Ravichandran Ashwin unexpectedly announced his retirement from international cricket during the Test series against Australia. The off-spinner, India's second-highest Test wicket-taker, cited a desire to focus on club cricket. His decision shocked teammates, coaches, and fans, leaving a significant void in the Indian bowling attack.
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India clinched the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, ending a 12-year wait. Key contributions from senior players like Virat Kohli and standout performances from KL Rahul were crucial. Kohli highlighted the importance of experience, past learnings, and focusing on self-belief. His leadership guided the team to another significant triumph, marking his fourth ICC title.
Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes Rohit Sharma and selectors will influence his retirement decision. Manjrekar also suggested Virat Kohli play County cricket to enhance his Test skills before the England series. Kohli's fitness could allow him to continue playing at a the highest level, asserted Sanjay Bangar.
The BCCI has proposed sending two personal chefs on tours to meet the nutritional needs of Indian cricketers, addressing varied diet requirements and the importance of maintaining fitness. This step is due to objections over personal chefs in team hotels. Specific needs and exceptions will be considered.
South Africa's Corbin Bosch made history at Centurion, scoring an unbeaten 81 on his Test debut from the No. 9 position. His performance helped South Africa recover from 213/8 to post a respectable 301 all out. Bosch also excelled in bowling, claiming four wickets in Pakistan’s first innings, contributing significantly in both departments.
Rashid Khan, after lifting the IPL 2022 trophy, faced setbacks with Mumbai Indians Cape Town (MICT) finishing last in the SA20 league's first two seasons. However, his leadership turnaround in the third season, coupled with strong performances from teammates, culminated in MICT winning the SA20 title, marking a significant achievement for him and the franchise.
New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been named captain of the Desert Vipers for the ILT20 season, replacing Colin Munro. Head coach James Foster commended Ferguson's skills and leadership, highlighting his consistent performance and strong temperament. UAE's Khuzaima bin Tanveer also joins the team, emphasizing the squad's ambition to win the competition.
Ajinkya Rahane's century and Royston Dias' five-wicket haul led Mumbai to a 152-run win over Haryana, securing a Ranji Trophy semi-final spot. Rahane scored 108 to set a 354-run target, while Dias (5/39) and Thakur (3/26) dismantled Haryana's chase. Lakshay Dalal and Sumit Kumar's partnership briefly resisted but could not prevent Mumbai's commanding victory.
England's Test captain Ben Stokes will miss the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy and the subsequent Test series due to a torn left hamstring. The injury, sustained during the third Test against New Zealand, requires surgery in January, sidelining him for three months. Stokes remains optimistic despite the setback, expressing his resolve to return stronger.
Steve Smith and Travis Head's centuries propelled Australia's dominance in the third Test against India at the Gabba. Rohit Sharma's captaincy and field placements drew criticism from former players like Kerry O'Keeffe and Michael Vaughan for lacking pressure tactics. Head's fearless approach, detaching from consequence, earned praise from Ravi Shastri and O'Keeffe for his impactful innings.
Virat Kohli congratulated Rajat Patidar on being named the new captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, praising his growth and performance. Despite rumours of Kohli's return to captaincy, RCB chose Patidar, with Director of Cricket Mo Bobat emphasising Kohli's influence and support for the decision. Former RCB skipper Faf du Plessis also heaped praise on Patidar for earning the job.