Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has recommended including young opener Sam Konstas in the playing XI for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Ponting believes Konstas' earlier debut performance against India warrants him valuable experience in the challenging Sri Lankan conditions. He emphasizes investing in Konstas' Test career for future benefits.
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Mumbai Indians' pacer Trent Boult took his 30th wicket in the opening over of an IPL match, surpassing other bowlers as the top performer in this category. During MI's home game against Kolkata Knight Riders, Boult dismissed Sunil Narine early. This achievement highlights Boult's crucial role in the team. Both teams made key changes in their lineup for the match.
Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal criticized the absence of a Pakistani representative during the ICC Champions Trophy prize distribution, attributing it to the team's subpar performance. The PCB lodged a complaint with the ICC, but officials defended the protocol, stating that it did not require the presence of the tournament director on stage.
India skipper Rohit Sharma defended the decision to include five spinners in their Champions Trophy squad. He emphasized the value of having three spinning all-rounders, highlighting their versatility and ability to contribute both batting and bowling, as the tournament returns after an eight-year hiatus.
India secured a dominant 150-run victory over England in the fifth T20I at Mumbai, wrapping up the series 4-1. Abhishek Sharma's 279 runs in the series and Varun Chakravarthy's 14 wickets underlined the home team's brilliance. With young talents knocking on the doors of 50-overs cricket, the upcoming ODI series is pivotal for seniors like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Prabhsimran Singh of Punjab Kings is in sensational form at the Vijay Hazare Trophy with three consecutive centuries, solidifying his position as a key player. Singh aims for consistency to earn a spot in the India team, working hard alongside teammates Arshdeep Singh and Abhishek Sharma.
Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, who was part of the Indian squad in Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has suffered a hairline fracture on his right hand’s middle finger, sidelining him from the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches. Easwaran, known for his consistent performances in India A teams, sustained the injury during a club match.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders secured their second win in ILT20 Season 3 with a 37-run victory over Gulf Giants. Michael Pepper’s half-century and strong bowling contributed to the win, overshadowing Aayan Afzal Khan’s 4/16 for the Giants. The Knight Riders’ solid start and strategic play were crucial, while the Giants' batting struggle was evident.
In 2024, the Indian cricket team excelled in T20 internationals, winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup undefeated. India also triumphed in series against Bangladesh and South Africa. Veterans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja retired from T20Is post World Cup win, marking a historic year.
The UAE has been a historic venue for iconic India-Pakistan ODI clashes, featuring epic contests such as India's 38-run victory in the 1985 Rothmans Cup, Javed Miandad's famous last-ball six in the 1986 Austral-Asia Cup final, and Sachin Tendulkar's memorable century in the 1996 Pepsi Sharjah Cup. These matches have seen thrilling last-ball finishes and stellar individual performances.
Joe Root is set to return to England's ODI squad for the opening game against India for the first time in the format since the 2023 World Cup. Root's inclusion aims to bolster England's middle-order. He recently excelled in the SA20 competition with both bat and ball.