8 days ago
South African batting great AB de Villiers has backed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's talent but said he is unsure whether the 15-year-old will choose to pursue red-ball cricket in the future.
Speaking at an event in Mumbai on Sunday, de Villiers said Sooryavanshi has the skill to succeed in Test cricket but questioned whether the teenager would want to take that path.
"Yeah, he's a wonderful talent. The red-ball thing I absolutely cannot answer. I think he can if he wants to, but there's your answer, and there's the big question as well is does he really want to? Time will tell. There's no doubt he's got the talent and the ability to do so. It won't always be easy, and I've mentioned that a few times before," de Villiers said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
The former South Africa captain said there would be challenges if Sooryavanshi chose to play the longer format but backed his ability to handle them.
"If he decides to play red-ball cricket, there will be some challenges, but he's got the skill and the ability to work through that and in my opinion, I hope he does try and play Test cricket, but I doubt it. We'll see in future."
De Villiers also supported the selectors' decision to include Sooryavanshi in India's T20I squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England, as well as the Asian Games.
On Saturday, the BCCI named Sooryavanshi in all three squads, making him the youngest player ever selected for the Indian side at the age of 15. He broke a 36-year-old record held by Sachin Tendulkar, who made his international debut against Pakistan in 1989 at the age of 16.
Calling the selectors' move the correct one, de Villiers said the teenager had earned his place.
"It's definitely the right call from the selectors. So well done to them for making the brave decision. It would have been easy to say that he's still too young and he's not ready, and go for more experience. He's broken down that door, and he deserves his place in the Indian T20 team, so I'm happy for him," he said.
Sooryavanshi earned the call-up after a record-breaking IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals. The Bihar batter finished as the tournament's highest run-scorer with 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30.
He also hit a record 72 sixes during the season and collected multiple post-season awards, including Most Valuable Player (MVP), Emerging Player of the Season, Super Striker, Orange Cap and Super Sixes of the Season.
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Speaking at an event in Mumbai on Sunday, de Villiers said Sooryavanshi has the skill to succeed in Test cricket but questioned whether the teenager would want to take that path.
"Yeah, he's a wonderful talent. The red-ball thing I absolutely cannot answer. I think he can if he wants to, but there's your answer, and there's the big question as well is does he really want to? Time will tell. There's no doubt he's got the talent and the ability to do so. It won't always be easy, and I've mentioned that a few times before," de Villiers said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
The former South Africa captain said there would be challenges if Sooryavanshi chose to play the longer format but backed his ability to handle them.
"If he decides to play red-ball cricket, there will be some challenges, but he's got the skill and the ability to work through that and in my opinion, I hope he does try and play Test cricket, but I doubt it. We'll see in future."
De Villiers also supported the selectors' decision to include Sooryavanshi in India's T20I squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England, as well as the Asian Games.
On Saturday, the BCCI named Sooryavanshi in all three squads, making him the youngest player ever selected for the Indian side at the age of 15. He broke a 36-year-old record held by Sachin Tendulkar, who made his international debut against Pakistan in 1989 at the age of 16.
Calling the selectors' move the correct one, de Villiers said the teenager had earned his place.
"It's definitely the right call from the selectors. So well done to them for making the brave decision. It would have been easy to say that he's still too young and he's not ready, and go for more experience. He's broken down that door, and he deserves his place in the Indian T20 team, so I'm happy for him," he said.
Sooryavanshi earned the call-up after a record-breaking IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals. The Bihar batter finished as the tournament's highest run-scorer with 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30.
He also hit a record 72 sixes during the season and collected multiple post-season awards, including Most Valuable Player (MVP), Emerging Player of the Season, Super Striker, Orange Cap and Super Sixes of the Season.
131590114
8 days ago
NEW DELHI: South African batting legend AB de Villiers has thrown his weight behind India's decision to hand teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his maiden international call-up, describing the selectors' move as both "the right call" and a "brave decision".
The 15-year-old made history on Saturday when he was named in India's squads for the tours of Ireland and England and the Asian Games, becoming the youngest player ever selected for the national side and eclipsing the mark set by Sachin Tendulkar in 1989.
Speaking at an event in Mumbai, de Villiers said the selectors deserved credit for resisting the temptation to opt for experience.
"It's definitely the right call from the selectors. So well done to them for making the brave decision. It would have been easy to say that he's still too young and he's not ready, and go for more experience. He's broken down that door, and he deserves his place in the Indian T20 team, so I'm happy for him," the former South African captain said.
While de Villiers refrained from making definitive predictions about Sooryavanshi's red-ball future, he expressed confidence that the youngster possesses the skill set to succeed across formats if he chooses that path.
"Yeah, he's a wonderful talent. The red-ball thing I absolutely cannot answer. I think he can if he wants to, but there's your answer, and there's the big question as well is does he really want to? Time will tell. There's no doubt he's got the talent and the ability to do so. It won't always be easy, and I've mentioned that a few times before," de Villiers said.
The batting great acknowledged that Test cricket would present a different set of challenges, but backed the Bihar-born prodigy to overcome them.
"If he decides to play red-ball cricket, there will be some challenges, but he's got the skill and the ability to work through that and in my opinion, I hope he does try and play Test cricket, but I doubt it. We'll see in future," he added.
Sooryavanshi's rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Rajasthan Royals opener dominated IPL 2026 with 776 runs at a staggering strike rate of 237.30 and smashed a record 72 sixes.
131582289
The 15-year-old made history on Saturday when he was named in India's squads for the tours of Ireland and England and the Asian Games, becoming the youngest player ever selected for the national side and eclipsing the mark set by Sachin Tendulkar in 1989.
Speaking at an event in Mumbai, de Villiers said the selectors deserved credit for resisting the temptation to opt for experience.
"It's definitely the right call from the selectors. So well done to them for making the brave decision. It would have been easy to say that he's still too young and he's not ready, and go for more experience. He's broken down that door, and he deserves his place in the Indian T20 team, so I'm happy for him," the former South African captain said.
While de Villiers refrained from making definitive predictions about Sooryavanshi's red-ball future, he expressed confidence that the youngster possesses the skill set to succeed across formats if he chooses that path.
"Yeah, he's a wonderful talent. The red-ball thing I absolutely cannot answer. I think he can if he wants to, but there's your answer, and there's the big question as well is does he really want to? Time will tell. There's no doubt he's got the talent and the ability to do so. It won't always be easy, and I've mentioned that a few times before," de Villiers said.
The batting great acknowledged that Test cricket would present a different set of challenges, but backed the Bihar-born prodigy to overcome them.
"If he decides to play red-ball cricket, there will be some challenges, but he's got the skill and the ability to work through that and in my opinion, I hope he does try and play Test cricket, but I doubt it. We'll see in future," he added.
Sooryavanshi's rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Rajasthan Royals opener dominated IPL 2026 with 776 runs at a staggering strike rate of 237.30 and smashed a record 72 sixes.
131582289
9 days ago
MUMBAI: One of Indian cricket’s worst-kept secrets became official on Saturday as BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia announced Shreyas Iyer as India’s new T20I captain. In a cruel twist of fate, Suryakumar Yadav, who had led India to a third T20 World Cup ***** le just three months ago, now finds himself out of the squad altogether.
It’s the first time a world ***** le-winning skipper has been axed for the team’s next international ***** ignment, though some — like Imran Khan in 1992 and Rohit Sharma, who quit T20Is in 2024 — chose to retire on a high while savouring their triumph.
The Rajasthan Royals opener forced his way into the team after a stunning IPL season in which he smashed 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.3, with a record 72 sixes.
The appointment as captain marks a remarkable comeback for Shreyas, who has not played a T20I since Dec 2023. The 31-year-old will now lead India into a new T20 cycle that includes the 2028 Olympics and T20 World Cup.
‘Shreyas was standout candidate’
Tilak Varma has been named vice-captain, replacing Axar Patel, who served as deputy during India's 2026 World Cup triumph. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said Shreyas’s leadership record and consistency made him the standout choice.
“We have seen what he has done over the last few years, leading different franchises. He won the IPL with KKR and then handled a tougher season this year after a great start. His own performances have been really good. He was quite close to making the World Cup squad as well. In my opinion, he is a standout candidate with enough experience now of having led in the T20 format,” Agarkar said.
Agarkar acknowledged that Surya’s form and longterm planning influenced the decision. “With regard to Surya, it’s a tough one, having just won the World Cup. But after every World Cup, you reassess the best way forward. Partly his own form and partly looking at the next two-year cycle, we thought this was the best way forward,” he said. Agarkar was effusive about Sooryavanshi. “We have seen what he can do. Even in the playoffs, he almost singlehandedly carried Rajasthan Royals. For a young kid to perform in such a high-pressure environment and be such a game-changer is commendable,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal has replaced the injured Virat Kohli in India’s ODI squad for the three-match series against Afghanistan.
Delhi pacer Prince Yadav has been retained for the Ireland and England tours after earning an ODI call-up against Afghanistan.
Squads for Ireland and Eng tours: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish ***** ar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammad Siraj, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
India squad for Asiad: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish ***** ar Reddy, Axar Patel
It’s the first time a world ***** le-winning skipper has been axed for the team’s next international ***** ignment, though some — like Imran Khan in 1992 and Rohit Sharma, who quit T20Is in 2024 — chose to retire on a high while savouring their triumph.
The Rajasthan Royals opener forced his way into the team after a stunning IPL season in which he smashed 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.3, with a record 72 sixes.
The appointment as captain marks a remarkable comeback for Shreyas, who has not played a T20I since Dec 2023. The 31-year-old will now lead India into a new T20 cycle that includes the 2028 Olympics and T20 World Cup.
‘Shreyas was standout candidate’
Tilak Varma has been named vice-captain, replacing Axar Patel, who served as deputy during India's 2026 World Cup triumph. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said Shreyas’s leadership record and consistency made him the standout choice.
“We have seen what he has done over the last few years, leading different franchises. He won the IPL with KKR and then handled a tougher season this year after a great start. His own performances have been really good. He was quite close to making the World Cup squad as well. In my opinion, he is a standout candidate with enough experience now of having led in the T20 format,” Agarkar said.
Agarkar acknowledged that Surya’s form and longterm planning influenced the decision. “With regard to Surya, it’s a tough one, having just won the World Cup. But after every World Cup, you reassess the best way forward. Partly his own form and partly looking at the next two-year cycle, we thought this was the best way forward,” he said. Agarkar was effusive about Sooryavanshi. “We have seen what he can do. Even in the playoffs, he almost singlehandedly carried Rajasthan Royals. For a young kid to perform in such a high-pressure environment and be such a game-changer is commendable,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal has replaced the injured Virat Kohli in India’s ODI squad for the three-match series against Afghanistan.
Delhi pacer Prince Yadav has been retained for the Ireland and England tours after earning an ODI call-up against Afghanistan.
Squads for Ireland and Eng tours: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish ***** ar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammad Siraj, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
India squad for Asiad: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish ***** ar Reddy, Axar Patel
9 days ago
Suryakumar Yadav has reacted gracefully to the major changes in India's T20I setup, expressing his happiness for Shreyas Iyer after the latter was named the new captain for the upcoming Ireland and England series.
The development marks a significant shift for Indian cricket, with Shreyas replacing Suryakumar as T20I captain. The Mumbai batter also lost his place in the squad despite having led India to the 2026 T20 World Cup ****** le earlier this year.
Speaking during the toss at the Mumbai T20 League, Suryakumar chose to focus on celebrating his long-time teammate's achievement.
“Very happy for Shreyas Iyer. We played a lot of cricket for Mumbai and India together. Most importantly 3 back to back T20i captains for India from Mumbai now and it it very proud moment for all of us at Mumbai cricket and everyone needs to celebrate that”.
— Vihaann96 (Vihaann96)
Suryakumar's response comes shortly after chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained the rationale behind the decision to move in a new direction.
“With regards to Surya, obviously it's a tough one having just won the (T20) World Cup. But as it happens after most World Cups, we try and reassess what your best way forward is,” Agarkar had said.
“(It was due to) partly his own form but also looking at the next two-year cycle, or a little bit more than two years now till the next World Cup, we thought this was the best way forward and like I said, Shreyas is a very deserving captain."
"We deliberated on it a lot, especially when someone has led you to a World Cup win. It's not the easiest sort of discussion to have, but I don't necessarily think... at some stage, we were going to look at it. Now, whether IPL form dictated it; I'm not so sure that's the case. There were always conversations around it."
The decision follows a difficult period for Suryakumar. Since becoming India's full-time T20 captain in July 2024, his batting numbers have dipped considerably. His average has fallen from 43.60 to 25.88, while his strike rate has dropped from 168.75 to 152.03.
Despite the disappointment of losing both the captaincy and his place in the side, Suryakumar's public reaction reflected support for his Mumbai teammate, who now begins a new chapter as India's T20I captain.
The development marks a significant shift for Indian cricket, with Shreyas replacing Suryakumar as T20I captain. The Mumbai batter also lost his place in the squad despite having led India to the 2026 T20 World Cup ****** le earlier this year.
Speaking during the toss at the Mumbai T20 League, Suryakumar chose to focus on celebrating his long-time teammate's achievement.
“Very happy for Shreyas Iyer. We played a lot of cricket for Mumbai and India together. Most importantly 3 back to back T20i captains for India from Mumbai now and it it very proud moment for all of us at Mumbai cricket and everyone needs to celebrate that”.
— Vihaann96 (Vihaann96)
Suryakumar's response comes shortly after chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained the rationale behind the decision to move in a new direction.
“With regards to Surya, obviously it's a tough one having just won the (T20) World Cup. But as it happens after most World Cups, we try and reassess what your best way forward is,” Agarkar had said.
“(It was due to) partly his own form but also looking at the next two-year cycle, or a little bit more than two years now till the next World Cup, we thought this was the best way forward and like I said, Shreyas is a very deserving captain."
"We deliberated on it a lot, especially when someone has led you to a World Cup win. It's not the easiest sort of discussion to have, but I don't necessarily think... at some stage, we were going to look at it. Now, whether IPL form dictated it; I'm not so sure that's the case. There were always conversations around it."
The decision follows a difficult period for Suryakumar. Since becoming India's full-time T20 captain in July 2024, his batting numbers have dipped considerably. His average has fallen from 43.60 to 25.88, while his strike rate has dropped from 168.75 to 152.03.
Despite the disappointment of losing both the captaincy and his place in the side, Suryakumar's public reaction reflected support for his Mumbai teammate, who now begins a new chapter as India's T20I captain.
10 days ago
MUMBAI: Having worked in close tandem with Shreyas Iyer at Punjab Kings, where the duo formed a successful captain-coach combination over the last two IPL seasons — PBKS reached the IPL final last year and narrowly missed out on the playoffs this time — Australia’s former captain Ricky Ponting was naturally pleased for his franchise skipper and endorsed India’s selectors for appointing him as the T20 captain for the tours of Ireland and England, and also the 2026 Asian Games later this year.
“It's great recognition of what he's done over the last three or four years really. I mean, you wind the clock back three years ago of IPL cricket. He obviously captained KKR to a ***** le there. You know, captained us, Punjab, into the final last year and did a terrific job captaining our team again this year, albeit not making it through to the qualifiers. But the thing that stands out most for me about him is how he's conducted himself and how he's handled himself over the last three or four years. Like there's, I'm sure there's probably been times when he's felt that he probably should have been picked in a few more Indian teams that he has, but he's always just got back to work. He's put his head down and he's worked really hard and he's become a much better player now than I think he was four or five years ago,” an elated Ponting told TOI in an exclusive interview on Saturday, minutes after the decision was made official.
“I've been the one endorsing him for the role and telling the Indian selectors that if they give him a chance, I don't think they'll be disappointed. As I said, it's a great achievement. It's terrific recognition for the hard work he has put in over a long period of time, and I'm sure he'll do a great job as captain of India,” Ponting added.
Ponting felt that Iyer had improved as a captain over the years.
“And he's certainly a better captain now, a better leader, and probably a more mature and more well-rounded person now. So yeah, I think it's great recognition. I think he'll do a terrific job."
"And when you think of some of the other candidates, I mean, it's full credit to him that he's the captain now because there's a lot of other great players in India. We know that there's a lot of great players in that current Indian team. And that team has had great success as well over the last few years. So for them to name him as captain, I think it's great recognition and great reward,” Ponting said.
The former Australia captain revealed that Iyer is a highly motivated individual and that he did not need many motivational chats, even when the batter was being overlooked for India’s T20 side despite performing well in the IPL.
“I don't have to have too many motivational chats with him. He's a very self-motivated person. He wants to be the best player and the best leader that he can be. That's if he's playing for Mumbai, if he's playing for Punjab Kings, if he's playing for India. He just wants to be the best version
“It's great recognition of what he's done over the last three or four years really. I mean, you wind the clock back three years ago of IPL cricket. He obviously captained KKR to a ***** le there. You know, captained us, Punjab, into the final last year and did a terrific job captaining our team again this year, albeit not making it through to the qualifiers. But the thing that stands out most for me about him is how he's conducted himself and how he's handled himself over the last three or four years. Like there's, I'm sure there's probably been times when he's felt that he probably should have been picked in a few more Indian teams that he has, but he's always just got back to work. He's put his head down and he's worked really hard and he's become a much better player now than I think he was four or five years ago,” an elated Ponting told TOI in an exclusive interview on Saturday, minutes after the decision was made official.
“I've been the one endorsing him for the role and telling the Indian selectors that if they give him a chance, I don't think they'll be disappointed. As I said, it's a great achievement. It's terrific recognition for the hard work he has put in over a long period of time, and I'm sure he'll do a great job as captain of India,” Ponting added.
Ponting felt that Iyer had improved as a captain over the years.
“And he's certainly a better captain now, a better leader, and probably a more mature and more well-rounded person now. So yeah, I think it's great recognition. I think he'll do a terrific job."
"And when you think of some of the other candidates, I mean, it's full credit to him that he's the captain now because there's a lot of other great players in India. We know that there's a lot of great players in that current Indian team. And that team has had great success as well over the last few years. So for them to name him as captain, I think it's great recognition and great reward,” Ponting said.
The former Australia captain revealed that Iyer is a highly motivated individual and that he did not need many motivational chats, even when the batter was being overlooked for India’s T20 side despite performing well in the IPL.
“I don't have to have too many motivational chats with him. He's a very self-motivated person. He wants to be the best player and the best leader that he can be. That's if he's playing for Mumbai, if he's playing for Punjab Kings, if he's playing for India. He just wants to be the best version
10 days ago
New Delhi: Chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Saturday categorically stated that Shreyas Iyer had come close to earning a place in India's T20 World Cup squad earlier this year.
"With Surya still there, there was no room for him. So he is, in my opinion, a standout candidate with enough experience now, having led in the T20 format. This is obviously a different challenge," Agarkar told the media after announcing the Mumbai batter as India's new T20I captain.
For some time now, Shreyas had been playing the waiting game. Having last represented India in the shortest format in December 2023, he kept knocking on the door. Across the last three IPL seasons, he has scored 1,453 runs at an average of 48.43 and a strike rate of 165.3. Only Virat Kohli (2,073 runs), Sai Sudharsan (2,008), Shubman Gill (1,808), KL Rahul (1,590), Heinrich Klaasen (1,590) and Abhishek Sharma (1,486) have scored more. It is also worth noting that, barring Klaasen, all of them open the batting for their respective franchises.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav, who led India to T20 World Cup glory a few months ago, saw his runs dry up.
Over the last three years, Surya has scored 1,332 IPL runs at an average of 39.17 and a strike rate of 163.23, with five ducks. He enjoyed an outstanding IPL 2025, amassing 717 runs at a strike rate of 167.91.
However, the runs have dried up in international cricket as well. If he averaged 43.60 before becoming India's full-time T20 captain in July 2024, that figure has since dropped to 25.88. Once a prolific batter who toyed with bowlers, his strike rate has also fallen significantly, from 168.75 to 152.03.
In the last year, across 30 matches, Surya has scored 674 runs at an average of 30.63 and a strike rate of 148.78. The tally includes just four fifties and no hundreds.
Among players who have featured in at least 25 T20Is during this period, that run tally places him 20th in world cricket. His average of 30.63 ranks him 17th.
It is also worth noting that these numbers are boosted by an unbeaten 84 against the USA and 33 against Zimbabwe, two comparatively weaker opponents.
At the other end of the spectrum are an unbeaten 82, an unbeaten 57 and a 63, all against New Zealand national cricket team. Those innings bought him time and some leeway during the T20 World Cup cycle, but poor returns after the tournament and in IPL 2026 have not helped his case.
“You look at the form over the last two years, but he was doing well as India's captain. We did not deliberate a lot, but at some stage we were going to look ahead,” Agarkar said on the decision to bring in Iyer ahead of Suryakumar.
Shreyas makes No. 4 spot his own
Making the selectors' task easier was the fact that Suryakumar had not made the No. 4 spot his own in recent times.
Across IPL 2024-26, Iyer has outperformed Surya at No. 4. While Iyer scored 885 runs at an average of 49.16 and a strike rate of 161.79, Surya managed 839 runs at an average of 49.35 and a strike
"With Surya still there, there was no room for him. So he is, in my opinion, a standout candidate with enough experience now, having led in the T20 format. This is obviously a different challenge," Agarkar told the media after announcing the Mumbai batter as India's new T20I captain.
For some time now, Shreyas had been playing the waiting game. Having last represented India in the shortest format in December 2023, he kept knocking on the door. Across the last three IPL seasons, he has scored 1,453 runs at an average of 48.43 and a strike rate of 165.3. Only Virat Kohli (2,073 runs), Sai Sudharsan (2,008), Shubman Gill (1,808), KL Rahul (1,590), Heinrich Klaasen (1,590) and Abhishek Sharma (1,486) have scored more. It is also worth noting that, barring Klaasen, all of them open the batting for their respective franchises.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav, who led India to T20 World Cup glory a few months ago, saw his runs dry up.
Over the last three years, Surya has scored 1,332 IPL runs at an average of 39.17 and a strike rate of 163.23, with five ducks. He enjoyed an outstanding IPL 2025, amassing 717 runs at a strike rate of 167.91.
However, the runs have dried up in international cricket as well. If he averaged 43.60 before becoming India's full-time T20 captain in July 2024, that figure has since dropped to 25.88. Once a prolific batter who toyed with bowlers, his strike rate has also fallen significantly, from 168.75 to 152.03.
In the last year, across 30 matches, Surya has scored 674 runs at an average of 30.63 and a strike rate of 148.78. The tally includes just four fifties and no hundreds.
Among players who have featured in at least 25 T20Is during this period, that run tally places him 20th in world cricket. His average of 30.63 ranks him 17th.
It is also worth noting that these numbers are boosted by an unbeaten 84 against the USA and 33 against Zimbabwe, two comparatively weaker opponents.
At the other end of the spectrum are an unbeaten 82, an unbeaten 57 and a 63, all against New Zealand national cricket team. Those innings bought him time and some leeway during the T20 World Cup cycle, but poor returns after the tournament and in IPL 2026 have not helped his case.
“You look at the form over the last two years, but he was doing well as India's captain. We did not deliberate a lot, but at some stage we were going to look ahead,” Agarkar said on the decision to bring in Iyer ahead of Suryakumar.
Shreyas makes No. 4 spot his own
Making the selectors' task easier was the fact that Suryakumar had not made the No. 4 spot his own in recent times.
Across IPL 2024-26, Iyer has outperformed Surya at No. 4. While Iyer scored 885 runs at an average of 49.16 and a strike rate of 161.79, Surya managed 839 runs at an average of 49.35 and a strike
11 days ago
NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the men's selection committee will meet on Saturday to finalise India's squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of Ireland and England.
According to a BCCI release, the selection meeting will be held at the board's headquarters, with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and BCCI honorary secretary Devajit Saikia scheduled to address the media afterwards.
The press conference will begin at 1:00 PM IST on the fourth floor of the BCCI headquarters.
The announcement is expected to attract significant attention, with several major changes likely in India's T20 setup.
Among the biggest talking points is the expected appointment of Shreyas Iyer as India's new T20 captain. The Mumbai batter is tipped to replace Suryakumar Yadav, who is reportedly set to lose both the captaincy and his place in the squad following an extended lean patch.
India's tour of the United Kingdom begins with two T20 Internationals against Ireland in Belfast on June 26 and 28. The team will then travel to England for a white-ball series comprising five T20Is and three ODIs starting July 1.
There are also reports suggesting that the selectors are also likely to reward 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with his first senior national call-up after his rapid rise through the ranks.
The Asian Games squad could also be announced well in advance due to entry deadlines set by organisers.
Despite the event clashing with a home white-ball series against the West Indies, the BCCI is expected to field a strong team in ***** an.
Several emerging players could also receive opportunities, including pacer Prince Yadav and left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey, as India continue to build depth ahead of a busy international calendar.
According to a BCCI release, the selection meeting will be held at the board's headquarters, with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and BCCI honorary secretary Devajit Saikia scheduled to address the media afterwards.
The press conference will begin at 1:00 PM IST on the fourth floor of the BCCI headquarters.
The announcement is expected to attract significant attention, with several major changes likely in India's T20 setup.
Among the biggest talking points is the expected appointment of Shreyas Iyer as India's new T20 captain. The Mumbai batter is tipped to replace Suryakumar Yadav, who is reportedly set to lose both the captaincy and his place in the squad following an extended lean patch.
India's tour of the United Kingdom begins with two T20 Internationals against Ireland in Belfast on June 26 and 28. The team will then travel to England for a white-ball series comprising five T20Is and three ODIs starting July 1.
There are also reports suggesting that the selectors are also likely to reward 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with his first senior national call-up after his rapid rise through the ranks.
The Asian Games squad could also be announced well in advance due to entry deadlines set by organisers.
Despite the event clashing with a home white-ball series against the West Indies, the BCCI is expected to field a strong team in ***** an.
Several emerging players could also receive opportunities, including pacer Prince Yadav and left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey, as India continue to build depth ahead of a busy international calendar.
15 days ago
AHMEDABAD: In the end, it had to be him.
Virat Kohli fittingly applied the finishing touches as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) sealed a second straight IPL ***** le, chasing down 156 to beat Gujarat ***** ans by five wickets in a one-sided final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday night.
'King' Kohli smashed Arshad Khan over long-on for six to finish things off with two overs to spare, capping a dominant performance.
— timesofindia (timesofindia)
Unbeaten on 75 off 42 ***** (9x4, 3x6), Kohli produced a sparkling knock under pressure, bringing up a 25-ball half-century, the fastest of his IPL career, to ensure RCB's bowlers' earlier brilliance did not go in vain. As chants of his name echoed across a packed stadium of over 90,000, the modern great delivered yet another defining performance on the biggest stage.
RCB thus became only the third team after Chennai Super Kings (2010-11) and Mumbai Indians (2019-20) to win back-to-back IPL ***** les, a remarkable turnaround for a franchise long haunted by near-misses.
— TOIBengaluru (TOIBengaluru)
Virat Kohli fittingly applied the finishing touches as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) sealed a second straight IPL ***** le, chasing down 156 to beat Gujarat ***** ans by five wickets in a one-sided final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday night.
'King' Kohli smashed Arshad Khan over long-on for six to finish things off with two overs to spare, capping a dominant performance.
— timesofindia (timesofindia)
Unbeaten on 75 off 42 ***** (9x4, 3x6), Kohli produced a sparkling knock under pressure, bringing up a 25-ball half-century, the fastest of his IPL career, to ensure RCB's bowlers' earlier brilliance did not go in vain. As chants of his name echoed across a packed stadium of over 90,000, the modern great delivered yet another defining performance on the biggest stage.
RCB thus became only the third team after Chennai Super Kings (2010-11) and Mumbai Indians (2019-20) to win back-to-back IPL ***** les, a remarkable turnaround for a franchise long haunted by near-misses.
— TOIBengaluru (TOIBengaluru)
26 days ago
IPL 2026 points table explained: How Gujarat ******* ans win and CSKs elimination impact playoff race
NEW DELHI: Gujarat ******* ans produced a dominant 89-run win over Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2026 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a result that lifted their net run rate to +0.695 and sealed a top-two finish on the points table.
The defeat brought CSK’s campaign to an end, officially eliminating the five-time champions from the tournament.
GT wrapped up the league stage with 14 matches, 9 wins and 5 losses, finishing on 18 points. Their strong net run rate ensured they stayed in the top-two bracket alongside Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are at top of the table with 18 points from 13 matches, featuring 9 wins and 4 losses and a superior NRR of +1.065.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, who also secured a playoff berth, are third with 16 points from 13 matches, winning 8 games and losing 5. Rajasthan Royals are fourth with 14 points from 13 outings (7 wins, 6 losses) and an NRR of +0.083.
Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders are locked on 13 points each, separated only by net run rate.
PBKS are fifth with 13 points from 13 matches, recording 6 wins, 6 losses and 1 no result, and an NRR of +0.227. KKR, with an identical win-loss record and one no result, are sixth with a marginally lower NRR of +0.011.
Chennai Super Kings concluded their season in seventh place with 12 points from 14 matches, managing 6 wins and 8 losses, and a net run rate of -0.345.
Delhi Capitals are also on 12 points from 13 matches but are placed eighth due to a poorer net run rate of -0.871.
At the bottom end of the table, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, both already eliminated, are ninth and tenth respectively.
Rank
Team
P
W
https://sports.yahoo.com/a...
NEW DELHI: Gujarat ******* ans produced a dominant 89-run win over Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2026 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a result that lifted their net run rate to +0.695 and sealed a top-two finish on the points table.
The defeat brought CSK’s campaign to an end, officially eliminating the five-time champions from the tournament.
GT wrapped up the league stage with 14 matches, 9 wins and 5 losses, finishing on 18 points. Their strong net run rate ensured they stayed in the top-two bracket alongside Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are at top of the table with 18 points from 13 matches, featuring 9 wins and 4 losses and a superior NRR of +1.065.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, who also secured a playoff berth, are third with 16 points from 13 matches, winning 8 games and losing 5. Rajasthan Royals are fourth with 14 points from 13 outings (7 wins, 6 losses) and an NRR of +0.083.
Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders are locked on 13 points each, separated only by net run rate.
PBKS are fifth with 13 points from 13 matches, recording 6 wins, 6 losses and 1 no result, and an NRR of +0.227. KKR, with an identical win-loss record and one no result, are sixth with a marginally lower NRR of +0.011.
Chennai Super Kings concluded their season in seventh place with 12 points from 14 matches, managing 6 wins and 8 losses, and a net run rate of -0.345.
Delhi Capitals are also on 12 points from 13 matches but are placed eighth due to a poorer net run rate of -0.871.
At the bottom end of the table, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, both already eliminated, are ninth and tenth respectively.
Rank
Team
P
W
https://sports.yahoo.com/a...
1 month ago
IPL 2026: MI vs LSG prediction, lineups, pitch report and betting tips as Hardik Pandya meets Rishabh Pant
There are matches in every Indian Premier League season that arrive draped in quiet desperation and Monday night at the ******* hede is one of them.
Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, two franchises that have arrived at the same uncomfortable destination, both with just four points, both staring at the unmistakable possibility of a season slipping beyond rescue.
MI are sitting ninth after nine games, on the other hand LSG are sitting tenth after eight. The loser here will almost certainly become the first team mathematically eliminated from IPL 2026.
Mumbai carry the heavier burden. Five ******* les to their name and yet this season has simply refused to come together for them. The evidence is ******* ing. They posted 243 against SRH and still lost, their bowling offering no resistance whatsoever. Then, against CSK at Chepauk, they could muster only 159, a total Ruturaj Gaikwad and Kartik Sharma knocked off with eight wickets to spare and barely a moment of anxiety
LSG, meanwhile, are still haunted by a Super Over against KKR in which they managed just one run, the lowest Super Over score in IPL history. Rishabh Pant's side have a net run rate of -1.106, the worst in the tournament.
https://sports.yahoo.com/a...
There are matches in every Indian Premier League season that arrive draped in quiet desperation and Monday night at the ******* hede is one of them.
Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, two franchises that have arrived at the same uncomfortable destination, both with just four points, both staring at the unmistakable possibility of a season slipping beyond rescue.
MI are sitting ninth after nine games, on the other hand LSG are sitting tenth after eight. The loser here will almost certainly become the first team mathematically eliminated from IPL 2026.
Mumbai carry the heavier burden. Five ******* les to their name and yet this season has simply refused to come together for them. The evidence is ******* ing. They posted 243 against SRH and still lost, their bowling offering no resistance whatsoever. Then, against CSK at Chepauk, they could muster only 159, a total Ruturaj Gaikwad and Kartik Sharma knocked off with eight wickets to spare and barely a moment of anxiety
LSG, meanwhile, are still haunted by a Super Over against KKR in which they managed just one run, the lowest Super Over score in IPL history. Rishabh Pant's side have a net run rate of -1.106, the worst in the tournament.
https://sports.yahoo.com/a...
2 months ago
Oil price plunge on US-Iran peace hopes to give rupee, bonds some breather
By Dharamraj Dhutia and Jaspreet Kalra
MUMBAI, April 20 (Reuters) - The Indian rupee and government bonds this week will be comforted by a drop in oil prices even as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains at a standstill, days before a ceasefire between the United States and Iran is set to expire.
Brent crude oil prices fell sharply on Friday and could experience fresh volatility this week after U.S. President Donald Trump said his envoys would return to Pakistan for fresh talks with Iran, while threatenin
By Dharamraj Dhutia and Jaspreet Kalra
MUMBAI, April 20 (Reuters) - The Indian rupee and government bonds this week will be comforted by a drop in oil prices even as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains at a standstill, days before a ceasefire between the United States and Iran is set to expire.
Brent crude oil prices fell sharply on Friday and could experience fresh volatility this week after U.S. President Donald Trump said his envoys would return to Pakistan for fresh talks with Iran, while threatenin
7 months ago
(Bloomberg) — The intense selling pressure that has weighed on Bitcoin in recent weeks looks to be easing, raising hopes that the token’s brutal slide is nearing an end.
The original cryptocurrency hovered around $88,000 on Tuesday, recovering from a slump that consigned it to a seven-month low, triggered massive liquidations and erased more than $1 trillion in value from the broader digital-asset market.
Most Read from Bloomberg
India’s Richest Family Powers Push for Green ******* e in Mumbai
San Francisco Hotels That Echoed City’s Decline Sell for 75% Off
https://finance.yahoo.com/...
The original cryptocurrency hovered around $88,000 on Tuesday, recovering from a slump that consigned it to a seven-month low, triggered massive liquidations and erased more than $1 trillion in value from the broader digital-asset market.
Most Read from Bloomberg
India’s Richest Family Powers Push for Green ******* e in Mumbai
San Francisco Hotels That Echoed City’s Decline Sell for 75% Off
https://finance.yahoo.com/...
7 months ago
A cryptocurrency exchange in Barcelona.
(Bloomberg) -- Exchange-traded funds investing in Bitcoin are heading for their worst month of outflows since launching nearly two years ago, piling yet more pressure on a jaded crypto market.
Most Read from Bloomberg
India’s Richest Family Powers Push for Green ******* e in Mumbai
Where Train Dreams Meet Reality in Texas
https://finance.yahoo.com/...
(Bloomberg) -- Exchange-traded funds investing in Bitcoin are heading for their worst month of outflows since launching nearly two years ago, piling yet more pressure on a jaded crypto market.
Most Read from Bloomberg
India’s Richest Family Powers Push for Green ******* e in Mumbai
Where Train Dreams Meet Reality in Texas
https://finance.yahoo.com/...
7 months ago
(Bloomberg) -- Bitcoin is on track for its worst monthly performance since a string of corporate collapses rocked the wider crypto sector in 2022.
Most Read from Bloomberg
India’s Richest Family Powers Push for Green ****** e in Mumbai
Where Train Dreams Meet Reality in Texas
On the French Riviera, Street Reforms Come From the Right
https://finance.yahoo.com/...
Most Read from Bloomberg
India’s Richest Family Powers Push for Green ****** e in Mumbai
Where Train Dreams Meet Reality in Texas
On the French Riviera, Street Reforms Come From the Right
https://finance.yahoo.com/...
1 yr. ago
Mumbai Rains-Weather Forecast: Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall Likely at Isolated Places in City and Suburbs Today, Says BMC
#MumbaiRains #MumbaiWeatherForecast #BMC #HeavyRainfall #Mumbai
#MumbaiRains #MumbaiWeatherForecast #BMC #HeavyRainfall #Mumbai
1 yr. ago
The news about Leena Gandhi Tewari buying two sea-facing duplex apartments in Mumbai's Worli for ₹639 crore is accurate, as confirmed by credible sources like The Economic Times and Business Standard. The purchase, totaling ₹703 crore with stamp duty and GST, involves 22,572 sq
1 yr. ago
Mumbai Indians Bye Gujarat ******* ans!
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Download Economic Times App to stay updated with Business News - https://etapp.onelink.me/t...
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1 yr. ago
PMOIndia
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1 yr. ago
Business activity in India surges to 13-month high in May: HSBC Composite PMI
For Detailed News-Press link
https://mumbaipress.com/bu...
#BusinessActivity #indiasurges #to13month #highinmay #HSBC #compositepmi #NewsUpdate #mumbaipress #mumbairaabta
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#BusinessActivity #indiasurges #to13month #highinmay #HSBC #compositepmi #NewsUpdate #mumbaipress #mumbairaabta
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1 yr. ago
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
YASMinistry
hosts ‘My Bharat Calling’ — Empowering Youth Through Engagement in Mumbai.
Empowering youth means empowering the nation. MY Bharat is more than a platform — it's a movement that brings young minds together to connect, learn and
YASMinistry
hosts ‘My Bharat Calling’ — Empowering Youth Through Engagement in Mumbai.
Empowering youth means empowering the nation. MY Bharat is more than a platform — it's a movement that brings young minds together to connect, learn and
