Author: Staff Reporter

India legend Sunil Gavaskar termed Team India spinner Varun Chakaravarthy a magician after his performance against New Zealand in the first T20I of the five-match series in Nagpur. Speaking on JioHotstar, Gavaskar said: “He was walking back to the mark, upright, wasn’t looking fazed by the fact that he’d been hit for a couple of sixes, and that’s always a very good sign. That’s a very encouraging sign from a player who sometimes gives the impression of not having enough confidence and belief in his ability. He’s a magician, make no mistake. He bowls brilliantly.” Chakaravarthy started well and picked…

Smriti Mandhana believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s perfect start to the Women’s Premier League 2026 is the result of strong teamwork and a positive environment within the squad. In a media release, Smriti reflected on the team’s journey and said, “It has been a great start to our campaign, and we are very pleased with our performances so far. We have tried to stay true to our processes and continue to take it one game at a time, but the morale in the group is high and the environment has been excellent.” Talking about the culture within the camp, Mandhana highlighted…

Jintimani Kalita as an injury replacement for Titas Sadhu for the remainder of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026. GG signed Kalita for INR 10 lakh after Titas was sidelined due to fitness issues without playing a single match this season. Kalita has previously represented Mumbai Indians Women in the WPL. So far, she has played 13 WPL matches and taken one wicket in six innings at an economy rate of 8.28. Titas was acquired by Gujarat Giants at the WPL 2026 mega auction for INR 30 lakh. However, she did not manage to feature in a single match. In…

Sydney Sixers will be without Babar Azam for the remainder of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) after the Pakistan star was asked to return home to join his national team camp. The franchise confirmed this on Thursday, January 22. Confirming the development, Sydney Sixers released a statement saying, “The Sydney Sixers have today been informed that Sixers opener Babar Azam is required to return to Pakistan to join his national teammates in camp, as preparations commence for upcoming international matches.” The statement further added, “As a result, Babar will depart Australia immediately and will not be available for selection…

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson recently reflected on his decade-long career, admitting that his biggest motivation has always been the urge to represent his country in the World Cup. Speaking in a video released by the BCCI, Samson said that he was ‘grateful’ to have been selected in India’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. “10 years of lots and lots of failures, a few successes here and there. It has always been to understand what it takes to be a World Cup cricketer for an Indian team, and how badly I want it. Talking about the 2024 World…

India’s explosive opener Abhishek Sharma revealed that ‘intent’ and relentless practice are the driving forces behind his aggressive brand of cricket. The young left-hander played a sensational innings, scoring 84 runs off 35 balls in the first T20I of the five-match home series against New Zealand to guide his team to a 48-run victory. He was adjudged the Player of the Match and, speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, the 25-year-old said: “I think, sir, one thing I’ve figured that if you want to hit all the balls properly, if you want to play at the striking of 200 or…

India captain Suryakumar Yadav lauded the batting group after registering a 48-run victory against New Zealand in the first T20I of the five-match series at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur. Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Suryakumar said: “The way we batted, even when we were put under pressure in the powerplay, we were 25 for 2, we took the game till the 15th over and then never stopped. All the batters contributed.” India lost Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan inside the first three overs of the innings. However, from there, Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar took responsibility and built a…

Former Australian all-rounder Mark Waugh has suggested that the Sydney Sixers should make a tough call for the BBL 2025–26 knockout by dropping Babar Azam from their playing XI. Waugh believes the team should reshuffle their batting order to improve their chances in the knockout stage, as Babar has failed to deliver consistent performances at the top. Speaking on Fox Sports, Waugh highlighted how dependent the Sixers have become on Steve Smith and stressed the need for change. “I think they need a bit of tough love and a rejig in their batting because, right now, it’s almost entirely reliant…

India’s 2024 ICC T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma has shared his emotions about not being part of the next T20I World Cup in 2026, admitting that the experience will feel unfamiliar after years of continuous participation. Talking on JioHotstar, Rohit said: “We were talking about this at home, that it will be strange watching it from home, especially the T20 World Cup. From the time it started until now, I have been part of every World Cup, so it will feel different. When you miss a World Cup, the reality really sinks in. That’s when you realise you’re not…

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have added another name to their coaching staff by appointing Dishant Yagnik as their new fielding coach ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The franchise confirmed Yagnik’s appointment on Wednesday, January 21. The 42-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has represented Rajasthan in domestic cricket, where he played 50 first-class matches. He was also part of the Rajasthan Royals setup during IPL 2011–14. After retiring, he moved into coaching and made a strong name for himself, serving as a fielding coach for several seasons. At KKR, Yagnik will join an experienced coaching setup. The franchise has appointed Abhishek Nayar as…