Cricket

Ravindra Jadeja's absence from India's squads for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour has sparked discussions about the future of the spin all-rounder position in the team. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, the new management under head coach Gautam Gambhir is keen on exploring other options to build a team for the future.Jadeja has been a crucial part of India's ODI setup for the past decade, with an impressive record of 2756 runs and 220 wickets. However, the management believes that it is time to look at other options to ensure a smooth transition in the spin all-rounder role.Axar Patel has emerged as the first-choice spin all-rounder, with Washington Sundar being considered the second-choice. Both players have shown promise in recent performances, and the management is eager to give them more opportunities to prove their worth."There are only six ODIs, including the three in Sri Lanka, before next year's Champions Trophy," a BCCI source told the Hindustan Times. "The selectors want to utilize the handful of games by giving more opportunities to Axar Patel and Washington Sundar."Jadeja's position in the Test team remains unaffected, highlighting his importance in home conditions for India's World Test Championship bid."Jadeja is outstanding in Test cricket. His bowling in home conditions is unmatchable. He will be important for India's World Test Championship bid," the source added.The decisions made by the new management reflect a strategic shift towards grooming future talents ahead of the Champions Trophy. The Sri Lanka tour will provide a valuable opportunity for Axar Patel and Washington Sundar to showcase their skills and stake their claim for a permanent spot in the team.

Ravindra Jadeja's departure from T20I cricket has left a significant void in the Indian team, opening up a crucial spin-bowling allrounder position. Several contenders are vying for the spot, including Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Abhishek Sharma.Axar Patel remains the frontrunner after his impressive performances in high-pressure situations during the T20 World Cup. However, Washington Sundar has strengthened his claim with a standout performance in the recent Zimbabwe series, where he emerged as the joint-highest wicket-taker.Abhishek Sharma, a rising star, has also made a strong case for himself. While not a direct replacement for Sundar, Sharma's ability to bat at the top of the order and bowl left-arm spin makes him a versatile option.Sunrisers Hyderabad coach J Hariesh highlights the differences between Sundar and Sharma. Sundar is known for his consistency, while Sharma possesses a wider range of variations. However, Sharma's consistency is still a work in progress.Hariesh believes that Sharma and Sundar could potentially compete for the same spot in the Indian team. Sharma's destructive batting and ability to handle both spinners and new-ball bowlers make him a valuable asset.With the T20 World Cup in 2024 approaching, the competition for the spin-bowling allrounder role is expected to intensify. Sundar, Sharma, and Patel will need to maintain their form and prove their worth to secure a place in the Indian squad.

The Ranji Trophy semifinals are set to ignite with a tantalizing clash between Mumbai and Tamil Nadu, two cricketing powerhouses with a rich history. While the absence of star players has garnered attention, the presence of several notable figures has elevated the anticipation for this marquee matchup.Tamil Nadu, after a sluggish start to the season, has found its rhythm and received a significant boost with the addition of B. Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar. Sai Sudharsan, who recently completed rehabilitation for a back injury, joined the squad on Thursday, while Sundar arrived after being released from India's Test squad. The duo engaged in an extensive training session on Friday morning.Mumbai, on the other hand, also had a lengthy practice session. Shreyas Iyer, who missed the quarterfinal against Baroda and was omitted from the BCCI's central contracts list, will be under scrutiny. The aggressive batter had a lengthy batting stint in the nets on Thursday but took it easy on Friday. Iyer will replace Suryansh Shedge in the Mumbai lineup.Mumbai may consider bringing in wicketkeeper Prasad Pawar for opener Bhupen Lalwani. Hardik Tamore, despite his impressive batting performance in the quarterfinal, struggled behind the stumps, prompting Mumbai to consider bolstering its depth.Tamil Nadu, besides the inclusion of Sai Sudharsan and Sundar, may also field pacer Kuldeep Sen in place of M. Mohammed. The green-looking surface at the Bandra-Kurla Complex facility could favor Sen's pace, complementing captain R. Sai Kishore's skillful left-arm spin.