News for 'red-ball cricket'

Sohail Khan Blames Pacers For Pakistan's Test Decline

Sohail Khan Blames Pacers For Pakistan's Test Decline

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Former Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Khan has criticised the current generation of pacers for their lack of skill development, attributing it to Pakistan's decline in Test cricket. He emphasised the importance of artful bowling over mere speed and highlighted how T20 cricket and internal politics are hindering player development.

T20 hitters to Test heroes: Manjrekar cannot explain the seamless switch

T20 hitters to Test heroes: Manjrekar cannot explain the seamless switch

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his bewilderment at how the current generation of cricketers, primarily raised on T20 cricket, has managed to seamlessly adapt to the rigorous demands of Test cricket. He compared their transition to pop singers mastering classical ragas, highlighting the significant technical and mental adjustments required. Manjrekar's comments come as young Indian players, many with IPL backgrounds, are actively participating in Test series, showcasing their versatility across formats.

IPL 2026: Bowlers need a defensive mindset in T20 cricket, says Bhuvneshwar Kumar

IPL 2026: Bowlers need a defensive mindset in T20 cricket, says Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Bhuvneshwar Kumar believes that with modern T20 batters constantly attacking, bowlers must adopt a defensive, tactical mindset even when the ball swings in the powerplay.

North Zone's Duleep Trophy selection sparks controversy, raises questions

North Zone's Duleep Trophy selection sparks controversy, raises questions

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

North Zone coaches Ajay Sharma and Sarandeep Singh are under scrutiny for controversially dropping Sanat Sangwan, the Ranji Trophy's third-highest run-scorer, for the Duleep Trophy quarter-final against West Zone, opting instead for Yash Dhull, who had a significantly poorer Ranji season.

Ishan Kishan credits clear mind for epic Duleep Trophy knock against South Zone

Ishan Kishan credits clear mind for epic Duleep Trophy knock against South Zone

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Ishan Kishan, after scoring an epic 270 in the Duleep Trophy final, revealed that freeing his mind from overthinking and expectations has been crucial to his recent success. He emphasised focusing solely on scoring runs and winning matches, a change that came after a turbulent phase in his career, including losing his BCCI central contract. Kishan highlighted the importance of domestic cricket for reflection and growth, enabling him to return stronger.

Pakistan's coach Mike Hesson breaks silence on Rizwan, Agha, Imam axe

Pakistan's coach Mike Hesson breaks silence on Rizwan, Agha, Imam axe

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Pakistan's interim red-ball head coach Mike Hesson has distanced himself from the decision to drop senior players Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, and Imam-ul-Haq from the Test squad, stating they were already released when he took charge.

'We were too naive' against India: Afghanistan coach

'We were too naive' against India: Afghanistan coach

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

This was Afghanistan's 12th Test in last eight years and the defeat by an innings and 300 runs against India was a humbling experience for the team.

'Nowadays, it is rare to see a batter scoring triple hundred in Tests': Harbhajan

'Nowadays, it is rare to see a batter scoring triple hundred in Tests': Harbhajan

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh believes the aggressive batting approach fostered by the T20 era has come at the expense of patience, leading to a decline in marathon innings in Test cricket by younger players.

Test cricket is the pinnacle, don't let Sooryavanshi slip away from it, says Ashwin

Test cricket is the pinnacle, don't let Sooryavanshi slip away from it, says Ashwin

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has said that teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should be encouraged to play Test cricket following his breakthrough IPL season.

India A set to tour New Zealand for crucial Test series preparation

India A set to tour New Zealand for crucial Test series preparation

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

India A will play three four-day matches against New Zealand A in Christchurch starting October 24, serving as a crucial build-up for the senior Indian team's two-Test series against New Zealand later in the tour. These matches are part of New Zealand Cricket's domestic red-ball schedule.

'I was told I only want IPL': Shashank

'I was told I only want IPL': Shashank

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Punjab Kings all-rounder Shashank Singh is set to play for Pondicherry in the 2026-27 domestic season after securing an NOC from the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh. Singh alleges a lack of support from Chhattisgarh during his injury recovery and claims he was unfairly excluded from state tournaments and camps, despite being a top domestic performer. He plans to focus on white-ball cricket moving forward.

Ajinkya Rahane To Debut As Test Commentator For India-Sri Lanka Series

Ajinkya Rahane To Debut As Test Commentator For India-Sri Lanka Series

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane is set to begin his Test commentary career with the Sony Sports Network during India's upcoming two-match series in Sri Lanka.

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.

Shreyas to lead India A vs Aus A, skips red-ball season

Shreyas to lead India A vs Aus A, skips red-ball season

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

Shreyas Iyer has been named captain of the India A squad for the upcoming three-match one-day series against Australia A, starting September 30 in Kanpur.

Rashid has maturity to deal with challenges of red-ball cricket: Bairstow

Rashid has maturity to deal with challenges of red-ball cricket: Bairstow

Rediff.com28 Jul 2018

Bairstow, who is Rashid's team-mate in Yorkshire, refused to be drawn into the controversy but said the leg-spinner must be excited to have got the England call-up for the Test series starting on August 1 in Birmingham.

Ashwin: 'Test cricketers should earn their place through first-class cricket'

Ashwin: 'Test cricketers should earn their place through first-class cricket'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Ravichandran Ashwin has called for urgent measures to safeguard Test cricket, stressing the importance of first-class cricket as the pathway to the longest format and warning that young players need stronger incentives to pursue red-ball careers.

Duleep Trophy semis: Sangwan's gritty 76 after selection row keeps North alive vs South

Duleep Trophy semis: Sangwan's gritty 76 after selection row keeps North alive vs South

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

North Zone's Sanat Sangwan scored a resilient 76, putting aside earlier controversies, as his team fought back against South Zone in the Duleep Trophy semi-final. Despite Sangwan's efforts and a partnership with Ayush Doseja, North Zone suffered a batting collapse, leaving South Zone poised for victory. South Zone holds a significant lead, needing only a draw to advance to the final.

Duleep Trophy final puts Sooryavanshi, Padikkal, Tilak, Siraj in spotlight

Duleep Trophy final puts Sooryavanshi, Padikkal, Tilak, Siraj in spotlight

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

The Duleep Trophy final between East Zone and South Zone will feature a mix of rising talents like Devdutt Padikkal, Tilak Varma, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, alongside established players like Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, and Mohammed Shami. Players will be looking to impress selectors for upcoming national assignments, with Padikkal aiming to continue his red-ball form and Siraj seeking to regain rhythm. The match also marks Shami's 100th first-class game.

Padikkal's captaincy move has a bigger goal

Padikkal's captaincy move has a bigger goal

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal discusses his new role as India A captain, viewing it as a valuable learning experience that will positively influence his batting ahead of the upcoming New Zealand tour. He also reflects on his recent good form and the challenges of adapting to different playing conditions.

With New Zealand series in mind, BCCI to arrange County stint for pacer Auqib Nabi

With New Zealand series in mind, BCCI to arrange County stint for pacer Auqib Nabi

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The BCCI is arranging short-term county cricket contracts for talented Indian pacers like Auqib Nabi to prepare them for future international tours, specifically eyeing India's Test series in New Zealand. This initiative aims to provide red-ball experience and exposure to different conditions.

I have Learnt So Much From Ashish Nehra; He Is My Mentor: Ashok Sharma

I have Learnt So Much From Ashish Nehra; He Is My Mentor: Ashok Sharma

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Rookie pacer Ashok Sharma credits the mentorship of Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra, along with advice from Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj, for his evolution as a bowler and his selection for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe.

'They will come harder': Bangladesh ready for Australia

'They will come harder': Bangladesh ready for Australia

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons has cautioned his team to expect a strong comeback from Australia in the second Test after their surprising nine-wicket victory in the series opener. Simmons emphasised the need for continued high performance, while Australia's captain Pat Cummins acknowledged their poor performance in the first match and confirmed team changes for the upcoming game in Mackay.

Gambhir eyes Olympic dream as cricket returns in LA 2028

Gambhir eyes Olympic dream as cricket returns in LA 2028

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Team India Men's head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed his enthusiasm for the possibility of leading the team at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will make its return to the Games.

708 Runs, 10 Wickets: Duleep Trophy Final Yawn!

708 Runs, 10 Wickets: Duleep Trophy Final Yawn!

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

What should have been a top-draw domestic red-ball clash to kick off the new season featuring some of India's Test stars has quickly turned into a lopsided contest, courtesy of a lifeless pitch heavily loaded in favour of the batters.

Why brands still can't get enough of Sachin Tendulkar

Why brands still can't get enough of Sachin Tendulkar

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar maintains his position among India's top five celebrity brands, with a valuation of USD 125.9 million, according to the Kroll India Celebrity Brand Valuation 2025 report. His enduring reputation, trust, and authenticity continue to make him highly attractive to various brands, solidifying his status as the only retired athlete consistently in the top 10.

Keshav Maharaj sees a 'real gem' in Manav Suthar after dream start to Test career

Keshav Maharaj sees a 'real gem' in Manav Suthar after dream start to Test career

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Keshav Maharaj hails Manav Suthar as a rare left-arm spin talent, praising his control and variations while backing him to carry India's Test spin legacy.

Performance, fitness key as Pakistan Cricket Board launches new contract system

Performance, fitness key as Pakistan Cricket Board launches new contract system

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has launched a new central contracts system, categorising players based on their specialisation in red-ball, white-ball (ODI/T20), and T20/franchise cricket. This new structure aims to provide clear pathways, improve financial benefits for red-ball players, and ensure transparency in selection through data analysis.

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.

Suryakumar Yadav on Test Cricket Dreams and T20 Mastery

Suryakumar Yadav on Test Cricket Dreams and T20 Mastery

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Suryakumar Yadav discusses his desire to play Test cricket, his challenges with the ODI format, and his comfort and mastery in T20 cricket in an exclusive interview.

Why Rashid Khan may not play upcoming Test match against India

Why Rashid Khan may not play upcoming Test match against India

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Rashid Khan considers stepping back from Test cricket after medical warnings over his back injury, with the Afghanistan star prioritising fitness and ODI longevity.

Curran open to fill Stokes void in England squad

Curran open to fill Stokes void in England squad

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Sam Curran says he would welcome the opportunity to replace retired Ben Stokes in England's Test side as the all-rounder eyes a return to red-ball cricket after nearly four years away.

Why July 13 is special for Indian cricket

Why July 13 is special for Indian cricket

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Former India Women's cricketer Reema Malhotra has hailed the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side's historic Test victory over England at Lord's, drawing parallels between their win and Sourav Ganguly's iconic balcony celebration in 2002, stating, 'July 13 has become a memorable date in Indian cricket history.'

Zaheer Khan conducts red-ball camp in Bengaluru

Zaheer Khan conducts red-ball camp in Bengaluru

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Initiated by CoE's Head of Cricket VVS Laxman, the camp is part of a broader strategy to involve legends in grooming "targeted players" -- emerging prospects from India A and U-19 setups

Gambhir reveals why Samson was dropped for England tour

Gambhir reveals why Samson was dropped for England tour

Rediff.com2 days ago

India head coach Gautam Gambhir revealed that dropping Sanju Samson from the England tour was his toughest decision, despite Samson being the Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup. Gambhir explained that while Samson was temporarily replaced by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the team prioritised returning to their established World Cup-winning combination. He also addressed the issue of player injuries and the challenge of Shubman Gill not having a full-strength team, emphasising the importance of long-term performance and providing opportunities for new talent.

Ishan Kishan's 2027 World Cup Push Spells Trouble For Pant

Ishan Kishan's 2027 World Cup Push Spells Trouble For Pant

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Ishan Kishan's stunning 2026 has thrown him into India's 2027 ODI World Cup plans -- and Rishabh Pant could be the biggest casualty. With the selectors already looking ahead to South Africa, Kishan's red-hot form has turned the wicket-keeper debate on its head.

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.

'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.

Zeeshan Ansari gets India A call-up despite no Ranji Trophy match in six years

Zeeshan Ansari gets India A call-up despite no Ranji Trophy match in six years

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari has been fast-tracked into the India A team for the two unofficial Tests against Sri Lanka A later this month.

Mayank Agarawal joins English county side Durham

Mayank Agarawal joins English county side Durham

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

India batter Mayank Agarwal has signed with Durham for the final four matches of the County Championship's Division Two, aiming to help the team secure promotion to Division One.

IPL didn't stop me preparing for Tests: Manav Suthar

IPL didn't stop me preparing for Tests: Manav Suthar

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

For Manav Suthar, Test format is the "pinnacle" of cricket, and the India left-arm spinner revealed that he was practising with red-ball even during IPL 2026 to stay on top of his game.