Rohit Sharma is 41 short of 20,000 international runs, will be fourth Indian to reach milestone
It is understood that right after India's abject surrender against South Africa in the two-Test series at home last month, someone who matters in the cricket board had once again informally approached VVS Laxman to check if he would be interested in coaching the red ball team.
When players select themselves, the selectors' job becomes delightfully simple. But did the Indian selectors have that luxury while picking the T20 World Cup squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup? asks K R Nayar.
India will be bolstered by the return of former captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma - both of whom have retired from Test cricket - adding more depth and experience to the side.
Virat Kohli smashed record-extending 52nd ODI to guide India to a 17-run win in the series opener, getting India off to a winning start in their three-match series.
Australia pacer Michael Neser found day one of his maiden Boxing Day Test a dream come true.
India Captain Suryakumar Yadav and his deputy Shubman Gill once again flopped with the bat as India suffered a 51-run thrashing in the second T20 International against South Africa.
India's staggering, unwanted run of consecutive ODI toss losses extended to 20 matches.
Luca Zidane, son of French World Cup-winner Zinedine, said his grandfather had supported him in switching international allegiance to Algeria, after playing for France at junior level.
South Africa batting coach Ashwell Prince said the Proteas' ODI side still needs to sharpen its temperament in "clutch moments".
Shukri Conrad's 'grovel' remark has sparked an unexpected storm, and Sunil Gavaskar has stepped in with a sharp reminder: South African cricket has long been supported and in many ways sustained -- by India
The T20 WC champions will look to enter this phase with clarity of intent as they refine roles, streamline combinations and settle the XI that will carry the weight of expectations in front of home crowds.
'The runs from his bat at the top of the order will be crucial for India's success in this five-match series against South Africa.'
Ravichandran Ashwin stressed that Washington Sundar must be treated as a frontline bowling all-rounder and given a full quota of overs to build confidence with the bat as well.
Former India batter Aakash Chopra expressed awe at Virat Kohli's performance in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi.
A dejected Rishabh Pant, who captained India in the second and final Test in Guwahati, apologised to the fans for the team's poor showing against South Africa.
Virat Kohli arrived in Ranchi ahead of the first One-Day International against South Africa on Wednesday morning.
Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad hundreds help India set 359-run target in second ODI
Skipper Shubman Gill, who missed the second Test due to a neck injury, struck a defiant tone of unity and resolve after India's 0-2 series loss to South Africa, saying the team would "rise stronger" despite the setback.
Tilak Varma enjoys the longer formats and has been seeking inputs from Virat Kohli on fitness and running between the wickets as he looks to make the most of the opportunities coming his way.
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak is expected to be sidelined for at least a couple of months after breaking his leg and undergoing surgery.
This is India's second whitewash at home under head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Manchester United's Patrick Dorgu struck in the first half as Ruben Amorim's side held on for an ugly 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Friday in the year's only Boxing Day fixture to climb to fifth place in the Premier League standings.
India's bowling drew sharp criticism, particularly Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana. Krishna leaked runs and failed to maintain pressure, prompting Rohit Sharma to intervene during the 37th over.
Senuran Muthusamy became only the third South African batter to register a Test century batting at No 7 or below against India in India.
Senior batter Virat Kohli's awesome genius in 50-over format was on full view during his 52nd hundred that guided India to a strong 349 for eight against South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series in Ranchi on Sunday.
'One who was aggressive in the Powerplay, and the other after the Powerplay when wickets were falling he turned into an adamant batter, who batted sensibly and was not ready to give away his wicket.'
Have a look at the countries with some of the most Indian restaurants.
'I've had quite a bit of skill sessions and some training sessions. So, I feel much, much better.'
Intent does not always translate immediately into numbers, and effort however sincere needs to find expression in runs, especially with a World Cup drawing closer.
India will look to address several lingering selection puzzles when they take on South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday in the first ODI of the three-match series, where Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to the set-up for a short audition that could well shape their 2027 World Cup fate.
Upset fans express disappointment after 4th T20I abandoned due to air pollution.
K L Rahul takes over the captaincy after regular skipper Shubman Gill missed the series because of a neck injury.
Jasprit Bumrah's wife, Sanjana Ganesan, marked his 32nd birthday on December 6, 2025, with a heartwarming post on social media.
Virat Kohli's second successive ton during the second ODI against South Africa here seemed "inevitable" as the stalwart got off the mark with a six, carrying the confidence of his first-game heroics, feels former India captain Sunil Gavaskar.
'They played well in Australia, in bouncy and quick conditions. I do not see a reason why they should not go to the 2027 World Cup.'
Former players Irfan Pathan and Venkatesh Prasad have questioned the Indian team's muddled approach, lack of stability and the increasing reliance on all-rounders.
Most 38-year-olds would hate leaving home but Virat Kohli's commitment to the game remains unmatched, said former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn.
Namibia have qualified for the last three ICC T20 World Cups (2021, 2022 and 2024). They are one of the three hosts of the 2026 T20 World Cup, alongside South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Hardik Pandya poised for double milestone in South Africa series
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances