4 days ago
India's 'Best Attitude Award' winners during Zimbabwe T20I series: Full list and why stand-in coach VVS Laxman introduced it originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
VVS Laxman introduces 'Best Attitude Award' during the Zimbabwe T20I series.
Award recognises effort, commitment beyond just skill or stats.
Tilak Varma wins inaugural medal for on- and off-field intensity.
Interim India coach VVS Laxman has rolled out a fresh initiative during the ongoing T20I series against Zimbabwe, introducing what he's calling the 'Best Attitude Award' to recognise players for qualities that don't always show up on a scorecard.
#best #zimbabwe #t20i #laxman
VVS Laxman introduces 'Best Attitude Award' during the Zimbabwe T20I series.
Award recognises effort, commitment beyond just skill or stats.
Tilak Varma wins inaugural medal for on- and off-field intensity.
Interim India coach VVS Laxman has rolled out a fresh initiative during the ongoing T20I series against Zimbabwe, introducing what he's calling the 'Best Attitude Award' to recognise players for qualities that don't always show up on a scorecard.
#best #zimbabwe #t20i #laxman
4 days ago
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced himself on the international stage in spectacular fashion during India's first T20I against Zimbabwe on Thursday, becoming the youngest player ever to score a maiden T20I half-century.
The 15-year-old became the youngest player to score a maiden T20I half-century after racing to an 18-ball fifty in Harare. It was a timely response from the teenage batter, who had managed scores of 14, 13 and 15 in his first three appearances for India during the T20I series against England.
Following those outings, Sooryavanshi was left out of the playing XI for the fifth and final T20I. His exclusion came amid intense scrutiny over India's selection decisions. Earlier in the England series, Sanju Samson, who had been India's Player of the Tournament during their T20 World Cup-winning campaign, was dropped from the side, with Sooryavanshi brought into the XI. However, for the fifth match, the management reversed course, restoring Samson and leaving out the youngster. Samson was subsequently omitted from India's squad for the Zimbabwe tour.
Former India captain and ex-BCCI selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth admitted he was baffled by the decision to drop Sooryavanshi after only three failures and took aim at head coach Gautam Gambhir over the move.
"He (Sooryavanshi) has an effortless range of shots, yet, not one shot was cross-batted. This boy is really something special. How did Gautam Gambhir foolishly drop him, of all people, after three failures to crush his confidence?" said Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel, as quoted by Sportskeeda.
With Gambhir not accompanying the team on the Zimbabwe tour, former India batter VVS Laxman is serving as the side's interim head coach.
Srikkanth also highlighted the youngster's commitment to improvement, revealing that Sooryavanshi immediately returned to work after the England series rather than taking a break.
"I salute Vaibhav for his dedication. After the England series, he didn't go home and instead went straight to the Rajasthan Royals camp. He has been working on his batting against the short ball because he wants to prove to the whole world that he is special," Srikkanth added.
The 1983 World Cup winner was equally impressed by the fearless approach shown by Sooryavanshi despite the pressure of retaining his place in the national side. According to Srikkanth, many young players would have opted for a safer route after a string of low scores, but the teenager remained committed to his attacking game.
"The ease at which he scores at a 250 strike rate is extraordinary. Normally, after three failures, other players would have tried to safeguard their place in the Indian team by taking singles and twos. But he played fearlessly without worrying about the consequences. Scoring a 50 off 18 **** has become child's play for him. That's his greatness," Srikkanth elaborated.
Sooryavanshi's explosive innings not only earned him a place in the record books bu
The 15-year-old became the youngest player to score a maiden T20I half-century after racing to an 18-ball fifty in Harare. It was a timely response from the teenage batter, who had managed scores of 14, 13 and 15 in his first three appearances for India during the T20I series against England.
Following those outings, Sooryavanshi was left out of the playing XI for the fifth and final T20I. His exclusion came amid intense scrutiny over India's selection decisions. Earlier in the England series, Sanju Samson, who had been India's Player of the Tournament during their T20 World Cup-winning campaign, was dropped from the side, with Sooryavanshi brought into the XI. However, for the fifth match, the management reversed course, restoring Samson and leaving out the youngster. Samson was subsequently omitted from India's squad for the Zimbabwe tour.
Former India captain and ex-BCCI selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth admitted he was baffled by the decision to drop Sooryavanshi after only three failures and took aim at head coach Gautam Gambhir over the move.
"He (Sooryavanshi) has an effortless range of shots, yet, not one shot was cross-batted. This boy is really something special. How did Gautam Gambhir foolishly drop him, of all people, after three failures to crush his confidence?" said Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel, as quoted by Sportskeeda.
With Gambhir not accompanying the team on the Zimbabwe tour, former India batter VVS Laxman is serving as the side's interim head coach.
Srikkanth also highlighted the youngster's commitment to improvement, revealing that Sooryavanshi immediately returned to work after the England series rather than taking a break.
"I salute Vaibhav for his dedication. After the England series, he didn't go home and instead went straight to the Rajasthan Royals camp. He has been working on his batting against the short ball because he wants to prove to the whole world that he is special," Srikkanth added.
The 1983 World Cup winner was equally impressed by the fearless approach shown by Sooryavanshi despite the pressure of retaining his place in the national side. According to Srikkanth, many young players would have opted for a safer route after a string of low scores, but the teenager remained committed to his attacking game.
"The ease at which he scores at a 250 strike rate is extraordinary. Normally, after three failures, other players would have tried to safeguard their place in the Indian team by taking singles and twos. But he played fearlessly without worrying about the consequences. Scoring a 50 off 18 **** has become child's play for him. That's his greatness," Srikkanth elaborated.
Sooryavanshi's explosive innings not only earned him a place in the record books bu
4 days ago
After the bruising their T20 side endured on the UK tour, this Zimbabwe series could be just the ideal fillip India needed.
Having finally recorded their maiden win under new T20 captain Shreyas Iyer after seven winless matches at the helm, India will look to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead when they take on Zimbabwe in the second T20I at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
Following a difficult run that saw them whitewashed by Ireland (0-2) and England (0-4), India's convincing sevenwicket victory in the seriesopener has restored some much-needed confidence.
Yet, even as the visitors look to build on that momentum, one player who will be under the scanner is explosive opener Abhishek Sharma.
Two years ago, Harare was the venue where Abhishek announced himself on the international stage with a breathtaking maiden T20I hundred in only his second game.
The stylish left-hander returns to the same ground searching for a spark after a worrying dip in form. Having begun the England series promisingly with scores of 59 and 43, Abhishek's returns thereafter have read 10, 16, 3 and 1. In Thursday's opener, his uncomfortable eight-ball 1 suggested a batter short on rhythm and confidence.
With competition for places intensifying, Abhishek knows he needs runs. Senior opener Sanju Samson, though absent on this tour, remains in the selectors' plans and has been named in India's squad for the Asian Games later this year. A substantial score in Harare would not only help India seal the series but also strengthen Abhishek's own case in a rapidly evolving T20 setup.
India, though, found a new hero in the opening match.
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed a stunning 18-ball fifty, becoming the youngest player to score a T20I half-century.
The 15-year-old, who had endured a difficult England tour where pacy bowlers like Jofra Archer tested him relentlessly with short-pitched bowling, responded in style against Zimbabwe.
Taking on Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani fearlessly, he produced a blistering innings that underlined why he is so highly rated.
Supported by Ishan Kishan's brisk 35 and an unbeaten 28 from skipper Iyer, Sooryavanshi ensured India chased down the target with more than six overs to spare.
Head coach VVS Laxman would have been equally pleased by the performance of India's revamped pace attack. The biggest positive was the return of Mayank Yadav, who made an impressive comeback after two injury-ravaged years. The Delhi quick finished with figures of 2 for 18 and consistently touched high speeds, with his opening delivery to Brian Bennett at 150 kmph indidcating that his pace remains intact.
Prince Yadav also showed signs of improvement after a lean England tour, while debutant Ashok Sharma displayed enough promise to suggest he could become another exciting fast-bowling option.
#zimbabwe #harare #iyer
Having finally recorded their maiden win under new T20 captain Shreyas Iyer after seven winless matches at the helm, India will look to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead when they take on Zimbabwe in the second T20I at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
Following a difficult run that saw them whitewashed by Ireland (0-2) and England (0-4), India's convincing sevenwicket victory in the seriesopener has restored some much-needed confidence.
Yet, even as the visitors look to build on that momentum, one player who will be under the scanner is explosive opener Abhishek Sharma.
Two years ago, Harare was the venue where Abhishek announced himself on the international stage with a breathtaking maiden T20I hundred in only his second game.
The stylish left-hander returns to the same ground searching for a spark after a worrying dip in form. Having begun the England series promisingly with scores of 59 and 43, Abhishek's returns thereafter have read 10, 16, 3 and 1. In Thursday's opener, his uncomfortable eight-ball 1 suggested a batter short on rhythm and confidence.
With competition for places intensifying, Abhishek knows he needs runs. Senior opener Sanju Samson, though absent on this tour, remains in the selectors' plans and has been named in India's squad for the Asian Games later this year. A substantial score in Harare would not only help India seal the series but also strengthen Abhishek's own case in a rapidly evolving T20 setup.
India, though, found a new hero in the opening match.
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed a stunning 18-ball fifty, becoming the youngest player to score a T20I half-century.
The 15-year-old, who had endured a difficult England tour where pacy bowlers like Jofra Archer tested him relentlessly with short-pitched bowling, responded in style against Zimbabwe.
Taking on Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani fearlessly, he produced a blistering innings that underlined why he is so highly rated.
Supported by Ishan Kishan's brisk 35 and an unbeaten 28 from skipper Iyer, Sooryavanshi ensured India chased down the target with more than six overs to spare.
Head coach VVS Laxman would have been equally pleased by the performance of India's revamped pace attack. The biggest positive was the return of Mayank Yadav, who made an impressive comeback after two injury-ravaged years. The Delhi quick finished with figures of 2 for 18 and consistently touched high speeds, with his opening delivery to Brian Bennett at 150 kmph indidcating that his pace remains intact.
Prince Yadav also showed signs of improvement after a lean England tour, while debutant Ashok Sharma displayed enough promise to suggest he could become another exciting fast-bowling option.
#zimbabwe #harare #iyer
4 days ago
Shreyas Iyer finally ended his wait for a victory as India's T20I captain after leading the side to a convincing seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the opening match of the three-game series in Harare on Thursday.
The result marked Shreyas' first win since taking over the captaincy from Suryakumar Yadav earlier this year. India had endured a difficult run under his leadership, beginning with a shock 2-0 series defeat to Ireland before suffering a 4-0 drubbing against England in a five-match T20I series.
Former India opener Sadagopan Ramesh said the celebrations following the Zimbabwe win were understandable given the team's recent struggles, insisting the victory would come as a major relief for the skipper.
"Many are saying India shouldn't be so excited for just a win over Zimbabwe. Yet, when you are starving for a victory for so long in T20Is, even leftover food will taste like a wedding meal. Shreyas Iyer will be relieved, considering India's fall under his captaincy. He would have reached a point where a win over anyone would have been enough for him," Ramesh said in a video uploaded on Instagram.
Ramesh also reserved praise for VVS Laxman, who is serving as India's interim head coach for the Zimbabwe tour. He credited the former India batter for consistently delivering positive results whenever he takes charge of the national side.
"VVS Laxman also deserves high praise. India perform well every time he's the head coach. Under him, India seem to always whitewash the opponents, even at a time the other teams are constantly whitewashing India otherwise. It got to the point where India just needed a win of any kind and hence their elation after beating even Zimbabwe," he added.
India's victory was further highlighted by a historic knock from teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old blazed his way to a maiden international half-century in just 18 ****** , becoming the youngest player to score a fifty in men's international cricket.
Sooryavanshi reached the milestone at the age of 15 years and 118 days, eclipsing the previous record held by Sachin Tendulkar. The batting great was 16 years and 213 days old when he registered his maiden international fifty against Pakistan in a Test at Faisalabad in 1989.
#shreyas #victory #series
The result marked Shreyas' first win since taking over the captaincy from Suryakumar Yadav earlier this year. India had endured a difficult run under his leadership, beginning with a shock 2-0 series defeat to Ireland before suffering a 4-0 drubbing against England in a five-match T20I series.
Former India opener Sadagopan Ramesh said the celebrations following the Zimbabwe win were understandable given the team's recent struggles, insisting the victory would come as a major relief for the skipper.
"Many are saying India shouldn't be so excited for just a win over Zimbabwe. Yet, when you are starving for a victory for so long in T20Is, even leftover food will taste like a wedding meal. Shreyas Iyer will be relieved, considering India's fall under his captaincy. He would have reached a point where a win over anyone would have been enough for him," Ramesh said in a video uploaded on Instagram.
Ramesh also reserved praise for VVS Laxman, who is serving as India's interim head coach for the Zimbabwe tour. He credited the former India batter for consistently delivering positive results whenever he takes charge of the national side.
"VVS Laxman also deserves high praise. India perform well every time he's the head coach. Under him, India seem to always whitewash the opponents, even at a time the other teams are constantly whitewashing India otherwise. It got to the point where India just needed a win of any kind and hence their elation after beating even Zimbabwe," he added.
India's victory was further highlighted by a historic knock from teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old blazed his way to a maiden international half-century in just 18 ****** , becoming the youngest player to score a fifty in men's international cricket.
Sooryavanshi reached the milestone at the age of 15 years and 118 days, eclipsing the previous record held by Sachin Tendulkar. The batting great was 16 years and 213 days old when he registered his maiden international fifty against Pakistan in a Test at Faisalabad in 1989.
#shreyas #victory #series
5 days ago
NEW DELHI: India fast bowler Ashok Sharma described his international debut as a "dream come true" after receiving his maiden India cap ahead of the opening T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on Thursday, dedicating the emotional milestone to his elder brother whose sacrifice helped shape his cricketing journey.
The 24-year-old Rajasthan pacer was handed his India cap by bowling coach Sunil Joshi before the toss, capping a remarkable rise from domestic cricket to the international stage. Although Ashok finished with figures of 0/29 in four overs, India secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Overcome with emotion after the cap presentation, Ashok reflected on years of hard work finally paying off.
"It's very special. The thing for which I was working hard, hopefully today it's fulfilled. It's a dream. Till now it's a dream, sir, whatever it was. Even now it's a dream that I wore the cap of India, and my dream has come true," he said.
The young pacer then revealed the person he wanted to honour the most.
"I dedicate this moment to my elder brother," he added.
Ashok's story is one of perseverance and family sacrifice.
Growing up in Rampura, a small village near Jaipur, he shared a passion for cricket with his elder brother, Akshay Sharma, who also played the game. However, financial constraints meant the family could not afford to support both sons in pursuing cricket.
Akshay made the difficult decision to put aside his own ambitions so Ashok could attend inter-district Under-16 trials. That selfless act became the turning point in Ashok's career.
Years later, the youngster who once struggled for opportunities has now become India's newest fast-bowling prospect.
Before presenting the India cap, stand-in head coach VVS Laxman reminded Ashok of the significance of representing the country.
"We know Ashok is going to make his international debut, and we discussed that it's a matter of great honour," he said.
Laxman also acknowledged the effort behind the achievement.
"Representing the country, all your hard work, and all your performances were rewarded by this opportunity," he added.
Ashok's rise has been rapid over the past year.
After finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 22 wickets, he earned an IPL contract with Gujarat ******* ans, where he grabbed headlines by clocking 154.2 kmph — the fastest delivery of IPL 2026.
Earlier in his journey, he almost walked away from cricket before a chance appearance at the Red Bull Speedster competition opened the doors to becoming a Rajasthan Royals net bowler, eventually paving the way for his domestic breakthrough.
Though he went wicketless on debut against Zimbabwe, Ashok consistently hit a lively pace and showcased the attributes that earned him national selection.
#ashok #India #Cricket #hard
The 24-year-old Rajasthan pacer was handed his India cap by bowling coach Sunil Joshi before the toss, capping a remarkable rise from domestic cricket to the international stage. Although Ashok finished with figures of 0/29 in four overs, India secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Overcome with emotion after the cap presentation, Ashok reflected on years of hard work finally paying off.
"It's very special. The thing for which I was working hard, hopefully today it's fulfilled. It's a dream. Till now it's a dream, sir, whatever it was. Even now it's a dream that I wore the cap of India, and my dream has come true," he said.
The young pacer then revealed the person he wanted to honour the most.
"I dedicate this moment to my elder brother," he added.
Ashok's story is one of perseverance and family sacrifice.
Growing up in Rampura, a small village near Jaipur, he shared a passion for cricket with his elder brother, Akshay Sharma, who also played the game. However, financial constraints meant the family could not afford to support both sons in pursuing cricket.
Akshay made the difficult decision to put aside his own ambitions so Ashok could attend inter-district Under-16 trials. That selfless act became the turning point in Ashok's career.
Years later, the youngster who once struggled for opportunities has now become India's newest fast-bowling prospect.
Before presenting the India cap, stand-in head coach VVS Laxman reminded Ashok of the significance of representing the country.
"We know Ashok is going to make his international debut, and we discussed that it's a matter of great honour," he said.
Laxman also acknowledged the effort behind the achievement.
"Representing the country, all your hard work, and all your performances were rewarded by this opportunity," he added.
Ashok's rise has been rapid over the past year.
After finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 22 wickets, he earned an IPL contract with Gujarat ******* ans, where he grabbed headlines by clocking 154.2 kmph — the fastest delivery of IPL 2026.
Earlier in his journey, he almost walked away from cricket before a chance appearance at the Red Bull Speedster competition opened the doors to becoming a Rajasthan Royals net bowler, eventually paving the way for his domestic breakthrough.
Though he went wicketless on debut against Zimbabwe, Ashok consistently hit a lively pace and showcased the attributes that earned him national selection.
#ashok #India #Cricket #hard
16 days ago
New Delhi: The Indian cricket board (BCCI) may have to work overtime to get the support staff for the Indian team in order after the conclusion of the ongoing England tour. TOI understands that ***** istant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and fast bowling coach Morne Morkel are contemplating moving on from their respective roles once their contracts expire after the ODI series in England this month.
"Doeschate isn't very sure of continuing with this job. He has conveyed his problems with travelling with the team throughout the year. Morkel is still weighing his options. The board is discussing the matter with the two coaches and will try to see if things can be sorted out," a BCCI source told TOI.
The Indian team is due to leave for Sri Lanka for a two-Test series in the first week of Aug. Cricket head at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) VVS Laxman will take his CoE coaching staff with him for India's three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe in the last week of July.
Sources said that Doeschate may be in talks with an IPL franchise, while Morkel hasn't said anything firmly yet. Head coach Gautam Gambhir had handpicked these two coaches when he took charge in July 2024. The BCCI has always endorsed support staff coming through its coaching programme at the CoE. Last year, Abhishek Nayar was replaced by Sitanshu Kotak as batting coach.
If things aren't resolved with Doeschate and Morkel, the BCCI may be forced to send Lakshmipathy Balaji, who was recently appointed as the fast bowling coach at the CoE, to Sri Lanka.
Fielding coach under fire
TOI has also learnt that fielding coach T Dilip is under pressure to save his job. The board is not happy with the team's deteriorating fielding standards. Dilip got a reprieve last year after being sacked along with Nayar.
"Doeschate isn't very sure of continuing with this job. He has conveyed his problems with travelling with the team throughout the year. Morkel is still weighing his options. The board is discussing the matter with the two coaches and will try to see if things can be sorted out," a BCCI source told TOI.
The Indian team is due to leave for Sri Lanka for a two-Test series in the first week of Aug. Cricket head at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) VVS Laxman will take his CoE coaching staff with him for India's three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe in the last week of July.
Sources said that Doeschate may be in talks with an IPL franchise, while Morkel hasn't said anything firmly yet. Head coach Gautam Gambhir had handpicked these two coaches when he took charge in July 2024. The BCCI has always endorsed support staff coming through its coaching programme at the CoE. Last year, Abhishek Nayar was replaced by Sitanshu Kotak as batting coach.
If things aren't resolved with Doeschate and Morkel, the BCCI may be forced to send Lakshmipathy Balaji, who was recently appointed as the fast bowling coach at the CoE, to Sri Lanka.
Fielding coach under fire
TOI has also learnt that fielding coach T Dilip is under pressure to save his job. The board is not happy with the team's deteriorating fielding standards. Dilip got a reprieve last year after being sacked along with Nayar.
