Cricket

Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh's Social Media Banter Reminds Fans of Viral IPL MomentIndian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and batter Rinku Singh have engaged in a humorous exchange on social media, reminiscent of a viral video from the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year.In the IPL video, Rinku was seen requesting a bat from then-Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli. The incident became a viral sensation, with fans amused by Rinku's bold request.Now, on the eve of India's tour of Sri Lanka, Suryakumar has reignited the banter by posting an image of himself talking to Rinku on Instagram. Below the image, he wrote: "Theek hai bat le lena" (Okay, take the bat).Rinku promptly reposted the story and added: "De do bhaiya bat" (Give me the bat, brother).The exchange has delighted fans, who have flooded the comments section with laughing emojis and references to the original IPL video.Suryakumar's appointment as T20I captain comes after he pipped Hardik Pandya for the role. He will lead India in a three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka, followed by an ODI series captained by Rohit Sharma.The tour marks the first assignment for Gautam Gambhir as India's new chief coach after taking over from Rahul Dravid following the T20 World Cup.

Hardik Pandya's leadership aspirations have faced another setback after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appointed Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. This decision has sparked speculation about the potential impact on the relationship between Pandya and Yadav.However, a heartwarming moment captured on video before the team's departure to Sri Lanka has eased concerns. In the video, Pandya and Yadav are seen shaking hands and embracing, indicating that there is no animosity between them.At a pre-departure press conference, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained the rationale behind the decision to appoint Yadav as captain. He cited Yadav's impressive performances, his cricketing acumen, and his status as one of the world's leading T20 batters.Agarkar also hinted that fitness played a role in the decision, as Yadav is more likely to be available for all matches. He emphasized that Pandya remains a crucial player for India, despite not being named captain."In regards to Hardik, he's still a very important player for us and that's what we want him to be, that player that he can be because those sorts of skill-sets are very difficult to find," said Agarkar.India's tour of Sri Lanka will commence with the first T20I on July 27. The three-match T20I series will be followed by a three-match ODI series.

Hardik Pandya's injury woes have cast a shadow over his captaincy aspirations, leading to Suryakumar Yadav's appointment as India's T20I skipper for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.Chief selector Ajit Agarkar emphasized the importance of a captain's availability, stating that Pandya's fitness concerns were a major factor in the decision. "The biggest thing is the captain should be on the park more often than not," Agarkar said.The selectors also cited feedback from the dressing room regarding Pandya's leadership and man-management skills, which they deemed insufficient. By handing the reins to Suryakumar Yadav, they aim to "press the reset button" ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup."We feel that Surya has the necessary qualities to be a good captain," Agarkar added. "Two years is a long time, so it gives us a chance to look at things differently."Pandya's injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup further complicated the situation, leaving the selectors with a dilemma. "When Hardik got injured, it was a challenge," Agarkar said. "We don't want that situation going forward again."Despite Pandya's absence, the selectors did not consider him for the vice-captaincy, instead opting for Shubman Gill. "Shubman is a three-format player and shows a lot of qualities," Agarkar explained. "We want someone who can learn from SKY and Rohit Sharma."Pandya's career trajectory has taken a rollercoaster turn, from being the captain-in-waiting to having the leadership door shut for now. The selectors have challenged him to regain peak form and fitness."He's still a very important player for us," Agarkar said. "Those skill sets are hard to find."Suryakumar Yadav, known for his exceptional T20 batting, now has the opportunity to prove his mettle as a captain. "SKY's got a good cricketing brain," Agarkar said. "We think he is a deserving candidate."

India's tour of Sri Lanka marks a significant shift in the team's leadership and selection strategy under new head coach Gautam Gambhir. In the T20I side, Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed captain, while Hardik Pandya, previously seen as a natural successor to Rohit Sharma, has been overlooked.The ODI team has also undergone bold changes, with the exclusion of key players like Ravindra Jadeja, Suryakumar Yadav, and Sanju Samson. The inclusion of Harshit Rana and Riyan Parag in both the T20I and ODI squads has raised eyebrows.T20I Squad:The T20I squad sees the return of senior players like Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj. Notably, Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who featured against Zimbabwe, have been dropped.ODI Squad:The ODI squad welcomes back Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Mohammed Siraj, and Khaleel Ahmed. Riyan Parag and Harshit Rana have earned maiden call-ups.However, the exclusion of Sanju Samson, who scored a century in his last ODI match, has been met with surprise. Other notable omissions include Ruturaj Gaikwad, B Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, and Yuzvendra Chahal.Key Changes:* Suryakumar Yadav appointed T20I captain* Hardik Pandya overlooked for T20I captaincy* Ravindra Jadeja, Suryakumar Yadav, and Sanju Samson excluded from ODI squad* Harshit Rana and Riyan Parag earn maiden ODI call-ups* Sanju Samson's exclusion from ODI squad raises questions

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has expressed his support for Hardik Pandya as the T20I captain, following the appointment of Suryakumar Yadav as the skipper for the Sri Lanka tour. Kaif believes that Pandya's experience as a leader should have been considered by the selection panel.Kaif highlighted Pandya's successful tenure as captain of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, where he led the team to the title in their inaugural season. He also pointed out Pandya's experience as T20I vice-captain during India's triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup."Hardik has captained the Gujarat Titans for two years and in their first year itself, they made it to the final," Kaif said. "He has experience captaining the T20I side. He was also the vice-captain at the T20 World Cup."Kaif expressed his belief that the selection panel should have backed Pandya, given his proven leadership abilities. He also praised Suryakumar Yadav's qualities as a player but emphasized that Pandya's experience should have been given priority."I feel they should have backed Hardik," Kaif said. "He has not done anything wrong that he should not get the captaincy."Kaif acknowledged that fitness concerns may have influenced the selection panel's decision. However, he believes that Pandya's leadership skills and experience should have outweighed any fitness issues."He has experience, has captained in the IPL and leading a new team (Gujarat Titans) to a trophy, with fresh and young faces, is a huge thing," Kaif said. "He has made the Titans win by working from Ground Zero in the IPL...I think he was entitled to the captaincy."

Wanindu Hasaranga, the Sri Lankan all-rounder, has unexpectedly resigned as the T20I captain of the national team after holding the position for approximately six months. In a statement released by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Hasaranga expressed that his decision was made in the best interests of Sri Lankan cricket, without providing specific reasons."Sri Lanka will always receive my unwavering support as a player, and I will continue to stand by my team and leadership," Hasaranga stated in his resignation letter.Hasaranga's resignation comes as a surprise, considering that he was appointed to the captaincy role in August 2023. During his tenure, Sri Lanka won six out of ten T20Is, including bilateral series victories against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. However, the team's disappointing performance at the recent T20 World Cup, where they failed to qualify for the Super Eight, may have influenced his decision.Despite the team's struggles, Hasaranga had publicly expressed his enthusiasm for the captaincy role and had even prioritized Sri Lanka commitments over lucrative IPL appearances. He also faced a two-match suspension for abusing an umpire during his stint as captain.With Hasaranga's departure, Sri Lanka Cricket will need to find a suitable replacement for the T20I captaincy. Charith Asalanka, who led the team in Hasaranga's absence during his suspension, is a potential candidate. Asalanka also captains the Jaffna Kings in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL).Sri Lanka's next T20I assignment is a three-match series against India at the end of January. The team will also have a new coach for this series, with Sanath Jayasuriya taking over as interim coach following Chris Silverwood's resignation after the World Cup. Mahela Jayawardene had also stepped down as consultant coach last month.

Kane Williamson, New Zealand's legendary cricketer, has made a significant decision to decline a central contract for the 2024-25 season. This move is part of a strategic plan to prolong his illustrious international career. Williamson, who currently holds the captaincy of the T20I and ODI teams, will also step down from these leadership roles.Williamson's decision stems from his desire to prioritize his family and explore overseas opportunities during the New Zealand summer. Despite relinquishing his central contract, he remains committed to representing his country and is open to accepting a contract in the future."Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure, and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished," Williamson said. "However, my life outside cricket has changed, and spending more time with my family is even more important to me."Williamson's decision comes after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign for New Zealand, where they failed to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2014. He remains coy about his T20I future, stating that he will assess the situation later.Williamson's legacy as a cricketer is unparalleled. He has played 100 Tests, 165 ODIs, and 93 T20Is for New Zealand, leading them in 40 Tests, 91 ODIs, and 75 T20Is. Under his captaincy, the Blackcaps reached the finals of the World Test Championship 2021, the ODI World Cup 2019, and the T20 World Cup 2021.NZC CEO Scott Weenink expressed his support for Williamson's decision, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to New Zealand cricket. "This is a good way to help keep Kane in the international game so that he continues to play a major role for the Blackcaps," Weenink said.Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has also declined a central contract offer, citing similar reasons. Ferguson has played one Test, 65 ODIs, and 42 T20Is for New Zealand.

India's T20I captaincy has been a subject of debate, with former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team director Joy Bhattacharjya expressing concerns about Rohit Sharma's suitability for the role.Bhattacharjya believes that Rohit's current form and the team's performance under his leadership have raised questions about his effectiveness as captain. He argues that Rohit's appointment has hindered the team's progress, forcing them to accommodate him as an opener despite the presence of in-form players like Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill.Bhattacharjya suggests that Jasprit Bumrah would be a more suitable captain, citing his exceptional bowling skills and importance to the team. He also speculates that Rohit's appointment may have been influenced by his desire to end his career on a high note by winning the T20 World Cup, a tournament he won in 2007.Bhattacharjya's comments have sparked a discussion about the future of India's T20I captaincy. With the World Cup approaching, the BCCI will need to carefully consider the team's performance and the suitability of Rohit Sharma as captain.

Shaheen Shah Afridi's brief tenure as Pakistan's T20I captain is nearing its end, with Babar Azam set to reclaim the white-ball captaincy. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has offered the role to Babar, who has yet to accept.Babar's reluctance stems from his removal as captain across all formats following Pakistan's disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup campaign. He has requested the PCB to appoint him captain in all three formats if he is to return.Afridi's leadership has come under scrutiny after Pakistan's 4-1 T20I series loss to New Zealand and Lahore Qalandars' dismal performance in the PSL, where they finished bottom of the table. However, Afridi may feel aggrieved, given Naqvi's previous comments about Pakistan seeking a long-term captain.Babar's demand to be Test captain could put pressure on Shan Masood's position as red-ball skipper. Masood has also led Pakistan for just one series, with the team losing all three games in Australia.The captaincy saga highlights the PCB's instability over the past 18 months. Multiple chief selectors and selection committees have been appointed, with Zaka Ashraf's decision to sack Mickey Arthur and Grant Bradburn being the most high-profile.The current selection committee consists of four selectors, with no chief selector. Decisions are made by vote, with 4-3 majorities carrying the day.Pakistan's next series, against New Zealand in April, is expected to be led by Babar. The PCB is still searching for a head coach, with Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten among the candidates being considered.