The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has faced criticism, like putting Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh in a tough "group of death" or missing chances to grow cricket in Nepal. But they’ve done well in one thing: shaping the Asia Cup to fit the cricket calendar. After the 50-over edition two years ago, the Asia Cup is back in 2025 as a T20 event serving as a warm-up for next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

September in the UAE can be extremely hot, but the ACC can’t fully control the dates or the location. India are the official hosts, yet they’ve again chosen the UAE, like they did during the pandemic for the IPL and T20 World Cup. Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, the match everyone is eagerly waiting for is, of course, India vs Pakistan, the tournament’s main highlight. And if past games are any guide the players will show passion on the field not hostility.

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India National Cricket Team Founded: 1926

The India National Cricket Team represents India in international cricket and is one of the strongest teams in the world.

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Pakistan Founded: 1952

The Pakistan cricket team is known for producing some of the most fearsome fast bowlers in world cricket.

Fans, Money and Diplomacy: Why India-Pakistan Matches Can’t Be Ignored

From Shaheen Shah Afridi giving Jasprit Bumrah a gift for his newborn to Babar Azam supporting Virat Kohli during tough times, the players’ friendship has often been stronger than politics. But in today’s social media world, where nationalism runs high will they feel as free to share a laugh, a joke, a hug or a handshake?

On Saturday evening, the teams practiced at the ICC Academy in Dubai but stayed on their own sides and barely spoke to each other. Maybe it was just the schedule or maybe something else. Still, the ACC knows these matches are very important for fans and money. The idea of India and Pakistan playing each other two or three times is exciting. Even with some calls to skip the matches, bigger plans like India hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympics make it hard to avoid these games.

Fans are still very excited despite high ticket prices starting at 1400 AED, with all corporate boxes sold even some by people who once supported a boycott. The usual hype is there, but the teams look different: Pakistan is trying out a young squad without Babar or Rizwan under Salman Agha, while India without Kohli or Rohit Sharma is regrouping after the T20Is against England and preparing for their World Cup defense.

Afghanistan Rises: From Underdogs to Serious Contenders

Afghanistan, who feel right at home in the UAE, are now serious contenders rather than underdogs. Players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Naveen-ul-Haq live and train there and their spin-heavy team suits these conditions. Even after losing badly to Pakistan in the tri-series final, their confidence should be high. Sri Lanka, the 2022 T20 champions, have a very different team now. Their recent collapse against Zimbabw scoring their second-lowest T20I total shows they are still going through growing pains.

Sri Lanka is still trying to find a finisher who can also bowl and leans a lot on Pathum Nissanka for runs. Their bowling, though Maheesh Theekshana’s tricky spin and Matheesha Pathirana’s fast, slingy deliveries could make a big difference, depending on how they use it. Bangladesh is moving on from their golden era. With Shakib, Mushfiqur and Tamim gone and Mustafizur not quite at his peak, they are trying out a younger, more aggressive team. This tournament is both a test and a big chance for them to show what they can do.

The focus is on the Associate teams in addition to the major Test nations. Oman is rebuilding after a pay issue, even bringing retired players back. Hong Kong relied on a brief two-week training in Dubai and had little experience. The UAE has higher goals and is cultivating local talent under the direction of Captain Muhammad Waseem and young hitter Alishan Sharafu is being mentored by Andre Russell.

The stakes are very high. Will Afghanistan take home the trophy? Is it possible for Pakistan to find their rhythm? Will India try new players or stick with their best team? Can the Associate nations challenge the big teams? Slow pitches and loud crowds won’t stop fans flocking to India vs Pakistan or Pakistan vs Afghanistan. The Asia Cup is set for action.

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Asia Cup 2025 India vs Pakistan: Ticket Prices, Flights & Hotels in Dubai The long break from international cricket is finally going to end for Indian fans next week when the Suryakumar Yadav-led T20I side gets in action in the 2025 Asia Cup in the UAE.

by Dwijesh September 8, 2025

South African spinner Prenelan Subrayen, who came under ICC scrutiny last month, has been cleared of illegal bowling action charges after an independent assessment in Brisbane. The ICC has banned many bowlers over the years for illegal actions, which has sometimes led to big controversies in Test and ODI cricket. Subrayen recently faced similar charges during the first ODI between South Africa and Australia in Cairns but has now successfully avoided an international ban, keeping his place in the Proteas squad.

After being reported for an illegal bowling action during a match against Australia, Proteas spinner Prenelan Subrayen was called by the ICC for an independent bowling assessment at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane. The tests on August 26 showed that his elbow extension for all deliveries was within the ICC’s allowed limit of 15 degrees.

ICC Cracks Down on Illegal Bowling Actions

With his action now cleared, Subrayen can continue bowling in international cricket. He has played only two international matches so far, making his Test debut against Zimbabwe and his ODI debut against Australia. Despite taking five international wickets, he was not included in South Africa’s squad for the England series.

The Proteas ended a 27-year wait for an ICC trophy by winning their first World Test Championship title in 2025 and since then, Temba Bavuma’s team has been unstoppable. Under his captaincy, South Africa achieved their first ODI series win in Australia in 35 years and repeated a similar feat in England including a thrilling 5-run victory in the second ODI to win a bilateral series on English soil for the first time in 27 years.

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Prenelan Subrayen Batter

ICC Cracks Down on Illegal Bowling Actions

Over the years, many well-known bowlers have been banned by the ICC for illegal bowling actions. One of the most talked-about cases was Pakistan’s off-spinner Saeed Ajmal was banned in 2014. Tests showed that his arms bent between 42 and 44 degrees, which is much more than the allowed 15 degrees. Around the same time, Sri Lanka’s Sachithra Senanayake faced a similar ban because four of his deliveries broke the rule.

Other bowlers have faced bans too. Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar was banned for a short time but got it overturned later. South Africa’s Johan Botha was banned twice in 2006 and 2009. Others include Pakistan’s Shabbir Ahmed Khan, Abdur Razzaq, West Indies’ Marlon Samuels, and Shane Shillingford, who was banned right after his first international match.

Complete List of Bowlers Banned by ICC

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Ricky Ponting Set to Take Charge as Welsh Fire Head Coach Ahead of The Hundred 2026 Former Australia captain and cricket legend Ricky Ponting is set to become the head coach of Welsh Fire for the next season of The Hundred, according to British media.

by Madhan963 September 7, 2025

Former Australia captain and cricket legend Ricky Ponting is set to become the head coach of Welsh Fire for the next season of The Hundred, according to British media. Reports say the franchise has picked Ponting as their top choice and will soon begin talks with him. If all goes well, he is expected to take charge before the 2026 edition of the tournament.

Currently, Ponting is the head coach of Punjab Kings in the IPL and Washington Freedom in the US Major League Cricket (MLC). Earlier this year, Freedom’s owners bought a 50% stake in Welsh Fire in a deal worth £40 million (around ₹4,320 crore). Welsh Fire now plan to revamp their coaching team after three seasons under fellow Australian Mike Hussey took over in 2023 following Gary Kirsten’s exit.

Mike Hussey gave Welsh Fire a strong start leading them to their best-ever finish of fourth place in his first season, narrowly missing an Eliminator spot because of net run rate. But the team has struggled since and ended up last this year. Ricky Ponting, meanwhile comes with an impressive record, he led Mumbai Indians to the IPL title in 2015 and spent seven years with Delhi Capitals taking them to the playoffs three times.

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Ricky Ponting Batter

Near Miss in 2025 MLC Final Against MI New York

Ricky Ponting led Washington Freedom to their first-ever MLC title in 2024 and came very close to winning again this year losing a close final to MI New York. In the past, Ponting has been approached by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for coaching jobs in The Hundred especially in 2019, but nothing worked out.

He was also considered to take over as England’s white-ball coach in 2024, but he decided not to saying the job would take too much time. From 1995 to 2012, Ponting played 560 matches for Australia and earned his reputation as a great captain.

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Shubman Gill Likely to Replace Rohit Sharma as India’s Next ODI Captain: Reports There’s been a lot of talk about who will take over as India’s ODI captain after Rohit Sharma.

by Madhan963 September 7, 2025

There’s been a lot of talk about who will take over as India’s ODI captain after Rohit Sharma. Some reports earlier suggested Shreyas Iyer might be in line, but BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia made it clear that no such talks have happened. Now, all signs point to Shubman Gill. He is already leading India in Tests and is the vice-captain in T20Is. A new report has almost confirmed that Gill will be the next ODI captain, especially with growing doubts about Rohit Sharma continuing beyond the Australia series.

According to RevSportz, it’s almost certain that Shubman Gill will take over as India’s next ODI captain, with no other names in contention right now. The split captaincy is seen as part of a transition phase, and Gill is expected to lead Indiа in all formats in the future. While Rohit Sharma still wants to continue in ODIs and make аnother push for the World Cup in two years, the final decision may not be in his hands.

India’s next big challenge is the tour of Australia, and for Rohit Sharma good performances there could be the only way to push back talks about his future. With very few ODIs left before the 2027 World Cup, people are already wondering if Rohit and even Virat Kohli, who has quit T20Is and Tests can keep up their form. 

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Rohit Sharma Batter

Rohit Sharma, known as ‘Hitman’, is an Indian cricketer who plays for Mumbai and the Indian cricket team.

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Shubman Gill Batter

Shubman Gill, a cricketer from Fazilka, Punjab, India, has made a remarkable career in international cricket.

Shubman Gill’s Rapid Rise in Indian Cricket Leadership

On the other hand, Shubman Gill is moving up quickly. He was Rohit’s deputy when India won the 2025 Champions Trophy, then went on to lead Gujarat Titans in the IPL and lаter became India’s Test captain after Rohit suddenly announced his Test retirement before the England series.

Shubman Gill is already India’s Test captain and T20I vice-captain, and it seems only a matter of time before he also takes over the T20I leadership from Suryakumar Yadav, possibly after the 2026 T20 World Cup as Suryakumar is already 34. India has usually preferred one captain across all formats, and the selectors appear keen to continue that way. By the 2027 ODI World Cup, Rohit Sharma will be 40, and playing just one format will make it difficult for him to stay in peak form and fitness.

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Asia Cup 2025: Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and Support Staff of All Teams The Asia Cup 2025 is not just about the players on the field, but also about the hard work happening behind the scenes.

by K D Mishra September 7, 2025

The Indian cricket team will briefly switch focus to T20Is for the Asia Cup 2025 but will quickly return to red-ball cricket. The IND vs WI Test series, part of the World Test Championship cycle is set to start on October 2, just four days after the Asia Cup final. However, the squad announcement for the series may be delayed until the last week of September, as the BCCI is still finalising the new selection committee.

Ajit Agarkar will continue as the chairman of the BCCI Selection Committee, but two new selectors are expected to come in. It’s not yet confirmed who will be replaced, though Shiv Sundar Das, Subroto Banerjee or Sridharan Sharath are the likely names. With these changes pending, the squad announcement could be pushed back, as the interview process for new selectors usually takes around two weeks to finish.

“We still have a month to go, and since this is a home series, it won’t be an issue. The ideal situation would be to onboard the new selectors before announcing the Test squad. But if the process takes time, the current committee will announce the squad in the second or third week,” a BCCI official told.

Key Performers Likely to Retain Their Spots

India will return to Test cricket in October for a two-match series against the West Indies, right after their 2-2 draw in the five-Test series against England. The opening Test will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from October 2 to 6, followed by the second at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi from October 10 to 14.

During the England series, the selectors had named a 21-member squad, including injury replacements with 16 players getting game time. While many players made strong contributions, a few underperformed and now face the possibility of being left out when the squad for the West Indies series is announced.

Karun Nair’s Struggles Continue Despite Domestic Success

If the new selection panel’s interviews get delayed due to the September festive season, the current committee may announce the squad by the third week. The team is expected to look similar to the one that faced England, though a few names could spark debate. Shreyas Iyer’s form and Karun Nair’s spot will likely be discussed, while Jasprit Bumrah’s workload after the Asia Cup will also be a key factor.

Nair, who earned his comeback after a strong domestic season, failed to impress in England with just one half-century in eight innings on good batting tracks. Sarfaraz Khan and Devdutt Padikkal are also waiting for a chance. On the wicketkeeping front, Rishabh Pant’s recovery from a fractured foot makes him doubtful, as he has not yet walked without a cast. Dhruv Jurel could be the first-choice keeper, with Ishan Kishan and N Jagadeesan in the mix as backups.

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India Confirms Shubman Gill-Abhishek Sharma Opening Pair for Asia Cup 2025 India has confirmed its opening pair for the Asia Cup 2025, which begins on September 9 in the UAE.

by Dwijesh September 4, 2025

A report has revealed that Indian cricket team players did not take the Bronco test at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. The team’s strength and conditioning coach, Adrian le Roux, had suggested adding this new fitness test alongside existing ones, like the Yo-Yo test. Most of the players came to Bengaluru for assessments over two weeks, but it’s now confirmed that none of them actually did the Bronco test.

According to the Times of India, the players at the CoE went through basic health checks, mobility and agility tests, and the Yo-Yo test, but they did not take the Bronco test. The report also says that the Indian team, which is heading to Dubai for the Asia Cup 2025, could take the Bronco test if the team management decides to include it.

"It could happen when the squad assembles in Dubai for the Asia Cup. The team will start leaving late tonight (early morning of September 4) and have their first session at ICC Academy on September 5. So if the management and the S&C want to do a Bronco assessment, it could happen in Dubai. If at all it happens." one of the sources, quoted by The Times of India.

Team India is set to leave for Dubai on September 4. The players won’t travel together because of logistical reasons. Led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, they will start their Asia Cup campaign on September 10 against the UAE. The big match against Pakistan is scheduled for September 14 at the same venue. Earlier reports had suggested that some players had already taken the Bronco test at the CoE, but this now appears to be incorrect.

“The Bronco Test has been introduced at the Centre of Excellence. Some of India’s contracted players have travelled to Bengaluru and have taken the test. The Bronco Test is being used to ensure there are clear fitness standards. Also, it was noticed that Indian cricketers, more so the fast bowlers, were not running enough and spending too much time in the gym. Players have been told that they will have to do more running,” a source said.

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BCCI Set to Introduce Fitness Tests Including Bronco Test for Fast Bowlers, Gambhir Endorses Running Approach Team India has hаd a tough time with the fitness of their fаst bowlers.

by K D Mishra August 21, 2025

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What Is Bronco Test in Cricket: How It Works, Rules, and Why It’s Different from the Yo-Yo Test To improve fitness levels, Indian cricket head coach Gautam Gambhir and strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux have brought in the Bronco Test as a new standard.

by Dwijesh August 24, 2025

Afghanistan gave Pakistan a big warning ahead of the Asia Cup by winning a tense, low-scoring match at Sharjah on August 2 by 18 runs. What looked like a small total from Afghanistan turned into a strong performance, thanks to some brilliant bowling from their spinners.

After winning the toss, Afghanistan chose to bat first but got off to a shaky start. Losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz early made it look like they might struggle and Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf looked dangerous with his four wickets (4/27). But in the end, Afghanistan’s spinners took charge and helped their team snatch an important win.

Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran put together an important 113-run partnership that helped Afghanistan recover from a shaky start. After that, most of the other batsmen didn’t score much, adding only single-digit runs, but Afghanistan still managed a total of 169 in 20 overs, enough to defend. Ibrahim Zadran shone with 65 runs off 45 balls and was named Man of the Match for holding the innings together under pressure.

Afghanistan Spin Trio Dominates Middle Overs

Chasing 170, Pakistan looked in control at first but were quickly shaken by Fazalhaq Farooqi’s fast bowling. He sent Saim Ayub back for a golden duck in the second over and got opener Sahibzada Farhan out in the fourth. Then Afghanistan’s spin trio – Rashid Khan, Mohammed Nabi and Noor Ahmed – took charge. Rashid became the highest wicket-taker in T20Is with his 2/30 bringing his total to 167 wickets. Along with Nabi (2/20) and Noor Ahmed (2/20), they kept Pakistan’s middle order under control making it impossible for any batter to build a partnership.

Captain Salman Ali Agha and Fakhar Zaman tried to fight back in the middle, but Agha was caught off a sharp turn from Nabi, and the captain himself got run out cheaply. The lower order, including Mohammad Haris, couldn’t save the chase, with wickets falling regularly. Pakistan finished at 151/9, losing by 18 runs. The win gives Afghanistan a big confidence boost ahead of the Asia Cup and shows their steady improvement in T20 cricket. For Pakistan, the loss highlights areas they need to fix before the tournament, which starts against Oman on September 12.

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PAK vs AFG T20I: Where to Watch Pakistan vs Afghanistan Tri-Series, H2H Stats and Full Details Afghanistan will look to start on a strong note when they take on Pakistan in the opening game of the T20I tri-series on August 29 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

by Dwijesh August 29, 2025

91 days after the tragic stampede in Bengaluru, India cricket star and RCB icon Virat Kohli made his first public statement about the incident. He described the stampede during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations on June 4 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as a moment that turned joy into deep sorrow. The tragedy claimed 11 lives and left many others injured.

Sharing his thoughts on social media platform X, RCB posted Virat Kohli’s message about the tragedy. The former RCB captain paid tribute to the fans who lost their lives or were injured in the stampede and promised to move forward with care, respect and responsibility. His statement is part of the team’s ‘RCB CARES’ initiative, aimed at improving crowd management and preventing incidents like the June 4 tragedy in the future.

“Nothing in life really prepares you for a heartbreak like June 4th. What should’ve been the happiest moment in our franchise’s history… turned into something tragic. I’ve been thinking of and praying for the families of those we lost… and for our fans who were injured. Your loss is part of our story now. Together, we will move forward with care, respect and responsibility.” Kohli said.

“Nothing in life really prepares you for a heartbreak like June 4th. What should’ve been the happiest moment in our franchise’s history… turned into something tragic. I’ve been thinking of and praying for the families of those we lost… and for our fans who were injured. Your… pic.twitter.com/nsJrKDdKWB

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) September 3, 2025

Kohli’s statement comes as questions continue about how the victory celebrations were planned and handled. Investigations found that RCB had not gotten the necessary permissions for the large gathering and the huge crowd, estimated in lakhs, exceeded the stadium’s capacity after open invitations were shared on social media. The police were reportedly unprepared and unable to manage the surge. In response, RCB has started a new initiative called ‘RCB Cares’ to improve fan safety and crowd management in a more organized way.

RCB Foundation Pledges Support to Affected Families

The RCB foundation, now a key part of the team’s outreach, has pledged ₹25 lakh for each family affected by the tragedy. But Kohli and the team say the focus is on supporting and honoring their fans, the 12th Man Army through meaningful action. As part of ‘RCB Cares,’ the franchise will work with the IPL and Karnataka State Cricket Association to improve crowd management, including fan-safety audits, annual staff training, research on public safety, creating permanent stadium jobs and preserving the memory of fans lost. The initiative is still waiting for government approval.

Kohli, who has been with RCB for over a decade, said the loss is now part of the team’s journey and added, “Together, we will move forward with care, respect and responsibility.”

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Where will RCB play their home matches in IPL 2026? The M Chinnaswamy Stadium has been the home of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) since the IPL began in 2008.

by K D Mishra September 2, 2025

Ahmed Raza, the former UAE captain and a notable spinner, has been appointed as the head coach of the Dubai Capitals, the reigning champions of the DP World ILT20. He will guide the team in the upcoming Global Super League invitational tournament, which kicks off this Thursday in Guyana.

Raza, who retired from playing in 2023 at the age of 34, transitioned smoothly into coaching. He was part of the Capitals' technical staff during their triumphant ILT20 campaign in February. Since then, he has been deeply involved with the franchise, also serving as the head coach of the UAE women's national team. His experience with the Dubai Capitals and Team Abu Dhabi in the Abu Dhabi T10 over the past two seasons has prepared him well for this new challenge. Raza expressed his excitement about leading the team overseas, saying, "Being part of the technical staff with both Dubai Capitals and Team Abu Dhabi was very helpful. Now, stepping up to lead the team in the GSL is a bigger role and a great feeling. I appreciate the GMR Group trusting my ability and giving me this opportunity to lead in this new franchise tournament."

The former left-arm spinner represented the UAE in 51 ODIs, 54 T20Is, and 20 first-class games over a 17-year career. He values this global opportunity immensely, adding, "The Capitals franchise has a storied history in cricket. Representing them as a head coach in a global tournament is a rare opportunity for someone who grew up in the UAE. It's not often you see a UAE-born coach making an impact on the global stage. I am truly thankful for this chance to represent my country."

Raza has been actively scouting local talent for the Capitals, playing a key role in recruiting UAE internationals Rahul Chopra and Haider Ali. He said, "Finding local talents was my main job for the Capitals. I have worked closely with Rahul and Haider, and it's rewarding to see them perform well on the international stage."

The Dubai Capitals will open their GSL campaign against New Zealand's Super Smash champions, the Central Stags, this Thursday at Providence Stadium. The GSL features five franchise league winners: Dubai Capitals (ILT20), Central Stags (Super Smash), Hobart Hurricanes (BBL), Guyana Amazon Warriors (CPL), and Rangpur Riders (BPL). Raza acknowledged the tough competition ahead, noting that every team in the tournament had won their respective leagues, making every game crucial.

 

 

 

 

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The ultimate format, battle ready, let’s go 🇮🇳⚔️ pic.twitter.com/LyvGF2DKth

— 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.