Devdutt Padikkal scored his maiden Test hundred against Sri Lanka, attributing his success to a clear strategy against spin and a strong desire to convert big scores. He focused on developing specific plans for bowlers and maintaining full commitment to every shot, while also emphasising the importance of staying focused after reaching a century.
Shuffle in WTC Standings After Pakistan sanctions
Yashasvi Jaiswal was unfortunately run out for 32 on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle after a bizarre mix-up with KL Rahul and a collision with debutant bowler Keshara Nuwantha.
Senior India batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket, concluding a career that began in 2013 and included 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is.
Former Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan has contacted the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit for clarification on procedures related to corruption investigations, as he faces questioning by Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over alleged links to illegal betting and gambling sites. This development follows the confiscation and forensic examination of his mobile phone, alongside Imam-ul-Haq's, during a recent tour, highlighting concerns about the PCB's compliance with ICC anti-corruption protocols and Pakistan cricket's history with such scandals.
Sri Lanka fought back with seven wickets from Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha on rain-hit Day 2 of the first Test, but Devdutt Padikkal's superb 167 powered India to 460-9.
Sonal Dinusha was named ICC Men's Player of the Month after tormenting India with 420 runs at 140, including three centuries, across Sri Lanka's two-Test series.
England white-ball coach Brendon McCullum has issued a strong message to pacer Brydon Carse, urging him to address his off-field conduct and make responsible decisions if he wishes to return to the national squad. Carse was recently stood down from the Test squad after an arrest and has faced previous disciplinary action for betting regulation breaches.
Indian batter Rohit Sharma lauded former fielding coach T Dilip for his significant contributions, including two T20 World Cup wins and the Champions Trophy, calling him a 'legend' and a 'workhorse' who 'created magic within the group.' Dilip, who served from 2021 until recently, expressed gratitude for his tenure, especially cherishing the popular fielding medal ceremony.
The draw in the second Test saw India miss out on a chance to improve their position in the ICC World Test Championship standings.
Millions play cricket in India; only a few reach the IPL teams or the Indian team. Sometimes, a player may not get selected not due to lack of skill, at other times it may be due to team balance. But what every youngster should remember is that talent is permanent; selection is temporary, notes K R Nayar.
Dhruv Jurel's unbeaten 115, supported by Rishabh Pant's fifty, helped India declare at a commanding 503-9 on day two of the second Test against Sri Lanka. India then took two quick wickets, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 8-2, still 495 runs behind, before rain and bad light stopped play.
Former Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq has criticised the differential treatment of foreign and local coaches in Pakistan cricket, stating that foreign coaches enjoy more authority and less scrutiny. He also highlighted the need for consistency, patience, and long-term planning, drawing comparisons with India's successful cricket development model.
Within minutes of his announcement on Instagram, an outpouring of emotion swept through social media, with fans and former players alike paying tribute to one of the most stylish and impactful batters of the modern era.
'There's a lot of pressure on him, and there's a lot of pressure on this series as well, because it's crucial for India's chances in the WTC.'
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is implementing a new central contract system based on cricket formats, aiming to create separate teams for Tests, ODIs, and T20 Internationals. This initiative seeks to specialise players and ensure fair compensation for Test specialists, with different salary tiers and qualification criteria for each category.
The Lahore High Court dismissed Muhammad Rizwan's petition challenging notices from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) awaits the NCCIA's forensic report on mobile phones seized from Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq to decide on potential disciplinary action against the players.
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.
Sonal Dinusha scored a brilliant century while the tail wagged around him as Sri Lanka earned a draw on the final day of the second Test in Colombo on Thursday but India claim the series 1-0.
Test cricket would have been a "far blander place" without Kohli: Vaughan
Virat Kohli said nothing is more satisfying than excelling in Test cricket.
According to the Indian Express, Kohli informed the BCCI that he wants to retire from Test cricket. However, the Board has asked him to reconsider the decision with the five Test series against England coming up next month.
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc dethroned Jasprit Bumrah to reach a career-high No. 1 in the ICC Test rankings for bowlers, after a stellar 10-wicket haul against Bangladesh.
Joe Root he becomes only the second cricketer in Test history to surpass 14,000 runs, joining the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in an exclusive club of batting greats.
Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has commented on Rohit Sharma's future in international cricket, particularly concerning the 2027 World Cup. Hayden believes Sharma's decision will hinge on his continued hunger and energy, given his retirement from Tests and T20Is, and the demanding schedule of both IPL and ODI cricket. Despite age-related questions, Sharma has continued to deliver strong performances, notably a century against England.
Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi and Madhya Pradesh's Saransh Jain, both uncapped players, have been drafted into the Indian Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka, replacing injured Jasprit Bumrah.
Joe Root has returned as England's Test captain, succeeding Ben Stokes, and cited Stephen Fleming's appointment as the new Test coach as a significant factor in his decision. Root expressed excitement about Fleming's vision for the team and their shared goal of building something special.
'... I see a group, a really, really talented group that have that journey ahead of them that are totally invested in wanting to do some special things with this New Zealand cricket team that I've been incredibly fortunate to have been a part of for such a long period of time.'
Pakistan's cricket team has been fined 50 per cent of their match fee and docked 11 World Test Championship points due to a slow over-rate during their third Test against England in Birmingham, a match they lost by 8 wickets, contributing to a 0-3 series whitewash.
West Indies have secured their first Test series victory in three years, defeating Sri Lanka 1-0 after the second and final Test in North Sound ended in a rain-affected draw.
Sri Lankan cricket officials are considering a balanced pitch for the second Test against India at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), moving away from a spin-friendly track. This decision aims to provide equal opportunities for both batters and bowlers, similar to the Galle pitch, and support their young batting lineup. The SSC pitch character has evolved over the years, with less home advantage since the retirement of legendary players.
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.
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has emphasised the crucial role wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul will play in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, citing his experience and ability to guide younger players.
The Oval in London has been confirmed as the venue for the 2027 ICC World Test Championship Final, scheduled from June 9-13. This marks the second time The Oval will host the final, having previously done so in 2023. Nine teams are currently competing in the ongoing WTC cycle, with Australia leading the standings, followed by South Africa and New Zealand, as the race intensifies with crucial upcoming series.
India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka bowler Asitha Fernando have been fined 25 per cent of their match fees and received one demerit point each for 'inappropriate physical contact' during the second Test in Colombo.
Sri Lanka has announced two changes to their squad for the upcoming second and final Test against India, bringing in all-rounder Sahan Arachchige and batter Kamil Mishara. These changes come as Sri Lanka aims to level the series after losing the first Test.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has advocated for Yashasvi Jaiswal to receive ample opportunities in the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies. Pathan believes this exposure is crucial for Jaiswal to establish himself as a backup opener for the next year's ODI World Cup. He also highlighted the importance of testing India's bench strength, especially with several key players participating in the Asian Games, and backed Naman Dhir's inclusion for his all-round capabilities.
The BCCI has significantly revised the pay structure for umpires and match referees after a decade, introducing new categories and substantially increasing per-day fees. A merit-based promotion and relegation system has also been implemented to ensure high standards in domestic cricket officiating. Additionally, the board addressed its stance on the National Sports Governance Act, updated age-fraud policies, and called for support for physically challenged cricketers.
Hardik Pandya is reportedly nearing a return to competitive white-ball cricket, subject to medical clearance.
New Zealand opener Tom Latham has equalled legendary Martin Crowe's record of 17 Test centuries, becoming the joint third-highest century-scorer for his country. This milestone was achieved during his impressive 151-run knock against England in Nottingham, further solidifying his place in New Zealand's cricketing history.
