Author: Subhayan Chakraborty

India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, stating the duo is not out of form despite their poor showing in the first ODI of the three-match series against Australia. Addressing the media in Adelaide, before the second game, Kotak noted that the experienced batters had trained thoroughly prior to the series and cautioned against overreacting to a single poor performance. The two former Indian captains made a subdued comeback to international cricket after a seven-month absence. Rohit fell early, caught at second slip off a short ball from Josh Hazlewood, and Virat Kohli was dismissed,…

Subhayan Chakraborty, Adelaide After the Indian top order failed against Australia in the first ODI in Perth, the focus shifted to Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, as the Men in Blue trained at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday ahead of the second ODI, scheduled for Thursday. With rain being an issue in Adelaide on Tuesday morning, India were supposed to train in the indoor facility at the Adelaide Oval. However, the ground staff were prompt in getting the outdoor nets ready as soon as the rain stopped upon the team’s arrival at the venue. Rohit was…

Subhayan Chakraborty in Adelaide Team India received a Diwali-themed welcome by fans at the Adelaide airport as they landed in the ‘City of Churches’ on Monday. The second ODI against Australia is scheduled for Thursday at Adelaide Oval. Hundreds of fans gathered at the airport to catch a glimpse of the stars. A few of them managed autographs and photographs from some of the players and coaching staff, making their Diwali even more special. Members of the Australia-based group ‘Fans India’ turned up in numbers, dressed in traditional attire, with trumpets and banners, while many came with posters and mini…

Subhayan Chakraborty in Perth In a rain-marred first ODI in Perth, on Sunday, India’s much-anticipated return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ended in disappointment as the team fell short by seven wickets against Australia. The match, reduced to 26 overs per side due to multiple rain interruptions, exposed India’s batting frailties while highlighting the challenges posed by the DLS method. Despite the loss, the presence of Rohit and Kohli reaffirmed their commitment to ODIs, breathing life into a format struggling to maintain relevance. After an eight-month hiatus following their Champions Trophy triumph in March, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli…

Subhayan Chakraborty in Perth Arshdeep Singh reckons ‘form’ is just a word for Virat Kohli after the veteran Indian batter registered his first duck on Australian soil in ODIs in the first ODI at Perth Stadium. It wasn’t the best return for Kohli, who featured for India after a break of more than seven months, as he was dismissed for nought after lasting eight deliveries while attempting a flashy drive off Mitchell Starc. India suffered a seven-wicket defeat (DLS method) in what was a rain-curtailed game in Perth as the Aussies took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. “He…

The cricketing action returns to Perth Stadium with the much-anticipated comeback of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma taking center stage. The two icons are returning to play for India after a seven-month hiatus, and with their future as regards the 2027 ODI World Cup uncertain, their form will be the main focus of the three-match ODI series starting Sunday. While India celebrates ‘Choti Diwali’, cricket fans hope for early fireworks from ‘Ro-Ko’.’ In the past, it was rare for Rohit and Kohli to participate in all three practice sessions, including two optional ones. However, times have changed. Under head coach…

Subhayan Chakraborty in Dubai It’s all but over for Mohammed Shami as far as his international career is concerned. One of the great servants of Indian cricket, the fast bowler is no longer in the scheme of things of the selectors and the team management. Shami’s career deserved to saunter into a golden sunset. Sport, however, doesn’t follow the script of a Manmohan Desai film. Shami is still an active cricketer. He played the Duleep Trophy and will turn up for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. But on the wrong side of thirty, he is unlikely to make a comeback…

Subhayan Chakraborty in Dubai With the Pakistan match now a thing of the past, India geared up for their second Super 4 game against Bangladesh, set to be played on Wednesday at Dubai International Stadium. While the focus remained on Suryakumar Yadav and his team, chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s presence added intrigue during India’s practice session. Although it is not the first time Agarkar has attended an India practice, with many instances during previous tours, this time the focus was also on the team selection for the two-Test series against the West Indies and the roadmap for India’s ODI squad,…

Subhayan Chakraborty in Dubai India continued their dominant run in the Asia Cup 2025, brushing aside Pakistan in the Super 4 stage with a commanding six-wicket victory. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian side showcased their batting prowess, overcoming some fielding lapses to outclass Salman Agha’s Pakistan team for the second time in a week. Having already defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the group stage, India’s focus now shifts to their next challenge: Bangladesh, who are coming into the clash on the back of a stellar win against Sri Lanka in the first Super 4 encounter. The highly anticipated…

Subhayan Chakraborty in Dubai After previously targeting match referee Andy Pycroft, Pakistan have shifted focus from their lacklustre performances in the 2025 Asia Cup by pointing fingers at another official. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have lodged a formal complaint with the ICC against Ruchira Palliyaguruge, who was the TV umpire during the India-Pakistan match at the Dubai International Stadium on September 21. The grievance stems from the dismissal of Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman in the third over, bowled by Hardik Pandya. Zaman edged the ball to wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, and while the on-field umpire was uncertain about the catch,…