Despite the loss, India maintains their top spot in the World Test Championship points table, but their chances for the final are not guaranteed. Skipper Rohit Sharma expressed disappointment in the team's performance and stated that it's too early to think about the WTC final. With six games left, India will have to secure at least three more victories to maintain their position in the championship race. However, their next big challenge will be the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where their impressive record over the past six years makes them strong contenders.
Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara made history during the Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh, as he hit his 18th double ton in first-class cricket. He now holds the fourth spot on the list of players with the most first-class double centuries, behind legends such as Don Bradman and Wally Hammond. Pujara's impressive performance led Saurashtra to a commanding lead, scoring his 25th century in the Ranji Trophy.
Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane recalls a bold decision he made as captain during a Duleep Trophy fixture in 2022 where he sent young player Yashasvi Jaiswal off the field for sledging. Despite facing criticism, Rahane stood by his decision, which ultimately proved to be beneficial as the match referee planned to give Jaiswal a four-match ban for his actions. This incident served as a turning point for Jaiswal and he has since excelled in Test cricket.
As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares to announce the team for the upcoming Australia series, all eyes are on veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara. With his impressive record against Australia in the last two tours, Pujara's experience could prove crucial for India's success. Meanwhile, selectors must also decide whether to give younger players a chance or stick with Pujara's proven abilities. Despite not featuring for India since the World Test Championship final, Pujara has continued to score runs, with his most recent appearance in the Ranji Trophy showcasing his skill and determination. With India facing challenges in the fast bowling department, the inclusion of players like Nitish Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, and Yash Dayal is also being considered. Mohammed Shami, who is crucial for India's bowling attack, might not be able to fully recover in time for the first matches of the series.
A persistent downpour in Wayanad disrupted the game between Kerala and Uttarakhand in the CK Nayudu Trophy U-23 match, resulting in a draw. Despite following-on, Uttarakhand showed resilience in their first innings with half-centuries from Arush, Shashwat Dangwal, and Rohi. However, Kerala's Pavan Raj's five-wicket haul and Edhen Apple Tom's impressive bowling in the second innings put them in a strong position before the match was called off due to bad light.
Indian left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has struggled to secure a permanent spot in the playing XI, has been dropped from the Indian team for the second Test against New Zealand. Despite consistently outshining his spin bowling counterparts in the limited opportunities he gets, Yadav has been left out in favor of spin all-rounder Washington Sundar, who excelled in the recent Ranji Trophy match against Delhi. Many former players, including Sunil Gavaskar and Murali Kartik, have expressed surprise and disappointment at the decision to drop Yadav.
The Mumbai Cricket Association has replaced Prithvi Shaw with Akhil Herwadkar in their squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy fixture against Tripura. A report claims that Shaw's non-inclusion is due to fitness and disciplinary issues, with the 24-year-old being considered overweight and not a regular in practice sessions. This decision comes after Shaw shared a cryptic message on Instagram, hinting at needing a break.
Mumbai's selection panel has dropped Prithvi Shaw from their team for the Ranji Trophy game against Tripura due to his lack of attendance at practice sessions and being overweight. The 24-year-old, who scored a hundred in his debut Test against West Indies, has faced off-field issues and injuries that have hindered his career progress. Former Australia player Ricky Ponting, who worked with Shaw at Delhi Capitals, also spoke about the batter's problems. Shaw's attitude and weight issues seem to have cost him potential spots in both domestic and national teams.
The former Australian opener, who announced his retirement earlier this year, has expressed his willingness to return to the national team for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. With Australia needing a strong start in the series, Warner's availability could prove to be a game changer. The 37-year-old pointed out that he has had a similar preparation as the other players and will use his time in the Sheffield Shield to regain his form and fitness.
New Zealand claimed their first ever Women’s T20 World Cup title in Dubai International Stadium with a 32-run victory over South Africa. Captain Sophie Devine and her team scraped past the semifinal and went into the final after a string of 10 consecutive losses in T20Is. However, they were led by an all-round performance by Amelia Kerr, who top scored with a 38-ball 43 and took a crucial wicket in the final against South Africa. Brooke Halliday also played a valuable innings of 38 runs in 28 deliveries. For South Africa, captain Laura Wolvaardt chose to bowl first but New Zealand put up a challenging total of 158-5 in 20 overs. Nonkululeko Mlaba took 2-31 for South Africa. However, in the end, it was New Zealand's night to lift the trophy as they dominated over South Africa in all departments.