Axar Patel, a spin-bowling all-rounder and potential successor to Ravindra Jadeja, emphasises he doesn't need to prove his worth amid Indian cricket's transition. With 184 international wickets, the 31-year-old Axar focuses on performing whenever opportunities arise. He remains unfazed by selection issues, highlighting the importance of role clarity and communication, especially in T20 cricket.
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Pakistan's cricket legends have expressed relief at the ICC's resolution to the Champions Trophy hosting impasse. India will play its Champions Trophy matches at a neutral venue, reciprocated by Pakistan for ICC events hosted by India until 2027. This agreement covers the 2025 Champions Trophy, the 2026 T20 World Cup, and the 2027 Women's Cricket World Cup.
Dinesh Karthik is set to make a comeback in professional cricket by playing for Paarl Royals in the SA20 league. This marks his return after retiring in June 2024. Karthik expressed excitement about the opportunity to compete in South Africa again. Paarl Royals, led by David Miller, will begin their campaign on January 11.
Sai Sudharsan's masterful 82 propelled Gujarat Titans to 217/6, overcoming an early Gill dismissal. Buttler's support and late cameos bolstered the total. Rajasthan's chase faltered despite Samson and Hetmyer's efforts, as Krishna's 3-24 and key wickets from Rashid and Kishore sealed a 58-run victory. Sudharsan's calm, impactful innings highlighted his rising prominence.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins announced his plans to return to the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad after recovering from a left ankle injury. Absent from recent series, Cummins aims to use the competitive IPL matches as preparation for the World Test Championship final and subsequent Test series against South Africa and West Indies.
Former Pakistan skipper Younis Khan has been appointed as Afghanistan cricket team's mentor for the 2025 Champions Trophy, beginning February 19. The high-stakes tournament, with 15 matches held across Pakistan and Dubai, will see eight teams competing. Naseeb Khan, Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO, expressed confidence in Younis' expertise given the conditions.
The Sydney Cricket Ground honored legendary Indian spinner Bishan Singh Bedi with a tribute in the Indian dressing room before the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The SCG's traditional calico rolls displayed his name, alongside Indian spinner Shivlal or Kuldeep Yadav, noted for their five-wicket hauls at the venue.
Opener Abhishek Sharma credits mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy for India's turnaround in their seven-wicket victory against England in the T20 series opener. Chakaravarthy's pivotal over halted England's progress, allowing other bowlers to capitalize. Sharma also praised the team's support and his IPL experience for bolstering his fearless batting.
India's use of Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube in the fourth T20I against England sparked debate. Dube was struck on the helmet, and Rana took three crucial wickets, including Liam Livingstone's. England's captain Jos Buttler questioned the move, while Kevin Pietersen felt it wasn't a like-for-like replacement. India's bowling coach Morne Morkel defended the decision.
The ICC praised former Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne, who retired after his 100th Test. Karunaratne, 36, scored 7222 Test runs at an average of nearly 40 and played 50 ODIs. He captained Sri Lanka in 30 Tests, achieving a historic series win against South Africa in 2019. ICC chairman Jay Shah lauded his commitment and contributions to cricket.
India's Rohit Sharma hopes Shubman Gill will continue his excellent form from the ODI series against England into the ICC Champions Trophy. India face Bangladesh in their opening match on Thursday, with significant players like Rohit, Virat Kohli, Mohd. Shami and Kuldeep Yadav aiming to perform well.