Ahead of the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka on Tuesday evening (January 10), captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that Shubman Gill will continue to be persisted as his opening partner, with no room for Ishan Kishan. Kishan had replaced an injured Rohit in the third and inconsequential ODI versus Bangladesh, in early December, and made the most of his opportunity to score a double ton. Many believed that Kishan had done enough to cement his spot as an opener, with Shikhar Dhawan dropped, but the Indian team management want to persist with Shubman.&nbsp;

Speaking on his opening partner, Rohit said in the pre-match presser on Monday (January 09),&nbsp;"Both openers (Gill and Kishan) have done really well. But looking at how both have gone through, I think it is fair that we give Gill a chance to have a fair run because in the last games Gill got a lot of runs as well. I am not going to take anything from Ishan. He has been&nbsp;wonderful for us. He got a double hundred and I know what it takes to get a double hundred, it is a great achievement. But just to be honest and be fair to the guys who have done really well before that we need to give those guys enough chances as well."

Rohit added on Kishan, "It is unfortunate that we won't be able to play Ishan but looking at how things have panned out for us in the last 8-9 months, looking at how the ODIs have gone through for us, it is fair to give Gill that run and he has done extremely well in that position. We will definitely try out and keep Ishan in the mix and see how things pan out for us as we play lot of games ahead." In Gill's defence, he has been&nbsp;among runs in the West Indies, Zimbabwe and New Zealand tour but wasn't part of the Indian squad for the Bangladesh series, with the return of the key players. Hence, when Kishan was in the squad and scored a double ton when he got a chance in the playing XI, many believed he would pip Gill to open versus SL.

Thus, former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad reacted to Kishan's omission. He tweeted, replying to a cricket portal's post, and wrote, "Think fair would have been to give chance to a man who scored a double hundred in India’s last ODI, and in a series where India lost two games and the series. Have all the time in the world for Gill, but no way you drop a player for scoring a double ton."

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Think fair would have been to give chance to a man who scored a double hundred in India’s last ODI, and in a series where India lost two games and the series. 
Have all the time in the world for Gill, but no way you drop a player for scoring a double ton. <a href="https://t.co/LbzKKH8ynw">https://t.co/LbzKKH8ynw</a>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1612451607114911745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-young-fan-in-tears-after-seeing-rohit-sharma-team-india-captains-reaction-goes-viral-watch-550975">IND vs SL: Young fan in tears after seeing Rohit Sharma, Team India captain's reaction goes viral - WATCH</a>

In the ongoing first ODI between India and SL, Rohit &amp; Co. lost the toss and were opted to bat first. Rohit and Gill stitched an impressive 143-run first-wicket stand with the youngster returning with a sublime 60-ball 73, studded with 11 fours. For him to cement his place as the second opener, Gill has been consistent but will hope to score some daddy hundreds.&nbsp;

For Kishan, he will surely feel unlucky&nbsp;to have missed out despite scoring the fourth double ton by an Indian in ODIs. However, India have a lot of white-ball cricket to play en route the IPL 2023 edition. Hence, he will aim to once again make the most of his opportunities.

Ahead of the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka on Tuesday evening (January 10), captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that Shubman Gill will continue to be persisted as his opening partner, with no room for Ishan Kishan.

Ahead of the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka on Tuesday evening (January 10), captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that Shubman Gill will continue to be persisted as his opening partner, with no room for Ishan Kishan. Kishan had replaced an injured Rohit in the third and inconsequential ODI versus Bangladesh, in early December, and made the most of his opportunity to score a double ton. Many believed that Kishan had done enough to cement his spot as an opener, with Shikhar Dhawan dropped, but the Indian team management want to persist with Shubman. Speaking on his opening partner, Rohit said in the pre-match presser on Monday (January 09), "Both openers (Gill and Kishan) have done really well. But looking at how both have gone through, I think it is fair that we give Gill a chance to have a fair run because in the last games Gill got a lot of runs as well. I am not going to take anything from Ishan. He has been wonderful for us. He got a double hundred and I know what it takes to get a double hundred, it is a great achievement. But just to be honest and be fair to the guys who have done really well before that we need to give those guys enough chances as well." Rohit added on Kishan, "It is unfortunate that we won't be able to play Ishan but looking at how things have panned out for us in the last 8-9 months, looking at how the ODIs have gone through for us, it is fair to give Gill that run and he has done extremely well in that position. We will definitely try out and keep Ishan in the mix and see how things pan out for us as we play lot of games ahead." In Gill's defence, he has been among runs in the West Indies, Zimbabwe and New Zealand tour but wasn't part of the Indian squad for the Bangladesh series, with the return of the key players. Hence, when Kishan was in the squad and scored a double ton when he got a chance in the playing XI, many believed he would pip Gill to open versus SL. Thus, former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad reacted to Kishan's omission. He tweeted, replying to a cricket portal's post, and wrote, "Think fair would have been to give chance to a man who scored a double hundred in India’s last ODI, and in a series where India lost two games and the series. Have all the time in the world for Gill, but no way you drop a player for scoring a double ton." Think fair would have been to give chance to a man who scored a double hundred in India’s last ODI, and in a series where India lost two games and the series. Have all the time in the world for Gill, but no way you drop a player for scoring a double ton. https://t.co/LbzKKH8ynw — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) January 9, 2023 × Also read: IND vs SL: Young fan in tears after seeing Rohit Sharma, Team India captain's reaction goes viral - WATCH In the ongoing first ODI between India and SL, Rohit & Co. lost the toss and were opted to bat first. Rohit and Gill stitched an impressive 143-run first-wicket stand with the youngster returning with a sublime 60-ball 73, studded with 11 fours. For him to cement his place as the second opener, Gill has been consistent but will hope to score some daddy hundreds. For Kishan, he will surely feel unlucky to have missed out despite scoring the fourth double ton by an Indian in ODIs. However, India have a lot of white-ball cricket to play en route the IPL 2023 edition. Hence, he will aim to once again make the most of his opportunities.

'No way you...': Former Indian speedster blasts Rahul Dravid-Rohit Sharma for dropping Ishan Kishan

India are facing Sri Lanka on Tuesday (January 10) in the series opener of the three ODIs. Ahead of the match, fans had assembled in large numbers to see a glimpse of the Indian cricketers at the&nbsp;Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati and a young Assamese fan was in tears seeing his idol Rohit Sharma. Seeing his young fan crying, captain Rohit met him and his adorable gesture for the young kid has now gone viral.&nbsp;

After attending the pre-match presser, Rohit stepped out to meet his fans and spotted a young boy in tears after seeing him. Rohit straightaway went to him and interacted with the boy who was emotional seeing Hitman. “Rone ka kya baat hai, chota bacha hai tu (Why are you crying, you are just a little boy)," said Rohit. He then&nbsp;pulled the cheeks of the young kid and said, "Itne mote mote gaal hai tere (You have such fat cheeks)." Here's the video of the interaction:

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Cricketer Rohit Sharma interacting with an young cricket fan from Assam in Guwahati. 
 
Adorable Moments!<a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a> <a href="https://t.co/Nyzc4D9fHg">pic.twitter.com/Nyzc4D9fHg</a>
— Pramod Boro (@PramodBoroBTR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PramodBoroBTR/status/1612452149878980608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/end-of-the-road-bcci-to-ask-rohit-sharma-virat-kohli-to-rethink-their-t20i-future-report-550938">End of the road? BCCI to ask Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli to rethink their T20I future - Report</a>

Speaking in the press conference prior to the SL ODIs, Rohit made it clear that he isn't giving up on any format just yet and doesn't want to retire from T20Is. "Firstly, it is not possible to play back-to-back matches. You need to give them (all format players) enough break. I definitely fall in that as well. We have three T20Is against New Zealand. We will see what happens after IPL. I have not decided to give up the format," Rohit said.

India have kicked off their preparations for the 2023 ODI World Cup, on home soil, with their first 50-over assignment versus Sri Lanka on Tuesday. At the coin toss, Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka opted to bowl first.&nbsp;

Playing XIs for first ODI:

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Avishka Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka

India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Umran Malik, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

India are facing Sri Lanka on Tuesday (January 10) in the series opener of the three ODIs. Ahead of the match, fans had assembled in large numbers to see a glimpse of the Indian cricketers at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati and a young Assamese fan was in tears seeing his idol Rohit Sharma.

India are facing Sri Lanka on Tuesday (January 10) in the series opener of the three ODIs. Ahead of the match, fans had assembled in large numbers to see a glimpse of the Indian cricketers at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati and a young Assamese fan was in tears seeing his idol Rohit Sharma. Seeing his young fan crying, captain Rohit met him and his adorable gesture for the young kid has now gone viral. After attending the pre-match presser, Rohit stepped out to meet his fans and spotted a young boy in tears after seeing him. Rohit straightaway went to him and interacted with the boy who was emotional seeing Hitman. “Rone ka kya baat hai, chota bacha hai tu (Why are you crying, you are just a little boy)," said Rohit. He then pulled the cheeks of the young kid and said, "Itne mote mote gaal hai tere (You have such fat cheeks)." Here's the video of the interaction: Cricketer Rohit Sharma interacting with an young cricket fan from Assam in Guwahati. Adorable Moments!@ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/Nyzc4D9fHg — Pramod Boro (@PramodBoroBTR) January 9, 2023 × Also read: End of the road? BCCI to ask Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli to rethink their T20I future - Report Speaking in the press conference prior to the SL ODIs, Rohit made it clear that he isn't giving up on any format just yet and doesn't want to retire from T20Is. "Firstly, it is not possible to play back-to-back matches. You need to give them (all format players) enough break. I definitely fall in that as well. We have three T20Is against New Zealand. We will see what happens after IPL. I have not decided to give up the format," Rohit said. India have kicked off their preparations for the 2023 ODI World Cup, on home soil, with their first 50-over assignment versus Sri Lanka on Tuesday. At the coin toss, Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka opted to bowl first. Playing XIs for first ODI: Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Avishka Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Umran Malik, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

IND vs SL: Young fan in tears after seeing Rohit Sharma, Team India captain's reaction goes viral  - WATCH

Team India is now gearing up for the three-match ODI series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on Tuesday (January 10). It is an important year for the senior men's cricket team with the ODI World Cup set to be held later this year, in India. The last time India hosted the mega event, along with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, they went on to lift the coveted trophy in 2011. This time around, they will solely host the tournament -- for the first time ever -- and look to break their ten-year-long ICC-title-drought.&nbsp;

Ahead of India's first 50-over assignment in 2023, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir -- who was part of MS Dhoni-led India's 2011 ODI WC triumph -- has a stern message for World Cup-bound players. With India missing key players in last few World Cups due to injuries, as a result of playing frequently, many missed games in the run-up to an ICC event. Thus, Gambhir feels the key players have to play 50-over format and prioritise it this year with the WC just few months away. In addition, he suggested that Indian players can skip IPL matches, if need be, to remain fit.

“If the franchise (IPL) has to suffer then they have to suffer. Indian cricket is the main stakeholder. Not the IPL. IPL is the byproduct. So, if India goes on to win the World Cup then this is the big occasion. So if an important player does miss the IPL, so be it. IPL happens every year, World Cup happens every four years,” the two-time World Cup winner Gambhir said while speaking on Star Sports’ show Road to Glory.

<section>
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-babar-azam-gives-blunt-response-when-asked-if-regretted-not-playing-sarfaraz-ahmed-for-four-years-550598">WATCH: Babar Azam gives blunt response when asked if regretted not playing Sarfaraz Ahmed for four years</a>

“If people who are playing all three formats want to take a break, then they can take a break from T20Is. But surely not from the ODI format," Gambhir mentioned.

Gambhir further asserted that players who feature in all three formats can take a break from T20Is but should be available for ODIs with a lot at stake in the format this year. “If people who are playing all three formats want to take a break, then they can take a break from T20Is. But surely not from the ODI format," he added.

It will be interesting to see if key Indian players miss games in IPL 2023 to remain fresh for the forthcoming ICC event.&nbsp;
</section>

Team India is now gearing up for the three-match ODI series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on Tuesday (January 10). It is an important year for the senior men's cricket team with the ODI World Cup set to be held later this year, in India.

Team India is now gearing up for the three-match ODI series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on Tuesday (January 10). It is an important year for the senior men's cricket team with the ODI World Cup set to be held later this year, in India. The last time India hosted the mega event, along with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, they went on to lift the coveted trophy in 2011. This time around, they will solely host the tournament -- for the first time ever -- and look to break their ten-year-long ICC-title-drought. Ahead of India's first 50-over assignment in 2023, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir -- who was part of MS Dhoni-led India's 2011 ODI WC triumph -- has a stern message for World Cup-bound players. With India missing key players in last few World Cups due to injuries, as a result of playing frequently, many missed games in the run-up to an ICC event. Thus, Gambhir feels the key players have to play 50-over format and prioritise it this year with the WC just few months away. In addition, he suggested that Indian players can skip IPL matches, if need be, to remain fit. “If the franchise (IPL) has to suffer then they have to suffer. Indian cricket is the main stakeholder. Not the IPL. IPL is the byproduct. So, if India goes on to win the World Cup then this is the big occasion. So if an important player does miss the IPL, so be it. IPL happens every year, World Cup happens every four years,” the two-time World Cup winner Gambhir said while speaking on Star Sports’ show Road to Glory. Also read: WATCH: Babar Azam gives blunt response when asked if regretted not playing Sarfaraz Ahmed for four years “If people who are playing all three formats want to take a break, then they can take a break from T20Is. But surely not from the ODI format," Gambhir mentioned. Gambhir further asserted that players who feature in all three formats can take a break from T20Is but should be available for ODIs with a lot at stake in the format this year. “If people who are playing all three formats want to take a break, then they can take a break from T20Is. But surely not from the ODI format," he added. It will be interesting to see if key Indian players miss games in IPL 2023 to remain fresh for the forthcoming ICC event.

'Indian cricket is main stakeholder, IPL is just...': Gambhir's message as Team India prepare for ODI WC

India captain Rohit Sharma hasn’t given up on playing T20I cricket despite being replaced by Hardik Pandya as the new shortest-format captain recently. Following India’s semi final exit from the T20 World Cup in Australia last year, the call for a new look Indian team in T20Is took the centre stage. It was only after that the then selection panel was sacked and decision to remove Rohit as the T20I captain was taken. Now, ahead of the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Guwahati on Tuesday,&nbsp;Rohit addressed the media and opened up on his T20I future and also spoke on Jasprit Bumrah, who after getting recalled for the Lanka series earlier, got dropped on the eve of the first match.

Citing players’ workload management as a reason for not remaining in current scheme of things in T20Is, Rohit said the management had cleared earlier that concentration would remain on the ODIs in 2023 given it is a World Cup year. The veteran batter added some players cannot play all three formats and would be rotated, and that he very much falls in the that category.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-2023-ishan-kishan-or-shubman-gill-rohit-sharma-confirms-his-opening-partner-for-1st-odi-550792">IND vs SL 2023: Ishan Kishan or Shubman Gill? Rohit Sharma confirms his opening partner for 1st ODI</a>

"It was made clear in the past that it's a World Cup year for us, 50-over World Cup and for some of the guys, it's not possible to play all formats. If you look at the schedule, the matches are back-to-back. So we decided on looking at some players' workload. We give them enough break time and manage them and I definitely fall in that," Rohit Sharma said on the eve of the first ODI.

Rohit said following the IPL this year, he will look into how things are panning out and then probably will take a call on his T20I future. But one thing that he asserted is he surely hasn’t thought about not playing this format.

"We have only 6 T20Is, 3 are over. We have 3 more against New Zealand. So we will manage to look after those till the IPL and we will see what happens after the IPL. But certainly, I have not decided to give up the format," Rohit added.

Rohit on Jasprit Bumrah

Out since September last year due to back injury, ace India seamer Jasprit Bumrah was recalled to India’s ODI squad against Sri Lanka recently. A couple of days later after this announcement was made, the BCCI on Monday, in a statement said that Bumrah wouldn’t be taking part in the upcoming ODI series.

Elaborating on Bumrah’s scenario, Rohit said, “It’s very unfortunate for him. The poor guy has been working really hard at the NCA for all this time,” Rohit said in the presser.

“Just when he got back, he had full fitness, he started bowling and everything. In the last two days, I think this incident happened when he felt a little bit of stiffness in his back. It’s nothing major, it’s just stiffness. And when Bumrah says anything, we have to be very cautious about it and that is what we did,” the captain added.

“I thought it was important for us to make that decision to pull him out because when we named him, he was in the process of getting his workload done, he was bowling in the nets. We need to be very careful with him. He had a major injury before the World Cup, so we have to be careful,” Rohit concluded.

The first of the three ODIs against Sri Lanka will be beginning on Tuesday, January 10th in Guwahati.&nbsp;The match will start at 1:30 PM and will be telecasted on Star network on TV and on Hotstar on online.

India captain Rohit Sharma hasn’t given up on playing T20I cricket despite being replaced by Hardik Pandya as the new shortest-format captain recently. Following India’s semi final exit from the T20 World Cup in Australia last year, the call for a new look Indian team in T20Is took the centre stage.

India captain Rohit Sharma hasn’t given up on playing T20I cricket despite being replaced by Hardik Pandya as the new shortest-format captain recently. Following India’s semi final exit from the T20 World Cup in Australia last year, the call for a new look Indian team in T20Is took the centre stage. It was only after that the then selection panel was sacked and decision to remove Rohit as the T20I captain was taken. Now, ahead of the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Guwahati on Tuesday, Rohit addressed the media and opened up on his T20I future and also spoke on Jasprit Bumrah, who after getting recalled for the Lanka series earlier, got dropped on the eve of the first match. Citing players’ workload management as a reason for not remaining in current scheme of things in T20Is, Rohit said the management had cleared earlier that concentration would remain on the ODIs in 2023 given it is a World Cup year. The veteran batter added some players cannot play all three formats and would be rotated, and that he very much falls in the that category. ALSO READ: IND vs SL 2023: Ishan Kishan or Shubman Gill? Rohit Sharma confirms his opening partner for 1st ODI "It was made clear in the past that it's a World Cup year for us, 50-over World Cup and for some of the guys, it's not possible to play all formats. If you look at the schedule, the matches are back-to-back. So we decided on looking at some players' workload. We give them enough break time and manage them and I definitely fall in that," Rohit Sharma said on the eve of the first ODI. Rohit said following the IPL this year, he will look into how things are panning out and then probably will take a call on his T20I future. But one thing that he asserted is he surely hasn’t thought about not playing this format. "We have only 6 T20Is, 3 are over. We have 3 more against New Zealand. So we will manage to look after those till the IPL and we will see what happens after the IPL. But certainly, I have not decided to give up the format," Rohit added. Rohit on Jasprit Bumrah Out since September last year due to back injury, ace India seamer Jasprit Bumrah was recalled to India’s ODI squad against Sri Lanka recently. A couple of days later after this announcement was made, the BCCI on Monday, in a statement said that Bumrah wouldn’t be taking part in the upcoming ODI series. Elaborating on Bumrah’s scenario, Rohit said, “It’s very unfortunate for him. The poor guy has been working really hard at the NCA for all this time,” Rohit said in the presser. “Just when he got back, he had full fitness, he started bowling and everything. In the last two days, I think this incident happened when he felt a little bit of stiffness in his back. It’s nothing major, it’s just stiffness. And when Bumrah says anything, we have to be very cautious about it and that is what we did,” the captain added. “I thought it was important for us to make that decision to pull him out because when we named him, he was in the process of getting his workload done, he was bowling in the nets. We need to be very careful with him. He had a major injury before the World Cup, so we have to be careful,” Rohit concluded. The first of the three ODIs against Sri Lanka will be beginning on Tuesday, January 10th in Guwahati. The match will start at 1:30 PM and will be telecasted on Star network on TV and on Hotstar on online.

IND vs SL: Rohit Sharma opens up about his T20I future, Jasprit Bumrah's injury ahead of Guwahati ODI

A lot has been said and written about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's T20I future following the T20 World Cup, which took place last year in Australia. Following India's ten-wicket defeat at the hands of eventual winners England in the semi-finals, many thought it was the end of the road for Rohit and Kohli, two of India's finest batters, in the shortest format of the game. While nothing official has been annonunced, it seems the BCCI selectors have started to move on from the two senior pros as they are believed to shift their focus solely on this year's ODI World Cup, in India, whereas India have relied on Hardik Pandya to lead a young and inexperienced T20I team since the T20 WC debacle.

With Hardik being touted as the next T20I captain, also the next white-ball skipper after Rohit, and BCCI selectors relying on young guns for the shortest format, there is uncertainity regarding Rohit and Kohli's future in the format. Ahead of the India-Sri Lanka ODIs, which gets underway on Tuesday (January 10), Karim told&nbsp;News Sports, "I feel there is no need to pick them currently. Yes, they can be considered if they do well in the IPL,” said Karim. He added, “There is a chance that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will have a fantastic IPL season. If that happens, the selectors will not be able to look beyond them. The same happened in Dinesh Karthik's case last year."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-1st-odi-virat-kohli-eyes-sachin-tendulkars-elite-feat-in-series-opener-in-guwahati-550743">IND vs SL, 1st ODI: Virat Kohli eyes Sachin Tendulkar's elite feat in series opener in Guwahati</a>

Ahead of the SL ODIs, captain Rohit has confirmed that he hasn't given up on the T20I format. It will be interesting to see if the selectors consider bringing back the senior duo in the upcoming series or after IPL 2023. Given that India have started preparations for the ODI WC, to be held in India in October-November, Rohit and Kohli have shifted their focus on the 50-over format.&nbsp;

Rohit and Kohli will be seen in action for the first time in 2023 when India take on Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series opener on Tuesday (January 10) in Guwahati.&nbsp;

India squad for ODI series against Sri Lanka

Rohit Sharma (C), Hardik Pandya (VC), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh

A lot has been said and written about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's T20I future following the T20 World Cup, which took place last year in Australia. Following India's ten-wicket defeat at the hands of eventual winners England in the semi-finals, many thought it was the end of the road for Rohit and Kohli, two of India's finest batters, in the shortest format of the game.

A lot has been said and written about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's T20I future following the T20 World Cup, which took place last year in Australia. Following India's ten-wicket defeat at the hands of eventual winners England in the semi-finals, many thought it was the end of the road for Rohit and Kohli, two of India's finest batters, in the shortest format of the game. While nothing official has been annonunced, it seems the BCCI selectors have started to move on from the two senior pros as they are believed to shift their focus solely on this year's ODI World Cup, in India, whereas India have relied on Hardik Pandya to lead a young and inexperienced T20I team since the T20 WC debacle. With Hardik being touted as the next T20I captain, also the next white-ball skipper after Rohit, and BCCI selectors relying on young guns for the shortest format, there is uncertainity regarding Rohit and Kohli's future in the format. Ahead of the India-Sri Lanka ODIs, which gets underway on Tuesday (January 10), Karim told News Sports, "I feel there is no need to pick them currently. Yes, they can be considered if they do well in the IPL,” said Karim. He added, “There is a chance that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will have a fantastic IPL season. If that happens, the selectors will not be able to look beyond them. The same happened in Dinesh Karthik's case last year." Also read: IND vs SL, 1st ODI: Virat Kohli eyes Sachin Tendulkar's elite feat in series opener in Guwahati Ahead of the SL ODIs, captain Rohit has confirmed that he hasn't given up on the T20I format. It will be interesting to see if the selectors consider bringing back the senior duo in the upcoming series or after IPL 2023. Given that India have started preparations for the ODI WC, to be held in India in October-November, Rohit and Kohli have shifted their focus on the 50-over format. Rohit and Kohli will be seen in action for the first time in 2023 when India take on Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series opener on Tuesday (January 10) in Guwahati. India squad for ODI series against Sri Lanka Rohit Sharma (C), Hardik Pandya (VC), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh

'No need to....' Former Indian stumper opines on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's T20I future

India will kick off their ODI World Cup preparations, to be held later this year in India, with the three-match ODI series versus Sri Lanka. The series gets underway on Tuesday (January 10) with the first ODI set to be held at the&nbsp;Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. With the commencement of the series, India will see the return of their big players such as regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul whereas Hardik Pandya, who captained in the SL T20Is, will also be playing his first T20I after July 2022.&nbsp;

Ahead of the series opener, King Kohli will aim to match Sachin Tendulkar's elite feat.&nbsp;Master Blaster had a stellar international career and ended with several records. The legendary cricketer holds the record for most ODI hundreds at home, with 20 in 164 matches. Kohli, on the other hand, follows suit in the list with 19 tons in just 101 matches. However, his last home triple-figure knock in the format&nbsp;came in March 2019 against Australia. Kohli, who scored a century the last time he played an ODI for India (in the Bangladesh series in December 2022), will equal Tendulkar with most ODI hundreds on home soil if he touches the 100-run mark in the SL series opener.

MOST ODI HUNDREDS AT HOME

Sachin Tendulkar - 20 in 164 ODIs

Virat Kohli - 19 in 101 ODIs

Hashim Amla - 14 in 69 ODIs

Ricky Ponting - 13 in 153 ODIs

Ross Taylor - 12 in 110 ODIs

Also read:&nbsp;The new Universe Boss is Suryakumar Yadav: Former Pakistan spinner hails Indian star batter after SL T20Is

Kohli is also level with Tendulkar for most hundreds scored in ODIs against Sri Lanka. The former captain has amassed 2,220 runs against the 1996 champions at&nbsp;60 with 8 centuries. Meanwhile, Tendulkar also has an equal number of hundreds but&nbsp;sits atop with&nbsp;the most runs in ODIs between the two Asian giants (3,113 runs in 84 matches).

MOST HUNDREDS IN INDIA vs SRI LANKA ODIs,

Virat Kohli - 8 in 47 matches 
Sachin Tendulkar - 8 in 84 matches 
Sanath Jayasuriya - 7 in 89 matches 
Gautam Gambhir - 6 in 37 matches 
Rohit Sharma - 6 in 46 matches 
Kumar Sangakkara - 6 in 76 matches

If Kohli gets going in the IND-SL series and piles heaps of runs, he will also break into the top 5 of all-time run-scorers list in his preferred format; i.e. the ODIs.&nbsp;

MOST RUNS IN ODIs - ALL-TIME LIST

Sachin Tendulkar - 18426 runs in 463 ODIs 
Kumar Sangakkara - 14234 runs in 404 ODIs 
Ricky Ponting - 13704 runs in 375 ODIs 
Sanath Jayasuriya - 134300 runs in 445 ODIs 
Mahela Jaywardene - 12650 runs in 448 ODIs 
Virat Kohli - 12471 runs in 265 ODIs

Kohli wasn't part of the India-SL T20Is and, hence, will start afresh when both sides will lock horns in the ODI series opener on Tuesday afternoon.

India will kick off their ODI World Cup preparations, to be held later this year in India, with the three-match ODI series versus Sri Lanka. The series gets underway on Tuesday (January 10) with the first ODI set to be held at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.

India will kick off their ODI World Cup preparations, to be held later this year in India, with the three-match ODI series versus Sri Lanka. The series gets underway on Tuesday (January 10) with the first ODI set to be held at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. With the commencement of the series, India will see the return of their big players such as regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul whereas Hardik Pandya, who captained in the SL T20Is, will also be playing his first T20I after July 2022. Ahead of the series opener, King Kohli will aim to match Sachin Tendulkar's elite feat. Master Blaster had a stellar international career and ended with several records. The legendary cricketer holds the record for most ODI hundreds at home, with 20 in 164 matches. Kohli, on the other hand, follows suit in the list with 19 tons in just 101 matches. However, his last home triple-figure knock in the format came in March 2019 against Australia. Kohli, who scored a century the last time he played an ODI for India (in the Bangladesh series in December 2022), will equal Tendulkar with most ODI hundreds on home soil if he touches the 100-run mark in the SL series opener. MOST ODI HUNDREDS AT HOME Sachin Tendulkar - 20 in 164 ODIs Virat Kohli - 19 in 101 ODIs Hashim Amla - 14 in 69 ODIs Ricky Ponting - 13 in 153 ODIs Ross Taylor - 12 in 110 ODIs Also read: The new Universe Boss is Suryakumar Yadav: Former Pakistan spinner hails Indian star batter after SL T20Is Kohli is also level with Tendulkar for most hundreds scored in ODIs against Sri Lanka. The former captain has amassed 2,220 runs against the 1996 champions at 60 with 8 centuries. Meanwhile, Tendulkar also has an equal number of hundreds but sits atop with the most runs in ODIs between the two Asian giants (3,113 runs in 84 matches). MOST HUNDREDS IN INDIA vs SRI LANKA ODIs, Virat Kohli - 8 in 47 matches Sachin Tendulkar - 8 in 84 matches Sanath Jayasuriya - 7 in 89 matches Gautam Gambhir - 6 in 37 matches Rohit Sharma - 6 in 46 matches Kumar Sangakkara - 6 in 76 matches If Kohli gets going in the IND-SL series and piles heaps of runs, he will also break into the top 5 of all-time run-scorers list in his preferred format; i.e. the ODIs. MOST RUNS IN ODIs - ALL-TIME LIST Sachin Tendulkar - 18426 runs in 463 ODIs Kumar Sangakkara - 14234 runs in 404 ODIs Ricky Ponting - 13704 runs in 375 ODIs Sanath Jayasuriya - 134300 runs in 445 ODIs Mahela Jaywardene - 12650 runs in 448 ODIs Virat Kohli - 12471 runs in 265 ODIs Kohli wasn't part of the India-SL T20Is and, hence, will start afresh when both sides will lock horns in the ODI series opener on Tuesday afternoon.

IND vs SL, 1st ODI: Virat Kohli eyes Sachin Tendulkar's elite feat in series opener in Guwahati

On Saturday (January 07), Hardik Pandya-led India thrashed Dasun Shanaka's Sri Lanka by 91 runs in the third and final T20I at the Saurashtra Cricket Stadium, Rajkot. Opting to bat first, with the series tied at 1-1, India rode on yet another brilliant innings from Suryakumar Yadav, who slammed his third ton in the format in less than six months, to post 228 for 5. In reply, India dismissed the Lankans for a paltry 137 to lose by 91 runs.

Surya came out to bat at No. 4 and laced 7 fours and 9 sixes at a whopping strike rate of&nbsp;219.61. After the knock, he is being hailed by many former cricketers for the sheer consistency he has shown in the shortest format of the game. Since his debut, the right-hander has dominated the format and already has scored three tons, in less than six months, and remains the No. 1 ranked batter as well. Thus, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria heaped praise on SKY and termed him as the 'new Universe Boss'; a term referred for Chris Gayle.

In a video posted on his Youtube channel, Kaneria said, “The new Universe Boss is Suryakumar Yadav-the beast. Now what can I tell about this lad, even before I have said that a player like Suryakumar comes once in a lifetime. The innings which he played today, scoring 112 off 51, no one can replicate that. You can speak about ABD, Chris Gayle but even these two look pale in front of Surya. He has already eclipsed them and has taken T20 cricket to a whole new level."

"If this bloke is on song, there is no bowler in world cricket to stop him. Chris Gayle was there, AB de Villiers was there but they are past now. No one even comes close to Suryakumar," the former Pakistan spinner added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-he-was-in-pakistan-he-wouldve-former-pakistan-captains-bold-remark-on-suryakumar-yadav-550682">'If he was in Pakistan, he would've...' - Former Pakistan captain's BOLD remark on Suryakumar Yadav</a>

After taking India to a 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka, Surya was adjudged the Player-of-the-Series. At the post-match presentation, SKY said, "It's really important to put pressure on yourself when you are preparing for a game. If you do that in practice, it gets a little easier while playing the game. There is a lot of hard work involved but it's about doing quality practice sessions. You should know what your game is and prepare accordingly. Boundaries behind are like 50-60 meters, so I was targeting them. There are some shots that are pre-determined but you need to have other shots too so that if the bowler changes his plan, you can have an answer. He (Dravid) just lets me enjoy myself. He tells me to just enjoy and express myself."

On Saturday (January 07), Hardik Pandya-led India thrashed Dasun Shanaka's Sri Lanka by 91 runs in the third and final T20I at the Saurashtra Cricket Stadium, Rajkot.

On Saturday (January 07), Hardik Pandya-led India thrashed Dasun Shanaka's Sri Lanka by 91 runs in the third and final T20I at the Saurashtra Cricket Stadium, Rajkot. Opting to bat first, with the series tied at 1-1, India rode on yet another brilliant innings from Suryakumar Yadav, who slammed his third ton in the format in less than six months, to post 228 for 5. In reply, India dismissed the Lankans for a paltry 137 to lose by 91 runs. Surya came out to bat at No. 4 and laced 7 fours and 9 sixes at a whopping strike rate of 219.61. After the knock, he is being hailed by many former cricketers for the sheer consistency he has shown in the shortest format of the game. Since his debut, the right-hander has dominated the format and already has scored three tons, in less than six months, and remains the No. 1 ranked batter as well. Thus, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria heaped praise on SKY and termed him as the 'new Universe Boss'; a term referred for Chris Gayle. In a video posted on his Youtube channel, Kaneria said, “The new Universe Boss is Suryakumar Yadav-the beast. Now what can I tell about this lad, even before I have said that a player like Suryakumar comes once in a lifetime. The innings which he played today, scoring 112 off 51, no one can replicate that. You can speak about ABD, Chris Gayle but even these two look pale in front of Surya. He has already eclipsed them and has taken T20 cricket to a whole new level." "If this bloke is on song, there is no bowler in world cricket to stop him. Chris Gayle was there, AB de Villiers was there but they are past now. No one even comes close to Suryakumar," the former Pakistan spinner added. Also read: 'If he was in Pakistan, he would've...' - Former Pakistan captain's BOLD remark on Suryakumar Yadav After taking India to a 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka, Surya was adjudged the Player-of-the-Series. At the post-match presentation, SKY said, "It's really important to put pressure on yourself when you are preparing for a game. If you do that in practice, it gets a little easier while playing the game. There is a lot of hard work involved but it's about doing quality practice sessions. You should know what your game is and prepare accordingly. Boundaries behind are like 50-60 meters, so I was targeting them. There are some shots that are pre-determined but you need to have other shots too so that if the bowler changes his plan, you can have an answer. He (Dravid) just lets me enjoy myself. He tells me to just enjoy and express myself."

The new Universe Boss is Suryakumar Yadav: Former Pakistan spinner hails Indian star batter after SL T20Is

Former India captain Kapil Dev went an extra mile in applauding the man-in-form in T20Is, Suryakumar Yadav by calling him ‘once in a century’ player. SKY, as his fans often call him, slammed his third hundred in this format against Sri Lanka in the final T20I in Rajkot, becoming only the second Indian batter after Rohit Sharma to touch this number. Showering praises on him while speaking with ABP news, Kapil said though he has seen some of the best cricketers play live including Sachin Tendulkar, Ab de Villiers, Ricky Ponting and even Viv Richards, none could strike the cricket ball as clean and smooth as Suryakumar.

Coming on to bat inside the Powerplay, Surya didn’t waste any time and started hammering the bowlers from the word go. After completing his fifty in 26 balls, SKY went into the 360 degree mode, hitting sixes to every part of the ground, including three to his favourite region in the fine-leg. With nine sixes and seven fours to his name, Surya completed his third T20I hundred and helped India reach 228 for five.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-legend-slams-mandatory-yo-yo-test-as-criteria-for-selection-says-cricket-fitness-should-be-considered-550687">Indian legend slams mandatory Yo-Yo test as criteria for selection, says cricket fitness should be considered</a>

The former World Cup winner said Surya leaves most of the bowlers frightened with his different array of shots. His ability to stand and hit a six anywhere he wants makes it difficult for any bowler.

"Sometimes I am at a loss of words on how to describe his knock. When we see Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, we feel that someday there will be a player who will compel us to think he is also part of that list," Kapil Dev told ABP news.

"There is indeed a lot of talent in India. And the kind of cricket he plays, that lap shot the one over fine leg, then that leaves the bowler frightened because he can stand and hit a six over mid-on and mid-wicket. That is what makes it difficult for the bowlers because he is able to pick the line and length consistently. I have seen great batters like De Villiers, Vivian Richards, Sachin, Virat, Ricky Ponting, but very few can hit the ball as cleanly as him. Hats off to Suryakumar Yadav. These kinds of players come only once in a century," he&nbsp;added.

Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Surya will be seen in action against Sri Lanka in the One-Dayers starting on Tuesday, January 10th in Guwahati.

Former India captain Kapil Dev went an extra mile in applauding the man-in-form in T20Is, Suryakumar Yadav by calling him ‘once in a century’ player. SKY, as his fans often call him, slammed his third hundred in this format against Sri Lanka in the final T20I in Rajkot, becoming only the second Indian batter after Rohit Sharma to touch this number.

Former India captain Kapil Dev went an extra mile in applauding the man-in-form in T20Is, Suryakumar Yadav by calling him ‘once in a century’ player. SKY, as his fans often call him, slammed his third hundred in this format against Sri Lanka in the final T20I in Rajkot, becoming only the second Indian batter after Rohit Sharma to touch this number. Showering praises on him while speaking with ABP news, Kapil said though he has seen some of the best cricketers play live including Sachin Tendulkar, Ab de Villiers, Ricky Ponting and even Viv Richards, none could strike the cricket ball as clean and smooth as Suryakumar. Coming on to bat inside the Powerplay, Surya didn’t waste any time and started hammering the bowlers from the word go. After completing his fifty in 26 balls, SKY went into the 360 degree mode, hitting sixes to every part of the ground, including three to his favourite region in the fine-leg. With nine sixes and seven fours to his name, Surya completed his third T20I hundred and helped India reach 228 for five. ALSO READ: Indian legend slams mandatory Yo-Yo test as criteria for selection, says cricket fitness should be considered The former World Cup winner said Surya leaves most of the bowlers frightened with his different array of shots. His ability to stand and hit a six anywhere he wants makes it difficult for any bowler. "Sometimes I am at a loss of words on how to describe his knock. When we see Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, we feel that someday there will be a player who will compel us to think he is also part of that list," Kapil Dev told ABP news. "There is indeed a lot of talent in India. And the kind of cricket he plays, that lap shot the one over fine leg, then that leaves the bowler frightened because he can stand and hit a six over mid-on and mid-wicket. That is what makes it difficult for the bowlers because he is able to pick the line and length consistently. I have seen great batters like De Villiers, Vivian Richards, Sachin, Virat, Ricky Ponting, but very few can hit the ball as cleanly as him. Hats off to Suryakumar Yadav. These kinds of players come only once in a century," he added. Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Surya will be seen in action against Sri Lanka in the One-Dayers starting on Tuesday, January 10th in Guwahati.

Kapil Dev lauds superlative Suryakumar Yadav, says he's 'once in a century' player

Suryakumar Yadav is having the time of his life. In 2022, he ended with&nbsp;1,164 runs in T20Is -- 168 more than second-highest run-getter Md Rizwan (996). He has started 2023 with a bang, scoring his third ton in the shortest format during the India-Sri Lanka T20Is. He is the No. 1 ranked batter in T20Is, is in the scheme of things for India with regard to their 2023 ODI World Cup preparations whereas some former cricketers also want him to be part of the red-ball side.&nbsp;

Surya's rise has been remarkable given he made his international debut at the age of 31. Being hailed by many for his consistency for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL, the right-hander finally managed to enter the Indian playing XI in February 2021. Since then, he has dominated world cricket -- especially in the shortest format. Recently, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt opined on SKY and made a bold claim that he would not have been successful if he was playing for Pakistan. Butt referred to a reported policy by the Ramiz Raja-led Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of not letting 30-plus aged&nbsp;players make their international debut.

Butt said on his Youtube channel, "I was reading everywhere that he came to international cricket when he was over 30. I just thought, he's lucky that he is Indian. If he was in Pakistan, he would've been a victim to the over-30 policy. Those who are in team, they are fine. Those who aren't in the team, they don't have a chance. Suryakumar broke into the team when he was 30. So, his case is different."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-to-not-return-for-sri-lanka-odis-pacer-to-miss-series-as-bcci-keen-to-not-rush-him-550656">Jasprit Bumrah to not return for Sri Lanka ODIs, pacer to miss series as BCCI keen to not rush him</a>

Surya scored his third T20I century, in less than six months, and first on home soil during India's third and final encounter versus Sri Lanka on Saturday (January 07) at the Saurashtra Cricket Association, Rajkot. Coming out to bat at No. 4, SKY stitched a mammoth 111-run-third-wicket stand with Shubman Gill (46) and entertained the fans with his strokeplay and ability to hit in all parts of the ground to return with a breathtaking 51-ball 112 not out, laced with 7 fours and 9 sixes at a whopping strike rate of&nbsp;219.61. Courtesy of SKY's brilliance, India posted 228 for 5 and beat the Islanders by 91 runs to win the series 2-1.

Suryakumar Yadav is having the time of his life. In 2022, he ended with 1,164 runs in T20Is -- 168 more than second-highest run-getter Md Rizwan (996). He has started 2023 with a bang, scoring his third ton in the shortest format during the India-Sri Lanka T20Is.

Suryakumar Yadav is having the time of his life. In 2022, he ended with 1,164 runs in T20Is -- 168 more than second-highest run-getter Md Rizwan (996). He has started 2023 with a bang, scoring his third ton in the shortest format during the India-Sri Lanka T20Is. He is the No. 1 ranked batter in T20Is, is in the scheme of things for India with regard to their 2023 ODI World Cup preparations whereas some former cricketers also want him to be part of the red-ball side. Surya's rise has been remarkable given he made his international debut at the age of 31. Being hailed by many for his consistency for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL, the right-hander finally managed to enter the Indian playing XI in February 2021. Since then, he has dominated world cricket -- especially in the shortest format. Recently, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt opined on SKY and made a bold claim that he would not have been successful if he was playing for Pakistan. Butt referred to a reported policy by the Ramiz Raja-led Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of not letting 30-plus aged players make their international debut. Butt said on his Youtube channel, "I was reading everywhere that he came to international cricket when he was over 30. I just thought, he's lucky that he is Indian. If he was in Pakistan, he would've been a victim to the over-30 policy. Those who are in team, they are fine. Those who aren't in the team, they don't have a chance. Suryakumar broke into the team when he was 30. So, his case is different." Also read: Jasprit Bumrah to not return for Sri Lanka ODIs, pacer to miss series as BCCI keen to not rush him Surya scored his third T20I century, in less than six months, and first on home soil during India's third and final encounter versus Sri Lanka on Saturday (January 07) at the Saurashtra Cricket Association, Rajkot. Coming out to bat at No. 4, SKY stitched a mammoth 111-run-third-wicket stand with Shubman Gill (46) and entertained the fans with his strokeplay and ability to hit in all parts of the ground to return with a breathtaking 51-ball 112 not out, laced with 7 fours and 9 sixes at a whopping strike rate of 219.61. Courtesy of SKY's brilliance, India posted 228 for 5 and beat the Islanders by 91 runs to win the series 2-1.

'If he was in Pakistan, he would've...' - Former Pakistan captain's BOLD remark on Suryakumar Yadav

Following a review meeting in Mumbai last week that was attended by some big names in the Indian cricket, it was decided that the infamous Yo-Yo and Dexa test will used as the main criteria for selection in the team. Upset over this decision by the BCCI, the ex-World Cup winner and legend Sunil Gavaskar slammed the idea saying cricket fitness should be the prime consideration for selection and not any of these fitness tests. On Monday, in a column written by him in the Mid-Day, Gavaskar wrote&nbsp;it’s a team’s loss if a player who is scoring tons of runs or picking wickets couldn’t clear the above-mentioned tests as he won’t be selected then.

"The BCCI announced recently that they are bringing back the 'yo-yo' test and some other tests for the fitness levels mainly for the emerging players. A player could be reeling off centuries and double centuries or picking five and ten wicket hauls while bowling heaps of overs, but if he can't pass these tests, then he won't be eligible for selection."

"Cricket fitness should be the prime consideration. And yes, it would be revealing if these fitness tests are done in the public domain with the media present for then we would know if a player is 'yo-yo' or no-no," wrote Gavaskar.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-was-rising-mma-star-victoria-lee-what-was-the-cause-of-her-death-at-18-years-of-age-550667">Who was rising MMA star Victoria Lee? What was the cause of her death at 18 years of age?</a>

Gavaskar&nbsp;opener&nbsp;further questioned the selection of the new men’s selection committee that was formed recently after the CAC interviewed several candidates for the vacant posts. While all five posts are held by the former cricketers, Gavaskar asked why there aren’t any bio-mechanists or body since experts as selectors given the criteria for selection is now based on fitness levels and not current form.

He added as it will eventually fall down to making a choice between two players for a spot in the team, these experts will be in a better position to pick considering their fitness levels.

"The CAC has just interviewed candidates for the selection committee panel, but not one was a bio-mechanics expert or a body science person. Since eligibility is going to be based on the fitness of a player, it might be better to have these experts in the selection panel than former cricketers."

"After all if it comes to a choice between two players for a spot in the team these experts would be in a better position to tell which among the two is fitter than the other and never mind the runs scored or wickets taken by the two players," the former legend wrote in his column for the Mid-Day.

The Indian team will be in action against Sri Lanka in the ODI series that is beginning on Tuesday, January 10th.&nbsp;

Following a review meeting in Mumbai last week that was attended by some big names in the Indian cricket, it was decided that the infamous Yo-Yo and Dexa test will used as the main criteria for selection in the team.

Following a review meeting in Mumbai last week that was attended by some big names in the Indian cricket, it was decided that the infamous Yo-Yo and Dexa test will used as the main criteria for selection in the team. Upset over this decision by the BCCI, the ex-World Cup winner and legend Sunil Gavaskar slammed the idea saying cricket fitness should be the prime consideration for selection and not any of these fitness tests. On Monday, in a column written by him in the Mid-Day, Gavaskar wrote it’s a team’s loss if a player who is scoring tons of runs or picking wickets couldn’t clear the above-mentioned tests as he won’t be selected then. "The BCCI announced recently that they are bringing back the 'yo-yo' test and some other tests for the fitness levels mainly for the emerging players. A player could be reeling off centuries and double centuries or picking five and ten wicket hauls while bowling heaps of overs, but if he can't pass these tests, then he won't be eligible for selection." "Cricket fitness should be the prime consideration. And yes, it would be revealing if these fitness tests are done in the public domain with the media present for then we would know if a player is 'yo-yo' or no-no," wrote Gavaskar. ALSO READ: Who was rising MMA star Victoria Lee? What was the cause of her death at 18 years of age? Gavaskar opener further questioned the selection of the new men’s selection committee that was formed recently after the CAC interviewed several candidates for the vacant posts. While all five posts are held by the former cricketers, Gavaskar asked why there aren’t any bio-mechanists or body since experts as selectors given the criteria for selection is now based on fitness levels and not current form. He added as it will eventually fall down to making a choice between two players for a spot in the team, these experts will be in a better position to pick considering their fitness levels. "The CAC has just interviewed candidates for the selection committee panel, but not one was a bio-mechanics expert or a body science person. Since eligibility is going to be based on the fitness of a player, it might be better to have these experts in the selection panel than former cricketers." "After all if it comes to a choice between two players for a spot in the team these experts would be in a better position to tell which among the two is fitter than the other and never mind the runs scored or wickets taken by the two players," the former legend wrote in his column for the Mid-Day. The Indian team will be in action against Sri Lanka in the ODI series that is beginning on Tuesday, January 10th.

Indian legend slams mandatory Yo-Yo test as criteria for selection, says cricket fitness should be considered

Jasprit Bumrah was set to return to international cricket, after a long layoff due to back injury, in the India-Sri Lanka home ODIs. On Monday (January 09), it has been confirmed that the star pacer will not return for the SL ODIs as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)&nbsp;sources have informed that a call has been taken not to rush him into action so soon. Thus, Bumrah is not even among the players who have reached Guwahati, the venue for the three-match ODI series opener on Tuesday (January 10).&nbsp;

It is to be noted Bumrah has been out of action since September 2022, which kept him out of the T20 World Cup 2022 edition in Australia as well. Before that, the pacer had also missed the Asia Cup 2022, in the UAE, due to injury concerns. On January 03, the BCCI added Bumrah to Rohit Sharma-led India's ODI squad for the Lanka series, on the recommendation of the All-India Selection Committee.&nbsp;"The All-India Senior Selection Committee has included pacer Jasprit Bumrah in India's ODI squad for the upcoming Mastercard 3-match ODI series against Sri Lanka," BCCI had said in a media release.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-cricket-is-main-stakeholder-ipl-is-just-gambhirs-message-as-team-india-prepare-for-odi-wc-550636">'Indian cricket is main stakeholder, IPL is just...': Gambhir's message as Team India prepare for ODI WC</a>

"The pacer has undergone rehabilitation and has been declared fit by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He will be joining the Team India ODI squad soon," the BCCI had further mentioned in the statement. In Bumrah's absence, India will rely on pacers Md Shami, Md Siraj, Umran Malik and uncapped player Arshdeep Singh. Hardik Pandya is also an option but it will be interesting to see if he bowls in the SL series.&nbsp;

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India's updated squad for Sri Lanka ODIs: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (VC), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh.
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Jasprit Bumrah was set to return to international cricket, after a long layoff due to back injury, in the India-Sri Lanka home ODIs. On Monday (January 09), it has been confirmed that the star pacer will not return for the SL ODIs as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sources have informed that a call has been taken not to rush him into action so soon.

Jasprit Bumrah was set to return to international cricket, after a long layoff due to back injury, in the India-Sri Lanka home ODIs. On Monday (January 09), it has been confirmed that the star pacer will not return for the SL ODIs as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sources have informed that a call has been taken not to rush him into action so soon. Thus, Bumrah is not even among the players who have reached Guwahati, the venue for the three-match ODI series opener on Tuesday (January 10). It is to be noted Bumrah has been out of action since September 2022, which kept him out of the T20 World Cup 2022 edition in Australia as well. Before that, the pacer had also missed the Asia Cup 2022, in the UAE, due to injury concerns. On January 03, the BCCI added Bumrah to Rohit Sharma-led India's ODI squad for the Lanka series, on the recommendation of the All-India Selection Committee. "The All-India Senior Selection Committee has included pacer Jasprit Bumrah in India's ODI squad for the upcoming Mastercard 3-match ODI series against Sri Lanka," BCCI had said in a media release. Also read: 'Indian cricket is main stakeholder, IPL is just...': Gambhir's message as Team India prepare for ODI WC "The pacer has undergone rehabilitation and has been declared fit by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He will be joining the Team India ODI squad soon," the BCCI had further mentioned in the statement. In Bumrah's absence, India will rely on pacers Md Shami, Md Siraj, Umran Malik and uncapped player Arshdeep Singh. Hardik Pandya is also an option but it will be interesting to see if he bowls in the SL series. India's updated squad for Sri Lanka ODIs: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (VC), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh.

Jasprit Bumrah to not return for Sri Lanka ODIs, pacer to miss series as BCCI keen to not rush him

Suryakumar Yadav smashed a blazing century to help India extend their unbeaten streak of Twenty20 series wins at home to 12 with a 91-run thrashing of Sri Lanka on Saturday. The hosts rode on Suryakumar's unbeaten 112 off 51 deliveries to post 228-5 after electing to bat first in the series decider in Rajkot. India then bowled out Sri Lanka for 137 in 16.4 overs for a 2-1 triumph and keep their win record in bi-lateral series on home turf which stretches back to February 2019.

Suryakumar, known as a 360-degree player for his ability to play all around the ground, stood out with his third T20 hundred -- in 45 balls -- as he stamped his class as the world's number one batsman in the format. The T20 sensation smashed seven fours and nine sixes including three off his trademark scoop shot over fine leg to entertain the raucous home crowd.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-ipl-auction-to-take-place-in-february-bcci-announces-final-date-for-players-registration-550354">Women's IPL auction to take place in February, BCCI announces final date for players' registration</a>

India lost two wickets inside six overs after electing to bat first but Suryakumar and Shubman Gill, who hit 46 off 36 deliveries, put on 111 runs to lay the foundations for the total. Left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka struck in the opening over to send back the left-handed Ishan Kishan, caught at slip for one by Dhananjaya de Silva.

Rahul Tripathi, 31, who made his debut in the previous match, then hit back with Gill for company as he hit Maheesh Theekshana for three fours in the fifth over. Tripathi smashed fast bowler Chamika Karunaratne for two successive sixes but got caught out in an attempt to get another boundary. He made 35 off 16 deliveries.

Suryakumar, who reached his fifty in 26 balls, then took charge with his all-round hitting including three sixes with his scoop shot over fine leg.

Gill joined in the charge as he and Suryakumar smashed 23 runs in the 14th over from Theekshana.

But after three fours and two sixes in his 36-ball knock, Gill got bowled by leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and two more wickets fell before Suryakumar kept up the charge till the end.

In reply, Kusal Mendis started briskly but fell to Axar Patel's left-arm spin for 23 in the fifth over. Wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals with skipper Hardik Pandya, fellow quick Umran Malik and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal taking two each.

Left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh took three including the final wicket.

Skipper Dasun Shanaka, who helped the tourists bounce back from their opening loss in the previous match, hit 23 off 17 balls before departing.

India's top stars, including regular captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli, will return for the three one-day interntionals between the two teams starting Tuesday

Suryakumar Yadav smashed a blazing century to help India extend their unbeaten streak of Twenty20 series wins at home to 12 with a 91-run thrashing of Sri Lanka on Saturday.

Suryakumar Yadav smashed a blazing century to help India extend their unbeaten streak of Twenty20 series wins at home to 12 with a 91-run thrashing of Sri Lanka on Saturday. The hosts rode on Suryakumar's unbeaten 112 off 51 deliveries to post 228-5 after electing to bat first in the series decider in Rajkot. India then bowled out Sri Lanka for 137 in 16.4 overs for a 2-1 triumph and keep their win record in bi-lateral series on home turf which stretches back to February 2019. Suryakumar, known as a 360-degree player for his ability to play all around the ground, stood out with his third T20 hundred -- in 45 balls -- as he stamped his class as the world's number one batsman in the format. The T20 sensation smashed seven fours and nine sixes including three off his trademark scoop shot over fine leg to entertain the raucous home crowd. ALSO READ: Women's IPL auction to take place in February, BCCI announces final date for players' registration India lost two wickets inside six overs after electing to bat first but Suryakumar and Shubman Gill, who hit 46 off 36 deliveries, put on 111 runs to lay the foundations for the total. Left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka struck in the opening over to send back the left-handed Ishan Kishan, caught at slip for one by Dhananjaya de Silva. Rahul Tripathi, 31, who made his debut in the previous match, then hit back with Gill for company as he hit Maheesh Theekshana for three fours in the fifth over. Tripathi smashed fast bowler Chamika Karunaratne for two successive sixes but got caught out in an attempt to get another boundary. He made 35 off 16 deliveries. Suryakumar, who reached his fifty in 26 balls, then took charge with his all-round hitting including three sixes with his scoop shot over fine leg. Gill joined in the charge as he and Suryakumar smashed 23 runs in the 14th over from Theekshana. But after three fours and two sixes in his 36-ball knock, Gill got bowled by leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and two more wickets fell before Suryakumar kept up the charge till the end. In reply, Kusal Mendis started briskly but fell to Axar Patel's left-arm spin for 23 in the fifth over. Wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals with skipper Hardik Pandya, fellow quick Umran Malik and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal taking two each. Left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh took three including the final wicket. Skipper Dasun Shanaka, who helped the tourists bounce back from their opening loss in the previous match, hit 23 off 17 balls before departing. India's top stars, including regular captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli, will return for the three one-day interntionals between the two teams starting Tuesday

IND vs SL 2023, 3rd T20I: Suryakumar Yadav special powers India to series win in Rajkot

More than a month after the BCCI sacked Chetan Sharma led-selection committee&nbsp;following T20 World Cup debacle, the board on Saturday, January 7th, announced the new senior men’s selection committee – reappointing Chetan Sharma as the chief selector. The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising of Sulakshana Naik, Ashok Malhotra, and Jatin Paranjape recommended Chetan to lead a new team that will also have Shiv Sundar Das, Subroto Banerjee, Salil Ankola and Sridharan Sharath. The CAC had an uphill task to undertake as more than 600 applications were filed for the five vacant spots.

The statement released by the board&nbsp;said,&nbsp;"The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising Ms Sulakshana Naik, Mr Ashok Malhotra, and Mr Jatin Paranjape undertook an extensive process for selecting members of the All-India Senior Selection Committee. The Board received around 600 applications following its advertisement for the five posts issued on its official website on 18th November 2022."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-undergoes-knee-surgery-in-mumbai-out-for-6-9-months-likely-to-miss-world-cup-doctors-550247">Rishabh Pant undergoes knee surgery, out for 6-9 months; likely to miss World Cup - Doctors</a>

"Upon due deliberation and careful consideration, the CAC shortlisted 11 individuals for personal interviews. Based on the interviews, the Committee has recommended five candidates for the Senior Men's National Selection Committee," the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, the former World Cup winner was recently part of the review meeting in Mumbai that also had some&nbsp;big names like team India head coach, Rahul Dravid, head of cricket at NCA, VVS Laxman, India's Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma and the new BCCI president Roger Binny.

Even after getting sacked, the old selection committee that also included Harvinder Singh, Sunil Joshi, Abey Kuruvilla and Debasis Mohanty were in charge of picking the white-ball squad for the ongoing Sri Lanka series. However, with the new team at helm now, they will be sitting together to name squads for the upcoming New Zealand ODIs and T20Is, and then for the four Test matches against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar series.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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More than a month after the BCCI sacked Chetan Sharma led-selection committee following T20 World Cup debacle, the board on Saturday, January 7th, announced the new senior men’s selection committee – reappointing Chetan Sharma as the chief selector.

More than a month after the BCCI sacked Chetan Sharma led-selection committee following T20 World Cup debacle, the board on Saturday, January 7th, announced the new senior men’s selection committee – reappointing Chetan Sharma as the chief selector. The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising of Sulakshana Naik, Ashok Malhotra, and Jatin Paranjape recommended Chetan to lead a new team that will also have Shiv Sundar Das, Subroto Banerjee, Salil Ankola and Sridharan Sharath. The CAC had an uphill task to undertake as more than 600 applications were filed for the five vacant spots. The statement released by the board said, "The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising Ms Sulakshana Naik, Mr Ashok Malhotra, and Mr Jatin Paranjape undertook an extensive process for selecting members of the All-India Senior Selection Committee. The Board received around 600 applications following its advertisement for the five posts issued on its official website on 18th November 2022." ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant undergoes knee surgery, out for 6-9 months; likely to miss World Cup - Doctors "Upon due deliberation and careful consideration, the CAC shortlisted 11 individuals for personal interviews. Based on the interviews, the Committee has recommended five candidates for the Senior Men's National Selection Committee," the statement concluded. Meanwhile, the former World Cup winner was recently part of the review meeting in Mumbai that also had some big names like team India head coach, Rahul Dravid, head of cricket at NCA, VVS Laxman, India's Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma and the new BCCI president Roger Binny. Even after getting sacked, the old selection committee that also included Harvinder Singh, Sunil Joshi, Abey Kuruvilla and Debasis Mohanty were in charge of picking the white-ball squad for the ongoing Sri Lanka series. However, with the new team at helm now, they will be sitting together to name squads for the upcoming New Zealand ODIs and T20Is, and then for the four Test matches against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar series. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

BCCI announces All-India Senior Men Selection Committee, reappoints Chetan Sharma as chief selector

India’s keeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s first of the two surgeries on his ligament in his right knee is successful, the doctors at the Kokilaben hospital in Mumbai have informed. As reported in InsideSport, Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala (Director of Sports Orthopaedics) along with his team of surgeons&nbsp;performed the major surgery on Friday morning that lasted for 2-3 hours. Going from what the specialists said, Pant had a major ligament tear and it will take a minimum of 8-9 months for him to recover and get back to full fitness. This means the left-handed batter will not only miss the upcoming IPL 2023, but could well be out of contention for the Asia Cup and the 50-over ODI World Cup as well.

A source close to the BCCI’s medial team told InsideSport that Pant’s come back could take longer than expected given the nature and extent of his injury. He said,&nbsp;“The doctors at the hospital feel Pant’s ligament tear is of severe nature. The kind of workload a wicketkeeper has to go through makes us feel Pant can come back to competitive cricket only after 6-9 months.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/happy-with-sarfaraz-ahmeds-return-but-mohammad-rizwan-will-remain-our-1st-choice-keeper-says-shahid-afridi-550215">Happy with Sarfaraz Ahmed's return but Mohammad Rizwan will remain our 1st choice keeper, says Shahid Afridi</a>

Pant was airlifted to Mumbai from Max hospital in Dehradun, where he was getting the initial treatment following his car accident. It was in the wee hours on Friday, December 30th, when Pant’s car hit the roadside dividers on Delhi-Dehradun highway before flipping and catching fire. As per the onlookers, Pant was lucky to escape the scene without suffering any life-threatening injuries.

He was first rushed to a local hospital in Roorkee before being shifted&nbsp;to Max Hospital in Dehradun. As per the doctors over there, Rishabh suffered two cuts on his forehead, a ligament tear in his right knee along with injuries in the right wrist, ankle, toe and back. Pant will undergo another surgery on his ankle ligament which is likely to take place soon.

Currently involved in a bilateral white-ball series against Sri Lanka, team India will face New Zealand next before&nbsp;taking&nbsp;on Australia in a four-match Test series at home. While IPL 2023 is scheduled to begin in the last week of March.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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India’s keeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s first of the two surgeries on his ligament in his right knee is successful, the doctors at the Kokilaben hospital in Mumbai have informed.

India’s keeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s first of the two surgeries on his ligament in his right knee is successful, the doctors at the Kokilaben hospital in Mumbai have informed. As reported in InsideSport, Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala (Director of Sports Orthopaedics) along with his team of surgeons performed the major surgery on Friday morning that lasted for 2-3 hours. Going from what the specialists said, Pant had a major ligament tear and it will take a minimum of 8-9 months for him to recover and get back to full fitness. This means the left-handed batter will not only miss the upcoming IPL 2023, but could well be out of contention for the Asia Cup and the 50-over ODI World Cup as well. A source close to the BCCI’s medial team told InsideSport that Pant’s come back could take longer than expected given the nature and extent of his injury. He said, “The doctors at the hospital feel Pant’s ligament tear is of severe nature. The kind of workload a wicketkeeper has to go through makes us feel Pant can come back to competitive cricket only after 6-9 months.” ALSO READ: Happy with Sarfaraz Ahmed's return but Mohammad Rizwan will remain our 1st choice keeper, says Shahid Afridi Pant was airlifted to Mumbai from Max hospital in Dehradun, where he was getting the initial treatment following his car accident. It was in the wee hours on Friday, December 30th, when Pant’s car hit the roadside dividers on Delhi-Dehradun highway before flipping and catching fire. As per the onlookers, Pant was lucky to escape the scene without suffering any life-threatening injuries. He was first rushed to a local hospital in Roorkee before being shifted to Max Hospital in Dehradun. As per the doctors over there, Rishabh suffered two cuts on his forehead, a ligament tear in his right knee along with injuries in the right wrist, ankle, toe and back. Pant will undergo another surgery on his ankle ligament which is likely to take place soon. Currently involved in a bilateral white-ball series against Sri Lanka, team India will face New Zealand next before taking on Australia in a four-match Test series at home. While IPL 2023 is scheduled to begin in the last week of March. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Rishabh Pant undergoes knee surgery, out for 6-9 months; likely to miss World Cup - Doctors

Over the years, cricket has been blessed with several match-winners with the bat. The likes of Sir Donald Bradman, MK Pataudi, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, Javed Miandad, Mithali Raj, Charlotte Edwards, AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and many others have been big performers with the willow for their respective nations.

Among them, Rahul Dravid and&nbsp;Inzamam-ul-Haq were also reliable and consistent performers for India and Pakistan, respectively, during their playing days. They scored heaps of runs and broke several records during their illustrious careers.&nbsp;Dravid amassed 13, 288 runs in Tests and remains the fourth highest run getter in the history of the longest format. In addition, he ended with 10,889 runs in ODIs. Inzamam, on the other hand, returned with&nbsp;11,739 runs in ODI cricket -- being the&nbsp;only Pakistani&nbsp;to surpass the 10,000-run mark in the format -- and amassed 8,839 runs in whites.

Recently, Pakistan's veteran pacer Wahab Riaz claimed that Inzamam was a 'better player' than Dravid. During an interaction on the YouTube Channel CricBridge, he said, "Inzamam Ul Haq was always a better player than Rahul Dravid. Inzamam bhai was an all-format player and he had a lot of time to play his shots even against the pacers. He was way ahead of Dravid." The remark has drawn quite a reaction&nbsp;on social media.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-all-need-to-be-rahul-dravid-backs-arshdeep-singh-after-pacers-horror-show-in-india-sl-2nd-t20i-549900">'We all need to be...' - Rahul Dravid backs Arshdeep Singh after pacer's horror show in India-SL 2nd T20I</a>

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Here are some of the responses of the Indian fans, defending the current head coach and slamming Wahab's recent remark:

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Rahul Dravid ,Avg 
ODIs , 39.17 (SR: 71) 
Tests , 52.32 (100s: 36) 
 
Inzamam's ,Avg 
ODIs , 39.53 (SR: 74) 
Tests , 49.33 (100s: 25) 
 
So, How exactly was Inzi better than Rahul? 
Even Rahul was an all format player. 
You need to look at the stats wahab.🤷🏼‍♂️
— TooOpinionated (@Cricketishot) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cricketishot/status/1610776245549281280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Not only was Dravid an all-format player, he opened the batting, played one-down, 2 down, 3 down, even 6 down, kept wickets, did slip, short leg, fine leg &amp; everywhere else fielding. Things Inzi could only dream about.
— AR (@r_arvindk2000) <a href="https://twitter.com/r_arvindk2000/status/1610834609339523072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Inzammam was a good player no doubt , but he couldn't run between the wickets, I have been seen him walking between the wickets. 
he had the maximum run outs , Dravid was fitter and had more hundreds both in test and hundreds , track record speaks for itself.
— Shajan Samuel (@IamShajanSamuel) <a href="https://twitter.com/IamShajanSamuel/status/1610938491436929029?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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At present, Dravid is serving as India's head coach. He took over the job in late 2021. Under Dravid, India have had a lot of success at home and in the shortest format, in particular, but failed to win the T20 World Cup 2022, didn't qualify for the Asia Cup 2022 finale, lost the away series in South Africa and the one-off Test versus England in Edgbaston.&nbsp;

Inzamam has served as the former chief selector after his retirement and remains vocal on various aspects of Pakistan cricket. Recently, he supported underfire Pakistan captain Babar Azam as the right-hander is facing the heat post the national side's inability to win a single Test on home soil in 2022.

"There is no captaincy pressure on him, he is answering the critics with his bat,” Inzamam is quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan. "Captaincy is a hard thing, and you learn it with time. Babar is currently going through that phase," Inzy stated.

&nbsp;
</section>
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Over the years, cricket has been blessed with several match-winners with the bat. The likes of Sir Donald Bradman, MK Pataudi, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, Javed Miandad, Mithali Raj, Charlotte Edwards, AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and many others have been big performers with the willow for their respective nations.

Over the years, cricket has been blessed with several match-winners with the bat. The likes of Sir Donald Bradman, MK Pataudi, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, Javed Miandad, Mithali Raj, Charlotte Edwards, AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and many others have been big performers with the willow for their respective nations. Among them, Rahul Dravid and Inzamam-ul-Haq were also reliable and consistent performers for India and Pakistan, respectively, during their playing days. They scored heaps of runs and broke several records during their illustrious careers. Dravid amassed 13, 288 runs in Tests and remains the fourth highest run getter in the history of the longest format. In addition, he ended with 10,889 runs in ODIs. Inzamam, on the other hand, returned with 11,739 runs in ODI cricket -- being the only Pakistani to surpass the 10,000-run mark in the format -- and amassed 8,839 runs in whites. Recently, Pakistan's veteran pacer Wahab Riaz claimed that Inzamam was a 'better player' than Dravid. During an interaction on the YouTube Channel CricBridge, he said, "Inzamam Ul Haq was always a better player than Rahul Dravid. Inzamam bhai was an all-format player and he had a lot of time to play his shots even against the pacers. He was way ahead of Dravid." The remark has drawn quite a reaction on social media. Also read: 'We all need to be...' - Rahul Dravid backs Arshdeep Singh after pacer's horror show in India-SL 2nd T20I Here are some of the responses of the Indian fans, defending the current head coach and slamming Wahab's recent remark: Rahul Dravid ,Avg ODIs , 39.17 (SR: 71) Tests , 52.32 (100s: 36) Inzamam's ,Avg ODIs , 39.53 (SR: 74) Tests , 49.33 (100s: 25) So, How exactly was Inzi better than Rahul? Even Rahul was an all format player. You need to look at the stats wahab.🤷🏼‍♂️ — TooOpinionated (@Cricketishot) January 4, 2023 × Not only was Dravid an all-format player, he opened the batting, played one-down, 2 down, 3 down, even 6 down, kept wickets, did slip, short leg, fine leg & everywhere else fielding. Things Inzi could only dream about. — AR (@r_arvindk2000) January 5, 2023 × Inzammam was a good player no doubt , but he couldn't run between the wickets, I have been seen him walking between the wickets. he had the maximum run outs , Dravid was fitter and had more hundreds both in test and hundreds , track record speaks for itself. — Shajan Samuel (@IamShajanSamuel) January 5, 2023 × At present, Dravid is serving as India's head coach. He took over the job in late 2021. Under Dravid, India have had a lot of success at home and in the shortest format, in particular, but failed to win the T20 World Cup 2022, didn't qualify for the Asia Cup 2022 finale, lost the away series in South Africa and the one-off Test versus England in Edgbaston. Inzamam has served as the former chief selector after his retirement and remains vocal on various aspects of Pakistan cricket. Recently, he supported underfire Pakistan captain Babar Azam as the right-hander is facing the heat post the national side's inability to win a single Test on home soil in 2022. "There is no captaincy pressure on him, he is answering the critics with his bat,” Inzamam is quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan. "Captaincy is a hard thing, and you learn it with time. Babar is currently going through that phase," Inzy stated. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Inzamam-ul-Haq was always a better player than Rahul Dravid, claims Wahab Riaz

After missing the series opener due to illness, Arshdeep Singh was named in India's XI for the second and penultimate T20I versus Sri Lanka, in Pune, on Thursday (January 05). The 23-year-old left-armer had a forgettable outing, returning with 2-0-37-0 including five no-balls (three on the trot). Thus, Arshdeep&nbsp;has now bowled the&nbsp;joint most no-balls by any bowler in the format from a Full Member team&nbsp;and most by an Indian.&nbsp;

Indian bowlers, in general, were expensive and off the mark as they conceded 12 extras (four wides and seven no-balls) as Sri Lanka rode on Kusal Mendis' 52 and Dasun Shanaka's 22-ball 56 to post 206 for 7 after being asked to bat first. In reply, India were 57 for 5 before Suryakumar Yadav's 51,&nbsp;Axar Patel's 31-ball 65* and Shivam Mavi's 15-ball 26 brought the hosts back before they fell short by 16 runs. After the game, lots of fingers have been pointed at Arshdeep. Little Master Sunil Gavaskar has now schooled the young pacer and said 'not bowling a no-ball is definitely in the bowler's control'.

"As a professional, you can't be doing this. We often hear today's players say, things aren't in our control. Not bowling no ball is in your control. What happens after you deliver the ball, what the batsman does, is another thing. Not bowling a no ball is definitely in your control," Gavaskar said during his commentary stint on Star Sports.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-all-need-to-be-rahul-dravid-backs-arshdeep-singh-after-pacers-horror-show-in-india-sl-2nd-t20i-549900">'We all need to be...' - Rahul Dravid backs Arshdeep Singh after pacer's horror show in India-SL 2nd T20I</a>

Meanwhile, head coach Rahul Dravid called for patience and defended Arshdeep&nbsp;despite his horror showing. Dravid told in the post-match conference, "Nobody wants to bowl wides (no-balls) in any format. Especially in T20s, they can hurt you. We need to be patient with lot of these young kids. There are a lot of youngsters playing in this team, especially our bowling attack. They are young kids; they will have games like these at times. We all need to be patient with them and understanding. Of course, they are working hard, and we keep trying to help them, support them technically, and also just create the right environment for them to be able to get the best out of their skills."

Dravid&nbsp;has also hinted that India won't chop and change a lot for the final T20I, on Saturday (January 07) in Rajkot, with the series on the line.

After missing the series opener due to illness, Arshdeep Singh was named in India's XI for the second and penultimate T20I versus Sri Lanka, in Pune, on Thursday (January 05).

After missing the series opener due to illness, Arshdeep Singh was named in India's XI for the second and penultimate T20I versus Sri Lanka, in Pune, on Thursday (January 05). The 23-year-old left-armer had a forgettable outing, returning with 2-0-37-0 including five no-balls (three on the trot). Thus, Arshdeep has now bowled the joint most no-balls by any bowler in the format from a Full Member team and most by an Indian. Indian bowlers, in general, were expensive and off the mark as they conceded 12 extras (four wides and seven no-balls) as Sri Lanka rode on Kusal Mendis' 52 and Dasun Shanaka's 22-ball 56 to post 206 for 7 after being asked to bat first. In reply, India were 57 for 5 before Suryakumar Yadav's 51, Axar Patel's 31-ball 65* and Shivam Mavi's 15-ball 26 brought the hosts back before they fell short by 16 runs. After the game, lots of fingers have been pointed at Arshdeep. Little Master Sunil Gavaskar has now schooled the young pacer and said 'not bowling a no-ball is definitely in the bowler's control'. "As a professional, you can't be doing this. We often hear today's players say, things aren't in our control. Not bowling no ball is in your control. What happens after you deliver the ball, what the batsman does, is another thing. Not bowling a no ball is definitely in your control," Gavaskar said during his commentary stint on Star Sports. Also read: 'We all need to be...' - Rahul Dravid backs Arshdeep Singh after pacer's horror show in India-SL 2nd T20I Meanwhile, head coach Rahul Dravid called for patience and defended Arshdeep despite his horror showing. Dravid told in the post-match conference, "Nobody wants to bowl wides (no-balls) in any format. Especially in T20s, they can hurt you. We need to be patient with lot of these young kids. There are a lot of youngsters playing in this team, especially our bowling attack. They are young kids; they will have games like these at times. We all need to be patient with them and understanding. Of course, they are working hard, and we keep trying to help them, support them technically, and also just create the right environment for them to be able to get the best out of their skills." Dravid has also hinted that India won't chop and change a lot for the final T20I, on Saturday (January 07) in Rajkot, with the series on the line.

As a professional, you can't be doing this: Gavaskar schools Arshdeep Singh after no-ball fiasco in 2nd T20I

On Thursday (January 05), Asian Cricket Council chief, and BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah announced the cricketing calendar for 2023 and 2024. In a tweet, he wrote, "Presenting the @ACCMedia1 pathway structure &amp; cricket calendars for 2023 &amp; 2024! This signals our unparalleled efforts &amp; passion to take this game to new heights. With cricketers across countries gearing up for spectacular performances, it promises to be a good time for cricket."

However, Shah's announcement didn't please Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi. He, thus, took&nbsp;a dig at ACC chief for 'for unilaterally presenting ACC structure and calendars 2023-24' and wrote in response, "Thank you Jay Shah for unilaterally presenting ACC structure and calendars 2023-24 especially relating to Asia Cup 2023 for which Pakistan is the event host. While you are at it, you might as well present structure and calendar of our PSL 2023! A swift response will be appreciated."

The ACC, in a statement, has now&nbsp;called&nbsp;Sethi's claims baseless and revealed that they had already emailed&nbsp;the PCB&nbsp;about the calendar of Asian cricket on December 22. "It has come to our knowledge that PCB Chairman Mr. Najam Sethi has made a comment on the ACC President unilaterally taking the decision on finalising the calendar and announcing the same. The ACC wants to clarify that it has followed established due process. The calendar was approved by its Development Committee and Finance &amp; Marketing Committee in a meeting held on December 13th, 2022," the ACC said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-want-pakistan-to-come-for-odi-wc-but-dont-want-to-visit-us-for-asia-cup-pcb-chief-slams-jay-shah-549939">'You want Pakistan to come for ODI WC, but don't want to visit us for Asia Cup?' PCB chief slams Jay Shah</a>

The statement further added, "The calendar was then communicated to all the participating members individually, including the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), via an email dated December 22nd, 2022. While responses were received from certain Member Boards, no comments or suggested modifications were received from PCB. In view of the above, Mr. Sethi’s comments on a social media platform are baseless and are vehemently denied by the ACC."

It will be interesting to see if Najam Sethi responds to ACC's statement. After slamming Jay Shah, he was raised questions on the BCCI regarding the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup during a conversation with Sports Tak.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-to-be-held-in-september-before-odi-world-cup-confirms-acc-chairman-jay-shah-549650">Asia Cup to be held in September before ODI World Cup, confirms ACC chairman Jay Shah</a>

As Jay Shah had confirmed that Asia Cup won't happen in India as Team India won't play Pakistan on their home soil, Pakistan had threatened to pull out of this year's ODI WC. Regarding all this and the 2025 Champions Trophy, also to be held in Pakistan, Sethi respondes strongly.

'What type of standards are these?'

Sethi said, "If you won't come to Pakistan and then say come to India. What type of standards are these? I believe that politics should be kept far aside. BCCI is an independent board but ours (PCB) is linked to the government. So definitely we have to take many permissions from the government but the BCCI considers itself as an independent and private unit then such type of politics isn't necessary." He stated, "What is neutral venue? Why should we host our tournament in a neutral country? Let's play the 2023 World Cup match between India and Pakistan at a neutral venue in Australia then."

Sethi further opined, "Earlier also Mr Jay Shah gave a statement in which my predecessor Mr Ramiz Raja was not happy with that and expressed disappointment. He announced before that we (India) won't play against Pakistan in Pakistan." He added, "So the thing is on one side you want Pakistan to come and play the World Cup (2023) in India. On the other end, you say we don't want to go to Pakistan to play the Asia Cup. Tomorrow when the Champions Trophy will be played in Pakistan, won't you play that as well?."

On Thursday (January 05), Asian Cricket Council chief, and BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah announced the cricketing calendar for 2023 and 2024. In a tweet, he wrote, "Presenting the @ACCMedia1 pathway structure & cricket calendars for 2023 & 2024!

On Thursday (January 05), Asian Cricket Council chief, and BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah announced the cricketing calendar for 2023 and 2024. In a tweet, he wrote, "Presenting the @ACCMedia1 pathway structure & cricket calendars for 2023 & 2024! This signals our unparalleled efforts & passion to take this game to new heights. With cricketers across countries gearing up for spectacular performances, it promises to be a good time for cricket." However, Shah's announcement didn't please Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi. He, thus, took a dig at ACC chief for 'for unilaterally presenting ACC structure and calendars 2023-24' and wrote in response, "Thank you Jay Shah for unilaterally presenting ACC structure and calendars 2023-24 especially relating to Asia Cup 2023 for which Pakistan is the event host. While you are at it, you might as well present structure and calendar of our PSL 2023! A swift response will be appreciated." The ACC, in a statement, has now called Sethi's claims baseless and revealed that they had already emailed the PCB about the calendar of Asian cricket on December 22. "It has come to our knowledge that PCB Chairman Mr. Najam Sethi has made a comment on the ACC President unilaterally taking the decision on finalising the calendar and announcing the same. The ACC wants to clarify that it has followed established due process. The calendar was approved by its Development Committee and Finance & Marketing Committee in a meeting held on December 13th, 2022," the ACC said. Also read: 'You want Pakistan to come for ODI WC, but don't want to visit us for Asia Cup?' PCB chief slams Jay Shah The statement further added, "The calendar was then communicated to all the participating members individually, including the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), via an email dated December 22nd, 2022. While responses were received from certain Member Boards, no comments or suggested modifications were received from PCB. In view of the above, Mr. Sethi’s comments on a social media platform are baseless and are vehemently denied by the ACC." It will be interesting to see if Najam Sethi responds to ACC's statement. After slamming Jay Shah, he was raised questions on the BCCI regarding the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup during a conversation with Sports Tak. Also read: Asia Cup to be held in September before ODI World Cup, confirms ACC chairman Jay Shah As Jay Shah had confirmed that Asia Cup won't happen in India as Team India won't play Pakistan on their home soil, Pakistan had threatened to pull out of this year's ODI WC. Regarding all this and the 2025 Champions Trophy, also to be held in Pakistan, Sethi respondes strongly. 'What type of standards are these?' Sethi said, "If you won't come to Pakistan and then say come to India. What type of standards are these? I believe that politics should be kept far aside. BCCI is an independent board but ours (PCB) is linked to the government. So definitely we have to take many permissions from the government but the BCCI considers itself as an independent and private unit then such type of politics isn't necessary." He stated, "What is neutral venue? Why should we host our tournament in a neutral country? Let's play the 2023 World Cup match between India and Pakistan at a neutral venue in Australia then." Sethi further opined, "Earlier also Mr Jay Shah gave a statement in which my predecessor Mr Ramiz Raja was not happy with that and expressed disappointment. He announced before that we (India) won't play against Pakistan in Pakistan." He added, "So the thing is on one side you want Pakistan to come and play the World Cup (2023) in India. On the other end, you say we don't want to go to Pakistan to play the Asia Cup. Tomorrow when the Champions Trophy will be played in Pakistan, won't you play that as well?."

ACC slams Najam Sethi after PCB chief's dig at Jay Shah for announcing cricket calendar for 2023 & 2024

India and Sri Lanka faced each other on Thursday evening (January 05), in Pune, in the second and penultimate T20I. With India being 1-0 ahead, Hardik Pandya &amp; Co. aimed for an unassailable lead but fell short due to their bowlers' ordinary show&nbsp;and the top order's failure. Inviting SL to bat first, the Islanders rode on Dasun Shanaka's&nbsp;22-ball 56 and Kusal Mendis' 52 to post 206/7 whereas India only managed 190/8, with&nbsp;Dilshan Madushanka,&nbsp;Kasun Rajitha, and Shanaka ending with two scalps each.

Among the Indian bowlers, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, and Shivam Mavi were the most expensive with the former bowling five no-balls. Overall, India conceded four wides and seven no-balls (12 extras in total). While Arshdeep bowled three no-balls on the trot in his first over, he bowled two more in his second and final over. Bowling the 19th over, he got rid of SL captain Dasun Shanaka -- who was caught at long-on by Suryakumar Yadav -- but didn't get the wicket as he&nbsp;once again overstepped. Following&nbsp;Arshdeep's repeated mistakes, Hardik was in shock and covered his face in disbelief. Here's the video:

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Hardik in disbelief!! <a href="https://t.co/QbTsnyGD0x">pic.twitter.com/QbTsnyGD0x</a>
— Shaunak Ghosh (@ShaunakGhosh94) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaunakGhosh94/status/1611016558398296067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/as-a-professional-you-cant-be-doing-this-gavaskar-tells-arshdeep-singh-after-no-ball-fiasco-in-2nd-t20i-549907">As a professional, you can't be doing this: Gavaskar tells Arshdeep Singh after no-ball fiasco in 2nd T20I</a>

After the match, Hardik opined on Arshdeep -- who missed the series opener due to illness -- and said in the post-match presentation, "Going for runs is fine but no balls aren't. Not blaming or being hard but he (Arshdeep) needs to go back and make sure these basic errors don't happen at this level. It's not about blaming but no ball is a crime."

"Both bowling and batting - powerplay hurt us. We made basic errors which we shouldn't do at this level. Learning should be the basics we can control. You can have a bad day but shouldn't be going away from basics," added Pandya.&nbsp;

It will be interesting to see if Arshdeep is dropped for the third and final T20I, to be held on Saturday evening (January 07) in Rajkot with the series on the line.

India and Sri Lanka faced each other on Thursday evening (January 05), in Pune, in the second and penultimate T20I. With India being 1-0 ahead, Hardik Pandya & Co.

India and Sri Lanka faced each other on Thursday evening (January 05), in Pune, in the second and penultimate T20I. With India being 1-0 ahead, Hardik Pandya & Co. aimed for an unassailable lead but fell short due to their bowlers' ordinary show and the top order's failure. Inviting SL to bat first, the Islanders rode on Dasun Shanaka's 22-ball 56 and Kusal Mendis' 52 to post 206/7 whereas India only managed 190/8, with Dilshan Madushanka, Kasun Rajitha, and Shanaka ending with two scalps each. Among the Indian bowlers, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, and Shivam Mavi were the most expensive with the former bowling five no-balls. Overall, India conceded four wides and seven no-balls (12 extras in total). While Arshdeep bowled three no-balls on the trot in his first over, he bowled two more in his second and final over. Bowling the 19th over, he got rid of SL captain Dasun Shanaka -- who was caught at long-on by Suryakumar Yadav -- but didn't get the wicket as he once again overstepped. Following Arshdeep's repeated mistakes, Hardik was in shock and covered his face in disbelief. Here's the video: Hardik in disbelief!! pic.twitter.com/QbTsnyGD0x — Shaunak Ghosh (@ShaunakGhosh94) January 5, 2023 × Also read: As a professional, you can't be doing this: Gavaskar tells Arshdeep Singh after no-ball fiasco in 2nd T20I After the match, Hardik opined on Arshdeep -- who missed the series opener due to illness -- and said in the post-match presentation, "Going for runs is fine but no balls aren't. Not blaming or being hard but he (Arshdeep) needs to go back and make sure these basic errors don't happen at this level. It's not about blaming but no ball is a crime." "Both bowling and batting - powerplay hurt us. We made basic errors which we shouldn't do at this level. Learning should be the basics we can control. You can have a bad day but shouldn't be going away from basics," added Pandya. It will be interesting to see if Arshdeep is dropped for the third and final T20I, to be held on Saturday evening (January 07) in Rajkot with the series on the line.

WATCH: Hardik Pandya covers his face in disbelief after Arshdeep Singh bowls fourth no-ball in 2nd T20I

Indian cricket team captain Hardik Pandya was not a pleased man after his side surrendered the advantage in the series on Thursday. Pandya was especially not happy with the bowlers and pointed at Arshdeep Singh to get his basics right.

Indian cricket team captain Hardik Pandya was not a pleased man after his side surrendered the advantage in the series on Thursday. Pandya was especially not happy with the bowlers and pointed at Arshdeep Singh to get his basics right. During the post-match presentation ceremony, Pandya reflected on the extras bowled by his bowlers and called the players to tighten up their basics of the game. "Going for runs is fine but no balls aren't. Not blaming or being hard but he (Arshdeep) needs to go back and make sure these basic errors don't happen at this level. It's not about blaming but no ball is a crime," Pandya told Murli Kartik. The left-arm medium pacer had an off day in the field as he bowled as many as five no-balls during his two-over spell. Singh leaked 37 runs and became the first bowler in T20I history to bowl three no-balls on the trot. "Both bowling and batting - powerplay hurt us. We made basic errors which we shouldn't do at this level. Learning should be the basics we can control. You can have a bad day but shouldn't be going away from basics," added Pandya. Read more: IND vs SL 2023, 2nd T20I: Sri Lanka narrowly escape Axar Patel's late blitz to level series in Pune India were scratchy from the beginning after putting the visitors to bat first at the MCA Stadium in June. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis put on an 80-run partnership in under nine overs before Chahal made the first breakthrough. After the wicket, India managed to claw their way back into the game as the Sri Lankan innings appeared going nowhere at the end of the 16th over as the scoreboard read 138/6. However, skipper Dasun Shanaka stepped onto the plate and single-handedly changed the course of the match. Striking at 254.55, the right-handed batter smoked six sixes and two fours en-route to his 22-ball 56. Courtesy of his magnificent knock, Sri Lanka managed a steep-looking score of 206 for six in 20 overs. Chasing the total, India got off to the worst possible start four wickets fell in the powerplay. Despite a salvo from Axar Patel at the fag end of the innings, India fell short of the target by 16 runs. Read more: EXCLUSIVE - Right people around me helped me taste success – Varun Kapur, ex-World No 1 in Junior Rankings The decider of the series will be played in Rajkot on Saturday, January 7th. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'He needs to go back...': Hardik Pandya has advice for this bowler after loss against Sri Lanka

Last year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah -- also the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief -- confirmed that this year's Asia Cup will be at a neutral venue as India won't travel to Pakistan -- where the edition is scheduled to be held. It&nbsp;raised eyebrows and saw the then Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ramiz Raja lash out at Shah.&nbsp;

A lot was said and written as Pakistan have threatened to boycott the ODI World Cup, to be held in India later this year, if the Asia Cup is held at a neutral venue. Many also backed India's stance of not touring Pakistan, following the 2008 Mumbai blasts, whereas some felt Shah shouldn't have spoken about the Asia Cup when addressing the media at the BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October.

On Thursday (January 05), ACC chairman Shah&nbsp;released the calendar for 2023 and 2024. He tweeted, "Presenting the @ACCMedia1 pathway structure &amp; cricket calendars for 2023 &amp; 2024! This signals our unparalleled efforts &amp; passion to take this game to new heights. With cricketers across countries gearing up for spectacular performances, it promises to be a good time for cricket."

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Presenting the <a href="https://twitter.com/ACCMedia1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ACCMedia1</a> pathway structure &amp; cricket calendars for 2023 &amp; 2024! This signals our unparalleled efforts &amp; passion to take this game to new heights. With cricketers across countries gearing up for spectacular performances, it promises to be a good time for cricket! <a href="https://t.co/atzBO4XjIn">pic.twitter.com/atzBO4XjIn</a>
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayShah/status/1610866748286439424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-to-be-held-in-september-before-odi-world-cup-confirms-acc-chairman-jay-shah-549650">Asia Cup to be held in September before ODI World Cup, confirms ACC chairman Jay Shah</a>

PCB's current chief Najam Sethi, who recently took over from Ramiz, took a sarcastic dig at Shah and replied, "Thank you Jay Shah for unilaterally presenting ACC structure and calendars 2023-24 especially relating to Asia Cup 2023 for which Pakistan is the event host. While you are at it, you might as well present structure and calendar of our PSL 2023! A swift response will be appreciated. "

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Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/JayShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JayShah</a> for unilaterally presenting <a href="https://twitter.com/ACCMedia1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ACCMedia1</a> structure &amp; calendars 2023-24 especially relating to Asia Cup 2023 for which 🇵🇰 is the event host. While you are at it, you might as well present structure &amp; calendar of our PSL 2023! A swift response will be appreciated. <a href="https://t.co/UdW2GekAfR">https://t.co/UdW2GekAfR</a>
— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) <a href="https://twitter.com/najamsethi/status/1610997195234222080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Later, Sethi also slammed Shah in an exclusive interaction with Sports Tak. In the interview, he slammed BCCI saying 'it is an independent board' and not reliant on the government to finalise whether to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023 and feels if India doesn't want to visit their neighbouring country for the continental tournament, Pakistan also have a right to ask for the ODI World Cup to be held elsewhere.

'What type of standards are these?'

Sethi said, "If you won't come to Pakistan and then say come to India. What type of standards are these? I believe that politics should be kept far aside. BCCI is an independent board but ours (PCB) is linked to the government. So definitely we have to take many permissions from the government but the BCCI considers itself as an independent and private unit then such type of politics isn't necessary." He stated, "What is neutral venue? Why should we host our tournament in a neutral country? Let's play the 2023 World Cup match between India and Pakistan at a neutral venue in Australia then."

Sethi asserted, "Earlier also Mr Jay Shah gave a statement in which my predecessor Mr Ramiz Raja was not happy with that and expressed disappointment. He announced before that we (India) won't play against Pakistan in Pakistan." He added, "So the thing is on one side you want Pakistan to come and play the World Cup (2023) in India. On the other end, you say we don't want to go to Pakistan to play the Asia Cup. Tomorrow when the Champions Trophy will be played in Pakistan, won't you play that as well?."

While the Asia Cup has been confirmed to be held in September, there is nothing official regarding which country will host the event. Moreover, Pakistan have threatened to boycott the 2023 ODI World Cup, in India, if they are deprived of hosting rights for the continental event. Hence, some big decisions are on the way with regard to both events.

Pakistan are also scheduled to host the 2025 Champions Trophy. Hence, a lot will depend on how things pan out this year before the next CT, i.e. regarded as a mini version of the WC.

Last year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah -- also the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief -- confirmed that this year's Asia Cup will be at a neutral venue as India won't travel to Pakistan -- where the edition is scheduled to be held.

Last year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah -- also the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief -- confirmed that this year's Asia Cup will be at a neutral venue as India won't travel to Pakistan -- where the edition is scheduled to be held. It raised eyebrows and saw the then Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ramiz Raja lash out at Shah. A lot was said and written as Pakistan have threatened to boycott the ODI World Cup, to be held in India later this year, if the Asia Cup is held at a neutral venue. Many also backed India's stance of not touring Pakistan, following the 2008 Mumbai blasts, whereas some felt Shah shouldn't have spoken about the Asia Cup when addressing the media at the BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October. On Thursday (January 05), ACC chairman Shah released the calendar for 2023 and 2024. He tweeted, "Presenting the @ACCMedia1 pathway structure & cricket calendars for 2023 & 2024! This signals our unparalleled efforts & passion to take this game to new heights. With cricketers across countries gearing up for spectacular performances, it promises to be a good time for cricket." Presenting the @ACCMedia1 pathway structure & cricket calendars for 2023 & 2024! This signals our unparalleled efforts & passion to take this game to new heights. With cricketers across countries gearing up for spectacular performances, it promises to be a good time for cricket! pic.twitter.com/atzBO4XjIn — Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 5, 2023 × Also read: Asia Cup to be held in September before ODI World Cup, confirms ACC chairman Jay Shah PCB's current chief Najam Sethi, who recently took over from Ramiz, took a sarcastic dig at Shah and replied, "Thank you Jay Shah for unilaterally presenting ACC structure and calendars 2023-24 especially relating to Asia Cup 2023 for which Pakistan is the event host. While you are at it, you might as well present structure and calendar of our PSL 2023! A swift response will be appreciated. " Thank you @JayShah for unilaterally presenting @ACCMedia1 structure & calendars 2023-24 especially relating to Asia Cup 2023 for which 🇵🇰 is the event host. While you are at it, you might as well present structure & calendar of our PSL 2023! A swift response will be appreciated. https://t.co/UdW2GekAfR — Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) January 5, 2023 × Later, Sethi also slammed Shah in an exclusive interaction with Sports Tak. In the interview, he slammed BCCI saying 'it is an independent board' and not reliant on the government to finalise whether to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023 and feels if India doesn't want to visit their neighbouring country for the continental tournament, Pakistan also have a right to ask for the ODI World Cup to be held elsewhere. 'What type of standards are these?' Sethi said, "If you won't come to Pakistan and then say come to India. What type of standards are these? I believe that politics should be kept far aside. BCCI is an independent board but ours (PCB) is linked to the government. So definitely we have to take many permissions from the government but the BCCI considers itself as an independent and private unit then such type of politics isn't necessary." He stated, "What is neutral venue? Why should we host our tournament in a neutral country? Let's play the 2023 World Cup match between India and Pakistan at a neutral venue in Australia then." Sethi asserted, "Earlier also Mr Jay Shah gave a statement in which my predecessor Mr Ramiz Raja was not happy with that and expressed disappointment. He announced before that we (India) won't play against Pakistan in Pakistan." He added, "So the thing is on one side you want Pakistan to come and play the World Cup (2023) in India. On the other end, you say we don't want to go to Pakistan to play the Asia Cup. Tomorrow when the Champions Trophy will be played in Pakistan, won't you play that as well?." While the Asia Cup has been confirmed to be held in September, there is nothing official regarding which country will host the event. Moreover, Pakistan have threatened to boycott the 2023 ODI World Cup, in India, if they are deprived of hosting rights for the continental event. Hence, some big decisions are on the way with regard to both events. Pakistan are also scheduled to host the 2025 Champions Trophy. Hence, a lot will depend on how things pan out this year before the next CT, i.e. regarded as a mini version of the WC.

'You want Pakistan to come for ODI WC, but don't want to visit us for Asia Cup?' PCB chief slams Jay Shah

Hardik Pandya's India started 2023 with a bang by defeating Sri Lanka by two runs in the first T20I of the three-match series, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Tuesday (January 03). Hardik &amp; Co. were asked to bat first and rode on Ishan Kishan's 37, Deepak Hooda's 41* and Axar Patel's 31* to post 162-5. In reply, Shivam Mavi's 4 for 22 and Umran Malik's 2 for 27 led to SL being all-out for 160 on the final ball to lose by two runs.

Ahead of the second and penultimate tie, to be held in Pune on Thursday (January 05), former Indian stumper and selector Saba Karim has shared words of wisdom for new captain Hardik.&nbsp;

Speaking to India News, Karim pointed out, "I think he needs to focus on his attitude. Everyone likes him as a player because of his attitude. As a captain, if you show a lot of emotions on the field, players will get fearful. I don’t think that’s the right thing for a team to grow. You have to trust your players."

Karim further opined, "I liked two things about captain Hardik Pandya. He said that he wanted to bat regardless of the toss. It means he knows the challenges ahead; bilateral matches are aside, but you have to learn something in every match and put your team in a tough situation."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/biggest-mistake-india-made-in-last-two-world-cups-gautam-gambhir-points-out-glaring-issue-549560">'Biggest mistake India made in last two World Cups...' - Gautam Gambhir points out glaring issue</a>

“The second thing is that debutant Shivam Mavi bowled in the powerplay. It means that, as a captain, he wants to lead by example,” added the former cricketer.

India and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the second and penultimate T20I on Thursday evening as the hosts will be eager to wrap up the series in style. Hardik, who hasn't been named as the official full-time T20I skipper, will be desperate to make a mark as a leader -- with strong rumours of him being looked upon as the future white-ball captain -- and take India to a series win.

Hardik himself had a decent outing in the Mumbai game, scoring 29 runs and returning with 3-0-12-0 with the ball.

Hardik Pandya's India started 2023 with a bang by defeating Sri Lanka by two runs in the first T20I of the three-match series, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Tuesday (January 03).

Hardik Pandya's India started 2023 with a bang by defeating Sri Lanka by two runs in the first T20I of the three-match series, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Tuesday (January 03). Hardik & Co. were asked to bat first and rode on Ishan Kishan's 37, Deepak Hooda's 41* and Axar Patel's 31* to post 162-5. In reply, Shivam Mavi's 4 for 22 and Umran Malik's 2 for 27 led to SL being all-out for 160 on the final ball to lose by two runs. Ahead of the second and penultimate tie, to be held in Pune on Thursday (January 05), former Indian stumper and selector Saba Karim has shared words of wisdom for new captain Hardik. Speaking to India News, Karim pointed out, "I think he needs to focus on his attitude. Everyone likes him as a player because of his attitude. As a captain, if you show a lot of emotions on the field, players will get fearful. I don’t think that’s the right thing for a team to grow. You have to trust your players." Karim further opined, "I liked two things about captain Hardik Pandya. He said that he wanted to bat regardless of the toss. It means he knows the challenges ahead; bilateral matches are aside, but you have to learn something in every match and put your team in a tough situation." Also read: 'Biggest mistake India made in last two World Cups...' - Gautam Gambhir points out glaring issue “The second thing is that debutant Shivam Mavi bowled in the powerplay. It means that, as a captain, he wants to lead by example,” added the former cricketer. India and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the second and penultimate T20I on Thursday evening as the hosts will be eager to wrap up the series in style. Hardik, who hasn't been named as the official full-time T20I skipper, will be desperate to make a mark as a leader -- with strong rumours of him being looked upon as the future white-ball captain -- and take India to a series win. Hardik himself had a decent outing in the Mumbai game, scoring 29 runs and returning with 3-0-12-0 with the ball.

'If you show lot of emotions, players get fearful': Karim shares words of wisdom for captain Hardik Pandya

After India's T20 World Cup 2022 debacle, the focus has now shifted to the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, which will be held in India later this year. Thus, Team India's ICC-title drought continues. The last ICC title they won came in 2013 when they lifted the Champions Trophy under MS Dhoni. Since then, the Men in Blue appeared in three ICC finals and ended as semi-finalists on four occasions. Nonetheless, a title triumph continues to evade them.

As the preparations have begun for the ODI World Cup, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Gautam Gambhir has pointed out a glaring issue that has resulted in India's failures in the last two World Cups.

"They got to play together. I think the biggest mistake that Indian cricket has made in the last two World Cups has been that these guys have not played enough cricket together. Tell me, how many times have we got the best playing 11 in the park? We haven't; only during the World Cup we decided to have the best playing 11, but unfortunately, that was never the best playing 11. So, these guys have to play enough of white ball cricket, especially for the 50 overs World Cup together irrespective of whether they want to take a break from the T20 or from the IPL," Gambhir said on Star Sports show.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-will-play-massive-role-gambhir-pins-hopes-on-senior-pros-for-2023-odi-world-cup-549386">Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma will play massive role: Gambhir pins hopes on senior pros for 2023 ODI World Cup</a>

In addition, Gambhir -- the T20 WC and ODI WC medallist -- stated&nbsp;that if any player wants to take a rest, they can skip a few matches in the shortest format&nbsp;or even the IPL but play the ODIs.

Gambhir added, "If they want to take a break, people who play more than three formats, they can definitely take a break from T20 cricket, but surely not from the ODI format. If the franchisee has to suffer, they have to suffer. Indian cricket is the main stakeholder, not the IPL. IPL is just a by-product. So, if India goes out and wins the World Cup, that is the bigger ovation, that is the bigger ring. For example, if an important player does miss the IPL games so be it because IPL happens every year and the World Cup happens only once in four years. So, for me, I think winning the World Cup is far more important than winning the IPL."

Rohit Sharma-led Indian ODI team will commence their preparations for the World Cup with a home series versus Sri Lanka, starting on January 10. They will look for a winning start in what is a crucial year for Team India.

After India's T20 World Cup 2022 debacle, the focus has now shifted to the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, which will be held in India later this year. Thus, Team India's ICC-title drought continues.

After India's T20 World Cup 2022 debacle, the focus has now shifted to the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, which will be held in India later this year. Thus, Team India's ICC-title drought continues. The last ICC title they won came in 2013 when they lifted the Champions Trophy under MS Dhoni. Since then, the Men in Blue appeared in three ICC finals and ended as semi-finalists on four occasions. Nonetheless, a title triumph continues to evade them. As the preparations have begun for the ODI World Cup, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Gautam Gambhir has pointed out a glaring issue that has resulted in India's failures in the last two World Cups. "They got to play together. I think the biggest mistake that Indian cricket has made in the last two World Cups has been that these guys have not played enough cricket together. Tell me, how many times have we got the best playing 11 in the park? We haven't; only during the World Cup we decided to have the best playing 11, but unfortunately, that was never the best playing 11. So, these guys have to play enough of white ball cricket, especially for the 50 overs World Cup together irrespective of whether they want to take a break from the T20 or from the IPL," Gambhir said on Star Sports show. Also read: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma will play massive role: Gambhir pins hopes on senior pros for 2023 ODI World Cup In addition, Gambhir -- the T20 WC and ODI WC medallist -- stated that if any player wants to take a rest, they can skip a few matches in the shortest format or even the IPL but play the ODIs. Gambhir added, "If they want to take a break, people who play more than three formats, they can definitely take a break from T20 cricket, but surely not from the ODI format. If the franchisee has to suffer, they have to suffer. Indian cricket is the main stakeholder, not the IPL. IPL is just a by-product. So, if India goes out and wins the World Cup, that is the bigger ovation, that is the bigger ring. For example, if an important player does miss the IPL games so be it because IPL happens every year and the World Cup happens only once in four years. So, for me, I think winning the World Cup is far more important than winning the IPL." Rohit Sharma-led Indian ODI team will commence their preparations for the World Cup with a home series versus Sri Lanka, starting on January 10. They will look for a winning start in what is a crucial year for Team India.

'Biggest mistake India made in last two World Cups...' - Gautam Gambhir points out glaring issue

2023 is an important year for Team India. After the T20 World Cup 2022 debacle, where they were hammered in the semi-finals, India will now look to end their nine-year-long-ICC-title-drought in 2023 with a chance at the mega title in the forthcoming WTC final (where India haven't confirmed a slot yet) and ODI World Cup, to be hosted by India later this year.

India, under Hardik Pandya, started 2023 with a thrilling two-run win over Sri Lanka on Tuesday (January 03) in the series opener of the three-match T20Is. Hardik has always been a valuable all-rounder for India, especially in white-ball formats, and taken over as the T20I captain in Rohit Sharma's absence. He has not been officially named as the T20I skipper but is being touted to be the next white-ball captain after Rohit. For the upcoming home SL ODIs, Hardik even replaced KL Rahul as the new vice-captain. Thus, with his stoks rising, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Gautam Gambhir has urged India to find Hardik's like-for-like replacement as they will be in 'serious trouble' if something happens to the 29-year-old.

Gambhir opined that India need to rope in a backup for Hardik in the white-ball setup. "They need to quickly identify a backup for Hardik; if something happens to him, India will be in serious, serious trouble," Gambhir told&nbsp;Star Sports.

India have the likes of Shardul Thakur, Venkatesh Iyer, etc. who can fill in for Hardik as fast-bowling all-rounders but will hope for the star player to remain fit with some big ICC events lined-up.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/biggest-mistake-india-made-in-last-two-world-cups-gautam-gambhir-points-out-glaring-issue-549560">'Biggest mistake India made in last two World Cups...' - Gautam Gambhir points out glaring issue</a>

Gambhir, the T20 WC and ODI WC medallist, also spoke at length on the workload management issue. He believes India's key players will have to prioritise playing ODIs with the World Cup to be held in India later this year. "This year [the core group should be focusing on] ODIs for sure. If they want to take a break, people who are playing all three formats, they can definitely take a break from T20 cricket but surely not from ODI format. They have got to play together - I think the biggest mistake Indian cricket has made in the last probably two World Cups has been that they [the core players], these guys have not played enough cricket [in the lead up to the World Cups] together," Gambhir mentioned.

While Rohit, Virat Kohli, etc. will be seen in action during the SL ODIs, Hardik &amp; Co. will look to seal the three-match T20I series versus the Islanders, on Thursday evening (January 05), in Pune.&nbsp;

2023 is an important year for Team India. After the T20 World Cup 2022 debacle, where they were hammered in the semi-finals, India will now look to end their nine-year-long-ICC-title-drought in 2023 with a chance at the mega title in the forthcoming WTC final (where India haven't confirmed a slot yet) and ODI World Cup, to be hosted by India later this year.

2023 is an important year for Team India. After the T20 World Cup 2022 debacle, where they were hammered in the semi-finals, India will now look to end their nine-year-long-ICC-title-drought in 2023 with a chance at the mega title in the forthcoming WTC final (where India haven't confirmed a slot yet) and ODI World Cup, to be hosted by India later this year. India, under Hardik Pandya, started 2023 with a thrilling two-run win over Sri Lanka on Tuesday (January 03) in the series opener of the three-match T20Is. Hardik has always been a valuable all-rounder for India, especially in white-ball formats, and taken over as the T20I captain in Rohit Sharma's absence. He has not been officially named as the T20I skipper but is being touted to be the next white-ball captain after Rohit. For the upcoming home SL ODIs, Hardik even replaced KL Rahul as the new vice-captain. Thus, with his stoks rising, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Gautam Gambhir has urged India to find Hardik's like-for-like replacement as they will be in 'serious trouble' if something happens to the 29-year-old. Gambhir opined that India need to rope in a backup for Hardik in the white-ball setup. "They need to quickly identify a backup for Hardik; if something happens to him, India will be in serious, serious trouble," Gambhir told Star Sports. India have the likes of Shardul Thakur, Venkatesh Iyer, etc. who can fill in for Hardik as fast-bowling all-rounders but will hope for the star player to remain fit with some big ICC events lined-up. Also read: 'Biggest mistake India made in last two World Cups...' - Gautam Gambhir points out glaring issue Gambhir, the T20 WC and ODI WC medallist, also spoke at length on the workload management issue. He believes India's key players will have to prioritise playing ODIs with the World Cup to be held in India later this year. "This year [the core group should be focusing on] ODIs for sure. If they want to take a break, people who are playing all three formats, they can definitely take a break from T20 cricket but surely not from ODI format. They have got to play together - I think the biggest mistake Indian cricket has made in the last probably two World Cups has been that they [the core players], these guys have not played enough cricket [in the lead up to the World Cups] together," Gambhir mentioned. While Rohit, Virat Kohli, etc. will be seen in action during the SL ODIs, Hardik & Co. will look to seal the three-match T20I series versus the Islanders, on Thursday evening (January 05), in Pune.

'They'll be in serious trouble if something happens to him': Gambhir urges India to find star player's backup

After an ordinary run in 2022, Team India kicked off their run in 2023 with a narrow win over Sri Lanka in the first T20I of their three-match series on home soil. The year 2023 is an important one for the national side with the WTC final, in June, and the ODI World Cup later this year. It will be hosted entirely by India and Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. have lots to do if they wish to win the ODI WC and end their nine-year-long ICC-title drought.&nbsp;

With the commencement of 2023, BCCI held a review meeting with head coach Rahul Dravid, captain Rohit and NCA chief VVS Laxman to discuss the road ahead for Team India and review last year's T20 World Cup debacle. As per reports, 20 players have been shortlisted for the marquee event and their fitness and progress will be closely monitored by the BCCI and team management in the run-up to the ODI WC. Amid all this, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has backed Rohit and Virat Kohli to come good and believes they can anchor the innings as they play spin really well. Gambhir feels Rohit and Kohli will play a 'massive role' in the upcoming WC.

"I feel people like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and all those guys who can anchor their innings, who probably can play spin really well will play a massive role the coming World Cup," said Gambhir, while speaking on Star Sports show 'Road to World Cup Glory'. He also asked the team management to identify players who can fit into the template they are looking to form for the big event. "First, you need to identify the players who got that fearless approach and probably in a format like 50 overs you need to have a mixture of every kind of player. There are players who can anchor their innings. Change in role has also made a huge difference. During that time we had only one new ball, now we have got two new balls with five fielders inside.

"So, the role of a part timer has gone out of the window. The reverse swings, you don't see enough of reverse swings anymore, you don't see enough of chase for the finger spinners as well. But, I always feel that when we talk about this new approach, which India always talks about, the template and stuff, you have got to identify players who can adapt those roles or that template very easily," Gambhir asserted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-ordered-to-be-airlifted-to-mumbai-from-bcci-board-mulling-moving-treatment-overseas-549322">BCCI to airlift Rishabh Pant to Mumbai, mulling to send him overseas for expert care</a>

Gambhir added that if some players cannot adapt to the new template, there is no point in trying to fit them into the side. "Some people just cannot adapt to that template so why push them to play in a certain way which doesn't come naturally to them. So, for me, I think identifying players and at the same time getting the right mix is very important, rather than thinking that we have to play at a certain template so we got to select all the 15 with a similar mind-set or with a similar template," he added.

It is believed that Rohit, Kohli and few others will not play a lot of T20Is this year and shift their focus entirely on the ODI WC. The upcoming 50-over showpiece event can be Rohit and Kohli's last international appearance and the duo will be desperare to sign off on a high.

After an ordinary run in 2022, Team India kicked off their run in 2023 with a narrow win over Sri Lanka in the first T20I of their three-match series on home soil.

After an ordinary run in 2022, Team India kicked off their run in 2023 with a narrow win over Sri Lanka in the first T20I of their three-match series on home soil. The year 2023 is an important one for the national side with the WTC final, in June, and the ODI World Cup later this year. It will be hosted entirely by India and Rohit Sharma & Co. have lots to do if they wish to win the ODI WC and end their nine-year-long ICC-title drought. With the commencement of 2023, BCCI held a review meeting with head coach Rahul Dravid, captain Rohit and NCA chief VVS Laxman to discuss the road ahead for Team India and review last year's T20 World Cup debacle. As per reports, 20 players have been shortlisted for the marquee event and their fitness and progress will be closely monitored by the BCCI and team management in the run-up to the ODI WC. Amid all this, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has backed Rohit and Virat Kohli to come good and believes they can anchor the innings as they play spin really well. Gambhir feels Rohit and Kohli will play a 'massive role' in the upcoming WC. "I feel people like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and all those guys who can anchor their innings, who probably can play spin really well will play a massive role the coming World Cup," said Gambhir, while speaking on Star Sports show 'Road to World Cup Glory'. He also asked the team management to identify players who can fit into the template they are looking to form for the big event. "First, you need to identify the players who got that fearless approach and probably in a format like 50 overs you need to have a mixture of every kind of player. There are players who can anchor their innings. Change in role has also made a huge difference. During that time we had only one new ball, now we have got two new balls with five fielders inside. "So, the role of a part timer has gone out of the window. The reverse swings, you don't see enough of reverse swings anymore, you don't see enough of chase for the finger spinners as well. But, I always feel that when we talk about this new approach, which India always talks about, the template and stuff, you have got to identify players who can adapt those roles or that template very easily," Gambhir asserted. Also read: BCCI to airlift Rishabh Pant to Mumbai, mulling to send him overseas for expert care Gambhir added that if some players cannot adapt to the new template, there is no point in trying to fit them into the side. "Some people just cannot adapt to that template so why push them to play in a certain way which doesn't come naturally to them. So, for me, I think identifying players and at the same time getting the right mix is very important, rather than thinking that we have to play at a certain template so we got to select all the 15 with a similar mind-set or with a similar template," he added. It is believed that Rohit, Kohli and few others will not play a lot of T20Is this year and shift their focus entirely on the ODI WC. The upcoming 50-over showpiece event can be Rohit and Kohli's last international appearance and the duo will be desperare to sign off on a high.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma will play massive role: Gambhir pins hopes on senior pros for 2023 ODI World Cup

India's ODI World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev doesn't shy away from expressing his views on several aspects pertaining to Indian cricket. As India have shifted their focus towards the 2023 ODI World Cup, to be hosted entirely by the country later this year, Kapil made a bold claim saying that if the team is dependent on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and 2-3 other players to win the title, the dream of winning the mega event won't be fulfilled.&nbsp;

Speaking to ABP News, Kapil pointed out that though India have the quality to win the ODI WC, they need to start looking beyond Kohli and Rohit and have at least 5-6 match-winners. He opined, "If you want to win the World Cup, the coach, selectors, and team management will have to make some tough decisions. Personal interests will have to take a backseat and they will need to think about the team.&nbsp;Aap Virat pe, Rohit pe ya 2-3 players pe bharosa karenge ki woh hume World Cup jeetayenge toh aisa kabhi bhi nahi ho sakta&nbsp;(If you think Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and 2-3 players will win us the World Cup then that's never going to happen). You should believe in your team. Do we have such a team? Definitely. Do we have certain match winners? Yes, of course! We have players who can win the World Cup."

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Also read: '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-understand-one-has-hobbies-but-kapil-dev-reacts-to-rishabh-pants-accident-gives-a-valuable-advise-548702">I understand one has hobbies but...' Kapil Dev reacts to Rishabh Pant's accident, gives a valuable advice</a>

Kapil further asserted, "There are always a couple of players who turn out to be the pillars of your side. The team revolves around them but we need to break that and build at least 5-6 players like that. That's why I say, you can't depend on Virat and Rohit. You need players who fulfill each of their responsibilities. The youngsters will need to come forward and say 'it is our time'."

Rohit-led India will depend on the captain and Kohli -- who are believed to make their last international appearance during the forthcoming World Cup -- but will be desperate for the likes of Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, etc. to stand tall and win some games during the showpiece event. Last time when India co-hosted the ODI WC, they won the championship under MS Dhoni. In 2013, India won its last ICC title and, hence, will be eager to end their nine-year-long ICC-trophy drought later this year. For that, they will have to adopt a more aggressive approach as a team and hope for more match-winners to raise their hands at regular intervals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<section>
Rishabh Pant accident

Recently, Kapil also reacted to Rishabh Pant's freak car accident, on December 30 on the Delhi-Dehradun highway. In this regard, he said, "This is a learning. When I was still an up-and-coming cricketer, I faced a motorcycle accident. From that day onwards, my brother didn't even let me touch the motorbike. I'm just thankful to god that Rishabh Pant is safe. Yes, you have a good-looking car with great speeds but you have to be careful. You can easily afford a driver, you don't have to drive it alone." He added, "I understand that one has hobbies or even passion for such things, it's natural to have it at his age, but you also have responsibilities. Only you can take care of yourself. You have to decide things for yourself."

Pant, on Monday (January 02), came out of the ICU at Max hospital, Dehradun as the keeper-batter is fighting hard to recover fully following his serious accident.
</section>
</section>

India's ODI World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev doesn't shy away from expressing his views on several aspects pertaining to Indian cricket. As India have shifted their focus towards the 2023 ODI World Cup, to be hosted entirely by the country later this year, Kapil made a bold claim saying that if the team is dependent on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and 2-3 other players to win the title, the dream of winning the mega event won't be fulfilled.

India's ODI World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev doesn't shy away from expressing his views on several aspects pertaining to Indian cricket. As India have shifted their focus towards the 2023 ODI World Cup, to be hosted entirely by the country later this year, Kapil made a bold claim saying that if the team is dependent on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and 2-3 other players to win the title, the dream of winning the mega event won't be fulfilled. Speaking to ABP News, Kapil pointed out that though India have the quality to win the ODI WC, they need to start looking beyond Kohli and Rohit and have at least 5-6 match-winners. He opined, "If you want to win the World Cup, the coach, selectors, and team management will have to make some tough decisions. Personal interests will have to take a backseat and they will need to think about the team. Aap Virat pe, Rohit pe ya 2-3 players pe bharosa karenge ki woh hume World Cup jeetayenge toh aisa kabhi bhi nahi ho sakta (If you think Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and 2-3 players will win us the World Cup then that's never going to happen). You should believe in your team. Do we have such a team? Definitely. Do we have certain match winners? Yes, of course! We have players who can win the World Cup." Also read: 'I understand one has hobbies but...' Kapil Dev reacts to Rishabh Pant's accident, gives a valuable advice Kapil further asserted, "There are always a couple of players who turn out to be the pillars of your side. The team revolves around them but we need to break that and build at least 5-6 players like that. That's why I say, you can't depend on Virat and Rohit. You need players who fulfill each of their responsibilities. The youngsters will need to come forward and say 'it is our time'." Rohit-led India will depend on the captain and Kohli -- who are believed to make their last international appearance during the forthcoming World Cup -- but will be desperate for the likes of Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, etc. to stand tall and win some games during the showpiece event. Last time when India co-hosted the ODI WC, they won the championship under MS Dhoni. In 2013, India won its last ICC title and, hence, will be eager to end their nine-year-long ICC-trophy drought later this year. For that, they will have to adopt a more aggressive approach as a team and hope for more match-winners to raise their hands at regular intervals. Rishabh Pant accident Recently, Kapil also reacted to Rishabh Pant's freak car accident, on December 30 on the Delhi-Dehradun highway. In this regard, he said, "This is a learning. When I was still an up-and-coming cricketer, I faced a motorcycle accident. From that day onwards, my brother didn't even let me touch the motorbike. I'm just thankful to god that Rishabh Pant is safe. Yes, you have a good-looking car with great speeds but you have to be careful. You can easily afford a driver, you don't have to drive it alone." He added, "I understand that one has hobbies or even passion for such things, it's natural to have it at his age, but you also have responsibilities. Only you can take care of yourself. You have to decide things for yourself." Pant, on Monday (January 02), came out of the ICU at Max hospital, Dehradun as the keeper-batter is fighting hard to recover fully following his serious accident.

'Can't depend on Kohli, Rohit to win us ODI WC, we need...': Ex-India captain Kapil Dev's BOLD remark

On Tuesday (January 03), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) added Jasprit Bumrah to India's ODI squad for their forthcoming home series versus Sri Lanka. Thus, the premier pacer returns to the national side after a long time following his back injury in September. Due to a stress fracture in his lower back, Bumrah was out of the T20 World Cup and even missed the Asia Cup. He was ruled out of India's remaining assignments following the T20 WC and wasn't named in the initial ODI squad, for the SL series, before being added on Tuesday.

After being ruled out in the second half of 2022, Bumrah&nbsp;had been rehabilitating at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru since then. Here's India's revised squad following Bumrah's inclusion:

India's squad for Sri Lanka ODIs: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (vc), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-vs-south-africa-2022-3rd-test-where-and-how-to-watch-third-and-final-encounter-548998">Australia vs South Africa 2022, 3rd Test: Where and how to watch third and final encounter?</a>

Hardik Pandya continues to be the vice-captain in the ODI squad despite Bumrah's addition. While the 28-year-old pacer has returned, there is no update on all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The 34-year-old star player had sustained a knee injury during the Asia Cup and has been out of action since then.&nbsp;

Before the three ODIs versus the Lankans, which commences on January 10, Hardik will lead an inexperienced Indian T20I line-up in the three-match series versus the Asian champions Sri Lanka, starting on Tuesday evening. The series opener will be held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.&nbsp;

India’s squad for Sri Lanka T20Is:&nbsp;Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar.

On Tuesday (January 03), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) added Jasprit Bumrah to India's ODI squad for their forthcoming home series versus Sri Lanka.

On Tuesday (January 03), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) added Jasprit Bumrah to India's ODI squad for their forthcoming home series versus Sri Lanka. Thus, the premier pacer returns to the national side after a long time following his back injury in September. Due to a stress fracture in his lower back, Bumrah was out of the T20 World Cup and even missed the Asia Cup. He was ruled out of India's remaining assignments following the T20 WC and wasn't named in the initial ODI squad, for the SL series, before being added on Tuesday. After being ruled out in the second half of 2022, Bumrah had been rehabilitating at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru since then. Here's India's revised squad following Bumrah's inclusion: India's squad for Sri Lanka ODIs: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (vc), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh. Also read: Australia vs South Africa 2022, 3rd Test: Where and how to watch third and final encounter? Hardik Pandya continues to be the vice-captain in the ODI squad despite Bumrah's addition. While the 28-year-old pacer has returned, there is no update on all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The 34-year-old star player had sustained a knee injury during the Asia Cup and has been out of action since then. Before the three ODIs versus the Lankans, which commences on January 10, Hardik will lead an inexperienced Indian T20I line-up in the three-match series versus the Asian champions Sri Lanka, starting on Tuesday evening. The series opener will be held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. India’s squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar.

Jasprit Bumrah returns from injury, pacer named in India squad for Sri Lanka ODIs

In a good news for all cricket fans, India’s keeper-batter Rishabh Pant is out of the ICU at the Max, hospital in Dehradun, while the degree of his leg injuries still remain&nbsp;unknown.

Pant’s car met with a serious accident in the wee hours on Friday morning (December 30th) on the Delhi-Dehradun highway when he was on his way to his hometown in Roorkee to give his mother a surprise. As told by the police, Pant fell asleep before his car ramped into the road dividers. It then flipped and later caught fire. Pant was lucky to escape the scene without suffering any life-threatening injuries.

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He was first taken to a local hospital in Roorkee before getting shifted to the Max Hospital in Dehradun. By now preliminary scans to check his brain and spine injuries are already done, but because of the swelling in his leg, the scans were not done there yet.

While he suffered several injuries, as per the medial bulletin issued by the BCCI recently, Pant is stable now and is even reacting to treatment well. Not only this, the board had also formed a panel of its own doctors who in coordination with panel of hospital doctors are monitoring Rishabh Pant’s situation regularly.

The BCCI is hopeful Rishabh Pant would be discharged in a couple of days, and will then he will be looked after by the panel of doctors formed by the board to determine the extent of injuries -&nbsp;particularly of his two suspected ligament tears.

Though there is no news on when will he be returning to the field, after examine his situation earlier, it was reported that Rishabh could be out for at least three to six months. That means the left-handed batter will the upcoming the Test series against Australia and the IPL 2023 for Delhi Capitals.

In a good news for all cricket fans, India’s keeper-batter Rishabh Pant is out of the ICU at the Max, hospital in Dehradun, while the degree of his leg injuries still remain unknown.

In a good news for all cricket fans, India’s keeper-batter Rishabh Pant is out of the ICU at the Max, hospital in Dehradun, while the degree of his leg injuries still remain unknown. Pant’s car met with a serious accident in the wee hours on Friday morning (December 30th) on the Delhi-Dehradun highway when he was on his way to his hometown in Roorkee to give his mother a surprise. As told by the police, Pant fell asleep before his car ramped into the road dividers. It then flipped and later caught fire. Pant was lucky to escape the scene without suffering any life-threatening injuries. ALSO READ: Australia to unleash THIS 'express fast bowler' for Sydney Test against South Africa, reveals Josh Hazlewood He was first taken to a local hospital in Roorkee before getting shifted to the Max Hospital in Dehradun. By now preliminary scans to check his brain and spine injuries are already done, but because of the swelling in his leg, the scans were not done there yet. While he suffered several injuries, as per the medial bulletin issued by the BCCI recently, Pant is stable now and is even reacting to treatment well. Not only this, the board had also formed a panel of its own doctors who in coordination with panel of hospital doctors are monitoring Rishabh Pant’s situation regularly. The BCCI is hopeful Rishabh Pant would be discharged in a couple of days, and will then he will be looked after by the panel of doctors formed by the board to determine the extent of injuries - particularly of his two suspected ligament tears. Though there is no news on when will he be returning to the field, after examine his situation earlier, it was reported that Rishabh could be out for at least three to six months. That means the left-handed batter will the upcoming the Test series against Australia and the IPL 2023 for Delhi Capitals.

Rishabh Pant is out of ICU, BCCI hopeful of him getting discharged in 2-3 days

On Friday (December 30), Rishabh Pant was involved in a serious car accident on the Delhi-Dehradun highway. While he is now at the ICU at the Max Hospital, Dehradun, the 25-year-old is getting provided with the best medical help possible and is en route to recovery. He suffered several injuries due to the freak car accident but is believed to be out of danger and is safe.&nbsp;

Many former and active cricketers, celebrities from other fields and even Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi have reacted to Pant's accident and prayed for his speedy recovery and return to the 22-yard cricket strip. Kapil Dev, India's 1983 World Cup-winning skipper, also joined the bandwagon and thanked god for Pant being safe. He, however, shared valuable advice for the youngster. Kapil feels Pant should hire a driver and not drive himself, to avoid such horrific accidents and a plethora of injuries.

Speaking to ABP News, Kapil said, "This is a learning. When I was still an up-and-coming cricketer, I faced a motorcycle accident. From that day onwards, my brother didn't even let me touch the motorbike. I'm just thankful to god that Rishabh Pant is safe. Yes, you have a good-looking car with great speeds but you have to be careful. You can easily afford a driver, you don't have to drive it alone." He added, "I understand that one has hobbies or even passion for such things, it's natural to have it at his age, but you also have responsibilities. Only you can take care of yourself. You have to decide things for yourself."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/theyll-have-to-irfan-points-out-crucial-factor-if-hardik-pandya-becomes-indias-long-term-skipper-548674">'They'll have to...' - Irfan points out 'crucial' factor if Hardik Pandya becomes India's long-term skipper</a>

Meanwhile, the medical team monitoring Pant's progress shared an important update. The medical team member told TOI, "It is important that Rishabh gets sufficient time to rest, not just physically but mentally too. He is still in pain due to the injuries sustained in the accident. He has to speak to visitors, which drains his energy that should be preserved for faster recovery. People planning to visit him should avoid it for now and let him rest.

With Pant being a big name, the problem of frequent visits have kept the hospital authorities on their toes.&nbsp;"Hospital visiting hours are from 11am to 1pm and 4pm to 5pm and only one visitor can meet a patient at any given time. Rishabh Pant’s case is a high-profile one due to which more visitors are streaming in and hence this problem,” another staff member added.

As per reports, Pant is out of cricketing action for the first half of 2023, at least, which will see him miss the India-Australia Tests and IPL 2023.

On Friday (December 30), Rishabh Pant was involved in a serious car accident on the Delhi-Dehradun highway. While he is now at the ICU at the Max Hospital, Dehradun, the 25-year-old is getting provided with the best medical help possible and is en route to recovery.

On Friday (December 30), Rishabh Pant was involved in a serious car accident on the Delhi-Dehradun highway. While he is now at the ICU at the Max Hospital, Dehradun, the 25-year-old is getting provided with the best medical help possible and is en route to recovery. He suffered several injuries due to the freak car accident but is believed to be out of danger and is safe. Many former and active cricketers, celebrities from other fields and even Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi have reacted to Pant's accident and prayed for his speedy recovery and return to the 22-yard cricket strip. Kapil Dev, India's 1983 World Cup-winning skipper, also joined the bandwagon and thanked god for Pant being safe. He, however, shared valuable advice for the youngster. Kapil feels Pant should hire a driver and not drive himself, to avoid such horrific accidents and a plethora of injuries. Speaking to ABP News, Kapil said, "This is a learning. When I was still an up-and-coming cricketer, I faced a motorcycle accident. From that day onwards, my brother didn't even let me touch the motorbike. I'm just thankful to god that Rishabh Pant is safe. Yes, you have a good-looking car with great speeds but you have to be careful. You can easily afford a driver, you don't have to drive it alone." He added, "I understand that one has hobbies or even passion for such things, it's natural to have it at his age, but you also have responsibilities. Only you can take care of yourself. You have to decide things for yourself." Also read: 'They'll have to...' - Irfan points out 'crucial' factor if Hardik Pandya becomes India's long-term skipper Meanwhile, the medical team monitoring Pant's progress shared an important update. The medical team member told TOI, "It is important that Rishabh gets sufficient time to rest, not just physically but mentally too. He is still in pain due to the injuries sustained in the accident. He has to speak to visitors, which drains his energy that should be preserved for faster recovery. People planning to visit him should avoid it for now and let him rest. With Pant being a big name, the problem of frequent visits have kept the hospital authorities on their toes. "Hospital visiting hours are from 11am to 1pm and 4pm to 5pm and only one visitor can meet a patient at any given time. Rishabh Pant’s case is a high-profile one due to which more visitors are streaming in and hence this problem,” another staff member added. As per reports, Pant is out of cricketing action for the first half of 2023, at least, which will see him miss the India-Australia Tests and IPL 2023.

'I understand one has hobbies but...' Kapil Dev reacts to Rishabh Pant's accident, gives a valuable advice

India keeper-batter Rishabh Pant suffered several injuries following a horrific car accident in the wee hours on Friday, December 30th on Delhi-Dehradun highway. Upon getting admitted in the ICU in Max Hospital in&nbsp;Dehradun, many high-profile celebrities paid visits which actually hasn’t helped Pant in getting the required rest.

His family members have also expressed displeasure&nbsp;over the same while a medical team member attending Pant told Times of India (TOI) on Sunday that since Pant is still suffering in pain, he needs to preserve his energy for quicker recovery but with guests coming over regularly, that isn’t happening.

"It is important that Rishabh gets sufficient time to rest, not just physically but mentally too. He is still in pain due to the injuries sustained in the accident. He has to speak to visitors, which drains his energy that should be preserved for faster recovery. People planning to visit him should avoid it for now and let him rest," the medical team member told TOI.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-everything-to-know-about-dexa-test-bccis-new-mandatory-selection-criteria-for-team-india-players-548619">Explained: Everything to know about Dexa test, BCCI's new MANDATORY selection criteria for Team India players</a>

While there is a mechanism in place for visiting hours for each patient, in Rishabh’s case in Max, Dehradun, there is no such thing, as per another medical staff member.

"Hospital visiting hours are from 11am to 1pm and 4pm to 5pm and only one visitor can meet a patient at any given time. Rishabh Pant’s case is a high-profile one due to which more visitors are streaming in and hence this problem,” another staff member added.

Bollywood actors Anil Kapoor and Anupam Kher, fellow cricketer Nitish Rana, Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) director, Shyam Sharma along with some officials and&nbsp;Uttarakhand&nbsp;Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami&nbsp;were&nbsp;among the many high-profile people who visited Rishabh in the hospital.

Earlier, as per the medical bulletin issued by the BCCI in coordination with the hospital doctors, it is stated that Pant suffered two cuts on his forehead, a ligament tear in his right knee along with injuries on his right wrist, ankle, toe and back. However, after examine his situation, doctors confirmed that Pant is stable and is also responding well to the treatment.

Given the nature of the injuries he has endured, Pant is believed to be sidelined for at least three to six months, and could be more&nbsp;– thus getting ruled out from the upcoming Test series against Australia and IPL 2023.

India keeper-batter Rishabh Pant suffered several injuries following a horrific car accident in the wee hours on Friday, December 30th on Delhi-Dehradun highway.

India keeper-batter Rishabh Pant suffered several injuries following a horrific car accident in the wee hours on Friday, December 30th on Delhi-Dehradun highway. Upon getting admitted in the ICU in Max Hospital in Dehradun, many high-profile celebrities paid visits which actually hasn’t helped Pant in getting the required rest. His family members have also expressed displeasure over the same while a medical team member attending Pant told Times of India (TOI) on Sunday that since Pant is still suffering in pain, he needs to preserve his energy for quicker recovery but with guests coming over regularly, that isn’t happening. "It is important that Rishabh gets sufficient time to rest, not just physically but mentally too. He is still in pain due to the injuries sustained in the accident. He has to speak to visitors, which drains his energy that should be preserved for faster recovery. People planning to visit him should avoid it for now and let him rest," the medical team member told TOI. ALSO READ: Explained: Everything to know about Dexa test, BCCI's new MANDATORY selection criteria for Team India players While there is a mechanism in place for visiting hours for each patient, in Rishabh’s case in Max, Dehradun, there is no such thing, as per another medical staff member. "Hospital visiting hours are from 11am to 1pm and 4pm to 5pm and only one visitor can meet a patient at any given time. Rishabh Pant’s case is a high-profile one due to which more visitors are streaming in and hence this problem,” another staff member added. Bollywood actors Anil Kapoor and Anupam Kher, fellow cricketer Nitish Rana, Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) director, Shyam Sharma along with some officials and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami were among the many high-profile people who visited Rishabh in the hospital. Earlier, as per the medical bulletin issued by the BCCI in coordination with the hospital doctors, it is stated that Pant suffered two cuts on his forehead, a ligament tear in his right knee along with injuries on his right wrist, ankle, toe and back. However, after examine his situation, doctors confirmed that Pant is stable and is also responding well to the treatment. Given the nature of the injuries he has endured, Pant is believed to be sidelined for at least three to six months, and could be more – thus getting ruled out from the upcoming Test series against Australia and IPL 2023.

Rishabh Pant's family not happy with untimely visits from guests, says Pant is unable to rest

Last week, the BCCI selection committee announced India's white-ball squads for the home T20Is versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on January 03 in Mumbai. Hardik Pandya was named the T20I captain whereas regular skipper Rohit Sharma will return from a thumb injury to take charge of the ODI line-up versus the Lankans. While nothing has been revealed whether Hardik is set to become the next T20I captain, it is believed that the official announcement will follow suit sometime later this year (with seniors focused on 2023 ODI World Cup). Moreover, he is also being touted as Rohit's successor in limited-overs. He is also named as the ODI vice-captain despite KL Rahul's presence (who held onto the post for a year until the recent squad announcement).

Hardik has impressed many with his calm demeanour as captain -- especially during IPL 2022 for the eventual champions Gujarat Titans. As a result, he has led India on a few occasions last year. While talks are on with many supporting Hardik as a long-term captaincy option, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has pointed out a crucial factor which needs to be taken into consideration before promoting the 29-year-old all-rounder.&nbsp;

Speaking during an interaction on Star Sports, Pathan said, "The captaincy Hardik has done, whether it was for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL or at the start for India, I felt the communication was extremely good. He was seen as very agile." He added, "When there was talk about his captaincy, I was extremely impressed with his approach but along with that India will have to keep in mind that if you are making him the long-term captain, they will have to concentrate a lot on his fitness, whether you talk about him or the team management. It will be very crucial going ahead."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-everything-to-know-about-dexa-test-bccis-new-mandatory-selection-criteria-for-team-india-players-548619">Explained: Everything to know about Dexa test, BCCI's new MANDATORY selection criteria for Team India players</a>

Hardik will lead a young T20I team when India take on Sri Lanka in the series opener on Tuesday (January 03) in Mumbai. It will be the start of a new era with many senior players not being part of the series. It will be interesting to see how Hardik manages himself and continues to perform the role of an all-rounder when leading the side (he bowled in excess of 30 overs and batted at No. 4 mostly during IPL 2022) as he continues to make rapid strides as a leader.

India’s squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar.

Last week, the BCCI selection committee announced India's white-ball squads for the home T20Is versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on January 03 in Mumbai. Hardik Pandya was named the T20I captain whereas regular skipper Rohit Sharma will return from a thumb injury to take charge of the ODI line-up versus the Lankans.

Last week, the BCCI selection committee announced India's white-ball squads for the home T20Is versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on January 03 in Mumbai. Hardik Pandya was named the T20I captain whereas regular skipper Rohit Sharma will return from a thumb injury to take charge of the ODI line-up versus the Lankans. While nothing has been revealed whether Hardik is set to become the next T20I captain, it is believed that the official announcement will follow suit sometime later this year (with seniors focused on 2023 ODI World Cup). Moreover, he is also being touted as Rohit's successor in limited-overs. He is also named as the ODI vice-captain despite KL Rahul's presence (who held onto the post for a year until the recent squad announcement). Hardik has impressed many with his calm demeanour as captain -- especially during IPL 2022 for the eventual champions Gujarat Titans. As a result, he has led India on a few occasions last year. While talks are on with many supporting Hardik as a long-term captaincy option, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has pointed out a crucial factor which needs to be taken into consideration before promoting the 29-year-old all-rounder. Speaking during an interaction on Star Sports, Pathan said, "The captaincy Hardik has done, whether it was for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL or at the start for India, I felt the communication was extremely good. He was seen as very agile." He added, "When there was talk about his captaincy, I was extremely impressed with his approach but along with that India will have to keep in mind that if you are making him the long-term captain, they will have to concentrate a lot on his fitness, whether you talk about him or the team management. It will be very crucial going ahead." Also read: Explained: Everything to know about Dexa test, BCCI's new MANDATORY selection criteria for Team India players Hardik will lead a young T20I team when India take on Sri Lanka in the series opener on Tuesday (January 03) in Mumbai. It will be the start of a new era with many senior players not being part of the series. It will be interesting to see how Hardik manages himself and continues to perform the role of an all-rounder when leading the side (he bowled in excess of 30 overs and batted at No. 4 mostly during IPL 2022) as he continues to make rapid strides as a leader. India’s squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar.

'They'll have to...' - Irfan points out 'crucial' factor if Hardik Pandya becomes India's long-term skipper

The Indian senior men's cricket team had an ordinary run in 2022. The year saw them dominate the T20I format enroute to the World Cup but they were whitewashed in three ODIs in South Africa, lost a golden opportunity to win a Test series in SA and England (losing the one-off Test in Edgbaston), didn't qualify for Asia Cup 2022 final and bowed out of the T20 WC in the semi-finals. Further, they even lost to Bangladesh (2-1) in three ODIs in the Bangla Tigers' den. Hence, a review meeting was held by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) which was attended by President Roger Binny, Secretary Jay Shah, head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma.&nbsp;

One of the most-talked about aspects in Indian cricket, in 2022, was the regular injury concerns. After conceding the ODI series with loss in the second game, Rohit had stated in the post-match presentation, "I mean there are definitely a few injury concerns. We need to try and get to the bottom of it. I don't know what exactly it is. Maybe they're playing too much cricket. We need to try and monitor those guys, because it's important to understand when they come for India, they need to be 100%, in fact more than 100%." Thus, the Yo-Yo Test -- introduced during Virat Kohli-Ravi Shastri era -- has returned whereas BCCI has also added a new selection criteria by introducing the Dexa test for Indian players.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nca-to-work-with-ipl-franchises-in-workload-management-drill-for-20-targeted-players-for-2023-world-cup-548508">NCA to work with IPL franchises in workload management drill for 20 targeted players for 2023 World Cup</a>

What is Dexa test? All you need to know

It is to be noted that Dexa, also called the 'bone density test', is an X-ray technology (dual-energy x-ray) used to measure bone strength. It, in turn, will help find out if the player taking the test is at risk of breaking or losing bones. In addition, it will help&nbsp;in measuring body composition as well as noting body fat and muscle mass.

Meanwhile, the National Cricket Academy chief VVS Laxman was also part of the meeting, who also served as the stand-in coach for Team India at regular intervals last year. The NCA will now also closely work with all IPL franchises in workload management for 20 targeted players for the 2023 ODI World Cup. Moreover, players have been asked to not miss international fixtures going forward as India commence preparations for the home ODI WC, later this year, in a bid to end their nine-year-long ICC-title-drought.

The Indian senior men's cricket team had an ordinary run in 2022. The year saw them dominate the T20I format enroute to the World Cup but they were whitewashed in three ODIs in South Africa, lost a golden opportunity to win a Test series in SA and England (losing the one-off Test in Edgbaston), didn't qualify for Asia Cup 2022 final and bowed out of the T20 WC in the semi-finals.

The Indian senior men's cricket team had an ordinary run in 2022. The year saw them dominate the T20I format enroute to the World Cup but they were whitewashed in three ODIs in South Africa, lost a golden opportunity to win a Test series in SA and England (losing the one-off Test in Edgbaston), didn't qualify for Asia Cup 2022 final and bowed out of the T20 WC in the semi-finals. Further, they even lost to Bangladesh (2-1) in three ODIs in the Bangla Tigers' den. Hence, a review meeting was held by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) which was attended by President Roger Binny, Secretary Jay Shah, head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma. One of the most-talked about aspects in Indian cricket, in 2022, was the regular injury concerns. After conceding the ODI series with loss in the second game, Rohit had stated in the post-match presentation, "I mean there are definitely a few injury concerns. We need to try and get to the bottom of it. I don't know what exactly it is. Maybe they're playing too much cricket. We need to try and monitor those guys, because it's important to understand when they come for India, they need to be 100%, in fact more than 100%." Thus, the Yo-Yo Test -- introduced during Virat Kohli-Ravi Shastri era -- has returned whereas BCCI has also added a new selection criteria by introducing the Dexa test for Indian players. Also read: NCA to work with IPL franchises in workload management drill for 20 targeted players for 2023 World Cup What is Dexa test? All you need to know It is to be noted that Dexa, also called the 'bone density test', is an X-ray technology (dual-energy x-ray) used to measure bone strength. It, in turn, will help find out if the player taking the test is at risk of breaking or losing bones. In addition, it will help in measuring body composition as well as noting body fat and muscle mass. Meanwhile, the National Cricket Academy chief VVS Laxman was also part of the meeting, who also served as the stand-in coach for Team India at regular intervals last year. The NCA will now also closely work with all IPL franchises in workload management for 20 targeted players for the 2023 ODI World Cup. Moreover, players have been asked to not miss international fixtures going forward as India commence preparations for the home ODI WC, later this year, in a bid to end their nine-year-long ICC-title-drought.

Explained: Everything to know about Dexa test, BCCI's new MANDATORY selection criteria for Team India players