The Duleep Trophy final features South Zone versus Central Zone. Star players are absent due to other commitments. This provides an opportunity for young talents to shine. Andre Siddarth and R Smaran are key players for South. Rajat Patidar and Danish Malewar are crucial for Central. The match is at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Shubman Gill's inclusion as vice-captain adds complexity to India's T20I top-order selection for the Asia Cup. While Gill's Test success highlights his leadership potential, Sanju Samson's impressive opening form, including three centuries and a high strike rate, makes him a strong contender. Ravi Shastri advocates for Samson to continue opening, emphasizing his game-changing ability at the top.
Aakash Chopra has refuted Irfan Pathan's allegations of favoritism against MS Dhoni, dismissing claims that Dhoni favored players based on personal relationships. Chopra emphasized that captains tend to lean towards players they know and trust, especially under pressure, and that team selection is ultimately driven by the goal of winning, not by extraneous factors like social interactions.
Dismissing retirement rumours, Mohammed Shami asserts his commitment to cricket, fueled by an unfulfilled ambition to win the ODI World Cup. Despite recent omissions from the national squad, the 34-year-old pacer vows to continue playing domestic cricket and working diligently on his fitness. Shami emphasises his enduring love for the game and determination to keep fighting until his motivation wanes.
Mark Wood, the England fast bowler, finds Rohit Sharma the toughest batter. Wood says Sharma's mastery over short balls makes him hard to get out. Wood played in England's 2019 ODI World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup wins. He balances county cricket with franchise cricket. Wood is known for his express pace, often exceeding 145 kmph.
Cheteshwar Pujara, the last active cricketer from his debut Test in 2010, has announced his retirement, marking the end of an era. His impressive 72-run knock in the second innings of that match against Australia showcased his potential. Over the years, his teammates retired, leaving Pujara as the final link to that team.
Cheteshwar Pujara, India's dependable Test batter, has retired from international cricket after a 103-Test career, amassing 7,195 runs. Celebrated for his resilience and patience, Pujara's memorable innings include a double century against England in 2012 and a gritty 202 against Australia in 2017. His contributions, defined by mental toughness and commitment, have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
Fareed Hussain, a local cricketer in Jammu and Kashmir, lost his life in a road accident. The tragedy occurred on August 20 and a CCTV camera was able to capture the accident which led to the death of Hussain.
Senior batter Cheteshwar Pujara has signalled his intent to play the upcoming Ranji Trophy season for Saurashtra. Pujara last featured in competitive cricket in February.
India aims to rebound in the second Test against England. Sanjay Manjrekar highlights Rishabh Pant's potential to continue his form. He also emphasizes KL Rahul's need for consistent performance. Jasprit Bumrah may miss the match. Jofra Archer joins England's squad. India's top order must lead the fightback in challenging conditions. The second Test starts on July 2 in Birmingham.
Sanjay Manjrekar urges KL Rahul to display consistent Test performances as he steps into a senior role after Virat Kohli's and Rohit Sharma's retirements. While the former India star is confident of Rishabh Pant he wants KL Rahul to step up and maintain his form that he showed in the 1st Test.
Jasprit Bumrah's return to training has boosted India's bowling preparations for the Edgbaston Test after their Headingley defeat. Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj bowled in the nets, injecting intensity into the team's practice. While Bumrah's inclusion remains uncertain due to workload management, his presence offers hope as Team India aims to level the series.
India's Harshit Rana has been released from the Test squad before the second match against England. This decision follows after India's loss at Headingley, despite their impressive 835 runs and five centuries. England's remarkable chase of 371, led by Ben Duckett's 149, secured a five-wicket victory. India aims to level the series in the upcoming Edgbaston Test on July 2.