India's Test squad for the upcoming series against England reveals a strong Gujarat Titans influence, with five players selected, including captain Shubman Gill. The team reflects a shift towards IPL-proven talent, with several players earning their spots based on domestic and white-ball performances.
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Gujarat Titans have signed Kusal Mendis as a replacement for Jos Buttler, who will depart on May 26, 2025, for national duties. Mendis, acquired for Rs 75 Lakh, brings international experience after a stint in the Pakistan Super League 2025. Buttler's exit leaves a void despite GT's strong position atop the IPL standings, having won eight of eleven matches.
With 8 games remaining in the league stage, CSK, RR, SRH, KKR and LSG are already out of contention for the playoffs. GT, RCB and PBKS are sure to make the playoffs, while MI and DC contend for a spot with tonight's match between them a must-win for DC. There remain 256 possible combinations of results, so nothing is for sure yet in terms of who finishes where at the end of the league. We look at the probabilities:
Ravi Shastri disclosed his discussion with Virat Kohli before Kohli's unexpected Test retirement. Kohli, India's fourth-highest Test run-scorer, retired despite an upcoming series against England. Shastri and Kohli discussed the decision a week prior. Shastri acknowledged Kohli's intense approach and global impact. He emphasized Kohli's achievements, stating Kohli had nothing left to achieve in his career.
Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming acknowledged the team's poor performance in this year's IPL. He stated that the team deserved its bottom position in the points table. Fleming highlighted the failure of the lower order and the lack of strong starts. He mentioned plans to address these issues in the next season.
Astrologer Greenstone Lobo attributes recent retirements in Indian cricket to cosmic shifts. He says the planetary alignment that fueled the greatness of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin has weakened. Lobo suggests KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are astrologically primed to take over. He also mentions Rajat Patidar as a potential surprise package.
Brad Haddin emphasises Virat Kohli's significant impact on Test cricket, highlighting his competitive spirit and passion during high-stakes matches against top teams like Australia. Haddin believes Kohli's absence will be deeply felt in the Test format, considering it his most influential arena. He also praises Shreyas Iyer's leadership qualities and his strong rapport with coach Ricky Ponting.
Delhi Capitals faced a significant blow as captain Axar Patel was sidelined due to illness for their crucial match against Mumbai Indians. Faf du Plessis stepped in to lead the team, who won the toss and chose to field at Wankhede Stadium.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru has signed New Zealand's Tim Seifert for Rs 2 Crore as a replacement for Jacob Bethell, who is departing for England national duties after the SRH match. Seifert, an explosive wicketkeeper batter with prior IPL experience with KKR and DC, has played 66 T20Is, scoring 1540 runs.
Rivaba Jadeja expressed her pride as Ravindra Jadeja became the longest-reigning No.1 Test all-rounder, a moment of honour for their family and Indian cricket fans. She acknowledged India's progress in sports and thanked the Indian team's players and coaches. As per the latest ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings, Jadeja holds the top spot with 400 points, comfortably ahead of Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who sits second with 327 points.
Bengaluru faces a high chance of rain disrupting the IPL match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders. Heavy showers are predicted, peaking around the toss time at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. While the stadium has a good drainage system, a washout is possible. KKR have already experienced one washout this season.