Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a strict policy mandating all centrally contracted players to participate in domestic cricket when fit and not on national duty. This move comes after the exclusion of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from the central contracts list due to their absence from domestic games.BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized the importance of domestic cricket for player fitness and selection. He stated that the harsh action taken against Iyer and Kishan has prompted them to participate in the upcoming Duleep Trophy. Shah also highlighted the case of Ravindra Jadeja, who was asked to play a domestic game after recovering from injury.However, the BCCI has exempted top players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah from domestic cricket as part of workload management. Shah explained that these players are at risk of injury if they are overburdened with domestic matches.The BCCI's decision has sparked debate among cricket fans and experts. Some argue that it is essential for players to maintain their form and fitness through domestic cricket, while others believe that top players should be rested to avoid burnout.The policy change is a significant step by the BCCI to ensure that players are match-ready and available for national selection. It also highlights the importance of domestic cricket as a pathway to the Indian team.

Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer to Feature in Buchi Babu Invitational TournamentIndian Twenty20 International captain Suryakumar Yadav and star batter Shreyas Iyer are set to participate in the prestigious Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, which will commence on August 27 in Coimbatore. The tournament will provide an ideal platform for the duo to hone their skills ahead of the upcoming international season.Suryakumar, who recently led India to a 3-0 series victory over Sri Lanka, has confirmed his participation in the tournament. The flamboyant batter is currently enjoying a brief vacation with his wife, Devisha Shetty. On Wednesday, he shared a photo on Instagram, expressing his eagerness to return to the field.Shreyas Iyer, who has been in impressive form in recent times, will also be available for the match against Jammu and Kashmir. The BCCI has encouraged Indian internationals to participate in domestic matches to maintain their peak fitness and form.The Buchi Babu Tournament is a highly regarded event in the Indian domestic cricket calendar. It will offer Suryakumar and Iyer an opportunity to showcase their abilities and prepare for the challenges ahead.Mumbai, led by Sarfaraz Khan, will be bolstered by the presence of Suryakumar and Iyer. The team's batting lineup is expected to be formidable, increasing their chances of making a significant impact in the tournament.Suryakumar, despite his success in the shorter formats, has expressed his desire to make a mark in Test cricket. The Buchi Babu Tournament will provide him with a valuable opportunity to fine-tune his skills and gain experience in the longer format.The participation of Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament is a testament to the importance of domestic cricket in India. The tournament will serve as a crucial stepping stone for the duo as they prepare for the upcoming international season.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced its intention to closely monitor player availability and participation in the upcoming domestic cricket season (2024-25). This move is a clear indication that the BCCI expects India internationals to prioritize domestic competitions when not selected for the national team.The BCCI's decision stems from the recent controversy surrounding the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the list of BCCI-contracted players due to their absence from state team matches. The board is keen to ensure that international players remain committed to domestic cricket and continue to develop their skills across all formats.The monitoring process will involve assessing player performance in domestic competitions and tracking their availability for state teams when not on India duty. The BCCI will also consider the workload management of players, as evidenced by the decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming ODI series in Sri Lanka.According to reports, the topic of player availability was discussed during the recent selection committee meeting. The BCCI has reportedly spoken to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli regarding their availability for the Sri Lanka tour, leading to their inclusion in the ODI squad.The BCCI's focus on domestic cricket aligns with the vision of new head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has emphasized the importance of players competing in all three formats. By monitoring player availability and participation, the BCCI aims to foster a strong domestic circuit that will produce high-quality players for the Indian team.

Shreyas Iyer's impressive performance as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has earned him a well-deserved recall to the Indian national team. The batter, who had previously been criticized for prioritizing the IPL over domestic cricket, has now made a strong case for his inclusion in the ODI squad.Iyer's return to the national setup is a testament to his determination and resilience. Despite being dropped from the ODI team last season, he remained focused and worked hard to regain his place. His consistent performances in the IPL, coupled with his impressive record in domestic cricket, have convinced the selectors to give him another chance.However, the same cannot be said for Ishan Kishan, who is believed to be out of favor with the selectors. Sources indicate that Kishan will only be considered for national selection after a full season of domestic cricket. The selectors believe that his focus on the IPL is hindering his development as a player.In addition to Iyer's recall, the BCCI has also announced the inclusion of Riyan Parag and Harshit Rana in the ODI squad. Parag, an all-rounder from Assam, has impressed with his performances in the Vijay Hazare National one-dayers, while Rana, a pacer from KKR, has shown promise in the IPL.The selectors have emphasized the importance of domestic cricket performances in their selection decisions. They will continue to monitor player availability and participation in the upcoming domestic season. This move is aimed at encouraging players to prioritize domestic cricket and develop their skills at the highest level.Abhishek Sharma, who recently scored a 46-ball century in the IPL, has missed out on a place in the ODI squad due to the presence of the skipper at No. 3. Similarly, Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has also been overlooked.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir recently held a virtual introductory meeting to discuss the vision for Team India. The meeting, which lasted for an hour, included members of Ajit Agarkar's selection committee, Gambhir, and BCCI secretary Jay Shah.One of the key topics discussed was the squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. With senior players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah expected to be rested, opportunities may arise for players like Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, who were not included in the T20 World Cup squad.It was also reported that although captain Rohit Sharma is expected to miss the series, there is a possibility that he may make himself available. With vice-captain Hardik Pandya unavailable for selection in the ODI series due to injury concerns, KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav are potential candidates to lead the side.Gambhir, who attended the meeting from his home in New Delhi, outlined his vision for the team, emphasizing the importance of commitment and dedication. He also discussed the type of players he wants in the squad, focusing on those who are willing to give their all for the team.The India vs Sri Lanka white ball series will commence on July 27, featuring three One Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals. The series will provide an opportunity for the new-look Indian team to showcase their skills and prepare for future challenges.

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as head coach of the Indian cricket team has sparked excitement and anticipation ahead of the upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. Gambhir, known for his astute leadership and tactical acumen, will make his debut as head coach on July 26.Gambhir's appointment comes after the successful tenure of Rahul Dravid, who led India to victory in the T20 World Cup last month. Gambhir's credentials as a coach were solidified during his time with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Under his guidance, KKR emerged as IPL champions earlier this year, ending a 10-year title drought.Ahead of Gambhir's debut series, KKR captain Shreyas Iyer has been spotted training diligently. Iyer, who was overlooked for the T20 World Cup and the ongoing tour of Zimbabwe, could benefit immensely from Gambhir's mentorship.Iyer's recent training sessions have showcased his determination and commitment. Despite the heavy rain, he was seen working out relentlessly, demonstrating his unwavering work ethic.Iyer's absence from the national team and the Central Contracts list has been a source of disappointment for the talented batter. However, Gambhir's appointment could mark a turning point in his career.Prior to the IPL, Iyer faced criticism for skipping a Ranji Trophy match due to a reported back issue. However, the NCA's contradictory fitness report raised questions about his commitment.Despite these setbacks, Iyer remained focused on his goals. He attended a pre-IPL camp with KKR and worked tirelessly to improve his fitness and performance."I had a terrific World Cup and I wanted to take a break after that and wanted to work on my body and build some strength around certain areas," Iyer said on his YouTube channel. "Due to lack of communication, there were some decisions that didn't go in my favor.""But I realized that the bat is going to be in my hand and it's on me to perform and win trophies. I decided that once I win Ranji Trophy and IPL that would be an apt answer for whatever happened in the past and thankfully everything fell into the right place. I am grateful for how it happened."With Gambhir at the helm, Iyer has a golden opportunity to revive his international career and prove his worth as a world-class batter.

Gautam Gambhir's potential appointment as India's head coach has sparked speculation about the future of Shreyas Iyer's international career. Iyer, who led Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL glory, could be in line for a recall to the national team for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka in July-August.Gambhir, who mentored Iyer at KKR, is considered a strong contender for the India coach position. Under his guidance, Iyer flourished as a 50-over batter, amassing over 500 runs in the World Cup and averaging close to 50.Despite being dropped from BCCI's central contracts due to his absence from the Ranji Trophy, Iyer has maintained that a lower back injury prevented him from playing. However, his impressive performances in the IPL have kept him in contention for a national team recall.Sources within the BCCI have indicated that Iyer is not currently training at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, where young players are preparing for the T20I series against Zimbabwe. However, they believe that he has a strong chance of being selected for the ODI series against Sri Lanka.With senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah expected to focus on ODIs and Tests, the T20I series against Zimbabwe could provide opportunities for new faces. IPL stars like Rinku Singh, Shubman Gill, Avesh Khan, and Khaleel Ahmed are likely to be included in the squad.If Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav are not rested, they are expected to be named captain and vice-captain for the Zimbabwe tour. Both players have been in impressive form since the start of the IPL.

Shreyas Iyer, India's middle-order batter, has expressed his disappointment over the lack of communication and unfavorable decisions that followed the ODI World Cup last year. Despite his impressive performance in the tournament, where he was the third-highest run-scorer for India, Iyer was excluded from the BCCI's central contract list.Iyer's exclusion was reportedly due to the perception that he and wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan had prioritized the IPL over domestic cricket. While Kishan had skipped domestic cricket entirely in the first half of the year, Iyer had participated in a few Ranji Trophy matches."Due to lack of communication, there were some decisions that didn't go in my favor," Iyer said in a video released on his YouTube page. "But at the end of the day, the bat is always going to be in my hand and it's on me how to perform and win trophies."Iyer's determination was evident in his performances in the Ranji Trophy and IPL. He captained Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title win this year and played a crucial role in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy triumph."I decided that once I win Ranji Trophy and IPL, that would be an apt answer for whatever happened in the past," Iyer said. "Thankfully, everything fell to the right place."Iyer also credited his hard work in the nets at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for his improved form. "After the surgery, I was at NCA, practicing in the nets. I have never batted for so long in my life," he said. "I used to always restrict myself from batting in the nets because I complained that the wickets weren't that great.""Suddenly, I just told myself that 'put yourself in tough situations because the war is won outside the field, not on the field'," he added. "When you play with your mind, when you challenge your mind to put yourself in tough situations and you decide for yourself whether you're going to win or not."Iyer's determination and hard work have paid off, and he is now back in contention for a place in the Indian team. His performances in the upcoming series against Australia will be crucial in determining his future with the national side.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have emerged victorious in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), claiming their third title after a decade-long wait. Led by Shreyas Iyer, the Kolkata-based franchise showcased exceptional performances throughout the season, culminating in a dominant eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the summit clash.KKR's triumph was a testament to their consistent brilliance, with the team delivering extraordinary batting and bowling displays. The franchise's success was further amplified by a hilarious moment involving batter Rinku Singh, who attempted to vlog amidst the celebrations.In a video that went viral on social media, Singh welcomed viewers to his channel and urged them to subscribe and enable notifications. However, his fumbled delivery left his teammates Nitish Rana, Rana's wife, and Anukul Roy in fits of laughter."Hello guys, welcome to new vlog. Subscribe kar lo. Ghanta button daba do. We have won the final trophy. My dream has come true. This my didi (Rana's wife), bhaiya (Rana), and Anukul," Singh said.Despite his humorous antics, Singh expressed his elation at KKR's victory. "Outstanding feeling right now. Dream has come true - I have been here for 7 years and we are so happy. Credit to GG sir. I will finally lift the IPL trophy. It was God's plan," he said.While Singh's batting contributions were not as significant in this edition of the IPL, his inclusion as a traveling reserve for Team India's T20 World Cup squad is a testament to his potential. The first batch of the Indian team has already arrived in New York, where they will face Ireland in their tournament opener on June 5.