India will look to seal the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan when the two teams meet in the second match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday.

India lead the series 1-0 after a convincing seven-wicket win in the first T20I. Afghanistan will need a much better performance to keep the series alive.
Afghanistan were in trouble early in the first T20I after losing five wickets for 43 runs inside the Power-play. Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi then put the innings back on track with an 83-run partnership.

Omarzai remained unbeaten on 64 off 44 **** as Afghanistan finished with 156/8. However, the total was not enough against India's strong batting line-up.

Arshdeep Singh was India's best bowler, taking 3/9. Jasprit **** rah also made an impact on his return to international cricket by picking up an early wicket. Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy also took wickets as Afghanistan struggled to build momentum.
India made the chase look easy thanks to an explosive innings from Abhishek Sharma.

The left-handed opener smashed 82 off just 32 **** , hitting seven fours and seven sixes. Ishan Kishan also made a useful contribution with 42.

India reached 157/3 in only 13.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Afghanistan's biggest concern will be their top order.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed for a duck in the first over of the opening T20I. Afghanistan will need their top-order batters to give the team a stronger start and provide a platform for players such as Omarzai, Nabi and Rashid Khan.

The visitors have several match-winners in their squad, including Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Naveen-ul-Haq.

Captain Ibrahim Zadran, who is leading Afghanistan in his first series as full-time T20I captain, will hope his team can turn its individual talent into a more disciplined performance.
India also have some selection decisions to make despite their comfortable win in the first T20I.

Abhishek's 82 has strengthened his position at the top of the order, while Sanju Samson scored only 10 runs.

Ishan Kishan also scored 42, giving India another option in the batting line-up. Teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could also be in contention after missing the first T20I.

India will also be without Harshit Rana, who has been ruled out after suffering a rectus femoris strain. Yash Thakur has joined the squad as his replacement.

A win on Tuesday will give India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Afghanistan, meanwhile, need a victory to take the series into a decider.

#first #lead #seven #need

India will begin their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in New Delhi on Sunday, with the team facing a selection call between young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and experienced wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson.

Sooryavanshi played in the first two T20Is during India's England tour before Samson returned to the playing XI for the final match. The team management now has another chance to ******* s both players ahead of the Asian Games in ******* an.
Samson and Abhishek Sharma have formed a more settled opening combination for India in T20Is. However, Sooryavanshi's attacking style gives the team another option at the top.

During Friday's net session, Samson appeared slightly more in control, while Sooryavanshi spent time facing Jasprit ******* rah and learning how to deal with movement off the surface.

The 15-year-old could enjoy the Afghanistan attack, with none of their bowlers matching ******* rah's quality. Afghanistan's pace could also suit Sooryavanshi's aggressive, stand-and-deliver style.

Samson's omission in England after three failures also raised questions, especially given his experience in the format.
India could also consider playing both Samson and Sooryavanshi if Ishan Kishan is ruled out.

Kishan had a back injury scare during Friday's net session. He comes into the series after a brilliant Duleep Trophy final, where he scored 270 and 80.

Kishan will be keen to play because T20Is remain the only format in which he is currently a regular for India.
The three-match series will give India's Asian Games-bound players valuable preparation against a strong Afghanistan side.

Afghanistan have a world-class spin attack featuring Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Facing them in three T20Is will be a major test for India's batters ahead of the Asian Games in ******* an.
When will the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I be played?

The first T20I between India and Afghanistan will be played on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

Where will the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I be played?

The match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

What time will the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I start?

The first T20I will start at 7 PM IST on Sunday.

When will the toss take place?

The toss is expected to take place at around 6:30 PM IST, 30 minutes before the scheduled start of play.

Where can fans watch the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I on TV?

The match will be telecast live in India on the Sony Sports Network.

#played

India is all set to take on Afghanistan in the opening T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, September 13.
Shreyas Iyer's side looking to build momentum after a mixed white-ball summer that included series defeats in Ireland and England.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan will be hoping to avenge defeat in the one-off Test at Mullanpur earlier this year. Ibrahim Zadran's side has the perfectly volatile combination of a spin-heavy bowling attack and a batting lineup that's still trying to figure out their place.
With Jasprit **** rah and Washington Sundar also cleared just this week, India will be keen to prepare mentally for the upcoming Asian Games and New Zealand. The venue will also play a big part in the match.
Arun Jaitley Stadium has hosted only a handful of T20Is despite its status as one of India's most-used grounds across formats, and their most recent appearance produced one of the highest totals ever recorded there when India piled up 209 against Namibia in February 2026.

#september

NEW DELHI: Social media has found a fun new way to bring the 1980s back, with AI turning modern-day pictures into vintage portraits. The trend has now reached the Indian cricket team, with several players enjoying a hilarious surprise ahead of their T20I series against Afghanistan in Delhi.
Two days before the series, the Indian players gathered at their hotel for a photo session. But before it began, they found a table filled with AI-generated pictures of themselves.

The portraits, featured in a video shared by the BCCI, showed the players in classic 1980s looks, complete with bell-bottom jeans, big sunglasses and retro hairstyles.

India allrounder Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma picked up the portraits and burst out laughing as they showed them to their teammates. Jasprit ****** rah also joined in the fun.

Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube checked out their retro pictures and appeared amused by their new 1980s avatars.
Ishan Kishan, who recently led East Zone to Duleep Trophy glory, fully embraced the retro look. He held up his AI-generated picture, sang and posed for the camera as his teammates enjoyed the moment.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yash Thakur and Ravi Bishnoi also broke into smiles after seeing their 1980s avatars.
India and Afghanistan will face each other in a three-match T20I series, starting Sunday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

The second and third T20Is will be played on Tuesday and Thursday at the same venue.

#portraits

India's next Test **** ignment will take them to New Zealand for a two-match series beginning November 19, and former Kiwi fast bowler Trent Boult believes KL Rahul will be one of the Indian batters worth watching closely.

The two Tests will form part of India's marathon New Zealand tour, which begins on October 22 and features 12 matches across the three formats. With India needing a strong result to remain in contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, the spotlight is expected to fall on several key players, including captain Shubman Gill and pace spearhead Jasprit **** rah.

Boult, however, has picked Rahul and his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal as the two Indian batters he is particularly looking forward to seeing in action.

"I'm always a big fan of KL Rahul and his style of batsmanship. So he's a big player at the top of the order for the Indian side. And yeah, I believe Jaiswal is there as well. Two classy batters to see bat. So yeah, be interesting to see," Boult said in an interview to PTI.
The timing of the series could make conditions particularly interesting. Unlike India's previous Test tours of New Zealand, which have often taken place in the February-March window, this series will be played in late October and November.

Boult feels the timing could bring colder weather into play, while he is hoping the New Zealand pitches retain some grass and offer **** istance to the home attack.

"It's always an exciting chance when the Indian team comes down to play Test cricket in New Zealand," Boult said.

"The only thing I can see happening is it's going to be late October. I believe, just coming out of winter. So it's going to be quite cold. Hopefully, there's a bit of greenness in the wickets for some of our bowlers. It's going to be a good series, I'm sure," the star former Kiwi pacer added.
Boult also backed the current New Zealand bowling unit to make an impact against India, pointing to the variety available to the team.

Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke bring different qualities to the attack, and Boult believes that gives New Zealand enough options to develop its own identity.

"I think the bowling is very well balanced. It's got bases covered in terms of a good pace, obviously, with Will O'Rourke. Obviously, a bit of swing and a bit of bounce from Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry with his accuracy.

"So yeah, I think the way me, Tim (Southee) and Wags (Neil Wagner) did it over the years was a unique way in itself. But there's other strengths and other game plans that our younger bowlers can follow," Boult further said.
134121390

#test

Bengaluru: The BCCI's decision to send a full-strength squad to the Asian Games later this month has brought one name into focus - Jasprit ***** rah. The premier India pacer has not played for India since the second ODI against England in Cardiff in July, when he limped off after suffering an impact injury to his left knee. He has since been undergoing rehabilitation and is part of India's squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, although his participation is subject to fitness clearance.

With the Asian Games in ***** an beginning later this month, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes the tournament could provide ***** rah with valuable game time ahead of India's next major ***** ignment, the New Zealand tour.

The Asian Games, then, is the perfect opportunity for ***** rah to ease back into competitive cricket before that series. "There's a fair gap between the Asian Games and the New Zealand series, so playing ***** rah in the Asian Games is actually a good idea because he has to get some bowling under his belt. In Sri Lanka, we heard Mohammad Siraj was not quite in rhythm because he hadn't played enough in competitive matches. The bowlers need to get some overs and ***** rah getting them is very essential," Gavaskar said.

Although Shreyas Iyer has lost six of the seven T20Is he has led India in this year, Sunil Gavaskar backed him. "He's very experienced as a captain, having led Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. I don't think there should be any pressure on him at the Asian Games. "

'Asian Games ***** le defence won't be easy'

Gavaskar was quick to add that the ***** le defence won't be an easy ride for India. "It's going to be tough because it's a T20 tournament. Bangladesh are in form, Pakistan are always dangerous and Sri Lanka are a terrific team, not to forget Afghanistan, so it's not going to be easy at all," he said. Gavaskar pointed out that the Asian Games will be a huge learning experience for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. "To be able to meet sportspersons from other sports from across Asia can be an absolute treat. For Sooryavanshi, I hope it turns out to be even more inspirational because he will get to rub shoulders with athletes who he's looked up to."

(This interaction was facilitated by Sony Sports Network)

#asian #easy #sunil #zealand

CHENNAI: The road to the World Test Championship (WTC) final for India is getting tougher, with every series carrying greater significance. The task has become even more challenging after they failed to win the final Test against Sri Lanka recently.

India's next step takes them to New Zealand for a two-Test series, having not won there in a decade and a half. NZ's premier left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who is leading Edinburgh Castle Rockers in the ongoing European T20 Premier League (ETPL), told TOI in an exclusive chat that India's pace attack, led by Jasprit ***** rah, will play a major role in the final outcome of the series. Excerpts...

How crucial will it be for India to adapt to conditions given only a few players from the current set-up have played Tests in NZ?

The first thing is to try and understand the conditions as quickly as possible. A few players have been there before and done well. In Oct-Nov, the pitches can play differently compared to Feb-March. So, early in the season in New Zealand, the ball might move around a little bit. It is about getting your head around that.

What's your take on India's pace attack?

Bumrah leading the attack and being able to nip and swing the ball will hold the key. (Mohammed) Siraj has done it for a long time as well and (Prasidh) Krishna is obviously bowling well. There is a lot of variety, which is what you need.

Did you have a look at Manav Suthar?

He has been very impressive since he made his debut. He gets nice and tight to the stumps and gets good shape on the ball. He does bowl with good overspin when he needs to and that is the key in NZ, trying to get a bit of bounce especially if there is grass. I think there is still a role for a spinner in NZ, especially in Tests alongside the quicks, whether it is first or second innings when the pitch might be holding up. On days four and five, it could spin a bit. Whether it is Jadeja or Suthar, both are very good options.

What do you think about India's struggles in Test cricket recently?

I think it has always been a challenge. They always play the best teams, and then having to adapt to the conditions quickly is the main thing. But they have got all bases covered.

How important is ETPL for the European players, who don't always get to play a lot of top-quality cricket?

It is perfect for Scottish, Irish and players from Holland. It gives them more exposure and opportunity to play against some good players. We have seen how good they are in their own right. To be fair, in the last few years, we have had some great games against Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands. You throw a few overseas players in, and the tournament (ETPL) is really strong.

There is some great cricket on show already, which is good. And we are only halfway through.

#players

New Delhi: As the Indian team awaits Jasprit **** rah's fitness reports ahead of the T20I series against Afghanistan next week and the subsequent Asian Games, the national selectors have identified Prince Yadav as a probable backup.

TOI understands that **** rah, Nitish **** ar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana are due to undergo match simulation tests over the course of this week before the Indian team **** embles in Delhi on Sept 10.

"The BCCI medical team at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) had shared a report with selectors last week, where it was mentioned that these four players were clinically fit but had to be **** sed in practice matches. The CoE has lined up the matches from Sept 4-9. The CoE is confident that the players should be ready for the Afghanistan series," a BCCI source said.

Prince made his international debut in the ODI series against Afghanistan at home in June. He too suffered a hamstring injury in the second T20I in Zimbabwe on July 25.

It is learnt that he has been declared fit by the CoE and is available for selection. Prince has been doing well in T20Is since this year's IPL and the selectors see him as a serious prospect going forward.
The selectors and the team management want **** rah to get some game time in a first-class match before the Test series in New Zealand. **** rah hasn't played a red-ball match since the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati last November. He has only played T20 cricket before injuring his knee after two ODIs in England in July.

"As it is, he has to skip Test matches because of his fitness. One has to be clear that his knee can take the load of a first-class game before he takes the field in a Test in New Zealand. It needs to be seen if he plays a Ranji Trophy game or a first-class game for India 'A' in New Zealand. He is likely to be rested for the T20I series against West Indies at home in October. But the 'A' games in New Zealand overlap with the ODI series there," a source said.
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#series #test #prince #bumrah

Jasprit ***** rah availability update for 2026 Asian Games, Afghanistan T20Is as 'serious prospect' identified as backup: Report originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jasprit ***** rah's participation in India's upcoming T20Is remains uncertain due to fitness.
Selectors have identified Prince Yadav as a serious backup option following his recovery.
Management wants ***** rah to play a first-class match before the New Zealand Test tour.
India's fast-bowling is back under the microscope as the national selectors await final fitness clearances for Jasprit ***** rah ahead of the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan and the Asian Games. With the squad set to ***** emble in Delhi on September 10, the medical team is taking zero chances with their marquee ***** ets.

#asian #selectors

Former India batter and Director of Cricket at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, VVS Laxman, is set to travel with the Indian men's team to ******* an and will take charge as head coach in the absence of Gautam Gambhir for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya later this month.

Gautam Gambhir will remain with the senior side for India's home ODI series against the West Indies. The first ODI is scheduled to be played on September 27.

Laxman will be ******* isted by former India spinner Sunil Joshi, Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Subhadeep Ghosh, according to the list of coaches released by the Sports Ministry. The development was earlier reported by TimesofIndia.com in July.

Laxman has previous Asian Games experience, having coached the Indian men's team at the 2023 edition in Hangzhou, China, where India won the gold medal.
The cricket competition at the Asian Games will begin on September 24, with India scheduled to play its opening men's match on September 28. India will defend its men's T20 ******* le under captain Shreyas Iyer, with teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also part of the squad. The men's team will face the second-placed side from Group A, which comprises Afghanistan, ******* an and Nepal.

The Indian women's team will also enter the tournament as defending champions and will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur. The women's side will enter the competition at the quarterfinal stage and face hosts ******* an. Amol Muzumdar will continue as the head coach of the women's team, with bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi and fielding coach Munish Bali completing his support staff.
Indian men's team: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish ******* ar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit ******* rah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Indian women's team: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Gunalan Kamalini, Bharti Fulmali, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav, Nandani Sharma.

#coach

India heads back to Sri Lanka after a nine-year gap, kicking off a two-Test series at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on August 15, 2026.
Both matches count toward the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, where India currently sit fifth in the table with 52 points and a points percentage of 48.15 from nine Tests so far.
Shubman Gill takes charge as captain, though his build-up hasn't been entirely smooth. He picked up a finger injury during a training session in Colombo and had to sit out part of the warm-up match as a result.
He's since returned to batting and looked more than ready heading into the opener, with reports suggesting he'll slot in at number four.
Jasprit ****** rah, India's premier pace bowler, is out of the entire tour with an injury, which is a significant blow given his usual impact with the ball.

#lanka #galle

India heads back to Sri Lanka after a nine-year gap, kicking off a two-Test series at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on August 15, 2026.
Both matches count toward the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, where India currently sit fifth in the table with 52 points and a points percentage of 48.15 from nine Tests so far.
Shubman Gill takes charge as captain, though his build-up hasn't been entirely smooth. He picked up a finger injury during a training session in Colombo and had to sit out part of the warm-up match as a result.
He's since returned to batting and looked more than ready heading into the opener, with reports suggesting he'll slot in at number four.
Jasprit ***** rah, India's premier pace bowler, is out of the entire tour with an injury, which is a significant blow given his usual impact with the ball.

#galle #international

India heads back to Sri Lanka after a nine-year gap, kicking off a two-Test series at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on August 15, 2026.
Both matches count toward the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, where India currently sit fifth in the table with 52 points and a points percentage of 48.15 from nine Tests so far.
Shubman Gill takes charge as captain, though his build-up hasn't been entirely smooth. He picked up a finger injury during a training session in Colombo and had to sit out part of the warm-up match as a result.
He's since returned to batting and looked more than ready heading into the opener, with reports suggesting he'll slot in at number four.
Jasprit ******* rah, India's premier pace bowler, is out of the entire tour with an injury, which is a significant blow given his usual impact with the ball.

#injury

India heads back to Sri Lanka after a nine-year gap, kicking off a two-Test series at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on August 15, 2026.
Both matches count toward the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, where India currently sit fifth in the table with 52 points and a points percentage of 48.15 from nine Tests so far.
Shubman Gill takes charge as captain, though his build-up hasn't been entirely smooth. He picked up a finger injury during a training session in Colombo and had to sit out part of the warm-up match as a result.
He's since returned to batting and looked more than ready heading into the opener, with reports suggesting he'll slot in at number four.
Jasprit ****** rah, India's premier pace bowler, is out of the entire tour with an injury, which is a significant blow given his usual impact with the ball. A

#injury #galle #Cricket

Pakistan's successful Caribbean campaign has brought a significant boost in the latest ICC Men's Test Player Rankings, with captain Babar Azam returning to the top 10 while Abdullah Shafique and Sajid Khan also made notable gains. Babar's rise comes after Pakistan secured an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in Port of Spain to level the two-match World Test Championship series 1-1. The right-handed batter played a crucial role in the win, scoring 88 in the first innings before remaining unbeaten on 24 during the chase.

The performance saw Babar climb five places to No. 10 in the Test batting rankings, marking his return to the elite top 10 for the first time since September 2024. Babar had spent five consecutive years inside the top 10 before dropping out of the group. He reached a career-high ranking of No. 2 in December 2022.
Babar's return to the top 10 provides a timely boost for Pakistan ahead of their upcoming Test ***** ignment against England. Abdullah Shafique and Sajid Khan also benefited from Pakistan's performance in the Caribbean, making notable movements in the latest rankings.

At the top of the Test batting rankings, Australia's Travis Head continues to hold the No. 1 position, while India's Jasprit ***** rah remains the leading Test bowler. Ravindra Jadeja continues to occupy the No. 1 spot in the Test all-rounders' rankings.
Pakistan have received another boost ahead of the England series, with experienced batter Shan Masood returning to training with the squad at Beckenham on Tuesday. Masood had sustained a finger injury during the opening Test against the West Indies in the Caribbean and subsequently missed the second match. Pakistan went on to register an eight-wicket victory in Port of Spain, securing their first away Test win in three years.

His return to training has raised hopes that Masood could be available for the opening Test against England in Leeds, which begins on August 19.

#england #boost

India's growing injury crisis has raised fresh questions over the functioning of the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE), with former cricketer Mohammad Kaif expressing surprise that the world's richest cricket board has struggled to recruit some of the world's leading medical and rehabilitation professionals.

The latest setback came with Sai Sudharsan being ruled out of India's upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka due to a toe injury. He joins Jasprit ****** rah, Harshit Rana, Nitish ****** ar Reddy and Washington Sundar on the list of players unavailable for the Sri Lanka series because of injuries.

The repeated injury setbacks have frustrated the BCCI, particularly as several players have had to make trips to the CoE in Bengaluru for rehabilitation. The issue also came into focus when BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia travelled to Bengaluru to discuss the situation with CoE head VVS Laxman.
Laxman, during a press conference, revealed that the BCCI has been facing difficulties in finding the right personnel for the CoE. According to him, the board had approached several candidates, but some potential appointments fell through at the final stage.

The revelation has now drawn a strong reaction from Kaif, who questioned how the BCCI, despite its enormous financial resources, has been unable to bring some of the best medical professionals and physiotherapists into its setup.

"There was a statement from VVS Laxman that they had approached several people. Those things were being worked out, but at the last minute, they turned it down. So, what I am trying to say is that whatever is happening needs to be fixed. I am not an expert on this. The experts appointed by the BCCI need to do their job. But I am telling you that it is having a significant impact," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
Kaif admitted that he was particularly surprised by the situation given the financial strength of the BCCI and the attractiveness of working with Indian cricket.

"Now, I am surprised because so many people are eager to work with the BCCI. We have so much money that if we call someone, they will come running. They do, don't they? Just look at the players. Players leave their countries' matches to come and play in the IPL. They come, don't they?" Kaif said.

He further questioned why the BCCI had not been able to finalise contracts with leading physiotherapists and medical experts.

"So, I was a little surprised that we haven't been able to work things out with some of the world's best physiotherapists and medical professionals and get them to work with the BCCI. I am surprised because we pay so much. We offer such good contracts. If someone comes and works here, they are bound to make a lot of money. They get paid very well," he added.

The timing of the concerns is significant, with India heading into a two-Test series against Sri Lanka without several key players. The series begins in Galle on August 15.

#BCCI #several #injury

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member squad for India's two-match Test series against the hosts on their tour of Sri Lanka in August.
With Jasprit ******* rah ruled out and Auqib Nabi set to earn his maiden senior national team call-up, and the Test squad captained by captain Shubman Gill, India return to action on August 15 as they take on Sri Lanka in the first Test of the series at Galle.
The squad includes experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj, and the pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, Nabi, has been selected on the basis of his impressive domestic performances.
Although ******* rah was initially in the squad, he is not available because he continues to recover from his left knee injury sustained in the ODI series against England. Participation of Sai Sudharsan is subject to clearance from the medical team of BCCI.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source

#squad #test

NEW DELHI: With India's growing injury list putting the spotlight on the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), its head VVS Laxman has pushed back against the scrutiny surrounding the Bengaluru-based facility, insisting that injuries are an unavoidable part of a cricketer's career and that the focus should be on monitoring players rather than finding scapegoats.

The CoE has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks amid concerns over rehabilitation timelines, fitness ******* sments and communication between its sports science team and the national selection committee. Several key players are currently dealing with injuries, with Jasprit ******* rah, Sai Sudharsan, Harshit Rana, Nitish ******* ar Reddy and Washington Sundar among those facing fitness concerns.

Laxman, however, defended the institution's broader role, stressing that it should not be reduced to a rehabilitation centre.

"CoE is not merely a rehab centre. There are bigger roles to play for it in helping cricketers achieve excellence," Laxman said at a press conference in Bengaluru on Sunday.

His comments come at a time when the CoE's injury-management programme is under renewed examination, particularly with India set to begin a crucial Test series against Sri Lanka on August 15.
Laxman also refused to attribute India's injury problems to any individual or department, arguing that injuries are an inherent part of professional sport.

"Injuries are part and parcel of any player's career. That's why monitoring system is very critical. And we don't use the term blame then we will be trying to find scapegoats," he said.

The CoE chief pointed towards the facility's monitoring systems and the measures being used to ******* s players continuously, rather than relying solely on conventional fitness tests.

"Yo Yo test cannot be done when a player is part of the series, so we have introduced Bronco test by Adrian, so that the fitness can be monitored continously," Laxman said.

He cited ******* rah and Sudharsan as examples of players whose fitness was ******* sed through multiple parameters before decisions were made on their availability.

"Jasprit ******* rah and B Sai Sudharsan were picked as subject to fitness. We move them from one parameter to other before giving the clearance to play. The communication between CoE and team management is quite seamless," he added.

The comments are significant given the uncertainty that has surrounded the availability of both ******* rah and Sudharsan for the Sri Lanka Tests.

Both players were initially included in India's squad subject to fitness, but the CoE's medical and sports science experts ultimately opted for caution after ******* sing their respective conditions.

Bumrah's absence is particularly significant, with the fast bowler's knee continuing to cause problems after an impact injury. Fluid retention has required additional recovery time, forcing India to prepare for the series without one of their most impo

Auqib Nabi's impressive rise in domestic cricket has finally earned him a place in India's Test setup, with the Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler drafted into the squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka following Jasprit **** rah's injury.

The call-up comes after a remarkable run in domestic cricket, where Nabi established himself as one of the country's leading pace bowlers. His performances during Jammu and Kashmir's historic Ranji Trophy-winning campaign had already triggered widespread debate over his omission from the original squad.

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes those discussions were justified, insisting Nabi had already done enough to merit selection before being named as **** rah's replacement.

"It's a big thing and a very happy moment. And you are absolutely right that after performing so well, he (Auqib Nabi) probably shouldn't have come in as a replacement in the first place. But better late than never. I'm very happy for him because he deserves to be in the initial squad," Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.

Nabi has enjoyed two exceptional Ranji Trophy seasons, claiming 104 wickets, including 60 during the 2025-26 campaign, as Jammu and Kashmir secured their maiden Ranji Trophy **** le. Alongside his pace bowling, he has also contributed valuable runs lower down the order.

The right-arm seamer further strengthened his case during the recent India A tour of Sri Lanka, where he picked up six wickets in two first-class matches.

Jaffer also hailed Nabi's achievement of becoming the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to earn a place in India's Test team based on his performances, expressing hope that the youngster would seize the opportunity if selected in the playing XI.

"When a player performs this well, he should be a first-choice selection. But anyway, congratulations to him for becoming the first player to make it through in the Test team from J&K and on the basis of his performance. I hope that if he gets an opportunity, he proves why he has performed so well," he added.

Nabi's inclusion caps a memorable journey built on sustained domestic excellence, with the pacer now set to compete for his maiden Test cap in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

#test #nabi #kashmir

NEW DELHI: There was a time when Auqib Nabi didn't own a pair of bowling spikes.

For his first U-19 trial in Jammu & Kashmir, the fast bowler from Baramulla borrowed a pair from a friend. When he eventually earned selection, fate threw up another twist. The friend who had lent him the spikes didn't make the squad. Auqib borrowed another pair from him and played his entire first U-19 tournament in borrowed shoes.

Today, Auqib is making a name for himself with a skill that many fast bowlers spend years trying to master: the ability to swing the ball both ways. He has now earned his maiden India call-up, with the 29-year-old seamer from Jammu & Kashmir replacing the injured Jasprit ******* rah in India's Test squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

Nabi has picked up 104 wickets over the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, virtually breaking the selection door down with his performances. He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two First Class matches.
Yet, the road to the Indian dressing room wasn't built in fancy academies or elite fast-bowling programmes. It was shaped by a long journey, borrowed equipment and an obsession with learning.

"My parents are government school teachers. Initially, they wanted me to focus on studies, which was natural. Cricket wasn't something we had planned. A friend told me about the Under-19 trials. Until then, I didn't even know they were happening," Auqib had told reporters after picking up a five-wicket haul on the opening day of the Delhi vs Jammu & Kashmir Ranji Trophy match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in November 2025.

Like countless youngsters in Kashmir, his cricketing education began with tennis-ball matches. The transition to leather-ball cricket, however, brought a different challenge.
"The most basic thing a fast bowler needs is a turf wicket," he had said. "Baramulla had turf, but you couldn't bowl there wearing spikes. So I had to travel to Srinagar to practice."

The one-and-a-half-hour journey from Baramulla to Srinagar became part of his routine. Hours on the road simply to bowl a few overs on a proper surface. For many aspiring cricketers, inadequate facilities become a convenient excuse. Auqib never allowed himself that luxury.

"If you want to play for India, these things cannot become excuses. If you want it badly enough, you have to do it."
That philosophy continues to define him.

The philosophy kept motivating him day in and day out, but it was his obsession with learning that made him the bowler he is today.

"When he first joined the J&K team for the Buchi Babu Trophy in Salem in 2023, he could only bowl the outswinger. But he wanted to bowl both ways. So I started working on his inswing," P. Krishnakumar, Jammu & Kashmir's bowling coach, told TimesofIndia.com.

"He has a great wrist position, which is one of his biggest strengths," he said.
There were no shortcuts, and Nabi knew it. He started working on

India's injury woes have opened the door for one of domestic cricket's most persistent performers, with Auqib Nabi named as Jasprit ****** rah's replacement in the Test squad for Sri Lanka.
The Jammu and Kashmir seamer earns a maiden senior call-up after years of prolific returns in red-ball cricket. ****** rah was ruled out of the two-Test series after failing to fully recover from the left-knee issue he sustained during the ODI series in England.
With the BCCI medical team advising caution, the selectors turned to a bowler whose weight of wickets had made him impossible to ignore any longer.
For the 29-year-old, the call represents the culmination of a long and often frustrating wait for recognition. Having dominated the Ranji Trophy for two seasons, Nabi now stands on the brink of a Test debut on turning tracks that could suit his disciplined seam bowling.
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#jasprit #kashmir

NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi earned his maiden call-up to the Indian team after senior pacer Jasprit ******* rah was ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. TimesofIndia.com had earlier reported that the J & K pacer was the frontrunner to replace the 32-year-old in the squad, who has not yet fully recovered from the left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England.

"The Men's Selection Committee has named Auqib Nabi as ******* rah's replacement. The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler earns his maiden call-up to the senior national team," A BCCI release said.

Nabi claimed 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in the 2025-26 campaign, playing a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.

He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two first-class matches.

The first Test will be played in Galle from August 15 to 19, while the second Test will be held in Colombo from August 23 to 27.

The series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
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Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi.

*Subject to fitness clearance

#nabi #test #jammu #maiden

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member squad for India's two-match Test series against the hosts on their tour of Sri Lanka in August.
With Jasprit ******* rah ruled out and Auqib Nabi set to earn his maiden senior national team call-up, and the Test squad captained by captain Shubman Gill, India return to action on August 15 as they take on Sri Lanka in the first Test of the series at Galle.
The squad includes experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj, and the pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, Nabi, has been selected on the basis of his impressive domestic performances.
Although ******* rah was initially in the squad, he is not available because he continues to recover from his left knee injury sustained in the ODI series against England. Participation of Sai Sudharsan is subject to clearance from the medical team of BCCI.
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#series

Managing Jasprit ***** rah: Every India series missed due to injury risk in the lead-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jasprit ***** rah has been ruled out of the Sri Lanka Test series with a knee issue.
It continues a long pattern of India managing his workload across formats.
His fitness remains central to India's planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Jasprit ***** rah's absence from India's two-Test tour of Sri Lanka has once again placed his workload management under the microscope. The BCCI medical team advised the pace spearhead against rushing back, citing the need to fully recover from the left-knee issue he has nursed since the T20 World Cup earlier this year.

#bumrah

NEW DELHI: As India enter a critical phase in their bid to stay alive in the World Test Championship (WTC) race, Jasprit **** rah and Shubman Gill are taking a cautious approach to regaining full fitness ahead of the two-Test series in Sri Lanka starting Aug 15.

TOI understands that **** rah will begin gradually increasing his bowling workload after suffering an impact injury during the ODI series in England, while Gill has sought help from specialists outside the BCCI for his chronic neck problem.

It is learnt that **** rah developed swelling in his knee before the final ODI at Lord's on June 19 but the medical team is confident he will be ready for the first Test in Galle. The selectors picked him for the Sri Lanka tour subject to fitness. The focus is now on preparing him to endure the rigours of Test cricket.

Bumrah has played little longer-format cricket since the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati last Nov. He has featured only in T20 cricket, apart from two ODIs in England last month. **** rah is currently at the Centre of Excellence (CoE).

"Bumrah will start bowling this week and his workload will be gradually increased. He needs to get used to bowling longer spells again. The medical team at CoE will be closely monitoring it, and the initial reports are that he should be good to start the first Test. These two Test matches are very important for India. Dropping even one Test here will put immense pressure on the team to qualify for the WTC final next year. That's why the team management wants **** rah to be available in prime shape for the series," a BCCI source told TOI.

As for Gill, it is learnt that he has been consulting specialists to address the neck pain that first flared up during his first innings in the opening Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens. The problem eventually ruled him out of the rest of the series, which India lost 0-2. He also missed an IPL match because of the recurring pain.

"Gill has been battling the neck pain for some time. It flares up every now and then, especially when he bats for a longer period. He has been consulting specialists outside BCCI for treatment and he is much better now. It's an ongoing process. India felt his absence in that South Africa series. That's why he has taken a cautious approach in addressing the chronic issue," the source said.
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Sudharsan set to resume batting next week

Sai Sudharsan, India's No. 3 batter in Tests, has also been selected subject to fitness. He is recovering from a hamstring injury and will resume batting at the CoE next week. The BCCI medical team has shared a positive report regarding his availability for the first Test.

#test #first #south #africa

Greece have called up the brother of Australia batter Sam Konstas to their national cricket team as they prepare to make a surprise bid to qualify for the 2028 men's T20 World Cup.
It is understood Billy Konstas, four years older than Sam at 24, has been included in Greece's 14-man squad for a European qualifying event in Finland from 14 to 21 August.
Sam made his Test debut for Australia at the age of 19 against India in the Boxing Day Test in 2024, memorably ramping Jasprit ***** rah three times in one over.
Billy plays grade cricket in Sydney alongside his day job where he combines cricket coaching with physiotherapy.
The elder Konstas is joined in the squad by another Greek-Aussie in 21-year-old leg-spinning all-rounder Blake Faunce, who played representative age-group cricket for Australian Capital Territory.

#european

Chennai: As India look to usher in a new generation of fast bowlers, Australian great Glenn McGrath believes Prasidh Krishna has all the ingredients to become Jasprit ****** rah's long-term pace partner.

The legendary fast bowler, who is the director of coaching at the MRF Pace Foundation, has closely followed Prasidh's rise and feels the tall Karnataka seamer has transformed his potential into performances.

"I'm a big fan of Prasidh," McGrath said. "If he gets his length right, he's got everything going for him."

"He has really matured. He's tall, bowls in good areas, generates bounce and has genuine pace. Occasionally he's a little short, but apart from that, I think he's the whole package. He's really developed and put his potential into performance," he said.

India have handed opportunities to several young quicks during the recent tours of the UK and Zimbabwe as they prepare for a demanding cycle of white-ball cricket, with the ODI and T20 World Cups to be played in South Africa and Australia-New Zealand respectively. It means India will need a strong pace attack firing on all cylinders, and McGrath believes the transition phase they are going through will not be easy.

"You've got ****** rah, who's a class bowler, and Mohammed Shami, who's world-class as well. Mohammed Siraj has been around for a long time too. You can't just expect to pick up straight where you left off. It's always going to be a transitional period," he said, referring to the Australian team, which will also go through a similar phase.

"Other than Pat ****** mins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, hardly anybody gets a chance... So it's not going to be easy for Australia either."

McGrath also pointed out that ****** rah's unconventional action demands careful workload management.

"The way he powers through those last few steps probably puts more stress on his body than most bowlers. It'll be interesting to see how he manages himself," McGrath said.

While India appear keen to fast-track younger bowlers, McGrath insisted experienced pacers still have an important role to play.

"It's always good to have experience there. Young bowlers learn by playing alongside senior guys. I was fortunate to watch Craig McDermott and Merv Hughes. That's where you really learn. I'd always pick an experienced team over a potential team," he said.

On whether veterans such as Shami or Bhuvneshwar ****** ar could still mount a comeback, McGrath said the decision rested on their bodies, motivation and the selectors.

"If they're prepared to put the work in and their body allows it, then why not? As fast bowlers get older, the work only gets tougher. Ultimately, it's up to them and the selectors."

McGrath also called for a rethink in the way fast bowlers are rehabilitated after injuries, arguing that modern systems often "wrap bowlers in cotton wool" instead of making them physically stronger.
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"The best way is to get stronger. Even when you're in

The Board of Control for Cricket in India have announced a 15-member squad for India's upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka next month.
The Test squad, led by captain Shubman Gill, will return to action on August 15 as India take on the hosts in the first match of the series at Galle.
India have named a strong squad that saw the return of star players like Jasprit **** rah and Ravindra Jadeja to the Test squad, however, the team will miss all-rounder Washington Sundar, at least for the first Test, owing to an injury.
Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan's participation in the series is not a 100 per cent yet as them playing against Sri Lanka is subject to clearance from the medical team of BCCI.
ssssssssss

#lanka #bumrah

India squad for Sri Lanka Test series 2026: Full team lists for IND vs SL red-ball series originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
India announced their Sri Lanka Test series 2026 squad on Tuesday.
Shubman Gill to continue as Test captain, with KL Rahul in the leadership group.
Jasprit ******* rah and Ravindra Jadeja returned for the two-match series.
Washington Sundar will miss the first Test.

#test #India #lanka

NEW DELHI: India’s ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill expressed concern over his team’s fitness standards after the ODI series defeat in England. A string of players breaking down before or during series has repeatedly left the team hamstrung over the past year. Gill suggested that India might be missing a trick in managing players’ fitness.

His comments have brought into focus the breakdown of a system built on coordination between the Indian team management and the Centre of Excellence (CoE). Not long ago, India had all their key players fit and available for three ICC events in 2023, 2024 and 2025. TOI understands that some senior players are struggling to adapt to a new system following a change in personnel last year. The most worrying aspect has been the recurrence of hamstring injuries.

“The flurry of recent hamstring injuries suggests that the players may not have been absolutely fit before taking the field. There seems to be a gap in communication about a player’s fitness status and workload between the CoE and the team management,” a BCCI source said. The CoE has not appointed a head of medical staff since Nitin Patel left. “There has been no update to the SOPs drawn up in 2023. Data collection has become more robust, but acting on it has become slower,” the source added.
During Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach, the BCCI medical team, the CoE and the team management had charted out year-long roadmaps for individual players around major ICC events. The objective was to get each player to the required fitness level in time for the next ICC tournament or marquee Test series.

The recurring injuries suffered by Harshit Rana and Nitish **** ar Reddy have not gone down well with the BCCI. Sources said Reddy was being pushed to bowl close to 140kmph to compensate for the injury-prone Hardik Pandya.

“Reddy worked with English bowling coach Stefan Jones to increase his pace. But that needs to be a gradual process when he is with the team leading up to a big event. Instead, he is pushing himself to bowl faster whenever he is with the team,” the source said.

“It’s a bit concerning how Harshit was cleared by the CoE at the insistence of the team management when he had not attained his pre-knee-injury weight. These things need more care,” the source added.

TOI also understands that Washington Sundar too may have been rushed to join the T20 World Cup squad in Feb this year. “Washington required a good 10 days to be fit to play a match after joining the squad. He was pushed by the team management to get ready during a tournament. It may have taken its toll. Team can ask for players but the medical team needs to present a clear picture,” the source claimed.

Jasprit **** rah, for instance, is a special case for BCCI. Even with his history, he is barely pushed to hit high speeds months away from a marquee **** ignment. His loads are gradually increased to reach the desired level when the **** ignment arrives.

Akash Deep, who