'He could be India’s next No. 4': Anil Kumble backs Karun Nair for Test comeback

IANS | May 14, 2025 5:38 PM

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) As the Indian men's cricket team braces for a period of hard transition following the retirement of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, former captain Anil Kumble has thrown his weight behind Karun Nair for a sensational comeback. With the five-match Test series in England starting next month and a massive void left at the No. 4 position — occupied for over three decades by Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar before him — Kumble believes Nair could be the right man to step in.

Kohli the batter may be replaced, but his passion is irreplaceable: Kaif

IANS | May 14, 2025 1:00 PM

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes the side may find a batter who can replace the recently-retired Virat Kohli in the Test team, but replacing that passionate spirit showcased by the talismanic batter of playing the longer format will be hard to produce.

Smriti Mandhana inches closer to No. 1 Women’s ODI batter

IANS | May 13, 2025 4:09 PM

Dubai, May 13 (IANS) India’s southpaw, Smriti Mandhana, is inching closer to reclaiming the ICC Women’s ODI No.1 batter ranking — a spot she last held in 2019 — after a remarkable performance in the recently concluded tri-series involving South Africa and Sri Lanka.

WTC Final: Temba Bavuma to lead pace-heavy South Africa squad against Australia

IANS | May 13, 2025 3:45 PM

New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) South Africa have announced a formidable 15-member squad for their historic first appearance in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final, scheduled to take place at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground from June 11, 2025. Temba Bavuma will lead the Proteas against defending champions Australia in what promises to be a classic contest between two proud Test cricketing nations.

Zimbabwe begin preparations in Leicester ahead of historic England Test

IANS | May 13, 2025 1:55 PM

Leicester, May 13 (IANS) Zimbabwe held their first training session in Leicester on Monday since arriving in England for a landmark Test match against the hosts, scheduled to take place at Trent Bridge in Nottingham from May 22 to 25. The one-off fixture marks Zimbabwe’s return to the longest format on English soil for the first time in over two decades.

Gavaskar does not see Rohit, Virat playing in 2027 ODI World Cup

IANS | May 13, 2025 11:28 AM

Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) Senior Indian batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from Test cricket to prolong their ODI career, but former India captain Sunil Gavaskar does see them going on for a long time and playing in the 2027 World Cup.