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Former Indian captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has raised serious concerns over the balance of Team India’s ODI squad. Speaking after India’s defeat against New Zealand in Rajkot, Srikkanth also pointed to Ravindra Jadeja’s inability to take wickets as a key factor behind the loss. Srikkanth Questions Squad Balance Srikkanth questioned the absence of left-arm spinner Axar Patel in the squad, asking why the definition of an all-rounder seems restricted to fast bowlers. As a former chief selector, he criticized the team management’s handling of Jadeja’s current form and limited bowling opportunities for Nitish Kumar Reddy. He also highlighted India’s lack of a sixth bowling option, which he believes contributed to the defeat. Jadeja “Confused About His Role” On his YouTube channe...

New Delhi: India’s star all-rounder Washington Sundar, who was recently ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, has now been sidelined from the upcoming five-match T20 series as well. The decision comes after Sundar sustained a side strain during the first ODI between India and New Zealand at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on 11 January while bowling. Injury Update on SundarDespite the injury, Sundar batted at number eight, finishing unbeaten with 7 runs off 7 balls. However, according to a source in the BCCI, he will not recover in time for the T20 series, which begins on 21 January in Nagpur. “Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the T20I series against New Zealand due to a side strain,” confirmed a BCCI official. T20 World Cup Participation Under ThreatSundar’s in...

New Delhi: India’s cricket superstar Virat Kohli recently reclaimed the top spot in the ICC ODI batsmen rankings, but his reign at the summit could be short-lived. New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell is just one point behind Kohli and could overtake him soon. Kohli managed only 23 runs in the second ODI against New Zealand, impacting his ranking, while teammate Rohit Sharma slipped two places to third. Kohli’s Stellar FormKohli earned his number one position through a string of impressive performances. In the first ODI against New Zealand, he scored a match-winning 93, reclaiming the top ranking. His resurgence began in October 2025 with an unbeaten half-century against Australia in Sydney, and he has since scored 50+ runs in four consecutive matches, ending speculations about his form. With a...

New Delhi: The India Open Badminton Tournament witnessed an unusual visitor as a monkey was spotted roaming the stands during the event at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when spectator attendance was low. The monkey quietly observed a few matches before leaving the indoor hall. Interestingly, it had also been seen earlier near the practice courts, leaving players both surprised and amused. Monkey Roams the StadiumThe incident took place on 14 January during the India Open World Tour 750 event. The main stadium at the complex, with a capacity of 8,000 spectators, was relatively empty—likely due to it being a weekday, ticket prices of ₹400, and limited parking. Amid this quiet setting, an unexpected guest made its way into the upper sections o...

Rajkot: Team India suffered a disappointing defeat against New Zealand in the second ODI at Rajkot, and all eyes are now on Ravindra Jadeja, whose underwhelming performance has sparked widespread criticism. Struggles with the BatIn a match where quick runs were crucial, Jadeja managed only 27 runs off 44 balls. His slow scoring prevented India from posting a competitive total, putting extra pressure on his teammates. Modern cricket demands that all-rounders contribute aggressively with the bat, but Jadeja failed to meet those expectations. Ineffective with the BallJadeja’s woes extended to bowling as well. He bowled 8 overs without taking a wicket, failing to provide breakthroughs during the crucial middle overs. As an experienced bowler, he was expected to contain the Kiwi batsmen, ...

New Delhi: The ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 begins today, co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia. The tournament’s opening match will see India take on the United States in Bulawayo. Ahead of the start, here’s a look at the four players who have taken the most wickets in the history of the Under-19 World Cup. 1. Kwena Mphaka (South Africa)South African pacer Kwena Mphaka tops the list with 28 wickets in just 9 matches, making him the most successful bowler in Under-19 World Cup history. 2. Wesley Madhevere (Zimbabwe)Zimbabwe’s Wesley Madhevere has also claimed 28 wickets, but across 18 matches, placing him second in the all-time list. 3. Moises Henriques (Australia)Australian all-rounder Moises Henriques ranks third, having taken 27 wickets in 13 Under-19 World Cup matches. 4. Greg T...

Dhaka: Bangladesh cricket is facing a major crisis as national team players have announced an indefinite boycott of all formats in protest against allegedly disrespectful comments made by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M. Najmul Islam. The players have made it clear that they will not take the field until Najmul Islam resigns from his position. Players Outraged by Insulting RemarksThe controversy erupted on Wednesday when BCB director Najmul Islam made comments to the media that the players considered deeply insulting and offensive. The remarks were seen as a direct attack on the players’ dignity, prompting the national team to unite and take the unprecedented step of a full-scale boycott. Mohammad Mithun, president of the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh, confirme...

Rajkot: India suffered a 7-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the second ODI, leveling the three-match series at 1-1. Captain Shubman Gill pointed to India’s inability to take wickets in the middle overs and errors in fielding as the primary reasons behind the loss. He also urged the bowlers to adopt a more aggressive approach in crucial phases of the game. Middle Overs Dry SpellSpeaking at the post-match presentation, Gill said, “Not taking wickets in the middle overs was the biggest factor in our loss. When five fielders are inside the circle and you fail to get breakthroughs, defending the target becomes extremely difficult. Even if we had added 15-20 more runs to the scoreboard, winning without wickets in the middle overs would have been impossible.” Bowlers Needed More Courage...

New Delhi: Delhi Capitals, led by Jemima Rodrigues, finally opened their account in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, defeating Uttar Pradesh Warriors by 7 wickets in a thrilling match at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on January 14. After losing their first two matches to Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants, this marks Delhi Capitals’ first victory of the season. UP Warriors Bat FirstUttar Pradesh Warriors, losing the toss, opted to bat first and set a target of 155 runs for Delhi Capitals. The Warriors finished their 20 overs at 154/8. Captain Meg Lanning, leading UP Warriors this season, scored a quickfire 54 off 38 balls. Harnil Deol added 47 runs off 36 deliveries before being retired out. Dipti Sharma and Asha Sobhana claimed one and two wickets respectively for Delhi Capitals....

Navi Mumbai: Australian cricket superstar and Uttar Pradesh Warriors captain Meg Lanning has added another golden chapter to her career in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). On Wednesday, playing against her former team Delhi Capitals at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Lanning crossed the 1,000-run milestone in WPL history, becoming only the third batter in the world to achieve this feat. Joining the LegendsBefore Lanning, only two players had reached this landmark. England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians) leads the list with 1,101 runs, while India captain Harmanpreet Kaur crossed the 1,000-run mark just a day earlier against Gujarat Giants. Lanning’s achievement reflects her consistency and mastery in the T20 format, even after transitioning from international cricket to WPL. A ...