Cricket

India and South Africa will face off in the third T20I of their four-match series on Sunday, November 13, with both teams eyeing a series lead. The match will be played at SuperSport Park in Centurion, South Africa, and will begin at 08:30 PM IST.India took an early lead in the series with a commanding 61-run victory in the first T20I. Sanju Samson was the star of the show, smashing a sensational century (107 off 50 balls) to power India to a massive total of 211/4. However, the second game saw a contrasting result as South Africa registered a narrow 3-wicket win.Despite a disappointing batting performance from India, which saw them post a below-par total of 124/6, leg-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy's five-wicket haul (5/17) kept them in the game. However, Tristan Stubbs and Gerald Coetzee guided South Africa to victory in a tense chase.The third T20I promises to be another thrilling encounter. India will be keen to bounce back from their defeat and take a commanding lead in the series, while South Africa will be determined to level the series and gain momentum.

Tanmay Agarwal, the prolific Hyderabad opener, continued his impressive run in the Ranji Trophy with a magnificent century on the opening day of their Elite Group B match against Andhra at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad.Agarwal, who has amassed over 10,000 runs in first-class cricket, notched up his 15th Ranji Trophy century, a knock of 124 off 240 deliveries, studded with 10 boundaries and a six. His innings was crucial in helping Hyderabad post a competitive 244 for five at the end of the day's play.Agarwal's innings was characterized by his trademark grit and determination. He was fortunate to survive a dropped catch on 20, but made Andhra pay dearly for their lapse in concentration. The right-hander played some exquisite strokes, particularly off Andhra's left-arm spinner A. Lalith Mohan, including a towering six over long-off.Despite the early dropped catches, Andhra's fielding was generally poor, with Hyderabad openers Abhirath Reddy and Agarwal both being given lifelines. Reddy was dropped twice, while Agarwal was grassed once.Andhra's pacer Mohammed Rafi was the pick of the bowlers, testing even the well-set Agarwal with his teasing off-stump line. However, the Hyderabad batsman remained unfazed, showcasing his class and experience.Hyderabad's innings was not without its setbacks. Abhirath Reddy (35) and Rohit Rayudu (0) were dismissed cheaply, while captain G. Rahul Singh (1) failed to get going. However, K. Himateja (36) and K. Nitesh Reddy (22) provided valuable contributions, before Rahul Radesh (22 not out) and Agarwal put on an unbeaten 44-run stand to ensure Hyderabad ended the day on a positive note.Andhra's wicketkeeper K. Srikar Bharat was in fine form behind the stumps, effecting a smart stumping to dismiss Nitesh Reddy.

The Indian cricket team has decided to open its center-wicket training sessions to the public from Friday to Sunday, allowing fans to witness their preparations for the upcoming Test match against Australia at Perth Stadium. This decision contradicts an earlier report in the Australian media that claimed the team's practice sessions would be closed to the public.The Australian newspaper had reported that construction workers refurbishing the WACA ground had received an email from their CEO instructing them not to watch, photograph, or fly drones during India's net sessions. The email reportedly stated that the public was barred from observing India's training, and even workers in the area were prohibited from taking a peek.However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has denied sending any such official communication. A source within the BCCI stated that neither India nor India A had requested closed-door net sessions. The practice sessions are open to all, and the Indian and Australian media are welcome to cover them as long as they wish.The source also revealed that India A players have arrived in Perth and will participate in an intra-squad match. This match will not be an official three-day first-class fixture, but rather a match simulation where batters can bat multiple times. The management aims to provide quality center-wicket training for bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, who will bowl to Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant.This approach is similar to the one adopted by India during their tour of England during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they traveled with a large squad of around 23-24 players. The team management believes that this format allows for more focused and effective training.

Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have faced intense scrutiny following their underwhelming performances in the Test series against New Zealand. The duo's struggles with the bat contributed to India's humiliating 0-3 defeat at home.Despite the criticism, former BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma has defended the two batters, highlighting their significant contributions to Indian cricket. Sharma expressed confidence in their ability to bounce back and perform well against Australia."Let's honor and respect what Rohit and Virat have done for the country," Sharma said. "They are never out of form. They are still doing it. Just wait and watch what Rohit and Virat do in Australia. They will dazzle with their bats."India head coach Gautam Gambhir also came to the defense of Kohli and Sharma, criticizing former Australian captain Ricky Ponting for questioning Kohli's place in the Test team. Gambhir emphasized the duo's passion for the game and their desire to achieve more."What does Ricky Ponting have to do with Indian cricket?" Gambhir asked. "Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are still passionate about the game and want to achieve more. They are hungry for success and have done exceptionally well for the country over the years."Kohli and Sharma's poor form in the New Zealand series has raised concerns about their future in the Test team. However, Sharma and Gambhir's support suggests that the duo still has the backing of the selectors and the coaching staff.It remains to be seen whether Kohli and Sharma can regain their form and lead India to success in the upcoming Test series against Australia. Their performances will be closely scrutinized as they look to prove their worth and silence their critics.

Gujarat Titans have appointed former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel as their assistant and batting coach for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Patel brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Titans, having played 17 years of international cricket for India.As assistant coach, Patel will work closely with head coach Ashish Nehra to provide strategic guidance and support to the team. His insights into batting techniques and strategies will be invaluable in enhancing the players' skills and performance.Patel's appointment is a significant boost for the Titans, who are looking to build on their impressive debut season in the IPL. The franchise reached the playoffs in their first year, and they will be hoping to challenge for the title in 2023.Patel's experience as a mentor and talent scout will also be beneficial to the Titans. He has a proven track record of developing young players and helping them reach their full potential.This is Patel's first coaching role in the IPL, but he has a strong understanding of the game and the league. He will be a valuable asset to the Titans as they look to make a deep run in the tournament.

ODI Cricket's Future: Mark Waugh Predicts a Shift Towards Major TournamentsAs the international cricket calendar becomes increasingly congested, Australian cricket legend Mark Waugh believes that One-Day International (ODI) cricket may face a gradual decline, with its future primarily confined to major tournaments like the ICC World Cup and Champions Trophy.Waugh's prediction stems from Australia's recent 1-2 ODI series loss to Pakistan, where a second-string Australian side struggled in the absence of its star Test players. The poor batting performances in the second and third ODIs, where Australia was dismissed for just 163 and 140 runs respectively, raised concerns about the format's relevance in the modern era.According to Waugh, the proliferation of bilateral ODI series has diluted the format's significance. "The World Cup and the Champions Trophies are still great events," he said. "But given the scheduling of all these T20 tournaments around now, it's squeezing out 50-over bilateral series."Waugh believes that the value of bilateral ODIs may diminish as the calendar becomes even more packed with T20 leagues and tournaments. "I think it will get phased out," he added. "I think that's probably the way to go."However, Waugh does not advocate for the complete elimination of ODI cricket. He suggests that the format could be preserved for exclusive events like the ICC World Cup and Champions Trophy. "When you get towards these big tournaments like a World Cup, then you might introduce some more games as lead-ups," he said.Waugh's prediction aligns with the observations of other cricket commentators, such as Ian Healy and Michael Clarke, who have suggested that Cricket Australia may be losing interest in low-stakes bilateral series.As the international cricket landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether ODI cricket will retain its prominence or gradually fade into the background, with its future primarily tied to major tournaments.

The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) has raised concerns over reports of several cricket boards failing to pay players their prize money in full for their participation in the recent men's T20 World Cup. The WCA has received reports of threats and intimidation against players who have raised concerns about unpaid dues.According to ESPNcricinfo, players from five of the 20 participating teams, including eight Associate Members of the ICC, have not received their payments. The WCA has expressed its disappointment and urged the ICC to take appropriate action against boards that fail to fulfill their obligations."We are extremely concerned with a number of countries who are still yet to pay players their prize money from the men's T20 World Cup held in the US and Caribbean earlier in the year, and especially with a number of threats made against players who stand up for themselves and their colleagues in some cricket environments," said Tom Moffat, WCA chief executive.The WCA has also announced the establishment of a Global Player Hardship Fund to support international players in need who are not covered by existing domestic support frameworks. The fund will be governed by an oversight group of experts and players' association representatives.Meanwhile, Heath Mills and Sana Mir have been reappointed as executive chair and independent director of the WCA, respectively. The WCA board met in Singapore this week for its annual general meeting, where these decisions were made.

Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has expressed his disappointment over India's decision not to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. Afridi believes that cricket should be prioritized over political differences and that the sport should bring people together.Afridi took to social media to share his thoughts, stating that cricket is facing one of its greatest challenges since the late 1970s. He emphasized the need to put aside differences and let the game unite everyone. Afridi pointed out that countries once divided by history can come together in the Olympic spirit, and the same should be possible for cricket.As stewards of the game, Afridi believes that it is the responsibility of those involved in cricket to keep egos in check and focus on its growth and spirit. He expressed his hope that every team would participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and experience the country's warmth and hospitality.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that India had communicated its decision to the ICC, stating their unwillingness to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. This decision continues a trend of India not sending its cricket team to Pakistan. The last time the Indian team visited Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup.The PCB had previously stated that it would not accept a "Hybrid Model" for the Champions Trophy, which would have involved some matches being played in Pakistan and others in a neutral venue. This development has left the ICC with the task of determining the tournament's schedule and venue.Afridi's comments highlight the importance of cricket as a unifying force and the need to prioritize the sport over political considerations. He believes that the Champions Trophy should be an opportunity for all teams to come together and celebrate the spirit of cricket.

India's upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) tour of Australia has become a crucial test for the team, according to former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali. After a disappointing 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand, India faces immense pressure to perform well in Australia.Basit believes that the Indian team must focus on silencing their critics with strong performances. He warns that if they fail to do so, several players, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, could face the axe after the Champions Trophy."India needs to shut everyone up with their performance," Basit said in a YouTube video. "If they can't do that, I think three or four players will be dropped after the Champions Trophy, including Gautam Gambhir."India's batting lineup has been a major concern, with star players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma struggling for form. Basit emphasizes that the team must address these issues and find a way to perform consistently."India's batting has been a big problem," Basit said. "They need to find a way to score runs and put pressure on the Australian bowlers."India's chances of winning the BGT have been boosted by the absence of Australia's star batsman David Warner, who is serving a one-year ban for his role in the ball-tampering scandal. However, Basit warns that India cannot afford to take Australia lightly."Australia is still a strong team, even without Warner," Basit said. "India will need to play their best to win the series."India will begin their BGT campaign with the first Test in Perth on November 22. They will need to win four of the five Tests to qualify for the World Test Championship final.