Rishabh Pant Set for Red-Ball Comeback in Duleep Trophy

Rishabh Pant Set for Red-Ball Comeback in Duleep Trophy

Rishabh Pant, India’s star wicketkeeper-batter, is set to make his long-awaited return to red-ball cricket in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, which marks the commencement of India’s 2024-25 domestic season on September 5. This will be Pant’s first first-class appearance since his horrific car accident in December 2022.

Pant’s inclusion in the Duleep Trophy squad is a significant development, as it signals his recovery from the injuries sustained in the accident. He has been undergoing rehabilitation and training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and is now deemed fit to return to competitive cricket.

However, Mohammed Shami, India’s premier fast bowler, will not be part of any of the four Duleep Trophy squads. Shami is nearing full fitness and has begun bowling at full tilt, but he is targeting a comeback during the two-Test series against Bangladesh from September 19. He will continue his training under the NCA’s supervision in Bengaluru.

The Duleep Trophy squads also feature the return of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who had lost their central contracts for not prioritizing domestic cricket last season. Other top players included in the squads are KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, and Kuldeep Yadav.

Notably, Test captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah have been given an extended break ahead of India’s home season. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who has been sidelined with a quadriceps tendon injury since January 2024, is also set to make a comeback in the Duleep Trophy.

The selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, has rewarded domestic form, as evidenced by the inclusion of Mumbai all-rounder Musheer Khan. The 19-year-old had a breakout year, playing a key role in India’s Under-19 World Cup squad and Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy triumph.

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been included subject to fitness, as he is recovering from a sports hernia surgery in June.

The Duleep Trophy 2024-25 squads are as follows:

Team A: Shubman Gill (capt), Mayank Agarwal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel (wk), KL Rahul, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Tanush Kotian, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan, Vidwath Kaverappa, Kumar Kushagra, Shaswat Rawat.

Team B: Abhimanyu Easwaran (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Musheer Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy (subject to fitness), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd Siraj, Yash Dayal, Mukesh Kumar, Rahul Chahar, R Sai Kishore, Mohit Awasthi, N Jagadeesan (wk)

Team C: Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Abishek Porel (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, B Indrajith, Hrithik Shokeen, Manav Suthar, Umran Malik, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Anshul Khamboj, Himanshu Chauhan, Mayank Markande, Aryan Juyal (wk), Sandeep Warrier

Team D: Shreyas Iyer (capt), Atharva Taide, Yash Dubey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ricky Bhui, Saransh Jain, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Aditya Thakare, Harshit Rana, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Sengupta, KS Bharat (wk), Saurabh Kumar

Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer to Grace Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament

Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer to Grace Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament

Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer to Feature in Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament

Indian Twenty20 International captain Suryakumar Yadav and star batter Shreyas Iyer are set to participate in the prestigious Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, which will commence on August 27 in Coimbatore. The tournament will provide an ideal platform for the duo to hone their skills ahead of the upcoming international season.

Suryakumar, who recently led India to a 3-0 series victory over Sri Lanka, has confirmed his participation in the tournament. The flamboyant batter is currently enjoying a brief vacation with his wife, Devisha Shetty. On Wednesday, he shared a photo on Instagram, expressing his eagerness to return to the field.

Shreyas Iyer, who has been in impressive form in recent times, will also be available for the match against Jammu and Kashmir. The BCCI has encouraged Indian internationals to participate in domestic matches to maintain their peak fitness and form.

The Buchi Babu Tournament is a highly regarded event in the Indian domestic cricket calendar. It will offer Suryakumar and Iyer an opportunity to showcase their abilities and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Mumbai, led by Sarfaraz Khan, will be bolstered by the presence of Suryakumar and Iyer. The team’s batting lineup is expected to be formidable, increasing their chances of making a significant impact in the tournament.

Suryakumar, despite his success in the shorter formats, has expressed his desire to make a mark in Test cricket. The Buchi Babu Tournament will provide him with a valuable opportunity to fine-tune his skills and gain experience in the longer format.

The participation of Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament is a testament to the importance of domestic cricket in India. The tournament will serve as a crucial stepping stone for the duo as they prepare for the upcoming international season.

George Worker Retires from Cricket at 34

George Worker Retires from Cricket at 34

George Worker, the former New Zealand batter, has bid farewell to professional cricket at the age of 34. The decision marks the end of a 17-year journey in the sport, during which he represented Central Districts and Auckland.

Worker’s international career spanned from 2015 to 2018, with 10 ODIs and 2 T20Is to his name. He made his T20I debut in Zimbabwe, earning the Player-of-the-Match award for his 38-ball 62. His ODI debut came on the same tour of Africa, and he went on to score three half-centuries in the format.

In domestic cricket, Worker was a prolific run-scorer. He amassed 6721 runs in 169 List A games, averaging 43.64 with 18 centuries and 37 half-centuries. His first-class record included 6400 runs at an average of 29.49, while he scored 3480 runs in T20s at a strike rate of 123.57.

Worker’s leadership and experience were highly valued by Auckland Aces, where he played a pivotal role in their Ford Trophy 2021-22 title win. He topped the overall run-scoring chart with 672 runs in ten innings, averaging 84.00 and hitting four centuries.

As a part-time left-arm spinner, Worker claimed 58 first-class wickets, 60 in List A cricket, and 42 in T20s.

Upon announcing his retirement, Worker expressed gratitude for the memories and friendships he forged during his career. He also revealed that he has accepted a “fantastic opportunity” with Forsyth Barr, an investment services firm.

Auckland Cricket’s head of performance and talent, Evan Jones, acknowledged Worker’s contributions and wished him well in his future endeavors.

Domestic Cricket Contracts Announced: Hinds, Magicians Make Key Additions

Domestic Cricket Contracts Announced: Hinds, Magicians Make Key Additions

New Zealand’s domestic cricket season is set to kick off soon, and several provinces have announced their contracted players for the upcoming campaign. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the latest updates:

Central Hinds:

Central Hinds captain Natalie Dodd has opted out of the contracting process due to her pregnancy. The team has signed Anna Gaging, who joins her twin sister Kate on the roster. Last season’s young additions, Aniela Apperley, Emma McLeod, and Flora Devonshire, have retained their spots. The captaincy remains undecided, with Hannah Rowe a potential candidate.

Canterbury Magicians:

Kate Anderson has returned to the Canterbury Magicians after missing out on an NZC central contract. Harriet Graham has earned her first domestic contract after impressing in the wider squad. The team is committed to developing young talent, with senior players providing guidance and support.

Other Updates:

Other provinces have also announced their contracted players. Northern Districts has retained the core of its squad, including White Ferns stars Suzie Bates and Lauren Down. Wellington Blaze has signed promising all-rounder Georgia Plimmer, while Otago Sparks has added experienced batter Katey Martin.

Key Points:

* Natalie Dodd’s absence creates an opportunity for other players to step up for Central Hinds.
* Canterbury Magicians are focused on developing young talent and providing a supportive environment.
* Several provinces have retained their key players, while others have added promising additions.
* The upcoming domestic season promises to be competitive and exciting, with a mix of experienced and emerging players.

Mandeep Singh Departs Punjab, Joins Tripura for Domestic Season

Mandeep Singh Departs Punjab, Joins Tripura for Domestic Season

Indian batter Mandeep Singh has announced his departure from Punjab after a 14-year stint, opting to join Tripura for the upcoming domestic season. The 32-year-old made the announcement via Instagram, expressing gratitude for his time with Punjab and excitement for the new chapter in his career.

Mandeep’s decision comes after a successful tenure with Punjab, where he captained the team to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for the 2023-2024 season. He has been a consistent performer for Punjab, amassing 6448 runs in 99 matches at an impressive average of 47.76. His tally includes 15 centuries, with a top score of 235.

In his Instagram post, Mandeep acknowledged the support he received from the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), particularly from former cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh. He also thanked the PCA management and staff for their unwavering support throughout his journey.

Tripura will benefit immensely from Mandeep’s experience and batting prowess. The team recently lost wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha, who returned to Bengal. Mandeep’s presence will provide stability and leadership to the Tripura batting lineup.

In addition to Mandeep, Tripura has also acquired the services of former Punjab batter Jiwanjot Singh for the upcoming season. The duo’s experience and talent will be invaluable assets for Tripura as they aim to make a mark in the domestic circuit.

Mandeep’s move to Tripura marks a significant shift in his career. He has been a mainstay in the Punjab setup for over a decade, but he believes it is time for a new challenge. Tripura will provide him with a fresh start and an opportunity to continue his pursuit of cricketing excellence.

PCB Unveils Major Domestic Cricket Overhaul with New Champions Tournaments

PCB Unveils Major Domestic Cricket Overhaul with New Champions Tournaments

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of its domestic cricket structure, introducing three new competitions and significantly enhancing player contracts and match fees. The ambitious plan aims to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket and elevate Pakistan’s standing in the global cricketing landscape.

The centerpiece of the new structure is the Champions tournament, a five-team competition that will span across formats. The Dolphins, Lions, Panthers, Stallions, and Wolves will compete in the Champions One-Day Cup, Champions T20 Cup, and Champions Pentagular (first-class cricket). The tournaments will run from September 2024 to August 2025, effectively extending the domestic season by almost a year.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the need for innovation and strategic enhancements to restore Pakistan’s cricketing prowess. He believes that the Champions tournaments will create an environment that mirrors the intensity of international cricket, fostering the development of top-tier players.

The Champions tournaments will feature around 150 of Pakistan’s most talented and consistent domestic performers, including centrally-contracted players. The selection process remains to be determined, but the plan has received the endorsement of Waqar Younis, the newly appointed advisor to the chair on cricket affairs.

Each of the five teams will have a potential owner and mentor, in addition to a dedicated high-performance center and a full complement of coaching staff. The PCB has also raised domestic player contracts, with Category 1 players now earning PKR 550,000, Category 2 players earning PKR 400,000, and Category 3 players earning PKR 250,000.

Match fees have also been increased significantly, with white-ball matches now paying PKR 125,000 (50-over cricket) and PKR 100,000 (T20 cricket), while red-ball matches will pay PKR 200,000.

The PCB’s bold initiative aims to create a more competitive and rewarding domestic cricket environment, fostering the development of world-class players and ultimately elevating Pakistan’s standing in international cricket.

Mohammed Shami Eyes Domestic Comeback After Ankle Surgery

Mohammed Shami Eyes Domestic Comeback After Ankle Surgery

Mohammed Shami, India’s premier fast bowler, is eager to make his comeback through domestic cricket after recovering from an ankle surgery. Shami, who has been out of action since February, has started bowling at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru but is yet to bowl at full throttle.

“It’s difficult to say when I will be back. I am trying hard but hopefully you will get to see me in Bengal colours before I don the India jersey again,” Shami said while being felicitated by the East Bengal club in Kolkata.

The 33-year-old pacer said the injury came at a time when he was trying to recover from India’s ODI World Cup final defeat. “We never thought the injury would be this serious. The plan was to address it after the T20 World Cup since we had the IPL and the ICC T20 mega event coming almost back-to-back after last year’s World Cup. But it turned worse during the ODI World Cup itself and I also did not find it right to risk playing on with it,” he recalled.

“Even the doctors could not fathom that the injury will take such a serious turn and will take so much time to heal,” the pacer said.

India’s highest wicket-taker in the 2023 World Cup, Shami thus had to miss this year’s IPL and also watched India’s T20 World Cup triumph sitting at home. “To tell you frankly, I got tense when South Africa were pulling things back in the final. For a moment memories of our 2023 WC final loss returned to haunt me. But luckily Suryakumar Yadav took that great catch to fetch us the Cup and it took time to sink in that India have actually won it,” Shami stated.

Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly, who was also honoured in the evening, also looked forward to Shami’s comeback. “I am actually surprised to see Shami has played only 101 ODI matches. Somebody with his calibre and talent should have played many more,” Ganguly said.

The former BCCI chief remembered seeing Shami first while playing for Bengal in late 2000s. “Laxmi (Ratan Shukla) was the Bengal skipper then and I immediately told him that this boy (Shami) is an exceptional talent. I am happy to see him converting that talent into performance,” he added.

“It’s said that (Jasprit) Bumrah is the best pacer, but Bumrah has become the best because he got Shami at the other end. So you have pressure from both ends,” Ganguly pointed out.

Hardik Pandya's Fitness Concerns Raise Questions About Domestic Cricket

Hardik Pandya’s Fitness Concerns Raise Questions About Domestic Cricket

Hardik Pandya’s significance in Indian cricket cannot be overstated. As a premier fast-bowling all-rounder, he brings a rare skillset to the team. His presence in the lineup provides exceptional balance, as witnessed during the T20 World Cup. Pandya’s crucial late overs in the final against South Africa played a pivotal role in India’s victory.

However, Pandya’s absence as captain or vice-captain for the Sri Lanka T20I series has raised questions about his fitness. Former Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore, who has experience coaching Indian domestic teams, has shed light on this issue.

Whatmore emphasizes the importance of a robust domestic setup for the health of the national team. He highlights the extensive participation in India’s domestic circuit and the role of the IPL in developing talent. However, he also points out that some players, including Pandya, have not been actively involved in white-ball cricket at the domestic level.

“In my last few years in Baroda, Hardik Pandya wouldn’t ever play white-ball cricket,” Whatmore said. “It always amuses me that he’s termed as the all-rounder from Baroda but he hasn’t played for Baroda for years!”

Whatmore acknowledges that the BCCI has recently taken steps to encourage players to participate in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy. He believes that this will ultimately benefit the national team by providing a stronger foundation for players to develop their skills.

BCCI Eliminates Toss in CK Nayudu Trophy, Revamps Domestic Cricket Calendar

BCCI Eliminates Toss in CK Nayudu Trophy, Revamps Domestic Cricket Calendar

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced significant changes to its domestic cricket calendar for the 2024-25 season, including the elimination of the toss in CK Nayudu Trophy matches. This move aims to address the issue of home teams preparing pitches that favor their strengths, particularly in the Under-23 tournament. Instead, the visiting team will now have the option to choose whether to bat or bowl first.

Another innovation introduced in the CK Nayudu Trophy is a new points system designed to promote balanced performances. Points will be awarded for batting and bowling performances in the first innings, as well as for the first innings lead or outright win. This system is similar to the one used in the English County Championship and may be implemented in the Ranji Trophy next season if it proves successful.

The Ranji Trophy will also undergo a major change, being split into two phases. The first five games will be played after the Duleep Trophy, which will kick off the domestic season, followed by the Irani Cup and the white-ball tournaments. The last two Ranji league matches and the knockout stages will be held at the end of the season. This adjustment aims to minimize the impact of weather disruptions, particularly in the North and East Zones.

The Duleep Trophy will feature four teams selected by the national selectors, indicating the BCCI’s departure from the zonal system. Additionally, the gap between Ranji Trophy matches will be increased to allow players more time for recovery and to maintain peak performance throughout the season.

In women’s cricket, all Inter-zonal tournaments will have teams selected by the national selectors, ensuring a more competitive and balanced playing field.

These changes are part of a broader effort by the BCCI to revamp domestic cricket and create a more equitable and challenging environment for players. The recommendations were made by a four-member committee led by India’s head coach Rahul Dravid and will be submitted to the Apex Council for approval.

Joe Root Backs Kookaburra Ball in County Championship to Upskill Cricketers

Joe Root Backs Kookaburra Ball in County Championship to Upskill Cricketers

Joe Root, England’s Test captain, has endorsed the use of the Kookaburra ball in the County Championship, arguing that it can enhance the skills of domestic cricketers and narrow the gap between domestic and international cricket.

The Kookaburra ball, typically used in Australia, was introduced in the first two rounds of the County Championship season. While the initial results showed a high number of draws, Root believes that the ball’s flatter seam and quicker loss of shape can challenge bowlers and force them to develop new strategies.

Root, who has extensive experience with the Kookaburra ball overseas, sees its use in England as an opportunity for bowlers to improve their wicket-taking abilities in challenging conditions. He emphasizes that the transition to the Kookaburra ball may involve some initial difficulties, but it can ultimately lead to a higher standard of cricket.

Root draws parallels to England’s success in limited-overs cricket, which he attributes to a mindset shift and the development of a pool of talented white-ball players. He believes that a similar approach can be applied to red-ball cricket, with the Kookaburra ball serving as a catalyst for improvement.

The Kookaburra ball trial is part of a wider effort to enhance the quality of domestic cricket and prepare players for the rigors of Test cricket. Root’s support for the initiative highlights the importance of embracing innovation and challenging the status quo to elevate the standard of the game.

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