India's recent Test failures in Bengaluru and Pune highlight the lack of participation by key players in domestic multi-day cricket. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's absence in first-class games has raised concerns over their readiness and contributed to poor performances in these matches. To their credit, Rohit or coach Gautam Gambhir have not given the impression that they have not accepted the team's shortcomings.
Prithvi Shaw was excluded from Mumbai's Ranji Trophy squad due to fitness and disciplinary issues. Sunil Gavaskar defended him, emphasizing that a player's weight should not determine their fitness. He highlighted Sarfaraz Khan's performance as an example, arguing that the ability to score runs or bowl consistently should be the primary criteria.
MS Dhoni shares a humorous incident during an ODI match where his wife Sakshi mistakenly believes a batsman cannot be stumped off a wide ball. The anecdote highlights Dhoni's expertise in wicket-keeping and the amusing dynamic between the couple while watching cricket.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the white-ball squads for Australia tour, reinstating Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. Mohammad Rizwan is the new white-ball captain, with notable absences of Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan. Basit Ali criticized PCB's selection processes and challenged Babar to come out in support of Zaman.
Afghanistan A clinched the ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 by defeating Sri Lanka A by seven wickets. Chasing 133/7, key performances by Sediqullah Atal and Karim Janat helped them reach the target with three overs to spare at Al Amerat Cricket Ground.
Agni Chopra, son of filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, continues his impressive form in the Ranji Trophy, scoring a double century for Mizoram against Manipur. Agni's consistent performance includes four consecutive centuries in his debut season. He seeks recognition based on merit alone and aims to elevate Mizoram to the Elite division.
Fakhar Zaman has been excluded from the Pakistan Cricket Board's central contracts after eight years, primarily due to failing a fitness test and criticism of selection decisions. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized fitness concerns over Zaman's controversial social media comments. Notable inclusions in the contracts include Shaheen Shah Afridi in Category B and Haris Rauf in Category C.
Manchester United has parted ways with manager Erik ten Hag with the team languishing 14th in the Premier League standings after nine games. Ruud van Nistelrooy will step in as interim head coach. Despite an FA Cup win and a contract extension, early results this season have not met expectations, prompting the change.
Manchester United have parted ways with Erik ten Hag after a poor start to the season, leaving them 14th in the Premier League table. Sunday's loss to West Ham was the final straw. Ruud van Nistelrooy will be interim manager as the club searches for a permanent replacement. Ten Hag's tenure faced criticism, especially after recent performances.
Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his disappointment over India's batting against New Zealand in the second Test at Pune, highlighting Virat Kohli's misjudgment and Rohit Sharma's lack of confidence against spin. He suggested better defensive techniques, while observing Shubman Gill's struggles against spinners. India and New Zealand will now head to Mumbai for the third and final Test, beginning November 1, at the Wankhede Stadium.