Wednesday, June 24
Smriti Mandhana, gearing up for the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, emphasized focusing on daily progress. As India prepares to face Sri Lanka in the opener, Mandhana launched her cricket academy in Dubai, partnering with coach Don Bhagawati. Mandhana's impressive stats include over 9,000 international runs.
India face bowling concerns as Arshdeep Singh's hand injury adds to Bumrah's workload management issues ahead of the crucial Manchester Test. The team management is considering playing Bumrah, despite his limited availability, while assessing Rishabh Pant's fitness to keep wickets. Mohammed Siraj's role becomes vital, and the team must carefully manage his workload to ensure he remains effective.
Farokh Engineer has voiced concerns about Karun Nair's form in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, citing his inability to convert starts into significant scores. With Nair averaging just 21.83, pressure mounts ahead of the Manchester Test. Engineer emphasized the need for substantial runs from the No. 3 position.
The BCCI has announced record revenue of Rs 9,741.7 crore for FY 23-24, fuelled primarily by the IPL, which contributed 59% of total earnings. The IPL's success provides opportunities for players and ensures profitability, while the BCCI explores commercialising traditional formats and leveraging its substantial reserves. International cricket boards are also seeking collaboration, highlighting the BCCI's significant influence.
Despite India's narrow defeat in the Lord's Test, head coach Gautam Gambhir lauded Ravindra Jadeja's resilient performance. Chasing 193, Jadeja's unbeaten 61 nearly secured a miraculous victory. His grit under pressure drew praise from captain Shubman Gill and teammates, highlighting his valuable all-round skills.
Indian batter Pratika Rawal addressed the controversy surrounding her shoulder contact with England players during the first Women's ODI, stating it was unintentional. The ICC fined her 10 percent of her match fee and issued one demerit point.
Farokh Engineer, in Manchester, enjoyed watching a club cricket match with Dilip Vengsarkar and friends, reminiscing about his cricketing days. He fondly recalled hosting a barbecue for the Indian team in 1990, where a young Sachin Tendulkar was present before his first century. In an exclusive chat with TimesofIndia.com, he spoke about how times have changed in cricket culture.
Ajinkya Rahane urges India to prioritise taking 20 wickets for Test victories, highlighting the team's batting-heavy strategy's shortcomings after a narrow loss at Lord's. He emphasised the importance of bolstering the bowling attack for the crucial fourth Test in Manchester. Rahane also lauded Ben Stokes' pivotal fielding effort, identifying it as a turning point in the game.
India face crucial decisions regarding Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant's fitness for the pivotal fourth Test against England, with the series at 2-1 in favour of the hosts. At the optional practice session, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate provided an update on their fitness while also revealing another injury in the camp.
India faces England in the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford, seeking to level the series after their Lord's defeat. Rishabh Pant, cleared to play despite a finger injury, is close to surpassing Rohit Sharma's WTC run record for India, needing just 40 runs. India's hopes hinge on Pant's performance as they aim to keep the series alive.
