Cheteshwar Pujara has highlighted Mitchell Starc as a major threat for India in the upcoming Boxing Day Test. Pujara praised Starc's improved accuracy and effectiveness, particularly with the new ball. He emphasized the need for India's batsmen to negotiate Starc's initial spells carefully, noting his reduced impact against the lower order with the older ball.
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ILT20 Season 3 begins January 11, 2025, with a grand opening ceremony at Dubai International Stadium, featuring Bollywood stars Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, and Sonam Bajwa. The event includes fireworks and the opening match between MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals. Tickets are available for AED 40 in the general category.
Delhi Capitals will have a new captain for IPL 2025, with Axar Patel, KL Rahul, and Faf du Plessis as the main contenders. Retained player Axar Patel, who has shown impressive form and leadership qualities, is a strong candidate. Rahul's captaincy experience previously in the IPL also makes him a top choice.
West Indies fast bowling legend Andy Roberts lauded Mohammed Shami as India's best bowler, praising his control and swing. Roberts questioned India's decision to bat first in the second Test against Australia. Though injured, Shami's recent strong domestic performances raise hopes for his return to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a series currently tied 1-1.
Ravindra Jadeja did not bowl in Saurashtra's win over Assam to provide younger players with experience, as confirmed by coach Niraj Odedra. Jadeja is fit and batted, but with two other left-arm spinners in the team, he chose to let the youngsters gain confidence for the quarterfinals, where Saurashtra will likely face Gujarat.
Mumbai Indians signed 18-year-old Afghan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman to replace Allah Ghazanfar, who is sidelined due to a vertebra fracture. Ghazanfar, who sustained the injury during Afghanistan's tour to Zimbabwe, will also miss the Champions Trophy. Mujeeb brings his experience of over 300 T20 matches to the team.
Australia and South Africa, two strong batting teams, face off in Rawalpindi on Tuesday for a spot in the Champions Trophy semifinals. Despite missing key bowlers, Australia impressed with their historic chase against England. South Africa's Ryan Rickleton is confident after his century against Afghanistan, while Kagiso Rabada leads their potent pace attack.
New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra was chosen as the Player of the Tournament at the 2025 Champions Trophy for his staggering record in the eight-team tournament. Ex India spinner R Ashwin disagreed with the choice, despite Ravindra's twin centuries in the four matches he played for the Black Caps.
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.
Mushfiqur Rahim, the 37-year-old veteran cricketer from Bangladesh, has retired from ODI cricket following his team's exit from the ICC Champions Trophy. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he expressed gratitude for his 19-year career, during which he amassed 7,795 runs and secured 243 catches and 56 stumpings. He remains the second-highest run-scorer for Bangladesh in ODIs.
KKR's Venkatesh Iyer acknowledges pressure from his high transfer fee. He looks forward to collaborating with vice-captain Dwayne Bravo, under captain Ajinkya Rahane. Mentor Dwayne Bravo and head coach Chandrakant Pandit express confidence in the team's preparations. Rahane, honoured to lead, emphasises playing simple and teamwork. Team gears up for the upcoming IPL 2025 season.