“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
Suresh Raina names his all-time CSK XI; excludes Ruturaj Gaikwad
Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Suresh Raina, fondly called “Chinna Thala” by fans, revealed his all-time CSK XI but left out some big names, including current skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and all-rounder Dwayne Bravo. Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube channel, Suresh Raina unveiled his picks. He went with Murali Vijay and Matthew Hayden as openers—Vijay scored 1,708 runs in 70 IPL matches for CSK, while Hayden won the Orange Cap in 2009. At No. 3, he slotted in Michael Hussey, who has also served as CSK’s batting coach since 2018. The middle-order featured Suresh Raina himself along with Subramaniam Badrinath, while Albie Morkel was chosen as the all-rounder. For pace options, he picked Doug Bollinger, L. Balaji, and Mohit Sharma. His spin trio included Shadab Jakati, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja. As expected, Suresh Raina named MS Dhoni as both captain and wicketkeeper of his XI. Interestingly, he went with 13 players in total, designating Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan as his Impact Player. Suresh Raina’s All-Time CSK XI Murali Vijay, Matthew Hayden, Michael Hussey, Suresh Raina, Subramaniam Badrinath, Albie Morkel, Doug Bollinger, Shadab Jakati, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, L Balaji, Mohit Sharma, Muttiah Muralitharan (Impact Player). Raina, fondly known as Mr. IPL, represented the Chennai Super Kings from 2008 to 2015. During CSK’s two-year suspension, he captained the now-defunct Gujarat Lions in 2016 and 2017. He made his return to CSK in 2018 and continued with the franchise until his final IPL season in 2021. Suresh Raina: As for the franchise, CSK remain one of the most decorated sides in IPL history, winning the trophy five times—in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. However, the 2025 season proved to be their toughest campaign yet, as they finished at the bottom of the table and missed out on the playoffs. 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
Sri Lanka announces Asia Cup 2025 squad; Wanindu Hasaranga declared fully fit
Wanindu Hasaranga to Miss Zimbabwe Series Due to Hamstring Injury. Sri Lanka Cricket announced its squad for the Asia Cup 2025 on Thursday, 29th August. The tournament will be held in the United Arab Emirates, starting on 9th September and culminating with the final on 28th September. The standout update in Sri Lanka’s squad is the inclusion of premier leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. However, he will miss the upcoming series against Zimbabwe after sustaining a hamstring injury during the recent series against Bangladesh. For the Asia Cup, Hasaranga has replaced Dushan Hemantha in the squad, while Dushan will feature in the Zimbabwe series. Another change sees uncapped batter Vishen Halambage omitted from the squad. Charith Asalanka will lead Sri Lanka in the tournament, with Chamika Karunaratne making a comeback. Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamil Mishara, and fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera have also been included for the eight-nation event. Former captain Dasun Shanaka returns to the side, while selectors have opted to leave out Angelo Mathews. The veteran all-rounder recently retired from Test cricket but remains available for white-ball formats. Alongside Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana will form Sri Lanka’s frontline spin attack. The 2021 Asia Cup champions are eager to reclaim the title, having reached the final in the last edition before losing to India. Sri Lanka Squad for Asia Cup 2025 Players: Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana Sri Lanka will kick off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign on September 13 against Bangladesh. 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
“I wanted to earn it” – Rahul Dravid shares how, early in his career, he sought to gain the respect of Tendulkar, Laxman, and Ganguly.
Rahul Dravid represented India in international cricket from 1996 to 2012. The former India captain recently revealed that, in his early years, he aspired to earn the respect of stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman. He also acknowledged that throughout his career, he gained invaluable lessons from greats such as Tendulkar, Ganguly, Laxman, and Virender Sehwag. Widely regarded as a legend of Indian cricket, Rahul Dravid enjoyed a remarkable career spanning 16 years. He featured in 164 Tests, 344 ODIs, and a solitary T20I. With 13,288 Test runs, he remains India’s second-highest run-getter in the format. In ODIs, Rahul Dravid scored 10,899 runs, including 12 centuries, before retiring in 2012. Across formats, he accumulated over 24,000 runs, making him the third-highest run-scorer for India. Rahul Dravid on Earning the Respect of Indian Cricket Legends Former Indian batting great Rahul Dravid revealed that in the early stages of his career, his biggest motivation was to earn the respect of icons like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman. Speaking on the podcast “Haal Chaal Aur Sawaal”, Rahul Dravid said: “You want to earn Tendulkar, Laxman, and Ganguly’s respect. You want them to say, ‘Okay, this guy can also play. He deserves to be in this room with us.’ That respect doesn’t come easy—it comes through performance, scoring runs, and delivering in tough conditions and situations.” Rahul Dravid also emphasized how much he learnt from his senior teammates: “I don’t think I was copying them, but I was definitely learning. Sharing the dressing room with Sachin, Sehwag, Sourav, Laxman, and even Gautam Gambhir at times, made my game better. You learn by watching how they prepare, how they play certain shots, and how they handle different challenges. Being around them pushes you to raise your own standards.” Beyond his playing career, Rahul Dravid went on to serve as India’s head coach from 2021 to 2024. Under his leadership, India ended an 11-year ICC trophy drought by winning the T20 World Cup 2024. His tenure also included the Asia Cup 2023 title and a runner-up finish in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
RCB Breaks Three-Month Silence Following Tragic IPL Title Celebration: ‘June 4th Changed Everything’
RCB has released their first statement since June 5, following the stampede during their IPL 2025 title celebrations that left 11 people dead and several others injured. RCB Breaks Silence 84 Days After Tragic Stampede The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have issued their first statement since June 5, following the devastating stampede that claimed 11 lives and injured 56 others during their IPL 2025 title celebrations. RCB had ended a 19-year wait for their maiden IPL trophy on June 3, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Yet, less than 24 hours later, the joy turned to sorrow when chaos outside Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium led to a deadly stampede. Eighty-four days after the incident, which shook the nation and led to multiple complaints and arrests, RCB shared a heartfelt note hinting at their initiative, ‘RCB Cares’. “The Silence wasn’t Absence. It was Grief. This space was once filled with energy, memories and moments that you enjoyed the most. But June 4th changed everything. That day broke our hearts, and the silence since then has been our way of holding space. In that silence, we’ve been grieving. Listening. Learning. And slowly, we’ve begun to build something more than just a response. Something we truly believe in,” RCB posted on their X handle. Dear 12th Man Army, this is our heartfelt letter to you! 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲. The Silence wasn’t Absence. It was Grief. This space was once filled with energy, memories and moments that you… pic.twitter.com/g0lOXAuYbd — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) August 28, 2025 The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have finally broken their silence 84 days after the tragic stampede during their IPL 2025 title celebrations, which claimed 11 lives and injured 56 others. Following their maiden IPL win on June 3 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, the joy quickly turned to sorrow outside Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium. In a heartfelt statement on their X handle, RCB introduced their initiative ‘RCB CARES’, emphasizing support, healing, and community engagement. “That’s how RCB CARES came to life. It grew out of a need to honour, to heal, and to stand beside our fans. A platform for meaningful action shaped by our community & fans. We return to this space today, not with celebration but with care. To share. To stand with you. To walk forward, together. To continue being the pride of Karnataka. RCB CARES. And we always will.” The statement reflects the franchise’s commitment to meaningful action, mourning, and solidarity with fans affected by the tragedy. It marks a shift from celebration to compassion, ensuring that the lives lost are remembered and that the community continues to be at the heart of RCB’s initiatives. The stampede that shook the nation What should have been a historic day for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru turned into a nightmare outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. As thousands gathered to celebrate the team’s long-awaited IPL triumph, a stampede broke out, claiming 11 lives and injuring over 50. While the celebrations inside the stadium roared on, grief and chaos unfolded outside, leaving fans across India shocked and outraged. In the aftermath, RCB eventually promised ₹10 lakh to the bereaved families and launched the ‘RCB CARES’ fund for the injured. However, these gestures came only after mounting public criticism, and many perceived them as reactive measures rather than genuine compassion. The Karnataka government directly held the franchise responsible for lapses that contributed to the tragedy. Adding to the frustration, RCB’s initial single-line condolence message immediately after the incident was quickly forgotten, and the team’s silence over the next three months deepened fans’ sense of abandonment during one of their darkest moments. What could have been a unifying celebration instead became a cautionary tale of oversight, mismanagement, and the heavy responsibility that comes with fan engagement in high-stakes events. 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