News for 'XI'

Gambhir not to blame? Ex selector makes big claim

Gambhir not to blame? Ex selector makes big claim

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Former India cricketer and ex-chief selector MSK Prasad has questioned the consistent dropping of Sanju Samson from the T20I squad, calling it a 'big mistake' given his strong performances, while also defending head coach Gautam Gambhir against early criticism for recent series losses.

Rohit bhai hasn't told us anything about retirement: Shubman Gill

Rohit bhai hasn't told us anything about retirement: Shubman Gill

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

India skipper Shubman Gill has clarified that senior star Rohit Sharma has not discussed his international future with the team, despite intense media speculation.

Ganguly 'surprised' by India's white-ball slump, backs team to bounce back

Ganguly 'surprised' by India's white-ball slump, backs team to bounce back

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly expressed surprise at India's recent white-ball slump, which saw them suffer a crushing 125-run defeat against England and a 0-2 series loss to Ireland, but backed the team to recover, while also commenting on his upcoming biopic 'Dada'.

'We Need To Stop Coaching Classes'

'We Need To Stop Coaching Classes'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

'We can integrate AI and tech into education, but that is just a means and not an end.' 'Ultimately, we need to control what happens in a classroom and we need to let teachers innovate their teaching style to suit the needs of Gen Z and beyond.'

'Advise Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be patient'

'Advise Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be patient'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is yet to make his India T20I debut despite all the hype and former India keeper Parthiv Patel reckons he will get his opportunity sometime in the ongoing series against England.

Why Bangladesh Matters For India's Future

Why Bangladesh Matters For India's Future

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

For India, the guiding principle should remain clear: Engage Bangladesh as a sovereign nation and society rather than through the prism of any individual leader or political party, suggests Manoj Mohanka.

Don't shorten ODIs to 40 overs, play more triangular series: Shubman Gill

Don't shorten ODIs to 40 overs, play more triangular series: Shubman Gill

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India skipper Shubman Gill has strongly rejected the idea of pruning ODIs to 40 overs, instead advocating for more triangular or quadrangular series to revive the struggling format amidst the rise of T20Is.

'Rohit good enough to play for couple of years'

'Rohit good enough to play for couple of years'

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Lalchand Rajput, Rohit Sharma's early mentor, believes the former India captain is 'good enough to play for a couple of years', attributing his current struggles to natural 'wear and tear'.

'Why Washington Sundar Again?' Fans Question India's Selection

'Why Washington Sundar Again?' Fans Question India's Selection

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Following a poor performance against England, all-rounder Washington Sundar's place in India's T20 team is being heavily debated by fans and critics. His inability to consistently deliver with both bat and ball has led to questions regarding his continued selection.

Who's In Virat Kohli's All-Time RCB XI?

Who's In Virat Kohli's All-Time RCB XI?

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

West Indian Chris Gayle was Virat Kohli's choice of opener in T20 cricket.

Why India A's Tour Of New Zealand Is Crucial For Senior Team Contenders

Why India A's Tour Of New Zealand Is Crucial For Senior Team Contenders

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

India A will undertake a shadow tour of New Zealand ahead of the senior team's multi-format series in the country, with the itinerary comprising three List A matches and two first-class games.

Need to adapt better, but reset will take time: Gambhir on India's struggles in UK

Need to adapt better, but reset will take time: Gambhir on India's struggles in UK

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has attributed the team's poor performance in the ongoing UK T20 tour to a transitional 'reset', a lack of game awareness, and failure to correctly read conditions, following their heaviest-ever T20I defeat.

Bowling Struggles, Fitness Woes: Why India Flopped In England ODIs

Bowling Struggles, Fitness Woes: Why India Flopped In England ODIs

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

A look at what went wrong for India in the England ODI series.

Gavaskar To BCCI: Give India Stars Month's Break

Gavaskar To BCCI: Give India Stars Month's Break

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Sunil Gavaskar has urged the BCCI to give India's senior cricketers a mandatory one-month break every year, warning that excessive rotation is devaluing the India cap and affecting both players and fans.

Sanjay Manjrekar Slams Sanju Samson's Exclusion In England T20

Sanjay Manjrekar Slams Sanju Samson's Exclusion In England T20

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised the team management's decision to drop T20 World Cup hero Sanju Samson for the second T20 against England, calling it "bizarre" despite the debut of teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. India lost the match, trailing 0-1 in the five-match series.

'Tilak Varma is clueless': Srikkanth backs Samson over him

'Tilak Varma is clueless': Srikkanth backs Samson over him

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India's T20I team is facing significant challenges under its new leadership, with captain Shreyas Iyer and vice-captain Tilak Varma under scrutiny after consecutive series losses in the UK. The team's poor performance, especially after a recent T20 World Cup win, has led to questions about player selections and management decisions, particularly concerning Tilak Varma's form and role.

Remembering Garry Sobers: The Greatest Cricketer Ever

Remembering Garry Sobers: The Greatest Cricketer Ever

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Sir Garfield Sobers, widely considered the greatest all-rounder in cricket history, passed away just days before his 90th birthday, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy that included a significant connection with India both on and off the field.

Sooryavanshi must start from the first match against England: Gavaskar

Sooryavanshi must start from the first match against England: Gavaskar

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Sunil Gavaskar has strongly backed young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be included in playing XI from the first game in the upcoming five-match T20I series against England, starting on Wednesday.

'Is This How You Groom Players?' Srikkanth Slams Iyer

'Is This How You Groom Players?' Srikkanth Slams Iyer

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The decision to bring in and then drop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during India's T20I series against England has raised eyebrows, and former captain Kris Srikkanth has shared his disappointment over the way the youngster was handled.

Ex-India cricketers slam selectors over Sooryavanshi's omission from Ireland series

Ex-India cricketers slam selectors over Sooryavanshi's omission from Ireland series

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Former India wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani reckons selectors missed an opportunity by leaving teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the Ireland T20Is, and says he should now be backed for the white-ball series against England, starting on Wednesday (July 1).

Beyond Harman: Mithali backs Smriti for ODI captaincy, Shafali for T20

Beyond Harman: Mithali backs Smriti for ODI captaincy, Shafali for T20

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Smriti Mandhana is more suited to lead India in the longer formats after Harmanpreet Kaur's tenure ends while the much younger Shafali Varma can be handed the reins of the T20 side following another pre-mature exit from the World Cup, former captain legendary Mithali Raj said.

Trump calls Modi a 'very tough cookie', 'great leader'

Trump calls Modi a 'very tough cookie', 'great leader'

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Former US President Donald Trump lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a 'great leader' and 'tough guy' who has been in power for over 12 years, placing him alongside China's President Xi Jinping as leaders he admires for their power and ability to execute.

Modi stopped Putin from using nuclear weapons on Ukraine in 2022: Polish min

Modi stopped Putin from using nuclear weapons on Ukraine in 2022: Polish min

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Poland's Secretary of State, Wladyslaw T Bartoszewski, has credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with preventing Russian President Vladimir Putin from using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine in late 2022, highlighting Modi's significant influence on the Russian leader.

Doval, Wang review path to normalisation as India-China ties steadily thaw

Doval, Wang review path to normalisation as India-China ties steadily thaw

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held "constructive" talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, focusing on the normalisation of bilateral ties. The discussions reviewed recent developments and progress towards rebuilding trust after the eastern Ladakh border standoff. Both sides have implemented measures, including disengagement pacts and high-level meetings, to improve relations.

Rashid denies Rohit fifty, Jaiswal fails to impress

Rashid denies Rohit fifty, Jaiswal fails to impress

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 48 by Rashid Khan, while Yashasvi Jaiswal's return to the ODI side ended in disappointment as he was out cheaply. Both Indian openers failed to convert their starts in the second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow.

'Not the IPL Iyer': Saba Karim questions T20 captaincy

'Not the IPL Iyer': Saba Karim questions T20 captaincy

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim has called for Shreyas Iyer to assert his authority as captain in international cricket, criticising his tactical decisions in recent T20I losses against Ireland and England. Karim also suggested crucial batting order changes, advocating for Sanju Samson and Suryansh Shedge to be included in the playing XI to address India's struggles with English conditions and middle-order scoring.

Ashmita Chaliha Continues Strong Comeback At Macau Open

Ashmita Chaliha Continues Strong Comeback At Macau Open

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Indian shuttler Ashmita Chaliha has advanced to the women's singles semifinals of the Macau Open Super 300 tournament, defeating Kim Min Sun. This marks her first BWF tour event semifinal this year, following a successful return from injury. However, compatriot Anmol Kharb was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

'Play him now!' Ex-selector's big call on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

'Play him now!' Ex-selector's big call on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Former India selector Sarandeep Singh has advocated for the inclusion of 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Indian playing eleven for the upcoming T20 series opener against England. Singh believes Sooryavanshi, who was in stellar form in the IPL and for India A, should be given an opportunity to debut, potentially becoming India's youngest cricketer.

The Great Collapse: How India's Big T20 Shake-Up Failed

The Great Collapse: How India's Big T20 Shake-Up Failed

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Indian team, which looked invincible under Suryakumar Yadav, has suddenly hit rock bottom a few months after winning the T20 World Cup.

Can Brazil finally crack Norway? Haaland stands between Selecao and history

Can Brazil finally crack Norway? Haaland stands between Selecao and history

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Brazil take on bogey team Norway in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, aiming for their first-ever victory over the Scandinavians as Erling Haaland leads Norway's bid for another historic upset.

Women's T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet must attack, not rebuild, says Shikha Pandey

Women's T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet must attack, not rebuild, says Shikha Pandey

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur needs to stop thinking about the wickets falling around her and focus on playing her natural attacking game, believes former pacer Shikha Pandey, who says the batter can transform into a completely different player once she gets settled at the crease.

Time For India To Unleash Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Time For India To Unleash Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

After yet another failure for Sanju Samson -- his third in a row -- 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could make his India debut in the second T20I against England on Saturday.

'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ready for international cricket but...'

'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ready for international cricket but...'

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has stated that 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is ready for international cricket, but must follow the established process for selection.

First Day In India Blue! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Carries Drinks

First Day In India Blue! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Carries Drinks

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old cricket prodigy, joined the senior Indian team for the first T20I against Ireland but did not make his debut.

Vaibhav Sooryvanshi should be played according to his ability, says Kapil Dev

Vaibhav Sooryvanshi should be played according to his ability, says Kapil Dev

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev has lauded young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, comparing his talent to that of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Dev emphasised that Sooryavanshi's ability, not his age, should be the primary factor in his selection for the national team, while also cautioning against excessive hype around the 15-year-old.

What Will Xi Jinping Do Next With All That Power?

What Will Xi Jinping Do Next With All That Power?

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

'For the first time in a hundred years, the army has been taken out of the political equation. And for the first time ever, there is only one man who calls the shots. Not even Mao had this kind of power.'

FIFA World Cup 2026: France's fearsome attack enters debate over greatest forward line

FIFA World Cup 2026: France's fearsome attack enters debate over greatest forward line

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

France's march into the World Cup last 16 has been built on an attacking force so relentless that comparisons with some of the greatest forward lines in football history are no longer sounding premature.

IPL 2026: Bangar maps GT's ideal XI; big role for Sundar

IPL 2026: Bangar maps GT's ideal XI; big role for Sundar

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Sanjay Bangar explains how Gujarat Titans can balance their XI for IPL 2026, backing Washington Sundar's batting role and suggesting key overseas combinations.

Messi's Magic Leaves Scaloni Speechless After Another Milestone

Messi's Magic Leaves Scaloni Speechless After Another Milestone

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he is running out of words to describe Lionel Messi after the captain became the first player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches during the 3-1 win over Jordan.

2nd T20I: Will India stick with Samson or pick Sooryavanshi?

2nd T20I: Will India stick with Samson or pick Sooryavanshi?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Sanju Samson heads into the second T20I against England with his place under the spotlight, as teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waits in the wings after another underwhelming outing from the India opener.