1 day ago
India will look to seal the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan when the two teams meet in the second match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday.
India lead the series 1-0 after a convincing seven-wicket win in the first T20I. Afghanistan will need a much better performance to keep the series alive.
Afghanistan were in trouble early in the first T20I after losing five wickets for 43 runs inside the Power-play. Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi then put the innings back on track with an 83-run partnership.
Omarzai remained unbeaten on 64 off 44 **** as Afghanistan finished with 156/8. However, the total was not enough against India's strong batting line-up.
Arshdeep Singh was India's best bowler, taking 3/9. Jasprit **** rah also made an impact on his return to international cricket by picking up an early wicket. Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy also took wickets as Afghanistan struggled to build momentum.
India made the chase look easy thanks to an explosive innings from Abhishek Sharma.
The left-handed opener smashed 82 off just 32 **** , hitting seven fours and seven sixes. Ishan Kishan also made a useful contribution with 42.
India reached 157/3 in only 13.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Afghanistan's biggest concern will be their top order.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed for a duck in the first over of the opening T20I. Afghanistan will need their top-order batters to give the team a stronger start and provide a platform for players such as Omarzai, Nabi and Rashid Khan.
The visitors have several match-winners in their squad, including Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Naveen-ul-Haq.
Captain Ibrahim Zadran, who is leading Afghanistan in his first series as full-time T20I captain, will hope his team can turn its individual talent into a more disciplined performance.
India also have some selection decisions to make despite their comfortable win in the first T20I.
Abhishek's 82 has strengthened his position at the top of the order, while Sanju Samson scored only 10 runs.
Ishan Kishan also scored 42, giving India another option in the batting line-up. Teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could also be in contention after missing the first T20I.
India will also be without Harshit Rana, who has been ruled out after suffering a rectus femoris strain. Yash Thakur has joined the squad as his replacement.
A win on Tuesday will give India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Afghanistan, meanwhile, need a victory to take the series into a decider.
#first #lead #seven #need
India lead the series 1-0 after a convincing seven-wicket win in the first T20I. Afghanistan will need a much better performance to keep the series alive.
Afghanistan were in trouble early in the first T20I after losing five wickets for 43 runs inside the Power-play. Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi then put the innings back on track with an 83-run partnership.
Omarzai remained unbeaten on 64 off 44 **** as Afghanistan finished with 156/8. However, the total was not enough against India's strong batting line-up.
Arshdeep Singh was India's best bowler, taking 3/9. Jasprit **** rah also made an impact on his return to international cricket by picking up an early wicket. Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy also took wickets as Afghanistan struggled to build momentum.
India made the chase look easy thanks to an explosive innings from Abhishek Sharma.
The left-handed opener smashed 82 off just 32 **** , hitting seven fours and seven sixes. Ishan Kishan also made a useful contribution with 42.
India reached 157/3 in only 13.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Afghanistan's biggest concern will be their top order.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed for a duck in the first over of the opening T20I. Afghanistan will need their top-order batters to give the team a stronger start and provide a platform for players such as Omarzai, Nabi and Rashid Khan.
The visitors have several match-winners in their squad, including Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Naveen-ul-Haq.
Captain Ibrahim Zadran, who is leading Afghanistan in his first series as full-time T20I captain, will hope his team can turn its individual talent into a more disciplined performance.
India also have some selection decisions to make despite their comfortable win in the first T20I.
Abhishek's 82 has strengthened his position at the top of the order, while Sanju Samson scored only 10 runs.
Ishan Kishan also scored 42, giving India another option in the batting line-up. Teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could also be in contention after missing the first T20I.
India will also be without Harshit Rana, who has been ruled out after suffering a rectus femoris strain. Yash Thakur has joined the squad as his replacement.
A win on Tuesday will give India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Afghanistan, meanwhile, need a victory to take the series into a decider.
#first #lead #seven #need
3 days ago
India will begin their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in New Delhi on Sunday, with the team facing a selection call between young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and experienced wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson.
Sooryavanshi played in the first two T20Is during India's England tour before Samson returned to the playing XI for the final match. The team management now has another chance to ******* s both players ahead of the Asian Games in ******* an.
Samson and Abhishek Sharma have formed a more settled opening combination for India in T20Is. However, Sooryavanshi's attacking style gives the team another option at the top.
During Friday's net session, Samson appeared slightly more in control, while Sooryavanshi spent time facing Jasprit ******* rah and learning how to deal with movement off the surface.
The 15-year-old could enjoy the Afghanistan attack, with none of their bowlers matching ******* rah's quality. Afghanistan's pace could also suit Sooryavanshi's aggressive, stand-and-deliver style.
Samson's omission in England after three failures also raised questions, especially given his experience in the format.
India could also consider playing both Samson and Sooryavanshi if Ishan Kishan is ruled out.
Kishan had a back injury scare during Friday's net session. He comes into the series after a brilliant Duleep Trophy final, where he scored 270 and 80.
Kishan will be keen to play because T20Is remain the only format in which he is currently a regular for India.
The three-match series will give India's Asian Games-bound players valuable preparation against a strong Afghanistan side.
Afghanistan have a world-class spin attack featuring Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Facing them in three T20Is will be a major test for India's batters ahead of the Asian Games in ******* an.
When will the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I be played?
The first T20I between India and Afghanistan will be played on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Where will the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I be played?
The match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
What time will the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I start?
The first T20I will start at 7 PM IST on Sunday.
When will the toss take place?
The toss is expected to take place at around 6:30 PM IST, 30 minutes before the scheduled start of play.
Where can fans watch the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I on TV?
The match will be telecast live in India on the Sony Sports Network.
#played
Sooryavanshi played in the first two T20Is during India's England tour before Samson returned to the playing XI for the final match. The team management now has another chance to ******* s both players ahead of the Asian Games in ******* an.
Samson and Abhishek Sharma have formed a more settled opening combination for India in T20Is. However, Sooryavanshi's attacking style gives the team another option at the top.
During Friday's net session, Samson appeared slightly more in control, while Sooryavanshi spent time facing Jasprit ******* rah and learning how to deal with movement off the surface.
The 15-year-old could enjoy the Afghanistan attack, with none of their bowlers matching ******* rah's quality. Afghanistan's pace could also suit Sooryavanshi's aggressive, stand-and-deliver style.
Samson's omission in England after three failures also raised questions, especially given his experience in the format.
India could also consider playing both Samson and Sooryavanshi if Ishan Kishan is ruled out.
Kishan had a back injury scare during Friday's net session. He comes into the series after a brilliant Duleep Trophy final, where he scored 270 and 80.
Kishan will be keen to play because T20Is remain the only format in which he is currently a regular for India.
The three-match series will give India's Asian Games-bound players valuable preparation against a strong Afghanistan side.
Afghanistan have a world-class spin attack featuring Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Facing them in three T20Is will be a major test for India's batters ahead of the Asian Games in ******* an.
When will the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I be played?
The first T20I between India and Afghanistan will be played on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Where will the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I be played?
The match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
What time will the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I start?
The first T20I will start at 7 PM IST on Sunday.
When will the toss take place?
The toss is expected to take place at around 6:30 PM IST, 30 minutes before the scheduled start of play.
Where can fans watch the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I on TV?
The match will be telecast live in India on the Sony Sports Network.
#played
3 days ago
NEW DELHI: Social media has found a fun new way to bring the 1980s back, with AI turning modern-day pictures into vintage portraits. The trend has now reached the Indian cricket team, with several players enjoying a hilarious surprise ahead of their T20I series against Afghanistan in Delhi.
Two days before the series, the Indian players gathered at their hotel for a photo session. But before it began, they found a table filled with AI-generated pictures of themselves.
The portraits, featured in a video shared by the BCCI, showed the players in classic 1980s looks, complete with bell-bottom jeans, big sunglasses and retro hairstyles.
India allrounder Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma picked up the portraits and burst out laughing as they showed them to their teammates. Jasprit ****** rah also joined in the fun.
Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube checked out their retro pictures and appeared amused by their new 1980s avatars.
Ishan Kishan, who recently led East Zone to Duleep Trophy glory, fully embraced the retro look. He held up his AI-generated picture, sang and posed for the camera as his teammates enjoyed the moment.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yash Thakur and Ravi Bishnoi also broke into smiles after seeing their 1980s avatars.
India and Afghanistan will face each other in a three-match T20I series, starting Sunday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
The second and third T20Is will be played on Tuesday and Thursday at the same venue.
#portraits
Two days before the series, the Indian players gathered at their hotel for a photo session. But before it began, they found a table filled with AI-generated pictures of themselves.
The portraits, featured in a video shared by the BCCI, showed the players in classic 1980s looks, complete with bell-bottom jeans, big sunglasses and retro hairstyles.
India allrounder Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma picked up the portraits and burst out laughing as they showed them to their teammates. Jasprit ****** rah also joined in the fun.
Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube checked out their retro pictures and appeared amused by their new 1980s avatars.
Ishan Kishan, who recently led East Zone to Duleep Trophy glory, fully embraced the retro look. He held up his AI-generated picture, sang and posed for the camera as his teammates enjoyed the moment.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yash Thakur and Ravi Bishnoi also broke into smiles after seeing their 1980s avatars.
India and Afghanistan will face each other in a three-match T20I series, starting Sunday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
The second and third T20Is will be played on Tuesday and Thursday at the same venue.
#portraits
4 days ago
India's search for consistency in T20I cricket will continue with a three-match series against Afghanistan, but the team's batting combination could once again come under scrutiny, particularly with vice-captain Tilak Varma's role yet to appear fully settled.
India, led by Shreyas Iyer, endured a difficult run following their second consecutive T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year. The team lost all six of its T20Is against Ireland and England before finally putting together a 3-0 clean sweep against Zimbabwe.
The Afghanistan series begins on September 13 (Saturday), with India also scheduled to play a historic T20I against ******* an before featuring in the Asian Games 2026.
With several established batters competing for places, former South Africa star AB de Villiers believes India could face a selection headache, particularly when it comes to deciding where Tilak Varma fits into the batting order.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, de Villiers pointed to the number of batting options available to India and questioned how the team would accommodate its vice-captain.
"There will definitely be some selection issues with regard to the batters. Obviously, Shreyas, captain, Ishan Kishan, Samson, Sooryavanshi, and then there are all-rounders, Tilak Varma; I think that's where the balance is quite tricky. Where will he bat?" de Villiers said.
Tilak's recent numbers also underline why his position could become a talking point.
Since the 2026 T20 World Cup, the left-hander has scored 255 runs from 10 innings at a strike rate of 159.36, with three scores of 50 or more. However, the numbers need some context. One of those half-centuries came during the recent Zimbabwe series, while another was scored in the fifth T20I against England, by which point India had already conceded the series.
His overall returns therefore look stronger in isolation than his performances across the entire period suggest. Tilak endured a particularly difficult run during India's tour of the UK, and his inconsistency has remained a concern despite the occasional big score. That makes his position in India's batting order an even bigger talking point ahead of the Afghanistan series.
The presence of Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gives India several batting options, while the team also has to factor in its all-rounders.
For de Villiers, the challenge is not simply about selecting the strongest players but finding a combination in which every batter has a clearly defined role.
He believes India have enough quality in their squad to deal with Afghanistan, but stressed that clarity will be particularly important against a side he considers dangerous.
"Really, really strong squad, but the balance will be tricky to figure out. It is T20 cricket, so they can play around with the squad a little bit. There are different roles, but the role clarification will still be incredibly important for India, as
India, led by Shreyas Iyer, endured a difficult run following their second consecutive T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year. The team lost all six of its T20Is against Ireland and England before finally putting together a 3-0 clean sweep against Zimbabwe.
The Afghanistan series begins on September 13 (Saturday), with India also scheduled to play a historic T20I against ******* an before featuring in the Asian Games 2026.
With several established batters competing for places, former South Africa star AB de Villiers believes India could face a selection headache, particularly when it comes to deciding where Tilak Varma fits into the batting order.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, de Villiers pointed to the number of batting options available to India and questioned how the team would accommodate its vice-captain.
"There will definitely be some selection issues with regard to the batters. Obviously, Shreyas, captain, Ishan Kishan, Samson, Sooryavanshi, and then there are all-rounders, Tilak Varma; I think that's where the balance is quite tricky. Where will he bat?" de Villiers said.
Tilak's recent numbers also underline why his position could become a talking point.
Since the 2026 T20 World Cup, the left-hander has scored 255 runs from 10 innings at a strike rate of 159.36, with three scores of 50 or more. However, the numbers need some context. One of those half-centuries came during the recent Zimbabwe series, while another was scored in the fifth T20I against England, by which point India had already conceded the series.
His overall returns therefore look stronger in isolation than his performances across the entire period suggest. Tilak endured a particularly difficult run during India's tour of the UK, and his inconsistency has remained a concern despite the occasional big score. That makes his position in India's batting order an even bigger talking point ahead of the Afghanistan series.
The presence of Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gives India several batting options, while the team also has to factor in its all-rounders.
For de Villiers, the challenge is not simply about selecting the strongest players but finding a combination in which every batter has a clearly defined role.
He believes India have enough quality in their squad to deal with Afghanistan, but stressed that clarity will be particularly important against a side he considers dangerous.
"Really, really strong squad, but the balance will be tricky to figure out. It is T20 cricket, so they can play around with the squad a little bit. There are different roles, but the role clarification will still be incredibly important for India, as
4 days ago
'His time will come': Ajinkya Rahane wants India to drop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to play Sanju Samson in Afghanistan T20Is originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Ajinkya Rahane wants India to reinstate the T20 World Cup top three of Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan for the Afghanistan series.
Rahane believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should play his natural game without overthinking, given how early this stage of his international career is.
Samson won the T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament but has struggled for consistency in the UK series since that triumph.
Ajinkya Rahane has thrown his weight firmly behind Sanju Samson, and urged the Indian team management to reinstate the wicketkeeper-batter in the top three for the Afghanistan T20I series ahead of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
#rahane #samson #ajinkya
Ajinkya Rahane wants India to reinstate the T20 World Cup top three of Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan for the Afghanistan series.
Rahane believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should play his natural game without overthinking, given how early this stage of his international career is.
Samson won the T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament but has struggled for consistency in the UK series since that triumph.
Ajinkya Rahane has thrown his weight firmly behind Sanju Samson, and urged the Indian team management to reinstate the wicketkeeper-batter in the top three for the Afghanistan T20I series ahead of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
#rahane #samson #ajinkya
4 days ago
NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Ajinkya Rahane believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's time will come, but feels India should currently stick with the top-three combination that delivered the 2026 T20 World Cup ******* le, backing Sanju Samson to reclaim his place alongside Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan.
Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament during India's triumphant T20 World Cup campaign, was dropped after a string of low scores on the tour of England. Sooryavanshi was subsequently handed his international debut in Manchester and also opened during the T20Is against Zimbabwe.
With Samson now recalled for the three-match home series against Afghanistan, beginning at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, Rahane believes the experienced batter should return to the top order.
"I feel the top three should be the same that played in the World Cup. Samson has done well, but he got dropped after two or three bad innings. I want him to get another chance. Abhishek and Ishan also did well for us," Rahane said in a video on his YouTube channel on Friday.
"Vaibhav will get his opportunities, and his time will come. But for now, I feel the top three should be Samson, Abhishek, and Ishan, who were our contributors in the World Cup," he added.
Rahane welcomed Samson's return while pointing to the batter's impact during India's World Cup-winning campaign.
"I am happy to see Sanju Samson back in the team. He was the 'Man of the Series' in the World Cup. It has been up and down, and things were happening to him that were not in his control. But he is a match-winner, and his return strengthens the team," Rahane said.
For Sooryavanshi, Rahane's message was one of patience and freedom. The 15-year-old has made a rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket, but the former India batter believes the teenager should not overthink his early international career.
"I think he should just play his game right now. He should back the game that led him to come into the Indian team. It is a very early stage for him in his career and in international cricket," Rahane said.
"As of now, there is no need for him to think a lot, and he should be set free. His game will eventually change after two or three years, as much as he keeps playing. It will be important for him to maintain balance. Apart from cricket skills, it is important to stay balanced off the field. That will be a challenge for him."
Sooryavanshi has already provided plenty of evidence of his ability. During the Duleep Trophy, he became the youngest player to score a half-century in the competition, reaching the landmark at 15 years and 175 days.
He made 92 off 81 ******* for East Zone, reaching his fifty from just 42 deliveries and breaking a 57-year-old record previously held by Laxman Singh, who was 16 years and 23 days old when he scored his Duleep Trophy fifty in 1969.
Rahane believes the teenager's next challenge is not
Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament during India's triumphant T20 World Cup campaign, was dropped after a string of low scores on the tour of England. Sooryavanshi was subsequently handed his international debut in Manchester and also opened during the T20Is against Zimbabwe.
With Samson now recalled for the three-match home series against Afghanistan, beginning at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, Rahane believes the experienced batter should return to the top order.
"I feel the top three should be the same that played in the World Cup. Samson has done well, but he got dropped after two or three bad innings. I want him to get another chance. Abhishek and Ishan also did well for us," Rahane said in a video on his YouTube channel on Friday.
"Vaibhav will get his opportunities, and his time will come. But for now, I feel the top three should be Samson, Abhishek, and Ishan, who were our contributors in the World Cup," he added.
Rahane welcomed Samson's return while pointing to the batter's impact during India's World Cup-winning campaign.
"I am happy to see Sanju Samson back in the team. He was the 'Man of the Series' in the World Cup. It has been up and down, and things were happening to him that were not in his control. But he is a match-winner, and his return strengthens the team," Rahane said.
For Sooryavanshi, Rahane's message was one of patience and freedom. The 15-year-old has made a rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket, but the former India batter believes the teenager should not overthink his early international career.
"I think he should just play his game right now. He should back the game that led him to come into the Indian team. It is a very early stage for him in his career and in international cricket," Rahane said.
"As of now, there is no need for him to think a lot, and he should be set free. His game will eventually change after two or three years, as much as he keeps playing. It will be important for him to maintain balance. Apart from cricket skills, it is important to stay balanced off the field. That will be a challenge for him."
Sooryavanshi has already provided plenty of evidence of his ability. During the Duleep Trophy, he became the youngest player to score a half-century in the competition, reaching the landmark at 15 years and 175 days.
He made 92 off 81 ******* for East Zone, reaching his fifty from just 42 deliveries and breaking a 57-year-old record previously held by Laxman Singh, who was 16 years and 23 days old when he scored his Duleep Trophy fifty in 1969.
Rahane believes the teenager's next challenge is not
7 days ago
India continue to make their presence felt at the top of the Women's T20I bowling rankings, with Sree Charani holding on to the No. 1 spot and Deepti Sharma making a two-place jump to sixth following her strong showing at the Asia Cup 2026.
Deepti has been one of India's standout performers in the tournament, claiming eight wickets in three matches as the team booked its place in the semi-finals.
The right-arm spinner's consistent performances have earned her a significant rise in the latest rankings. Deepti, who had previously reached the top spot in December last year, is now within 60 rating points of Charani. Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Lauren Bell are the four bowlers positioned between the two Indian stars.
With Charani and Deepti occupying the top two positions, India continues to dominate the upper reaches of the T20I bowling rankings.
Several players also made significant gains in the latest T20I rankings after their performances at the Asia Cup. Bangladesh's Marufa Akter was among the biggest movers, climbing 19 places to 18th in the bowling rankings. Chamari Athapaththu moved up five spots to 28th, while Sultana Khatun gained nine places to share 37th.
Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong rose four places to 47th, while teammate Suleeporn Laomi jumped 10 spots to 53rd. There were also gains among Bangladesh's batters, with Sobhana Mostary moving up three places to 36th and Dilara Akter climbing five spots to 62nd.
The latest ODI rankings also saw notable movement following England's home series against Ireland. Stand-in England captain Charlie Dean moved up one place to jointly occupy ninth in the ODI all-rounders' rankings. She also climbed two spots to share 11th among ODI bowlers after taking three wickets in the three-match series.
England's Lauren Filer made an impressive 14-place jump to 39th, while Ireland's Cara Murray rose 16 places to 50th in the ODI bowling rankings.
Ireland youngster Amy Hunter emerged as the biggest winner among ODI batters, moving up nine places to 11th. England's Maia Bouchier climbed 13 spots to 42nd, while Sophia Dunkley made an even bigger leap of 26 places to reach 43rd.
#rankings #places #three #latest
Deepti has been one of India's standout performers in the tournament, claiming eight wickets in three matches as the team booked its place in the semi-finals.
The right-arm spinner's consistent performances have earned her a significant rise in the latest rankings. Deepti, who had previously reached the top spot in December last year, is now within 60 rating points of Charani. Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Lauren Bell are the four bowlers positioned between the two Indian stars.
With Charani and Deepti occupying the top two positions, India continues to dominate the upper reaches of the T20I bowling rankings.
Several players also made significant gains in the latest T20I rankings after their performances at the Asia Cup. Bangladesh's Marufa Akter was among the biggest movers, climbing 19 places to 18th in the bowling rankings. Chamari Athapaththu moved up five spots to 28th, while Sultana Khatun gained nine places to share 37th.
Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong rose four places to 47th, while teammate Suleeporn Laomi jumped 10 spots to 53rd. There were also gains among Bangladesh's batters, with Sobhana Mostary moving up three places to 36th and Dilara Akter climbing five spots to 62nd.
The latest ODI rankings also saw notable movement following England's home series against Ireland. Stand-in England captain Charlie Dean moved up one place to jointly occupy ninth in the ODI all-rounders' rankings. She also climbed two spots to share 11th among ODI bowlers after taking three wickets in the three-match series.
England's Lauren Filer made an impressive 14-place jump to 39th, while Ireland's Cara Murray rose 16 places to 50th in the ODI bowling rankings.
Ireland youngster Amy Hunter emerged as the biggest winner among ODI batters, moving up nine places to 11th. England's Maia Bouchier climbed 13 spots to 42nd, while Sophia Dunkley made an even bigger leap of 26 places to reach 43rd.
#rankings #places #three #latest
9 days ago
Young left-arm spinner Shree Charani said India's spin bowlers plan their strategy together before matches and then focus on executing it on the field after Indian spinners helped bowl Pakistan out for 55 in their Women's T20 Asia Cup clash.
Charani returned figures of 3/7, while Prema Rawat took 3/9 and Deepti Sharma claimed 2/5 as India's spinners took control of the match. Pakistan were bowled out for their lowest-ever T20I total of 55 before India chased down the target with 68 ***** to spare and registered a seven-wicket win on Saturday.
India had already secured a semifinal place from Group A before the match. They finished top of the group with six points after winning all three games.
Charani, who dismissed Shawaal Zulfiqar, Gull Feroza and Ayesha Zafar, said the team's spin bowlers discuss their plans before every match and then try to follow them on the field.
"In the meeting, we three sit together... Prema, me, Deepti di and Radha (Yadav) di and we discuss what to do (in the match). So, we just try to implement that here (on the field) whatever Deepti and Radha di say," said Charani.
Pakistan had raced to 27 without loss, but Charani struck twice in the sixth over to leave them at 29/3. They could not recover after that and were eventually bowled out for 55.
The 22-year-old is now one wicket away from completing 50 T20I wickets. She said her approach was to keep things simple and concentrate on getting the basics right.
"It's just about myself. Like I just want to focus on my things... I want to do my things correct," she said.
After looking at the pitch and expecting it to help the spinners, Charani said she focused on bowling at the stumps and allowing the pitch to do the rest.
"I just tried to bowl on the stumps. By seeing the pitch, we know it may turn so I just focused on that."
#t20i
Charani returned figures of 3/7, while Prema Rawat took 3/9 and Deepti Sharma claimed 2/5 as India's spinners took control of the match. Pakistan were bowled out for their lowest-ever T20I total of 55 before India chased down the target with 68 ***** to spare and registered a seven-wicket win on Saturday.
India had already secured a semifinal place from Group A before the match. They finished top of the group with six points after winning all three games.
Charani, who dismissed Shawaal Zulfiqar, Gull Feroza and Ayesha Zafar, said the team's spin bowlers discuss their plans before every match and then try to follow them on the field.
"In the meeting, we three sit together... Prema, me, Deepti di and Radha (Yadav) di and we discuss what to do (in the match). So, we just try to implement that here (on the field) whatever Deepti and Radha di say," said Charani.
Pakistan had raced to 27 without loss, but Charani struck twice in the sixth over to leave them at 29/3. They could not recover after that and were eventually bowled out for 55.
The 22-year-old is now one wicket away from completing 50 T20I wickets. She said her approach was to keep things simple and concentrate on getting the basics right.
"It's just about myself. Like I just want to focus on my things... I want to do my things correct," she said.
After looking at the pitch and expecting it to help the spinners, Charani said she focused on bowling at the stumps and allowing the pitch to do the rest.
"I just tried to bowl on the stumps. By seeing the pitch, we know it may turn so I just focused on that."
#t20i
10 days ago
Rebecca Sarker looked incredible as she showcased her toned physique during a sun-soaked getaway by the sea.
The 51-year-old Emmerdale actress, who has played Dr Manpreet Sharma on the ITV soap since 2018, shared a series of carefree photos and videos from her vacation, captioning the post simply: "From dusk till dawn."
Rebecca showed off her athletic figure in a classic black two-piece as she enjoyed the golden-hour sunshine, posing against a spectacular backdrop of rugged coastline and crystal-blue water.
Rebecca looks amazing at 51 (@ Instagram)
The halterneck bikini top featured a ruched detail across the bust and a small floral embellishment on one strap, which she teamed with simple black bikini bottoms.
#incredible
The 51-year-old Emmerdale actress, who has played Dr Manpreet Sharma on the ITV soap since 2018, shared a series of carefree photos and videos from her vacation, captioning the post simply: "From dusk till dawn."
Rebecca showed off her athletic figure in a classic black two-piece as she enjoyed the golden-hour sunshine, posing against a spectacular backdrop of rugged coastline and crystal-blue water.
Rebecca looks amazing at 51 (@ Instagram)
The halterneck bikini top featured a ruched detail across the bust and a small floral embellishment on one strap, which she teamed with simple black bikini bottoms.
#incredible
10 days ago
NEW DELHI: The no-handshake saga between India and Pakistan continued in women's cricket as Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana once again refrained from exchanging the customary gesture during the toss ahead of their Women's Asia Cup 2026 clash in Dubai on Saturday.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss and elected to bat first, with the latest India-Pakistan encounter beginning with the now-familiar absence of a handshake between the two captains.
The no-handshake stance has continued across India-Pakistan cricket encounters since last year, with the protocol also observed when the two sides met during the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup in Birmingham.
The focus, however, quickly shifted to the contest itself, with Pakistan looking to post a challenging total after opting to bat.
"We're gonna bat first because we want to put a maximum total here. [Did the last game influence this decision?] Yeah, because we know we have a good bowling side, so we will try to restrict them. [How have you addressed the batting wobble?] We had a good chat with the team, and we just want to play according to the pitch," Sana said.
India entered the contest in a strong position after winning their opening two matches against Thailand and Hong Kong, China, and securing a place in the semi-finals. Pakistan, meanwhile, began their campaign with a win over Thailand and still have a group-stage game against Hong Kong, China after the India clash.
India have also enjoyed a dominant recent record against their neighbours in T20Is, having won nine of their last 10 meetings, with their only defeat in that stretch coming during the 2022 Asia Cup.
Harmanpreet said India were happy to bowl first, backing their bowling attack to restrict Pakistan to a manageable total.
"Our bowling is doing great in this tournament, and good to get the opportunity to bowl first. [How challenging is chasing?] I think while batting it's always about giving ourselves some time and then going for your shots. And I think the first two games we did really well in that department, and hopefully we'll continue. [On leading for the 150th time in T20Is] Great achievement. But the key is to keep enjoying yourself on the field, and that is key; I try to keep up with that. [What score would you like to chase?] We'll try to restrict them to a short total, so there won't be pressure while chasing," she said.
The India captain also entered the record books on Saturday, becoming the first cricketer — male or female — to captain in 150 T20I matches.
Harmanpreet's landmark came in the same match in which India are aiming to complete a perfect three wins from three in the group stage.
Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu is second on the list with 121 matches as captain, followed by Australia's Meg Lanning on 100.
IND vs PAK Playing XIs:
India XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Nandani Sharm
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss and elected to bat first, with the latest India-Pakistan encounter beginning with the now-familiar absence of a handshake between the two captains.
The no-handshake stance has continued across India-Pakistan cricket encounters since last year, with the protocol also observed when the two sides met during the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup in Birmingham.
The focus, however, quickly shifted to the contest itself, with Pakistan looking to post a challenging total after opting to bat.
"We're gonna bat first because we want to put a maximum total here. [Did the last game influence this decision?] Yeah, because we know we have a good bowling side, so we will try to restrict them. [How have you addressed the batting wobble?] We had a good chat with the team, and we just want to play according to the pitch," Sana said.
India entered the contest in a strong position after winning their opening two matches against Thailand and Hong Kong, China, and securing a place in the semi-finals. Pakistan, meanwhile, began their campaign with a win over Thailand and still have a group-stage game against Hong Kong, China after the India clash.
India have also enjoyed a dominant recent record against their neighbours in T20Is, having won nine of their last 10 meetings, with their only defeat in that stretch coming during the 2022 Asia Cup.
Harmanpreet said India were happy to bowl first, backing their bowling attack to restrict Pakistan to a manageable total.
"Our bowling is doing great in this tournament, and good to get the opportunity to bowl first. [How challenging is chasing?] I think while batting it's always about giving ourselves some time and then going for your shots. And I think the first two games we did really well in that department, and hopefully we'll continue. [On leading for the 150th time in T20Is] Great achievement. But the key is to keep enjoying yourself on the field, and that is key; I try to keep up with that. [What score would you like to chase?] We'll try to restrict them to a short total, so there won't be pressure while chasing," she said.
The India captain also entered the record books on Saturday, becoming the first cricketer — male or female — to captain in 150 T20I matches.
Harmanpreet's landmark came in the same match in which India are aiming to complete a perfect three wins from three in the group stage.
Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu is second on the list with 121 matches as captain, followed by Australia's Meg Lanning on 100.
IND vs PAK Playing XIs:
India XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Nandani Sharm
11 days ago
India are set to renew their rivalry with Pakistan in their final league-stage match of the Women's Asia Cup on Saturday, with senior all-rounder Deepti Sharma confident that the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side can maintain its recent dominance over its neighbours.
India have already secured their place in the semifinals after registering convincing victories over Thailand and Hong Kong. They currently sit at the top of Group A and will enter the Pakistan clash as clear favourites.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Friday, Deepti pointed to India's strong record against Pakistan and said the team would aim to maintain that edge.
"Look, there is no advantage as such. The only thing is that whatever we have won against them (Pakistan), whether it is the Asia Cup or any other matches, we are always one step ahead of them. And that's it," Deepti said.
Deepti stressed that India would not get distracted by Pakistan's strengths and instead concentrate on maintaining their own balanced approach.
"The whole team is performing well. If you look at the bowling unit or the batting unit, I think both things are balanced. The one who has a good day, she tries to do better and take the game further. And those around her, they try to stay positive things so that they step in more in their game," she said.
Asked about Pakistan's bowling attack, Deepti acknowledged the threat but insisted India would stick to their plans.
"Our team is also good and their bowlers are also good. We know that. But we focus more on the strengths we have. And as I said, we want to play a good brand of cricket. That's what we are focusing on. We just want to play good cricket. As a bowling unit, as a batting unit, the team should be as compact as we are playing in two games. That's the mindset," she added.
India have dominated the rivalry in women's T20Is, winning 14 of their 17 meetings with Pakistan, while Pakistan have three victories. The recent record is even more emphatic. India defeated Pakistan by 64 runs in the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, while also winning their previous two meetings in the 2024 T20 World Cup and Asia Cup.
Pakistan's most recent victory over India came in the 2022 Women's Asia Cup, when they secured a 13-run win.
#deepti #good #team #recent
India have already secured their place in the semifinals after registering convincing victories over Thailand and Hong Kong. They currently sit at the top of Group A and will enter the Pakistan clash as clear favourites.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Friday, Deepti pointed to India's strong record against Pakistan and said the team would aim to maintain that edge.
"Look, there is no advantage as such. The only thing is that whatever we have won against them (Pakistan), whether it is the Asia Cup or any other matches, we are always one step ahead of them. And that's it," Deepti said.
Deepti stressed that India would not get distracted by Pakistan's strengths and instead concentrate on maintaining their own balanced approach.
"The whole team is performing well. If you look at the bowling unit or the batting unit, I think both things are balanced. The one who has a good day, she tries to do better and take the game further. And those around her, they try to stay positive things so that they step in more in their game," she said.
Asked about Pakistan's bowling attack, Deepti acknowledged the threat but insisted India would stick to their plans.
"Our team is also good and their bowlers are also good. We know that. But we focus more on the strengths we have. And as I said, we want to play a good brand of cricket. That's what we are focusing on. We just want to play good cricket. As a bowling unit, as a batting unit, the team should be as compact as we are playing in two games. That's the mindset," she added.
India have dominated the rivalry in women's T20Is, winning 14 of their 17 meetings with Pakistan, while Pakistan have three victories. The recent record is even more emphatic. India defeated Pakistan by 64 runs in the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, while also winning their previous two meetings in the 2024 T20 World Cup and Asia Cup.
Pakistan's most recent victory over India came in the 2022 Women's Asia Cup, when they secured a 13-run win.
#deepti #good #team #recent
11 days ago
MUMBAI: Former India captain Diana Edulji feels it's time to appoint vice-captain and superstar batter Smriti Mandhana as captain of the Indian women's team "in all three formats of the game."
Mandhana became the leading run-getter in women's internationals, en route to her hundred (124) in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 on Thursday against Hong Kong in Dubai. She broke former Indian women's captain Mithali Raj's record of 10,868 runs. Mandhana also broke the record for most centuries (18) in international cricket, the most by any batter in the women's game, surpassing Meg Lanning and Laura Wolvaardt, who have 17 apiece. Mandhana has two hundreds in T20Is, two in Tests and 14 in ODIs. The elegant left-hander has 93 fifty-plus scores across formats in international cricket, the joint-most by any batter, alongside Raj.
It was also Mandhana's second T20I hundred, thus making the 30-year-old the first Indian woman to score multiple centuries in the shortest format of the game.
"I congratulate Smriti Mandhana on becoming the leading run-getter in women's internationals. I feel that it's high time that the national women's selection committee, led by Amita Sharma, appoints Smriti as the new captain in all three formats of the game. Harmanpreet Kaur can continue to play as a senior player in the side," Edulji said while talking to TOI.
Explaining the reasoning behind seeking a transition in captaincy, Edulji said, "All I'm saying is that Harman is already in her late 30s (37). When would you want her to give up the captaincy and give it to Smriti, who has just entered her 30s (30). I don't want Harman to be dropped from the Indian team. I've no ill-feeling towards her. She's still a great player, but I think Harman should be relieved of the captaincy pressure, and left to just concentrate on her batting, because runs aren't coming off her bat. Harman's form is crucial for our team to win more championships. This move will increase her time span in the India XI. It's very important that someone scores runs in the middle order, because we can't keep depending on our openers all the time. So, I think that this is the right time for Smriti to take over the India captaincy. Her confidence and skill level are high right now. And let Smriti take it forward from here, so that she has a long run (as a captain) then. At least give her white-ball captaincy for now, and maybe Harman can continue as a Test captain."
"After a few years, Smriti will be in her late 30s; then what do we do? Whom do we train after that (for India captaincy)? Right now, we can have Jemimah (Rodrigues) or Shafali (Varma) as the vice-captain, and train them (for the bigger responsibility)," Edulji said.
"Well deserved, Smriti! I've watched you grow from a young player into one of the finest batters India has produced. To see you go past my record and become the highest run-scorer in international cricket is a moment I'm genuinely proud of. Here's to many more runs and milestone
Mandhana became the leading run-getter in women's internationals, en route to her hundred (124) in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 on Thursday against Hong Kong in Dubai. She broke former Indian women's captain Mithali Raj's record of 10,868 runs. Mandhana also broke the record for most centuries (18) in international cricket, the most by any batter in the women's game, surpassing Meg Lanning and Laura Wolvaardt, who have 17 apiece. Mandhana has two hundreds in T20Is, two in Tests and 14 in ODIs. The elegant left-hander has 93 fifty-plus scores across formats in international cricket, the joint-most by any batter, alongside Raj.
It was also Mandhana's second T20I hundred, thus making the 30-year-old the first Indian woman to score multiple centuries in the shortest format of the game.
"I congratulate Smriti Mandhana on becoming the leading run-getter in women's internationals. I feel that it's high time that the national women's selection committee, led by Amita Sharma, appoints Smriti as the new captain in all three formats of the game. Harmanpreet Kaur can continue to play as a senior player in the side," Edulji said while talking to TOI.
Explaining the reasoning behind seeking a transition in captaincy, Edulji said, "All I'm saying is that Harman is already in her late 30s (37). When would you want her to give up the captaincy and give it to Smriti, who has just entered her 30s (30). I don't want Harman to be dropped from the Indian team. I've no ill-feeling towards her. She's still a great player, but I think Harman should be relieved of the captaincy pressure, and left to just concentrate on her batting, because runs aren't coming off her bat. Harman's form is crucial for our team to win more championships. This move will increase her time span in the India XI. It's very important that someone scores runs in the middle order, because we can't keep depending on our openers all the time. So, I think that this is the right time for Smriti to take over the India captaincy. Her confidence and skill level are high right now. And let Smriti take it forward from here, so that she has a long run (as a captain) then. At least give her white-ball captaincy for now, and maybe Harman can continue as a Test captain."
"After a few years, Smriti will be in her late 30s; then what do we do? Whom do we train after that (for India captaincy)? Right now, we can have Jemimah (Rodrigues) or Shafali (Varma) as the vice-captain, and train them (for the bigger responsibility)," Edulji said.
"Well deserved, Smriti! I've watched you grow from a young player into one of the finest batters India has produced. To see you go past my record and become the highest run-scorer in international cricket is a moment I'm genuinely proud of. Here's to many more runs and milestone
11 days ago
Women's T20 Asia Cup, Group A, Dubai International Stadium
India Women 193-5 (20 overs): Mandhana 124 (64)
Hong Kong Women 56 (16.2 overs): D Sharma 3-9
India won by 137 runs
Scorecard
#overs #Dubai #international
India Women 193-5 (20 overs): Mandhana 124 (64)
Hong Kong Women 56 (16.2 overs): D Sharma 3-9
India won by 137 runs
Scorecard
#overs #Dubai #international
12 days ago
Smriti Mandhana's record-breaking 124 and a clinical bowling effort helped India crush Hong Kong by 137 runs in their Women's Asia Cup 2026 clash in Dubai. After posting 193/5, India bowled Hong Kong out for just 56 in 16.2 overs to seal a massive win and book their place in the semi-finals.
Hong Kong won the toss and elected to field, but Mandhana quickly put their decision under pressure. The India opener and Shafali Verma gave their side a strong start, with Verma smashing 28 off 17 ***** before departing.
Wickets began to fall regularly after the opening stand, but Mandhana continued to attack from one end. She reached her half-century in 40 ***** before dramatically increasing the tempo, bringing up her century in just 57 deliveries.
Mandhana finished with a sensational 124 off 64 ***** , hitting 14 fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 193.75. The innings took her to 18 international centuries, moving her past Meg Lanning's tally of 17 and making her the leading century-maker in women's international cricket.
She also broke Chamari Athapaththu's record for the highest individual score in Women's T20 Asia Cup history, surpassing the Sri Lankan's unbeaten 119.
Mandhana's innings eventually ended in the final over when she was run out after a mix-up with Bharti Fulmali. Her dismissal, however, came after she had already powered India to a formidable 193/5.
Hong Kong's chase never got going as India's spin-heavy attack strangled the batting lineup from the beginning. They slipped to 32/3 and struggled to score freely against India's disciplined bowling.
Deepti Sharma led the attack with 3/9 from three overs, removing key batters Natasha Miles and Yasmin Daswani while keeping the scoring rate under control. Prema Rawat, Nandani Sharma and Shree Charani then continued to chip away at the Hong Kong batting order.
Marina Lamplough offered some resistance with 14, but Shree Charani eventually removed her before the lower order folded quickly. Nandani Sharma claimed two wickets, while Prema Rawat finished with two as India's spinners kept the pressure on.
Hong Kong were eventually bowled out for just 56 in 16.2 overs. Shree Charani completed the victory by stumping Shanzeen Shahzad after a sharp piece of work from Richa Ghosh.
#hong #India #sharma #shree
Hong Kong won the toss and elected to field, but Mandhana quickly put their decision under pressure. The India opener and Shafali Verma gave their side a strong start, with Verma smashing 28 off 17 ***** before departing.
Wickets began to fall regularly after the opening stand, but Mandhana continued to attack from one end. She reached her half-century in 40 ***** before dramatically increasing the tempo, bringing up her century in just 57 deliveries.
Mandhana finished with a sensational 124 off 64 ***** , hitting 14 fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 193.75. The innings took her to 18 international centuries, moving her past Meg Lanning's tally of 17 and making her the leading century-maker in women's international cricket.
She also broke Chamari Athapaththu's record for the highest individual score in Women's T20 Asia Cup history, surpassing the Sri Lankan's unbeaten 119.
Mandhana's innings eventually ended in the final over when she was run out after a mix-up with Bharti Fulmali. Her dismissal, however, came after she had already powered India to a formidable 193/5.
Hong Kong's chase never got going as India's spin-heavy attack strangled the batting lineup from the beginning. They slipped to 32/3 and struggled to score freely against India's disciplined bowling.
Deepti Sharma led the attack with 3/9 from three overs, removing key batters Natasha Miles and Yasmin Daswani while keeping the scoring rate under control. Prema Rawat, Nandani Sharma and Shree Charani then continued to chip away at the Hong Kong batting order.
Marina Lamplough offered some resistance with 14, but Shree Charani eventually removed her before the lower order folded quickly. Nandani Sharma claimed two wickets, while Prema Rawat finished with two as India's spinners kept the pressure on.
Hong Kong were eventually bowled out for just 56 in 16.2 overs. Shree Charani completed the victory by stumping Shanzeen Shahzad after a sharp piece of work from Richa Ghosh.
#hong #India #sharma #shree
12 days ago
NEW DELHI: BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has pushed back against growing speculation over Rohit Sharma's ODI future, insisting that the former India captain is continuing to perform at a high level and questioning why his place in the side is being debated.
Speaking after a high-level Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) review meeting in Mumbai on Thursday, Saikia offered a firm defence of the 39-year-old, whose future has again become a major talking point with the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching.
"He is playing superbly in all the matches. So, what more do you want? In the last match, he scored 138 runs. So, why there is a speculation? So, I don't want to give fodder to the speculations," Saikia said.
His comments came amid reports that selectors had considered moving on from Rohit in their ODI plans, potentially leaving his participation in the 2027 World Cup in doubt.
The speculation intensified during India's ODI tour of England earlier this year, with reports suggesting the Lord's ODI could be Rohit's final appearance in an India shirt.
Instead, Rohit responded in characteristic fashion — with a match-defining performance.
He smashed 138 at Lord's, becoming the oldest Indian to score an ODI century at the iconic venue, although his effort came in a losing cause. The innings once again demonstrated why questions over his future have been accompanied by equally strong arguments for his retention.
Following the England tour, Rohit made it clear that the constant speculation did not concern him.
"If there's no noise, there's no fun. My job is inside; their job is outside. That's how I look at it," he had said. "The noise since I made my debut was there. And till the time I'm going to stay here, it's always going to be there. It doesn't really matter too much. What matters is what I do on the field. I want to try and contribute to the success of the team. That's all my focus is."
Rohit retired from Test cricket in 2025 and from T20Is in 2024, leaving ODI cricket as his only remaining international format.
The latest comments from Saikia came after a meeting attended by head coach Gautam Gambhir, ODI captain Shubman Gill, T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, BCCI president Mithun Manhas and Saikia.
The secretary had already backed Rohit before the Lord's match, saying on July 17: "Rohit is a regular member of the Indian ODI team, and he will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things. In other words, the Lord's ODI won't be his last match."
Rohit's age remains an unavoidable part of the discussion. He will turn 40 in 2027, the year of the next ODI World Cup, and India will inevitably have to consider succession planning.
#speculation
Speaking after a high-level Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) review meeting in Mumbai on Thursday, Saikia offered a firm defence of the 39-year-old, whose future has again become a major talking point with the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching.
"He is playing superbly in all the matches. So, what more do you want? In the last match, he scored 138 runs. So, why there is a speculation? So, I don't want to give fodder to the speculations," Saikia said.
His comments came amid reports that selectors had considered moving on from Rohit in their ODI plans, potentially leaving his participation in the 2027 World Cup in doubt.
The speculation intensified during India's ODI tour of England earlier this year, with reports suggesting the Lord's ODI could be Rohit's final appearance in an India shirt.
Instead, Rohit responded in characteristic fashion — with a match-defining performance.
He smashed 138 at Lord's, becoming the oldest Indian to score an ODI century at the iconic venue, although his effort came in a losing cause. The innings once again demonstrated why questions over his future have been accompanied by equally strong arguments for his retention.
Following the England tour, Rohit made it clear that the constant speculation did not concern him.
"If there's no noise, there's no fun. My job is inside; their job is outside. That's how I look at it," he had said. "The noise since I made my debut was there. And till the time I'm going to stay here, it's always going to be there. It doesn't really matter too much. What matters is what I do on the field. I want to try and contribute to the success of the team. That's all my focus is."
Rohit retired from Test cricket in 2025 and from T20Is in 2024, leaving ODI cricket as his only remaining international format.
The latest comments from Saikia came after a meeting attended by head coach Gautam Gambhir, ODI captain Shubman Gill, T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, BCCI president Mithun Manhas and Saikia.
The secretary had already backed Rohit before the Lord's match, saying on July 17: "Rohit is a regular member of the Indian ODI team, and he will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things. In other words, the Lord's ODI won't be his last match."
Rohit's age remains an unavoidable part of the discussion. He will turn 40 in 2027, the year of the next ODI World Cup, and India will inevitably have to consider succession planning.
#speculation
12 days ago
Former India batter and Director of Cricket at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, VVS Laxman, is set to travel with the Indian men's team to ******* an and will take charge as head coach in the absence of Gautam Gambhir for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya later this month.
Gautam Gambhir will remain with the senior side for India's home ODI series against the West Indies. The first ODI is scheduled to be played on September 27.
Laxman will be ******* isted by former India spinner Sunil Joshi, Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Subhadeep Ghosh, according to the list of coaches released by the Sports Ministry. The development was earlier reported by TimesofIndia.com in July.
Laxman has previous Asian Games experience, having coached the Indian men's team at the 2023 edition in Hangzhou, China, where India won the gold medal.
The cricket competition at the Asian Games will begin on September 24, with India scheduled to play its opening men's match on September 28. India will defend its men's T20 ******* le under captain Shreyas Iyer, with teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also part of the squad. The men's team will face the second-placed side from Group A, which comprises Afghanistan, ******* an and Nepal.
The Indian women's team will also enter the tournament as defending champions and will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur. The women's side will enter the competition at the quarterfinal stage and face hosts ******* an. Amol Muzumdar will continue as the head coach of the women's team, with bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi and fielding coach Munish Bali completing his support staff.
Indian men's team: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish ******* ar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit ******* rah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Indian women's team: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Gunalan Kamalini, Bharti Fulmali, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav, Nandani Sharma.
#coach
Gautam Gambhir will remain with the senior side for India's home ODI series against the West Indies. The first ODI is scheduled to be played on September 27.
Laxman will be ******* isted by former India spinner Sunil Joshi, Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Subhadeep Ghosh, according to the list of coaches released by the Sports Ministry. The development was earlier reported by TimesofIndia.com in July.
Laxman has previous Asian Games experience, having coached the Indian men's team at the 2023 edition in Hangzhou, China, where India won the gold medal.
The cricket competition at the Asian Games will begin on September 24, with India scheduled to play its opening men's match on September 28. India will defend its men's T20 ******* le under captain Shreyas Iyer, with teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also part of the squad. The men's team will face the second-placed side from Group A, which comprises Afghanistan, ******* an and Nepal.
The Indian women's team will also enter the tournament as defending champions and will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur. The women's side will enter the competition at the quarterfinal stage and face hosts ******* an. Amol Muzumdar will continue as the head coach of the women's team, with bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi and fielding coach Munish Bali completing his support staff.
Indian men's team: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish ******* ar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit ******* rah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Indian women's team: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Gunalan Kamalini, Bharti Fulmali, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav, Nandani Sharma.
#coach
13 days ago
Mumbai/New Delhi: The future of Rohit Sharma and the shape of India's ODI team for the next World Cup cycle are set to dominate discussions when the BCCI's top brass meets in Mumbai on Thursday for a wide-ranging performance review.
While recent defeats in Ireland, England and Sri Lanka will be ***** sed, board officials are understood to be more concerned about the lack of a clearly defined ODI roadmap at a time when preparations for the 2027 World Cup should be taking shape.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, president Mithun Manhas, head coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Centre of Excellence chief VVS Laxman will attend the meeting, with ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill and T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer also expected to be present.
At the centre of the discussions lies the most sensitive issue facing Indian cricket: Rohit's future. Though there is immense respect for the veteran opener's stature and achievements, selectors and members of the team management are increasingly aware of the need to prepare for a post-Rohit era.
According to sources, one option under consideration is to evaluate Rohit's role on a series-by-series basis rather than committing to a long-term plan through the entire World Cup cycle.
"It's very tough on a young captain like Shubman Gill when there is no clear direction. The dressing-room environment in the ODI team hasn't been the best, especially when it comes to dealing with stalwarts," a BCCI source said.
The uncertainty around Rohit reflects a broader concern. Of India's three national teams, the ODI side is regarded as the least settled. Injuries and workload management have prevented selectors from identifying a stable core, leaving several key positions unresolved.
The fast-bowling allrounder's role remains a particular headache. Hardik Pandya continues on a managed workload programme after recurring fitness issues, while Nitish ***** ar Reddy is yet to receive full clearance following rehabilitation.
"Hardik, at the moment, has been cleared to bowl six overs in a day. Reddy is still to clear his fitness tests. The ODI team doesn't have even half of the core ODI team ready. It has to be a joint effort between the CoE and the team management to zero in on players and formulate a roadmap to get them all on the park as soon as possible," the source said.
The review was initially planned after the Ireland and England tours but was postponed because of the subsequent Sri Lanka ***** ignment. It will now cover India's performances across multiple tours, including Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
India's 2-0 T20I series defeat in Ireland and the 4-0 drubbing in England raised alarm bells, with the 125-run loss at Nottingham viewed internally as one of the team's poorest performances in recent years. Gill's ODI side also lost the England series 2-1.
However, officials insist the exercise will focus on solutions rather than ***** igning blame, with particular emphasis on recurri
While recent defeats in Ireland, England and Sri Lanka will be ***** sed, board officials are understood to be more concerned about the lack of a clearly defined ODI roadmap at a time when preparations for the 2027 World Cup should be taking shape.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, president Mithun Manhas, head coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Centre of Excellence chief VVS Laxman will attend the meeting, with ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill and T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer also expected to be present.
At the centre of the discussions lies the most sensitive issue facing Indian cricket: Rohit's future. Though there is immense respect for the veteran opener's stature and achievements, selectors and members of the team management are increasingly aware of the need to prepare for a post-Rohit era.
According to sources, one option under consideration is to evaluate Rohit's role on a series-by-series basis rather than committing to a long-term plan through the entire World Cup cycle.
"It's very tough on a young captain like Shubman Gill when there is no clear direction. The dressing-room environment in the ODI team hasn't been the best, especially when it comes to dealing with stalwarts," a BCCI source said.
The uncertainty around Rohit reflects a broader concern. Of India's three national teams, the ODI side is regarded as the least settled. Injuries and workload management have prevented selectors from identifying a stable core, leaving several key positions unresolved.
The fast-bowling allrounder's role remains a particular headache. Hardik Pandya continues on a managed workload programme after recurring fitness issues, while Nitish ***** ar Reddy is yet to receive full clearance following rehabilitation.
"Hardik, at the moment, has been cleared to bowl six overs in a day. Reddy is still to clear his fitness tests. The ODI team doesn't have even half of the core ODI team ready. It has to be a joint effort between the CoE and the team management to zero in on players and formulate a roadmap to get them all on the park as soon as possible," the source said.
The review was initially planned after the Ireland and England tours but was postponed because of the subsequent Sri Lanka ***** ignment. It will now cover India's performances across multiple tours, including Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
India's 2-0 T20I series defeat in Ireland and the 4-0 drubbing in England raised alarm bells, with the 125-run loss at Nottingham viewed internally as one of the team's poorest performances in recent years. Gill's ODI side also lost the England series 2-1.
However, officials insist the exercise will focus on solutions rather than ***** igning blame, with particular emphasis on recurri
17 days ago
New Delhi: India's team management and selectors are working on backups for the middle order ahead of the ODI World Cup next year. TOI has learnt that Tilak Varma's name has come up as a potential backup option for Shreyas Iyer in the top six of the batting lineup.
Tilak, being a left-handed batter, is seen as someone who can break the monotony of right-handers in the batting lineup. Tilak has been asked to work on his bowling since it is believed that his off-breaks have a lot of potential. The team management, in fact, has flagged the dearth of bowling options in the top order, citing it as a reason for extra pressure on the lower order and the bowlers.
The planning for the ODI World Cup will only begin in earnest when India reach New Zealand in October, since most of the first-choice players will not be available for the ODI series against West Indies at home from September 27. A full-strength T20 team is also scheduled to travel to ****** an for the Asian Games at the same time.
"Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill feel there isn't any backup ready for the middle order. With Hardik Pandya and Nitish ****** ar Reddy being ****** e to injuries, they want someone in the top order who can at least chip in with four overs in an ODI," a BCCI source said.
Over the last year, the team management has been compelled to play either Washington Sundar or Axar Patel at No. 5 or No. 6 to balance the playing XI. In the last series in England, Ishan Kishan was sent in ahead of vice-captain Iyer.
"The team has to be prepared for conditions in South Africa in the World Cup. Iyer got injured in Australia and his game against pace and bounce is untested of late. The team already has two ageing players in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They are having niggles as well. KL Rahul too will be over 35 by the time the World Cup comes around. Ravindra Jadeja isn't a certainty either. The fielding of the team has suffered due to fitness issues. The team management feels that they need younger backups ready," the source said.
The selectors, it is learnt, are not comfortable with playing batters out of position. Last year, Ruturaj Gaikwad was played at No. 4 and scored a hundred against South Africa in Raipur. But he has not been picked in the ODI team since.
"Gaikwad was picked as backup opener since Gill was injured. The team management feels Tilak could have been tried in that place. That's why they don't want to rush Devdutt Padikkal in the ODI setup because he found his calling in white-ball cricket while opening the batting," the source said.
The team for the West Indies series, however, will be an anomaly since Iyer, Tilak, Ishan and Axar will not be available. The selectors are more focused on picking another wicketkeeper for the series.
The selection committee is due to meet by September 3 to pick the team for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in Delhi from September 13.
Sources said that the selectors are l
Tilak, being a left-handed batter, is seen as someone who can break the monotony of right-handers in the batting lineup. Tilak has been asked to work on his bowling since it is believed that his off-breaks have a lot of potential. The team management, in fact, has flagged the dearth of bowling options in the top order, citing it as a reason for extra pressure on the lower order and the bowlers.
The planning for the ODI World Cup will only begin in earnest when India reach New Zealand in October, since most of the first-choice players will not be available for the ODI series against West Indies at home from September 27. A full-strength T20 team is also scheduled to travel to ****** an for the Asian Games at the same time.
"Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill feel there isn't any backup ready for the middle order. With Hardik Pandya and Nitish ****** ar Reddy being ****** e to injuries, they want someone in the top order who can at least chip in with four overs in an ODI," a BCCI source said.
Over the last year, the team management has been compelled to play either Washington Sundar or Axar Patel at No. 5 or No. 6 to balance the playing XI. In the last series in England, Ishan Kishan was sent in ahead of vice-captain Iyer.
"The team has to be prepared for conditions in South Africa in the World Cup. Iyer got injured in Australia and his game against pace and bounce is untested of late. The team already has two ageing players in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They are having niggles as well. KL Rahul too will be over 35 by the time the World Cup comes around. Ravindra Jadeja isn't a certainty either. The fielding of the team has suffered due to fitness issues. The team management feels that they need younger backups ready," the source said.
The selectors, it is learnt, are not comfortable with playing batters out of position. Last year, Ruturaj Gaikwad was played at No. 4 and scored a hundred against South Africa in Raipur. But he has not been picked in the ODI team since.
"Gaikwad was picked as backup opener since Gill was injured. The team management feels Tilak could have been tried in that place. That's why they don't want to rush Devdutt Padikkal in the ODI setup because he found his calling in white-ball cricket while opening the batting," the source said.
The team for the West Indies series, however, will be an anomaly since Iyer, Tilak, Ishan and Axar will not be available. The selectors are more focused on picking another wicketkeeper for the series.
The selection committee is due to meet by September 3 to pick the team for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in Delhi from September 13.
Sources said that the selectors are l
17 days ago
By Gopal Sharma, Sahana Bajracharya, Saurabh Sharma and Liz Lee
NUWAKOT, Nepal, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Nepal and China resumed rescue operations in the flood-hit Himalayas on Friday, with a Chinese rescue team reaching the all-but-obliterated Gyirong border crossing complex for the first time and finding "nothing but ruins."
A glacier collapse on Wednesday unleashed a huge torrent of rock, ice, mud and debris through Himalayan mountain river systems, killing at least 579 people in Nepal and seven in China's Tibet.
The number of missing in Nepal has nearly doubled to 1,924, the country's disaster authority said on Friday. At least 558 were missing in Tibet's Gyirong County, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said on Thursday. Of those missing in the disaster, at least 540 are foreigners, many of them Hindu pilgrims from India.
Surveillance camera footage from the worst-hit Gyirong border crossing complex showed huge torrents of water and debris engulfing buildings and people trying to flee.
#missing #sharma #crossing
NUWAKOT, Nepal, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Nepal and China resumed rescue operations in the flood-hit Himalayas on Friday, with a Chinese rescue team reaching the all-but-obliterated Gyirong border crossing complex for the first time and finding "nothing but ruins."
A glacier collapse on Wednesday unleashed a huge torrent of rock, ice, mud and debris through Himalayan mountain river systems, killing at least 579 people in Nepal and seven in China's Tibet.
The number of missing in Nepal has nearly doubled to 1,924, the country's disaster authority said on Friday. At least 558 were missing in Tibet's Gyirong County, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said on Thursday. Of those missing in the disaster, at least 540 are foreigners, many of them Hindu pilgrims from India.
Surveillance camera footage from the worst-hit Gyirong border crossing complex showed huge torrents of water and debris engulfing buildings and people trying to flee.
#missing #sharma #crossing
18 days ago
Three former British athletes were convicted in Morocco as part of an investigation into the **** ual **** ault of a minor by a sprinting coach, BBC Sport can reveal.
The prosecutions led to the imprisonment of Leon Baptiste, a UK Athletics coach and 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist for England in the 200m.
Baptiste was originally reported as missing in Morocco in some media articles published on 14 August, before a BBC Sport investigation revealed his conviction and jailing.
Now, court rulings seen by BBC Sport shed more light on other convictions relating to the same case.
Two-time Commonwealth silver medallist hurdler Will Sharman, his brother and ex-bobsleigh athlete Richard Sharman, and fellow former bobsleigh competitor Lamin Deen, who were all on holiday with Baptiste, were convicted of participating in the enticement of a minor.
#commonwealth #former #convicted #minor
The prosecutions led to the imprisonment of Leon Baptiste, a UK Athletics coach and 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist for England in the 200m.
Baptiste was originally reported as missing in Morocco in some media articles published on 14 August, before a BBC Sport investigation revealed his conviction and jailing.
Now, court rulings seen by BBC Sport shed more light on other convictions relating to the same case.
Two-time Commonwealth silver medallist hurdler Will Sharman, his brother and ex-bobsleigh athlete Richard Sharman, and fellow former bobsleigh competitor Lamin Deen, who were all on holiday with Baptiste, were convicted of participating in the enticement of a minor.
#commonwealth #former #convicted #minor
19 days ago
Anushka Sharma will captain India A in the three-match T20 series against Australia A, while Yastika Bhatia will lead the side in the One-Day and multi-day formats.
The BCCI women's selection committee announced the squads for Australia's upcoming tour of India on Thursday. Sayali Satghare has been named ***** hka's deputy in the T20s, while ***** hka will be Bhatia's vice-captain in the One-Day and multi-day teams.
The tour will begin on September 12 and will feature three T20s, three One-Day matches and a four-day multi-day game.
The T20 series will be played in New Chandigarh, followed by the three One-Day matches at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. The four-day match will be held in Dharamsala.
Match
Date
Venue
#matches
The BCCI women's selection committee announced the squads for Australia's upcoming tour of India on Thursday. Sayali Satghare has been named ***** hka's deputy in the T20s, while ***** hka will be Bhatia's vice-captain in the One-Day and multi-day teams.
The tour will begin on September 12 and will feature three T20s, three One-Day matches and a four-day multi-day game.
The T20 series will be played in New Chandigarh, followed by the three One-Day matches at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. The four-day match will be held in Dharamsala.
Match
Date
Venue
#matches
21 days ago
Rohit Sharma snubbed: Rajat Patidar picks all-time IPL XI, but five-time ******* le-winning ex-MI captain fails to make the cut originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
RCB captain Rajat Patidar named his all-time IPL XI, notably leaving out five-time champion Rohit Sharma.
The team featured Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and Suryakumar Yadav, but no place for the former Mumbai Indians skipper.
Patidar recently led RCB to back-to-back IPL ******* les, joining MS Dhoni and Rohit on that exclusive list.
Rajat Patidar has stirred up plenty of debate with his pick of an all-time IPL XI, as he left out Rohit Sharma, who is one of the league's most decorated captains with five championships and a record to match.
#rohit #sharma
RCB captain Rajat Patidar named his all-time IPL XI, notably leaving out five-time champion Rohit Sharma.
The team featured Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and Suryakumar Yadav, but no place for the former Mumbai Indians skipper.
Patidar recently led RCB to back-to-back IPL ******* les, joining MS Dhoni and Rohit on that exclusive list.
Rajat Patidar has stirred up plenty of debate with his pick of an all-time IPL XI, as he left out Rohit Sharma, who is one of the league's most decorated captains with five championships and a record to match.
#rohit #sharma
22 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
22 days ago
By Saurabh Sharma and Aftab Ahmed
NEW DELHI, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to attend next month's BRICS summit in New Delhi with a large delegation, three sources said, in what would be his first visit in seven years and a fresh sign of a thaw between the rivals.
India is hosting the September 12 to 13 summit, where Xi's presence would be watched less for the BRICS agenda than for what it signals about Beijing and New Delhi's efforts to stabilise relations after deadly border clashes in 2020.
"Chinese officials are busy finalising hotels and security protocols," one of the Indian sources with direct knowledge told Reuters.
Last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China for the first time in seven years, but the relationship has only improved gradually. More recently, a fresh border-related dispute triggered sharp diplomatic exchanges between the two sides.
#Delhi #brics #sources #years
NEW DELHI, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to attend next month's BRICS summit in New Delhi with a large delegation, three sources said, in what would be his first visit in seven years and a fresh sign of a thaw between the rivals.
India is hosting the September 12 to 13 summit, where Xi's presence would be watched less for the BRICS agenda than for what it signals about Beijing and New Delhi's efforts to stabilise relations after deadly border clashes in 2020.
"Chinese officials are busy finalising hotels and security protocols," one of the Indian sources with direct knowledge told Reuters.
Last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China for the first time in seven years, but the relationship has only improved gradually. More recently, a fresh border-related dispute triggered sharp diplomatic exchanges between the two sides.
#Delhi #brics #sources #years
22 days ago
NEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant continued his remarkable rise through India's Test record books on Monday, surpassing captain Shubman Gill to become the country's highest run-scorer in ICC World Test Championship history. Pant was unbeaten on 63 at lunch on the second day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo as India reached 419/6.
Pant now has 2,948 runs from 42 Tests in the World Test Championship, moving ahead of Gill's 2,917 from the same number of matches. Rohit Sharma is third among Indian batters with 2,716 runs from 40 Tests, followed by Ravindra Jadeja (2,675 from 50) and Virat Kohli (2,617 from 46). Among current Indian players, Yashasvi Jaiswal is next with 2,588 runs from 30 Tests.
The latest milestone came during a crucial partnership with Dhruv Jurel, who also reached his half-century. The pair had added an unbeaten 112 runs for the seventh wicket by lunch, helping India build a commanding first-innings total after losing six wickets.
Pant's latest achievement came on the back of another significant milestone earlier in the innings. The wicketkeeper-batter also moved past MS Dhoni to become India's highest run-scorer as a designated wicketkeeper in away or neutral Tests.
Pant crossed 2,500 runs in the category, edging beyond Dhoni's 2,496. He has done so at an average of almost 42, compared with Dhoni's 32.84.
Farokh Engineer is third on the list with 1,209 runs at an average of 32.67, while Syed Kirmani has 1,109 at 21.74 and Kiran More 901 at 29.06.
Pant's latest landmarks have come despite an injury scare on the opening day. He had retired hurt after being struck on the left arm by a short delivery from Sri Lanka pacer Lahiru ***** ara, having scored only three runs.
Pant returned on Day 2 after Sri Lanka dismissed debutant Saransh Jain for six and immediately helped India regain control alongside Jurel. The pair negotiated Sri Lanka's pace attack and took India beyond 400 before the lunch interval.
The total of 419/6 is only the 11th time a team has posted 400 or more in the first innings of a Test at this venue. Six of the previous 10 instances resulted in victories, while four ended in draws.
The century partnership between Pant and Jurel is also only the second time India have registered a 100-plus stand for the seventh wicket or lower in a Test in Sri Lanka. The previous instance came at the same venue in 2015, when Cheteshwar Pujara and Amit Mishra added 104.
#tests #latest
Pant now has 2,948 runs from 42 Tests in the World Test Championship, moving ahead of Gill's 2,917 from the same number of matches. Rohit Sharma is third among Indian batters with 2,716 runs from 40 Tests, followed by Ravindra Jadeja (2,675 from 50) and Virat Kohli (2,617 from 46). Among current Indian players, Yashasvi Jaiswal is next with 2,588 runs from 30 Tests.
The latest milestone came during a crucial partnership with Dhruv Jurel, who also reached his half-century. The pair had added an unbeaten 112 runs for the seventh wicket by lunch, helping India build a commanding first-innings total after losing six wickets.
Pant's latest achievement came on the back of another significant milestone earlier in the innings. The wicketkeeper-batter also moved past MS Dhoni to become India's highest run-scorer as a designated wicketkeeper in away or neutral Tests.
Pant crossed 2,500 runs in the category, edging beyond Dhoni's 2,496. He has done so at an average of almost 42, compared with Dhoni's 32.84.
Farokh Engineer is third on the list with 1,209 runs at an average of 32.67, while Syed Kirmani has 1,109 at 21.74 and Kiran More 901 at 29.06.
Pant's latest landmarks have come despite an injury scare on the opening day. He had retired hurt after being struck on the left arm by a short delivery from Sri Lanka pacer Lahiru ***** ara, having scored only three runs.
Pant returned on Day 2 after Sri Lanka dismissed debutant Saransh Jain for six and immediately helped India regain control alongside Jurel. The pair negotiated Sri Lanka's pace attack and took India beyond 400 before the lunch interval.
The total of 419/6 is only the 11th time a team has posted 400 or more in the first innings of a Test at this venue. Six of the previous 10 instances resulted in victories, while four ended in draws.
The century partnership between Pant and Jurel is also only the second time India have registered a 100-plus stand for the seventh wicket or lower in a Test in Sri Lanka. The previous instance came at the same venue in 2015, when Cheteshwar Pujara and Amit Mishra added 104.
#tests #latest
1 month ago
The Hundred women's competition, Headingley
Welsh Fire 121-8 (100 ******* ): Kemp 72* (45); Sharma 3-13
Sunrisers Leeds 122-4 (74 ******* ): Litchfield 55 (25); Smale 2-23
Sunrisers Leeds won six wickets
Scorecard. Table
#headingley
Welsh Fire 121-8 (100 ******* ): Kemp 72* (45); Sharma 3-13
Sunrisers Leeds 122-4 (74 ******* ): Litchfield 55 (25); Smale 2-23
Sunrisers Leeds won six wickets
Scorecard. Table
#headingley
1 month ago
Rohit Sharma's 2027 World Cup future has become a talking point again, but former India teammate Ajinkya Rahane believes there should be no uncertainty surrounding the veteran opener's place in the squad.
Rahane, who retired from all forms of cricket last month, has called on the Indian team management to give Rohit a clear commitment over his World Cup future rather than ***** sing his place from one series to another.
The debate around Rohit's international career intensified during India's ODI tour of England last month. Speculation grew after a media report claimed that the former India captain could call time on his career at the end of the tour.
Those reports were subsequently dismissed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and Rohit himself. The uncertainty, however, has not completely disappeared, with reports now suggesting that the selectors may have reservations about including the veteran in India's squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Rahane, though, feels there should be no discussion about Rohit's place if the opener is willing to continue until the tournament.
"I think it's important to tell Rohit Sharma that he's going to play the 2027 World Cup," Rahane said. "If you see his contribution throughout so many years, it's been amazing. So you need the experience of such a player in the World Cup. That discussion shouldn't even happen. If you say once, 'Rohit Sharma, you're going to play,' that's it. You can't go series by series because he's such a big player."
According to Rahane, constantly questioning an experienced player's position can have an impact on his mindset and rhythm. He believes players perform best when they know where they stand within the team.
"If you treat a big player like that, because as I said, it's about rhythm. Cricket is about rhythm. No matter how many matches you've played, whether you're a youngster or an experienced player in the team, it's about rhythm. If your mind is free, you can play with that mindset."
Rahane also insisted that Rohit's credentials and experience should not be up for debate, particularly with a major tournament such as the 2027 World Cup on the horizon.
"As for Rohit's quality, there's no need to even speak about it. Such experience is needed in the team, so this debate shouldn't even happen between the team management and the captain. Agar unko khelna hai 2027 World Cup, toh unko khelna hai," he added. (If he wants to play in the 2027 World Cup, then he should play.)
The latest round of speculation comes despite Rohit making a strong statement on the field during the England series.
Saikia had previously rejected reports that the third ODI against England would be Rohit's final match in the format. Rohit followed that up with a commanding century in the game, providing a timely reminder of his value to the Indian side.
Yet, the questions returned shortly afterwards. Some media reports claimed that the BCCI leadership and selectors were not completely
Rahane, who retired from all forms of cricket last month, has called on the Indian team management to give Rohit a clear commitment over his World Cup future rather than ***** sing his place from one series to another.
The debate around Rohit's international career intensified during India's ODI tour of England last month. Speculation grew after a media report claimed that the former India captain could call time on his career at the end of the tour.
Those reports were subsequently dismissed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and Rohit himself. The uncertainty, however, has not completely disappeared, with reports now suggesting that the selectors may have reservations about including the veteran in India's squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Rahane, though, feels there should be no discussion about Rohit's place if the opener is willing to continue until the tournament.
"I think it's important to tell Rohit Sharma that he's going to play the 2027 World Cup," Rahane said. "If you see his contribution throughout so many years, it's been amazing. So you need the experience of such a player in the World Cup. That discussion shouldn't even happen. If you say once, 'Rohit Sharma, you're going to play,' that's it. You can't go series by series because he's such a big player."
According to Rahane, constantly questioning an experienced player's position can have an impact on his mindset and rhythm. He believes players perform best when they know where they stand within the team.
"If you treat a big player like that, because as I said, it's about rhythm. Cricket is about rhythm. No matter how many matches you've played, whether you're a youngster or an experienced player in the team, it's about rhythm. If your mind is free, you can play with that mindset."
Rahane also insisted that Rohit's credentials and experience should not be up for debate, particularly with a major tournament such as the 2027 World Cup on the horizon.
"As for Rohit's quality, there's no need to even speak about it. Such experience is needed in the team, so this debate shouldn't even happen between the team management and the captain. Agar unko khelna hai 2027 World Cup, toh unko khelna hai," he added. (If he wants to play in the 2027 World Cup, then he should play.)
The latest round of speculation comes despite Rohit making a strong statement on the field during the England series.
Saikia had previously rejected reports that the third ODI against England would be Rohit's final match in the format. Rohit followed that up with a commanding century in the game, providing a timely reminder of his value to the Indian side.
Yet, the questions returned shortly afterwards. Some media reports claimed that the BCCI leadership and selectors were not completely
1 month ago
It's been a year since a young Indian team came out of a grueling five-Test tour of England with a memorable 2-2 scoreline. "Our next four Test matches are going to be in India. And that's going to be a different challenge. We have enough talent. This series was very important for us. Every player would feel a lot mature after the end of the series and that would really help us in the long run in this WTC cycle," Shubman Gill, otherwise measured with his words during the tour, found an ***** ertive tone to his speech after the dramatic win in the fifth Test at The Oval.
Well, the subsequent home season ended up derailing India's World Test Championship campaign with South Africa steamrolling India in the two Test matches in Nov. If the heroics in England was deemed as India's Test redemption for the preceding forgettable tour of Australia, the consolidation post the English summer never arrived. Instead, an undeniably edgy Indian team has now arrived in Sri Lanka for a two-Test series with the desperation of staying alive in the WTC.
Gill became the face of India's Test cricket in England. But the mind was undoubtedly head coach Gautam Gambhir's. Gill arrived in England understandably like deer in the headlights after being thrust to captaincy post the debacle in Australia which saw the retirements of three stalwarts in Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin. Gambhir was his shepherd in the chaos. "Before the start of the series, Gauti bhai (Gambhir) said we are a young team but we want to be looked at as a gun team," Gill had revealed Gambhir's nerve-settling words.
Gambhir did the heavy-lifting to ensure Gill the batter didn't succumb to the pressures of leading an inexperienced team in England. One can't write off Gambhir's overbearing influence in Test and T20 teams in the last one year. Perhaps, it's time Gill came out of Gambhir's shadow to resurrect India's reputation as a Test team.
When he steps out for the toss in Galle on Aug 15, it will be his 10th Test as India captain which includes a Test against South Africa where he was ruled out due to a neck injury after playing three ***** in the game. He has led in 12 ODIs. Technically, his captaincy career is still in its nascent stage. But current circumstances won't allow him much time before the swords are pulled out.
It's unusual for Indian cricket to have a captain playing the second fiddle in the engine room. Every Indian team is eventually remembered by the captain it had. TOI understands that the power forces in the BCCI have been encouraging Gill to have a firmer say in planning. If the last two ODI series are anything to go by, one may say that Gill has been taking the initiative to drive his point across with the senior players in the team. He was ***** ertive in his demand for bigger windows for preparing for crucial Test series.
The team management, with Gambhir facing the heat for India's Test performances, would want to retain Gill batting with as
Well, the subsequent home season ended up derailing India's World Test Championship campaign with South Africa steamrolling India in the two Test matches in Nov. If the heroics in England was deemed as India's Test redemption for the preceding forgettable tour of Australia, the consolidation post the English summer never arrived. Instead, an undeniably edgy Indian team has now arrived in Sri Lanka for a two-Test series with the desperation of staying alive in the WTC.
Gill became the face of India's Test cricket in England. But the mind was undoubtedly head coach Gautam Gambhir's. Gill arrived in England understandably like deer in the headlights after being thrust to captaincy post the debacle in Australia which saw the retirements of three stalwarts in Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin. Gambhir was his shepherd in the chaos. "Before the start of the series, Gauti bhai (Gambhir) said we are a young team but we want to be looked at as a gun team," Gill had revealed Gambhir's nerve-settling words.
Gambhir did the heavy-lifting to ensure Gill the batter didn't succumb to the pressures of leading an inexperienced team in England. One can't write off Gambhir's overbearing influence in Test and T20 teams in the last one year. Perhaps, it's time Gill came out of Gambhir's shadow to resurrect India's reputation as a Test team.
When he steps out for the toss in Galle on Aug 15, it will be his 10th Test as India captain which includes a Test against South Africa where he was ruled out due to a neck injury after playing three ***** in the game. He has led in 12 ODIs. Technically, his captaincy career is still in its nascent stage. But current circumstances won't allow him much time before the swords are pulled out.
It's unusual for Indian cricket to have a captain playing the second fiddle in the engine room. Every Indian team is eventually remembered by the captain it had. TOI understands that the power forces in the BCCI have been encouraging Gill to have a firmer say in planning. If the last two ODI series are anything to go by, one may say that Gill has been taking the initiative to drive his point across with the senior players in the team. He was ***** ertive in his demand for bigger windows for preparing for crucial Test series.
The team management, with Gambhir facing the heat for India's Test performances, would want to retain Gill batting with as
1 month ago
'They are legends': Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli backed to deliver 2027 World Cup glory for India by former teammate originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Shikhar Dhawan backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to lead India's 2027 World Cup charge.
He praises Rohit's Lord's century and Kohli's fitness and consistency.
Rohit shut out retirement rumours after scoring the ton against England.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has voiced his confidence in longtime teammates Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and backed the duo to play a decisive role in India's pursuit of the 2027 ODI World Cup ***** le.
#World #Cricket
Shikhar Dhawan backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to lead India's 2027 World Cup charge.
He praises Rohit's Lord's century and Kohli's fitness and consistency.
Rohit shut out retirement rumours after scoring the ton against England.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has voiced his confidence in longtime teammates Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and backed the duo to play a decisive role in India's pursuit of the 2027 ODI World Cup ***** le.
#World #Cricket
