Cricket

Indian cricket team spinner Kuldeep Yadav's fiery response to an online troll has sparked a buzz on social media. A year after India's heartbreaking loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final, Kuldeep was targeted by a user on X (formerly Twitter) for his wicketless performance in the match.The troll's harsh criticism prompted Kuldeep to hit back with a sarcastic reply. "Yes, so, what's bothering you so much? Did you get money to write such beautiful words, or do you have a personal hatred for me?" Kuldeep wrote.Kuldeep's response has garnered widespread attention and support from fans and fellow cricketers. Many praised him for standing up to online abuse and for his witty retort.As India prepares for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has shared his thoughts on the team's chances and the significance of the series.Reflecting on India's recent 0-3 series loss to New Zealand, Ganguly acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed optimism about India's prospects. He emphasized the importance of the India-Australia and India-England series, noting their high excitement levels among cricket fans."I think for me, at the moment, India-Australia, India-England are two of the best series in world cricket. Obviously, Ashes is there. But I think these two series will be keenly watched and going through social media, through news and all, I can feel there is a lot of excitement in Australia. Rightfully so for five test matches, Kohli and Rohit may not be going back to the country again after this, there is enough in this series. It is going to be a fascinating series and I am looking forward to it," said Ganguly.Ganguly expressed regret over not being able to work on the series due to other commitments but emphasized his enthusiasm for watching the matches."I wish I could be there to work on the series, but my other commitments are stopping me from doing it. It is going to be a great series and I will be up in the morning to watch the action from Perth. I know it is not an early morning wake-up time, not at 5.30 because of time differences, and that should help!"

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 retention list is set to be unveiled on October 31, and the Delhi Capitals are facing a pivotal decision regarding their star players. While Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel are widely expected to be retained, rumors have emerged that Pant could potentially be released into the auction pool.Former India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player Aakash Chopra has fueled these speculations, suggesting that Pant's availability in the auction could spark a bidding war. Chopra highlighted Pant's status as India's number one wicketkeeper, his ability to score quick runs, and his experience as an IPL captain as factors that would make him a highly sought-after player."If Rishabh Pant enters the auction pool, it will be massive," Chopra said. "He is a keeper-batter, and even though his T20 numbers have been inconsistent, he has the potential to be a game-changer. I can guarantee that his name will fetch a hefty sum in the auction."Pant's potential release would create a significant void in the Delhi Capitals' lineup. The franchise has yet to win an IPL title, and Pant has been a key figure in their recent campaigns. However, the team may be forced to consider other options if they believe that Pant's performances have not justified his high salary.Several teams are likely to be interested in acquiring Pant's services if he becomes available. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Punjab Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are all in need of a wicketkeeper-batter, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans could also be potential suitors.The IPL 2025 retention list will provide clarity on the future of Pant and other top players. If Pant does enter the auction pool, it will be one of the most significant developments in the history of the tournament.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced an 18-member Indian cricket team squad for the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The series, which begins on November 22 in Perth, will feature matches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.While the squad boasts a strong bowling lineup, there are notable absences, including Mohammed Shami, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav.Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist-spinner, was unavailable for selection due to a chronic left groin issue. He had featured in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru but was replaced by Washington Sundar in the second contest.BCCI clarified that Yadav has been referred to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for long-term resolution of his injury.Mohammed Shami, who last played in the ODI World Cup in November 2023, has not recovered from a knee injury in time. Despite assurances of being fit, he has not been included in the squad.Axar Patel, on the other hand, has been named in the T20 squad that will travel to South Africa for a four-match series starting next month.Despite these absences, India's bowling lineup remains formidable. The squad includes Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a prestigious series between India and Australia, and both teams will be eager to claim victory. India will be looking to retain the trophy, which they won in 2018-19.

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his disappointment over the exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand in Pune. Gavaskar criticized the move, suggesting it indicated "panic" from the team management.India entered the second Test trailing 0-1 in the three-match series, making three changes to their lineup. New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and chose to bat first at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. India dropped Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and KL Rahul. Shubman Gill returned to the side, Akash Deep replaced Siraj, and Washington Sundar was included for his first Test match since March 2021.Gavaskar commented on the team changes during the match. "I do not see a lot of teams making three changes unless there are injury concerns. Washington Sundar's inclusion tells you they are worried about their batting. More than his bowling, they need his batting down the order as the cushion," he said.Gavaskar questioned the decision to leave out Kuldeep Yadav, noting his potential effectiveness against New Zealand's left-handed batters. "Yes, there is a lot of talk about the left-handers in the New Zealand batting unit, but I would have picked Kuldeep Yadav, who can also turn it away from a left-hander," he added.With pressure on India to secure a win in Pune, Gavaskar's comments highlight the critical nature of team selection decisions as they aim to preserve their home dominance and secure a spot in the WTC final.

Kuldeep Yadav, India's left-arm wrist spinner, expressed optimism about the pitch's increasing turn and emphasized the importance of the batters building a substantial lead in the second innings to provide the spinners with an advantage.After the third day of the first Test, India trailed by 125 runs with a score of 231 for three. "The spinners were getting some assistance when we were bowling, and we hope to get more spin on Day 5," Kuldeep stated in the post-day press conference. "However, we need a good total to defend."Kuldeep acknowledged the need for a competitive target, given India's potent bowling attack. "We can't predict a specific total right now because we still have a lot of batting to do," he added.The spinner expressed confidence in Sarfaraz Khan, who was unbeaten on 70, to contribute significantly. "We witnessed his 200-run knock in the Irani Trophy," Kuldeep said. "We expect him to deliver another big score here. His technique is irrelevant as long as he keeps scoring runs."Kuldeep praised Rachin Ravindra's century for New Zealand. "He batted exceptionally well," he said. "I missed a few opportunities to dismiss him, but he's a talented player who has improved significantly in recent years."Regarding the Indian bowlers' strategy against the Ravindra-Southee partnership, Kuldeep explained, "My plan was to get them out by any means necessary. Southee was fortunate to survive some close calls, but he played well and contributed valuable runs. I focused on bowling good lengths."Kuldeep's three wickets in 18.3 overs helped restrict New Zealand to 402 in their first innings, giving India a 356-run lead.

Kuldeep Yadav, the Kanpur-born left-arm wrist spinner, has been a constant presence in the Indian cricket team as a backup to the formidable duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Despite his impressive record of 53 wickets in just 12 Tests, Kuldeep has often found himself on the sidelines, waiting for his chance to shine.However, with the second Test against Bangladesh set to be played on the slow-turning Green Park Stadium, Kuldeep's home ground, the 29-year-old spinner is hoping to finally get a start in the XI. Kuldeep has been a prolific wicket-taker at Green Park throughout his career, and he will be eager to make the most of the opportunity to play in front of his home crowd.Kuldeep's journey to the Indian team has been marked by both success and setbacks. He made his Test debut in 2014, but has only played 12 matches since then. Despite his limited opportunities, Kuldeep has consistently impressed with his ability to take wickets and control the flow of runs.However, Kuldeep has also faced criticism for his inconsistency and lack of control at times. In recent years, he has worked hard to improve his technique and fitness, and he believes he is now ready to take on a more prominent role in the Indian team."There will always be competition among spinners in India, irrespective of the format," Kuldeep said recently. "There will always be four spinners ready to take the field. Now, I focus on continuously bettering myself and being ready to pounce on the opportunity when it comes."With the Indian team management expressing reservations about the Kanpur pitch, it remains to be seen whether Kuldeep will get his chance to play in the second Test. However, the spinner is confident that he is ready to make an impact whenever he is called upon."It was tough to change something that you have been doing for 15 years," Kuldeep said about his recent technical changes. "There were doubts when I was coming back from injury and going through these changes a couple of years back. I was not sure how it would turn out. But I decided to give myself more time to perfect it and then come back."Kuldeep's patience and hard work have paid off, and he is now one of the most dangerous spinners in the world. If he gets his chance to play in the second Test, he will be determined to prove that he is ready to be a regular member of the Indian team.

Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has strongly advocated for the inclusion of left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav in India's playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. Despite Kuldeep's impressive performance in the recent home series against England, where he claimed 19 wickets in four matches, he was surprisingly omitted from the team in the first Test in Chennai.Manjrekar believes that Kuldeep's exclusion was a mistake, arguing that his unique bowling style would have been beneficial even on a pitch that was not expected to favor spinners. "I feel Kuldeep Yadav should not be dropped so easily," Manjrekar said on the ESPNcricinfo YouTube channel. "I believe that even if it was not a turner, India would have benefited from playing Kuldeep Yadav in Chennai because the seamers will get help for just one or one-and-a-half days on an Indian pitch."Manjrekar suggested that Kuldeep could replace Jasprit Bumrah in the team if the pace spearhead is rested. "If Bumrah wants a rest, give him. Try and get Kuldeep Yadav back," Manjrekar said. He further emphasized the importance of playing all three spinners, including Kuldeep, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Axar Patel, even on a green top. "Even if it's a green top and the sun is out, they should keep in mind that the green top will be just for the first few hours, and Siraj and Bumrah are enough for that. When you have three proven spinners, you should play all of them," Manjrekar said.With India securing a comprehensive 280-run victory in the first Test, where Bumrah played a crucial role with five wickets, the team management may consider resting him to manage his workload. This would provide an ideal opportunity for Kuldeep to make his way back into the side. Another pacer, Yash Dayal, could also be in contention for his debut if Bumrah is rested.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction approaches, franchises are finalizing their retention strategies. According to reports, the Delhi Capitals have identified their priority players, with skipper Rishabh Pant topping the list.Pant, a key member of the Indian team across all formats, was rumored to be considering a move to Punjab Kings, where former Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting is now in charge. However, a report in Cricbuzz suggests that Pant will remain with DC and be their top retention pick.The wicket-keeper batter currently earns INR 16 crore per season, but this figure is expected to increase with the BCCI's new retention guidelines. In addition to Pant, Delhi is likely to retain Team India stars Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav.Overseas players Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tristan Stubbs are also reportedly set to be retained by the franchise. If the BCCI allows franchises to retain an uncapped player, DC is expected to keep wicketkeeper-batsman Abhishek Porel.

Rishabh Pant's Hilarious Banter with Kuldeep Yadav Lights Up Duleep TrophyIn a lighthearted moment during the Duleep Trophy match between India A and India B in Bengaluru, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant engaged in a playful banter with teammate Kuldeep Yadav.As India B sought to dismiss India A in their second innings, Pant's voice was captured on the stump microphone teasing Kuldeep. After Kuldeep hit a boundary off the fifth ball of the 41st over, Pant anticipated that he would attempt a single off the final ball."Close in, close in," Pant urged his teammates. "He's going to take a single."Kuldeep responded, "No, I won't."Undeterred, Pant persisted, "Swear on your mother."The exchange drew laughter from the players and spectators alike.Despite the lighthearted banter, India B emerged victorious in the contest by 79 runs. Musheer Khan's impressive 181 in the first innings and Pant's quickfire 61 in the second were key contributions to their success.Musheer was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. India B will next face India C in Anantapur from September 12.