India A captain Shreyas Iyer has pulled out of the second unofficial Test against Australia A starting in Lucknow on Tuesday because of personal reasons.
With key changes and a focus on a balanced squad, can the Rajasthan Royals make a significant impact in the Indian Premier League 2026 season under Riyan Parag's leadership?
He might be drawing comparisons with Mahendra Singh Dhoni, but wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel on Friday said nobody can quite match up to the former India captain and he would rather focus on carving his own niche in international cricket.
India begin their 2026 Test season against Afghanistan with several selection questions to answer, including the No. 3 spot and Ravindra Jadeja's long-term successor, as they build towards key World Test Championship assignments.
K L Rahul and B Sai Sudharsan struck sublime hundreds as India A registered a stunning five-wicket win over Australia A while hunting down a target of 413 to seal the two-match unofficial Test series 1-0, in Lucknow, on Friday.
While Hinge's opening burst set the tone, Hussain ensured there was no recovery. The duo complemented each other well, building pressure and forcing mistakes.
Marcus Stoinis's explosive half-century propelled Punjab Kings to a competitive total against Rajasthan Royals in their IPL match, overshadowing a fine bowling performance from Yash Raj Punja.
On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, LSG went down by 40 runs to Rajasthan Royals, marking their seventh consecutive loss at home and fourth straight defeat overall.
Purnendu Maji and Srinivas Bhogle present Rediff's Most Valuable Player Index of IPL 2026 after the league stage.
The track is historically a high-scoring one and the outfield is quick. But on a red soil surface, the ball grips and can surprise the batters.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was crowned the Most Valuable Player of the 2026 IPL season, achieving an unprecedented MVPI of 1071, significantly ahead of his closest competitor, Shubman Gill. His exceptional strike rate of 236 was a key factor in this achievement, making him only the third player in IPL history to surpass an MVPI of 1000 in a single season.
Dhruv Jurel understands that performing in overseas conditions will push the stocks of a player up and is excited to turn out for India in the fifth and final Test against England.
India's newest batting star Sarfaraz Khan and wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel were inducted into Group C of BCCI's central contract with an annual retainership fee of Rs 1 crore, having fulfilled the criteria of playing three Tests in a current season.
'I am getting used to managing this side.'
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's coach, Zubin Bharucha, sees similarities between the young cricketer and a young Sachin Tendulkar, highlighting Sooryavanshi's ability to grow, his bat speed development, and his maturity and clarity.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to introduce a revised central contract system, under which the Grade A+ category will be discontinued.
Riyan Parag needs to lead from the front as Rajasthan Royals face a strong Punjab Kings side in their Indian Premier League match. Punjab Kings have been consistent, while the Royals have lost momentum after a strong start.
Delhi Capitals face Rajasthan Royals in a crucial IPL match, seeking to overcome inconsistent batting and bowling performances. Mitchell Starc's return provides a boost, but the team needs a collective effort to counter Rajasthan's strong batting line-up.
Earlier this week, it was reported that express pacer Mayank Yadav is set to miss the first half of the upcoming Indian Premier League.
From Gill to Bumrah: India team, support staff, BCCI VP Shukla arrive at Gambhir's residence for special dinner
The numbers from this season alone are almost surreal. 680 runs in 15 innings. Average of 45. Strike rate of 242. A century, four fifties, best score of 103. 65 sixes and 55 fours from just 280 balls -- a boundary every 2.3 balls, a six every 4.3 balls.
Rishabh Pant loses India Test vice-captaincy and is dropped from the ODI squad for the Afghanistan series, while K L Rahul returns as deputy and young players earn maiden call-ups.
Purnendu Maji and Srinivas Bhogle present Rediff's Most Valuable Player Index of IPL 2026 after Game 62.
Marco Jansen demolished the Indian batting line-up with a six-wicket haul before South Africa extended their lead on Day 3 of the second and final Test.
After losing his central contract and slipping down the pecking order, Ishan Kishan rebuilt his game and mindset through discipline, meditation and domestic grind - culminating in a defining performance against Pakistan.
With just 10 days remaining in the Indian Premier League's league stage, a late surge from teams like Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders has intensified the competition, leaving eight teams vying for the coveted four playoff spots.
Virat Kohli's stroke-filled 91-ball 93 set up India's win in the series opener against New Zealand.
Former Sri Lanka cricketer and current Rajasthan Royals coach and Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara expressed happiness on wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel earning the India call-up for the Test series against England at home, saying that the player understands pressure well and has a fine work ethic.
Abhishek Sharma continues to lead the IPL 2026 MVPI table, highlighting a worrying trend where batters overwhelmingly dominate the top positions and only one bowler features in the top 20. Purnendu Maji and Srinivas Bhogle present Rediff's Most Valuable Player Index of IPL 2026 after Game 54.
This series also marks the return of two Indian heavyweights who will be seen in action for the first time in the Indian jersey since the ICC Champions Trophy Final earlier this year.
UP batters, spinners overpower Hyderabad by 84 runs in Vijay Hazare opener
Abhimanyu Easwaran and K L Rahul hit half-centuries to build India's A lead on Day 3 of the second unofficial Test against England Lions at County Ground, Northampton, on Sunday.
Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer Praful Hinge remains grounded despite his impressive IPL debut, focusing on continued improvement and maintaining his composure.
"We will have an advantage...": BCCI VP Shukla on India's new-look squad for England tour
Kumar Sangakkara explains the decision to appoint Riyan Parag as captain of the Rajasthan Royals, highlighting his maturity and vision for the team.
Nitish Reddy released from India squad for India A one day series
Purnendu Maji and Srinivas Bhogle present Rediff's Most Valuable Player Index of IPL 2026 after Game 38.
South Africa were dealt a major blow before the first ball was even bowled, with pace ace Kagiso Rabada ruled out of the opening Test against India due to a rib injury.
The BCCI has postponed Wednesday's press conference to Thursday afternoon, where Ajit Agarkar will unveil India's squad for the two-Test series against the West Indies, with Shubman Gill returning as captain.