Cricket

Team India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has emphasized the collective responsibility of the team following their Test series loss against New Zealand. Gambhir acknowledged that the batters have faced challenges, but he refused to solely blame them for the defeat."Everyone has the responsibility," Gambhir stated. "I cannot say just the batters have let us down."The Indian team has struggled with both swing and spin bowling, resulting in low team totals. However, Gambhir believes that the batters need to adapt to the demands of Test cricket."Test cricket should be played like Test cricket," he said. "If we have to get 400 runs inside a day's play, we should be able to get it."Gambhir also addressed concerns about the defensive technique of batters being affected by T20 cricket. He emphasized the importance of a strong defense, regardless of the format."The more T20 cricket is played, the more people will struggle in defending," he said. "But the most successful players always had strong defense."Regarding the upcoming third Test in Mumbai, Gambhir ruled out adding any new players to the squad. He also expressed confidence in the team's ability to bounce back from the series loss."I am not going to sugarcoat that it is hurting," he said. "It should hurt and that will make us better."Gambhir emphasized the need for empathy in working with players under pressure. He believes that supporting the players is crucial for their development."I realize it's a complete different thing when you were playing and now as a coach, need to put your arm around the players," he said.

India's Test squad remains unchanged ahead of the third and final Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. Despite the series being out of reach for India, the team management has decided against resting pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar confirmed that no additional players have been added to the squad. He also clarified that Bumrah will not be rested, despite concerns about his workload. Nayar explained that Bumrah has not bowled a significant number of overs in the first two Tests, which were both curtailed due to rain."I think in the two Test matches he's (Bumrah) bowled around 20, 25 overs. So he's not bowled a lot," Nayar said. "Yes, there'll always be a thought process about his workload. Also, we played two games where we not at 5k cricket, it's been more three, three-and-a-half days, so he could have rest."Nayar also highlighted the importance of Bumrah to the team, especially considering the upcoming five-Test series against Australia. However, he acknowledged that the team management is aware of Bumrah's workload and will monitor it closely.Another factor influencing the decision to not rest Bumrah is the expected conditions at the Wankhede Stadium. Nayar believes that the pitch will offer assistance to seamers, especially in the early stages of each day."I always believe that Wankhede will always give pace a chance no matter what, especially when Mumbai winter doesn't feel like it," Nayar said. "But in the morning there will be a bit of moisture, there will be a bit of dew around. So you will expect the first sessions to have a bit of swing."Nayar also emphasized the need for self-reflection within the Indian team after losing a home series for the first time in over a decade. He urged the players to assess their game plans and improve their performances."I feel that though the conditions will be different with a red-soil pitch. The last time we played on a red soil, which was in Chennai, a lot of the guys have been a lot of local cricketers and they understand what these conditions are and how the pitch is going to pan out," he said. "I think it's more about, at this level, self reflection for every player to go in and understand their game plans."

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are planning for the future without their iconic wicket-keeper batter MS Dhoni. The five-time IPL champions have identified India star Rishabh Pant as their top target in the IPL 2025 auction.Dhoni is expected to be retained by CSK as an 'uncapped player' under the new rule. However, the franchise is looking at a long-term plan. According to the Indian Express, Pant has emerged as the top pick for CSK. The franchise is keen on acquiring Pant if he enters the auction pool.CSK has decided to retain skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, and Dhoni. The decision on all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will depend on Pant's situation at Delhi Capitals.If Pant enters the auction, CSK believes he will command a price around Rs 20 crore. This may result in the franchise not retaining Jadeja. However, CSK may use the Right To Match (RTM) option for Jadeja in that case.Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans (GT) is likely to retain skipper Shubman Gill, star spinner Rashid Khan, young opener Sai Sudharsan, and explosive hitters Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.These retentions will leave GT with one RTM card option at the upcoming auction. With the amount given to each player still unknown, GT will have around Rs 51 crores deducted from their overall purse of Rs 120 crores for retaining three international players and two uncapped players.All franchises must submit their list of retained players by October 31. Each team can retain six players, with a maximum of five capped and two uncapped. This can be done via retention or the RTM option.

Mominul Haque's gritty half-century and a crucial ninth-wicket partnership with Taijul Islam rescued Bangladesh from a precarious position on the third morning of the second Test against South Africa.After South Africa's pace attack, led by Kagiso Rabada, tore through Bangladesh's top order, leaving them reeling at 48 for 8, Haque and Islam combined for an 89-run stand that frustrated the Proteas.Rabada, who recently regained the top spot in the Test bowling rankings, continued his impressive form, claiming his second five-wicket haul of the series. His average of 7.78 in the series is the best among South Africans who have taken at least ten wickets.Bangladesh's collapse began with the dismissal of Mushfiqur Rahim, who gifted a catch to Tony de Zorzi at square leg for a second-ball duck. The wickets continued to fall in quick succession, with four batters dismissed within 12 balls.However, Haque and Islam showed resilience and determination, digging in to rebuild Bangladesh's innings. Haque reached his 20th Test fifty, while Islam provided valuable support with a patient 33.Their partnership frustrated South Africa's bowlers and gave Bangladesh a glimmer of hope. The Proteas eventually broke through when Rabada dismissed Islam, but Haque remained unbeaten on 51 at the end of the day's play.Bangladesh still trail South Africa by 144 runs, but Haque's innings and the ninth-wicket stand have given them a fighting chance of saving the Test.

KL Rahul's inability to adapt to the evolving dynamics of T20 batting has cost him his retention at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The franchise has opted for Nicholas Pooran as their alpha finisher, a decision influenced by head coach Justin Langer and mentor Zaheer Khan.LSG's decision was based on Rahul's poor strike rate over the past three years. His strike rates of 136.13, 113.23, and 135.38 were deemed unacceptable in today's T20 landscape, where even the Indian team has had to adjust its philosophy.In contrast, Pooran, who primarily bats in the back 10, has consistently maintained a high strike rate. His strike rates of 144.34, 172.95, and 178.21 in the past three seasons have impressed LSG's management.LSG also highlighted Pooran's leadership qualities and his popularity within the team. He has captained the West Indies and is seen as a natural leader.Meanwhile, Mayank Yadav's retention was based on his exceptional bowling abilities. He is the only bowler in the country with a strike rate of over 150. LSG believes that his talent will be an asset to the team despite his recent injury concerns.The article also mentions the ongoing suspense surrounding Rishabh Pant's future at Delhi Capitals. The franchise is yet to make a decision on his retention, with his future dependent on the level of autonomy granted to him by the management.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has removed 11 directors from its board for failing to attend three or more consecutive meetings, as per the board's constitution. The list includes former president Nazmul Hassan and BPL chairman Sheikh Sohel.The other directors removed are Manzur Kader, AJM Nasir Uddin, Anwarul Islam, Shafiul Alam Chowdhury, Ismail Haider Mallick, Tanvir Ahmed, Obeid Nizam, Gazi Golam Murtoza, and Nazib Ahmed. Additionally, the BCB accepted resignations from three other directors: Naimur Rahman, Khaled Mahmud, and Enayet Hossain Siraj.All of the removed and resigned directors have been absent since the Awami League government was overthrown on August 5th following student protests. They have direct or indirect connections to the Awami League. Nazmul Hassan was the sports minister, Shafiul Alam Chowdhury was an Awami League MP, and Nasir Uddin was a former Chattogram mayor during the Awami League's 15-year reign. Sheikh Sohel and Nazib Ahmed are relatives of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, while Ismail Haider Mallick was a close associate of Nazmul Hassan.Before the government's fall, the BCB had 25 directors. After the departure of 14 directors, 10 remain, as one had passed away before August.The BCB has also formed a constitution amendment committee headed by director Nazmul Abedeen. According to a press release, "the committee will be responsible for assessing the current BCB constitution, identifying areas of improvement, and proposing amendments that align with the strategic goals and evolving needs of the BCB."Two weeks after an interim government was sworn in on August 8th, the BCB directors elected Faruque Ahmed, the former Bangladesh captain, as the president, while Nazmul Abedeen, the renowned coach, also became a director. They replaced Jalal Yunus, who resigned as a director, and Ahmed Sajjadul Alam, who was removed as a director.

India A's tour of Australia commenced with a disappointing start in Mackay on Thursday. The two uncapped players selected for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Nitish Kumar Reddy, failed to make an impact on the opening day of their four-day match against Australia A at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.Australia A captain Alex Carey won the toss and elected to field, a decision that proved fruitful. Right-arm fast bowler Jordan Buckingham dismissed openers Easwaran and Ruturaj Gaikwad for 7 and a golden duck, respectively. Brendan Doggett then wreaked havoc on the Indian batting lineup, claiming a five-wicket haul.Easwaran, who has been picked as a backup opener for the five-Test series against Australia, failed to justify his selection. Sai Sudharsan (21) showed some promise, but Doggett ended his innings. Ishan Kishan (9), who is vying for a spot in the Indian team, also fell victim to Doggett.Devdutt Padikkal (36) provided some stability, but he witnessed the dismissal of Baba Indrajith (9) to Australia's Test off-spinner Todd Murphy. Nitish Kumar Reddy, an all-rounder selected for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, had a forgettable outing, dismissed for a six-ball duck by Doggett.Padikkal's dismissal for 36 left India A reeling at 78 for 6. Doggett continued his dominance, claiming the wickets of Manav Suthar (1) and Rajat Patidar (1). At the time of writing, India A were struggling at 86 for 8, with only two wickets remaining.The match serves as a crucial test for the Indian players hoping to impress the selectors ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The performance of Easwaran and Reddy, in particular, will be closely scrutinized.

Nicholas Pooran Set to Become One of IPL's Highest-Paid Retained PlayersNicholas Pooran is poised to become one of the most highly compensated retained players in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, according to sources within the league. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Pooran have reportedly reached an agreement that could see the Trinidadian batsman earn over Rs 20 crore from the franchise.The agreement was reportedly finalized within two minutes after consultations with LSG mentor Zaheer Khan and coach Justin Langer. However, it does not guarantee Pooran the captaincy, as the franchise will assess its options after the mega auction. LSG is reportedly keen on acquiring Rishabh Pant if Delhi Capitals do not retain him.LSG is expected to spend approximately Rs 50 crore on retentions, with Pooran, Mayank Yadav, and Ravi Bishnoi likely to command the highest salaries. Overseas and capped players like Pooran, Mayank, and Bishnoi could receive around Rs 40 crore, while uncapped players like Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan will be compensated based on mutual agreements.In the previous IPL mini auction, Mitchell Starc became the most expensive player when Kolkata Knight Riders acquired him for Rs 24.75 crore. However, no player has ever been retained for an amount exceeding Rs 20 crore. Pooran's potential retention at such a high price underscores his value as a dynamic batsman and a key asset for LSG.

Pakistan's Coaching Turmoil: Ramiz Raja Expresses Concerns over Hiring International TalentFormer Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has raised concerns about the challenges Pakistan faces in attracting international coaching talent following the departure of Gary Kirsten as white-ball head coach.Raja's comments come amidst a period of significant upheaval in Pakistan cricket, with Rizwan's appointment as white-ball captain, Kirsten's resignation, and the subsequent hiring of Jason Gillespie as all-format head coach.Speaking to reporters, Raja acknowledged the backlash PCB has faced over Kirsten's resignation. He emphasized the importance of providing clarity to international coaches about their roles and responsibilities."When you search for international coaches, with the kind of backlash that you will probably get from Gary Kirsten's resignation... it's not going to be an easy, straightforward job for Pakistan to hire international talent," Raja said.He added that Kirsten's departure was a setback for Pakistan, as they needed an experienced hand. "It's not great news [Kirsten's departure] because Pakistan needed an experienced hand. From a distance, it doesn't look great just before a tour," Raja said.Kirsten's resignation came just six months into his tenure, without having managed Pakistan in a single ODI match. His primary assignment was the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, where Pakistan suffered an early exit in the group stage.Raja's concerns highlight the challenges Pakistan faces in attracting and retaining top-quality international coaches. The PCB has faced criticism for its handling of coaching appointments and its lack of clarity in defining roles and responsibilities.As Pakistan prepares for upcoming tours of Australia and Zimbabwe, the PCB will need to address these concerns and find a way to attract and retain the best possible coaching talent to guide the team to success.