Author: Subhayan Chakraborty

By Subhayan Chakraborty at Eden Gardens As the Indian team stepped onto Eden Gardens, the first visuals showed the entire coaching staff, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, Ryan ten Doeschate, Sitanshu Kotak, and Morne Morkel, heading straight to the centre pitch along with curator Sujan Mukherjee. As the discussion continued over the match strip, they were joined by BCCI curators Ashish Bhowmick and Tapas Chatterjee. Soon, captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Rishabh Pant joined the discussion, which lasted for around half an hour. Going by the visuals, Pant and the support staff appeared to have slight concerns about one particular…

( South Africa Head Coach Shukri Conrad, PC- Subhayan Chakraborty) South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad labelled the two-Test series against India as the biggest challenge of his coaching career. The Proteas will aim to continue their good run of form following a 1-1 drawn series in Pakistan. Whereas, India are coming on the back of a 2-0 series win against the West Indies. “Look, India is one of the toughest challenges in the world and when…

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to keep the World Test Championship (WTC) as a single-tier competition featuring all 12 Test-playing nations starting from the 2027 cycle. This move ends over a year of discussions on introducing a two-tier system with promotion and relegation, which collapsed during the latest quarterly ICC meeting in Dubai due to unresolved concerns over funding and match opportunities. A working committee, chaired by former New Zealand cricketer Roger Twose, had explored the two-tier idea but hit roadblocks. Key issues included the funding model and ensuring that lower-ranked teams got chances to face top sides.…

By Subhayan Chakraborty As the Indian cricket team gears up for the first Test against South Africa at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens on November 14, one selection dilemma stands out: should Kuldeep Yadav be in the playing XI? With the pitch expected to offer turn as the game progresses, Kuldeep’s recent Test exploits make a compelling case for his inclusion over a third seamer or utility all-rounder. Kuldeep’s resurgence in the longest format has been nothing short of magical. After sporadic appearances earlier in his career, he exploded in 2024, claiming 22 wickets across five Tests at an impressive average…

By Subhayan Chakraborty in Brisbane India’s recent T20I series victory against Australia by a 2-1 margin underscored head coach Gautam Gambhir’s strategic emphasis on extending batting-line-up capabilities while leveraging spin resources effectively, even on surfaces traditionally favouring fast bowlers. By committing to three spinners across all five matches, the team demonstrated adaptability and foresight, particularly with the T20 World Cup scheduled on Indian pitches in three months’ time. The partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill delivered consistent momentum at the top, barring the third encounter in Hobart. This left-right duo, both hailing from Punjab and longtime teammates since the…

By Subhayan Chakraborty in Brisbane Since Shubman Gill returned to India’s T20I side for the 2025 Asia Cup, his strike rate has been under scrutiny. The youngster, who captains India in Tests and ODIs, made 46 runs from 39 deliveries in the fourth T20I against Australia, drawing some flak for his modest scoring pace even though it laid the platform for victory. Yet, the 26-year-old produced an aggressive display in the decisive T20I at the Gabba in Brisbane, remaining unbeaten on 29 off 16 balls with six fours, in what turned out to be a washed-out affair. Even in…

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh encouraged Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to turn up for domestic matches, not only to keep pace with international cricket but also to help youngsters get ready for the higher levels of the game. Speaking exclusively to RevSportz, the 1999 World Cup-winning captain explained why it is important for Kohli and Rohit to play domestic cricket while also lavishing praise on Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill. He also shared his views on the way modern-day T20 cricket is evolving. Kohli and Rohit became the cynosure of all eyes when they returned to international…

Gold Coast, November 4: “The wicket gets better and better every year so I’m expecting a nice wicket and a high-scoring game,” Matt Kuhnemann also shared his thoughts on the wicket at the Gold Coast Stadium ahead of the fourth T20I. With India set to take on Australia at the Gold Coast Stadium, there’s plenty of anticipation about what the ground will offer for both the teams. In fact, this will be the first time the Indian Men’s team are going to play at the aforesaid ground. Having hosted just two men’s T20Is, three women’s T20Is and one women’s Test,…

From Melbourne to Hobart, since the magical evening in Navi Mumbai where the Indian women’s team scripted a record chase to qualify for the ICC Women’s World Cup Final, the buzz among Indian fans in Australia has been around the summit clash. Yes, the third T20I between the India Men’s team and Australia is a crucial encounter, considering another defeat for the Men in Blue will result in them trailing 0-2 with two matches to go. But the focus firmly remains on the action between India and South Africa. A soothing evening walk at Salamanca Place on Saturday threw us…

Subhayan Chakraborty in Hobart With the Indian and Australian teams scheduled to arrive in Hobart, on the evening of the eve of the third T20I at Bellerive Oval, Saturday morning felt wonderfully light. While taking a casual stroll through the Salamanca Market, open only on Saturdays, delivered an unexpected sporting delight. Amid the vibrant array of street vendors and stalls offering local food, mementos, spirits, and clothing, the market buzzed with tourists and locals soaking in authentic Tasmanian culture. One stall stood out: Captain Bligh’s Brewery, where Chris and Adam enthusiastically showcased their range of local spirits. Spotting two Indians…