Tuesday, April 22
Virat Kohli's struggles in red-ball cricket persisted during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he averaged just 23.75. Dismissed repeatedly by Australia's Scott Boland, Kohli's vulnerability to deliveries outside off-stump raised concerns. Former cricketer Parthiv Patel criticised Kohli's inability to adapt, pointing to a decline in form and mental discipline over the past five years.
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke strongly supports Virat Kohli, urging team management to back him despite recent struggles in Test cricket. Clarke highlights Kohli's immense talent, emphasising his value to the Indian team. Despite a lean patch, Clarke believes Kohli's potential for impactful performances justifies his continued inclusion in the squad.
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka starts against Sloane Stephens at the Australian Open with Jannik Sinner facing Nicolas Jarry in his opener. Potential notable clashes include Coco Gauff vs. Sofia Kenin and Naomi Osaka vs. Caroline Garcia in the first round. In the men's draw, Djokovic may face Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.
Season 3 of the SA20 begins with Sunrisers Eastern Cape facing MI Cape Town. Durban’s Super Giants, runners-up last year, have strengthened their team by signing New Zealand's Kane Williamson. Captain Keshav Maharaj highlighted Williamson's impressive credentials and consistent performance, underscoring his importance in anchoring the innings and providing leadership as Durban aims for improved results.
Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal responded to rumors about his separation from wife Dhanashree Verma, urging fans not to speculate on personal matters. This comes a day after Dhanashree criticized online trolls for spreading baseless claims that have caused distress to their family.
Upon his return from a successful Test tour of Australia, Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy received a warm welcome at Visakhapatnam airport on Thursday. His performance included 298 runs and a maiden Test century, along with five wickets. His achievements were highly praised, suggesting a promising future in India's international squad.
Premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin surprised the cricketing world by announcing his retirement during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, after being benched for the third Test. Former cricketer Manoj Tiwary suggested Ashwin was 'insulted'. Ashwin played 106 Tests and took 537 wickets for India.
Ricky Ponting revealed his discussion with Steve Smith about facing Jasprit Bumrah during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ponting noted that Bumrah's unique bowling style challenged Smith, who struggled to read his visual cues, leading to quick dismissals. Bumrah's exceptional performance, with 32 wickets at an average of 13.06, highlighted his dominance in the series.
South African cricket has rebounded impressively, with significant accomplishments by both men's and women's teams, including reaching World Cup finals and topping the World Test Championship. The successful SA20 T20 competition contributes to this revival, further professionalising the sport and providing financial stability. Season 3 promises even greater excitement and competition when it kicks off on 9 January.
MS Dhoni shares a heartwarming video showing his love for dogs and family, grooming his golden retriever with daughter Ziva watching. Despite his cricket retirement, Dhoni remains a beloved figure, continuing to lead Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and delight fans with his personal moments, amassing accolades like three ICC trophies during his career.
