Monday, May 11
Following India's Test defeat to South Africa, Sunil Gavaskar urged management and selectors to prioritize proven domestic performers over limited-overs all-rounders. He stressed Test cricket demands specialists, patience, and discipline, not players selected on ego or short-term form. Gavaskar highlighted the need for batters accustomed to home conditions and warned against conflating limited-overs needs with Test expectations.
Shubman Gill's potential absence due to a neck injury poses a significant challenge for India's second Test against South Africa. Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal are prime contenders to replace him, though the team faces a dilemma with their left-handed batting. Nitish Kumar Reddy's recall also fuels speculation about team changes.
Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has initiated proceedings against former captain Rashid Latif for his critical comments on the Pakistan Cricket Board and its chairman. Latif's statements, particularly regarding leadership changes and the perceived lack of quality captains, have led to inquiries. Besides Latif, a separate application has been filed against former captain Wasim Akram.
Shubman Gill's potential absence due to a neck injury poses a significant challenge for India's second Test against South Africa. Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal are prime contenders to replace him, though the team faces a dilemma with their left-handed batting. Nitish Kumar Reddy's recall also fuels speculation about team changes.
India's debacle at the Eden Gardens against the reigning World Test Champions (WTC) in the first Test has raised a plethora of questions -- the team's preparation after playing a white-ball series in Australia, India batters’ dodgy technique against quality spin and the lack of specialists in the Test squad.
Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi's FIDE World Cup journey concluded after a rapid tiebreak loss to China's Wei Yi. Despite drawing both classical games, Arjun faltered in the faster formats, with his French Defence choice proving costly in the first tiebreak. Wei Yi's strong middlegame play secured his victory in the second game, advancing him to the semifinals.
India's debacle at the Eden Gardens against the reigning World Test Champions (WTC) in the first Test has raised a plethora of questions -- the team's preparation after playing a white-ball series in Australia, India batters’ dodgy technique against quality spin and the lack of specialists in the Test squad.
Curacao has achieved a historic feat, becoming the smallest nation to ever qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Their draw against Jamaica secured their spot in the 2026 finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. This remarkable achievement marks a significant moment for the Caribbean island. Elsewhere, Haiti also secured a World Cup berth after a long absence.
Dinesh Karthik has questioned India's decision to bat Washington Sundar at number three in the Kolkata Test. Karthik believes this move, intended to bolster the batting order, could negatively impact Sundar's primary skill as a bowling all-rounder. He warned that the increased batting focus might compromise his bowling preparation and long-term effectiveness.
India's home Test dominance is faltering, with critics questioning pitch preparation. Australian captain Alyssa Healy believes sharply turning wickets are hindering India's own batters and spinners. She suggests flatter pitches would be more beneficial, as India faces a potential home series loss to South Africa. Head coach Gautam Gambhir defends current surfaces, emphasizing batting technique.
