Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody feels that Punjab Kings should not retain any capped players and instead use the Right to Match (RTM) option for some of their star players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. All 10 IPL franchises are supposed to submit the list of their retained players by October 31. Tom Moody feels the Kings should avoid retaining any capped players and instead use the RTM option for a talented trio that includes Arshdeep Singh, Sam Curran, and Kagiso Rabada. "For Punjab Kings, I don't think I would retain any players, certainly not capped players. I'd be looking to use the right-to-match option for players like Arshdeep Singh, Sam Curran, and Rabada. Jitesh Sharma is another one I'd consider using the right-to-match for in the auction," Tom Moody told Star Sports. Also Read: "Rohit Sharma has just won the World Cup as a captain, so I think he should be retained, and he will be": Harbhajan Singh on Mumbai Indians retention strategy In Punjab Kings' disappointing IPL 2024 season, uncapped players proved their worth in the matches. Right from Shashank Singh to Harpreet Brar, players delivered performances in their respective departments. The accidental buy of Shashank Singh helped the Punjab Kings stabilize their middle-order. He scored 354 runs with an average of 44.25 and a strike rate of 164.65. Ashutosh, known for his impeccable timing, accumulated 189 runs in 9 innings, striking at a rate of 167.2. Further Tom Moody feels that Shashank Singh and Harpreet Brar should be the ideal picks for Punjab Kings as retained players ahead of the IPL 2025 season. "When it comes to uncapped players, there are a couple of good players I'd like to secure before the auction: Shashank Singh, a solid middle-order power hitter who had a great season last year, and Harpreet Brar, the left-arm spinner," he added. Harpreet made a significant impact in the middle overs, keeping his spells economical and taking 7 wickets in 13 matches. (With ANI Inputs)
28 October,2024 09:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSpeaking exclusively to Star Sports about the potential IPL retentions for Mumbai Indians, former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh said “Mumbai Indians is a team that hasn’t played well in the last two to three years. They’ve been a champion team, a very good team, and as far as I know, they will definitely think of building a team for the future. But that doesn’t mean they won’t add experienced players this year. Last year, they made Hardik Pandya captain, and I think he will definitely be retained. Jasprit Bumrah will be retained, Suryakumar Yadav will be retained, and the question remains whether Rohit Sharma will be retained. He has just won the World Cup as a captain, so I think he should be retained, and he will be. That will make four players, and if there’s a fifth player, then Tilak Varma will be retained. Tilak Varma is one of those players who will be very useful for Mumbai Indians in the future to win matches. When it comes to bowling, I don’t think there’s anyone else they would want to retain, so Nehal Wadhera could be a good option for them. He is an uncapped player, so he should be picked.” Also Read: "Gary Kirsten wanted a different player to lead": Basit Ali after former South African's resignation as Pakistan coach Speaking exclusively to Star Sports about the potential IPL retentions for Punjab Kings, former Australia cricketer Tom Moody said “For Punjab Kings, I don't think I would retain any players, certainly not capped players, but I’d be looking to use the right-to-match option for players like Arshdeep Singh, Sam Curran, and Rabada. Jitesh Sharma is another one I’d consider using the right-to-match for in the auction. When it comes to uncapped players, there are a couple of good players I’d like to secure before the auction: Shashank Singh, who is a solid middle-order power hitter and had a great season last year, and Harpreet Brar, the left-arm spinner.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
28 October,2024 08:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFormer Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali said that Gary Kirsten was annoyed after Mohammad Rizwan was appointed as the team's white-ball captain, as he had some other player's name for the position. After Rizwan's appointment as the captain in the limited overs, Pakistan faced a setback as Gary Kirsten stepped down from the T20I and ODI coach's position. Following the matter, Jason Gillespie, who joined as the red-ball coach at the same time as Kirsten, recently led the team to a historic Test series victory over England, Pakistan's first at home since 2021. Basit Ali further stated that Gary Kirsten had believed that he had full authority for such decisions and would have suggested some other player's name outside the current limited-overs setup to lead Pakistan. Also Read: IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians likely retentions "It all started when Rizwan was made captain. Kirsten wanted a different player to lead, someone who wasn't in the current side. He thought he had full authority, but he doesn't realise that in our country, the PCB chairman can change overnight," Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel. Mohammad Rizwan succeeded Babar Azam as Pakistan's captain after the PCB announced squads for the Australia and Zimbabwe series. The experienced wicketkeeper will now lead the side in white-ball cricket, with Salam Ali Agha named his deputy for the upcoming away tours. Within 24 hours of Rizwan's appointment, the PCB confirmed Kirsten's resignation, marking the end of his six-month tenure without having managed Pakistan in a single ODI match, a format in which he holds significant expertise. Kirsten's main assignment had been the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA, where Pakistan faced an early exit in the group stage after losses to India and the USA. Gary Kirsten was the head coach of Team India when the side managed to lift the ODI World Cup 2011. (With ANI Inputs)
28 October,2024 07:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFormer Team India cricketer Kris Srikkanth expressed his sympathy for Ruturaj Gaikwad as his name did not come up for the T20I squad against South Africa and Test squad against Australia. Team India will play four T20I match against South Africa. Later, in the month, Team India under Rohit Sharma's captaincy will lock horns against Australia for the iconic "Border-Gavaskar Trophy." Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kris Srikkanth questioned selectors about how much more Ruturaj Gaikwad is supposed to do and what is the plan of the selection committee regarding him. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been an exceptional batsman in terms of the shortest format of the game. So far, in the 20 innings, the right-hander has scored 633 runs including a century and four half-centuries. His best score in the format is unbeaten 123 runs. He has also been extremely consistent for his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) over the years, having made 583 runs in 14 matches this season at an average of 53.00, a strike rate of 141.16, a century and four fifties. Also Read: Lucknow Super Giants likely to retain the services of these three players for IPL 2025 He is also having a fine Ranji Trophy season for Maharashtra, having made 231 runs in three innings at an average of 77.00, with a century and fifty and a best score of 145. In 35 first-class matches, he has scored 2,513 runs at an average of 44.08, with seven centuries and 13 fifties in 59 innings and best score of 195. Abhimanyu Easwaran has been named as a backup opening batsman in place of Rohit Sharma. Easwaran has accumulated 7,638 runs with an average of 49.92 in 99 first-class matches. He also has 27 centuries and 29 half-centuries with a top score of 233 runs. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kris Srikkanth said, "See, for Ruturaj, I do not understand at all. Poor fellow! What will he do? If he scores a century, then they can take him back into the T20I squad, right? He scored two first-class centuries, but still did not get a chance. He got scores to back him up. Where should that guy be going now?" "Abhimanyu Easwaran's performance has been brilliant. I am not questioning that. But what are you doing with Ruturaj? Why are not they twirling around with him? What is the plan? Let them do what they want with him. Just look at the mindset of that kid and tell me what he should be doing in this match against you guys. He keeps on hitting the opponents all day long, but then, when it comes to international cricket, you leave him behind. And when they give him a chance, it is for the Rest of India or India A", Kris Srikkanth said in the same video. The most awaited Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on November 22, with the first Test at Perth. The second Test, scheduled for December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval, will feature the exciting day-night format under the stadium's lights. After that, fans will turn their attention to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, which will be held from December 14 to 18. The customary Boxing Day Test, set for December 26 to 30 at Melbourne's storied Melbourne Cricket Ground, will bring the series to its penultimate stage. The fifth and final Test, to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, will serve as the series climax, promising a dramatic conclusion to an exciting contest. India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar. India's T20I Squad for South Africa series: Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal. (With ANI Inputs)
28 October,2024 03:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWest Indies star Nicholas Pooran, alongside India's Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishoni and uncapped players Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni are likely to be retained by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. With batter KL Rahul, who has captained the side since its inception in 2022, unlikely to be retained, barring any last-minute change of mind from both parties, LSG will have one right-to-match (RTM) card at the auction, as per ESPNCricinfo. The exact amount of money for which these five stars have been signed for is not known yet, but based on retention slabs of the IPL, Rs 51 crores will be deducted from Lucknow Super Giants's purse. In case the sum paid exceeds that, then a higher amount will be deducted from Rs 120 crore purse of each franchise that they have been given to build their squads. Also Read: Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: India’s batting lineup sees significant shifts against Australia It is understood the top retention will be Pooran, followed by Mayank and Bishnoi. In the 2024 IPL, with 499 runs in 14 matches and three fifties, the left-hander was only behind KL (520 runs in 14 matches with four fifties) in run-scoring charts and has dominated T20 cricket this year, with 2,251 runs in 68 matches with a century and 15 fifties at a strike rate of 160.90. He was also the interim captain and wicketkeeper during the first half when KL missed out due to injury. Nicholas Pooran is considered as one of the best batsmen of the game and Lucknow Super Giants bought his services back in 2023 for Rs. 16 crore. Mayank picked up two Player of the Match awards in his first IPL, which was an injury-cut affair. He still impressed with seven wickets in four matches, clocking 150 kmph consistently. His performances saw him being handed over a fast bowling contract by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and made his international debut against Bangladesh recently. He was brought by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 20 lakhs in the 2024 season. Bishnoi was one of three players picked by LSG ahead of IPL 2022 for Rs 4 crores as an uncapped player. After LSG made it to the playoffs that season, in which he took 13 wickets at an average of 13.44, he was given his international debut that year and has been impressive In the last season though, he could pick up 10 wickets in 14 matches at 8.77, as compared to 16 wickets in 2023. Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan were bought for Rs 20 lakh, each in 2022. Since then, the duo has played crucial role in Lucknow Super Giants's success. Badoni's aggressive intent in the middle-order helped him to score 238 runs in 12 innings in the 2023 edition. He has played some crucial knocks for the franchise in pressure situations. He also recently played for India A in the Emerging Team's Asia Cup. Mohsin is a tall, 6'3" left-arm fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh, impressed in his maiden season back in 2022, taking 14 scalps at an economy of below six in just nine matches. After an injury, he was not considered for next season initially after he almost lost his arm, but bounced back by taking 10 wickets in 10 matches during 2023 IPL. (With ANI Inputs)
28 October,2024 03:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will see visitors India aiming to defend their title against a competitive Australian side, with players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah leading from the front. In the previous series, India embarked on a challenging tour of Australia amid the pandemic, with a depleted squad following injuries to key players. Despite these adversities, they secured a historic 2-1 series victory, highlighted by a stunning win at the Gabba, where they chased down a target of 328, marking a remarkable comeback after a humiliating loss in the first Test. Young talents like Rishabh Pant and Mohammed Siraj emerged as pivotal figures, demonstrating India’s depth of talent. The squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will see significant changes since the 2021 series, with several key players from that campaign absent and new talents emerging. Batsmen Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are the two most notable omissions in the current squad. Interestingly, Rahane even captained the side in the final three Tests after Virat Kohli departed following the first match. Additionally, Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, and Hanuma Vihari are also absent from the current lineup. In their place, the 2024 squad introduces the exciting talents of Yashasvi Jaiswal as an opener, debutant Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Sarfaraz Khan, while established stars Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma retain their positions. Bowlers Among the bowlers, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and T. Natarajan, who participated in the 2021 series, are not included in the 2024 lineup. Shami was expected to feature but was sidelined due to injury. New additions Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana join the squad, while Navdeep Saini, previously a mainstay in 2021, is now a traveling reserve. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are the only players maintaining their presence in both squads. Also Read: Gambhir’s India in a tailspin Wicketkeepers In 2021, Rishabh Pant and Wriddhiman Saha shared wicketkeeping duties. Pant continues to hold his spot, while Dhruv Jurel steps in as the second-choice keeper, replacing Saha. All-Rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Washington Sundar, all prominent spin-bowling all-rounders from the 2021 squad, remain in the mix for 2024. However, the pace-bowling all-rounder position sees a shift with Nitish Kumar Reddy replacing Shardul Thakur. Also Read: Strong pace lineup boosts India’s chances against Australia India squads in 2021 and 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2021 1st and 2nd Test: Virat Kohli (C), Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Shubman Gill, Hanuma Vihari, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, KL Rahul, Wriddhiman Saha, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj. 3rd and 4th Test: Ajinkya Rahane (C), Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Hanuma Vihari, Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Wriddhiman Saha, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, T. Natarajan, Shardul Thakur. Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar. Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed.
28 October,2024 02:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The past fortnight has not been very pleasant for Gautam Gambhir. The demand for the former India opener seemed to soar sky-high after he pulled the strings behind Kolkata Knight Riders’ third Indian Premier League title this year. However, now that he has taken over the reigns of Team India, eyebrows are raised following a rather lacklustre series defeat to New Zealand in Pune. The so-called Gambhir era kicked off with a T20I series win over Sri Lanka during their white-ball escapades back in July. Yet, the optimism quickly turned into concern during a dismal three-match ODI series. With heavyweights like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rejoining the squad, many had pinned their hopes on this Indian team effortlessly toppling a woefully underperforming Sri Lankan side. Instead, the Indian batting lineup was thoroughly dismantled by Sri Lanka’s spin trio, Charith Asalanka, Dunith Wellalage, and Wanindu Hasaranga. The situation only escalated in the subsequent matches, with the Indian unit looking utterly perplexed as leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay’s six-wicket haul in the second ODI catapulted the hosts to a series lead. The final ODI was just another day in paradise as Dunith showcased his prowess with a five-wicket haul, leading his side to a series win. This left fans and critics alike scratching their heads, questioning how the 2023 ODI World Cup finalists had suddenly turned into timid kittens against spin. India's concerns about their spin woes took a brief respite after they mercilessly crushed Bangladesh in a 2-0 series sweep at home. But the real test loomed on the horizon with New Zealand gearing up for battle. Also Read: Yashasvi Jaiswal will look to make his first Test at Wankhede memorable Despite New Zealand’s dismal preparation, facing a washed-out one-off Test against Afghanistan and a humbling 2-0 series defeat to Sri Lanka before the Indian tour, the team somehow found its groove against a historically dominant Indian side on home soil. Remarkably, they managed to do all this without their star batter, Kane Williamson, who was busy nursing an injury. But none of this seemed to matter as the New Zealand bowlers went on a rampage, reducing India to a jaw-dropping total of just 46 runs, their lowest ever in home conditions. As if that wasn’t enough, the second Test served as an even more excruciating exercise in disappointment. Batting collapses have become the hallmark of the ongoing series, leaving the Indian batsmen floundering. New Zealand seized the moment, aiming to capitalise on their significant first-innings lead. But lo and behold, India’s spinners finally decided to show up, limiting the Kiwis to a mere 358 runs. Yet, despite the spin revival, the Indian batting continued its lacklustre performance, leading to the end of their historic winning streak of Test series victories, a remarkable run that lasted over 4,000 days. Also Read: ‘Hard to digest’: Kapil Dev on India's first series loss at home since 2012-13 It is then hard to say what is more shocking: Indian batters’ ability to crumble under pressure or the uncanny talent of New Zealand’s bowlers to make mincemeat of a side that was once considered a fortress at home. As Gambhir takes the helm, one can’t help but wonder if the legendary batsman has accidentally wandered into a parallel universe where his team has forgotten the basic tenets of batting. From T20 triumphs to a Test series meltdown, the Gambhir era appears to be off to a rocky start. Fans are left to ponder whether this coaching stint will ultimately elevate India’s performance or simply add another layer of disappointment. As questions loom about the future of the Indian batting order, one can only hope that Gambhir’s reputed acumen will kick in sooner rather than later. But for now, the shadows of doubt linger over a team that once basked in the glow of dominance. How long will it take for the Indian batsmen to rediscover their footing and shake off the spinning shackles? In the end, cricket, much like life, is full of surprises. And while the cricketing world waits with bated breath, one thing remains abundantly clear: the road ahead for Gambhir and his charges will be anything but smooth. With critics sharpening their pencils and fans gripping their seats, the saga of Team India under Gambhir's stewardship promises to be a rollercoaster ride filled with ups, downs and plenty of nail-biting moments.
28 October,2024 02:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPakistan's white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten resigned on Monday after just six months in the job and a week before a tour of Australia begins. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the former South Africa Test player would be replaced by Test coach Jason Gillespie for the tour, in a statement offering no reason for Kirsten's departure. Media reports said both coaches had been unhappy after a recent PCB decision to shut them out of the squad selection process. Kirsten has made no public statement about his resignation. In the past two years, Pakistan cricket has cycled through several coaches, three board heads, four captains and numerous formats of its domestic competition. Also Read: Pakistan cricket's glory days a distant memory Analysts say the instability has sabotaged chances of success on the field. Last week's 2-1 Test triumph over England was Pakistan's first home series win since February 2021. On Sunday, Pakistan appointed Mohammad Rizwan as skipper for the white-ball tour of Australia and Zimbabwe, replacing Babar Azam who stepped down this month. Pakistan open the Australia tour with three one-day internationals in Melbourne (November 4), Adelaide (November 8) and Perth (November 10) followed by three Twenty20s. Kirsten played 101 Tests and 185 one-day internationals for South Africa between 1993 and 2004 before coaching India to win the 50-over World Cup in 2011. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
28 October,2024 01:38 PM IST | Karachi | mid-day online correspondentFormer Indian cricketer Krisnamachari Srikkanth expressed sympathy with India batter Ruturaj Gaikwad after he was snubbed from India's T20I squad for South Africa tour and Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia away from home starting from November. Srikkanth was speaking on his Youtube channel days after the BCCI announced India's T20I squad for the SA tour starting from November 8, consisting of four T20Is and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, a five-match Test series against Australia starting from November 22 onwards at Perth. Srikkanth questioned selectors as to how much more Gaikwad is supposed to do and what is the plan of the selection committee regarding him. Gaikwad has proved to be a prolific T20I batter in his short career so far, having made 633 runs in 20 innings at an average of 39.56 and a strike rate of 143.53, with a century and four fifties and a best score of 123*. He has also been extremely consistent for his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) over the years, having made 583 runs in 14 matches this season at an average of 53.00, strike rate of 141.16, a century and four fifties. He is also having a fine Ranji Trophy season for Maharashtra, having made 231 runs in three innings at an average of 77.00, with a century and fifty and a best score of 145. In 35 first-class matches, he has scored 2,513 runs at an average of 44.08, with seven centuries and 13 fifties in 59 innings and best score of 195. Also Read: Gambhir’s India in a tailspin Abhimanyu Easwaran was picked up as a backup opener for skipper Rohit Sharma in place of Ruturaj after having a fine start to his season, scoring 632 runs in eight innings since the start of the new domestic season, including four centuries. The 29-year-old Bengal batter has scored 7,638 runs at an average of 49.92 in 99 first-class games, with 27 centuries and 29 fifties in 169 innings and best score of 233. Speaking on his Youtube Channel, Srikkanth said, "See, for Ruturaj, I do not understand at all. Poor fellow! What will he do? If he scores a century, then they can take him back into the T20I squad, right? He scored two first-class centuries, but still did not get a chance. He got scores to back him up. Where should that guy be going now?." "Abhimanyu Easwaran's performance has been brilliant. I am not questioning that. But what are you doing with Ruturaj? Why are not they twirling around with him? What is the plan? Let them do what they want with him. Just look at the mindset of that kid and tell me what he should be doing in this match against you guys. He keeps on hitting the opponents all day long, but then, when it comes to international cricket, you leave him behind. And when they give him a chance, it is for the Rest of India or India A," Srikkanth said in the same video. The most awaited Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on November 22, with the first Test at Perth. The second Test, scheduled for December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval, will feature the exciting day-night format under the stadium's lights. After that, fans will turn their attention to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, which will be held from December 14 to 18. The customary Boxing Day Test, set for December 26 to 30 at Melbourne's storied Melbourne Cricket Ground, will bring the series to its penultimate stage. The fifth and final Test, to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, will serve as the series climax, promising a dramatic conclusion to an exciting contest. India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar. India's T20I Squad for South Africa series: Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal. (With agency inputs)
28 October,2024 12:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPakistan's white-ball coach Gary Kirsten is set to step down after developing a rift with the country's cricket board within six months of being appointed, according to media reports. The 56-year-old, who coached India to victory at the 2011 ODI World, was appointed by the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) in April end this year. According to ESPNCricinfo, his decision to quit is down to a rift with red ball coach Jason Gillespie, and the PCB after the board decided to withdraw their selection powers. Also Read: Gambhir’s India in a tailspin Selection is now exclusively the domain of the selection committee. Kirsten is expected to issue a statement later in the day. The former Proteas batter had been working as a batting coach with the Indian Premier League franchise Gujarat Titans before taking up the role in Paksitan. The development comes a week before Pakistan's white-ball tour of Australia starting November 4. The team is riding high on a come-from-behind 2-1 triumph over visiting England in a Test series that concluded last week. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
28 October,2024 12:07 PM IST | Karachi | PTIDelhi pacer Harshit Rana, who earned a call-up to the Indian Test side for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series against Australia away from home, said that being selected for the tour is a big deal for him since the competitive attitude he has in his gameplay is very similar to that of the Aussies. Rana was among several fresh faces chosen for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, alongside young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, opener Abhimanyu Easwaran and wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel. Speaking after his five-wicket haul against Assam in the Ranji Trophy game at Delhi, Rana said that he had received no indications he was going to be part of the side and it was a 'big deal' for him to be selected. "Only when the team was announced did I know I was going to Australia. But I had indications that I might be selected for the Australia tour because they had me with the team to prepare. Being selected for Australia tour is a big deal for me. The kind of competitive attitude I like to play cricket with on the field is very similar to Australia's," said Rana as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. He also said that it was his father's dream to have him play a Test at Lord's against England, but he likes Australia more. "It was my father's dream that I play a Test against England sometime at Lord's, but I personally like Australia more," said Rana. Rana, who is yet to make his international debut, has been with India's white-ball teams ever since a breakout Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2024 with champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), in which the pacer took 19 wickets at an average of 20.15 in 13 matches. Also Read: Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Cheteshwar Pujara slams 18th first-class double ton to boost selection hopes The 22-year-old said that the exposure and interaction with the Indian team have helped him a lot as a cricketer and a person. "I have been with the Indian team continuously since the IPL and I have learnt a lot of things there. This lesson is not only about cricket, but also about life, how a sportsperson advances his career and life. Even as a cricketer, I have grown a lot by being with the Indian team," he said. He said that he loves bowling to legendary batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the nets since their intent is always high and he gets valuable tips from them. He also opened up on his equation with pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj and discussing the Australia tour with them. "I love bowling to both of them (Rohit and Virat) in the nets because they also bat with the same intent in the nets like they do in a match. So there is no scope for you to make a mistake or bowl ordinary to them. I also spoke to Virat [Kohli] bhaiya and Rohit [Sharma] bhaiya, so they just told me to focus on my length and I am trying the same thing here," said Rana. "Recently when I was with the Indian team, I used to keep talking to Jassi [Jasprit Bumrah] and [Mohammed] Siraj bhaiya that if someday I get a chance to play there [in Australia], what should I do and what should I not do, which length will be right there and which is not. I have got an idea of all these things from both the bowlers and talking to them has helped me a lot," he concluded. Right-arm seamer Mohammed Shami was not included in the squad as India announced their team for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against Australia next month. Following the end of the ODI World Cup 2023, the India pacer suffered an ankle injury, which forced him to stay away from the field since November last year. Nitish Reddy had a terrific T20I series against Bangladesh. He delivered a performance to remember with an explosive knock of 74 and two wickets to go with it, helping India secure a massive 86-run win over Bangladesh at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. Easwaran has started well since the Duleep Trophy, scoring four tons in eight innings, and has managed to score 632 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 105.33 with the best score of 191 against Mumbai in the Irani Cup. Kuldeep Yadav was unavailable for selection for the tour of Australia since he was referred to the BCCI Centre of Excellence after the end of the ongoing Test series against New Zealand for long-term resolution of his chronic left groin issue. Opener Rohit Sharma will be leading the side and right-arm seamer Jasprit Bumrah will be his deputy. The most awaited Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on November 22, with the first Test at Perth. Also Read: Key scenarios for teams vying for World Test Championship spots The second Test, scheduled for December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval, will feature the exciting day-night format under the stadium's lights. After that, fans will turn their attention to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, which will be held from December 14 to 18. The customary Boxing Day Test, set for December 26 to 30 at Melbourne's storied Melbourne Cricket Ground, will bring the series to its penultimate stage. The fifth and final Test, to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, will serve as the series climax, promising a dramatic conclusion to an exciting contest. India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar. (With agency inputs)
28 October,2024 11:36 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
