Ricky Ponting praised India's all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya for their stellar performance in the 2025 Champions Trophy. He highlighted their contribution to India's batting depth and balance. Specifically, Ponting commended Axar Patel's consistent bowling and impactful batting, which eased the pressure on India's lower order.
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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.
MI Cape Town, Paarl Royals, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, and Joburg Super Kings have advanced to the SA20 playoffs. MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals dominated home matches, while SEC relied on strong bowling performances. Playoff matches will determine the final two teams, beginning Tuesday, February 4 in Gqeberha, with the final held in Johannesburg.
Suryakumar Yadav's 70 and Ajinkya Rahane's unbeaten 88 put Mumbai in a strong position against Haryana in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals on Monday. Shardul Thakur's six wickets restricted Haryana to 301, despite their narrow first-innings lead. Mumbai ended day three at 278/4, establishing a commanding lead of 292 runs, with Rahane steady at the crease.
Ajinkya Rahane's blazing 98 off 56 balls propelled Mumbai to a resounding six-wicket victory over Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy semifinal. Rahane's explosive innings, featuring 11 fours and 5 sixes helped Mumbai chase down Baroda's modest 159-run target in just 17.2 overs.
India's T20 cricket team, under the guidance of coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, has adopted a fearless, high-risk, high-reward batting strategy. This approach has led to impressive high scores and a recent series win against England, emphasizing intent and selflessness despite occasional setbacks.
Interational Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah met International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach in Lausanne ahead of the IOC Session. Shah emphasized cricket's growing popularity and the sport's continued inclusion in the Olympics. LA 2028 will see the return of cricket to the Olympics programme.
India captain Rohit Sharma has confirmed he will play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir, starting from January 23 at the MCA-BKC Ground. Rohit highlighted the importance of balancing international and domestic cricket while stressing the need for breaks to maintain fitness.
Devdutt Padikkal and Ravichandran Smaran's impressive fifties led Karnataka to the Vijay Hazare Trophy final with a five-wicket win over Haryana. After an early setback, the duo's 128-run partnership ensured successful chase of 238, finishing at 238/5 in 47.2 overs. Karnataka bowlers, led by Abhilash Shetty, restricted Haryana to 237/9.
Delhi Capitals will have a new captain for IPL 2025, with Axar Patel, KL Rahul, and Faf du Plessis as the main contenders. Retained player Axar Patel, who has shown impressive form and leadership qualities, is a strong candidate. Rahul's captaincy experience previously in the IPL also makes him a top choice.
Delhi Capitals opener Shafali Verma emphasized the significance of the Women's Premier League in improving her cricket skills and adapting her batting approach. Shafali has demonstrated remarkable growth by interacting with international players and plans to focus on scoring runs to regain her ODI squad position, starting with their WPL 2025 campaign against Mumbai Indians.