Cricket

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as India's head coach has sparked speculation about the future of veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both players retired from T20Is after the recent World Cup, leaving their availability for future tournaments uncertain.BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that Rohit will lead India in the ICC Champions Trophy and World Test Championship in 2025. However, it remains unclear whether he and Kohli will be available for the 2027 ODI World Cup.Gambhir has stated that both players are in his plans, emphasizing their experience and ability. However, former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has pointed out Gambhir's previous comments suggesting that senior players would be dropped if they underperformed in the T20 World Cup.Srikkanth believes that Kohli's fitness levels could allow him to play in the 2027 World Cup, but he doubts Rohit's ability to perform at a high level at the age of 40. The tournament will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, which could pose physical challenges for older players.The BCCI has not yet made a decision on the future of Rohit and Kohli. The selectors will likely assess their performances in the upcoming series and make a determination based on their form and fitness.

Legendary Pakistani cricketer Younis Khan has extended an invitation to Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan. Khan believes that Kohli's presence in Pakistan would be a significant milestone in his illustrious career.Kohli has never played in Pakistan with the senior Indian national team, although he toured the country with the India U-19 team in 2006. However, he has faced Pakistan in numerous ICC tournaments and boasts an impressive record against the arch-rivals."Virat Kohli should come to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. It's our wish too. I think the only thing left in Kohli's career is to tour Pakistan and perform in Pakistan," Younis told News24.India and Pakistan have not engaged in any bilateral cricket series since 2012, and the participation of India in the Champions Trophy remains uncertain due to the BCCI's firm stance against sending their players to compete in Pakistan.The PCB has placed the responsibility on the ICC to persuade the BCCI to send their team to Pakistan for the forthcoming Champions Trophy, which is planned to take place in the initial months of the following year.A source from the PCB revealed that although the budget for the Champions Trophy was approved during the recent ICC meetings held in Colombo, the schedule and format of the tournament were not discussed at all."The PCB now has done what was required of it as hosts of the Champions Trophy. It has submitted the draft schedule and format for the event and also submitted a budget for the event," a PCB insider said."It is now up to the ICC how soon they circulate, discuss and finalize the schedule of the Champions Trophy. The PCB for its part in the draft schedule has suggested hosting all of India's games in Lahore including a semi-final (if India qualifies) and final," he said.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, the rising star of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has emerged as a formidable all-rounder in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His impressive performance in the 2024 season has not only solidified his position within the franchise but has also garnered recognition from cricketing legends.Reddy's batting prowess was evident throughout the tournament, as he amassed 303 runs in 13 matches. His ability to adapt to different situations and contribute with both power-hitting and sensible batting showcased his versatility. Moreover, his bowling contributions, which yielded three wickets, further highlighted his all-round capabilities.Beyond his on-field achievements, Reddy's journey is marked by his deep admiration for cricketing icons. He has openly expressed his reverence for Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, citing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as his favorite team for the past decade. Reddy's dream of meeting Kohli was realized in 2023, and he cherishes the moment when Kohli remembered his name during a post-match handshake in 2024.Reddy's commitment to the game has also earned him recognition from other prominent figures in the cricketing world. T20 World Cup-winning all-rounder Hardik Pandya reached out to Reddy after the IPL, praising his on-field intent and energy. Pandya's message of encouragement and inspiration has further motivated Reddy to excel as an all-rounder.Reddy's performance in the IPL has not only garnered praise from his idols but has also marked a turning point in his career. His consistent contributions have solidified his position as a key player for Sunrisers Hyderabad and have opened doors to potential opportunities in the future.

Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli: A United Front Despite On-Field ClashesFormer India head coach Ashish Nehra has shed light on the relationship between new head coach Gautam Gambhir and superstar batter Virat Kohli, who have had a history of on-field confrontations.Despite their past clashes, Nehra believes that Gambhir and Kohli will work together harmoniously as they share a common goal of success for the Indian team. He emphasized that their on-field conflicts are not indicative of their relationship off the field."Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir are two very passionate individuals. Whenever they play for a team, they can turn up against the opposition. But, when they are together in a dressing room, they are together, united for the team," Nehra said.Nehra also highlighted the experience and maturity of both Gambhir and Kohli, which he believes will help them navigate any potential conflicts. "You're talking about Virat Kohli, who has an experience of over 16-17 years, Gautam Gambhir is also experienced. The things on the outside, people get an impression about it. It's not just Gambhir and Kohli, there are so many players who have had on-field spats in the past, but when they play together for a team, they have done well as a player, as a coach-captain, as a coach and senior player," he added.Nehra also commented on Gambhir's upfront and transparent personality, which he believes is a positive attribute for a coach. "Gautam Gambhir is upfront, transparent which is great. He keeps it clear and speaks his mind. That's very important. Yes, I agree, everybody has their own style (of coaching), to operate with the coach, captain and player. I don't see any problem with these two and where they are in their careers," Nehra said.While Gambhir's coaching style may differ from that of his predecessor Rahul Dravid, Nehra does not anticipate any major issues between Gambhir and Kohli. He believes that their shared passion for the game and their commitment to the team will ultimately prevail.

Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma shocked the cricketing world by announcing their retirement from T20 internationals after India's triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024. The unexpected news left fans and experts alike stunned.While Kohli made the announcement during the post-match presentation ceremony, Sharma shared his decision in a press conference after the game. Many speculated that the retirements were pre-planned, but India's former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey revealed that neither Kohli, Sharma, nor Ravindra Jadeja had hinted at their intentions to quit the shortest format.In an interview with Hindustan Times, Mhambrey expressed surprise at the trio's sudden decision. "I think no one was expecting that," he said. "If you had any conversation earlier, we would have known this would be coming. But none of them had this conversation."Mhambrey believes that the retirements were a fitting end to the illustrious careers of Kohli, Sharma, and Jadeja. "If you look at it from the players' perspective, there can't be a better end to one format, right?" he said. "We are talking about people who have been part of the dressing room for maybe more than a decade, 12-13 years."Kohli, who was part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team, had been desperate to add a T20 World Cup title to his resume. "Not to win a World Cup since 2011 must have been big," Mhambrey said. "He wanted that badly."Sharma, who led India to victory in the 2024 tournament, also felt that it was the right time to step away from T20 internationals. "After winning the T20 World Cup, especially the stage that their careers are in... they're no longer young," Mhambrey said. "You've got to sometimes choose. You have to decide what formats you're going to play and cut down the cricket to focus on a particular format because age is not on your side."The retirements of Kohli, Sharma, and Jadeja mark the end of an era for Indian cricket. However, Mhambrey believes that the team has a bright future ahead. "We have a lot of young players who are coming through," he said. "We have a lot of talent in the country. So, I think Indian cricket is in good hands."

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, has dismissed rumors of a strained relationship with star batter Virat Kohli. Gambhir, known for his fiery on-field altercations with Kohli, emphasized that their personal differences will not affect their professional collaboration."What kind of relationship I share with Virat Kohli is between two mature individuals," Gambhir stated. "On the field, everyone has the right to fight for their team, but when representing India, we are on the same page."Gambhir expressed admiration for Kohli's professionalism and athleticism, recalling the time he awarded him the Man of the Match award after Kohli's maiden international century in 2009. "I have huge respect for him as a player, and it will continue," Gambhir said.Another key player Gambhir will work closely with is Rohit Sharma, who has retired from T20Is but remains captain in Tests and ODIs. Gambhir expressed confidence in both Kohli and Sharma's longevity in the game."They have both shown they can deliver on the big stage," Gambhir said. "They have a lot of cricket left in them, especially with the Champions Trophy and a big tour of Australia coming up. If they can keep their fitness, the 2027 ODI World Cup is also a possibility."Gambhir's appointment has sparked speculation about a potential rift in the dressing room, but he dismissed such concerns. "We are going to be on the same page and try and make India proud," he said.

India's newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir has addressed the much-discussed relationship between himself and batting mainstay Virat Kohli, stating that it is a private matter. Gambhir and Kohli have had a history of confrontations in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but they will now be working together for the upcoming T20 and ODI tour of Sri Lanka."My relationship with Virat Kohli is between the two of us and not for TRPs," Gambhir said. He added that they have had "lots of discussions" and that "everyone has the right fight for their jersey."With the departure of Rohit Sharma and Kohli from the T20 International scene, workload management of players like Jasprit Bumrah becomes crucial. Gambhir emphasized the importance of managing Bumrah's workload, especially since Sharma and Kohli will now only play two formats."Workload for someone like Jasprit Bumrah is important," Gambhir said. "Now that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play only two formats, I expect them to be available for most games."Gambhir also discussed the team's preparations for the Sri Lanka tour, highlighting the need for adaptability and flexibility. He believes that the team has the potential to perform well, but they must be prepared for the challenges ahead."We have a good team, but we need to be adaptable and flexible," Gambhir said. "We need to be able to play in different conditions and against different teams. We have the potential to do well, but we need to be prepared for the challenges ahead."

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.