Suryakumar Yadav Temporary Captain, Shubman Gill Groomed for Long-Term Role

Suryakumar Yadav Temporary Captain, Shubman Gill Groomed for Long-Term Role

Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris believes that Suryakumar Yadav’s appointment as India’s T20I captain is a temporary measure, with Gautam Gambhir grooming Shubman Gill as the long-term leader.

Styris, speaking to India Today, said, “I think he’s a short-term option. I don’t think Gambhir has a natural captain amongst the players that he has right now.”

He added, “He’s buying himself time as to who will be the next long-term captain. Someone like Gill I think could do the job for 10 years for India, but he’s not quite ready right now, so I think it was a really smart decision to bring in someone with a bit more experience.”

Suryakumar Yadav, fondly known as SKY, was appointed India’s T20I captain after Rohit Sharma retired from the shortest format. Gill was named vice-captain for both the T20Is and ODIs on the Sri Lanka tour.

Styris believes that Gill has the potential to be India’s long-term captain, but he needs more experience. “You know, someone like Gill I think could do the job for 10 years for India, but he’s not quite ready right now, so I think it was a really smart decision to bring in someone with a bit more experience,” he said.

SKY, at 33, is older than Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma, who is 37. Therefore, developing a long-term captain for the future appears to be a sensible move by Gambhir.

Gill captained India for the first time during the post-T20 World Cup tour to Zimbabwe, where India won the five-match series 4-1. Earlier in the year, Gill had captained IPL franchise Gujarat Titans to a disappointing 8th-place finish.

Styris mentioned that despite the long-term vision, SKY could remain India’s T20I captain till the next T20 World Cup in 2026. “If he (SKY) does a decent enough job, then he might be the captain at the next T20 World Cup. And then after that, you can look at Gill or any of the other potential options around. But yeah, I think it’s a really clever decision,” said Styris.

India’s three-match T20I tour of Sri Lanka gets underway on Saturday, July 27.

Suryakumar Yadav Excluded from India's ODI Team, Shubman Gill Set for Champions Trophy

Suryakumar Yadav Excluded from India’s ODI Team, Shubman Gill Set for Champions Trophy

Team India’s newly appointed T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has been excluded from the ODI squad, as confirmed by BCCI selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar. Agarkar stated that Yadav’s name was not considered for the ODI team due to the return of KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant.

Despite being part of India’s 2023 ODI World Cup squad, Yadav’s position in the ODI pecking order has diminished. Former India batter Aakash Chopra predicts that Yadav will also miss out on the Champions Trophy next year, as he is not included in the ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Chopra believes that Yadav’s exclusion from the ODI team indicates that he is currently not being considered for the 50-over format. He suggests that Yadav’s focus will be solely on T20Is.

In contrast, Chopra expects Shubman Gill to be a part of India’s Champions Trophy team, given his appointment as ODI vice-captain. Agarkar has praised Gill’s three-format potential and his leadership qualities, which were evident during his captaincy in the IPL and against Zimbabwe.

The BCCI’s decision to exclude Yadav from the ODI team has sparked discussions about the future of the Indian ODI squad. With the likes of Rahul, Iyer, and Pant returning, the competition for places in the middle order has intensified. It remains to be seen whether Yadav can regain his place in the ODI team or if he will continue to focus on T20Is.

Middlesex Triumph Over Northamptonshire in Metro Bank One-Day Cup

Middlesex Triumph Over Northamptonshire in Metro Bank One-Day Cup

Middlesex’s Mark Stoneman and Nathan Fernandes orchestrated a remarkable victory over Northamptonshire Steelbacks in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup at Radlett. The duo’s 128-run partnership propelled Middlesex to a five-wicket triumph, lifting them out of the Group A cellar.

Northamptonshire, batting first, posted a formidable 317 for nine, thanks to Gus Miller’s career-best 73, Prithvi Shaw’s 76, and Saif Zaib’s 58. Justin Broad’s unbeaten 38 from just 20 deliveries provided a late surge for the Steelbacks.

Middlesex’s chase began promisingly, with Joe Cracknell and Josh de Caires putting on 50 for the first wicket. However, Broad’s double-wicket over, dismissing Cracknell and Sam Robson, threatened to derail their momentum.

Stoneman and Fernandes then took control, adding 128 for the fourth wicket. Stoneman, who reached his half-century at a run a ball, dominated the strike, while Fernandes provided the impetus with three consecutive fours off Zaib.

After Stoneman’s departure, Fernandes continued the assault, before being caught in the deep. Martin Andersson and Jack Davies then sealed the victory with 11 deliveries to spare, with Davies smashing 20 off Broad’s final over.

Broad’s three wickets for 65 proved insufficient for Northamptonshire, who now languish at the bottom of Group A with three consecutive defeats. Middlesex, on the other hand, have kick-started their campaign with a much-needed win.

England's New Era Begins with 3-0 Test Series Victory

England’s New Era Begins with 3-0 Test Series Victory

England’s 3-0 Test series victory over West Indies has been hailed by head coach Brendon McCullum as a testament to the team’s newfound resilience and the successful integration of new faces.

Despite facing pressure from West Indies at various points, England’s ability to withstand those challenges and emerge victorious has impressed McCullum. He attributes this to a focus on “refinement” and a determination to improve when behind the game.

The series has also seen the seamless integration of debutants Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, and Shoaib Bashir. Atkinson’s 22 dismissals earned him the Player of the Series award, while Smith’s batting and wicketkeeping contributions have been equally impressive. Bashir’s five-wicket haul in the second Test further vindicated the decision to hand him the main spinner’s role.

McCullum acknowledges that the transition from old to new was not entirely smooth, but the performances of the new players have justified the changes made. He also praises the influence of James Anderson, who has taken on a fast-bowling mentor role and provided valuable insights to the team.

Looking ahead, McCullum expresses support for limited-overs coach Matthew Mott, who has faced criticism after two unsuccessful World Cup campaigns. He emphasizes Mott’s qualities as a coach and believes that he will continue to be successful regardless of the outcome of the ongoing review.

Chennai Super Kings Unaffected by India Cements Acquisition

Chennai Super Kings Unaffected by India Cements Acquisition

Following the recent acquisition of India Cements’ promoters stake by UltraTech Cement, it has been clarified that the transaction will not impact the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

India Cements acquired CSK when the IPL was established in 2008. However, in 2015, the team was transferred to Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL), a separate company. Former CSK captain M.S. Dhoni serves as one of India Cements’ vice presidents.

According to the company’s 2023 annual report, former BCCI president N. Srinivasan (Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of India Cements) and his family are the promoters of CSKCL, holding a 28.14% stake. They will continue to own the five-time IPL champion.

Apart from CSK, India Cements has been actively involved in promoting cricket in Chennai through its support of various clubs in the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) league across divisions. The company employs numerous former first-class and international cricketers. It also operates three teams in the top-flight First Division: Vijay CC, Grand Slam CC, and UFCC (T. Nagar).

Sources indicate that most of the cricketers employed by India Cements have been transferred to CSKCL and will not be affected by the acquisition. “The sporting activity of India Cements will not be affected, and the club activities across various divisions will continue without any change. The former cricketers who are employed have already been moved to CSK and will be taken care of,” said a highly placed source.

With the IPL Mega Auction approaching later this year, all eyes will be on whether Dhoni will continue to play for CSK for another season.

Lanka Premier League to Expand with Sixth Franchise in 2025

Lanka Premier League to Expand with Sixth Franchise in 2025

The Lanka Premier League (LPL), Sri Lanka’s premier Twenty20 cricket tournament, is set to expand in 2025 with the addition of a sixth franchise. The league, which was launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, has quickly gained popularity and has become a key platform for Sri Lankan cricketers to showcase their skills.

The fifth edition of the LPL concluded earlier this month with Jaffna Kings securing their fourth title. The tournament was attended by ICC chairman Greg Barclay and 108 ICC board members who were present in the country for the ICC AGM.

The addition of a sixth franchise to the LPL is expected to further enhance the tournament’s competitiveness and attract top international players. According to sources, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and South African all-rounder David Miller are among the players who have expressed interest in participating in the 2025 edition.

The LPL has played a significant role in identifying and developing young Sri Lankan cricketers. Spinner Maheesh Theekshana and batter Pathum Nissanka, who made a huge impact in the inaugural edition, have gone on to become regulars for Sri Lanka in the limited overs formats.

The tournament has also provided a platform for Sri Lankan players to gain experience playing alongside and against some of the world’s best cricketers. The likes of Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, and Rashid Khan have all featured in the LPL, sharing their knowledge and expertise with the local players.

The expansion of the LPL to six franchises is a testament to the tournament’s growing popularity and its importance in the Sri Lankan cricket landscape. With the addition of top international players and the continued development of young Sri Lankan talent, the LPL is poised to continue its growth and become one of the leading T20 leagues in the world.

Jonathan Trott Appointed Head Coach of Pretoria Capitals in SA20

Jonathan Trott Appointed Head Coach of Pretoria Capitals in SA20

Jonathan Trott, the former England batsman, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20, replacing Graham Ford. Trott, who is currently the head coach of Afghanistan, will take over the reins of the Capitals ahead of the 2025 season.

Trott’s appointment comes after a successful stint with Afghanistan, where he has overseen a significant improvement in the team’s results. Under his guidance, Afghanistan has defeated top teams like Australia, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in global events. They also reached the semi-finals of the 2024 T20I World Cup, losing to South Africa.

The Capitals, on the other hand, have had a disappointing second season in the SA20, winning only three matches and finishing fifth. They were losing finalists in the competition’s first edition in 2023 after topping the table.

Trott’s appointment is part of a broader shake-up at the Capitals, which also saw the departure of Ricky Ponting as head coach. Ponting had been with the Delhi franchise for seven years.

Trott’s decision to join the Capitals raises questions about his future with Afghanistan. His contract with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is due to expire in December, and it is unclear whether he will renew it.

If Trott does not renew his contract with the ACB, he could be in contention for the England limited-overs job. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is expected to make a decision on the future of incumbent head coach Matthew Mott in the coming days.

Trott, who earned 127 caps for England, has previously coached on the pathway, both for the Under-19 and Lions teams. He is highly regarded as a coach and his appointment by the Capitals is a major coup for the franchise.

Ishan Kishan's India Comeback Hopes Fade Amidst Competition and Poor Form

Ishan Kishan’s India Comeback Hopes Fade Amidst Competition and Poor Form

Since his abrupt departure from the Indian Test team in South Africa last year, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has struggled to regain his place in the national setup. Despite being part of the ODI World Cup team in India last year, Kishan failed to feature in any matches. His subsequent absence from domestic cricket and a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign have further diminished his chances of a recall.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has attributed Kishan’s downfall to a loss of focus, suggesting that he became preoccupied with fashion. Ali believes that Kishan’s chances of returning to the Indian team are slim, given the strong competition from Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, and other emerging keeper-batters.

Kishan’s decision to leave the South Africa tour midway has also raised questions about his commitment. He cited fatigue as the reason for his departure, but his subsequent absence from domestic cricket raised eyebrows. In an interview with Indian Express, Kishan explained that he was experiencing travel fatigue and needed a break. However, his explanation has not been widely accepted.

Kishan’s poor form in the IPL 2024, where he managed only 324 runs in 14 games, further damaged his chances of a recall. He was subsequently ignored for the T20 World Cup in the Americas, which India won.

With the likes of Pant, Samson, and other talented keeper-batters vying for a place in the Indian team, Kishan’s chances of a comeback appear to be dwindling. He will need to rediscover his form and prove his commitment to the team if he wants to regain his place in the national setup.

Morne Morkel to Join Indian Cricket Team as Bowling Coach

Morne Morkel to Join Indian Cricket Team as Bowling Coach

Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel is set to join the Indian cricket team’s coaching staff as their new bowling coach. The appointment, made under head coach Gautam Gambhir, comes at a crucial juncture as the team prepares for a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka and the upcoming home series against Bangladesh in September.

Morkel’s addition to the coaching staff is part of an ongoing assessment by Gambhir and the management to refine the team’s coaching framework ahead of future competitions. The strategic move casts uncertainty on the position of the interim bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, given Morkel’s specialization in fast bowling.

The decision on whether to maintain a dedicated spin bowling coach to work alongside Morkel remains pending. Should Bahutule continue in his role, the coaching staff would include two assistant coaches, Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, a bowling coach (Morkel), a fielding coach (T Dilip), and potentially a spin bowling coach, under the direction of head coach Gambhir.

Morkel’s appointment is expected to bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the Indian team. The former Proteas pacer played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is for South Africa, taking a total of 544 international wickets. He was known for his accuracy, pace, and ability to swing the ball both ways.

The Indian team is currently in Sri Lanka for a limited-overs series, which includes three T20Is and three ODIs. The T20I series has already been won by India, with the ODIs set to commence on August 2.

India to Host Men's Asia Cup in 2025 in T20 Format

India to Host Men’s Asia Cup in 2025 in T20 Format

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced that India will host the Men’s Asia Cup in 2025, marking the return of the tournament to the T20 format. The 2023 edition, hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, was played in the 50-overs format.

The 2025 Men’s Asia Cup will feature six teams: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and a sixth team to be determined through a qualifying event. The tournament will consist of 13 matches, with the top two teams advancing to the final.

The 2027 edition of the Men’s Asia Cup will switch to the ODI format and will be hosted by Bangladesh. Both the 2025 and 2027 tournaments will include six teams, with 13 matches per edition.

The next edition of the Women’s Asia Cup (15 matches) will also be played in the T20 format and is scheduled for 2026. The 2024 Women’s Asia Cup concluded in Dambulla on Sunday, with Sri Lanka winning their maiden title by stunning India in the final.

In addition to the Men’s and Women’s Asia Cups, the ACC will also host four editions of the Under-19 Men’s Asia Cup during this period, with each edition staging 15 matches.

The ACC has also invited interested parties to submit their Expressions of Interest (IEOI) for ACC Sponsorship Rights for the period from 2024 to 2027. The document mentions that the details of the tournaments, including schedules, dates, years, formats, and venues, are tentative and may be subject to change at the discretion of the ACC.

Meanwhile, the Indian Cricket Association (ICA) has decided to provide a one-time benefit to 26 former First-Class cricketers who are its members. These cricketers, who have played between 10-24 First-Class matches, are aged more than 70 and are not receiving any gratis from the BCCI or their state association.

The ICA is also providing Group Health Insurance (Rs 2.5 lakhs) for its members who have played less than 10 First-Class matches and are not covered by BCCI medical reimbursement.

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