Cricket

Wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan's participation in the Duleep Trophy opener on Thursday is uncertain due to a potential injury, according to Cricbuzz. Kishan is part of Team D, led by Shreyas Iyer, but his availability for the tournament remains unclear.If Kishan is unable to play, Sanju Samson is likely to replace him in the squad. Team D's second match is scheduled for September 12. The four-team competition will see each team play three matches.Kishan recently participated in the Buchi Babu tournament in Chennai, where his team, Jharkhand, was eliminated in the league phase. He scored a century (115) and 41 not out in the first match, but managed only 1 and 5 in the second match.Kishan's absence from the Duleep Trophy would be a setback for his hopes of returning to the national squad. He was excluded from the list of centrally contracted BCCI players due to his absence from domestic cricket while not on national duty.To be eligible for selection in the Indian team again, Kishan must play domestic cricket. His inclusion in the Duleep Trophy was an indication that the BCCI was willing to soften its stance on him. However, this reported injury could hinder his progress.Notably, India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is also injured and is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, nursing a hand injury.

India's T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav's hopes of a Test comeback have been dealt a blow after he suffered a hand injury while fielding for Mumbai in the Buchi Babu tournament. The extent of the injury is yet to be determined, but it is a significant concern for the hard-hitting batsman with the Duleep Trophy set to commence on September 5.Yadav, who has played only one Test for India, was eager to impress the selectors in the red-ball format. He had expressed his excitement about the upcoming Duleep Trophy, which would have given him a chance to stake his claim for a place in the Test team.However, his injury has cast a shadow over his plans. The injury occurred while he was fielding in Mumbai's match against Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) XI. Mumbai could only manage 156 in reply to TNCA XI's 379, and now face a daunting target of 510 to win.Yadav is part of the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Team C squad in the Duleep Trophy. India's home season kicks off with the two-Test series against Bangladesh in September-October. If Yadav's injury is serious, it could jeopardize his chances of making a comeback to the Test team.The injury is a setback for Yadav, who has been in excellent form in white-ball cricket. He was the leading run-scorer in the recently concluded T20I series against West Indies, and has also been impressive in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Yadav's injury is a reminder of the physical demands of cricket. Even the most talented players are susceptible to injuries, and it is important for them to manage their workload carefully. Yadav will be hoping that his injury is not serious, and that he will be able to recover in time for the Duleep Trophy and the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing concerns over the prolonged recovery of young fast bowler Ihsanullah from an elbow injury that has sidelined him for over a year. The 21-year-old's recent behavior has raised questions about his commitment to his rehabilitation program.According to a reliable PCB source, senior officials are frustrated with Ihsanullah's actions, particularly his contradiction of a statement made by his father. Ihsanullah's father had visited Lahore to request that his son continue his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) rather than in his hometown of Swat. He also informed the media that Ihsanullah preferred to continue his rehab at the NCA.However, the next day, Ihsanullah tweeted that he was comfortable with continuing his rehabilitation in Swat and did not see the need to travel to Lahore. This directly contradicted his father's statement."The board officials are worried with the sincerity and hard work Ihsan is putting into his rehab program which was designed for him by experts after he was sent to the UK for an appointment with a specialist," the source said.The PCB had appointed an independent medical panel to review Ihsanullah's diagnosis and treatment. The panel recommended that he continue his rehab in Swat under the supervision of an assigned trainer.However, with fitness tests approaching before the Champions Cup domestic event, there are growing concerns about whether Ihsanullah is taking his rehab process seriously.Ihsanullah emerged as a promising talent for Pakistan during last year's Pakistan Super League. He was quickly integrated into the national white-ball squad for T20 and ODI matches before suffering his elbow injury.The handling of Ihsanullah's injury also led to the resignation of the PCB's head of the medical panel, Dr. Sohail Saleem.

Mayank Yadav, the 22-year-old fast bowler for Lucknow Super Giants, emerged as a standout performer in IPL 2024. His blistering pace, consistently exceeding 150 kmph, and impressive wicket-taking ability (seven wickets in four games) caught the attention of fans and selectors alike. However, an unfortunate injury abruptly halted his season, casting uncertainty over his return to competitive cricket.BCCI secretary Jay Shah expressed doubts about Yadav's availability for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Test series scheduled for December. While recovering at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey advocates for a gradual reintroduction to action, particularly focusing on first-class cricket.Yadav's injury has sparked discussions about his immediate future and the appropriate path for his recovery. Mhambrey believes that keeping Yadav sidelined out of caution may not be the best approach for the young pacer. He argues that bowlers need to bowl to develop control and understand their physical limits.Mhambrey emphasizes the importance of playing red-ball cricket for Yadav's development and injury management. He believes that first-class cricket provides the necessary experience and helps bowlers understand their individual physical limits.The former bowling coach also highlights the significance of understanding Yadav's background and training regimen to better manage his fitness and workload. He notes that Yadav is still in the developmental phase of his career, and proactive management of his workload and fitness is crucial.As the BCCI deliberates on the best course of action for Yadav, the young pacer's return to full fitness remains eagerly anticipated by fans and selectors alike. His impressive performances in the IPL have shown glimpses of his potential, and managing his recovery effectively could be key to his future success in Indian cricket.

Bangladesh Faces Uncertainty over Mahmudul Hasan Joy's Availability for Pakistan Test SeriesBangladesh's hopes of a strong start to their two-Test series in Pakistan have been dealt a blow with the news that opening batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy has suffered a groin injury. According to ESPNcricinfo, the injury is expected to take around two weeks to heal, putting Joy's participation in both the first and second Tests in doubt.Joy, who is already in Pakistan, played in a four-day game for Bangladesh A against Pakistan A in Islamabad earlier this week. He scored 65 in the first innings but did not bat in the second.The injury is a significant setback for Bangladesh, as Joy has formed a settled opening partnership with Zakir Hasan in recent Tests. Shadman Islam is likely to take Joy's place in the lineup if he is unavailable.Bangladesh's 16-member squad has been training in Lahore and is scheduled to travel to Islamabad on August 17. The first Test will be played in Rawalpindi from August 21 to 25, while the second Test will be held in Karachi from August 30 to September 3.The Karachi Test will be played without spectators due to ongoing construction work at the National Stadium.

Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson's injury has forced him out of Australia's upcoming T20I series against Scotland and England. The 26-year-old sustained a side strain while playing for Oval Invincibles in the Hundred.Johnson's absence has opened the door for New South Wales allrounder Sean Abbott, who was initially only included in the ODI squad. Abbott, a leading wicket-taker in the BBL, has also impressed in the Hundred, claiming nine wickets in seven matches for Birmingham Phoenix.Johnson's injury is a setback for Australia, who view him as a potential replacement for Mitchell Starc in the T20 side. Starc has been rested for the T20Is but will feature in the ODIs. Pat Cummins will miss the entire tour, while Josh Hazlewood is part of both squads.Abbott joins Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, and Marcus Stoinis as the frontline seamers in the T20I squad. Australia's selectors are keeping an eye on the next T20 World Cup in 18 months' time, but have not ruled out Starc or Cummins from the format.Johnson's focus will now be on recovering in time for the start of the Australia domestic season, where he plays for South Australia. Australia's next T20Is after the UK tour are a three-match series against Pakistan in mid-November, which could provide another opportunity for Johnson.

England's Test captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out for the remainder of the summer due to a torn left hamstring. The injury occurred during a Hundred match for Northern Superchargers against Manchester Originals on Sunday.Stokes sustained the injury while attempting a quick single. He pulled up in pain after completing the run and collapsed to the ground, clutching his left leg. He required assistance to leave the field and returned to the dugout on crutches.A scan on Tuesday confirmed the severity of the injury, ruling Stokes out of the upcoming three-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins in Manchester on August 21.Ollie Pope, Stokes' vice-captain for over a year, will assume full captaincy duties for the series.The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) stated that Stokes aims to return for England's winter Test tour of Pakistan, which commences in Multan on October 7. Zak Crawley, who is missing the Sri Lanka series with a finger injury, is also targeting the Pakistan tour for his comeback.England has opted not to name a replacement for Stokes in their squad for the Sri Lanka series. In his absence, Jordan Cox could make his Test debut as a specialist batter at No. 6. Alternatively, the team could adjust its balance by promoting Jamie Smith and Chris Woakes to No. 6 and 7, respectively, and selecting an additional seamer like Matthew Potts or Olly Stone.Stokes' injury is a significant blow to England's Test team. He is a key all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball. His absence will test the depth of England's squad and provide opportunities for other players to step up.

Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux faces a race against time to recover from a fractured rib and be fit for the upcoming New Zealand series and T20 World Cup. The injury, sustained during training, will sideline her for up to eight weeks.Molineux's absence is a significant blow to Australia's preparations for the World Cup, which begins on October 3 in Bangladesh. The left-arm spinner and hard-hitting batter has been in impressive form since returning to the national team in February after a string of injuries.In her comeback Test against South Africa, Molineux took 3 for 10 in the first innings. She then starred in the T20I series against Bangladesh, claiming six wickets at an average of 8.33 and earning Player of the Series honors.Molineux's injury has also ruled her out of the Hundred, where she was set to join Manchester Originals. Grace Harris, another likely selection for the World Cup squad, will also miss the tournament due to a calf strain.Kim Garth will replace Molineux at Originals, while Megan Schutt has been added to the Spirit squad as a replacement player. These signings have necessitated adjustments to the Australia A squads that will face India A in Queensland next month.Maitlan Brown and Kate Peterson have been called up to the Australia A T20 squad, while Brown will also feature in the one-day matches.Despite the setbacks, Australia has a busy international schedule ahead. They will host India in early December before traveling to New Zealand for three ODIs. The multi-format Ashes, featuring a day-night Test at the MCG, will take place in January.Australia will then return to New Zealand in late March for another series. The WBBL will commence a week after the T20 World Cup, while the inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) is expected to be held in early March.

Amit Mishra, the 41-year-old Indian cricketer, has opened up about his experiences and challenges while being out of the national team. Despite not officially announcing his retirement, the spinner revealed how injuries and team combinations kept him from securing a permanent spot in the national squad.Mishra played 22 Tests, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is for India, taking a total of 156 wickets across formats. However, his career ended on a sour note, leaving him with several bitter memories. He explained that personal rapport and team selection dynamics significantly influenced his career progression."Being liked matters a lot in team selection. Just playing good cricket isn't enough. The captain always decides the Playing XI. I had an excellent rapport with MS Dhoni. I asked him twice why I wasn't getting picked, he told me that I don't fit the combination," Mishra revealed.He recalled being told that he was being given rest, although he never asked for it. "I was told that I was being given a rest. I never asked for it. I hadn't even played 10 Test matches by then, why would I ask for a rest or break? If I have to tell you honestly, I wasn't in a position [to question Dhoni]. Yes, I asked the coach, and he told me to go ask Dhoni, but like I said, I wasn't in that position to go and ask Dhoni. I asked the coach again and he just said we are giving you rest," he said.Mishra's situation did not improve even after Virat Kohli succeeded Dhoni as captain. Despite his good performances, he found himself sidelined again. "The worst I've felt in my career was when I picked up a knee injury five years ago. It happened in between the match. The series before I was the Man of the Series and the Man of the Match against New Zealand. And this used to be the rule back then, not sure if it still happens, but if you get injured while playing, you are given an automatic comeback. It happened with Wriddhiman Saha, Anil Kumble, and Hardik Pandya, but I never got it," Mishra shared.He also mentioned an incident during the IPL when he tried to get clarity on his future from Kohli. "During the IPL, our last match was against RCB. I asked him to give a clear picture about my career. He said 'Mishy bhai, I'll ask and let you know'. Virat Kohli helped me in my comeback series against Sri Lanka – 2016. I was doing well and India needed a leg-spinner who could bowl in Sri Lanka. When I came back, he said, 'from today, you will train for fitness with me'. I told him I can't lift weights like you but I can run and whatever else you want. Then I got injured so I asked him again, but I never got a clear answer. I messaged him. He read the text and said 'I'll let you know' but never did," Mishra revealed.These revelations from Mishra highlight the intricate dynamics within a cricket team and the emotional battles that players undergo in their professional journeys.