India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin hit back at criticism of the pitch for the ongoing third Test between India and South Africa in Nagpur, saying it needs to be taken out of the equation since both teams have to deal with the same conditions. Harish Kotian/Rediff.com reports
'I try to play my best and put India in a good position.'
A look at how the Indian players rated in the Test series against South Africa.
'I thank Sachinpaaji for taking me to Coach Gary Kirsten and telling him that 'Sreesanth should play' (in the World Cup final against Sri Lanka) and thanks to Dhonibhai for giving me that opportunity.'
Harish Kotian evaluates Indian performances in the third Test.
Axar Patel, one of the most consistent performers for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020, reveals what makes him click.
Why Virat Kohli puts his 141 at Adelaide ahead of the 235 in Mumbai.
Harish Kotian evaluates the Indian team's performances in the first Test.
'I couldn't even hold my bat, but I still wanted to carry on batting despite the amount of pain because me staying there was important for the team.' 'It was tough, but if you want to win matches for your team, if you want to contribute, then you will have to overcome such challenges.'
'I had offers from the BJP, but my ideology is different from theirs.'
'There is the World Test Championship final, which we are aiming at, so we need to win a few games to achieve it.'
'You can take a bit of off-time from cricket, mentally as well as physically.'
Brilliant performances from some players of the 10 participating teams through the World Cup will be etched in memory of cricket fans forever.
'I always wanted to play Test cricket. I just didn't want to be a cricketer who played One-Dayers and T20s and just goes away.' Jasprit Bumrah on why playing Test cricket is so important for him.
'Rohit can bring a lot to the table.' 'And if he clicks, then imagine how strong our batting line-up will be.'
'When the team is struggling, he is the one who wants to step up and play that important innings.'
'I just want to keep learning and keep getting better.'
India's captain for the One-day series in Zimbabwe addressed the media prior to the team's departure. Harish Kotian/Rediff.com reports.
'The entire BCCI order was based on the Delhi police's chargesheet.' 'Neeraj Kumar shouldn't be part of any BCCI committee that will look into lifting the life ban on the three cricketers.'
BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee member Sourav Ganguly explains why they decided to defer the naming of India's new coach. Harish Kotian/Rediff.com listens in.
'It is time to be humble and offer Test cricket to fans as per their convenience.' 'The only way to get more people to Test cricket and increase its viewership, its popularity and its quality by having day-night Test matches.'
Chairman of selectors Sandeep Patil's explanation for Harbhajan Singh's inclusion in the squad for the one-off Test in Bangladesh next month. Harish Kotian reports
Virat Kohli's horror run with the bat brought back memories of England 2014 while Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara also failed to live up to their top billing. A look at how the Indian players fared in New Zealand.
What cost India a place in the World Cup final?
'The feeling that we were Olympic champions only dawned on us when we reached India.'
Injuries, confusion over team changes and replacement players have compounded problems for India, who look bereft of a clear strategy and have stumbled after a good start at the World Cup.
Former India captain and team director Ravi Shastri said Cheteshwar Pujara, who was not picked up by any of the teams for this year's Indian Premier League, deserves to be compensated handsomely as a reward for his consistent contributions to the Test team's success this home season.
'Indian hockey will lose out on one of its most important nurseries of good hockey talent.'
The former opening batsman picked India, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand as the four semi-finalists in the upcoming tournament Down Under.
'I believe that God has sent him in this world to just bat.' 'He only has to bat and the rest will follow for him.'
'If a few words from the opposition trouble you,' S Sreesanth tells Harish Kotian/Rediff.com, 'then you shouldn't be playing international cricket.'
'Binny's slot could go to a spinning all-rounder in Nagpur. It could be either Rohit or Mann.'
India captain Virat Kohli addressed the media after the rain-ruined second Test against South Africa in Bangalore. Harish Kotian/Rediff.com reports.
Former India captain Rahul Dravid has some suggestions to make T20 cricket more exciting. Harish Kotian lists them.
India's young batting stars Mandeep Singh and Sarfaraz Khan, who played alongside AB in this year's Indian Premier League, said it was like a dream come true for them to share the same dressing room with the South African, who is on the threshold of the unique landmark of 100 Test matches.
'Getting used to the lights and the pink ball, especially early on, is the key.'
Ganguly, only the second Indian captain to take charge as the BCCI chief, sounded a pleased man on his first day at his new office at the BCCI head office
A summary of the fourth day's play in the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals.
While winning four major finals, India have finished on the losing side in the finals on four occasions.
After his retirement, Sachin Tendulkar, Rediff.com's Harish Kotian discovers, has become more outspoken about cricketing issues.
