Aayan Afzal Khan, a promising UAE cricketer, is gearing up for his third season with the Gulf Giants in the ILT20. With 36 T20Is and 37 wickets, Aayan highlights the league's importance for local talent, offering significant playing opportunities. Gulf Giants, previous champions, look forward to another exciting season starting January 12, 2025.
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Virat Kohli's persistent struggles with deliveries outside off-stump continue, particularly in Test matches. His predictable tendency to chase these deliveries has become a boon for bowlers, resulting in a string of dismissals. Despite the repeated failures, Kohli seems reluctant to abandon this high-risk approach, a stark contrast to Sachin Tendulkar's famous restraint at the SCG.
Key matchups in the high-stakes game include Rachin Ravindra’s duel with India’s spin quartet, Varun Chakravarthy’s challenge from Kane Williamson, and Mitchell Santner facing Shreyas Iyer. Mohammed Shami’s new-ball spell could be significant against New Zealand openers, especially given his success against left-handers.
Harleen Deol's unbeaten 70 and Beth Mooney's 44 led Gujarat Giants to a five-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals, securing their spot in the Women's Premier League Eliminator. Lanning's 92 off 57 balls lifted Delhi to a competitive 177 for five, but Gujarat successfully chased the target with crucial contributions from Ashleigh Gardner and Deandra Dottin.
India's legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes the current Test team's bowling attack heavily relies on Jasprit Bumrah. While Mohammed Siraj provides support, Gavaskar emphasizes the need for Siraj to take more wickets. Debate continues regarding the spinner position, with some advocating for Washington Sundar over Ravichandran Ashwin for the Brisbane Test, while others prioritize consistency and back Ashwin's retention.
England's ICC Champions Trophy chances have improved with opener Ben Duckett being declared fit to play. The ECB confirmed Duckett's availability after he recovered from a groin injury. He got injured while fielding in the third ODI against India. England will face Australia in their first tournament match in Lahore on 22 February.
Varun Chakravarthy has been nominated for the ICC Men's Player of the Month for January for his impressive performance against England in the T20I series, taking 14 wickets. Other nominees include Jomel Warrican and Noman Ali. Indian opener Gongadi Trisha was nominated in the women's category for her standout play in the ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup.
Nitish Kumar Reddy scored his maiden Test hundred against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, becoming the third youngest Indian to do so in Australia. His remarkable 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar helped India reach 358/9 on Day 3, overcoming a follow-on threat despite trailing by 120 runs.
Virat Kohli discussed his balance between calmness and aggression in his on-field persona, stating that he faces criticism regardless of his approach. He emphasised that his competitiveness remains strong despite a more subdued demeanour. Kohli remains a key player for RCB in the upcoming IPL 2025 season, targeting both a maiden title and new batting records.
Babar Azam and the Pakistan cricket team engaged in a rigorous practice session in Dubai ahead of their Champions Trophy match against India. Azam faced multiple bowlers for extended periods, while key pacers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi each delivered seven overs. Interim coach Aaqib Javed and captain Mohammad Rizwan led a detailed strategy meeting to optimize their performance.
Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, aged 36, suffered a heart attack on the field during a domestic match in Dhaka. He was leading Mohammedan Sporting Club when he experienced chest pain and was hospitalised. Tamim is receiving treatment and his condition has stabilised. The Bangladesh Cricket Board canceled its scheduled meeting and members visited him at the hospital.