Former cricketer Sanjay Bangar has suggested India's spin-bowling lineup for the T20I series against England, with Kuldeep Yadav as the top choice if fit. Varun Chakaravarthy is recommended as backup, and Axar Patel is favored for the spin all-rounder role due to his ability to bowl in the powerplay.
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PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed Pakistan's readiness to host the Champions Trophy, with venues in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi prepared on schedule. Despite some renovation delays, facilities for teams and media are upgraded. The tournament starts on February 19.
India’s Rohit Sharma praised Shubman Gill's unbeaten century and Mohammed Shami’s five-wicket haul in their Champions Trophy 2025 opener victory against Bangladesh on Thursday. Rohit appreciated Gill's composure and Shami’s match-winning ability. India, despite facing mid-game pressure, adjusted their strategy to secure a six-wicket win. Rohit also acknowledged Bangladesh's resilient partnership after their early collapse.
England coach Brendon McCullum on Monday expressed confidence in India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s abilities, praising him as a strong leader. Despite recent losses, McCullum believes Gambhir will bring out the best in his team. Gambhir's emphasis on team unity, along with McCullum's faith, suggests a promising future for Indian cricket under his guidance.
Cheteshwar Pujara analyses Virat Kohli's struggles against the new ball in the ongoing Gabba Test, suggesting his technique isn't suited for it. Kohli's success with the old ball in Perth contrasts with his recent low scores. Pujara highlights the need for a mental shift, urging Kohli to resist playing deliveries outside off-stump, despite practicing leaving them in the nets.
Rajasthan Royals enter IPL 2025 with a strengthened squad and renewed determination. Led by Sanju Samson, the team boasts key players such as Jaiswal, Hetmyer, and Archer. They have fortified their spin attack with Hasaranga and Theekshana. While they face challenges like lack of all-rounders, their potential and past performance position them as serious title contenders.
South African cricket legend Allan Donald highlights standout players Corbin Bosch, Codi Yusuf, and Kwena Maphaka as SA20 Season 3 approaches. Bosch, from MI Cape Town, has impressed with the Titans, Yusuf, a quick bowler, will play for Paarl Royals, and 18-year-old Maphaka, also from Paarl Royals, promises to be a groundbreaking talent.
West Indies women snapped their nine-match losing streak against India with a resounding nine-wicket victory in the second T20I. Hayley Matthews' unbeaten 85 overshadowed Smriti Mandhana's elegant 62 as the West Indies chased down India's 159/9 with ease.
Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib was fined 15% of his match fee for dissenting against an umpire's decision during the second T20I against Zimbabwe. Naib mocked the umpire's rejection of an LBW appeal with a mock prayer, despite the unavailability of DRS. He accepted the sanction, receiving one demerit point. The incident occurred during Afghanistan's 50-run victory, leveling the series 1-1.
Yashasvi Jaiswal will play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy against Jammu & Kashmir on January 23. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma trained with Mumbai's team, but it's unclear if he will play in the Ranji match, focusing on preparation for the Champions Trophy. Head coach Gautam Gambhir stressed the importance of domestic cricket for player development.
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.