News for 'Cricket Needs'

Former players urge ICC to review Afghanistan's Test status after India rout

Former players urge ICC to review Afghanistan's Test status after India rout

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Former cricketers raise concerns over ICC's policy of awarding Test status based on limited-overs performance, following Afghanistan's heavy defeat to India.

Zeeshan Ansari gets India A call-up despite no Ranji Trophy match in six years

Zeeshan Ansari gets India A call-up despite no Ranji Trophy match in six years

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari has been fast-tracked into the India A team for the two unofficial Tests against Sri Lanka A later this month.

'Ireland outplayed us completely': Shreyas Iyer admits

'Ireland outplayed us completely': Shreyas Iyer admits

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

India captain Shreyas Iyer praised Ireland for their exceptional performance and strategic execution in securing a historic 2-0 T20I series victory. Ireland defeated India by 34 runs in the first match and then by a solitary run in the second, showcasing their understanding of local conditions and strong teamwork. Irish skipper Lorcan Tucker expressed disbelief and pride in his team's character, while player of the series Moondra highlighted the importance of sticking to basics.

Women's Cricket Participation Doubles in India Since 2020: Report

Women's Cricket Participation Doubles in India Since 2020: Report

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

A recent study reveals significant growth in women's cricket participation across India, highlighting increased interest, career aspirations, and the sport's rising popularity.

Fit Hardik Pandya could be India's X-factor at 2027 World Cup: WV Raman

Fit Hardik Pandya could be India's X-factor at 2027 World Cup: WV Raman

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Former India coach WV Raman says a fully fit Hardik Pandya could provide India the edge at the 2027 ODI World Cup, highlighting his all-round value while urging the team management to use the next 12-15 months to experiment with combinations and define player roles.

'Shreyas Iyer Is a Proven Cricketer': Pathan Backs PBKS Captain

'Shreyas Iyer Is a Proven Cricketer': Pathan Backs PBKS Captain

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Irfan Pathan backs Shreyas Iyer to replicate last season's form for Punjab Kings in IPL 2026, saying the batter is already a proven cricketer who doesn't need the league to prove his place in India's T20I team.

How Bishnoi's No-Balls Cost India Victory In Manchester

How Bishnoi's No-Balls Cost India Victory In Manchester

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Ishan Kishan believes India must solve their middle-overs slowdown and adapt better to English conditions to find the extra runs after suffering a four-wicket defeat against England in the second T20 International in Manchester on Saturday.

How Axar ended his batting slump with one change

How Axar ended his batting slump with one change

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel attributed his match-winning half-century against England in the opening ODI to a renewed focus on timing the ball, a strategic shift from his previous T20 approach of hitting too hard.

Lord's Test: Mandhana magic and Gaud's five-for put India in control

Lord's Test: Mandhana magic and Gaud's five-for put India in control

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Kranti Gaud announced herself on the Test stage with a stunning maiden five-wicket haul, while Smriti Mandhana's unbeaten fifty put India firmly in control against England.

Morkel backs struggling Samson, in-form Abhishek despite Sooryavanshi buzz

Morkel backs struggling Samson, in-form Abhishek despite Sooryavanshi buzz

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has indicated that the team management will continue to back openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, despite the impressive performance of teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Morkel stressed the importance of showing faith in established players who have performed well previously, while also acknowledging the excitement around new talents like Sooryavanshi and pacer Prince Yadav.

'If Cameron Green is not going to bowl then KKR need to...': Gavaskar

'If Cameron Green is not going to bowl then KKR need to...': Gavaskar

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Sunil Gavaskar suggests Kolkata Knight Riders consider adding a specialist batter due to Cameron Green's limited role.

'I Have Been Speaking To Ben Every Day': Brendon McCullum Backs Ben Stokes

'I Have Been Speaking To Ben Every Day': Brendon McCullum Backs Ben Stokes

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

England expect Ben Stokes to return to captain the side in the third Test against New Zealand, head coach Brendon McCullum said on Sunday.

'We were too naive' against India: Afghanistan coach

'We were too naive' against India: Afghanistan coach

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

This was Afghanistan's 12th Test in last eight years and the defeat by an innings and 300 runs against India was a humbling experience for the team.

Questions mount over Ben Stokes' future after off-field incident

Questions mount over Ben Stokes' future after off-field incident

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

England Test captain Ben Stokes is reportedly considering retirement following his involvement in a nightclub incident with teammate Gus Atkinson after the first Test against New Zealand. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched an investigation into the breach of team protocols, while former pacer Steve Harmison has defended Stokes, urging caution until all facts emerge.

Ben Stokes' Final Test: England Stumble In Pursuit Of Victory Target

Ben Stokes' Final Test: England Stumble In Pursuit Of Victory Target

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

England are on the verge of defeat in Ben Stokes' final international match, needing 270 runs with only six wickets remaining against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. Despite Stokes' aggressive opening knock, England lost four quick wickets in their chase of 373, leaving New Zealand in a dominant position on day four. Daryl Mitchell's resilient century was a highlight for New Zealand.

Australia's Dominance Knocks India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Australia's Dominance Knocks India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

India has been eliminated from the Women's T20 World Cup after a six-wicket defeat to Australia at Lord's. Despite a strong batting performance led by Harmanpreet Kaur, Australia successfully chased down India's target of 171, with Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner scoring crucial half-centuries. This marks India's second consecutive group-stage exit from the tournament.

IPL 2026: 'Don't need to answer critics': Parag fires back

IPL 2026: 'Don't need to answer critics': Parag fires back

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Riyan Parag, despite facing criticism, scored a brilliant 90 for Rajasthan Royals in their IPL match against Delhi Capitals.

Gavaskar praises India's team-first approach vs Afghanistan in first ODI

Gavaskar praises India's team-first approach vs Afghanistan in first ODI

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Sunil Gavaskar praised India's team-first approach and clinical chase against Afghanistan in the opening ODI, highlighting KL Rahul's selfless batting and the contributions of Nitish Kumar Reddy and debutant Gurnoor Brar. Former England spinner Graeme Swann warned of a tougher challenge in the second ODI in Lucknow due to Afghanistan's strong spin attack.

Gill fitness, Rohit form: India's big ODI worries

Gill fitness, Rohit form: India's big ODI worries

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

India is set to face England in the second ODI, aiming for a series victory, but concerns over Shubman Gill's fitness after he walked off injured in the first match, and Rohit Sharma's inconsistent batting form, are prominent. The team will also consider potential changes to the playing eleven.

Sanju Samson: Leaving Rajasthan Royals was a 'huge risk', Dhoni's backing helped

Sanju Samson: Leaving Rajasthan Royals was a 'huge risk', Dhoni's backing helped

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Sanju Samson described his move from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings as a 'huge risk' but credited MS Dhoni's subtle yet impactful advice and the team management's unwavering support for helping him overcome a difficult start to the IPL 2026 season and rediscover his form.

Shreyas Iyer: Sarpanch Saab To Captain Saab

Shreyas Iyer: Sarpanch Saab To Captain Saab

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A successful T20 captain has to keep thinking fast, and Shreyas Iyer does it brilliantly.

The Virat Kohli Chat That Revived PV Sindhu's Career

The Virat Kohli Chat That Revived PV Sindhu's Career

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu revealed that a crucial conversation with cricketer Virat Kohli helped her overcome a two-year title drought and rediscover her passion for the game, leading to her historic Japan Open victory.

Why India Are T20 World Cup Favourites, According To Chopra

Why India Are T20 World Cup Favourites, According To Chopra

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes the Indian women's cricket team are favourites for the upcoming T20 World Cup, highlighting their familiarity with English conditions and the return of key players.

ODI series: MI's Ghazanfar eager to test his skills against India's star batters

ODI series: MI's Ghazanfar eager to test his skills against India's star batters

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Having observed Rohit Sharma up close during his stint with Mumbai Indians, Afghanistan's rising spin star AM Ghazanfar is eager to put those learnings to the test when he takes on the Indian batting great in the upcoming ODI series.

Smriti-Shafali under pressure before T20 World Cup?

Smriti-Shafali under pressure before T20 World Cup?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Former captain Diana Edulji believes openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma finding form quickly will be imperative and crucial to India's chances of winning the Women's T20 World Cup.

Lord's Test: Historic! Yastika becomes first women's Test centurion

Lord's Test: Historic! Yastika becomes first women's Test centurion

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Yastika Bhatia's historic century and a brilliant bowling display put India firmly in control of the first-ever women's Test at Lord's, leaving England facing a huge challenge to save the match.

Cricket Australia allows 'Free Imran Khan' T-shirt after initial ban at Sheffield Shield final

Cricket Australia allows 'Free Imran Khan' T-shirt after initial ban at Sheffield Shield final

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

A cricket fan was initially denied entry to the Sheffield Shield final for wearing a 'Free Imran Khan' T-shirt, but Cricket Australia later reversed its decision, classifying it as a humanitarian issue.

Why Malaysia Is Winning Indian Tourists

Why Malaysia Is Winning Indian Tourists

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Go once. You will know, even before you board the flight home, that you will return.

3rd ODI: Rana returns, Jaiswal under scrutiny as India aim to sweep series

3rd ODI: Rana returns, Jaiswal under scrutiny as India aim to sweep series

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Harshit Rana returns to the Indian after regaining fitness even as Yashasvi Jaiswal will have to prove his ODI credibility as India look to sweep series against Afghanistan.

Shreyas Iyer calls India's 125-run T20I defeat 'atrocious'

Shreyas Iyer calls India's 125-run T20I defeat 'atrocious'

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

India captain Shreyas Iyer described his team's 125-run defeat against England in the third T20 International as 'atrocious,' criticising the bowling unit and the team's overall performance.

IPL to Tests: Stokes defends Archer's workload management

IPL to Tests: Stokes defends Archer's workload management

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Ben Stokes defended England's decision to rest Jofra Archer for the opening Test against New Zealand at Lord's after the fast bowler's Indian Premier League stint, with the captain warning that mishandling such situations could drive players away from international cricket.

Tendulkar hails Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: 'He's truly special'

Tendulkar hails Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: 'He's truly special'

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Sachin Tendulkar has praised Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, urging coaches and mentors not to interfere with the youngster's natural instincts.

How Sooryavanshi's Bold Prediction Came True In IPL 2026

How Sooryavanshi's Bold Prediction Came True In IPL 2026

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made a stunning disclosure about how a bold personal goal powered his record-breaking campaign for Rajasthan Royals.

Should Harmanpreet continue as India's T20 captain?

Should Harmanpreet continue as India's T20 captain?

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

India's Women's T20 World Cup campaign ended in another group-stage exit, putting Harmanpreet Kaur's captaincy under scrutiny and exposing issues with team selection, batting approach, bowling balance and fielding that could trigger a major reset.

All-rounder Deepti Sharma's impact unmatched: Anjum Chopra

All-rounder Deepti Sharma's impact unmatched: Anjum Chopra

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Former India captain Anjum Chopra hailed Deepti Sharma as one of cricket's most influential all-rounders after her five-wicket haul against Pakistan, while also highlighting the importance of Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur to India's Women's T20 World Cup campaign.

England Coach McCullum Expresses Deep Concern For Ben Stokes After Curfew Breach

England Coach McCullum Expresses Deep Concern For Ben Stokes After Curfew Breach

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

England head coach Brendon McCullum expressed anger and concern over Ben Stokes's involvement in a nightclub incident, leading to his omission from the second Test against New Zealand. Stokes and Gus Atkinson breached the team's midnight curfew. This incident adds to a series of off-field issues for the England team, prompting McCullum to focus on Stokes's well-being while deferring decisions on his captaincy.

Joe Root's 99 Shows Why Team Always Comes First

Joe Root's 99 Shows Why Team Always Comes First

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Joe Root's unbeaten 99 not out guided England to a four-wicket victory over India in the second ODI in Cardiff, levelling the series 1-1. Despite falling one run short of a century, Root's selfless approach, prioritising the team's win over his personal milestone, earned widespread praise.

How Sarfaraz Khan Improved His Game During IPL Hiatus

How Sarfaraz Khan Improved His Game During IPL Hiatus

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Sarfaraz Khan discusses his focus on fitness and strike rate during his two-year absence from the Indian Premier League, highlighting his comeback with Chennai Super Kings and his dedication to continuous improvement.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has God-gifted talent like Tendulkar, Kohli: Madan Lal

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has God-gifted talent like Tendulkar, Kohli: Madan Lal

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Madan Lal believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has the talent and mindset of cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, advocating for his inclusion in the national team.

Kapil Dev urges patience with teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Kapil Dev urges patience with teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Kapil Dev has urged patience with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his historic India call-up, while Madan Lal backed the teenage batting sensation to carry his IPL form onto the international stage.