The Pakistan Cricket Board appointed Michael Smith as the men's national team batting coach on a two-year contract to address ongoing batting struggles across red-ball and white-ball formats.
Pakistan Cricket Board is set to appoint South African former first‑class cricketer Michael Smith as its new full‑time batting coach, starting with the three‑Test England tour beginning August 19. The move follows recurring collapses, especially in Tests, and aims to improve performance under pressure.
Former batting coach Sanjay Bangar detailed Virat Kohli's rigorous training to overcome English conditions, including simulating swing and dew by watering pitches in Mumbai. This preparation is highlighted amid India's recent white-ball struggles.
Former batting coach Sanjay Bangar revealed Virat Kohli's intense preparation for English conditions, including pouring water on pitches to simulate swing. This meticulous work, done in 2017-18, aimed to overcome challenges faced in 2014 and contributed to India's success in England.
Anticipation surrounds 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's potential India debut in the second T20I against Ireland. Despite India's recent upset loss, captain Shreyas Iyer and coach Sitanshu Kotak confirm his talent but emphasize backing experienced players, hinting his debut will occur at a later, opportune time.
15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi possesses the talent for international cricket, according to batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. If selected for India's T20I against Ireland in Belfast, he could break Sachin Tendulkar's record as the youngest international cricketer.
New Zealand reached 361 for four on the opening day of their match against England at Trent Bridge, with Devon Conway scoring 157. The team lost four wickets in the final 12 overs after being 317 without loss.
Mumbai Indians' batting coach Kieron Pollard admitted Hardik Pandya's leadership in IPL 2026 did not meet expectations. The team finished ninth after losing their final match, marking their 10th defeat in 14 games. Pollard stressed collective failure and stated decisions about the team's future would be made after a thorough assessment.
Virat Kohli revealed struggles with "impostor syndrome" and self-doubt despite his success. He discussed how leadership pressures affected his mental wellbeing and praised Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour for their support.
Rajasthan Royals' batting coach Vikram Rathour acknowledged Mitchell Starc's crucial over derailed their innings, leading to a loss against Delhi Capitals. Despite a strong start from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, RR fell short of their target.
Rajasthan Royals' batting coach Vikram Rathour admitted Mitchell Starc's decisive over shifted momentum to Delhi Capitals, causing RR to fall short after a collapse from 162/2 to 193/8. Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi impressed with 46 off 21 balls.
Chennai Super Kings face a precarious path to the IPL 2026 playoffs after a 7-wicket loss to Lucknow Super Giants. Coach Michael Hussey acknowledged the need for wins in remaining games, while captain Ruturaj Gaikwad emphasized a simple 'win every game' approach.
Former India spinner Sairaj Bahutule is poised to become the Indian men's team's spin-bowling coach for the next two years. With extensive experience, including with the Punjab Kings and at the NCA, Bahutule's appointment aims to bolster India's spin attack. His tenure is expected to commence with the Afghanistan series in June. The Team India coaching setup currently includes batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, fast-bowling coach Morne Morkel, fielding coach T Dilip and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, with Bahutule now set to fill the spin-bowling coach’s role.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes MS Dhoni is unlikely to return for Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians despite recent optimism from CSK batting coach Michael Hussey. Ashwin also feels Rohit Sharma may miss the game due to injury. He added that Chepauk could help Suryakumar Yadav regain form. Ashwin also urged CSK to fix Sarfaraz Khan at No. 3, calling him one of their best batters this season.
MS Dhoni's return to IPL 2026 is imminent as he makes steady progress from a calf injury, according to CSK batting coach Michael Hussey. Dhoni is focusing on regaining full running fitness, with the final decision on his availability resting with him. He has deliberately stayed away from the dugout to avoid distracting the team.
Michael Hussey has revealed that MS Dhoni consciously chose to stay away from Chennai Super Kings' dugout during IPL 2026 to avoid becoming a distraction for the team. The batting coach explained that Dhoni was concerned the cameras and crowd attention would shift focus from the playing group. Dhoni, recovering from a calf injury, has not featured in any match this season but remains actively involved in training. Hussey provided a positive recovery update, stating Dhoni is progressing well with his running and could return soon.
Jasprit Bumrah is enduring a difficult IPL 2026 season, taking only 2 wickets in 8 matches. Despite his poor form, Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard has backed the star pacer, saying even geniuses are allowed an off phase. Bumrah went wicketless and conceded 54 runs in four overs during MI's six-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, where Ryan Rickelton scored an unbeaten 123 to guide SRH to a comfortable victory.
Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi suffered an injury scare after a record-breaking century against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The 15-year-old limped off with a suspected hamstring issue, though batting coach Vikram Rathour indicated it was likely severe cramps and not serious. Sooryavanshi had earlier smashed 103 off 37 balls.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old who scored a record-breaking 103 off 37 balls for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026, suffered an injury scare while fielding against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The young batter clutched his right thigh while chasing a shot at covers and had to be assisted off the field. Initial fears of a hamstring injury appear to be severe cramps due to exhaustion in Jaipur heat. RR batting coach Vikram Rathour confirmed the player has been treated and is doing fine, adding it doesn't look serious. SRH won by 5 wickets, chasing 229.
Former Mumbai Indians batting coach Robin Singh has defended MI captain Hardik Pandya after their 103-run loss to Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026. Sanju Samson scored an unbeaten 101 for CSK, who posted 207/6. MI's batting collapsed with only Suryakumar Yadav (36) and Tilak Varma (37) reaching double figures. Robin Singh criticized the team's collective performance, questioning why international batsmen failed to chase the target. MI are eighth in the points table with five defeats in seven matches.
CSK batting coach Michael Hussey has confirmed that MS Dhoni is expected to return as a wicketkeeper, not just a specialist batter, once he recovers from his calf injury. Dhoni has been training with the team but has missed close to a month of action. Hussey stated that Dhoni is making good progress and could return in the next few games, though the team wants him fully fit before stepping back onto the field.
Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed that veteran MS Dhoni is expected to return to action as a wicketkeeper, not solely as a batter, once fully recovered from his calf injury. His comeback is anticipated in the coming games.
Tilak Varma silenced critics with a stunning maiden IPL century, scoring 101 off 45 balls against Gujarat Titans. His composed yet aggressive innings, featuring seven sixes, propelled MI to 199/5. GT batting coach Matthew Hayden lauded Varma's ability to perform when others struggled, highlighting his crucial knock.
Gujarat Titans batting coach Matthew Hayden slammed his team's performance following a 99-run loss to Mumbai Indians, calling the batting collapse and bowling finish 'unacceptable' and a 'horror story'.
