‘There could be a selfish motive’ – Harbhajan Singh slams Lalit Modi over leaked IPL ‘slap gate’ video
Lalit Modi has stirred fresh controversy by releasing unseen footage of the infamous IPL 2008 “slap-gate” incident involving Harbhajan Singh and S. Sreesanth. The video, shown during Modi’s conversation with former Australian captain Michael Clarke on a podcast, clearly captured the moment Harbhajan Singh slapped Sreesanth during the post-match handshake between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). The incident, which shocked fans at the time, went down as one of the biggest controversies in IPL history. As a result, Harbhajan Singh was handed a suspension for the remainder of the season. While the matter had largely faded from public memory, Modi’s decision to release the footage has reignited debate. Harbhajan Singh, visibly displeased, hit back at the former IPL commissioner, accusing him of acting out of selfish motives. He criticized Modi for dragging the past into the spotlight and insisted that the video should never have been released. The episode, once buried, is now back in headlines—drawing both criticism of Modi and renewed discussion of one of the league’s most controversial moments. Harbhajan Singh Slams Lalit Modi Over Video Leak Harbhajan Singh has strongly criticized the leak of an old video, calling it a selfish attempt to revive something long forgotten. Speaking to Instant Bollywood, he shared his thoughts on the matter: “The way the video has been leaked is wrong. It shouldn’t have happened. There might be selfish motives behind it. Something that happened 18 years ago has been forgotten by people, and now they are being reminded of it unnecessarily.” Reflecting on the incident, Harbhajan admitted he still feels remorse: “I feel bad about what happened. We were playing, and everyone had their own thoughts at the time. Mistakes were made, and yes, we do feel ashamed of them.” He further acknowledged the incident as unfortunate and took responsibility for his actions: “Yes, the video has gone viral. It was an unfortunate incident, and I have admitted on multiple occasions that I made a mistake. Humans make mistakes, and I did too. I have prayed to Lord Ganesh for forgiveness if I err again. Mistakes happen.” Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
‘Virat Kohli toured Australia…’: Root faces harsh reality check as England legend hints at looming retirement
Citing Virat Kohli’s example, a former England cricketer suggested that a poor Ashes campaign might push Joe Root toward Test retirement. Joe Root Still Chasing First Test Century in Australia Over the years, Joe Root has cemented his status as England’s premier Test batter. Yet, one milestone continues to elude him—a century in Australia. In 27 innings Down Under, Root has amassed 892 runs at an average of 35.68, including nine fifties. On three occasions, he crossed 80 but failed to convert those starts into three figures. Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes the upcoming Ashes series could be a defining moment for Root’s career. Drawing a parallel with Virat Kohli, Panesar warned that another poor campaign might even push Root towards Test retirement. England legend uses Virat Kohli’s example Speaking to IndiaToday.in, former England spinner Monty Panesar said Joe Root’s career could hinge on his performance in next year’s Ashes. Panesar drew comparisons with Virat Kohli, recalling how the Indian great struggled in Australia against deliveries outside the off-stump—a phase that eventually played a role in his Test retirement. “It really depends how next year goes for him, how the Ashes go… If Joe Root doesn’t have a good Ashes series and it goes really bad for him, suddenly all it takes is one series. People begin questioning, is he past his best? England could even lose their coach or captain if the series is disastrous,” Panesar remarked. Looking ahead, Panesar admitted that Root faces an uphill challenge in securing his first century in Australia. He pointed to the hosts’ formidable attack, calling it “one of the strongest bowling units we’ve seen.” However, he added that Root might find an opening on less lively tracks at venues like Adelaide or Melbourne. “If there’s a pitch without too much bounce or pace, he has a chance. But on anything quick or bouncy, it’ll be very difficult for him,” Panesar concluded. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Jasprit Bumrah advised by his former bowling coach to skip the IPL in order to remain fully available for Team India matches.
Jasprit Bumrah featured in only three matches during the recent England series. Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has weighed in on the pacer’s workload, suggesting that Bumrah should consider skipping the Indian Premier League (IPL) if a five-match Test series is on the horizon. Jasprit Bumrah workload has been a persistent talking point in Indian cricket. He played just three Tests against England, missing two crucial matches when the series was finely poised. Earlier, after featuring in five games of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25, Jasprit Bumrah picked up an injury that ruled him out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. On his return, he restricted himself to only three Tests against England — a move the management supported, given his importance to the team. Arun stressed that the IPL could be skipped in such situations to ensure Jasprit Bumrah long-term fitness, adding that the BCCI should fairly compensate him for missing the lucrative league. Speaking to Times Internet, he said: “Definitely, this would help, especially when you want to preserve bowlers. It’s fine for a batter or a spinner to play across formats, but for a fast bowler, too much cricket leaves little time to work on physical conditioning. “So yes, this should be considered. Bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, or anyone deemed crucial for a particular series, can be rested and adequately compensated. If he’s paid fairly and the BCCI — since he’s a contracted player — asks him to focus on certain aspects of his game, I think that’s completely fair.” Jasprit Bumrah: Bharat Arun on Mohammed Siraj: “He is every captain’s delight.” Bharat Arun praised Mohammed Siraj for his outstanding efforts, highlighting the energy he brings to the team. He stressed that the pacer must be managed carefully and given enough rest. Arun said: “Siraj has been around for a while now, and he has been exceptional. He’s a captain’s delight. Every time you hand him the ball, he runs in and gives his absolute best. That’s exactly what you want from a fast bowler — he has incredible energy.” Speaking about the recently concluded five-Test series, Arun added:“From the first Test to the fifth, Siraj maintained the same intensity throughout. That’s why it’s important to preserve him and ensure he gets sufficient rest before the next assignment so that he can recover fully.” Siraj was not named in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad as he has been rested after bowling more than 180 overs in the England series. However, he is expected to make his return for the West Indies series in October. 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
“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