Wednesday, May 13
Mark Butcher questions Jacob Bethell's captaincy for the Ireland T20Is. Butcher highlights Bethell's limited summer cricket. He points out the absence of key players like Harry Brook. Butcher suggests it disrespects Ireland's cricket. The series features players like Jordan Cox and Liam Livingstone. Butcher questions the necessity of Bethell's role given upcoming Ashes.
Mohammad Kaif has voiced concerns over Axar Patel's removal as T20I vice-captain, replaced by Shubman Gill after a year's absence. Kaif emphasized that Patel deserved prior notification and an explanation for the decision, especially considering his crucial role in India's T20 World Cup 2024 victory. Patel's consistent all-round performance includes 531 runs and 71 wickets in 71 matches.
Former cricketer Maninder Singh has praised the balance of India's Asia Cup 2025 squad, while also expressing his surprise at the exclusion of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. He welcomed Shubman Gill's selection, highlighting his importance to India's plans. India is set to begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai.
Keshav Maharaj has regained the top spot in the ICC ODI bowling rankings, surpassing Kuldeep Yadav, who now ranks third. Namibia's Bernard Scholtz made a significant leap to fourth, marking a milestone for Associate cricket. Shubman Gill remains the top ODI batter, while India's Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma lead the T20I batting rankings, showcasing India's dominance in both formats.
Following Dhanashree Verma's emotional revelations about their divorce and criticism of Yuzvendra Chahal's attire during the court hearing, the cricketer has responded with a cryptic Instagram post. Chahal shared pictures of himself with the caption "Million feelings, Zero words," adding another layer to the public saga. Dhanashree's podcast comments and Chahal's reaction have ignited a social media storm.
Arjun Tendulkar is reportedly engaged to Saaniya Chandok, though the Tendulkar family has not officially confirmed the news. The intimate ceremony was family-oriented, connecting the Tendulkar and Chandok families. Arjun, who plays for Mumbai Indians and represents Goa in domestic cricket, balances his personal milestone with his developing cricketing career.
Shubman Gill has been appointed vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025 T20I tournament, marking his return to the T20I squad after a two-year absence. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team, with India set to face UAE and Pakistan in Group A. The Asia Cup serves as crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup in 2026.
Lok Sabha passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, amidst opposition protests. The bill aims to regulate online gaming, delighting esports but alarming real money gaming platforms. It proposes a central regulatory body, potentially impacting cricket sponsorships and endorsements. Esports anticipates a boost, gaining legitimacy as it prepares for its Olympic debut in 2027.
Indian chess player R Praggnanandhaa has achieved a milestone. He defeated D Gukesh at the Sinquefield Cup. Praggnanandhaa is now ranked World No. 3. He has a live rating of 2784.1 points. Only Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura are ahead of him. Praggnanandhaa shares the tournament lead with Levon Aronian. The Sinquefield Cup has a prize pool of USD 350,000.
Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli is facing health challenges, battling a urinary infection and speech difficulties. His brother, Virendra, shared an emotional update, revealing Kambli's slow recovery and ongoing treatment after a recent hospital stay. Despite financial struggles and personal challenges, Kambli's family remains his strongest support.
