Lucknow Super Giants are facing injury concerns with key pacers Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, and Akash Deep missing training sessions ahead of IPL 2025. While Avesh and Mayank are rehabilitating at the National Cricket Academy, Akash Deep's fitness status remains unclear as he hasn't joined the camp yet.
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Virat Kohli added 84 runs to his ODI runs tally, helping India defeat Australia and secure a spot in the Champions Trophy final. With 14,180 runs in 301 ODIs, Kohli is the third highest scorer in the format. What makes his run-scoring commendable is that it usually comes with controlled innings.
Smriti Mandhana, a prominent figure in Indian women's cricket, has had an exceptional year, emerging as the ICC's Women's ODI Player of the Year. With 747 runs in 13 One-Dayers in 2024, she outperformed top players globally. Her consistent performances, including four centuries, and leading Royal Challengers Bangalore to a title, underscore her growth and maturity.
The tradition of awarding the 'fielder of the match' continued as India triumphed over the 2023 ODI World Cup champions Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final. Shreyas Iyer was honoured with the medal for his exceptional run out of Alex Carey. Ravi Shastri presented the award amidst humorous moments in the dressing room.
In the Champions Trophy match in Dubai, Pakistan faced an early setback against India. They lost both openers, Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq, due to sharp fielding and bowling by Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya. Pakistan needs to win to stay in the tournament. India, meanwhile, can qualify for the semi-finals if they win.
Test cricket in Australia is witnessing a resurgence despite lingering questions about the format's viability. Crowds are turning up in record numbers for the India-Australia series, but concerns over its future remain as fewer nations can sustain competitive Test teams, and discussions about four-day Tests continue.
Star Sports released a promotional video featuring MS Dhoni for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Dhoni highlighted the intense matches in the eight-team tournament while humorously needing a Dhoni Refrigeration System to stay cool. The tournament will be played in Pakistan, with India's matches taking place in the UAE.
Skipper Rohit Sharma aims to win the 2025 Champions Trophy and bring the title to Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. At an MCA event, Ravi Shastri entertained attendees by recalling his six sixes in an over. The event also honored former cricketers and celebrated the stadium’s legacy. India will play all its matches in Dubai for the tournament.
Axar Patel attributes his rapid development as an all-rounder to increased self-belief. He played a key role in India's Champions Trophy win over New Zealand and emphasizes the importance of his promotion in batting order. He also commends Varun Chakravarthy for his impactful performance, highlighting his challenging bowling pace and the difficulty in reading his deliveries.
Mumbai allrounder Tanush Kotian has been asked to be ready for the first flight out Down Under, ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Kotian will come in as a replacement for R Ashwin - who announced his retirement after the third Test.
Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has advised Virat Kohli to ease off on practice and maintain a relaxed mindset ahead of India's crucial match against Pakistan. Kohli has been facing challenges against spin bowling and spent extended hours in the nets on Saturday. Manjrekar also commented on Rishabh Pant's situation and India's overall performance, expressing confidence in team's chances against Pakistan.