Cricket

Legendary England cricketer  Geoffrey Boycott was left deeply disappointed by the performance of Ben Stokes and Co in the second Ashes Test against Australia at the Lord's. England lost their last six wickets for under 50 runs to hand Australia a massive advantage in the match and Boycott's expression during the game has gone viral. In a video posted on social media, the England great can be seen burying his face in his hands during the England innings. Boycott himself responded to the picture on social media saying - "Yes it does, batting without brains. Chatting to my captain Mike Brearley." Yes it does, batting without brains. Chatting to my captain Mike Brearley https://t.co/gJMmUEPrbn — Sir Geoffrey Boycott (@GeoffreyBoycott) June 30, 2023 England's commitment to 'Bazball' is testing the patience of former players and fans after another careless batting display left their Ashes hopes hanging by a thread. Captain Ben Stokes and Harry Brook walk...

Yashasvi Jaiswal is one of the rising stars in Indian cricket. He made his IPL debut in 2020 but the 2023 season turned out to be a career-defining edition for him. Playing 14 matches for Rajasthan Royals, the batting southpaw scored 625 runs at a superb strike rate of 163.61. His average in the season was 48.08. Stats could not depict the complete story, so is in this case as Jaiswal looked way better than what his stats would speak. From the word go, he dominated the opponent bowlers during his batting, irrespective of their stature. However, it is not only on the game front that Jaiswal will not bog down in front of his opponents. In a recent interview to The Lallantop , Jaiswal was quite vocal to say that he would not take any slang when he gets sledged during a game. During the interview when the interviewer says sledging doesn't take place in IPL, Yashasvi replies: "Who says that? It happens with everyone. But not everybody gets to know it." "If anyone say...

From the time the 2023 World Cup schedule was announced, one match which has expectedly grabbed the limelight is the India-Pakistan clash. The two archrivals will face each other on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India and Pakistan only play cricket against each other in international tournaments, most recently during the T20 World Cup in Australia last year. Any match between the South Asian neighbours therefore becomes one of the most-watched events on the global sporting calendar. When they do play, cricket fans around the world are glued to their TV screens in a multi-billion-dollar bonanza for broadcasters. The 2019 50-over World Cup clash between India and Pakistan drew 273 million viewers. All that makes West Indies great Chris Gayle feel that India-Pakistan is bigger than the Ashes.  "India-Pakistan is bigger than the Ashes. That's humongous. At the world stage, with billions of people watching. Let's see what happens on October 15. I wil...

Central Zone's Saurabh Kumar bagged four wickets to reduce East Zone to 69 for 6 and placed his side on the doorstep of a victory on the third day of the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal in Bengaluru on Friday. Chasing an improbable 300 to win, East now need 231 runs more with four wickets remaining. Along with Saurabh, the East Zone should be thankful to their batters too for this position of strength. In the second innings, they made 239 all out to construct an overall lead of 299 runs. Starting from their overnight 64 for no loss, Central moved ahead in the match through openers Himanshu Mantri and Vivek Singh . Mantri (68, 153 balls, 7x4) and Vivek (56, 120 balls, 4x4, 2x6) milked 124 runs for the opening wicket, giving a clear edge to their side. They departed in quick succession and the Central could not sustain the steam for the rest of the innings. However, cameos by Saransh Jain (32) and Shubam Sharma (23) ensured that Central would not lose the momentum given by the opener...

The BCCI selectors are facing backlash for overlooking batter Sarfaraz Khan , who is going through a purple patch in his first-class cricket career. India announced the Test and ODI squads for their upcoming tour to the West Indies and Sarfaraz failed to find a spot in any of them. Quoting a BCCI source, a recent PTI report claimed that Sarfaraz's below-par "fitness level" as well as alleged "off-field conduct" influenced the decision taken by the selectors. However, former BCCI selector Saba Karim feels that this is a "flimsy" reason. "...having interacted with Sarfaraz at all, I don't think there is an issue at all. If that is the issue, how come he has been playing regularly for Mumbai? (We have) not heard anything from the Mumbai coach or the captain or the management," Karim told Sportskeeda . "I don't believe in all that. I think that's the work of the management and the coach to handle such cricketers if there is any...

It has been more than 10 years of India's ICC trophy drought. In 2013, the side won the Champions Trophy and since then it has struggled to finish things off. India lost to Sri Lanka in the final of 2014 T20 World Cup before the side lost the 2015 ODI World Cup semi-final at the hands of Australia. In the 2016 T20 World Cup semi-final, India were defeated by West Indies. They then suffered a loss against arch-rivals Pakistan in the final of Champions Trophy in 2017. Two years later, New Zealand beat India in the semi-final of ODI World Cup. Things got worse for India as the year 2021 saw them failing to advance to the knockout stage of T20 World Cup. An improved show in 2022 saw India entering the semi-final of the mega event where they lost to England. India have also missed the ICC titles in red-ball cricket too after losing the finals of World Test Championship in 2021 and 2023. A question that keeps popping every now and then is that 'Can India end the ICC trophy drought...

With Asia Cup and ODI World Cup set to take place later this year, Team India is reeling with injuries to key players like KL Rahul , Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant . While Pant is recovering from a road accident suffered last year, Rahul and Bumrah have been out of action due to a thigh and back issue, respectively. Rahul got injured during a match in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL), and missed the World Test Championship (WTC) final earlier this month due to the same. However, reports have emerged that Rahul, who is currently undergoing rehab at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, is set to resume batting practice in a couple of weeks time. Responding to reports of Rahul's comeback, former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan feels that batter should first test himself by playing in the domestic circuit. "He should be made to play domestic cricket to assess his match fitness and batting form. Getting back into the Indian team should not be so...

India legend Sachin Tendulkar met West Indies great Brian Lara . The former India opener shared pictures on social media in which he could be seen spending quality time with Lara. Both Tendulkar and Lara are among the greatest players cricket ever witnessed. Tendulkar has scored the most runs (34357) in international cricket. He has also hit a record of 100 international centuries (49 in ODIs and 51 in Tests) besides having numerous other records to his name. On the other hand, retired player Lara still holds the record of having the highest individual score (400 runs) in a single Test inning. "Casually bumped into another keen golfer today!" wrote Tendulkar while sharing his picture with Lara on Twitter on Wednesday. Casually bumped into another keen golfer today! @BrianLara pic.twitter.com/uA38X0kIkj — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 28, 2023 "Where are you? Can I please get an autograph?" wrote a fan. "That's being too casual...legendary partne...

Australia veteran spinner Nathan Lyon on Wednesday joined a special group of players who have featured in 100 consecutive Test matches. Lyon is only the sixth player, and the first-ever bowler, to play 100 consecutive Test matches. Other players on the list are Alastair Cook (159), Allan Border (153), Mark Waugh (107), Sunil Gavaskar (106) and Brendon McCullum (101). His 100th consecutive appearance came in the second Test match of the Ashes 2023 series against England. Speaking to Cricket Australia on the eve of this landmark, the 35-year-old off-spinner expressed his delight at the completion of this achievement and even went on to joke about how excessive appearances in Test cricket resulted in lack of hair. "That's something I'm really proud of. To be able to tick off 100 consecutive Test matches, that's a proper stat in my head. That's a lot of Test cricket, a lot of ups and downs. No wonder I've got no hair," Lyon said as quoted by ICC. Lyon went ...

The ICC World Cup 2023 is less than 100 days away and excitement is at an all-time high after the official schedule was announced for the tournament. The Indian cricket team will start their campaign against Australia on October 8 with the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan happening on October 15 in Ahmedabad. With home conditions in their favour, India are widely being considered to be one of the main contenders for the title but former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes that the absence of wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant can be a major factor. "We don't know the real truth about Rishabh Pant. Because Rishabh Pant, if he was playing, I would have straightaway said that India are the real favourites for the World Cup. But I think obviously, Rishabh Pant's fitness is questionable. Nobody knows how fit will he be before the World Cup. I doubt it. Many people doubt if he will play the 2023 World Cup. Otherwise, the Rishabh Pant factor would have been very cruci...

India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin came out with a hilarious comment after England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow wrestled a protester off the ground as climate activists briefly interrupted play on the first day of the second Ashes Test at Lord's on Wednesday. Just before Stuart Broad bowled the second over, two protesters from Just Stop Oil -- an environmental activist group which wants an end to new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea -- ran out of the Grandstand and onto the outfield, sprinkling the group's trademark orange powder on the square but not on the pitch. Bairstow grabbed one of the demonstrators and carried him off the playing surface, with the other apprehended by stewards. A third demonstrator was tackled before making it onto the outfield. Spectators booed the protesters as they were led away by stewards. While uploading the video on Twitter, Ashwin wrote: "Good start to the 2nd test. Bairstow has done some heavy lifting already." Good start...

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen lashed out at the England bowlers for showing lack of intent on Day 1 of the second Ashes Test at Lord's, London. Host skipper Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bowl first under overcast conditions, but Australia had all the fun. Openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja put a 73-run stand. Despite losing five wickets on the day, Australia posted 339 runs at the end of play. Josh Tongue and Joe Root picked two wickets apiece, while Ollie Robinson also claimed a wicket. The trio, however, lacked support from other England bowlers. "Absolutely shambolic! You have overhead conditions, you have a wicket that suits your bowlers and have got bowlers running in at 78 to 80 mph. Now it is one thing, walking here, swanning around and saying 'Hey, this is a wonderful team to play in. We are creating the best environment'. But this is not Ashes cricket!" said Pietersen at Tea on Day 1. "The Australians here were outside to b...

India's opening batter Shubman Gill recently visited the Paris Saint-Germain stadium Parc des Princes. The football club gifted the cricketer a number 7 jersey. The Indian cricket team players went on their respective vacations after the end of the World Test Championship final against Australia on June 11. Meanwhile, Gill too had a good outing at the French Capital. He posted a video of his visit on Instagram and the comment of his India teammate Ishan Kishan left the internet in splits. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ꮪhubman Gill (@shubmangill) "Shirt leke West Indies aa jana bro (Come to West Indies with the shirt brother). Please don't forget. Was looking for it everywhere," wrote Kishan while commenting on the video posted by Gill. To his comment, the fans reacted with laughing emojis. Both Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill are part of India's Test and ODI squads for their upcoming tour to the Wes...

The countdown for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 has begun, with the schedule for the mega event out. Having last won the World Cup when the tournament was held at home (partly), India would look to pounce on a great opportunity to end their ICC trophy drought. As the preparation for the tournament gets serious, former India star Virender Sehwag wants the team to try and win this World Cup for Virat Kohli , much like the 2011 team had done for Sachin Tendulkar . In a chat on Star Sports after the announcement of the schedule of the World Cup, Sehwag highlighted how Kohli isn't just a great player but also a person who always tries to help others. "Everyone needs to win this World Cup for Virat Kohli. The kind of great player he is, a great human being also, he always helps other players", he said. Sehwag also drew similarities between Kohli and Tendulkar, explaining how both always gave their 100 percent on the pitch. "Virat Kohli is similar to Sachin Tendulkar. The...

Star batsman Steve Smith's unbeaten 85 was the centrepiece of Australia's impressive 339-5 on the opening day of the second Test against England at Lord's on Wednesday. But off-spinner Joe Root, better known as the number one-ranked batsman in Test cricket, took two wickets in four balls late in the day. His double strike ensured Ashes-holders Australia, 1-0 up in the five-match series after a thrilling two-wicket win at Edgbaston last week, did not have things all their own way at the 'Home of Cricket'. Australia were in a commanding position at 316-3, despite being sent into bat by England captain Ben Stokes in overcast conditions and on a green tinged-pitch that promised to aid his five-strong pace attack. But dashing left-hander Travis Head, scoring at better than a run-a-ball, then charged down the pitch only to be beaten by a sharply turning Root delivery with Jonny Bairstow, whose wicketkeeping had proved fallible in Birmingham, completing an excellent stum...

Hosts Zimbabwe and former champions Sri Lanka are in prime position to clinch the final two qualifying spots for this year's Cricket World Cup, while two-time winners the West Indies risk missing the tournament for the first time. With four wins from four group matches, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka head into the decisive Super Six stage of the qualifiers with four points apiece -- carrying over the rewards earned for beating the teams that also advanced from the first round. Backed by strong batting displays, which included making a national record 408-6 against the USA, Zimbabwe will be confident the runs will continue to flow as the stakes mount from Thursday. "We have found our momentum and we are looking forward to carrying it," said Sean Williams , who scored 174 in Monday's 304-run rout of the USA. Williams is comfortably the top run-scorer with 390, hitting an unbeaten century against Nepal and following it up with 91 against the Netherlands. Craig Ervine and Si...

England captain Ben Stokes said Tuesday he was "deeply sorry" to learn of the scale of discrimination in the sport after a damning report revealed "widespread" racism, sexism and classism in the game. His comments followed the publication by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) of its much-anticipated report, "Holding Up a Mirror to Cricket". The commission, set up by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), makes 44 recommendations, including that the board makes an "unqualified public apology" for its failings. The ICEC was established in 2021 following a racism scandal centered around the treatment of Pakistan-born bowler Azeem Rafiq at Yorkshire. In a separate development the ECB said the county club should be fined 500,000 pounds ($638,000) and given points deductions over their handling of the case. Of the more than 4,000 individuals interviewed for the ICEC report, 50 percent described experiencing discrimination ...

International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Tuesday that Pakistan had signed a participation agreement to compete in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup this year in October-November. Notably, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Tuesday that it is currently liaising with the Pakistan government for guidance and clearance to tour India for ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and will communicate the outcome to ICC. "Pakistan have signed a participation agreement to compete and we expect them to be there and have had no indications to the contrary," said a statement from ICC on the matter. "All Members have to abide by the rules and the laws of their country and we respect that. But we're confident Pakistan will be in India for the Men's Cricket World Cup," added the statement. PCB's statement came after the schedule for ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 was announced. "The PCB requires the Government of Pakistan's clearance for any tour to India, including th...

Pakistan great Wasim Akram believes his former side has enough quality in their ranks to be a major player at this year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. Wasim was part of the famous team that helped Pakistan claim their only World Cup title at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 1992, and the legendary pacer thinks a second trophy can be clinched if their best players can remain fit and in form. Pakistan are led by the No.1-ranked ODI batter in Babar Azam and have an experienced group of players to support him. ICC on Tuesday announced the schedule of the One Day international (ODI) of the World Cup, with the first match to be played between England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on October 5. India and Pakistan will square off at the same venue on October 15, the ICC announced. The final will also be played at the same venue. Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman will be among the key batters, while Pakistan can turn to a pa...

Sri Lanka defeated Scotland by 82 runs Tuesday to advance to the Super Six stage of the Cricket World Cup qualifiers with maximum points, while Ireland secured a consolation win over the United Arab Emirates. Opener Pathum Nissanka made 75 and Charith Asalanka scored 63 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 245 in Bulawayo, with Scotland spinners Chris Greaves (4-32) and Mark Watt (3-52) combining for seven wickets. Scotland slid to 73-5 in reply and were eventually dismissed for just 163 after two run outs in the same over sealed their fate despite an enterprising 56 not out from Greaves. Sri Lanka, the 1996 champions, go through as winners of Group B and will start on four points in the next round ahead of matches against the Netherlands, Zimbabwe and the West Indies. Scotland carry over two points following Sunday's win over Oman, the third team to qualify from the section. The next phase of the tournament begins Thursday when hosts Zimbabwe play Oman. The top two finishers in...

ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Announcement: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to make a big announcement during an event in Mumbai today (Tuesday, June 27), pertaining to the forthcoming ODI World Cup which is scheduled to be held in India. Certain reports suggest that the schedule for the highly-anticipated event will be released at the event. But, for that to happen, the logjam between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over certain venues would have to be resolved. The PCB has reportedly asked for a few of their matches to be held at different venues. But, the request is unlikely to be entertained by the ICC and the BCCI.  Here are the LIVE updates from the ICC Cricket World Cup Announcement from Mumbai: from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/CIpn9O4

The debate over domestic superstar Sarfaraz Khan 's inclusion in the Indian Test team rages on, with many fans and former cricketers criticising the selection committee for snubbing the talented middle-order batter for the senior Test team. As the BCCI announced the squad for the tour of West Indies, the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad earned got into the Indian team but Sarfaraz continued to wait on the sidelines. A few 'non-cricketing' reasons have emerged behind Sarfaraz's snub, with apparent 'fitness and off-field conduct' issues being cited. Despite Sarfaraz's Bradman-esque average in the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, there are 'other factors' that are unlikely to see the talented batter wear the Indian Test shirt. In a PTI report, a BCCI official explained that Sarfaraz remains too far down the pecking order, in comparison to Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad in the Test squad. In fact, even Suryakumar Yadav could make a ...

India batter Shreyas Iyer is one of the most prolific players of the current time. Making his international debut in 2017, the 28-year-old has played 42 ODIs, 49 T20Is, and 10 Tests and scored 3,340 runs for Team India, so far. Currently, Iyer has been out of action since March due to injury. Apart from shining with the bat, Iyer has also got another talent that was left undiscovered till now. IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants have showcased the singing talent of Iyer and also issued an apology. Taking to Twitter, LSG posted a video, showing Iyer taking up the viral Instagram "Saiyaan" trend. In this trend, he was joined by DC batter Aman Khan and Mumbai Indians and LSG players Hardik Tamore and Suryansh Shedge .  We're sorry, Kailash Kher pic.twitter.com/U88ueEaRkd — Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) June 26, 2023 "We're sorry, Kailash Kher," the caption of the video read. Notably, "Saiyaan" is popular song, sung by Bollywood singer Kaila...

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina reflected on the tough times he went through after getting injured. In 2007, Raina suffered a career-threatening knee injury which left him bedridden for six months. Due to this injury, he was left out of India's 2007 T20 World Cup squad. The left-handed batter talked about how he dealt with the mental stress of never being able to compete again, the physical pain of being on crutches, and how his family and friends became his guiding light in dark times. "When I got injured, more than physical it was mental stress that was taking a toll on me. My family asked me to focus on recovery and not worry about the loan I had taken. The other thing that was eating me up was if I will ever get a chance again because the competition was so tough and the 2007 T20 World Cup was coming up," Raina said on Jio Cinema "Then I decided to leave my fate in the hands of God and focused on having a good time with friends and family as this was a ch...

Former Australian cricket team skipper Michael Clarke was extremely critical of England fast bowler Ollie Robinson and said that he needs to concentrate on his bowling more than on-field antics. Robinson received a lot of flak for giving a send-off to Usman Khawaja during the first Ashes Test in Edgbaston. The visitors were able to power through on the final day of the match and register a brilliant two-wicket victory. In a recent interaction, Clarke said that Robinson is currently playing for England because bigger names like Jofra Archer and Chris Wood are out of action while suggesting that he needs to prove himself more before losing his temper on the field. "He needs to shoosh," Clarke said on the Big Sports Breakfast. "If England were fully fit you wouldn't even get a game, Ollie. If Jofra Archer was playing, or if (Chris) Wood had been playing and was fully fit, old mate - I don't know what town he plays for - he'd be back playing clubbies. I act...

The process to elect the new Pakistan Cricket Board chairman might be delayed with two members of the former management committee approaching the Lahore High Court. The Lahore High Court will on Monday head two petitions filed by former PCB management committee members Shakil Sheikh and Gul Zada against the election process to bring in Zaka Ashraf as the chairman and the legality of the Board of Governors which will elect the new chief. The petitioners have requested the honourable judge to stay the elections of the chairman and suspend the BOG until it gives a verdict on their petitions. “It is a tricky situation because the election commissioner and acting Chairman of the board has set June 27 as the date for holding election for new Chairman after the changes made to the Board of Governors,” one source in the board said. Ironically, when Ashraf had become PCB chairman way back in 2012, he had faced similar legal challenges from his predecessor, Najam Sethi, and was even ordered to...

Zimbabwe vs United States,   ICC World Cup 2023 Qualifiers, Live Updates:  Zimbabwe will be going up against United States of America in last Group A clash of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 Qualifiers on Monday at the Harare Sports Club, Harare. Zimbabwe are currently at the top of the points table with three victories in all the three matches they have played. They have also qualified into the Super 6 stage of the tournament. On the other hand, United Stated have lost all the three matches they have played so far and are eliminated from the race of Super 6. ( Live Scorecard ) Here are the Live Updates from the ICC World Cup Qualifier match between Zimbabwe and USA from Harare: from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/CGEWmqj

West Indies vs Netherlands, ICC World Cup 2023 Qualifiers, Live Updates:  West Indies will be taking on Netherlands in their last Group A clash of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 Qualifiers on Monday at the Takashinga Sports Club, Harare. Both West Indies and Netherlands have qualified for the Super 6 stage of the tournament. The Shai Hope -led team will be coming to this match after facing a 35-run defeat against Zimbabwe. On the other hand, Netherlands registered a victory by 7 wickets against Nepal in their previous match. ( Live Scorecard ) Here are the Live Updates from the ICC World Cup Qualifier match between West Indies and Netherlands from Harare: from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/fvcPsHE

MS Dhoni is widely regarded as ‘Captain Cool' for his calm and composed demeanour on the field even in the toughest of conditions. Over the years, his captaincy style has been praised by experts and fans alike with the nickname becoming almost synonymous with the former Indian cricket team skipper. However, legendary India opener Sunil Gavaskar believes that there is another contender for that nickname. In a recent interaction with Times of India , Gavaskar said that Kapil Dev is the original ‘Captain Cool' and reminisced about his all-round performance in the 1983 World Cup. "Kapil's performances with both bat and ball were dazzling to say the least. Not to forget his catch of Viv Richards in the final. His captaincy was dynamic, exactly what the format required, and his ready smile even when a player dropped a catch or mis-fielded makes him the original captain cool." India started the 1983 World Cup as underdogs but they went on to claim the title after de...

With India set to tour West Indies next month, the BCCI announced the squads for the Test and ODI series earlier this week. Rohit Sharma will lead the side in both formats, while Ajinkya Rahane and Hardik Pandya will deputise him in Tests and ODIs, respectively. In another big development, veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara was axed from the team, following his poor outing with the bat in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. While analysing India's squad, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal shared his views on the upcoming tour. Akmal said that while India captain Rohit Sharma has done well during his short stint as India's Test captain so far, he needs to show a bit more authority on the field, just like his predecessor Virat Kohli . "It's a balanced team. Indian team needs to have a good start. I want Rohit Sharma to do better with captaincy. Show your presence on the ground like Virat Kohli used to do. He has got a chance. (Having said that), R...

After Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped from India's Test squad for the side's upcoming two-match Test series in West Indies, former India cricketer Akash Chopra pointed out that his average has been same as that of Virat Kohli in the past three years in the longest format. The announced team for the Tests and three-match ODI series against West Indies has put the selectors once again under the radar of critics. The snub of Pujara from India's Test squad has not been taken well by many former cricketers and Chopra is also among them. "Now that Pujara is not there in the squad. The question is 'is the decision right?'. I am not going to make an opinion. I'm only going to show a few numbers of Indian batters in Test cricket in the last three years. Rohit Sharma has scored the most runs with an average of 43 in 18 matches. Shubman Gill averages 32 in 16 matches and KL Rahul 30 in 11 matches. Pujara has an average of 29.69 in 28 matches. Kohli, during the same p...

Former Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri warned selectors against rushing the comeback of star pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah who is still recovering from injury. Bumrah has not played a single game since September 2022 and although there was some hope of his return, he ended up missing the T20 World Cup, Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 and the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. Shastri said in a recent interaction that rushing his return for the ODI World Cup later this year can end up being bad news for the team and the fast bowler. "He (Bumrah) is a very important cricketer. But if you rush him for the World Cup then you might lose him for four months later on, much like Shaheen Afridi . So there's a thin line and it needs to be thought about," Shastri told The Week in an interview. Shastri also said that he does not see Hardik Pandya coming back to Test cricket and added that it is a possibility that the all-rounder will become the India white-ball skip...

India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his views after reports emerged that the Pakistan cricket team is not "comfortable" playing some of the participating teams at specific venues during the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, including Afghanistan in Chennai and Australia in Bengaluru. The deadlock over the Asia Cup staging has ended and now Pakistan are expected to travel to India for the World Cup in October-November. Talking about Pakistan's reported request for a change in venues, Ashwin opined that it would be considered by ICC only if the side makes any "valid security reasons". It is worth noting that ICC is yet to announce the schedule of World Cup 2023. "Pakistan's interesting request to switch venues. The fixture now is, Pakistan playing Australia in Bangalore and Afghanistan in Chennai. They want the venues interchanged. Only if there is a security reason, ICC will consider these requests," said Ashwin on his YouTube channel . ...

Zimbabwe vs West Indies, ICC World Cup 2023 Qualifier LIVE: West Indies and Zimbabwe, the two table-toppers in the Group A, square-off in a decisive ICC World Cup 2023 qualifier match on Saturday at Harare. Both West Indies and Zimbabwe are yet to lose a single contest in the qualifying campaign but only one will emerge victorious in the contest. Zimbabwe's Sean Williams and West Indies' Shai Hope are among the top-scoring batters in the World Cup qualifiers. Stopping them will be crucial for the respective opponent teams today. ( LIVE Scorecard ) Here are the live score and updates from the ICC World Cup qualifier match between West Indies and Zimbabwe from Harare: from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/gYi4k0K

Left-arm India pacer Arshdeep Singh, who had a decent IPL 2023, failed to find a spot in the Indian team's ODI squad for the upcoming tour to West Indies. The Rohit Sharma -led side is scheduled to play a three-match ODI series against the Caribbean side with the matches on July 27, July 29 and August 1. While Delhi Capitals pacer Mukesh Kumar got a maiden national call-up, Jaydev Unadkat , Mohammed Siraj and Umran Malik were rest of the pacers India selected for the 50-over matches vs West Indies. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar feels that the omission from India's ODI squad could be a blessing in disguise for Arshdeep as it would encourage the pacer to improve his game and give back-to-back impressive performances to regain his spot into the nation's ODI squad. "Sometimes maybe being left out of the team is also great incentive to try and pick up heaps of wickets. Maybe that is what Arshdeep needs to do. He needs to pick 5-fors continuously and then he will...

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is arguably the most lucrative T20 league in the world. The IPL has been a great talent breeding ground in the Indian spectrum. While picking-up white-ball players with IPL performances as reference makes sense, should Test selection also be made on the basis of IPL performances? As the India Test squad for the West Indies tour was picked, Yashasvi Jaiswal 's inclusion became a subject of intense chatter on social media. While there's no denying that Jaiswal was in superlative form in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals, many feel it's his performances in the T20 league that earned him a spot in the Test team. Indian batter Abhinav Mukund , taking to Twitter, questioned the selection committee's process of picking players. He took a subtle dig at the selectors for giving more weightage to IPL performances than First Class cricket. "Unable to understand these selections- too many thoughts in my head to compile into a tweet. But what is the...