Cricket

Suryakumar Yadav Eyes Milestone as India Gear Up for South Africa T20I SeriesIndia's swashbuckling batter Suryakumar Yadav is poised to etch his name in the record books as he prepares to lead the team in a four-match Twenty20 International series against South Africa. Yadav, who has been in scintillating form, is on the cusp of surpassing Rohit Sharma as the highest-scoring Indian batter against the Proteas in T20Is.Currently ranked third among Indian batters with 346 runs in seven T20Is against South Africa, Yadav needs just 84 more runs to eclipse Sharma's tally of 429 runs. The Mumbai Indians star has been a consistent performer against the Proteas, averaging an impressive 57.66.Sharma, who led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, has amassed 429 runs in 18 T20I matches against South Africa, averaging 26.81. Virat Kohli, India's run machine, is second on the list with 394 runs in 14 matches, averaging 39.40.The upcoming series will provide Yadav with an ideal opportunity to cement his status as one of India's most prolific T20I batters. The first T20I will be played on November 8 at Kingsmead in Durban, followed by the second on November 10 in Gqeberha, the third on November 13 in Centurion, and the fourth and final T20I on November 15 in Johannesburg.

IPL 2025 Retention Deadline: Key Questions AnsweredWith the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season approaching, franchises are gearing up for the mega auction. Before the retention deadline of October 31, 5pm IST, teams must finalize their list of retained players. Here are some key questions answered:Retention Limit and Cost:Each franchise can retain a maximum of six players from their 2024 squads, including five capped players (international cricketers) and two uncapped Indians. The retention costs are as follows:* First player: ₹18 crore* Second player: ₹14 crore* Third player: ₹11 crore* Fourth player: ₹18 crore* Fifth player: ₹14 crore* Uncapped Indian player: ₹4 croreRetention Pool Distribution:Franchises have a purse of ₹120 crore to build their teams. The ₹75 crore retention pool can be distributed among the five capped players as deemed fit. However, if the total retention cost exceeds ₹75 crore, the excess amount will be deducted from the overall purse.Right to Match (RTM) Card:Teams that retain less than six players will have RTM options to buy back players at the mega auction. Each RTM card allows a franchise to match the highest bid for a player they previously had. However, a new rule allows the bidding team to increase their offer after the RTM is used.Uncapped Player Definition:The IPL has revived a rule that allows capped Indian players who have retired or not played international cricket in the last five years to be categorized as uncapped players. This means teams can retain players like MS Dhoni as uncapped players at a cost of ₹4 crore.Player Refusal:Players have the right to refuse retention offers and enter the mega auction. Unlike the mini-auction, there are no player trades allowed between the retention deadline and the start of the 2025 season.Mega Auction Details:The IPL 2025 mega auction is expected to take place in the last week of November. It will be a two-day event where teams will bid for players who are not retained or released by their previous franchises.

Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney is confident in his ability to open the batting in the first Test against India, should the selectors opt for a non-specialist. The race to partner Usman Khawaja has narrowed down to two four-day matches between Australia A and India A.McSweeney, who typically bats at No. 3 for South Australia, has impressed with his recent performances, including scores of 55, 127 not out, 37, and 72 in the Sheffield Shield season. His strong form and leadership credentials have caught the attention of the national selectors."I think I'm playing probably the best cricket I have, batting No. 3 for South Australia, and pretty much my whole career," McSweeney said. "It's not too dissimilar to opening. I feel like you can be in there the first over of the game. All my preparation is with the new ball, so I feel like my game's ready."While McSweeney is eager for an opportunity to open, he remains focused on his current role at No. 3. "I'm quite clear where I'm batting for this game. It's a great honor to play for Australia and I'm happy to bat wherever," he said.Australia A will face a talented India A side in the upcoming four-day match in Mackay. India A boasts several Test squad members, including allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. McSweeney is excited about the challenge and believes his team can perform well."It will be nice to play those guys. We only see them on TV [in the IPL], for me personally," McSweeney said. "The wicket looks great, I don't think it will be too toss dependent. I think with the bat and the ball, they've got some great players.""We'll need to be at our best and hopefully we can put in a good performance and get the win for Australia A."

South Africa continued their dominance in the second Test against Bangladesh, extending their lead to 413 runs at lunch on day two. Resuming on 307 for 2, the Proteas added 106 runs before the break, losing three wickets in the process.Tony de Zorzi and David Bedingham started the day confidently, with Bedingham hitting Hasan Mahmud for a boundary and then smashing Taijul Islam for a six and four off consecutive balls. De Zorzi also struck Taijul for two more fours in his next over.However, Bedingham's aggressive approach proved costly as he was bowled for 59 off 78 balls, playing across the line to a full ball from Taijul. De Zorzi followed suit in Taijul's next over, missing a sweep to be trapped lbw for 177 off 269 balls.Taijul completed his three-wicket burst by trapping Kyle Verreynne for a duck, giving him all five South African wickets to fall so far.Despite the wickets, South Africa remained in control of the match. De Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs had dominated the first day with centuries, adding 201 runs for the second wicket. Stubbs and de Zorzi were particularly harsh on Mehidy Hasan Miraz, whose wicketless run on day one extended to 31 overs on day two.At lunch, the visitors were 413 for 5, with Wiaan Mulder and Ryan Rickleton at the crease. South Africa will be looking to extend their lead further in the afternoon session and put Bangladesh under even more pressure.

Pat Cummins, the Australian Test captain, has set his sights on conquering the final frontier of his illustrious career: a Test series victory over India. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) set to commence in Perth on November 22, Cummins is determined to fill the void in his impressive CV.Australia has enjoyed a golden era under Cummins' leadership, claiming the Ashes, World Test Championship, and ODI World Cup. However, a Test series win over India has eluded them, with India remaining undefeated in the BGT for the past decade."It's kind of the one big thing that I want to tick off," Cummins said at the launch of his book. "Particularly winning at home. Most Australians, me included, expect us to do well whenever we play at home."India's recent Test defeats at home against New Zealand have raised questions about their preparations for the Australia tour. However, Cummins remains wary of their formidable batting lineup."I think any time a team's under pressure, it's not a bad thing if you're playing against them," Cummins said. "But they've been out here before and performed well. Our job is to try and keep them quiet, see how we go."The BGT is also crucial for the World Test Championship, with India and Australia currently occupying the top two positions. A series win would strengthen their chances of qualifying for the final.Cummins is confident in his team's ability to perform well against India. "We feel like our team's in a really good place, so we've got no reason why we shouldn't perform really well," he said. "I just always expect us to do well against whoever we play. But India, particularly, is a big year, big season."

The historic triumph of the New Zealand women's cricket team in the T20 World Cup has sparked an unprecedented celebration across the nation. To commemorate this momentous achievement, the coveted trophy will embark on a nine-day tour of New Zealand, allowing fans to share in the joy and inspiration.The trophy tour, commencing on Saturday, will provide an opportunity for the victorious team and support staff to connect with their adoring fans. Free-entry public events will be held in ten cities, including Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland. The team members will engage with fans, sign autographs, and share their experiences from the unforgettable tournament."The World Cup win is a watershed moment for women's cricket in New Zealand," said Stacey Geraghty, NZC's marketing communications general manager. "We're determined to make the most of it and celebrate with the team and the public."The tour is expected to generate immense excitement, mirroring the outpouring of support witnessed during the BLACKCAPS' ICC World Test Championship Mace tour in 2021. The trophy will also be on display at all New Zealand women's matches during the home summer, further fueling the passion for the sport.New Zealand's maiden T20 World Cup victory was a testament to their exceptional talent and unwavering determination. In the semi-final, they overcame a formidable West Indies team, setting the stage for a thrilling final against South Africa. Powered by an all-round performance from Amelia Kerr, the White Ferns emerged victorious, etching their names in the annals of cricket history.The trophy tour will not only celebrate the team's triumph but also inspire future generations of cricketers. By bringing the trophy to communities across New Zealand, NZC aims to foster a love for the sport and encourage young girls to pursue their dreams on the cricket field.

Nitish Kumar Reddy's meteoric rise from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the Indian Test squad has been a dream come true for the 21-year-old all-rounder. After making his T20I debut against Bangladesh in October, Reddy has now been selected for the Test squad for the upcoming tour of Australia.Reddy's all-round abilities, including his seam-up bowling and aggressive batting, have impressed the BCCI selectors. He is currently in Australia with the India 'A' side, where he has been showcasing his skills in four-day matches against the Australian 'A' team.Despite his impressive performances, Reddy admits that he was not expecting to be included in the Test squad before his performances for the 'A' side. "I was expecting my name to be announced, but not before India 'A' matches," he said. "I thought it might depend on my performance in these 'A' matches. But it seems I have been able to show some promise to them, so I guess they hope I'll do well."Reddy's debut T20I against Bangladesh was a nervous experience, but he was put at ease by skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who encouraged him to express himself on the field. "I was a bit nervous initially, but Surya bhai gave me a free hand regarding my approach on the field," Reddy said. "Only by scoring runs and taking wickets will you get that confidence, and I've experienced that already."If Reddy gets a chance to play in the five-Test Border Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, he is determined to adapt to the situation and play his role effectively. "I will stick to my role," he said. "I'm just going to respond to the situation. If the situation demands me to play a big shot, I will play it. If the situation demands me to play till stumps, I’ll be ready for that too. I can do both."Reddy's impressive record in first-class cricket, with 708 runs and 55 wickets in 21 matches, is a testament to his all-round abilities. He believes that a tough mindset is essential for success in all forms of cricket. "You need to be tough, that's what I believe," he said. "You have to be very tough in the centre, not just in red-ball, but all forms of cricket. Only those with a tough mindset can survive and deal with whatever situations they face."

Australia's head coach, Andrew McDonald, has secured a contract extension until the end of 2027. This extension will see him lead the team through the defense of their ODI World Cup title in 2027 and the next cycle of the World Test Championship.McDonald's initial appointment in 2022 was for a four-year term, which would have taken him to early 2026. The extension adds two more years to his tenure, ensuring his guidance through a crucial period for Australian cricket.During his tenure, McDonald has overseen significant success for the men's team, including the 2023 ODI World Cup and World Test Championship titles. The extension provides him with the opportunity to achieve further milestones, such as Test series victories in India and England, which have proven elusive in recent years.McDonald's leadership has been instrumental in fostering a positive and inclusive culture within the team. He has praised the professionalism and commitment of his fellow coaches and staff, crediting them for creating a successful and unified environment."I am very fortunate to have an exceptional group of leaders, players, coaches, and staff who are fully invested in the ongoing well-being, success, and development of this group," McDonald said.Australia is currently vying for a spot in next year's WTC final at Lord's. The upcoming India series will be pivotal in their qualification prospects. Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins has expressed his willingness to extend his tenure, potentially allowing him to continue working alongside McDonald until 2027.Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley lauded McDonald's contributions, stating, "Andrew has proven to be an outstanding men's head coach who as well as delivering exceptional results has built a strong coaching team, methodology, and an excellent environment for the team to perform at its best."

India's Participation in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan: A Question of Safety and PoliticsThe upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan, has sparked a debate over India's participation. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed optimism that all teams, including India, will participate in the tournament. However, the tense political relations between India and Pakistan and concerns over player safety have cast a shadow over India's potential involvement.India has not sent a cricket team to Pakistan since 2008 due to security concerns. Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has emphasized the importance of player safety, stating that Indian players should not travel to Pakistan if there is no guarantee of their well-being.On the other hand, Pakistan's newly appointed limited-overs captain Mohammad Rizwan has expressed his desire for India to participate in the Champions Trophy. He believes that Indian players would receive a warm welcome in Pakistan.The decision of whether or not India will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy ultimately rests with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI will need to assess the security situation in Pakistan and determine whether it is safe for Indian players to participate.The ICC has also expressed its commitment to ensuring the safety of all teams participating in the Champions Trophy. ICC CEO Geoff Allardice has stated that the ICC will work closely with the PCB to ensure that all necessary security measures are in place.The Champions Trophy is a prestigious tournament, and India's participation would add to its allure. However, the safety of Indian players must be the paramount concern. The BCCI will need to carefully consider all factors before making a decision on India's participation.