Wednesday, May 13
During a 2016 T20I between India and Australia, MS Dhoni executed a remarkable stumping of James Faulkner, sparking debate about whether it was intentional or accidental. Faulkner's attempted cut shot deflected off Dhoni's pad onto the stumps, leaving the batter stranded. Alex Carey suggested Dhoni's genius made the improbable seem deliberate, highlighting the respect he commands for his instinctive skills.
South African legend AB de Villiers predicted India pacer Jasprit Bumrah won't play every Asia Cup 2025 game due to workload management, despite his inclusion in the squad. De Villiers supported selectors' proactive approach to protect senior players like Bumrah, emphasising the importance of managing workload to get the best performance.
AB de Villiers expressed surprise at Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from India's Asia Cup squad, despite Iyer's strong IPL performance, Champions Trophy contribution, and leadership qualities. De Villiers speculated that non-cricketing factors, such as team dynamics or an abundance of leaders, might have influenced the selectors' decision, urging further inquiry into the matter.
BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla addressed concerns about farewell matches for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, clarifying that both are actively playing ODIs. He emphasised that retirement decisions rest with the players and the board doesn't interfere. Discussions about farewells are premature, given their current fitness and performance, with the BCCI ready to consider arrangements when the time comes.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has revealed plans for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, featuring 44 matches across eight South African cities, with Zimbabwe and Namibia hosting 10 matches. Former minister Trevor Manuel leads the Local Organising Committee, aiming for a unifying event.
WinZO, one of India's leading social gaming platforms, will withdraw money-based games following the new online gaming bill. The legislation, effective August 22, 2025, prohibits real-money gaming but supports e-sports. WinZO emphasizes its commitment to compliance and innovation, despite the significant regulatory shift. Other gaming firms like Dream11 and Games24x7 are also adapting, signaling a major transformation in India's online gaming sector.
Jacob Bethell will captain England in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland. He will replace Harry Brook, who is being rested for The Ashes. While some criticized Bethell's appointment and his inclusion in the Test side, Rob Key defended it. The former England player believes that talent should be prioritized over the number of games under one's belt. Bethell will become England's youngest international captain. The series in Dublin starts September 17.
Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised the Indian selection committee's approach of rewarding players for Test performances with T20I spots, deeming it illogical. He questioned Shubman Gill's inclusion in the Asia Cup squad while expressing shock over Shreyas Iyer's exclusion despite his outstanding IPL form and recent displays of maturity in other formats.
Virender Sehwag praised Virat Kohli for revolutionizing fitness standards in cricket, highlighting Kohli's dedication as a benchmark. Sehwag emphasized that Kohli's influence has inspired a fitness culture among young cricketers, establishing him as the fittest player of his era. Kohli is expected to participate in India's ODI series in Australia this October.
The Mumbai Cricket Association is set to unveil the Sharad Pawar Cricket Stadium, featuring a museum with significant contributions. Rohit Sharma has donated his jersey and bat from the 2023 ODI World Cup, enriching the museum's collection. The facility will also showcase memorabilia from other Mumbai and Indian cricket legends, offering a unique glimpse into cricketing history.
