Rassie van der Dussen reflected on missing out on the T20 World Cup despite a strong year, pivoting to opportunities in various T20 leagues. Van der Dussen emphasised on continuous learning and playing for South Africa, inspired by Faf du Plessis. He spoke after Lhuan-dre Pretorius impressed once again in the SA20, aiding Paarl Royals in defeating MI Cape Town.
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The latest ICC rankings show New Zealand's Tim Seifert and Finn Allen rising in T20I rankings. Babar Azam has slipped to 8th. Australia's Travis Head leads T20I batters. Among bowlers, Jacob Duffy has achieved a career-best ranking of 12th. In ODIs, Netherlands' Aryan Dutt and Paul van Meekeren have moved up the bowlers' rankings.
Pakistan are set to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for the first time in 29 years. The tournament will commence on February 19 with the hosts facing New Zealand. PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi expressed excitement for the event, emphasising its significance for showcasing Pakistan's hospitality and cricket passion.
Pakistan's batting coach Mohammad Yousuf reversed his decision to withdraw from the New Zealand tour after confirming his daughter's improved health. Initially, he had pulled out due to her illness. Yousuf will now accompany the team for the scheduled 5 T20Is and three ODIs. The PCB retained the existing support staff structure, with Yousuf as the sole new addition.
Virat Kohli's childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma expressed pride in the batter's achievements after the win against Pakistan in Champions Trophy. Kohli went past the 14,000 ODI run mark enroute his 51st international century. Sharma addressed the high expectations and criticism Kohli faces, affirming his continued potential and dedication. He highlighted how Kohli's maturity and humility have grown.
Paarl Royals maintained their unbeaten home run in SA20, defeating Durban's Super Giants by six wickets. Pursuing 144, Dayyaan Galiem secured victory with a six off the penultimate delivery. Pretorius and Hermann's 91-run stand was crucial, while superb bowling from Maphaka and Fortuin restricted the Super Giants to 143 for 7.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak expressed no concern over captain Rohit Sharma's recent poor form, citing his consistent performance in previous ODIs. Kotak emphasized Rohit's history of scoring and his resilience despite a lean patch. The coach also highlighted Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Axar Patel's commendable performance in the first ODI against England.
England announce squads for India tour and Champions Trophy. Ben Stokes will miss both. Joe Root and Mark Wood return to the team. Jos Buttler will captain the limited-overs sides. Jacob Bethell earns his spot after a strong New Zealand series. The tour begins January 17. Matches against India start January 22. The Champions Trophy follows.
Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Capitals in a thrilling match at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Despite Karun Nair's impressive 89, Delhi's middle-order collapse and three run-outs in the penultimate over cost them the game while chasing 206. Captain Axar Patel blamed soft dismissals and sloppy fielding for the loss, while praising Kuldeep Yadav's exceptional bowling performance this season.
Suryakumar Yadav will lead Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2025 opener against Chennai Super Kings, as Hardik Pandya is serving a match ban. In a press conference, Yadav humorously addressed tackling the challenge posed by the five-time champions CSK at their home ground, including that of legendary MS Dhoni. The fixture will take place at 7:30pm IST.
India captain Rohit Sharma's performance with the bat in the Champions Trophy was defended by head coach Gautam Gambhir, emphasizing the skipper's intent rather than the amoutn of runs he has scored. Gambhir highlighted Rohit's fearless approach at the top of the order as having a positive impact on the team’s dressing room.