India's Shubman Gill regains the No. 1 spot in ICC ODI batting rankings, surpassing New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell who missed recent series, with Gill now leading at 801 rating points.
India consistently uses T20I tours of Zimbabwe as a platform to debut emerging cricket talent, a tradition dating back to 2010 with players like Virat Kohli. The 2024 series saw new faces such as Abhishek Sharma, and the upcoming 2026 tour is expected to introduce more uncapped players.
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer compared KL Rahul's talent and technical ability to Virat Kohli's, stating Rahul is "at par" but Kohli's elite mentality and consistency create the separation. Jaffer highlighted Rahul's underachievement despite immense skill.
Former India captain Kris Srikkanth criticized the Indian team management for sending KL Rahul to bat at No. 6 during the third ODI against England at Lord's, arguing it was an injustice and a poor strategic decision given Rahul's past performance in run-chases.
Former India bowler Dodda Ganesh questioned the decision to rest KL Rahul for the final ODI against Afghanistan, stating the wicketkeeper-batter had faced only 20 balls in the series. Ishan Kishan kept wickets in Rahul's absence.
Rishabh Pant is reportedly set to return to Delhi Capitals, his former IPL franchise, in a blockbuster trade that would send Kuldeep Yadav to Lucknow Super Giants. Former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh has advised KL Rahul to enter the auction if the move for Pant materializes.
Rishabh Pant is reportedly returning to his former IPL team, Delhi Capitals, after two seasons with Lucknow Super Giants. This potential trade also involves Kuldeep Yadav moving to LSG. Former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh has advised KL Rahul, who has performed well for DC, to enter the auction if Pant's move is finalized.
Despite sealing the ODI series against Afghanistan, India's final game is crucial for team management to test combinations and provide opportunities for fringe players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who will get another batting chance after a previous failure. Arshdeep Singh may be rested, and batting order reshuffled.
India has experimented with its lineup in the ODI series against Afghanistan, with KL Rahul's lower-order batting position drawing criticism. Former captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes Rahul should bat higher, and also questioned the series' scheduling amidst player fatigue.
KL Rahul is proving to be a vital middle-order batsman for India, showcasing stability, acceleration, and versatility. His recent form, including a century and a quick cameo, strengthens his bid for the 2027 ODI World Cup squad, offering crucial flexibility to the team.
India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has backed veteran opener Rohit Sharma, emphasizing his experience and leadership despite recent form dips and age concerns. Bahutule also praised KL Rahul's adaptability and consistent performance across formats.
Gautam Gambhir's animated reaction to KL Rahul's stunning six against Afghanistan in the first ODI became a talking point. Rahul's unbeaten 39 and Shubman Gill's 84* guided India to a comfortable seven-wicket victory.
India strengthened its position in the one-off Test against Afghanistan, declaring at 564/8 before reducing Afghanistan to 113/5, trailing by 451 runs, with debutant Manav Suthar impressing with 3/21.
India takes control of the one-off Test against Afghanistan with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill scoring contrasting centuries, finishing Day 1 at 368/3.
KL Rahul (100) and Sai Sudharsan (81) led India's charge with a 139-run partnership, helping the team dominate Day 1 of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur.
KL Rahul scored his 12th Test hundred despite an early edge that went unappealed, leading India to 368/3 on Day 1 against Afghanistan.
Sai Sudharsan scored 81 in India's one-off Test against Afghanistan, crediting coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill for the unconditional support that gave him freedom to perform without pressure.
KL Rahul, India's Test vice-captain, went unsold in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 2026 auction due to uncertain availability for the tournament amid a packed international schedule.
Subramaniam Badrinath reveals his best IPL 2026 lineup, excluding Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, opting for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and a bowling-heavy strategy.
Delhi Capitals concluded their IPL 2026 season with a 40-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders. KL Rahul scored 60 and Kuldeep Yadav took 3 wickets to seal the victory in a dead-rubber match.
Virat Kohli is close to setting a new IPL record for most consecutive seasons with 600+ runs. He needs 58 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad to surpass Chris Gayle, David Warner, and KL Rahul.
Rishabh Pant has been removed as Test vice-captain, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar stating the move aims to help Pant focus on his batting. Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav received surprise call-ups to the national squads.
BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar stated that Mohammed Shami is only ready for T20 cricket and was not discussed for Test return. Shami, 35, last played for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed KL Rahul's appointment as Test vice-captain is based on experience and leadership, not a succession plan. Rahul provides crucial support for captain Shubman Gill, especially after recent injury concerns.
