Cricket

Pakistan cricket has been in a state of turmoil in recent times, with a humiliating 2-0 series defeat at home against Bangladesh, reports of dressing room conflicts, and groupism within the team. The constant chopping and changing in PCB administration and teams across formats has further exacerbated the situation.Former players have been vocal in their criticism of the administrators, team management, and players. Former leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has joined the chorus, expressing his concern over Pakistan's recent performances.Kaneria believes that everything is being taken for granted in the team and that Pakistan cricket needs a tough task-master like India's Gautam Gambhir. He emphasized the importance of sticking with a captain and providing them with full support, while also holding them accountable for their performance."Why today other teams are doing so well? Why is the Indian team is doing so well? They had Rahul Dravid who worked with the team very well now they have Gautham Gambhir, a fantastic cricketer and fantastic guy. The way he reacts, he tells on the face. He doesn't go back and do backbiting; he's on the face straight away. This is how you have to be. You have to be strong, and like a strong person, you have to make the decision on the face, not at the back," said Kaneria.Reports in Pakistan media suggest that Babar Azam, who has been struggling with poor form, may be removed as Pakistan's white-ball captain. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has emerged as the potential candidate to lead the team in ODIs and T20Is.The likely development comes after Babar's recent batting failures in the home Test series against Bangladesh. Shan Masood was leading the Test side, which the hosts embarrassingly lost 2-0.

Rahul Dravid's appointment as coach of the Rajasthan Royals has triggered a significant shake-up within the franchise's management. Former Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour is reportedly set to join Dravid's support staff, prompting speculation that Director of Cricket Operations Kumar Sangakkara is seeking an exit.According to reports, Sangakkara has initiated talks with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the role of mentor, potentially replacing Gautam Gambhir, who recently became India's head coach. KKR is undergoing a major overhaul of its support staff, with Gambhir and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar joining the Indian team.Sangakkara has been instrumental in Rajasthan's recent success, helping the team reach the IPL final in 2022 and finish third in the 2023 season. His departure would mark a significant loss for the Royals.If Sangakkara joins KKR, it would complete a full circle of coaching changes involving him, Gambhir, and Dravid. Gambhir replaced Dravid as India's head coach, while Dravid is now replacing Gambhir at the Royals.Sangakkara's potential move to KKR would also align with the franchise's desire to strengthen its coaching setup. With Chandrakant Pandit as head coach and Bharat Arun as bowling coach, KKR is looking to add experience and expertise to its support staff.Sangakkara's decision is expected to be finalized in the coming days. His departure from Rajasthan would leave a void in the franchise's management, but it could also open up opportunities for other talented individuals to join the Royals.

The appointment of Gautam Gambhir as the head coach of the Indian cricket team has sparked a new era in Indian cricket. After a successful T20I series win against Sri Lanka, the team suffered a setback in the ODI series. However, the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh will be a true test for Gambhir's leadership.Rishabh Pant, a crucial player in India's future plans, has shared his insights on the changes under Gambhir's guidance. Pant believes that Gambhir's aggressive approach and focus on winning will bring a positive change to the team. However, he emphasizes the need for balance and improvement.Pant also warns against underestimating Bangladesh in the upcoming series. He highlights their recent victory over Pakistan and stresses the importance of India maintaining their high standards. With 10 Tests scheduled within the next five months, including series against New Zealand and Australia, India must continue to improve to stay ahead of the competition.Pant emphasizes the significance of the Duleep Trophy in providing quality match practice for players ahead of the Test season. He also believes that the presence of international stars in the tournament will benefit young domestic cricketers.

Gautam Gambhir's tenure as head coach of the Indian cricket team has commenced with a resounding start, as the Suryakumar Yadav-led side has secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. The two teams will face off in the series finale on Tuesday, followed by a three-match ODI series commencing on August 2.India's squad for the ODI series will witness the return of star batter Shreyas Iyer, who was dropped from the England Test squad earlier this year and subsequently omitted from the BCCI's central contract list. However, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan remains absent from the team.Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has attributed Kishan's prolonged absence to the player's preoccupation with fashion. "Ishan Kishan has fallen down the pecking order. He got into fashion a bit," Ali remarked on his YouTube channel.Kishan's last appearance for India was in the third T20I of a five-match series against Australia in November 2022. He was included in the subsequent tour of South Africa but withdrew from the Test series due to personal reasons. Kishan also opted out of Ranji Trophy matches, prompting the BCCI to remove him from the central contracts list.Sources indicate that Kishan's return to the team is contingent upon a full season of domestic cricket. His absence from the IPL is reportedly hindering his chances of selection. Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Sanju Samson are currently the designated keepers in the two white-ball formats.

Gautam Gambhir's tenure as head coach of the Indian men's cricket team has commenced with a T20I series victory and an ODI series defeat. While Gambhir has much to learn and implement in the coming weeks, his success or failure will ultimately be judged by the team's performance in ICC events.Despite concerns about certain aspects of Gambhir's coaching style, his former opening partner Virender Sehwag believes the challenges lie more with the players than the coach. "The players have won the T20 World Cup, they know their roles. Gambhir's arrival will provide clarity and support," Sehwag said.Sehwag emphasized that the players face greater challenges in executing their roles and delivering results on the field. "Gambhir is there to help them," he added.Gambhir's next assignment is the Test series against Bangladesh at home. While India has never lost a Test match to their neighbors, the recent Pakistan vs Bangladesh series serves as a reminder that the Bangla Tigers should not be underestimated.Gambhir's coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, hard work, and a winning mentality. He has been known to be demanding and expects high standards from his players. However, he also believes in creating a positive and supportive environment.As Gambhir settles into his new role, he will need to find the right balance between discipline and motivation. He will also need to build strong relationships with his players and staff.The upcoming Test series against Bangladesh will provide an early indication of Gambhir's impact on the team. If India can maintain its dominance over its neighbor, it will be a positive sign for the future. However, if Bangladesh can pull off an upset, it will raise questions about Gambhir's coaching abilities.

Team India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir Visits Kamakhya Temple in GuwahatiAmidst a brief respite from international cricket, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage to the revered Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam. Surrounded by security personnel, Gambhir was seen offering prayers and seeking blessings at the ancient temple.Gambhir's visit to the temple signifies a period of introspection and renewal for the Indian team. After a successful tour of Sri Lanka, where India emerged victorious in the T20I series but faced a setback in the ODIs, the team is now preparing for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.The tour of Sri Lanka marked Gambhir's debut as head coach of the Indian team. Despite the mixed results, Gambhir has expressed confidence in the team's abilities and is eager to guide them to greater heights.To bolster his coaching staff, Gambhir recently appointed former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel as the team's new bowling coach. Morkel, who played alongside Gambhir at the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Indian team.As the new season approaches, Gambhir and his team are focused on building a strong foundation and achieving success in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. The series, which begins on September 19, will be a crucial test for the Indian team as they aim to establish their dominance in the longest format of the game.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, recently unveiled his all-time India XI, sparking both admiration and debate among fans. The team, which features a blend of legendary players and modern-day greats, notably excludes some of India's most prominent current stars.Gambhir's opening duo comprises himself and Virender Sehwag, two aggressive and prolific batsmen who formed a formidable partnership during their playing days. At number three, he has placed Rahul Dravid, the former Indian captain and current head coach of the National Cricket Academy.The middle order boasts an array of batting stalwarts. Sachin Tendulkar, the "God of Cricket," occupies the number four spot, followed by Virat Kohli, the current Indian captain and one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Yuvraj Singh, the swashbuckling all-rounder, and MS Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman, complete the batting lineup at numbers six and seven, respectively.In the bowling department, Gambhir has opted for a spin-heavy attack. Anil Kumble, the former Indian captain and one of the greatest leg-spinners of all time, is placed at number eight, followed by Ravichandran Ashwin, the current Indian off-spinner.For the pace bowling unit, Gambhir has selected Irfan Pathan, a left-arm seamer known for his all-round abilities, and Zaheer Khan, a left-arm pacer who was a key member of India's 2011 World Cup-winning team. Notably absent from the list is Jasprit Bumrah, the current Indian pace spearhead and one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket.Gambhir's decision to snub Rohit Sharma, the current Indian ODI captain and one of the most prolific batsmen in limited-overs cricket, has raised eyebrows. Similarly, the omission of Kapil Dev, the legendary all-rounder who captained India to its first World Cup victory in 1983, has also sparked discussion.Despite the absence of these star players, Gambhir's all-time India XI remains a formidable lineup, showcasing the depth and talent that Indian cricket has produced over the years. It is a testament to the country's rich cricketing history and the abundance of exceptional players who have graced the game.

Gautam Gambhir's tenure as India's head coach has witnessed a contrasting start, with a resounding T20I series triumph in Sri Lanka followed by a disappointing ODI series loss. However, former South African fielding legend Jonty Rhodes believes that these early results should not raise concerns among Indian fans and administrators.Rhodes emphasizes that any transition in leadership requires time for adjustment. He notes that India possesses the talent and depth to support Gambhir's coaching journey, allowing him to quickly establish his authority and achieve success.Rhodes' experience working with Gambhir at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has given him insights into the former India opener's character. He describes Gambhir as a passionate individual who strives for excellence both on and off the field."He doesn't expect players to do something that he never did or he won't do," Rhodes said. "He's somebody who's not gonna be lenient with anybody unless it's required because he's expecting."Rhodes believes that Gambhir's unwavering pursuit of excellence and winning attitude will ultimately benefit the Indian team. He emphasizes that Gambhir's focus is not on personal glory but on the team's success.India's next assignment under Gambhir will be the two-Test series against Bangladesh later this month. Rhodes is confident that Gambhir will continue to learn and adapt as a coach, and that the team will eventually find its rhythm under his guidance.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the third time this year, defeating SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final. This triumph marked their first IPL success since 2014, and former India head coach Gautam Gambhir played a pivotal role in all three of KKR's victories.In 2012 and 2014, Gambhir captained KKR to two IPL titles. This year, he transitioned into a mentorship role, joining KKR from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where he had also served as a mentor.Gambhir's contributions to LSG were significant, as he helped build the team from the ground up. LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka acknowledged Gambhir's role in the franchise's success, particularly in the team's first auction."Gautam has played a significant role in building the side's foundation," Goenka said. "If you consider our first auction successful, it is only because of Gautam. We got the franchise barely two weeks before the auctions. We did not have an analyst or a research team. It was all Gautam Gambhir's team. He did everything and put together a very balanced team."LSG qualified for the IPL playoffs in its first two seasons before finishing seventh in IPL 2024. Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auctions, LSG appointed former India pacer Zaheer Khan as the franchise's mentor.Zaheer expressed his commitment to serving the team in every capacity possible, including bowling. He emphasized the importance of decision-making and building on the team's existing strengths."It is a team game, so I will be serving the team in every capacity possible, and yes, it includes bowling," Zaheer said. "When you see LSG, their journey is only three years but they are as comparable to the teams who have played the IPL for 17-18 years. The building blocks are in place and we need to take them forward."