Cricket

India's ODI Woes: Limited Matches Before Champions Trophy Raise ConcernsIndia's recent ODI series loss to Sri Lanka has sparked concerns about the team's preparedness for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for next year in Pakistan. With only three ODIs remaining before the tournament, former opener Wasim Jaffer has expressed his apprehension.In the third ODI of the series, Sri Lanka outplayed India by 110 runs, thanks to Avishka Fernando's 96-run knock and Dunith Wellalage's five-wicket haul. This defeat marked India's first ODI assignment since their disappointing loss to Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup final last year.Jaffer took to Twitter to voice his concerns, stating, "SL played better cricket and deserve the series win. It doesn't worry me that India lost a series. Wins and losses are part of the game. However, it's a point of concern that India has just 3 ODIs before the Champions Trophy. #SLvIND."India's next ODI assignment will be a three-match home series against England in February next year. However, the limited number of matches before the Champions Trophy has raised questions about the team's ability to adequately prepare.The Champions Trophy is a prestigious tournament that brings together the top eight ODI teams in the world. India has won the tournament twice, in 2002 and 2013. However, their recent ODI performances have been inconsistent, raising doubts about their chances of success in Pakistan.The team's batting has been particularly vulnerable, with the top order failing to provide consistent starts. The middle order has also struggled to convert starts into substantial scores. The bowling attack, too, has been inconsistent, with the pacers struggling to find rhythm and the spinners lacking control.With the Champions Trophy fast approaching, India needs to address these concerns and find a way to improve their ODI performances. The upcoming series against England will provide a crucial opportunity for the team to gain some momentum and build confidence ahead of the tournament.

India's recent ODI series loss to Sri Lanka has raised concerns about their vulnerability to spin bowling on dry surfaces. Captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged the issue, stating that it requires serious attention and individual game plan adjustments.Despite Rohit's impressive batting performance, India's middle-order struggled to cope with the increasing turn and slower tempo of the ball. In the series opener, they collapsed from 75/0 to 132/5, while in the second ODI, they went from 97/0 to 147/6.Rohit dismissed suggestions of complacency, emphasizing that the team remains committed to winning every game. However, he acknowledged that Sri Lanka outplayed India and deserved credit.India's decision to chase in all three matches, due to losing the toss, exposed them to the challenging conditions under lights. In the final ODI, they opted for an extra batter in Riyan Parag, who made his ODI debut and impressed with 3/54.Rohit explained that the bowling changes were influenced by the conditions and the need to provide opportunities to younger players. He praised the performance of India's spinners but stressed the need to address the team's overall weaknesses.India's next ODI series is scheduled for January against England, followed by the Champions Trophy in 2025. Rohit expressed confidence in the team's ability to bounce back from this setback and improve in challenging conditions.

Former Indian cricket star Vinod Kambli's recent health struggles have raised concerns among fans and the cricketing community. A video circulating on social media shows Kambli struggling to walk, prompting speculation about his well-being.Kambli, who played over 100 ODIs and 17 Tests for India, has been battling health issues for some time. The video, which has not been independently verified by NDTV, shows him disoriented and unable to maintain his balance. Some social media users suggested he was intoxicated, while others attributed his condition to his deteriorating health.Kambli's illustrious career saw him amass nearly 10,000 runs in First Class cricket, with a top score of 262. His left-handed batting prowess made him a formidable force in the Indian team.Meanwhile, Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma continues to dominate in ODI cricket. In the second ODI against Sri Lanka, Sharma scored a blistering 66 off just 44 balls, surpassing Rahul Dravid to become India's fourth-highest run-getter in the format.Sharma's half-century in the second ODI followed a similar performance in the first match. With 10,831 runs in 264 ODIs, he boasts an impressive average of 49.23 and a strike rate of 92.29. His 31 centuries and 57 fifties include a career-best score of 264.As an opener, Sharma has also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar for the most fifty-plus scores for India in international cricket. With 43 centuries and 78 fifties, he has 121 fifty-plus scores as an opener, one more than Tendulkar's 120.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has cemented his status as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time, surpassing Rahul Dravid to become India's fourth-highest run-getter in the format. In the second ODI against Sri Lanka, Rohit notched up another half-century, continuing his dominant run in the 50-over format.With a blistering 66 off just 44 balls, Rohit now has 10,831 ODI runs to his name, surpassing Dravid's tally of 10,768. The Indian opener has achieved this feat in 264 matches, averaging an impressive 49.23 with a strike rate of 92.29. His 31 centuries and 57 fifties are a testament to his consistency and longevity at the highest level.Rohit's latest half-century also saw him overtake Sachin Tendulkar as the Indian opener with the most fifty-plus scores in international cricket. With 43 centuries and 78 fifties, Rohit has amassed 121 fifty-plus scores as an opener, just one more than Tendulkar's 120.The Indian skipper has been in scintillating form in recent times, particularly in the first 10 overs of ODI matches. His fourth fifty within the first 10 overs of a match brings him closer to Virender Sehwag's record of seven such fifties. Rohit has also been a six-hitting machine, smashing 54 sixes in the first 10 overs of an ODI since January 2023, more than double the tally of his nearest rival, David Warner.In the second ODI against Sri Lanka, Rohit's innings helped India chase down a target of 241 with ease. Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, and Dunith Wellalage played crucial roles in Sri Lanka's total, but Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav's bowling efforts restricted the visitors to a manageable score.Rohit Sharma's continued dominance in ODI cricket is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. As he continues to break records and lead India to victories, he further cements his place among the all-time greats of the game.

Sri Lanka's Jeffrey Vandersay emerged as the hero in the second ODI against India, leading his team to a remarkable 32-run victory in Colombo. Vandersay's exceptional six-wicket haul for just 33 runs dismantled the Indian batting lineup, giving Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.Chasing a target of 241 on a spin-friendly pitch, India's promising start was quickly extinguished by Vandersay's brilliance. Rohit Sharma's aggressive 64 off 44 balls had set the tone for India, but his dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse.From a comfortable 97 for one, India lost six wickets for just 50 runs in 10 overs. Vandersay, filling in for the injured Wanindu Hasaranga, exploited the conditions and the Indian batsmen's vulnerabilities, claiming the crucial wickets of Shivam Dube, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer.Despite the top-order collapse, Axar Patel attempted a counter-attack with a resilient 44 off 44 balls, but his efforts were cut short by Charith Asalanka.Earlier, Sri Lanka's batting effort had been challenged by India's spinners, particularly Washington Sundar (3/30) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/33). Despite struggling at 136 for six, a crucial 72-run partnership between Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis provided the hosts with a competitive total of 240 for nine.Vandersay's exceptional performance and Sri Lanka's resilience on a difficult pitch proved too much for India, who were bowled out for 208 in 42.2 overs. The victory gives Sri Lanka a crucial advantage in the series, with the third and final ODI scheduled for Tuesday.

Team India's ODI captain Rohit Sharma is gearing up for the upcoming One Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka, set to commence on August 2. Sharma has been diligently practicing in the nets, honing his batting skills, as evident from the photographs he shared on social media.The Indian team's tour of Sri Lanka commenced on July 27 with the Twenty20 International (T20I) series. India made a strong start, winning the first T20I by 43 runs. The subsequent T20I saw India clinch a victory by seven wickets in a rain-shortened match. The T20I matches were hosted at the Pallekele International Stadium, while the ODI series will take place at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, with matches scheduled for August 2, August 4, and August 7.Sharma's return to the Indian squad marks his first appearance since leading the team to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup. In the tournament, Sharma played a pivotal role, amassing 257 runs across eight games, with an average of 36.71 and a strike rate exceeding 156. His highest score was 92, and he hit three half-centuries, making him the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament.Sharma's last ODI appearance was during the ICC Cricket World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad in November last year, which resulted in a loss for India. Currently, Sharma is on the cusp of achieving significant milestones in his ODI career. He is 291 runs short of joining the elite group of Indian cricketers with over 11,000 ODI runs. Furthermore, he requires just 60 more runs to surpass former Indian batter and head coach Rahul Dravid as the fourth-highest run-scorer for India in ODIs. To date, Sharma has played 262 matches, scoring 10,709 runs at an average of 49.12. His record includes 31 centuries and 55 fifties, with a highest score of 264.

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, has addressed the future of veteran players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both players have recently retired from T20Is, but remain in the ODI squad. Gambhir believes that the decision of how long they continue playing is up to them, but he believes they have "a lot of cricket left in them."Gambhir highlighted the impressive performances of Sharma and Kohli on the big stage, including the T20 and 50-over World Cups. He emphasized that both players are still world-class and any team would want to have them for as long as possible.However, Gambhir acknowledged that the decision of when to retire is a personal one. He stated that it is up to the players to determine how much they can contribute to the team's success. He also mentioned the upcoming Champions Trophy and tour of Australia as potential motivations for the players to continue playing.Gambhir expressed his belief that Sharma and Kohli could potentially play until the 2027 ODI World Cup if they maintain their fitness. He emphasized that the team's success is paramount and that the players' contributions will be crucial in achieving that goal.

Rohit Sharma Confirms Availability for Sri Lanka ODI Series, Joins Kohli in SquadIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has confirmed his availability for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, putting an end to speculation that he might skip the tour. Sharma, who recently retired from T20 Internationals, will join former captain Virat Kohli in the 15-man squad for the three-match series.Following India's triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Sharma announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game. Kohli had also retired from T20Is after the tournament. The ODI series against Sri Lanka will mark their return to the 50-over format.With only six ODIs remaining before next year's Champions Trophy, the series is crucial for both Sharma and Kohli. It will provide them with an opportunity to fine-tune their skills and help new coach Gautam Gambhir assess tactical combinations.Sharma's confirmation of his availability is a significant boost for the Indian team. The veteran opener is one of the most experienced and successful batters in the world, and his presence will add stability to the top order.Kohli, who has been in excellent form in recent months, will also be eager to make a mark in the ODI series. The former captain is India's all-time leading run-scorer in the format and will be looking to add to his tally.The ODI series against Sri Lanka will be played from July 18 to 23. The first match will be held in Colombo, followed by the second and third matches in Pallekele.

Harshit Rana, a 22-year-old fast bowler from Delhi, has finally earned his long-awaited call-up to the Indian ODI team. The journey to this moment has been filled with setbacks and disappointments, but Rana has never given up hope.Rana's exceptional performance in the IPL, where he claimed 19 wickets and played a crucial role in Kolkata Knight Riders' victorious campaign, finally earned him recognition on the national stage. Despite facing numerous setbacks and being overlooked during his journey from the junior levels, Rana's determination and hard work have paid off."Delhi mein dil tooth sakta hai par humne kabhi hausla nahi haraa (Delhi can break your heart but I never lost hope)," Rana said in an emotional statement.Rana credits his father, personal coach Amit Bhandari, and former India and Delhi pacer Gautam Gambhir for his success. Gambhir, in particular, has had a profound impact on Rana's mindset."If my outlook towards the game has changed, a lot of it has got to do with Gauti bhaiyya's presence in the KKR dressing room and how he changed my mindset. At the elite level, you require skills but more than skills you require the heart to handle the pressure," Rana said.Rana's performances in white ball cricket for Delhi have been exceptional. He has claimed 22 wickets in 14 games in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and 28 wickets in 25 T20 matches.Rana's ability to execute his arsenal of deliveries with precision under pressure has been key to his success. He consistently hits the blockhole, fires wide yorkers, and deceives batsmen with cleverly disguised slow bouncers."If you ask about the pressure part it is Gautam Gambhir's advice. He would say, 'what's the worst thing that will happen? You will get hit and we can lose the match. But if you don't face your fears, how will you overcome them'?" Rana said.Bhandari, Rana's personal coach, believes that the bowler possesses the necessary skills and abilities to excel in international competitions."In Delhi, you always hear about corruption, groupism, nepotism. Now look at the bonafide Delhi greats. Most have within two years of Delhi debut played for India. Viru (Sehwag), Gauti (Gambhir), Ishant (Sharma), Rishabh (Pant) all had talent and didn't hover around domestic cricket for long. If you are a talented Delhi cricketer, the system can't stop you. And if you aren't, then even in 15 years, you won't make it," Bhandari said.Rana's call-up to the Indian ODI team is a testament to his hard work, determination, and talent. He is now ready to take the next step in his career and represent his country at the highest level.