2 months ago
MUMBAI: When the Duleep Trophy semifinals began at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Sunday, 19-time champions West Zone were conspicuous by their absence.
West crashed out after a 52-run defeat to North Zone in a low-scoring quarterfinal, with North posting 251 and 222, while West managed 187 and 234.
Former Mumbai first-class cricketer Amit Dani, who coached West Zone this season, believes the tournament's knockout format needs a rethink.
"I suggested to the BCCI that it should seriously consider not having knockout matches until the final in the Duleep Trophy. It's the first tournament of the season and players are often a bit rusty. Even if North Zone had been knocked out after just one game, it wouldn't have been fair on their players either," Dani told TOI.
Dani argued that the current format limits opportunities for players and selectors alike.
"The selectors wanted to watch Tanush Kotian, but they got to see him in only one match. It was a difficult wicket where the ball was gripping and turning, making batting tough. Players need more games. With the final scheduled only on Sept 6, there is room for one more league match," he said.
Despite the early exit, Dani found plenty of positives in West's campaign. He reserved special praise for Musheer Khan, whose 96 in the fourth innings was the highest score of the match.
"On that wicket, it was a top-quality knock. It wasn't easy to bat there, but Musheer showed superb temperament and skill," Dani said.
He felt Anshul Kamboj's brisk 60 in North's first innings and Ruturaj Gaikwad's run-out while batting on 66 in the chase proved decisive.
"For us, Musheer, Tanush and Tushar Deshpande stood out. Tushar bowled with real fire and intensity. I hope all three are considered for India A or the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup," Dani added.
#west #musheer #first
West crashed out after a 52-run defeat to North Zone in a low-scoring quarterfinal, with North posting 251 and 222, while West managed 187 and 234.
Former Mumbai first-class cricketer Amit Dani, who coached West Zone this season, believes the tournament's knockout format needs a rethink.
"I suggested to the BCCI that it should seriously consider not having knockout matches until the final in the Duleep Trophy. It's the first tournament of the season and players are often a bit rusty. Even if North Zone had been knocked out after just one game, it wouldn't have been fair on their players either," Dani told TOI.
Dani argued that the current format limits opportunities for players and selectors alike.
"The selectors wanted to watch Tanush Kotian, but they got to see him in only one match. It was a difficult wicket where the ball was gripping and turning, making batting tough. Players need more games. With the final scheduled only on Sept 6, there is room for one more league match," he said.
Despite the early exit, Dani found plenty of positives in West's campaign. He reserved special praise for Musheer Khan, whose 96 in the fourth innings was the highest score of the match.
"On that wicket, it was a top-quality knock. It wasn't easy to bat there, but Musheer showed superb temperament and skill," Dani said.
He felt Anshul Kamboj's brisk 60 in North's first innings and Ruturaj Gaikwad's run-out while batting on 66 in the chase proved decisive.
"For us, Musheer, Tanush and Tushar Deshpande stood out. Tushar bowled with real fire and intensity. I hope all three are considered for India A or the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup," Dani added.
#west #musheer #first
2 months ago
'What happened to Ruturaj Gaikwad': Fans react to Tilak Varma being considered as back-up option in India middle-order for 2027 ODI World Cup originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
India's team management is reportedly considering Tilak Varma as a backup middle-order option ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Selectors want a left-handed batter capable of bowling four overs, addressing a gap in bowling options up top.
Fans reacted angrily online, questioning why Ruturaj Gaikwad, who scored a century at No. 4, has been overlooked.
India's planning for next year's ODI World Cup has already sparked a fresh wave of debate, with Tilak Varma reportedly emerging as a potential backup option for the middle order.
#tilak #varma #middle #Cricket
India's team management is reportedly considering Tilak Varma as a backup middle-order option ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Selectors want a left-handed batter capable of bowling four overs, addressing a gap in bowling options up top.
Fans reacted angrily online, questioning why Ruturaj Gaikwad, who scored a century at No. 4, has been overlooked.
India's planning for next year's ODI World Cup has already sparked a fresh wave of debate, with Tilak Varma reportedly emerging as a potential backup option for the middle order.
#tilak #varma #middle #Cricket
2 months ago
New Delhi: India's team management and selectors are working on backups for the middle order ahead of the ODI World Cup next year. TOI has learnt that Tilak Varma's name has come up as a potential backup option for Shreyas Iyer in the top six of the batting lineup.
Tilak, being a left-handed batter, is seen as someone who can break the monotony of right-handers in the batting lineup. Tilak has been asked to work on his bowling since it is believed that his off-breaks have a lot of potential. The team management, in fact, has flagged the dearth of bowling options in the top order, citing it as a reason for extra pressure on the lower order and the bowlers.
The planning for the ODI World Cup will only begin in earnest when India reach New Zealand in October, since most of the first-choice players will not be available for the ODI series against West Indies at home from September 27. A full-strength T20 team is also scheduled to travel to ****** an for the Asian Games at the same time.
"Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill feel there isn't any backup ready for the middle order. With Hardik Pandya and Nitish ****** ar Reddy being ****** e to injuries, they want someone in the top order who can at least chip in with four overs in an ODI," a BCCI source said.
Over the last year, the team management has been compelled to play either Washington Sundar or Axar Patel at No. 5 or No. 6 to balance the playing XI. In the last series in England, Ishan Kishan was sent in ahead of vice-captain Iyer.
"The team has to be prepared for conditions in South Africa in the World Cup. Iyer got injured in Australia and his game against pace and bounce is untested of late. The team already has two ageing players in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They are having niggles as well. KL Rahul too will be over 35 by the time the World Cup comes around. Ravindra Jadeja isn't a certainty either. The fielding of the team has suffered due to fitness issues. The team management feels that they need younger backups ready," the source said.
The selectors, it is learnt, are not comfortable with playing batters out of position. Last year, Ruturaj Gaikwad was played at No. 4 and scored a hundred against South Africa in Raipur. But he has not been picked in the ODI team since.
"Gaikwad was picked as backup opener since Gill was injured. The team management feels Tilak could have been tried in that place. That's why they don't want to rush Devdutt Padikkal in the ODI setup because he found his calling in white-ball cricket while opening the batting," the source said.
The team for the West Indies series, however, will be an anomaly since Iyer, Tilak, Ishan and Axar will not be available. The selectors are more focused on picking another wicketkeeper for the series.
The selection committee is due to meet by September 3 to pick the team for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in Delhi from September 13.
Sources said that the selectors are l
Tilak, being a left-handed batter, is seen as someone who can break the monotony of right-handers in the batting lineup. Tilak has been asked to work on his bowling since it is believed that his off-breaks have a lot of potential. The team management, in fact, has flagged the dearth of bowling options in the top order, citing it as a reason for extra pressure on the lower order and the bowlers.
The planning for the ODI World Cup will only begin in earnest when India reach New Zealand in October, since most of the first-choice players will not be available for the ODI series against West Indies at home from September 27. A full-strength T20 team is also scheduled to travel to ****** an for the Asian Games at the same time.
"Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill feel there isn't any backup ready for the middle order. With Hardik Pandya and Nitish ****** ar Reddy being ****** e to injuries, they want someone in the top order who can at least chip in with four overs in an ODI," a BCCI source said.
Over the last year, the team management has been compelled to play either Washington Sundar or Axar Patel at No. 5 or No. 6 to balance the playing XI. In the last series in England, Ishan Kishan was sent in ahead of vice-captain Iyer.
"The team has to be prepared for conditions in South Africa in the World Cup. Iyer got injured in Australia and his game against pace and bounce is untested of late. The team already has two ageing players in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They are having niggles as well. KL Rahul too will be over 35 by the time the World Cup comes around. Ravindra Jadeja isn't a certainty either. The fielding of the team has suffered due to fitness issues. The team management feels that they need younger backups ready," the source said.
The selectors, it is learnt, are not comfortable with playing batters out of position. Last year, Ruturaj Gaikwad was played at No. 4 and scored a hundred against South Africa in Raipur. But he has not been picked in the ODI team since.
"Gaikwad was picked as backup opener since Gill was injured. The team management feels Tilak could have been tried in that place. That's why they don't want to rush Devdutt Padikkal in the ODI setup because he found his calling in white-ball cricket while opening the batting," the source said.
The team for the West Indies series, however, will be an anomaly since Iyer, Tilak, Ishan and Axar will not be available. The selectors are more focused on picking another wicketkeeper for the series.
The selection committee is due to meet by September 3 to pick the team for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in Delhi from September 13.
Sources said that the selectors are l
2 months ago
BENGALURU: Some spinners rely on guile and variety, others on subtle change of pace. Abid Mushtaq prefers a simpler route to success— hit the right areas, make batters play and wait for them to commit mistakes.
The Jammu and Kashmir leftarm spinner was at his methodical best against West Zone on Day Two of the Duleep Trophy at the BCCI Centre of Excellence here on Monday. On a red-soil pitch he described as his "favourite", Abid claimed a five-wicket haul to bowl West out for 187 in 65.4 overs.
North Zone, who secured a 64-run first-innings lead, were 107/4 at stumps, stretching their advantage to 171 runs.
Abid admitted he got "goosebumps" when he saw the red soil, a surface he has only started training on regularly over the last 3-4 three years in J&K. He made the most of the familiarity, producing a spell built on accuracy rather than elaborate variations.
The 29-year-old, who was also invited to bowl in the Australian team's nets ahead of the 2023 BorderGavaskar Trophy in India, kept attacking the stumps and forcing batters to play.
Three of his five wickets — Shivalik Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Urvil Patel — came via LBWs. Gaikwad and Urvil fell within three ****** of each other, leaving West reeling at 70/5 in the 28th over.
"I bowled at the stumps as there was a lot of help on the wicket. I always try to land in good areas and not give away runs. I also use the crease. When it comes to bowling in red soil, I'm confident," Abid said.
His figures of 11-5-13-3 in the first session summed up his approach. He gave the batters little to work with and had already castled Prithvi Shaw on Sunday evening.
Abid, who has taken 63 wickets in his last three Ranji Trophy seasons, kept varying his angle, bowling from both sides of the wicket without compromising on his discipline.
Musheer Khan (31), who showed considerable patience against him, and Shams Mulani (52) briefly stemmed the collapse with a 63-run sixth-wicket partnership. But Abid returned to dismiss Tushar Deshpande (18), completing his five-for.
Anshul Kamboj (2/38) and Arshdeep Singh (3/53) also contributed with the ball as North Zone tightened their grip on the quarterfinal.
At the adjacent ground, Shahbaz Ahmed produced an allround performance to put East Zone firmly in control against North East Zone.
Resuming on 100, the left-hander went on to make 167 as East amassed 467 in 112.5 overs. His innings built on the foundation laid by Sudip Gharami's 146 on the opening day.
Shahbaz then took 3/20 as North East were bowled out for 111, with Abhijit Sarkar returning 5/20.
Forced to follow on, North East reached 7/0 from the only over possible before stumps.
Brief scores: North Zone 251 & 107/4 in 21 overs (Ayush Badoni 39*, Abdul Samad 30; Shams Mulani 2/34, Tanush Kotian 2/22) vs West Zone 187 in 65.4 overs (Shams Mulani 52, Musheer Khan 31; Abid Mushtaq 5/39, Arshdeep Singh 3/53, Anshul Kamboj 2/38).
East Zone 467 in 112.5 overs (Shahbaz A
The Jammu and Kashmir leftarm spinner was at his methodical best against West Zone on Day Two of the Duleep Trophy at the BCCI Centre of Excellence here on Monday. On a red-soil pitch he described as his "favourite", Abid claimed a five-wicket haul to bowl West out for 187 in 65.4 overs.
North Zone, who secured a 64-run first-innings lead, were 107/4 at stumps, stretching their advantage to 171 runs.
Abid admitted he got "goosebumps" when he saw the red soil, a surface he has only started training on regularly over the last 3-4 three years in J&K. He made the most of the familiarity, producing a spell built on accuracy rather than elaborate variations.
The 29-year-old, who was also invited to bowl in the Australian team's nets ahead of the 2023 BorderGavaskar Trophy in India, kept attacking the stumps and forcing batters to play.
Three of his five wickets — Shivalik Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Urvil Patel — came via LBWs. Gaikwad and Urvil fell within three ****** of each other, leaving West reeling at 70/5 in the 28th over.
"I bowled at the stumps as there was a lot of help on the wicket. I always try to land in good areas and not give away runs. I also use the crease. When it comes to bowling in red soil, I'm confident," Abid said.
His figures of 11-5-13-3 in the first session summed up his approach. He gave the batters little to work with and had already castled Prithvi Shaw on Sunday evening.
Abid, who has taken 63 wickets in his last three Ranji Trophy seasons, kept varying his angle, bowling from both sides of the wicket without compromising on his discipline.
Musheer Khan (31), who showed considerable patience against him, and Shams Mulani (52) briefly stemmed the collapse with a 63-run sixth-wicket partnership. But Abid returned to dismiss Tushar Deshpande (18), completing his five-for.
Anshul Kamboj (2/38) and Arshdeep Singh (3/53) also contributed with the ball as North Zone tightened their grip on the quarterfinal.
At the adjacent ground, Shahbaz Ahmed produced an allround performance to put East Zone firmly in control against North East Zone.
Resuming on 100, the left-hander went on to make 167 as East amassed 467 in 112.5 overs. His innings built on the foundation laid by Sudip Gharami's 146 on the opening day.
Shahbaz then took 3/20 as North East were bowled out for 111, with Abhijit Sarkar returning 5/20.
Forced to follow on, North East reached 7/0 from the only over possible before stumps.
Brief scores: North Zone 251 & 107/4 in 21 overs (Ayush Badoni 39*, Abdul Samad 30; Shams Mulani 2/34, Tanush Kotian 2/22) vs West Zone 187 in 65.4 overs (Shams Mulani 52, Musheer Khan 31; Abid Mushtaq 5/39, Arshdeep Singh 3/53, Anshul Kamboj 2/38).
East Zone 467 in 112.5 overs (Shahbaz A
2 months ago
Chennai Super Kings are preparing for a significant transition after the end of Stephen Fleming's 18-year ***** ociation with the franchise, and former India opener K Srikkanth believes Michael Hussey could be the ideal man to take the team forward. Fleming's departure has left CSK searching for a new head coach for the first time in nearly two decades. The former New Zealand captain joined the franchise as a player in the inaugural IPL season in 2008 before taking over as head coach in 2009.
Over the next 17 years, Fleming became one of the central figures behind CSK's identity, guiding the franchise to five IPL ***** les and two Champions League T20 trophies. His exit comes after CSK missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.
Fleming has since taken up a new challenge, being appointed England's Test head coach, replacing Brendon McCullum.
As speculation grows over Fleming's successor, former India and CSK player Ravichandran Ashwin recently suggested that former England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan could be among the names in contention. Srikkanth, however, has firmly rejected that possibility.
"I won't go for Eoin Morgan for sure. He was a good player and a good captain for England. But as a coach, I won't accept him as an option. Even for KKR as their captain, he didn't do anything great. It'll be best if he just sticks to commentary," said Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel.
He also advised CSK against considering Brendon McCullum, who previously coached Kolkata Knight Riders and guided them to the IPL final in 2021.
"It'll be good for CSK if they don't appoint Brendon McCullum as the head coach. They should say no to both Morgan and McCullum," he added.
Instead, Srikkanth believes CSK already have a familiar figure within their ecosystem who could seamlessly step into the role. His choice is former CSK opener Michael Hussey, who has previously worked with the franchise as a batting coach.
"CSK don't need anyone from outside when they have Mr Cricket with him. Michael Hussey should be the automatic head coach. He will be the best choice," Srikkanth said.
The coaching vacancy is only one part of a much bigger transition facing CSK. The franchise's most successful era was built around the close partnership between Fleming and MS Dhoni, with the duo forming the tactical and cultural backbone of the team for years.
Dhoni's future is another major question for the franchise, particularly as CSK look to build around captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and a younger core. Srikkanth himself believes that issue needs to be settled before the franchise can properly determine its next coaching structure.
"But what will MS Dhoni's place in CSK be going forward? That arrangement has to be fixed first, and only then will everything else fall in place," he said.
That could prove to be the most important decision of CSK's transition.
#coach #franchise #fleming
Over the next 17 years, Fleming became one of the central figures behind CSK's identity, guiding the franchise to five IPL ***** les and two Champions League T20 trophies. His exit comes after CSK missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.
Fleming has since taken up a new challenge, being appointed England's Test head coach, replacing Brendon McCullum.
As speculation grows over Fleming's successor, former India and CSK player Ravichandran Ashwin recently suggested that former England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan could be among the names in contention. Srikkanth, however, has firmly rejected that possibility.
"I won't go for Eoin Morgan for sure. He was a good player and a good captain for England. But as a coach, I won't accept him as an option. Even for KKR as their captain, he didn't do anything great. It'll be best if he just sticks to commentary," said Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel.
He also advised CSK against considering Brendon McCullum, who previously coached Kolkata Knight Riders and guided them to the IPL final in 2021.
"It'll be good for CSK if they don't appoint Brendon McCullum as the head coach. They should say no to both Morgan and McCullum," he added.
Instead, Srikkanth believes CSK already have a familiar figure within their ecosystem who could seamlessly step into the role. His choice is former CSK opener Michael Hussey, who has previously worked with the franchise as a batting coach.
"CSK don't need anyone from outside when they have Mr Cricket with him. Michael Hussey should be the automatic head coach. He will be the best choice," Srikkanth said.
The coaching vacancy is only one part of a much bigger transition facing CSK. The franchise's most successful era was built around the close partnership between Fleming and MS Dhoni, with the duo forming the tactical and cultural backbone of the team for years.
Dhoni's future is another major question for the franchise, particularly as CSK look to build around captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and a younger core. Srikkanth himself believes that issue needs to be settled before the franchise can properly determine its next coaching structure.
"But what will MS Dhoni's place in CSK be going forward? That arrangement has to be fixed first, and only then will everything else fall in place," he said.
That could prove to be the most important decision of CSK's transition.
#coach #franchise #fleming
3 months ago
Worcestershire captain Jake Libby has overtaken India's Ruturaj Gaikwad to record the highest List A batting average ever. His unbeaten 109 against Sussex, his third straight century with the same score, lifted his average to 61.4. Libby now has 2,456 List A runs, including six centuries and 18 fifties, after 56 matches in the format.
Jake Libby has made List A cricket history after his third consecutive century in the ongoing One-Day Cup helped him move past India batter Ruturaj Gaikwad for the highest batting average ever recorded in the format.
The Worcestershire captain played a match-winning knock against Sussex on Friday, August 7, staying unbeaten on 109 off 96 ***** as his team chased down a challenging target of 334. What makes his recent form even more remarkable is that Libby has scored exactly 109 in each of his last three innings in the competition.
His impressive streak started with an unbeaten 109 against Middlesex, helping Worcestershire chase down 294. He followed it up with another 109 against Essex, although his team could not complete the chase after being set a target of 377. Against Sussex, however, Libby once again delivered when his team needed him most.
Sussex posted 333-9 in their 50 overs after several batters made useful contributions. Fynn Hudson-Prentice top-scored with 68 from 35 ***** , while Jack Leaning added a patient 50. Four other Sussex batters also crossed the 30-run mark, while Freddie Price hit an unbeaten 22 off 13 ***** to give the innings a strong finish.
Worcestershire made a positive start to the chase, with Isaac Mohammed and Brett D'Oliveira putting together 60 runs for the opening wicket. However, both were dismissed within four overs of each other, bringing Libby to the crease with 251 runs still needed from 210 ***** .
Libby then took control of the chase and received important support from Kashif Ali, who scored 73 off 52 ***** , and Ben Allison, who smashed 20 from just nine deliveries. Together, they guided Worcestershire to victory in the penultimate over.
The unbeaten 109 lifted Libby's List A average to 61.4 from 56 matches, taking him past Gaikwad's 58.61. He now has 2,456 runs, six centuries and 18 fifties, with a highest score of 126*.
Sam Hain is third with an average of 58.18, followed by Michael Bevan, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Shubman Gill.
#libby #sussex #runs
Jake Libby has made List A cricket history after his third consecutive century in the ongoing One-Day Cup helped him move past India batter Ruturaj Gaikwad for the highest batting average ever recorded in the format.
The Worcestershire captain played a match-winning knock against Sussex on Friday, August 7, staying unbeaten on 109 off 96 ***** as his team chased down a challenging target of 334. What makes his recent form even more remarkable is that Libby has scored exactly 109 in each of his last three innings in the competition.
His impressive streak started with an unbeaten 109 against Middlesex, helping Worcestershire chase down 294. He followed it up with another 109 against Essex, although his team could not complete the chase after being set a target of 377. Against Sussex, however, Libby once again delivered when his team needed him most.
Sussex posted 333-9 in their 50 overs after several batters made useful contributions. Fynn Hudson-Prentice top-scored with 68 from 35 ***** , while Jack Leaning added a patient 50. Four other Sussex batters also crossed the 30-run mark, while Freddie Price hit an unbeaten 22 off 13 ***** to give the innings a strong finish.
Worcestershire made a positive start to the chase, with Isaac Mohammed and Brett D'Oliveira putting together 60 runs for the opening wicket. However, both were dismissed within four overs of each other, bringing Libby to the crease with 251 runs still needed from 210 ***** .
Libby then took control of the chase and received important support from Kashif Ali, who scored 73 off 52 ***** , and Ben Allison, who smashed 20 from just nine deliveries. Together, they guided Worcestershire to victory in the penultimate over.
The unbeaten 109 lifted Libby's List A average to 61.4 from 56 matches, taking him past Gaikwad's 58.61. He now has 2,456 runs, six centuries and 18 fifties, with a highest score of 126*.
Sam Hain is third with an average of 58.18, followed by Michael Bevan, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Shubman Gill.
#libby #sussex #runs
3 months ago
India's domestic cricket season kicks off later this month as Duleep Trophy returns for its 63rd edition.
The tournament follows a zonal structure, with six teams representing different regions competing across three rounds of matches scheduled between August 23 and September 10.
Five captains for the tournament have been unveiled. Tilak Varma takes charge of South Zone, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been handed the captaincy of West Zone, East Zone will be led by Ishan Kishan, India pacer Arshdeep Singh will be at the helm for North Zone while Rajat Patidar will lead Central Zone.
The captain for North East zone hasn't been announced yet.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
#east #north #duleep #five
The tournament follows a zonal structure, with six teams representing different regions competing across three rounds of matches scheduled between August 23 and September 10.
Five captains for the tournament have been unveiled. Tilak Varma takes charge of South Zone, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been handed the captaincy of West Zone, East Zone will be led by Ishan Kishan, India pacer Arshdeep Singh will be at the helm for North Zone while Rajat Patidar will lead Central Zone.
The captain for North East zone hasn't been announced yet.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
#east #north #duleep #five
4 months ago
A magnificent 168 from Sai Sudharsan, backed by valuable contributions from the middle and lower order, helped India A seize complete control of the second unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A, finishing Day 3 at 541/8 and extending their lead to 175 runs.
After rain interrupted play for nearly an hour following the tea break, India A still managed to strengthen their grip on the contest, setting themselves up for a strong finish heading into the final day.
Resuming on his overnight score of 104, Sudharsan continued to dominate the Sri Lankan attack with a composed innings of 168 off 267 deliveries, laced with 22 boundaries. His knock came after Devdutt Padikkal narrowly missed out on a century, falling for 94 in the opening over of the day.
India A were reduced to 248/2 early in the morning, but Sudharsan rebuilt the innings alongside captain Dhruv Jurel. The pair stitched together a crucial 120-run stand for the third wicket, ensuring the visitors remained firmly in control.
Sudharsan looked set for a double hundred before left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera trapped him lbw. Jurel soon followed after scoring a well-made 53 off 88 **** , also falling to Sudeera.
India A were briefly concerned when Ruturaj Gaikwad retired hurt after being struck on the helmet by a delivery from pacer Asanka Manoj. The opener managed just 13 runs before walking off the field, and his availability for the final day remains uncertain.
Following the dismissals of Sudharsan and Jurel, Shaik Rasheed played an aggressive knock of 45 from just 51 **** before becoming another lbw victim, this time to off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha.
With India A leading by 84 runs at 454/5, the lower order ensured the advantage continued to grow. Saransh Jain remained unbeaten on 68, while Auqib Nabi contributed a useful 30 during an 81-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Although Nabi was dismissed late in the day, caught in the deep off part-time spinner Sahan Arachchige, India A had already built a commanding lead by stumps.
Keshara Nuwantha was Sri Lanka A's most successful bowler with figures of 4/158, while Dilum Sudeera claimed 3/101.
Sri Lanka A: 366 all out
India A: 541/8 in 142 overs (Sai Sudharsan 168, Devdutt Padikkal 94, Dhruv Jurel 53, Saransh Jain 68*; Keshara Nuwantha 4/158, Dilum Sudeera 3/101)
Status: India A lead by 175 runs at stumps on Day 3.
After rain interrupted play for nearly an hour following the tea break, India A still managed to strengthen their grip on the contest, setting themselves up for a strong finish heading into the final day.
Resuming on his overnight score of 104, Sudharsan continued to dominate the Sri Lankan attack with a composed innings of 168 off 267 deliveries, laced with 22 boundaries. His knock came after Devdutt Padikkal narrowly missed out on a century, falling for 94 in the opening over of the day.
India A were reduced to 248/2 early in the morning, but Sudharsan rebuilt the innings alongside captain Dhruv Jurel. The pair stitched together a crucial 120-run stand for the third wicket, ensuring the visitors remained firmly in control.
Sudharsan looked set for a double hundred before left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera trapped him lbw. Jurel soon followed after scoring a well-made 53 off 88 **** , also falling to Sudeera.
India A were briefly concerned when Ruturaj Gaikwad retired hurt after being struck on the helmet by a delivery from pacer Asanka Manoj. The opener managed just 13 runs before walking off the field, and his availability for the final day remains uncertain.
Following the dismissals of Sudharsan and Jurel, Shaik Rasheed played an aggressive knock of 45 from just 51 **** before becoming another lbw victim, this time to off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha.
With India A leading by 84 runs at 454/5, the lower order ensured the advantage continued to grow. Saransh Jain remained unbeaten on 68, while Auqib Nabi contributed a useful 30 during an 81-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Although Nabi was dismissed late in the day, caught in the deep off part-time spinner Sahan Arachchige, India A had already built a commanding lead by stumps.
Keshara Nuwantha was Sri Lanka A's most successful bowler with figures of 4/158, while Dilum Sudeera claimed 3/101.
Sri Lanka A: 366 all out
India A: 541/8 in 142 overs (Sai Sudharsan 168, Devdutt Padikkal 94, Dhruv Jurel 53, Saransh Jain 68*; Keshara Nuwantha 4/158, Dilum Sudeera 3/101)
Status: India A lead by 175 runs at stumps on Day 3.
4 months ago
NEW DELHI: India A's tour of Sri Lanka enters its multi-day phase with the start of a two-match unofficial Test series, offering several emerging stars a golden opportunity to strengthen their claims for higher honours in red-ball cricket. Led by wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, India A will take on Sri Lanka A in a pair of matches expected to provide a stern examination of the visitors' long-format credentials.
Pacer Aquib Nabi will be among those eager to make a strong statement when the series begins in Galle on Thursday. Nabi, who claimed 60 wickets during Jammu & Kashmir's historic Ranji Trophy triumph, was overlooked for India's one-off Test against Afghanistan, a decision that sparked debate among fans and experts. Strong performances in Sri Lanka could further strengthen his case for national selection, especially with India scheduled to tour New Zealand later this year, where seam-friendly conditions could suit his style of bowling.
The series also presents a valuable opportunity for several fringe players and established performers. Apart from skipper Jurel, Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal will look to bolster their credentials in the race for a top-order berth. Fast bowler Anshul Kamboj, seeking redemption after a difficult Test debut in England last year, and recent ODI debutant Harsh Dubey are also part of the squad. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Gurnoor Brar add further depth to a side brimming with talent and ambition.
The red-ball **** ignment follows the limited-overs leg of the tour and will serve as an important platform for players pushing for places in India's senior setup. With conditions in Sri Lanka traditionally rewarding spin, patience and discipline, the unofficial Tests are expected to provide a valuable learning experience and a meaningful gauge of the squad's readiness for the next level.
First Unofficial Test
Date: June 25-28, 2026
Venue: Galle International Stadium
Second Unofficial Test
Date: July 2-5, 2026
Venue: Galle International Stadium
Live match start times
Both unofficial Tests are scheduled to begin at: 10:00 AM local time (Sri Lanka)/10:00 AM IST
India A: Dhruv Jurel (captain, wicketkeeper), Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal (vice-captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Saransh Jain, Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi, Yash Thakur, Anshul Kamboj, N. Jagadeesan (wicketkeeper), Aman Mokhade, Shaik Rasheed, Zeeshan Ansari.
Pacer Aquib Nabi will be among those eager to make a strong statement when the series begins in Galle on Thursday. Nabi, who claimed 60 wickets during Jammu & Kashmir's historic Ranji Trophy triumph, was overlooked for India's one-off Test against Afghanistan, a decision that sparked debate among fans and experts. Strong performances in Sri Lanka could further strengthen his case for national selection, especially with India scheduled to tour New Zealand later this year, where seam-friendly conditions could suit his style of bowling.
The series also presents a valuable opportunity for several fringe players and established performers. Apart from skipper Jurel, Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal will look to bolster their credentials in the race for a top-order berth. Fast bowler Anshul Kamboj, seeking redemption after a difficult Test debut in England last year, and recent ODI debutant Harsh Dubey are also part of the squad. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Gurnoor Brar add further depth to a side brimming with talent and ambition.
The red-ball **** ignment follows the limited-overs leg of the tour and will serve as an important platform for players pushing for places in India's senior setup. With conditions in Sri Lanka traditionally rewarding spin, patience and discipline, the unofficial Tests are expected to provide a valuable learning experience and a meaningful gauge of the squad's readiness for the next level.
First Unofficial Test
Date: June 25-28, 2026
Venue: Galle International Stadium
Second Unofficial Test
Date: July 2-5, 2026
Venue: Galle International Stadium
Live match start times
Both unofficial Tests are scheduled to begin at: 10:00 AM local time (Sri Lanka)/10:00 AM IST
India A: Dhruv Jurel (captain, wicketkeeper), Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal (vice-captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Saransh Jain, Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi, Yash Thakur, Anshul Kamboj, N. Jagadeesan (wicketkeeper), Aman Mokhade, Shaik Rasheed, Zeeshan Ansari.
5 months ago
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s much-anticipated return to competitive cricket for India A ended in a brief stay at the crease as the teenage sensation managed 14 runs in the Tri-Nation A Series opener against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla on Tuesday.
The young batter, who attracted widespread attention following his stellar IPL 2026 campaign, walked in with plenty of expectations but could not convert his start into a big score.
Sooryavanshi struck only three fours during his 12-ball knock before being caught by Sahan Arachchige off the bowling of Mohamed Shiraz. His dismissal left India A at 16-1 in the fourth over.
India A had opted to bat first after winning the toss.
Alongside Sooryavanshi, wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh also departed early for just two runs.
However, Priyansh Arya and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the innings with a useful partnership before Arya was run out for 32.
Gaikwad remained unbeaten on 46, while captain Tilak Varma was unbeaten on 18 as India A reached 118-3 after 28 overs.
Ahead of the match, Sri Lanka A vice-captain Niroshan ****** wella had spoken about the excitement surrounding Sooryavanshi and the challenge of facing the youngster.
“I’m glad to be a wicketkeeper, because I won’t be getting many of the ****** when he is batting. He’s an exciting talent, and everyone loves the way the BCCI is handling him at this age and giving him opportunities in the ‘A’ team to perform. He’s not only a motivation for young Sri Lankan cricketers, but for youngsters all over the world. He hasn’t played a lot of List ‘A’ cricket, but this is a good opportunity for him to showcase his talent, explore, and show that he’s a very good short-format player. And, you know, we’re looking forward to this contest,” ****** wella told TOI.
131607582
When asked about plans to contain the Indian batter, ****** wella said: “We’re not trying to stop him, but, we’ll try to execute our basics first. We’ve some plans for him and for the whole Indian batting line-up. But, on that day, on the merit of how he is going to take the bowlers on, we will try and keep him down. The conditions here are different... I think in the IPL they have flatter pitches, but here in Sri Lanka we have huge grounds.”
The young batter, who attracted widespread attention following his stellar IPL 2026 campaign, walked in with plenty of expectations but could not convert his start into a big score.
Sooryavanshi struck only three fours during his 12-ball knock before being caught by Sahan Arachchige off the bowling of Mohamed Shiraz. His dismissal left India A at 16-1 in the fourth over.
India A had opted to bat first after winning the toss.
Alongside Sooryavanshi, wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh also departed early for just two runs.
However, Priyansh Arya and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the innings with a useful partnership before Arya was run out for 32.
Gaikwad remained unbeaten on 46, while captain Tilak Varma was unbeaten on 18 as India A reached 118-3 after 28 overs.
Ahead of the match, Sri Lanka A vice-captain Niroshan ****** wella had spoken about the excitement surrounding Sooryavanshi and the challenge of facing the youngster.
“I’m glad to be a wicketkeeper, because I won’t be getting many of the ****** when he is batting. He’s an exciting talent, and everyone loves the way the BCCI is handling him at this age and giving him opportunities in the ‘A’ team to perform. He’s not only a motivation for young Sri Lankan cricketers, but for youngsters all over the world. He hasn’t played a lot of List ‘A’ cricket, but this is a good opportunity for him to showcase his talent, explore, and show that he’s a very good short-format player. And, you know, we’re looking forward to this contest,” ****** wella told TOI.
131607582
When asked about plans to contain the Indian batter, ****** wella said: “We’re not trying to stop him, but, we’ll try to execute our basics first. We’ve some plans for him and for the whole Indian batting line-up. But, on that day, on the merit of how he is going to take the bowlers on, we will try and keep him down. The conditions here are different... I think in the IPL they have flatter pitches, but here in Sri Lanka we have huge grounds.”
6 months 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...
1 yr. ago
Great news! We’ve received Company Name Approval for our client today — a major milestone in their business journey.
Next steps: branding, setup & launch
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#MukulDev #Pujara #RishabhPant #Gambhir #Bitcoin #RCBvsSRH #Ruturaj #SaturdayVibes
Next steps: branding, setup & launch
Stay tuned for exciting updates!
#MukulDev #Pujara #RishabhPant #Gambhir #Bitcoin #RCBvsSRH #Ruturaj #SaturdayVibes
1 yr. ago
India A squad for the England tour is out!
Abhimanyu Easwaran to lead, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, and Shardul Thakur in the mix.
Check out full squad and schedule:
Abhimanyu Easwaran to lead, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, and Shardul Thakur in the mix.
Check out full squad and schedule:
