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May 28, 2012
Five years after the Knights vindicate King Khan's faith
Bikash Mohapatra salutes Shah Rukh Khan and Kolkata Knight Riders on their triumph in the fifth edition of the IPL
May 26, 2012
T20 has ignited passion for cricket: Shastri
Former India captain Ravi Shastri feels Mahendra Singh Dhoni needs improvement as far as his batting in Test cricket is concerned but said he is doing a decent job as a skipper in the five-day format.
IPL: Is it more paisa vasool to buy from Sri Lanka or West Indies
The most paisa vasool Indian players in IPL-5 in the list of the 50 most valuable players are: Mandeep Singh (PVI of 51; received $51 for every run scored), Ajinkya Rahane (75), Mayank Agarwal (80), Parvinder Awana (144), Ambati Rayadu (198) and Rajat Bhatia (216).
May 25, 2012
After IPL high, Rahane hoping to live up to expectations
The Rajasthan Royals opener reveals he is not satisfied with his showing in the IPL despite finishing among the leading scorers.
May 24, 2012
Delhi hoping to destroy defending champs CSK
Wounded Delhi Daredevils will be eager to draw inspiration from their own performances in the league stages for a spot in the final of the ongoing Indian Premier League when they take on a rejuvenated Chennai Super Kings in the second qualifying match in Chennai on Friday.
Fleming credits Badri, Hussey for win vs MI
Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming applauded Mike Hussey and S Badrinath for laying a solid platform for their skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to launch an attack in death overs that turned the match in their favour against Mumbai Indians in the IPL eliminator in Bangalore.
Harbhajan concedes MI were outplayed by Dhoni & Co
Mumbai Indians skipper Harbhajan Singh has admitted that Mahendra Singh Dhoni's whirlwind 20-ball 51-run knock took the game away from them in the IPL eliminator in Bangalore on Wednesday.
May 23, 2012
With faith in his Knights, Gambhir leads by example
Gautam Gambhir has done what Sourav Ganguly couldn't. Since taking over the captaincy last season, he has led Kolkata Knight Riders with aplomb.
Sehwag disappointed by Delhi batsmen's no show
With the first chance to qualifying for the IPL final slipping out of their grasp, Delhi Daredevils skipper Virender Sehwag has blamed his batting unit for failing to fire against Kolkata Knight Riders in the Qualifier.
May 22, 2012
Revenge on Chennai's mind as they take on Mumbai
Mumbai Indians would hope to keep a clean slate against a lucky Chennai Super Kings while the defending champions would be eyeing revenge when both the sides meet in what promises to be a thrilling eliminator in the Indian Premier League in Bangalore on Wednesday.
Gayle blows over after stamping mark on IPL V
If Chris Gayle plays for the West Indies again, a new and distinct flavour will be added not only to the West Indies team but also international cricket, says .
May 21, 2012
Battle of equals as Kolkata meet Delhi in first play-off
Two teams with matching firepower will come face to face when table-toppers Delhi Daredevils take on second-placed Kolkata Knight Riders in what promises to be a high-voltage first qualifier of the controversy-ridden IPL in Pune on Tuesday.
Is this a gentlemen's game?
The latest spot-fixing controversy involving five relatively unknown Indian players in the ongoing IPL is yet another proof that cricket is all but a gentlemen's game. In fact, it is doubtful if it was ever one.
Not sure of my role in Rajasthan Royals: Dravid
With Rajasthan Royals ousted from IPL's playoff contention, skipper Rahul Dravid says he is not sure about his role in the side and would take a break to think over before making any commitment.
May 20, 2012
'IPL is like a reality show on TV'
Controversies sell, and the latest series of incidents involving IPL have only added more drama to the T20 league rather than denting its brand equity, according to industry experts and advertisers.
May 18, 2012
Consistent KKR look to continue winning streak
Already assured of a playoffs berth, Kolkata Knight Riders would aim to sign off their IPL league engagements on a high when they take on laggards Pune Warriors in Pune on Saturday.
MCA slaps 5-year ban on Shah Rukh entering Wankhede
The Mumbai Cricket Association, on Friday, banned Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan from entering the Wankhede Stadium for five years for misbehaving with its officials and violating its rules.
IPL chief distances from molestation case
The IPL, on Friday, distanced itself from the molestation case involving Royal Challengers Bangalore player Luke Pomersbach with its chief Rajiv Shukla saying that it was "an individual misbehaviour of an individual player".
No ban on Shah Rukh if he apologises: Sources
The Mumbai Cricket Association will meet on Friday to decide on the action to be taken against superstar and Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. Sources in the MCA say that there will be no ban on SRK if he apologises for his behaviour.
May 17, 2012
SRK: I wasn't drunk, MCA officials were aggressive
Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan hit back at the Mumbai Cricket Association, saying he was not drunk during the alleged brawl between him and MCA officials after the match between Mumbai Indians and his team, and got into the spat only after kids with him were 'manhandled'.
Mistake not to include all players in auction: Modi
Former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi says it was a mistake not to include all the players in the auction, as it has encouraged corruption and black-money transactions.
Rajasthan look at nothing less than a win against DC
Keen to consolidate their chances of making the playoffs, Rajasthan Royals will be eyeing nothing less than a victory when they take on a lowly Deccan Chargers in their Indian Premier League match in Hyderabad on Friday.
MCA lodges police complaint against SRK
Mumbai Cricket Association officials have lodged a police complaint against Kolkata Knight Riders franchise team co-owner Shah Rukh Khan for his alleged misbehaviour on Wednesday night at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium and decided to ban him for life from entering the premises.
May 16, 2012
Delhi take on RCB as race for last four spot heats up
Assured of a place in the play-offs, Delhi Daredevils will look to sort out their middle-order woes when they take on a desperate Royal Challengers Bangalore in their Indian Premier League match, in New Delhi on Thursday.
CSK eye playoff berth as they face Kings XI Punjab
Chennai Super Kings, flying high on a three-match winning streak, will look to seal their play-off berth when they take on an erratic Kings XI Punjab in a crucial preliminary match of the IPL, in Dharamsala on Thursday.
This IPL season has been good for me: Umesh
Delhi Daredevils' pacer Umesh Yadav said this IPL edition has been a "lot better" for him than the last season after his man-of-the-match performance helped the hosts register a five-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab and qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament.
Don't question integrity of my players: Hussey
Refusing to be drawn into the furore surrounding a TV sting operation which claims to have exposed corruption in the IPL, Kings XI Punjab skipper David Hussey said he would be "very disappointed" if the media puts a question mark on the integrity of his players.
May 15, 2012
Shah Rukh appeals to stop comparing him with Ganguly
A visibly annoyed Shah Rukh Khan has sought to put an end to his comparison with Kolkata Knight Riders' former captain Sourav Ganguly and asked the fans to "grow up" and stop correlating the two.
IPL preview: Kolkata look to arrest slide against Mumbai
Thirsting for revenge and desperate to arrest their two-match losing streak in the ongoing Indian Premier League, Kolkata Knight Riders would settle for nothing less than a victory in their return leg clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede stadium on Wednesday.
'It's disheartening not to be able to finish the games'
Having slumped to the third spot in the points table after back-to-back defeats, Kolkata Knight Riders are in danger of missing the play-offs, but captain Gautam Gambhir is confident of turning things around in their last two Indian Premier League matches.
The IPL's value for money players
If the high-profile purchases in IPL V have belied their worth, there are some who have exceeded expectations. presents the smart buys
IPL V: Price fails to match performance
As the fifth edition of the IPL enters its home run, digs out the buys that have failed to provide value for money.
May 14, 2012
Can Kings XI beat table-toppers Delhi Daredevils?
A rejuvenated Kings XI Punjab will be aiming to keep their play-off hopes alive when they take on table-toppers Delhi Daredevils in an Indian Premier League match on New Delhi on Tuesday.
May 13, 2012
Can Chennai upstage KKR at home?
Their winning streak halted, Kolkata Knight Riders would feel the Chennai heat at home on Monday especially after the defending champions put their campaign back on track with two successive wins in the Indian Premier League in Kolkata.
Tough challenge awaits RCB in Mumbai Indians
The ease with which the Royal Challengers Bangalore won their last two encounters has brought them closer to playoffs but a tough challenge awaits them on Monday in Mumbai Indians who have lost just one awaygame in this IPL season so far.
May 12, 2012
'If you do the right things, you need less luck'
Deccan Chargers skipper Kumar Sangakkara on Saturday conceded that it was not just bad luck but their complete failure to click as a team that has been their undoing in the ongoing Indian Premier League.
Anil Kumble questions India's overseas Test debacle
The Board of Control for Cricket in India is likely to ask national coach Duncan Fletcher to submit a report on India's twin Test series debacle in England and Australia after former India captain Anil Kumble raised the issue at the Working Committee meeting in Chennai on Saturday.
Rajasthan Royals take on struggling Pune Warriors
Faced with the daunting task of winning all their remaining matches for having any chance of making the playoffs, Rajasthan Royals would fancy a facile victory when they take on the struggling Pune Warriors in anIPL match in Jaipur on Sunday.
Kings XI in a must-win situation to stay afloat
As the battle to reach the play-off stage in IPL gets fierce, Kings XI Punjab find themselves in a must-win situation as they take on Deccan Chargers at the PCA stadium in Mohali on Sunday.
Rohit blames bad batting for Mumbai's inconsistency
Ace batsman Rohit Sharma conceded that batting is the reason behind Mumbai Indians' inconsistent showing this IPL season, adding the side is focusing on doing well in the remaining four league matches.
May 11, 2012
Chennai looking to keep play-off hopes alive
They might be upbeat after a narrow win but defending champions Chennai Super Kings' chances of making the playoffs are still far from good, as they take on tournament-leaders Delhi Daredevils in a crucial IPL match in Chennai on Saturday.
Can Mumbai halt rampaging Kolkata's winning run?
Yet to seal a last-four berth, heavyweights Mumbai Indians will look to end the Kolkata Knight Riders' six-match winning streak in what promises to be an exciting Indian Premier League contest in Kolkata on Saturday.
Run-machine Rahane says he's living a dream
Having surprised even himself with a fine showing in the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League, Ajinkya Rahane says the entire experience is like living a dream.
IPL: Dhoni raps batsmen for leaving it too late
Chennai Super Kings might have kept alive their IPL campaign with a narrow four-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals on Thursday, but skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni isn't too impressed with the performance of his batsmen and asked them to lift their game ahead of the remaining matches.
May 10, 2012
Pune Warriors considering dropping Sourav Ganguly?
The Pune Warriors' management will, in all likelihood, have a brainstorming team meeting on the eve of their 14th round IPL clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore to decide Sourav Ganguly's fate for the remainder of the tournament.
Sachin still striving to 'live up to own expectations'
Maintaining his standard and living up to his own expectations still give Sachin Tendulkar "sleepless nights" and it is this restlessness that has brought the best out of him.
Our bowlers won us the match: Gayle
He played a crucial part in his team's comprehensive nine-wicket win with a blazing 82-run knock, but Royal Challengers Bangalore opener Chris Gayle credited his team's bowlers for setting up the crushing nine-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians.
Harbhajan reckons dropping Gayle proved costly
Mumbai Indians captain Harbhajan Singh has rued that the reprieve given to Chris Gayle early in Royal Challengers Bangalore's run chase cost his side their IPL match on Wednesday.
Delhi Daredevils 'Dare to Care' in Hyderabad
Under a novel and noble initiative by the UNICEF for the protection and empowerment of adolescent girls in India, the Delhi Daredevils team visited a government run Girls' Home in Hyderabad, interacted with the inmates to learn the stories of their struggle and even played cricket with them.
May 09, 2012
IPL franchises earning big through gate money: Shukla
Franchises will earn unprecedented revenue through gate collections in this edition of the Indian Premier League, which, says the league's boss Rajiv Shukla, has seen a remarkable transition from pass culture to ticket culture among fans.
May 08, 2012
'I've been telling team to not look at points table'
On a roll having posted their second successive win and sixth overall in the ongoing IPL, Rajasthan Royals skipper Rahul Dravid on Tuesday said that he has just told his team to focus on playing good cricket and not look at the points table.
Bangalore, Mumbai brace for high-octane outing
Buoyed by their sensational last-ball victory over Chennai Super Kings, a keyed up Mumbai Indians take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in a crucial Indian Premier League game, in Mumbai on Wednesday.
'It's not about competing in IPL; it's about winning'
After leading his side to the top with a facile win over Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir said he, along with senior batsman Jacques Kallis, will have to shoulder the responsibility of steering the team to play-off stage.
Irfan admits Dardevils missing Pietersen's services
Delhi Daredevils all-rounder Irfan Pathan has called on the middle-order batsmen of his side to fill in the gap left by Kevin Pietersen, and also hoped that struggling Kiwi batsman Ross Taylor would soon regain his lost touch.
IPL is fantastic for Indian cricket: Albie Morkel
In an exclusive interview with on the sidelines of his visit to the PUMA showroom in Mumbai, Albie Morkel speaks about his experience with Chennai Super Kings and why IPL is a boon for Indian cricket.
May 07, 2012
IPL 2012: Last-ball escapes to victory
Following Mumbai Indians' thrilling last-ball win over Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, recounts the last-ball wins recorded in this IPL season so far.
Mumbai kid Shaw ready to take guard in Manchester
meets with 13-year-old cricket prodigy Prithvi Shaw ahead of his three-month coaching-cum-educational stint in the United Kingdom.
IPL: AB credits openers for laying platform for win
AB de Villiers might have turned out to be the hero for Royal Challengers Bangalore in their five-wicket win over Deccan Chargers on Sunday, but the South African instead lavished praise on openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Chris Gayle for setting up the platform for the run chase.
May 06, 2012
We cannot be taken lightly in IPL V: Dravid
Their campaign back on track after the 43-run win over Kings XI Punjab, Rajasthan Royals captain Rahul Dravid has said that opposition teams would be making a big mistake by taking side lightly in the ongoing Indian Premier League.
May 05, 2012
Home woes plagues Mumbai Indians
In a tournament like the Indian Premier League, winning the home fixtures is significant to a team's fortunes.
Confident Mumbai square-off against CSK
As the race to grab the top four spots heats up, fancied outfits Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians will clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday in what promises to be a riveting contest between the two IPL heavyweights.
'It's KKR vs Pune Warriors, not Sourav Ganguly'
Skipper Gautam Gambhir has refused to label Saturday's sell-out IPL match against Pune Warriors as a contest between Kolkata Knight Riders and the city's favourite sports icon, Sourav Ganguly.
Spot-fixing is a closed chapter in my life: Asif
Banned Pakistan pacer Mohammed Asif believes that with the completion of his jail sentence for spot-fixing, one of the most difficult phases of his life has hopefully come to an end.
May 04, 2012
Kevin O'Brien 'upset' over snub by IPL franchises
Ireland's dashing all-rounder Kevin O'Brien says he was disappointed at not being picked by any of the franchises at the auction for the fifth edition of the IPL.
Team has batted well but I am out of form: Taylor
His form has been a bit of concern but New Zealand captain Ross Taylor is confident that Delhi Daredevils' untested middle-order will "stand up" and be counted when required in the Indian Premier League.
Gayle will have to fit in hardworking environment: Sammy
West Indies captain Darren Sammy, while backing the explosive batsman to be part of the side for the ODI series against England next month, insisted that he will need to get used to the 'hardworking culture' in the dressing room.
Fireworks expected as KKR take on Ganguly's Pune
Sourav Ganguly's Pune Warriors may have lost four matches in a row but they would find themselves at 'home' as loyalties will be split when they face Kolkata Knight Riders in an emotionally-charged up IPL contest in Kolkata on Saturday.
VOTE: The hairdo that best suits Sachin Tendulkar
Vote for the hairstyle that best suits the batting ace.
May 03, 2012
The IPL's 19th over conundrum
looks at matches in IPL V that were won or lost because of a player's individual brilliance in the 19th over of the second innings.
May 02, 2012
IPL: Pune Warriors look to arrest slide vs Mumbai
Having lost three successive matches, Pune Warriors will look to arrest the slide when they take on neighbours Mumbai Indians in an Indian Premier League match at the Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium on Thursday.
'I don't think Rajasthan has reached a must-win situation'
His side might have suffered fourth defeats on the trot but Rajasthan Royals captain Rahul Dravid is in no mood to press the panic button yet, saying they have still not reached 'must-win' situation in the ongoing Indian Premier League.
'There is no need for experimentation in games coming up'
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Daniel Vettori has said his side will look to shun experimentation and focus on wining the next four to five games to qualify for the semifinals in IPL V.
My comments were blown out of proportion: MS Dhoni
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has rubbished talks about his retirement plans in 2013, saying his comments made during the Australian tour were "blown out of proportion" and there was still time for him to take a call.
May 01, 2012
Gambhir backs under-fire Pathan to strike form soon
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir is not too bothered about Yusuf Pathan's extended lean patch and preferred to stay positive, saying it is a "good sign" that the team is still winning games without much contribution from the big-hitting batsman.
April 30, 2012
Royals will look to avenge loss to Daredevils
Rajasthan Royals will be looking to make amends when they take on the formidable Delhi Daredevils just 48 hours after losing a close away game, in their Indian Premier League match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Tuesday.
Pune aim for revenge against Chargers
Having lost to Deccan Chargers at home last week, Pune Warriors will look to extract revenge when the two teams square off in an Indian Premier League match in Cuttack on Tuesday.
Selfless Sangakkara's decision shocking
Kumar Sangakkara did the unthinkable. In an unprecedented move on Sunday the Sri Lankan decided to pull himself out of the Deccan Chargers playing XI ahead of their match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede stadium, this despite of the fact that he is the captain of the side.
Bhajji gives thumbs down to Wankhede wicket
Despite Mumbai Indians registering a five-wicket victory over Deccan Chargers in an IPL match, in Mumbai, captain Harbhajan Singh was critical of the Wankhede Stadium pitch, saying that, "it was not a proper Twenty20 wicket".
April 29, 2012
Test Rankings: India slip to 4th after Oz win WI series
Australia pushed India to fourth place in the ICC Test championship table after winning the three-match series against the West Indies 2-0.
High-flying KKR to face CSK for first time this season
A cracker of a contest is expected to be played out when in-form Kolkata Knight Riders take on faltering defending champions Chennai Super Kings in their 10th preliminary league match of the IPL in Chennai on Monday.
It's all about winning for us: Gambhir
Jubilant after leading his side to a facile triumph over Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir is now plotting revenge over Pune Warriors -- the side led by one of Kolkata's favourite sons Sourav Ganguly.
I hold no grudge against KKR, says Gayle
It is a team, which decided against retaining him while he was a part of it but West Indian Chris Gayle, who is now flourishing playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, says he has no hard feelings for Kolkata Knight Riders owners.
April 27, 2012
Manjrekar shocked at Tendulkar accepting RS seat
As former cricketers and sportsmen welcomed his nomination to Rajya Sabha, Sanjay Manjrekar, who had played with Sachin Tendulkar, said he was shocked by his decision to accept the government's offer.
I want to play my part with both bat and bowl: Gayle
Having smashed the bowlers around with impunity in the Indian Premier League, West Indies batting powerhouse Chris Gayle is ready to roll his arm over as well and chip in for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
April 25, 2012
Pune Warriors look to bounce back against Chargers
After suffering a comprehensive defeat against Delhi Daredevils in their previous match, Pune Warriors would look to bounce back in the tournament when they take on bottom-placed Deccan Chargers in their Indian Premier League match in Pune on Thursday.
Fielding is all about attitude: Rhodes
Stating that players of Sachin Tendulkar's calibre would not be playing forever, former South Africa cricketer Jonty Rhodes said it is important that the youngsters who emerge from tournaments like the Indian Premier League are good all-round cricketers.
April 24, 2012
PHOTOS: Tendulkar celebrates birthday with MI mates
Batting icon Sachin Tendulkar turned 39 on Tuesday and celebrated the occasion with a simple get-together with his Mumbai Indians teammates in the evening at the team hotel in Chandigarh.
Warner learning the Test art of patience
Australian David Warner, once considered a machine purpose-built for Twenty20 cricket, showed he is learning the more patient skills required for Test matches with a patient half-century on the opening day of the third Test against West Indies in Dominica.
Rajasthan's bowling at the death a worry, laments Dravid
Rajasthan Royals skipper Rahul Dravid feels his team's bowling in the death overs is cause for concern.
Confident CSK look to get the better of Rajasthan
An intense battle is on the cards as two in-form teams -- Royal Challengers Bangalore and defending champions Chennai Super Kings -- lock horns in an important Indian Premier League encounter, in Bangalore on Wednesday.
IPL V: Reputations take a beating
If the last season was all about creating (and consolidating) reputation, this year it's been about damaging it. Rediff.com takes a look at a few players who have done little in this IPL to bolster their credentials.
De Villiers shares MoM; lauds Appanna's bowling
His blistering 23-ball 59 was the cornerstone for Royal Challengers Bangalore's easy win, but A B de Villiers, in a thoughtful gesture, shared his man-of-the-match award with K P Appanna, who turned in an impressive performance with the ball in Jaipur on Monday.
Despite five defeats, Steyn optimistic of DC's chances
Star pacer Dale Steyn feels he is fortunate to be part of a strong South African side, which has enabled him to produce his best in the past few years.
Tendulkar turns 39. Wish the batting ace!
Join us in wishing the batting icon a Happy Birthday and all the best for the year ahead.
April 23, 2012
Knight Riders will look to bury hapless DC
Kolkata Knight Riders would aim to score their third successive triumph and extend Deccan Chargers' winless streak when the two sides clash for the second consecutive time in three days in an IPL match in Kolkata on Thursday.
The ten best young players in IPL V
A few youngsters have played vital roles in their team's victories in the ongoing T20 league. picks the most impressive.
IPL V: It's Over... and out!
Rediff.com takes a look at overs in the ongoing IPL which had a significant impact on the eventual result.
April 21, 2012
Chargers hope lady luck shine on them against KKR
The bottom-placed Deccan Chargers will continue their quest for an elusive victory when they take on an inconsistent Kolkata Knight Riders in their Indian Premier League match on Sunday.
Yuvi wants to work for cancer on lines of Livestrong
Desperate to don his India jersey once again, cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who recently returned to the country after undergoing three cycles of chemotherapy in USA for a rare germ cell cancer, says he is set to start training in a week or two and has expressed his desire to work with the Cancer Society.
Can Tendulkar turn the tide for Mumbai Indians?
Their campaign is stuttering due to continuous batting failures. But Mumbai Indians received a boost ahead of their IPL tie against kings XI, in Mumbai on Sunday, with Sachin Tendulkar set to play. "Sachin is fit and should play tomorrow," said coach Robin Singh.
Gayle took the game away from us: Piyush Chawla
Disappointed that his team lost despite putting up an improved performance, Kings XI Punjab spinner Piyush Chawla said explosive batsman Chris Gayle was the decisive difference between the hosts and the visiting Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL match in Mohali.
Dhoni is Drogba's favourite player
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has a fan in star Chelsea footballer Didier Drogba, who says of all the cricketers, he likes the Indian skipper the most.
April 20, 2012
'My first century in T20 cricket has to be my favourite'
Kevin Pietersen on Thursday described his swashbuckling unbeaten century as one of his favourite innings, which helped Delhi Daredevils register a five-wicket win over Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League at Ferozshah Kotla.
April 19, 2012
South Africans sizzle in IPL V
The South Africans seem to be making the most of it on the Indian soil as both their batsmen and bowlers have proved their worth in the IPL so far and even look set to dominate the fifth edition of the tournament.
Gayle's form may compound problems for Kings XI
West Indian swashbuckler Chris Gayle's devastating form will be a cause of immense worry for the inconsistent Kings XI Punjab when they clash with Royal Challengers Bangalore in an IPL match in Mohali on Friday.
Support from all quarters motivating: Rahane
The lone century-maker in this edition of the Indian Premier League, Ajinkya Rahane says the support from all quarters is motivating him to raise the bar with each outing.
April 18, 2012
Daredevils need to guard against complacency
There is little doubt that Delhi Daredevils are the odds-on favourites but they will need to guard against complacency when they take on bottom-placed Deccan Chargers in an Indian Premier League match in New Delhi on Thursday.
How the Indian stars are faring in IPL V
A look at how the top Indian players have performed thus far in the tournament.
April 17, 2012
Kings XI hope for an encore against KKR
With their campaign back on track after back-to-back victories, Kings XI Punjab will look to build on the winning momentum when they clash with Kolkata Knight Riders on their home turf in the Indian Premier League in Mohali on Wednesday.
Tendulkar's absence hurting battered Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians' skipper Harbhajan Singh expressed displeasure at the team's batting display against Delhi on Monday and rued the absence of injured Sachin Tendulkar from the squad.
April 16, 2012
Royals will look to keep Deccan under pressure
Back on home turf after a comprehensive victory in their previous match, Rajasthan Royals start firm favourites when they take on the struggling Deccan Chargers in an IPL match in Jaipur on Tuesday.
Our bowlers did the job for us: Owais
His blazing fifty was one of the highlights of Rajasthan Royals' 59-run triumph over Royal Challengers Bangalore but English batsman Owais Shah said it is his team's bowlers who deserve to be credited for the win in the IPL match played in Bangalore on Sunday.
The untouched landmarks in the Indian Premier League
For a tournament where records are broken faster than they are set, the Indian Premier League can boast of a few untouched landmarks. Rediff.com takes a look at landmarks tough to replicate.
April 15, 2012
Tendulkar set to return as MI take on Daredevils
With Sachin Tendulkar all set to return from injury and bolster the batting department, Mumbai Indians would look to continue with their winning ways when they take on another in-form team Delhi Daredevils in their Indian Premier League match in Mumbai on Monday.
April 14, 2012
RCB, RR look to bounce back after successive losses
Reeling after successive defeats, both Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals will look to bring their campaign back on track when they lock horns in an Indian Premier League match in Bangalore on Sunday.
KKR take on resurgent Kings XI Punjab at home
On a roll after two successive victories, Kolkata Knight Riders would be cautious not to slip at home when they face a resurgent Kings XI Punjab in their IPL V fixture in Kolkata on Sunday.
April 13, 2012
Warriors aim to put best foot forward against CSK
Pulled up by skipper Sourav Ganguly following a lacklustre showing in their previous outing, Pune Warriors batsmen would look to put up a much better display when they take on the formidable Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, in Pune, on Saturday.
Dhoni not an intelligent Test captain, says Azhar
Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin feels that current skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni lacks 'a bit of intelligence' when it comes to leading the side in Test cricket and there should be different captains for all three formats of the game.
IPL: Angry Ganguly slams Pune batsmen after loss
Pune Warriors India captain Sourav Ganguly blamed his batsmen for their seven-wicket loss to Kings XI Punjab and said they should have shown more "common sense" to post a bigger total on the board.
April 12, 2012
Owais Shah takes blame for Royals' loss
Rajasthan Royals batsman Owais Shah was disappointed with the way he got out to Lasith Malinga and said he made a mistake by not playing out the Mumbai Indians pace spearhead.
Pollard glad gambles paid off against Royals
Big-hitting West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard says the gamble Mumbai Indians took worked for the team in the win over Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.
April 11, 2012
I am thankful to God I got back my life: Yuvraj
"I am thankful to god that I got my life back," declared Indian cricket ace Yuvraj Singh, at his first media interaction after undergoing treatment for a rare germ cell cancer, conceding it will take at least two more months before he returns to the field.
It's only 3 matches, still a long way to go: Fleming
Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming feels that skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is "not under any kind of pressure" despite his woeful batting form and the scratchy performance of the defending champions in their three IPL matches so far.
'Warne sprang surprises, Dravid keeps it simple'
Comparing the captaincy styles of Australian great Shane Warne and Indian legend Rahul Dravid, young batsman Ajinkya Rahane said that while the former used to spring surprises, the latter keeps everything simple, but both were good leaders.
April 10, 2012
Mumbai Indians sweat over batting before Royals tie
Hosts Mumbai Indians need to address their batting concerns as they take on table toppers Rajasthan Royals in their Indian Premier League Twenty20 cricket match at the Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Bhajji, Sanga make peace; play down umpiring error row
Both Mumbai Indians and Deccan Chargers captains said that there was no bad blood left among the players in the controversial dismissal of home side skipper Kumar Sangakkara in their IPL match played in Vishakapatnam on Tuesday.
April 09, 2012
'Switching to T20 after Tests isn't difficult'
Delhi Daredevils vice-captain Mahela Jayawardene, who joined the team on Sunday along with explosive English batsman Kevin Pietersen, today said that nowadays it's not difficult to switch formats.
KP, Jayawardene will boost Daredevils team: Sehwag
Bolstered by the availability of Mahela Jayawardene and Kevin Pietersen, Delhi Daredevils captain Virender Sehwag is hoping to return to winning ways when they take on Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League in New Delhi on Tuesday.
'Whatever happens to me, winning WC important'
Despite the knowledge that he had developed a serious health problem, winning the World Cup was at the top of Yuvraj Singh's priority list around the time the mega-event was on, his father Yograj said Monday.
PHOTOS: Yuvraj returns to rousing reception
Indian cricket ace Yuvraj Singh, who underwent three cycles of chemotherapy in the United States for a rare germ cell cancer between his lungs, returned to Delhi on Monday to a rousing reception from adoring fans.
KP, Mahela bolster Delhi ahead of CSK encounter
Bolstered by the addition of Sri Lankan Mahela Jayawardene and explosive England batsman Kevin Pietersen, Delhi Daredevils would aim to put behind the disappointment of a previous loss and get back to winning ways when they host Chennai Super Kings in an IPL match in New Delhi on Tuesday.
RCB aim to continue winning run when they take on KKR
Riding high on their opening match triumph, Royal Challengers Bangalore will look to continue in their winning streak when they take on a struggling Kolkata Knight Riders at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Tuesday.
'I keep coming back to play IPL because I enjoy it'
His Indian Premier League career started almost a year after he quit international cricket. It is his fifth season in a row in the IPL, and he is showing no signs of stopping. This despite the fact that in between two seasons of the IPL he seldom played any serious cricket.
IPL: Ganguly commends teammates for convincing win
Pune Warriors skipper Sourav Ganguly patted his teammates for putting up a superb all-round show in their victory over Kings XI Punjab as they maintained their clean slate in the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League.
April 08, 2012
Chance for Mumbai Indians and Chargers to regroup
After suffering reverses in their respective previous encounters, both Mumbai Indians and Deccan Chargers would look to get their campaign on track when they meet in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match Visakhapatnam on Monday.
April 07, 2012
Pune Warriors set to take on Kings XI Punjab
Buoyed by an upset win over Mumbai Indians in their tournament-opener, Pune Warriors will look to affirm their superiority over Kings XI Punjab when the two teams lock horns in the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League at the newly-constructed Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium in Pune on Sunday.
KKR look to come back strong against Royals
After a rollicking start to their IPL V campaign, Rajasthan Royals will look to continue the winning momentum when they face Kolkata Knight Riders in Jaipur on Sunday.
This was one of my best knocks: Rahane
Promising India batsman Ajinkya Rahane is disappointed to miss out a hundred by a whisker but has said his match winning 98-run knock which helped Rajasthan Royals to notch up a 31-run victory over Kings XI Punjab in IPL V was very satisfying.
'Dada made us believe we were match-winners'
They took over as captains of their respective teams for the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League and seem keen on forming a mutual admiration society.
April 06, 2012
CSK look to bounce back against Deccan Chargers
Defending champions Chennai Super Kings would look to bounce back after their humiliating defeat against Mumbai Indians in the campaign-opener when they take on a depleted Deccan Chargers in their second IPL fixture on Saturday.
RCB kick off IPL V campaign against confident Delhi
Their confidence boosted by a dominating win in the lung-opener, Delhi Daredevils face a tough test when they take on last year's runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore in their second IPL match in Bangalore on Saturday.
Tendulkar has been reluctant to captain: Ganguly
At a time when retired players like Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Adam Gilchrist are taking up roles as captain-cum-mentors of their respective Indian Premier League (IPL) franchisees, a player very much active on the international circuit doesn't seem too inclined on the same.
'My role is same as when I was captaining India'
Sourav Ganguly, who will lead Pune Warriors in the IPL this year, is confident of the team at his disposal.
April 05, 2012
Harbhajan has the ability to lead India: Ganguly
He might be out of India's squad, but Harbhajan Singh is seen as a player who has the credentials to lead the country at some time in the future by former skipper Sourav Ganguly.
Tendulkar deserves Bharat Ratna: Virat Kohli
India's latest batting sensation Virat Kohli on Thursday said Sachin Tendulkar deserves country's highest civilian award -- the Bharat Ratna.
The buck stops with me: Gilchrist
At 40, he may be the elderly statesman in the IPL full of youngsters but newly appointed coach-cum-captain of Kings XI Punjab Adam Gilchrist said it is all about shouldering responsibilities and the "buck would stop with him" as he is looking to inspire his side for a path-breaking season five.
IPL: Confident MI look to continue winning run vs Pune
Buoyed by a comprehensive eight-wicket win over defending champions Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians will be eager to continue their winning momentum when they take on a new-look Pune Warriors in their IPL match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Dhoni's run-out was the turning point: Bhajji
Relieved that his decision to bowl first had turned out to be correct in the final analysis, Mumbai Indians captain Harbhajan Singh said that unpredictability of the pitch made it a difficult choice at the toss as he was not sure what would have been a defendable total.
New pitch took away home advantage, reckons Fleming
Having crashed to a humiliating eight-wicket defeat against Mumbai Indians in the IPL opener, Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming said they were done in by the lack of knowledge about the new home wicket at the M Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
April 04, 2012
Harsha Bhogle: Will be surprised if MI don't make semis
With a good pedigree of players at their disposal and a bench strength that could cause a problem of plenty, Mumbai Indians have a big chance of making the semis this IPL, writes Harsha Bhogle.
KKR, DD look to reverse fortunes with victory
Underachievers in the last four seasons, both Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils would look to reverse their fortunes when they kickstart their IPL V campaign against each other at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday.
I take my comeback as God's gift, says Irfan
India all-rounder Irfan Pathan described his comeback to competitive cricket as a God's gift and said he wanted to utilise IPL's fifth season to get better and better.
'Problem with white ball on sub-continent tracks'
Having toiled on the flat pitches of Bangladesh in the Asia Cup last month, India medium-pacer Praveen Kumar says bowling with the white Kookaburra ball in the sub-continent is a "problem".
Targeting a result at start of IPL doesn't help: Dhoni
Having won back-to-back IPL titles, there is a chance for Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his 'Men in Yellow' to complete a hat-trick but 'Captain Cool' doesn't want to think too far ahead considering it's a 47-day tournament.
Can Harbhajan achieve what Tendulkar failed to?
Tendulkar relinquishing his position to Harbhajan could have a two-fold effect: on the one hand it would definitely help Tendulkar, sans any responsibility (read pressure) focus solely on his batting, and, secondly, additional responsibility might just help Harbhajan get back into rhythm.
April 03, 2012
Ponting hints at separate window for IPL
Ricky Ponting has suggested that cricket boards across the world take a leaf out of New Zealand's book and avoid scheduling international fixtures around the time the Indian Premier League (IPL) is on.
IPL: Champions Chennai eye winning start against MI
With their sights firmly set on a hat-trick of titles, defending champions Chennai Super Kings will open their campaign against last year's Champions League Twenty20 winners Mumbai Indians in the inaugural match of the Indian Premier League V commencing in Chennai on Wednesday.
IPL V: When losing out on these stars proved costly
It happens on a regular basis in football. Those who follow league football can come up with plenty of examples of players who, after a productive spell with one club, are sold to another only to be at the receiving end.
The hundred-high Indians in the IPL
presents the six Indian batsmen who attained the three-figure-mark in previous editions of the T20 extravaganza.
April 02, 2012
IPL V: Does age really matter in Twenty20?
Ahead of the fifth edition of the IPL, takes a look at the oldest players to grace the tournament this year.
Tendulkar pep talk fired Yuvraj's 2011 WC success
"You will matter when it matters the most" are the words that Tendulkar told Yuvraj Singh, which served as an inspiration for the dashing all-rounder during India's World Cup triumph last year.
When the Lankan Titanic ran into Iceberg Dhoni!
looks back at this day last year, when all of India celebrated a magnificent triumph.
April 01, 2012
It is impossible to emulate Gayle: Kohli
Chris Gayle is considered as one of the hardest hitting openers of the game and India vice-captain Virat Kohli feels that it's difficult to emulate the West Indian because matching his exploits is almost impossible.
A year after World Cup euphoria, India on a downhill
The Indian cricket team has sunk from one low to another in recent months but good memories come flashing by as the first anniversary of its epoch-making World Cup triumph falls on Monday.
March 31, 2012
'Impossible to break Tendulkar's 100 centuries record'
Former Australian wicketkeeper and explosive opener Adam Gilchrist feels there is a big gulf between Sachin Tendulkar and the rest of the top batsmen, something that makes it almost impossible for anyone to get anywhere near the legend's landmark of 100 international centuries.
Photos: Rain checks India's fightback in SA T20
Images from the one-off T20 between India and South Africa in Johannesburg on Friday.
March 30, 2012
'From 99th to 100th hundred was a mega journey '
'Sachin Tendulkar is the reason I started playing,' said Virat Kohli, India's most promising batting talent at the moment, as he paid tribute to the batting ace on completing a century of international hundreds.
Have not compromised myself physically to play IPL: Clarke
Australia's cricket captain Michael Clarke has insisted that he has not compromised himself physically by opting to sign a lucrative contract with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Pune Warriors.
'Match against India a chance to put in the young guys'
South African stand-in T20 captain Johan Botha has said the one-off match against India at the Wanderers today will provide a great opportunity for the squad's youngsters.
India may slip to fourth position in ICC Test rankings
Whitewashed in two consecutive Test series, India are all set to lose a spot and slip to number fourth position in the ICC Test Championship table.
'Tendulkar's fingers are generally getting hit'
Mumbai Indians fielding coach and former South Africa cricketer Jonty Rhodes has said he tries to ensure that senior India batsman Sachin Tendulkar doesn't hurt his fingers during the practice sessions of the Indian Premier League.
'Sachin Tendulkar is the reason I started playing'
"Sachin Tendulkar is the reason I started playing" -- said India's most promising batting talent right now, Virat Kohli, as he paid tribute to the senior batsman for completing a century of international hundreds.
'The catch was debatable, I just wasn't 100 per cent sure'
Kiwi middle order batsman Kane Williamson believes the umpires' decision to declare him not out, when Alviro Petersen had caught him during the last day of the final Test, was right, as the catch was 'debatable'.
March 29, 2012
Ahead of IPL V, India-South Africa clash in one-off T20
After the battering it was subjected to during the tour of Australia and the Asia Cup, the Indian cricket team would look to make a fresh start before the IPL razzmatazz when it takes on an in-form South Africa in a one-off Twenty20 international in Johannesburg on Friday.
'DRS has become an integral part of the game'
Graeme Smith is comfortable with television referrals and the umpire decision review system (DRS) playing a larger role in international cricket, the South Africa captain said on Wednesday.
'IPL gives a big platform to perform against world's best'
Indian Premier League's leading wicket taker, Rudra Pratap Singh, may have been out of favour in India's scheme of things but the left-arm pacer is hoping that season five of the T20 tournament will bring him back in the national reckoning.
'Spinners have to do more hard work than seamers in T20'
One of the vital cog in Deccan Chargers' wheels, leg-spinner Amit Mishra has said that spinners need to be more skillful and act fast to compete in the Twenty20 cricket.
We've played some very good cricket at home: Fletcher
Going through a tough phase of late, Indian cricket coach Duncan Fletcher says "there's been no middle road" with his team's performances since he took over the job after the World Cup last year.
March 28, 2012
Tendulkar will be available for entire IPL: MI
Sachin Tendulkar will be available to play the entire duration of the upcoming Indian Premier League after returning from London, where he has gone for medical consultation for a toe injury, a Mumbai Indians spokesman said.
'The best No. 3 batsman in the world'
The tributes continue to flow for Rahul Dravid following his retirement from international cricket.
Rahul Dravid: Playing for India humbled me
Rahul Dravid was struggling to hold back tears as he relived his journey in international cricket, reports
March 27, 2012
Teammates salute 'greatest number 3 bat' Dravid
The cricketing fraternity came together on Tuesday night to raise a toast for the retired Rahul Dravid as they fondly remembered the immense contribution of the batting stalwart, who emotionally remarked that he will miss being part of the Indian dressing room.
Yadav keen to use new secret delivery in IPL
India's young speedster Umesh Yadav has said it was Sachin Tendulkar who encouraged him to work on a "surprise delivery" to bring about more variety in his bowling.
'Verdict against Lalit Modi has lifted a dark cloud'
Relieved after winning a libel suit against axed IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi, who had accused him of match-fixing, former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns said the London High Court's verdict has lifted a "dark cloud" that has been over him for the past two years.
'Australia was a very important tour for me'
Young Punjab leg spinner Rahul Sharma said the tour of Australia was a good learning experience for him though he did not get many opportunities to be in the playing XI.
'Ishant Sharma can be a bowler in the Glenn McGrath mould'
Injured speedster Ishant Sharma may not have lived up to his potential in the past few years but India's former bowling coach Eric Simons feels that team should invest in the lanky speedster as he has the ability to lead the attack once Zaheer Khan retires.
ICC ODI batsmen rankings: Dhoni, Tendulkar move up
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin have moved up the ladder to achieve the fourth and sixth positions respectively in the latest ICC ODI ranking for batsmen and bowlers.
March 26, 2012
I have performed my role with utmost sincerity: Raina
He drew a lot of flak for poor performances in the disastrous tour of Australia but young Indian batsman Suresh Raina is unperturbed by the criticism and says he knows his worth in the team.
Tests must remain cricket's pinnacle format: Tendulkar
Describing Test cricket as a very challenging format, batting star Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday said Test cricket should remain the pinnacle format for future players to aspire to.
'I still get goosebumps when the national anthem is on'
Sachin Tendulkar said he had played cricket because he loved to do and there was nothing better than playing for India.
What's wrong with Team India? What needs to be done
Following the dismal showing in one-day tournaments in Australia and Bangladesh, suggests remedial action, keeping the 2015 World Cup in mind.
March 25, 2012
100 hundreds wasn't my purpose: Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar reveals the agony of the last 12 months during which he went without an international century, before finally getting the three figure mark in the Asia Cup match against Bangladesh, to complete the magical landmark of 100 international centuries.
I'll try out few variations in IPL 5: Umesh Yadav
Talented speedster Umesh Yadav is fully fit and raring to go for his IPL side Delhi Daredevils in the upcoming fifth edition of the tournament.
March 24, 2012
'Tendulkar's achievement something super human'
Paying glowing tributes to batting ace Sachin Tendulkar, selection committee chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth described his achievement of scoring 100 international tons as something super human and cited him as a classic example of "thriving in an imbalanced world."
March 23, 2012
Anil Kumble: There's no one who can replace Dravid
Former India captain Anil Kumble reckons that Virat Kohli has the "right game" to fit in at the crucial No 3 slot in the Test squad even though it will be impossible for anyone to step into Rahul Dravid's shoes.
March 22, 2012
PHOTOS: Pakistan win Asia Cup by 2 runs
Images from the Asia Cup final match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, being played in Mirpur
March 21, 2012
Rest period is over and I'm set to play in the IPL: Sehwag
Declaring himself fit to resume cricketing activities after being 'rested' because of injury, opener Virender Sehwag on Wednesday said he missed not being in the dressing room when Sachin Tendulkar struck his landmark 100th international century last week.
Don't put pressure on Virat Kohli: Sachin Tendulkar
Virat Kohli is being hailed as one of cricket's finest upcoming batsmen and senior India player Sachin Tendulkar agrees but he does not want the youngster to be put under too much pressure just at the beginning of what seems to be a promising career.
March 20, 2012
PHOTOS: Bangladesh reach Asia Cup final, India knocked out
Images from the Asia Cup match between Sri Lanka and Bangaladesh, being played at Mirpur.
Kohli ideal player to replace Dravid at No 3: Ganguly
India's new batting sensation Virat Kohli, who has hit three hundreds in his four innings, is the ideal batsman to fill in the number three slot left by Rahul Dravid, former skipper Sourav Ganguly has said.
Mohammad Amir accuses Butt, Majeed of entrapment
Banned Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has accused former captain Salman Butt and agent Mazhar Majeed of tricking him into bowling deliberate no-balls in the 2010 Lord's Test against England.
March 19, 2012
Ajmal's action raises concern in Indian camp
Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal's bowling action generated a fresh controversy on Monday after senior Indian players reportedly questioned the legality of his deliveries even as the ICC defended the Pakistani bowler, saying his action was well within "the allowed degree of tolerance".
Sri Lanka-Bangladesh match to determine India's fate
Millions of Indian cricket fans will be praying for a Sri Lankan victory when the islanders take on hosts Bangladesh in Mirpur on Tuesday in their last league match, the result of which will determine India's fate in the Asia Cup.
Have learnt to value my wicket more: Kohli
He is in the form of his life but young Indian batsman Virat Kohli said he felt under pressure in the crunch Asia Cup game against Pakistan on Sunday. Kohli struck a match-winning 183-run knock to register a thrilling win against the arch-rivals.
March 18, 2012
PHOTOS: Kohli's blitzkrieg help India beat Pakistan
Virat Kohli produced a blistering 183 off 148 balls as India notched up their highest run chase ever to register an incredible six-wicket victory over arch rivals Pakistan and keep themselves afloat in the Asia Cup cricket tournament on Sunday.
Kohli was simply sensational, admits Misbah
"This is the best innings I have ever seen," is how Pakistan skipper Misbah ul Haq described young Indian batsman Virat Kohli's majestic knock of 183, which helped India chase a mammoth 330-run target in Asia Cup, in Mirpur on Sunday.
Sachin has right to decide when to retire: Time
Iconic Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar's feat of 100 international centuries has fetched him a round of applause from the Time magazine which said that the unprecedented achievement has given him the right to decide when to retire from the game.
March 17, 2012
'I've scored 100 out of 100 in terms of commitment'
Sachin Tendulkar may have had to wait close to a year to achieve the historic feat of scoring 100 international centuries but the delay was certainly not due to any lack of effort, with the star batsman giving himself a mark of "100 out of 100" in terms of effort and commitment.
International media hails Tendulkar's grand feat
Sachin Tendulkar crossed the long standing milestone and finally completed the much anticipated 100th international ton on Friday. Here is how some of the major newspapers across the world reacted to the maestro's landmark feat.
Sporting records that are unlikely to be broken
Following is a list of sporting records that are unlikely to be broken after Sachin Tendulkar became the first player to score 100 centuries in international cricket in the Asia Cup One-dayer against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Friday.
Selfish to retire when on top of your game: Sachin
A phenomenal century of hundreds under his belt but iconic Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is in no mood to consider retirement as he feels going out on top is a "selfish thought".
Saluting Sachin: Tributes flow in from all quarters
Australian spin legend Shane Warne pleaded for an end to the talk of Sachin Tendulkar's retirement as he joined the international chorus of appreciation for the iconic Indian cricketer who, on Friday, scripted history by completing a century of international tons.
'Tendulkar leaves mark of true greatness on the game'
Comparing Sachin Tendulkar's 100 international centuries to Sir Donald Bradman's Test average of 99.94, former England captain Michael Vaughan said only "true greats in sport set an unreachable benchmark".
ODI rankings: SA climb to 2nd spot after India's loss
India's five-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in an Asia Cup match in Mirpur helped South Africa secure the second position in the ICC ODI Championship table at the April 1 cut-off date.
I am not God: Sachin Tendulkar
"I am not god, I am Sachin Tendulkar", said the iconic Indian cricketer who watched in dejection as his 100th international century, which he described as the "toughest" of his career, was overshadowed by the team's shock loss to Bangladesh in an Asia Cup match in Mirpur.
March 16, 2012
'Sachin's feat of hundred tons unlikely to be matched'
Former cricketing greats laud batting ace Sachin Tendulkar on his feat of hundred centuries in international cricket.
'It hasn't sunk in but I have definitely lost about 50kg'
Relieved after notching his 100th international century that took over a year to come, Sachin Tendulkar on Friday said it was "mentally tough" to deal with the hype around the milestone and joked that he has lost 50kg after getting to it.
How Sachin Tendulkar achieved the historic feat
The 100 that had been one year in waiting finally came about as Sachin Tendulkar completed his century of tons but showed minimal emotion after reaching a milestone that is unlikely to be emulated in the near or distant future.
Finally, Sachin Tendulkar gets the elusive hundred
Iconic Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar on Friday scripted history, becoming the first cricketer to score 100 international centuries, a phenomenal feat which may remain unconquered for years to come.
Tendulkar 100 hundreds and counting... Check them out
Check out Sachin Tendulkar's 100 international centuries.
'Sir Don Bradman great, but Sachin Tendulkar greatest'
In the never-ending debate on whether Sir Donald Bradman or Sachin Tendulkar is the greatest batsman of all-time, former England captain Nasser Hussain gave his vote goes to the iconic Indian.
Sehwag believes Daredevils can make IPL play-offs
Satisfied with the squad at his disposal for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League, Delhi Daredevils captain Virender Sehwag believes if his side can play to its potential it can figure in the play-offs of the Twenty20 tournament this year.
Our batting needs to be more consistent: Misbah
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq said that his unbeaten knock of 72 against Sri Lanka has done his confidence a world of good after an indifferent series against England.
March 15, 2012
PHOTOS: Pakistan cruise into Asia Cup final
Images from Asia Cup match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan being played in Mirpur.
Eyes on Tendulkar as India meet Bangladesh
India would look to continue their recovery from the horror tour of Australia while Sachin Tendulkar would aim to the get the burden of a 100th international ton off his back when the team squares off against Bangladesh in an Asia Cup league match in Mirpur on Friday.
March 14, 2012
Unpredictable Pakistan up against consistent Sri Lanka
The ever-so-unpredictable Pakistan face their first big test of the tournament when they take on an injury-hit Sri Lankan team, which was outclassed by India in its lung-opener, in an Asia Cup league match, in Dhaka, on Wednesday.
Difficult to defend big totals at Sher-e-Bangla: Dhoni
Even though India comfortably won their Asia Cup opener against Sri Lanka by 50 runs, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni feels that it is 'difficult' to defend totals at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur considering it has a 'very fast outfield'.
March 13, 2012
ICC rankings: Tendulkar looks for improvement
Senior India batsman Sachin Tendulkar would eye his 100th international century and also improve his position in the ICC ranking for the ODI batsmen.
March 12, 2012
Vijeeta Dravid reveals the virtues of 'The Wall'
Vijeeta, wife of India's batting stalwart Rahul Dravid, reveals the strengths that make him the cricketer and person he is.
Bruised India eyeing redemption through Asia Cup
Desperate to restore their battered reputation after the recent debacle in Australia, title holders India would be hoping for a positive start to their campaign in the Asia Cup cricket tournament when they take on Sri Lanka in Mirpur on Tuesday.
India's Gen Next wish to inculcate Dravid's virtues
India's next generation of batsmen like Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara paid rich tribute to recently retired Rahul Dravid stating that they would want to inculcate his "positive attitude, temperament and humility."
A year later...Sachin Tendulkar still stuck on 99
It was on this day (March 12) last year that Sachin Tendulkar scored 111 against South Africa in Nagpur. It was his 99th international hundred. A year later, the wait for the 'century of centuries' continues.
March 11, 2012
We need to lift our game: Misbah
Pakistan survived a scare before pulling off a narrow 21-run victory over Bangladesh on Sunday and skipper Misbah-ul-Haq said his team needs to learn from their mistakes and lift their game if they have to threaten India and Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup.
PHOTOS: Pakistan beat Bangladesh in Asia Cup thriller
Images from the Asia Cup opening match between Pakistan and Bangladesh played in Mirpur on Sunday.
England is now officially No 1 Test team
England have secured top spot in the ICC Test Championship table at the April 1 cut-off date after the first Test between New Zealand and South Africa ended in a draw in Dunedin on Sunday.
Akram picks India as favourites to win Asia Cup
India might be completely down and out after their dismal show in the recently-concluded tour of Australia but former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram feels that MS Dhoni and Co. would still start favourites in the Asia Cup, that commenced in Mirpur on Sunday.
March 10, 2012
ICC rankings: Tendulkar looks for improvementSenior India batsman Sachin Tendulkar would eye his 100th international century and also improve his position in the ICC ranking for the ODI batsmen when Asia Cup begins in Mirpur on Sunday.
Asia Cup: India look to redeem themselves
The 11th edition of the Asia Cup cricket tournament begins in Mirpur on Sunday with defending champions India hoping to redeem their pride and restore their reputation after the debacle in Australia.
Is Kohli ready to step into Dravid's shoes?
Now that Rahul Dravid has hung his boots from international cricket, the uppermost concern dogging the cricket-crazy country is who is nextDravid in the making!
Dravid 30th in all-time best list
India's batting great Rahul Dravid, who bid adieu to international cricket on Friday, holds 30th position in the rating list for the all-time best in the Test cricket.
Australian newspaper pays tribute to Dravid
An Australian newspaper paid tribute to just-retired Rahul Dravid, praising him as not only one the greatest batsmen of his generation but also a gentleman and thinker of the game.Sydney Morning Herald heaped praise on Dravid, saying that his retirement on Friday from international cricket was a great loss at a critical period of the game.
Rahul Dravid's five gems in Test cricket
As the cricket world salutes the great Karnataka batsman on his retirement, rediff.com looks back on five Test knocks that are, arguably, his best.
March 09, 2012
PHOTOS: Dravid signs off on home turf Bangalore
Indian cricket player Rahul Dravid speaks to the media as he announces his retirement from international cricket at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Friday.
When a teammate's flair overshadowed Dravid's class
Bikash Mohapatra look at gems from Rahul Dravid's blade that lacked lustre thanks to the flamboyance displayed by a teammate.
Rahul Dravid in Facts and Figures
Facts and figures about Rahul Dravid, who called time on his international cricket career on Friday, March 9.
Dravid calls time on international career; will play IPL
Batting great Rahul Dravid, the second most prolific batsman in the game's history and India's middle order bulwark for years, on Friday, bid adieu to Test cricket, bringing down the curtains on a glorious 16-year career.
Staggering figures on 'The Wall'
Rahul Dravid, who on Friday announced his retirement from international cricket, has achieved truly staggering numbers over a glittering 16-year career, with the most remarkable being his 13288 Test runs, the second most aggregate in the game's history.
'Rahul Dravid was an absolutely complete cricketer'
Former players hailed Rahul Dravid, who on Friday retired from international as well as domestic cricket, as among the very best produced by India and said his contribution to Indian cricket has been huge.
I leave with sadness, but also with pride: Dravid
'I have failed at times, but I have never stopped trying. It is why I leave with sadness but also with pride,' said Rahul Dravid as he announces his retirement from international cricket.
'Dravid is the nicest guy in cricket'
Stand-in Australian captain Shane Watson paid glowing tributes to Rahul Dravid, describing the retiring Indian batting stalwart as a "phenomenal man" and the "nicest guy" he has ever met in cricket.
For Dravid, it's always about self-respect
For batting ace Rahul Dravid, says , it was not just about playing the game. It was about playing it with dignity.
March 08, 2012
Jayawardene rues lack of partnerships upfront
Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene rued the lack of partnerships upfront as they lost to Australia by 16 runs in the last and decisive final of the tri-series in Adelaide.
PHOTOS: McKay five-for steers Aussies to tri-series win
Images from the third final of the CB series between Australia and Sri Lanka at Adelaide.
March 07, 2012
Greg Chappell slams Indian culture and cricket team
In a vicious attack on Indian culture and its cricket team of which he was the coach, Greg Chappell has said that the side lacks leaders because parents, school teachers and coaches made all the decisions in the Indian system.
SL look to seal series as Australia battle injuries
A rejuvinated Sri Lanka will look to exploit the injury problems and bowling woes of Australia when the two teams clash for the title in the third and last final of the cricket tri-series to be played in Adelaide on Thursday.
Can Harbhajan Singh make a comeback?
How long can you hold on to your place in the national team based on past performances?
March 06, 2012
Key is to compete well at all times: Jayawardene
After registering a comprehensive win over Australia in the second final of the tri-series, Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene on Tuesday said that the key to his team's success against a tough opponent is to "compete well at all times".
Poor bowling and fielding let us down: Clarke
Australian skipper Michael Clarke on Tuesday blamed his bowlers and fielders for their eight-wicket loss to Sri Lanka in the second final of the triangular series at the Adelaide Oval.
PHOTOS: Dilshan, Jayawardene help Sri Lanka draw level
Sri Lanka thrashed Australia by eight wickets at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday to level the best-of-three tri-series finals 1-1. The third final will be played at the same venue on Thursday.
Harbhajan eyes comeback at the earliest
The sting in a "totally fit" Harbhajan Singh's bowling is on its way back and the out-of-favour off-spinner is eying a comeback into the Indian cricket team at the earliest.
March 05, 2012
Kohli has to first establish himself, says Dravid
Former captain Rahul Dravid says Virat Kohli's elevation as vice-captain of the Indian team for the Asia Cup is a great step for the future, but the youngster has a long way to go before he establishes himself in the squad.
Team India Report Card: Kohli 10/10; Sehwag 2/10
An assessment of the Indian players' performance in the CB tri-series, involving Sri Lanka and Australia.
CB Series catastrophe: Blame it on these big guns!
singles out at a few players whose performance, rather lack of it, cost India the title.
What went wrong with Team India Down Under
While we wait with bated breath for the upcoming Asia Cup, dissects the disastrous tour.
BCCI must get serious about domestic cricket: Vengsarkar
Under-performers Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina need to tighten up their batting considerably, the former his shot selection and the latter playing the short balls with more conviction, says former India skipper Dilip Vengsarkar.
March 04, 2012
Jayawardene backs wayward Malinga
Lasith Malinga has been taken to the cleaners for the second time in three games, but skipper Mahela Jayawardene backed the express bowler after his eight overs cost Sri Lanka 74 runs in the first final of the tri-series in Brisbane.
Clarke all praise for Lanka's fighting skills
Australian skipper Michael Clarke could not stop himself from praising the Sri Lankan side which gave them a scare before the hosts won the high-scoring first final of the tri-series by 15 runs in Brisbane.
PHOTOS: Warner ton drives Aussies to victory over SL
Images from the CB series final between Australia and Sri Lanka being played in Brisbane
March 03, 2012
Spirited Lankans look to get better of Aussies
A woeful India out of the equation, Australia and Sri Lanka will battle it out in best-of-three finals with the spirited islanders well-equipped to upstage the hosts in the summit clashes starting on Sunday.
O'brien reminiscences life changing innings
One year on from scoring the fastest hundred ever in the cricket World Cup, Ireland batsman Kevin O'Brien has yet to watch the innings in its entirety.
Curtains down for Team India, heads home
The vanquished Indian cricket team, barring a couple of players, traced its way back to home on Saturday, drawing curtains on a disastrous Australian tour during which it lost more than it gained.
Sri Lanka win ends India's nightmare tour Down Under
India's worst tour of Australia in the last 45 years ended on Friday when their faint hopes of qualifying for the tri-series finals were dashed with Sri Lanka pulling off a nail-biting nine-run victory over Australia in the last league in Melbourne.
'Hard to understand the psyche of Indian team'
Former captain Sunil Gavaskar came down heavily on the Indian cricket team after the conclusion of its disastrous tour Down Under, saying it was hard to understand the "psyche" of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men.
March 02, 2012
Jayawardene credits team for showing character
After Sri Lanka defeated Australia in a must-win match to qualify for the tri-series final, captain Mahela Jayawardene said his players showed a "lot of character" to lift themselves up after the morale-shattering loss against India in their penultimate round-robin game.
PHOTOS: Hussey's effort goes in vain as Lanka reach final
Sri Lanka's nail-biting nine-run victory over Australia in the crucial last league match of the ODI tri-series in Melbourne on Friday meant India bowed out of the tournament.
Seniors will not be happy with Kohli's elevation: Akram
Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram feels the appointment of Virat Kohli as India's vice-captain for the Asia Cup will "hurt" senior players such as Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir.
Dhoni gets his way with BCCI backing
The selectors have wielded the axe on Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir has made way for Virat Kohli in the vice-captain's seat but there has been no talk, no reaction over these changes made within the team.
March 01, 2012
It's good not to need someone else's favours: Jayawardene
His team's prospects of reaching the tri-series final have been dented after the massive loss to India but Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene on Thursday said he is glad that at least the islanders' fortunes are still in their own hands unlike their sub-continental neighbours.
Team India skips practice, wait for SL-Aus outcome
Their fate not in their hands, India have put practice on hold depending on how the Australia-Sri Lanka match of the ongoing CB tri-series pans out in Melbourne, on Friday.
Sri Lanka take on Australia in a must-win tie
Indian cricketers would be praying for an Australian victory when the hosts take on Sri Lanka in the last but the most crucial league match of the ODI tri-series in Melbourne.
Mr Srikkanth, shut up and crack the whip!
Did the selectors not have the guts to admit that Virender Sehwag was dropped because of a poor showing in Australia?, asks .
February 29, 2012
'If non-performers aren't dropped, you can lose a series'
Former India captain, Sunil Gavaskar on Wednesday said the selectors should not be afraid of dropping non-performing players but refused to criticise the selection of the side for the upcoming Asia Cup.
We have started to look towards the future: Srikkanth
Selection committee chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth made it clear that opener Virender Sehwag and pace spearhead Zaheer Khan were not dropped but 'rested purely on fitness grounds'.
India's ten best successful run chases in ODIs
A look at India's ten best successful run chases in One-Day Internationals.
Kohli slams Aussies for not playing in spirit of game
Virat Kohli lashed out at the Australian players for not playing in the spirit of the game in his side's tri-series match against the hosts in Sydney on Sunday.
Kohli on how India achieved the impossible at Hobart
Virat Kohli, who smashed an unbeaten 133 to guide India to a morale-boosting victory over Sri Lanka in a crunch tri-series match in Hobart on Tuesday, said his side was confident of winning the tie in 40 overs and they took it as playing two Twenty20 games.
February 28, 2012
One of best ODI victories I have been part of: Dhoni
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Tuesday described his side's incredible seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the crucial tri-series match here as one of the best ODI victories he has been part of.
PHOTOS: Kohli dazzles as India race past SL
Images from the ODI tri-series between India and Sri Lanka in Hobart on Tuesday.
Sehwag, Sachin likely to be 'rested' for Asia Cup
Indian selectors will have a lot to discuss and deliberate in the wake of the national cricket team's pathetic show in Australia when they meet in Mumbai on Wednesday to pick the squad for next month's Asia Cup in Bangladesh.
February 27, 2012
'Expect something different from Team India'
The Indians may have had an indifferent tour of Australia but Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene has cautioned his teammates to guard against complacency when the two teams clash in a crucial tri-series match in Hobart on Tuesday.
Kumble visits ailing Yuvraj in US
Recovering from a malignant tumour between his lungs in the United States, star India cricketer Yuvraj Singh was paid a "surprise" visit by former skipper Anil Kumble.
PHOTOS: Clarke named Australia's player of the year
Australia captain Michael Clarke won the Allan Border Medal as his country's Player of the Year for the third time on Monday.
India hope for turn of fortunes to stay alive
Pushed to the very brink of elimination, a demoralised India face an arduous task of beating Sri Lanka with a bonus point to have even a remote chance of qualifying for the finals of the cricket tri-series when the two sides clash in Hobart on Tuesday.
'Pathetic India treating the game with no respect'
An Australian newspaper slammed the Indian cricket team as a "rabble with no redeeming features" and lashed out at Sachin Tendulkar's remonstration of being blocked by Brett Lee in his run-out in the triangular series match as "woeful".
February 26, 2012
Dhoni blames batsmen for crushing defeat
Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni squarely put the blame on his batsmen for the crushing 87-run defeat at the hands of Australia in a critical match at the SCG on Sunday.
Dhoni lashes out at Lee, says no business to obstruct
A major controversy erupted in the tri-series match between India and Australia at the SCG, with Sachin Tendulkar being dismissed in a debatable run out and visiting captain Mehendra Singh Dhoni lashing out at pacer Brett Lee for standing on the way of the batsman.
'We haven't been able to perform to our potential'
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Sunday said that he "can't pinpoint one particular reason" for his team's failure in the ongoing ODI tri-series where they have lost their fourth match.
Bedi calls for Dhoni's head
Blaming Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the apparent 'rift' in the Indian cricket team in Australia, former captain Bishan Singh Bedi on Sunday said that time has now come for the side to have a new Test skipper.
PHOTOS: Indian batting flounders again
Australia scored a resounding 87-run win over India in Sydney on Sunday to book a berth in the final of the CB Series. Chasing 253 to win, the visitors could only manage 165, losing with 10.3 overs to spare.
February 25, 2012
Time for experiments over, says Dhoni
Faced with a do-or-die situation, Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is all set to field his three regular openers rather than experiment with a pinch hitter at the top of the order in Sunday's crucialtri-series One-dayer against Australia in Sydney.
India aim to stay afloat, battle Oz in crucial tie
Their survival in the series at stake and reputation hit by speculation of discord in the camp, India are a team on the brink as they prepare to take on World No. 1 Australia in a crucial tri-series league match in Sydney on Sunday.
'Selectors fear telling Sachin to retire from ODIs''
Former Australian batsman Dean Jones says that Sachin Tendulkar looked tired of One-day cricket but no selector has the courage to tell him to retire from the 50-over format.
February 24, 2012
PIX: Jayawardene leads chase as Lanka down Australia
Images from the 9th ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia played in Hobart on Friday.
All powerful teams go through transition: Srinivasan
"All powerful teams go through a period of transition" -- this was BCCI President N Srinivasan's take on the future of Indian cricket team but he gave no indication as to when the much-talked about phaseout ofseniors will happen."
Irfan keen to take all-rounder spot in Indian team
Irfan Pathan on Friday said he is keen to fill in the position of the medium-pace bowling allrounder in the Indian team that skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni craves for all too often.
The Expert Replies: 'Mankaded' in international cricket!
If you have a question relating to cricket and did not know who to ask, bounce them off to Rajneesh Gupta. He will pick questions readers send him and provide answers. Your queries should be addressed to: Ask Rajneesh on Facebook or askrajneesh@rediffmail.com Rajneesh replies to questions he received from readers last week:
February 23, 2012
India's poor stats testimony to Down Under disaster
It's a clear call for India's bowlers and batsmen to raise their stocks. There ought to be bigger knocks, bigger stands and more firepower in the bowling arsenal.
Kohli, Yadav bright spots on dismal Aus tour
Young Virat Kohli and Umesh Yadav emerged the notable bright spots in an otherwise disastrous Australian tour during which India's reputation as a cricketing giant took a beating.
February 22, 2012
Playing without Ponting will be weird: Clarke
Australian skipper Michael Clarke on Wednesday said it will be a "weird" and "strange" feeling when he will walk out in Hobart to play against Sri Lanka without Ricky Ponting, who he says is "giant of the game".
Kapil urges BCCI to step in and sort out issues in team
Amid reports of a rift within the Indian cricket team in Australia, former captain Kapil Dev on Wednesday urged the BCCI to step in and sort out "difference of opinion" among players.
ICC ODI Rankings: Dhoni rises, Sehwag drops to 18
The continuous failure with the bat cost Indian opener Virender Sehwag four places as he slid to 18th in the ICC ODI rankings for batsmen but skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni moved up by two places to No. 4.
Border backs Ponting's decision to bat on in Tests
Former Australian skipper Allan Border has backed Ricky Ponting's decision to continue playing Test cricket, saying the 37-year-old veteran remains a "walk-up start" in the line-up due to a lack of young batting talents.
Time for different captains for different formats: Ganguly
Critical of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's rotation policy, former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly says time has come for the selectors to appoint different cricket captains for the three formats of game.
'We have been fielding the same for last 10 years'
The controversial rotation policy, which has sparked of a heated debate among critics and speculation of a rift within the team, took a more confusing turn on Tuesday with Virender Sehwag saying he did not know that fielding abilities had anything to do with it.
Ricky Ponting: Limited-overs, unlimited success!
Despite a premature end to his ODI career, Ricky Ponting should have no regrets. He achieved everything on offer as player and captain in one-day cricket, says Bikash Mohapatra.
February 21, 2012
Sehwag concedes he needs to improve his batting
Dashing opener Virender Sehwag conceded that he needs to improve his batting at the top of the order to win matches for India, saying he will curb his natural aggressive instinct.
Photos: Sri Lanka ease past India in Brisbane
India's tri-series campaign was thrown into disarray as they lost Sri Lanka by 51 runs in Brisbane on Tuesday.
Axed Ponting hopes to hold on to Test spot
Whether it be pulling a short delivery to the fence or plucking a lightning-quick catch in the slips, Ricky Ponting's formidable powers of anticipation have rarely been questioned throughout his storied career.
'Ponting won't be pushed into retiring from Tests'
Former Australia cricketer Mark Waugh expects Ricky Ponting to scrap for survival in Australia's Test set-up despite being shunned from the One-day side.
February 20, 2012
Sachin's time in ODIs is up, says Kapil
Former India captain Kapil Dev says Sachin Tendulkar should have quit playing One-Day Internationals after the last World Cup.
Tri-series axing signals end to Ponting's ODI career
Dropped from the squad for the next two tri-series matches, Australia's two-time World Cup-winning former captain Ricky Ponting is "considering his future" in one-day cricket and an announcement could come in the next couple of days.
Lankan test awaits Dhoni-less India in tri-series
India are grappling with a selection dilemma and a prolonged form slump of their batsmen as they go into the crucial tri-series match against Sri Lanka in Brisbane without the services of their in-form captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Levi makes IPL franchises take notice of him
South African opener Richard Levi who scored the fastest century in the history of T20 International during his knock 117 off 51 balls against New Zealand has made the IPL franchises owners sit up and take notice after being ignored at auctions in Bangalore, earlier this month.
February 19, 2012
Top three not playing all games because they are slow: Dhoni
Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Sunday backed the team's rotation policy in the top order, saying the top three batsmen were not playing each game because they are slow on the field.
PHOTOS: Aussie pacers put India to sword
Images from the seventh ODI between India and Australia in Brisbane.
Dhoni gets one-match ban for slow over rate
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been banned for one ODI after his side was fined for a second minor over-rate offence within a year during the cricket tri-series match against Australia in Brisbane on Sunday.
Shastri urges Tendulkar to 'forget the milestone'
Former India skipper Ravi Shastri wants senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar to stay true to his game and "forget about the milestone" as the wait for his landmark 100th international century continues.
February 18, 2012
'Ricky Ponting is a little bit jaded...'
Livid after consecutive losses in the ODI tri-series, Australia coach Mickey Arthur on Saturday said the side and its "jaded" stand-in skipper Ricky Ponting would have to face the consequences if they don't atone for the defeats with an improved performance against India in Brisbane on Sunday.
There are a few areas I can improve: Vinay Kumar
He has emerged as an unlikely top wicket-taker for India in the ongoing ODI tri-series and pacer Vinay Kumar on Saturday said he is looking to improve on consistency in the forthcoming matches.
Table-toppers India aim to stifle cornered Aussies
Australia's back-to-back losses have thrown the ODI tri-series open and a revitalised India would look to corner the struggling and injury-hit hosts when the two sides clash in the critical second phase of the league in Brisbane on Sunday.
I'm still worth a place in the side: Ponting
His recent poor run notwithstanding, Australian cricket team's stand-in skipper Ricky Ponting says he is still "worth a place" in the side but concedes that reputation alone won't be enough to get him the selectors' nod all the time.
February 17, 2012
Rotation helps players stay mentally fresh: Ganguly
Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly has come out in defence of the much-debated rotation policy adopted by the India team in the ongoing tri-series in Australia, saying it would help the players to be 'mentally fresh' before the final stages of the tournament.
PHOTOS: Sri Lanka too good for Aus in Sydney
Images from the sixth One-Day International of the CB Tri-series between Sri Lanka and Australia in Sydney, on Friday.
IPL: Harmeet's 'homecoming' for Kings XI Punjab
It's sweet 'homecoming' for medium-pacer Harmeet Singh, who will turn out for Kings XI Punjab in the fifth edition of Indian Premier League after having a three-year stint with Deccan Chargers.
Vinay Kumar makes a difference in ODIs
India medium pacer R Vinay Kumar is not on anyone's mind and he would just like it the way it is as long as his skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni keeps turning to him and batsmen keep nibbling at his swinging deliveries.
February 16, 2012
Sri Lanka chase elusive win against Ponting-led Aus
Sri Lanka's sprightly cricketers will look to end their winless streak when they take on an Australia sans talismanic skipper Michael Clarke in the tri-series One-Day International in Sydney on Friday.
Looking after the team for a couple of days: Ponting
Ricky Ponting, who is all set to lead Australia in Friday's One-dayer against Sri Lanka in the absence of regular skipper Michael Clarke, insisted that he is stepping in only as a caretaker.
February 15, 2012
What makes Dhoni the best finisher in ODIs
He may be under pressure as a captain, but as finisher, lower down the batting order, India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is considered one of the best in ODI cricket.
IPL woes mount as franchisees have little say
Some franchises, says , are uncertain whether their best interests are addressed in decision-making by the IPL's governing council.
I believe in finishing game be it 47th, 48th or 50th: Dhoni
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Tuesday made it clear that his take on how and when to finish a game is different from Gautam Gambhir but each one is entitled to have their own opinion.
February 14, 2012
Was Over 30 the turning point in the India-SL ODI?
It was the first ever tie between India and Sri Lanka in the history of One-day Internationals.
Go Yuvi!! Livestrong, Armstrong tells Yuvraj
Cycling great Lance Armstrong has sent a message to Yuvraj Singh, wishing him a speedy recovery and offering help in the Indian cricketer's battle against cancer.
PHOTOS: A nerve-wrecking finish to Adelaide ODI
The fifth match of the Commonwealth Bank series between India and Sri Lanka in Adelaide ended in a thrilling tie on Tuesday. While the bowlers helped India stay on course for a third straight win by restricting Sri Lanka to 236 for nine on a placid Adelaide Oval wicket, the batsmen paid the price for leaving too much for the end.
'KKR, Inshallah, will win the IPL this year'
At the launch of Kolkata Knight Riders' new logo in Mumbai on Monday, team owner Shah Rukh Khan spoke of the team underperforming, the acquisition of a new bunch of players and the hope of winning the fifth edition of the IPL.
Ponting named Australia captain for Lanka ODI
Ricky Ponting has been asked to step back into the role of Australia captain after skipper Michael Clarke was ruled out of their One-day triangular series match against Sri Lanka on Friday, chairman of selectors John Inverarity has said.
Why Sahara is upset with the BCCI
The ongoing stand-off between the Board of Control for Cricket in India and corporate giants Sahara India Pariwar took a new turn on Monday, with the latter accusing the Indian Cricket Board of breaking the rules of their agreement.
February 13, 2012
Dhoni's five best knocks in India's winning chases
presents India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's top five innings in India's successful run chases.
BCCI says it won't make 'an exception' for Sahara
The Board of Control for Cricket in India-Sahara standoff continues following the Board's Working Committee's refusal to make "exceptions" for its long-time sponsor.
Confident India look to continue winning streak
A rejuvenated Indian side will aim to complete a hat-trick of victories when they take on Sri Lanka in the fourth match of the Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series, in Adelaide on Tuesday.
India vs Sri Lanka: Sangakkara starts mindgames
Desperate to win their first match of the tournament, senior Sri Lanka batsman Kumar Sangakkara on Monday put up a brave front ahead of his team's match against India in the ODI tri-series, in Adelaide on Tuesday.
Resting Tendulkar, Hussey is a disgrace: Tony Greig
Former England captain Tony Greig has labelled the decision to rest Sachin Tendulkar and Mike Hussey during Sunday's cricket tri-series match between India and Australia as a "disgrace".
February 12, 2012
We should have finished the game in 48th over: Gambhir
Man-of-match Gautam Gambhir feels that his team should have won the match earlier than scraping through in the final over.
Dhoni, Gambhir bat for Yuvi's quick recovery after win
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and opener Gautam Gambhir on Sunday longed for Yuvraj Singh's quick recovery and hoped the left-hander would overcome health issues and make a strong comeback.
PHOTOS: Dhoni takes India home after Gambhir heroics
Gautam Gambhir's 92 at the top and some smart batting by captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the finish helped India chase down a 270-run target against Australia in Adelaide on Sunday for their second win in the triangular series.
February 11, 2012
India head to Adelaide chasing first win over Aus
Their morale lifted after a win over Sri Lanka, India will look to break the shackles and come strong against Australia when the two sides clash in the fourth match of the ongoing ODI tri-series in Adelaide on Sunday.
Doherty not ready to take India lightly in Adelaide
The Australians have dominated India so far but spinner Xavier Doherty has said his team will have to be on guard as the resurgent visitors might hit back strongly when the two teams clash for the second time in the ODI cricket tri-series in Adelaide on Sunday.
'India can't afford to lose seniors in one go'
Former New Zealand cricket great Richard Hadlee believes India should persist with the veteran trio of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and V V S Laxman for some more time.
February 10, 2012
PHOTOS: Australia edge past Sri Lanka in Perth
Australia edged Sri Lanka by five runs in an enthralling One Day International of the tri-series in Perth on Friday.
'We've seen so many young guys come in and do well for Australia'
Australian captain Michael Clarke says his team's on-the-rise pace battery, which brought a formidable Indian batting line-up to its knees, will truly be considered intimidating after it performs on foreign pitches.
Sachin might be rested, but will rotation work for India?
Senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar is set to be rested for India's next ODI tri-series match against Australia in Adelaide on Sunday. But, going by past record, the move could end up hurting the beleagured team.
IPL-5: How the teams weigh after the auction
Little-known West Indies spinner Sunil Narine was undoubtedly the deal of the auction; he was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for a massive $700,000, 14 times his base price of $50,000.
The Expert replies: Kapil was never run-out in Tests!
If you have a question relating to cricket and did not know who to ask, bounce them off to . Each week he will pick questions readers send him and provide answers.
February 09, 2012
Sunil Gavaskar inducted into ICC Hall of Fame
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was formally inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame on Wednesday in Dubai, when he received his commemorative cap from fellow-Hall of Famer and team-mate Kapil Dev.
Is Rohit Sharma being made the fall guy?
After two successive failures in India's first two matches in the triangular series, talented middle-order batsman Rohit Sharma wears the expression of a man who is waiting to be shown the door any time.
Sri Lanka's big guns need to fire against the Aussies
Sri Lanka's top order batsmen will have to deliver when they go into their second tri-series cricket match against formidable Australia in Perth on Friday, hoping to revive their fortunes after a series of indifferent shows of late.
Afghanistan cricket set for next chapter
Less than four years after playing their first tournament against teams including Japan and Norway, Afghanistan will write a new chapter in their remarkable rise with a One-day International against Pakistan on Friday.
February 08, 2012
It was difficult to lift morale of the players: Dhoni
Happy with his team's win over Sri Lanka, Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Wednesday said it was nevertheless difficult to lift the team's morale after a series of defeats but it would help if each player learnt from his mistake.
PHOTOS: Ashwin takes India to victory against SL
Images from the second ODI of the CB tri-series between India and Sri Lanka in Perth, on Wednesday.
David Hussey harbours hopes of playing Test cricket
David Hussey will turn 35 in July this year but the veteran batsman has not given up hopes of playing in the next World Cup in 2015 and also making a late Test debut for Australia.
Pattinson could return in latter half of tri-series
Tearaway fast bowler James Pattinson, who is recuperating from an injury, could be back in the team for the later stages of the ongoing triangular series, Australia coach Mickey Arthur said in Perth on Wednesday.
I wish I could have played Twenty20: Steve Waugh
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh, known for his risk-free batting style that brought him nearly 11,000 Test runs, wishes he could have flung the bat in the Twenty20 format.
February 07, 2012
Flintoff's auction in 2009 was rigged, says Modi
Former Indian Premier League chief Lalit Modi has lashed out at the Board of Control for Cricket in India, claiming that the 2009 auction was rigged in favour of the Chennai Super Kings, whose owner is the current BCCI president N Srinivasan.
Sahara may rejoin IPL, but won't sponsor Team India
Sahara India chief Subrata Roy says that there is no question of sponsoring the Indian cricket team. However, the group will continue to support the Pune Indian Premier League team.
Sehwag ready to face Sri Lanka in 2nd ODI
India opener Virender Sehwag, who has failed to make any decent contribution this Australian summer, will return to the team for Wednesday's match against Sri Lanka.
2nd ODI: Jittery India face big test against Sri Lanka
Plagued by poor batting form for long, a jittery India will need to strike the right combination and lift the standard of their game as they strive to bring their ODI tri-series campaign back on track when they take on Sri Lanka at WACA in Perth on Wednesday.
England drop point in Test rankings after whitewash
England captain Andrew Strauss said there would be no knee-jerk reaction to the 3-0 series defeat by Pakistan that has seen his team's lead at the top of the Test rankings slashed to one point.
February 06, 2012
We are ready to meet, sort out issues: BCCI to Sahara
Stung by Sahara's pullout as sponsor of Indian cricket team and owner of IPL franchise Pune Warriors, the BCCI on Monday took a more re-conciliatory stand towards the aggrieved corporate giant, saying it was ready to sit across the table and sort out all the matters.
Lack of Indo-Pak cricket is frustrating: Akhtar
The continuing freeze on Indo-Pak bilateral cricket is "frustrating", says Shoaib Akhtar but the former pacer does not agree with PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf's "politically incorrect" statement that the Indians are intimidated by the prospect of taking on an in-form Pakistan.
Dean Jones reckons bowling still India's huge weakness
Former Australian batsman Dean Jones believes India's bowling and fielding could be brutally exposed in the ongoing ODI tri-series against Australia and Sri Lanka despite the presence of younger and more agile players in the fold.
Top-10 buys at the IPL V auction
The IPL V auction that was held in Bangalore on Saturday saw very surprises in terms of money spent by franchises to buy players. India's hard-hitting batsman, Ravindra Jadeja, who's batting prowess is now well known, was the top money-spinner at the auction with Chennai Super Kings buying him for a whopping Rs 9.72 crore. He was followed by Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene, who went for Rs 6.8 crore. Here are the Top-10 buys at the IPL auction.
Wade 'enjoying the chance to play for Australia'
Young Australian opener Matthew Wade has proved his worth with his match-winning performances in a few games he has played, but the young Tasmanian does not want to look too far ahead than the three ODIs for which he has been selected.
Get well soon, Yuvi! Wish the ace player a speedy recovery
Yuvraj Singh, India's premier batsman in the limited-overs' format, was diagnosed with lung cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy in the United States. Join us in wishing the ace player a speedy recovery.
February 05, 2012
Dhoni pulls up his spinners for loss
Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, on Sunday, pulled up his spinners for bowling too many loose deliveries, which he said was the main reason for India's 65-run thrashing by Australia in the first match of the cricket tri-series in Melbourne.
PHOTOS: Team India mauled by Australia in Melbourne
India lost the first One-day international against Australia in the tri-nation series by 65 runs at the Melbourne Cricket ground on Sunday.
BCCI making efforts to pacify Sahara
A day after Sahara's shocking decision to pull out as sponsor of the Indian cricket team and owner of the IPL franchise Pune Warriors, the BCCI is making efforts to pacify the corporate giant and retain its financial backing.
February 04, 2012
I am willing to negotiate with the BCCI: Roy
Sahara Group chief Subroto Roy on Saturday defended the decision to snap ties with the BCCI but wants to ensure that the players of his IPL team do not suffer and get to play in the fifth edition of the Twenty20 league.
ICC ODI Rankings: Kohli highest-placed Indian batsman
Virat Kohli was the highest-placed batsman at third followed by Mahendra Singh Dhoni at fifth but there was no Indian in the bowling top-10 of the latest ICC One-day rankings issued on Saturday.
India eye tri-series turnaround in 1st ODI vs Aus
With a win finally under their belt in what has been a highly disappointing tour, India will aim to carry the Twenty20 momentum into the One-dayers when they take on Australia in the first match of the tri-series starting in Melbourne on Saturday.
IPL: Jadeja attracts highest bid, no takers for Laxman
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was the biggest draw for the franchises with Chennai Super Kings buying him for a whopping Rs 9.72 crore but struggling veteran VVS Laxman found no takers in the players' auction for the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League held in Bangalore on Saturday.
February 03, 2012
Dhoni hails exceptional fielding for win
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was full of praise for his side's "exceptional" work on the field in the second Twenty20 International against Australia in Melbourne, which helped the visitors' register their first win in the ongoing tour.
PHOTOS: India win second T20 to end losing streak
Images from the second and final Twenty20 International between India and Australia in Melbourne, on Friday.
Harbhajan has a lot of cricket left in him: Saqlain
"Too much focus on Twenty20" is harming Harbhajan Singh's international cricket career but the out-of-favour Indian off-spinner needs to be supported instead of being cold shouldered, feels former Pakistan tweaker Saqlain Mushtaq.
IPL auction: Jadeja, McCullum set to garner top bids
Dashing wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, Sri Lankan master batsman Mahela Jayawardene and R Vinay Kumar will attract top bids when 144 players from eleven countries go under the hammer in the IPL V auction in Bangalore on Saturday.
'Want to ensure India doesn't go on board this summer'
Veteran Australian pacer Brett Lee believes India have lost the mental edge this summer and his team would look to take full advantage of the tourists' slump by preventing them from getting on board in any format.
February 02, 2012
India look to avoid T20 whitewash against Aussies
Stung by a prolonged losing streak in what has turned out to be a nightmarish tour, a hapless India will now look to avoid a Twenty20 whitewash when they lock horns with Australia in the second match in Melbourne.
David Hussey backs Warner's switch-hit
Australia all-rounder David Hussey, who played a big part in his team's 31-run victory over India in Sydney, is looking for a perfect game to make it 2-0 in the second Twenty20 international at the MCG on Friday.
Pathan can come in handy in T20 format: Gavaskar
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, on Wednesday, said that the Indian team management must think of including all-rounder Irfan Pathan in the team as he may come handy with the bat as well as on the field.
What we know about Indian cricket, but hate to admit
Bikash Mohapatra, in an attempt to diagnose what ails Indian cricket, identifies what we are well aware of, but hate to admit!
Dhoni blames T20 defeat on rain
Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Wednesday blamed the rain for the defeat in the first Twenty20 international against Australia, saying the wet conditions made it difficult for bowlers.
February 01, 2012
There is always a tomorrow: Dhoni
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today put up a brave face after his side slumped to yet another defeat with a 31-run thrashing in the Twenty20 International in what is turning out to be a disastrous tour of Australia, saying "there is always a tomorrow".
PHOTOS: Wade, Hussey fire Australia to win over India
Australia beat India by 31 runs at Sydney's Olympic stadium on Wednesday in the first of two Twenty20 international matches.
'Dhoni still the best man to lead India'
Mahendra Singh Dhoni's offer to step aside as India captain if a "better" candidate can be found is a noble gesture given the team's woeful run of test form, but several former skippers believe the wicketkeeper remains the best man for the job.
A look at Indian players' T20 International career records
As India readies to battle it out in the first T20 tie against Australia on Wednesday, Rajneesh Gupta records the personal performances of Indian players in the shortest format of the game.
Captain Misbah leads Pakistan revival
Pakistan have not only survived the spot-fixing crisis but emerged stronger under Misbah-ul-Haq's understated captaincy, revelling in consistency and shrugging off their notorious unpredictability.
January 31, 2012
Sehwag doesn't qualify as skipper: Akram
Under-fire Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni got much-needed support from former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram who said the "hullabaloo" about his leadership is "ill-timed" as speculated replacement Virender Sehwag is not qualified for the job.
Lara superior than Tendulkar, Ponting: Chappell
West Indian batting legend Brian Lara's knowledge of how to amass big scores at rapid rate without putting his wicket at risk makes him a "superior" batsman of his era than Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting, writes former Australian captain Ian Chappell.
Battered India hoping for turnaround in T20 opener
Their reputation bruised and battered after the humiliating loss in the Test series, India are desperate to turn their fortunes around and restore some pride in the limited-overs matches, which get underway with the first T20 against Australia in Sydney on Wednesday.
Dhoni open to being replaced as Test captain
Facing severe criticism for his unimpressive captaincy and performances in Test cricket, under-fire Mahendra Singh Dhoni has offered to quit the leadership role in the longer format of the game if the Board of Control for Cricket in India feels there is a better replacement waiting in the wings.
ODI team will seek inspiration from 2008 triumph: Raina
Suresh Raina tells Harish Kotian that India can take inspiration from their triumph in the tri-series in 2008, when they outclassed Australia 2-0 in the best-of-three finals.
Tendulkar should have retired after World Cup: Imran
Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan feels that iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar should have retired after the "ultimate high" of India wining the World Cup last year.
Oz debacle: 'Writing was on the wall, we chose not to see it'
Aakash Chopra talks to Bikash Mohapatra about Rajasthan's Ranji Trophy triumph, the domestic format and India's dismal showing in the Test series Down Under.
January 30, 2012
Indians are going to come very strong at us: Arthur
Hurting after being whitewashed in the Test series, India would be a "totally different" team in the upcoming Twenty20 internationals and the ODI tri-series, Australia coach Mickey Arthur said on Monday.
Rankings: Sachin, Dravid fall, Pak players make a mark
Veteran Sachin Tendulkar dropped out of the batting top-10 to the 13th spot, while pace spearhead Zaheer Khan slipped a spot to 10th in the bowling chart as India's misery in the Test series against Australia reflected in the latest ICC rankings issued on Sunday.
Spin can no longer win at home for India
India must stop thinking it can make up for poor away performances by producing spin-friendly tracks, says .
Clarke credits 'intense preparation' to Test success
Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke feels a "team-first orientation of sustained pressure and sacrifice" led to his side's thumping triumph over India in the just-concluded Test series. Australia whitewashed India 4-0 with just one Test going the full distance of five days. Clarke said the performance was a result of intense preparations.
We'll play different cricket during ODIs: Raina
Unfazed by the Test debacle as he was not a part of the team, Indian middle-order batsman Suresh Raina said his side will play some "different cricket" to give a better account of itself in the shorter formats starting with a Twenty20 match against Australia on Wednesday.
Deconstructing the pace that demolished India
Bikash Mohapatra analyses the performances of the Australian pace brigade that completely exposed the chinks in the Indian batting.
Disaster Down Under: Team India's marksheet
Batting and fielding averages from the recently concluded four-match Test series in Australia.
Serious pressure on Fletcher: Ganguly
Former captain Sourav Ganguly feels India's humiliating 0-4 whitewash in the Test series against Australia has proved to be a 'nightmare' for Duncan Fletcher and his reputation as a coach is at stake.
January 29, 2012
Pakistani's relishing India's mauling by Australia
The media and fans in Pakistan are not just savouring their team's terrific series-win against World No. 1 England but they are also relishing the pounding India received at the hands of Australia Down Under.
Shastri lambasts Indian batters for poking at fifth stump
Former captain Ravi Shastri on Sunday, made scathing criticism of the star-studded Indian batting line-up for constantly playing away from the body outside the off-stump, which he said was responsible for their 4-0 whitewash in the just-concluded Test series.
I haven't made any decision on retirement: Dravid
Embattled Rahul Dravid, on Saturday, made it clear that he has not taken any decision on retirement from international cricket but admitted that his glorious career was "definitely nearer the end than the beginning".
January 28, 2012
It happens to every team: Sehwag
Facing intense criticism for failing to put up even a semblance of fight in the 0-4 Test series loss to Australia, stand-in Indian skipper Virender Sehwag on Saturday, tried to defend the team's performance, insisting that such debacles happen to every international side.
Team India report card: Kohli only standout batsman
India succumbed to its second successive overseas series whitewash on Saturday and the bulk of the blame should go to its famed batting line, which failed miserably in what has turned out to be a disastrous Test series against Australia.
'Dravid, Laxman don't need suggestions on retirement'
Livid with "hindsight critics" who are calling for Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman's head after India's 0-4 Test hammering in Australia, former skipper Bishen Singh Bedi said the "once-in-a-generation players" deserved to be respected.
Bowling partnerships key to Australia's success
Australian bowlers hunted in a pack all throughout the Test series to demolish the famed Indian batting line up and pace spearhead Peter Siddle said the home team reaped rich dividends by sticking to its plan of "bowling in partnerships".
We've shown the world we are on our way up: Clarke
Australia captain Michael Clarke, while delighting in the 4-0 whitewash of India, re-emphasised on Saturday that the triumph was just a staging post to the goal of being the best Test team in the world.
No quick decision on seniors' future: Dhoni
The flop show of India's senior batsmen in the Test series loss to Australia notwithstanding, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni refused to say anything on their future, insisting that decisions would not be taken in haste.
PHOTOS: Australia knock over India to complete Test rout
Images from the day 5 of the fifth and final Test between Australia and India at Adelaide.
'Kohli-Hilfenhaus exchange of words part of game'
Former captain Sourav Ganguly feels that the on-field verbal exchange between Virat Kohli and Ben Hilfenhaus in the fourth and final Test between India and Australia is part and parcel of international cricket and signifies 'competitive spirit'.
January 27, 2012
Three or four players have played last Test: Gavaskar
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar says at least three senior cricketers may not be selected again for Tests after the disastrous Test series against Australia.
Having already got three, Lyon eyes a five-for
Off-spinner Nathan Lyon is aiming for a five-wicket haul against a demoralised India as the fourth and final Test at the Adelaide Oval heads into the fifth day.
'Change in colour of ball could change our luck'
With India heading towards a second successive overseas 'whitewash', off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feels that upcoming tri-series could bring a "change in luck as the colour of the ball will change".
Ganguly baffled at Indian surrender in Adelaide
Former captain Sourav Ganguly was baffled at the abject surrender of the Indian batsmen at the batting surface at Adelaide Oval in the fourth and final Test, saying that even good pitches creates problems for batsmen low on confidence.
PHOTOS: India stare at another embarrassing whitewash
A fluent half century by Ricky Ponting as well as the positive approach of skipper Michael Clarke saw Australia extend their overall lead to 499, setting India a target of 500 to win the fourth and final Test in Adelaide.
Gavaskar slams Kohli for swearing at Aussies
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar disapproved of young batsman Virat Kohli swearing at the Australian players after scoring a century in the final cricket Test at Adelaide on Thursday, terming it as "school kid" temperament.
January 26, 2012
My goal has been patience and consistency: Siddle
Australia's pace spearhead Peter Siddle is relieved to scalp a maiden five-wicket haul against India, saying the hard work he has put in this summer has finally paid off.
I am glad I gave it back to Hilfenhaus: Kohli
Centurion Virat Kohli lashed out at the Australian players for "constantly" indulging in sledging and the local fans Down Under for not treating the Indian cricketers with respect.
PHOTOS: Bowlers put Australia in command in Adelaide
India were facing with a herculean task of preventing a 'whitewash' after conceding a huge first innings lead of 332 runs in the fourth and final Test in Adelaide on Thursday. India folded up for 272 in the first innings. Australia were 50 for three in the second innings enjoying an overall lead of 382 to further consolidate their poistion and push for a 4-0 rout.
Sehwag's hunger to succeed is on decline, says Ganguly
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly feels that Virender Sehwag's "hunger to succeed" and veteran Rahul Dravid's "fluency of footwork" is on the decline.
January 25, 2012
We won't be showing Tendulkar any sympathy: Clarke
In his quest for a 4-0 whitewash, Australian skipper Michael Clarke said his team would not show any sympathy to Sachin Tendulkar, who remains unbeaten at the end of day two of the fourth Test in Adelaide and desperately seeks his 100th international century.
Don't think that I have been unlucky: Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma has been toiling hard for the past one month but does not have results to show for his on-field efforts during the tour of Australia.
PHOTOS: India jolted early in reply to huge Aus total
Captain Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting ground the hapless Indian bowlers with a huge partnership to help Australia to a mammoth first innings total of 604-7 (declared) on the second morning of the fourth and final Test in Adelaide on Wednesday. India were at a shaky 61 for 2 in reply.
January 24, 2012
Sehwag erred in not playing Ojha: Ganguly
Former captain Sourav Ganguly feels the struggling visitors should have played two spinners in the ongoing fourth and final Test against Australia, as the conditions in Adelaide appear "closest to subcontinent".
Taking 20 wickets on this pitch will be tough: Ponting
Centurion Ricky Ponting does not want Australia to "kill too much time" in their pursuit of putting up a huge first-innings total, for taking 20 wickets could be hard work on a benign pitch at the Adelaide Oval.
Nobody is embarrassed in dressing room, says Ashwin
India are not embarrassed by their showing on the tour of Australia despite being soundly beaten in the first three Tests and taking another hammering on the first day of the fourth, bowler Ravi Ashwin said on Tuesday.
PHOTOS: Ponting, Clarke tons grind India to dust
Ricky Ponting (137) Michael and Clarke (140), both of whom tormented India in the second Test in Sydney with centuries, joined hands once again for an unbroken 251-run fourth wicket stand which took the hosts to a comfortable 335 for three after a shaky start on the opening day of the fourth and final Test in Adelaide.
IPL: Laxman may not get a team in auctions
Already under severe pressure to retain his place in the Test squad, VVS Laxman's IPL career may just come to a halt as none of the nine franchises are keen on roping in the senior batsman as a full-time player.
January 23, 2012
Akram wants Sehwag to change attitude, motivate the team
Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram feels stand-in captain Virender Sehwag has looked "nonchalant" so far and needs to change his attitude to motivate the demoralised Indian Team in the fourth and final Test against Australian starting on Tuesday.
Adelaide Oval offers hope for India to salvage pride
As India and Australia head into the final Test at Adelaide, the visitors can take hope from previous performances at the venue to salvage lost pride, writes Norma Godinho.
We've utmost respect for India's batting veterans: Clarke
It is perhaps the last time that India's batting trinity of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman will play a Test in Australia and host captain Michael Clarke paid tribute to the veterans, saying they should get the respect they deserve.
'Australian bowlers are playing with our patience'
He has a reputation of treating opposition bowlers with disdain but India's stand-in skipper and dashing opener Virender Sehwag on Monday said the current Australian attack is the best he has faced as it has tested his patience like none before.
India seek to avoid whitewash, Oz aim to complete rout
The series is lost and their reputation is in tatters but India will make a desperate bid to avoid a whitewash when they take on Australia in the fourth and final Test in Adelaide on Tuesday, hoping to redeem some of the lost pride.
At 40, Hogg makes a comeback to Aussie T20 squad
Almost four years after he announced international retirement, 40-year-old left-arm spinner Brad Hogg on Monday stunningly returned to the Australian team by getting picked in the 14-member Twenty20 squad for the two matches against India next month.
'Conditions at Adelaide suit India more'
Australia are aiming for a whitewash but that is easier said than done as skipper Michael Clarke on Monday conceded the conditions at Adelaide Oval are more of India's liking even though he expects reverse swing to play a crucial role during the fourth and final Test starting on Tuesday.
Will Sehwag save India with another special in Adelaide?
Virender Sehwag doesn't need to look anywhere for inspiration when he leads India in the fourth Test against Australia. His persevering innings the last time he played at the Adelaide Oval, says Bikash Mohapatra, is enough to give his batting the fillip it desperately needs.
January 22, 2012
Anything less than 4-0 will be disappointing: Clarke
Australia have an unassailable lead in hand but skipper Michael Clarke says he wouldn't be satisfied with anything less than a 4-0 whitewash of India in the ongoing cricket Test series.
Tendulkar is a 'cricket god': Hussey
The Indian cricket team is drawing criticism for what is being described as lack of intensity in training but it found unlikely support in Australian batsman Mike Hussey, who said the visitors are experienced enough to do well without long net sessions.
There is no lack of motivation: Gambhir
The series is out of grasp but Indian opener Gautam Gambhir said the debacle has not affected his team's motivation and it is focussed on winning the fourth and final Test to avoid a whitewash against Australia.
January 21, 2012
Tendulkar should take inspiration from previous Aus tours
In his quest for a 100th international century, Sachin Tendulkar has often lost his wicket to defensive batting but the Indian icon is expected to be in top gear in the fourth and final Test against Australia starting in Australia on Tuesday.
Will look to get Tendulkar out: Lyon
Eager to make an impression on home turf and cement his place as Australia's front-line spinner, offie Nathan Lyon has said he would look to get the prized scalp of the iconic Sachin Tendulkar in the fourth and final cricket Test starting in Adelaide on Tuesday.
Sehwag's woeful away form costing India dear
A couple of scores in single digits in the upcoming fourth Test in Adelaide and Virender Sehwag's average, for the first time in 26 months and 25 Tests, could fall below 50 per innings.
I feel ashamed by India's performance: Kapil
Stating that he felt "ashamed" by the Indian cricket team's dismal performance against Australia in the ongoing Test series, former India captain Kapil Dev said every aspect of the game has gone wrong for the Indians.
Calm Wriddhiman Saha feels no pressure
Unfazed by the sudden spotlight on him, India's reserve wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha said he is not intimidated by the prospect of having to fill in for Mahendra Singh Dhoni behind the stumps in the fourth and final Test against Australia starting in Adelaide on January 24.
January 20, 2012
Tendulkar, Zaheer slip in Test rankings; Pakistanis rise
Sachin Tendulkar remained static at ninth in the batting list, while Zaheer Khan fell a rung, to occupy the ninth position in the bowling charts in the latest ICC Test rankings released on Friday.
'4-0 would be absolute drubbing of world's second best team'
Its result would be inconsequential to the final scoreline but Australian opener Ed Cowan said his team is motivated to win the fourth Test against India in Adelaide as the hosts want to hand out an "absolute drubbing to the second best side in the world."
I think the batting department will click: Raina
A good performance in the inconsequential fourth and final Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval will be a shot in the arm for the demoralized Indian team ahead of the triangular One-day series to be held next month, said middle-order batsman Suresh Raina on Thursday.
Oz youngsters have shown genuine enthusiasm: Nielsen
Impressed by Australian team's resurgence post the Ashes humiliation last year, former national coach Tim Nielsen says the side could regain the top spot in world cricket within 12 months.
India can still beat any side in the world: Srinivasan
Reposing full faith in the beleaguered Indian cricket team, BCCI chief N Srinivasan has said the side can still beat any top team in the worldand needs a little bit if luck to turn it around in Australia.
Advertisers keep faith with struggling Indian stars
The India Test side's continued freefall in Australiahas infuriated the media and angered fans back home but advertisers and broadcasters are refusing to give up on cricket, given a lack of alternatives and the fickleness of local supporters.
January 19, 2012
PHOTOS: Pakistan rout England in first Test
Pakistan beat the world's best Test team, England, by 10 wickets in the first Test inside three days in Dubai on Thursday, gaining a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
'Keeper Saha is an ideal replacement for Dhoni'
Replacing the Indian captain in a Test match is not an easy job but former wicketkeepers feel that Wriddhiman Saha's calm demeanour could be an advantage when he dons the gloves during the final Test against Australia in Adelaide, starting on January 24.
Oz pacers use 'perfume ball' to mop Indian tail
It is called the 'throat ball' or the 'perfume ball' and the Australian pacers are using it with intimidating regularity against Indian tailenders in the ongoing Test series.
We want to strangle India again in Adelaide, say Siddle
Australia fast bowler Peter Siddle feels his team's bowlers have "strangled" India in the ongoing Test series and being the spearhead, he would not loosen the grip by sitting out of the fourth and final Test.
'Perth showed the inadequacies of India's ageing players'
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram feels that playing conditions in Sydney and Perth in the ongoing Test series between India and Australia exposed the "physical inadequacies of an ageing cricketer".
January 18, 2012
PHOTOS: Pakistan ahead despite England's fightback
Images from Day 2 of the first Test between Pakistan and England in Dubai.
Warne backs Haddin but says Wade also ready
Australian spin legend Shane Warne has backed out-of-form wicketkeeper Brad Haddin to retain his place in the national team but said Matthew Wade is ready to replace him.
Dhoni's ban gives Saha rare opportunity to shine
In a series which has been disastrous to say the least, not many expect Wriddhiman Saha to script a success story for India in the final Test against Australia next week but the Bengal youngster might turn out to be a pleasant surprise.
Lyon taking tips from Warne to plot India's downfall
The only struggling Australian bowler against a clueless Indian batsmen, off-spinner Nathan Lyon is taking tips from spin legend Shane Warne to plot the downfall of Virender Sehwag and his men in the fourth and final Test in Adelaide starting on January 24.
What Team India needs to do
Indian Test cricket stands at the crossroads with future fortunes heavily dependent on off the field policies and strategies adopted by the Indian cricket establishment, says Faisal Shariff.
Siddle might be rested for Adelaide Test: Report
Impressive paceman Peter Siddle may be rested for the fourth and final Test against India at the Adelaide as per Cricket Australia's rotation policy, a media report speculated on Tuesday.
January 17, 2012
PHOTOS: England dance to Ajmal's tune
Images of the Day 1 of the first Test between Pakistan and England.
Oz pacers face 'Taming of the Shoe'
Baffled by the spate of injuries that has sidelined its young crop of pacers, Cricket Australia is investigating whether the boots these bowlers use are causing the foot problems that have ruined their season.
Bedi blames IPL for poor overseas Test showing
Former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi feels the emergence of the cash-rich Indian Premier League is one of the primary reasons for India's disastrous performance in Test matches overseas.
Under-pressure Sehwag and Co toil at nets
If Virender Sehwag was anxious about his role as India skipper for the fourth Test against Australia and his continued poor run with the bat, he didn't show it to the world during the nets at the WACA in Perth on Tuesday.
'Laxman has no plans of hanging up his boots'
He might be drawing flak for his flopshow in the ongoing Test series against Australia but veteran Indian batsman VVS Laxman has no plans of hanging up his boots just yet.
We have let the nation down: Gambhir
Struggling India opener Gautam Gambhir on Tuesday conceded that his team has let the entire nation down in the ongoing Test series against Australia and has failed to live up to the expectations.
'IPL not the sole reason for India's poor display in Australia'
Refusing to blame the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) for the national squad's debacle in Australia, former Test skipper Dilip Vengsarkar on Tuesday said lack of proper planning by the BCCI is the prime reason for the dismal show.
IPL cannot be blamed for batsmen's poor techinque: Gavaskar
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, on Monday, refuted suggestions that the technique of the Indian batsmen has been affected due to the slam-bang approach in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
January 16, 2012
Subcontinent cricket giants face testing times
India's strength was never its bowling, says Faisal Shariff, but each time they discover a gem, they seem to perfect the art of pushing him out of the system.
Men in blue close to being worst ever
If Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men continue their losing streak in the fourth Test against Australia at Adelaide, it would prove to be the worst phase in the annals of Indian cricket.
CA goes broke with India losing three Tests in nine days
With India losing three Tests against Australia in less than 10 days, Cricket Australia is set to become broke as it has been left with a small fortune in terms of revenue generation from gate ticket sales.
India's worst losing streaks in away Tests
Following their loss in the third Test match in Perth, India recorded their seventh loss on the trot. Rajneesh Gupta presents a summary of India's worst losing streak in away Tests.
Tendulkar drops to 9th as Indians slip in Test rankings
Having conceded a 0-3 lead to Australia in the four-Test series so far, the Indian cricket team is all set to lose its second place in the ICC Test ranking to South Africa.
'Spoilt' Indian team battered by Aus media following series loss
The Australian media described the star-studded Indian batting line-up as "useless rubble" and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni as a "passive captain" as they taunted the visiting team for its abject surrender in the ongoing Test series.
We will hammer down India in tri-series also: Aus coach
Australia coach Mickey Arthur on Monday said that his men will "hammer down" the visitors in next month's One-Day International tri-series as well once all-rounder Shane Watson comes back into the team.
Away Test failures puncture Dhoni's leadership aura
It was a fairytale too good to last long and Mahendra Singh Dhoni met his Waterloo in England last year, a nightmare that returned to haunt him in Australia.
'Laxman will retire at the end of the Test series in Australia'
VVS Laxman's will be the first head to roll after the shambolic tour of Australia as India embark on the unpleasant task of phasing out their ageing stalwarts, local media reported on Sunday.
January 15, 2012
'Difficult to single out one particular reason for Oz debacle'
The chairman of BCCI's selection committee, Krishnamachari Srikkanth expressed huge disappointment on the Indian team's dismal performance Down Under, terming it a collective batting failure.
Clarke: Our goal is to be the No 1 Test team
Australia might have taken an invincible 3-0 lead over India in the four-match Test series but skipper Michael Clarke doesn't want to take his foot off the pedal and said his team's goal is to be the No 1 side in the world.
Batting failure, lack of adaptability did us in: Dhoni
Battered in just two and a half days, Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said the inability to quickly adapt to new conditions and the flop show of his batsmen were the reasons behind his team's series defeat against Australia.
I am the main culprit: MS Dhoni
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Sunday took the blame on himself for a disastrous performance of his team against Australia, saying that he was the main culprit as the captain.
PHOTOS: Australia thrash India, regain Border-Gavaskar trophy
Australia thrashed India by an innings and 37 runs well inside three days in the third Test in Perth, making the visitors suffer their second successive overseas series defeat. The win enabled the home team to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
January 14, 2012
Batting failure not helping team cause: Yadav
Young Indian pacer Umesh Yadav, who took five wickets in an exceptional spell of sustained hostile bowling at the WACA, conceded that the batting failure was not helping the visiting team's cause in the third Test against Australia in Perth.
'I appealed for Sachin's wicket, I thought it was out'
Young left-arm quick Mitchell Starc said that invaluable tips from legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram has helped him to swing the ball consistently during the ongoing Test match against India.
Ex players call for Dhoni's head, retirement of Dravid, VVS
As Indian team's pathetic show continues in Australia, former players say time has come to remove Mahendra Singh Dhoni as Test skipper and senior players like VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid should plan their timely retirements.
PHOTOS: Warner, bowlers hand Australia the edge in Perth
A terrific opening partnership of 214 runs between David Warner and Ed Cowan helped Australia take a formidable 208-rin lead in the first innings on Day Two of the third Test against India at the WACA, Perth.
Scoring 400 was a lot easier than getting 375: Lara
The former West Indies captain, who spent a couple of hours with young kids at the Khar Gymkhana in Mumbai on Friday, teaching them the finer nuances of batting, reveals what it takes to be the best in the world.
January 13, 2012
'It will be great if we make 500 and take the series'
Australia opener David Warner says the third Test is all but over for India, after they were bowled out for 161 and Australia replied with 149 for no loss by the end of the first day.
Photos: Ten fastest Test tons after Warner's blazing knock
Australia's David Warner etched his name in to the record books after he slammed the fastest century by an opener in Test cricket, on Day One of the third Test against India at the WACA in Perth on Friday. Here are the top ten fastest tons in Tests.
PHOTOS: Warner puts Australia in control at WACA
Images from Day 1 of the 3rd Test played in Perth on Friday.
January 12, 2012
'New ball will play very important part at WACA'
Australia captain Michael Clarke exuded confidence on his fast bowlers, saying whether there is a four-pronged pace attack or not, it is good enough to take the wickets in the third Test against India, at the WACA in Perth, beginning Friday.
Heat could crack green WACA pitch, says curator
Curator Cameron Sutherland says the hot conditions prevailing in Perth have taken some sting out of the "green" WACA surface, but the pitch will still suit fast bowlers in the third Test between India and Australia, beginning Friday.
Time for underperforming Indians to salvage pride at Perth
The highly-rated but underperforming batsmen will have to click to keep up the team's hopes as the visitors go into the must-win third cricket Test against Australia in Perth on Friday amid serious concerns about their ability to counter the pacy WACA track.
With an eye on 2015 WC, Dhoni hints at quitting Tests by 2013
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni made a surprise revelation that he may retire from Test cricket if he is to play in the 2015 cricket World Cup.
Injury nightmares hound Harris before Perth Test
Set to return in Test cricket against India for the Perth Test on Friday, Australian paceman Ryan Harris is wary about breaking down again and said that he had "bad thoughts" about his recurring injury problems.
Young generation prefers IPL to Ranji: Yuvraj Singh
India's World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh, who is recovering after being treated for a non-malignant tumour in his lungs, says he is fine now and looking forward to board the flight to Australia for the ODI series that follows the Tests.
January 11, 2012
India's 'big-four' need to click in Perth: Yuvraj
The 'big-four' of India's batting department need to fire in unison to fish the team out of troubled waters if the visitors want to make a comeback in the third cricket Test against Australia, starting Friday at Perth, feels Yuvraj Singh.
I'm not going to rest on my Sydney hundred: Ponting
Former Australia batsman Ricky Ponting says his batting is a work in progress, and the hundred he scored in the second Test against India is the start of something big.
'What Zaheer said, same could be said about Sachin...'
Ricky Ponting shot back at Zaheer Khan for finding fault with his batting rhythm on Wednesday, saying what the Indian pace spearhead said about him could also be applied to the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.
Dravid rubbishes reports of Sehwag-Dhoni rift
Senior Indian batsman Rahul Dravid rubbished Australian media reports that successive losses in the ongoing Test series has led to disharmony in the visiting side's dressing room, saying the team is not bothered about such speculation.
Eradicating corruption from cricket almost impossible: Brearley
Mike Brearley, one of England's most successful cricket captains, said on Tuesday that eradicating corruption from the game is probably impossible but that is no reason to stop trying.
Amir could still play international cricket: PCB
Teenage Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir, serving six-months in jail for spot-fixing elements of a Test match, could still have a future in international cricket, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf said.
India will look to attack as Perth pace looms
Attack will be the best form of defence for Team India against a rampaging Australian pace battery when the two sides square off on the dreaded green-top wicket of WACA in the do-or-die third Test starting on Friday.
January 10, 2012
India, Aus players in war of words ahead of Perth Test
Indian and Australian cricketers were engaged in a war of words on Tuesday, ahead of the crucial third Test in Perth, with senior players of both sides taking digs at each other after Brad Haddin started the jibes by calling India a "fragile" team.
Australian batting can be put under pressure: Zaheer
Unfazed by the debacles in the first two Tests, India's pace spearhead Zaheer Khan said the team will come back strongly in the third match, the key to which would be putting the in-form Australian batting line-up under pressure.
Team India back in the nets at 'green' WACA
India face an ominous task to win the third Test on a fast and bouncy wicket in Perth and keep the four-match series alive which they are presently trailing 0-2.
Indian cricketers break under pressure, says Haddin
In a fresh salvo at the visitors, who are already facing flak back home for their meek capitulation in the first two Tests against Australia, the Australian wicketkeeper said the tourists are "as fragile as any team in the world".
The Expert replies: How many father-son pairs have played v India
If you have a question relating to cricket and did not know who to ask, bounce them off to Rajneesh Gupta. Each week he will pick questions readers send him and provide answers.
Tendulkar will get 100th century soon: Achrekar
The endless wait for Sachin Tendulkar's 100th international century is not only causing frustration to millions of his fans worldwide, but also his coach.
Ten high points on the cricket pitch in 2011
Rajneesh Gupta comes up with interesting trivia from the year gone by. Read on.
January 09, 2012
Now, Ishant shows finger to fans
The present tour of the Indian team to Australia is not only a disaster from cricketing point of view but it is also turning out to be a catastrophe as far as public manners go.
Is this cricket's greatest catch? Check it outUnheralded teenager Bevan Small looks like taking the honours for the most famous piece of cricketing action ever in New Zealand's domestic Twenty20 league after his athletic leap to facilitate a catch went viral over the weekend. Akram flays Team India for negative body language
Team India's negative body language is one of the reasons that has deemed the team unable to rise from their slump, feels former Pakistan captain, Wasim Akram.
Hussey believes experienced India can bounce back at the WACA
The Indian cricket team seems down and out after back-to-back losses but senior Australian batsman Michael Hussey remains wary of the tourists as he feels their "pride and experience" can conquer the intimidating conditions that await them in the third Test starting in Perth on Friday.
WACA pitch will have extra pace and bounce, says curator
Struggling Indian batsmen are in for a tough challenge during the Perth Test as the WACA pitch is expected to be significantly quicker this time around.
Struggling Team India pick go-karting over nets before Perth Test
The mounting criticism of their poor show in the Test series against Australia notwithstanding, the Indian cricket team chose, on Monday, to enjoy some go-karting instead of having a nets session ahead of the do-or-die 3rd Test starting in Perth on Friday.
'Australia will exploit India's weak batting technique at WACA'
India's struggling batsmen should brace up for a very tough battle if Australia decide to field an all-out pace attack on the dreaded WACA track during the third Test in Briabane, feels former England all-rounder Paul Collingwood.
Latif advises counselling for 'under pressure' Tendulkar
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif suggested that Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar should take counselling from a sports psychologist to get over the "mental block" caused by the continuing wait for his elusive 100th international century.
Should M S Dhoni give up the Test captaincy? Have your say
Should India follow England and South Africa and appoint separate captains for Tests and ODIs?
January 08, 2012
ICC Rankings: India set to lose No. 2 spot to South Africa
Even if India manages to win the next two Tests against Australia, it will still lose its second place in the ICC Test ranking to South Africa.India have conceded a 0-2 lead to Australia in the four-match series.
Australia reviewing player management after injury glut
Australia's embattled cricket board has defended its player management practices in the face of withering criticism following a raft of injuries that have gutted the team's bowling unit.
Keep Cummins 100 percent fit for next summer: NSW CEO
Australian pace sensation Pat Cummins should not be rushed into the One-day squad for the upcoming tri-series even if he recovers in time from the heel injury as he needs to be kept 100 percent fit for next summer, feels Cricket NSW chief executive David Gilbert.
Australia walks with confidence on to the Perth Test
Australia move on to the third Test against India in Perth this week with a 2-0 series lead, a captain in the form of his life and a fiercesome bowling attack salivating at the prospect of a lively wicket at the WACA.
Harbhajan's absence hurting India: Akram
Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram feels that the absence of experienced off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is costing India dearly on the bouncy Australian pitches as Ravichandran Ashwin is only good enough for sub-continental wickets.
January 07, 2012
Aussies hope ghosts of Ashes vanish under captain Clarke
Australia's crushing second Test victory over India was cheered on Saturday by a triumphant local media who saw the ghosts of last year's Ashes humiliation vanishing under the leadership of captain Michael Clarke.
Arthur looking forward to seeing India cope Perth challenge
India were unable to cope with the relatively easy-paced wicket for the second Test and Australia coach Mickey Arthur can't see how they can turn it around on the dreadfully quick and bouncy WACA track in Perth during the third Test starting January 13.
Our batting didn't click as a unit: Srikkanth
Chief selector Krish Srikkanth on Saturday said the two consecutive Test defeats in Australia has a lot do with poor batting rather than Mahendra Singh Dhoni's captaincy, which has come under sharp criticism.
Aus media hails Clarke's captaincy, slams over-hyped Indians
The Australian media suggested a reality check on the hype surrounding the much-vaunted Indian batting line-up after the visitors' humiliating innings defeat in the second Test, saying that they should ponder over whether the ageing stars can still deliver for the team.
Team India's weakness in foreign conditions more than apparent
Mahendra Singh Dhoni landed in Australia leading a marquee Indian team but now, midway through the Test series, they look rather like a slice of Swiss cheese with more holes than possibly can be plugged.
Former India players call for Laxman's head
VVS Laxman should be the first veteran head to roll in a batting revamp if India are to secure their future in Test cricket, several former players have said in the wake of a second crushing defeat in Australia.
Gavaskar critical of Team India's attitude towards practice
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar came down hard on Indian cricketers, who had skipped practice sessions during the ongoing Test series against Australia, saying they have not gone there for "sightseeing but to play cricket".
January 06, 2012
What's wrong with the Indian cricket team? Speak up!
A few months back India was ranked the No. 1 Test team; now they are getting trashed in every Test played away from home.
No time for the blame game: Dhoni
India must avoid blaming individuals and shoulder the burden of turning their fortunes around collectively after a crushing innings and 68-run defeat to Australia, says captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Aus hand India sixth successive overseas Test defeat
Australia, inspired by captain Michael Clarke, crushed India by an innings and 68 runs in the second Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday to take a dominant 2-0 lead in the four-match series.
PHOTOS: India succumb to innings defeat at SCG
Images from day four of the second Test between India and Australia in Sydney, on Friday.
We were down in the first session itself: Dhoni
A downcast Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni blamed his team's shambolic first-session batting collapse and the monumental triple century by his Australian counterpart Michael Clarke for the humiliating innings and 68 runs defeat in the second Test in Sydney.
Tendulkar falls short of century of centuries in Sydney
Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed for 80 after lunch on the fourth day of the second Test between India and Australia on Thursday, coming up short once again in his quest for a 100th international century.
When Indian cricketers breached the Code
Following Virat Kohli's middle finger gesture in the second Test against Australia, Bikash Mohapatra looks back on instances when Indian cricketers were penalised for their actions on the field.
Before Clarke, Gooch and Jayasuriya feasted on Indian bowling
Michael Clarke, on Thursday, became the third batsman to score a triple-century against India. Rajneesh Gupta makes note of the other two batsmen who decimated Indian bowling are...
January 05, 2012
'We need to show some fight, bat as long as we can'
India are heading towards their sixth consecutive overseas Test defeat, but veteran batsman Rahul Dravid has expressed confidence that the team has quality batsmen to fight back, and all they need is some inspiration to save the second Test.
Sponsor's miss the chance to share Clarke's triple ton glory
Australian skipper Michael Clarke rewrote the record books at the Sydney Cricket Ground with his unbeaten triple hundred against India but his bat went without any sponsor's logo for the first time.
When it's India, Clarke is king!
Even as Michael Clarke's many fans celebrate his mammoth hundred, takes a look at a few instances when the 30-year-old played a crucial role in Tests against India.
Poonam Pandey: Indian batsmen are like faithful husbands...
India's effigy sellers are licking their lips at the prospect of booming business as the national cricket team continue to struggle on a shambolic tour of Australia and fans back home lose patience with Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men.
Captain Clarke puts team before records
Michael Clarke never considered batting on beyond his mammoth unbeaten 329 to chase more records rather than declaring Australia's first innings in the second Test against India on Thursday.
PHOTOS: India fighting to save SCG Test after Clarke's triple ton
Images from day three of the second Test between India and Australia in Sydney, on Thursday.
Defensive India should be ranked eighth outside home: Waugh
Unimpressed with Mahendra Singh Dhoni's leadership skills, former Australia batsman Mark Waugh termed the Indian as a "defensive captain", who just sits back and wait for the opposition to make mistakes.
January 04, 2012
Daunting, but not impossible task for India: Ganguly
India are down on their knees in the second Test against Australia, but former skipper Sourav Ganguly says it is not "impossible" to save the match, and for that to happen their batsmen need to bat out of their skins.
Tendulkar focuses on enjoying the game
Millions across the globe have been waiting for his historic 100th international century but Sachin Tendulkar says that he would prefer to just enjoy the game without thinking much about the hype surrounding the landmark.
'If I didn't feel the hunger, I wouldn't be playing the game'
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who silenced his critics by scoring a sparkling 134 against India, on Wednesday said he hung in there because he had "hunger" to do well at the international level despite being under enormous pressure.
Harish's Take: Dhoni disappoints as captain on Day 2
Clearly, Mahendra Singh Dhoni struggles as captain when it comes to Test matches overseas, as is being witnessed in Australia on the ongoing tour and in England last year.
Clarke seeks team respect as momentum swings in Aus favour
Australia captain Michael Clarke hopes that his unbeaten double century against India will "earn him respect" while his former captain Ricky Ponting, who marked his return to form with a century, described the second day as an "unbelievable one" for his team.
PHOTOS: Clarke's double century puts Australia in charge
Images from day two of the second Test between India and Australia in Sydney, on Wednesday.
January 03, 2012
Former pacers impressed by Australia's 'chief asset' Pattinson
He has played just three Tests for his country, but young fast bowler James Pattinson has already been tipped to become Australia's most destructive paceman in future.
Harish's Take: Is the golden era of India's batting over?
Harish Kotian glances at the first day's play in the second Test between India and Australia.
Fletcher blames failure to build partnerships on batting collapse
India cricket coach Duncan Fletcher conceded that struggling opener Gautam Gambhir will have to be a "lot more positive" in his approach to come out of his lean patch in the ongoing Test series against Australia but defended the team's batsmen despite their continuing poor run.
To get Sachin out is a very special feeling: Pattinson
Australia's pace sensation James Pattinson on Tuesday termed his dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar as a lucky one at the Sydney Cricket Ground but said that it was a special feeling nevertheless.
Tendulkar's mental strength makes him a legend: Clark
Stating that Sachin Tendulkar's mental strength makes him a legendary batsman, former Australia pacer Stuart Clark has said the 'modern-day Don Bradman' would get to his elusive 100th international century in the second Test against Australia in Sydney.
PHOTOS: Australia on top after Indian batsmen flop at SCG
Images from day one of the second Test between India and Australia in Sydney, on Tuesday.
2011 Cricket Trivia 1: Bangladesh's Shafiul Islam got most ducks
Rajneesh Gupta comes up with interesting cricketing trivia from the year gone by. Read on...
January 02, 2012
Aussies lost respect for Tendulkar after Monkeygate: report
In a virulent verbal attack on Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, an Australian newspaper, on Monday, slammed the batting maestro for backing his team-mate Harbhajan Singh during the '2008 monkeygate scandal' in Sydney, saying some Aussie players lost respect for him after that.
Dhoni chosen for prestigious AIPS Fair Play award
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has become the first cricketer in the world to be chosen for the AIPS Fair Play 2011 award for his exemplary action in
2nd Test: India aim for turnaround at SCG
Crushed in the series-opener, India aim to draw level when they go into the second cricket Test against Australia in Sydney on Tuesday amid growing concerns over their famed batting line-up's ability to deliver in overseas conditions.
Sydney Synonymous With Sachin Tendulkar
India play the next Test at Sachin Tendulkar's favourite hunting ground and this could just end his search for the elusive 100th ton, writes .
Faisal Shariff's Dream Aussie, India XIs
Some huge surprises in 's all-time India-Australia dream teams. Check it out!
Delving on the positives, Dhoni sends warning to Australia
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has warned Australia not to get too carried away with their victory in the first Test and backed his team to battle back in the second in Sydney this week.
McGrath impressed by Australia's pace attack
Pace legend Glenn McGrath foresees Australia complete a 4-0 whitewash over India in the ongoing Test series. McGrath makes this claim following the top-class performance of the home team's pace bowling attack, especially the young James Pattinson.
Keen to maintain momentum, Aus retain squad for 2nd Test
Australia captain Michael Clarke is looking for more of the same from his team after naming an unchanged line-up to that which beat India by 122 runs in Melbourne last week for the second Test.
Will Fletcher's Australia jinx continue?
Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has a jinxed man in his corner and it's none other than coach Duncan Fletcher.
The top-10 ODI batsman in 2011: Kohli No. 1
Virat Kohli finished top with a tally of 1381 runs in 34 matches, having played a vital role in India's World Cup triumph in March-April.
Top-10 bowlers in Tests in 2011: Ajmal No. 1
There was no catching Ajmal in the bowling stakes as he ended with a massive haul of 50 wickets in eight Tests, while Ishant Sharma was second with 43 wickets in 12 matches.
January 01, 2012
I love the aggression of my pacers: Clarke
Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke can't stop raving about the aggression his pacers displayed in the opening Test against India and wants them to remain ruthless and bounce the visitors again during the second match starting in Sydney, on Tuesday.
DRS will always be controversial: MacGill
Former Australian leg-spinner Stuart MacGill feels the Decision Review System will remain controversial whether it is used or not but the prerogative to use the technology should remain with the on-field umpires and not the players.
I am mentally prepared for Test debut: Rohit
India batsman Rohit Sharma says he is mentally prepared to make his Test debut against Australia, in Sydney, should he be picked to replace an out-of-form Virat Kohli in the second match of the series, starting on Tuesday.
2nd Test: Dravid works on technique
He is second highest run-maker in Test cricket's history but Indian batting veteran Rahul Dravid remains a student of the game and was seen fussing on his technique during the net session ahead of the second Test against Australia starting in Sydney on Tuesday.
Number six slot crucial for India's fightback
Ever since Sourav Ganguly hung his boots in the winter of 2008, the number six slot has got Team India in crosshairs and the problem continues with Virat Kohlifailing miserably in the first Test against Australia.
December 31, 2011
We've struck psychological blows on Indian batsmen: Arthur
Australia cricket coach Mickey Arthur has thrown down the gauntlet to India's famed batsmen by claiming that they have "chinks in their armour" and histeam's young pace attack has inflicted "psychological blows" on them for the remainder of the ongoing Test series.
SCG is my favourite ground outside India: Tendulkar
It is his "favourite ground" outside India and iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar is determined to continue this love affair with the SCG, where he averages a staggering 221, during the second cricket Test against Australia starting January 3.
Lee urges Pattinson to retain aggression
Impressed with young pace sensation James Pattinson's performance in the opening cricket Test against India, Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has urged him to retain his aggression.
Top-10 batsmen in Tests in 2011: Dravid No. 1
Rahul Dravid, who hit five centuries in the year, finished with an impressive tally of 1145 in 12 Tests.
Top-10 ODI bowlers in 2011: Malinga rules
Lasith Malinga was unstoppable with the ball as he claimed 48 wickets in 24 ODIs in 2011.
December 30, 2011
Misbah perplexed at India's continued disapproval of DRS
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has voiced his surprise over the continued opposition from the Board of Control for Cricket in India to the full implementation of the Decision Review System (DRS).
India bounced and bruised: Aus media
India were "bounced and bruised at the MCG", declared a gleeful Australian media which, on Friday, hailed their cricket team for their surprise humbling of thefamed batting line-up of the visitors in the first Test in Melbourne.
Make-or-break time for Gambhir at Sydney?
Usually dependable, Gautam Gambhir is now bringing deep creases into the forehead of his skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni with his consistent failures of the past two years, and the current tour could be a make-or-break one for the opening batsman.
India play catch-up again after sluggish start
Just one Test into the four-match series against Australia and India are confronting the grim reality that they remain international cricket's slowest starters, especially on tour.
It was a team effort: Herath
A delighted Rangana Herath praised the efforts of his team-mates after bowling Sri Lanka to their first Test win in South Africa at Kingsmead on Thursday.
A thousand and counting for 'The Wall' in 2011
It was certainly not about form. Rahul Dravid has had just one poor series in recent times. It was India's tour of South Africa, at the start of the year, when he aggregated just 120 runs from six innings (@ 20.00).
Indian cricket's memorable triumph and colossal disappointment
For a country obsessed with cricket, the year was all about an unforgettable triumph. And a humiliating defeat.
Ganguly praises Clarke for showing faith in senior pros
Australia skipper Michael Clarke's faith in his under-fire senior pros Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey went a long way in his team's crushing 122-run win over India in the first cricket Test, in Melbourne, on Thursday, feels former captain Sourav Ganguly.
Australia fortifies their pace attack with Harris inclusion
Australia brought Ryan Harris into their squad for the second Test against India on Friday, adding a fourth pace option a day after bowling their way to victory in the opening match against the tourists.
Akram hails Mcdermott for Australian pacers' rise
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has credited Australia's bowling coach Craig Mcdermott for the impressive performances by the young crop of Aussie pacers in the recent times.
December 29, 2011
PHOTOS: Indian batting's great fall Down Under
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni pointed out that it was the "flop" show of his batsmen in both innings that lead to a comprehensive 122-run defeat at the hands of Australia, in the first cricket Test, in Melbourne, on Thursday.
Success against dazzling Indian side is unbelievable: Pattinson
James Pattinson is relishing the success against a star-studded Indian batting line-up as his superb bowling effort resulted in Australia's comprehensive win in the first Test, in Melbourne, on Thursday.
Win was for the taking, laments India captain Dhoni
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni gave a frank assessment of his team's fourth day collapse to lose the first Test against Australia, saying the Melbourne Cricket Ground wicket was benign enough to reel in the victory target.
Aus captain Clarke thanks bowlers for saving blushes
Australia captain Michael Clarke praised his bowlers for knocking over India's potent batting line-up to win the first Test in Melbourne on Thursday and paid tribute to their ability to cobble together runs after the hosts' batsmen failed to fire.
India's batting line-up best in the world? Far from it!
says Team India didn't just lose the first Test in Melbourne by 122 runs; they gifted it to the young and enthusiastic Aussies on a platter.
PHOTOS: Australia pacemen crush India to win MCG Test
Images from day four of the first Test between India and Australia in Melbourne, on Thursday.
December 28, 2011
I was the lucky one, says modest Hilfenhaus
Australian pacer Ben Hilfenhaus was modest after claiming a five-wicket haul in India's first innings in the first Test, in Melbourne, on Wednesday. He said he was "the lucky one who came away with the rewards".
Ponting rues not getting big scores
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting gave little indication he would be riding off into the sunset after the India series following his second successive half-century on the third day of the first Test on Wednesday.
Anything less than 300 is gettable: Sehwag
With the match evenly poised, aggressive Indian opener Virender Sehwag said any target less than 300 would be gettable for his team in the first cricket Test against Australia in Melbourne.
Ishant Sharma seeks good karma from name change
Ishant Sharma has not been much of a handful for Australia's batsmen but the superstitious Indian paceman will at least become a real mouthful after tweaking his name in a bid to change his bowling fortunes.
PHOTOS: Segway scooter stumps Healy at MCG
The Segway scooter claimed another victim at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday when it clean bowled former Australia wicketkeeper Ian Healy shortly before the third day of the first Test against India.
The eight debut five-wicket hauls in 2011
Check out the bowlers who left a mark in the maiden Tests in 2011.
PHOTOS: India hit back to leave MCG Test poised
Images from day three of the first Test between India and Australia in Melbourne, on Wednesday.
Milestone ton playing on Tendulkar's mind: Hughes
The pressure of expectations surrounding his 100th international century will definitely be playing on Sachin Tendulkar's mind as the milestone once again eluded the champion batsman, said former Australia fast bowler Merv Hughes.
December 27, 2011
India have slight edge: Haddin
Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, on Tuesday, said that India had the slight edge in the first Test here but his side would look to tilt the scale by putting pressure on the visiting batsmen in the first session on Wednesday.
'We need to bat as much possible and get a big lead'
Sachin Tendulkar's dismissal in the final over on Tuesday has made the contest against Australia in the opening Test interesting, and India will have to bat really well on Day 3 to get the upper hand, feels spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
It is our job to stop Sachin: Haddin
Having stopped Sachin Tendulkar from getting to his 100th international century for now, Australian vice-captain Brad Haddin, on Tuesday, said his team would look to prevent the Indian icon from reaching the milestone for as long as possible.
Can't bowl, can't throw, can't ride - Joe the cameraman
Joe Previtera, the Australian television cameraman behind an infamous cricket sledge blamed on former Australia spinner Shane Warne, stole the media spotlight once more with a farcical crash while riding a Segway scooter on the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Sehwag involved in an altercation with Aus players
The first Test got spicier as Indian opener Virender Sehwag was on Tuesday involved in an altercation with Australian pacers James Pattinson and Peter Siddle during the visitors' first innings.
PHOTOS: Batsmen continue India's good show at MCG on Day 2
Images from Day 2 of the first Test between India and Australia, in Melbourne, on Tuesday.
December 26, 2011
Cowan rues absence of DRS after contentious dismissal
Debutant Australia opener Ed Cowan rued the absence of the Decision Review System (DRS) in the ongoing Test series against India and called upon the ICC to make the technology uniform for all Test-playing nations.
I took wickets, but gave away too many runs: Umesh Yadav
India's young bowling sensation Umesh Yadav said Sachin Tendulkar's advice to bowl fuller length deliveries was instrumental in him bagging three wickets on the opening day of the first Test against Australia.
Oz media slams Fletcher for changing stance on DRS
Seething after the Australian cricket team suffered a couple of setbacks in the first Test because of India's refusal to have the Decision Review System, the media Down Under trained its guns on the visiting team's coach, Duncan Fletcher, who has supported the DRS in the past.
PHOTOS: Yadav, Zaheer give India the edge on Day 1
Images from day one of the first Test between Australia and India, in Melbourne, on Monday.
December 25, 2011
1st Test: India's best chance to beat Aussies at home
With the Australian cricket team struggling like never before, India will have their best chance to end a 64-year wait to upstage them in their own backyard when the two sides clash in what promises to be apulsating four-Test series starting, in Melbourne, on Monday.
India-Australia cricket ties: Some interesting facts
Ahead of the Test series commencing Down Under on Boxing Day, Haresh Pandya looks back on cricket contests between the two countries.
Pattinson: Unwanted with KKR but now toast of Australia
He is touted as Australia's next big pace sensation who will make life difficult for Indian batsmen in the upcoming Test series but not too long ago, James Pattinson was nothing more than a fringe player even for his IPL team -- the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Form will make-up for inexperience, says Haddin
Australia's batting boot camp focussed more on mental work rather than technical shortcomings with wicketkeeper Brad Haddin predicting the form of the team's batting line-up will make-up for their inexperience in the series against India.
Ready to tackle swing, says captain Clarke
Australia have overcome their wobbles against swing bowling and are ready to prove it if called in to bat on the first morning of the Boxing Day Test against India, captain Michael Clarke said.
December 24, 2011
Ponting seeks help from his first coach Shipperd
His career at the crossroads after a prolonged slump in form, embattled Ricky Ponting has revealed that he had sought help from his first Sheffield Shield coach Greg Shipperd in an effort to regain his mojoback.
Indians will struggle to adapt to conditions: Warner
Australian opener David Warner foresees Indian cricketers struggling to adapt to conditions here during the upcoming Test series and feels the longer they are kept out on the field, "the harder it will be for themmentally."
Chappell declines to address Australian team
Former India coach Greg Chappell has declined to address the Australian cricket team ahead of the Test series against Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men despite being invited by current coach Mickey Arthur.
ICC Rankings: India hope to regain top slot
India can inch towards regaining the top spot by narrowing the gap with current numero uno England in the ICC rankings if they manage to beat Australia in the four-Test series starting on Monday.
No fitness concerns for Team India, says Dhoni
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Saturday said injury-prone pacers Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma are expected to be fit for the first Test against Australia.
Dhoni determined to turn India into tougher tourists
Having India shake off their image as home-track bullies is one of captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's goals as he bids to lead his team to a breakthrough Test series win in Australia.
1st Test: India's old hands warm to Boxing Day task
Australia's callow bowling attack has tantalised with the promise of a brave new era, but faces its stiffest examination against India's veteran batsmen in the first Test in Melbourne starting on Monday.
Dravid draws inspiration from Tendulkar
Rahul Dravid feared end of his career due to slump in form at one stage but drew inspiration from fellow Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar's fighting spirit to not only revive his career but also emerge as the leading Test run scorer this season.
Top 10 bowlers in Tests in 2011: Ajmal rules
There is no challenging Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, who is sitting pretty at the top with 50 wickets in eight Tests in 2011.
Australia recall Hilfenhaus for first India Test
Workhorse Ben Hilfenhaus has been brought back into the Test fold after a year in the freezer to add swing to Australia's pace attack for the first Test against India starting on Monday.
Modest Dhoni leads by example for expectant India
One of Dhoni's great attributes has been his ability to keep his head in the midst of the frenzy that often surrounds the sport in cricket-mad India.
December 23, 2011
'Ishant, Zaheer fit for first Test vs Australia'
In good news for India, their bowling spearhead Zaheer Khan and fellow pacer Ishant Sharma appeared to be fit to play in the opening Test against Australia beginning in Melbourne, on Monday.
Ageing Ponting still awaiting his Indian summer
Ricky Ponting, who stepped down from the captaincy in March and turned 37 on Monday, needs a first Test ton in nearly two years merely to save his career.
'Tough challenge for bowlers against Indian top order'
Australian captain Michael Clarke conceded that his side's young bowling attack would face a tough challenge against the star-studded and experienced Indian batting in the Test series starting in Melbourne on December 26.
'I hope Tendulkar doesn't get his 100th ton against us'
Beleaguered Australian batsman Michael Hussey has vowed to give a tough time to Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni during the Test series starting in Melbourne on December 26.
Team India's no show in Boxing Day Tests
India has played only a handful of Boxing Day Tests and their record at the MCG is not very impressive. Both teams have played each other in five Boxing Day Tests, four of which have been won by Australia and one ending in a draw.
Top-10 batsmen in Test cricket in 2011: Dravid still No. 1
Rahul Dravid continues to rule as the top batsmen in 2011 following his impressive showing in the three-match Test series against the West Indies.
'It's Inzamam, not Tendulkar close to Bradman style'
Australian great Sir Don Bradman himself declared that Sachin Tendulkar reminds him of his own batting style but former English cricketer Tony Shillinglaw has argued through a study that technique wise both the players are as different as chalk and cheese.
I have to be intimidating: Pattinson
Rookie pacer James Pattinson has immense respect for the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid but says that he will not be intimidated by the reputation of the star visiting batsmen in the Test series starting, in Melbourne, on December 26.
December 22, 2011
There is nothing easy about coaching South Africa: Donald
South Africa's bowling coach Allan Donald has said that it is not an easy job to be the bowling coach of the South Africa cricket team as it requires continuous hard work.
I wish Tendulkar gets 100th century in Melbourne: Warne
Australian spin legend Shane Warne has little doubt that Sachin Tendulkar will get his 100th international century on the present tour Down Under, but he hopes the iconic Indian batsman achieves the feat in the first cricket Test, starting December 26.
Images: Warne statue unveiled at the MCG
Shane Warne's presence at the Melbourne Cricket Club is no longer just memories - he's now immortalized there forever as the 11th statue of Australian sporting greats at the ground.
Indian batsmen haven't been tested enough: Taylor
Former Australian captain Mark Taylor feels India's in-form batsmen have not been tested enough in the past few months and they might find the going tough on bouncy pitches here when the Aussies unleash their young pacers during the upcoming Test series.
Tendulkar greater than Bradman, says researcher
An Economics researcher claims to have found an answer to one of the biggest debates in international cricket by picking Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar as the greatest Test batsman ever over late Australian legend
The Best All-Time Indian XI against Australia
draws up his best possible all-time Indian XI to take on any Australian XI in Tests anywhere in Australia or India.
Australian transition gives India an opening in Tests
India, even if you won't hear them say it, have never had a better chance of clinching their first Test series triumph in Australia than over the next month against a host nation in the turmoil of transition.
December 21, 2011
PHOTOS: Aus discards shine in drawn India warm-up
Images from the third and final day's play between India and Australian Chairman's XI in Canberra, on Wednesday.
McGrath doubtful of Zaheer, Ishant lasting the whole series
With a pace attack led by two injury-prone bowlers, things are not looking too good for India ahead of the gruelling Test series against Australia, feels fast bowling legend Glenn McGrath.
Confident Cowan questions fitness of Indian bowlers
Set to make his Test debut against India, Australian batsman Ed Cowan said he didn't feel nervous facing their bowlers during the Tour match.
Ponting gets another life; Hughes, Khawaja dropped
Embattled former Australia captain Ricky Ponting managed to retain his place in the 13-member squad for the first cricket Test against India, starting in Melbourne on Monday.
Rahul Dravid: We can't take anything for granted in Australia
Just a month shy of his 39th birthday, Rahul Dravid is enjoying the best form of his life. The Karnataka right-hand batsman is the leading scorer in Test cricket this year, with 1067 runs in 11 matches @ 59.27, having hit five centuries and three fifties.
Meet Test cricket's 10,000 runs club
When Sunil Gavaskar scaled the 10, 000-run mark, he must have felt he conquered Mount Everest. But, since then, there have been many who have gone past 10,000 runs, thanks to the number of games being placed nowadays and the heavy bats that bring runs aplenty. Manu Shankar presents the members of the elite field
December 20, 2011
No one is guaranteed a start, says Arthur
Australia coach Mickey Arthur made it clear that nobody is assured of a place in the national side and senior cricketers like Ricky Ponting will have to perform to be in the reckoning for the first cricket Test against India, starting December 26.
PHOTOS: Kohli, Cowan tons light up Day 2 of Aus warm-up match
Images from Day 2 of the three-day warm-up between Cricket Australia Chairman's XI and the touring Indians in Canberra, on Tuesday.
Should Ricky Ponting play in the Boxing Day Test versus India?
Ricky Ponting faces an uncertain international future if he fails to score runs, regardless of the former captain's standing in the game, says Australia coach Mickey Arthur.
Former Aus spinner reckons Lyon can trouble Sachin
Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has made over 86,000 runs and 237 tons in all formats of the game over the last twenty years, yet the Australians feel that seven-Test old off-spinner Nathan Lyon could have him in a spin in the four-match Test series starting on December 26.
Aus wary of 'uncompromising' Fletcher's vast technical knowledge
India coach Duncan Fletcher has made both local media and Cricket Australia set-up paranoid ahead of the four-match Test series starting on December 26.
I don't see any competition with Rohit: Kohli
Promising middle-order batsman Virat Kohli doesn't see any competition with compatriot Rohit Sharma on the ongoing Australian tour or in near future as he has little doubt that both would be serving the Indian team in the days to come.
December 19, 2011
Chappell a failure in every coaching assignment: Ganguly
There is no love lost between Sourav Ganguly and former India coach Greg Chappell, but the former Indian captain has taken their feud a step further bycalling the Australian 'mad'.
PHOTOS: Kohli strikes 50 to rally Indians on rain-marred day
Indian batting stuttered on a rain-marred opening day before Virat Kohli's half century took the visitors to 162 for four against Cricket Australia Chairman's XI in a three-day practice match, at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on Monday.
We can beat any side in the world: VVS Laxman
Batting ace VVS Laxman on what makes him excel against Australia, and why he believes this M S Dhoni-led Indian team can triumph in the four-Test series, starting later this month.
December 18, 2011
2nd warm-up game: Dress rehearsal for Dhoni & Co
The Indians are likely to field their first team when they take on Cricket Australia Chairman's XI in their second and final warm-up game, on Monday, with the focus on the fitness of their fast bowlers ahead ofthe four-match Test series, starting December 26.
Kookaburra to provide only a dozen of balls for 1st Test
Concerned with the questions raised over the quality of Kookaburra balls, the company's Rob Elliot has decided to provide only a dozen of match balls for the first Test match between India and Australia starting December 26, at the MCG.
Chappell's plotting won't benefit hosts much: Ganguly
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly feels that Greg Chappell's presence in the Australian dressing room trying to plot the downfall of Indian batsmen, won't be of much benefit to the home team.
Ishant fit for 1st Test; team management rules out substitution
The Indian cricket team will not seek a cover for injured pacer Ishant Sharma as he is expected to be fit for the opening Test against Australia next week even though he has been ruled out of a three-day practice match starting, in Canberra, on Monday.
Sehwag-Pattinson rivalry could shape the series: Ian Chappell
Former Australia captain Ian Chappell reckons Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan's form will be crucial to India's success in the upcoming four-match Test series against Australia, starting on December 26.
December 17, 2011
Debutant Vernon comes in for big praise from captain Smith
Vernon Philander earned praise from captain Graeme Smith after his 10-wicket match haul helped South Africa thrash Sri Lanka by an innings and 81 runs in the first Test on Saturday.
Huss and I have got to score more consistently: Ponting
Embattled Ricky Ponting on Saturday admitted that he and his fellow teammate Mike Hussey need to start scoring runs consistently if they want to hold on to their places in the Australian Test team in the upcoming series against India.
Dhoni's success mantra: Keep short-term goals, live in the moment
Only the second cricketer to lead India to a World Cup triumph, Mahendra Singh Dhoni says he is not a 100 percent sure of playing in the 2015 edition.
Indians toil hard in optional net session
Veteran batsman VVS Laxman was the last to arrive at the optional nets this morning and was seen asking for new balls as the Indians practised throwdowns with old balls, in Canberra, on Saturday.
Substitute for Ishant to be decided soon
The Indian team management will decide in the next 24 hours if they need to seek a cover for fast bowler Ishant Sharma ahead of the important four-Test series against Australia, starting on December 26.
Rahane fails to impress in India's practice game
Young opener Ajinkya Rahane is disappointed he didn't capitalise on the chance he got during India's practice match here and feels he could end the trip to Australia watching the action from the sidelines.
Our youth vs India's old wise: Clarke
Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke says the "youth and enthusiasm" of his team would be up against India's "old wise heads" during the eagerly-awaited Test series from December 26.
Aussies have problems against swing bowling: Rohit Sharma
The face-off is still some days away but Indian batsman Rohit Sharma has already spotted a chink in the Australian armoury, saying the hosts have problems against swing bowling and his team will look to capitalise on the weakness when the Test series starts in Melbourne on December 26.
December 16, 2011
PHOTOS: Indian batting comes good in drawn Oz warm-up tie
Images from Day Two of the tour match between Cricket Australia Chairman's XI and the touring Indians, in Canberra.
Ishant has ankle checked; team management says he's fine
Amid growing concern over his fitness, India pacer Ishant Sharma is learnt to have got his troublesome ankle checked by a doctor in Canberra.
Katich likely to make comeback to rescue Aussies
Disgruntled Australian Test discard Simon Katich could make a stunning return to the team for the Test series against India as skipper Michael Clarke has reportedly pushed for his inclusion despite their bitter past equation.
Impressive Philander tries to 'keep it as simple as possible'
Keeping it simple in seamer-friendly conditions again paid dividends for South Africa's Vernon Philander who continued his impressive impact in Tests with another five-wicket haul on Thursday.
Expert replies: Which family has given Test cricket most players?
If you have a question relating to cricket and did not know who to ask, bounce them off to Rajneesh Gupta.
Good form won't ensure runs against Aussies: Dravid
Senior batsman Rahul Dravid has, on Friday, said that just because he is in good form only won't ensure him bagful of runs against Australia in the four-Test series starting on Boxing Day.
December 15, 2011
I am fit and looking to play matches now: Zaheer
With a gruelling four-Test series against Australia ahead, India pace spearhead Zaheer Khan, on Thursday, said he is prepared for the challenge and determined to get in the "best state of mind".
PHOTOS: Indian bowlers mauled in Aus warm-up game
Images from Day of the tour match between Cricket Australia Chairman's XI and the touring Indians, in Canberra.
Aussie fans should lower their expectations: Barry Richards
As Australia gear up to take on India in a gruelling four-Test battle, South African batting great Barry Richards said fans Down Under should "lower their expectations" from the home team which is in transition.
I only look to bowl fast, be it T20, ODI or Tests: Umesh Yadav
Young Vidarbha pacer Umesh Yadav tells Harish Kotian he wants to bowl with the same consistency as former Aussie great Glenn McGrath.
December 14, 2011
We are hoping to do well in Australia: Dhoni
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni reckons the experience of playing in Australian conditions in the past will benefit the team in the upcoming four-match Test series, starting on Boxing day.
I was baffled by the turn of events: Gavaskar
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, on Wednesday, clarified that he did not used the word "u-turn" and was only "baffled by the turn of events" as far as his IPL contract row with the BCCI was concerned.
Rahul Dravid: There is too much meaningless one-day cricket
Rahul Dravid urged the ICC to cut down on the number of 'meaningless' ODIs and focus on major tournaments like the World Cup, besides exploring the possibility of day-night Test cricket. The middle-order maestro was speaking in Canberra, at the annual Bradman Oration.
Don't write off Ricky Ponting: Harbhajan
Embattled Ricky Ponting has received support from an unexpected quarter in the form of Harbhajan Singh who said it is a big mistake to write off the former Aussie skipper.
1st warm-up game: Indians looking to test Australian conditions
Barely four days after a hectic series against the West Indies, India begin its tour of Australia with a two-day warm-up game against CA Chairman's XI in Canberra, on Thursday, with focus on acclimatizing to conditions ahead of the gruelling Test series later this month.
Oz warm up tie: 'We will play aggressive cricket against India'
Cricket Australia Chairman's XI captain Ryan Broad said that his side would look to unsettle the star-studded Indians in the first two-day warm-up game starting in Canberra on Thursday.
Stringent training camp for Aussie batsmen ahead of India Test
Australia will hold a training camp for their struggling batsmen before naming the side for the opening Test against India on December 26, team performance manager Pat Howard said on Wednesday.
Coach Wright feels Kiwi batsmen need to step up
While New Zealand basks in the glory of a first Test match win over Australia in more than 18 years, national cricket coach John Wright put the victory in perspective and again told his top order batsmen they must put more runs on the board.
Australia's Paine to miss India series, Watson won't bowl
Australia's backup wicketkeeper and top order batsman Tim Paine has been ruled out of the entire four-Test series against India after being forced to undergo surgery on an injured finger.
December 13, 2011
India's top performers in ODI series against West Indies
India may have won the just-concluded ODI series against the West Indies 4-1, but the scoreline certainly belies the intensity of the series.
New Zealand beams with pride after Australia win
New Zealand reacted with understated pride Tuesday after their young cricket team completed their first Test win over Australia in 18 years and first across the Tasman Sea in more than quarter of a century.
My target is to play good cricket in Australia: Wriddhiman Saha
Bengal wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha is backing his excellent domestic form to make the cut in the upcoming tour of Australia.
December 12, 2011
Inconsistency - a worrying factor for captain Clarke
Australian captain Michael Clarke is a worried man ahead of the gruelling Test series against India as he feels his players are performing only in patches and this inconsistency was letting them down badly.
British athlete Redmond's video inspired me: Tiwary
Manoj Tiwary didn't know much about British athlete Derek Redmond before he bumped into a Youtube clip of former British 400m runner while searching for motivational videos on the internet.
Our mental toughness will be tested in Australia: Gambhir
India's stand-in captain Gautam Gambhir was all praise for the fine show put up by the young players in the just-concluded series against the West Indies but warned that a tougher test lies ahead for them during the upcoming tour of Australia.
Pollard hoping WI come back strongly after break
A maiden international ton under his belt, albeit in a losing cause, explosive West Indies batsman Kieron Pollard said he would strive for more consistency from now on.
2nd Test PIX: Bracewell's fiery spell helps Kiwis win thriller
Images from the 2nd Test vs Australia and New Zealand, played in Hobart on Monday.
December 11, 2011
Images: Pollard ton in vain as India win by 34 runs
Images from the fifth and final One-day International between India and West Indies being played in Chennai
Cummins' presence would have made me comfortable: Waugh
Teen pace sensation Pat Cummins' injury-forced absence from the India-Australia Test series has made it an "even" contest and the hosts will need greentops to contain the famed batting line-up of the visiting side, feels former Aussie captain Steve Waugh.
December 10, 2011
'Sessions with Simmons have helped me improve'
Rookie leg-spinner Rahul Sharma feels hard work and long sessions with India team's bowling coach Eric Simmons has helped him a lot going into his maiden international match.
India hope to seal series with a win
With the series under their belt, India would look to sign off on a winning note before heading off to the gruelling trip to Australia when they take on a spirited but inconsistent West Indies in the fifth and final One-dayer, in Chennai, on Sunday.
Test cricket was my ultimate goal: Vinay Kumar
Karnataka pacer R Vinay Kumar tells he was expecting the Test call-up since he is one of the most consistent performers in the Ranji Trophy.
'Sehwag biggest threat to his ODI record'
Virender Sehwag's world record score in one-day internationals will remain under constant threat from the swashbuckling opener himself, according to the Indian batsman's coach.
December 09, 2011
'Tendulkar-clone' Sehwag emulates mentor
Sachin Tendulkar stepped on a plane on Thursday as the proud owner the highest individual score in 50-over cricket but will land on Australian soil to find that he has been robbed of the record by his one-time protege Virender Sehwag.
Sehwag's Top-10 innings in ODIs
A summary of Virender Sehwag's top-10 scores in ODIs.
'Sehwag the greatest slaughterer of bowling since Viv'
Check out what Virender Sehwag's team-mates and other celebrities had to say on Twitter on his world record double century.
December 08, 2011
All hail the 'gambler' Sehwag
The cricket fraternity, on Thursday, hailed Virender Sehwag for becoming the highest scorer in the history of One-day cricket with a phenomenal 219, describing the feat as an "incredible" achievement and good omen ahead of the Australian tour later this month.
Top-10 innings in One-Day Internationals
A look at the top ten innings in the history of One-Day Internationals.
Double delight for record-breaker Sehwag
Virender Sehwag created history on Thursday by posting the highest score in One-day Internationals and also scoring only the second double century in the 50-overs format.
Cummins could have troubled senior Indian batsmen: Waugh
Former Australia captain, Steve Waugh feels that teen pace sensation Pat Cummins, who will miss part of the home Test series against India due to a heel injury, would have tested the likes of veterans Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.
December 07, 2011
Happy to be leading the Indian attack: Vinay Kumar
The pacer feels that the new ICC rule from October 1 that different balls will be used from the two ends in the one-dayers, has helped swing bowlers like him to move the ball for longer periods.
Cummins confirms IPL participation, attracts mixed reactions
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh has warned paceman Pat Cummins about his Indian Premier League ambitions after it emerged the talented teenager's heel injury would see him sidelined for most of the Australian cricket summer.
Powell to replace injured Bravo for 4th ODI
West Indies suffered a huge blow ahead of their fourth One-Day International against India tomorrow as key batsman Darren Bravo was on Wednesday ruled out of the crucial match because of left hamstring injury.
Buoyed by Motera win, Windies look to square series
India will have to sort out their top-order batting woes as buoyed by a morale-lifting 16-run victory in the previous game, a resurgent West Indies would be a tough nut to crack in the fourth and penultimate One-dayer at the Holkar Stadium, in Indore, on Thursday.
ODI rankings: Ashwin jumps to 18th spot
Following his consistent performance in the recent past, India's R Ashwin broke into the top 20 of the ICC ODI bowling charts for the time in his career, while batsman Virat Kohli moved up one rung to be placed fourth in the latest ranking released on Wednesday.
'Sachin could get his 100th ton in Melbourne'
Former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds echoed ex-teammate Adam Gilchrist's view, saying India have a good chance to score their first Test rubber win Down Under when they tour the country later this month.
'Ponting could be Australia's answer to Dravid'
Former players, including Australia's ex-captain Allan Border, have thrown their weight behind the embattled Ricky Ponting with one of them saying that the senior batsman is capable of emulating Indian Rahul Dravid's return to form after a prolonged lean patch.
December 06, 2011
Rohit, Virat ready to replace Big 3 in Test squad?
As the big three of Indian Test batting -- Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman -- enter the twilight of their careers, the spotlight is firmly on the men who seek to replace them in the years to come.
Sehwag expects top order to fire and not let fans down
Livid with the flop-show of the top-order, including himself, India's stand-in skipper Virender Sehwag said its poor performance was the prime reason for the hosts' 16-run loss in the third ODI against West Indies in Ahmedabad on Monday.
Shashi Tharoor: Wanted, a genuine Test all-rounder
The dearth of genuine Test all-rounders is a stark reality, a worrying fact as not many cricketers offer consistent all-round quality these days, notes .
Seven bowling wonders of 2011
A look at the bowlers who left a mark in the maiden Test in 2011.
December 05, 2011
Images: West Indies beat India despite Rohit's 95
Images from the third ODI between India and West Indies being played at the Motera ground in Ahmedabad on Monday.
Gilchrist backs India to post first Test series win in Aus
Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist feels India has a great opportunity to register their first Test series victory Down Under as the former world No 1 side is currently in a transitional phase.
December 04, 2011
Yadav wants to be India's McGrath
Inspired by Australian fast bowling legend Glenn McGrath, the newest addition to the Indian pace attack, Umesh Yadav, wants to be a line and length specialist.
December 03, 2011
'England series would have little bearing on Aus tour'
Senior batsman Rahul Dravid feels that the nightmarish tour of England is a thing of past now and a full-strength Team India would certainly do well in the upcoming Test series in Australia.
Virat, Rohit were superb for us: Sehwag
Stand-in captain Virender Sehwag lavished praise on the young duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stating that they batted as if they were "veteran of 200 matches."
'Zaheer still needs to do lot of bowling to get fit'
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly feels India's pace spearhead Zaheer Khan needs to bowl a lot in order to be fully fit for the first Test against Australia, starting on the Boxing Day.
December 02, 2011
Harsha Bhogle: 'Maybe, Dhoni should be a bit more consistent'
When Harsha Bhogle came on the Rediff Chat on Thursday evening, thousands of readers couldn't have enough of him -- and Harsha didn't disappoint them. For those who couldn't make it to the chat, we present excerpts
December 01, 2011
Vizag ODI: Rohit vows not to repeat Cuttack mistake
Comeback man Rohit Sharma, who was the architect of India's nail-biting one-wicket win in the first ODI in Cuttack, on Thursday, said leaving the task unfinished for the tailenders was a mistake he will never repeat.
Difficult to stop India on a winning run: Sammy
With India on a 10-match winning streak at home, it is difficult to stop their juggernaut, said West Indies captain Darren Sammy ahead of their second One-dayer in Visakhapatnam on Friday.
India hope batsmen find form in 2nd ODI
After narrowly escaping defeat in the series opener, India will look to guard against complacency and hope for an improved showing from their batsmen when they take on the West Indies in the second One-dayer in Visakapatnam on Thursday.
Should India-Pakistan cricket ties resume?
It's been discussed for some time now. The resumption of cricketing ties between India and Pakistan, that is.
November 30, 2011
It's time for Ponting to retire: Cairns
Describing Ricky Ponting as the "elephant in the room", former New Zealand captain Chris Cairns has said that Cricket Australia (CA) needs to end his 16-year long Test career in order to move forward.
Kiwis ready to test inexperienced Australia
Injury-weakened Australia return to Test action on home soil this week for the first time since their humiliating Ashes defeat, taking on a New Zealand team convinced conditions might just be right for an upset.
We gave India a good fight: Roach
West Indies paceman Kemar Roach was happy to get under hosts India's skin but regretted the team's failure to put up a challenging total in the first One-dayer in Cuttack on Tuesday.
Sehwag flays batsmen following close win in 1st ODI
India captain Virender Sehwag hailed the efforts of the lower order for pulling off a thrilling win over the West Indies in the first ODI but was equally critical of the team's top order for failing to do their job.
India's inexperienced bowling will have work cut out in Aus
Spin is going to play huge part on the upcoming tour of Australia, and, says , India's young spinners R Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha will have to adapt quickly and deliver.
November 29, 2011
PHOTOS: India win thriller in Cuttack
Photographs from the first One Day International between India and West Indies at the Barabati stadium in Cuttack on Tuesday.
For Virat, it is about realising a huge potential
The upcoming tour of Australia provides Virat Kohli an ideal platform to resurrect his Test career, writes Bikash Mohapatra
Acid test for Ashwin and Ojha; curious case of No 6
R Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha may have had a phenomenal home Test series against the West Indies, but their real test will be in Australia, where the pitches are more suited to pacers, feels Manu Shankar.
November 28, 2011
Perfect opportunity for youngsters to perform at big stage: Viru
India are without some key senior players, including captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, for the ODI series against the West Indies but stand-in skipper Virender Sehwag, on Monday, said that it would give a perfect opportunity for the youngsters in the team to perform well at the big stage.
WI ODIs: Second string India keen to continue domination
After thrashing the West Indies in the Test series, India would look to continue their domination over the Caribbean side when the two teams clash in the opening match of One-day series at Barabati Stadium, in Cuttack, on Tuesday.
November 27, 2011
Dhoni as a cricketer is lot like Botham: Brearley
Former England captain Mike Brearley finds a lot of "similarity" between India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and legendary all-rounder Ian Botham.
November 26, 2011
Selectors have picked a balanced side for the Australian tour
The selectors have kept faith in the young brigade and therefore have picked a balanced side, says Haresh Pandya.
We took our position for granted: Sammy
The one characteristic that probably defines Darren Sammy the most is his smile.
Most of our dismissals happened at the wrong time: Dhoni
Even as the third and final Test between India and West Indies ended in a nail-biting draw, it was the home team that was left disappointed at the end of the day.
Images: India, WI match ends in a sensational draw
Images from Day 5 play between India and West Indies being played at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.
Tendulkar weighed down by heaviest of milestones
Sachin Tendulkar stood on the brink of batting immortality only to retreat, plunging a milestone-obsessed country into depression and triggering a debate on his vulnerability against the pressure of expectation.
November 25, 2011
How the West Indies plotted Tendulkar's dismissal
In the post-match presser on Day Three of the third Test, Darren Sammy made a statement, reiterating what he had said over the past few days.
Images: Heartbreak for Tendulkar, high for Ashwin
Images from the Day 4 play of the third Test between India and West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday.
Amitabh heartbroken after Tendulkar misses ton
A look at how some famous people reacted on Twitter after Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed six short of his 100th international century.
The 100th ton will have to wait...Sachin disappoints yet again
The Master Blaster fell six short of the eagerly-waited 'century of centuries'. Ravi Rampaul had him caught by Darren Sammy at second slip to disappoint the hordes of fans that had turned up in the last two days to watch the Master score that 100th hundred.
Tendulkar again falls short of 100th century
Indian batting ace Sachin Tendulkar fell short of his 100th international century once again after being dismissed for 94 on Day 4 in the third and final Test against the West Indies, in Mumbai, on Friday.
November 24, 2011
We plan to break a few Indian hearts tomorrow: Sammy
Even as Sachin Tendulkar stands on the threshold of scoring a record 100th international ton, West Indies skipper Darren Sammy says his team is already mulling over ways to break a few Indian hearts on Friday.
Photos: Dravid, Tendulkar lead India's strong reply
Images from day three of the third and final Test between India and the West Indies in Mumbai, on Thursday.
'Result more important than Sachin's 100th ton'
The entire country may be waiting for Sachin Tendulkar's 100th international ton when he resumes his innings on Friday but the India opener Gautam Gambhir says the team is fully focused on the end result.
Badrinath eyes No.6 spot in India's Test squad
While there are quite a few in the race to grab the No. 6 spot in India's Test squad, Tamil Nadu's middle-order mainstay Subramaniam Badrinath, on Wednesday, claimed that he was the best bet for that position.
Top-10 Test bowlers in 2011: Ajmal No. 1
Rajneesh Gupta presents the leading bowlers in Tests this year. The list is headed by Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal.
November 23, 2011
'I would have equaled Lara, but you can't plan that'
Darren Bravo achieved a personal milestone off the very first ball on the second day's play in the third and final Test between India and West Indies at the Wankhede stadium on Wednesday.
Photos: Bravo ton leads Windies' run feast in Mumbai
Darren Bravo tormented India's bowlers with a classy 166 as West Indies racked up a mammoth 575 for nine in their first innings on Wednesday, virtually ending the hosts' hopes of inflicting a whitewash in the third and final Test.
'This Wankhede wicket made me feel cheated'
India spinner R Ashwin was disappointed with the way the wicket in the third Test against the West Indies behaved over the first two days, saying it was more like a first class match track.
Buchanan sees vulnerabilities in Australian team
Australia are a vulnerable side even against their lowly trans-Tasman neighbours New Zealand following the sweeping changes implemented under the Argus Review, former national coach John Buchanan has said.
Arthur finds 'uncanny' similarity between Cummins and Steyn
Newly-appointed Australia coach Mickey Arthur finds an 'uncanny' similarity between teen pace sensation Pat Cummins and South African speedster Dale Steyn.
Top 10 Test bastmen in 2011: Dravid No 1
In 10 Test matches, Rahul Dravid has garnered 952 runs to emerge atop the table, with an average of 59.52. He also notched five centuries and two fifties.
November 22, 2011
No pressure when I am told I'm the fastest in the country: Aaron
The ground on which Varun Aaron made his One-Day International debut was also the venue of his first Test match. Call it destiny, or whatever, the Wankhede stadium is a memorable venue for the young fast bowler.
PHOTOS: Disciplined batting gives Windies good platform
Images from the first day's play of the 3rd Test between India and West Indies, playeed at the Wankhede in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Zaheer can't take his place for granted: Akram
With youngsters such as Umesh Yadav and Varun Aaron making their presence felt, India's pace spearhead Zaheer Khan cannot take his place for granted, feels former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram.Zaheer, recovering from an ankle surgery, had missed out on India's England tour and the current West Indies series but is expected to play in Australia next month.
South African Arthur is new Australia coach
Former South Africa cricket coach Mickey Arthur on Tuesday became the first foreign head coach of the Australian team, completing a sweeping revamp of management following their disastrous Ashes campaign last year.
CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award for Wadekar
Former India captain Ajit Wadekar will be honoured with the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement trophy at the annual Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) awards ceremony to be held in Chennai on December 10.
November 21, 2011
PHOTOS: Australia pull off thrilling victory over South Africa
Australia beat South Africa by two wickets in the second and final Test to draw the series after a gripping fifth day at the Wanderers on Monday.
Photos: Team India prepare for Windies sweep
The series in their grasp following convincing victories in the first two matches, India would be aiming for a clean sweep against the West Indies in the third and final Test commencing in Mumbai, on Tuesday.
Milestone or not, Tendulkar prepares hard: VVS Laxman
His 176 not out at Eden Gardens not only helped India pocket the series against the West Indies, but also meant an end to a personal drought -- one that spanned 15 months and covered 16 Tests.
21 months later, Rohit Sharma ready to pass the test
He was poised to make his Test debut last February when fate struck a cruel blow.
Windies look to bury bad memories even as Sachin's ton looms
With India having comprehensively overpowered the Windies in the first two Tests, the hosts look good to continue their dominance over the visitors. And with a fairly poor record at the Wankhede, it looks a tough job for the Windies to rewrite history, writes Bikash Mohapatra.
Was something amiss in the 1996 WC SF? The turning points
Former India batsman Vinod Kambli has raised suspicion on the 1996 World Cup semi-final between India and Sri Lanka, saying he found 'something amiss' in the game.
Rich tributes paid to 'pioneer, legend' D'Oliveira
Basil D'Oliveira, the South Africa-born all-rounder whose selection in an England team to visit his native land changed the course of history, died at the age of 80 on Saturday after a long battle against Parkinson's disease.
November 20, 2011
Ponting, Khawaja join forces to keep Australia alive
Ricky Ponting scored an unbeaten half-century on Sunday to keep alive Australia's hopes of salvaging the series against South Africa on the fourth day of the second and final Test at the Wanderers.
Injured Chanderpaul misses practice as teammates sweat it out
Lagging 0-2 in the three-match Test series, West Indies are sweating over the fitness of their key batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul ahead of the last match starting at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Kohli, Raina walk away with big honours at Ceat cricket awards
India's middle order batsmen Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina won the Ceat International Youngster of the Year and T20 Player of the Year awards respectively at a glittering ceremony in Mumbai on Saturday.
WI going into the third Test with confidence, says Edwards
West Indies's Kirk Edwards, who has two tons and two half centuries in his five-Test old career -- one of them against India on debut in Dominica, has said the fine fight back by his team in the second innings of the second Test at Kolkata has given it a lot of confidence ahead of the last Test commencing on Tuesday.
New twist to Roebuck's death investigation
In a new twist to the inquest into Peter Roebuck's death, forensic experts will investigate whether the DNA samples taken from a bedsheet match that of the celebrated cricket writer who was facing allegations of sexual assault before committing suicide.
November 19, 2011
Pak cricket community hits out at BCCI, ICC
The cricket community in Pakistan has lashed out at ICC president Sharad Pawar and the BCCI for their refusals to investigate claims by former India player Vinod Kambli that the 1996 World Cup semi-final against Sri Lanka may have been fixed.
BCCI should probe Kambli's fixing claims: Maken
Sports Minister Ajay Maken wants the match-fixing claims made by former cricketer Vinod Kambli investigated by the BCCI and says his Ministry might step in if the Board doesn't order a probe.
November 18, 2011
Why Yuvraj was dropped from the Test squad. Figure it out!
Rajneesh Gupta presents a statistical look on Yuvraj Singh's showing in Tests since making his debut against New Zealand in 2003.
PHOTOS: Kallis a milestone man whereas SA collapse
Jacques Kallis became the fourth leading run-scorer in tests as he passed 12,000 runs but South Africa ruined the party by being bowled out for 266 on the first day of the second Test against Australia on Thursday.
Dhoni throws his weight behind Yuvraj
Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, on Thursday, threw his weight behind out-of-form team-mate Yuvraj Singh and said the middle-order batsman needs support as he is going through a difficult phase of his career.
November 17, 2011
Great to see bowlers hunting in packs: Dhoni
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni credited the entire team for the series-clinching win in the second Test against the West Indies, in Kolkata, saying it was heartening to see his young bowlers 'hunting in packs'.
Photos, 2nd Test, Day 4: Bravo's fighting ton can't save Windies
Images from Day 4 in the second Test between India and the West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, on Thursday.
Australia can overcome 47 all out: Smith
Australia's vast experience should allow them to get over the calamitous first Test when they were all out for 47 and lost by eight wickets last week, South Africa captain Graeme Smith said on Wednesday.
November 16, 2011
West Indies banking on Chanderpaul to save Test
West Indies opener Adrian Barath, who scored a fighting half-century in the second innings, said the experienced Shivnarine Chanderpaul will be the visitors' key batsman on Thursday as they battle to save the second Test and three-Test series against India.
'Confident of getting West Indies out early on Day 4'
Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha, who claimed four wickets in the West Indies' first innings, thanked skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni for showing confidence in handing him the new ball when play resumed on Wednesday, Day 3 of the second Test, in Kolkata.
Watson has taken the game to the next level: Klusener
Former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener says Shane Watson of Australia is the best in the business when it comes to performing with both bat and ball at the moment.
West Indies should bat like India: Richardson
Buried under a pile of runs, the West Indies will have to take a cue from the way India batted and stay positive in the remaining three days of the ongoing second cricket Test, in Kolkata, visiting team manager Richie Richardson said on Tuesday.
'Roebuck was about to be detained before suicide'
Noted cricket columnist Peter Roebuck was about to be detained over an alleged sexual assault on a Zimbabwean Facebook friend when he committed suicide at his hotel, in Cape Town, his colleague Jim Maxwell has said.
November 15, 2011
Satisfying to get a hundred after a long gap: Laxman
Relieved at getting a Test hundred after 16 matches, VVS Laxman agreed that there is something about his relationship with Eden Gardens, but added that Tuesday's innings against the West Indies was not that challenging.
‎Tendulkar completes 22 years in international cricket
Iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar achieved yet another milestone in his illustrious career as he completed a marathon 22 years in international cricket on Wednesday.
Photos, 2nd Test, Day II: Dhoni leads from the front
Images from Day 2 in the second Test between India and the West Indies, at the Eden Gardens, in Kolkata, on Tuesday.
Ask the Expert: How many times was Gavaskar LBW in Tests?
If you have a question relating to cricket and did not know who to ask, bounce them off to Rajneesh Gupta.
A coach's job is restricted, feels Patil
He might have played a key role in helping Kenya reach the semi-finals of the 2003 World Cup, but former India cricketer Sandeep Patil feels that any coach is as good as his team and it is actually the players who are behind the success of any side.
November 14, 2011
Pressure taking a toll on Tendulkar: Gibson
As Sachin Tendulkar missed out on his 100th ton yet again, West Indies coach Ottis Gibson said they were not doing anything special to prevent him from reaching the milestone and maybe it is the heavy load of fans' expectations which is getting the better of Indian batsman.
Fletcher's tips helped my game: Dravid
Enjoying a golden run having scored five tons in less than six months, Rahul Dravid on Monday gave credit to chief coach Duncan Fletcher for his tips which has proved to be invaluable.
Photos (Day I): Dravid puts India in the driver's seat
Images from the opening day's play of the second Test between India and West Indies at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
'Roebuck was somewhere between Cardus and Arlott'
Cricket writing can be an art form in the hands of the most talented of wordsmiths.
Bishoo prolongs Tendulkar's 100th ton wait again
Davendra Bishoo once again dashed Sachin Tendulkar's hopes of scoring a record 100th international ton after the leg-spinner dismissed the Indian for 38 on day one of the second Test against the West Indies, in Kolkata, on Monday.
Roebuck, 'cricket's premier journalist', remembered by Aus greats
Shaken by the news of noted columnist Peter Roebuck's suicide in South Africa, Australian players, current and former, paid tribute to him with former captain Steve Waugh saying that the Englishman was "without a doubt, cricket's premier journalist."
In West Indies, we take good talent and make it average: Lara
Former West Indies captain has come down strongly on West Indies cricket administrators for not fully backing the talent available in the Caribbean.
Roebuck not the only cricket writer to end his own life
Former Somerset captain Peter Roebuck was not the only cricket writer to have committed suicide. writes of two other writee-commentators -- R.C. Robertson-Glasgow of England and Berry Sarbadhikary of India --who took their own lives.
November 13, 2011
India look to wrap series in Kolkata vs WI
India will aim to wrap up the series by taking an unassailable 2-0 lead against West Indies when the two sides clash in the second Test at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday.
I don't need a surgery to fix ankle: Ishant
Relishing the new role of being India's strike bowler in absence of an injured Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, on Sunday, said he is completely fit and doesn't need a surgery to fix his left ankle.
November 12, 2011
Images: Indians have a gruelling net session
Images from India's practice session at the Eden Gardens.
'Dravid the most difficult Indian batsman to bowl to'
West Indies fast bowler Fidel Edwards said Indian batsman Rahul Dravid is the most difficult batsman to bowl to in international cricket.
Under-fire Smith lets his bat do the talking
Graeme Smith hoped his captain's knock that led South Africa to a spectacular victory in the first Test would finally silence his critics while his Australian counterpart Michael Clarke lambasted his team for an abysmal performance with bat and ball.
November 11, 2011
Photos: Smith, Amla steamroll Aussies
Images from Day 3 of the first Test between South Africa and Australia at Newlands, Cape Town.
Young pacers' emergence good for Indian cricket: Zaheer
Itching to attain peak fitness ahead of the tough tour of Australia later this year, pace spearhead Zaheer Khan reckons the emergence of youngsters like Umesh Yadav and Varun Aaron bodes well for Indian cricket.
Former captain Taylor loses sleep over Oz collapse
His phone kept buzzing in the wee hours of the morning when Australia were being annihilated by South African bowlers in Cape Town and Mark Taylor could not believe what he saw when he turned on the television.
PIX: Clarke takes blame for 'disgraceful' batting show by Aussies
Australia captain Michael Clarke described his team's batting as "disgraceful and unacceptable" after they were bowled out for 47 in the first Test against South Africa on Thursday.
India's 10 best Test players in the last two years
Rajneesh Gupta lists the players whose contributions have helped India become a super power in Test cricket.
November 10, 2011
Chappell's Fierce Focus: 'Fallout with Sachin biggest regret'
India's controversial former cricket coach Greg Chappell claims the biggest regret of his tumultuous three-year stint was the fallout with senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar with whom he simply failed to "communicate" properly.
Akram asks Ashwin to create variation, guard against complacency
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram praised Indian off-spinner R Ashwin for his excellent Test debut against the West Indies, in which he finished with a nine-wicket haul, but warned him against becoming complacent.
Dhoni berates batsmen for failure in 1st innings
Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has revealed his dissatisfaction with the team's batting despite winning the first Test against the West Indies by a substantial margin.
Glad to contribute when team is under pressure: Clarke
Australia captain Michael Clarke said helping his team when they were under pressure was the best part of his century on the opening day of the first Test against South Africa on Wednesday.
November 09, 2011
Need to find a way to score against spin, says Sammy
West Indies captain Darren Sammy says his batsmen have to find a way to score against India's spinners for the team to have a chance of doing well in the ongoing three-Test series, the first of which the visitors lost in four days.
Recovery on track, Zaheer eyes Ranji Trophy
Training with his Mumbai Ranji Trophy team-mates for the past few couple of weeks, injured Indian pace spearhead Zaheer Khan on Wednesday conceded that he had some work to do before attaining full fitness.
Once again, milestone-man Sachin fails to break 100th ton barrier
Exuberant fans were stunned into silence at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium when Sachin Tendulkar once again missed out on his 100th international ton, on the fourth day of the first Test against the West Indies in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Ashwin savours dream debut ahead of wedding
He could not have asked for a better debut as R Ashwin became only the third cricketer ever to get a Man of the Match in his first Test itself and as he prepares to get married in a few days, the off-spinner wondered if the nine-wicket haul against the West Indies is a wedding gift.
Photos: Tendulkar misses 100th ton but India sail
Sachin Tendulkar's quest for a record 100th international ton continued, but India rode on his fluent 76 to script an admirable come-from-behind five-wicket victory over the West Indies with more than four sessions to spare at the Ferozshah Kotla on Wednesday.
Cricket's Gen Next begins innings in style
The last few weeks have seen a whole new bunch of this Gen Next making a splash on the field. While for some it marked a promising start, in case of others it was about finally making a mark. Rediff.com gives a lowdown on these memorable efforts.
3-0 win over WI can take India to second spot in Test rankings
India can pip South Africa to second position in the ICC Test rankings if they manage to win the ongoing series against the West Indies 3-0 and if Graeme Smith's side loses the upcoming two-Test rubber against Australia.
November 08, 2011
'I'm gifted to play alongside Tendulkar and Dravid'
Having made an impressive Test debut by taking nine wickets, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said patience was the key to his success on an unresponsive wicket in the first Test against the West Indies, at the Ferozeshah Kotla, on Tuesday.
Photos (Day III): Tendulkar completes 15,000 Test runs
Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday achieved another milestone as he became the first cricketer in the history of the game to cross 15,000-run mark in Tests even as India closed in on a win in the opening Test against West Indies at Ferozshah Kotla.
Chappell spills beans on bitter relationship with Ganguly
Former India coach Greg Chappell has revealed details of the tumultuous relationship he shared with former captain Sourav Ganguly.
Warne returns to cricket with 'Big Bash'
Shane Warne is bringing his short retirement to an end and returning to cricket in Australia's Twenty20 Big Bash competition next month, the leg-spinning great said on Tuesday.
November 07, 2011
Looking to bowl out Windies for around 150: Sehwag
A stunning batting collapse has left India in a precarious position in the opening Test against the West Indies but opener Virender Sehwag says it is nothing to be worried about as the hosts are confident of bundling out the visitors for 150 or less.
Images: West Indies turn the heat on India
Images from the Day 2 of the first Test match between India and West Indies being played at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground.
November 06, 2011
Wicket didn't help much, so I stuck to basics: Ojha
With the Feroz Shah Kotla pitch not offering much help to the bowlers, Indian left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha said he stuck to the basics to scalp the three West Indies wickets on the opening day of the first Test in New Delhi.
Images: Chanderpaul leads WI fightback with century
Images from Day 1 play between the India vs West Indies Test match being played at Feroz Shah Kotla ground
November 05, 2011
Hope Sachin gets 100th ton at Kotla: Dhoni
As anticipation builds up for Sachin Tendulkar's 100th international ton, Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said the team is hoping that the veteran cricketer achieves the milestone in the very first Test of the three-match series against the West Indies.
Tendulkar's 100th ton back in focus as India take on Windies
The hype is back as Sachin Tendulkar once again seeks to record an unprecedented 100th international century, when a near full-strength India take on West Indies in the first cricket Test beginning in New Delhi on Sunday.
November 04, 2011
'There was one batsman I couldn't get out: Sachin Tendulkar'
He is one of the most popular international cricketers in India, but Australian speedster Brett Lee says he wasn't sure if any of the IPL franchises would be interested in picking him up, and was stunned when he fetched US $900,000 in the inaugural auction.
India fret over Kotla pitch ahead of Windies opener
India host West Indies in the opener of their three-match series on Sunday with doubts over the Ferozeshah Kotla Stadium pitch, which will be hosting a Test for the first time since serving an international ban.
ICC needs to do more to clean up cricket: May
The conviction of three Pakistani players in a spot-fixing scam doesn't mean end of corruption in world cricket, Players' Union chief Tim May and former Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds have warned.
'Lord's Test against Pak last year looked clean'
The legitimacy of Australia's victory over Pakistan at Lord's Test last year may be in question but Simon Katich and Shane Watson said they never suspected any wrongdoing in that match.
'I blame myself for bringing Mazhar to cricket'
Bookmaker Mazhar Majeed's elder brother Azhar feels responsible for all the spot-fixing mess since it was he, who introduced his brother to cricket and cricketers.
November 03, 2011
'My son has been implicated and made a scapegoat'
Reactions to the Pakistan cricket trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohd Amir being jailed after being found guilty of taking bribes to fix parts of a Test match against England in 2010.
It's shameful for Pakistan cricket: Imran Khan
Saddened by the sentencing of three Pakistani cricketers in the spot-fixing scam, legendary former captain Imran Khan has said it is a shameful episode for the game in the country but he felt sorry for young pacer Mohammad Amir.
The Spot-fixing saga: Four villains and a hero
It was a moment that not only disgraced Pakistan cricket but the game of cricket overall. And, Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were convicted and sent to jail for their role in the spot-fixing saga.
I didn't realise both the batsmen hadn't scored a run: Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar has rated Mumbai's semifinal victory over Tamil Nadu in the 1999-2000 season as his most memorable moment in the 33 appearaces he has made in the Ranji Trophy the 78th edition of which got underway in various centres on Thursday.
There's no match-fixing in Indian cricket, insists Lele
Former BCCI secretary Jaywant Lele, who monitored the happenings of the match-fixing scandal that rocked the game a decade ago, has insisted that no evidence was ever found that Indian cricketers had played a part in the match-fixing scandal.
Want to apologise to Pakistan; learnt a very hard lesson: Aamir
Filled with remorse, teen Pakistan pacer Mohammad Aamir has apologised for his involvement in the spot-fixing scandal, saying his dream of becoming the world's best cricketer lies in tatters and he is not sure if the game would ever want him back.
Lee claims fixing not restricted only to subcontinent
Pakistan might be in the eye of storm after guilty verdicts against three of its cricketers but Australian speedster Brett Lee believes match-fixing is not restricted to the sub-continent and can happen anywhere in the world.
Former England 'keeper says he was offered 'millions' to fix T20
Former English wicketkeeper Paul Nixon has claimed that he was offered 'millions of pounds' to fix a Twenty20 match in England.
Spot-fixing trial: ICC to investigate more matches
The ICC is set to launch its own investigation into Pakistan's 2010 tour of England following indications of more tainted matches even as former cricketers called for a pro-active approach in dealing with corruption in the game.
November 02, 2011
'Spot-fixing will never happen again in Pakistan cricket'
Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt expressed confidence that spot-fixing will never raise its ugly head again in Pakistan cricket.
Swann recalls day after spot-fixing scam came out in the open
England off-spinner Graeme Swann has revealed that he will never forget the grim atmosphere after the 2010 Lord's Test against Pakistan when the undercover 'spot-fixing' sting was published by the News of the World.
'Umpires, administrators too fix matches'
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni did not seem surprised at the verdict handed out to Pakistani cricketers Salman Butt and Mohammed Asif, saying worse is bound to happen when you do worse.
I want to be a good Test cricketer: Yuvraj
Yuvraj Singh has fallen behind in the pecking order to youngsters like Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli, but after a superb all-round showing in the World Cup, the left-hander will get another chance to resurrect his Test career against West Indies.
Little sympathy in Pakistan for disgraced cricketers
Pakistanis were not as forgiving, saying the fiasco has hurt the South Asian country, already tainted by widespread allegations of government corruption, where cricket is a way of life and to many an expression of national identity.
Vaughan questions Pakistan's 2000 Karachi Test loss
A day after Salman Butt and Mohammed Asif were convicted for spot-fixing, former England skipper Michael Vaughan suspects that a Test match against Pakistan in 2000 might have been fixed.
November 01, 2011
'It's a sad day for Pakistan cricket'
Dismayed by the conviction of Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif in the spot-fixing scandal, Pakistan's former players said the London Court's verdict marks a sad day for the game in the country but the two players got what they deserved for their actions.
Ask the Expert: Who has scored most 70s & 80s in Tests and ODIs?
If you have a question relating to cricket and did not know who to ask, bounce them off to Rajneesh Gupta.
It's the right time to focus on my Test career: Yuvraj
India's middle-order batsman Yuvraj Singh reckons that his best years as a cricketer are "yet to come" and he will now strive to revive his Test career.
October 29, 2011
We played abjectly horrible cricket in ODIs: Swann
Stand-in T20 captain Graeme Swann admitted that England played some "abjectly horrible" cricket during the just-concluded ODI series against India and the consolation win in Saturday's one-off Twenty20 match was not enough to heal their wounds.
October 28, 2011
Katich accuses Clarke of ruining his career
Accusing Michael Clarke of playing a role in removing him from the list of Cricket Australia contracts, Simon Katich on Friday said he would never get a chance to wear a baggy green again.
Uthappa keen to open the batting in T20 against England
Recalled to the Indian side after a gap of three years, Robin Uthappa said he would love to open the batting and get India off to a blazing start against World No. 1 England in the one-off T20 International, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, on Saturday.
India aim for England whitewash in lone T20
Brimming with confidence after thrashing England 5-0 in the ODIs, India aim to wrap it up in style by beating the visitors in the one-off Twenty20 International at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.
October 26, 2011
Dhoni reaches third spot in ICC ranking
Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, named the player of the series following India's 5-0 whitewash over England in the ODI tournament, jumped two places to reach the third spot in the latest ICC rankings on Wednesday.
Dhoni takes dig at England's record in India
Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni indirectly took a dig at the Englishmen for their sorry record on Indian soil.
We have not batted well in the entire tour: Cook
England skipper Alastair Cook blamed poor show by his batsmen for his side's 5-0 ODI series whitewash by India and said he was "shocked" by the batting collapse in the fifth and final match.
Why Sidhu walked out of the 1996 England tour
Former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu walked out of India's 1996 cricket tour of England because he thought his captain, Mohammed Azharuddin, was constantly abusing him, a new book by former Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Jaywant Lele claims.
Images: India crush England, complete 5-0 series victory
Images from the fifth One-day International between India and England at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
We were fortunate to score 270, says Dhoni
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni conceded that his team was lucky to have scored a 270-plus total on a difficult Eden Gardens track in the fifth and final one-dayer against England in Kolkata on Tuesday.
October 25, 2011
Lele's memoirs: 'Kapil forced Sachin change follow-on decision'
At the height of the match-fixing saga a decade ago, Kapil Dev, then India coach, had overruled captain Sachin Tendulkar's decision to enforce the follow-on against New Zealand in the Ahmedabad Test, recalls former Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Jaywant Lele in a new book.
Sachin was racked with self-doubt, Chappell claims in new book
Former India coach Greg Chappell, in a new book, has claimed that cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar was "mentally fragile" at a certain stage of his illustrious career and was beset with "self-doubt".
October 24, 2011
ICC officially launches T20 rankings
Top international cricketers have thrown their weight behind the ICC T20I team and player rankings, which were officially launched, on Monday, saying it will give more meaning to one-off matches and also provide the players a good chance to assess their game.
Varun Aaron: impressive debut, promising future
Soon after Varun Aaron had bowled the first ball of his seventh over, his hands went up to cover his face.
No assurances on Ashwin's selection for Windies Tests
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was non-committal about the choice of off-spinner against West Indies for the first cricket Test of three-match series, after his team swamped England by six wickets at the Wankhede in Mumbai to take a 4-0 lead in the ongoing ODI series.
October 23, 2011
Images: Kohli, Raina seal victory at Wankhede
India rode on stroke-filled half centuries from Suresh Raina (80) and Virat Kohli (86) as they recovered from an early jolt to post a comfortable six-wicket victory over England and take 4-0 lead in the five-match ODI series, in Mumbai, on Sunday.
Jharkhand pacer Aaron arrives with a bang
It was a much awaited but delayed debut. A career that seemed to be going nowhere for a while but unfolded like a dream at the venue of India's historic World Cup triumph.
October 22, 2011
India look to maintain the domination at Wankhede
It is a debilitating statistic.
India has played better cricket in this series: Trott
India's win in the third one-dayer at Mohali helped them take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series against England.
A little pressure is good as it helps you concentrate: Rahane
India's opening batsman Ajinkya Rahane said he learnt from his mistakes to come good in the third game of the five-match ODI series against England in Mohali.
It's tough to choose between Jadeja and Yusuf: Akram
Ravindra Jadeja might have done well in the ongoing ODI series against England but former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram feels it is too early to say whether India have actually found the elusive all-rounder to complete the side.
Important to be nice to your opposition team: Andy Flower
Despite one of his key bowlers, speedster Tim Bresnan, copping a fine for showing dissent at the umpire's decision in the third ODI against India at Mohali, England coach Andy Flower insists that his team's general conduct is a matter of pride.
October 21, 2011
Rahane is Mumbai's lone torch-bearer at Wankhede
It is difficult to visualize an Indian squad without a single representative from 39-time Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai in a One-dayer at the Wankhede stadium, Mumbai, the scene of the country's momentous triumph in the World Cup just over six months ago.
'Having Pataudi in the covers was like having two fielders there'
October 22 marks a month since Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi passed into the ages following a brief illness. Veteran journalist K Satyamurthy looks back on some cherished moments he was privileged to share with the former India captain, in conversation with .
Cook blames fielding errors for series loss
With the series out of their grasp following their loss in the third ODI in Mohali on Thursday, England captain Alastair Cook blamed poor fielding as the reason for his side's disappointing performance against India in the ongoing five-match rubber.
Dhoni credits youngsters for ODI series win
Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni lauded his young team for putting up a terrific show against a strong England side in the three matches of the ongoing ODI series against England, in the absence of a couple of senior players due to injuries.
PHOTOS: India thump England in Mohali to seal series
It was sweet revenge for India as they clinched the ODI series against England by taking an unassailable 3-0 lead after a comprehensive five-wicket victory in the third one-dayer in Mohali on Thursday.
October 20, 2011
Exchanging banter is part of the game: Bresnan
England pacer Tim Bresnan says with pitches in India offering little or no assistance to pacers, he and other bowlers in the team are bound to use verbal volleys to intimidate batsmen in the ongoing ODI series.
October 19, 2011
'We can come back and win this series'
Fast bowler Steven Finn says it would be a big mistake to write off England just yet in the ODI series, despite India leading 2-0.
PHOTOS: Team India look to seal series in Mohali
The Indian team, led by captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, trooped in at the PCA stadium in Mohali to use the nets first but in-form left-handed batsman Gautam Gambhir and pacer Praveen Kumar were conspicuous by their absence.
Split captaincy not ideal for India: Jonty
Former South Africa cricketer Jonty Rhodes believes that the split captaincy formula, being practiced by England and South Africa, is not ideal for India.
ODIs, T20s needed to pump money into cricket: Muralitharan
A day after England's Test captain Andrew Strauss raised concern over the future of the classical format of the game, former Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan said that Test cricket will continue to struggle unless backed by more number of ODIs and Twenty20s.
Samit Patel reveals sledging Indian players in England
England's left-arm spinner Samit Patel has admitted that on-field verbal duels with Indian players have continued from the last series.
I didn't plan to promote myself, it was Gary's idea: Dhoni
Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has said he had never planned to promote himself up the order during the finals of the cricket World Cup against Sri Lanka rather it was coach Gary Kirsten who came up with that instant idea.
October 18, 2011
Dhoni pleased to see youngsters making their performances count
As India scored yet another dominating victory over England to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni hailed the youngsters of the side for making their performances count.
Captain Cook optimistic of England fight back
Pushed on the backfoot by two heavy defeats against India, England captain Alastair Cook reckons that he has "got the right players" to stage a turnaround in the ODI series and it was just a case of the team not performing to its potential.
October 17, 2011
Images: Kohli, Gambhir lead India to easy win
Images from the second One-day International between India and England at the Feroz Shah Kotla
Indian cricketers lack knowledge on basics of fielding: Rhodes
Jonty Rhodes talks about India's lack of fielding basics and why he wouldn't take up Team India's fielding coach job.
October 16, 2011
New ODI rules confusing for now: Kohli
India's middle-order batsman Virat Kohli finds the new ODI rules introduced by the ICC confusing and feels that the playing condition, which allows for a run out if a batsman is deemed to have obstructed the field, is "vague".
India will look to maintain dominance against England
Buoyed by the resounding 126-run triumph in the opening game, India will seek to maintain their supremacy as they go into the second One-day International against England in New Delhi on Monday.
October 15, 2011
India-England ODI series so soon not ideal, says Gower
Former English batsman David Gower feels that the ongoing five-match ODI series between India and visiting England in less than a month after the former's dismal tour was not ideal for the game.
This innings was well-calculated: Dhoni
Back in form with a match-winning knock against England, Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said the unbeaten 87 in the opening ODI here was one of his most "precious and well-calculated" knocks.
We were outplayed but will come back, says Cook
England captain Alastair Cook admitted that his side was "outplayed" by India in the first ODI here but insisted that the visitors have the self belief to come back strongly in the five-match cricket series.
October 14, 2011
Images: Dhoni fires India to convincing win
Images from the first One-day International between India and England, at Hyderabad.
Fletcher needs 'more time and space', says Dravid
Duncan Fletcher has not had the best of times since taking over as India cricket coach but veteran batsman Rahul Dravid says he should not be written off just yet as the Zimbabwean needs "more time and space" to produce results.
Kumble: The only interest I have is for the good of cricket
Karnataka State Cricket Association president and former India captain Anil Kumble has broken his silence on allegations of conflict of interest. The allegations, which appeared in a news magazine last week, claimed that his role as a promoter of a player management firm is in conflict with his administrative responsibilities. "I am no player-manager, nor do I run a talent management company," the ace leg spinner declared, in an interview with CNN-IBN.
We will not take Sri Lanka lightly: Misbah
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq although admitted that Sri Lanka's bowling has weakened with the retirement of the likes of Muttiah Muralitharan and Lasith Malinga but said that they remain a potentially dangerous side and could not be taken lightly.
Fixing matches 'is not the Australian way', says Clarke
Australia Test and One-day captain Michael Clarke has defended his players against match-fixing allegations after a sports agent said the country's top cricketers were "the biggest" culprits.
October 12, 2011
India, England in battle to climb ODI rankings
World champions India will resume their battle with World Twenty20 winners England to top the rankings in the ODI Championship table when the two sides lock horns in the One-day series starting in Hyderabad on Friday.
I was more surprised than hurt at being dropped: Harbhajan
Off-spinner Harbbhajan Singh says he was more surprised than hurt when he was axed from the Indian ODI team for the first two ODIs against England.
Revenge on Team India's agenda
The five-match ODI series, which starts at the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad, on Friday, presents Team India an opportunity to not only get back at England, but also take the No. 4 slot in the ICC ODI rankings.
Jonty Rhodes calls for mechanism to curb match-fixing
Former South African cricketer and current Mumbai Indians fielding coach Jonty Rhodes has said that the ICC should make all efforts to keep the game clean.
October 11, 2011
Bairstow, Borthwick give England thumping victory
Jonny Bairstow slammed an unbeaten century and Scott Borthwick claimed five wickets for 31 runs, as an England XI beat Hyderabad XI by 253 runs in their second 50-over warm-up match in Hyderabad on Tuesday.
PCB concern over more Pak players' names
The PCB seems to be concerned with the ongoing trial in London of the three banned Pakistani players -- Salman Butt, Mohd Asif and Mohd Aamir -- and their London based agent Mazhar Majeed as murkier picture emerges about the involvement of more Pakistanis in the fixing racket.
'It was a long-term plan of Michael's'
Revealing that Shaun Marsh's elevation to the number three spot in the Australian Test team was a part of captain Michael Clarke's 'long-term plan', Ricky Ponting has said that he has no problem in moving down the order as long as he is part of the playing XI.
Ask The Expert: How many times has a wicket fallen on 111?
If you have a question relating to cricket and did not know who to ask, bounce them off to Rajneesh Gupta.
'England's batsmen haven't faced me, so it will be interesting'
Rahul Sharma is geared up for the upcoming ODIs against England. The young leg spinner tells his ability to attack a batsman by making him play all the time makes him a wicket-taking bowler.
Pietersen was an awful skipper: Swann
England off-spinner Graeme Swann has criticised the manner in which Kevin Pietersen led the side during his stint as England captain.
October 10, 2011
England takes on Hyderabad XI in the second warm-up tie
The England cricket team would look to keep their slate clean when they play Hyderabad XI in the second and final warm up match on Tuesday ahead of their first ODI against India on October 14.
It was my father's dream: Virender Sehwag
Promising to do as much as he can for the rural talent of the state, injured India opener Virender Sehwag has said setting up a cricket academy of international standards was the dream of his father.
Winning without Sachin is a great achievement: Harbhajan
Mumbai Indians' stand-in captain Harbhajan Singh termed his team's Champions League T20 triumph as a "great achievement" considering the fact they didn't have lot of top players including master batsman Sachin Tendulkar.
October 09, 2011
Beating Chennai was big morale-booster: Harbhajan
Of the teams a depleted Mumbai Indians has managed to upstage in the ongoing Champions League Twenty20, captain Harbhajan Singh said beating ousted title holders Chennai Super Kings was the biggest morale-booster for his injury-ravaged side.
October 08, 2011
Australia tour will be Dhoni's biggest challenge: Ganguly
After the forgettable tour of England in the just-concluded series, Team India will face a bigger challenge when they travel to Australia in December, according to former captain Sourav Ganguly.
Warm up: Finn's hat-trick helps England beat Hyderabad XI
England pacer Steven Finn produced a sensational hat-trick to help England register a 56-run victory over Hyderabad XI in their first warm-up game in Hyderabad on Saturday ahead of their five-match ODI series against India.
October 07, 2011
It's advantage Mumbai Indians on paper
Decimated by injuries but spirited nonetheless, Mumbai Indians will bank on their familiarity with the conditions to fight through another tough challenge when they take on England's Somerset in the semi-final of the Champions League Twenty20 at the M A Chidambaram stadium, in Chennai on Saturday.
Pollock believes adaptability gives MI edge over Somerset
Mumbai Indians bowling coach Shaun Pollock has said his team has the experience of playing at the slow track at M A Chidambaram Stadium and will look to adjust to the conditions quickly when they take on Somerset in their Champions League twenty20 semifinal clash on Saturday.
Photos: England gear up for warm-up game
The England cricket team prepares for their warm-up match against a Hyderabad XI at the Rajiv Gandhi stadium in Hyderabad on Friday.
October 27, 2011
What should I apologise for? Gayle asks Board
At loggerheads with the WICB, West Indian opener Chris Gayle, on Thursday, asked the board to "state clearly" what it wants him to apologise for.
Tendulkar took too many suggestions as captain: Lele
He sits on a pile of batting records but Sachin Tendulkar's 'not-so-impressive' stint as captain remains an abiding paradox in Indian cricket and former BCCI secretary J Y Lele feels it was because he "used to pay heed to too many advices".
I was helpless against injuries and bad luck: Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan, who turned 27 on Thursday, opens up to about injuries that have hampered his career, and says he has to work harder to regain the prized India cap.
October 06, 2011
Salman Butt agreed to bat maiden over
Former Pakistan cricket captain Salman Butt agreed to score no runs in an over during a Test match against England last year as part of a 'spot-fixing' scam, a court in London heard on Thursday.
Bowling in India is a different challenge: Bresnan
England pacer Tim Bresnan says his team's bowlers may have dominated India when they toured there in July, but it will be an altogether different challenge to contain their line-up in their own backyard when the two sides face off in a five-match ODI series, starting October 14.
We haven't come here to lose: Bopara
Middle-order batsman Ravi Bopara says England is looking continue with their winning momentum against India and clinch the five match One-day series, starting October 14.
October 05, 2011
Pakistan trio 'betrayed cricket' with bribes: court
Three Pakistan cricketers, driven by greed, betrayed their teammates and the sport of cricket itself by taking bribes to fix incidents during a Test match against England last year, a London court heard on Wednesday.
Photos: England get cracking in Hyderabad for ODIs
The Alastair Cook-led English team, which arrived in Hyderabad on Tuesday for a five-match one-day series and Twenty20 game against India, got down to business with a practice session.
The going gets rough for Dhoni, the captain
Following Chennai Super Kings' exit from the Champions League T20, Mahendra Singh Dhoni now has three successive failures in the last three months. Bikash Mohapatra writes that Dhoni's aversion to taking risks has resulted in the slump.
Fatigue, lack of adaptability did us in: Fleming
Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming said a tired lot of players, including skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Suresh Raina, and the inability to adapt quickly on a new track were the reasons for thedefending champions' early exit from the Champions League Twenty20 in Chennai.
Early exit from CL T20 a blessing in disguise: Dhoni
Although disappointed with Chennai Super Kings' ouster from the Champions League T20, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni feels that it will be a "blessing in disguise" ahead of his team's important ODI series against England which starts from October 14.
September 06, 2011
IPL has hindered India: Hussain
Former England skipper Nasser Hussain feels the highly-lucrative Indian Premier League will entice and exhaust players unless it is carefully handled by cricket boards across the world.
'Emerging' exploits should inspire Manoj Tiwary
Called up for the England ODIs following a superb showing in the Emerging Players tournament Down Under, Manoj Tiwary tells Harish Kotian he's 'ready for the short stuff'.
September 05, 2011
'Good chance for youngsters to prove themselves'
Fresh from his fantastic knock of 95 at Chester-le- Street, Parthiv Patel feels that the current ODI series is an ideal opportunity for the youngsters to step up and make best use of the opportunities.
Desperate India look for win amidst injury worries
Decimated by injuries and hard-done by the weather-gods in the opening one-dayer, a demoralised India would be desperately looking for a win when they take on England in the second match of the ODI series at Southampton on Tuesday.
Poonam Pandey strips for Team India!
Poonam Pandey, who rose to fame with her claim to go nude at Indian cricket team's World Cup win, is back in news again. The model turned reality show actor, who did not strip at that time, is now come pretty close to fulfilling that promise.
'Won't be surprised if England sweep ODIs too'
Former England captain Alec Stewart won't be surprised if the home team record a clean sweep over India in the ongoing ODI series as well, irrespective of the visitors' resolute show in the rain-marred opener at Cheste-le-Street.
Broad promises more short-pitched stuff for India
England pacer Stuart Broad says Indian batsmen should be prepared for more short-pitched stuff in the ongoing ODI series as bouncers will continue to be a "legitimate tactic" for the host bowlers despite causing injuries in the visiting camp.
'Hope to carry my good form from Emerging Series'
After being summoned as the late replacement of an injured Rohit Sharma for the remaining of India's ODI series against England, Bengal batsman Manoj Tiwary said he wants to carry on his rich vein of form from the Emerging Players' tour of Australia.
September 04, 2011
My vision was blurred, felt like puking: Gambhir
Recuperating from a concussion that ruled him out of the ongoing ODI series against England, Indian opener Gautam Gambhir said he was struggling massively with a blurred vision and would have let the team down by staying back on what has become a disaster of a tour.
Why didn't Dravid get benefit of doubt, asks Dhoni
A perplexed Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni questioned the Decision Review System's accuracy after Rahul Dravid was controversially given out despite television replays not showing any edge off the bat during his side's first ODI against England.
We could have got the target: Cook
England were on the backfoot at 27 for two while chasing 275, but skipper Alastair Cook said he did not believe his side was staring at defeat in the rain-abandoned first ODI against World champions India in Chester-Le-Street.
September 03, 2011
Images: Parthiv lights up the dull day
Images from the first One-day International between India and England, being played at Chester-le-Street.
September 02, 2011
We are trying to turn things around: Virat Kohli
India may have suffered a humiliating 0-4 loss to England in the Test series, but Virat Kohli says there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Instead, the team, he feels, will now be able to play with out any pressure.
Favourites tag irrelevant in ODI series: Cook
England have put up a very domineering performance against India so far, but skipper Alastair Cook refuses to label his team "favourite" in the One-day series, which gets underway on Saturday, at the Riverside ground, in Chester-Le-Street.
Can Fletcher's guidance finally pay off in ODIs?
The Indian cricket team's disastrous campaign in England has taken some sheen off Duncan Fletcher's record as coach and he is now only left with the five-match ODI series, which starts in Chester-le-Street on Saturday, to gain some lost ground.
Swann confident England can dominate in ODIs
England have swept the Test series 4-0 and won the lone Twenty20 too, but off-spinner Graeme Swann feels the upcoming five-match ODI series starting on Saturday would be a great test for the hosts.
September 01, 2011
Dhoni rues lack of partnerships after T20 defeat
Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni blamed his side's six-wicket loss to England in their one-off Twenty20 International on the batsmen's failure to build partnerships.
Broad lauds bowlers for T20 victory
England's Twenty20 captain Stuart Broad credited his bowlers for the six-wicket win over India, saying they showed character by coming back strongly after being hammered initially by the visiting batsmen.
Images: England hold nerves to win T20 vs India
Images from the Tewnty20 match between India and England, played at Manchester on Wednesday.
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