Tuesday, April 22
Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary criticized current head coach Gautam Gambhir, asserting he is not suitable for the role due to the Indian team's recent poor performances. Tiwary suggested experienced coaches like VVS Laxman or Sairaj Bahutule would have been better choices, and questioned Gambhir's track record, attributing KKR's success to domestic coach Chandrakant Pandit.
Tottenham clinched a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the League Cup semi-final first leg, with 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall scoring a late controversial goal. Liverpool manager Arne Slot criticised the referee's decision not to give Bergvall a second yellow card. Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur was hospitalised with a concerning injury but was confirmed to be conscious
Gavi and Lamine Yamal propelled Barcelona to the Spanish Super Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao. Dani Olmo and Pau Victor couldn't play due to delayed clearance. Gavi netted the opener, while Yamal secured the second. Real Madrid will face Mallorca in the second semi-final.
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.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri attributes Sam Konstas' on-field aggression to youthful exuberance during his Test debut against India. Shastri advises Konstas to focus on scoring runs and believes the upcoming Sri Lanka tour will aid his growth. Ricky Ponting notes Konstas must adjust his aggressive play to succeed as a Test opener.
Steve Smith will lead Australia in the two-Test series against Sri Lanka as Pat Cummins is on paternity leave and attending to an ankle issue. The squad is without Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh. Travis Head is Smith's deputy.
India cricketers Harshit Rana and Nitish Rana defended head coach Gautam Gambhir after heavy criticism following India's 1-3 series loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The debate intensified as former player Manoj Tiwary also criticized Gambhir, despite some successful T20I performances under his tenure.
Sunil Gavaskar has criticized the dismal performance of some of the top Indian players in the recent Test series against Australia, urging them to participate in the upcoming Ranji Trophy round starting January 23. Gavaskar emphasized commitment and suggested that non-participation of those available should bar them from returning to the Indian Test team.
Workload management is crucial for modern cricketers to stay fresh and injury-free. Jasprit Bumrah's heavy bowling schedule during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series raised concerns, especially after he suffered a back spasm. Despite bowling 151.2 overs, his teammates and Aussie bowlers bowled more, highlighting the need for careful workload management. Historical comparisons show varying workloads of Indian bowlers in past series.
Former England pacer Steve Harmison has criticised Virat Kohli for his altercation with debutant Sam Konstas during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, suggesting Kohli should be given a ban for his conduct. Harmison advised Konstas to avoid provoking players, especially ahead of the Ashes series against England. Kohli received a demerit point and 20% fine for his actions during the incident.
