4 hours ago
Shikhar Mohan, Jharkhand batter credited captain Ishan Kishan's constant guidance after making an impressive 85 on his Duleep Trophy debut against South Zone in the 2026/27 final.
Mohan, who came into the East Zone XI as a replacement for Jharkhand teammate Virat Singh, played a key role in rebuilding the innings after the early wickets. He added 94 runs for the third wicket with Kishan, helping East Zone recover and take control on the opening day.
Kishan remained unbeaten on 111 at stumps, while ******* ar Kushagra was not out on 63 as East Zone finished the day on 385/4 in 79 overs.
"Ishan bhaiya was giving me a lot of advice while batting. He was telling me what shot is on and what is not. Thanks to that, we had a great partnership," Mohan told reporters after play.
Mohan earned his place in the East Zone side after an outstanding debut Ranji Trophy season, where he scored 613 runs at an average of 55.72. Although primarily an opener, he had no issues adapting to the No. 3 position with Abhimanyu Easwaran and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi opening for East Zone.
"My journey has been very good so far. My first season in Ranji Trophy went very well, so coming into this match, I just wanted to carry that forward. I was looking to maintain that form from the Ranji Trophy," he said.
Mohan also accepted the challenge of facing South Zone's short-ball strategy, with five fielders stationed on the leg side. He showed patience before eventually falling to Chama Milind after an inside edge off a bouncer.
"The plan was that I would leave the ball first, and when they get tired, they will give me chances to score runs. I made a poor decision and got out," he admitted.
The youngster also felt his experience in the Jharkhand T20 League helped him handle the pressure of playing in front of a sizeable crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
"I think it helped a lot. The crowds there were also very good, so today when there was a big crowd, it felt normal to me," Mohan said.
#east #ranji
Mohan, who came into the East Zone XI as a replacement for Jharkhand teammate Virat Singh, played a key role in rebuilding the innings after the early wickets. He added 94 runs for the third wicket with Kishan, helping East Zone recover and take control on the opening day.
Kishan remained unbeaten on 111 at stumps, while ******* ar Kushagra was not out on 63 as East Zone finished the day on 385/4 in 79 overs.
"Ishan bhaiya was giving me a lot of advice while batting. He was telling me what shot is on and what is not. Thanks to that, we had a great partnership," Mohan told reporters after play.
Mohan earned his place in the East Zone side after an outstanding debut Ranji Trophy season, where he scored 613 runs at an average of 55.72. Although primarily an opener, he had no issues adapting to the No. 3 position with Abhimanyu Easwaran and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi opening for East Zone.
"My journey has been very good so far. My first season in Ranji Trophy went very well, so coming into this match, I just wanted to carry that forward. I was looking to maintain that form from the Ranji Trophy," he said.
Mohan also accepted the challenge of facing South Zone's short-ball strategy, with five fielders stationed on the leg side. He showed patience before eventually falling to Chama Milind after an inside edge off a bouncer.
"The plan was that I would leave the ball first, and when they get tired, they will give me chances to score runs. I made a poor decision and got out," he admitted.
The youngster also felt his experience in the Jharkhand T20 League helped him handle the pressure of playing in front of a sizeable crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
"I think it helped a lot. The crowds there were also very good, so today when there was a big crowd, it felt normal to me," Mohan said.
#east #ranji
3 days ago
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.
133754397
#series #test #prince #bumrah
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.
133754397
#series #test #prince #bumrah
3 days ago
NEW DELHI: Anshuman Hooda bursts into laughter when asked to choose between his office laptop and his cricket ball. "My cricket ball is my best friend," he tells TimesofIndia.com.
His elder brother, Vikram Hooda, says their mother, Prem Lata Singh, a primary class teacher at a Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) school, is happy to see Anshuman pursue cricket, especially now that he has a stable job. "Earlier, they used to say that he needed a job. Now that he has one and is doing well, she is happy," Vikram says of their parents.
Anshuman had a breakout 2026 Delhi Premier League (DPL) season -- emerging as the Purple Cap winner with 22 scalps -- which played a crucial role in South Delhi Superstarz's **** le triumph.
But there was a time when Hooda thought cricket had run its course. Two attempts at the Under-23 trials had gone by without success. There was no age-group cricket on his résumé, no traditional pathway through Delhi's junior system and no obvious route into first-class cricket. He had an engineering degree from Delhi Technological University (DTU) and a job at EY. The sensible thing, he thought, was to move on.
"I tried for Under-23 for two years, but I couldn't make it. I thought it would be very difficult because I hadn't played any professional cricket or age-group cricket. It would have been very difficult to directly get selected for the Ranji Trophy or first-class cricket," Anshuman recollects.
"So at that time, I thought I should quit cricket and pursue my career in engineering or something."
But just when he thought of walking away from the game, his coach Harish Dagar, who runs a cricket academy named Delhi Cricket Hub in Delhi's Paschim Vihar, and trains youngsters at DTU, stepped up.
"It was in 2023. He had just graduated. He had got the job through campus placement and was ready to move on with his life. I pleaded with him to give it one more year. I asked him to come to my academy four days a week for a year, and if nothing would pan out, I would let him pursue his corporate job," reminisces Dagar.
Then came the Delhi Premier League (DPL). And with it came a completely different possibility. For a young man who had arrived late to leather-ball cricket, DPL became the stage on which his raw pace, athleticism and appetite for fast bowling could finally be seen. The numbers followed. The attention followed, and now Anshuman is finally ready to become a full-time cricketer.
"I have seen some substantial progress in my cricket in recent months and in this tournament. So in the coming times, I might shift my whole focus to cricket and give it my all," he says.
Anshuman is 25 and, in cricketing terminology, he can be called a late bloomer. But the most unusual thing about Anshuman's story is perhaps where it began. Not with a cricket academy. Not with a junior tournament. Not with a childhood obsession with bowling. With roller skates.
Growing up, Anshuman was a national-level roller skater. Cricket e
His elder brother, Vikram Hooda, says their mother, Prem Lata Singh, a primary class teacher at a Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) school, is happy to see Anshuman pursue cricket, especially now that he has a stable job. "Earlier, they used to say that he needed a job. Now that he has one and is doing well, she is happy," Vikram says of their parents.
Anshuman had a breakout 2026 Delhi Premier League (DPL) season -- emerging as the Purple Cap winner with 22 scalps -- which played a crucial role in South Delhi Superstarz's **** le triumph.
But there was a time when Hooda thought cricket had run its course. Two attempts at the Under-23 trials had gone by without success. There was no age-group cricket on his résumé, no traditional pathway through Delhi's junior system and no obvious route into first-class cricket. He had an engineering degree from Delhi Technological University (DTU) and a job at EY. The sensible thing, he thought, was to move on.
"I tried for Under-23 for two years, but I couldn't make it. I thought it would be very difficult because I hadn't played any professional cricket or age-group cricket. It would have been very difficult to directly get selected for the Ranji Trophy or first-class cricket," Anshuman recollects.
"So at that time, I thought I should quit cricket and pursue my career in engineering or something."
But just when he thought of walking away from the game, his coach Harish Dagar, who runs a cricket academy named Delhi Cricket Hub in Delhi's Paschim Vihar, and trains youngsters at DTU, stepped up.
"It was in 2023. He had just graduated. He had got the job through campus placement and was ready to move on with his life. I pleaded with him to give it one more year. I asked him to come to my academy four days a week for a year, and if nothing would pan out, I would let him pursue his corporate job," reminisces Dagar.
Then came the Delhi Premier League (DPL). And with it came a completely different possibility. For a young man who had arrived late to leather-ball cricket, DPL became the stage on which his raw pace, athleticism and appetite for fast bowling could finally be seen. The numbers followed. The attention followed, and now Anshuman is finally ready to become a full-time cricketer.
"I have seen some substantial progress in my cricket in recent months and in this tournament. So in the coming times, I might shift my whole focus to cricket and give it my all," he says.
Anshuman is 25 and, in cricketing terminology, he can be called a late bloomer. But the most unusual thing about Anshuman's story is perhaps where it began. Not with a cricket academy. Not with a junior tournament. Not with a childhood obsession with bowling. With roller skates.
Growing up, Anshuman was a national-level roller skater. Cricket e
6 days ago
BENGALURU: In 118 minutes and 81 ******* , Vaibhav Sooryavanshi offered a glimpse of the raw talent that has made him one of Indian cricket's most sought-after prospects. The southpaw backs his big-hitting ability irrespective of the format and his fearless approach was on full display as the East Zone opener smashed 92 (7x4, 7x6) against Central Zone on Day 2 of their Duleep Trophy semifinal at the BCCI Centre of Excellence here on Monday.
At 15 years and 157 days, Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to score a 50 in the tournament, breaking Central Zone's Laxman Singh's record of 16 years and 23 days, set in January 1969.
The innings was more than just a record. Since his Ranji Trophy debut in 2024, the teenager had managed 215 runs from nine first-class matches. While he has built strong credentials in white-ball cricket, the longer format remains a stern test. Sooryavanshi was in no mood to let a red-ball challenge pass without making a statement.
The first session was all about his attacking display. After getting off the mark with a risky single, the left-hander struck his first boundary with a stylish square drive. That was merely an appetiser, as he repeatedly looked to score in the V against the pacers, including Yash Thakur, whom he deposited over the bowler's head for his first six. His 18 singles were as much a sign of maturity as his seven sixes were of his power.
His domination helped East Zone race to 64 in the first 10 overs. On 40, Sooryavanshi was handed a reprieve when Yash Rathod dropped a straightforward catch off Saransh Jain. The batter made the most of it, bringing up his half-century off 42 ******* with a six over long-on.
What stood out was not just the power, but the range. One particular ******* ault on pacer Aryan Pandey was striking. Charging down the track, Sooryavanshi smashed the ball straight back over the bowler's head for his fourth six.
Such was his command that it seemed to matter little who was bowling. Off-spinner Saransh Jain, who recently made his India Test debut, was dealt with equal confidence, conceding a four and a six as Sooryavanshi raced towards the nervous nineties in the 25th over.
However, he was left distraught when another attempt at a maximum landed in Arshad Khan's hands at deep mid-wicket off Harsh Dubey, leaving him eight runs short of his maiden first-class hundred.
Along with Abhimanyu Easwaran's 69, Sooryavanshi's 92 formed the backbone of a 161-run opening stand that helped East Zone reach 266, exactly matching Central Zone's first-innings total. Central were 45/3 at stumps.
Brief scores: Central Zone 266 & 45/3 in 20 overs (Mukesh ******* ar 2-14) vs East Zone 266 all out in 57 overs (Abhimanyu Easwaran 69, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 92; Aryan Pandey 3-43, Yash Thakur 3-66, Harsh Dubey 4-66).
#central
At 15 years and 157 days, Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to score a 50 in the tournament, breaking Central Zone's Laxman Singh's record of 16 years and 23 days, set in January 1969.
The innings was more than just a record. Since his Ranji Trophy debut in 2024, the teenager had managed 215 runs from nine first-class matches. While he has built strong credentials in white-ball cricket, the longer format remains a stern test. Sooryavanshi was in no mood to let a red-ball challenge pass without making a statement.
The first session was all about his attacking display. After getting off the mark with a risky single, the left-hander struck his first boundary with a stylish square drive. That was merely an appetiser, as he repeatedly looked to score in the V against the pacers, including Yash Thakur, whom he deposited over the bowler's head for his first six. His 18 singles were as much a sign of maturity as his seven sixes were of his power.
His domination helped East Zone race to 64 in the first 10 overs. On 40, Sooryavanshi was handed a reprieve when Yash Rathod dropped a straightforward catch off Saransh Jain. The batter made the most of it, bringing up his half-century off 42 ******* with a six over long-on.
What stood out was not just the power, but the range. One particular ******* ault on pacer Aryan Pandey was striking. Charging down the track, Sooryavanshi smashed the ball straight back over the bowler's head for his fourth six.
Such was his command that it seemed to matter little who was bowling. Off-spinner Saransh Jain, who recently made his India Test debut, was dealt with equal confidence, conceding a four and a six as Sooryavanshi raced towards the nervous nineties in the 25th over.
However, he was left distraught when another attempt at a maximum landed in Arshad Khan's hands at deep mid-wicket off Harsh Dubey, leaving him eight runs short of his maiden first-class hundred.
Along with Abhimanyu Easwaran's 69, Sooryavanshi's 92 formed the backbone of a 161-run opening stand that helped East Zone reach 266, exactly matching Central Zone's first-innings total. Central were 45/3 at stumps.
Brief scores: Central Zone 266 & 45/3 in 20 overs (Mukesh ******* ar 2-14) vs East Zone 266 all out in 57 overs (Abhimanyu Easwaran 69, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 92; Aryan Pandey 3-43, Yash Thakur 3-66, Harsh Dubey 4-66).
#central
7 days ago
New Delhi: A controversy is never far from Delhi cricket. As the third edition of the Delhi Premier League T20 comes to a close, Delhi and District Cricket ******* ociation (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley spoke to TOI on the pressing issues...
How has the DPL benefitted Delhi cricket so far?
DPL has been consistently throwing up names who are fetching good prices in the IPL. We expect a few more this year. But it has turned around the women's game altogether. The senior Delhi team won the women's national one-day tournament. The U-23 team has won once and finished runners-up once.
How does it impact the revenue?
All I can say is that the DDCA can now take care of the expenses for all the Delhi state teams across age-groups and genders throughout the year with the profit we make from this league.
There have been doubts cast on quality of players playing, especially with the Dev Chaudhary controversy...
DDCA, by principle, revisits every regulation of the league after each season. I feel for the boy for what he has to go through.
What's the plan with the new stadium?
We have identified two spots in Delhi. One is the landfill in Okhla and the other is near Badarpur. We are in the process of finalising the venue to build a stadium with 70-80k capacity. We are in talks with BCCI to come up with suggestions or a collaboration to create a state-of-the-art facility.
Many players avoid playing Ranji Trophy and just focus on T20 leagues...
That is something we have observed, especially with a few senior fast bowlers. We will keep a close watch on them this season. If they dodge Ranji Trophy, they will not be considered for Delhi in other formats.
#senior
How has the DPL benefitted Delhi cricket so far?
DPL has been consistently throwing up names who are fetching good prices in the IPL. We expect a few more this year. But it has turned around the women's game altogether. The senior Delhi team won the women's national one-day tournament. The U-23 team has won once and finished runners-up once.
How does it impact the revenue?
All I can say is that the DDCA can now take care of the expenses for all the Delhi state teams across age-groups and genders throughout the year with the profit we make from this league.
There have been doubts cast on quality of players playing, especially with the Dev Chaudhary controversy...
DDCA, by principle, revisits every regulation of the league after each season. I feel for the boy for what he has to go through.
What's the plan with the new stadium?
We have identified two spots in Delhi. One is the landfill in Okhla and the other is near Badarpur. We are in the process of finalising the venue to build a stadium with 70-80k capacity. We are in talks with BCCI to come up with suggestions or a collaboration to create a state-of-the-art facility.
Many players avoid playing Ranji Trophy and just focus on T20 leagues...
That is something we have observed, especially with a few senior fast bowlers. We will keep a close watch on them this season. If they dodge Ranji Trophy, they will not be considered for Delhi in other formats.
#senior
12 days ago
NEW DELHI: When Ishan Kishan walks out to bat, the image that usually comes to mind is that of a left-handed batter hitting big sixes, playing brutal pull shots and putting bowlers under pressure. Kishan is known for his aggressive style in white-ball cricket. But on Tuesday, the 28-year-old made it clear that he also loves the challenge of red-ball cricket.
The East Zone captain led his team to a massive innings and 210-run win over North East Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2 in Bengaluru.
"I enjoy red-ball [cricket] very much. I think people don't believe me when I say that smiles, but it's, I'm being very honest, I really do enjoy red-ball cricket," Kishan told Cricinfo.
Kishan has played 32 ODIs and 55 T20Is for India, apart from 134 IPL matches. His last of two Test appearances came in July 2023. Despite his limited opportunities in Test cricket, his love for the red-ball format remains strong.
"It's always fun to be part of it because I love that challenge when, you know, yes, it's easier to bat on flat tracks and it's fun as well, but the competition which goes around in Test match[es] is some different-level thing," he said.
The match against North East Zone was Kishan's 65th first-class appearance. His previous first-class game was against Baroda in the Ranji Trophy in November 2025. In the nine months between the two matches, Kishan played 59 games across international and domestic cricket, including the IPL.
As someone who has played plenty of white-ball cricket, he admitted that moving back to the red ball was not easy.
"Situations will get tricky," he said in Bengaluru, where the Duleep Trophy is being held. "It will not be easy for us as players to just move around from white ball to red ball, red ball to white ball; change of format, change of gameplay, but that is the fun part about this game," Kishan said.
He spoke about the pressure and challenges that players deal with away from the field.
"You need to understand, as a sportsman, life can be harsh on us. It just looks very simple, like [a] player just comes here, plays their matches, and they leave. It's not like that. They go around, they keep on thinking, there's so much going on in their head every time."
But Kishan believes players cannot keep making excuses if they want to succeed.
"If you want to make it big," Kishan said, "you want to make it count, you can't have many excuses. But at the same time, I feel you should just think about getting better and not cry about things which you cannot control."
Kishan's innings in the match lasted only four runs. He reached out for a wide ball and tried to guide it behind point before being caught behind.
The wicketkeeper-batter admitted that the shot came naturally and he immediately regretted playing it.
"I was in the middle of the shot, and I was like 'what the heck I was trying to do!' I should know this is [a] Test [first-class] match and I need to leave a few **** . So
The East Zone captain led his team to a massive innings and 210-run win over North East Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2 in Bengaluru.
"I enjoy red-ball [cricket] very much. I think people don't believe me when I say that smiles, but it's, I'm being very honest, I really do enjoy red-ball cricket," Kishan told Cricinfo.
Kishan has played 32 ODIs and 55 T20Is for India, apart from 134 IPL matches. His last of two Test appearances came in July 2023. Despite his limited opportunities in Test cricket, his love for the red-ball format remains strong.
"It's always fun to be part of it because I love that challenge when, you know, yes, it's easier to bat on flat tracks and it's fun as well, but the competition which goes around in Test match[es] is some different-level thing," he said.
The match against North East Zone was Kishan's 65th first-class appearance. His previous first-class game was against Baroda in the Ranji Trophy in November 2025. In the nine months between the two matches, Kishan played 59 games across international and domestic cricket, including the IPL.
As someone who has played plenty of white-ball cricket, he admitted that moving back to the red ball was not easy.
"Situations will get tricky," he said in Bengaluru, where the Duleep Trophy is being held. "It will not be easy for us as players to just move around from white ball to red ball, red ball to white ball; change of format, change of gameplay, but that is the fun part about this game," Kishan said.
He spoke about the pressure and challenges that players deal with away from the field.
"You need to understand, as a sportsman, life can be harsh on us. It just looks very simple, like [a] player just comes here, plays their matches, and they leave. It's not like that. They go around, they keep on thinking, there's so much going on in their head every time."
But Kishan believes players cannot keep making excuses if they want to succeed.
"If you want to make it big," Kishan said, "you want to make it count, you can't have many excuses. But at the same time, I feel you should just think about getting better and not cry about things which you cannot control."
Kishan's innings in the match lasted only four runs. He reached out for a wide ball and tried to guide it behind point before being caught behind.
The wicketkeeper-batter admitted that the shot came naturally and he immediately regretted playing it.
"I was in the middle of the shot, and I was like 'what the heck I was trying to do!' I should know this is [a] Test [first-class] match and I need to leave a few **** . So
13 days 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
14 days ago
After BCCI dissolves national selectors' role in picking zonal teams, sanctity of the tournament comes under scanner
CHENNAI/NEW DELHI: A few days before the Duleep Trophy got underway at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on Sunday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia announced that the final will be shifted to MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The reason given was that there will be fans who will come to watch the match, which doesn't happen in the CoE.
Chennai is a cricket-crazy centre. But when you ask those who 'book' their IPL tickets long before the event, whether they would be interested in attending the Duleep final, the standard query is: "Will Shubman Gill play?"
Gill, in this case, stands for all the stars of Indian cricket. The Duleep final is from Sept 6-10, and it will be interesting to see that those who are not part of the Afghanistan T20 series starting on Sept 12 turn out at MAC.
That said, the primary purpose of the inter-zonal tournament is to check out the best performers in the Ranji Trophy go head-to-head against each other. The relevance of the tournament, especially after the inception of IPL, has diminished drastically. Yet, it remains a stepping stone for a lot of players.
The tournament's sanctity has been up for debate with the selection process. The BCCI, in the last decade, has often tried playing the tournament with national selectors picking the India 'A', 'B' and 'C' teams.
This year, the board has reverted to the inter-zonal format and has kept the national selectors out of the equation. The result? Delhi opener Sanat Sangwan, who scored 828 runs in seven Ranji Trophy matches, was on Sunday, benched by the North Zone management and instead middle-order batter Yash Dhull was played as an opener. The Central Zone team has only one player from semifinalist Uttarakhand while Madhya Pradesh was the only team from the zone to have qualified for the quarterfinals. There have been a few debatable selections in the South Zone team as well.
Former national selector Devang Gandhi believes that a national selector has to be involved in the selection process if the sanctity of the tournament is to be saved. "When we were selectors from 2016-2021, BCCI had given us the responsibility of picking the Duleep Trophy to maintain continuity in a player's development. If the opener with the highest runs in the country doesn't get to play Duleep Trophy, it defeats the purpose of the tournament. The board must at least ensure one selector from each zone is present in planning their respective zonal teams. Otherwise, politics at the state **** ociation level can crop up. There's no accountability if BCCI selectors are not used," Gandhi told TOI.
"Today we are seeing Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain as products of domestic cricket. If that structure is compromised, then it will be difficult to see such journeys," Gandhi added.
TOI understands that the selection committee has been asking for a greater role
CHENNAI/NEW DELHI: A few days before the Duleep Trophy got underway at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on Sunday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia announced that the final will be shifted to MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The reason given was that there will be fans who will come to watch the match, which doesn't happen in the CoE.
Chennai is a cricket-crazy centre. But when you ask those who 'book' their IPL tickets long before the event, whether they would be interested in attending the Duleep final, the standard query is: "Will Shubman Gill play?"
Gill, in this case, stands for all the stars of Indian cricket. The Duleep final is from Sept 6-10, and it will be interesting to see that those who are not part of the Afghanistan T20 series starting on Sept 12 turn out at MAC.
That said, the primary purpose of the inter-zonal tournament is to check out the best performers in the Ranji Trophy go head-to-head against each other. The relevance of the tournament, especially after the inception of IPL, has diminished drastically. Yet, it remains a stepping stone for a lot of players.
The tournament's sanctity has been up for debate with the selection process. The BCCI, in the last decade, has often tried playing the tournament with national selectors picking the India 'A', 'B' and 'C' teams.
This year, the board has reverted to the inter-zonal format and has kept the national selectors out of the equation. The result? Delhi opener Sanat Sangwan, who scored 828 runs in seven Ranji Trophy matches, was on Sunday, benched by the North Zone management and instead middle-order batter Yash Dhull was played as an opener. The Central Zone team has only one player from semifinalist Uttarakhand while Madhya Pradesh was the only team from the zone to have qualified for the quarterfinals. There have been a few debatable selections in the South Zone team as well.
Former national selector Devang Gandhi believes that a national selector has to be involved in the selection process if the sanctity of the tournament is to be saved. "When we were selectors from 2016-2021, BCCI had given us the responsibility of picking the Duleep Trophy to maintain continuity in a player's development. If the opener with the highest runs in the country doesn't get to play Duleep Trophy, it defeats the purpose of the tournament. The board must at least ensure one selector from each zone is present in planning their respective zonal teams. Otherwise, politics at the state **** ociation level can crop up. There's no accountability if BCCI selectors are not used," Gandhi told TOI.
"Today we are seeing Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain as products of domestic cricket. If that structure is compromised, then it will be difficult to see such journeys," Gandhi added.
TOI understands that the selection committee has been asking for a greater role
15 days ago
Former India head coach Rahul Dravid believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi needs a carefully managed pathway as the 15-year-old begins to make his mark across formats, stressing the importance of giving him enough opportunities in red-ball cricket alongside his white-ball commitments.
Sooryavanshi, who enjoyed a breakthrough IPL season before making his T20I debut in England in June, is now set to return to the longer format with East Zone in the Duleep Trophy.
While the teenager has already attracted significant attention in white-ball cricket, his first-class record remains modest. He averages 17.25 from 12 innings across three stints in the Ranji Trophy Plate League, with his domestic campaigns interrupted by India U19 commitments.
Dravid, who coached Sooryavanshi at Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, said the youngster's exposure to both formats is a positive development.
"I think you always have to find that balance. And I think it is a great thing that Vaibhav is getting the experience of playing some white-ball cricket through the IPL in India, but he is also having the time to go back and play red-ball cricket in the Indian domestic system and grow his red-ball career," Dravid said while speaking to Cricinfo.
The former India batter also highlighted the wider importance of developing players capable of succeeding in Test cricket.
"All of us also want to see Tests survive, all of us want to see Tests grow and we need players like him to be able to hopefully play all formats of the game," Dravid added.
For Sooryavanshi, the Duleep Trophy provides another opportunity to build experience in red-ball cricket. Dravid feels the teenager needs sustained exposure to the format, particularly because he has not played it as regularly as white-ball cricket.
"The good thing is he is going to take some time, he is going to need some experience, he is going to get an opportunity to play a lot of red-ball cricket. He hasn't played as much red-ball cricket as probably white-ball cricket," Dravid said.
The 15-year-old's rapid rise has naturally brought expectations, but Dravid urged everyone to allow him time to develop rather than judge him solely on his early success.
"He is only 15 and I think you have got to just give him some time and you have got to be patient with him. He has obviously been such a success straightaway, right, but he is going to go through his ups and downs and I think people are going to have to be patient with him," Dravid added.
#white
Sooryavanshi, who enjoyed a breakthrough IPL season before making his T20I debut in England in June, is now set to return to the longer format with East Zone in the Duleep Trophy.
While the teenager has already attracted significant attention in white-ball cricket, his first-class record remains modest. He averages 17.25 from 12 innings across three stints in the Ranji Trophy Plate League, with his domestic campaigns interrupted by India U19 commitments.
Dravid, who coached Sooryavanshi at Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, said the youngster's exposure to both formats is a positive development.
"I think you always have to find that balance. And I think it is a great thing that Vaibhav is getting the experience of playing some white-ball cricket through the IPL in India, but he is also having the time to go back and play red-ball cricket in the Indian domestic system and grow his red-ball career," Dravid said while speaking to Cricinfo.
The former India batter also highlighted the wider importance of developing players capable of succeeding in Test cricket.
"All of us also want to see Tests survive, all of us want to see Tests grow and we need players like him to be able to hopefully play all formats of the game," Dravid added.
For Sooryavanshi, the Duleep Trophy provides another opportunity to build experience in red-ball cricket. Dravid feels the teenager needs sustained exposure to the format, particularly because he has not played it as regularly as white-ball cricket.
"The good thing is he is going to take some time, he is going to need some experience, he is going to get an opportunity to play a lot of red-ball cricket. He hasn't played as much red-ball cricket as probably white-ball cricket," Dravid said.
The 15-year-old's rapid rise has naturally brought expectations, but Dravid urged everyone to allow him time to develop rather than judge him solely on his early success.
"He is only 15 and I think you have got to just give him some time and you have got to be patient with him. He has obviously been such a success straightaway, right, but he is going to go through his ups and downs and I think people are going to have to be patient with him," Dravid added.
#white
16 days ago
NEW DELHI: "Arey nahi nahi!" Sanat Sangwan bursts into laughter when asked if his father was a fan of Sri Lankan batting legend Sanath Jayasuriya and whether that inspired his name.
The 25-year-old southpaw has been Delhi's most consistent batter in the last two domestic seasons. Sangwan managed only 385 runs in his debut Ranji Trophy season in 2024-25, but his stay at the crease gave Delhi's fragile batting line-up some ******* urance. The only problem was that he was not able to convert his starts. He turned that around in the 2025-26 season, amassing 828 runs at an average of 69, including three hundreds.
Sangwan explained the hard work behind those runs, which has earned him a spot in the North Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy, starting from Sunday (August 23) at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
"You have to put a lot of effort into preparing for red-ball cricket during the off-season. Conditions are different, and as an opener, it is always difficult while facing the new ball. And sometimes you might have to walk out to bat in the afternoon or sometimes even when the lights are not good. So keeping all things in mind, I prepare more for red-ball cricket during the off-season," Sangwan said in a select media interaction organised by Delhi Premier League's (DPL) franchise South Delhi Superstarz.
"I prefer to go to the nets at around 8 am when there is a little moisture on the wicket. I try to replicate the conditions that I get in matches. I practise a little earlier because the more I practise in difficult conditions, the easier it becomes to adapt. I ask the net bowlers to start with a new ball. Then, after an hour, I give them another new ball. I try to face more new ******* in the nets so that the situation doesn't feel easy for me in a match," he explains his preparation.
While talking about his preparation for red-ball cricket, Sangwan goes into the details of his training and love for the format, and also explains why it gives him so much joy.
"I love this format. From the start, you see the opener go out to bat with the new ball. Then the conditions get better, and then the second new ball comes again. There is a lot in this format. It is a difficult format. It tests your skill, patience and fitness. The result is not in your hands. You can come back at any time. If you take two or three wickets quickly, or have a good partnership with the bat, you can change the game. I have worked a lot on my cricket since I was 19. Red-ball cricket is my favourite format," he says.
Sangwan isn't soothing to the eyes like other southpaws. His cover drives are not as elegant as any other left-handed batters, but he knows how to put a price on his wicket, has a great temperament and his batting mantra is pretty simple: "Tire the bowlers in the first hour."
"In red-ball cricket, I try to select my shots according to what I have prepared. I don't play the cover drive early in my innings. I try to avoid cutting the ball
The 25-year-old southpaw has been Delhi's most consistent batter in the last two domestic seasons. Sangwan managed only 385 runs in his debut Ranji Trophy season in 2024-25, but his stay at the crease gave Delhi's fragile batting line-up some ******* urance. The only problem was that he was not able to convert his starts. He turned that around in the 2025-26 season, amassing 828 runs at an average of 69, including three hundreds.
Sangwan explained the hard work behind those runs, which has earned him a spot in the North Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy, starting from Sunday (August 23) at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
"You have to put a lot of effort into preparing for red-ball cricket during the off-season. Conditions are different, and as an opener, it is always difficult while facing the new ball. And sometimes you might have to walk out to bat in the afternoon or sometimes even when the lights are not good. So keeping all things in mind, I prepare more for red-ball cricket during the off-season," Sangwan said in a select media interaction organised by Delhi Premier League's (DPL) franchise South Delhi Superstarz.
"I prefer to go to the nets at around 8 am when there is a little moisture on the wicket. I try to replicate the conditions that I get in matches. I practise a little earlier because the more I practise in difficult conditions, the easier it becomes to adapt. I ask the net bowlers to start with a new ball. Then, after an hour, I give them another new ball. I try to face more new ******* in the nets so that the situation doesn't feel easy for me in a match," he explains his preparation.
While talking about his preparation for red-ball cricket, Sangwan goes into the details of his training and love for the format, and also explains why it gives him so much joy.
"I love this format. From the start, you see the opener go out to bat with the new ball. Then the conditions get better, and then the second new ball comes again. There is a lot in this format. It is a difficult format. It tests your skill, patience and fitness. The result is not in your hands. You can come back at any time. If you take two or three wickets quickly, or have a good partnership with the bat, you can change the game. I have worked a lot on my cricket since I was 19. Red-ball cricket is my favourite format," he says.
Sangwan isn't soothing to the eyes like other southpaws. His cover drives are not as elegant as any other left-handed batters, but he knows how to put a price on his wicket, has a great temperament and his batting mantra is pretty simple: "Tire the bowlers in the first hour."
"In red-ball cricket, I try to select my shots according to what I have prepared. I don't play the cover drive early in my innings. I try to avoid cutting the ball
18 days ago
NEW DELHI: The last time Qamran Iqbal played competitive cricket, it took him nearly 2,800 kms and a frantic 15 hours to get there. Called up at short notice, the 24-year-old endured a chaotic journey that has stayed with him ever since. This time, though, there is no last-minute scramble. Iqbal arrived at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) four days before the Duleep Trophy, giving himself time to settle in and prepare for the challenge ahead.
READ ALSO: EXCLUSIVE | 'Redemption? No. It was a responsibility': BCCI president Mithun Manhas opens up on J&K's rise
Iqbal is one of six members of Jammu & Kashmir's Ranji Trophy-winning side picked for North Zone, and they will open their campaign against West Zone from Sunday. "My last Bengaluru trip was something else," Iqbal tells TimesofIndia.com.
Six months ago, on February 23, a day before the Ranji Trophy final, Qamran Iqbal was relaxing at his home in Srinagar when, around 3 pm, his phone rang. Jammu and Kashmir needed him in Hubballi, nearly 2,800 kms away, after opener Shubham Khajuria was ruled out with an injury.
The 24-year-old immediately embarked on a cross-country journey, arriving at the venue barely an hour before the toss. Less than 24 hours after receiving the call-up, Qamran produced the innings of his life, scoring an unbeaten 160 in the second innings to steer Jammu and Kashmir to their maiden Ranji Trophy ******* le, defeating Karnataka on the basis of the first-innings lead.
"Everything happened suddenly," he says.
"I left Srinagar that same night. I took a late-night flight and travelled through Delhi and Mumbai before reaching Hubballi. I arrived around 8 in the morning on match day and went almost straight to the ground. A day earlier, I was somewhere else and suddenly I was playing a Ranji Trophy final. It felt a little strange.
"I wasn't feeling pressure as such, but there was some travel fatigue. Still, it was fine because everyone in the team contributed. It was truly a team effort, and that's why we won. It was a dream come true for the entire team. Winning the Ranji Trophy was a special feeling for everyone ******* ociated with Jammu and Kashmir cricket. It felt really good," he continues.
The youngster, who once opened the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal for India Under-19, cherishes the Ranji Trophy triumph but insists it is only the beginning. Having been named in North Zone's 15-member Duleep Trophy squad, he is determined to achieve bigger things.
"I want to achieve a lot more in my cricket career. Winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time made me very proud, and I was happy that I could contribute to the team's success. But this is only the beginning. I want to achieve much more," he says.
Earlier this year, Aqib Nabi, in an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, spoke about how the arrival of P. Krishnakumar as bowling coach helped transform his bowling. Qamran also credits the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket ******* ociation management,
READ ALSO: EXCLUSIVE | 'Redemption? No. It was a responsibility': BCCI president Mithun Manhas opens up on J&K's rise
Iqbal is one of six members of Jammu & Kashmir's Ranji Trophy-winning side picked for North Zone, and they will open their campaign against West Zone from Sunday. "My last Bengaluru trip was something else," Iqbal tells TimesofIndia.com.
Six months ago, on February 23, a day before the Ranji Trophy final, Qamran Iqbal was relaxing at his home in Srinagar when, around 3 pm, his phone rang. Jammu and Kashmir needed him in Hubballi, nearly 2,800 kms away, after opener Shubham Khajuria was ruled out with an injury.
The 24-year-old immediately embarked on a cross-country journey, arriving at the venue barely an hour before the toss. Less than 24 hours after receiving the call-up, Qamran produced the innings of his life, scoring an unbeaten 160 in the second innings to steer Jammu and Kashmir to their maiden Ranji Trophy ******* le, defeating Karnataka on the basis of the first-innings lead.
"Everything happened suddenly," he says.
"I left Srinagar that same night. I took a late-night flight and travelled through Delhi and Mumbai before reaching Hubballi. I arrived around 8 in the morning on match day and went almost straight to the ground. A day earlier, I was somewhere else and suddenly I was playing a Ranji Trophy final. It felt a little strange.
"I wasn't feeling pressure as such, but there was some travel fatigue. Still, it was fine because everyone in the team contributed. It was truly a team effort, and that's why we won. It was a dream come true for the entire team. Winning the Ranji Trophy was a special feeling for everyone ******* ociated with Jammu and Kashmir cricket. It felt really good," he continues.
The youngster, who once opened the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal for India Under-19, cherishes the Ranji Trophy triumph but insists it is only the beginning. Having been named in North Zone's 15-member Duleep Trophy squad, he is determined to achieve bigger things.
"I want to achieve a lot more in my cricket career. Winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time made me very proud, and I was happy that I could contribute to the team's success. But this is only the beginning. I want to achieve much more," he says.
Earlier this year, Aqib Nabi, in an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, spoke about how the arrival of P. Krishnakumar as bowling coach helped transform his bowling. Qamran also credits the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket ******* ociation management,
19 days ago
Surrey have signed Indian batter Mahipal Lomror for the final six County Championship games of the season.
The 26-year-old, who captains Rajasthan in India's domestic Ranji Trophy competition, averages 42.62 in first-class cricket and has a career-best 300 not out.
He also bowls left-arm off spin, taking 62 first-class wickets.
"Playing in the County Championship is a huge opportunity for me to challenge myself in a new environment and learn from an experienced group," he told Surrey's website.
Surrey have moved for another batter who can bowl spin as Will Jacks has an ankle injury and Dan Lawrence is in the England Test squad for the series against Pakistan, which starts on Wednesday.
#batter #class #lomror
The 26-year-old, who captains Rajasthan in India's domestic Ranji Trophy competition, averages 42.62 in first-class cricket and has a career-best 300 not out.
He also bowls left-arm off spin, taking 62 first-class wickets.
"Playing in the County Championship is a huge opportunity for me to challenge myself in a new environment and learn from an experienced group," he told Surrey's website.
Surrey have moved for another batter who can bowl spin as Will Jacks has an ankle injury and Dan Lawrence is in the England Test squad for the series against Pakistan, which starts on Wednesday.
#batter #class #lomror
20 days ago
On August 18, 2008, a 19-year-old Virat Kohli walked out at Dambulla and scored 12 on his India debut. Eighteen years later, the boy who was once a surprise selection has become one of the defining figures of modern cricket: a batter, captain, standard-setter, survivor and, perhaps most importantly, a player who changed what Indian cricket expected from itself.
Virat Kohli is not just an athlete; he has become a brand of cricket, inspiring a generation through his mindset, skills and, most importantly, his hunger for the game. That hunger made him more intense, more furious and, at his best, almost unbeatable. Across his career, Kohli has achieved almost everything: the U19 World Cup, ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy and Asia Cup.
There was nothing particularly prophetic about Virat Kohli's first international innings.
On that day at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka, the teenager walked out to open India's innings. He faced 22 **** , made 12 and was trapped lbw by Nuwan Kulasekara.
India lost by eight wickets. There was no century. No match-winning chase. No hint, at least in the scorecard, that something extraordinary had begun.
Eighteen years later, the numbers have become difficult to ignore.
As of August 2026, Kohli has played 314 ODIs and scored 14,941 runs at 58.59, with 54 hundreds and 79 fifties. He has 9,230 Test runs from 123 matches, including 30 centuries, and finished his T20I career with 4,188 runs from 125 matches. Across international cricket, that is 28,359 runs and 85 centuries.
Long before Dambulla, there was a December morning in 2006 that revealed something about Kohli that statistics never could. He was 18, playing for Delhi against Karnataka in a Ranji Trophy match at the Feroz Shah Kotla. He was unbeaten on 40 overnight when his father, Prem Kohli, died suddenly. Kohli returned to the ground the next morning. He scored 90. It was not just an innings. It was an early declaration of character.
Two years later, he was leading India at the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia. India won the tournament. Kohli scored 235 runs in six innings at an average of 47.
He had a modest start to his international career during the Sri Lanka tour. In the fourth ODI of that 2008 series, Kohli made 54, his first international half-century. A year later came his first hundred: 107 against Sri Lanka in Kolkata.
By 2011, Kohli was no longer a prospect. He was part of India's World Cup-winning side. He scored a century against Bangladesh in India's opening game and later walked into the **** hede dressing room during the final when India were 31 for 2.
He made 35. Not the sort of number that usually survives in a career built on hundreds. His 35 helped India recover alongside Gautam Gambhir, before MS Dhoni's 91 finished the job against Sri Lanka.
India won the World Cup. Kohli was just 22.
#kohli #dambulla
Virat Kohli is not just an athlete; he has become a brand of cricket, inspiring a generation through his mindset, skills and, most importantly, his hunger for the game. That hunger made him more intense, more furious and, at his best, almost unbeatable. Across his career, Kohli has achieved almost everything: the U19 World Cup, ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy and Asia Cup.
There was nothing particularly prophetic about Virat Kohli's first international innings.
On that day at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka, the teenager walked out to open India's innings. He faced 22 **** , made 12 and was trapped lbw by Nuwan Kulasekara.
India lost by eight wickets. There was no century. No match-winning chase. No hint, at least in the scorecard, that something extraordinary had begun.
Eighteen years later, the numbers have become difficult to ignore.
As of August 2026, Kohli has played 314 ODIs and scored 14,941 runs at 58.59, with 54 hundreds and 79 fifties. He has 9,230 Test runs from 123 matches, including 30 centuries, and finished his T20I career with 4,188 runs from 125 matches. Across international cricket, that is 28,359 runs and 85 centuries.
Long before Dambulla, there was a December morning in 2006 that revealed something about Kohli that statistics never could. He was 18, playing for Delhi against Karnataka in a Ranji Trophy match at the Feroz Shah Kotla. He was unbeaten on 40 overnight when his father, Prem Kohli, died suddenly. Kohli returned to the ground the next morning. He scored 90. It was not just an innings. It was an early declaration of character.
Two years later, he was leading India at the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia. India won the tournament. Kohli scored 235 runs in six innings at an average of 47.
He had a modest start to his international career during the Sri Lanka tour. In the fourth ODI of that 2008 series, Kohli made 54, his first international half-century. A year later came his first hundred: 107 against Sri Lanka in Kolkata.
By 2011, Kohli was no longer a prospect. He was part of India's World Cup-winning side. He scored a century against Bangladesh in India's opening game and later walked into the **** hede dressing room during the final when India were 31 for 2.
He made 35. Not the sort of number that usually survives in a career built on hundreds. His 35 helped India recover alongside Gautam Gambhir, before MS Dhoni's 91 finished the job against Sri Lanka.
India won the World Cup. Kohli was just 22.
#kohli #dambulla
22 days ago
Ravindra Jadeja has opened up about the struggles he faced during the early stages of his India career, admitting that being pushed down the batting order often affected his confidence and made him question the team's faith in his batting ability. As India look to continue their dominance after a commanding Day 1 against Sri Lanka, Jadeja reflected on his growth as a Test batter and revealed how he developed the temperament to play long innings.
"When I started, I used to bat at number 4. If you look at my entire Ranji Trophy career, my average is more than 60. Whatever Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy first-class cricket I have played domestically, my batting average is more than 60. So somewhere, I had that belief that I had that ability. But sometimes what happens is that you come into the Indian team and you don't get that batting number," Jadeja said in a chat with broadcasters ahead of day two's play, which has been delayed due to rain.
The all-rounder admitted that regularly batting at No. 8 or 9, and sometimes even below Ravichandran Ashwin, affected his confidence during the initial years of his international career.
"Sometimes the situation is such that I have batted at number 8 and 9 as well. So, when you are sitting in the dressing room with your pads on, next to you, a fast bowler is selecting a ball. Seeing all those things, my morale and confidence would go down. Sometimes you think to yourself, 'I have to go and score runs,'" he added.
Jadeja explained that watching bowlers prepare to bat ahead of him often made him feel that the team did not have complete confidence in his batting.
"And in that same dressing room, a fast bowler is selecting the ball, thinking, 'Come on, now bowling is coming.' So because of all those things, my confidence was literally disturbed. I would think, 'Oh man, what is this? The team doesn't even have confidence in me?' So I have seen that in my early days, that I didn't get that number. Very low, many times I even went in to bat below Ashwin. So somewhere, all those things disturbed me," Jadeja revealed.
Jadeja's reflections came after India produced a dominant batting display on the opening day of the Test against Sri Lanka. India finished Day 1 on 288/2, putting themselves in a strong position after the rain-affected day's play. Devdutt Padikkal was the star of the day, scoring a magnificent unbeaten 131 to register his maiden Test century. KL Rahul also played a crucial knock of 77, while Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten on 27 at the close of play.
#jadeja #India #trophy #Career
"When I started, I used to bat at number 4. If you look at my entire Ranji Trophy career, my average is more than 60. Whatever Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy first-class cricket I have played domestically, my batting average is more than 60. So somewhere, I had that belief that I had that ability. But sometimes what happens is that you come into the Indian team and you don't get that batting number," Jadeja said in a chat with broadcasters ahead of day two's play, which has been delayed due to rain.
The all-rounder admitted that regularly batting at No. 8 or 9, and sometimes even below Ravichandran Ashwin, affected his confidence during the initial years of his international career.
"Sometimes the situation is such that I have batted at number 8 and 9 as well. So, when you are sitting in the dressing room with your pads on, next to you, a fast bowler is selecting a ball. Seeing all those things, my morale and confidence would go down. Sometimes you think to yourself, 'I have to go and score runs,'" he added.
Jadeja explained that watching bowlers prepare to bat ahead of him often made him feel that the team did not have complete confidence in his batting.
"And in that same dressing room, a fast bowler is selecting the ball, thinking, 'Come on, now bowling is coming.' So because of all those things, my confidence was literally disturbed. I would think, 'Oh man, what is this? The team doesn't even have confidence in me?' So I have seen that in my early days, that I didn't get that number. Very low, many times I even went in to bat below Ashwin. So somewhere, all those things disturbed me," Jadeja revealed.
Jadeja's reflections came after India produced a dominant batting display on the opening day of the Test against Sri Lanka. India finished Day 1 on 288/2, putting themselves in a strong position after the rain-affected day's play. Devdutt Padikkal was the star of the day, scoring a magnificent unbeaten 131 to register his maiden Test century. KL Rahul also played a crucial knock of 77, while Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten on 27 at the close of play.
#jadeja #India #trophy #Career
22 days ago
Devdutt Padikkal marked his return to Test cricket in style, scoring his maiden century in the format during India's first innings of the Galle Test against Sri Lanka.
The Karnataka left-hander produced a composed yet attacking knock, handling the challenging conditions with maturity and putting pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers. Padikkal was particularly effective against spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha, combining caution with well-timed aggression.
The 26-year-old came into the Test on the back of a century against SLC XI in the warm-up game and continued his strong run of form when it mattered most.
Padikkal may have found it difficult to break into India's playing XI had Sai Sudharsan been fit and available for the series. However, his century has strengthened his case for a continued run at No.3.
Speaking after the close of play on Day 1, Padikkal revealed that determination was key to getting through a physically demanding innings in Galle, where the heat and humidity took a toll.
"In this knock, determination for me was playing through that tiredness and fatigue that I was feeling, especially towards the third session. I think it was getting really hot, and we were losing a lot of fluid. We were sweating all the time. So it was really important that I was determined enough to keep going and keep pushing forward," Padikkal said in a video shared by BCCI.
The batter also stressed the importance of maintaining concentration on a surface that did not make batting easy.
"It wasn't the easiest of wickets to bat on. I think we had to make sure that we didn't play too many last shots. We had to make sure that we kept our minds in the game as long as possible because, like I said, again, when you get tired, it's easy to lose that discipline, and I think as a team we did that well today," he added.
Padikkal shared a 150-run partnership with KL Rahul before Rahul retired hurt on 77 after suffering from cramps. For Padikkal, the century was particularly significant as he had not played a Test for India since 2024 and had waited almost two years for another opportunity.
His return to the side came after a prolific run across domestic cricket and the IPL. Strong performances in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, along with his IPL form, helped him force his way back into the reckoning.
Padikkal admitted that the long wait had tested his patience but also gave him time to improve his game.
"Patience for me, I think it was more to do with what I've gone through before this game. I think my last Test was in 2024. So it's been a long time coming, and I've had to patiently wait, look on from the outside. It's never easy. But at the same time, it gave me time to really work on my game and perfect things that needed perfecting. And I'm really glad that all that hard work came to effect today. It feels great," said Padikkal.
The left-hander also revealed that he felt nervous as he approached the thr
The Karnataka left-hander produced a composed yet attacking knock, handling the challenging conditions with maturity and putting pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers. Padikkal was particularly effective against spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha, combining caution with well-timed aggression.
The 26-year-old came into the Test on the back of a century against SLC XI in the warm-up game and continued his strong run of form when it mattered most.
Padikkal may have found it difficult to break into India's playing XI had Sai Sudharsan been fit and available for the series. However, his century has strengthened his case for a continued run at No.3.
Speaking after the close of play on Day 1, Padikkal revealed that determination was key to getting through a physically demanding innings in Galle, where the heat and humidity took a toll.
"In this knock, determination for me was playing through that tiredness and fatigue that I was feeling, especially towards the third session. I think it was getting really hot, and we were losing a lot of fluid. We were sweating all the time. So it was really important that I was determined enough to keep going and keep pushing forward," Padikkal said in a video shared by BCCI.
The batter also stressed the importance of maintaining concentration on a surface that did not make batting easy.
"It wasn't the easiest of wickets to bat on. I think we had to make sure that we didn't play too many last shots. We had to make sure that we kept our minds in the game as long as possible because, like I said, again, when you get tired, it's easy to lose that discipline, and I think as a team we did that well today," he added.
Padikkal shared a 150-run partnership with KL Rahul before Rahul retired hurt on 77 after suffering from cramps. For Padikkal, the century was particularly significant as he had not played a Test for India since 2024 and had waited almost two years for another opportunity.
His return to the side came after a prolific run across domestic cricket and the IPL. Strong performances in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, along with his IPL form, helped him force his way back into the reckoning.
Padikkal admitted that the long wait had tested his patience but also gave him time to improve his game.
"Patience for me, I think it was more to do with what I've gone through before this game. I think my last Test was in 2024. So it's been a long time coming, and I've had to patiently wait, look on from the outside. It's never easy. But at the same time, it gave me time to really work on my game and perfect things that needed perfecting. And I'm really glad that all that hard work came to effect today. It feels great," said Padikkal.
The left-hander also revealed that he felt nervous as he approached the thr
22 days ago
Devdutt Padikkal marked his return to India's Test setup in style, smashing his maiden Test century during the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. The left-hander, who has won two IPL ***** les with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, produced a fluent and ***** ured knock at No. 3 to make a strong case for himself in India's middle order.
Padikkal became only the second Indian left-handed batter in the 21st century to score a Test century from No. 3, after former captain Sourav Ganguly. Ganguly had scored 136 against Zimbabwe in Delhi in 2002.
Overall, Padikkal is the sixth Indian left-hander to score a Test hundred from the No. 3 position. The list is led by Vinod Kambli with four centuries, followed by Ganguly with three, while Salim Durani, Bapu Nadkarni, Ajit Wadekar, Eknath Solkar, Surinder Amarnath and now Padikkal have one each.
Padikkal's century also ended a prolonged wait for an Indian batter to score a Test hundred from No. 3. The last Indian to achieve the feat was Shubman Gill, who scored a century against Bangladesh in Chennai in September 2024. Since then, India had used seven different batters at No. 3 across 19 Tests, with the position collectively averaging just 27.28 and producing only five scores of 50 or more in 35 innings.
The 25-year-old had also enjoyed a productive 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, averaging 60.33, and carried that confidence into Galle. After reaching his century, Padikkal celebrated with a fist pump and a punch of the air before removing his helmet and raising his bat towards the crowd and his teammates.
India captain Shubman Gill congratulated him in the middle, while head coach Gautam Gambhir applauded from the dressing room. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar was also present at the venue and joined in the celebrations.
#test #padikkal #Indian #score
Padikkal became only the second Indian left-handed batter in the 21st century to score a Test century from No. 3, after former captain Sourav Ganguly. Ganguly had scored 136 against Zimbabwe in Delhi in 2002.
Overall, Padikkal is the sixth Indian left-hander to score a Test hundred from the No. 3 position. The list is led by Vinod Kambli with four centuries, followed by Ganguly with three, while Salim Durani, Bapu Nadkarni, Ajit Wadekar, Eknath Solkar, Surinder Amarnath and now Padikkal have one each.
Padikkal's century also ended a prolonged wait for an Indian batter to score a Test hundred from No. 3. The last Indian to achieve the feat was Shubman Gill, who scored a century against Bangladesh in Chennai in September 2024. Since then, India had used seven different batters at No. 3 across 19 Tests, with the position collectively averaging just 27.28 and producing only five scores of 50 or more in 35 innings.
The 25-year-old had also enjoyed a productive 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, averaging 60.33, and carried that confidence into Galle. After reaching his century, Padikkal celebrated with a fist pump and a punch of the air before removing his helmet and raising his bat towards the crowd and his teammates.
India captain Shubman Gill congratulated him in the middle, while head coach Gautam Gambhir applauded from the dressing room. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar was also present at the venue and joined in the celebrations.
#test #padikkal #Indian #score
29 days ago
TimesofIndia.com in Colombo: Big strides, ****** ured footwork, smart use of the crease, fluent shots and solid defence. These were the highlights of Devdutt Padikkal's unbeaten 142 off 164 ****** at the Nondescript Cricket Club in Colombo on Saturday. The classy left-hander was not a starter when the squad was picked for the series. Still, the moment team management received the update on Sai Sudharsan's niggle, all efforts focused on keeping Padikkal ready for the opportunity. When the chance came, he delivered. And how.
It wasn't a raging turner, nor were the opposition spinners posing tough questions, but runs always do the confidence a world of good, especially when they coincide with the update on Sudharsan. Since coming into bat in the first over of the second day's play, Padikkal exuded confidence and scored his runs at a brisk pace even when KL Rahul was happy to buy time at the other end.
He controlled the ball and showed equal confidence against both spin and pace, remaining unfazed by the off-spin challenge when Ramesh Mendis and Keshara Nuwantha bowled in tandem. He met most ****** under his eyes, and the side-on view of his big strides and the balance with which he operated made it a treat. The 26-year-old hasn't featured in a multi-day fixture for India since November 2024 but has been making the right noise with the India A side and Karnataka in the domestic circuit.
Keeping the calendar in mind, he specifically worked on his game against spin and spent a lot of time perfecting the craft. Even when the management persisted with Sudharsan as the No.3 bat, Padikkal was busy upgrading. When he played the two multi-day fixtures at Galle last month, the left-hander hit two half-centuries and served another reminder of his readiness.
It was more of the same at the NCC; in front of a handful of spectators, the timing was ideal. Before the fixture got underway, there was optimism around Sudharsan joining the camp, if not in Colombo, then in Galle. Little did Padikkal know that as he closed in on a brilliant century, Sudharsan's hopes of boarding the flight evaporated.
Come August 15, India won't need to sweat much over the No. 3 position with Padikkal ready and raring to go. A lot of hard work went on behind the scenes, which was reflected in the ease with which he operated.
Back in 2024, chief selector Ajit Agarkar's addition of Padikkal to India's Test squad for the home series against England was a surprise pick. The Indian camp was hit by injury concerns, and KL Rahul's unavailability opened the door for Padikkal, who then made his debut in Dharamsala. One knock in the Ranji Trophy was all it took for the chairman to fast-track the left-hander into the set-up. Padikkal would have certainly thanked his stars that Agarkar's rare appearance for domestic games included the Tamil Nadu vs Karnataka game in Chennai.
The left-hander, at No.3, hit a 218-ball 151 which included 12 boundaries and six sixes. The oppos
It wasn't a raging turner, nor were the opposition spinners posing tough questions, but runs always do the confidence a world of good, especially when they coincide with the update on Sudharsan. Since coming into bat in the first over of the second day's play, Padikkal exuded confidence and scored his runs at a brisk pace even when KL Rahul was happy to buy time at the other end.
He controlled the ball and showed equal confidence against both spin and pace, remaining unfazed by the off-spin challenge when Ramesh Mendis and Keshara Nuwantha bowled in tandem. He met most ****** under his eyes, and the side-on view of his big strides and the balance with which he operated made it a treat. The 26-year-old hasn't featured in a multi-day fixture for India since November 2024 but has been making the right noise with the India A side and Karnataka in the domestic circuit.
Keeping the calendar in mind, he specifically worked on his game against spin and spent a lot of time perfecting the craft. Even when the management persisted with Sudharsan as the No.3 bat, Padikkal was busy upgrading. When he played the two multi-day fixtures at Galle last month, the left-hander hit two half-centuries and served another reminder of his readiness.
It was more of the same at the NCC; in front of a handful of spectators, the timing was ideal. Before the fixture got underway, there was optimism around Sudharsan joining the camp, if not in Colombo, then in Galle. Little did Padikkal know that as he closed in on a brilliant century, Sudharsan's hopes of boarding the flight evaporated.
Come August 15, India won't need to sweat much over the No. 3 position with Padikkal ready and raring to go. A lot of hard work went on behind the scenes, which was reflected in the ease with which he operated.
Back in 2024, chief selector Ajit Agarkar's addition of Padikkal to India's Test squad for the home series against England was a surprise pick. The Indian camp was hit by injury concerns, and KL Rahul's unavailability opened the door for Padikkal, who then made his debut in Dharamsala. One knock in the Ranji Trophy was all it took for the chairman to fast-track the left-hander into the set-up. Padikkal would have certainly thanked his stars that Agarkar's rare appearance for domestic games included the Tamil Nadu vs Karnataka game in Chennai.
The left-hander, at No.3, hit a 218-ball 151 which included 12 boundaries and six sixes. The oppos
1 month ago
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
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
1 month ago
Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes Bhuvneshwar ******* ar's lack of regular 50-over and first-class cricket could prove to be a major hurdle if he is to force his way into India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
While praising the veteran seamer's performances in the IPL, Chopra said preparing for a 50-over World Cup requires sustained workload management, something that cannot be achieved by playing only T20 cricket.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra was asked about the World Cup prospects of both Bhuvneshwar ******* ar and Mohammad Shami.
"One thing goes against Bhuvi. I love him to bits, and I want him to play for India again, but when you don't play Ranji, your workload becomes limited. There are a handful of matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In ODI cricket, you have to bowl 10 overs and field for 50 overs in a match. It's a lot of workload."
Bhuvneshwar has not featured in a first-class match since January 2024 and last played a List A game in December 2023. Despite that, he has enjoyed an impressive run with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, playing a key role in their back-to-back IPL ******* le-winning campaigns.
Chopra stressed that excelling in the IPL alone should not be the basis for selection in a 50-over World Cup.
"It's not easy in a tournament like the World Cup where you have to keep playing continuously. Not only the World Cup, but you will have to be a part of every ODI game from a year earlier. You will have to start playing him from now on."
According to Chopra, if the selectors are serious about including Bhuvneshwar in their long-term plans, they need to bring him back into the ODI setup immediately.
"He is not a bad option, but it will be a mistake unless we give him at least one year to get ready. If you pick someone for the 50-over World Cup based on him bowling four overs in the two months of the IPL and a month of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, no matter how good that person is, it will be wrong."
He also suggested that Bhuvneshwar should feature in the upcoming ODI series and even the T20I ******* ignments if he remains under consideration for the 2027 World Cup.
Comparing Bhuvneshwar with Mohammad Shami, Chopra felt the latter currently has a stronger case because he has continued playing red-ball cricket, including the Ranji Trophy, where he claimed 37 wickets. Shami is also set to feature in the upcoming Duleep Trophy.
However, Chopra maintained that Bhuvneshwar had the better IPL season.
"It's the same thing for Shami, although he has played the Ranji Trophy and picked up 37 wickets. He is going to play the Duleep Trophy now as well. So Shami has a slightly better case to make, but the truth is that if we do man-to-man marking in the IPL, Bhuvneshwar ******* ar is ahead of him in that respect."
Chopra believes the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand could provide a clear indication of India's plans.
"My understanding is that the selectors, captain, and coach
While praising the veteran seamer's performances in the IPL, Chopra said preparing for a 50-over World Cup requires sustained workload management, something that cannot be achieved by playing only T20 cricket.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra was asked about the World Cup prospects of both Bhuvneshwar ******* ar and Mohammad Shami.
"One thing goes against Bhuvi. I love him to bits, and I want him to play for India again, but when you don't play Ranji, your workload becomes limited. There are a handful of matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In ODI cricket, you have to bowl 10 overs and field for 50 overs in a match. It's a lot of workload."
Bhuvneshwar has not featured in a first-class match since January 2024 and last played a List A game in December 2023. Despite that, he has enjoyed an impressive run with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, playing a key role in their back-to-back IPL ******* le-winning campaigns.
Chopra stressed that excelling in the IPL alone should not be the basis for selection in a 50-over World Cup.
"It's not easy in a tournament like the World Cup where you have to keep playing continuously. Not only the World Cup, but you will have to be a part of every ODI game from a year earlier. You will have to start playing him from now on."
According to Chopra, if the selectors are serious about including Bhuvneshwar in their long-term plans, they need to bring him back into the ODI setup immediately.
"He is not a bad option, but it will be a mistake unless we give him at least one year to get ready. If you pick someone for the 50-over World Cup based on him bowling four overs in the two months of the IPL and a month of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, no matter how good that person is, it will be wrong."
He also suggested that Bhuvneshwar should feature in the upcoming ODI series and even the T20I ******* ignments if he remains under consideration for the 2027 World Cup.
Comparing Bhuvneshwar with Mohammad Shami, Chopra felt the latter currently has a stronger case because he has continued playing red-ball cricket, including the Ranji Trophy, where he claimed 37 wickets. Shami is also set to feature in the upcoming Duleep Trophy.
However, Chopra maintained that Bhuvneshwar had the better IPL season.
"It's the same thing for Shami, although he has played the Ranji Trophy and picked up 37 wickets. He is going to play the Duleep Trophy now as well. So Shami has a slightly better case to make, but the truth is that if we do man-to-man marking in the IPL, Bhuvneshwar ******* ar is ahead of him in that respect."
Chopra believes the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand could provide a clear indication of India's plans.
"My understanding is that the selectors, captain, and coach
1 month ago
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
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
1 month ago
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.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
#jasprit #kashmir
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.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
#jasprit #kashmir
1 month ago
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.
132822556
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 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
1 month ago
NEW DELHI: The decision to name 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as East Zone vice-captain for the upcoming Duleep Trophy has raised eyebrows across the cricketing world, but the selectors believe they are investing in the future of Indian cricket.
With experienced wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan appointed captain, Sooryavanshi's elevation as deputy is not being viewed as an immediate leadership burden but as an opportunity to accelerate his development as a cricketer.
One member of the East Zone selection committee explained the thinking behind the move, saying the teenager was not being handed the captaincy but was being prepared for greater responsibilities in the future.
"He has not been made the captain. He has only been made the vice-captain. The captain is Ishan Kishan. Besides, Ishan is a wicketkeeper, so he will be actively involved throughout the day. It is not as though Vaibhav will be captaining the team all day. As he grows, he is maturing day by day. Giving him more responsibility will help him mature even further," former Odisha Ranji player and selector Pravanjan Mullick told Cricbuzz.
Mullick revealed that the selectors' decision was based on Sooryavanshi's rapid rise and his ability to handle responsibility despite his age.
"This is a great opportunity for him to take on the responsibility of being vice-captain in the Duleep Trophy. He wants to do well for the country, and we believe giving young players responsibility is important. Who knows? We are keeping our fingers crossed that one day he could even become India's captain. That is the thought behind giving him the vice-captaincy," he told Cricbuzz.
The selectors also considered Sooryavanshi's previous leadership experience. The teenage batter has already served as vice-captain of Bihar in first-class cricket and was part of India's leadership group during the Under-19 World Cup triumph.
"He has been doing very well for the country and also had an excellent IPL season with Rajasthan Royals. He is also the vice-captain of Bihar in first-class cricket," Mullick said.
The 15-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last year. He became one of the youngest players to feature in the IPL and went on to top the batting charts during the tournament, earning widespread praise for his fearless approach. He was also named Player of the Series during India's tour of Zimbabwe.
The East Zone selection committee meeting was held at Eden Gardens, with representatives from the Cricket ***** ociation of Bengal, Jharkhand State Cricket ***** ociation, Tripura Cricket ***** ociation, Bihar Cricket ***** ociation and Odisha Cricket ***** ociation taking part.
Mullick clarified that there was no discussion with Sooryavanshi before the decision was made.
"No, none at all. It was a collective decision taken by all the selectors from the eastern states. He has the ability to handle responsibility and is capable of leading the team when required," he said.
Th
With experienced wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan appointed captain, Sooryavanshi's elevation as deputy is not being viewed as an immediate leadership burden but as an opportunity to accelerate his development as a cricketer.
One member of the East Zone selection committee explained the thinking behind the move, saying the teenager was not being handed the captaincy but was being prepared for greater responsibilities in the future.
"He has not been made the captain. He has only been made the vice-captain. The captain is Ishan Kishan. Besides, Ishan is a wicketkeeper, so he will be actively involved throughout the day. It is not as though Vaibhav will be captaining the team all day. As he grows, he is maturing day by day. Giving him more responsibility will help him mature even further," former Odisha Ranji player and selector Pravanjan Mullick told Cricbuzz.
Mullick revealed that the selectors' decision was based on Sooryavanshi's rapid rise and his ability to handle responsibility despite his age.
"This is a great opportunity for him to take on the responsibility of being vice-captain in the Duleep Trophy. He wants to do well for the country, and we believe giving young players responsibility is important. Who knows? We are keeping our fingers crossed that one day he could even become India's captain. That is the thought behind giving him the vice-captaincy," he told Cricbuzz.
The selectors also considered Sooryavanshi's previous leadership experience. The teenage batter has already served as vice-captain of Bihar in first-class cricket and was part of India's leadership group during the Under-19 World Cup triumph.
"He has been doing very well for the country and also had an excellent IPL season with Rajasthan Royals. He is also the vice-captain of Bihar in first-class cricket," Mullick said.
The 15-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last year. He became one of the youngest players to feature in the IPL and went on to top the batting charts during the tournament, earning widespread praise for his fearless approach. He was also named Player of the Series during India's tour of Zimbabwe.
The East Zone selection committee meeting was held at Eden Gardens, with representatives from the Cricket ***** ociation of Bengal, Jharkhand State Cricket ***** ociation, Tripura Cricket ***** ociation, Bihar Cricket ***** ociation and Odisha Cricket ***** ociation taking part.
Mullick clarified that there was no discussion with Sooryavanshi before the decision was made.
"No, none at all. It was a collective decision taken by all the selectors from the eastern states. He has the ability to handle responsibility and is capable of leading the team when required," he said.
Th
2 months ago
MUMBAI: Former India and Mumbai players-turned coaches Ramesh Powar and Wasim Jaffer will coach sides in the BCCI's Centre of Excellence's four-team Emerging Men's Tournament in CoE in Bengaluru, which will be held from July 6-24. It will be a red-ball tournament involving three matches per team of four-day duration each. The tourney is an exercise by the BCCI to identify promising young talents who could potentially go on to play Test cricket for India in the future.
The selected Under-25 players, who have represented India in age group cricket and are rising faces in domestic cricket have been named as captains for the four sides.
Jaffer, who was recently named as the mentor of the Hyderabad Cricket **** ociation, will be the head coach of Team A, with Uday Saharan as the captain. Former Bengal off-spinner Sourashish Lahiri will be the **** istant coach of Team A. Powar, a former India women's team head coach, will be the head coach of Team B, with Karnataka batter Ravichandran Smaran as the captain. The 23-year-old Smaran has already amassed 1534 runs in just 17 first-class matches at an incredible average of 73.04, with six centuries and four fifties. With 950 runs in nine [email protected], including four centuries and three half-centuries, Smaran was the top run-getter for Karnataka, who reached the final in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season.
Anshu Jain will serve as the **** istant coach of the team.
Team C will be led by 23-year-old Delhi batter Yash Dhull. The youngster captained the India Under19 team to the **** le in the 2022 U-19 World Cup. Former Rajasthan batter Vineet Saxena will be the head coach of Team C, while ex-Gujarat and Rajasthan Royals pacer Siddharth Trivedi will be the **** istant coach of the side. Team D will be led by Himateja K, with former India pacer Debasish Mohanty serving as head coach and ex-Mumbai batter Vinit Indulkar as the **** istant coach.
The selected Under-25 players, who have represented India in age group cricket and are rising faces in domestic cricket have been named as captains for the four sides.
Jaffer, who was recently named as the mentor of the Hyderabad Cricket **** ociation, will be the head coach of Team A, with Uday Saharan as the captain. Former Bengal off-spinner Sourashish Lahiri will be the **** istant coach of Team A. Powar, a former India women's team head coach, will be the head coach of Team B, with Karnataka batter Ravichandran Smaran as the captain. The 23-year-old Smaran has already amassed 1534 runs in just 17 first-class matches at an incredible average of 73.04, with six centuries and four fifties. With 950 runs in nine [email protected], including four centuries and three half-centuries, Smaran was the top run-getter for Karnataka, who reached the final in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season.
Anshu Jain will serve as the **** istant coach of the team.
Team C will be led by 23-year-old Delhi batter Yash Dhull. The youngster captained the India Under19 team to the **** le in the 2022 U-19 World Cup. Former Rajasthan batter Vineet Saxena will be the head coach of Team C, while ex-Gujarat and Rajasthan Royals pacer Siddharth Trivedi will be the **** istant coach of the side. Team D will be led by Himateja K, with former India pacer Debasish Mohanty serving as head coach and ex-Mumbai batter Vinit Indulkar as the **** istant coach.
2 months ago
'My U-13 players score better than Virat Kohli': Indian football club owner draws bizarre comparison between young footballers and RCB icon originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Ranjit Bajaj claims his U13 academy players can beat Virat Kohli's Yo-Yo score.
Kohli holds India's highest Yo-Yo score of 21.6, recorded in 2025.
Globally, Alastair Cook tops Yo-Yo charts with a score of 22.3.
Virat Kohli has long been regarded as one of the fittest cricketers on the planet.
Ranjit Bajaj claims his U13 academy players can beat Virat Kohli's Yo-Yo score.
Kohli holds India's highest Yo-Yo score of 21.6, recorded in 2025.
Globally, Alastair Cook tops Yo-Yo charts with a score of 22.3.
Virat Kohli has long been regarded as one of the fittest cricketers on the planet.
2 months ago
MUMBAI: The two T20Is against India will begin at 1.30 pm local time, which is 6 pm IST, in a bid to avoid an overlap with the crucial India versus Australia clash in the 2026 Women's World Cup at Lord's on Sunday, it is learnt.
"It was simply a factor we considered," a Cricket Ireland official told TOI on Thursday. Normally, T20 internationals involving India start at 7 pm IST, but on this occasion the start time has been advanced by an hour to account for Harmanpreet Kaur & Co's key game against Australia in the Women's World Cup, which is scheduled to begin at 7 pm IST. The two-match T20I series between India and Ireland in Belfast will involve games on Friday and Sunday.
The five T20Is in England that follow immediately after the Ireland series have varying start times. Three games, in Chester-le-Street, Nottingham and Bristol, are scheduled to begin at 10 pm IST. While two of the matches will begin at the traditional 7 pm IST slot, the second T20I in Manchester on July 4 and the fifth in Southampton on July 11, the T20I series will be followed by three ODIs, all of which are slated to begin at the customary 3.30 pm IST.
This is the first time that India will play T20Is in Belfast. In 2007, they played three ODIs against South Africa and one against Ireland in Belfast. In recent years, however, India have toured only Dublin, where they have played six T20Is, two each in 2018, 2022 and 2023, winning all six matches.
The T20I series in Ireland could be historic as India's 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who received his maiden India call-up for the T20I series against Ireland and England, could make his highly anticipated international debut. The series will also mark the India captaincy debut of Mumbai and Punjab Kings middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer.
Former India leg-spinner MV Narsimha Rao, who played four Tests in 1978-79 and later moved to Ireland, will ring the ceremonial bell just before the second T20I between India and Ireland at the Stormont Cricket Ground in Belfast on June 28 (Sunday). Rao captained Hyderabad to only their second Ranji Trophy **** le, defeating Delhi in the 1987-88 final. Popularly known in cricketing circles as 'Bobjee', Rao moved to Ireland 38 years ago, in 1988.
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"It was simply a factor we considered," a Cricket Ireland official told TOI on Thursday. Normally, T20 internationals involving India start at 7 pm IST, but on this occasion the start time has been advanced by an hour to account for Harmanpreet Kaur & Co's key game against Australia in the Women's World Cup, which is scheduled to begin at 7 pm IST. The two-match T20I series between India and Ireland in Belfast will involve games on Friday and Sunday.
The five T20Is in England that follow immediately after the Ireland series have varying start times. Three games, in Chester-le-Street, Nottingham and Bristol, are scheduled to begin at 10 pm IST. While two of the matches will begin at the traditional 7 pm IST slot, the second T20I in Manchester on July 4 and the fifth in Southampton on July 11, the T20I series will be followed by three ODIs, all of which are slated to begin at the customary 3.30 pm IST.
This is the first time that India will play T20Is in Belfast. In 2007, they played three ODIs against South Africa and one against Ireland in Belfast. In recent years, however, India have toured only Dublin, where they have played six T20Is, two each in 2018, 2022 and 2023, winning all six matches.
The T20I series in Ireland could be historic as India's 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who received his maiden India call-up for the T20I series against Ireland and England, could make his highly anticipated international debut. The series will also mark the India captaincy debut of Mumbai and Punjab Kings middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer.
Former India leg-spinner MV Narsimha Rao, who played four Tests in 1978-79 and later moved to Ireland, will ring the ceremonial bell just before the second T20I between India and Ireland at the Stormont Cricket Ground in Belfast on June 28 (Sunday). Rao captained Hyderabad to only their second Ranji Trophy **** le, defeating Delhi in the 1987-88 final. Popularly known in cricketing circles as 'Bobjee', Rao moved to Ireland 38 years ago, in 1988.
131992887
2 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.
3 months ago
NEW DELHI: India's newest batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will not be travelling alone on his maiden **** ignment with the senior national team, with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia revealing that the board decided to allow the 15-year-old's parents to accompany him on the upcoming white-ball tour of Ireland and England to help him settle into an adult environment.
The teenage opener, who earned his first India call-up after a sensational run of form, has been named in the squad for two T20Is against Ireland and five matches against England, beginning in Belfast on June 26.
Explaining the unprecedented move, Saikia said the board had to consider the unique circumstances surrounding a player so young entering a senior dressing room.
"You see, not all national teams at the senior level have a 14 or 15-year-old in their squad. After many decades, we have someone like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi," Saikia told PTI.
"At one point in time, it was Sachin Tendulkar who made it to the national team at such a young age. When such a young kid is part of the senior team, there are obviously a lot of issues that can crop up," he added.
Saikia said the primary objective was to ensure the youngster felt comfortable in an environment dominated by adults.
"Therefore, to make him comfortable and help him get used to an adult environment, where all the other players are above 18 years of age, and the team management members are also adults, we felt it would be helpful," said the former **** am Ranji Trophy player.
"We are doing this because we believe it will ease a lot of issues as far as Vaibhav is concerned," he added.
Drawing a parallel with school excursions, Saikia underlined that Sooryavanshi remains a schoolboy despite his extraordinary rise.
"Even when a school student goes on an excursion, there is usually a senior person accompanying them. Vaibhav is still a kid. He has only just come out of school, or is perhaps in his final year of school."
"So, we thought it proper to allow his parents to travel with him. I am very happy that his parents are also taking good care of their kid, who is an **** et for Indian cricket not only now but for the next two or three decades," he added.
Sooryavanshi's rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. The explosive opener finished as the leading run-scorer in IPL 2026 with 776 runs at a staggering strike rate of 237.31 and smashed 72 sixes.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar admitted the teenager's performances made his selection unavoidable.
"He has forced us to pick him with how well he's played. We can see the kind of talent he has and we are hopeful, if he gets the opportunity to play for the country, he will show the same ability," Agarkar had said.
Should he feature in Belfast, Sooryavanshi will surpass Sachin Tendulkar and become the youngest player to represent India at the senior level.
The teenage opener, who earned his first India call-up after a sensational run of form, has been named in the squad for two T20Is against Ireland and five matches against England, beginning in Belfast on June 26.
Explaining the unprecedented move, Saikia said the board had to consider the unique circumstances surrounding a player so young entering a senior dressing room.
"You see, not all national teams at the senior level have a 14 or 15-year-old in their squad. After many decades, we have someone like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi," Saikia told PTI.
"At one point in time, it was Sachin Tendulkar who made it to the national team at such a young age. When such a young kid is part of the senior team, there are obviously a lot of issues that can crop up," he added.
Saikia said the primary objective was to ensure the youngster felt comfortable in an environment dominated by adults.
"Therefore, to make him comfortable and help him get used to an adult environment, where all the other players are above 18 years of age, and the team management members are also adults, we felt it would be helpful," said the former **** am Ranji Trophy player.
"We are doing this because we believe it will ease a lot of issues as far as Vaibhav is concerned," he added.
Drawing a parallel with school excursions, Saikia underlined that Sooryavanshi remains a schoolboy despite his extraordinary rise.
"Even when a school student goes on an excursion, there is usually a senior person accompanying them. Vaibhav is still a kid. He has only just come out of school, or is perhaps in his final year of school."
"So, we thought it proper to allow his parents to travel with him. I am very happy that his parents are also taking good care of their kid, who is an **** et for Indian cricket not only now but for the next two or three decades," he added.
Sooryavanshi's rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. The explosive opener finished as the leading run-scorer in IPL 2026 with 776 runs at a staggering strike rate of 237.31 and smashed 72 sixes.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar admitted the teenager's performances made his selection unavoidable.
"He has forced us to pick him with how well he's played. We can see the kind of talent he has and we are hopeful, if he gets the opportunity to play for the country, he will show the same ability," Agarkar had said.
Should he feature in Belfast, Sooryavanshi will surpass Sachin Tendulkar and become the youngest player to represent India at the senior level.
3 months ago
TimesofIndia.com in Mullanpur: India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak believes Rishabh Pant should continue playing his natural game and rejected suggestions that the wicketkeeper-batter alone needs to adjust his approach according to match situations.
"I don't think Rishabh alone has to play according to the situation. Every player has a different style. Sai Sudharsan plays differently, Shubman Gill plays differently, KL Rahul plays differently and Rishabh plays differently. What we want is for everyone to play their own game with complete freedom," Kotak said after India's dominant showing in the one-off Test against Afghanistan.
Kotak explained that while every player has the freedom to express themselves, the team's requirements remain paramount.
"When the team needs something specific in red-ball cricket, every batter has to respond to that need. But Rishabh is a senior player who understands the game. Why would anyone tell him how to bat? He reads bowlers, changes gears and often tries things bowlers do not expect. That is his strength."
The batting coach felt Pant's innings showcased exactly why he remains one of the most dangerous players in world cricket.
— BCCI (BCCI)
"He may have missed out on a hundred or even more runs, but I thought he batted really well. KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan also batted exceptionally well."
Kotak was equally effusive in his praise for debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, whose impressive performance with both bat and ball vindicated the team's faith in him.
"He is a very good prospect and has been progressing through the system for the last few years. From Ranji Trophy to India Emerging and India A, he has consistently performed. The BCCI structure gives players exposure and opportunities, and Manav has made the most of them."
Having closely followed Suthar's development, Kotak admitted he was never surprised by the youngster's emergence.
— BCCI (BCCI)
"Ever since I first saw him, I felt he would play for India one day. He is talented, hardworking, consistent and bowls really well. The timing of opportunities is never guaranteed, but he always looked like a player destined to represent India."
The coach defended India's decision not to bat again after dismissing Afghanistan cheaply in the first innings.
"Once they were bowled out for 151, everyone felt it was important to bowl again if they got out before lunch. There will be times when we need to bowl 100 or 120 overs in a Test match. It is not only about giving batters more practice. It is also about preparing bowlers, especially spinners, for long spells."
Kotak also highlighted Washington Sundar's maturity and professionalism.
"Washington has been around the system for a long time. What impresses me most is that his work ethic never changes, whether he is playing, sitting out, batting or bowling. That consistency is why he keeps contributing whenever the team needs him."
"I don't think Rishabh alone has to play according to the situation. Every player has a different style. Sai Sudharsan plays differently, Shubman Gill plays differently, KL Rahul plays differently and Rishabh plays differently. What we want is for everyone to play their own game with complete freedom," Kotak said after India's dominant showing in the one-off Test against Afghanistan.
Kotak explained that while every player has the freedom to express themselves, the team's requirements remain paramount.
"When the team needs something specific in red-ball cricket, every batter has to respond to that need. But Rishabh is a senior player who understands the game. Why would anyone tell him how to bat? He reads bowlers, changes gears and often tries things bowlers do not expect. That is his strength."
The batting coach felt Pant's innings showcased exactly why he remains one of the most dangerous players in world cricket.
— BCCI (BCCI)
"He may have missed out on a hundred or even more runs, but I thought he batted really well. KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan also batted exceptionally well."
Kotak was equally effusive in his praise for debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, whose impressive performance with both bat and ball vindicated the team's faith in him.
"He is a very good prospect and has been progressing through the system for the last few years. From Ranji Trophy to India Emerging and India A, he has consistently performed. The BCCI structure gives players exposure and opportunities, and Manav has made the most of them."
Having closely followed Suthar's development, Kotak admitted he was never surprised by the youngster's emergence.
— BCCI (BCCI)
"Ever since I first saw him, I felt he would play for India one day. He is talented, hardworking, consistent and bowls really well. The timing of opportunities is never guaranteed, but he always looked like a player destined to represent India."
The coach defended India's decision not to bat again after dismissing Afghanistan cheaply in the first innings.
"Once they were bowled out for 151, everyone felt it was important to bowl again if they got out before lunch. There will be times when we need to bowl 100 or 120 overs in a Test match. It is not only about giving batters more practice. It is also about preparing bowlers, especially spinners, for long spells."
Kotak also highlighted Washington Sundar's maturity and professionalism.
"Washington has been around the system for a long time. What impresses me most is that his work ethic never changes, whether he is playing, sitting out, batting or bowling. That consistency is why he keeps contributing whenever the team needs him."
