News for 'XI'

Gill Tries To Fix His Spin Problems

Gill Tries To Fix His Spin Problems

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, the Indian cricket team underwent an intense net session in Colombo.

Sri Lanka face big selection dilemma ahead of India Test

Sri Lanka face big selection dilemma ahead of India Test

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Russel Arnold believes the hosts will struggle to add another frontline spinner to their playing XI for the second Test against India without upsetting the team's overall balance, especially given their batting struggles.

'K L Rahul better off without captaincy'

'K L Rahul better off without captaincy'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes K L Rahul performs best when not burdened by captaincy.

Shehbaz present as Modi warns SCO: No double standards on terror

Shehbaz present as Modi warns SCO: No double standards on terror

Rediff.com1 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the SCO summit in Bishkek, called for a united front against terrorism and its financing, rejecting double standards. He emphasised resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, not battlefields. Modi also highlighted that connectivity projects must respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, a veiled reference to China's Belt and Road Initiative. India's vision for SCO rests on security, connectivity, and opportunity.

2nd Test: Abbas' four-fer puts Pakistan in command as England battle to 248-9 on Day 1

2nd Test: Abbas' four-fer puts Pakistan in command as England battle to 248-9 on Day 1

Rediff.com6 days ago

Mohammad Abbas claimed four wickets as Pakistan controlled much of the opening day at Lord's, but England recovered through Cox, Smith and Atkinson to reach 248-9.

India batting coach names stars who impressed in warm-up

India batting coach names stars who impressed in warm-up

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded the team's productive warm-up victory against Sri Lanka, highlighting strong performances from both batters and bowlers, including Shubman Gill's quick 44 and Devdutt Padikkal's unbeaten 142, which set a positive tone for the upcoming two-match Test series.

Amol Muzumdar challenges young India to play fearless cricket at T20 Asia Cup

Amol Muzumdar challenges young India to play fearless cricket at T20 Asia Cup

Rediff.com4 days ago

Amol Muzumdar wants India's young team to embrace aggressive cricket at the T20 Asia Cup, despite inconsistent form, as they prepare for a crucial six-month campaign ahead.

Bangladesh's China-US Tilt Should Worry India

Bangladesh's China-US Tilt Should Worry India

Rediff.com1 days ago

Bangladesh-China and Bangladesh-US relations have evolved from reluctant engagement to increasingly consequential strategic partnerships.

Confident India target first overseas Test series win in three years vs Sri Lanka

Confident India target first overseas Test series win in three years vs Sri Lanka

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

India is poised to secure its first overseas Test series victory in three years as they face Sri Lanka in the second and final match, with skipper Shubman Gill and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal under pressure to deliver substantial knocks.

Can Kuldeep Yadav Finally Turn The Tide in Sri Lanka?

Can Kuldeep Yadav Finally Turn The Tide in Sri Lanka?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Kuldeep Yadav will look towards the Sri Lanka series as his big opportunity to finally seal his place as India's No 1 spinner in Tests.

Trump, Xi hold talks in the 'biggest summit ever'

Trump, Xi hold talks in the 'biggest summit ever'

Rediff.com14 May 2026

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing to discuss a range of issues, including trade frictions and the war in Iran.

New military hotlines: India-China talks yield 8-point consensus

New military hotlines: India-China talks yield 8-point consensus

Rediff.com7 days ago

India and China have agreed to advance discussions on an "Early and Substantial Harvest" of boundary delimitation and border management during the 25th round of Special Representatives talks between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. Both sides reached an eight-point consensus, committing to the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for Settlement. Key outcomes include enhancing border management, improving understanding of the Line of Actual Control, establishing new meeting points and hotlines, and continuing cooperation on trans-border rivers and pilgrimage.

Ashmita Chaliha stuns Han to win maiden BWF Tour title at Korea Masters

Ashmita Chaliha stuns Han to win maiden BWF Tour title at Korea Masters

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Indian shuttler Ashmita Chaliha has won her first BWF World Tour title, defeating China's Han Qian Xi in the women's singles final of the Korea Masters Super 300 tournament.

Three-hour spin sessions: How Padikkal prepared for Sri Lanka tour

Three-hour spin sessions: How Padikkal prepared for Sri Lanka tour

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Devdutt Padikkal's childhood coach, Mohammad Naseeruddin, revealed the rigorous training regimen the cricketer underwent, including practising with Kookaburra balls on turning pitches, to prepare for the Sri Lankan spin attack ahead of the Test series.

'India Doesn't Need To Fear Turkish Or Saudi Interventions In A Future India-Pakistan Conflict'

'India Doesn't Need To Fear Turkish Or Saudi Interventions In A Future India-Pakistan Conflict'

Rediff.com1 days ago

'It beggars belief that Saudi Arabia would deploy military force against India, a top partner and market.'

What Makes Padikkal's Test Ton So Special?

What Makes Padikkal's Test Ton So Special?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

A maiden Test century is never just about three figures. It is a reflection of patience, perseverance, self-belief and the courage to wait for the right moment.

Kuldeep Yadav rested in warm-up due to workload, says India's spin coach

Kuldeep Yadav rested in warm-up due to workload, says India's spin coach

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule confirmed that Kuldeep Yadav's absence from bowling in the second innings of the warm-up game against Sri Lanka Cricket XI was a precautionary measure to assess his body after a significant workload, allaying fitness concerns.

Australia's Fab Four Reunite For Bangladesh Test

Australia's Fab Four Reunite For Bangladesh Test

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Josh Hazlewood's return completes Australia's 'Fab Four' bowling attack for the first Test against Bangladesh, marking their first reunion in over a year and setting the stage for a significant home series.

Mishandling Taiwan issue could spark China-US clash, Xi Jinping warns Trump

Mishandling Taiwan issue could spark China-US clash, Xi Jinping warns Trump

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US President Donald Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could trigger conflicts between the two countries during wide-ranging talks on trade, Iran, and energy security.

'Is he the leader?': Kartik's big Kuldeep question

'Is he the leader?': Kartik's big Kuldeep question

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Former India spinner Murali Kartik has emphasised the need for consistency and a clearly defined role for Kuldeep Yadav in the Test side, especially as Ravindra Jadeja approaches the end of his career. Kartik believes Kuldeep, despite being a match-winner, has not received the sustained backing needed to flourish in Test cricket under previous regimes.

David Miller eyes fairytale ODI World Cup farewell

David Miller eyes fairytale ODI World Cup farewell

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

South African batting stalwart David Miller has expressed his strong desire to win the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa. He aims to finish his career on a high note by lifting the trophy in front of home fans. Miller also reflected on his career as a middle-order finisher and highlighted his most memorable innings.

Andrew Flintoff resigns as England Lions head coach

Andrew Flintoff resigns as England Lions head coach

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has resigned from his position as head coach of the England Lions, opting to focus on his coaching commitments with Australia's Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.

Trump ends China visit after extensive talks with Xi on trade, global issues

Trump ends China visit after extensive talks with Xi on trade, global issues

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Donald Trump says several issues were settled during the final day of talks with Xi Jinping covering trade, tariffs, and diplomacy.

1st T20I vs Ireland: Why Sooryavanshi was not picked in the Playing XI

1st T20I vs Ireland: Why Sooryavanshi was not picked in the Playing XI

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

He will get his opportunity when the time comes, captain Shreyas Iyer said at the toss.

How Bangladesh's pacers shocked No 1 Australia

How Bangladesh's pacers shocked No 1 Australia

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Bangladesh achieved a historic nine-wicket victory over top-ranked Australia in the first Test in Darwin, marking their first Test win in Australia. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto credited the team's focus on pace bowling for this significant upset, highlighting a shift in mindset among young fast bowlers. Hasan Mahmud was named Player of the Match for his nine wickets, including 6-55 in the first innings.

Shubman Gill Supports Devdutt Padikkal Amidst No. 3 Debate, Highlights Bowling Opportunities

Shubman Gill Supports Devdutt Padikkal Amidst No. 3 Debate, Highlights Bowling Opportunities

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India captain Shubman Gill has publicly supported Devdutt Padikkal amidst discussions about the team's number three batting position, emphasising the need for young players to develop. Gill also addressed the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, viewing it as an opportunity for other bowlers to step up and create pressure, especially on subcontinent pitches. He also praised Galle as a picturesque and historic venue for the upcoming 50th Test match.

Trump-Xi Rapprochement: Time For India To Be Cautious

Trump-Xi Rapprochement: Time For India To Be Cautious

Rediff.com21 May 2026

India would confront a more entrenched China, a less dependable United States, and a regional order increasingly shaped by great-power bargaining over which it exercises limited influence, notes Amberish K Diwanji.

English Club Cricket Rocked by 'Finger-Clicking' Cheating Scandal

English Club Cricket Rocked by 'Finger-Clicking' Cheating Scandal

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

An English club cricket team, Saltburn Cricket Club second XI, is under investigation for alleged cheating after a slip fielder appeared to trick umpires by clicking his fingers to mimic an edge, leading to a batter being given out caught behind.

Abhinav Tejrana: Goa's Lone Cricketer in South Zone Duleep Trophy Squad

Abhinav Tejrana: Goa's Lone Cricketer in South Zone Duleep Trophy Squad

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Goa's Abhinav Tejrana has been named in the South Zone squad for the prestigious Duleep Trophy, making him the only cricketer from Goa to achieve this distinction this year, a selection attributed to his consistent high-scoring performances in recent seasons.

Will Gill be ready for 1st Test vs Sri Lanka? Big update

Will Gill be ready for 1st Test vs Sri Lanka? Big update

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Indian spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule confirmed that captain Shubman Gill is fully prepared for the first Test against Sri Lanka, despite missing the initial days of the warm-up match due to a finger injury. Gill returned to score a quick 44, easing concerns and setting the stage for the upcoming two-match series.

Xi backs open Hormuz, opposes nuclear-armed Iran: Trump after China visit

Xi backs open Hormuz, opposes nuclear-armed Iran: Trump after China visit

Rediff.com16 May 2026

United States and China have agreed that "Iran can't have nuclear weapons," and that the Strait of Hormuz must be opened, according to US President Donald Trump.

Hazlewood joins Australia's Test greats with milestone

Hazlewood joins Australia's Test greats with milestone

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has become the ninth Australian bowler to take 300 Test wickets, achieving the milestone during the first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin with his 14th career five-wicket haul.

Kuldeep's Test spot in doubt after forgettable Galle show

Kuldeep's Test spot in doubt after forgettable Galle show

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former India leg-spinner L Sivaramakrishnan believes that advising Kuldeep Yadav to bowl faster in Test cricket is 'the worst piece of advice' he could receive, advocating instead for focus on alignment and natural speeds to maximise spin.

2026 will be a historic, landmark year for China-US ties, Xi tells Trump

2026 will be a historic, landmark year for China-US ties, Xi tells Trump

Rediff.com14 May 2026

US President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to discuss trade, technology, Taiwan, and the Iran war. Xi Jinping said that 2026 will be a 'historic, landmark year' for China-US relations.

What Is The Thucydides Trap That Xi Warned Trump About?

What Is The Thucydides Trap That Xi Warned Trump About?

Rediff.com14 May 2026

An explainer on the 'Thucydides Trap' and its relevance to current tensions between the United States and China, as discussed by President Xi Jinping.

'He's quite intimidating when he gets going': Cummins Wants Green To Be Aggressive Vs Bangladesh

'He's quite intimidating when he gets going': Cummins Wants Green To Be Aggressive Vs Bangladesh

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Australia captain Pat Cummins has encouraged all-rounder Cameron Green to adopt an aggressive approach against Bangladesh in the upcoming Test series.

Has Trump Chosen Pakistan Over India?

Has Trump Chosen Pakistan Over India?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

We are back to the 1971 moment with both China and the US supporting Pakistan, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

1st Test, Day 3: Suthar, Jadeja star as Sri Lanka bowled out for 284

1st Test, Day 3: Suthar, Jadeja star as Sri Lanka bowled out for 284

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja led India's bowling attack on Day 3 in Galle.

Test cricket is my ultimate goal, so I model my game around red ball: Devdutt Padikkal

Test cricket is my ultimate goal, so I model my game around red ball: Devdutt Padikkal

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Devdutt Padikkal on Tuesday asserted that Test cricket remains his "ultimate goal", and subtle technical adjustments to his batting has helped him make an instant impact in the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Shubman Gill: Why India Prioritises Player Fitness Over Risk in Test Cricket

Shubman Gill: Why India Prioritises Player Fitness Over Risk in Test Cricket

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India skipper Shubman Gill has shed light on the team's meticulous approach to player fitness, explaining that while constant monitoring is in place, risk-avoiding decisions are sometimes necessary, especially in the demanding format of Test cricket, to protect both the player and the team's long-term interests.