India's top Test players Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant struggled in the Ranji Trophy, scoring a combined total of 12 runs. Ravindra Jadeja was a standout performer with a 5-wicket haul and a quick 38-run innings. The national selectors are concerned with the form of key players, especially ahead of upcoming international commitments.
Related news
South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee, playing for Joburg Super Kings, has been sidelined from the SA20 tournament due to a hamstring strain. His absence is a significant loss as he was a potential replacement for injured Anrich Nortje. Coetzee's participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy remains uncertain, adding to South Africa's fast-bowling concerns.
Anuj Rawat has joined Gujarat Titans' IPL camp in Surat, causing controversy as it coincides with Delhi's Ranji Trophy preparations. Rawat’s lack of permission from the DDCA has been criticised, while Ishant Sharma's participation is justified due to his retirement from Ranji cricket. Permission protocols for joining IPL-related activities during state commitments are highlighted.
Fomer cricketer Suresh Raina highlights the significance of skipper MS Dhoni's tactical brilliance and the formation of the successful Rohit Sharma-Shikhar Dhawan opening partnership in India's victorious 2013 ICC Champions Trophy campaign. Raina also elaborates on his own contributions as a part-time bowler in crucial moments that played a key role in their success.
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has secured a 49% stake in The Hundred franchise Trent Rockets for just under £40m, with the entire franchise valued at £79m. Nottinghamshire retains 51% ownership. Southern Brave is later expected to be sold to Delhi Capitals' co-owners, finalizing the investment in all seven Hundred teams.
Gulf Giants, led by head coach Andy Flower and captain James Vince, prepare for ILT20 Season 3 with a strong squad, including new signings like Tim David and Tom Curran. Boosted by key players such as Chris Jordan and Aayan Khan, they aim to reclaim the title, starting their campaign against Sharjah Warriorz on January 12.
Parth Rekhade's remarkable three-wicket burst left Mumbai struggling at 188/7 in reply to Vidarbha's 383 on Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy semifinal in Nagpur on Tuesday. Akash Anand remained unbeaten on 67 amid the collapse. Vidarbha's bowlers, particularly Yash Thakur and Rekhade, kept Mumbai under pressure, as they trail by 195 runs heading into Day 3.
Gulbadin Naib shone brightly in ILT20 2025, scoring 381 runs and claiming 11 wickets for the Dubai Capitals. His performances, both with bat and ball, were pivotal in the team's success, including a crucial one-run win in the opener and a decisive role in the final games, leading to their tournament victory.
Ravichandran Ashwin, a renowned cricketer, retired from international cricket after a draw at the Gabba Test. Former Pakistani cricketer Rashid Latif praised Ashwin's tactical acumen, suggesting he could lead the BCCI or ICC in the future. Ashwin concluded his 14-year career with 537 Test wickets, six centuries, and numerous accolades, including 11 Player-of-the-Series awards.
Kevin Pietersen has called for prioritizing domestic summer cricket in England for the sport's growth. He expressed concerns over the packed international schedule leading to player fatigue and less engagement with local fans. Despite maintaining high performance levels, the team faces a challenging future with fixtures against Zimbabwe and India in 2025.
Zimbabwe pulled off a thrilling last-ball victory against Afghanistan in the first T20I, chasing down 145 with four wickets to spare. Tashinga Musekiwa's heroics in the final over sealed the win. Brian Bennett (49) and Dion Myers (32) laid the foundation with a 75-run partnership, while Karim Janat's unbeaten 54 for Afghanistan went in vain.