Piyush Chawla Hints at Retirement, Jokes About Playing with Prithvi Shaw's Son

Piyush Chawla Hints at Retirement, Jokes About Playing with Prithvi Shaw’s Son

Piyush Chawla Hints at Retirement, Jokes About Playing with Prithvi Shaw’s Son

Veteran Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla has playfully hinted at his retirement plans, suggesting that he might hang up his boots after former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Chawla, 35, remains an active player in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has expressed his desire to continue playing for several more years. In a recent interview on The Shubhankar Mishra Show, Chawla engaged in a light-hearted conversation with fellow cricketer Prithvi Shaw about his retirement plans.

“A while ago, Prithvi Shaw told me, ‘Bas karo yaar ab PC bhai.’ I said, I’ve played with Sachin paaji, and now playing with his son. I am playing with you, and after playing with your son, I will retire,” Chawla said with a smile.

Chawla’s remarks underscore his enduring passion for cricket. Despite no longer being a part of the Indian national team, the two-time World Cup winner continues to make a significant impact in the IPL.

When asked who might retire first, Chawla humorously pointed to his former India captain, MS Dhoni, saying, “Mahi bhai.” Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, also continues to play in the IPL like Chawla.

Both players are known for their longevity in cricket, continuing to perform at a high level despite their age. Chawla’s comments suggest that he plans to stay in the game for a while longer, entertaining cricket fans for more seasons to come.

Dinesh Karthik Doubts Bangladesh's Ability to Challenge India in Test Series

Dinesh Karthik Doubts Bangladesh’s Ability to Challenge India in Test Series

Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has expressed skepticism about Bangladesh’s ability to challenge India in the upcoming Test series, despite Bangladesh’s recent success in Pakistan. Speaking on India’s prospects on Cricbuzz, Karthik emphasized that winning against India on home soil is a significant challenge.

“I personally don’t think so. I think beating India in India is a humongous task. Bangladesh has played well in Pakistan. But no, I don’t think there will be much trouble for India to beat Bangladesh,” Karthik remarked.

Discussing India’s squad selection, Karthik highlighted the possibility of including young pacer Harshit Rana. However, he noted that the team already has four established medium pacers.

“Could there be a chance for Harshit Rana? I thought he bowled very well, something very special about him. They already have four medium pacers, who are good medium pacers. So, it’s a good team,” Karthik said.

Karthik also suggested that India might prepare pace-friendly pitches for the series, which would help against Bangladesh and serve as preparation for the upcoming series against Australia.

“I get the feeling India’s going to play on slightly pace-oriented pitches, knowing that it’s a good way to beat Bangladesh. Also, they will be preparing for the Australian Test series. I think they will only play with two spinners—Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja—followed by three fast bowlers,” he explained.

Regarding KL Rahul’s role in the team, Karthik praised his improvement as a wicketkeeper but voiced concerns about the physical demands of keeping in Test matches.

“KL Rahul is a very good keeper, who has improved a lot. And I don’t think it’s fair to call him a part-time wicketkeeper anymore,” Karthik stated. He added, “Keeping in Test cricket is hard work across five days, and he’s had his struggles with injuries. He has a back he needs to take care of in the long run. So, I don’t think it’s fair to entrust him with the keeping spot. But I genuinely feel he will make it as a batter and do really well this season.”

With the series against Bangladesh approaching, Team India appears well-prepared with strong batting and bowling units.

Gill and Gaikwad: The Future of Indian Cricket Post-Kohli and Rohit

Gill and Gaikwad: The Future of Indian Cricket Post-Kohli and Rohit

Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad: The Future of Indian Cricket Post-Kohli and Rohit

As the legendary duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma approach the twilight of their illustrious careers, Indian cricket fans are eagerly looking towards the next generation of stars to carry the torch. Veteran leg-spinner Piyush Chawla believes that Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad possess the talent and potential to fill the void left by the departing greats.

Chawla, who has shared the dressing room with both Kohli and Rohit, recently expressed his admiration for Gill and Gaikwad on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast. He hailed Gill’s exceptional technique as a key factor in his success. “Shubman Gill—because of his technique. Whenever one goes through poor form, a batter who is technically strong can come out of it. Any batter who has a good technique cannot stay out of form for too long,” Chawla said.

Gill, 25, has already established himself as a vital cog in the Indian batting lineup. With 25 Tests, 47 ODIs, and 21 T20Is under his belt, he has amassed over 4,400 international runs, including 11 centuries. His ability to adapt to different formats and conditions has made him a reliable performer for India.

While Gaikwad, 27, has faced some setbacks due to injuries and selection issues, Chawla remains confident in his abilities. “It [getting dropped or injured] is part and parcel of the game. It will keep happening. But, whenever he has got the opportunity, he has looked different. For me, these two players (Gill and Gaikwad) are special,” Chawla added.

Gaikwad has shown glimpses of his brilliance in the limited opportunities he has received. In six ODIs and 23 T20Is, he has scored over 750 runs, including a T20I century. His aggressive batting style and ability to clear the boundary with ease make him a valuable asset to any team.

With Kohli and Rohit nearing retirement, the onus will fall on Gill and Gaikwad to lead the Indian batting charge in the years to come. Their talent, determination, and experience make them the ideal candidates to carry the legacy of their illustrious predecessors.

Somerset Stun Surrey in Thrilling County Championship Finish

Somerset Stun Surrey in Thrilling County Championship Finish

Somerset’s thrilling victory over Surrey in the County Championship Division One has reignited the title race, with the defending champions’ lead now reduced to eight points. The match witnessed a dramatic final session, with Somerset securing victory with just minutes remaining.

Tom Banton, who had top-scored for Somerset in the first innings with 132, suffered a setback when he rolled his ankle while playing football. The injury is expected to rule him out of Saturday’s Blast semi-final rematch against Surrey.

Archie Vaughan, the son of former England captain Michael Vaughan, emerged as a hero for Somerset, claiming match figures of 11 for 140. Jack Leach also played a crucial role, taking 9 for 142.

Surrey’s collapse from 95 for 3 to 109 all out in the final session handed Somerset the victory. Somerset captain Lewis Gregory praised his team’s resilience and highlighted the exceptional performances of Vaughan and Leach.

“It was a crazy hour at the end,” Gregory said. “There were periods when not much happened, but the lads hung in there and Jack Leach and Archie Vaughan were fantastic the whole game.”

Surrey head coach Gareth Batty acknowledged the team’s concentration lapse in the final hour but remained confident in their ability to retain the title.

“We had a concentration lapse for the last hour of the game and it cost us the result,” Batty said. “We are still top of the league and eight points clear.”

With two rounds of the Championship remaining, Surrey’s destiny remains in their own hands. They will host Durham at home before traveling to Chelmsford to face Essex. Somerset, meanwhile, will aim to maintain their momentum and challenge for a domestic treble, having already progressed to the One-Day Cup final.

Salman Nizar's Blazing Knock Steals Victory for Calicut Globstars

Salman Nizar’s Blazing Knock Steals Victory for Calicut Globstars

In a thrilling encounter of the Kerala Cricket League (KCL), Calicut Globstars pulled off a remarkable heist against Kochi Blue Tigers, thanks to a blazing knock by Salman Nizar.

Chasing a challenging target of 170, Globstars were in dire straits at 79 for six. However, Nizar stepped up to the plate and played an unforgettable innings, smashing an unbeaten 73 off just 41 deliveries. His knock was studded with four boundaries and six towering sixes.

Nizar’s heroics were complemented by a crucial 61-run partnership with M. Nikhil (27). The duo revived Globstars’ hopes and brought them within striking distance of victory.

In the final over, Globstars needed 21 runs to win. Nizar took matters into his own hands, carting left-arm spinner P.S. Jerin for three consecutive sixes. He then scampered a two and took a single to seal the victory with one ball to spare.

Earlier, Kochi Blue Tigers had posted a competitive 169 for four, thanks to a standout performance by Shoun Roger. Roger’s unbeaten 73 off 38 balls, which included seven fours and five sixes, propelled the Tigers to a daunting total.

In the other match of the day, Alleppey Ripples snapped their losing streak by ending Trivandrum Royal’s unbeaten run with a 52-run victory. Ripples defended the lowest total (125/7) in a winning cause in the tournament after bundling out Royals for a mere 73.

Akshay Chandran was the star performer for Ripples, claiming four wickets for just nine runs in his four overs. His victims included the prized scalp of Abdul Basith, whose ill-advised reverse sweep resulted in a catch to wicketkeeper Azharuddeen.

Markhors Crush Panthers by 160 Runs in Champions One-Day Cup Opener

Markhors Crush Panthers by 160 Runs in Champions One-Day Cup Opener

In the inaugural match of the Champions One-Day Cup, Markhors, led by Mohammad Rizwan, emerged victorious over Shadab Khan’s Panthers by a commanding 160 runs.

Panthers, after winning the toss, opted to field first. Markhors’ innings was anchored by Kamran Ghulam’s masterful 115 off 102 deliveries, laying the foundation for their formidable total of 347 for 6. Abdul Samad’s blistering 25-ball 62 in the final overs propelled Markhors to a daunting score.

Panthers’ chase faltered from the outset as Naseem Shah’s incisive opening spell reduced them to 52 for 6. Shah’s 3-27, complemented by Shahnawaz Dahani’s two wickets, shattered Panthers’ hopes of a competitive chase.

Despite a valiant 72 from Amad Butt, Panthers were unable to recover from their early collapse. Mubasir Khan and Usama Mir’s half-century partnerships provided some resistance, but the Markhors’ dominance was unyielding.

The victory marked a successful start for Markhors in the tournament, while Panthers will seek redemption in their upcoming matches. The opening game showcased the high-octane action and competitive spirit that the Champions One-Day Cup promises to deliver.

Hardik Pandya's Red-Ball Bowling Sparks Test Cricket Speculation

Hardik Pandya’s Red-Ball Bowling Sparks Test Cricket Speculation

Hardik Pandya’s recent social media post showcasing his bowling skills with the red ball has sparked speculation about his potential return to Test cricket. The 30-year-old all-rounder has been absent from the format since 2018 due to injuries and has not played a first-class match since December 2018.

Despite being approached for the World Test Championship final against Australia, Pandya declined, citing his reluctance to replace a regular red-ball player. However, his recent videos suggest he is preparing for a potential return to the longer format.

Pandya remains India’s premier pace-bowling all-rounder, but his absence from Test cricket has left a void in the team. His closest competitors, Shivam Dube and Nitish Reddy, have not yet matched his all-round abilities.

However, Pandya’s intentions regarding his Test future remain unclear. He has not communicated his plans to the team management, and without playing any domestic red-ball cricket, he cannot be directly selected for Test matches.

“It’s heartening to know that Hardik is bowling with red ball but has he really spoken to men who matter (chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma) about his intentions?,” a senior BCCI source questioned.

It is understood that Pandya’s participation in red-ball cricket for Baroda will be crucial in determining his Test prospects. If he performs well in domestic matches, he could earn a recall to the national team for the upcoming tour of Australia.

Pandya’s return to Test cricket would provide India with much-needed balance. He can contribute as a fourth pacer and a lower-order batsman, giving the team greater depth and flexibility. However, his availability and fitness will be key factors in his selection.

Kent Draw with Hampshire in Thrilling County Championship Clash

Kent Draw with Hampshire in Thrilling County Championship Clash

Hampshire and Kent played out a thrilling draw on the final day of their Vitality County Championship Division One clash at Canterbury, with the hosts securing a crucial point to boost their survival hopes.

Kent resumed their second innings on 70 without loss, trailing by 126 runs. However, they lost Tawanda Muyeye early on, edging Kyle Abbott to Toby Albert at second slip for 46. Abbott then removed Ben Compton for 25, again caught by Albert.

Mohammad Abbas struck twice in quick succession, trapping Daniel Bell-Drummond lbw for 23 and bowling Joe Denly for five. Abbott returned to dismiss Joey Evison for 11, leaving Kent on 145 for five at lunch.

Jack Leaning and Harry Finch batted resolutely throughout the afternoon session, frustrating Hampshire’s bowlers. Leaning reached his half-century with a drive off James Fuller, while Finch provided solid support.

Hampshire’s hopes of forcing a result rested on the new ball, but Leaning brought up his century with a single off Abbott. However, he was dismissed lbw to Abbas in the next over, ending a record sixth-wicket partnership for Kent against Hampshire.

Charlie Stobo and Matt Parkinson fell cheaply, but Finch and Gurinder Singh combined for a crucial last-wicket stand that consumed 11 overs. Finch was eventually caught at first slip by James Vince for 79, leaving Kent all out for 338.

Hampshire faced a daunting target of 143 from nine overs, but bad light halted play after just 2.4 overs, with the visitors on 24 for one.

The draw leaves Kent with a slim chance of avoiding relegation. They face a crucial home game against Nottinghamshire next week, while Hampshire’s season at The Spitfire Ground ends with a hard-fought draw.

Ireland Drops Balbirnie from T20I Squad, Explores New Dynamic

Ireland Drops Balbirnie from T20I Squad, Explores New Dynamic

Ireland’s cricket team is undergoing a strategic shift in its T20I squad, with the selectors opting to drop Test captain Andy Balbirnie in favor of a “new dynamic” at the top of the order. Balbirnie, Ireland’s second-highest T20I run-scorer, has struggled for form this year, averaging a modest 24.83 and striking at a rate of only 113.74.

National selector Andrew White explained the decision, stating that the team is exploring new options in the T20I format. Lorcan Tucker, who opened the batting in Balbirnie’s absence in Leinster Lightning’s recent T20 match, is a potential candidate to replace him as Paul Stirling’s opening partner.

While Balbirnie will sit out the T20Is, he remains a key figure in the ODI squad and will continue to open the batting alongside Stirling in that format. Josh Little, who is currently playing in the Caribbean Premier League, is not included in either squad.

The upcoming series against South Africa marks the start of a new cycle for Ireland’s white-ball teams, with the 2026 and 2027 T20 and 50-over World Cups on the horizon. The selectors are looking to deepen the pool of international cricketers and provide opportunities for players like Gavin Hoey, an uncapped legspinner, to gain experience.

Ireland will host South Africa’s tour in Abu Dhabi due to infrastructure constraints, but they hope to overcome these challenges with the development of a new national stadium. South Africa has already announced its squads for the series, with many of their first-choice players rested.

Piyush Chawla Lauds Rohit Sharma's Exceptional Leadership Skills

Piyush Chawla Lauds Rohit Sharma’s Exceptional Leadership Skills

Piyush Chawla, a seasoned Indian spinner, has heaped praise on Rohit Sharma’s exceptional leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to the Mumbai Indians franchise. Chawla, who played alongside Rohit in the 2023 IPL season, witnessed firsthand the impact of his captaincy on the team’s success.

Chawla highlighted Rohit’s unwavering loyalty and tireless efforts for the Mumbai Indians. He emphasized how Rohit’s leadership played a crucial role in guiding the team to numerous victories. In the 2023 IPL season, Chawla himself showcased his prowess on the field, securing 22 wickets across 16 matches, making him the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament.

Chawla shared an anecdote from the season, revealing an instance when Rohit summoned him to his room at the unusual hour of 2:30 AM. “I’ve played so much cricket with him that we’ve reached a comfort level. We sit off-the-field as well. Once, at 2:30 in the night, he texted me and asked, ‘you up?’ He drew a field on paper and discussed with me about potentially dismissing Warner. Even at that time, he was thinking about how he could get the best out of me,” Chawla told Shubhankar Mishra on YouTube.

Chawla stressed that Rohit’s influence extends beyond his role as a captain, highlighting his leadership qualities. He referred to instances from the ODI World Cup held last year and the recent T20 World Cup to support his point. “There’s a captain, then there’s a leader. He isn’t a captain, he is a leader. Whether it was 2023 ODI WC, or the 2024 T20 WC, the way he batted, he sets the tone in such a way that he made it easy for next batters. He’s a true leader. He gives you a free hand,” said Chawla.

Rohit-led Indian team ended the decade-long ICC title drought after beating South Africa in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024 to lift their second title in the format. In 2023, the Men in Blue failed to win the World Test Championship and 2023 ODI World Cup under Rohit’s leadership after losing to Australia in the finals.

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