Cricket

India's recent Test series loss to New Zealand has exposed a harsh reality: the team's aging stalwarts, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R. Ashwin, are on the decline. While they remain exceptional performers, their current form suggests they may no longer be indispensable in the national team.The selectors, reluctant to acknowledge the inevitable, have been slow to make the necessary changes. As a result, India's batting has suffered, with the team collapsing repeatedly in the series. The lack of red-ball practice due to the absence of the Ranji Trophy has further exacerbated the situation.Rohit Sharma, the captain, has admitted his struggles and is considering stepping down from the role. Jasprit Bumrah, the team's premier fast bowler, has been rested for the upcoming Test in Australia, raising concerns about India's bowling depth.The series loss has also highlighted the arrogance and complacency that has plagued the Indian team. Despite losing two Tests, they continued to display a sense of entitlement, resting their best bowler and preparing inadequately for the series.New Zealand, on the other hand, approached the series with a different mindset. They were better prepared, more humble, and played with a collective spirit. Their victory is a testament to the importance of teamwork and a strong work ethic.India's hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship final now rest on a series win against Australia. However, the odds are stacked against them. The team will need to perform at their best and hope for favorable results from other matches.The series loss to New Zealand has been a wake-up call for Indian cricket. It has exposed the need for introspection, a change in mindset, and a willingness to embrace the inevitable decline of its aging stars. Only then can India regain its former glory and become a force to be reckoned with in world cricket.

The ongoing ODI series between West Indies and England has witnessed a fascinating clash of ideologies, pitting experience against potential. In the first match, Evin Lewis's blistering knock highlighted the value of experience, while Shai Hope's century in the second match showcased the promise of youth.However, the third match saw a dramatic shift in narrative. Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone, both relatively inexperienced in the ODI format, stepped up to the plate with crucial contributions. Curran's steady innings provided stability, while Livingstone's explosive batting propelled England to an improbable victory.This unexpected turn of events has raised questions about the relative merits of experience and potential. West Indies, with their seasoned players like Hope and Lewis, have the advantage of familiarity with the format. England, on the other hand, are relying on a younger generation of players who are still finding their feet in ODIs.The series finale in Barbados will be a decisive test for both teams. West Indies will be eager to secure their first series win since England's last visit, while England will be determined to prove that their experimental approach can yield positive results.The match will also be a crucial opportunity for players like Shimron Hetmyer and Jordan Cox to showcase their potential. Hetmyer, a destructive batsman in T20 cricket, has struggled to make an impact in ODIs, while Cox, a promising young all-rounder, is looking to cement his place in England's long-term plans.With the series on the line, both teams are expected to field strong lineups. West Indies will likely retain their experienced core, while England may make minor tweaks to their batting order. The weather could also play a factor, with thunderstorms forecast for the match.

Zafar Gohar, the former Pakistan spinner, has joined Middlesex on a two-year contract after qualifying as a local player. Gohar spent four seasons with Gloucestershire as an overseas signing, but has now received British citizenship. He last played for Pakistan in 2021, when he won his sole Test cap in Christchurch. He was also capped in an ODI against England in 2015.Gohar's move to Middlesex is a significant boost for the club, as he brings a wealth of experience and quality to their bowling attack. He has claimed 118 wickets at 31.71 in first-class cricket for Gloucestershire, as well as 17 List A and nine T20 wickets, while also contributing handy runs down the order.Middlesex's managing director of cricket, Alan Coleman, said: "Zafar is a player that we have admired for some time now and have been keeping a watchful eye on. We are delighted to have secured his services as a local cricketer for the next two seasons.""In Championship cricket we have identified the need to increase our wicket-taking threat in all conditions and adding an international quality spinner to our line-up will strengthen us and add a greater threat on all types of surfaces.""Adding a senior bowler to our white-ball teams will also help the side in those situations where we've lacked some experience in the shorter formats in recent years.""The addition of someone like Zafar to our squad adds not only quality, but also invaluable experience, and our young spinners will benefit enormously from having him in the playing group. We are excited to see what Zafar can do for Middlesex and are delighted to have him on board."Gohar said: "I'm thrilled to be joining Middlesex and making Lord's my home ground for the next two years. It's a club steeped in history and to be a part of this next chapter is hugely exciting.""The opportunity to contribute to both the red-ball and white-ball teams formed a big part of my decision to make Middlesex my home, and I can't wait to play my part in what I hope will be a successful 2025 for the club."

Ben Stokes Skips IPL 2025 Mega AuctionEnglish all-rounder Ben Stokes has opted out of the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The absence of Stokes, who has been a key player for Rajasthan Royals in recent seasons, is a significant development ahead of the auction.The IPL has released a long list of 1574 registered players, which will be finalized after receiving input from the franchises. The list includes all the marquee Indian players who were not retained by their teams. Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer, former captains of Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants, and Kolkata Knight Riders, respectively, are listed at a base price of INR 2 crore. Other notable players at this price point include R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, both released by Rajasthan Royals.Mohammed Shami, who has been sidelined since the 2023 ODI World Cup final due to injuries, is also listed at a base price of INR 2 crore after being released by Gujarat Titans. The auction is expected to attract a wide range of players, both domestic and international, as teams look to bolster their squads for the upcoming season.Stokes' decision to skip the auction is likely due to his busy schedule with the England national team. He is expected to play a key role in the upcoming Ashes series against Australia and the 2023 World Cup in India.

Gus Atkinson, the rising star of English cricket, has been crowned the Bob Willis Trophy winner as England's Player of the Year. The 23-year-old all-rounder had a remarkable debut Test summer, amassing 34 wickets and scoring his maiden century.Atkinson's impressive performances earned him the prestigious award, voted for by members of the Cricket Writers' Club. The award ceremony, held at the Kia Oval, also recognized other outstanding cricketers.Shoaib Bashir, the 20-year-old spinner, was named NV Play Young Player of the Year. Bashir has rapidly ascended to become England's first-choice spinner, claiming three Test five-fors in the past year.Sophie Ecclestone, the world's leading female spinner, won the JM Finn Women's Cricket Award. Ryana MacDonald-Gay, a promising all-rounder, was voted Emerging Cricketer.Liam Dawson, who was recently named the Professional Cricketers' Association men's player of the year, claimed the County Championship prize.Atkinson expressed his gratitude for the award, saying, "I was just hoping to make my England Test debut, and to have the summer that I've had, it's a huge honor and to get this award at the end of it tops it off."Bashir, who has made a meteoric rise in the past year, said, "Two years ago, I didn't have a county. It's been really special. With a lot of hard work, I'm thankful to be playing for my country. Long may it continue."Other award winners included Brendon Parr, who received the Lord's Taverners charity's Disability Cricketer of the Year award. James Anderson and the cast of Tailenders won the Peter Smith Award for outstanding presentation of cricket to the public. David Kynaston and Harry Ricketts won the Derek Hodgson Cricket Book of the year for "Richie Benaud's Blue Suede Shoes."Cricket Writers' Club chair Dean Wilson praised the award winners, saying, "Huge congratulations to all our award winners, reflecting another terrific year of cricket for all members of the media to cover."

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25, marking the second consecutive time the auction will be held outside India. The two-day event will coincide with the third and fourth days of the Perth Test between India and Australia.A total of 1,574 players have registered for the auction, including 1,165 Indians and 409 overseas players. Among the Indian players, 48 capped stars, such as Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer, will be up for grabs.The auction will feature 204 slots, with 87 slots reserved for overseas players. The player registration closed on November 4, and the BCCI has confirmed that 320 capped players, 1,224 uncapped players, and 30 players from Associate Nations will participate.The overseas player contingent includes 272 capped internationals, 965 uncapped Indians, 152 uncapped Indians who have played in previous IPL seasons, and 104 uncapped internationals.The country-wise breakdown of the 409 overseas players is as follows:* Australia: 114* England: 98* South Africa: 77* New Zealand: 62* West Indies: 29* Sri Lanka: 15* Afghanistan: 10* Bangladesh: 4The IPL 2025 mega auction is expected to be a highly competitive event, with teams looking to bolster their squads for the upcoming season. The auction will be streamed live on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed Mohammad Salahuddin as the senior assistant coach of the Bangladesh men's cricket team. Salahuddin's contract will run until March 15, 2024, aligning with the tenure of head coach Phil Simmons.Salahuddin's first assignment is expected to be Bangladesh's tour of the West Indies, commencing with a four-day warm-up match in Antigua. He previously served as Bangladesh's assistant and fielding coach under Dav Whatmore and Jamie Siddons. From 2010 to 2011, he worked as a specialist coach in the BCB's national cricket academy before becoming Singapore's head coach in 2014. Salahuddin holds an ACC-Cricket Australia Level 3 accreditation.Despite being widely regarded as one of the foremost cricketing voices in Bangladesh, Salahuddin has had a contentious relationship with the BCB in recent years. In 2017, he was appointed as a batting consultant, but the decision was reversed at the last minute. He has often criticized the board's stance on pitches and selection.However, Salahuddin is highly respected by most players in Bangladesh. He played a pivotal role in the development of Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal during their formative years. He has also been influential in the growth of current cricketers like Jaker Ali and Mahidul Islam Ankon.BCB president Faruque Ahmed expressed his confidence in Salahuddin's abilities. "Salahuddin brings with him a wealth of experience, pedigree, and knowledge, making him the ideal candidate for this role," Ahmed said. "I firmly believe it is time to integrate more capable Bangladeshi coaches into the system."Salahuddin's appointment is a significant step towards the BCB's goal of promoting local coaches. It is expected that he will play a crucial role in the development and success of the Bangladesh men's cricket team.

Karnataka's Ranji Trophy campaign faces a setback as ace pacer V. Vyshak is ruled out of the upcoming match against Bengal due to his involvement with the India T20I side. This leaves the team with a relatively inexperienced fast bowling unit, as Prasidh Krishna is also unavailable.Vyshak's absence will be a significant blow to Karnataka's bowling attack. The 25-year-old has been a key performer for the team in recent seasons, taking 35 wickets in 10 matches. His pace and swing have been instrumental in Karnataka's success.In Vyshak's absence, V. Koushik will lead the bowling attack. The 23-year-old has 19 First Class appearances to his name and will be looking to make a mark in this crucial match. Vidyadhar Patil and Abhilash Shetty are likely to partner Koushik.Shreyas Gopal, who took an eight-wicket match-haul in the previous game against Bihar, will handle the bulk of the spin duties. The 29-year-old is a seasoned campaigner and will be expected to provide control and wickets.Bengal, too, will have to deal with a list of absentees. Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami is not yet fit, while opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel, and pacer Mukesh Kumar are with the India-A squad.Wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha, set to retire at the end of this domestic season, will be keen to make a mark. The 38-year-old has been a stalwart of Indian cricket and will be looking to end his career on a high.Bengal missed out on valuable points when its match against Bihar was abandoned without a ball being bowled. The visitor will look to compensate, but this will not be easy against an even foe in Karnataka.

The Ranji Trophy Elite Group C encounter between Kerala and Uttar Pradesh, scheduled to commence on Wednesday at the St. Xavier's College ground, faces the threat of rain. Heavy downpours have already forced the cancellation of the visitor's nets session on Monday. While both teams managed to squeeze in some practice on Tuesday morning, the evening's heavy rainfall has cast a shadow of doubt over the match's timely start.Rain has been a persistent obstacle in Kerala's recent matches. Nearly five sessions of play were washed out in their encounter with Punjab at the same venue three weeks ago. Despite their comprehensive victory over Punjab, rain affected Kerala's away matches against Karnataka and Bengal, resulting in draws.Kerala's captain, Sachin Baby, has indicated that the team will rely on its strength at home, particularly its spin troika of Jalaj Saxena, Aditya Sarwate, and B. Aparajith. The lower-order fightback led by Saxena and Salman Nizar in the drawn encounter against Bengal has been a positive sign for Kerala. With Mohammed Azharuddeen finding form, the team will hope for contributions from its other top-order batters against Uttar Pradesh.Uttar Pradesh, on the other hand, showed signs of hitting their stride against Punjab. Nitish Rana and Madhav Kaushik scored runs, while key bowlers like Shivam Mavi had a good outing with the ball. However, the visitor will miss Rinku Singh, who is away on India duty. Despite this absence, Uttar Pradesh has enough depth in its batting to overcome Rinku's loss.Captain Aryan Juyal may consider playing veteran leg spinner Piyush Chawla given the venue's propensity to favor tweakers. Saurabh Kumar and Shivam Sharma are the two spin-bowling all-rounders in the side, and Kerala will have its task cut out against one of the better-balanced teams in the group.