“I can’t just sit back and hand over the reins…” – Vijay Shankar speaks out on leaving Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket
Vijay Shankar Joins Tripura Ahead of 2025-26 Domestic Season. Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar has officially parted ways with his long-time state team, Tamil Nadu, and will now represent Tripura in the upcoming 2025-26 domestic season. Vijay Shankar received his No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and is ready to embark on this new chapter in his domestic career. Having been a stalwart for Tamil Nadu since 2012, he leaves behind an impressive record. In 81 Ranji Trophy innings for Tamil Nadu, Vijay Shankar scored 3,142 runs at an average of 44.25, including 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries. With the ball, he also claimed 43 wickets for the side, underlining his value as a genuine all-rounder. “I can’t just sit out and hand out water”: Vijay Shankar In an interview with The Hindu, Vijay Shankar opened up about his frustration over limited opportunities and being left out of the playing XI, which eventually led him to part ways with the team. “Sometimes, when you’re forced to make a decision, you need to move on and seek new opportunities. I feel I’ve been performing well. More importantly, I just want to play cricket. I can’t go out there and simply sit on the sidelines—it’s tough after playing for so many years,” Shankar said. He also expressed the lack of clarity he faced regarding his exclusion from matches. “Last year, I was dropped for the first two Ranji games and then made a comeback. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, I was again left out for the last two games. That uncertainty was hard to handle. At some point, you need clarity, and I wasn’t getting it,” he explained. Vijay Shankar added, “I never felt secure with the selectors. Eventually, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I was glad that our coach, M. Senthilnathan, spoke to me about what the selectors were thinking. That made me realize there was no point in staying and fighting to continue in this setup—it was too difficult.” Notably, Vijay Shankar has represented India in 12 ODIs and nine T20Is. He is currently part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and also played for the team in IPL 2025. In the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, he recorded his career-best score of 150 runs in a match against Chandigarh. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rohit Sharma arrive at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence for fitness assessments
Shubman Gill has been named India’s vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025. On Saturday, August 30, senior Indian cricketers reported to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for fitness tests. Among them were Test captain Shubman Gill, ODI skipper Rohit Sharma, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, and all-rounder Shardul Thakur, according to The Times of India. Shubman Gill and Bumrah are both part of India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad. While Shubman Gill will serve as deputy to captain Suryakumar Yadav, Bumrah is set to lead the pace attack. Shubman Gill recently missed the opening round of the 2025–26 Duleep Trophy due to illness. Several Indian players have also visited the CoE for assessments in recent weeks. Nitish Kumar Reddy is currently undergoing rehab for a knee injury at the facility. Shubman Gill: Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma will begin preparations for India’s white-ball series against Australia in October-November. He is expected to lead the ODI side in the three-match series and could also feature for India A in their ODI matches against Australia A. Indian squad set to arrive in Dubai on September 4 The Indian team for the Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to land in Dubai on September 4, with players flying in from their respective cities. The Men in Blue will begin training the following day, September 5. The Asia Cup 2025 will run from September 9 to 28. India, placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, will play their opening match against hosts UAE on September 10. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Plans Updated: Rohit Sharma Scheduled to Undergo Fitness Tests at COE on September 13 – Reports
Rohit Sharma last featured in competitive cricket during IPL 2025. India’s ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, is scheduled to undergo his fitness assessment at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on September 13, according to the Times of India. Earlier reports had suggested that the test would take place on August 31. Rohit last represented India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where India emerged victorious by defeating New Zealand in the final. He was named Player of the Match in the summit clash, marking his second ICC title as India captain, following the ICC T20 World Cup triumph in 2024. Since 2023, Rohit has scored 1,714 runs in 38 games at an average of 48.97, with a strike rate of 117.2. His performances in the powerplay have been particularly impressive, averaging 67.41 at a strike rate of 122.57, making him the only batsman in this phase to surpass 1,000 runs. Rohit Sharma to Undergo New Bronco Test at BCCI COE According to The Times of India, Rohit Sharma has kicked off preparations for India’s upcoming ODI tour of Australia in October. The senior India batter has been training at the BKC facility run by the Mumbai Cricket Association, alongside his close friend and former India assistant coach Abhishek Nair. The TOI report also confirmed that Rohit Sharma will travel to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for fitness evaluations and further training. “Yes, Rohit will be at the BCCI CoE from September 13 for fitness tests. He will stay for two to three days and also practice at the facility to fine-tune his preparations for the Australia white-ball tour in November. Since the Duleep Trophy final is being held at the main ground (A) from September 11 to 15, Rohit will undergo fitness tests and train at a different ground within the same facility,” a source told TOI. The 38-year-old star must clear the newly introduced Bronco test, implemented under India’s strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux, in addition to the standard Yo-Yo test. The Bronco test is an intense aerobic running assessment requiring participants to complete five sets of shuttle runs over 60 m, 40 m, and 20 m as quickly as possible, covering a total distance of 1,200 meters. Rohit Sharma last appeared in competitive cricket during IPL 2025, scoring 418 runs at an average of 29.85 and a strike rate of 149.28. His ODI record, however, remains exceptional, with 1,714 runs in 38 matches at an average of 48.97 and a strike rate of 117.2 since 2023 Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
“Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Cheteshwar Pujara deserved a better farewell,” says Kris Srikkanth, criticizing BCCI for a ‘communication gap’.
Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth has expressed disappointment over the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) handling of retirements, saying that Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Cheteshwar Pujara deserved more fitting send-offs. Srikkanth also suggested that Kohli still had at least two years of Test cricket left in him and criticized the board for lacking proper communication with the players as they concluded their careers in the longest format. Rohit and Virat Kohli stunned the Indian cricket community by announcing their Test retirements in May this year, while Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara recently retired from all forms of the game. Both Pujara and Virat Kohli concluded illustrious careers, having played over 100 matches for India. Rohit, meanwhile, served as India’s Test captain from 2022 to 2025 and led the team to the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23. Kris Srikkanth Criticizes BCCI Over Kohli and Rohit’s Retirement Send-Offs Former India selector Kris Srikkanth believes there was a major communication gap when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said that Kohli, Rohit, and Cheteshwar Pujara all deserved much better farewells from the BCCI. “If you play 100 Tests for your country, you must be a terrific cricketer. You deserve a proper send-off. I am convinced there was a big communication gap when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired. They should have been consulted. Instead, the way it happened doesn’t reflect well on Indian cricket,” Srikkanth said. He also feels Kohli had at least two more years of Test cricket left. “Virat Kohli’s retirement happened just like that. He deserved a better send-off. He still had two years of Test cricket in him. But after the drawn series in England, discussions around him were abruptly shut down. Finding a player like Virat Kohli won’t be easy for India anytime soon,” he added. Srikkanth stressed that the BCCI should have communicated with Pujara about his retirement plans as well. “Similarly with Pujara, even though it’s been some time since he last played, the BCCI should have spoken to him about his retirement plans. Of course, the player also needs to recognize when it’s time to step away. With better cooperation between the player, selectors, and BCCI, Pujara could have received a proper farewell,” he said. For context, Rohit Sharma played 67 Tests for India, scoring 4,301 runs in 116 innings at an average of 40.58. Kohli amassed 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and seven double hundreds. Pujara accumulated 7,195 runs in 103 Tests with 19 centuries. Rohit and Kohli remain active in ODI cricket and are expected to feature in India’s upcoming series against Australia in October. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
“One dream still remains for me…” – Mohammed Shami on his goal before retirement
Mohammed Shami has expressed his burning desire to win the ICC ODI World Cup and bring the trophy home. The veteran Indian pacer revealed that lifting the ODI World Cup remains the one unfulfilled dream of his career. He also reflected on India’s heartbreaking defeat in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final, where despite his brilliant performances, the Men in Blue fell short against Australia. India had gone unbeaten throughout the tournament until that crushing loss in the final. Mohammed Shami, who was instrumental in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker for his side with nine wickets in five matches, reaffirming his importance to the team. “Winning the ODI World Cup is my only remaining dream,” says Mohammed Shami In an exclusive conversation with News24, 34-year-old pacer Mohammed Shami revealed his ultimate ambition: lifting the ICC ODI World Cup trophy for India. He reflected on the team’s near-miss in the previous edition. “I only have one dream left — to win the ODI World Cup. I want to be part of that team, contribute, and bring the trophy home,” Shami said. Recalling the 2023 campaign, he added, “We came very close. There was a mix of excitement and fear during the knockout stages. But the fans’ belief and enthusiasm kept us motivated. It was a dream that could have been realized, but perhaps luck wasn’t on our side.” The next ICC Cricket World Cup is scheduled for October-November 2027, jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. By then, Mohammed Shami will be 37, and his inclusion in the squad could be uncertain. Currently, Mohammed Shami is representing the East Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2025-26. He is expected to return to the national side for India’s home Test series against the West Indies in October. Notably, he was absent from the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Mohammed Shami Hints at Retirement with Shocking “I Will Leave…” Remark Ahead of Asia Cup 2025
Mohammed Shami stated that if he is not selected for the national team, he will continue playing domestic cricket. The veteran pacer clarified that retirement is not on his mind yet, adding that he will only consider stepping away from the game when he feels he has lost interest. Mohammed Shami has been sidelined from international action for some time. He was not part of India’s squad for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, with his last appearance coming in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in March. Despite India’s loss, he impressed with nine wickets in five matches, finishing as the team’s joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Varun Chakaravarthy. Interestingly,Mohammed Shami has been absent from Test cricket for an even longer period. His last outing in the longest format was the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021–23 final against Australia in June 2023. “The day I get bored, I will leave”: Mohammed Shami on retirement In a candid chat with News24, senior pacer Mohammed Shami clarified that he has no immediate plans to retire from cricket. The 34-year-old said he will only consider stepping away from the game when he loses the passion for it. “If someone has a problem, tell me. Whose life will improve if I retire? The day I get bored, I will leave,” Shami remarked, stressing that he is not burdening anyone with his career. He further added that not being selected for the national team will not affect his commitment to the sport. “You don’t pick me, don’t play me—I don’t care. I’ll keep working hard. If I’m not chosen for international matches, I will play domestic cricket. I will keep playing somewhere or the other,” he said. Explaining his mindset, Mohammed Shami noted that retirement comes only when a player loses the willpower to continue. “Such decisions are made when you start feeling bored, when you no longer want to wake up at 7 am for a Test. That’s not the case with me now. If needed, I’ll be up at 5,” he asserted. Currently, Shami is not part of India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025. However, he is expected to feature in the ODI series against Australia in October and could also make his Test comeback during the home series against the West Indies the same month. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
“Fast bowling takes a toll…” – Ex-India pacer’s sharp take on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management saga
Jasprit Bumrah featured in only three of the five Tests during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025.Former India pacer Balwinder Singh Sandhu has supported Jasprit Bumrah decision to manage his workload, even as the fast bowler faced criticism from fans and ex-cricketers for selectively playing matches in the England vs India series. Before the tour began, Jasprit Bumrah had informed the management that he would participate in just three Tests to avoid excessive strain and reduce the risk of injuries. Staying true to that plan, he skipped the decisive fifth Test at The Oval—a must-win game for India to level the series. Balwinder Singh Sandhu Backs Jasprit Bumrah on Workload Concerns Former India pacer and 1983 World Cup winner Balwinder Singh Sandhu has come out in support of Jasprit Bumrah’s stance on workload management. Writing in his column for Midday, Sandhu stressed that fast bowlers face undue criticism compared to batters when they take breaks. “In the last seven years, how many batsmen have gone without injury breaks? How many have opted out of a series quietly? Nobody questions them. But when it comes to a fast bowler, everyone seems ready to pounce. The truth is – fast bowling is brutal,” Sandhu wrote. Highlighting statistics, he pointed out that Jasprit Bumrah has averaged just 3.2 rest days for every day played over the past seven years. In comparison, Mohammed Siraj averaged 3.5 and Mohammed Shami 3.7. “And remember, both Bumrah and Shami have also missed matches due to injuries. That only makes these numbers more striking,” he added. Jasprit Bumrah recently suffered an injury after playing all five Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25, which ruled him out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The senior pacer is now set to return in the Asia Cup 2025, where he will lead India’s pace attack. Under captain Suryakumar Yadav, India are placed in Group A and will begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Not the Desert Storm or the 2003 World Cup knock against Pakistan! Sachin Tendulkar reveals this innings as his all-time favourite
Sachin Tendulkar recently took part in a Reddit AMA, answering questions from fans. Widely regarded as India’s greatest batsman, Tendulkar was asked about his favourite innings during the session. Having retired in 2013, Sachin Tendulkar illustrious career spanned 200 Tests, 463 ODIs, and a single T20I since his debut for India in 1989 at just 16 years old. Over this time, he scored 15,921 Test runs, 18,426 ODI runs, and 10 T20I runs, compiling a remarkable total of 100 centuries. Throughout his career, Sachin Tendulkar played several iconic innings. His two centuries against Australia in Sharjah in 1998, famously dubbed the “Desert Storm,” and his 98 against Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup are among the most memorable. Yet, surprisingly, neither of these innings ranks as Tendulkar’s personal favourite. Sachin Tendulkar Names His Most Memorable Knock for India Sachin Tendulkar has revealed that his most significant innings for India came in a high-pressure and emotional situation. During a tightly contested series, India won all five matches of a shortened seven-match ODI series and then secured the two-Test series 1-0. In the Chennai Test, England batted first, posting 316, thanks to a century from Andrew Strauss, while Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra took three wickets each. India responded with 241 runs. England then declared at 311/9, with Strauss and Paul Collingwood scoring centuries. Chasing a daunting target of 387, India got a blazing start from Virender Sehwag, who smashed 83 off 68 balls on day four. Gautam Gambhir contributed 66, and Yuvraj Singh remained unbeaten on 85, supporting Tendulkar as he crafted a masterful 103 to guide India to a six-wicket victory. During an ‘Ask Sachin’ session on Reddit, Sachin Tendulkar described his 2008 Test century against England at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium as his most meaningful innings. “There are many, but the most significant was against England in Chennai in 2008,” the legendary batter said. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Afghanistan and Bangladesh Set for White-Ball Series in UAE Following Asia Cup 2025
Afghanistan and Bangladesh are set to clash in three T20Is and three ODIs this October. Afghanistan will host the six-match white-ball series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), immediately after the Asia Cup 2025, which concludes on September 28. This series marks the second leg of an all-format tour that was initially scheduled for July 2024, featuring three ODIs, three T20Is, and two Tests. However, the original fixtures in Greater Noida, India, were postponed due to poor weather and Bangladesh’s packed calendar. The revised schedule now includes only white-ball matches. The two sides share a balanced record in recent encounters. After four ODI series, both teams are level at 2-2. Bangladesh claimed victories in 2016 and 2022, while Afghanistan came out on top in 2023 and 2024. Their T20I history is equally competitive—Afghanistan won the 2018 series, Bangladesh triumphed in 2023, and the 2022 contest ended in a draw. Afghanistan to Face Bangladesh in UAE for Six-Match White-Ball Series Afghanistan will host Bangladesh for a bilateral series in the UAE, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs, right after the conclusion of the Asia Cup 2025. Both teams are expected to remain in the UAE following the tournament to take part in the series. In the Asia Cup, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are grouped in Group B alongside Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. The two sides are set to meet in Abu Dhabi on September 16. Only the top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Fours. Group A consists of India, Pakistan, Oman, and the UAE. The bilateral series will begin with the T20I leg in Sharjah, starting on October 2, followed by matches on October 3 and October 5. The action will then shift to Abu Dhabi for the ODIs, scheduled on October 8, 11, and 14. 🚨 ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨 We will be hosting @BCBtigers for an exciting white-ball series in the UAE this October. 🤩 🏏: 3 T20Is & 3 ODIs📆: October 2 – 14, 2025 🔗: https://t.co/mExs3676vP#AfghanAtalan | #AFGvBAN | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/DyHCqVMdRC — Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) August 24, 2025 Afghanistan vs Bangladesh series schedule: Date Format Venue Thursday, October 02 1st T20I Sharjah Friday, October 03 2nd T20I Sharjah Sunday, October 05 3rd T20I Sharjah Wednesday, October 08 1st ODI Abu Dhabi Saturday, October 11 2nd ODI Abu Dhabi Tuesday, October 14 3rd ODI Abu Dhabi Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
David Miller and Marco Jansen Return as South Africa Unveil Squads for White-Ball Tour of England
South Africa will face England in three ODIs and three T20Is during their white-ball tour in September 2025. On Saturday, August 23, Cricket South Africa (CSA) unveiled the squads for the highly anticipated series. The tour kicks off with the ODIs, beginning on September 2 at Headingley, Leeds. The second ODI is set for September 4 at Lord’s in London, followed by the third and final game on September 7 at The Rose Bowl, Southampton. The T20I series will then get underway on September 10 at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. The second match will be staged on September 12 at Old Trafford, Manchester, with the tour concluding on September 14 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. Temba Bavuma will captain South Africa in the ODIs. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who missed the Australia series with an ankle injury, returns to the squad. In addition, CSA has retained in-form batter Matthew Breetzke, who has impressed in his four ODI appearances so far. For the T20Is, all-rounder Marco Jansen makes his comeback after recovering from injury. David Miller and Keshav Maharaj also return to strengthen the Proteas’ squad for the shortest format. South Africa Announce Squads for White-Ball Series Against England South Africa ODI Squad: Temba Bavuma (C), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs. South Africa T20I Squad: Aiden Markram (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams. The Proteas are currently engaged in the ODI series against Australia. After losing the T20I series 2-1 to the hosts, South Africa made a strong comeback in the ODIs, winning the first two matches by 98 runs and 84 runs, respectively. The third ODI is scheduled for August 24. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration