Saturday, May 09
Virat Kohli's magnificent 52nd ODI century, a blistering 135, powered India to 349 against South Africa. A crucial partnership with Rohit Sharma underscored their enduring class. While Kohli celebrated his 83rd international ton, Arshdeep Singh humorously revealed Rohit's quirky reaction. Discussions about their 2027 World Cup future are ongoing, with potential domestic tournaments and BCCI meetings planned.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma acknowledges Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's significant impact on India's lineup, despite facing them before. He highlighted their crucial roles in the first ODI and expressed a desire for more high-quality bilateral series against top nations, humorously noting players' aging concerns.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma downplayed his coach's "grovel" comment, stating it wasn't a distraction for the team. Bavuma acknowledged the strength Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma bring to India's ODI side, noting their familiarity but also their significant experience. He also highlighted Marco Jansen's valuable all-round contributions and expressed a desire for more Test matches against top nations.
Team India has arrived in Raipur for the second ODI against South Africa, holding a 1-0 series lead. A video of Virat Kohli and selector Pragyan Ojha in an intense airport conversation has sparked fan speculation. Kohli's match-winning 135 in the first ODI was crucial to India's victory.
Hardik Pandya made a strong comeback to competitive cricket. He scored an unbeaten 77 to guide Baroda to a seven-wicket win against Punjab. Baroda chased down 223 runs. Pandya finished the match with three consecutive sixes. This marks an encouraging return after his injury.
Pakistan's T20 captain, Salman Ali Agha, is the sole contracted player denied overseas league participation this winter. Unlike other national stars heading to BBL, BPL, and ILT20, Agha's exclusion stems from a lack of franchise interest, raising questions about his form and future T20 role. This leaves him without crucial match practice ahead of major tournaments.
Delhi Capitals' coach Hemang Badani revealed releasing Faf du Plessis was a tough call, prioritising a younger, aggressive batting lineup. Jake Fraser-McGurk was also let go due to perceived value concerns. Anil Kumble stressed Delhi's need to solidify their opening pair, while suggesting Sunrisers Hyderabad should target middle-order and bowling reinforcements.
New Zealand reached 231-9 on a rain-affected day one of the first Test against West Indies. Justin Greaves triggered a middle-order collapse after dismissing Kane Williamson for 52, but Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith offered resistance with a crucial partnership.
Uzbekistan's 19-year-old Javokhir Sindarov made chess history by becoming the youngest FIDE World Cup champion, earning a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament. Kazakhstan's Grandmaster Bibisara Assaubayeva, a two-time World Blitz Champion, expressed immense pride in Sindarov's achievement. Assaubayeva, who recently earned her GM title, now aims to qualify for the Women's Candidates next year, currently leading the FIDE Circuit.
Usman Khawaja's back injury has forced Australia into a significant selection dilemma ahead of the Gabba day-night Test. With no replacement named, selectors must choose between Josh Inglis and Beau Webster to open, potentially disrupting the top order again. This setback raises questions about Khawaja's future and Australia's quest for stability.
