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Showing posts from January, 2023

Australia Star Usman Khawaja Misses Flight To India. Here's Why

Australia opener Usman Khawaja was forced to miss his flight to India on Wednesday due to a visa delay. The Australia squad left for the high-profile four-Test series against India without Khawaja, who is now expected to depart on Thursday. "Me waiting for my Indian Visa like... #stranded #dontleaveme #standard #anytimenow," wrote Khawaja while posting a meme on social media. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Usman Khawaja (@usman_khawajy) The Pakistan-born batter has played 56 Tests, 40 ODIs and nine T20s for Australia. The 36-year-old also featured in the IPL back in 2016. He was named Australia's Test Player of the Year on Monday, an award named after the legendary Shane Warne. Australia will have a four-day training camp in the outskirts of Bengaluru before moving to Nagpur for the first Test beginning February 9. The other venues are Delhi, Dharamsala and Ahmedabad. Both teams are in the running to reach t

India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I: When And Where To Watch Live

Team India take on New Zealand in the third and final T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. After losing the first game in Ranchi by 21 runs, the Hardik Pandya -led side levelled the series in Lucknow with a last-over finish. Asked to bowl first, the Hardik Pandya-led side restricted the visitors for 99/8 in 20 overs. However, the hosts also lost some wickets in the chase but Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings and took Team India across the line with one ball remaining. The hosts look to clinch the series and pull off a famous double over the Kiwis, having already won the ODI series 3-0. Interestingly, the Kiwis are yet to win a bilateral series of any format in India. When will the India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I match be played? The India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I match will be played on Wednesday, February 1. Where will the India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I match be played? The India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad

India's Predicted XI, 3rd T20I: Will Gill Make Way For Prithvi Shaw?

Team India registered a six-wicket victory against New Zealand in the second T20I in Lucknow on Sunday to level the three-match series 1-1. The match turned out to be a low-scoring thriller as both the team struggled to put up a good show with the bat. Asked to bowl first, the Hardik Pandya -led side restricted the visitors for 99/8 in 20 overs. However, the hosts also lost some wickets in the chase but Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings and took Team India across the line with one ball remaining. The result of the three-match series will now be declared in the third and final T20I on Wednesday in Ahmedabad. In the second match, Team India's top-order miserably failed to get a big score. This might open a door for batter Prithvi Shaw in the Playing XI.  Here's our predicted India XI for the third T20I: Prithvi Shaw: As Shubman Gill failed to deliver a good performances in the first two matches, the management might give a chance to Prithvi Shaw in the third T20I. The 23

Gulf Giants Team Camp Set Up for Players To Express Themselves: Erasmus

In the inaugural edition of the DP World ILT20, Adani Sportsline-owned Gulf Giants have impressed all. With some of the best numbers to back them up, playing for the Giants is a daunting task, and Namibian captain Gerhard Erasmus has been among the stars of the campaign so far. The all-rounder, who is playing in first T20 franchise tournament, scored a crucial half-century when the Giants defeated the Dubai Capitals in the first phase of the tournament.  "It has been a brilliant period so far with Adani's Gulf Giants, who have made me feel at home since I joined the squad. The set-up all-round has been excellent and enjoyable as well. They've put in place a system where you can thrive and concentrate on producing your best cricket," Erasmus said.  At the ILT20, a standout aspect is the fact that all team XIs are required to have a couple of players, at least, from associate nations. And undoubtedly, Erasmus is quite happy about that.  "There's long been a

Cheteshwar Pujara Starts Preparation For Border-Gavaskar Trophy. See Pics

India middle-order veteran Cheteshwar Pujara has started preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series against Australia, which will be starting from February 9 onwards. The batter took to Twitter and shared some pictures from a practice session. "Getting ready for India vs Australia," tweeted Pujara. It will be important for Team India that this batter displays his grit, determination and steely approach to batting to the fullest against a world-class Australian bowling attack. He was in fine form last year. In five Tests and 10 innings in 2022, Pujara scored 409 runs at an average of 45.44. He scored one century and three half-centuries last year. Getting ready for vs pic.twitter.com/g8c1RRqUbO — Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) January 31, 2023 His century came after 1,400-plus days back in December last year. Before this, he had hit a century in January 2019. Two years of inconsistent form followed the batter as he could average only 20.37 (2020)

It's Going To Be a Challenge Bowling On Indian Tracks: Aussie Pacer Morris

Australia's young pace bowler Lance Morris feels it's going to be a "challenge" bowling on Indian tracks during the Border-Gavaskar series, though it would provide him with a "huge learning opportunity". Pat Cummins' Australia will begin their Test and ODI tour of India with the opening match in Nagpur from February 9. Morris, 24, is a member of the 18-member Test squad and could make his debut in the four-match series after narrowly missing out on selection for Australia's third and final Test against South Africa at Sydney. "The feedback (of bowling pace in India) hasn't been too great, to be honest," Morris told SEN Radio on Tuesday. "There's not a whole lot to look forward to; I'm not going to see the ball zipping through to the keeper and him taking it (in the gloves) fingers up. It sounds like it's going to be a bit of a challenge, but it'll be exciting nonetheless," said the winner of the 'Bradman

"Don't Like Being Denied Quality Preparation": Aussie Great Targets India

Legendary Australian wicket-keeper Ian Healy has taken a potshot at India, saying the idea behind Pat Cummins' side not playing a tour game in the subcontinent ahead of the Test series is because "we no longer trust" the facilities provided by the host nation. Australia will not play a single tour game ahead of the four-Test Border-Gavaskar series and a member of the squad, Usman Khawaja, had said recently that there was no point playing practice games as the wickets prepared for tour fixtures and actual matches in India were very different. "Have you ever been pre-tour with us (Australia)? They can be spinning wickets when we play but we go to the practice matches and they are green Gabba-like wickets out there (in India), so what's the point," Khawaja had said during a press conference earlier this month. Healy backed Khawaja's suggestion, saying it was a good idea to assemble the touring party spinners in Sydney ahead of the tour to acclimatise them

Tendulkar To Felicitate India's U-19 Women's T20 World Cup Winning Team

Batting icon Sachin Tendulkar will felicitate the Indian U-19 women's cricket team for winning the inaugural ICC U-19 T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. "It is with great delight I share that Bharat Ratna Shri @sachin_rt and @BCCI Office Bearers will felicitate the victorious India U19 team on Feb 1st in Narendra Modi Stadium at 6:30 PM IST," BCCI secretary Jay Shah tweeted. "The young cricketers have made India proud and we will honour their achievements." The Shafali Verma-led India thrashed England by seven wickets in Potchefstroom, South Africa in the final to claim the first-ever ICC U-19 Women's T20 World Cup. Incidentally, it is India's first-ever ICC title in women's cricket. The victorious team will reach Mumbai from South Africa on Tuesday and then will head to Ahmedabad on Wednesday for the felicitation ceremony. The felicitation ceremony will be held on the sidelines of the deciding third and final T2

"What's Your Problem?": Buttler, Rassie's Altercation Caught On Stump Mic

South Africa took an unassailable 2-0 lead over England in the three-match ODI series, after claiming a five-wicket win in the second ODI on Sunday. Asked to bat first, the visitors posted 342/7 in 50 overs after Jos Buttler and Harry Brook played top knocks of 94* and 80 respectively. However, the game completely turned upside down in the second innings when South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma smashed 109 off 102 balls as the hosts chased down the target with five wickets and five balls to spare. Apart from such a spectacular win, one moment which grabbed everyone's attention was the banter between Jos Buttler and Rassie van der Dussen  that was caught on stump mic. In the 19th over of South Africa's chase, a conversation between England skipper and wicketkeeper Buttler, Jos Buttler, and van der Dussen was captured on the stump mic. Buttler was heard saying, "I am trying to get to the ball” to which Dussen says “I saw”. Jos Buttler is at it again. #SAvsENG | #Proteas

On Shubman Gill's Poor T20I Form, Gambhir's Huge Prithvi Shaw Statement

Labelled by many as the ‘future of Indian batting', Shubman Gill hasn't been able to create the same impact in T20 cricket for India as he has been in ODI cricket. After yet another poor show at the top for the national team, Gill has been given a subtle warning by former India opener Gautam Gambhir who feels the player still ‘hasn't found his feet in T20 format'. Gill was dismissed for just 11 runs off 9 balls, squandering another opportunity to become an important member of the Indian team.  After the conclusion of the 2nd T20I against New Zealand, Gambhir highlighted how Shubman has struggled against spin bowling. He urged the right-handed batter to improve the skill of handling spinners, especially on turning wickets. “I feel Shubman Gill has to get better against spin, on a spinning wicket. He had his struggles against Bangladesh as well. Yes, he has been fabulous in the 50-over format, got good wickets to bat on, with 5 fielders inside, But then, you've got

Watch: Sundar Sacrifices His Wicket After Terrible Mix-up With Suryakumar

Undoubtedly one of the finest batters in T20 cricket's history, Suryakumar Yadav had an indifferent outing in the 2nd T20I against New Zealand on Sunday. The India star could only score 26 runs from 31 balls as the team struggled to reach 101-run target on a challenging wicket. During the course of his stay on the crease, Suryakumar was also involved in a run-out with Washington Sundar . As Surya expressed his disappointment on being denied a single, Washington ended up sacrificing his wicket for him. The incident took place in the 15th over of India's batting. Convinced that a single is possible, Suryakumar ran down the wicket but Washington remained uninterested. Surya refused to return and pushed Sundar for a run but the latter remained hesitant.  In the end, Washington sacrificed his wicket by letting Surya touch the crease at the non-striker's end, understanding the importance of the veteran batter's wicket. Here's the video of the incident: pic.twitter.co

"Bumrah Not Even Close To Shaheen": Ex-Pakistan Star's Startling Claim

Shaheen Afridi and Jasprit Bumrah are among the most lethal pacers in the subcontinent currently. Bumrah is currently sidelined with injury. However, his past exploits have made him the spearhead of the Indian bowling attack. In 30 Tests, the 29-year-old Bumrah has taken 128 wickets while in 72 ODIs he has scalped 121 wickets. In 60 T20Is he has scalped 70 wickets. Left-arm pacer Shaheen, on the other hand, has taken 99 wickets in 25 Tests. The 22-year-old has 62 wickets in 32 ODIs and 58 wickets in 47 T20Is.   While statistics might indicate that the two pacers are almost equally effective, former Pakistan all rounder Abdul Razzaq thinks differently.   "Shaheen bahut accha hai, Bumrah toh uske paas bhi nahi aata (Shaheen is very good. Bumrah doesn't come near him)," Abdul Razzaq told Paktv.tv recently. When asked, who was better among Naseem Shah , Haris Rauf and Shaheen, Razzaq replied: "All three are good." Meanwhile, India skipper Rohit Sharma is h

Watch: Rahul Dravid's 'Special Message' For Women's T20 U19 WC Winners

Following India's triumph in the ICC Women U19 T20 World Cup, the national men's team congratulated them on their historic title win. Indian bowlers' tremendous bowling performance followed by Gongadi Trisha and Soumya Tiwari's knocks helped India lift the inaugural U19 Women's T20 World Cup title defeating England by seven wickets in the summit clash at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom on Sunday. Indian head coach Rahul Dravid, previously the head coach of the men's under-19 team, under whose guidance Men in Blue won the 2018 U19 World Cup, noted that the win was a landmark moment for women's cricket. "Today was a landmark day for the Indian women's U19 team. I would like to pass it on to U19 Men's captain to deliver a message for the girl," said Dravid in a video posted by BCCI. Following this, he passed on the mic to the 2018 U19 World Cup winning skipper Prithvi Shaw. "I think it is a great achievement. Congratulations, well done,&

"Shocker Of A Wicket": Hardik Lambasts Pitches Used In New Zealand T20Is

India skipper Hardik Pandya on Sunday slammed the standard of pitches used in the ongoing series against New Zealand and called the track prepared for the second T20I a "shocker". The ball turned in the first T20I in Ranchi and it was no different on Sunday when New Zealand were restricted to 99 for eight. India chased down the target with only one ball to spare. "To be honest, it was a shocker of a wicket. Both the games we have played on so far. I don't mind difficult wickets," said Hardik after the series-leveling win over New Zealand. "I am all up for that, but these two wickets were not made for T20. Somewhere down the line the curators or the grounds that we are going to play in should make sure they prepare the pitches earlier. Other than that, happy. Even 120 would have been a winning total," he said. The series decider will be played in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. "I always believed that we'll be able to finish the game, but it went qu

Watch: Warner's Tribute To Shahrukh Khan's Pathaan Leaves Fans Impressed

Shahrukh Khan's latest movie Pathaan has broken multiple records since its release on January 25 and it has now gained a famous fan – Australian cricket team star David Warner . Warner, who is well known for his online videos featuring Indian songs and movie scenes, posted a hilarious video to pay tribute to the movie. In the video which has gone viral on social media, Warne juxtaposed his own face on that of Shahrukh Khan's in various scenes from the movie Pathaan. "Wow what a film, can you name this?? #legend #icon," Warner captioned the post which he released along with the song 'Besharam Rang'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by David Warner (@davidwarner31) The video was loved by several users on Instagram and India bowler Khaleel Ahmed also appreciated the effort by Warner. The Australia opener had previously posted videos of him dancing to Indian songs.  The spy-thriller, which marked Shahrukh

2nd T20I: India Defeat New Zealand In Low-Scoring Thriller, Level Series

Indian spinners revelled on a turning track before the batters made heavy weather of a small target to register a scrappy series levelling win over New Zealand in the second T20 International in Lucknow on Sunday. The trio of Yuzvendra Chahal , Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav impressed on a helping surface to limit a self-destructing New Zealand to 99 for eight, their lowest total against India in the shortest format. It should have been a straight-forward run chase but the top-order comprising Ishan Kishan (19 off 32), Shubman Gill (11 off 9) and Rahul Tripathi (13 off 18) had a tough time again in spin-friendly conditions. In the end, Hardik Pandya (15 not out off 20) and Suryakumar Yadav (26 not out off 31) took the team over the line with a ball to spare and six wickets in hand. The series decider will be played in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. With the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not playing T20s since the World Cup last year, opportunities have been presented

2nd ODI LIVE Score: South Africa Look To Seal Series Against England

SA vs ENG, 2nd ODI Live Cricket Score : Eight games and just one win! That's how England's report card has been in the 50-over format of late. Having lost the opening ODI against hosts South Africa, Jos Buttler 's men have their backs against the wall as they look to bounce back and keep themselves alive in the 3-match series. Rassie van der Dussen (111) was the star of the match for the Proteas in the series opener while David Miller also played a handy knock of 53 off 56. Chasing the challenging target of 299 runs, England got off to a fine start as Jason Roy (113) and Dawid Malan (59) put up 146 runs for the first wicket. But, Anrich Nortje ran riot, picking up 4 wickets for 62 runs, as the hosts secured a 27-run win. ( LIVE Scorecard ) Here are the Highlights of the 2nd ODI between South Africa and England straight from the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein: source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/south-africa-vs-england-2nd-odi-match-sa-vs-eng-live-score-updates-37

Rain Plays Spoilsport In IND-SA Tri-Series Final Dress Rehearsal

India's match against South Africa ahead of their Women's T20I Tri-series summit clash was abandoned following heavy showers. Having already sealed their berth in Thursday's final, this match was a dress rehearsal for both the teams. But with India four for no loss two overs into the game the match had to be stopped because of rain and could not resume again. Jemimah Rodrigues scored the runs for India with a boundary off Nonkululeko Mlaba, while Smriti Mandhana was yet to open her account having conceded a first over maiden to Shabnim Ismail. Shabnim made a comeback after missing out on the first three games of the series. Rain also dampened India's seam-bowling all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar's return since September as she was named by Harmanpreet Kaur after the skipper opted to bat. Unbeaten after three matches, India will face West Indies in their final group league match here on Monday. The Windies have lost all their three matches. Brief Scores India Women 4/0

Not Hardik! Ex India Opener Names His Pick For Team's Future ODI Skipper

Former Indian cricket team opener Aakash Chopra said on Friday that Rohit Sharma is expected to captain the side till the World Test Championship in 2023 but added that a change in the ODI captaincy can be expected after this year's World Cup. In a recent interaction, Chopra added that while Hardik Pandya will most likely lead India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, it is unlikely that he will be given the ODI captaincy. When asked about his picks for India's future ODI captain, Chopra said that Shubman Gill or Rishabh Pant can be solid candidates to replace Rohit as skipper. “I don't think we will see a single captain for all formats just yet, I think those days are over. Rohit Sharma will be the Test team's captain till the WTC, that's not going to change - it is going to stay like that," Chopra said on Jio Cinema. "Hardik Pandya is currently the captain in the T20 format, and I think he will continue to do so and in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, you w

"There Must Be Limit To Favouritism": Pak Pacer Slams Ex-Team Management

Eyeing a return to the national side, veteran pacer Wahab Riaz has shared his views on the issue of favoritism during the tenure of Ramiz Raja as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman. Wahab, who was on Friday named Sports Minister of Pakistan's Punjab province, slammed former chief selector Muhammad Wasim for his selection criteria, and questioned the exclusion of senior players from the national side. Wahab, who last played for Pakistan in 2020, labelled Wasim as a "laptop chief selector". "Laptop chief selector [Wasim] did the poor selection. He didn't have justification for non-selection of players like Imad Wasim, Shoaib Malik and Sarfaraz Ahmed . Shoaib and Imad performed well in T20 World Cup 2021. Why their performance didn't come on his laptop? Why they were ignored for T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia? What was their fault?," Cricket Pakistan quoted Wahab as saying. He also pointed out the issue of "favouritism" in the Pakistan t

"Didn't Seem To Have Any Plans": Ex-Pak Star Critical Of Hardik Pandya

Team India lost the first T20I of the three-match series against New Zealand in Ranchi on Friday. After sweeping the ODIs 3-0, India failed to carry the momentum forward as the Kiwis won the match by 21 runs and took a 1-0 lead in the series. After India's defeat, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria criticised captain Hardik Pandya , saying that the star all-rounder struggled tactically. Kaneria said that Hardik failed to rotate his bowlers smartly, adding that the latter didn't have any plans. "Hardik Pandya was not smart with his rotation of bowlers. He brought Shivam Mavi into the attack very late. He should have been brought in early. He could have also used Deepak Hooda a bit more, given the amount of turn that was on offer. This is where Hardik missed a trick or two, tactically. He didn't seem to have any plans," Kaneria said on his YouTube channel. Kaneria also questioned Hardik's role as a bowler, saying that he didn't bowl well with the ne

'If You Don't Get Favourite Biryani...': IND Star's Witty Reply Post Loss

India all-rounder Washington Sundar termed their loss to New Zealand in the opening T20I here as a "one-off" defeat and backed the hosts to bounce back in the three-match series. Chasing an competitive 177, India's top-three, including in-form Shubman Gill (7) were dismissed for just 15 runs inside 19 balls, making the task difficult for the remaining batters with the home team settling for 155 for 9, handing New Zealand a 21-run win, their first victory of the tour on Friday night. New Zealand were swept 0-3 in the preceding ODI series by India before the new-look home side under Hardik Pandya took over for the T20 leg. "I think it was just a one-off game," said Washington, who scored a quickfire 28-ball 50, besides returning with tidy figures of 2/22. "I don't think that just because it was spinning so much, we have to address anything. Just that one-off game. Had we got off to a flier or a better start, things would've been much different. Ob

"Wasting Energy...": Ex India Star Points Out Mistakes In Arshdeep's Style

It was a poor outing for the Indian cricket team against new Zealand in the first T20I in Ranchi on Friday. New Zealand scored 176 batting first, while India could manage only 155/9 in 20 overs. The match also turned out to be quite a damp squib for India's talented left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. The fast bowler gave away 51 runs in four overs. He even bowled two wides and one no ball and had an economy rate of 12.80 RPO.  Former India players Sanjay Bangar and Mohamed Kaif pointed out some mistakes in Arshdeep's bowling style.   "Arshdeep wasn't much effective today. He has built a  reputation with wide yorkers that trouble the batters but today, he bowled mostly in the zone. I think he needs to think about his bowling a bit and make decisions wisely. It's a journey. You may have a good start but there will be games where your skillsets will be tested. It depends upon you how much you believe in yourself and work on the basics. If he works on these factors, he

Pakistan Batter Who Said 'Kohli Is Behind Me' Now Says This On India Star

Virat Kohli has regained his golden touch and it's evident with the way he has been reaching the triple figure marks in recent times. He is now only second to Sachin Tendulkar in terms of number of international tons. Kohli, who didn't score a ton for more than three years, ended his century drought last year in the Asia Cup against Afghanistan, which was his 1st hundred in T20Is. Since then, the 35-year-old hasn't looked back, smashing three centuries in his last nine ODI outings. He is just three ODI tons away from equalling former India batter Sachin Tendulkar's (49) record of scoring the most number of tons in the format.  Recently, however, a veteran Pakistani batter claimed that his List A record is better than that of Kohli. During a recent interaction, Khurram Manzoor , who has represented Pakistan in 16 Tests, seven ODIs and three T20Is, was asked about a claim he had made over his List A numbers being better than Kohli. Manzoor, who last played for Pakista

Watch: Kishan Pulls Off Stunning Run Out Against NZ In Dhoni's Presence

It was a homecoming for Ishan Kishan during the first T20I encounter between India and New Zealand in Ranchi on Friday. Although the hosts were beaten by 21 runs after a disappointing performance by the batsmen, Kishan impressed his home crowd by a brilliant direct hit to dismiss Michael Bracewell . During the 18th over of the New Zealand innings, Daryll Mitchell was unable to hit the ball properly and it hit his thigh pad to roll slowly towards the keeper. Kishan showed brilliant presence of mind to pick up the ball quickly and pull off a direct hit to make sure that the batsman was unable to reach the crease in time.  Bang on ? How about that for a run-out! ? ? Watch @ishankishan51 's direct-hit to dismiss Michael Bracewell ? Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/gyRPMYVaCc #TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/XqVfGSPkMm — BCCI (@BCCI) January 27, 2023 New Zealand produced a dominating performance with bat and ball to defeat India by 21 runs in the o

Conway, Mitchell And Spinners Shine As New Zealand Beat India In 1st T20I

Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell conjured up fluent and fiery half-centuries before the spinners choked the hosts as New Zealand outplayed India by 21 runs in the opening T20I to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series on Friday. Asked to take first strike, opener Conway continued his purple patch with a 35-ball 52, while Mitchell smashed a 30-ball unbeaten 59, which included a last-over thrashing of Arshdeep Singh for 27 runs, to power the Black Caps to a challenging 176 for six. The Kiwi bowlers, led by Mitchell Santner (2/11) and Michael Bracewell (2/31), then spun a web around the home batters, restrict India to 155 for 9 in 20 overs. India had a disastrous start to their chase with both Ishan Kishan (4) and Rahul Tripathi (0) sent back to the pavillion by the third over. While Ishan was bamboozled by Bracewell, pacer Jacob Duffy (1/27) induced a fine edge off Rahul's blade. Shubman Gill (7) too perished soon after being deceived by Santner as India slumped to 15 for three.

On Sarfaraz Khan's Absence, BCCI Selector Finally Breaks Silence

Arguably the most in-form batter in the domestic cricket spectrum at the moment, Safaraz Khan's case has been a curious one. Despite being relentless with the bat, Sarfaraz only remains 'in the scheme of things' but still too far away from a spot in India's Test squad. When India's squad for the first two Tests against Australia was named, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav were picked but the 'run-machine' Sarfaraz was snubbed. As the Indian cricketing fraternity continues to wonder about the reason behind the batter's absence, a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selector has broken his silence on the matter. In a with Sportstar , National selector, Sridharan Sharath touched upon the topic of Sarfaraz's absence as he was quizzed about the Indian batting unit. Speaking of the current unit, Sharath held praise for the veterans like Virat Kohli , Rohit Sharma , Cheteshwar Pujara as well as the younger stars. "Kohli is still a match

"Virat Kohli Has To Do Well In Test Cricket": Sourav Ganguly

The talismanic Virat Kohli seems to have rediscovered his old form, having slammed tons against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in recent assignments. But, with the Test series against Australia just around the corner, former India captain Sourav Ganguly wants Virat to improve and start delivering in Tests too. Kohli's bat has started to fire again, with hundreds coming in both T20Is and ODIs. But, in the Test format, the 33-year-old is yet to rediscover his midas touch. In an interview with  India Today , Ganguly made the expectations from Kohli crystal clear. He said that Indian cricket depends on Virat, which is why he needs to start firing in Tests too. "Virat Kohli is doing good. He has done well against Bangladesh and Srilanka. He has to do well in Test Cricket also because the Indian cricket team depends on him. The Australia series is coming soon and I hope it will be a very good one. I want India and Australia to play the World Test Championship Final," Ganguly said

Pics: Indian Cricketer Axar Patel Married To Meha Patel In Vadodara

Indian cricketer Axar Patel tied the knot with Meha Patel in Vadodara on Thursday. The all-rounder skipped the ODI series against New Zealand this time owing to his wedding. Although he did not share any photos or videos, many fan accounts on Twitter shared some from his memorable day. Check them out: MR. & MRs. Axar Patel. #AxarPatel #weddingnight pic.twitter.com/LxDYLd8fGd — Meha Patel (@Meha_Patela) January 26, 2023 Happy married life Axar Patel #AxarPatel #MehaPatel #WeddingNight #WeddingDay pic.twitter.com/priqlc2R6k — Meha Patel (@Meha_Patela) January 26, 2023 #AxarPatel #AxarPatelWedding #MehaPatel pic.twitter.com/FEUZF7HxEV — Meha Patel (@Meha_Patela) January 26, 2023 Congratulations Axar Patel & Meha Patel. pic.twitter.com/Ld5kpKa6jk — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 27, 2023 Wedding pics of Axar Patel & Meha Patel. pic.twitter.com/kAjsiO9K4H — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 27, 2023 Talking about his career, he did extremely well