The Indian skipper is desperate to end his prolonged lean patch with the bat.
The auction ahead of the ninth edition of the Indian Premier League had in store something on expected lines and some surprises. Here's a look at the top buys after the first round.
Expect a battle of wits when Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings lock horns in Wednesday's Indian Premier League match in Bangalore.
Only 1330 tickets remain unsold for the first Test between India and Pakistan, beginning on Tuesday.
India pacer Jasprit Bumrah on Tuesday sought to play down the controversy surrounding poor umpiring in the second T20 International between India and England in Nagpur on Sunday, saying both sides will have to move on with the game as decisions do not always go in favour of only one team.
Replying to Gujarat's first innings total of 214, the visitors declared their first innings on 430 for 8 and then had Gujarat reeling on 205 for 5 at close of play on day 3 of the match.
Speedster Amit Bhandari claimed three wickets as Delhi took control of the Ranji Trophy match against Gujarat.
Following is a factbox on the second World Twenty20 semi-final between West Indies and India to be played at the Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai, on Thursday.
All-rounder Ajit Agarkar has been replaced by left-arm quick bowler Ashish Nehra.
India have replaced left-arm spinner Murali Kartik with Romesh Powar for the second ODI in Rawalpindi.
Sunil Gavaskar picked Pakistan as the favourites against India in the marquee match of the ICC World T20 to be played at the Eden Gardens on Saturday. India, who were the overwhelming favourites to win the title before the start of the mega event, were humbled by New Zealand in their opening match while Pakistan pummeled Bangladesh in their opener. "After the loss to New Zealand, India will be under far more pressure against Pakistan. I feel Pakistan start as favourites for the game on Saturday," Gavaskar told NDTV. Gavaskar said the highly awaited match will be about Indian batting versus Pakistan bowling as usual. "It is still pretty much Indian batting versus Pakistan bowling. However, with the way Indian bowlers have performed recently, they also won't be easy to tackle either. Ashwin (Ravichandran) is bowling well and so is Nehra (Ashish), ever since he has made a comeback. Then you have Jasprit Bumrah. So it will be a test for Pakistani batsman.
The maestro, who played an incredible 200 Tests in his illustrious career, said even though India have had some quality seamers but never had the 'luxury' of an attack of such variety.
India chose Virender Sehwag and Akash Chopra as their openers leaving out Anil Kumble and S Ramesh from the XI.
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is not at all pleased with the use of some of the umpiring devices like ear-piece which he feels prevents the on-field official from hearing snicks and edges in a packed stadium.
Sachin Tendulkar says the "sound" that came off skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's bat during the recent Asia Cup was a reflection of his positive mindset and it was a good news for already "favourites" India in the World Twenty20.
Leading past and present cricketers from India and Pakistan are expected to play in the May 6 day-night match.
The former Australia captain is looking forward to seeing the pace ace in action Down Under later this year.
Amit Shah digitally inaugurated the renamed Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in presence of late finance minister's family.
Have a look at the one-day international career statistics of the Indian cricket team.
The Indian team physio Andrew Leipus said Tendulkar had no fitness problems.
Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said his side played a "complete game" to beat Kings XI Punjab and enter the Champions League T20 final.
The off-spinner is the sixth Indian bowler to take a four-plus haul while on a tour with an India 'A' side
The indomitable Chennai Super Kings will have the advantage of familiarity with the conditions but the unbeaten Kolkata Knight Riders would still be a tough nut to crack when they clash in the Oppo Champions League T20 final at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.
Sunrisers Hyderabad's mentor VVS Laxman has said that opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan's form is not a matter of concern for the team and added that domestic players need to score runs.
