India's Deepti Sharma shone with both bat and ball, taking six wickets and scoring 39 unbeaten runs to help secure a 3-0 ODI series sweep against West Indies. Renuka Thakur also contributed significantly with four wickets. The win boosts India's confidence ahead of their series against Ireland in January 2024.
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Josh Inglis scored 102 off 94 balls on his Test debut against Sri Lanka, achieving the second-fastest century on debut in cricket history. Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith also reached milestones with scores of 232 and 141, respectively. Inglis continued a Western Australian trend of debut centuries in Test cricket, following Adam Voges, Shaun Marsh, and Marcus North.
Shreyas Iyer's potential Test comeback is questioned by Ravichandran Ashwin, who argues that strong IPL performances shouldn't be confused with Test credentials. Despite Iyer's key role in KKR's title win and leading PBKS in IPL 2025, Ashwin believes formats should remain distinct, praising Iyer's ODI contributions but emphasising format-specific evaluations.
Jofra Archer clean bowled Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill with a fiery 147.7 kmph delivery in their IPL 2025 clash, marking his third dismissal of Gill in just 15 balls faced. The video of the wicket went viral as Archer continued his strong comeback after a record-expensive spell earlier this season.
Rajat Patidar has been appointed as the new captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the upcoming IPL season. Former captain Virat Kohli supports this decision wholeheartedly. Patidar's calmness and leadership aspirations impressed the RCB management. With Kohli's mentorship, Patidar is expected to grow as a leader.
Ashleigh Gardner's brilliant 58 off 31 balls and economical bowling of 1/22 led Gujarat Giants to a six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women's Premier League. The Giants restricted RCB to 125/7, with key bowling performances from Deandra Dottin and Tanuja Kanwar. Gardner's aggressive batting ensured an easy chase in 16.3 overs.
Devajit Saikia is poised to become the next BCCI secretary and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia the treasurer at the BCCI Special General Meeting. Saikia has been acting as secretary since Jay Shah’s move to the ICC. The election is expected to be unopposed at the Mumbai headquarters. Saikia represents Assam Cricket Association, and Bhatia is a BCCI Apex Council member.
Skipper Smriti Mandhana expressed disappointment with India's fielding in the first ODI against Ireland, noting missed opportunities that allowed the visitors to post 238 despite early setbacks on Friday. Mandhana praised the bowlers' efforts on a batting-friendly pitch and highlighted key batting performances from Pratika Rawal and Tejal Hasanbis as India comfortably chased the target.
Desert Vipers will hold their second annual Sustainability Match on January 18, emphasizing carbon footprint reduction and environmental awareness. Team kits are made from recycled materials, and fans are encouraged to wear green. Initiatives include phasing out single-use plastics, using eco-friendly dyes, and promoting sustainable fan jerseys.
The BCCI is likely to seek an extension to announce India's provisional squad for the Champions Trophy by January 19, past the ICC deadline of January 12. The decision follows the selection of the squad for the T20I series against England, with ODIs and the Champions Trophy squad announcement postponed.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma has been dropped from the playing XI for the Sydney Test against Australia due to poor form. Jasprit Bumrah will lead, aiming to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The team is expected to sees changes with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening, and potential debut for pacer Prasidh Krishna.