Cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin, the star Indian off-spinner, has expressed his belief that Rohit Sharma will remain loyal to the Mumbai Indians franchise in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Ashwin's comments come amidst speculation about Rohit's future with the team following his removal as captain last year."Even if you think like Rohit, it's not wrong at all. I don't want any headache. I have been a captain for India. I have captained Mumbai many times. Even if I am not a captain, I am going to Mumbai happily. If I play for Mumbai, it's super. I am sure most players are like that. After a stage, money doesn't matter for some of those players. That's the thing," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.Rohit has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians since joining the franchise in 2011. He has led the team to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 titles. Despite being replaced as captain by Hardik Pandya last year, Rohit remains a key player for the franchise.In the 2024 IPL season, Rohit scored 417 runs at an average of 32.07 and a strike rate of 150. He scored a century and fifty, with the best score of 105*. His performances suggest that he is still a valuable asset to the Mumbai Indians.Ashwin's comments echo the sentiments of many fans who believe that Rohit will continue to play for the Mumbai Indians. The franchise has been his home for over a decade, and he has a strong bond with the team and its supporters.It remains to be seen whether Rohit will remain with the Mumbai Indians beyond the 2025 season. However, Ashwin's comments suggest that the veteran batter is committed to the franchise and is not looking to move elsewhere.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian spinner, has unveiled his all-time IPL XI, featuring a formidable lineup with a strong Indian presence. The team boasts seven Indian players, including some of the most iconic names in the tournament's history.At the top of the order, Ashwin has opted for the explosive duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of the most prolific run-scorers in IPL history. They are followed by Suresh Raina, the "Mr. IPL," who has consistently delivered for Chennai Super Kings.The middle order is anchored by Suryakumar Yadav, Mumbai Indians' "Mr. 360," known for his versatility and ability to score runs all around the wicket. The legendary Ab de Villiers, a former Royal Challengers Bangalore star, adds further firepower to the lineup.Behind the stumps, Ashwin has chosen MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain and Chennai Super Kings icon, as his wicket-keeper and captain. Dhoni's leadership skills and experience make him an invaluable asset to any team.In the spin department, Ashwin has picked the world-class duo of Sunil Narine and Rashid Khan. Narine, a mystery spinner from the West Indies, has been a key player for Kolkata Knight Riders, while Khan, an Afghan leg-spinner, has impressed with his variations and wicket-taking ability.The pace attack features three Indian stalwarts: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, and Lasith Malinga. Kumar, a swing bowler, has been a consistent performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad, while Bumrah, a fast bowler, has established himself as one of the best in the world. Malinga, a Sri Lankan legend, brings a wealth of experience and his signature yorkers to the team.Ashwin's all-time IPL XI is a formidable lineup that combines experience, skill, and versatility. It is a testament to the depth of talent that has graced the IPL over the years.

India's quest for a historic third consecutive Test series triumph in Australia will hinge on the ability of their aging batting lineup to withstand the formidable pace attack of the hosts, according to former Australia coach John Buchanan.Buchanan, who guided Australia to unprecedented success in the early 2000s, believes that both India and Australia possess experienced players, but that will not diminish the intensity of the competition. He highlighted Australia's potent bowling lineup, led by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, as a major challenge for India's batters."India's top order, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and possibly Shreyas Iyer, must perform exceptionally well to establish substantial totals," Buchanan said. "Then, the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj will come into their own."Buchanan downplayed the psychological impact of India's previous series wins in Australia, as key players from those victories, such as Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, are unlikely to feature in the upcoming tour."The previous series that India won were important, but those games have passed, and the current players are at a stage of their careers where they all want to perform," he said. "Both sides have aging players, with Rohit Sharma at 37, Kohli at 35, and Ravichandran Ashwin at 37. Australia also has only a few players under 30."Buchanan emphasized the importance of India batting for extended periods to tire out Australia's bowling attack. He cited Pujara's marathon innings in the 2018-19 and 2020-21 series as examples of how India can succeed in Australia."Australia plays well at home because they understand their conditions," Buchanan said. "But if India can bat for long periods, it will test the physical capacities of the Australian bowling attack and potentially give them a key to winning the series."Buchanan also acknowledged the challenges that traveling teams face in preparing for tours due to the lack of extended match practice. He believes that India's two-day pink-ball match against the Prime Minister's XI will be insufficient preparation for the day-night Test in Adelaide."Australia is favorite going into the series," Buchanan said. "It's very difficult to tour other countries these days, and traveling teams no longer have that preparation in a country to adjust to the conditions."

The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed a significant captaincy change at Mumbai Indians (MI), with Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit Sharma. This move sparked speculations of a rift between the two players. However, their performances and interactions during India's T20 World Cup victory have shed light on the true nature of their relationship.Veteran journalist Vimal Kumar revealed that Rohit and Hardik initially maintained distance during the first day of practice. However, on the second day, they engaged in a heart-to-heart conversation that resolved their differences. Kumar witnessed this interaction and described it as a defining moment for the team."When I went to the nets, on the first day I saw they were standing far apart and did not talk with each other. But by the second day, I saw them come over, one after the other, and sit together in a corner, talking for a long time. That moment for me defined this team," Kumar said.Kumar believes that this conversation played a crucial role in calming the atmosphere in the dressing room. He also praised India's then head coach Rahul Dravid for handling the situation effectively."The full credit goes to Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma for this. The way he handled the big guys - Virat, Hardik, Rohit - I think Rahul Dravid has a lot to do with it. Everyone gelled together. That was the leadership I had confidence in," Kumar added.India's T20 World Cup victory, with Rohit and Hardik making significant contributions, further solidified their bond. Their public displays of affection during the tournament put to rest any lingering doubts about their relationship.The captaincy change at MI may have raised questions, but the events during the T20 World Cup have demonstrated the strength of the bond between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. Their ability to resolve their differences and work together for the success of the team is a testament to their professionalism and commitment to Indian cricket.

Jay Shah, the newly appointed chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has expressed his gratitude to Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and other members of the Indian and international cricket fraternity for their congratulatory messages. Shah, who is currently the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), will assume the role of ICC chairman from December onwards.As the only candidate nominated to succeed Greg Barclay, Shah's appointment marks a significant milestone in his career. At 35 years old, he becomes the youngest person to ever lead the apex cricket body. Shah's nomination was unanimously supported by all 15 members of the ICC Board.In his message to Kohli, Shah acknowledged the Indian batting legend's contributions to the sport and expressed his commitment to working together to elevate cricket to new heights. He also thanked Rohit Sharma for his leadership on and off the field, emphasizing the importance of inspiring the next generation of cricketers.Shah's experience as the Chair of the Asian Cricket Council since 2021 has equipped him with valuable insights into the complexities of international cricket administration. He has emphasized the need to balance the coexistence of multiple formats, promote technological advancements, and expand the reach of cricket to new global markets.Shah's appointment has been met with optimism and anticipation within the cricket community. His commitment to inclusivity and innovation is expected to drive the sport forward and attract a wider audience.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction is poised to be a transformative event, with the potential to reshape the landscape of the tournament. As teams prepare to release and retain players, the focus has turned to the number of retentions allowed and the fate of star players like Rohit Sharma.Mumbai Indians, the most successful franchise in IPL history, face a dilemma. They possess a formidable core of Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah. However, retaining all four players could prove challenging under the new retention rules.Amidst the speculation, rumors have emerged that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are willing to offer Rohit Sharma a staggering Rs 50 crore salary package. However, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka has dismissed these claims, questioning the feasibility of such a move."Whether Mumbai Indians will release Rohit Sharma or not, whether he is coming to the auction or not, even if he comes if you are going to use 50 per cent of your salary cap on one player, how will you manage the other 22 players?" Goenka asked.Goenka acknowledged that all franchises have wishlists, but emphasized the importance of practicality. "You want the best player, the best captain to be in your team. It is not about wanting. What you have got and what is available. What can you do with that. This is that thing. I can want anyone but the same goes for all the franchises. You will not get everyone," he said.The IPL 2025 auction promises to be a fascinating affair, with teams weighing their options and making strategic decisions that could shape their fortunes for years to come. The fate of Rohit Sharma and other star players remains uncertain, adding to the intrigue surrounding this mega event.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released its latest Test rankings, with significant changes in both the batting and bowling categories.Batting:Virat Kohli has climbed two spots to eighth, while Rohit Sharma has dropped one place to sixth. Yashasvi Jaiswal has made a notable jump to seventh. England's Joe Root remains at the top, with Harry Brook moving up to fourth after his impressive performance against Sri Lanka.Pakistan's Babar Azam has slipped six places to ninth, while Mohammad Rizwan has risen to a career-best tied-10th. Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim has also achieved a career-high ranking of 17th.Bowling:India's Ravichandran Ashwin continues to dominate as the top-ranked bowler in Test cricket. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja maintain their positions at third and seventh, respectively.England's Chris Woakes has moved up four places to 16th, and Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando has climbed 10 spots to 17th. Pakistani pacer Naseem Shah and England's Gus Atkinson have both achieved career-best ratings.All-Rounders:Indian players continue to dominate the all-rounder rankings. Ravindra Jadeja remains at the top, followed by Ravichandran Ashwin. Axar Patel is ranked sixth.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed his opinion that star players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah should have been included in the first round of the Duleep Trophy. The tournament, which marks the beginning of India's domestic season, will commence on September 5 in Bengaluru and Anantapur.Manjrekar's suggestion stems from the fact that these players have had ample rest in recent times. He pointed out that Rohit Sharma has played only 59% of India's 249 international matches in the last five years, while Virat Kohli has played 61% and Jasprit Bumrah has played only 34%."I see them as well-rested India players. Could have been selected for the Duleep trophy," Manjrekar said on 'X'.The BCCI has announced that Ravindra Jadeja has been released from participation in the Duleep Trophy without providing a reason. Additionally, Mohammed Siraj and Umran Malik will not feature as they are recovering from recent illness. Navdeep Saini and Gaurav Yadav have been named as replacements.The Duleep Trophy is crucial in identifying key players for India's packed Test calendar and their readiness for the World Test Championship final. India's home season will commence with a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 in Chennai, followed by a second game in Kanpur beginning on September 27. Following this series, India will play three Test matches against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. Subsequently, the team will travel to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins on November 22 in Perth.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of the most celebrated cricketers of the modern era, have a massive fan following worldwide, including in Pakistan despite not playing even a single international match in the country. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal believes that Virat and Rohit, who have already bid adieu to T20Is, should visit Pakistan before retiring from international cricket."Virat and Rohit should visit Pakistan before they retire," Akmal said in an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com. "These two are stars of world cricket, traveling across the globe to play the game. Every single fan loves them. They have a massive fan base due to their batting and match-winning performances."Akmal believes that the fan following Virat and Rohit will experience in Pakistan will surpass anything they've seen elsewhere. "The last series between India and Pakistan took place in 2012-13. Since then, the two teams have only clashed in multination tournaments like the Asia Cup and ICC events. The absence of regular bilateral series has left fans longing for the resumption of the thrilling India vs Pakistan contests," Akmal said."Virat is a role model for many around the world, Rohit is the World Cup-winning captain, and Bumrah is currently the best pacer in the world. When players like Virat, Rohit and Bumrah visit Pakistan, it will evoke unique feelings in every fan. Virat has been to Pakistan during his under-19 days, but he wasn't as popular then," Akmal said."If Virat visits Pakistan now, he will truly see his popularity here. He will receive a different kind of support in Pakistan. No cricketer is more popular than Virat in Pakistan; he has a bigger fan-following than any other cricketer in the world. Pakistani fans love Virat, Rohit and Bumrah more than any of their own cricket team players," the former wicketkeeper said.Virat and Rohit will be back in action in the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The first Test will begin on September 19 in Chennai, followed by the second Test at Green Park in Kanpur from September 27.