Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, adopts a balanced approach, driven by competitive spirit and empathy. Under his tenure, India faces significant challenges, including their first home Test series loss to New Zealand in 12 years. Gambhir stresses the importance of identifying solid red-ball cricketers and supporting players under pressure.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald is focused on future-proofing as the team heads toward a transition phase, planning gradual generational change with senior players ageing. McDonald emphasizes the importance of balanced selection to ensure a smooth transition, leveraging 50-over cricket to groom future Test players.
Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir believes that although Indian batters' defensive skills against spin have been impacted by T20 cricket's aggressive style, their overall ability to negotiate spin hasn't declined. He emphasizes the need for adaptability between T20 and Test cricket, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve defensive techniques.
India is set to play a four-match T20I series against South Africa, with focus on captain Suryakumar Yadav nearing a milestone. Surya needs 84 runs to become the highest-scoring Indian batter against South Africa in T20Is, surpassing Rohit Sharma's record of 429 runs. The first T20I between India and South Africa will be played on November 8 at Kingsmead in Durban, followed by the second on November 10 in Gqeberha, the third on November 13 in Centurion, and the fourth and final T20I on November 15 in Johannesburg.
Pat Cummins aims to achieve a Test series win against India in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy, starting November 22 in Perth. Despite Cummins' successes, including the Ashes and World Test Championship, defeating India remains. India's recent series loss to New Zealand puts them under pressure, adding significance to this year's match-ups.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, an all-rounder from Andhra Pradesh, has swiftly climbed from the Indian Premier League to the national T20I side and now to the Test squad for Australia. After making his India debut against Bangladesh, his performance convinced selectors of his potential, despite his own surprise at the early call-up.
Washington Sundar, the standout performer for India in the Pune Test against New Zealand, is set to enter the IPL auction (likely to be held in Riyadh on November 25-26) and has garnered interest from Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings. The all-rounder is expected to be a hot property following his impressive Test comeback.
In the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, Tim Paine defended sledging Ravichandran Ashwin, stating Ashwin often got him out, which frustrated him. Despite this, India won the series 2-1. Ashwin, along with Hanuma Vihari, secured a draw in the Sydney Test, after which he missed the Brisbane Test due to a back spasm.
MS Dhoni praises the evolving nature of Test cricket, highlighting the shift towards an aggressive, result-driven approach. He notes the game's transformation over time and the increasing focus on securing results, making Test matches more exciting and meaningful even when conditions are challenging.
Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh celebrates his mother Shabnam Singh's birthday with a heartfelt social media message, expressing gratitude for her life lessons and patience. Yuvraj's cricket legacy includes remarkable moments like hitting six sixes in an over during the 2007 T20 World Cup and being named Man of the Tournament in the 2011 ODI World Cup.
MS Dhoni recounted India's dramatic T20 World Cup 2024 victory over South Africa at the Kensington Oval. He remembered watching the game at home and spoke on the team's never-give-up attitude. The match saw Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's significant contributions, with Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah sealing the seven-run win. Kohli and Sharma retired from T20Is after the match.
Shikhar Dhawan, who retired from international cricket, now features in T20 leagues and captains the Gujarat Greats in the Legends League Cricket. Known for his record-breaking performances, Dhawan's achievements include the fastest century on Test debut and the second highest run tally in IPL history behind Virat Kohli.
Yashasvi Jaiswal made history as the first Indian batter to score 1,000 Test runs in a calendar year before turning 23. Achieved during the second Test against New Zealand, Jaiswal's 30 runs contributed to this milestone. Despite his achievement, India faced struggles at 70/4 against New Zealand's first-innings total of 259.
India seamer Harshit Rana will leave the Test set-up to play for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy against Assam at Arun Jaitley Stadium. With Navdeep Saini in the India A squad, Rana will boost Delhi's pace attack. Other roster changes include Dhruv Kaushik's injury replacement and the addition of fit-again seamer Money Grewal.
Shubman Gill, absent due to neck stiffness in the first Test against New Zealand, is likely to return for the second Test starting Thursday in Pune. Head coach Gautam Gambhir hinted at his inclusion, bolstering India's batting lineup amid their series deficit. Bowling coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed Gill's improving fitness, enhancing hopes for India to level the series.
Sarfaraz Khan has returned to Team India after becoming a father to a baby boy. He missed training to be with his family. Sarfaraz’s performance in the first Test was impressive. KL Rahul’s form is under scrutiny. Coach Gambhir supports giving Rahul more chances. India aims to level the series against New Zealand.
Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will feature a streamlined program with only 10 sports, excluding events such as cricket, hockey, and wrestling. Organisers aim for a financially sustainable event within an eight-mile radius, promising significant economic benefits while adhering to a more compact format than previous editions.
Los Angeles 2028 Olympic organizers might hold cricket matches on the East Coast, possibly in New York, to suit the global audience, especially Indian fans. The decision is mainly driven by the time zone difference to maximize viewership. The LA28 committee has not yet confirmed the cricket venue, exploring multiple location options.
South African pacer Kagiso Rabada becomes the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets in terms of balls, achieving the milestone during the 1st Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka. Rabada's strike rate of 39.3 is the best among bowlers with 300 or more Test wickets.
New Zealand's coach Gary Stead lauds all-rounder Rachin Ravindra and pacer William O'Rourke for their crucial roles in the team's first Test win in India in 36 years. Ravindra scored a total of 173 runs, while O'Rourke took seven wickets, including four in the first innings. New Zealand clinched victory in Bengaluru, chasing down 107 runs.
Cheteshwar Pujara starred for Saurashtra with a century in the Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh, marking his 66th First Class ton. With India batters faltering in the opening Test against New Zealand in Bangaluru recently, Pujara, has thrown his hat in the ring for selection in India's tour Down Under later this year.
Joe Root's exceptional form since stepping down as England captain will be challenged against India and Australia. With 10 centuries in 54 innings, Root's technique against top bowlers will be closely examined. Root must also tackle his struggle to score centuries in Australia and address his vulnerability to being caught behind.
In 1996, during India's tour to South Africa, Dodda Ganesh faced challenges understanding English. Sachin Tendulkar tried to assist him, especially against bowler Allan Donald. Ganesh managed to play just one ODI against Zimbabwe, taking one wicket, and participated in four Test matches, capturing five wickets with an average of 57.40.
Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant narrowly avoided a run-out during India's second innings in the first Test against New Zealand. Sarfaraz, eyeing his maiden Test century, called off a risky second run while Pant continued running. Fortunately, Tom Blundell's misfield allowed Pant to return safely. Sarfaraz soon celebrated his century, bolstering India's fightback.
Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali criticized Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for losing his wicket cheaply during the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand. Jaiswal's dismissal left fans and experts frustrated as India needed stability after a poor first innings. Ali stressed the importance of staying at the crease to support the team.
Ram Babu, a dedicated fan of MS Dhoni, revealed that despite Dhoni's retirement from international cricket, the cricketer still arranges match passes for him. This act highlights Dhoni’s enduring connection with his supporters. Meanwhile, Dhoni's future with Chennai Super Kings remains uncertain ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, drawing keen interest from fans and analysts.
Pakistan's Noman Ali and Sajid Khan spin England out to level the series at 1-1, taking all 20 wickets in the second Test at Multan. Noman's 11-wicket haul and Sajid's 9-wicket contribution led to a 152-run victory. Pakistan leverages their home pitch advantage.
Pakistan triumphed over England by 152 runs in the second Test in Multan, levelling the series at 1-1. Captain Shan Masood secured his first win as skipper after enduring six consecutive defeats. Noman Ali shined with an impressive 8/46, as England were bowled out for 144 chasing 297.
MS Dhoni, former captain of the Indian cricket team, was seen displaying his humility while travelling on a flight with his family. Boarding alongside his wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva, Dhoni's friendly interactions with fellow passengers further endeared him to fans, reflecting his grounded nature despite immense fame.
India struggled after deciding to bat first in overcast conditions against New Zealand in Bengaluru. The top-order fell quickly with Yashasvi Jaiswal remaining not out at 8, while Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Sarfaraz Khan all departed cheaply, leading to a poor start for the team.
Mohammed Shami's enduring perseverance saw him overcome injury and personal issues, culminating in his stellar form in 2023 with 56 wickets. Despite his exceptional World Cup performance, injury setbacks continue to hamper his career. Recently undergoing ankle surgery, Shami aims for a comeback, although knee swelling has delayed his recovery ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin asserts that Pakistani batter Babar Azam shouldn't be compared to Virat Kohli, praising Kohli's unmatched credentials across formats. While acknowledging Babar's talent, Ashwin highlights Kohli's superior achievements and consistent performance under pressure situations in world cricket.
Pakistan A captain Mohammad Haris reveals his team is banned from discussing India in the dressing room ahead of their Emerging Teams Asia Cup opener. Haris emphasizes the need to focus on all teams and avoid undue pressure from overthinking about their match against India. He said they have to respect other opponents as well.
India prepares for a three-match Test series against New Zealand starting in Bengaluru. Despite the popularity of T20 formats like the IPL, Test cricket remains crucial in India. Ravichandran Ashwin emphasizes the importance of adaptability in Test cricket in a video shared by the BCCI.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill are set to be crucial for India in their three-Test series against New Zealand. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in their final phases, the young players have shown promise. India faces minor concerns, while New Zealand struggles with batting and bowling. Key players include Ashwin, Jadeja, and Bumrah.
The West Indies triumphed with a 191-run win over Sri Lanka in the 1987 Cricket World Cup, led by Viv Richards' incredible 181 off 125 balls. Desmond Haynes also contributed 105 runs. Despite this win, West Indies finished third in Group B, with Australia winning the World Cup. Australia eventually claimed the 1987 World Cup title, defeating England by seven runs in a thrilling final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Sachin Tendulkar received a special Number 10 jersey from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones during an NFL game, highlighting cricket’s growth in the U.S. Through the National Cricket League, Tendulkar is promoting the sport with initiatives like the Sixty Strikes format. The league features top cricket stars and legends, blending sports with community outreach.
Gautam Gambhir, celebrating his 43rd birthday, is renowned for key performances in ICC finals and notable on-field altercations driven by his competitive nature. These include heated exchanges with Andre Neil, Shahid Afridi, Virat Kohli, and Kamran Akmal, highlighting his intense passion for cricket.
Bangladesh ended their India tour winless, losing both Test and T20I series. India's extraordinary performance in the third T20I saw them score a record 297/6, thanks to Sanju Samson's century. Bangladesh missed a chaotic missed run-out chance and India secured a 133-run victory.
Australia demolished Pakistan within two days in the 2002 Sharjah Test, winning by an innings and 198 runs. Led by Shane Warne's pivotal eight-wicket haul and Matthew Hayden's composed century, Pakistan was skittled out for 59 and 53 runs in a dismal batting performance. This was Pakistan's only Test defeat inside two days.
Australia captain Pat Cummins emphasizes his commitment to Test cricket and has yet to decide on IPL 2025 participation. Acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad, he played a crucial role in reaching the IPL 2024 final. Cummins faces new IPL rules regarding foreign players, emphasizing his priority for Australian cricket.
Rafael Nadal, one of tennis's greatest, retires in 2024 with 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 French Open wins. His 912-week streak in the ATP Top 10 and 15-year ATP Masters 1000 title-winning streak reflect his unparalleled consistency and dominance across multiple decades and surfaces.
Rishabh Pant has returned to Test cricket after a serious car accident and impressed fans with a century against Bangladesh. He is currently rested for the ongoing T20I series, providing opportunities for other players. Pant is expected to return for the Test series against New Zealand beginning October 16 in Bengaluru.
Virat Kohli was seen at Mumbai airport before India’s three-match Test series against New Zealand. A photographer's comment about Kohli's participation in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy confused him momentarily. He missed India's home series against England due to his second child's birth. Following the New Zealand series, India's next major challenge will be the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, featuring a five-Test series against Australia.
During India's 86-run victory over Bangladesh in the second T20I, wicketkeeper Sanju Samson entertained by switching to Bengali to motivate bowler Riyan Parag. This linguistic encouragement led to the dismissal of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, showcasing the camaraderie within the Indian team.
Joe Root showcased remarkable composure, scoring his sixth double century in Test cricket, surpassing legends like Rahul Dravid, Alastair Cook, and Graeme Smith. Root's sixth double-century achievement joins an elite roster with names such as Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Virender Sehwag. Root, smiling, removed his helmet, kissed the badge, and raised his bat to celebrate this remarkable achievement.
Former Aussie opener Shane Watson supports Steve Smith opening in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy despite recent struggles. Watson believes Smith has the necessary skills and just needs minor technique adjustments. With India leading the last four series, the first Test starts November 22 in Perth.
A spirited Indian team gears up to face Bangladesh in the second T20I in Delhi after a dominant seven-wicket win in Gwalior. With India unlikely to change their winning lineup, key players like Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya, who took a practice day off, are expected to clinch the series with another solid performance.
Aakash Chopra advises Delhi Capitals to retain all-rounder Axar Patel as their second retention for IPL 2025 due to his consistent performance. He also suggests making Rishabh Pant the first retention and considers options for the third spot, including Jake Fraser-McGurk and Kuldeep Yadav. He highlights retaining Abishek Porel as an uncapped player.
India aims to resolve their batting challenges to improve their net run rate in the Women's T20 World Cup, facing Sri Lanka next. Significant contributions are expected from openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, while the team's all-round performance will be crucial against a competitive Sri Lankan side.