India's captain Rohit Sharma has equalled Brian Lara's record of losing 12 consecutive ODI tosses, a streak that began in November 2023 and lasted until March 2025. Team India has lost 15 consecutive tosses in ODIs till date. Despite this streak, India reached the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai.
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Marcus Stoinis, Australian all-rounder, retires from ODIs after 74 matches, to focus on T20Is. Cricket Australia will replace him for the ICC Champions Trophy. Stoinis, a pivotal ODI player, helped in the 2023 ODI World Cup win. Coach McDonald praised his contributions and leadership. His exit coincides with injury concerns for Cummins and Hazlewood.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape bowler Ottniel Baartman aims for new achievements in SA20's upcoming season after earning Bowler of the Season with 18 wickets in 2024. Inspired by the guidance of coach Dale Steyn and motivated by personal aspirations, Baartman focuses on consistency and his signature yorkers to drive further success for his team.
Ashwani Kumar had an exceptional IPL debut for Mumbai Indians, taking four wickets for 24 runs and playing a crucial role in his team's victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. Missing lunch due to nerves, he followed captain Hardik Pandya's advice and impressed with his aggressive bowling.
Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria views the ICC's hybrid model approval for India-Pakistan matches during the 2025 Champions Trophy as advantageous for India, suggesting the PCB's hosting of the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028 is merely a consolation. He emphasised the importance of ensuring security and smooth operations, highlighting the potential impact on Pakistan cricket's reputation.
India vice-captain Shubman Gill will now use an MRF sticker on his bat starting from the Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia. This new endorsement deal ends his long association with CEAT. At 25, Gill has already secured partnerships with several premium brands, highlighting his rising market value.
Former cricketer Basit Ali advises Babar Azam on technical improvements, suggesting changes in stance and bat positioning for better performance in the upcoming PSL. Despite recent setbacks, Ali predicts Azam will excel in the tournament starting April 11. The three-match ODI series against New Zealand begins March 29, with Pakistan's young squad showing promise.
Former Pakistan skipper Younis Khan has been appointed as Afghanistan cricket team's mentor for the 2025 Champions Trophy, beginning February 19. The high-stakes tournament, with 15 matches held across Pakistan and Dubai, will see eight teams competing. Naseeb Khan, Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO, expressed confidence in Younis' expertise given the conditions.
Ashwani Kumar's impressive four-wicket haul on IPL debut and Ryan Rickelton's unbeaten 62 helped Mumbai Indians secure a commanding eight-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. Kumar became the first Indian to take four wickets on IPL debut, contributing significantly to KKR's collapse at 116 all out.
Indian seamer Harshit Rana made history by becoming the first Indian bowler to take 3+ wickets on his debut innings in all three formats. In his first ODI against England, he took three wickets, conceding 53 runs in seven overs. Rana had previously performed impressively in his T20I and Test debuts as well.
India is set to start their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai. Adjustments in the bowling line-up are crucial due to recent injuries and conditions. Key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul are expected to lead India's challenge in the tournament.