Author: Staff Reporter

India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test matches, Ravichandran Ashwin, said that even if star batter Shreyas Iyer returns to the team, Ruturaj Gaikwad should still be given a place in the line-up. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said: “Even if Shreyas Iyer comes back, you can still accommodate Ruturaj. Would you want to push Ruturaj up the order, or even Virat can do that, batting up the order. He has done it in T20s. A player with such a pedigree like Ruturaj must be given a long run.” Gaikwad is currently playing at No. 4 in the ongoing three-match…

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) CEO Venky Mysore has revealed that it was the team owner Shah Rukh Khan who suggested to offer a coaching role to West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell, after the franchise decided to release him before the IPL 2026 auction. “I could see he (Russell) was agonising over it, and, so when I shared this with SRK [Shah Rukh Khan, KKR lead owner], it was actually SRK’s suggestion of offering Russell a coaching role,” Mysore told ESPNCricinfo. Recently KKR released Russel before the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Following the decision, Russell’s name was linked with many franchises.…

Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn praised India’s captain KL Rahul for his strong batting performance in the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa. Speaking on Star Sports, Steyn said: “A good, handy knock set by the skipper, KL, and he led his team well in the first one, managed to up the ante when he needed to. And again today, there was a period where he went semi-slow with Jadeja. South Africa bowled well in that little transitional period there, and the last over picked up the most expensive over of the innings.” Rahul scored 60 in…

Rajasthan Royals (RR) star player Riyan Parag said he is ready to take the responsibility of captaining the franchise in the upcoming IPL. Speaking to Sportstar, Parag said: “I captained in seven to eight matches in the IPL last season. In the dressing room, when we would analyse decisions, I have done things right 80 to 85 per cent.” Last year, when full-time captain Sanju Samson was out with an injury, Parag became the stop-gap captain. RR had a poor season and finished second-last on the points table. This year, Samson has left the franchise and Ravindra Jadeja has joined…

South Africa’s batter Matthew Breetzke believes his team is ready to face India as they head into the series-deciding third ODI on December 6. With the three-match series level at 1-1, both teams face a must-win clash. Speaking on the eve of the match, Breetzke highlighted the intensity he expects in the final ODI, saying, “We’re going to have to play good cricket against a really good side. We know that they’re going to be really hungry to win. It’s a must-win game, so it’s going to be a really good contest,” he said, acknowledging the challenge India will present.…

Caribbean all-rounder Andre Russell has shared why he chose to retire from the Indian Premier League (IPL). After he was released by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, the power-hitter decided to step away from the league as a player. In an interview with Cricbuzz, Russell explained how tough it had become to manage the workload of the world’s biggest T20 league. He said, “Definitely. It is based on the number of games and the travel. You have to make sure that you recover as well as possible to stay fresh and manage your body,…

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that India’s veteran batter Virat Kohli chose to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy because he is a competitive cricketer. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said: “Now he has agreed to play Vijay Hazare, so communication is happening. In many ways, Virat must have thought, are these people doubting me? Are they doubting my ability? He is a very competitive person, which has helped him perform so much over the years. He must have taken it to heart that there are doubts regarding my skill and ability, and that I will show them…

Australia’s veteran spinner Nathan Lyon’s omission from the ongoing Gabba Ashes day-night Test has raised questions about Australia’s approach. This is his second omission in just a few Tests, which shows changes in team strategy. After reaching the ground, Lyon was told by chair of selectors George Bailey that he would not play. Speaking on Channel 7, he described this as “Absolutely filthy”. He got to know about this during the final huddle between Steven Smith, Andrew McDonald and Bailey. “But yeah, can’t do anything about it. So, yeah, hope I can play my role in making sure I get…

Star England batter Joe Root remained unbeaten on 135 at the end of Day One of the ongoing second Ashes Test against Australia at the Gabba. His century not only saved England from a batting collapse but also made sure that former Australian batter Matthew Hayden did not have to fulfil one of the strangest vows ever taken. Before the start of this Ashes series, Hayden vowed that he would walk nude around the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) if Root did not make a hundred this summer. Now, after seeing Root finally notch up his maiden Test ton on Australian…

Australia’s fast bowler Mitchell Starc has surpassed Pakistan legend Wasim Akram to become the highest wicket-taker in Test matches among left-arm pacers. The former Pakistan pacer praised Starc and wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Super Starc! Proud of you, mate. Your incredible hard work sets you apart, and it was only a matter of time before you crossed my tally of wickets. I am pleased to give this to you! Go well, and keep soaring to new heights in your stellar career.” Most wickets by left-arm pacers in Test matches: 418 – Mitchell Starc 414 – Wasim Akram…