Tushar Deshpande has overcome doubts about his pace bowling and batting abilities to emerge as a formidable all-rounder. After being demoted in batting order, he scored 123 off 129 balls in a Ranji Trophy quarter-final, setting a record for a No. 11 batter. He also excelled in the Mumbai T20 league, leading in wickets and hitting numerous sixes, and is now aiming to emulate Ben Stokes.
India faces an injury setback as all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is out of the second ODI against Afghanistan due to a sore left thigh. Captain Shubman Gill confirmed the team will field only five bowlers, while Afghanistan also deals with fitness issues, missing Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai.
India seeks to refine its game against debutants Netherlands in the T20 World Cup, aiming to improve batting and bowling control after a mixed performance against Pakistan.
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.
India's top-order batsmen, including Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, underwent rigorous net sessions at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, preparing for their upcoming match against Afghanistan. Concerns over Rohit's fitness were addressed by spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, who emphasized his invaluable experience and leadership.
India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutale commented on the post-match altercation between 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sri Lanka A players after India's Super Over loss. Bahutale called the incident unfortunate, suggested it was provoked, and stressed the need for education on conduct for both teams.
Sunil Gavaskar lauded Nitish Kumar Reddy's growing importance to India's ODI team, citing his crucial wicket of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and all-round abilities. Reddy's yorker dismissed Gurbaz, shifting momentum in India's win over Afghanistan.
Gurnoor Brar made a stunning international debut, clocking 148 kmph and taking 3 wickets. The 26-year-old's journey includes a 2022 stress fracture, a late start to cricket at 17, and a significant transformation in bowling action and diet under coach Varinder Singh, with support from Ashish Nehra.
Nitish Kumar Reddy has impressed as a seam-bowling all-rounder, offering a potential alternative to the injury-prone Hardik Pandya. Reddy took 2/31 against Afghanistan and is actively working on his bowling skills to secure his place in the Indian team.
Nitish Kumar Reddy impressed with a 2/31 spell against Afghanistan, showcasing his potential as a seam-bowling all-rounder. He is working to secure a place in the Indian team as an alternative to the injury-prone Hardik Pandya.
Deepti Sharma took a career-best 5/10 and became the highest wicket-taker in Women's T20Is as India defeated Pakistan by 64 runs in their T20 World Cup opener. Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh also starred with the bat for India.
Debutante Gurnoor Brar impressed with a 3/27 spell and captain Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten 84 as India defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in the rain-curtailed first ODI in Dharamsala. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 102 for Afghanistan.
Debutante Gurnoor Brar impressed with a 3/27 spell and captain Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten 84 as India defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in the rain-curtailed first ODI in Dharamsala, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Australian captain Sophie Molineux's leadership has been marked by unusual batting order decisions and a strong start with the ball. Despite batting low in the order, she opened the bowling effectively against South Africa, contributing to a significant win.
South Africa Women are in a precarious position, needing 130 runs off 84 balls with two key wickets down. Australia's bowlers have been effective, exploiting the slow and awkward bounce of the pitch. Nadine De Klerk and Laura Wolvaardt are attempting to rebuild the innings.
Pacer Harshit Rana has been asked to join the Indian ODI team ahead of the third match against Afghanistan. Selectors will not name a replacement for Hardik Pandya, with Rana rejoining the international setup after knee surgery. He is expected to be cleared on June 17 and will then travel to Chennai.
Bowling coach Morne Morkel revealed plans to expand India's pace reserves for the upcoming World Cup in South Africa, with youngsters Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar set to get opportunities against Afghanistan. The focus is on developing white-ball game and identifying seamers capable of performing in South African conditions.
India begins its T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan on Sunday, aiming for a maiden title at Lord's. Injuries to key all-rounders create selection dilemmas, prompting debate over batting vs. bowling strength. Expert Nasser Hussain advises packing the batting and leveraging spin.
Bangladesh achieved their first-ever ODI series victory against Australia, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead with a five-wicket win. A rain-affected match saw Bangladesh successfully chase a revised target of 192.
Former India batter Suresh Raina has urged the need for a dependable backup for all-rounder Hardik Pandya ahead of the next ODI World Cup due to Pandya's recurring fitness issues. Pandya's recent quadriceps strain has ruled him out of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan.
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has urged the Indian team to find a reliable backup for all-rounder Hardik Pandya, citing his persistent fitness issues. Pandya's recurring injuries, including a recent quadriceps strain, have raised concerns about India's depth in pace-bowling all-rounders ahead of the next ODI World Cup.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old batsman, has made a record-breaking impact in IPL 2026, scoring 776 runs with a strike rate of 237.30, earning him multiple awards and a call-up to India's senior T20I squad.
Manav Suthar, 23, made a record-breaking Test debut for India, taking 6/33 in 22 overs against Afghanistan, leading to a 152 all-out and putting India in control with a 564/8 declared first innings.
England's 'Bazball' approach, heralded by a 2022 comeback win, faces renewed scrutiny after a dismal 140 all out against New Zealand at Lord's. Despite difficult conditions, the team's volatile performance raises doubts about the long-term viability of the strategy and its impact on player development.
