India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded the team's productive warm-up victory against Sri Lanka, highlighting strong performances from both batters and bowlers, including Shubman Gill's quick 44 and Devdutt Padikkal's unbeaten 142, which set a positive tone for the upcoming two-match Test series.
Abhishek Sharma's explosive 69 runs off 30 balls propelled India to a 14-run victory against the West Indies in the third T20I, giving them a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Sharma also discussed his batting partnership with Ishan Kishan and the importance of preparation.
India captain Shreyas Iyer reflected on the drawn five-match T20I series against the West Indies, suggesting India could have performed better with the ball in their lost games. West Indies captain Shai Hope expressed satisfaction with his team's progress despite missing a series win. India is now set to tour New Zealand for another five-match series.
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar lauded Shreyas Iyer's maiden T20I century against the West Indies, stating it came at an 'important time' and signalled the Indian skipper's return to his best form after a challenging period with the bat.
Ahead of the second T20I against West Indies in Ranchi, local player Ishan Kishan and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi showcased their attacking batting in India's practice session. Kishan, returning to the national setup after a disciplinary issue, impressed assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak with his maturity. Sooryavanshi, a young talent, also drew significant attention with his powerful hitting. The team, having won the first T20I, plans to maintain its fearless approach for the upcoming match.
India captain Shreyas Iyer attributed his side's stunning six-wicket defeat against the West Indies in the second T20 International to the dew factor and the almost non-existent margin for error on the pitch, despite India posting a formidable 249 for five.
'There is nothing for the bowlers and it's killing the game.'
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner discussed India's young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar ahead of the five-match T20 International series.
India captain Shreyas Iyer credited Prince Yadav's 13-run cameo and other lower-order contributions for providing a crucial cushion in their 14-run victory over the West Indies in the third T20I.
Defending champions Jammu and Kashmir managed to secure a draw against Madhya Pradesh in their Ranji Trophy Group A opener. Rain and bad light intervened on the final day, preventing Madhya Pradesh from pushing for a victory after J&K were left reeling at 88 for seven chasing 326.
Mahieka Sharma penned a heartfelt note for Hardik Pandya's 33rd birthday, detailing his journey from a struggling young cricketer in Baroda to one of India's leading all-rounders, highlighting his early struggles, unexpected turn to bowling, and unwavering work ethic.
Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan set a new record for the most runs in a bilateral three-match men's T20I series with 238 runs, despite his side suffering an eight-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in the final match in Rawalpindi. Farhan scored his third consecutive half-century, surpassing India's Abhishek Sharma's previous record.
Ravichandran Ashwin backs in-form West Indies skipper Shai Hope for an IPL contract, identifying defending champions RCB as a potential fit despite concerns over overseas combinations and batting position.
West Indies bowling coach Ravi Rampaul urged his batters to "rotate the strike" and rely on their better players of spin to "counter" India's three-pronged spin-bowling attack.
India all-rounder Naman Dhir made an impressive T20I debut, contributing significantly with his off-spin bowling to help India secure a win against West Indies. Despite his bowling success, Dhir, whose primary strength is batting, is eager for an opportunity to showcase his skills with the bat. He credited the IPL for preparing him for international cricket and expressed his joy at fulfilling his dream of representing India.
Four Indian players in the ICC ODI top 10 highlight India's remarkable depth, giving the team a strong pool of match-winners ahead of major ODI assignments.
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin praised Sri Lanka's "unreal" 400-run chase against England, highlighting their determination. He also commended Harry Brook's double century and stressed the importance of promoting Test cricket. Azharuddin also congratulated the Indian team for their T20I victory against New Zealand.
Bengal wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel scored an unbeaten century in a Ranji Trophy match against Delhi, breaking down in tears afterwards and stating, 'I want to answer everyone through cricket' in response to an alleged rape case.
Veteran cricketer R Ashwin has expressed his disappointment over Yashasvi Jaiswal's exclusion from India's ODI squad for the New Zealand series, suggesting that the lack of international game time could negatively impact the young opener's confidence and form.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has lauded Tilak Varma's transformation into an accomplished finisher, a role he showcased with an unbeaten 51 to secure India's victory in the second T20I. Santner, who has played alongside Varma at Mumbai Indians, noted the left-hander's adaptability from a No. 3 batter to a crucial middle-order and death-phase performer.
Mumbai all-rounder Suryansh Shedge is a strong contender for India's ODI squad for the New Zealand tour, following impressive performances against Australia A. His recent form, coupled with injury concerns for other all-rounders like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Hardik Pandya, makes him an attractive option for the expanded squad needed due to a tight schedule.
Captain Aryan Juyal's unbeaten 60 helped Uttar Pradesh recover against Goa, while Rajat Patidar's 107* put Madhya Pradesh in control against Puducherry, and Ravikumar Samarth's 133 kept Vidarbha in contention against Jammu & Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy.
South Africa's Anrich Nortje, returning to first-class cricket after nearly four years, took two quick wickets to leave Australia struggling at 149-6 at tea on the opening day of the first Test. Nortje's fiery spell after lunch justified his recall, as he dismissed Alex Carey and Beau Webster in quick succession.
The second T20I between India and West Indies in Ranchi is expected to be heavily influenced by dew, making the toss crucial, while the pitch is set to favour batsmen. Local fans are also eagerly anticipating the performance of Jharkhand's own Ishan Kishan.
A dominant India Women's team is set to face Zimbabwe in the second ODI in Vadodara, aiming to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series after a comprehensive nine-wicket victory in the first match.
The fifth and final T20 International between India and the West Indies was abandoned due to persistent rain on Saturday, resulting in the series being drawn 2-2. India had scored 118 for five in 7.4 overs in the rain-shortened match before play was called off.
PGTI president Kapil Dev stated on Friday that Pranavi Urs' recent gold medal at the Asian Games is a crucial step in popularising golf in India, hoping to inspire young talent to achieve global success. He also announced the Shri Shashi Ruia Memorial Golf Championship, set to begin next year with a significant prize purse. Additionally, Dev shared his observations on the evolving mindset within Indian cricket regarding global tournament victories.
Yuvraj Singh, Delhi Capitals' assistant and batting coach, has joined forces with head coach Sourav Ganguly to instill belief within the team, aiming for an IPL playoff spot and ultimately the championship. Yuvraj emphasises self-belief, strategic team combination, and a strong team environment, drawing lessons from his playing days with Ganguly.
Following South Africa's defeat in the 1st Test in Durban on Tuesday, October 13, Herschelle Gibbs wants Kagiso Rabada back, Marques Ackerman included and Ryan Rickelton moved down the order to keep wickets in the 2nd Test.
South Africa has made significant changes to their squad for the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha, dropping Tristan Stubbs and calling up Matthew Breetzke. Ryan Rickelton will take over as wicketkeeper, likely leading to Kyle Verreynne's exclusion from the playing XI. These changes come after their heavy defeat in the first Test, with lead pacer Kagiso Rabada expected to return.
'But sometimes I am cuckoo in the head. I sit late at night, and I think of how I want to play and how I want to be as a cricketer.'
India face West Indies in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad, needing one more win to seal the series as Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan lead the batting charge.
Arafat Minhas delivered a match-winning all-round performance with a brisk 59 and six wickets as Pakistan defeated England by 87 runs in the Tri-Series clash.
Former Australian cricketers Adam Gilchrist and Kerry O'Keeffe praised Cameron Green for his fighting century against Bangladesh in the first Test in Darwin on Sunday, despite Australia suffering a nine-wicket defeat.
West Indies cricketers Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford have been reprimanded and received one demerit point each for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the second T20 International against India.
Former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has lauded Abhishek Sharma for becoming the fastest batter to reach 2,000 T20I runs, comparing his explosive ability to Chris Gayle. Pujara also highlighted Sharma's growing maturity and Ishan Kishan's crucial role at number three for the Indian team in the shortest format, emphasising his powerplay maximisation.
Shreyas Iyer scored his maiden T20 International hundred after a crucial two-hour troubleshooting session with former India batting coach Abhishek Nayar. Nayar revealed they worked on Iyer's grip, initial movements, and tactical nuances to help him generate more force and clear boundaries, addressing issues Iyer felt during the Asian Games. Iyer's 43-ball 102 not out led India to an eight-wicket win against West Indies on Tuesday.
India all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed scored a career-best 167 and took three wickets, helping East Zone enforce a follow-on against North East Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final. East Zone posted 467, then bowled out North East for 111, with Abhijit Sarkar claiming five wickets.
Indian batter K L Rahul is actively working on improving his game against the old ball to ensure the middle overs generate more runs, aiming for India to consistently score in excess of 370 in ODIs amidst the growing trend of high targets being chased down.
Mizoram's Chinmay Sutar achieved a rare feat by scoring an unbeaten 400 runs in a first-class Ranji Trophy match against Nagaland, becoming only the second Indian batter to reach this milestone after Bhausahab Babasaheb Nimbalkar in 1948.