Saturday, July 04
India's Test cricket journey reveals contrasting fortunes in England and Australia. While early struggles marked their encounters in both nations, India achieved historic series wins in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21. Despite boasting legendary batsmen and bowlers, England remains a challenging frontier, with India seeking to end an 18-year series drought.
Former Indian pacer Siddarth Kaul is set to participate in the Big Bash League (BBL) draft. Fifteen Indian women cricketers, including Kanika Ahuja and veterans Jemimah Rodrigues and Shikha Pandey, have also registered for the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL). England's James Anderson, at 43, could become the league's oldest player.
Anish Giri publicly challenged WR Chess stars Nakamura and Nepomniachtchi over their successful appeal and controversial replay during the FIDE Blitz quarterfinals, questioning their motives. Nepo admitted the decision was messy, though WR Chess ultimately won the tournament.
India is gearing up for a five-Test series against England, commencing on June 20th at Headingley, Leeds. Despite the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Graeme Swann believes India still possesses sufficient strength to challenge England. Jos Buttler anticipates Shubman Gill, the new Test captain, will blend the leadership styles of his predecessors while forging his own path.
Jos Buttler likened the electrifying Wankhede Stadium atmosphere during IPL matches to a Taylor Swift concert, citing deafening crowd noise, especially when facing Bumrah. He also praised Shubman Gill’s composed leadership and inner fire ahead of India’s Test series.
Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Women's ODI Batting Rankings, surpassing Laura Wolvaardt. The South African batter's recent performance dip in the series against West Indies allowed Mandhana to regain her number one position with 727 rating points.
Jos Buttler revealed how a candid chat with Virat Kohli during IPL 2023 helped him cope with pressure. Kohli's honest admission of self-doubt and advice on expectations gave Buttler new perspective on performance and mental resilience in elite cricket.
Following South Africa's World Test Championship Final victory, the ICC launches the 2025-27 WTC cycle, beginning with series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, England and India, and Australia and West Indies. Nine teams will compete, playing six opponents each, using the points percentage system.
Stuart Broad has hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the best bowler in the world and a major threat in the upcoming England-India Test series. He praised Bumrah’s calm yet fierce competitiveness and dissected his unique bowling mechanics, warning that if fully fit, the Indian pacer could dominate the five-Test series.
Ahead of the Test series against England, Sai Sudharsan acknowledged Washington Sundar's significant influence on his career, citing Sundar's rapid rise and representation of India as inspiration. Sundar, in turn, praised Sudharsan's consistent improvement, work ethic, and skill set, recognizing him as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers.
