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— Mohammed Siraj (@mdsirajofficial) June 19, 2025

 

 

Virat Kohli's sudden retirement from Test cricket has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The Indian star's decision to step away from the longest format of the game came just ahead of the crucial five-match series against England, leaving a significant void in the team and putting selectors in a scramble to find a suitable replacement.

Legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist has weighed in on Kohli's retirement, offering his perspective on the matter. While some former Indian cricketers have suggested that Kohli still had plenty of Test cricket left in him, Gilchrist praised the 36-year-old for making the tough decision to retire.

"I congratulate him. I'm really happy for him that he came to the decision himself. He didn't ride a period of speculation where a lot is said in the press, and you're judged by external voices. I made my decision during a game and announced it a day later! He obviously had a bit more time to think about it post the Australian series. I really like that he's come to a decision. It resonated with me because I always remember thinking I'd rather people say why, than why you haven't," Gilchrist told Sports Yaari.

Gilchrist further added, "Many people would probably think that if he kept playing Tests, he would find another hundred or two somewhere. But it isn't with the same lofty standards that he had set for so long. We have seen a bit of a drop from that in recent years, and he's probably acknowledged that. He's nothing to prove to anyone."

Despite his retirement from Test cricket, Kohli remains an active player in the one-day format. He recently won his first-ever IPL title with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, defeating Punjab Kings in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Kohli is expected to feature in India's three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, which begins on August 17.

Kohli retires as a legend of red-ball cricket, having scored a total of 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an impressive average of 46.85. He ranks as India's fourth-highest run-getter in Test cricket and is the fourth-highest Test century-maker for the national team.

Players:

• Virat Kohli: Indian cricketer, retired from Test cricket.
• Adam Gilchrist: Former Australian wicketkeeper-batter, provided commentary on Kohli's retirement.
• Rishabh Pant: Indian cricketer, mentioned in related news.
• Shubman Gill: Indian cricketer, mentioned in related news.
• Cheteshwar Pujara: Indian cricketer, mentioned in related news.

Sanju Samson, the Kerala-born cricketer, is well-known for his dynamic performances on the cricket field, whether representing India or playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, his personal life, particularly his love story, is equally captivating.

Sanju met his future wife, Charulatha Remesh, during their college days at Mar Ivanios College in Thiruvananthapuram. Their relationship began when Sanju sent her a friend request on Facebook, followed by a simple message that sparked a conversation and quickly turned into a close bond. As their connection deepened, they began spending time together and eventually entered into a five-year relationship.

 

 

 

 

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In 2018, the couple decided to take their relationship to the next level. Despite coming from different religious backgrounds—Sanju is a Christian and Charulatha a Hindu Nair—they never let cultural differences stand in their way. On December 22, 2018, they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony held in Kovalam, Kerala, under the Special Marriage Act. The wedding was a private affair, attended only by close friends and family, far from media glare and public attention. For Sanju and Charulatha, their relationship was always about each other, not external expectations.

Charulatha is an entrepreneur by profession. She completed her schooling at Arya Central School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Mar Ivanios College. Later, she pursued post-graduate studies in Human Resources at Loyola College of Social Sciences. While the specifics of her business remain private, she often accompanies Sanju during his cricket tours, balancing her personal and professional life.

Earlier this year, Charulatha surprised her followers by sharing a remarkable transformation video on social media. Known for her candid online presence, she used the opportunity to promote self-love and body positivity, writing: "Thought twice about this posting video because I never want to give the impression that getting slimmer is a better transition in life. You gain weight, lose weight, get darker, get fairer... Just love yourself, be happy, and enjoy your 2025."

• Sanju Samson: Indian cricketer, known for his dynamic performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for the national team.
• Charulatha Remesh: Wife of Sanju Samson, entrepreneur, studied at Mar Ivanios College and Loyola College of Social Sciences.

India is set to enter a new era under the leadership of Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul finds himself in an unfamiliar position: as the senior-most batter in the team. Just a few months ago, Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma were playing together in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but with Kohli and Rohit retiring within days of each other, Rahul now has a new role to fill.

"It feels strange walking into a dressing room without Virat or Rohit," Rahul said in an interview with his IPL franchise, Delhi Capitals. "They have been the pillars of Indian cricket for the past decade, and their absence will be a huge void. But it's time for the rest of us to step up."

England has historically been a challenging country for Indian batsmen, but Rahul has fond memories there, having scored two Test centuries. He has already begun his preparations for the series, working closely with his coach. "It's always a challenge coming to England, especially with them being a strong side at home," he noted. "But we are a young team, and this will be a great opportunity for us to grow."

The series will also see Rahul reunite with Karun Nair, a close friend from his early cricketing days. Nair has made a remarkable comeback to the Indian Test side after an eight-year absence. "We started playing cricket together as 11-year-olds, and both of us have had our ups and downs," Rahul said. "Karun's comeback is commendable, and I hope we can play together for the Indian team for a very long time."

England's star batter, Joe Root, recently delved into the challenges faced by Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli, particularly his struggles with deliveries outside the off-stump. Since the COVID-19 era, Kohli had been going through a tough patch in Test cricket, which ultimately led him to announce his retirement from the format just before the series against England. Root highlighted that Kohli's weakness outside the off-stump was repeatedly exploited by bowlers, contributing to his dip in form.

Root shared his thoughts on Kohli's difficulties as he advanced in his career, pointing out how tough it is for a batter to regain form when there's little break between matches. "Every player has their own unique approach. In a five-match Test series, if there's something in your game that doesn't feel right, it can be tough to address. You don't have the luxury of taking two weeks off to work on it. There's no room for adjustments unless you make a significant change during the Test itself. And, of course, you're up against some very skilled players in their own conditions. Let’s not forget, people will constantly bring up how you got out," Root told the Times of India.

Root will be a key player for England in the upcoming series against India. He has been the top run scorer in the previous two World Test Championship (WTC) cycles and is currently on a record-breaking spree.

Corey Rocchiccioli, the Western Australia off-spinner, has signed a short-term deal to play for Warwickshire in the County Championship. The 27-year-old will be available for four Championship games over the next six weeks. Rocchiccioli expressed his excitement about the opportunity to play overseas during the Australian winter, stating he "jumped at the chance."

Since the start of the 2023-24 season, Rocchiccioli has been in impressive form, taking 84 wickets at an average of 27.65 in the Sheffield Shield. His performance places him second only to South Australia's Nathan McAndrew. Warwickshire's head coach, Ian Westwood, welcomed Rocchiccioli to the squad, highlighting his proven record in Sheffield Shield cricket and his experience with the Kookaburra ball, which will be used in the upcoming Championship rounds.

Rocchiccioli said, "I'm really excited to play at a prestigious club like Warwickshire. I jumped at the chance when Westy and Davo [captain Alex Davies] contacted me. I'm eager to learn and grow in English conditions and contribute to some strong wins."

Australia's selectors have shown interest in Rocchiccioli, including him in Australia A teams to face India A and the England Lions last summer. He is considered one of the potential successors to Nathan Lyon, alongside Matthew Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy, who has also signed with Gloucestershire for the same block of Championship fixtures.

In other news, Northamptonshire has signed New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Robinson on a short-term deal. The 23-year-old will be available for two Championship matches and four Blast fixtures, replacing Matthew Breetzke after his selection for South Africa's Test squad to face Zimbabwe.

Melbourne Renegades have received a significant setback ahead of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) draft, as their star all-rounder Hayley Matthews has been ruled out of the upcoming season due to shoulder surgery. Matthews, who had been signed as a pre-draft recruit for two years by the Renegades, was announced unavailable just hours before the draft.

Matthews sustained a shoulder injury while fielding in the first ODI against England, forcing her to miss the last two games of the series. Despite the injury, she continued to play in the home ODIs against South Africa and will participate in the upcoming T20I series. She will also feature in the Women's Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in September before undergoing surgery during the Women's ODI World Cup, as West Indies failed to qualify for the tournament. Consequently, she will be unavailable for the remainder of the year.

"We are clearly disappointed that Hayley won't be with us this season," said Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten. "She has been instrumental during her time with the Renegades, not just with her performances but with her leadership and professionalism. There's a very close relationship between the Renegades and Hayley, and we know it will continue next year and beyond. Hayley loves this club, and we share in her disappointment at not being available for this year's tournament."

With Matthews out, the Renegades now have all three overseas slots to fill at the WBBL draft in Melbourne.

The BCCI has been ordered to pay INR 385.50 crore to Kochi Cricket Private Limited (KCPL) and INR 153.34 crore to Rendezvous Sports World (RSW) following the termination of the Kochi Tuskers Kerala IPL franchise in 2011. The Bombay High Court upheld the arbitral awards made against the BCCI in 2015 on Tuesday.

Thei Koch franchise, co-owned by KCPL and RSW, competed in one IPL season in 2011, finishing eighth out of ten teams. In September 2011, the BCCI terminated the franchise, alleging that it had breached its terms of agreement by failing to provide a bank guarantee by the stipulated deadline. This led to arbitration proceedings between the two parties.

Justice Riyaz I. Chagla dismissed the BCCI's challenge to the arbitrator's award, stating, "The jurisdiction of this Court under Section 34 of the Arbitration Act is very limited. BCCI's attempt to delve into the merits of the dispute is beyond the scope of the grounds contained in Section 34 of the Act. The BCCI's dissatisfaction with the findings regarding the evidence and/or the merits cannot be a ground to assail the Award."

He added, "The conclusion of the learned Arbitrator that the BCCI had wrongfully invoked the bank guarantee, which amounted to a repudiatory breach of the KCPL-FA, would call for no interference under Section 34 of the Arbitration Act, considering that it is based on a correct appreciation of the evidence on record."

The BCCI has been granted six weeks to file an appeal.

India's vice-captain Rishabh Pant has expressed his relief at the absence of James Anderson and Stuart Broad from the England team, but he also warned against underestimating their bowling attack. This will be England's first home summer without the two veteran fast bowlers. Broad retired during the2 023 Ashes series, while Anderson bid farewell to international cricket after the first Test against West Indies last year.

When asked about the absence of Anderson and Broad, Pant said, "It feels good that Anderson and Broad are not there. They have been there for their team for a long time, and I have come to England for two tours. But they have enough ammunition in their bowling unit. We can't take them lightly because our team is young. We have to play our brand of cricket and respect the bowlers and rivals whenever the situation demands."

In 39 Test matches against India, Anderson took 149 wickets at an average of 25.47. Pant also confirmed the batting order for the series, stating that Shubman Gill will bat at No. 4, while he himself will come in at No. 5. "The discussion is taking place about who will bat at No. 3. The 4 and 5 are confirmed. Shubman Gill will bat at No. 4, and I will come at No. 5," he said.

England fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies, starting May 29, due to a thumb injury. The 30-year-old’s latest setback also puts his potential return to Test cricket in doubt. Jofra Archer has been replaced by 29-year-old left-arm pacer Luke Wood from Lancashire for the upcoming ODI series against West Indies. Archer will be monitored by England’s medical team over the next two weeks, but his participation in the England Lions’ red-ball match against India A in Northampton on June 6 is also uncertain.

England are set to play a three-match ODI series against West Indies, starting on May 29. The final match of the series is scheduled for June 3.

England vs West Indies ODI Schedule 2025

England Announce ODI Squad for West Indies Series: Brook to Lead, Root and Buttler Return

Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Joe Root, Will Jacks, Adil Rashid, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Saqib Mahmood, Tom Hartley, Luke Wood, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Jamie Smith.

- KKR expressed their displeasure over mid season rule change.
- A 2 hour extra time might've helped their cause Vs RCB to get a possible 5 overs match.
- They believe such inconsistencies are not good for the IPL. (Cricbuzz).

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have expressed their disappointment over a mid-season rule change introduced by the IPL governing body. The franchise believes that such changes in the middle of the tournament create confusion and disrupt the fairness of the competition. Their frustration became public following their rain-affected match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

KKR pointed out that with just two more hours of extra time, they could have had a five-over contest instead of a washout. They believe the outcome of the game might have been different had the new timing rule not been implemented mid-tournament. The situation has raised questions about the league's decision-making and fairness in crucial matches.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, KKR is of the opinion that these inconsistencies hurt the credibility of the IPL. They urged the organizers to maintain consistency and transparency when it comes to rule changes, especially during the season. The franchise emphasized that every match matters in a tournament as competitive as the IPL.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, with Salman Ali Agha retaining the captaincy. 

Pakistan squad for T20I series against Bangladesh: 

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub.

Tentative schedule:

27 May – 1st T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore – 8:00 PM
29 May – 2nd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore – 8:00 PM
31 May – 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore – 8:00 PM