Gautam Gambhir Faces Backlash for ‘Illogical’ U-Turn on Sanju Samson in Bangladesh Match
Team management’s failure to accommodate Sanju Samson was evident, as he couldn’t be slotted into the top seven. Gautam Gambhir Faces Criticism for Samson’s Batting Position India head coach Gautam Gambhir came under criticism on Wednesday during their second Super Four match in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 against Bangladesh for holding Sanju Samson at the No. 8 spot in the batting order. The decision followed assurances from India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate the previous day that Samson was backed as a No. 5 option. Samson was not selected as India’s designated opener for the Asia Cup, despite having opened in all 12 innings since the T20 World Cup last year, including three centuries. He batted at No. 3 against Oman, scoring a patient fifty, before being sent in at No. 5. Samson Confirmed as India’s No. 5, But Line-up Shuffle Sparks Backlash On Tuesday, speaking at the pre-match presser, Ten Doeschate confirmed that Sanju Samson will be backed as India’s No. 5 in T20I cricket, calling him the best fit for the role. “Sanju has had two decent chances and he’s still figuring out how to play that role (at No. 5). The surface got a little bit tired in the Pakistan game. We’re really looking for a No. 5. We believe Sanju is the best man for that job, and we’ve got no doubt he’ll figure out how to play that role in the future,” he said. However, during the match against Bangladesh, India shuffled the batting order, sending Shivam Dube at No. 3—a move that failed—before picking Hardik Pandya at No. 5. Samson did not bat, as Tilak Varma and Axar Patel came ahead, with India finishing 168 for six in 20 overs. Furious at the move, former Indian cricketer Dodda Ganesh criticized the decision, tweeting: “Sanju Samson at No. 8 defies any cricketing logic. It’s simply unacceptable.” Sanju Samson at no 8 defies any cricketing logic. It’s simply unacceptable #AsiaCup — Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) September 24, 2025 Abhishek Sharma once again demonstrated why he holds the No. 1 T20I batting ranking, scoring a brilliant 75 off 37 balls. He shared a 77-run opening stand with Shubman Gill in just 38 balls, with 72 runs coming in the powerplay—their best display of the tournament so far. However, India’s middle and lower order failed to capitalize. Whether it was Gill, Tilak Varma, or captain Suryakumar Yadav, who was brilliantly caught down the leg-side by stand-in captain and keeper Jaker Ali, the rest of the line-up struggled to make an impact, leaving India with a par total of 168 for six. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Asia Cup 2025: Suryakumar Yadav Explains Reasoning Behind ‘Failed Experiment’ of Promoting Shivam Dube to No. 3 vs Bangladesh
India Storm into Asia Cup 2025 Final Under Suryakumar Yadav’s Leadership. Suryakumar Yadav’s India became the first team to book a spot in the Asia Cup 2025 final after defeating Bangladesh in their second Super Four clash on Wednesday, September 24. Skipper Suryakumar credited his bowlers for the win, stating that if they can deliver 12–14 quality overs in a match, India would come out on top more often than not. Asia Cup: Opting to bat first with an unchanged XI, India got off to a strong start. Openers Abhishek Sharma (75) and Shubman Gill (29) stitched together a 77-run stand. However, the middle order faltered, with Shivam Dube surprisingly promoted to No. 3 and Sanju Samson not getting a chance to bat, which disrupted the flow of the innings. Hardik Pandya’s crucial 38-run knock lifted India to 168/6, a total that looked challenging for Bangladesh. In reply, opener Saif Hassan (69) fought valiantly with a fine half-century, but lacked support from the other end. Bangladesh eventually collapsed for 127, handing India a 41-run win. India’s bowlers were the stars of the night. Kuldeep Yadav shone with a three-wicket haul, while Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy claimed two wickets each. Axar Patel and Tilak Varma also chipped in with one apiece, sealing a comprehensive victory. Asia Cup: Suryakumar Yadav Praises Indian Bowlers After Win Over Bangladesh Following India’s victory against Bangladesh, Suryakumar Yadav hailed the bowling unit for their consistent performances. Speaking at the post-match presentation, he highlighted the importance of disciplined bowling spells. “If the outfield had been quicker, the total could have been around 180-185. But with the quality of our attack, if we deliver 12-14 good overs, we back ourselves to win most games,” Suryakumar said. Asia Cup: He also explained the reasoning behind promoting Shivam Dube to No. 3 in the batting order.“We hadn’t batted first much in this tournament—only against Oman. So, we wanted to test ourselves in the Super Fours. Considering their bowling attack, with a left-arm spinner and a leg spinner, Dube was the ideal option between overs 7-15. It didn’t work out, but that’s how the game goes,” he added. Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match for his brilliant half-century. Looking ahead, India will take on Sri Lanka on September 26 in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours. They will also be watching the Bangladesh vs Pakistan clash on September 25 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, as the winner of that match will meet India in the final. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Top 5 Highest Individual Scores in Asia Cup T20Is
Only two batsmen have managed to score centuries in the T20I Asia Cup. The Asia Cup, first held in 1984, is organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) every two years and brings together the cricketing powerhouses of the Asian subcontinent. The tournament alternates between ODI and T20 formats, with 2016 marking its debut in the T20 format. Over the years, numerous batsmen have produced memorable and dominant innings in Asia Cup history. Focusing on the highest individual scores in T20I Asia Cup history, just two players have reached the three-figure mark. Interestingly, among the top five highest innings, two belong to Indian batsmen. With that in mind, let’s explore the top five highest individual scores in T20I Asia Cup. Sabbir Rahman – 80 vs Sri Lanka, 2016 Bangladesh all-rounder Sabbir Rahman takes the fifth spot with a brilliant 80-run innings against Sri Lanka in the 2016 Asia Cup. His knock helped Bangladesh post 147/7 in the first innings. Bangladesh then restricted Sri Lanka to 124/8 in response, winning the match by 23 runs. Rahman was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. Rohit Sharma – 83 vs Bangladesh, 2016 India’s opener Rohit Sharma scored 83 runs against Bangladesh during the 2016 Asia Cup. He struck three sixes and seven fours to propel India to 166/6 in the first innings. India later bowled Bangladesh out for 121/7, securing a 45-run victory. Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 84 vs Sri Lanka, 2022 Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz smashed 84 off 45 balls against Sri Lanka in the 2022 Asia Cup, hitting six sixes and four fours. Afghanistan posted 175/6 in the first innings, but Sri Lanka chased the target successfully, winning by four wickets. Babar Hayat – 122 vs Oman, 2016 Hong Kong batsman Babar Hayat played a sensational 122-run knock against Oman in the 2016 Asia Cup qualifiers. Facing 60 deliveries, he struck seven sixes and nine fours, nearly guiding his team to victory. However, Oman defended their total of 180/5, winning the match by five runs. Virat Kohli – 122 vs Afghanistan, 2022* India’s Virat Kohli tops the list with an unbeaten 122 against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup, marking his first T20I century. He smashed 122 runs off 61 balls, taking India to 212/2. Afghanistan could only manage 111/8 in response, handing India a commanding 101-run win. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Asia Cup 2025: Salman Agha Reacts to Fakhar Zaman’s Dismissal in IND vs PAK — “Ball Bounced Before Reaching the Keeper”
Pakistan captain Salman Agha suggested that umpires may have erred in ruling Fakhar Zaman out during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against India on Sunday, September 21. Salman Agha argued that the ball appeared to bounce before reaching wicketkeeper Sanju Samson. Batting first, Pakistan lost their opener early when Zaman edged Hardik Pandya’s delivery in the third over and was caught behind by Samson. The on-field umpires were uncertain whether the catch was clean and referred it to the third umpire, who eventually confirmed the dismissal. Zaman had shown promise with three boundaries but managed only 15 runs from nine balls. Following his exit, Sahibzada Farhan (58) and Saim Ayub (21) put together a vital 72-run partnership for the second wicket, ensuring Pakistan a solid platform. “To me, it bounced before reaching the keeper”: Salman Agha on Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal Pakistan captain Salman Agha hinted at a possible umpiring error regarding Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal during the post-match press conference. He suggested that the Men in Green might have posted a much bigger total had Zaman batted throughout the powerplay. “I don’t know about the decision. Obviously, it’s the umpire’s call. Umpires can make mistakes, and I have no problem with that. But it did look to me like it bounced before reaching the keeper,” Salman Agha said. He added, “I might be wrong, though. Judging by the way he was batting, if he had stayed through the powerplay, we probably could have scored around 190. But yes, it’s the umpire’s call, and they can make mistakes.” Salman Agha also reflected on Pakistan’s innings, admitting that the team should have posted a total exceeding 180 after a solid start. Pakistan reached 91/1 after 10 overs, but a brilliant spell from the Indian bowlers slowed the run-rate in the latter half, and the Men in Green finished at 171/5. “It wasn’t a disappointing total, but we should have added 10-15 more runs. After 10 overs, when the ball gets softer, scoring becomes difficult at this venue. But given our start, we should have easily crossed 180,” he said. India’s openers, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, showcased outstanding batting during the 172-run chase, putting together a 105-run opening partnership. Gill fell just short of his half-century, scoring 47, while Abhishek smashed 74 off 39 balls to claim the Player of the Match award. India ultimately outclassed Pakistan by six wickets, marking their fourth consecutive victory in the tournament. The defending champions will next face Bangladesh on September 24 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
‘Kohli, Kohli’: Haris Rauf Struggles to Ignore Fans Reminding Him of His Toughest Memory – Watch
Indian fans chant Virat Kohli’s name as Haris Rauf fields near the fence, but he stays unfazed. High Tensions and Fierce Batting Ignite India-Pakistan Super Four Clash The flames of rivalry were ablaze as India and Pakistan faced off in the ongoing Super Four match. Pakistan batted first, posting a competitive total of 171 runs. A strong start was tempered by a loss of momentum, leaving them 15–20 runs short of what might have been a match-winning score. India’s response, however, was dominant from the outset. Abhishek Sharma launched the chase with a first-ball six and maintained fluent stroke play, while Shubman Gill showcased unparalleled class and composure. The Indian openers’ attack unsettled the Pakistani bowlers, who tried to regain control with verbal jabs. Shaheen Afridi initiated the antics, soon joined by Haris Rauf, leading to heated exchanges and finger-pointing on the field. Despite the tension, the Indian duo remained poised, handling the aggression with supreme grace and focus. Crowd rubs salt to Haris Rauf’s injury Indian fans cheering Kohli , Kohli to Haris Rauf !#INDvPAK #AsiaCup2025pic.twitter.com/wlWDmpRmTo — Surbhi (@SurrbhiM) September 21, 2025 The Indian crowd made their presence felt when Haris Rauf came to field near a section dominated by Indian supporters. Spectators erupted, chanting Virat Kohli’s name—a reminder of the legendary shot Kohli played against Rauf during the 2022 T20 World Cup clash in Melbourne. Back then, Kohli had hit a back-foot maximum over mid-off off a back-of-length delivery, followed by another six, turning the game and etching the innings as one of the greatest T20I performances ever. Rauf tried to respond with a gesture, brushing his ear as if dismissing the chants, but the Indian openers’ continued dominance only added insult to injury. Despite the verbal jabs and crowd energy, Rauf struck back with the crucial wicket of Suryakumar Yadav, temporarily halting India’s momentum. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Suryakumar Yadav Avoids Mentioning Pakistan Despite Six Questions About Asia Cup Super Four Clash
During a pre-match press conference, India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav deftly sidestepped mentioning Pakistan while answering questions about the rivalry. Suryakumar Yadav Sidesteps Controversy Ahead of Asia Cup Clash In the lead-up to one of the most anticipated matches of the Asia Cup 2025, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav faced a barrage of media questions—many centered around one topic: Pakistan. Displaying calm composure and media savvy, Yadav managed to field all six references to the arch-rivals without mentioning “Pakistan” even once. The pre-match press conference, held ahead of India’s clash with their traditional rivals, was expected to touch upon the group-stage handshake controversy, which had attracted global attention. Yet, Suryakumar skillfully steered clear of any direct reference. Asked about the high-octane rivalry, he said, “I don’t know what rivalry you guys are talking about. I just see the packed crowd and tell my team that it’s time to entertain them. If so many people show up, it’s our job to give them good cricket.” When reporters attempted to probe further, hinting at the handshake incident, Suryakumar responded with poise. “By other things, you mean we bowled well, isn’t it?” he quipped, maintaining his focus on the game rather than the controversy. Suryakumar Yadav: Focused Leadership Amid India-Pakistan Hype A veteran of over a hundred press conferences, Suryakumar Yadav skillfully navigated probing questions about India’s previous win against Pakistan and its supposed impact on the upcoming clash. “It doesn’t give us an edge that we have played them once and had a good game. We will have to start well from scratch,” he said, keeping the focus firmly on his team’s preparation. When asked about team dynamics, emotional responses, or the perceived lopsided nature of India-Pakistan contests, Yadav maintained a consistent approach: emphasize cricket, block distractions, and stay grounded. Offering practical advice, he told teammates, “Close your room, switch off your phone and sleep… take what is good for you.” On the charged atmosphere of packed stadiums, he added, “It’s time for entertainment… let’s play some good brand of cricket.” Throughout the nearly 13-minute interaction, the India captain avoided mentioning Pakistan by name or commenting on political and emotional angles. Even when reflecting on his personal journey, he prioritized pride in representing India over singling out any particular match: “The best match for me was when I played the first game for India. After that, every time I take the field wearing that jersey, it’s a proud moment.” Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Asia Cup 2025: Adding to Pakistan’s woes! Andy Pycroft named match referee for IND vs PAK Super Four clash
Asia Cup: Andy Pycroft came under fire from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after being accused of advising Salman Agha not to shake hands with Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav. In the latest development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Pycroft as the match referee for the upcoming India vs Pakistan Super Four clash in the Asia Cup 2025. The high-voltage encounter is scheduled to be played at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 21. Asia Cup: This appointment comes in the backdrop of a recent controversy involving both teams and Pycroft. During the league-stage clash, tensions flared when Indian players declined to exchange handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts before and after the match, citing the Pahalgam terror attack. Following the incident, the PCB lodged an official complaint against the Indian players as well as Pycroft, alleging that the match referee had instructed their captain not to shake hands with the Indian side. PCB Demanded ICC to Remove Andy Pycroft from Asia Cup 2025 The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) called for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup 2025. They even threatened to boycott their fixture against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) if the ICC did not accept their demand. The controversy delayed the game by an hour, sparking widespread debate. However, the ICC backed Pycroft, who was later reported to have apologised to the PCB. Following discussions involving the ICC, PCB, and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Pycroft retained his role and went on to officiate the Pakistan–UAE clash. Asia Cup: Looking ahead to the Super Four encounter between India and Pakistan, anticipation is sky-high. Their group-stage meeting ended in a one-sided affair as India bundled Pakistan out for 127 before chasing the target in just 16 overs with seven wickets to spare. With both sides entering the match on the back of victories, fans expect nothing short of an intense battle. India, notably, remain unbeaten in the tournament. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Suryakumar Yadav Shows Sportsmanship to Oman, Silencing Critics Ahead of Pakistan Clash
After India’s latest Asia Cup 2025 clash against Oman, captain Suryakumar Yadav was seen interacting with the Omani players, offering guidance and sharing insights. Suryakumar Yadav Wins Hearts Despite Narrow Win Over Oman India survived a nervy encounter against Oman, edging out the match by 21 runs. The victory keeps them unbeaten as they move into the Super Four stage, aiming to build on their momentum and pursue the tournament trophy. Off the field, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav impressed fans with a thoughtful gesture. After the match, he was seen interacting with the Oman players, offering tips and sharing insights. Oman skipper Jatinder Singh reflected on the moment during the post-match presentation: “Surya spoke about the game and praised us, which means a lot. Our boys had questions on how to play in different phases of a T20 game. It was really nice to have a chat with him.” This is what sportsmanship looks like! 👏 – Suryakumar Yadav taking time to connect with and encourage the Oman players. – A captain with a big heart. 🇮🇳#TheyCallHimOG #indvsoman #AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/6Ms3pDBhno — Cricket With RS (@badkebhai) September 19, 2025 Ahead of the game, Oman skipper Jatinder Singh mentioned how the team was excited to share the field with some of their cricketing idols. Suryakumar Yadav’s gesture of offering tips reflected the ‘Men in Blue’s willingness to pass on their experience and knowledge. In the post-match scenes, Indian and Omani players were seen taking pictures together, showcasing the camaraderie and goodwill with which the match was played. India hold their nerve to go unbeaten in the league stage India won the toss and chose to bat first against Oman. Early loss of Shubman Gill didn’t deter the team from their aggressive brand of cricket. Batting at number three, Sanju Samson took time to settle, while Abhishek Sharma kept the momentum alive with a blistering 38 off 15 balls. Despite wickets falling from the other end, the Indian batters continued their attacking approach endorsed by the head coach. India finished with 188/8 in 20 overs, with captain Suryakumar Yadav not required to bat. Oman began their chase strongly, with openers Jatinder Singh and Aamir Kaleem putting together a 56-run partnership. Hammad Mirza joined in at number three after Singh’s dismissal, and both Mirza and Kaleem scored half-centuries, stabilizing the innings and threatening a major upset. However, Hardik Pandya turned the game around with crucial wickets in the death overs—first dismissing Kaleem (64 off 46) and then Mirza (51 off 33)—restricting Oman to 167/4. With the victory, India remain unbeaten and advance to the Super Four stage, where they will face their arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, September 15, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Daren Sammy warns India ahead of Test series: “Take inspiration from New Zealand.”
West Indies, led by head coach Daren Sammy, are set to play a two-Test series against India in Ahmedabad and Delhi. Daren Sammy, a two-time T20 World Cup-winning captain, believes his team can draw inspiration from New Zealand’s remarkable 3-0 victory over India last year. He has urged his players to prepare with the mindset of winning, even though India will begin the series as strong favourites. Since their famous win in Mohali in 1994, the West Indies have struggled in Indian conditions, losing seven of the nine Tests played there. Their closest contest came at the Wankhede Stadium in 2011, when a thrilling match ended in a tie after both teams finished level in the second innings. Daren Sammy emphasised that the West Indies must study and replicate New Zealand’s approach to succeed in India. “We’re definitely going down there with the mindset to win. We’re not just going to go down there and think, ‘Oh, it’s India.’ No. New Zealand went there and did incredibly well, and we should take inspiration from that. But again, it’s understanding the things that New Zealand did in those conditions and trying to emulate them with our guys as well,” Daren Sammy told The Indian Express. “We’ll plan carefully on how to beat India in their own backyard.” – Daren Sammy The West Indies will tour India right after the conclusion of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025. The first Test of the series is scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 2, followed by the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi starting October 10. Daren Sammy emphasized the importance of adjusting to Indian conditions, noting that the team won’t be playing any warm-up matches ahead of the series, a common challenge for most touring sides. “In the ten days leading up to the opening Test in India, we’ll be drilling hard and preparing thoroughly to figure out exactly how we’re going to beat India in India,” Daren Sammy said. The statistics, however, paint a grim picture: West Indies have lost five Tests by an innings and one by ten wickets in India. Except for the Eden Gardens Test in 2002, they have rarely managed to truly challenge the hosts in their last eight encounters. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
R Ashwin Poised for India Comeback Nine Months After Retirement — With a Surprising Twist
Ravichandran Ashwin bid farewell to international cricket last December, midway through India’s tour of Australia. Ravichandran Set for International Comeback at Hong Kong Sixes Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is poised to return to the Indian team, nine months after retiring from international cricket. The veteran will feature in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament, scheduled from November 7-9. Ravichandran had announced his international retirement last December during India’s tour of Australia but continued to play in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings earlier this year. Speculation about his trade from CSK grew, only for Ashwin to confirm his retirement from all forms of cricket last month. Despite stepping away, Ashwin indicated openness to participate in global leagues, attracting offers from the Big Bash League, The Hundred, and ILT20. On Thursday, Hong Kong Sixes organisers officially confirmed his participation in the upcoming edition. Ashwin Joins Team India for High-Octane Hong Kong Sixes The organisers announced, “Widely regarded as one of the finest spin bowlers in modern cricket, Ashwin’s inclusion adds immense depth, experience, and star power to Team India’s campaign in this fast-paced, action-packed global tournament.” Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his excitement, saying, “This format requires a different strategy and will prove to be high octane. I look forward to playing alongside my ex-teammates and competing against some quality players in the opposition teams—it will be a good challenge for us.” The Hong Kong Sixes, first held in 1992, is a six-a-side event featuring five six-ball overs per side (except for the final, which has five eight-ball overs). Each fielder bowls one over, except the wicketkeeper. The last edition in 2024 featured 24 teams, with Pakistan being the most successful side, winning five titles and finishing runner-up on five occasions. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!