Virat Kohli's 84 runs played a crucial role in India's semifinal victory against Australia in the Champions Trophy. Despite falling short of his century, Kohli's partnerships with Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, and KL Rahul led India to chase down the target. Hardik Pandya's late sixes ensured India avoided a nervous finish.
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James Vince of England has prioritised participating in the Pakistan Super League over First-Class cricket, defying the ECB's directive. The 33-year-old chose to play for Karachi Kings instead of leading Hampshire in the County Championship, citing career and family considerations. Hampshire's director respected his decision, recognising Vince's long-standing contributions to the club.
Afghanistan pacer Shapoor Zadran has announced his retirement from international cricket after a notable career spanning over 10 years. He played key roles in Afghanistan's cricket rise, including being the hero of their first ICC Men's Cricket World Cup win in 2015. Having last played in 2020, the 37-year-old made the announcement via his Facebook page.
Nineteen-year-old Australian opener Sam Konstas is poised for a potential Boxing Day Test debut against India, replacing the struggling Nathan McSweeney. McSweeney's dropping after just three Tests has ignited debate, with some questioning the decision's fairness.
Several Indian cricketers, including KL Rahul, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, and Amit Mishra, along with badminton star Saina Nehwal, took to social media to extend their warm wishes for Holi. They expressed their hopes for happiness, joy, and colorful celebrations, reminding fans to enjoy responsibly. "May the splashes of colour brighten your life with laughter, love, joy and unforgettable memories. #HappyHoli," former India cricketer Virender Sehwag wrote.
Tejal Hasabnis played a crucial role in India's six-wicket victory over Ireland in Rajkot, scoring an unbeaten 53 off 46 balls. Hasabnis' performance, alongside Pratika Rawal's half-century, helped India chase 239 comfortably. The match marked Rajkot's debut as a women's cricket host, with Sayali Satghare receiving her cap from captain Smriti Mandhana.
The Vidarbha Cricket Association awarded Rs 3 crore to its Ranji Trophy-winning team. Harsh Dubey received Rs 25 lakh for setting a season record, while Karun Nair and Yash Rathod got Rs 10 lakh each. Support staff were also recognized. Veteran player Akshay Wakhare was honored at his retirement, praised by former player Faiz Fazal.
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.
Dubai Capitals' David Warner highlighted his team's determination to secure the ILT20 trophy in the final against Desert Vipers. Warner emphasized maintaining momentum and energy despite previous victories, citing key absences in the opposition's lineup and the importance of early wickets and strong bowling performance.
Steve Smith achieved his 33rd Test century, his first in 18 months, despite the difficulties posed by the changed Kookaburra ball introduced in 2020. He considers the last three years the toughest of his career due to increased seam movement and harder wickets.
Alastair Cook criticized the decision to allow Harshit Rana to replace Shivam Dube as a concussion substitute in the India vs England T20 match. Cook argued that Rana, a heavy seam bowler, didn't match Dube's all-rounder role. He also mentioned that Rana's performance, taking three wickets, significantly affected the game's outcome.