G Unnikrishnan

Stories by G Unnikrishnan

'Kuldeep is in the scheme of things, one match does not define him'

'Kuldeep is in the scheme of things, one match does not define him'

Rediff.com   21 Aug 2026

India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule defended Kuldeep Yadav's performance in the first Test, stating he remains in the team's plans despite a modest outing.

Does Shubman Gill Have Weakness Against Left Arm Spin?

Does Shubman Gill Have Weakness Against Left Arm Spin?

Rediff.com   21 Aug 2026

India captain Shubman Gill on Friday spent considerable time fine-tuning his game against that variation at the team's training session ahead of the upcoming second Test against Sri Lanka, in Colombo.

Kuldeep's Test spot in doubt after forgettable Galle show

Kuldeep's Test spot in doubt after forgettable Galle show

Rediff.com   20 Aug 2026

Former India leg-spinner L Sivaramakrishnan believes that advising Kuldeep Yadav to bowl faster in Test cricket is 'the worst piece of advice' he could receive, advocating instead for focus on alignment and natural speeds to maximise spin.

KL Rahul Says Galle Win Gives India Confidence Against Spin

KL Rahul Says Galle Win Gives India Confidence Against Spin

Rediff.com   19 Aug 2026

India's vice-captain KL Rahul expressed his delight at the team's comprehensive 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle, stating that the team 'ticked most of the boxes' they had discussed prior to the match and gained significant confidence for future spin-dominated assignments.

Why KL Rahul's Galle 50 could change everything

Why KL Rahul's Galle 50 could change everything

Rediff.com   16 Aug 2026

KL Rahul's patient half-century in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka highlights his evolving role as a consistent and strategic anchor for the Indian team. Despite a slower strike rate, his ability to stonewall spinners and build partnerships has been crucial, earning praise from coaches and teammates. This performance underscores his growing importance, especially after the departure of senior batters, as he aims to make a significant impact in the current Test series.

Shubman Gill 'Comfortable' as India Captain, Eyes WTC Final

Shubman Gill 'Comfortable' as India Captain, Eyes WTC Final

Rediff.com   14 Aug 2026

Shubman Gill, India's Test captain, expresses comfort with his leadership role and highlights the team's progress. He acknowledges the challenge of qualifying for the World Test Championship final, requiring significant wins in upcoming matches. Gill also discusses the honour of leading India in its 600th Test and shares insights on playing conditions in Sri Lanka.

Shubman Gill: Why India Prioritises Player Fitness Over Risk in Test Cricket

Shubman Gill: Why India Prioritises Player Fitness Over Risk in Test Cricket

Rediff.com   14 Aug 2026

India skipper Shubman Gill has shed light on the team's meticulous approach to player fitness, explaining that while constant monitoring is in place, risk-avoiding decisions are sometimes necessary, especially in the demanding format of Test cricket, to protect both the player and the team's long-term interests.

Gambhir's Future On The Line As India Eye Reset Against Spin-Heavy Sri Lanka In Galle

Gambhir's Future On The Line As India Eye Reset Against Spin-Heavy Sri Lanka In Galle

Rediff.com   14 Aug 2026

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir's standing in red-ball cricket faces a crucial test as the team embarks on a two-Test series against Sri Lanka.

Galle Test: Gill hints at Prasidh's inclusion ahead of Gurnoor Brar

Galle Test: Gill hints at Prasidh's inclusion ahead of Gurnoor Brar

Rediff.com   14 Aug 2026

India captain Shubman Gill has indicated that Prasidh Krishna is likely to share the new ball with Mohammed Siraj in the upcoming first Test against Sri Lanka.

145 wickets: Sri Lanka's Galle spin duo awaits India

145 wickets: Sri Lanka's Galle spin duo awaits India

Rediff.com   13 Aug 2026

Sri Lankan spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis have established the Galle International Cricket Stadium as their formidable stronghold, collectively taking 145 wickets, posing a significant challenge for visiting teams, especially India.

Jurel's Test spot at risk? Sarfaraz adds to pressure

Jurel's Test spot at risk? Sarfaraz adds to pressure

Rediff.com   13 Aug 2026

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel is at a critical juncture in his Test career, with his performance in the upcoming Sri Lanka series crucial for his future, especially given his struggles against spin and the presence of Sarfaraz Khan.

India set to play three left-arm spinners in 1st Test vs Sri Lanka in Galle

India set to play three left-arm spinners in 1st Test vs Sri Lanka in Galle

Rediff.com   13 Aug 2026

Bowling coach Morne Morkel has indicated that India might field three left-arm spinners - Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Manav Suthar - in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Why Siraj could be India's secret weapon in Sri Lanka

Why Siraj could be India's secret weapon in Sri Lanka

Rediff.com   12 Aug 2026

Mohammed Siraj is poised to lead India's pace attack in the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, stepping into the crucial role in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

'I could not take up India head coach role in 2024 because...': V V S Laxman

'I could not take up India head coach role in 2024 because...': V V S Laxman

Rediff.com   9 Aug 2026

The BCCI had approached V V S Laxman in 2024 to become India's head coach, replacing Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup victory in the West Indies.

BCCI To Consider Relocating Duleep Trophy Final From CoE To Stadium

BCCI To Consider Relocating Duleep Trophy Final From CoE To Stadium

Rediff.com   9 Aug 2026

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia announced that the board is considering relocating the Duleep Trophy final from the Centre of Excellence to a stadium due to spectator restrictions.

BCCI CoE still seeking Head of Sports Science amid injury concerns, says V V S Laxman

BCCI CoE still seeking Head of Sports Science amid injury concerns, says V V S Laxman

Rediff.com   9 Aug 2026

VVS Laxman, chief of the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), confirmed that the search for a permanent Head of Sports Science and Medicine is ongoing, nearly 18 months after Nitin Patel's departure, despite mounting injury cases among Indian cricketers.

Three-hour spin sessions: How Padikkal prepared for Sri Lanka tour

Three-hour spin sessions: How Padikkal prepared for Sri Lanka tour

Rediff.com   8 Aug 2026

Devdutt Padikkal's childhood coach, Mohammad Naseeruddin, revealed the rigorous training regimen the cricketer underwent, including practising with Kookaburra balls on turning pitches, to prepare for the Sri Lankan spin attack ahead of the Test series.

'Be Proactive': Rahane's Key Advice For Indian Batters To Counter Sri Lankan Spinners

'Be Proactive': Rahane's Key Advice For Indian Batters To Counter Sri Lankan Spinners

Rediff.com   7 Aug 2026

Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane shares crucial advice for Indian batters facing Sri Lankan spinners in the upcoming Test series, emphasising a proactive approach.

Rahane finds new cricket chapter after retirement

Rahane finds new cricket chapter after retirement

Rediff.com   7 Aug 2026

Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has joined Amsterdam Flames as a marquee player in the inaugural European T20 Premier League, aiming to make a global impact and share his experience with other players.

I would like to play for India in all formats: Ravichandran Smaran

I would like to play for India in all formats: Ravichandran Smaran

Rediff.com   5 Aug 2026

Ravichandran Smaran, the highest run-scorer in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, is focused on maintaining his form and securing a national call-up.