Author: Subhayan Chakraborty

The decks are cleared for Shreyas Iyer’s return to the Indian ODI squad for the three-match series against New Zealand, starting January 11. It is learnt that the middle-order batter has completed his final batting drill without any discomfort at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Monday. Although official communication from the CoE to the BCCI regarding Iyer’s fitness is still pending, final clearance is expected to be granted on Tuesday. On Monday, Iyer completed his last Return to Play drills at the CoE, which included a batting session lasting more than an hour. Having batted regularly since…

India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill is gearing up for a comeback in domestic cricket, with confirmation that he will feature in Punjab’s upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. Officials from the Punjab Cricket Association have indicated that the star batter has committed to playing in the group’s fixtures against Sikkim on January 3 and Goa on January 6, both scheduled in Jaipur. Gill has been sidelined recently following a foot injury sustained during a practice session ahead of the fourth T20I against South Africa. This issue forced him to miss subsequent games in that series. Earlier, a neck problem…

In a remarkable turnaround on a bowler-dominated pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, England secured a four-wicket win over Australia in the fourth Ashes Test, completing the match in just two days. This triumph marked England’s first Test victory on Australian soil since the 2010-11 series, providing a significant boost for captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum amid a challenging tour where the Ashes were already retained by the hosts. The Boxing Day Test showcased extreme conditions with 10mm of grass left on the surface, favouring seam movement throughout. No spin bowling was employed across the entire game, and…

In a positive development, ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has arrived at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to evaluate his progress following a serious spleen injury. While Iyer is pushing for a comeback in the New Zealand ODIs, a clarity on that will be determined by his fitness assessment reports at the CoE in the next few days. Iyer, who has been out of action since October, recently completed light batting sessions in Mumbai without any pain or issues. Recent medical tests, including scans, have raised no alarms, indicating a smooth healing process that has impressed the medical…

In a significant legal development, a special POCSO court in Jaipur has turned down the anticipatory bail application of Indian cricketer Yash Dayal, the left-arm pacer who played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden IPL title win in 2025. The decision, delivered by Justice Alka Bansal on December 24, 2025, highlighted the seriousness of the charges involving allegations of sexual assault on a minor. The case stems from a complaint filed at Sanganer Sadar police station in Jaipur, where the survivor, who was underage at the time of the initial alleged incidents, accused Dayal of exploiting her…

Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi became one of the biggest stories from the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi. Delhi Capitals roped in the uncapped pacer for a staggering Rs 8.40 crore. Nabi, who has been turning heads with his performances in the domestic circuit, finally reaped the rewards of his hard work as Delhi signed him after an intense bidding war with Sunrisers Hyderabad. When Nabi was an up-and-coming pacer trying to make his mark in the senior Jammu & Kashmir team, it was former India pacer Irfan Pathan who wrote an email to the state association and…

With Axar Patel ruled out of the remaining two T20Is against South Africa, Bengal all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed has been named as his replacement, marking his return to the Indian squad after more than two years. Shahbaz, who has been stellar as usual for Bengal this season in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy following his return from a long injury layoff, has earned this reward and will look to make his mark for the Men in Blue. Shahbaz has taken 22 wickets while scoring 300 runs, including a century, in four matches of the Ranji Trophy this season.…

The IPL 2026 mini-auction, set for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, promises intense competition for a limited pool of standout talents. With franchises holding substantial purses and only 77, including 31 overseas slots available, several versatile performers are poised to attract significant interest. Here are five players likely to command premium prices. 1. Cameron Green (Australia) Australian all-rounder Cameron Green stands out as a prime target, offering a unique blend of aggressive batting, seam bowling, and composure in high-stakes situations. His T20 performances have highlighted his finishing capabilities, making him ideal for teams seeking balance. Previously acquired by Mumbai Indians…

South Africa delivered a clinical performance to defeat India by 51 runs in the second T20I at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Thursday, levelling the five-match series 1-1. Batting first after losing the toss, the Proteas posted a formidable 213/4 in 20 overs, powered by Quinton de Kock’s explosive 90 off 46 balls. India crumbled in the chase, bowled out for 162 in 19.1 overs, with Tilak Varma’s fighting 62 off 34 balls the only notable resistance. De Kock prefers India De Kock powered South Africa’s innings with his 18th fifty-plus score in T20Is. The…

Belgium, ranked world No. 3 just two years ago, now clinging to their last golden generation for one final charge. Egypt arrive with Mohamed Salah being banished from the Liverpool first team by manager Arne Slot after the player’s spectacular outburst in the media — the “thrown under the bus” comment. They, however, aim for the knockout-stage breakthrough the African nation has been chasing since 1934. Iran, five-time qualifiers, bring solid organisation and a knack for bloodying bigger noses. New Zealand, back for only their third World Cup, still dine out on holding Italy to a draw in 2010. Four…