IND vs WI: Major Setback for West Indies as Injured Shamar Joseph Ruled Out of India Tests; Replacement Announced
Shamar Joseph has emerged as a vital weapon for the West Indies bowling attack in recent years. However, the Caribbean side has suffered a major setback as their premier pacer has been ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series against India. The first Test is scheduled to begin in Ahmedabad on October 2, followed by the second in Delhi from October 10. India, who have dominated this rivalry for decades, head into the series as overwhelming favourites. Remarkably, they have not lost a Test match at home to the West Indies since the 1994/95 season and will be determined to extend that unbeaten streak. The West Indies’ last Test series win against India dates back to 2002, when they triumphed 2-1 in a five-match contest on home soil. Since then, India have strung together nine consecutive series victories over the Windies without dropping a single game. Shamar Joseph ruled out of India Tests; Johann Layne named replacement Cricket West Indies confirmed via social media that pacer Shamar Joseph has been sidelined from the India Test series due to injury. While the exact nature of the issue wasn’t disclosed, Shamar Joseph will be reassessed ahead of the upcoming white-ball tour of Bangladesh. Shamar Joseph , who burst onto the scene with a five-wicket haul on debut against Australia in January 2024, has since played 11 Tests, claiming 51 wickets at an impressive average of 21.66. Following the two-match Test series in India, which ends on October 14, West Indies will travel to Bangladesh for three ODIs (from October 18) and three T20Is (October 27 – November 1). The packed calendar also features an all-format tour of New Zealand later this year, including five T20Is, three ODIs, and three Tests. Before all that, they are in the UAE for a three-match T20I series against Nepal starting September 27. Johann Layne, Shamar Joseph replacement, brings solid first-class credentials. In 19 FC matches, he has taken 66 wickets at 22.28 and scored 495 runs at 19.03, with four five-wicket hauls and three four-fors to his name. Layne particularly impressed in the recent domestic season for the West Indies Academy, where he took 27 wickets in six games at 15.88, including two five-fors. Updated West Indies squad for India Tests] 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
Ishan Kishan ruled out of the Duleep Trophy 2025; Abhimanyu Easwaran named East Zone captain for 2023.
Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the East Zone squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025 due to injury, with Aasirwad Swain named as his replacement. Kishan, who was set to captain the side, will now miss the tournament, handing over the leadership role to vice-captain Abhimanyu Easwaran. Duleep Trophy 2025: The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand has been away from the national team setup since 2023, making this tournament an important opportunity for his comeback. Recently, Kishan featured in England’s county circuit with Nottinghamshire. With his absence, Odisha’s promising wicketkeeper-batter Swain gets a golden opportunity to step up on the big stage. East Zone Announces Updated Squad for Duleep Trophy 2025-26 Duleep Trophy 2025 Squad: Abhimanyu Easwaran (C), Aasirwad Swain (WK), Sandeep Patnaik, Virat Singh, Denish Das, Sridam Paul, Sharandeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Riyan Parag, Utkarsh Singh, Manishi, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Mukhtar Hussain, Mohammed Shami. Duleep Trophy 2025 Standbys: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Swastik Samal, Sudip Kumar Gharami, Rahul Singh. In recent developments during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, Rishabh Pant missed the final Test at The Oval due to a foot injury. Ishan Kishan was considered as a replacement but could not join the squad because of his own injury. Eventually, N Jagadeesan received his maiden Test call-up. The Duleep Trophy 2025-26 will kick off India’s domestic season, starting on August 28 with a total of five matches. Six teams—East Zone, North Zone, South Zone, West Zone, Central Zone, and North East Zone—will compete in the tournament. All matches will be held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground B in Bengaluru. East Zone will take on North Zone in the first quarter-final on August 28, while the previous edition’s finalists, South Zone and West Zone, will advance directly to the semi-finals. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Explained: The Meaning Behind Ben Stokes’ “Folded Finger” Celebration After His Century in the Manchester Test vs India
Ben Stokes shined with a brilliant 141 runs in the first innings of the Manchester Test. England has taken a strong lead over India in the ongoing fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. Following Joe Root’s impressive century, England captain Ben Stokes also delivered a commanding hundred in the first innings, putting the Indian team under significant pressure. This marked Ben Stokes’ 14th Test century, adding to his exceptional performance in the match. Remarkably, he also claimed a five-wicket haul in the same innings, becoming only the fourth England player—alongside Tony Greig, Sir Ian Botham, and Gus Atkinson—to achieve the rare feat of scoring a century and taking five wickets in a single Test. After reaching his century, Ben Stokes celebrated with his signature “folded finger” gesture, removing his gloves and folding the middle finger on his left hand in a distinctive salute. Is there anything he can't do? 🤩 🤝 @IGCom pic.twitter.com/fHhJdpmllF — England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 26, 2025 Ben Stokes’ “folded finger” celebration honors his late father Ben Stokes’ iconic “folded finger” gesture is a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Ged Stokes. Ged, a former New Zealand rugby player, struggled with repeated injuries and dislocations to his middle finger throughout his career. Despite medical advice to have surgery and quit playing, Ged chose to have his finger amputated so he could continue on the field. He passed away in December 2020. England posted a colossal first-innings total of 669 all out, powered by centuries from Ben Stokes and Joe Root, securing a commanding lead of 311 runs. Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope also contributed with impressive half-centuries. Earlier, England had dismissed India for 358 in their first innings, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Rishabh Pant scoring fifties. England won the toss and chose to bowl first in the Manchester Test. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration