Rishabh Pant missed India's training due to viral fever and KL Rahul will continue as the preferred wicketkeeper for the Champions Trophy match against Pakistan. Coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that Rahul is the first-choice, following his strong performances, including a confident display against Bangladesh, securing his position in the playing XI.
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Ravichandran Ashwin recounted an incident during the Border Gavaskar Trophy involving Virat Kohli and fast bowler Akash Deep. Kohli's advice to bowl straight led to Akash losing his rhythm, giving Steve Smith the opportunity to score a century. Ashwin emphasized the importance of understanding a bowler’s mindset. Later, Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket.
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar praised Rishabh Pant for his crucial half-century against Australia in Sydney, highlighting his bravery and calculated risks. Pant's aggressive 50 in 29 balls helped India stay in contention to win the Test match. Bangar commended Pant's diverse gameplay and resilience throughout the series, despite earlier challenges.
Mumbai Indians' captain and all-rounder Hardik Pandya reflects on his journey from facing criticism to winning widespread acclaim after playing a vital role in India's T20 World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy triumphs. He emphasized on the importance of perseverance and self-belief to turn things around.
Newly-appointed RCB captain Rajat Patidar aims to learn leadership from Virat Kohli and prioritize player support. Replacing Faf Du Plessis, Patidar highlights the role of experienced teammates in navigating IPL challenges. Coach Andy Flower commends Kohli's maturity and enthusiasm for RCB's new season, emphasizing a team-focused captaincy decision rather than external recruitment.
After India's loss to Australia, BCCI implemented family accompaniment restrictions during tours, sparking debate. Virat Kohli expressed dissatisfaction, while Yuvraj Singh's wife, Hazel Keech, supported it, saying the policy helps players stay focused. The policy allows families for 14 days on tours over 45 days and 7 days on shorter tours.
Bowlers in IPL 2025 are celebrating the return of saliva to shine the ball, a practice banned during the pandemic. Pacer Mohit Sharma notes that saliva's weight helps the ball tail in, especially with less dew.
Pakistan cricket team achieved a historic first-ever clean sweep against South Africa on their soil. Captain Mohammad Rizwan praised the team's collective effort and divine blessings. Young opener Saim Ayub shone with two centuries, earning Player of the Series, while Rizwan emphasized the team's trust and unity as key to their success.
Tickets for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Dubai, go on sale on Monday, February 3. Fans can buy tickets for India's matches and the semi-final online. Tickets for games in Pakistan, held in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, are already available. The final match tickets will be sold after the first semi-final.
India triumphed over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final, marking their second ICC title in nine months. Key decisions, including promoting Axar Patel in the batting order and backing KL Rahul over Rishabh Pant, played crucial roles, while Varun Chakravarthy's unexpected inclusion bolstered their spin attack. This win marked India's second ICC title in just nine months. They had previously clinched the 2024 T20 World Cup in June, defeating South Africa in the final in Barbados.
Sameer Rizvi, the Delhi Capitals' recent acquisition, smashed a breathtaking 201* off just 97 balls in an Under-23 match against Tripura. His stunning innings, featuring 13 fours and 20 sixes, is the fastest double century in the tournament's history.