Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating a phased retirement plan for senior players following India's dismal 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand. The future of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin, all in the twilight of their careers, will be under scrutiny after the upcoming tour of Australia.While Rohit Sharma has expressed his focus on the Australia series, sources within the BCCI indicate that informal discussions may take place between board officials, selectors, and the coaching staff regarding the team's aging core. The BCCI is keen to avoid a repeat of the 2011 scenario, where an aging team was suddenly found to be out of touch.India's qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC) final in England is also a factor in the BCCI's decision-making. A 4-0 result in Australia is required for India to secure a direct berth, which appears unlikely. If India fails to qualify, the selection committee may prioritize long-term prospects, giving opportunities to younger players like Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal.Washington Sundar's emergence as a potential long-term replacement for Ashwin could lead to discussions about the latter's future in the Indian Test team. Jadeja's fitness and batting prowess may keep him in contention, while Axar Patel and Manav Suthar provide depth in the spin department.Rohit Sharma's recent batting form has raised concerns, with six scores below 10 and two below 20 in his last 10 home Test innings. Virat Kohli's returns have also been underwhelming, with one century in 25 home innings over the past four years.Despite Kohli's fitness, his poor form may limit his longevity in the team. Rohit Sharma is also unlikely to play beyond the current WTC cycle. Jasprit Bumrah's workload management may preclude him from being a long-term Test captain, with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant emerging as potential candidates for the role.

Smriti Mandhana, the prodigious Indian batter, has etched her name in the annals of women's cricket by surpassing Mithali Raj's record for the most ODI centuries scored by an Indian woman. With her latest century against New Zealand, Mandhana now boasts an impressive tally of eight ODI hundreds, eclipsing Raj's previous record of seven.Mandhana's remarkable achievement is a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering determination. At just 27 years of age, she is already one of India's most prolific batters and is well on her way to challenging Meg Lanning's record of 15 ODI centuries. Having reached her current tally in just 88 matches, Mandhana has ample time to pursue this feat, especially considering her prime form.Throughout her ODI career, Mandhana has amassed a staggering 3,690 runs with an impressive average of 45.00 and a strike rate of 84.92. In addition to her eight centuries, she has also notched up 27 half-centuries, further solidifying her status as a consistent run-scorer.Mandhana's aggressive style of play and unwavering consistency have been instrumental in her success. Her ability to consistently score big runs is evident in her impressive average and strike rate, which rank her among the best in the game.Reflecting on her record-breaking performance, Mandhana acknowledged the challenges she faced during the recent T20 World Cup in UAE. However, she expressed her determination to move forward and regain the team's confidence."It's not been easy, the last one and a half months for the team," Mandhana said. "We had a lot of expectations from all of us individually and as a team in the World Cup. The series came too soon for everyone. Half of everyone's mind was still on the World Cup. This series win (against NZ) is definitely going to boost confidence, especially this being such a young team, they take things to heart. I'm really happy that we could win the series today and start the journey again."Mandhana's record-breaking achievement is a source of immense pride for Indian cricket and serves as an inspiration to aspiring young batters. Her journey towards challenging Meg Lanning's record is sure to be an exciting one, and her fans will be eagerly following her progress.

The Indian cricket team's recent Test series loss to New Zealand has raised concerns about the aging of key players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Former Australian cricketers Ian Chappell and Mark Taylor have expressed their views on the matter, highlighting the need for India to address its batting problems.Chappell pointed out that Kohli and Sharma are both in their late 30s and may be starting to feel the effects of age. He noted that both players have not been performing to their usual standards in recent times, which has put pressure on the younger players in the team.Taylor echoed Chappell's sentiments, stating that India's decision to move on from experienced batsmen like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane has left a void in the team. He emphasized that Kohli and Sharma, as the team's best players, need to step up and make significant contributions.The former Australian captain also highlighted the importance of senior players making "bulkier runs," which has been lacking in India's batting lineup over the past year or so. He pointed to the contributions of Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin, but stressed that the team needs its top batsmen to perform consistently.Chappell and Taylor's comments come at a time when India is facing a transitional phase in its Test team. The team has lost its last three Test series, including a humiliating defeat to New Zealand at home. The selectors have been experimenting with different combinations, but have yet to find a settled lineup.The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia will be a major test for India's aging stars. If Kohli and Sharma fail to deliver, it could further intensify the debate about their future in the Test team.

Nitish Kumar Reddy's meteoric rise from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the Indian Test squad has been a dream come true for the 21-year-old all-rounder. After making his T20I debut against Bangladesh in October, Reddy has now been selected for the Test squad for the upcoming tour of Australia.Reddy's all-round abilities, including his seam-up bowling and aggressive batting, have impressed the BCCI selectors. He is currently in Australia with the India 'A' side, where he has been showcasing his skills in four-day matches against the Australian 'A' team.Despite his impressive performances, Reddy admits that he was not expecting to be included in the Test squad before his performances for the 'A' side. "I was expecting my name to be announced, but not before India 'A' matches," he said. "I thought it might depend on my performance in these 'A' matches. But it seems I have been able to show some promise to them, so I guess they hope I'll do well."Reddy's debut T20I against Bangladesh was a nervous experience, but he was put at ease by skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who encouraged him to express himself on the field. "I was a bit nervous initially, but Surya bhai gave me a free hand regarding my approach on the field," Reddy said. "Only by scoring runs and taking wickets will you get that confidence, and I've experienced that already."If Reddy gets a chance to play in the five-Test Border Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, he is determined to adapt to the situation and play his role effectively. "I will stick to my role," he said. "I'm just going to respond to the situation. If the situation demands me to play a big shot, I will play it. If the situation demands me to play till stumps, I’ll be ready for that too. I can do both."Reddy's impressive record in first-class cricket, with 708 runs and 55 wickets in 21 matches, is a testament to his all-round abilities. He believes that a tough mindset is essential for success in all forms of cricket. "You need to be tough, that's what I believe," he said. "You have to be very tough in the centre, not just in red-ball, but all forms of cricket. Only those with a tough mindset can survive and deal with whatever situations they face."

As the curtain falls on India's home Test series against New Zealand, questions linger about the future of four stalwarts: Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rohit Sharma. With the next home series not scheduled until 2025, concerns arise over whether these veterans will still be donning the whites for India.Since 2012, India has dominated home soil, winning 42 out of 55 Tests. This quartet has played a pivotal role in this success, featuring in 22 of those victories. However, recent performances have raised doubts about their continued dominance.Kohli, once a batting colossus, has struggled against spin in Asia since 2020, averaging a mere 28.3. His dismissals in Pune to Mitch Santner exposed a perceived length issue. Rohit Sharma, too, has abandoned his dependable Test approach, opting for a more aggressive style that has often led to his downfall.Ashwin, despite his remarkable consistency, has shown signs of decline. His lengths have been inconsistent, allowing opposition batters to attack him. Jadeja, known for his nagging accuracy, has also seen his economy rate rise in recent home Tests.The team management's decision to move on from Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, who were also part of India's golden home run, highlights the changing landscape. The quartet's contributions have been immense, but their longevity remains uncertain.As fans gather at the Wankhede Stadium for the final Test, they should take the opportunity to acknowledge the quartet's achievements. Their dominance at home has been a testament to their skill and dedication. Whether they continue to grace the Indian Test team beyond 2025 remains to be seen, but their legacy will undoubtedly endure.

Smriti Mandhana, the star batter of Indian women's cricket, has etched her name in the annals of history by surpassing the legendary Mithali Raj to become the Indian player with the most ODI centuries. Mandhana's elegant stroke play and aggressive approach have been instrumental in her remarkable achievement.During the third ODI against New Zealand women at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Mandhana notched up her eighth century, surpassing Raj's record of seven. Her innings of 100 off 122 balls was a testament to her exceptional batting prowess and provided India with a strong start.Mandhana's ability to build big scores has set her apart as one of the finest batters in the game. Her powerful stroke play and elegance at the crease have often provided India with vital innings at crucial moments. In the final match of the three-match ODI series, India secured a six-wicket victory over New Zealand, winning the series 2-1.Behind Mandhana is Mithali Raj, a legendary figure in Indian cricket. With seven centuries to her name, Raj's approach was marked by precision, patience, and technical prowess. Her career spanned over two decades, during which she not only held together India's middle order but also inspired countless young cricketers. Her impact on Indian women's cricket is undeniable, and her seven centuries stand as a testament to her enduring skill and resilience.Current ODI skipper Harmanpreet Kaur is another notable name in the list of Indian batters with multiple ODI centuries. Known for her aggressive batting and match-winning knocks, Kaur has six ODI centuries to her name. She has often taken on the role of a game-changer, particularly in high-stakes situations. Her ability to counterattack and play under pressure has made her one of the most exciting players in the lineup.Punam Raut, with three centuries, has also made a significant contribution to India's journey in women's cricket. Her steady approach and ability to accumulate runs have earned her a place among the top batters in the country.These players have each contributed uniquely to India's success in women's cricket, creating a formidable legacy for future generations. Mandhana's record-breaking achievement is a testament to her exceptional talent and the bright future of Indian women's cricket.

Mayank Yadav's Injury Woes Continue, Sidelined for Months with Back ProblemIndian speedster Mayank Yadav's promising international debut has been cut short by a back injury, ruling him out of the upcoming four-match T20I series against South Africa. The 25-year-old, who impressed with his pace and accuracy in the recent series against Bangladesh, is now facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.Sources close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have revealed that Yadav's back issue is likely to keep him out of action for several months. The bowler is currently undergoing treatment at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru."He's back here for another problem, which might keep him out for two-three months. Mostly it's something related to the back, but there's not much clarity into it. But then, it's also something which is believed to keep him out for a considerable amount of time," a source told IANS.Yadav's injury setback is a major blow to his burgeoning career. The Delhi-born pacer has faced several injury challenges in the past, including a torn hamstring that ruled him out of IPL 2023 and a separate injury that forced him to miss the entire 2023/24 Ranji Trophy season.Despite these setbacks, Yadav has shown resilience and determination to overcome adversity. He underwent extensive rehabilitation at the CoE following his abdominal strain in IPL 2024, where he impressed with his rapid three-wicket spells and speeds exceeding 150kmph.With the IPL retentions deadline approaching on October 31, Yadav is expected to be one of the five players retained by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The franchise acquired him for INR 20 lakhs in the auction before the 2022 season.Yadav's injury is a reminder of the physical demands of international cricket and the importance of injury prevention and management. The BCCI will be hoping that the young pacer can recover fully and return to the field stronger than ever before.

Yashasvi Jaiswal: A Rising Star in Indian CricketFormer Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has hailed young batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal as a "legend in the making." Jaiswal's exceptional talent and skill have impressed fans and seasoned players alike, earning him high praise from Tiwary.Known for his aggressive batting style and mature temperament, Jaiswal has made a strong impact in international cricket at a young age. In the second Test against New Zealand, he hammered 77 runs from just 65 balls in the second innings, standing out as the lone batter who could effectively counter the challenges posed by the Kiwi bowlers.Tiwary believes that Jaiswal has the potential to become one of India's future cricketing legends. "He is a legend in the making. I rate him very highly," said Tiwary. "He has everything a cricketer needs to become a great cricketer. And it is quite visible even at such a young age."Tiwary praised Jaiswal's technique, positive mindset, hunger, and desire to improve. He noted that Jaiswal's ability to dominate the bowling opposition, even on challenging wickets, is a testament to his exceptional talent."On such a wicket, the rest of the great players were not able to hit any big runs. But this player, at such a young age, the way he is bowling, the way he is hitting the shots — he is a God's gift to cricket," added Tiwary.Jaiswal's impressive performances have not gone unnoticed. He has been included in India's squad for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, a testament to his growing stature in the Indian cricket team.With continued hard work and guidance, Yashasvi Jaiswal has the potential to fulfill his promise and become one of the most successful cricketers of his generation. His talent, determination, and unwavering belief in his abilities make him a player to watch in the years to come.

Nitish Kumar Reddy: Gautam Gambhir's Guidance Propels All-Rounder's RiseIn the realm of cricket, fast-bowling all-rounders are a rare breed. India has faced a dearth of quality batters who can also bowl pace, with Hardik Pandya being the standout exception. However, with Pandya's India career currently limited to white-ball cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has turned to Nitish Kumar Reddy for the upcoming Australia tour.Reddy has already made a mark with his batting in the T20I series against Bangladesh. As his stock rises in international cricket, he has revealed a valuable tip from coach Gautam Gambhir that has played a pivotal role in his success.In an interview with the Hindustan Times, Reddy shared the insights he gained from Gambhir and other members of the team management during the Bangladesh series. "They encouraged me to play aggressively, with the same approach I displayed in the IPL," Reddy said. "They emphasized playing according to the situation."During a drinks break, Gambhir approached Reddy after he played a reverse sweep that required a DRS review. "He told me, 'Nitish, you have good power. You can clear the boundary line easily. You have no need to play reverse sweep on these kind of wickets because the ball is keeping low,'" Reddy recalled.Reddy's 74-run knock against Bangladesh in the second T20I showcased his batting prowess. He credits Gambhir's guidance for his success during this phase of his career. "He told me to back my power, and I did just that," Reddy said. "The over bowled by the spinner turned out very well for me at that time."Gambhir also provided valuable advice on Reddy's bowling. The pacer typically bowls between 130-135 kmph, but he has the potential to reach speeds over 140 kmph. However, Reddy prioritizes consistency over pace."I feel like bowling 130-135 is good pace," Reddy said. "Rather than trying to bowl faster, I want to focus on consistency. I want to hit the top of the off stump. That's what Gautam sir also kept on mentioning to me."Reddy's all-round abilities have made him a valuable asset to the Indian team. With his batting prowess and developing bowling skills, he is poised to make a significant impact on the upcoming Australia tour.