Author: Sandip Pawar

Axed Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar, whose career has been marred with injuries, has not given up on the hopes of his return to the Indian team. Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja are currently India’s two most recognised all-rounders, but with MI player becoming a pure batsman off late has opened a door for a pace-bowling all-rounder in limited overs team. With Hardik’s back issues, Shankar’s name is being discussed for the spot. The 30-year-old was a part of the 2019 World Cup squad and scored 58 runs in three games before an ankle injury ruled him out of the tournament.…

India’s batting powerhouse Shafali Verma will be making her debut in the upcoming edition of Women’s Big Bash League as her deal with Sydney Sixers has been finalised. The left-arm spinner Radha Yadav is also in talks with one of the Sydney-based franchises. “Shafali’s deal is done, it will be announced when the Women’s Big Bash schedule is released. Radha is also in talks with the Sydney Sixers,” a BCCI source told PTI. 17-year old Verma’s father was required to sign the consent form for Shafali as she’s still a minor. He confirmed the news of Shafali’s deal being finalised while…

After his last stint ended abruptly in a fallout with Mithali Raj, Ramesh Powar returned as India Women’s coach replacing WV Raman. Powar regained the position more than two years after he was sacked after a bitter fallout with ODI captain Mithali Raj in 2018. Powar was chosen by the Cricket Advisory Committee, comprising Madan Lal, RP Singh and Sulakshana Naik, who interviewed eight candidates, including Raman. The other applicants were Hrishikesh Kanitkar, Ajay Ratra, Mamtha Maben, Devika Palshikar, former chair of selectors Hemlatha Kala, and former assistant coach Suman Sharma.  “The BCCI announces the appointment of Mr Ramesh Powar as…

Australia Test captain Tim Paine has blamed India’s distraction tactics as the reason for the series loss while also putting his weight behind Steve Smith for the captaincy. Australia Test captain Tim Paine has finally opened up on the series loss the hosts suffered at the hands of India earlier this year. Paine has blamed India’s cheeky sideshows that resulted in Aussie players taking their eyes off ahead of the series decider at the Gabba. India were bundled out for 36 in the series opener in Adelaide but bounced back in a spectacular fashion to clinch the series 2-1 by…

Mohammed Siraj has enjoyed a rapid rise in cricket, and the pacer credits Virat Kohli for the continuous support he’s given. Siraj made his international debut in the high-pressure Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, where he played a key role in India’s historic triumph. There has been no looking back for the pacer ever since as he has enjoyed a meteoric rise in his career. The pacer is reaping the rewards for the hard work he’s put in, but he says he owes his career to Virat Kohli for the backing he has received from the skipper through thick and thin. …

Ahead of the Caribbean Premier League 2021, one of the top franchises in the league, Guyana Amazon Warriors, have announced their retention of players. The five-time runner-up have made some huge calls and raised eyebrows with their choice of retention.  Guyana Amazon Warriors released some big names, including captain Chris Green. Warriors also released New Zealand veteran Ross Taylor, Keemo Paul and Sherfane Rutherford. Ross Taylor’s axing was on the cards as the New Zealander had a torrid time in the Caribbean in 2020. Taylor could only manage to score 164 runs in 10 innings at an abysmal strike rate…

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Avishka Gunawardene has been cleared of both the corruption charges by an independent tribunal of the International Cricket Council. Gunawardene, who was facing two charges under the Emirates Cricket Board Anti-Corruption Code, is now free to resume his participation in cricket.  The decision remains open to appeal, and a formal, detailed decision will be notified to the respective parties shortly. “The detailed decision will be announced to the parties in due course and remains subject to appeal,” an ICC release said.  Gunawardene had never been charged by the ICC directly but on May 2019, had copped two…

Verma became the fifth Indian women cricketer to be a part of England’s 100-ball tournament, The Hundred, having replaced Sophie Devine at Birmingham Phoenix. India’s teen batting superstar Verma is all set to play in the inaugural edition of The Hundred. The 17-year-old will replace New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine at Birmingham Phoenix. She is also likely to turn up for Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League later this year. Verma will join her India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma in the 100-ball league involving eight men’s and women’s teams. The Hundred tournament which was…

Jaydev Unadkat has responded after not being considered in the Indian Test squad for the WTC final and England series after producing a record Ranji Trophy season. On May 7, the Board of Control for Cricket in India announced a 20-member squad for the World Test Championship final and the five-match Test series against England. Along with the main squad, four reserve players will also travel to England. There are no surprising picks in the main squad as the management has stuck with the familiar faces. However, there have been some new names on the reserve players’ list. The reserve…

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly confirmed that India, sans the top players, will be touring Sri Lanka for a limited overs series in July. Captain Virat Kohli, vice-captain Rohit Sharma and ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah won’t be a part of this tour as they’ll be busy in England for a five-match Test series. “We have planned a white ball series for the senior men’s team during the month of July where they will play T20 Internationals and ODIs in Sri Lanka,” Ganguly stated to PTI in an interaction.  On being questioned about how will India assemble the two teams, Ganguly stated that…