'Kuldeep Yadav deserves Grade A contract, but…,' says his childhood coach Kapil Dev Pandey

IANS | February 29, 2024 4:33 PM

New Delhi, Feb 29 (IANS) Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav's childhood coach, Kapil Dev Pandey, feels the Chinaman bowler deserves a Grade A annual contract considering his consistent performance on the international stage. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday unveiled the Annual Player Contracts for Team India (Senior Men) for the 2023-24 season. Despite expectations of a significant raise for Kuldeep, he was only promoted to Grade B from Grade C.

Australia confirm playing XI for opening Test against NZ

IANS | February 28, 2024 10:59 AM

Wellington, Feb 28 (IANS) Veteran batter Steve Smith will continue to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of Australia's batting order as skipper Pat Cummins confirmed his playing XI for the first Test against New Zealand, which commences at Basin Reserve on Thursday.