Cricket

India's upcoming T20I match against South Africa in Gqeberha has sparked speculation about potential changes to the playing XI. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra suggests that leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi may be dropped in favor of a two-spinner strategy.Chopra believes that Axar Patel's all-round abilities and Varun Chakaravarthy's recent performances make them indispensable. Chakaravarthy's ability to take key wickets, as evidenced in the first match, gives him an edge over Bishnoi.If India opts for two spinners, Chopra predicts that Chakaravarthy and Patel will be the chosen duo. However, the Gqeberha surface may favor a seam-bowling option, potentially opening the door for all-rounder Ramandeep Singh to make his debut.India's squad for the match includes:* Suryakumar Yadav (c)* Abhishek Sharma* Sanju Samson (wk)* Rinku Singh* Tilak Varma* Jitesh Sharma (wk)* Hardik Pandya* Axar Patel* Ramandeep Singh* Varun Chakravarthy* Ravi Bishnoi* Arshdeep Singh* Vijaykumar Vyshak* Avesh Khan* Yash Dayal

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have announced their retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, prioritizing players who embody a winning mindset and team-first attitude. The franchise's owner, Sanjiv Goenka, emphasized the importance of retaining a strong core within the available purse.LSG's most notable retention is Nicholas Pooran, who has been secured for INR 21 crore. Goenka described Pooran as an "automatic choice" due to his exceptional performances and leadership qualities. The Trinidadian wicketkeeper-batter was LSG's second-highest run-scorer in IPL 2024, amassing 499 runs at a blistering strike rate of 178.Alongside Pooran, LSG has retained three bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, and Mohsin Khan. Bishnoi and Khan are both young and promising Indian spinners, while Yadav impressed in his IPL debut season with his raw pace and ability to swing the ball.Ayush Badoni, a versatile middle-order batter, has also been retained by LSG. Despite a modest run tally in IPL 2024, the franchise sees him as a long-term prospect due to his adaptability and potential to contribute in various roles.LSG's decision not to retain KL Rahul, their former captain, has raised eyebrows. Rahul was the team's leading run-scorer in IPL 2024, but his departure is seen as a strategic move to free up salary space and allow the franchise to build a more balanced squad.With five players retained at a total cost of INR 51 crore, LSG has INR 69 crore remaining to spend at the mega auction. The franchise has one right-to-match option, which they can use to buy back one of their capped players if they are not picked up by another team.LSG's retentions reflect their commitment to building a competitive team that can challenge for the IPL title. By prioritizing players with a winning mindset and a team-first approach, the franchise hopes to create a cohesive unit that can achieve success in the upcoming season.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have finalized their retention plans for the upcoming IPL 2025 season, with Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, and Ayush Badoni set to remain with the franchise.Pooran, the explosive West Indian batter, is expected to be the highest-paid retention, followed by Mayank and Bishnoi. Pooran has been a key contributor for LSG, scoring 306 runs in 14 matches in 2024 and leading the team as interim captain during KL Rahul's absence.Mayank, a promising young fast bowler, has impressed with his pace and accuracy. Despite playing only four matches in 2024 due to injury, he has earned a national call-up and is considered a potential future star.Bishnoi, a leg-spinner, has been a consistent performer for LSG, taking 16 wickets in 2023 and playing a crucial role in the team's playoff run.Badoni, a middle-order batter, has shown his potential with aggressive performances, scoring 238 runs in 12 innings in 2023. Mohsin, a left-arm fast bowler, has also been impressive, taking 14 wickets in nine matches in his debut IPL season in 2022.With these five players retained, LSG will have one right-to-match (RTM) card at the auction. The exact amount paid to the retained players is not yet known, but it is estimated to be around INR 51 crore, which will be deducted from LSG's purse.

Indian spinner Ravi Bishnoi has emerged as a crucial cog in India's T20I setup, playing a pivotal role in the team's recent 3-0 series sweep over Bangladesh. In the final match of the series in Hyderabad, Bishnoi's impressive spell of 3/30 in four overs helped seal the victory, making him the standout performer with the ball.Bishnoi's wickets included the dismissals of Najmul Hossain Shanto (14), Litton Das (42), and Rishad Hossain (0). With these wickets, Bishnoi reached the milestone of 50 T20I wickets, becoming the youngest Indian (24 years, 37 days) to achieve this feat. He is also the joint-second fastest to reach the mark, alongside Arshdeep Singh.In a post-match interview, Bishnoi expressed his excitement about reaching this milestone. "I'm feeling great about this small milestone. The competition in the team adds positive pressure, and I wanted to make the most of this opportunity," he said.Bishnoi's journey to this milestone has been marked by continuous improvement and adaptability. "It's good to take a step back and see the game from the outside. You have to work on yourself and adjust accordingly," he remarked.Bishnoi also credited his recent break for helping him recharge and improve. "I had a few days off and tried to make the most of that time to recharge and improve," he said.Bishnoi's performance in the Bangladesh series has further cemented his place in India's T20I squad. His ability to bowl economical spells and pick up crucial wickets makes him a valuable asset to the team. As India gears up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Bishnoi is expected to play a key role in the team's success.

Indian spinner Ravi Bishnoi showcased his exceptional fielding skills during the third T20I encounter against Zimbabwe, leaving fans and experts in awe. In the third over of Zimbabwe's innings, Brian Bennett attempted a powerful shot towards backward point, but Bishnoi was perfectly positioned and leaped into the air to grab the ball with both hands, completing a sensational dismissal. The video of the dismissal has gone viral, highlighting Bishnoi's athleticism and quick reflexes.India's batting lineup also impressed, with Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad contributing to a total of 182 for four against Zimbabwe. Gill led the charge with a stroke-filled 66 off 49 deliveries, while Jaiswal (36 off 27) and Gaikwad (49 off 28) provided valuable support.Zimbabwe's fielding was a major concern, as they conceded extra runs and dropped catches throughout India's innings. Pacer Blessing Muzarabani was the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets for 25 runs.Despite the fielding lapses, Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza impressed with the ball, dismissing Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma. However, Gaikwad's ability to rotate the strike and hit boundaries in the middle overs helped India maintain a healthy run rate.With the series already in India's favor, the fourth T20I will be played on Friday, July 12, in Harare. India will be looking to complete a clean sweep, while Zimbabwe will be determined to salvage some pride.