PIX: Zverev leads Team Europe to sixth Laver Cup crown
Alexander Zverev secured Team Europe's sixth Laver Cup title by defeating American Learner Tien in straight sets, leading to a dominant 13-5 victory over Team World at London's O2 Arena. This marks Zverev's fourth time clinching the winning points for Europe in the prestigious team tennis tournament.
1st ODI: Kohli's Masterclass Helps India Secure A Clinical Eight-wicket Win Over WI
Greenfield International Stadium: Virat Kohli smashed an unbeaten 139 while skipper Shubman Gill struck 110 as India crushed the West Indies by eight wickets in the first ODI at the Greenfield International Stadium here on Sunday and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. After the West Indies made 295/7, with Kuldeep Yadav picking a four-wicket haul, Rohit Sharma and Gill gave India a quick start with a 74-run opening stand. After Rohit fell, Gill and Kohli batted West Indies out of the game with a 151-run stand. Gill walked off to a standing ovation after his 108-ball 110, which had 13 fours and a six. Kohli, who became only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to reach 15,000 ODI runs during the innings, shifted gears once the result was beyond doubt. He struck 139 not out off 88 balls - his 55th ODI ton and 10th hundred against West Indies, laced with ten fours and nine sixes. Its the most number of sixes Kohli has hit in his ODI career, as India reached home with 50 balls to spare. Rohit got India's chase underway by driving the first ball from Jayden Seales for four. Though the West Indies kept things tight early on, Rohit lofted Jayden Seales over mid-off for another boundary in the third over. Two overs later, Gill had a reprieve on 11 when he sliced a drive straight to cover-point, who spilled a simple chance. Seales then had a big lbw appeal against Rohit turned down, and West Indies lost a review when ball-tracking showed the delivery going over leg stump. To rub salt on the wound, Rohit slashed the next ball from Seales over sweeper cover for six, before pulling Matthew Forde high over deep midwicket for six. Gill, who had another narrow escape when he nearly chopped Seales onto his stumps, broke free in the eighth over by cutting and slapping Alzarri Joseph for three fours, the last of them being a classy drive going through extra cover. Gill kept up the attacking mode by stepping out to lift Gudakesh Motie over cover for six and then cut a short, wide ball for four. Rohit pulled Joseph over deep midwicket for his third six in the final over of the powerplay, as India closed the ten-over phase at 70/0. Joseph gave West Indies the breakthrough they needed, and he did it through a bit of planning. Rohit Sharma had already inside-edged one big swing onto his pad in the 12th over, so Joseph moved deep square leg a little straighter. On the last ball of the over, Rohit went to whip a full delivery away, but he got it off the bottom of the bat and picked out the fielder to perfection for 32, also the fourth time Joseph dismissed him in ODIs. Virat Kohli got going through a top-edged pull over the keeper's head for six and pulled Joseph for four. With dew already setting in and the ground staff using ropes to clear the outfield, Gill completed his fifty off 49 balls and whipped and pulled Roston Chase for boundaries. With Justin Greaves not on the field due to shin cramps sustained while making 101, Shai Hope had only five frontline bowlers to call on. Kohli kept the scoreboard moving by cutting Gudakesh Motie behind square and flicking Matthew Forde through the gap between mid-wicket and mid-on. Gill, despite battling cramps, showed no sign of slowing down with two pulls and a glance. Kohli brought up his fifty in just 40 balls by lofting Joseph through the line to get a six down the ground. The crowd rose to applaud him, and Kohli broke into a broad smile as he celebrated the landmark. Gill pulled and cut Roston Chase for two fours in the 28th over. Kohli then took three boundaries in a row off Joseph in the next over - pulling twice and then gloving a short ball past a diving Shai Hope. The second of those pulls made him only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to reach 15,000 ODI runs and the fastest mens batter to reach the landmark. Gill brought up his hundred with a crisp drive past mid-on off Jayden Seales at the start of the 31st over. Kohli pulled a short ball from Chase for six, while Gill stepped out to loft the off-spinner back over his head for four. Kohli's pulled six off Chase in the 34th over brought up the 150-run partnership, but Gill fell three balls later - slog-sweeping straight to deep midwicket. Ruturaj Gaikwad played a supporting role while Kohli went up another gear. He lofted a Joseph slower ball over long-on to move into the 90s, and danced down to loft Motie over long-on for six to reach his 55th ODI hundred, off 74 balls - also his third-fastest ODI century. It was one of six ODI centuries scored across the world on the day, the first time that has happened. Kohli pulled a short ball from Chase for six, while Gill stepped out to loft the off-spinner back over his head for four. Kohli's pulled six off Chase in the 34th over brought up the 150-run partnership, but Gill fell three balls later - slog-sweeping straight to deep midwicket. Ruturaj Gaikwad played a supporting role while Kohli went up another gear. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Brief Scores: West Indies 295/7 in 50 overs (Justin Greaves 101, John Campbell 62; Kuldeep Yadav 4-40, Prasidh Krishna 2-60) lost to India 300/2 in 41.4 overs (Virat Kohli 139 not out, Shubman Gill 110; Roston Chase 1-64, Alzarri Joseph 1-81) by eight wickets Article Source: IANS
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Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill score centuries each as India thrash West Indies to win first ODI
India picked up a comfortable eight-wicket win in the first ODI against West Indies at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Captain Shubman Gill and star batter Virat Kohli rose to the occasion, scoring a...
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Virat Kohli Beats Tendulkar To 15,000 Runs In ODIs
Virat Kohli has become only the second player after Sachin Tendulkar to complete 15,000 runs in One Day Internationals, achieving the feat in his 303rd innings, significantly faster than Tendulkar's 377 innings.
Virat Kohli is in phenomenal form in international cricket. He scored nine 50+ scores in his last 11 ODI matches and that proves his mettle in the 50-over format. After enduring a difficult spell towards the start of the decade, multiple former cricketers called for his exclusion from the team, even in ODIs, but the 37-year-old proved his value time and again, finishing as the leading run-scorer in the ODI World Cup 2023 and since then, he has only been better and more consistent.
1st ODI: Kohli Becomes Second Mens Batter After Tendulkar To Cross 15,000 ODI Runs
Greenfield International Stadium: Batting stalwart Virat Kohli on Sunday became only the second mens batter after Sachin Tendulkar to complete 15,000 runs in ODI cricket. Kohli reached the landmark during India's ongoing chase of 296 against the West Indies in the ODI series opener. Kohli, 37, got to the coveted landmark in style in the 29th over by swivelling to pull a short ball from Alzarri Joseph that raced away to the deep midwicket fence. That boundary led to the crowd at the Greenfield International Stadium rising to its feet and applauded loudly for Kohli. Kohli needed a moment to soak in the feeling and raised his bat in acknowledgement. He punched gloves with India ODI skipper Shubman Gill, shared a hug with him and quickly settled back at the crease, with the chase still far from done. Kohli, the right-handed batter, needed only 315 innings to cross the 15,000 runs mark after having made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in August 2008. Tendulkar, who crossed the 15,000 runs mark in his 350th innings in 2007, finished his ODI career in 2012 with 18,426 runs from 463 matches. It also makes Kohli the fastest to reach 15,000 runs in ODI cricket. Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara, with 14,234, is the only other batter to have gone past 14,000 in the format. Ricky Ponting (13,704) and Sanath Jayasuriya (13,430) complete the top five on the all-time list of run-getters. The milestone is the latest in a long line of records for Kohli, who has made a habit of reaching run landmarks faster than anyone else in his ODI career. He became the fastest to 10,000 ODI runs in 2018 by getting there in 205 innings, and had taken just 11 innings to move from 9,000 to 10,000 runs. He also holds the record for the quickest route to 8,000, 9,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000 and 14,000 runs in the 50-over format internationally. Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara, with 14,234, is the only other batter to have gone past 14,000 in the format. Ricky Ponting (13,704) and Sanath Jayasuriya (13,430) complete the top five on the all-time list of run-getters. The milestone is the latest in a long line of records for Kohli, who has made a habit of reaching run landmarks faster than anyone else in his ODI career. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories He now has 54 ODI centuries, the most by any batter in a single format, and no one else in 50-over cricket has even reached 35. With the way Kohli is batting in Thiruvananthapuram, it wont be a surprise if Kohli registers his 55th ODI ton, as the batting stalwart prepares to play his final World Cup for India through the mega event happening next year in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Article Source: IANS
Virat Kohli completes 15,000 runs in ODI cricket
Virat Kohli reached the landmark during the opening ODI between India and the West Indies here at the Greenfield International Stadium
Virat Kohli Scripts History, Breaks Sachin Tendulkar's All-Time ODI Record
Entering the match, Virat Kohli needed 59 runs to leapfrog Sachin Tendulkar for the record.
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Shubman Gill smashes 10th ODI century, leads India from the front in run chase against WI
Team India's star skipper, Shubman Gill, continues his red-hot run of form as India takes on the West Indies in the first ODI. The teams met at the Greenfield International Stadium for the clash, and...
Playing his first ODI game since July, Virat Kohli once again rose to the occasion and played a scintillating knock against West Indies in the first ODI at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. The star India...
Odisha T20 League: Keonjhar Miners, Kataka Panthers Register Convincing Wins
Odisha T20 League: Keonjhar Miners and Kataka Panthers registered convincing victories in the Odisha T20 League CM Trophy at the iconic Barabati Stadium in Kataka. While Keonjhar defeated Rourkela Superstars by 47 runs after posting a commanding 202/7, Kataka Panthers produced a disciplined bowling performance to beat Puri Titans by nine wickets in a match reduced to 10 overs per side. Keonjhar Miners put up an impressive batting display to post 202/7 in their allotted 20 overs against Rourkela Superstars, with captain Subhranshu Senapati and Swagat Mishra leading the charge. Senapati scored a fluent 65 off 40 deliveries, while Mishra played an attacking knock of 79 off 49 balls. The pair kept the scoreboard moving and put the Rourkela bowling attack under pressure. Sujal Singh provided a late flourish with 26 off just 13 deliveries, helping Keonjhar cross the 200-run mark. In reply, Rourkela Superstars endured a difficult start, losing four wickets for just 30 runs. Abhishek Yadav and Sawan Pahariya then joined hands to revive the chase, with Abhishek taking the attacking role and keeping Rourkela in contention. Abhishek continued his impressive form with a blistering 71 off 30 deliveries. However, a brilliant fielding effort from Keonjhar captain Senapati brought his innings to an end, leaving Rourkela at 121/5 in the 15th over. Pahariya attempted to hold the innings together, but the mounting required run rate made the chase increasingly difficult. Rourkela were eventually restricted to 155/9 in 19.1 overs, with Sambit Baral unable to bat after retiring hurt, as Keonjhar sealed a 47-run victory. Vageesh Sharma picked up two wickets for 19 runs in three overs, Vimal Kumar scalped two for 23 runs while Debabrata Pradhan was the star performer who picked four wickets for 17 runs in four overs. Swagat Mishra, who was named Player of the Match, said, Im happy to have contributed to the teams victory. It was a complete team effort, with everyone stepping up at different stages of the game. Im glad my knock helped us post a strong total and secure the win. Kataka Panthers produced a dominant bowling performance to defeat Puri Titans by nine wickets in a rain-reduced contest. The match was shortened to 10 overs per side, with Puri Titans managing just 54/7 in their allotted overs. Puri struggled to find momentum from the outset and lost wickets at regular intervals, failing to build the partnerships needed to post a competitive total. Prashant Rana and Sahil Prasad led the Panthers attack, picking up five wickets between them. Rana returned impressive figures of 3/11 in two overs, while Sahil claimed 2/11 in his two-over spell to keep the Titans under pressure throughout their innings. Puri struggled to find momentum from the outset and lost wickets at regular intervals, failing to build the partnerships needed to post a competitive total. Prashant Rana and Sahil Prasad led the Panthers attack, picking up five wickets between them. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Reflecting on his bowling performance, Player of the Match Prashant Rana said, Im happy that I could contribute to the teams victory. The plan was to bowl with discipline, stick to the right areas and make the most of every opportunity. We knew that taking wickets early would put pressure on Puri, and Im glad I could deliver when the team needed it. It feels good to play a part in such a convincing. Article Source: IANS
Babar Azam Makes Forgettable Domestic Return, Videos Of His Dismissals Go Viral
Babar Azam endured a disappointing return to Pakistan's domestic first-class cricket, failing in both innings of an Abbottabad Presidents Cup match on Sunday.
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Gwanzura's all-round show helps Zimbabwe stun West Indies
Gwanzura, Mavunga and Chipare shared nine wickets as West Indies folded for 139, before Zimbabwe levelled the series
Which Team Advances If India vs Afghanistan Asian Games Quarter-Final Gets Washed Out? Explained
Rain threat looms large as defending champions India take on a second-string Afghanistan side in the second quarterfinal of the cricket event at the Asian Games on Monday.
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Kuldeep Yadav Shines As India Restricts West Indies To 295 In 1st ODI
Kuldeep Yadav's exceptional bowling performance, including a four-wicket haul, helped India restrict the West Indies to 295 for seven in the first ODI despite a maiden century from Justin Greaves.
1st ODI: Couldn't Sleep After Learning Of Debut, Says Dhir After Receiving Cap From Gill
Greenfield International Stadium: Batting all-rounder Naman Dhir said he struggled to sleep after being told of his India debut, and described receiving his ODI cap from skipper Shubman Gill as a special moment. Faridkot-based Dhir became India's 264th mens ODI player when he made his debut in the first match of the three-game series against the West Indies at the Greenfield International Stadium here on Sunday. In the first innings, where the West Indies posted 295/7 in their 50 overs, Dhir bowled five overs of part-time off-spin and conceded 33 runs. In a video posted by the BCCI on X, Gill presented Dhir with his ODI cap and spoke about the rise of his fellow Punjab mate. Cap 264, Naman Dhir, seeing your progress from the age group - from a young promising talent to a disciplined hardworking guy - you have come a long way. It's a really proud moment for you and your family and your close friends who have worked with you and I hope you play with pride and integrity and don't forget to have fun. Wishing you all the best, said Gill. After getting the cap, Dhir said he had learnt of his selection only on the eve of the match. It's very special. I got to know yesterday that I'll be making my debut, so it was a little difficult to sleep at night, obviously. So today I got the cap from Shubman, and I admire Shubman a lot. It's a really proud moment for you and your family and your close friends who have worked with you and I hope you play with pride and integrity and don't forget to have fun. Wishing you all the best, said Gill. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Before joining the India ODI team, Dhir, who plays for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), was the leading run-getter in Sher-e-Punjab T20 competition by amassing 655 runs at an astronomical strike rate of 217.61. With India beginning their chase of 296, Dhir could have a key role to play with the bat alongside wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul in the closing stage of the game. Article Source: IANS
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Virat Kohli breaks Mohammad Azharuddin's feat in first ODI against West Indies in Trivandrum
Star India batter Virat Kohli returned to action in the first ODI against West Indies at Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The 37-year-old made his last appearance in the third ODI against England in July....
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The West Indies kicked off their ODI series against the Indian team. The two sides met at the Greenfield International Stadium on September 27th, and the game began with the Windies coming in to bat...
India face rain threat in Asian Games cricket opener
India's men's cricket team is set to begin its Asian Games campaign against Afghanistan, but heavy rain is forecast, potentially leading to a washout. If the match is abandoned, India would advance to the semifinals due to higher seeding. The team, led by Shreyas Iyer, features a strong contingent of international players aiming for a gold medal, following the women's team's recent victory.
Asian Games 2026: 'Rain No Excuse, Primary Focus Is To Play,' Says Iyer Ahead Of Afghanistan QF
Korogi Sports Park: India captain Shreyas Iyer has stated that persistent weather disruptions and restricted training will not be used as an excuse by his team, adding that mental readiness and on-field action remain their sole focus ahead of the Asian Games quarter-final against Afghanistan, to be played at the Korogi Sports Park on Monday. Heavy rain is forecast in Nisshin when India open their mens T20 event campaign, which has raised the possibility of the game being washed out. Should adverse weather intervene, India will advance to the semi-finals owing to their higher ICC T20I ranking. The threat of a washout is significant, with the venue having already seen its last two scheduled games being abandoned on Friday. The situation mirrors the 2023 Asian Games final between India and Afghanistan, which was also called off due to persistent rain, resulting in India securing the gold medal by virtue of their superior ranking. Yes, rain is there, but that is the reason we can't give up because we have decided that we are a bunch of professionals and all these hurdles will keep coming. We have to be prepared mentally irrespective of whatever the situation is going to be. So a decent warm up or a little knocking practice we got today and tomorrow we will try to adapt to the wicket. We will see how the weather is here tomorrow, but that is secondary. The primary importance is to come and play the match, Shreyas told reporters in a press conference on Sunday. Afghanistan, who are yet to register a T20I victory over India after coming agonisingly close in a dramatic double Super-Over clash in Bengaluru in 2024 and suffered a 3-0 series defeat to them in New Delhi, face a tough task against both the natural elements and historical precedence. Iyer insisted that the squad will not let weather uncertainties dictate their approach or preparation. See, today when we woke up, we thought that we would be getting a little bit of practice sessions and knew that we would be playing on turf. But as soon as we arrived, the rain started again. It is not just normal rain, it's torrential downpour. So I feel we were able to maximize a little bit in terms of our warm-up and just to breathe fresh air around the stadium, and get the feel of it. Also on the turf, even though it was pouring a little bit, we tried to get some knocking, and the bowlers made some strides in the background in the outfield, and they bowled for a couple of hours. So we are trying to maximise the best we could, he explained. It is not just normal rain, it's torrential downpour. So I feel we were able to maximize a little bit in terms of our warm-up and just to breathe fresh air around the stadium, and get the feel of it. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories At the same time, I feel that you put your reasons beside and try to maximise everything that is around you in this beautiful country, Japan, and I feel everything eventually falls in the right place, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Asian Games: Focus On Standards Over Outcomes Against Afghanistan, Says Shreyas Iyer
Korogi Sports Park: India captain Shreyas Iyer on Monday said representing the country comes with the non-negotiable expectation of finishing with the gold medal, but felt that his side will focus on maintaining their internal standards rather than obsessing over outcomes in their Asian Games mens T20 quarter-final against Afghanistan, set to take place on Monday. Whenever you represent India, you have to have expectations of finishing on top. That is a good pressure as expectations happen when you want to deliver good results. But at the same time, I think we should not think about outcomes instead, we think about the standard set as a team and try to transcend that in every match. Not just Afghanistan, but all the teams you can see in Asian Games, including Japan, they gave us competition because the wicket here may not be set to a particular standard. But as I said before adapting here is very important. It will be challenging for sure and is difficult for each team. So the team which will play well, will definitely win and we will go into the match from that point of view, Shreyas said in a press conference at the Korogi Sports Park on Sunday. With India entering the event as defending champions, Shreyas felt the growing competition is a good sign to test themselves and overcome the challenges to get the yellow metal again. Every match is important for us as because you get practice from every match and you get opportunities to play against new teams. So, cricket is growing and competition is increasing and it's good for cricket overall. So, the opportunities we get, the chance to play matches, we get to play the Asian Games and more games will come later. You have to have good fitness and mindset too, Shreyas explained. Leading the squad in Nagoya, Shreyas expressed immense pride in captaining the team at the Asian Games, and being part of the same contingent alongside other Indian athletes. It's an honour to be representing India in Asian Games and captaining it at the same time. I feel there are talented bunch of athletes who have come representing different sports. So my only thought is that as many gold medals we get, that would be great for the country. Also it's a great motivation for them to step up from here to the Olympics. We've seen some amazing records made this season. So looking forward to see some more amazing events happening around, and if we get an opportunity to go and see one of them, would love to, he added. Shreyas also revealed that the Indian team had hoped to catch the gold medal game of squash sensation Anahat Singh live before training commitments stopped them from doing so. Yes, definitely. Today we know that an 18-year-old prodigy who is playing a squash game. We were to go for watching it, but we couldn't go due to the practice. But definitely our support is there for each individual who represents the country, or try to get the gold medal and will put in the effort for the same. Soaking in the experience of participating in a multi-sporting continental spectacle, Shreyas also praised the host nation's hospitality. From the time we came to Japan, obviously, it's a bit beautiful. Discipline is very good here, and people follow the instructions. We were to go for watching it, but we couldn't go due to the practice. But definitely our support is there for each individual who represents the country, or try to get the gold medal and will put in the effort for the same. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories It's completely different because over here right now there are teams who are from Asia and at the same time, we are in different venues. But we are playing at the same venue. Staying in different venues, but playing in the same venue. So I personally feel it's a great opportunity for everyone to come and represent their own countries, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
'Adaptation Very Important For India At Asian Games': Shreyas Iyer
India's cricket captain Shreyas Iyer addresses the challenges posed by torrential rain and limited practice ahead of their Asian Games quarterfinal against Afghanistan.
IND vs WI 1st ODI: India opt to bowl first
India have handed debut to spin all-rounder Naman Dhir
1st ODI: Breaks can disrupt rhythm, continuous cricket keeps me going, says Prasidh Krishna
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 27 (IANS) India fast bowler Prasidh Krishna on Sunday said he prefers playing continuous cricket over frequent breaks, noting that staying on the field helps him maintain his bowling mechanics and running rhythm. Prasidh is returning to action after a short breather via the first India-West Indies ODI in Thiruvananthapuram following the Test tour of Sri Lanka, where India won 1-0. It is exciting, actually. Three weeks of rest after Sri Lanka... coming back hot and sunny today, looking forward to this. There was a lot of rain in the last couple of days, so coming here to the ground and seeing this is pretty exciting. Absolutely, we're all upbeat, Prasidh said in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters on Sunday. Highlighting the double-edged nature of rests for fast bowlers, Prasidh, who has 50 ODI scalps in 28 games, explained that while downtime offers physical recovery, it can disrupt a pacer's operational flow. I'm enjoying the way I'm bowling. The preparation also has been great. I just like the fact that I'm playing continuously, which makes me be in that rhythm of going and bowling. Breaks are good and bad sometimes, because you tend to lose that rhythm, the running form, and the bowling mechanics. So, otherwise, I'm enjoying and happy to be out there playing every game for the country, he added. India and the West Indies will play further ODIs in Guwahati and New Chandigarh on Wednesday and Saturday, respectively. Quizzed on the challenges posed by modern and fast-paced 50-over cricket, Prasidh stated that precision in line and length has become non-negotiable for bowlers given how aggressively batters operate today. It's a combination of having a great length and line because the format has become such that no matter where we play, the batsmen have upskilled to a place where any little error that you make, they're in a position to punish you. As bowlers, we look at the lengths and lines we're bowling. It's pretty important for us to keep adapting to what the pitch and the conditions are, he concluded.
Naman Dhir makes his debut, India ask West Indies to bat in ODI series opener
India have brought in Kuldeep Yadav and left out Mohammed Siraj, and have three allrounders in Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Naman Dhir
1st ODI: No Siraj, Dhir handed debut cap as India opt to bowl against West Indies
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 27 (IANS) Naman Dhir has been handed his international debut as India won the toss and elected to bowl first against the West Indies in the ODI series opener at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday. Dhir comes on the back of being the leading run-getter in Sher-e-Punjab T20 competition by amassing 655 runs at an astronomical strike rate of 217.61. The game will see India and West Indies launch their 2027 Mens ODI World Cup preparations, with both teams at very different stages. India are building up to the competition by sticking with a familiar lineup, including the heavily discussed pair of veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. In contrast, the West Indies arrive to finetune their combination, even as they stare down yet another tough path of entering the showpiece event via the Qualifiers. After winning the toss, India captain Shubman Gill said the hosts are going with four bowlers, and have spin options in Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Dhir, though Mohammed Siraj is a notable omission. Its a decent surface, ball will come on better under the lights, and we'd like to chase here. We've got a good combination of four bowlers and two allrounders. Twenty-odd matches to go before the World Cup starts, time to see which combination suits us the best and give them the time we need. The preparation's been good. The weather's been a little bit up and down, raining here and there, but still I think the preparation has been pretty good, Gill said. West Indies skipper Shai Hope said they are going with three seamers and two spinners, while John Campbell makes a return after recovering from a surgery. Quick turnaround: different to the CPL. We want to play against the best teams in the world. Guys looking forward to playing against India. We got to make sure we have a big score on the board. I hope we can finish well with the ball. This city is the closest thing to the Caribbean, he said. Playing XIs India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (wk), Naman Dhir, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna West Indies: John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c & wk), Amir Jangoo, Jewel Andrew, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, and Jayden Seales
'I don't consider myself the best ever': Kohli
Virat Kohli downplays 'greatest ever' debate while closing in on 15,000 ODI runs and several Sachin Tendulkar records, including centuries and most ODI runs at home.
IND vs WI 1st ODI LIVE score: India look to get off to good start to ODI series
The stage is set for the 1st ODI of the series between India and the West Indies. The two sides meet at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. With the ODI World Cup 2027 approaching, both sides will hope to put in a good show and prepare for the marquee tournament next year. Led by Shubman Gill, the Indian team will be coming into the series on the back of a series loss against England. The Men in Blue succumbed to a 2-1 defeat in their ODI series against England, and it could be interesting to see what changes they make to get back to winning ways against the Windies.
Rain threat looms over lopsided India vs Afghanistan quarter-final
In case of a washout, India will go through to the semis on account of their higher seeding
India vs West Indies, 1st ODI Live Updates: India will be squaring off against West Indies in the first ODI of the three-match series on Sunday at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.
South Africa vs Australia, 2nd ODI LIVE Streaming: When And Where To Watch Live Telecast
South Africa vs Australia 2nd ODI Live Streaming: South Africa look to secure unassailable 2-0 lead after hammering Australia in the first ODI.
Dream Is To Play Match-winning Knock In 2027 WC Finals While Chasing: Kohli
ODI World Cup: India veteran Virat Kohli has 'unfinished business' from the 2023 ODI World Cup as he eyes winning his 'last World Cup' in 2027 with a dream to play a match-winning knock in the finals. Playing a match-winning knock in the finals is a dream for the batting maestro; however, a World Cup win always takes precedence for the former skipper over his own outing. I've always been someone who, in every game that we play, wants to be the guy who wins us the game, Kohli said as quoted by JioStar. I'm made that way; that's never going to go away from me. So, my goal is to win as many games as I can for the team, and my dream is to play a match-winning knock in the finals, while chasing a score. If it happens, great. If it doesn't happen, we win the World Cup, I'll be as happy because eventually, you understand that, as much as that competitive nature is there, it's the last time you're getting to play a World Cup. So, winning that trophy is the most important thing, he said. Kohli emphasised that being out there to win the trophy would be the most satisfying thing, but the bigger goal always stays greater. If I have the opportunity to do it, as an individual staying there out in the middle, there's nothing more satisfying as a batsman. You visualise yourself pulling the team out of trouble. And that's what makes you compete at this level. So, I don't want to let go of that competitiveness. But yeah, the bigger goal is always greater, he added. The former skipper also opened up on the 2023 heartbreak, admitting that the loss was very tough to process for many days as India lost to Australia in the final. Yes, there is a little bit. Before we won the IPL in 2025, I used to get flashbacks of the 2016 final. I feel the same about the World Cup final as well. I was playing on 54 and had set myself up for a big hundred; like, if I got 140-150, we would be in a great position to win that game. But as soon as I played on, it was very tough to process for many days. And you keep thinking about it. That whole World Cup was great; the environment was phenomenal. Within the team, you could see the camaraderie; everyone was happy playing for each other. Even after losing someone like Hardik early on, we never spoke about what would happen next, although it was a big loss in terms of what he brings. But Shami came, and you know what he can do. So, everyone had a feeling that it was our World Cup. There was a different energy altogether, and then when the game shifts like that, it's very difficult to process. Kohli has often been hailed as one of the best-ever batters to play the game. However, he ruled himself out as the best batter, highlighting how different players have existed at different times in the sport. I don't consider myself the best ever. Different players have existed in different times of the sport, and they've done some amazing things, but might not have accumulated those kind of numbers, and some have numbers which are way better than me. That whole World Cup was great; the environment was phenomenal. Within the team, you could see the camaraderie; everyone was happy playing for each other. Even after losing someone like Hardik early on, we never spoke about what would happen next, although it was a big loss in terms of what he brings. But Shami came, and you know what he can do. So, everyone had a feeling that it was our World Cup. There was a different energy altogether, and then when the game shifts like that, it's very difficult to process. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories But eventually, the end goal has always been to contribute towards the betterment of the team and take the team towards the result that we want? As long as that answer is yes, and you mix up experience, your fitness, game awareness and motivation all together. So, I'm blessed that it's still there, and I continue to be excited to play for the country, which is a great honour, he said. Article Source: IANS
India vs West Indies 1st ODI Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch Free Live Telecast
India vs West Indies 1st ODI Free Live Telecast: Shubman Gill-led India will face the West Indies in the first ODI of the three-match series on Sunday at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
Where to watch India vs West Indies, 1st ODI live on TV and stream online?
The stage is set for the beginning of the multi-format series between India and the West Indies. The two sides are kicking off the series with three ODI matches and will follow it up with...
Vinod Kambli assures fans of health, recovery from Mumbai care centre
Former India cricketer Vinod Kambli has released a video from an elderly care centre in Thane, Mumbai, assuring fans about his health and recovery and expressing gratitude for their support.
I Feel The Same About World Cup Final: Virat Kohli On His Unfinished Business
The spotlight will be on the duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as India kick off their new home season with the three-match ODI series against the West Indies today.
England's Cox Says Injured Jos Buttler Leaves 'Big Shoes To Fill'
Jordan Cox accepts he will have big shoes to fill should he replace Jos Buttler for England's final match of a turbulent home season when they face Sri Lanka at the Oval on Sunday. England will be without wicketkeeper-batsman Buttler for the third and deciding one-day international in south London after he was struck down by a hamstring injury during Thursday's run-chase at Headingley, which helped Sri Lanka level the series. Amid the upheaval caused by the shock international retirement of former Test captain Ben Stokes and the sacking of Brendon McCullum as England's red-ball coach -- the ex-New Zealand skipper remains in charge of the limited-overs teams, Cox has been establishing himself in the national set-up. The 25-year-old scored three fifties during England's 3-0 Test whitewash of Pakistan after replacing the sidelined Jacob Bethell at number three and he also impressed behind the stumps during the series finale at Edgbaston when first-choice wicketkeeper Jamie Smith was injured. Cox, who also featured in the recent 3-0 clean sweep of Sri Lanka, is now set to take over the gloves from World Cup-winner Buttler, one of the outstanding white-ball batsmen of his generation. If I do get that opportunity it will be awesome, Cox said Saturday. You've got to look forward to the challenge. They're big shoes to fill, for sure - Jos is probably the best ever white-ball cricketer we've produced. He's definitely someone I've looked up to so from watching him on TV to being in a squad with him is pretty amazing, just knowing the calm nature he has and the presence around the dressing room. It is a measure of Cox progress's that he has gone from being a fringe England player to appearing in all three formats in little more than a month. He believes he is now better equipped for the rigours of England than when he made his international debut in 2024. I was young, you don't really understand what it means to play for England, he said. Now I've had time away, two years of not being able to play and seeing other people do well for England, and you go, 'I really want a slice of that'. It's something I really wanted to do, I wanted people to be able to trust me even in that number three spot when Beth (Bethell) was unfortunately injured - for people to say, 'he's taken it with both hands'. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories I feel like I've done that.
Asian Games 2026: Full-strength India to face inexperienced Afghanistan in opener
It is to be noted that India have come here with a full strength squad unlike last time with Iyer himself part of the side alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel
India vs West Indies 1st ODI Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch Live Telecast
India vs West Indies 1st ODI Live Streaming: The highly anticipated day has arrived, with India set to face West Indies in the first ODI of the three-match series on Sunday in Thiruvananthapuram.
Warwickshire Win English Cricket's County Championship
Warwickshire won English cricket's first-class County Championship for the ninth time on Saturday after thrashing Leicestershire by an innings and 79 runs at Edgbaston in the concluding round of fixtures. The Birmingham-based side's seventh win from 14 matches this season gave them an unassailable lead at the top of the First Division table. Ethan Bamber, Warwickshire's leading wicket-taker this season, sealed victory to finish with 5-52 and match figures of figures 9-94. Former England all-rounder Chris Woakes provided good support with 3-38 in front of his home crowd. A win on the third day of four secured Warwickshire's first County Championship title since 2021. Oliver Hannon-Dalby paid tribute to the influence of veteran 37-year-old Woakes who, having retired from England duty last year, scored 228 runs and took 27 wickets in Warwickshire's cause this season. He could easily be sat in Saint-Tropez right now with his feet up, joked Hannon-Dalby. But he's here trying to win a championship for us, which says a lot about him, says a lot about what he thinks about the club, and what we're trying to do right now. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Somerset, yet to be crowned county champions, will finish runners-up for the seventh time this century after Tom Lammonby and Tom Abell both scored double hundreds against Surrey at Taunton on Saturday.
Full-Strength India To Take On Afghanistan In Cricket Campaign Opener At Asian Games
India will face an inexperienced Afghanistan in their Asian Games opener on Monday with the overwhelming favourites looking to quickly acclimatise to the unfamiliar conditions in Japan.
Virat Kohli Confirms 2027 World Cup Will Be His Last for India: 'My Motivation Is to Win'
Virat Kohli has confirmed that the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last World Cup for India, saying winning the tournament is his motivation. The former India captain, who has already retired from Tests and T20Is, will now focus on ODI cricket ahead of the tournament.
Asian Games: Full-strength India open gold medal defence against second-string Afghanistan (Preview)
Digital Desk | Nisshin, Sep 27 (IANS) A near-full-strength Indian team will be facing a wounded second-string Afghanistan side in the second quarterfinal of the cricket event at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 on Monday at the Korogi Sports Park. With the gold medal defence on the line, India have opted to send their first-choice T20I team for the continental showpiece, meaning some ODI regulars will miss the simultaneous ODI series against the West Indies at home, which begins on Sunday. Not only as the defending gold medallists, but India also come into this showpiece as reigning double T20 World champions, something which wasn't the case when they sent a second-string side under Ruturaj Gaikwad for the Hangzhou Games in 2023. During this time, they have set batting benchmarks which are hard to replicate for even the best of the sides. And now they have a teenage sensation in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi making an impact in his initial days. On the other side is a second-string Afghanistan side playing under 33 T20I-capped Darwish Rasooli, with mostly new faces. They came into the quarterfinal on the back of a win against Japan and a loss against Nepal in the group stage and did not qualify as Group A toppers; rather, they were the second-placed side in the league stage. They were hammered by Nepal in their second game and now will face a much stronger Indian side, which on paper is no match for this Afghanistan side. However, things haven't been very simple for India in Japan. They were recently given a major scare in the rain-hit one-off T20I against Japan when they managed to put 32/4 in five overs and scraped through with a two-run win. The Men in Blue would have to adapt to the conditions as soon as possible, as they were left embarrassed when they failed to do it earlier in Ireland and England, where they lost all six completed T20Is. Eyes will also be on the playing combinations as it seems that Sanju Samson will continue opening with Abhishek Sharma after two half-centuries against Afghanistan, which means Sooryavanshi might have to wait for his hit in Japan. It would also be interesting to see if and when Jasprit Bumrah takes the field after being benched for the Japan T20I. When: Monday, Sep 28, 10 AM IST Where: Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin Where to watch: The match will be shown live on the Sony Sports Network, while the live streaming will be available on the Sony LIV app and website. Squads: India: Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Vipraj Nigam, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Afghanistan: Darwish Rasooli (c), Abdullah Ahmadzai, Mohammad Akram, Ismat Alam, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Hassan Eisakhil, Mohammad Ishaq, Karim Janat, Faisal Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Imran Mir, Arab Gul Momand, Farmanullah Safi, Khalid Taniwal, Najibullah Zadran
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli prepare for their milestones in the upcoming ODI series against West Indies. Virat is close to achieving several records, including becoming the second player to reach 15,000 ODI runs. Rohit is also on the verge of reaching significant run milestones in limited-overs cricket. Both players have impressive records against West Indies, with Virat excelling at Thiruvananthapuram.
Indian batting icon Virat Kohli will be eyeing a flurry of records as he takes to the field for the first ODI against West Indies at Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
No Jealousy, No Comparison: India Star's Honest Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Verdict. It's Not Sanju Samson
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been the talk of the town for the past two years, thanks to his unbelievable performances.
Hope: 'Playing India in their backyard is always a challenge'
The West Indies captain wants to see the progress some of his more inexperienced team-mates make on their first tour to India
Bohannon finds form at last as Lancashire show some fight
Maiden century of season gives struggling club chance to salvage final match
Dean Elgar signs off with one last ton as Essex battle in follow-on
Glamorgan made to work harder for their rewards but still comfortably on top after day three
Tom Abell 284*, Tom Lammonby 239 as Somerset make hay
Record fourth-wicket stand of 334 grinds Surrey into the dirt at Taunton
Kent secure promotion with victory over Gloucestershire
Matt Milnes takes five before hosts knock off target of 118 in comfort
We see great sparks in different series and from different people, says captain Shai
Bairstow holds nerve to seal one-wicket win after Notts collapse
Liam Patterson-White and Mohammad Ali share seven wickets but can't deny Yorkshire
Gautam Gambhir Also Talks To Him A Lot: India Batting Coach On Star Player. Not Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on Saturday hinted that India's first-choice opening pair will be Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in ODI cricket.
Odisha T20: Vageeshs Four-wicket Haul Powers Keonjhar To 26-run Win Over Kataka
Odisha T20 League: A disciplined four-wicket haul by pacer Vageesh Sharma, along with solid half-centuries from Rajesh Dhupar and Sujal Singh, propelled Keonjhar Miners to a convincing 26-run victory over Kataka Panthers in the Odisha T20 League CM Trophy at the Barabati Stadium here on Saturday. Opting to bat first, Keonjhar Miners posted a competitive total of 187/8 in their 20 overs before bundling out Kataka Panthers for 161 in the final over of the chase. Keonjhar lost an early wicket, but keeper-batter Dhupar (58 off 40 balls) and skipper Subhranshu Senapati (36 off 21 balls) steadied the ship with a vital 82-run partnership for the second wicket. Despite Kataka picking up wickets at regular intervals during the middle overs, Sujals unbeaten 30-ball 42 ensured Keonjhar finished with a flourish. Veteran all-rounder Biplab Samantray was the standout bowler for Kataka Panthers by returning economic figures of 1-26 in his four-over spell. In response, Kataka Panthers chase got off to a shaky start as they stumbled to 48/3. Samantray and Kartik Biswal briefly threatened to rebuild with a 29-run fourth-wicket stand before Biswal fell for a quickfire 13-ball 22 while trying to push the scoring rate. Vageesh then turned the tide completely in Keonjhar's favour, breaking partnerships at critical junctures to finish with figures of 4-33. Kataka's lower order failed to keep up with the steep required run rate as the side was bowled out for 161. In response, Kataka Panthers chase got off to a shaky start as they stumbled to 48/3. Samantray and Kartik Biswal briefly threatened to rebuild with a 29-run fourth-wicket stand before Biswal fell for a quickfire 13-ball 22 while trying to push the scoring rate. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Earlier in the day, the morning match between Rourkela Superstars and Bhubaneswar Tigers was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain. Article Source: IANS
Men in Blue begin ODI World Cup roadmap
The three-match series against the Windies promises plenty of action; the visiting side will be desperate for a good show in a country where it hasnt won a bilateral series since 2002
Price rises with five to seal thrashing of Hampshire
Haines century followed by second dominant showing with ball as Sussex guarantee top-three finish
There is so much competition for places in the team, and so many players are performing, says Kotak
Cox Ready To Seize ODI Series Decider Opportunity At The Oval After Injury To Buttler
Jordan Cox: Wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox said he is ready to step into the spotlight and seize a crucial opportunity when he replaces injured Jos Buttler behind the stumps for Englands series-deciding third ODI against Sri Lanka, to be played at The Oval on Sunday. Cox looks set to don the gloves after Buttler was ruled out with a hamstring injury, thus paving the way for the youngsters first 50-over appearance for the national side since 2024. The call-up caps off a remarkably busy home season for Cox, who has successfully fought his way back into contention across all three formats after enduring a string of bad luck with injuries, including a fractured thumb that cruelly denied him a Test debut in New Zealand two winters ago. I definitely feel like the extra two years helped me get to know my game, especially in the red-ball format. I know my game a bit better. I was young... You don't really understand what it really means to play for England. Now I've had time away, two years of not being able to play and seeing other people do well for England, and you go, 'I really want a slice of that'. It's something I really wanted to do; I wanted people to be able to trust me -- even in that number three spot when Beth was unfortunately injured -- for people to say 'he's taken it with both hands'. I feel like I've done that, Cox was quoted as saying by Cricinfo on Saturday. His adaptability was on full display during the recent Test series against Pakistan, where he took over the gloves following Jamie Smith's finger injury and effected five dismissals before hitting the winning run to seal a 3-0 whitewash. If I do get the opportunity, that will be awesome. Jos is probably the best white-ball cricketer we've produced, but he's someone who can go under the radar in 50-over cricket. Whoever comes in will be an excited person. The opportunity in sport comes around, and you've got to look forward to the challenge. It's going to be amazing, 1-1 isn't what we wanted, but for the series to be on the line and to finish at The Oval with a packed house will be pretty special. They're the games you want to be playing in. To get 2-1 and a series win is massive, and that's always a goal for us as a team. But it's also about enjoying the moment and finishing the summer on a high, noted Cox. Looking ahead to a packed winter schedule featuring tours to Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, and Bangladesh, Cox stated he is determined to focus on performance rather than long-term guarantees. I'm just trying to take it day by day. To be fortunate enough to play three formats for England is something I wanted to achieve last summer. Injuries are part of the sport, but to be able to do that now, in all three, it's now about - can I cement a spot somewhere? I feel like you can reflect when you retire. I'll just try to get the opportunity to go to Pakistan, then it's Australia, South Africa, all these things. It's all from putting performances on the field. I've understood that I've had a lucky year, or a good year, playing so much for England, but it's only a start, he added. I'm just trying to take it day by day. To be fortunate enough to play three formats for England is something I wanted to achieve last summer. Injuries are part of the sport, but to be able to do that now, in all three, it's now about - can I cement a spot somewhere? Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Once you play for England, your next goal is 'can I get a central contract?' If I was to get one, that would be pretty awesome. If I get the call after the day's play on Sunday, or Monday morning, then that would be pretty special, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Focus On Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli And Youngsters As India Take On West Indies In ODI Series
Pressing issues like giving more game time to young names and the continued assessment of the preparedness of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will feature high on India's list during the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, beginning on Sunday.
It's The Last World Cup: Virat Kohli Drops Bombshell On 2027
Indian stalwart Virat Kohli has set his sights firmly on the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, admitting that the showpiece event in South Africa will be his final ODI World Cup for India and saying he is ready to do whatever it takes to win the title.
Decided To Drop Risk-averse Approach And Play With More Freedom In ODIs: Virat Kohli
Star Sports Network: Shedding the self-imposed anchor role that defined much of his career, senior India batter Virat Kohli on Saturday revealed he has consciously unlocked a new layer of freedom in his 50-over batting approach to help India consistently push past the 350-run benchmark. Kohli, who will turn 38 in November, has been playing ODIs with a renewed sense of vigour. His tally over the past 18 months reflects that freshness - punctuated by three centuries, four fifties, and a score over 90 in his last 10 ODI appearances alone. What's changed is, firstly, I promised myself that I'm going to play more freely. I'm not going to worry about the expectations that people might have around me. My role had always been, for a long period of time, that I'm going to stabilise things. I know I can play; I know I can hit shots. But the demands are such that if it's a tricky situation...you eventually get into a space where you're like, 'I can hit, but I've been given a role'. Now, the game is changing in a way that, especially if the conditions are fast-paced and good, and other teams are looking to push you towards 340350, we should be able to get 350360 as well, Kohli told JioStar ahead of India's first ODI against West Indies, to be played in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. Crucial to this tactical shift, Kohli pointed out, is his complete trust in India's long batting lineup. I'm very willing to take risks now because I know that if I make runs there, we'll get 350360 easily. And if I do that and play longer, then I can hit more at the end. I had to unlock a little bit of that freedom in my own mind. That's also helped me in the IPL as well... because I'm not thinking that if I get out, the situation might get difficult for us. I have faith in the fact that other players around me are very good and will be able to handle the situation, he added. Delving into the contrasting physical and mental demands across formats, Kohli drew a sharp line between bilateral 50-over matches and the gruelling environment of a World Cup. T20 cricket in bilateral series was very different from World Cups. The intensity of the World Cup was extreme. ODIs are quite simple. Bilateral series run at a certain intensity, and you're always working towards a big competition... figuring out combinations and giving players game time under pressure. The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater because now it's about 10 games at a T20 level of intensity. To maintain that intensity for 10 games in a big tournament... especially in foreign conditions, is a big deal. It takes a lot out of you, he added. Kohli credited his rigorous physical training for allowing him to sustain peak performance through such long campaigns. I am placed very well today because of the work I have put in physically. I feel like I can sustain that kind of intensity for 10 games easily if I continue to keep working hard on my fitness, he said. Kohli also shared his thoughts on captain Shubman Gill's ongoing evolution in the leadership role, and praised the young opener's tactical sharpness and proactive field placements. Shubman, the captain, is still learning. He is still young in the role, but he has got the right perspective and the right kind of intensity to lead the Indian team. He thinks of ways to get batters out in the field, which is always a sign of doing something different or staying a step ahead. He is not shy to use different kinds of fields, put guys under pressure, communicate the same to the bowlers, and bring in a certain kind of bowling attack, he added. Kohli also shared his thoughts on captain Shubman Gill's ongoing evolution in the leadership role, and praised the young opener's tactical sharpness and proactive field placements. Shubman, the captain, is still learning. He is still young in the role, but he has got the right perspective and the right kind of intensity to lead the Indian team. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Watch the first ODI of West Indies tour of India on September 27, from 2 PM onwards, LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network. Article Source: IANS
Legendary India cricketer Virender Sehwag explained how he advises his son Aaryavir, who recently broke into India's U19 team.
Ben Allison's 11-wicket match haul seals Derbyshire demolition
Worcestershire wrap up season with commanding victory at New Road
Kotak: We have not been 'unfair' to Jaiswal, he needs to 'wait for his opportunity'
Jaiswal has had to bide his time despite superb numbers in the six ODIs he has played, with India's top three locked
Opportunity knocks for Jordan Cox after Jos Buttler injury
First ODI appearance since 2024 would cap summer of progress with England
Couldn't Process It For 10 Minutes Dhir Recalls Seeing His Name In India ODI Squad
ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup: When Naman Dhir first saw a congratulatory message on social media after he got his maiden India call-up for the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies, he casually dismissed it as spam. But when he finally opened the official team announcement post, the Faridkot-based Dhir froze in disbelief and needed ten minutes just to comprehend that his lifelong dream had finally come true. Our Sher-e-Punjab tournament in Punjab was over, so I was there. Actually, I had no idea that there would be a call-up or anything like that. So I got a message on Instagram congratulating me. I ignored it; I thought it might be something else. But I opened that post, and after that, when I saw my name, I couldn't process it for 10 minutes. I mean, I've been selected here. But yes, it was a surreal feeling. First of all, I called my father; he was very happy. He had a lot of emotions coming out, Dhir said in a video posted by the BCCI on its social media handles on Saturday. Dhirs path to the national dressing room has been defined by a never-give-up attitude. After representing Punjab at the U-16 level, he endured nearly seven years of complete oblivion, finding himself off the radar before a breakthrough season in the U-25 tournament reignited his career, leading to a Ranji Trophy debut and subsequently an IPL contract with Mumbai Indians. Every kid who starts playing cricket has a dream to represent India, and to play a match for India. So, I guess for me, it's still a dream come true. I feel like I'm living my dream. The old Naman was quitting at one point, but the new Naman will say that you should keep working hard with a pure heart. If you're honest with your work and your hard work, you'll get a 100 percent result. I represented Punjab in the U-16s. After that, I didn't play anything for 6-7 years, till U-25s. After that, I got a breakthrough and scored runs in the U-25s, and then I was called up for the Ranji Trophy. Then IPL came, and that's when my journey started. So, those 6-7 years were tough, but as I said, if you're honest with your work and your hard work, you'll get a 100 percent result, he added. First making heads turn during his maiden IPL stint in 2024 with a blistering 28-ball 62 against Lucknow Super Giants, Dhir soon established himself as a potent middle-order striking option. His steady progression through the India A setup in 2025, including the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, kept him firmly on the selectors' radar. However, the definitive push for a national call-up came during the recently concluded Sher-e-Punjab T20 tournament. Dhir amassed 655 runs at an astronomical strike rate of 217.61, powered by 49 boundaries and as many sixes. The centrepiece of that campaign was a jaw-dropping 173 off just 64 balls. Eight days later, the India call-up arrived, right after he had also been named in the India A squad for the one-dayers against Australia A in Puducherry. However, the definitive push for a national call-up came during the recently concluded Sher-e-Punjab T20 tournament. Dhir amassed 655 runs at an astronomical strike rate of 217.61, powered by 49 boundaries and as many sixes. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories With selectors slating him for a dynamic middle-order role in the series, Dhir is focused on soaking in the moment. Getting the India cap, I don't know how I'll feel then. But right now, what I'm thinking is that I want to enjoy this moment to the fullest because I've waited my whole life for this moment. As far as I'm concerned, I'll give more than 100 percent, but I want to enjoy it even more, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
DDCA joint secy. questions appointment of selector, u-19 coach
Asian Games: Prachi Choudhary Wins Bronze In Womens 400m; Animesh Kujur Qualifies For 200m Final
Salwa Eid Naser: Indias Prachi Choudhary won the bronze medal in the womens 400m at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan on Saturday, clocking 53.21 seconds to finish third and take Indias overall medal tally at the Aichi-Nagoya Games to 30. Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain won the final, taking the gold medal with a time of 49.20 seconds and thereby setting a new Games Record. Zahra Jaree Manojan from Iran secured silver with a time of 52.38 seconds. Kiran from India came fifth with a time of 53.41 seconds, and Seoyeon Kim from South Korea obtained fourth place. Prachi's bronze medal has increased the total number of India's medals to four gold, twelve silver and fourteen bronze. India has won gold medals at the Games in both the men's and women's kabaddi events; the Indian women's cricket team also secured a gold medal, and Kamaljeet and Suruchi Singh won the gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event in shooting. Meanwhile, Animesh Kujur secured his spot in the 200 metres final by coming second in the third semifinal with a time of 20.81 seconds. Puripol Boonson of Thailand completed the race in 20.10 seconds, setting a new Games Record, while Kujur finished after him. After failing to secure a spot in the men's 100m final, the Indian sprinter has now advanced to the 200m medal race. India also obtained two spots in the men's 1500 metres final, with Gulveer Singh and Yoonus Shah qualifying from their respective heats. Puripol Boonson of Thailand completed the race in 20.10 seconds, setting a new Games Record, while Kujur finished after him. After failing to secure a spot in the men's 100m final, the Indian sprinter has now advanced to the 200m medal race. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The two Indian athletes will take part in the men's 1500 metres final, which is set for Monday. Article Source: IANS
Asian Games: Brought churma from home, got paratha here too, says Jaideep after kabaddi gold
Digital Desk | Aichi, Sep 26 (IANS) Indian kabaddi player Jaideep revealed that the team carried a taste of home to Japan with them, bringing churma, ladoos and khoya as they stayed focused on their title defence at the Asian Games, where India beat Iran 40-34 in a thrilling final on Saturday. Speaking to IANS after India successfully defended its mens kabaddi title, Jaideep said the players remained completely focused on their campaign and the final against a strong Iranian side. Yes, we brought churma from our home. We also brought ladoos and khoya from our home. But the food here was also good. We used to get paratha, roti, etc., Jaideep told IANS. The Indian team completed an unbeaten campaign in Aichi-Nagoya with a hard-fought victory over Iran at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium. India and Iran traded points in a closely contested first half, with India eventually trailing 17-18 at the break. Arjun Deshwal and Devank Dalal led Indias attack, while Jaideep and Sumit produced crucial defensive interventions. India raised the intensity after the break and gradually took control of the contest. A key defensive effort from Sumit and Jaideep helped India put pressure on Iran before Aslam Inamdar brought the scores level with a successful do-or-die raid. Arjun then managed to get past Iran captain Fazel Atrachali, setting up an All-Out that gave India a five-point advantage with 10 minutes remaining. Jaideep said the team had been fully aware of the challenge posed by Iran and had little time or opportunity to look beyond the competition. We were very focused. We were waiting for this match. Iran is a very strong team. And this was the only match between us and our gold medal. And we came here to win our gold medal, he said. India held its nerve in the closing stages, with Sumit, Rahul Sethpal and the rest of the defence denying Iran a late comeback as the team sealed a 40-34 victory. Jaideep dedicated the gold medal to his brother for the support he had provided throughout his journey. I dedicate this medal to my brother. He has supported me a lot. My brother has supported me a lot. So, I dedicate this medal to my brother, he said. The Indian kabaddi player also called for greater support for sports beyond cricket, stressing that athletes across disciplines put in immense effort and face injuries during their careers. Everyone should play cricket. It is a good thing, but we should also support other sports and take them forward, Jaideep said.
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Experience of Rohit, Virat invaluable to youngsters for ODI World Cup prep, says Kotak
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 26 (IANS) India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak highlighted the indispensable role played by senior batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in mentoring the next generation of players, adding that their vast knowledge pool is invaluable to youngsters in preparation for next years ODI World Cup. Shubman Gill-led India are embarking on an extensive 50-over workload leading up to the global showpiece event, starting with the three-match series against the West Indies, with the first game to happen at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday. See, it is all about sharing experience. They always do that. Whenever I have seen all the experienced players, even Gautam, because he has played at that level, whatever they have experienced, when they see that some player is going in a similar condition or similar situation, they always talk to them. I think sharing experience or whatever you have learnt is a great thing to do because it's adding knowledge or refreshing your knowledge as well. So, I think it is for anyone - a lot of youngsters are there. I always see them talking to senior players or Gautam. They do talk to me, and also to Morne (Morkel) and Sairaj (Bahutule). Actually, the team environment from the inside is feeling brilliant because everyone knows there is one year to the World Cup. Everyone knows each series is important. Everyone wants to settle in the Indian team; the youngsters are coming, and they have been performing outstandingly; they are not just coming, they have been performing so well. So, it is a process where, obviously, with Indians being an emotional people, I always see that our players, senior players, they always share what they feel like. So, that's a great thing to have. I know that the outside public or social media sometimes may not see that. But as part of the team and support staff, I always see that, Kotak told reporters in the pre-match press conference. Delving into Indias tactical planning and preparation strategy for the mega event, Kotak detailed that they are aware of conditions and the immediate challenge presented by the West Indies. See, I think West Indies is a team which has skills. They have some very good batters and bowlers. So, it is a good series for us. For us, looking one year ahead, we approximately have about 30-31 one-dayers, as far as I am aware. There may be 25-30 games, but yes. So, what we discuss and try to do, obviously Gautam is there, and Virat, Rohit, Shubman, obviously are there. In our preparation, mainly I am talking from a batting point of view; we take advice, and everybody is thinking about how we will go about it, how we need to start preparing if we bat or bowl first. For example, it is South Africa, so what kind of wickets can we get? Here, with overcast skies, what can be the challenges and like that; we prepare in that way and with one new ball after 33 overs. So, the last 10 overs may not be as many runs as we used to get in all that we plan, and then obviously all the senior players or anyone else also have some opinions. Throwing further light on the team processes, Kotak explained, We discuss it, and we plan. So, from now on, that is what our plan is: to go series by series. Luckily, we have the New Zealand series, where obviously it is outside Asia, and there will be some different conditions. There might be moisture and grass. In South Africa, again, there will be some wickets which will be similar to ours also, and there will be some wickets that will be challenging also. So, we have to plan both ways, and we do all that anyway, and that is the process we do, and we are quite looking forward to that. Every series, whether it is West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe or New Zealand, all games are important for us because we want to execute things. So, forget the opposition and if we can successfully do that, within a year, we should be ready for any challenges, any different wickets or any different bowling attacks. Addressing the delicate act of balancing squad rotation with match outcomes, a struggle evident during the recent series loss in England, Kotak admitted, It is very difficult. There is a very thin line between trying new players and trying to get the results also. So, somewhere you see that the result may get affected sometimes. But again, whoever plays for India, they all have been performing. But it does make a difference when a new guy is coming in, trying to settle in the team, and the experienced guy is playing. Like in England also, the Lords game we have seen, they got a lot of runs, and we had a lot of young fast bowlers playing. So, sometimes you do suffer setbacks like that. But eventually, again, it's obviously the captain and head coach; they plan, and they try to give opportunities. But I think we have to do that also. At the same time, we have to see that we get the desired results also. Kotak also welcomed new fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh, who has taken over the role from T Dilip and the interesting drills hes brought on board. See, he has been working for a long time. He was part of CoE also, and he is a very quiet but very hardworking guy. We are all fortunate to get this opportunity to work for the Indian team as support staff, and he is also fortunate to get this job now. Dilip was also very good and has done a wonderful job. All of us know someday, there will be a change. So, there is nothing like it, but I think Subhadeep is also very good. He comes with his ideas. Every coach has their own ideas, drills, and plans. Obviously, when the new guy comes, there is a variety for players also. I also thought it was quite a busy and good session yesterday. Reflecting on the team's workload management during tight international schedules, Kotak pointed out that every available training session is critical. In all the practice sessions, we try to make sure that whether it is batting, bowling, or fielding, it has to be more interesting. Most of the time, you see batters don't get so much time to have an off-season. I mean, players don't have an off-season. IPL, they play. So, we don't get too many long camps. Whenever we have like 3 days, 4 days in practice, we try to utilise it like a camp. We try to give a lot of volume to fielding practice. It's like that is part of planning anyway. So, we try to utilise the maximum time. Even for today, it's been hot, and people, like all the players, wanted to rest, and it was an optional session. Still, (Auqib) Nabi felt that he, obviously, had his bowling loads done; he wanted to bat. He just came to bat, and why not when there are good practice bowlers and good facilities. So, we just try and utilise as much as we can.
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From heartbreak to gold: Shafali Vermas journey of finding her way back
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS) There was a time when Shafali Verma was out of the Indian womens cricket team, watching from the sidelines and going through what she describes as one of the saddest moments cricket has given her. A year later, she was back in the national side, helping India win their maiden Womens ODI World Cup and then topping the run charts at the 2026 Asian Games womens cricket competition, in which India successfully defended their gold medal. The shift for Shafali was not just about runs or trophies. It was about accepting the setback, working on herself, and getting back the belief to come back stronger. When I was dropped from the team, it was the saddest moment that cricket has given me in my entire life. But I think that moment was very hard for me. I only know how hard I worked when I was out of the team, Shafali told IANS in a media roundtable facilitated by JSW Sports. And first of all, the best thing I did was that I accepted everything. Yes, Im not in the team, but I have to work hard. And I have to utilise this time very well. And I have to show that Im the best. Im the best for my country. Im the best for my team. Her return to the national team came when Pratika Rawals injury opened the door for Shafali to be drafted in as a replacement for the 2025 ODI World Cup. What followed would become one of the defining periods of her career, and a difficult one too. Shafali scored 87 and took two wickets in the final against South Africa as India clinched their maiden Women's ODI World Cup trophy. But the work that made that moment possible had started much earlier. So, I worked very hard for that. I worked on my mental health, I worked on my skills, and I worked on my fitness. So Im glad that at that time, I decided everything and worked on myself, she said. And I didnt let myself face any incidents or talk about it. And thanks to my family as well. They supported me a lot at that time. And I think in the end, family is everything for us. And the way they backed me at that time, so just thanks to them. And then the happy tears came when we won the ODI World Cup. For Shafali, those tears represented more than the joy of winning a World Cup. And now, I think, whatever trophies and medals we win, so in front of my eyes, all my hard work and all my sweat comes in front of me that, yeah, Im doing great things for my team. Im doing the hard work for my team. And showing all the sweat and giving everything to my country, she said. So I think there is no moment of more praise than that as a player. The welcome she received on returning to the Indian dressing room was another important part of the comeback. I think the support of my teammates, the support of the coach, I think its the best feeling, and I think when I participated in an ODI in 2025, I was very happy and motivated, and I think everyone was very excited to see me in the team, Shafali said. The way they welcomed me at that time, I think thats the happiest thing as a player. What you want from everyone, they did that only. Thanks to them. The way they are managing the team, the way they are managing everything. I think everything is happening because of them. Thanks to them. Shafali also spoke about the environment within the team and the importance of ensuring players feel comfortable enough to express themselves. We try to keep them in a good space and push them up so that they perform well and dont feel scared or hesitate to say anything, she said. Because of that, everything is reflecting, and everything is going our way. The Asian Games was another opportunity for Shafali to show how far she had come, just as the World Cup had been the highlight of her comeback. She was the top scorer of the tournament, finishing with 188 runs at an average of 188 and a strike rate in excess of 200; her performances consisted of a 40-run score against Japan in the quarterfinal, a century made off 49 balls against Bangladesh in the semifinal - this being the first century in the history of women's cricket at the Asian Games and also her first T20I hundred - and 48 runs in the final match played against Sri Lanka. India beat Japan by eight wickets, Bangladesh by 114 runs and Sri Lanka by 147 runs to retain the gold medal. Yet Shafali sees the Asian Games success as part of something bigger than her own performances. Well, of course, I think as a player and as a team, well just try to bring more and more trophies to grow Indian womens cricket, she said. And I know when we won the ODI trophy, we lifted it. After that, Im pretty sure that Indian womens cricket has grown a lot. And there were a lot of setbacks. And I think well try not to have those setbacks and make our nation proud. Her experience in Japan also left an impression beyond the cricket field. And talking about the Asian Games, when we went to Japan, we didnt even think how good the facilities would be. But the way Japan associated us, the way they gave us the ground stuff, so its really praise for them. And just seeing the seriousness in Indian womens cricket, so thats a very happy thing for us. And its more of a motivating thing to do the good things for our nation, to do the good things for our team. So I think its just a praise moment and a very motivating thing. That seriousness is reflected in a career that had already produced several landmarks before her latest run of success. Shafali became the youngest player ever to score 1,000 runs in T20Is and climbed to the top spot in the women's T20I batting rankings. She led India to victory at the first Womens Under-19 T20 World Cup in 2023. The following year, she showed yet another aspect of her abilities by scoring an amazing 205 against South Africa in a Test match. Now, having gone through the letdown of being left out, the pleasure of winning the World Cup and the excitement of securing a gold medal at the Asian Games, Shafali is looking past his individual achievements.
Gill good to play first ODI against West Indies despite elbow blow, confirms Kotak
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 26 (IANS) India captain Shubman Gill has been cleared of any major injury concern and is fine to play in the first ODI against the West Indies, to be played at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday, confirmed batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. Gill had suffered a sharp blow on his right elbow from a rising delivery bowled by fast bowler Mohammed Siraj during a practice session on Friday. The right-hander required treatment on the ground for nearly 20 minutes before returning to hit throwdowns in the nets. I think he is fine and good to go, Kotak told reporters during a pre-match press conference. Kotak also addressed the continuous selection dilemmas facing the Indian team management, particularly regarding talented opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has often found himself on the sidelines despite boasting strong numbers across formats. With Gill and Rohit Sharma around, Jaiswal has been relegated to spending time on the sidelines. See, I think it is due to so much of competition and so many players are performing. Jaiswal is obviously, we all know he is one of the best and whenever he gets an opportunity, he performs. He is a part of the team and as support staff, obviously, we look after his skills, his practice and his mindset and Gautam also talks to him a lot. But sometimes, you see, say if there are three very good wicket keepers, only one will play. So, it is not that it has been unfair to him. I just think it is part of the game. He should keep working hard and waiting for his opportunities. So far, whenever team needed him, he got an opportunity, he has performed. So, I mean, I don't know what exactly you want to ask me. But I think we do look after his skills, his practice. We follow where he is, how he is doing and when he is with the team. That's all we can do and that's what we do, added Kotak. Kotak also weighed in on veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's role in the white-ball setup, as he returns to the ODI team due to Axar Patel present in the T20I team for the Asian Games happening in Japan. I think he is obviously in the mix. In South Africa series, Jadeja played when Axar was rested. Then after that, I mean, obviously, I am not part of selection panel. So, I don't know what their thinking is. I just think if whoever is coming and playing for India, they are obviously part of that 20-25 players who possibly can be in the team. Jadeja is an outstanding all-rounder. We all know - you see his records. I mean, how the team will set up and what kind of combination selectors and captain and head coach will go with, that is the second thing. There is a time for that, but Jadeja, to me, is one of the best fielders still we have over on a world level as well. He bowls, bats and the experience he has, because I actually firmly believe that experience is something you cannot beat. So, like we see Rohit, Virat, Jadeja, they all brings a lot of that to the team. So, Jadeja is also one of them and he is obviously a very useful member of the team, concluded Kotak.
'Dhonis 2011 six inspired me to take up cricket,' says Puri Titans Aashirwad Swain
Digital Desk | Kataka, Sep 26 (IANS) Aashirwad Swain drew inspiration from MS Dhonis famous 2011 World Cup-winning six and put the former India captains lessons into practice as he held his nerve to guide Puri Titans to a thrilling two-wicket win over Keonjhar Miners in the Odisha T20 League - CM Trophy at the Barabati Stadium. Chasing 141, Puri Titans were reduced to 113/8 in the 18th over and needed 15 runs from the final six deliveries. With the game slipping away, Swain kept his composure and took his team over the line. Swain said he deliberately tried to take the chase deep after observing that the ball was coming onto the bat slowly. I was trying to analyse the situation outside. The ball was coming a little late on the wicket, so this was on my mind that the deeper we go, the team in front of us will also panic. Most of the time, the plan was that I stay till the end, Swain said after the match. I believed in myself that no matter how many runs there were in the last over, I could finish it. Swain revealed that Dhonis unbeaten 91 in the 2011 ODI World Cup final, which was sealed with a six against Sri Lanka, played a major role in his decision to pursue cricket. The last six of Mahendra Singh Dhoni in 2011 became the reason for me to pick up the sport, he said. I got inspired by him. I learnt a lot from him by watching the match videos: that you have to take the game till the last over. So he has a big role. He is my inspiration. Although Swain is yet to meet his idol, Dhonis influence was evident in his approach during the tense chase as he remained focused despite wickets falling around him. The Puri Titans batter also revealed that his jersey number, 19, comes from another sporting icon, football great Lionel Messi. Im a big Messi fan also. In the early stages, he also had the No. 19 jersey, Swain said. The 19-year-old from Rourkela has had to overcome limited access to quality cricket facilities during his early years. Swain said the lack of academies and coaching options meant he had to work hard to develop his game. There were not that many academy facilities there. So I had to struggle a lot for good coaching in my childhood, he said. A significant step in his development came during the off-season when he trained with former India batter and coach Wasim Jaffer in Mumbai. Jaffer had earlier worked with the Odisha team, helping Swain establish a connection with the former India player. After a difficult previous season, Swain contacted Jaffer and was invited to Mumbai for training. My last year didnt go that well. So as soon as I messaged him, he replied that whenever you are free, come. We planned it out and had great sessions back in Mumbai, he said. The confidence that I got in the off-season by working with him, I feel really good right now. Swain also credited the Puri Titans camp for building a mindset of fighting until the final ball, regardless of the situation. From day one, we were trying to develop this culture in our camp that all the youngsters and all the seniors, whatever the situation is, we will try to get the team out of that situation, he said. We will take the match to the last. So I guess that process gave results today. I am very happy. With Dhonis composure as his inspiration, Messis No. 19 on his back and Jaffers guidance helping his development, Swain produced a match-winning finish when Puri Titans needed him most.
