Sunday, May 10
Following their Test series defeat, India aims for ODI redemption with the return of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both players, now focusing solely on the 50-over format, showed impressive form in practice, according to pacer Arshdeep Singh. KL Rahul will captain the side in Shubman Gill's absence due to injury.
Barcelona secured a 3-1 win against Alaves. Dani Olmo scored two goals, helping Barcelona temporarily lead La Liga. Lamine Yamal also found the net for Barcelona. Alaves had taken an early lead through Pablo Ibanez. The victory marked Barcelona's fourth consecutive league win. The team celebrated its 126th anniversary during the match.
Pakistan clinched the T20 tri-series title by defeating Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's batting faltered, collapsing to 114 all out. Pakistan chased the target with ease, reaching 118 for four. Babar Azam remained unbeaten with 37 runs. Pakistan's bowlers, particularly Mohammad Nawaz, were instrumental in restricting Sri Lanka. This victory boosts Pakistan's confidence ahead of the World Cup.
KL Rahul highlighted the significant boost Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's return provides to the Indian dressing room ahead of the first ODI against South Africa. Their invaluable presence and experience are expected to instill confidence and aid the team in refining their middle-overs rhythm, especially with Kohli's mastery of singles.
Jasprit Bumrah's workload is under scrutiny, with Ravichandran Ashwin and AB de Villiers suggesting he be used sparingly in Test cricket. They advocate for protecting him for white-ball assignments and focusing his Test appearances on high-value away series, highlighting his irreplaceable value and unique physical demands.
The BCCI is planning a meeting with selectors and team management to discuss Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's future, focusing on the 2027 ODI World Cup. Clarity on their roles and performance expectations will be provided, with advice to play more domestic cricket to maintain match fitness and form.
The Punjab Cricket Association will honor Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur and former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh by naming two new stands after them. The inauguration will take place during the fourth T20I between India and South Africa on December 11. This tribute is to recognize their significant contributions to Indian cricket.
Sanjay Manjrekar highlights India's recent home Test series defeats, attributing them to structural issues rather than form. He argues that Indian batters, after excelling domestically, become like 'NRIs' due to extensive overseas play, returning underprepared for home spin conditions. This lack of recent match-time on spin-friendly pitches leaves them ill-equipped.
