News for 'cricket preparations'

Ash Gardner's wife accuses Australia star of cheating with teammate

Ash Gardner's wife accuses Australia star of cheating with teammate

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Australia vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner faces a personal controversy after estranged wife Monica Wright publicly accused her of infidelity and named teammate Georgia Voll. Neither Gardner nor Cricket Australia has responded.

Should Sarfaraz Khan Make India's Playing XI at Galle?

Should Sarfaraz Khan Make India's Playing XI at Galle?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

As India prepares for their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting August 15, the team management faces critical decisions regarding their playing XI to bolster their World Test Championship 2027 final aspirations.

'What Logic Is There?': Gambhir's Decisions Face Heat

'What Logic Is There?': Gambhir's Decisions Face Heat

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Following India's disappointing limited-overs tour of the UK, head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management are facing intense scrutiny over selection decisions, particularly the omission of Kuldeep Yadav in the third ODI. Former cricketer Sadagoppan Ramesh criticised the team's logic, while also praising Rohit Sharma's century under pressure. The tour has sparked broader discussions about team selections and optimal talent utilisation.

Playing two Tests a year on average has been the bane for Afghan cricket: Shahidi

Playing two Tests a year on average has been the bane for Afghan cricket: Shahidi

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Afghanistan Test captain Hashmatullah Shahidi addressed Rashid Khan's Test future, stating it's a matter for selectors. Shahidi emphasised the need for Afghanistan to play more Test matches to develop their red-ball team, despite their domestic red-ball structure. He also highlighted the talent beyond T20 leagues and expressed confidence in his team's ability to handle conditions and compete against India.

Will Bumrah Recover In Time For Sri Lanka Tests?

Will Bumrah Recover In Time For Sri Lanka Tests?

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

India's squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka is expected to be announced next week, with fitness concerns surrounding pace leader Jasprit Bumrah.

Kuldeep admits switching from IPL to Tests is tough

Kuldeep admits switching from IPL to Tests is tough

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Switching formats in a short span of time is never easy, concedes Kuldeep Yadav and the senior India spinner hopes that players coming off a gruelling IPL season have prepared well for this week's one-off Test against Afghanistan just as he did with extended red-ball practice.

'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.

T20 Mumbai League: 'A Team That Plays Smart Cricket, Fights Till The End'

T20 Mumbai League: 'A Team That Plays Smart Cricket, Fights Till The End'

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Tushar Deshpande and Siddhesh Lad will lead defending champions MSC Maratha Royals into the new T20 Mumbai League season, with mentor Abhishek Nayar helping shape a balanced squad built on experience and young talent.

'We are ready with every answer': Gambhir's Tells Team Ahead Of Sri Lanka Test Series

'We are ready with every answer': Gambhir's Tells Team Ahead Of Sri Lanka Test Series

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed confidence in his team's readiness for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, starting August 15. Gambhir also welcomed new squad members Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi, emphasising the team's preparation for their first ICC World Test Championship assignment since a previous home defeat.

P V Sindhu: 'I Am Coming At The Top Of My Game'

P V Sindhu: 'I Am Coming At The Top Of My Game'

Rediff.com6 days ago

'Frankly, I'm in that zone for another Olympics.'

PM Narendra Modi surprises Steve Waugh with nostalgic photograph

PM Narendra Modi surprises Steve Waugh with nostalgic photograph

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a nostalgic moment with former Australia captain Steve Waugh during a visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, presenting him with a photograph from their first meeting more than two decades ago when Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

'Talk about cricket': Riyan Parag Slams Personal Attacks By Commentators

'Talk about cricket': Riyan Parag Slams Personal Attacks By Commentators

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag has criticised TV commentators and experts for making personal attacks on him during the IPL, urging them to respect players and focus on cricket. He also praised Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's innings against LSG.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: The Don Bradman Of T20 Cricket

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: The Don Bradman Of T20 Cricket

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The numbers from this season alone are almost surreal. 680 runs in 15 innings. Average of 45. Strike rate of 242. A century, four fifties, best score of 103. 65 sixes and 55 fours from just 280 balls -- a boundary every 2.3 balls, a six every 4.3 balls.

Fear of failure has no place in this team, says Shreyas Iyer ahead of Zimbabwe T20Is

Fear of failure has no place in this team, says Shreyas Iyer ahead of Zimbabwe T20Is

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

India captain Shreyas Iyer has urged his team to play fearless cricket in the upcoming T20 series against Zimbabwe, despite a recent winless tour of England. He emphasised learning from past setbacks, adapting to new conditions, and focusing on team unity to overcome challenges.

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.

Kuldeep Yadav's Coach Confident Of Spinner's Comeback

Kuldeep Yadav's Coach Confident Of Spinner's Comeback

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Kuldeep Yadav's childhood coach, Kapil Pandey, has expressed confidence in the left-arm wrist spinner's ability to regain his place in the Indian team despite his recent exclusion from the playing XI. Pandey highlighted Kuldeep's fighting spirit, impact in previous matches, and consistent work ethic, dismissing concerns about his limited appearances and emphasising his value as a top spinner.

Bazball era ends? McCullum SACKED from Test role

Bazball era ends? McCullum SACKED from Test role

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Brendon McCullum's four-year stint as England Test coach has come to an end after the ECB decided to part ways with him.

Coach reveals truth behind Sooryavanshi's debut

Coach reveals truth behind Sooryavanshi's debut

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak discusses the Indian cricket team's ongoing transition, highlighting the debut of young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the challenges of playing without Hardik Pandya. He emphasises the team's focus on developing new talent and improving in all departments for future World Cups.

Why Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi Doubts Online Chess Ratings For Official FIDE Status

Why Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi Doubts Online Chess Ratings For Official FIDE Status

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has voiced significant reservations regarding a proposal by World Chess and FIDE to convert online rapid and blitz ratings into official FIDE ratings. He highlights fundamental integrity issues, such as mouse slips and the lack of physical supervision in home-based online play, making it difficult to ensure fair play. Erigaisi also commented on World Champion D Gukesh's recent form and dismissed the idea that AI diminishes creativity in chess.

Captaincy Change Won't Fix India Women's Team Problems: Anjum Chopra

Captaincy Change Won't Fix India Women's Team Problems: Anjum Chopra

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Former India women's cricket captain Anjum Chopra believes that merely replacing Harmanpreet Kaur as captain will not solve the fundamental issues plaguing the team, citing a significant lack of quality back-up options across all departments.

Lord's ODI decider: All eyes on Rohit amid retirement buzz

Lord's ODI decider: All eyes on Rohit amid retirement buzz

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Rohit Sharma faces intense scrutiny over his form and future as India prepares for the series-deciding third ODI against England. Despite BCCI assurances, his recent struggles have fuelled speculation, especially concerning his ability to last until the 2027 ODI World Cup. The match is crucial for both Rohit to regain form and for India to clinch the series.

Baffling that Lord's yet to host a women's Test: Muzumdar ahead of landmark game

Baffling that Lord's yet to host a women's Test: Muzumdar ahead of landmark game

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India head coach Amol Muzumdar is baffled that it has taken this long to stage a women's Test at Lord's, 142 years after the 'Home of Cricket' hosted a men's Test.

'IPL money can put you in a comfortable space': Kohli warns young cricketers

'IPL money can put you in a comfortable space': Kohli warns young cricketers

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Virat Kohli has urged young cricketers to prioritise long-term commitment and respect in the sport over the instant fame and money offered by the IPL, emphasising the importance of being versatile players capable of handling pressure in all formats.

Rohit Sharma Still Has Unfinished Business

Rohit Sharma Still Has Unfinished Business

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Hitman still probably hurts over missing World Cup glory in 2011 and his stellar career rightfully deserves one last hurrah at the ODI World Cup.

BBL creates history, India to host 1st-ever match outside Australia

BBL creates history, India to host 1st-ever match outside Australia

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Melbourne Cricket Ground, announcing India's aspiration to host the 2036 Olympics and welcoming Chennai's role in the Big Bash League. He emphasised cricket as a strong bond between India and Australia, and both PMs unveiled a Roadmap on Sport Cooperation to deepen bilateral ties beyond cricket.

Rohit back in nets, sends warning ahead of England ODIs

Rohit back in nets, sends warning ahead of England ODIs

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Indian opener Rohit Sharma has returned to net practice, showcasing good form with elegant strokes, as he prepares for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England starting July 14. The "Hitman" is India's third-highest ODI run-scorer, and his inclusion, alongside Virat Kohli, boosts the squad.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Football Fever Grips Cricket-Mad India!

FIFA World Cup 2026: Football Fever Grips Cricket-Mad India!

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The 23rd FIFA World Cup, to be staged across the Americas from June 11 to July 19, has once again ignited excitement across the globe. India, despite its national football team languishing at 139th in the FIFA rankings, has been swept up in the tournament's magic.

IPL 2026: Ponting backs Punjab Kings to play fearless cricket in crucial clash vs LSG

IPL 2026: Ponting backs Punjab Kings to play fearless cricket in crucial clash vs LSG

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are keeping their approach simple and positive ahead of their final IPL 2026 league match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Shreyas Iyer Expresses Confidence Ahead Of Zimbabwe T20I Series

Shreyas Iyer Expresses Confidence Ahead Of Zimbabwe T20I Series

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer has expressed confidence in the team's preparations ahead of the T20I series against Zimbabwe, aiming for his first series win as captain. The tour is seen as a crucial opportunity for the team to acclimatise and perform, with young talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma also in the spotlight.

How AI and data are creating cricket's deadliest bats

How AI and data are creating cricket's deadliest bats

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The shift towards power-hitting in cricket has led to a revolution in bat manufacturing, with makers using scientific precision and customisation to meet the demands of modern batters.

Virat Kohli picks his most special women's cricket knock

Virat Kohli picks his most special women's cricket knock

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Virat Kohli praises Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues for their performances in women's cricket, highlighting Rodrigues' World Cup semi-final knock as particularly special. He also acknowledges the impact of the Women's Premier League (WPL) on the rising standards of Indian women's cricket.

Sooryavanshi Fever Grips Belfast as Teen Star Shines in First India Nets

Sooryavanshi Fever Grips Belfast as Teen Star Shines in First India Nets

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

India's preparations for the Ireland T20Is were briefly disrupted by practice facility issues in Belfast, but teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the spotlight with an impressive first net session that sparked excitement among local Indian fans.

I would say I'm an all-rounder now: Shafali Verma on growing role with ball

I would say I'm an all-rounder now: Shafali Verma on growing role with ball

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

India's explosive opener Shafali Verma says her growing effectiveness with the ball is no accident as meticulous preparation and visualisation have helped her evolve into an all-rounder capable of contributing in multiple roles for the team.

Babar Azam reappointed as Test captain for long-term stability: PCB

Babar Azam reappointed as Test captain for long-term stability: PCB

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Senior PCB selector Aaqib Javed has revealed that Shan Masood's leadership and game management issues led to Babar Azam's reinstatement as Pakistan's Test captain. The PCB plans to give Babar a long-term run, backing him for two to three years to bring stability ahead of challenging tours to the West Indies and England.

IPL 2026: New Age Batters Are Rewriting T20 Cricket

IPL 2026: New Age Batters Are Rewriting T20 Cricket

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Urvil Patel's sensational 13-ball half-century in IPL 2026, equalling the fastest fifty record, has ignited discussions about India's emergence as a hub for fearless power-hitters, challenging traditional notions of batting prowess.

'India call-up fulfilment of his dream': Yash Thakur's emotional tribute to late father

'India call-up fulfilment of his dream': Yash Thakur's emotional tribute to late father

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Vidarbha pacer Yash Thakur, 27, has received his maiden India call-up for the upcoming T20 International tour of Zimbabwe, a dream he shared with his late father.

Ireland coach Heinrich Malan quits after India T20I series sweep

Ireland coach Heinrich Malan quits after India T20I series sweep

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Following a stunning T20I series triumph against World champions India, Ireland coach Heinrich Malan has stepped down from his role.

England plot secret plan to stop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

England plot secret plan to stop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

England has devised tactics for Indian batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the T20I series opener, amidst anticipation of his potential debut. The 15-year-old, who was the top scorer in this year's IPL, could become India's youngest international debutant, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record.

Harbhajan Singh seeks united push to end protests over NEET paper leak

Harbhajan Singh seeks united push to end protests over NEET paper leak

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh on Friday welcomed activist Sonam Wangchuk's decision to end his 26-day hunger strike, saying dialogue and trust are better than confrontation to resolve the crisis pertaining to the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.

Inside The Rohit Sharma, Gambhir, And Agarkar Power Struggle

Inside The Rohit Sharma, Gambhir, And Agarkar Power Struggle

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The article delves into the growing friction between Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma and the selection committee head Ajit Agarkar, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir. It highlights a lack of mutual trust and differing visions for the team's future, particularly concerning Rohit's role and the integration of new talent like Yashasvi Jaiswal. The piece draws parallels to past cricketing controversies and suggests a potential end to Rohit's captaincy.