auction produced a captivating blend of proven international pedigree and exciting young talent as the four remaining franchises finalised their squads on Wednesday evening in Johannesburg. Leading the list of top signings was former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis, who sparked considerable interest before being secured by Joburg Super Kings for $162,286 USD, making him one of the biggest buys of the day. The 42-year-old was at the centre of a bidding war between Joburg Super Kings (JSK) and rivals MI Cape Town but ultimately returned to the Wanderers, where he has spent the past four SA20 seasons. Du Plessis will be joined at the Bullring by another highly experienced T20 veteran in West Indies superstar Kieron Pollard. The legendary T20 all-rounder, who is the all-time leading run-scorer in men's T20 cricket history, was snapped up by Joburg Super Kings for $90,162 USD. Pollard will bring his trademark power-hitting, game management and championship-winning pedigree to the Super Kings. MI Cape Town were not going to be outdone and invested heavily in Proteas all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, securing his services for $156,274 USD, while also adding West Indies power-hitter Shimron Hetmyer for $90,162 USD in the first purchase of the day. Former Proteas top-order batter Rassie van der Dussen will meanwhile continue his SA20 journey with the Pretoria Capitals after being secured for $30,053 USD, adding stability and experience to the Capitals' batting unit as they look to go one step further after finishing as runners-up for the second time last season to Sunrisers Eastern Cape. To help the Capitals get there, there will be Proteas Test and ODI captain Temba Bavuma. The 36-year-old will be enjoying his third stint in SA20 after helping the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to their first two championships. While established stars dominated much of the conversation, the most dramatic moment of the auction belonged to 18-year-old Jason Rowles. The highly rated Under-23 prospect became the subject of an intense bidding battle between MI Cape Town and Joburg Super Kings, with both franchises recognising his long-term potential. After a spirited contest, JSK emerged victorious, securing Rowles for $174,248 USD, the standout purchase of the entire auction. The fierce competition for Rowles underlined the growing value being placed on emerging South African talent within the SA20 ecosystem. His acquisition not only represents a major investment in the future but also highlights the League's ongoing role in identifying and accelerating the development of the country's next generation of stars. Jason Rowles, new Joburg Super Kings signing, St David's Marist Inanda matriculant and rain Schools SA20 graduate, was the standout purchase of the 2026 Player Auction as Joburg Super Kings paid $174,248 USD to have his services in Season 5. This year's auction showed exactly what SA20 has become, SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith said. Its become a home where world-class players like Faf du Plessis, Shimron Hetmyer and Trent Boult sit alongside South Africa's brightest young talent. Jason Rowles was the highlight of the day for me. Seeing an 18-year-old spark the biggest bidding battle of the day tells you how much the franchises believe in the next generation. It was only last year that he was participating in the Final of the rain-affected Schools SA20, and today he will get to be a part of a squad consisting of some of the worlds best T20 stars. That's the pathway we set out to build, and it's hugely encouraging to see it working, Smith said. Three-time champion Sunrisers Eastern Cape once again showed their shrewdness at the auction table by completing their 19-player squad with the addition of Proteas left-arm seamer Nandre Burger and England allrounder Craig Overton. They now form part of a formidable Sunrisers Eastern Cape pace attack that already includes Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Adam Milne and Lutho Sipamla. MI Cape Town also strengthened their seam bowling stocks with the return signing of New Zealand fast-bowling great Trent Boult and 21-year-old Oliver Whitehead, while SA20s global appeal stretched to the USA and Zimbabwe with JSK acquiring Andries Gous and Blessing Muzarabani. It's also really pleasing to see so many Proteas players being picked up today, Smith added. A strong League and a strong national team go hand in hand, and today was a good example of that. MI Cape Town also strengthened their seam bowling stocks with the return signing of New Zealand fast-bowling great Trent Boult and 21-year-old Oliver Whitehead, while SA20s global appeal stretched to the USA and Zimbabwe with JSK acquiring Andries Gous and Blessing Muzarabani. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Has Franchise Cricket Taken the Sting Out of Test Battles?

Simon Harmer believes franchise T20 cricket has softened the fierce Australia-South Africa rivalry by turning international opponents into teammates, though he expects intense competition in the Test series.

SA20 auction: JSK sign Pollard, Rowles; MICT pick Hetmyer and Boult

Jason Rowles, an 18-year-old allrounder, commanded a bid of R 2.9 million from JSK, who also picked up Faf du Plessis

Bihar Announces Squad For First Two Ranji Trophy Matches

The Bihar Cricket Association: The Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) has announced the state squad for the first two matches of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27. The team was selected under the supervision of observers appointed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is on national duty with the Indian T20 team, Following the selection process, 17 players have been named in the main squad, while six players have been kept on standby. Bihar will begin its Ranji Trophy campaign against Uttar Pradesh on October 11. The match will be played at the newly constructed International Cricket Stadium in Rajgir. The fixture will also mark the beginning of the new domestic cricket season in Bihar. The selection of players for the Ranji Trophy squad was conducted under the supervision of BCCI-nominated selectors Harvinder Singh, S. Sharath, and Amitabh Vijayvargiya. The selectors assessed the players based on their performances and current level of preparation before finalising the squad for the first two matches. The list issued by the Bihar Cricket Association includes the main squad, standby players and support staff. The October 11 clash against Uttar Pradesh will be a special occasion for Bihar cricket. Bihar will take the field for a Ranji Trophy match for the first time at the newly constructed International Cricket Stadium in Rajgir. There is considerable excitement among cricket fans across Bihar ahead of the historic fixture. The Bihar Cricket Association is making preparations in full swing for the new Ranji Trophy season. The team will now turn its focus to the campaign beginning on October 11, with Bihar aiming to start the season on a winning note against Uttar Pradesh at its home venue. The selection trials for the Ranji and U-23 teams were conducted under the supervision of selectors invited by the BCCI. The selectors assessed the players on various parameters, including performance, technical ability, fitness, discipline and their ability to perform under match situations. Players were given opportunities to showcase their skills in batting, bowling, fielding and other aspects of the game. The BCA had earlier released the list of players for the camp. Based on this list, the players participated in the selection process. Following the trials, players will be selected for the Ranji and U-23 teams based on their performances. The U-23 selection process was conducted over two days, October 5 and 6, 2026, while the Ranji selection process was held on October 6. Bihar squad for the first two matches: Sakibul Gani (captain), Ayush Loharuka, Mangal Maharour, Naman Gaurav, Piyush Singh, Bipin Kumar Saurabh (wk), Sarman Nigrodh (wk), Akash Raj, Prithvi Raj, Himanshu Singh (VC), Khalid Alam, Suraj Kumar Kashyap, Shakib Hussain, MD Izhar, Shabbir Khan, Raghavendra Singh, Amod Yadav Standby players: Nawaz Khan, Malay Rai, Danish Alam, Tanu Kumar Singh, Sachin Kumar Singh, Prashant Kumar Singh Support staff: Nawaz Khan, Malay Rai, Danish Alam, Tanu Kumar Singh, Sachin Kumar Singh, Prashant Kumar Singh Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

New Zealand T20Is Could Be Bhuvi's ODI World Cup Audition: Ashwin

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that a strong performance by Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand could pave his way back into the Indian ODI team and secure a spot for the next year's 50-over World Cup. Ashwin highlighted Bhuvneshwar's unique ability to swing the ball and his decent pace as crucial assets, especially in conditions like South Africa and Australia. He also stressed the importance of the pacer maintaining his fitness.

Fantastic Move: 1983 World Cup Winner Praises Bhuvneshwar Kumar's India Return

Bhuvneshwar Kumar earned a recall to the Indian team after four years, with the experienced pacer named in the squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.

Rabada puts himself through the paces as South Africa weigh Test return

Two days ahead of the first Test against Australia, Rabada initially bowled off two paces and then moved to nine, and looked relaxed throughout.

Kieron Pollard has joined Joburg Super Kings in SA20 auction; MI Cape Town sign Trent Boult, Shimron Hetmyer

Kieron Pollards association with the MI family began in 2010. He has served the franchise for over a decade and is currently the batting coach of Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. However, he...

Shreyas Reveals Technical Tweaks Behind Maiden T20I Century

Shreyas Iyer scored his maiden T20 International hundred after a crucial two-hour troubleshooting session with former India batting coach Abhishek Nayar. Nayar revealed they worked on Iyer's grip, initial movements, and tactical nuances to help him generate more force and clear boundaries, addressing issues Iyer felt during the Asian Games. Iyer's 43-ball 102 not out led India to an eight-wicket win against West Indies on Tuesday.

Bengal Pick Abhishek Porel For Ranji Trophy Opener Days After Bail In Sexual Assault Case

Controversial wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel was on Wednesday included in Bengal's Ranji Trophy squad for their season opener against Delhi at Kalyani.

'We Have A Strong Desire To Get The Better Of Them: South Africa's Bavuma Ahead Of Australia Test

World Test Championship: South Africa captain Temba Bavuma expects another fiercely contested battle against Australia when the two sides begin their Test series in Durban on Friday, with the Proteas looking to build on their World Test Championship triumph. South Africa defeated Australia in the 2025 WTC Final at Lords to claim the title and will now face the reigning world champions in a home series as they look to strengthen their position in the 2025-27 WTC cycle. Bavuma believes the rivalry brings out the competitive edge in both teams and expects another intense contest. When you play against Australia, you dont just play against those individuals; you play against what it means to be Australian. Its always a clash we look forward to. It tends to at least bring out the competitive edge of both teams. We have a strong desire to get the better of them, Bavuma told Cricinfo. We give them a lot of respect, but we also take confidence in that weve been able to get the better of them. The respect lies in the fact that theyve been very dominant over the years, he added. South Africas memorable WTC final victory came after they overcame a 74-run first-innings deficit, with Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada playing key roles in securing the title. Bavuma, who battled an injury during the final, said the team has developed the resilience required to remain competitive even when faced with difficult circumstances. The Proteas have also strengthened their pace attack for the Australia series, with Anrich Nortje returning to Test cricket after more than three years and Gerald Coetzee making his comeback after a two-year absence. They will join Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen in the squad. Part of it is bringing back the aspect of fast bowlers. Countries or players must know when they come into South Africa, theyre going to deal with fast bowling, Bavuma said. The captain believes the upcoming season could prove particularly important for South Africa, with the team set to face Australia, England and other major challenges ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup on home soil. Every season always feels like a big season, and maybe this one feels a little bit more. I wouldnt want to put too much pressure on myself to say or define who I am as a cricketer. Ive had over ten years of international cricket, and youd hate to think that one moment will dictate everything about it, he said. But this year weve got the opportunity to play against the big three teams, and, from a competitive point of view, thats definitely going to get us going. We want to see ourselves on the right side of the result, Bavuma added. The South Africa skipper also acknowledged that Australia remain a formidable opponent despite changes in their approach. Theyre not as in-your-face. They still play their cricket hard. Theyve still got guys like Travis Head at the top, who look to put you under pressure. And then they still have that quartet of a bowling attack always putting you under pressure, he said. But theyre probably not as brash and in your face as I think of 2016, when we toured Australia. They made you feel uncomfortable. From a cricketing point of view, they havent lost a great deal. Its still as tough as Australia that we know, he added. The South Africa skipper also acknowledged that Australia remain a formidable opponent despite changes in their approach. Theyre not as in-your-face. They still play their cricket hard. Theyve still got guys like Travis Head at the top, who look to put you under pressure. And then they still have that quartet of a bowling attack always putting you under pressure, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

BCCI's Unmissable Post On Ajit Agarkar After His tenure As Chief Selector Ends

The Board of Control for Cricket in India lauded outgoing chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar for showing commitment, conviction and contribution in his role over the last three years

Rape Case Accused Abhishek Porel Named in Bengal Ranji Squad

Controversial wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel has been included in Bengal's Ranji Trophy squad for their season opener against Delhi at Kalyani, following his recent bail in a rape case. The squad also features India pacers Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep.

Can Shami Emulate Bhuvneshwar's Comeback Story?

The article explores Mohammed Shami's potential return to the Indian cricket team, drawing parallels with Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recent comeback. It details Bhuvneshwar's impressive IPL performances and mentoring role, contrasting them with Shami's strong domestic cricket form since late 2024, and highlights the Bengal pacer's continued motivation for national selection.

I Know Smriti Will Take This Team Forward: Harmanpreet Backs Her Long-time Teammate For New Role

ODI World Cup: Former India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur believes that her team is in safe hands with Smriti Mandhana taking over the captaincy baton, backing her long-time teammate to take the team forward after a leadership journey that spanned more than a decade. Harmanpreet, who took over the responsibility of leading India in 2012, stepped down as captain across all formats on Tuesday, bringing an end to a significant chapter of her career. Her decision came after Indias Asian Games campaign, where the team won the gold medal, but Harmanpreet made it clear that the move was not prompted by one particular tournament or result. Instead, she said the decision was driven by her desire to enjoy the game more, focus on her own cricket and make time for family and friends, while continuing to contribute to the team through her experience and mentorship. The 37-year-old, who led India to their maiden ODI World Cup title, also spoke about her relationship with Mandhana, with whom she has shared the Indian dressing room for more than a decade. Harmanpreet said their long-standing understanding would continue to be valuable as they move into a new phase, with Mandhana now leading the side. In an exclusive interaction with IANS, Harmanpreet opened up about her decision to step down, what captaincy taught her, her relationship with Mandhana and her ambitions as a player going forward. IANS: You have said this decision was about putting the team and its future ahead of an individual position. When did you first begin to feel that Indian cricket needed a new voice in the captaincy, and what finally convinced you that the time had come? Harmanpreet Kaur: For over a decade, since the responsibility of captaincy first came to me in 2012, I have cherished the opportunity and made several plans towards the development of Indian womens cricket. It was never about an individual position. I simply wanted to use my instincts, experience and ideas to help the sport grow, encourage talent and fill the spaces that needed to be filled. Over the years, I have also realised that you may not achieve everything you set out to, and that is the nature of a team sport. Every day is different, and every player has a different journey. Whatever championships we have won as a team have added to our collective pride. This decision to step down is purely based on how I see my own growth in the sport I love. I wanted to pass on the baton for my own reasons to play with more enjoyment, while continuing to be there for my team with my experience, quality and mentorship. IANS: For almost a decade, captaincy has been intertwined with your identity as a cricketer. Now that responsibility is gone, what part of Harmanpreet Kaur do you think the captaincy had forced you to suppress, and are you looking forward to rediscovering that player? Harmanpreet: Throughout my tenure, I served my team and my country, and it was never about me. It was always about bringing the team together, winning together, and celebrating every moment as a collective victory. Even on days when things didnt go our way, we stood by each other. I feel responsibility, captaincy, and leadership will always remain a part of me, and I believe that leadership should evolve in every player who represents the country and has goals to achieve. I have always wanted to plant that seed of leadership in every player because it teaches you to be responsible, accountable, empathetic, giving, and kind, while also making you sharper and more decisive. Now, as a player, I am looking forward to seeing someone else lead from the front and create an environment for the team. And I am very happy that it is Smriti, who has been alongside me for more than a decade. We have shared the same table, made decisions together and seen Indian cricket evolve, so I know that understanding will continue to be valuable. IANS: You have spoken about putting your own game and personal ambitions aside for the team. In hindsight, do you feel captaincy came at a cost to Harmanpreet the batter, and is one reason for stepping away to give yourself a chance to put your batting first again? Harmanpreet: As a player, you have a certain freedom to make choices, but as a captain, there are times when you have to put aside your personal dilemmas and move forward because you have a team following you. I wouldnt say I had to compromise on my personal performances, but yes, sometimes my personal goals and targets had to take a back seat. I have always put my batting first, even during my captaincy, but now I want to approach my game with even more clarity understanding my role, executing it well and, most importantly, enjoying every bit of cricket. IANS: You leave the captaincy as the first Indian woman to win an ODI World Cup. Does that triumph make it easier to walk away, because you feel you have completed the one unfinished chapter that followed you for years? Harmanpreet: Winning the World Cup was one big dream I wanted to live. And thankfully, it came in the early years of my journey as the ODI captain. Today, what stays with me is immense satisfaction and gratitude. There are no regrets. It hasnt been as easy as we sometimes make it sound, but it also hasnt been as difficult as it may seem from the outside. I am simply grateful for the journey and for everything we have achieved together. IANS: Your decision came immediately after the Asian Games, where you led India to another gold. Was that the moment that gave you a sense of closure, that you could hand over the team while leaving it in a position you genuinely trusted? Harmanpreet: The Asian Games gold was another very special moment for us as a team. Every championship and every medal has its own significance, and winning that gold gave me a lot of happiness and pride. But my decision was not based on one particular tournament or one particular result. It was a decision I arrived at after giving it a lot of thought and understanding what I wanted for myself and for my journey as a cricketer. I feel very confident about the team and the players we have today. There is a lot of talent, hunger and experience within the group, and that gives me great confidence about the future of Indian womens cricket. IANS: There is a difference between being the senior-most player in a dressing room and being the person responsible for every decision. How do you see your relationship with Smriti Mandhana changing now from captain and vice-captain to two senior players sharing responsibility for the same team? Harmanpreet: Smriti and I have spent our peak years in this journey together. From training together and being at the NCA, to eating together and even playing video games, we have seen it all. Most importantly, we have always had a strong understanding of each other, and I believe that will benefit us even more now. I will be very happy to support her and stand alongside her as she performs her role as captain. We have built this team together over the years, so I am sure that the energy, trust and understanding between us will remain the same going forward. IANS: You have experienced the criticism, the near-misses, the World Cup heartbreaks and finally the World Cup victory. Looking back, what did captaincy teach you about Indian womens cricket that you could never have learnt simply by being a player? Harmanpreet: The criticism came with the expectations people had of us. Sometimes it does hurt when you dont meet your own expectations as a team, and of course, when the people watching and supporting you are also expecting you to do well. Captaincy taught me to stand on the frontline and take responsibility not just for the criticism, but also for the victories. It taught me that leadership is about standing with your team through every phase, learning from every experience and continuing to move forward. IANS: Do you think Indian womens cricket has now reached a stage where the captain no longer needs to carry the emotional weight of the entire team, and was that also part of your thinking in deciding to step aside? Harmanpreet: The team is in a very good place, but that doesnt mean the captain has any less responsibility. Every day brings new challenges and decisions that have to be made in the best interest of the team, and that part will never change. For me, stepping aside was not about feeling any burden. It was purely based on my personal desire to enjoy cricket and life at the same time, and to find more time for my family, friends and the things I have wanted to do. IANS: You have said, Captaincy ends. The journey continues. What does that journey look like now? Is there a different kind of ambition you want to pursue as a player, without the responsibility of having to think about the next selection, the next combination or the next result? Harmanpreet: The journey looks no different to me as a cricketer, except that my role as captain has changed. The leadership within me will always remain, and I will continue to make my personal decisions with greater clarity while helping the team wherever my experience and inputs can add value. And the dream is definitely not over. The trophies are not finished either. I am still hungry to contribute, perform and win more trophies for my country and for all the fans who have shown me constant love and support over the years. IANS: If you could speak to the Harmanpreet who first captained India in 2012, when the opportunity came almost unexpectedly, what would you tell her about the decade that followed, and about knowing when it is time to let someone else lead? Harmanpreet: When the baton was passed on to me, I took it with full responsibility and gave it everything I had. Somewhere along the way, I always knew that one day I would have to pass that baton on to someone else. I would tell that younger Harmanpreet to enjoy the journey, embrace every challenge, and never be afraid of change. This is not the end of a journey. It is simply another beginning another opportunity for an athlete to achieve goals, make memories and continue contributing to the team. I am happy and grateful that whatever I could do for my country during my tenure has been celebrated, and that my journey has been able to inspire people. IANS: Lastly, girls have grown up watching Harmanpreet Kaur, the all-rounder. With you getting time to focus purely and solely on yourself and your game, will we be seeing the all-rounder in you return? Will you be taking up the ball more regularly now? Harmanpreet: When the baton was passed on to me, I took it with full responsibility and gave it everything I had. Somewhere along the way, I always knew that one day I would have to pass that baton on to someone else. I would tell that younger Harmanpreet to enjoy the journey, embrace every challenge, and never be afraid of change. This is not the end of a journey. It is simply another beginning another opportunity for an athlete to achieve goals, make memories and continue contributing to the team. I am happy and grateful that whatever I could do for my country during my tenure has been celebrated, and that my journey has been able to inspire people. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

ECB hints at NOC u-turn even as APL doubts emerge

ECB chairman Richard Thompson appeared to partially row back on the board's stance, though he suggested the board are wary of restricting players' movements unlawfully.

Im still hungry to contribute, perform and win more trophies: Harmanpreet Kaur

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 7 (IANS) Former India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has made it clear that stepping down from the leadership role has not diminished her ambitions as a cricketer, saying she remains determined to contribute to the national team and add more trophies to her collection. Harmanpreet, who handed over the captaincy after Indias Asian Games campaign, said the next phase of her career will be about greater clarity, enjoyment and continuing to contribute wherever the team needs her. The journey looks no different to me as a cricketer, except that my role as captain has changed. The leadership within me will always remain, and I will continue to make my personal decisions with greater clarity while helping the team wherever my experience and inputs can add value, Harmanpreet told IANS exclusively. And the dream is definitely not over. The trophies are not finished either. I am still hungry to contribute, perform and win more trophies for my country and for all the fans who have shown me constant love and support over the years, she said. Harmanpreets decision to relinquish the captaincy came after she had spent more than a decade carrying the responsibility of leading India. However, she said the move was driven by her personal desire to approach the game differently rather than by fatigue with leadership or disappointment over results. The team is in a very good place, but that doesnt mean the captain has any less responsibility. Every day brings new challenges and decisions that have to be made in the best interest of the team, and that part will never change. For me, stepping aside was not about feeling any burden. It was purely based on my personal desire to enjoy cricket and life at the same time, and to find more time for my family, friends and the things I have wanted to do, the 37-year-old said. The Asian Games gold was a particularly happy moment for Harmanpreet and the Indian team, but she was clear that the medal itself did not trigger her decision to step down. Instead, it gave her another reminder of the strength and depth available within the squad. The Asian Games gold was another very special moment for us as a team. Every championship and every medal has its own significance, and winning that gold gave me a lot of happiness and pride. But my decision was not based on one particular tournament or one particular result. It was a decision I arrived at after giving it a lot of thought and understanding what I wanted for myself and for my journey as a cricketer. I feel very confident about the team and the players we have today. There is a lot of talent, hunger and experience within the group, and that gives me great confidence about the future of Indian womens cricket, she expressed. A major part of Harmanpreets confidence comes from the continuity provided by Smriti Mandhana, who has now taken over the captaincy. The two have shared the Indian setup for more than a decade, and Harmanpreet believes their familiarity will help the team transition smoothly. Smriti and I have spent our peak years in this journey together. From training together and being at the NCA, to eating together and even playing video games, we have seen it all. Most importantly, we have always had a strong understanding of each other, and I believe that will benefit us even more now. I will be very happy to support her and stand alongside her as she performs her role as captain. We have built this team together over the years, so I am sure that the energy, trust and understanding between us will remain the same going forward, Harmanpreet mentioned. The change in role will also allow Harmanpreet to concentrate more closely on her own game. While she has always prioritised her batting, she acknowledged that captaincy could sometimes require her individual goals to take a back seat. As a player, you have a certain freedom to make choices, but as a captain, there are times when you have to put aside your personal dilemmas and move forward because you have a team following you. I wouldnt say I had to compromise on my personal performances, but yes, sometimes my personal goals and targets had to take a back seat. I have always put my batting first, even during my captaincy, but now I want to approach my game with even more clarity understanding my role, executing it well and, most importantly, enjoying every bit of cricket, she said. The all-rounder is also open to taking on a greater bowling role if required, insisting that her priorities now revolve around enjoying her time on the field and responding to the needs of the team.Absolutely. Whenever and wherever my team requires me to perform a particular role, I will be happy to do it. For myself, I want to focus on my routines, enjoy my time and celebrate the environment that is so close to my heart, being on the field, being with my team and simply enjoying cricket. If the team needs me with the ball, I will always be ready to contribute, she noted. Harmanpreet, who took over the captaincy in 2012, sees the transition as part of the natural cycle of a sporting career. She said she had always known that the time would eventually come to hand over the responsibility. When the baton was passed on to me, I took it with full responsibility and gave it everything I had. Somewhere along the way, I always knew that one day I would have to pass that baton on to someone else. I would tell that younger Harmanpreet to enjoy the journey, embrace every challenge, and never be afraid of change. This is not the end of a journey. It is simply another beginning another opportunity for an athlete to achieve goals, make memories and continue contributing to the team. I am happy and grateful that whatever I could do for my country during my tenure has been celebrated, and that my journey has been able to inspire people, Harman concluded.

Pakistan's Hasan Nawaz Opens Up on Painful India Defeat

Pakistan batter Hasan Nawaz expressed his disappointment over losing the Asian Games gold medal match against India, citing small mistakes as the reason for their defeat. Despite scoring 96 runs in the final, Nawaz felt the team could have won and highlighted the challenge of playing against India. He also spoke about his personal comeback and future aspirations in cricket.

CRICKET | History will be kinder to you: Gambhir to Agarkar

SA20 Auction 2027 LIVE Updates: Big Names To Go Under The Hammer As 4 Teams Aim To Complete Squad

SA20 Auction 2027 LIVE Updates: The event brings plenty of thrill, hype and buzz, with four franchises left to spend USD 2.10 million on 19 available slots.

BCCI Pays Tribute To Ajit Agarkar After Tenure As Chief Selector Ends

ODI World Cup: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday paid tribute to Ajit Agarkar, thanking the former chairman of the senior mens selection committee for his contribution to a successful period in Indian cricket. Agarkars tenure officially ended on Tuesday after the BCCI invited applications to fill the vacant position in the five-member selection panel. A tenure marked by some truly special moments for Indian cricket three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals, along with a run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final, the BCCI said in a post on X. Thank you, Mr Ajit Agarkar, for your commitment, conviction and contribution as Chairman of the Mens Selection Committee. Wishing you the very best for the journey ahead, it added. Agarkar took charge as chairman in July 2023 and oversaw a period in which India reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final before going on to win the 2024 T20 World Cup, 2025 Champions Trophy and 2026 T20 World Cup. His tenure also included Indias two Asia Cup triumphs and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals, while the national side continued to remain a dominant force across formats. Agarkars final assignment as chairman was the selection of Indias white-ball squads for the ongoing series against the West Indies. Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha has taken charge as the acting chairman of the selection committee and presided over the squad selection for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand and three India A games. The current panel also comprises Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra and RP Singh. As per BCCI protocol, the selector with the most Test appearances assumes the chairmanship, with Ojha, who played 24 Tests for India, currently the senior-most member of the panel. The BCCI has invited applications for Agarkars replacement from the West Zone. The new selector will be involved in long-term squad planning, talent identification, monitoring domestic cricket and strategy meetings. The current panel also comprises Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra and RP Singh. As per BCCI protocol, the selector with the most Test appearances assumes the chairmanship, with Ojha, who played 24 Tests for India, currently the senior-most member of the panel. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

All-round Taylor powers West Indies' clean sweep over Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe opener Kelis Ndhlovu's 48-ball 63 went in vain as the tourists romped home with eight wickets and 18 balls to spare

SA20 Auction LIVE: Kieron Pollard, Faf du Plessis, Trent Boult among others set to go under hammer

The SA20 Season 5 auction is set to begin with four franchises still to fill 19 squad positions after the salary cap was raised to USD 2.54 million. Joburg Super Kings enter the auction with...

SA20 2027 Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch Live Telecast

The stage is set for the SA20 Season 5 player auction as four franchises prepare to battle it out for 19 available squad slots with a total purse of USD 2.10 million.

Bomb Threat Email Hits Narendra Modi Stadium While India U-19, Australia U-19 Teams Were Present

Several schools in Ahmedabad, as well as the Narendra Modi Stadium, received bomb threats on Wednesday

IND u-19 vs AUS u-19 | Baloda scalps a record-breaking 14 in India u-19s dominant win

The hosts bowl out Australia under-19 for 151 to set up an 11-run chase; Cattles lone battle only delays the inevitable as Yashbardhan & Co. clinch the series 2-0

Head Launches Fiery Attack on Former Australia Players

Travis Head launched a fiery defence of Australia's Test team, lambasting former players for unfair criticism while backing Nic Maddinson's recall and dismissing doubts over his opening role.

Cricket Historian From Kerala Pays Musical Tribute To Smriti Mandhana

Cricket World Cup: The elevation of star opener Smriti Mandhana as captain of the Indian womens cricket team has inspired a musical tribute from Kerala, with a cricket historian penning a song celebrating her remarkable career. Professor Vasisht, a cricket historian from Kerala and an ardent admirer of Mandhana, has written the lyrics for the song, while his former student Silu Fathima has composed the music and lent her voice to it. The song has been released on social media and has been attracting attention among cricket followers. Mandhana, one of the most popular women sportspersons in the Indian subcontinent, has already assembled an impressive collection of honours. She was part of the Indian team that won the 2025 Womens Cricket World Cup and has also been a member of Indias victorious Womens Asia Cup teams in 2016 and 2022. Mandhana has won gold medals at the 2022 and 2026 Asian Games and a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She has also won two Women's Premier League titles. Her batting record has made her one of the defining figures in women's international cricket. Mandhana is among the leading run-scorers in international womens cricket and holds several major batting records. She is the first Indian woman to score an international century in all three formats: Test, ODI and T20I. Mandhana added another feather to her illustrious cap as she became the first women's cricketer to complete 11,000 runs in international cricket during the Asian Games final against Sri Lanka For Professor Vasisht, the song is the latest expression of a long-standing admiration for the Indian star. He has earlier compiled booklets on Mandhana and organised photo exhibitions dedicated to her at various womens colleges in Kerala. The professor believes Mandhanas elevation as captain could usher in another successful phase for Indian womens cricket. He hopes she will lead India to a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will return to the Olympic programme. The song, written in English, captures Mandhanas journey from a celebrated batter to the leader of the Indian womens team. Fathima, who was once Vasishts student, has given musical form to his tribute. The song, written in English, captures Mandhanas journey from a celebrated batter to the leader of the Indian womens team. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Iyer rises to career-best seventh in T20I rankings; Gill consolidates No.1 position in ODI list

Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma continue to occupy the top two spots, with Tilak Varma at 10th, giving India four batters in the top 10

Mandhana Hails Harmanpreet's 'Fantastic' Ten-Year Journey

Smriti Mandhana, the newly-appointed India women's cricket team captain, praised Harmanpreet Kaur's fantastic decade-long leadership after Kaur stepped down from the role. Mandhana expressed her desire to continue their journey together, while Harmanpreet will remain a part of the team for the upcoming Zimbabwe series.

Naman Dhir Has Finished Him: World Cup Winner Says The Replacement' Player Has Ended This Star's T20I Chances

Naman Dhir had a great T20I debut on Tuesday. Playing in the first T20I of a five-match series against the West Indies, Dhir picked up 3/31

Smriti Mandhana, Indias new captain has earned her job

The 30-year-old, who is the most experienced player in the side after Harmanpreet, has also led RCB to two WPL titles; the southpaws immediate task will be to strengthen the team in the shortest format

Stage Set For SA20 Season 5 Player Auction As Four Teams Bid To Complete Squads

Both Joburg Super Kings: The stage is set for the SA20 season 5 player auction as four franchises prepare to battle it out for 19 available squad slots with a total purse of 2.10 million USD here on Wednesday. With Durban's Super Giants and Paarl Royals having already finalised their squads following an increase in the salary cap to 2.54 million USD for season five, the remaining four teams - Joburg Super Kings, MI Cape Town, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, and Pretoria Capitals, will enter the bidding room to complete their rosters. Experienced presenter Dan Nicholl will hold the gavel for the first time, with former South Africa international stars Chris Morris and Neil McKenzie offering expert commentary as the proceedings unfold. Joburg Super Kings, under new head coach Albie Morkel, possess the largest purse entering the auction at 1.245 million USD alongside an unallocated wildcard slot. Robin Peterson's MI Cape Town enter with 565,150 USD while three-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape, coached by Adrian Birrell, hold 217,600 USD. Shaun Pollock's Pretoria Capitals carry 89,150 USD into the session. Under league roster regulations, each 19-player squad must feature 18 registered core players including a maximum of seven overseas players and a minimum of 11 South Africans (at least two of whom must be Under-23) - in addition to one wildcard player outside the standard salary cap. Both Joburg Super Kings and MI Cape Town must select at least one Under-23 player from the 48 players shortlisted in that bracket. The auction structure comprises Marquee Mixed Set Rounds followed by a Nomination Express Round, where franchises can explicitly nominate individual players to bring to the table. The Right to Match (RTM) option will not be available to any of the participating teams for this auction. Across the five seasons of the league, total auction spend on players has reached 70.75 million USD, producing career-defining moments for several homegrown talents. Reflecting on his entry into the league, Sunrisers Eastern Cape captain Tristan Stubbs recalled his initial auction experience. I was very young, I was 20-something. I remember watching the Auction with my digs mates. We were jumping up and down. We couldnt believe what just happened. No one really expected it. I didnt expect it. It was quite overwhelming, he said. That record was later broken when Dewald Brevis was secured by Pretoria Capitals for 16.5 million rand ahead of season four, going on to help lead his side to the final. Obviously, there are people that refer to the price tag, but for me I just remain Dewald and keep playing the game. I know why I play cricket, and Im grateful for how the auction went, getting to represent my home team in Pretoria. We had an amazing time, and I really enjoyed it. Pretoria Capitals captain Keshav Maharaj pointed out that the element of unpredictability adds to the event's atmosphere. Going into the Auction, its a fear of the unknown. Once again, regardless of who you are, I think theres always an element of where, price, if Im going to get picked first of all. But throughout my career, Ive always wanted an opportunity to play outside of Durban. Its been a wonderful opportunity to experience that and experience a different culture towards cricket, which I would say was pretty phenomenal and second to nothing. For top-order batter Matthew Breetzke, the process demonstrated how the league can transform a player's career trajectory - moving from a base price purchase of 10,576 USD by Durban's Super Giants in the inaugural auction to a 368,000 USD move back home to Sunrisers Eastern Cape in season 4. I think the opportunity that the Durbans Super Giants gave me was something that catapulted my career. During the Season 4 Auction, I was actually coming off a flight from I dont know where and landed before I put my phone on and got all the messages that I was going back home. For top-order batter Matthew Breetzke, the process demonstrated how the league can transform a player's career trajectory - moving from a base price purchase of 10,576 USD by Durban's Super Giants in the inaugural auction to a 368,000 USD move back home to Sunrisers Eastern Cape in season 4. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Dhirs impact with the ball was decisive in the first T20I

'Conversation With Abhishek Nayar Helped Me A Lot,' Says Shreyas Iyer After Maiden T20I Ton

BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium: India captain Shreyas Iyer credited his long-time mentor and former Indian assistant coach Abhishek Nayar for helping him improve and correct his mistakes and produce a match-winning performance after smashing his maiden T20I century against West Indies in the opening game of the five-match series on Tuesday. Iyer struck an unbeaten 102 off just 43 balls, including 10 fours and six sixes, as India chased down 172 in only 14.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium. The knock came at an important juncture for Iyer, who had been struggling to convert starts into substantial scores and had breached the 50-run mark only twice since taking over as Indias T20I captain in June. Reflecting on his innings in a BCCI video, Iyer revealed that a recent conversation with Nayar, who has shared a long-standing coach-mentor relationship with him through Mumbai domestic cricket, Kolkata Knight Riders and the national team setup, proved valuable. I had a brief interaction with Abhishek Nayar in that period where we were talking about cricket. I think that conversation with him helped me a lot in todays performance, Iyer said in a video released by BCCI. The India skipper said the key to his innings was preparing himself before every delivery and finding his rhythm early. The key that I observed in my batting today was setting myself before the delivery of the ball, and that worked perfectly. So creating that momentum and rhythm was essential at the start of the innings, and it worked out pretty well, he said. Nayar has earlier worked closely with Iyer on technical aspects of his batting as well as during different phases of his comeback in domestic and international cricket. Iyer also spoke about the challenge of returning from Japan and immediately adapting to the demands of international cricket. Im very happy; its a great start. And especially coming after Japan, forming a solid XI here. It was kind of challenging, but I must say that thats what we look for when we are playing at this level. We love challenges, and we want to make sure that we are at the top of our game and leave the excuses aside, he said. Iyers century was the fastest by an Indian against the West Indies in T20Is and made him the third Indian captain to score a century in the format after Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. With India now leading the series 1-0, Iyer said the teams immediate objective was to maintain the momentum and complete a series victory. I would be extremely happy if we win the series. Obviously we started on a great note, and if we finish with a victory going forward in the next four games, that is what our main goal and target is at the moment, he said. Iyers century was the fastest by an Indian against the West Indies in T20Is and made him the third Indian captain to score a century in the format after Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Amid Reports Of Rift, Smriti Mandhana Pens Heartfelt Tribute For Harmanpreet Kaur

India's newly appointed skipper Smriti Mandhana on Wednesday congratulated outgoing captain Harmanpreet Kaur at the end of a highly successful captaincy stint.

Bomb Threat at Narendra Modi Stadium During India Vs Australia U-19 Match

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad received a bomb threat email during an India Under-19 vs Australia Under-19 cricket match, with the sender claiming association with the 'Khalistan National Army' and also warning of blasts at upcoming Diljit Dosanjh concerts.

Smriti And Jemimah Pay Rich Tributes To Outgoing India Womens Skipper Harmanpreet

T20 World Cup: Newly appointed India women's cricket team captain Smriti Mandhana and middle-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues on Wednesday paid rich tributes to outgoing skipper Harmanpreet Kaur following her decision to step down from leadership across all formats. The BCCI on Tuesday named Smriti as the new captain of the women's national team after Harmanpreet resigned from the position. Harmanpreets leadership future came under scrutiny at a BCCI review meeting in Guwahati on Monday following India's second successive group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in England in June. It has been a pleasure playing with you for so many years. Ten years of your leadership have been fantastic, and together, we will strive to bring many more laurels for our nation, Smriti, who will take over the reins starting with Indias white-ball series against Zimbabwe from October 16, wrote on her Instagram stories. Signing off on a high after guiding India to winning a gold medal at the Asian Games in Japan, Harmanpreet will always be remembered for captaining India to its maiden women's global championship title at last year's ODI World Cup. In all, Harmanpreet captained India in five Tests, 51 ODIs, and 155 T20Is. Echoing similar sentiments, Jemimah, who is recovering from a high-grade hamstring tear sustained while playing The Hundred in England, posted on Instagram, Congratulations on everything you've achieved. Thanks for the years of leadership and for everything you did for the team! Smritis elevation to full-time national captaincy marks a new chapter in her international career. Smriti has represented India in nine Tests, 120 ODIs, and 179 T20Is since her debut in 2013, and has been the backbone of the batting line-up alongside Harmanpreet. Echoing similar sentiments, Jemimah, who is recovering from a high-grade hamstring tear sustained while playing The Hundred in England, posted on Instagram, Congratulations on everything you've achieved. Thanks for the years of leadership and for everything you did for the team! Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Tammy Beaumont to Blaze away for two more years

Move follows international retirement at the end of the first Women's Test at Lord's, against India in July

Delhi Capitals Head Coach Sourav Ganguly Clarifies Rishabh Pant's Role In Team

Newly-appointed Delhi Capitals head coach Sourav Ganguly is confident that embattled wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will fit perfectly in the team's middle order.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar In, But Mohammed Shami Overlooked By BCCI Again - R Ashwin Gives Mega Take

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who last played a T20I for India in November 2022, has been recalled for the tour against New Zealand.

Shreyas Iyer climbs to seven in men's T20I ranking, KL Rahul enters top 10 in ODIs

Shreyas Iyer made a major jump in the latest ICC men's T20I batting rankings after his unbeaten century against West Indies in Lucknow. He jumped 18 places to a career-high seventh position. His 43-ball 102 not out in Indias series opener against the Caribbeans marked his first hundred in T20I cricket and lifted him to third among Indian batters in the rankings. Ishan Kishan remains at the summit, while Abhishek Sharma occupies second place following a good Asian Games.

ILT20 Season 5 Desert Vipers To Begin Title Defence From November 21 vs MI Emirates

Defending champions Desert Vipers will take on last year's finalists and Season 2 champions MI Emirates in the opening match of the DP World International League T20 Season 5 at the Dubai International Stadium

Worried Indian Team Resorts To Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs NZ, Report Says It's The 1st Step Towards This Mega Event

From the time Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up 28 wickets in 16 matches in IPL 2026 - the highest by an Indian in this year's edition - there were growing murmurs about the seamer's continued absence from the national side

I'll Be Giving My Best To Make The Side Successful, Says Ganguly On Joining Delhi Capitals As Head Coach

Indian Premier League: Newly-appointed Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Sourav Ganguly on Wednesday said he is excited to take on his new role and pledged to give his best to make the franchise successful in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Ganguly shares a long-standing association with DC across various capacities. The former India captain served as DC's mentor during the 2019 season before stepping away to assume the role of BCCI President. After that, Ganguly was subsequently appointed as JSW's director of cricket in 2024. Ganguly, whos also the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), made his formal coaching debut with Pretoria Capitals in the 2025 SA20 season and has also been actively involved with the DC setup in the Women's Premier League (WPL). Well, I'm very, very excited. I've been with them for two seasons, both as director of cricket. The first season in 2019, we lost in the semis and then I went away as BCCI president. So I'm really, really excited for the season ahead. It's the next year, IPL, and Delhi is a very good team. This is a very good side, and I'll be giving my best to make the side successful, Ganguly said in a video shared on the franchise's official YouTube channel on Wednesday. Asked on what clicked for him to be DC head coach, Ganguly said, I wanted to experience the mindset of a coach because it's not the same as a player. It's a bit different. You need to understand things. You need to be relaxed. You still need to find a way to get the best out of players and work with the players because players are different. It's not you batting or you bowling anymore. It's about somebody else batting and bowling and winning cricket matches. So it's important that you sync with them and understand what they want, how they can get better, and work with them, which is very important, he explained. Addressing his lingering drive to guide DC to a championship win, Ganguly insisted that the current group possesses the talent required to go head-to-head with any side in the competition. Motivation to take Delhi to the top, we did in 2019. In 2020, Delhi was a very good team. I was involved in making the team, but then I left and became the BCCI president. So from that point of view, that motivation will always remain to take that squad to a different level. I think that's what I will be looking out for the players because there's enormous talent in the dressing room. When you go man-to-man with some of the best teams in the competition, Delhi is no way behind. Hopefully with this squad, we'll be able to reach newer heights in the years to come, he asserted. Hailing the squad's core, Ganguly highlighted the key addition of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant via a trade earlier this year, alongside a star-studded lineup featuring KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Mitchell Starc, and David Miller. We needed a middle-order Indian batter, and Pant fits it perfectly. He was with us. He played well for us in the past. Hopefully this year, next year, when he turns up again, I think he'll use the time and space and the matches to become a better player. He enjoys batting at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi, and hopefully we'll see the best of Pant in the years to come for the Delhi shirt. It's a good team - KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant, Mitchell Stark, Lungi Ngidi, Ashutosh, Miller, Stubbs. So it's a pretty strong team, man and I hope we play to our potential. I hope everyone understands how good they are and goes and expresses themselves. So that's very important for the squad, he noted. On the tactical front, Ganguly underlined that T20 cricket demands an uncompromising, aggressive approach while adapting to conditions at their home venue, the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Well, in T20 cricket, it's only one brand. Keep hitting sixes and keep hitting fours. So that's what the brand is all about and you play accordingly. It's a good wicket at Feroz Shah Kotla. You play according to the situation, you play the game and react to the situation, which is most important in sport. So from that point of view, that's the brand we are going to play. We're going to play to win. That's always been the case and hopefully with the squad we have, we'll become successful, he said. Calling on the squad to deliver for the franchise management and fans, Ganguly admitted that the team's track record over the last 18 years needs significant improvement. Parth (Jindal, co-owner) is like my young brother and my relationship with him just goes beyond Delhi Capitals. Delhi Capitals is just a part and with Kiran (Kumar Grandhi, co-owner), I was there in 2019. I know he's a gentleman. As they call in the sport, a gentle giant. So as I said, the team deserves better performances. The owners deserve much better than what this franchise has done over the last 17, 18 years. Getting to the final in 2020 and semifinal in 2019, eight years before and four years after that, it hasn't been good. Calling on the squad to deliver for the franchise management and fans, Ganguly admitted that the team's track record over the last 18 years needs significant improvement. Parth (Jindal, co-owner) is like my young brother and my relationship with him just goes beyond Delhi Capitals. Delhi Capitals is just a part and with Kiran (Kumar Grandhi, co-owner), I was there in 2019. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Sourav Ganguly denies conflict of interest after named Delhi Capitals coach amid serving as CAB president

Sourav Ganguly has rejected questions over a potential conflict of interest linked to his appointment as Delhi Capitals head coach. He said that an order issued by the BCCI ombudsman addresses his position while he...

Baloda spins Australia out as India U-19 sweep series

India U-19 cricket team defeated Australia by 10 wickets on day three of the second Youth Test in Ahmedabad, securing a 2-0 series victory. Left-arm spinner Tanmay Baloda was the star performer, taking an impressive 14 wickets in the match, including 8/41 in the second innings. Australia were bowled out for 151, setting India a target of just 11 runs, which they chased down quickly.

'I Dont Mind Playing Second Fiddle: Ishan Lauds Iyer's Approach In Maiden T20I Ton

Ekana Cricket Stadium: India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan credited skipper Shreyas Iyers attacking approach and praised debutant Naman Dhirs fearless bowling after India opened their five-match T20I series against the West Indies with an eight-wicket victory at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. While Iyers unbeaten 102 powered a successful chase of 172, Dhirs three-wicket haul helped India restrict the visitors to 171. Kishan remained unbeaten on 37 from 27 deliveries and shared an unbroken 137-run stand with Iyer for the third wicket. With India losing both openers inside the first four overs, the partnership became the defining passage of the chase, with Iyer taking charge and Kishan providing the support required to keep the innings moving. Rather than viewing his supporting role as a compromise, Kishan said it was the sensible approach once he recognised that his captain was seeing the ball exceptionally well. As a batter, when Im not looking in that great of a touch and the batter at the other end is looking in great form and is connecting the ball well, in this case Shreyas Iyer, then I dont mind playing second fiddle at all. He was scoring the bulk of the runs in our partnership, and when hes batting beautifully, its my job to let him punish the opposition bowlers. He did that job remarkably, and, in the end, we executed the run chase successfully. The plan was simple. We had a target in mind, and we broke it down into small parts. Whenever the bowler bowled in my zone, I looked to score. On the other end, Shreyas was in full flow, so we just kept the scoreboard moving. There was no panic because we knew one good over would change the game. That is what happened, and we got over the line, Kishan told JioStar. Iyers innings, which contained 10 fours and six sixes, saw him bring up his maiden T20I century off 42 balls. India completed the chase in 14.4 overs, taking an early 1-0 lead in the series. Earlier, Dhir had provided India with the breakthrough they needed during the West Indies innings. The all-rounder finished with 3/31 on debut, dismissing Shai Hope, Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer. His response after being hit for a six particularly impressed Kishan. Having seen Dhir bowl during their Mumbai Indians association, Kishan noted the difference in the youngsters approach and said his willingness to attack despite the setback was an indication of the work he had put into his bowling. I have seen Naman bowl during my Mumbai Indians days and at that time I would say he was more of a part-time bowler. But looking at how he was bowling in this match and the confidence he had, after getting hit for a six, on your debut, you tend to go more defensive. But Naman didnt do that and kept on giving that extra flight to the opposition batters, which helped him get a couple of wickets in his debut game. Him not going defensive and attacking the batters is something that makes you understand that this player has actually worked hard on his bowling, on his skill. It shows he has the mindset to take wickets and not just survive. If he keeps bowling like this, he will go a long way, the keeper-batter added. I have seen Naman bowl during my Mumbai Indians days and at that time I would say he was more of a part-time bowler. But looking at how he was bowling in this match and the confidence he had, after getting hit for a six, on your debut, you tend to go more defensive. But Naman didnt do that and kept on giving that extra flight to the opposition batters, which helped him get a couple of wickets in his debut game. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

How Rohit Sharma's Captaincy Shaped Tilak Varma's Leadership Skills

Now serving as deputy to T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma noted that the vice-captaincy brings a broader responsibility that extends well beyond on-field tactics - it goes into off-field team bonding and player management.

Very Satisfying To Be Honest, God Listens If You Work Hard,' Says Naman Dhir On Dream T20I Debut

Naman Dhir: In a matter of three weeks, batting all-rounder Naman Dhir completed a fairytale introduction to international cricket and after having a memorable T20I debut against the West Indies, he attributed this very satisfying feeling to honest hard work and God listening to his prayers. Having featured in all three ODIs against the West Indies, Dhir was drafted into the T20I squad at the eleventh hour, with Washington Sundar released to play the Ranji Trophy. In India's eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in Lucknow on Tuesday, operating as the fifth bowling option, Dhir claimed three crucial wickets on his T20I debut. It is very satisfying to be honest. If you had asked me two or three weeks ago if I was playing for India or if I was debuting in both formats I might not have believed you. But like I told you during the ODI debut, if you work hard with honesty, God will listen to you one day. So I guess this is the day for me, Dhir said in a video posted on bcci.tv on Wednesday. Demonstrating exceptional temperament, Dhir adjusted his line, length, and pace whenever put under pressure to execute his off-spin bowling. Interestingly, Dhir picked up all three of his wickets on the very next ball after being hit for a six. Reflecting on his bowling strategy, Dhir revealed that observing left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Axar Patel during the Powerplay helped him assess the surface conditions effectively. I saw Axar bhai in powerplay and he was throwing a slower ball and was getting a bit of grip. So my plan was to throw a slow ball and the wicket was a bit damp which was helpful for the spinners. If I could throw a slower ball and get a bit of grip, then I guess I benefited a lot, he said. Dhir revealed that disciplined preparation across domestic and franchise cricket provided him with the composure required on the big stage. Preparation is the most important thing for me. If I am playing a match, whether its in the IPL or for the Indian team or in the Ranji Trophy, then preparation is very important for me - be it batting or bowling. So I guess it helps me to stay calm. If you are well prepared only then you can be confident otherwise you cannot be. Preparation is very important for me. Obviously, there were a few nerves but as compared to the one day debut it was much less because that is when you play your first international game. So there were a lot of nerves but as compared to that it was much less. I enjoyed my T20 debut a lot. So I am very grateful, he added. State teammate and India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, who presented Dhir with his T20I cap prior to the match, praised the all-rounder's fearless approach and steady growth over the years. First of all, it's an honour to hand over the cap number 125 to Naman Dhir. First time, I've seen him in under 16 days and after that whenever I've seen him, he has always improved and he has shown his A game. So I guess it helps me to stay calm. If you are well prepared only then you can be confident otherwise you cannot be. Preparation is very important for me. Obviously, there were a few nerves but as compared to the one day debut it was much less because that is when you play your first international game. So there were a lot of nerves but as compared to that it was much less. I enjoyed my T20 debut a lot. So I am very grateful, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

'Welcome back, Bhuvi!': Raina, Srikanth celebrate Bhuvi's India return

Former India batter Suresh Raina has lauded seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to the Indian T20I side after a four-year hiatus, praising his discipline, hard work, and resilience as 'truly inspiring'.

Shreyas Iyer's Explosive Ton vs West Indies Triggers Massive ICC Rankings Jump

India T20 captain Shreyas Iyer on Wednesday climbed to a career-best seventh spot in the latest ICC rankings for the shortest format, while ODI skipper Shubman Gill retained the top position in the 50-over batting list

We Became Chaotic: West Indies Captain Shai Hope After 1st T20I vs India

West Indies captain Shai Hope says his side became a it chaotic in pursuit of a big total in the first T20 International against India in Lucknow and its failure to read the conditions properly was the primary reason for the eight-wicket loss in the series-opener.

Australia return to SA 8 years after sandpaper scandal

Australia and South Africa are set to begin a three-match Test series in Durban, with both teams looking for a boost after recent setbacks. The pitch at Kingsmead is expected to favour spinners, a departure from South Africa's usual seamer-friendly conditions, potentially influencing team selections.

Australia prepare for first test in South Africa since'Sandpapergate'

South Africa has played tests in Australia since Sandpapergate, and Australia have toured South Africa in the interim for limited-overs internationals.

Shreyas Iyer is back to his best: Sunil Gavaskar

Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar lauded Shreyas Iyer's maiden T20I century against the West Indies, stating it came at an 'important time' and signalled the Indian skipper's return to his best form after a challenging period with the bat.

Shreyas Iyer rises to No. 7 in ICC rankings after maiden T20I century

Among T20I bowlers, Abrar Ahmed lost his top spot to Rashid Khan

This Knock Is A Strong Signal That Shreyas Is Back To His Best: Gavaskar

Indian T20I: Sunil Gavaskar has described Shreyas Iyers 102-run innings against the West Indies as a timely statement from the India captain, while also calling for patience with Sanju Samson after the openers early dismissal in the first T20I. Gavaskar opined that Iyers century answered recent questions over his batting form and argued that Samson should retain his place ahead of teenage prospect Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for the ongoing series. Iyer's unbeaten century came in a chase of 172 and proved decisive as India secured an eight-wicket victory. After reaching his half-century from 28 deliveries, the right-hander dramatically accelerated, adding the next 52 runs in only 15 balls to finish on 102. It was a sublime knock from Shreyas Iyer. He looked unstoppable, and no matter what lines and lengths the West Indian bowlers bowled, Iyer had an answer to everything. The shots he played were a treat to watch, especially the upper-cut off Romario Shepherd, which showed that he meant business. Shreyas Iyer has had a bit of a torrid time with the bat since becoming the captain of this Indian T20I squad. In recent times, the wins have come, but his own form with the bat was a concern. It was important for him to play a big knock, and he delivered in this first T20I. Iyer took complete control of the run chase and continued to accelerate through the middle overs. He reached his fifty in just 28 balls and then shifted gears completely, going from 50 to 102 in the space of just 15 balls. There had been questions on social media about Shreyas batting form, and this hundred has silenced all of them. This knock is a strong signal that Shreyas Iyer is back to his best, Gavaskar said on JioStar. The innings also changed the complexion of a chase that had briefly left India needing stability after early wickets. Iyer ensured that the required rate never became a concern, with his acceleration through the middle phase eventually turning the contest into a comfortable finish. While Iyers innings dominated the result, another selection question emerged at the top of Indias batting order. Sanju Samson, returning to the opening role, made 11 before being dismissed in the first T20I. That immediately revived the debate over whether Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should be considered for a place in the playing XI. Gavaskar, however, believes a single failure should not outweigh Samsons previous record as an opener. He also pointed to the fact that Samson had previously scored two half-centuries against Afghanistan in the same role. Sanju scored two half-centuries against Afghanistan as an opener. Then he had a bad run of games at the Asian Games but he was batting at number three there, so I wont really blame him. Now, hes back opening the innings and got out after scoring 11 runs in this first T20I. But that is not enough for me to drop him from the team in favour of young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Gavaskar, however, believes a single failure should not outweigh Samsons previous record as an opener. He also pointed to the fact that Samson had previously scored two half-centuries against Afghanistan in the same role. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Shreyas Iyer rises to 7th in ICC T20I rankings after match-winning hundred

Shreyas Iyer has surged to a career-best seventh position in the ICC Men's T20I Batting Rankings after smashing his maiden T20I century in the opening match of the home series against the West Indies in Lucknow on Tuesday.

Baloda Picks Eight As India Thrash Australia By Ten Wickets, Win U-19 Red-ball Series 2-0

Narendra Modi Stadium: Left-arm spinner Tanmay Baloda delivered a masterclass in spin bowling by taking a staggering 14 wickets in the match, including eight in the second innings, to propel India Under-19 to a comprehensive ten-wicket victory over Australia Under-19 on day of the second four-day game here at the Narendra Modi Stadium B Ground on Wednesday. The result also meant India U-19 won the red-ball series 2-0. Baloda, who was drafted into the squad as a late replacement for the suspended Rohit Yadav, followed up his first-innings 6-32 with figures of 8-41 in the second essay as Australia were bundled out for 151 in their second innings. Set a nominal target of 11 runs, India knocked off the required runs in just five balls, with Lakshya Raichandani striking two boundaries off Spencer Green in the opening over to complete a series sweep. India had earlier won the opening four-day game in Rajkot by an innings and 48 runs, following a 3-0 whitewash in the preceding one-day series. Resuming from 86/4 in their second innings and still trailing by 55 runs, Australia needed a substantial recovery to stay alive in the contest. However, Baloda dealt swift blows in the opening four overs of the day by removing Zed Hollick and Charlie Henderson in quick succession. Right-arm medium pacer Priyanshu Singh (2-25) kept up the pressure from the other end by accounting for Jacob Pietz and Thomas Vaseo to leave the visitors in deep trouble. Baloda then wrapped up the tail by dismissing Patrick Sullivan before ending the innings with the key wicket of Blake Cattle, who top-scored for Australia with a fighting 63. Previously in the game, Australia were bowled out for 174 in 73 overs in their first innings. India responded with a solid 315, anchored by half-centuries from captain Yashbardhan Chauhan (52) and wicketkeeper-batter Abhipray Biswas (73), despite a haul of 7-110 from Australian leg-spinner Spencer Green. Right-arm medium pacer Priyanshu Singh (2-25) kept up the pressure from the other end by accounting for Jacob Pietz and Thomas Vaseo to leave the visitors in deep trouble. Baloda then wrapped up the tail by dismissing Patrick Sullivan before ending the innings with the key wicket of Blake Cattle, who top-scored for Australia with a fighting 63. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

NZC reveals why it chose NZ20 over joining Big Bash

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has defended its decision to launch a domestic T20 competition, NZ20, over joining Australia's Big Bash League, stating it considered a range of expert opinions beyond a single Deloitte report.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Wife's One-Word Instagram Post Wins Hearts After India Recall

As India's squad featuring pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar's name was announced, his wife, Nupur Nagar, took to Instagram to celebrate the moment.

Sad That Australia Womens Team Dont Have Any Matches During Home Summer, Says Perry

Big Bash League: Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry on Wednesday expressed disappointment over the Australian womens cricket teams light schedule in the home season, adding that the absence of international fixtures during the peak months is a sad development. Australia, the world's top-ranked ODI and T20I side will feature in six white-ball matches over the next fortnight three ODIs against Bangladesh are followed by as many T20Is against New Zealand. But after this, Australia will enter a five-month international hiatus at home until March, leaving fans without seeing them in action during the traditional peak summer period. I think everyone at the moment feels the challenge from a scheduling perspective that were not able to play probably in the peak months this summer when people are really tuned into cricket. Kids are on holidays, people are off work, so yeah theres a challenge for sure, because our team has been largely successful and we have got some support from fans around the country, Ellyse said to reporters in Brisbane ahead of Australias opening ODI against Bangladesh on Friday. While the Australian women face a lean home summer, the mens national side has a packed calendar comprising 12 international games, including three ODIs and five T20Is against England starting November 13, and is followed by a four-Test series against New Zealand running from December 9 to January 8. Ellyse acknowledged that the dense calendar - packed with franchise competitions such as the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) and the Women's Premier League (WPL) in India, has intensified scheduling constraints. We just dont have enough opportunity to play in front of our fans because it's a really jam-packed schedule. But hopefully, at least in the womens game, we can create more opportunities to play at home, she added. Turning her attention to the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, Ellyse noted that the team would need to adjust quickly due to playing limited 50-over cricket in recent months. We haven't played a lot of one-day cricket recently, and even looking over the next 24 months, it's going to be sporadic when we drop into one-day cricket as a group. (But) I think our ethos is the same. There's obviously some nuance in the format, the period of time you spend either at the crease or bowling, but I really hope that translates (across). Turning her attention to the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, Ellyse noted that the team would need to adjust quickly due to playing limited 50-over cricket in recent months. We haven't played a lot of one-day cricket recently, and even looking over the next 24 months, it's going to be sporadic when we drop into one-day cricket as a group. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Kohli Slams Rs 5 Cr Ashram Visit Allegations

Virat Kohli's spokesperson has strongly denied claims by Dinesh Sharma, also known as Falahari Maharaj, that the cricketer was paid Rs 5 crore for visiting spiritual leader Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj's ashram in Vrindavan, stating the visits are driven by personal faith.

Completely False, Baseless: Virat Kohli Team Rejects Rs 5 Cr Claim Over Vrindavan Row

Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas: Former India captain Virat Kohlis spokesperson on Wednesday rejected an allegation that the former India captain was paid Rs 5 crore for visiting spiritual leader Premanand Maharajs ashram in Vrindavan, calling the claim completely false, baseless and factually incorrect. The statement came after a claim attributed to Dinesh Sharma, popularly known as Falahari Maharaj, circulated on social media and triggered speculation over Kohlis association with the spiritual leader. Official Statement from Mr. Virat Kohlis spokesperson: We would like to categorically state that the claims made by Falahari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma in regards to Mr. Virat Kohli are completely false, baseless and factually incorrect. Mr. Virat Kohli visits Premanand Maharaj Ji purely out of his deep faith and reverence for Maharaj Ji. We strongly refute these claims and urge the media to exercise due diligence, verify facts before reporting or amplifying such statements, and report responsibly, read an official statement from Kohlis spokesperson. The controversy centres on an alleged payment purportedly linked to Kohlis first visit to Premanand Maharajs Vrindavan ashram in January 2023. According to reports citing Sharma, who is the president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas, the allegation was mentioned in a letter addressed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The claim alleges that a property builder lobby and a Rajasthan-based private company spent Rs 5 crore to facilitate Kohlis visit, purportedly with the intention of increasing the visibility and popularity of Premanand Maharaj by associating him with one of Indian crickets biggest names. However, no publicly available documentary evidence has emerged to establish that such a payment was made. There is no verified contract, invoice, bank transaction, payment record or official communication publicly confirming that Kohli received Rs 5 crore in connection with his visit. Kohlis camp has now directly rejected the allegation, stressing that his meetings with Premanand Maharaj are rooted in personal faith rather than a commercial arrangement. The connection between Kohli and Premanand Maharaj, meanwhile, predates the latest controversy and has played out publicly over several visits. Kohli and his wife, actor Anushka Sharma, first met the spiritual leader at his Vrindavan ashram in January 2023, when the couple visited with their daughter Vamika. Photographs and videos from the interaction subsequently gained widespread attention online. Kohlis camp has now directly rejected the allegation, stressing that his meetings with Premanand Maharaj are rooted in personal faith rather than a commercial arrangement. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

'History will be kinder to you': Gambhir bids Agarkar farewell

India head coach Gautam Gambhir paid tribute to outgoing chief selector Ajit Agarkar, acknowledging his role in India's three ICC trophy wins during his tenure. Agarkar's term ended on Tuesday, and he did not seek an extension, with Pragyan Ojha stepping in as interim chief selector.

'12-team WTC Nearing Reality', Says CA CEO Todd Greenberg

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg: Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has said that expanding the World Test Championship (WTC) to a 12-team model is nearing reality, even as he reiterated that financial pressures will eventually force smaller boards to make hard decisions regarding their participation in red-ball cricket. As per a report in Cricinfo, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and member boards are currently in the final stages of finalising the next Future Tours Programme (FTP) alongside discussions on the future structure of the WTC. The proposed 12-team framework, expected to take effect from the 2029-31 cycle, could incorporate one-off Tests to accommodate full members like Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan. A final decision on the proposal is anticipated during the ICC meetings in Bali on November 13-15. I think that's what will happen for the next two years. I think for the next iteration (of the WTC), I can understand why it is that number because they want to give every Test nation the opportunity. But, ultimately, countries are going to have to make hard decisions themselves because if revenues don't continue to come in from the ICC at the levels that we've enjoyed, or they can't generate their own FTP arrangements, then ultimately any business, ours is the same, you can't continue to distribute more than you earn every year. That's where global cricket finds itself in some parts, Greenberg told reporters in Durban ahead of Australia's opening Test against South Africa starting on Friday. Highlighting the financial strain associated with being in red-ball cricket, Greenberg stated that maintaining a sustainable domestic and high-performance ecosystem for Test cricket poses a steep hurdle for several boards. When I say it's expensive, don't take that comment as being (about) putting on Test matches. It's the ability to invest in your system to create a structure for red-ball cricketers. You can't just magically find 11 players to play Test cricket. I think there is a world where there will be member nations who don't play Test cricket, or they might have to play more away Test cricket than they do at home in order to keep Test cricket in their country [alive] and keep playing that format. I think we've got to think about it differently. This whole reciprocal nature is potentially sending some countries broke, he added. Greenberg also revealed CAs keenness to extend its Test series against South Africa into five-match affairs, though scheduling overlaps during peak domestic summer windows remain a major logistical hurdle. We would love to host South Africa for a five-Test series. (But) there's a real challenge in that between our organisations because they play in a similar period of the year. I can understand that. It would be like asking us, can we come and play in South Africa during December and January. You know our answer would be 'no, we can't, because we're protecting our own windows. So that's why it's difficult. But we're in constant conversations with them. I'll have conversations while I'm here with them. I think South Africa are a really strong Test-playing country despite their commercial and financial challenges. We'd like to see them continue to play Test cricket. We'd love to host them, he added. Turning his focus to ODI cricket amid global discussions on introducing multilateral events to provide greater context, Greenberg called for structural adjustments across four-year cycles. The challenge is how do you do that and still ensure that the commercial returns inside your FTP agreements are retained. I think we've got some work to do on that. There might be a cycle of four years where we play slightly fewer ODIs, more coming into a World Cup cycle and maybe less in the outer years. I don't think it stops in the outer years, though. It might be a sort of up-and-down system between T20 and ODI cricket. Turning his focus to ODI cricket amid global discussions on introducing multilateral events to provide greater context, Greenberg called for structural adjustments across four-year cycles. The challenge is how do you do that and still ensure that the commercial returns inside your FTP agreements are retained. I think we've got some work to do on that. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Shane Bond sacked by Birmingham Phoenix after rock-bottom finish

Birmingham franchise makes change after solitary season under new ownership

History Will Be Kinder: Gautam Gambhir's Post For Ajit Agarkar Takes Internet By Storm

India head coach Gautam Gambhir shared an intriguing post for Ajit Agarkar after he completed his exit from the role of BCCI's selection committee chief.

Hoekstra stars on debut as Test hopefuls miss chance with the bat

Hoekstra made 45 with the bat from No.9 to rescue Victoria and help them post 244 against SA before knocking over Weatherald for a duck

Off-field Observations Of Rohit Shaped My Understanding Of Leadership, Says Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma: Evolving from an emerging middle-order prospect into a key finisher and now being Indias T20I vice-captain, left-handed batter Tilak Varma has credited his off-field observations of Rohit Sharma for shaping his understanding of leadership nuances and match awareness. I haven't played under Virat bhai's captaincy but have played under Rohit bhai's captaincy, both in MI and also in the Indian team. So, I have learned a lot of things from him. On the ground, the intensity is very high; there's already so much running through your mind on the field, so you can't take in as much. So, when I am off the field, I discuss a lot of things with him. And, like, when Rohit bhai and Virat bhai were playing, I didn't use to be in the playing eleven. So, sitting outside, I used to observe which bowler Rohit bhai brings on and when, how he uses the bowlers. I used to observe all those things from him, and I've incorporated that into my own approach now while being on the field, Varma told JioStar. Now serving as deputy to T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, Varma noted that the vice-captaincy brings a broader responsibility that extends well beyond on-field tactics it goes into off-field team bonding and player management. First of all, it's a responsibility. So, people start looking at you differently than before, like slightly more senior. Only if you've done something will they hand you the vice-captaincy; they won't just give it like that. So, I feel that a little extra responsibility comes with it, off the field especially. On the field, the captain will take care of things. Obviously, when he isn't there, your turn will come. So, I keep sharing my thoughts with Shreyas. As for the rest of the team's atmosphere, off-field conversations, and players' mindsets, in a team sport, players have their ups and downs, so I observe how you interact with the youngsters and where everyone stands. I look at all of that, and when I get an opportunity on the field, I will use my brain as well, he said. Alongside his expanding leadership profile, Varma further explained about adapting his game to fit the demanding finisher's role after being in his preferred top-order positions. I always say, I prefer batting in the top order. I always love batting at number three. From opening, in the Under-19 World Cup, I played at number three. After that, in the IPL, I played at number four, and from there at five and six. So, I went on to play basically in every position. Since childhood, I've been an opener, so if you tell me to open even now, I'll do it. But I really love batting at three. From opener to three, you can shift easily, because it won't make that much difference. From three to four won't make much difference as well. When you are a number three or four player and then you bat at six or seven, that transition has been really tough. At the same time, when the team needs it, you don't have any other option. You have to earn that position. For that, I worked on myself a lot in practice and mentally on how I can hit while staying still. When you bat early on, the bowlers hit the seam more. When you bat lower down, the mechanics change; the ball gets older, and they bowl more slower balls and yorkers. All these things come into play. So, I prepared myself mentally accordingly and accepted that I have to perform here. Once I did that, I worked on it in practice. Once it gets executed in a match, you get that confidence, and from there, it gets going, he elaborated. With India taking a 1-0 lead through an eight-wicket win in Lucknow over the West Indies and second game to happen in Ranchi on Friday, Varma also revealed that structured visualisation ahead of matches helps him stay clear-headed. When a game is approaching, like if there's a game tomorrow, I visualise; I think about which bowlers the opposition has. What kind of bowlers could come on? Before going to sleep, I just visualise that I'm walking in at this position. I always think about how I can win the game for the team. With India taking a 1-0 lead through an eight-wicket win in Lucknow over the West Indies and second game to happen in Ranchi on Friday, Varma also revealed that structured visualisation ahead of matches helps him stay clear-headed. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

History Will Be Kinder To You: Gambhir Pays Rich Tribute To Outgoing Chief Selector Agarkar

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia: India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Wednesday paid a glowing tribute to outgoing chief selector Ajit Agarkar, adding that history will be kinder to him for the silverware the senior mens team won in his tenure. Agarkars tenure as chairman of the senior mens selection committee officially ended on Tuesday after the BCCI formally invited applications to fill the vacant slot in the five-member panel. Dear Ajit Bhai, an absolute honour to work with you. Those 3 ICC trophies are testimony of your conviction: Team first & Team ahead, always.. I must say, History will be kinder to you. Thank you for everything. My heartfelt wishes for your future endeavours !! Gambhir wrote on his X account. Having assumed charge in July 2023, Agarkar oversaw a golden era that saw India reach the 2023 ODI World Cup final before clinching the 2024 T20 World Cup, 2025 Champions Trophy, and the 2026 T20 World Cup. His final assignment was selecting the white-ball squads for the ongoing white-ball series against the West Indies. For now, former India spinner Pragyan Ojha has taken charge as acting chairman and presided over the squad selection for the five T20Is against New Zealand and three India A games. The existing panel comprises of Ojha, Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra, and RP Singh. The BCCI protocol dictates that the selector with the most Test caps assumes the chairmanship. Ojha, who featured in 24 Tests for India, currently holds seniority within the panel. According to the BCCI, the candidate who will replace Agarkar from the West Zone will participate in long-term squad planning, talent identification, domestic match monitoring, and strategy meetings. Applicants must have played a minimum of seven Tests, 30 first-class matches, or 10 ODIs along with 20 first-class games, besides having retired at least five years ago, with the deadline to submit applications falling on October 14. The BCCI protocol dictates that the selector with the most Test caps assumes the chairmanship. Ojha, who featured in 24 Tests for India, currently holds seniority within the panel. According to the BCCI, the candidate who will replace Agarkar from the West Zone will participate in long-term squad planning, talent identification, domestic match monitoring, and strategy meetings. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Harmanpreet Knew How To Get The Best Out Of Players As Indias Captain: Hemlata Kala

T20 World Cup: It's been a little over 24 hours since Harmanpreet Kaur announced about stepping down as Indias captain across all formats, and Hemlata Kala, the former women's chief selector, believes the one quality that will forever define her leadership tenure was the knack of drawing the best out of her players. Kala, who was appointed a selector in 2015 and became panel chief in the following year, was in charge when Harmanpreet was named Indias T20I captain in 2016. She was also around when her successor Smriti Mandhana stood in as Indias skipper for the 2019 T20I series against England in Guwahati. I will remember Harman as the Indian captain who knew how to get the best out of the players. It's similar to what Virat Kohli did in his time as India's captain. She always had an aggressive spirit as the Indian skipper and knew how to get the most and best effort out of the players, Hemlata told IANS in an exclusive conversation on Wednesday. The leadership transition in the Indian women's team did not come as a big surprise, as per the people tracking developments, who said it was something which had been brewing for months before being finalised at a review meeting in Guwahati. Informal discussions regarding a change at the helm gained traction, particularly after India suffered a second consecutive early exit in the Women's T20 World Cup, though head coach Amol Muzumdar publicly backed Harmanpreet to be in the top job. The chatter around a leadership change began in earnest right after the trip to England was over. There was a growing consensus that the T20 setup had stagnated under the existing leadership structure, and a fresh perspective was needed, though many thought Harmanpreet would hang around till the 2027 Champions Trophy. But after that Champions Trophy, it is followed by the Los Angeles Olympics and T20 World Cup happening in 2028, before the focus shifts to the 2029 ODI World Cup, where India will go as the defending champions. All of this got everyone convinced that it was time to move on, further said the people privy to the developments to IANS. Her last match in charge was the Asian Games gold-medal game, where India beat Sri Lanka by 147 runs in Nisshin, Japan. It was a fitting end to her tenure, as Harmanpreets captaincy had begun with a final too, when she was handed charge as a stand-in skipper for the 2012 T20 Asia Cup final against Pakistan, when Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami were unavailable. She signs off from her leadership stint after having led India to an epic 2025 Womens ODI World Cup triumph, thus making Harmanpreet the first captain from her country to win a senior womens World Cup trophy. She also led India to Asia Cup wins, two Asian Games gold medals, Commonwealth Games silver medal and the first-ever women's Test victory at Lord's. Harmanpreet led India in 211 matches across all formats and won 126 of them, a win rate of 59.7 per cent across formats. Beyond the records, Harmanpreet will always be credited with India challenging the bigger teams like Australia and England consistently in global events. She will also be remembered for backing the likes of Shafali Verma, Kranti Gaud and N Sree Charani to blossom as match-winners, as well as in defending Deepti Sharma, the new ODI vice-captain, for causing the run-out of Charlie Dean at the non-striker's end at Lord's in 2022. Harmanpreet has done so many wonderful things in her long captaincy journey. She led us to the World Cup win at home last year. In 2020, she was the captain of Team India who reached the final of the T20 World Cup. In 2018, she took the team to the semi-finals. So, her journey as a captain was very good, as we saw her get many achievements for the Indian team, added Hemlata. She also said Harmanpreet's leadership qualities were evident from the time she entered the Indian team as a hard-hitting youngster wearing her emotions on her sleeve. From the beginning, she had leadership qualities. She has improved day by day in terms of bowling changes and bringing a spirit of togetherness to the team. We gave her the T20I captaincy in 2016 and in 2018, she took the team to semi-finals of the World Cup (where she hit a hundred in the first game against New Zealand) and in 2020, India reached the final under her. After we left as selectors, she was there in taking India to the ODI World Cup win. Seeing Harman from the inside as well as from the outside, I believe she improved day by day both as a captain and as a player. Harmanpreets high point came last year, when India won the ODI World Cup at home, their first title in a global ICC womens event. The campaign threatened to wobble midway, but Harmanpreet led from the front, especially when the Navi Mumbai leg began. In the semifinal against Australia, she made 89 alongside Jemimah Rodrigues to complete a record chase, and she ran back to complete the catch that sealed the final victory in their favour against South Africa. On whether Harmanpreet should continue in the side as the senior figure in the setup, Hemlata replied in the affirmative. She should definitely be in the team because she is a match-winner. Even if she doesn't have the captaincy armband, there is no problem. But one has to keep in mind that there are no middle-order batters like her in the cricketing world right now who can play spinners really well and ruthlessly dismantle their lengths. I think she should definitely be in the team. I don't think there are any doubts in this regard. Hemlata also felt the leadership armband mattered little to Harmanpreet. Yes, it's pretty simple. But Harman has one more thing she doesn't care about the captaincy thing much. Even if she is not there as the captain, she will still play her game very well. She became the vice-captain in 2017 and still played that unbeaten 171 against Australia. The bottomline is Harman plays and knows her game very well and it doesn't really matter if she is the captain or not. At the same time, Hemlata backed Smriti, a two-time WPL-winning captain with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, to do a good job as the new Indian skipper. Smriti has been the vice-captain and has the experience of captaining India and other teams before. There are a lot of things which she can take forward, and she has a lot of good qualities as a leader. Smriti and Harman have been good friends. They must have thought about it before. Yes, they are different players with different styles - Harman is an aggressive captain, while Smriti is cool as a skipper and plays the game calmly, just like how Rohit Sharma was as the captain. Both of them are different and have a different way of thinking. I don't know what will happen in future, but if Smriti can take good learnings from Harman's captaincy stint, then she should use it to the fullest. Harmanpreets tenure at the helm will forever be etched in Indian cricket folklore as the captain who ended the country's long wait for a maiden senior women's World Cup title. It served as a fitting reward for someone who witnessed agonising near misses in the 2017 ODI and 2020 T20 World Cup finals, as well as the 2022 Commonwealth Games final and 2023 T20 World Cup semi-final. Both of them are different and have a different way of thinking. I don't know what will happen in future, but if Smriti can take good learnings from Harman's captaincy stint, then she should use it to the fullest. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana 'weren't seeing eye to eye' over captaincy: Report

Smriti Mandhana's elevation as captain of the Indian women's cricket team was the expected next step after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the role. But according to a PTI report, the change also comes against the backdrop of growing unease between the two senior players, with a team source saying they were not seeing eye to eye for a while now, leading to an obvious unease in the dressing room.

Virat Kohli Refutes Rs 5 Crore Claim Over Premanand Maharaj Ashram Visit

Kohli and his wife, actor Anushka Sharma, are regular visitors to the Radha Keli Kunj Ashram. Their first notable visit took place on January 4, 2023.

Shreyas Iyer Shatters Virat Kohli's All-Time Record With Blazing Hundred Against West Indies

Shreyas Iyer hammered 10 fours and six sixes to reach the three-figure mark for the first time in T20I cricket for India. During his unbeaten knock, he also eclipsed Virat Kohli to achieve a major milestone.

'Baseless claim': Virat Kohli's team denies he took Rs 5 crore to visit Premanand Maharaj's ashram

Did Virat Kohli receive Rs 5 crore for Premanand Maharajs ashram visit?Virat Kohli's official spokesperson refuted the claim saying, he claimsare completely false, baseless and factually incorrect.\Virat Kohli visits Premanand Maharaj purely out of his deep faith and reverence for Maharaj ji. We strongly refute these claims and urge the media to exercise due diligence, verify facts before reporting or amplifying such statements, and report sensibly, the statement mentioned.

My Job Is To Keep Scoring Runs: Ishan Kishan Reflects On Mistakes, India Comeback

After Abhishek Sharma: Ishan Kishan said a period outside the Indian team forced him to confront his shortcomings and rebuild his game through fitness, batting and domestic cricket, as the wicketkeeper-batter reflected on his return to the national setup after Indias opening T20I against the West Indies in Lucknow. Kishan, who contributed an unbeaten 37 in Indias eight-wicket win, said he has since shifted his focus from worrying about selection setbacks to making a consistent contribution whenever he gets the opportunity. The 27-year-olds return has been built around a more deliberate approach to his game. Instead of dwelling on the possibility of another omission, Kishan said he now wants to concentrate on the aspects directly within his control, preparation, performance and contribution to the team. When I was dropped from the international team, I understood the consequences of a few mistakes that I had made. So, I worked on my fitness and my batting. I stayed patient and focused on rectifying my mistakes by doing well in domestic cricket. I knew if I kept performing in domestic cricket, the opportunity would come and I earned the recall to the national squad because of my hard work, Kishan told JioStar. For Kishan, the innings also illustrated the value of understanding what a particular situation demands rather than attempting to force his own game into every phase of a match. With Iyer dominating the attack, Kishan concentrated on rotating the strike and capitalising when deliveries entered his scoring areas. Once you come back to the side, you dont think about whats going to happen if I get dropped again. The most important thing is to enjoy cricket and just focus on doing the best I can to contribute to the success of the team. My job is to keep scoring runs and if I am able to do that, then the rest will be taken care of automatically, he added. That philosophy was evident in his role during Indias first T20I of the series. After Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson fell early, Kishan joined captain Shreyas Iyer and helped stabilise the chase. The pair added 137 unbeaten runs for the third wicket, with Iyer producing a career-defining 102 not out and Kishan finishing on 37 not out. Once you come back to the side, you dont think about whats going to happen if I get dropped again. The most important thing is to enjoy cricket and just focus on doing the best I can to contribute to the success of the team. My job is to keep scoring runs and if I am able to do that, then the rest will be taken care of automatically, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Legends Leagues A Grey Area: ICC Official Admits Corruption A Big Risk

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Baloda takes 14 to script three-day win for India U-19 over Australia U-19

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Why VVS Laxman will now join every selection meeting...

BCCI secretary Devaijit Saikia announced that Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman will now attend all senior selection panel meetings to prevent miscommunication between the selectors and the COE, particularly regarding player fitness and rehabilitation. This decision follows past speculations of friction between Laxman and former chief selector Ajit Agarkar over player recovery timelines.

Laxmans Presence In Senior Men's Selection Meetings Set To Be A Norms: Saikia

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia: BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said the Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxmans presence in the senior men's national selection committee meetings is set to be a norm going forward, adding that this decision was taken during the comprehensive review meeting held last month at its headquarters in Mumbai. In a picture shared by the BCCI on their social media accounts on Tuesday evening, Laxman was seen in the senior men's selection meeting held at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. The meeting also featured Saikia and senior men's selection panel members Pragyan Ojha, SS Das, Ajay Ratra and RP Singh for picking Indias squads for the five-game T20I series in New Zealand and the three-match red-ball A series against New Zealand A. VVS Laxman was present in the meeting on Tuesday to ensure that there is no miscommunication between the selectors and the CoE while picking the squads. He is the head of cricket at the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru and henceforth will attend all senior mens selection meetings. He has all the information about the players injuries, and to avoid any miscommunication, Laxman should attend the mens selection meetings going forward. This was decided after the review meeting held in Mumbai last month (where Laxman was in attendance), Saikia told IANS in a statement on Wednesday. Recent selections in the mens teams have occasionally been marred by ambiguity regarding player availability, with players named in squads only to be pulled out later due to them failing to achieve full fitness in time for the tour. It is not about transparency. In fact, it is about ensuring that the selectors get complete and accurate information about the players and their fitness status so that they can make the right decisions, added Saikia. Recent selections in the mens teams have occasionally been marred by ambiguity regarding player availability, with players named in squads only to be pulled out later due to them failing to achieve full fitness in time for the tour. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's Continuity Invites Intriguing Verdict From Pakistan

Virat Kohli, who has established himself among the greatest batters of the modern era, has enjoyed a remarkable international career, while Rohit Sharma, at 39, continues to remain a key figure for India in the ODI format.

Ganguly breaks silence on Delhi Capitals role, conflict of interest

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Dinesh Karthik, Who Said India Moved On From Shami, Gives Blunt Take On Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Return

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Sourav Ganguly To Face Conflict Of Interest After Joining DC As Head Coach? He Explains

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3 wickets on debut but Naman Dhir is still waiting...

India all-rounder Naman Dhir made an impressive T20I debut, contributing significantly with his off-spin bowling to help India secure a win against West Indies. Despite his bowling success, Dhir, whose primary strength is batting, is eager for an opportunity to showcase his skills with the bat. He credited the IPL for preparing him for international cricket and expressed his joy at fulfilling his dream of representing India.

'Saw Axar Bowling Slower And Getting Turn, I Just Stuck To It: Dhir Explains 3-wicket Haul On Debut

Saw Axar: Naman Dhir insisted his impressive 3-31 on T20I debut was no flash in the pan, saying he has been bowling regularly for a long time despite limited opportunities in the IPL and had simply stuck to a basic plan to exploit the grip after watching Axar Patel owling little slower and getting the turn on the Ekana pitch. Dhir made a dream debut as he picked up three wickets with his off-spin to finish with impressive figures of 3-31, while Kuldeep Yadav took 2/33 as India, after opting to bowl, restricted the West Indies to 171. In response, India slipped to 35/2 inside four overs before captain Shreyas Iyer took control of the innings with an unbeaten 100 came off just 42 balls, combining with Ishan Kishan (37) to rebuild the chase before shifting through the gears in spectacular fashion. I have been bowling for quite some time; it is not as if I have just started now. In the IPL, because of the impact-player rule, you dont see me bowling as much. But it is not that I havent bowled. I have bowled a lot and have good experience here as well. Hopefully, I will continue doing well in the future, Dhir said in the post-match press conference after helping India bowl out West Indies for 171 in the first T20I here. Making his T20I debut just days after his ODI debut on October 27, Dhir returned 3/31 from his four overs to become the third Indian spinner to claim three wickets on T20I debut. He said the key to his performance was sticking to a simple plan after seeing Axar Patel extract turn by bowling slower through the surface. I saw Axar Bhai bowling earlier, and he was bowling a little slower and getting some turn. That was in my mind - if I bowled a little slower, there would be good grip from the wicket, and I could get them out. So I just stuck to my plans and kept things basic. I think I got a good result from that, Dhir said. The 25-year-old, who has been used primarily as a batting all-rounder in the IPL, stressed that bowling has never been an afterthought in his development. Again, I will say that even if you havent seen me bowling, I have been bowling as much as I have since I came here and I have practised just as much before this. It is not as if, as a batting all-rounder or bowling all-rounder, I have neglected one aspect. Yes, my batting is a plus point, but at the same time I am working just as hard on my bowling, he said. Dhir also revealed that the four-over spell was nothing unusual for him, despite the impact-player rule restricting his bowling opportunities in the IPL. Whether I have to bowl four overs, two overs or even one-day cricket, where I have bowled six or seven overs, it is normal for me. I just have to focus on my plans and try to execute them, he said. His breakthrough came at a crucial stage after West Indies had recovered from 44/3, with skipper Shai Hope scoring 52 and Sherfane Rutherford making 56. Dhir dismissed Hope immediately after his 13th T20I fifty before removing Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer to finish with 3/31. Asked about his first wicket on debut, Dhir said the milestone mattered, but execution remained his priority. Obviously, when you get your first wicket, it is an achievement for you, but at the same time I was trying to execute my plans. The idea on that wicket was that we could bowl a little slower, because you were getting more help from the surface, he said. His rapid rise has seen him make his ODI and T20I debuts within days of each other, but Dhir said the IPL had helped him prepare for the international stage. The IPL prepares you for international cricket. There is a lot of competition there as well. So, if you are playing in the IPL, especially for a team like Mumbai Indians, in my opinion you are already preparing yourself for a bigger level. So when you come here, you dont feel that much pressure, he said. Dhir, however, is still waiting for his chance to showcase his batting. I am still waiting for my batting. I will be happy if I get the chance to bat, but I am happier that I contributed to the team and that the team won, he said. He also recalled the emotional moment when he first learned about his India call-up while at a Ranji Trophy camp. Obviously, it was a great feeling when I got the call. I was in the Ranji Trophy camp at the PCA. Our tournament had just finished and it had gone very well for me and for our team. It was a surreal feeling. I was with my friends, so I immediately called my father. He got emotional and I got a little emotional too, Dhir said. He also recalled the emotional moment when he first learned about his India call-up while at a Ranji Trophy camp. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

'We allowed India to get back into the game': Hope rues middle-over collapse in Lucknow

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 7 (IANS) West Indies skipper Shai Hope admitted his sides failure to execute in the middle overs and a cluster of wickets allowed India to wrest control of the first T20I as Shreyas Iyers unbeaten 102 powered the hosts to an eight-wicket win here at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. West Indies were well placed at 82/3 after 10 overs, with Hope and Sherfane Rutherford having put together a 38-run stand after the visitors lost three wickets in the powerplay. But Hopes dismissal for 52 triggered a collapse as West Indies lost four wickets in a dramatic six-over passage and were eventually bowled out for 171. Reflecting on the middle overs, Hope said the visitors had allowed India to claw their way back into the contest by losing wickets in clusters. I think it was a bit of both. I felt like we allowed them to get back into the game a bit. Because we started okay in the powerplay, but then Rutherford and I built a nice partnership going into the 10th and 11th overs. So we were setting a nice platform, but I got out at a crucial stage as well, and then wickets just continued to fall, Hope said in the post-match press conference. Whenever you cant build partnerships or wickets continue to fall back to back, you never give yourself the best chance of going deep and getting a big score. So those are the little things that we need to pay attention to for the next game. Make sure we dont lose wickets in clusters and then give ourselves a better chance to get a big total. Hopes own dismissal came immediately after he had completed his 13th T20I fifty, with the West Indies captain falling for 52 to Naman Dhir, who was making his T20I debut. Dhir went on to finish with 3/31, becoming the third Indian spinner to claim three wickets on T20I debut. Hope admitted that the debutant had not necessarily been the bowler West Indies expected to target but stressed that batting sides must adapt to whoever performs best on the day. To be fair, when you think about him as one of the options that they have, you would see him as the second spinner or the extra spinner. So usually as a batting group you tend to say, 'Okay, maybe target this guy,' but still we have to play the situation of the game, Hope said. If hes bowling the best on the day, then hes not the so-called second spinner or third spinner. Just so happened I probably opened the floodgates for him a bit, I think I was the first one to be dismissed. But like I said in the post-match, I thought that we were a little bit chaotic in the back end. Hope felt West Indies became too aggressive in their approach after building a platform, instead of recognising that they still had enough batting resources to attack later in the innings. Felt as though we were trying to score 270 or 280 at some stages. You know we just had to play the situation of the game a little bit smarter. Maybe give ourselves a bit more time because we know we could always do damage in the back end if we have wickets in hand, he said. At the same time, Hope gave credit to Dhir for making the most of his opportunity. But he still bowled well; you have to give him credit when it is due, he added. The West Indies captain also admitted that the visitors were simply not good enough with the bat after being asked to set a target on a surface that became easier to bat on in the second innings. I think we maybe didnt our execution wasnt right. We just didnt execute in the middle overs. We allowed India to get back into the game with some, maybe not the right shot selection in certain stages, but yeah its just one of those days, Hope said. Indias chase was then blown open by Iyer, who smashed an unbeaten 102 off 43 balls, including a century off 42 deliveries. It was the India skippers maiden T20I century and his highest score in the format as India completed the chase in 14.4 overs. Hope acknowledged the significance of Iyers innings but felt West Indies had made the challenge considerably harder for their bowling attack by failing to put enough runs on the board. Shreyas, he played a wonderful innings. Again, when you dont put a big score on the board when youre batting first in Indian conditions, its always going to be tough for you as a bowling group, he said. Iyers innings was the second-fastest T20I century against the West Indies, behind only Australias Tim Davids 37-ball hundred in 2025, while it was the fastest by an Indian against the Caribbean side, bettering KL Rahuls 46-ball hundred in 2016. Hope also praised Rutherford, who scored 56 off 31 balls for his seventh T20I fifty. Rutherford, hes been playing really well in this format. Hes been playing some magnificent innings for us giving us opportunities to defend. And its great to see him back in the runs. He didnt get many runs in the ODI series so its nice to see him ticking those boxes here in the T20 series, he said. Rutherford and Hope had taken West Indies to 82/3 before the visitors lost their way. Hope felt the difference between the two innings was also influenced by the conditions. With the ball, like I said before, when you only have 170 to defend and the wetness comes into play, the ball gets a lot wetter, the surface a lot more placid. So its always gonna be more difficult from a bowling side of things, he said. I also felt when India bowled their spinners got a lot more spin on the surface. Something that we didnt really get a chance to extract, maybe because of the conditions. Hope said the ball came onto the bat better in the second innings, while Indias bowlers were also able to extract more from their cutters at crucial moments. I would say in comparison to the first, to the second innings, yes. I thought the ball actually came on a bit more. Even when we bowled our slower balls and cutters it actually slid onto the pitch a bit more rather than held. Mayank got his cutters to grip a bit more, he said. So maybe those little margins, yes, but we just didnt bat as well as we could have honestly, you just have to be honest. Despite the defeat, Hope insisted that West Indies cannot dwell on the past and must use the experience of players who have previously played in India, including those with IPL exposure. Its certainly not up to scratch. You know when you come to India, playing in their home conditions, you gotta play your best cricket. You know theyre a very tough team to beat, so you gotta make sure you have more rights than wrongs. And something that we didnt do well today, he said. But the thing is I know there are a lot of guys who played here, whether its in the IPL or previous tours, so we just need to use those experiences and find a way to get better, come back for the next game. Hope, who has enjoyed success with the bat in India, said his approach is built around adapting quickly to conditions and paying close attention to detail. Thats a tough one because we all know the conditions for batting usually tends to be a bit better. But still you have to find a way to adapt. Youre still playing against quality players, youre still playing against guys whove done it many, many times, he said. Its just about being more ruthless and paying closer attention to detail whenever Im preparing and assessing what is necessary in each set of conditions or whichever situation the game Im faced with. So all these little things I try to put together into one basket whenever Im playing cricket here in India. And sometimes you need a bit of luck as well. Just make sure everything ticks and Ive just had the opportunity to get success and just trying to ride that wave for as long as possible. The Windies captain also acknowledged that the best T20 teams are those that assess conditions quickly and adjust their approach rather than blindly chasing a predetermined total. So Id say the best teams in the world they assess the conditions quickly. So when you have that assessment, then youd know exactly what would be a good score to defend from a bowling side of things, Hope said. The faster we can have that information being spread to the group I think that gives us a better, clearer understanding of what is required in those situations there. He also pointed out that the pitch can behave differently across the two innings, making it important for teams batting first to build in a cushion. Its always challenging because the first half of the game the wicket might play differently than in the second half, so you almost have to give yourself an extra cushion, so you may have to bat out of your skin sometimes to give yourself a good chance, he said. So I think the better teams who assess and adapt quicker tend to give themselves a better chance of winning the game. So those are things that we need to improve on as a team and find ways to get bigger targets when we try to set a score.