Internationalcricketupdates

The Pakistan cricket team has truly enjoyed itself since landing in India for the ODI World Cup 2023. Since reaching Hyderabad, the Pakistan team has been full of praise for the hospitality their players have received in India. After their first warm-up fixture against New Zealand in Hyderabad, Babar Azam 's men enjoyed a lavish dinner and also clicked a few selfies with the fans. The Pakistan Cricket Board's official Twitter (now X) account shared a video of the team's dinner, where the players could be seen having a gala time. Hangout in Hyderabad: Glimpses from the Pakistan team dinner #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/R2mB9rQurN — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 30, 2023 Pakistan didn't get off to the most promising start on the sporting front as they were beaten by New Zealand in the practice match on Friday. Batting first, Pakistan put a mammoth total of 345 runs on the board at the Raji Gandhi International Stadium. But, their bowlers could defend the target...

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh believes that the country's star batter Shubman Gill has the potential to become the best player of this generation. Gill is surely one of the rising superstars of Indian cricket. The 24-year-old is among the best batters the Indian team has. However, it seems that Gill's own best is yet to come as his batting graph continues to rise with time. The right-handed batter was the top run-scorer during India's recently-concluded three-match ODI series against Australia. "Shubman Gill has the potential to become the best player of this generation. The guy works hard. Since he was 19-20, his attitude has always been like that. He works four times harder than a normal guy since he was a kid. Whatever I have worked with him, he can be the player of this era," Yuvraj Singh told The Week . "He (Gill) scored 91 in a Test match which India won. He scored two fifties as well on his first tour to Australia which I don't know how...

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Saturday wrote to the sport's governing body ICC for expediting the visa process for journalists and fans who wish to travel to India for the World Cup beginning October 5. Pakistan, who are based here in the run-up to the mega event, play their tournament opener against the Netherlands on October 6. The PCB, which had written to the ICC over the visa delay for the players earlier this month, highlighted its concerns over visas for Pakistan fans and media on this occasion. In an email, the PCB sought prompt action from the ICC on the visa process for fans and media. While it is tough to put a number to the fans applying for Indian visa, around 50 journalists are expected to travel for the World Cup. Sources in BCCI, which is the tournament host, said the External Affairs Ministry is vetting the names of journalists who want to cover the 50-over event. The applications will need clearance from external affairs, home and sports ministries as Pakistan is...

Australian cricket team fast bowler Mitchell Starc started his preparation for Cricket World Cup 2023 on a perfect note as he claimed a hat-trick during the warm-up match against Netherlands on Saturday. The veteran pacer struck on the fifth ball of the first over of the Netherlands innings as he trapped Max O'Dowd LBW with an in-swinger that nipped back late. One ball later, it was Wesley Barresi who fell victim to his pace as he tricked him with another in-swinger that crashed into the top of the off-stump. Starc had to wait one over to get his hat-trick but he made no mistake as Bas de Leede was clean bowled on the first ball of the third over with yet another in-swinger. Meanwhile, persistent rain on Saturday washed out the World Cup warm-up match between India and England at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. It began raining a little before the start of the match on Saturday afternoon, which resulted in the toss being delayed but later i...

Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club has announced that it will rename the Pavilion End at Trent Bridge after Stuart Broad who retired from international cricket this year. The honour will commemorate Englsnd's bowler on the global stage, with the seamer having claimed 604 Test scalps – the fifth most in the format's history, behind only Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, James Anderson and Anil Kumble. Those wickets include the sole Test hat-trick to have been taken at Trent Bridge, against India in 2011, and the best bowling analysis in the venue's near 200-year history – 8/15 against Australia in 2015. Both landmarks were achieved at what is to become The Stuart Broad End. "When I first visited Trent Bridge, as a kid with dreams of pulling on the Nottinghamshire and England jerseys, I could never have imagined I'd be fortunate enough to enjoy so many memorable moments in the game," said Broad. "It's a bit surreal to think that part of the ground ...

Former India captain MS Dhoni had a strange interaction with a fan while he was going through the security procedure at an airport. Arguably India's greatest-ever captain, Dhoni enjoys an unparalleled following from fans across the globe. However, Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in August 2020, remains down-to-earth on and off the field. In a viral video, a fan expressed his love for Dhoni, while the veteran wicketkeeper-batter was going through a security check at an airport. In the video, the fan shouted multiple times, saying: "Mahi bhai I love you". "Mere haanth kaanp rae hain (My hands are shivering)," the fan went on to add. Dhoni gave another glimpse of his simplicity as he smiled at fan's gesture. Fan : Mahi bhai I love you Thala : Smiles @msdhoni #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/W6SXlb6E1r — FAN (@KattarDhoni) September 29, 2023 After drawing curtains on an illustrious international career, Dhoni continues to feature for Chennai Sup...

Team India is all set for the Cricket World Cup 2023, starting October 5. The Rohit Sharma -led side is set to take on England and Netherlands in two warm-up matches ahead of the mega event. It will be a big opportunity for India to win an ICC title after a gap of more than eight years. The last time India won an ICC trophy was way back in 2013 - a Champions Trophy title. Talking about World Cup, India last won the coveted trophy in 2011, in the ODI format. Ahead of the start of India's campaign in Cricket World Cup 2023, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has recalled how legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar guided his teammates to keep themselves away from distraction during 2011 World Cup. "Now, distraction is a bit more because that time there was no social media. There was distraction with media and people. We were trying to focus on the game, and in the World Cup, we had lost to South Africa - a game we should have won. The media started to go berserk. Sachin (Tendul...

India's star Virat Kohli and his actor wife Anushka Sharma are among the perfect couples one could find on social media. While Kohli, one of the finest batters in international cricket, has admitted that Anushka has been his perfect support, the Bollywood actor too has given her husband a lot of credit for her achievements in life. The couple often takes to social media to share its pictures together. Recently, Anushka put up a cute picture of her on social media during a promotional post and the comment of Kohli on it melted the internet. See it here: Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli have been setting couple goals ever since they were rumoured to be dating several years ago. In 2017, the couple sent the nation into a tizzy with glimpses of their dreamy wedding. Years later, the two continue to impress fans with their loved-up Instagram posts featuring each other and their comments on each other's pictures. Kohli will be seen in action during India's Cricket World Cup...

The Indian squad is packed with quality players but either wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal or Washington Sundar should have found place in the home team's line-up, reckons 2011 World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh. All-rounder Axar Patel was ruled out of the global event due to quadriceps tear and the management replaced him with senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin was summoned for the ODI series against Australia and eventually he was included in the final 15-man squad as Chahal and Washington miss out. "I personally feel the only miss in this side is Yuzvendra Chahal. I think the only aspect that is missing from this team is a leg-spinner," Yuvraj told PTI in an exclusive interview. "I was very keen to see Washington Sundar in the side if we are not picking up Yuzi. But maybe the team wanted an experienced bowler, so that is why I think they went with R Ashwin," said one of India's greatest ODI cricketers. Yuvraj spoke on the sidelines of an event, org...

South Africa vs Afghanistan Warm-up ODI Live Score: An intriguing contest unfolds in Trivandrum as South Africa take on Afghanistan in their first warm-up match ahead of the start of the ODI World Cup 2023. In their recent 5-match ODI assignment against Australia, South Africa secured a 3-2 win. The Proteas would look to carry the same momentum forward and hope to iron out a few flaws that exist in their team. As for Afghanistan, they couldn't go far in the Asia Cup 2023 but put some brilliant performances on display in almost all matches. Now, a new challenge awaits them. ( LIVE Scorecard ) Here are the live score and updates from the South Africa vs Afghanistan ODI World Cup warm-up match from Trivandrum: from NDTV Sports-Cricket https://ift.tt/ymJzvqi via IFTTT

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee chairperson Zaka Ashraf has stirred another controversy amid the Pakistan team's visit to India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, starting from October 5 onwards. In a video that is viral on social media, Zaka was heard talking about players going to "dushman mulk" (enemy country) for tournaments, while he was addressing the media about PCB's new contracts for players. His remark was allegedly targeted at India. In the viral video, Ashraf said, "We gave these contracts to our players with love and affection. Never in the history of Pakistan, such an amount of money has been given to players. My aim was to keep the players' morale high as they go to countries, the enemy country ('Dushman Mulk') for competitions." One side, Pakistan cricket team received enthusiastic welcome in India. Other side, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf termed India as "Dushman Mulk" (enemy...

The final round of preparations for the ODI World Cup 2023 begins, with the teams looking to iron out the flaws in their roster through warm-up matches. The likes of Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will be in action on September 29 in the first set of warm-up fixtures. All 10 teams will feature in two warm-up matches each before the ODI World Cup begins. In the first round of fixtures, Pakistan are up against New Zealand while Sri Lanka take on Bangladesh. Simultaneously, South Africa will square-off against Afghanistan. When will the Pakistan vs New Zealand, Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka and South Africa vs Afghanistan matches be played? The Pakistan vs New Zealand, Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka and South Africa vs Afghanistan matches will be played on Friday, September 29. Where will the Pakistan vs New Zealand, Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka and South Africa vs Afghanistan matches be played? The Pakistan vs New Zealand, Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka and South A...

The ODI World Cup 2023 has arrived, and it won't be unfair to say some of the biggest names in the sport could decide to hang their boots after the tournament is finished. When it comes to the Indian team, the names of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been discussed during 'retirement debates' among fans and experts. In fact, Kohli's former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate AB de Villiers feels it might not be a bad idea for him to say goodbye if India go on to win this World Cup. In a video on his YouTube channel , De Villiers touched upon the retirement topic, suggesting it's tough to say whether the talismanic batter will play the 2027 ODI World Cup or not. "I know he loves travelling to South Africa (for the 2027 World Cup), but it's very difficult to say. It is a long time away. Let's focus on this one first, I think that's what Virat Kohli would tell you. I think if they win this World Cup, it might not be a bad time to say, ...

Suryakumar Yadav had a brilliant run of form for the Indian cricket team during the recently concluded ODI series against Australia. It came as a relief for the explosive batter whose selection for the Cricket World Cup 2023 was met with some doubt from both experts and fans. However, he was back at his explosive best as he scored two half-centuries to guide his team to a series win. While his form has improved in the recent past, legendary India opener Sunil Gavaskar was not convinced with his showing in the ODI format and he had a blunt verdict over his inclusion in the World Cup playing XI. “Suryakumar hasn't done anything big yet in ODI cricket. He only bats in those final 15-20 overs where he utilises his T20 abilities which undoubtedly is important as well. But Hardik, Ishan and Rahul can all do that same job as well. So Iyer is confirmed for No. 4. Suryakumar will have to wait and if he does get a chance at No. 4 he has to score a big hundred and show that he can also sco...

One of the greats of the game, MS Dhoni is a man that the entire cricketing universe respects. Though Dhoni got his India not a little late, he went on to create a legacy that remains unparalleled event today. While many intriguing tales of the Ranchi-born wicket-keeper batter, a new one unfolded as former pacer S Sreesanth shared anecdotes from an India vs Pakistan match in Kerala. While the fans were chanting Sachin, Sachin, Dhoni knew that it was his time to deliver and cement his place in the team. "Before the India vs Pakistan match in Kerala, John Wright (India's head coach) called me to bowl in the nets. Kochi hosted the match. India vs Pakistan, it was housefull. Everyone was chanting 'India, India, Sachin, Sachin'," Sreesanth said in a chat on Sportskeeda . "Dhoni bhai came and spoke with us (support players). I have not shared this story anywhere. When we were standing there, Dhoni bhai said 'I want to express myself. I am not getting the ch...

The Cricket World Cup 2023 is just round the corner and the ten competing teams have officially submitted their final squads for the competition. India and Australia made late changes to their 15-member squads as Ravichandran Ashwin replaced the injured Axar Patel while Marnus Labuschagne was rewarded for his brilliant run of form in the recently concluded ODI series against India. The tournament will begin on October 5 with England taking on New Zealand. Hosts India will begin their campaign in the competition against Australia in Chennai on October 8. A look at all the 10 final squads for Cricket World Cup 2023 - India squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav. Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Hea...

The Indian men's cricket team on Thursday reached Guwahati ahead of the Cricket World Cup 2023 warm-up match against England on September 30. Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin who was added to India's 15-player squad for the World Cup 2023 earlier in the day in place of Axar Patel was present with the Indian team. Axar failed to recover in time for the World Cup after sustaining a left quadriceps strain during India's Asia Cup Super Four encounter against Bangladesh. Subsequently, the spin-bowling all-rounder missed the final of the Asia Cup as well as India's three-match ODI series against Australia. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer were also present as they made a successful comeback from long-term injuries.  Team India arrived in Guwahati to start their World Cup campaign. pic.twitter.com/q8VHEO15hi — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 28, 2023 Both stars have made vital contributions in the games leading up to the tournament. Rahul announced his comeback wit...

India coach Rahul Dravid is relieved that key players such as Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who are all coming back from injuries, could get enough miles in their legs ahead of the ODI World Cup, starting in a week's time. Bumrah, who was troubled by a back issue that kept him out for long, bowled his full quota of overs in Mohali and Rajkot - the two matches he played against Australia - but was a bit expensive in the series-concluding third ODI. The fast bowler had made a comeback during the T20 series against Ireland last month and also competed in Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. Iyer, who is expected to bat at number four, struck a hundred in Indore and also contributed 48 in Rajkot. Rahul not only batted in an impressive fashion, scoring two half centuries, he also kept the wickets, allaying concerns around his fitness. "For all those guys game-time was important. The fact that they have been able to get that is I think something that we are much better off for it...

The Indian cricket team could contemplate making one change in the ODI World Cup squad that was announced a few weeks ago. With Axar Patel sustaining an injury, the selection committee finds itself in a troublesome position. Though the injury to the all-rounder isn't a serious one, talks of him being replaced by Ravichandran Ashwin have taken place in the cricketing spectrum. With the squad announcement deadline today (September 28), the Board of Control for Cricket in India have to confirm whether it plans to make any changes to the 15-man roster or not. Ashwin featured in two of the three ODIs against Australia, producing a phenomenal display. But, he was rested for the 3rd ODI as Washington Sundar took his place in the team. Though India lost the match, Sundar's performance did impress many in a high-scoring match. In the post-match presentation ceremony, India captain Rohit Sharma said that he wanted to give opportunity to every play ahead of the World Cup.  "I'...

The Pakistan cricket team reached Hyderabad for ODI World Cup participation after a bit of a hiccup with regards to their visa. Babar Azam's men received a grand welcome in Hyderabad upon their arrival ahead of warm-up game against New Zealand. Babar and the rest of the Pakistan players looked in a jolly mood upon their arrival at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad on Wednesday. Babar also took to social media to express his delight at the warm welcome he and his teammates received.  Babar and the team's star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi were in high spirits and were visibly smiling as they posed for the camerapersons.  Babar Azam gets a warm welcome in Hyderabad. pic.twitter.com/AZBCLPToH8 — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 27, 2023 After nearly a decade since their last visit in 2012-13 for a bilateral series, Pakistan have finally arrived in India. The 'Men in Green' have undergone substantial changes since then, with the majority of the ...

Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the Indian cricket team bowlers with three wickets during the third ODI match against Australia in Rajkot on Wednesday. The fast bowler ended up on the losing side but his performance was a huge boost for India ahead of the Cricket World Cup 2023. Skipper Rohit Sharma was quite happy with how Bumrah performed and said that the fast bowler is felling well both physically and mentally. Bumrah was out for quite some time with injury but his return has been a huge positive for the Indian cricket team and Rohit made it clear that one bad game will not affect him. "I'm pretty happy, more importantly how he (Bumrah) feels body-wise, he has got so much skill, one bad game can happen to anyone. How he feels mentally and body-wise is key for us and that's looking good for us," Rohit said at the post-match ceremony when asked about Bumrah's form. Rohit is extremely satisfied with his team's World Cup preparation and wouldn't like to...

Indian cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma asked KL Rahul to collect the trophy after the ODI series against Australia as the wicket-keeper batter led the side in the first two games. Rohit was rested for the first two matches and he made a return for the third one in Rajkot. India went down fighting in the match on Wednesday but were able to clinch the series 2-1 thanks to wins in Mohali and Indore. It was a heartwarming gesture from Rohit and the video of the incident went viral on social media. Australia saved their best for the last as Indian middle-order wilted under pressure exerted by part-time off-spin of Glenn Maxwell , losing the third ODI by 66 runs. India however won the series 2-1. Captain @ImRo45 & @klrahul collect the @IDFCFIRSTBank Trophy as #TeamIndia win the ODI series  #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/k3JiTMiVGJ — BCCI (@BCCI) September 27, 2023 "I'm pretty happy, of course, I would like to go all the way along but if I'm hitting like that I'...

Just a few days to go before the ODI World Cup 2023 gets underway in India. Being the hosts, the Indian team is one of the top favourites to go the distance in the tournament. However, New Zealand great Simon Doull doesn't think the Indian team plays 'fearless cricket', which will be a hurdle for them in the showpiece event. However, S Sreesanth isn't in agreement with Doull, suggesting if Indian players, especially Virat Kohli , come to know of what he said, it would be fun to watch how the team plays against the Kiwis when they come across each other in the World Cup. New Zealand, who are yet to win the ODI World Cup, eliminated the Indian team in the 2019 edition of the tournament but went on to lose the final to England. Sreesanth, mocking the New Zealand team, said that their former players 'should think before they speak'. "New Zealand are coming to India. They will get to know if India play attacking cricket or not. We will thrash them. They got l...

Australia saved their best for the last as Indian middle-order wilted under pressure exerted by part-time off-spin of Glenn Maxwell, losing the third ODI by 66 runs on Wednesday. India however won the series 2-1. India were cruising along at 171 for 2 chasing a stiff target of 353 on a placid track but the middle-order crumbled in chase with Maxwell (4/40) getting crucial breakthroughs to restrict the hosts to 286 in 49.4 overs. Skipper Rohit Sharma (81) and Kohli struck fifties to provide the middle-order with a perfect platform in the big chase, but the rest floundered to hand Australia the advantage. Earlier, Mitchell Marsh (96) headlined Australia's best batting show with David Warner, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne helping themselves to attacking half-centuries during a commanding performance to break a five-ODI losing streak. The two teams will now play a couple of warm-up games before meeting again in 10 days' time for the tournament-opener in Chennai on October 8....

India vs Australia 3rd ODI Live streaming: Team India will be taking on Australia in the third ODI match on Wednesday in Rajkot. The hosts have already gained an unassailable 2-0 lead over Australia in the three-match series and will now play for a clean sweep. On Tuesday, India skipper Rohit Sharma said five players, including in-form Shubman Gill , will not be available for selection for the third ODI against Australia, as the squad has been hit by a viral sickness and some players have opted to return home. When will the India vs Australia, 3rd ODI match be played? The India vs Australia, 3rd ODI match will be played on Wednesday, September 27. Where will the India vs Australia, 3rd ODI match be played? The India vs Australia, 3rd ODI match will be played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot. What time will the India vs Australia, 3rd ODI match start? The India vs Australia, 3rd ODI match will start at 1:30 PM IST. The toss will take place at 1:00 PM. Which...

Nepal men's cricket team made history at the ongoing Asian Games cricket tournament in Hangzhou, China as they smashed the highest-ever total in T20I cricket history, the fastest fifty and fastest century by a player in format's history on Wednesday.  They accomplished this during their match against Mongolia. This match also kickstarts the men's cricket competition at the continental meet. In the match, Nepal smashed 314/3 in their 20 overs. It is the highest-ever total in T20Is, overtaking Afghanistan's 278/3 against Ireland in 2019. ( Scorecard ) They also smashed a total of 26 sixes in their innings, the highest by a team in the format's history in a single inning. They went past Afghanistan's record of 22 sixes that helped them make 278/3 back in 2019.  But two of the most interesting records are them smashing the fastest fifty and century in T20I cricket.  Dipendra Singh Airee, the Nepal all-rounder reached his half-century in just nine balls, going pas...

Indian captain Rohit Sharma on Tuesday did not divulge any details on the status of injured Axar Patel but said the rhythm Ravichandran Ashwin showed in the first two ODIs has assured him of back-up options for the World Cup in case of an eventuality. Patel had suffered a left quadricep injury ahead of the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka earlier this month, and is currently recuperating at the NCA. The performance of Ashwin in the first two ODIs against Australia has also sparked the debate whether the veteran off-spinner should make it to India's 15-member squad if Patel fails to recover in time. The cut-off date for teams to finalise their 15-member WC is September 28. “He has got the class. He has got the experience of playing the sport and handling the pressure. It is just that he has not played ODIs in the last year or so,” said during the pre-match press meet. “But you cannot take away the class and the experience the individual has over the years and in the last couple o...

New Zealand gave themselves a perfect boost ahead of the World Cup by whitewashing Bangladesh in the three-match series 2-0, with a seven wickets win in the final one-day international in Dhaka on Tuesday. Will Young and Adam Milne starred with bat and ball respectively, with Young hitting 70 off 80 balls to guide New Zealand to 175-3. Milne's 4-34 restricted the hosts to 171 in 34.3 overs at Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Stand-in skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto scored highest with 76 runs for Bangladesh, but was unable to give the hosts a competitive score with a lack of support from the other end after he opted to bat first. New Zealand made light of their target despite losing Finn Allen (28) and Dean Foxcroft (0) to Shoriful Islam in consecutive balls, as Young put on 81 runs with in-form Henry Nicholls for the third wicket. By the time left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed bowled Young, New Zealand were well in control. Nicholls, who made 44 and 49 runs in t...

Bangladesh on Tuesday announced their 15-man squad for the ODI World Cup in India, leaving out former captain Tamim Iqbal due to injury concerns. Tamim, 34, who retired in a shock move in July before reversing his decision a day later at the request of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, returned to the side only last week for the opening two matches of the just-concluded home series against New Zealand. Tamim established himself as one of the country's most dependable players and is the only Bangladeshi to score centuries in all three formats of the game. But he took a break from Tuesday's final match that Bangladesh lost by seven wickets in Dhaka, and reportedly refused to give a guarantee of his participation in all matches in the World Cup. Top-selling Bengali newspaper Prothom Al reported on Tuesday that coach Chandika Hathurusinghe and skipper Shakib Al Hasan said only fully fit players could be in the World Cup squad, leading to the exclusio...

Suryakumar Yadav has been enjoying a brilliant run of form in the ongoing ODI series against Australia and this purple patch could not have come at a better time as India gear up for the Cricket World Cup 2023. The selection of Suryakumar for the World Cup was met with severe criticism from some fans and experts due to his poor performances in the format but his recent knocks have proved a lot of critics wrong. Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh was all praise for the explosive batter and said that he needs to play every match of the Cricket World Cup as he is a 'pure match winner'. "Surykaumar Yadav has to play all the matches. I don't care whom he replaces, but his name should be taken first and then the rest. You have a player who is a pure match winner and can single-handedly make the game one-sided. He is the ace of spades. We have have been taking about a finisher...he is the one. He has to play at No. 5 for India," Harbhajan said on his of...

Titas Sadhu must be believing in pleasant coincidences.Else, how could she logically explain that two of the most defining spells in her short but eventful career read almost eerily similar. It was 4-0-6-2 in the ICC U-19 World Cup final against England and on Monday, playing only her second senior international match, her figures were 4-0-6-3 against Sri Lanka. A three-over first spell that literally ensured the gold medal for Indian women's cricket team. "We all had a clear plan of what we had to do. Obviously, we got a good momentum in the first over itself. We had discussed during the innings break that we will keep calm and stick to what we had decided," said Titas, who hails from Hooghly district's suburban Chinsurah, where she had a sporty father Ranadeep, who encouraged her to take up every sport possible. Father being a decent state-level athlete, Titas had taken the sport like fish to water and also at the same time making a splash at the pool. She got 93 ...

Smriti Mandhana has her fair share of fans but Indian women's team's vice-captain must have felt chuffed when she saw a poster captioned 'Mandhana The Goddess" and being proudly held aloft by a Chinese young man. But then Jun Yu is possibly a rare species in the Mandarin land, who loves the thwack of the wood meeting the leather. And the love for cricket made him travel 1200 kms from Beijing to Hangzhou in order to watch her "Goddess" in action. And it all happened when he deep-dived into YouTube's treasure of cricket videos and immediately got hooked to artistry of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Mandhana, three of his favourites. "I saw Jasprit Bumrah's spell against Australia in the 2019 World Cup. I follow both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They are the current greats of the game. Then, there is Suryakumar Yadav and Jaspreet Bumrah. Bumrah was extraordinary against Australia in the 2019 World Cup," Yu told when PTI caught up with him...

Less than six months after knee surgery threatened to rule him out of next month's ODI World Cup, the goal of captaining New Zealand in India has been the key driver in getting Kane Williamson through his recovery. The 33-year-old tore the cruciate ligament in his right knee playing for Indian Premier League side Gujarat Titans in April, which looked to have scuppered his chances of making the showpiece tournament. However, intense rehab work has meant a speedy recovery. Williamson hopes to be ready for the Black Caps opening game against defending champions England on October 5, a repeat of the 2019 final his side narrowly lost. "It would be great. Naturally, you want to be back playing when you are fit and ready, sooner rather than later," he said. "You hope that ends up being around that World Cup time, but I'm still being very focused on the rehab day-to-day and not wanting those targets to stretch it to a point where you take a backward step."   Wi...

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will be available for the third ODI against Australia after being given a one-match break but all-rounder Axar Patel will be given a few more days to recover from his quadricep tear ahead of the World Cup, BCCI sources said on Monday. While Ravichandran Ashwin has done decently in his two outings, the team management is still bullish about the fitness of Axar, the left-arm spin bowling all-rounder. "The team management wants to give Axar full chance of recovery. His forearm and finger bruises have healed but may be in another few days, he would get fit for World Cup. India's first match is on September 8 and hence there is time. "As far as Ashwin is concerned, we now know that he is match fit and in rhythm. If Axar can't make it, Ashwin walks in," a BCCI source privy to the development told PTI on conditions of anonymity. The final squad announcement is on September 27 and it is understood that Axar still remains the team managemen...