Veteran cricketer R Ashwin has expressed his disappointment over Yashasvi Jaiswal's exclusion from India's ODI squad for the New Zealand series, suggesting that the lack of international game time could negatively impact the young opener's confidence and form.
Mumbai all-rounder Suryansh Shedge is a strong contender for India's ODI squad for the New Zealand tour, following impressive performances against Australia A. His recent form, coupled with injury concerns for other all-rounders like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Hardik Pandya, makes him an attractive option for the expanded squad needed due to a tight schedule.
New Zealand has announced the return of Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, and Tim Seifert to their One-Day International squad for the upcoming home series against India, with coach Rob Walter emphasising the importance of these matches for World Cup preparations.
'Blessed with talented players': Imran Tahir backs South Africa's young core to shine at 2027 World Cup
Shubman Gill's magnificent double century and Rohit Sharma's fluent hundred propelled India to their highest successful run chase in ODI history, chasing down 406 against West Indies by 8 wickets to seal the three-match series.
Indian batter K L Rahul is actively working on improving his game against the old ball to ensure the middle overs generate more runs, aiming for India to consistently score in excess of 370 in ODIs amidst the growing trend of high targets being chased down.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has advocated for Yashasvi Jaiswal to receive ample opportunities in the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies. Pathan believes this exposure is crucial for Jaiswal to establish himself as a backup opener for the next year's ODI World Cup. He also highlighted the importance of testing India's bench strength, especially with several key players participating in the Asian Games, and backed Naman Dhir's inclusion for his all-round capabilities.
Mitch Marsh will captain Australia in the first ODI against South Africa, despite Pat Cummins' arrival. Cummins is focusing on the upcoming Test series, allowing Marsh to continue leading the ODI side after a successful series in Zimbabwe. Cummins might return for later matches in the series, which serves as preparation for next year's World Cup.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter has revealed plans to utilise explosive batter Finn Allen in a middle-order role during the upcoming ODI series against India.
India's spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has indicated that Ravindra Jadeja's prospects for the 2027 ODI World Cup are strong, with his all-round skills being a crucial factor. The team is actively assessing various spin options, including Axar Patel, and using current series to experiment with combinations and fine-tune the squad for the upcoming showpiece event in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Suresh Raina backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's experience and trophy-winning pedigree, saying their presence gives India a "90 per cent chance" of winning the World Cup.
India U-19 defeated Australia U-19 by 103 runs in the second Youth ODI, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Yashbardhan Chauhan scored 122 and VK Vineeth added 87, helping India post 341/7. Australia were bowled out for 238, with Chigurupati Venkata taking three wickets.
Srinivas Bhogle and Purnendu Maji identify India's most valuable players in ODI games this season.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has finalised a five-match One-Day International series against England in May 2025, serving as vital preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup later that year.
A World Cup year tends to dominate discussion on ODI cricket, and bilateral series are usually quickly forgotten. Before the series against Australia begins, let us take a look at India's best ODI players during the ongoing 2019-2020 season.
Former chief selector M S K Prasad wants Mohammed Shami considered for the New Zealand series and the 2027 ODI World Cup while former bowling coach Bharat Arun says the pacer has nothing left to prove.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that a strong performance by Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand could pave his way back into the Indian ODI team and secure a spot for the next year's 50-over World Cup. Ashwin highlighted Bhuvneshwar's unique ability to swing the ball and his decent pace as crucial assets, especially in conditions like South Africa and Australia. He also stressed the importance of the pacer maintaining his fitness.
Punjab secured a dominant seven-wicket victory over Chhattisgarh in their Group B Ranji Trophy clash in Mullanpur. Led by three-wicket hauls from spinners Harjas Singh and Emanjot Singh Chahal, Punjab first posted a massive 456, then bowled out Chhattisgarh twice, enforcing a follow-on. Despite a spirited second innings resistance from Chhattisgarh, Punjab comfortably chased a modest target of 86 runs. The article also briefly mentions other Ranji Trophy matches.
A strong India A squad, featuring senior team members like KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, will play New Zealand A in a four-day match starting Saturday, serving as crucial preparation for the senior team's upcoming two-Test series.
Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar expressed his disappointment over Rohit Sharma missing a century against West Indies, wishing for Rohit to achieve more ODI hundreds than his age by the time he retires. Gavaskar also highlighted a significant shift in Rohit's batting approach since the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he now prioritizes preserving his wicket and converting starts into big scores, benefiting the team's scoring rate and shielding him from criticism.
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy lauded skipper Shai Hope's 'amazing innings' of 162 not out, which led the team to a record chase of 352 against India, denying them a series sweep and providing valuable learnings for the Windies.
West Indies batter Shai Hope credited former India captain MS Dhoni's advice for helping him stay patient and break down a massive 352-run chase against India, leading to his unbeaten 162 and a stunning five-wicket victory.
After winning the International Cricket Council's ODI Player of the Year 2008 award, it is not such a big surprise that Mahendra Singh Dhoni is also India's most valuable ODI player so far in the 2008-09 season.
A vital aspect of captaincy is not the title, but the confidence that a captain plant in the hearts of their teammates. And both, Gill and Iyer, do this very well, points out K R Nayar.
Mohammed Shami claimed a four-wicket haul and Ravindra Jadeja scored an unbeaten half-century, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul were dismissed cheaply for a duck and four runs respectively on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season.
India is reportedly exploring an ODI series in South Africa before the 2027 World Cup, a move initiated by the team management to gain crucial exposure to conditions and fine-tune preparations for the tournament.
West Indies head coach Darren Sammy emphasised the critical importance of winning both powerplays (batting and bowling) to defeat India in the ongoing T20I series. He highlighted the team's struggle to contain India in the initial overs while bowling and stressed the need for improvement. Sammy also defended all-rounder Roston Chase, praising his discipline and tactical understanding amidst criticism of his selection.
India's leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has announced his retirement from first-class cricket, concluding his career after playing his final match for Northamptonshire at Lord's. Despite a successful white-ball career for India, Chahal never achieved his dream of a Test cap, reflecting on his journey with gratitude and acknowledging the lessons learned from the red-ball format.
England's white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum has encouraged newly-appointed mentor Kevin Pietersen to actively challenge the team's approach and suggest improvements, leveraging his "incredible pedigree as a player."
West Indies batting coach Floyd Reifer has stressed the need for the middle order to show greater responsibility and regain consistency, especially as the team prepares for the ODI World Cup Qualifier. He acknowledged positives from the recent loss to India, including a strong opening partnership, and highlighted the potential of young batter Jewel Andrew.
India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is set to play for Saurashtra in their opening Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh, with Jaydev Unadkat retaining captaincy, as the team aims for a strong start to the 2026-27 season.
Virat Kohli has added another landmark to his remarkable ODI career by becoming the Indian batter with the most half-centuries in SENA countries -- South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia.
Virat Kohli impressed Eknath Shinde with his humility during their London meeting, while the duo discussed Maharashtra's development, sports, youth talent and the cricketer's upcoming ODI milestones.
Virat is No 1. Rohit is no 2, but guess who are Nos 3, 4, 5!
Virat is No 1, Rohit is No 2, but guess who are 3, 4 and 5?
Shubman Gill has affirmed that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are indispensable to India's ODI team, highlighting their vast experience and skill.
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has been appointed as a Specialist Mentor for the England men's white-ball teams, aiming to bolster their preparations for the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Shubman Gill, India's Test and ODI captain, celebrated his 27th birthday, marking a remarkable journey from a young prodigy to a dependable leader and cornerstone of the Indian batting line-up, with impressive records across all formats.
Skipper Shubman Gill on Saturday hoped that "phenomenal" Yashasvi Jaiswal will continue to churn out big performances to keep himself in contention in India's ODI scheme of things.
Srinivas Bhogle and Purnendu Maji identify Rediff.com's Most Valuable ODI Player in the 2016-2017 season so far.
