Ravichandran Ashwin's sudden retirement from international cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series has signaled the start of India's transition phase. Aakash Chopra believes Ashwin's decision stemmed from limited overseas opportunities, exacerbated by Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar's presence. Chopra anticipates more retirements may follow, reshaping the team's composition in the coming months.
Related news
Gautam Gambhir believes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma maintain their hunger and passion, despite recent poor performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kohli’s and Rohit's recent struggles have raised questions about their future in Test cricket. Meanwhile, Ravi Ashwin has announced his retirement, suggesting a possible transitional phase for Team India.
India captain Rohit Sharma praised Varun Chakravarthy's impressive performance against New Zealand, making the four-spinner strategy tempting for the Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia. Chakravarthy's accuracy and variations have improved, showcasing his capability. Rohit highlighted the crucial contributions of the middle-order, especially Axar Patel, ahead of the semifinal clash.
MI Cape Town defeated Sunrisers Eastern Cape by 97 runs in the SA20 Season 3 opener. Dewald Brevis scored 57 off 29 balls to lead MICT to a total of 174/7, while Trent Boult's impressive bowling restricted SEC to 77 runs. Richard Gleeson acknowledged SEC's batting struggles and expressed optimism for their upcoming match against Paarl Royals.
Falcon Risers Hyderabad triumphed over KVN Bangalore Strikers by 6 runs in a thrilling ISPL match. Vishwajit Thakur top-scored with 26 runs, helping Hyderabad post 84/9 despite early setbacks. Irfan Patel's 4/14 stood out for Bangalore. Bangalore's chase fell short as Hyderabad's bowlers held their nerves, ensuring a tense finish.
With India’s marquee Test tour of England starting just 25 days after IPL, the selectors will keep an eye on how India’s premier fast bowlers like Bumrah and Shami sustain themselves through the rigours of the league.
England captain Ben Stokes suffered another hamstring injury while bowling in the third Test against New Zealand. He left the field due to discomfort after bowling just two balls of his third over. The injury is to the same left leg he injured in August. Stokes's availability for England's second innings is uncertain.
Sunil Gavaskar criticised the lack of complaints from former Indian players about the green pitch at the Sydney Cricket Ground, contrasting it with the usual uproar over spin-friendly pitches in India. On Day 1, India struggled against Australia’s bowling, with Rishabh Pant showing resilience despite multiple blows, highlighting the tough batting conditions.
Washington Sundar praised Nitish Kumar Reddy's impressive maiden century in the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Reddy's composed 100 off 171 balls helped India avoid a follow-on and featured a popular celebration tribute. Sundar highlighted the team's clarity on their responsibilities and commended Reddy's skill and temperament during the crucial 127-run partnership.
Sameer Rizvi, the Delhi Capitals' recent acquisition, smashed a breathtaking 201* off just 97 balls in an Under-23 match against Tripura. His stunning innings, featuring 13 fours and 20 sixes, is the fastest double century in the tournament's history.
Ryan Rickelton (176 not out) and Temba Bavuma (106) led South Africa to 316 for four on the first day of the second Test against Pakistan. Their 235-run partnership countered early setbacks and dominated a lacklustre Pakistan bowling attack. Rickelton scored his second Test century, and Bavuma recorded his fourth before getting out just before the close.