News for 'Cricket Needs'

Vaibhav Sooryvanshi should be played according to his ability, says Kapil Dev

Vaibhav Sooryvanshi should be played according to his ability, says Kapil Dev

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev has lauded young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, comparing his talent to that of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Dev emphasised that Sooryavanshi's ability, not his age, should be the primary factor in his selection for the national team, while also cautioning against excessive hype around the 15-year-old.

Suresh Raina, Mohammad Kaif Call For Dialogue On NEET Irregularities

Suresh Raina, Mohammad Kaif Call For Dialogue On NEET Irregularities

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Former India cricketers Suresh Raina and Mohammad Kaif have appealed for a peaceful resolution to the nationwide protests concerning alleged NEET examination irregularities, which have led to student suicides and violent clashes. Dhawan urged patience and faith in institutions, while Kaif expressed distress over police action against students.

Raichandani, Virk hit 50s to lead India U-19's strong reply against Sri Lanka on Day 2

Raichandani, Virk hit 50s to lead India U-19's strong reply against Sri Lanka on Day 2

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Openers Lakshya Raichandani and Sagar Virk made unbeaten 93 and 87 respectively as India Under-19 made a strong reply against Sri Lanka Under-19 on Day 2 of the first Youth Test in Galle on Tuesday.

3rd ODI at Lord's could be Rohit's farewell as selectors prepare to look ahead

3rd ODI at Lord's could be Rohit's farewell as selectors prepare to look ahead

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

The third ODI between India and England at Lord's on Sunday could be Rohit Sharma's final game in international cricket with the national selection committee unlikely to pick the white-ball great beyond the ongoing series in the UK.

Jasprit Bumrah Fit To Lead India's Pace Attack In Sri Lanka

Jasprit Bumrah Fit To Lead India's Pace Attack In Sri Lanka

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

India's premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has received clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence to participate in the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. Bumrah had been recovering from an impact injury sustained during the recent ODI series against England, which forced him to miss the third ODI. His return is crucial for India's World Test Championship aspirations.

Cox, Lawrence named in England squad for Pakistan Tests

Cox, Lawrence named in England squad for Pakistan Tests

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Joe Root will captain England on a permanent basis for the first time since 2022 in the upcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan, with Jordan Cox taking the number three spot due to Jacob Bethell's injury and Dan Lawrence earning a recall.

Crumbling CSK Need To Move On From Dhoni

Crumbling CSK Need To Move On From Dhoni

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's status as one of the all-time greats in the IPL will never be in doubt and prolonging his career for another season to bid farewell to the fans doesn't make sense in a competitive league like the IPL.

'Why is Gill not in T20s?' Azharuddin asks

'Why is Gill not in T20s?' Azharuddin asks

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin has voiced concerns over the current Indian cricket team selections, particularly questioning Shubman Gill's exclusion from T20Is and the non-selection of domestic stalwarts Sarfaraz Khan and Auqib Nabi for the Test squad. Azharuddin stressed the importance of consistent performance and the need for more Test cricket, while also commenting on captaincy roles and player retirements.

Ian Bishop flags structural flaws after India Women's early exit from T20 World Cup

Ian Bishop flags structural flaws after India Women's early exit from T20 World Cup

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Indian women's cricket ecosystem will have to develop more fast bowlers and wrist spinners through the Women's Premier League (WPL) in order to garner success in the shortest format on global stage, said former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop on Monday.

Gurnoor Brar receives demerit point for Code Of Conduct breach

Gurnoor Brar receives demerit point for Code Of Conduct breach

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

India pacer Gurnoor Brar received a warning and a demerit point for an "inappropriate and dangerous" throw during the first ODI against England in Birmingham, breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. He admitted the Level 1 offence, which occurred in the eighth over of England's innings.

When Was The Last Time Pakistan Beat India?

When Was The Last Time Pakistan Beat India?

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

India-Pakistan matches were never meant to be predictable -- it was meant to be unforgettable, notes K R Nayar.

Pakistan end 8-match away losing streak, beat West Indies to draw series

Pakistan end 8-match away losing streak, beat West Indies to draw series

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Pakistan secured their first away Test win in three years, defeating West Indies by eight wickets in Port of Spain to level the series 1-1 and end an eight-match losing streak away from home.

P V Sindhu: 'I Am Coming At The Top Of My Game'

P V Sindhu: 'I Am Coming At The Top Of My Game'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

'Frankly, I'm in that zone for another Olympics.'

How did an overweight player clear BCCI fitness test?

How did an overweight player clear BCCI fitness test?

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The BCCI's fitness monitoring system is under scrutiny after pacer Harshit Rana was found overweight despite being cleared for selection for the England tour. This incident, coupled with other player injuries, has prompted the board to introduce stricter, uniform fitness benchmarks, including a fixed Bronco Test standard, to address inconsistencies and improve player fitness assessment.

Happy to bat anywhere, excited by different roles: Sundar

Happy to bat anywhere, excited by different roles: Sundar

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar expressed his excitement about playing different roles across formats, highlighting his recent unbeaten 52 at number five in India's ODI victory over England. He credited coaches Gautam Gambhir and Ashish Nehra for boosting his confidence as a batter.

Historic! India Crush England at Lord's

Historic! India Crush England at Lord's

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India's women's cricket team secured a commanding 270-run victory over England in a one-off Test match in London, completing a dominant all-round performance on Day 4.

Babar Azam reappointed as Test captain for long-term stability: PCB

Babar Azam reappointed as Test captain for long-term stability: PCB

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Senior PCB selector Aaqib Javed has revealed that Shan Masood's leadership and game management issues led to Babar Azam's reinstatement as Pakistan's Test captain. The PCB plans to give Babar a long-term run, backing him for two to three years to bring stability ahead of challenging tours to the West Indies and England.

WTC 2027 Final: India Face Crucial Series In Sri Lanka

WTC 2027 Final: India Face Crucial Series In Sri Lanka

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Two-time finalists India are placed fifth and face a challenging path to secure a top-two finish.

Pujara, Nayar pinpoint reasons for India's T20I series defeat in England

Pujara, Nayar pinpoint reasons for India's T20I series defeat in England

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara and ex-assistant coach Abhishek Nayar have offered critical insights into India's recent T20I series defeat against England, highlighting issues with middle-order depth, all-rounders, poor fielding, and struggles against short balls.

Gambhir not to blame? Ex selector makes big claim

Gambhir not to blame? Ex selector makes big claim

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Former India cricketer and ex-chief selector MSK Prasad has questioned the consistent dropping of Sanju Samson from the T20I squad, calling it a 'big mistake' given his strong performances, while also defending head coach Gautam Gambhir against early criticism for recent series losses.

Bowling Struggles, Fitness Woes: Why India Flopped In England ODIs

Bowling Struggles, Fitness Woes: Why India Flopped In England ODIs

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

A look at what went wrong for India in the England ODI series.

India Batting Coach Dismisses Kohli-Gambhir Communication Breakdown Speculation

India Batting Coach Dismisses Kohli-Gambhir Communication Breakdown Speculation

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has vehemently denied any communication breakdown between star batter Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir, stating they speak frequently and dismissing reports of a rift as mere rumours. Kotak also elaborated on his coaching philosophy regarding advice for top players like Kohli.

Why are all-rounders getting injured so often?

Why are all-rounders getting injured so often?

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Batting-order flexibility has become a key factor in modern white-ball cricket, and former India all-rounder Vijay Shankar believes players who can seamlessly adapt to different roles are increasingly valuable in a format driven by situational demands.

Lord's Test a very big moment for India women's team: Harmanpreet

Lord's Test a very big moment for India women's team: Harmanpreet

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes a victory in the historic Lord's Test against England would be a 'very big moment' for her side, helping them regain confidence after their T20 World Cup exit and marking a landmark achievement in women's cricket.

'I tried to talk him down': McCullum on Stokes' retirement

'I tried to talk him down': McCullum on Stokes' retirement

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

England coach Brendon McCullum revealed he tried to convince Ben Stokes not to retire, calling the Test captain a "leader of men" whose leadership and presence will be impossible to replace as England prepare for a new era.

West Indies clinch Test series against Sri Lanka after rain-affected draw

West Indies clinch Test series against Sri Lanka after rain-affected draw

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

West Indies have secured their first Test series victory in three years, defeating Sri Lanka 1-0 after the second and final Test in North Sound ended in a rain-affected draw.

Avesh Khan Eyes India Comeback With Strong Domestic Performances

Avesh Khan Eyes India Comeback With Strong Domestic Performances

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Avesh Khan remains determined for a India comeback, hoping to catch the selectors' attention with strong Ranji Trophy performances this season.

1st T20I: Skipper Shreyas Iyer opens account with crushing victory over Zimbabwe

1st T20I: Skipper Shreyas Iyer opens account with crushing victory over Zimbabwe

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

India captain Shreyas Iyer hailed his bowlers for making the most of the lively conditions here on Thursday and said the comprehensive victory over Zimbabwe in the opening T20I would give his side the confidence it needs for the remainder of the series.

Captaincy Change Won't Fix India Women's Team Problems: Anjum Chopra

Captaincy Change Won't Fix India Women's Team Problems: Anjum Chopra

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Former India women's cricket captain Anjum Chopra believes that merely replacing Harmanpreet Kaur as captain will not solve the fundamental issues plaguing the team, citing a significant lack of quality back-up options across all departments.

I would say I'm an all-rounder now: Shafali Verma on growing role with ball

I would say I'm an all-rounder now: Shafali Verma on growing role with ball

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

India's explosive opener Shafali Verma says her growing effectiveness with the ball is no accident as meticulous preparation and visualisation have helped her evolve into an all-rounder capable of contributing in multiple roles for the team.

Why Is Sanju Samson Always The First To Be Dropped?

Why Is Sanju Samson Always The First To Be Dropped?

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Sanju Samson's biggest opponent isn't the opposition, it's the selection committee. Samson has never been given a long rope; all he receives is a thin thread.

Sooryavanshi's Next Challenge Isn't Batting, It's Handling the Mind Games

Sooryavanshi's Next Challenge Isn't Batting, It's Handling the Mind Games

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

As Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's profile continues to soar, experts believe mental conditioning and "situation management" training will be crucial in helping the teenage batting sensation handle sledging, pressure and rising expectations.

3rd ODI: Morkel confident Rohit Sharma will overcome slump in form

3rd ODI: Morkel confident Rohit Sharma will overcome slump in form

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

India bowling coach Morne Morkel has expressed confidence in Rohit Sharma's ability to overcome his recent struggles in the ongoing ODI series against England, highlighting the calmness he brings to the team. Morkel also discussed the team's batting concerns, the need for middle-order breakthroughs, and his potential role in the 2027 World Cup.

England pitches, conditions will be different challenge for Sooryavanshi: Sam Curran

England pitches, conditions will be different challenge for Sooryavanshi: Sam Curran

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

England all-rounder Sam Curran found 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's India selection an "incredible story" but hoped to contain the explosive teen genius if his debut happens against the Three Lions in the ongoing five-match T20I series.

Goa's Chigurupati Ready For India U-19 Battle In Sri Lanka

Goa's Chigurupati Ready For India U-19 Battle In Sri Lanka

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Goa's Venkata Chigurupati has earned his maiden India Under-19 call-up for the Sri Lanka tour after a standout season of 49 wickets and 380 runs, as the fast-bowling all-rounder sets his sights on the U-19 World Cup and a future in India's Test team.

'India a very tough team in their own conditions': Hashmatullah Shahidi

'India a very tough team in their own conditions': Hashmatullah Shahidi

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Teams like India do not offer too many chances and Afghanistan must learn to capitalise on the opportunities that come their way, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said.

Tilak Varma: 'My play is based on conditions and match situations'

Tilak Varma: 'My play is based on conditions and match situations'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

India T20 vice-captain Tilak Varma stated that his batting approach is dictated by conditions and match situations, especially after the team's struggles with early wickets in the UK and Ireland. He emphasised the responsibility of playing for the country and adapting to overseas conditions after extensive play in Asia.

Inside The Rohit Sharma, Gambhir, And Agarkar Power Struggle

Inside The Rohit Sharma, Gambhir, And Agarkar Power Struggle

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The article delves into the growing friction between Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma and the selection committee head Ajit Agarkar, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir. It highlights a lack of mutual trust and differing visions for the team's future, particularly concerning Rohit's role and the integration of new talent like Yashasvi Jaiswal. The piece draws parallels to past cricketing controversies and suggests a potential end to Rohit's captaincy.

He'll be there opening for India: Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's ODI World Cup chances

He'll be there opening for India: Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's ODI World Cup chances

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar has expressed confidence in Rohit Sharma's ability to open for India in the upcoming 50-over World Cup, despite ongoing scrutiny. Gavaskar believes the England ODI series will be a crucial platform for Sharma to demonstrate his consistent performance. He also touched upon the continuous pressure on senior players like Rohit and Virat Kohli, emphasising the need for consistent delivery and physical fitness as they age. Additionally, Gavaskar commented on Ben Stokes' surprising retirement timing.

Why Did India Drop 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?

Why Did India Drop 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

India's decision to drop 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for the fifth and final T20I against England, despite the series already being decided, has drawn criticism from former cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar and Graeme Swann, who argue the youngster should have been given more opportunities.