Team India have gone through rapid changes in the recent months. Post the T20 World Cup in the UAE, Ravi Shastri's tenure as the head coach came to an end and he got replaced by Rahul Dravid. While Virat Kohli also stepped aside as the T20I captain, Rohit Sharma took over from him and recently was also named as the ODI captain, leading to Kohli's removal.

All this has happened before India's all-important all-format tour of South Africa, which will have the three Tests and equal number of ODIs initially before the T20I leg. Ahead of India's departure to the African nation, the national side has been dealt with a huge blow as Rohit injured himself in training in Mumbai and is sure to miss the Test series. Now, reports have come in that Kohli won't be part of the three ODIs in order to spend time with his family. Hence, such developments have raised quite a few eyebrows among the Indian cricket fans as they sniff rift between the two superstar cricketers following the ODI captaincy switch.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-is-countering-every-point-intelligently-ex-pak-captain-reacts-to-hitmans-comments-on-virat-kohli-436601">Rohit is countering every point intelligently: Ex-Pak captain reacts to Hitman's comments on Virat Kohli</a>

Hence, former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin has now also reacted to the whole development. Taking to Twitter, Azharuddin wrote:&nbsp;“Virat Kohli has informed that he's not available for the ODI series &amp; Rohit Sharma is unavailable for the upcoming tests. There is no harm in taking a break but the&nbsp;timing has to be better. This just substantiates speculation about the rift. Neither will be giving up the&nbsp;other form of cricket.”

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Virat Kohli has informed that he's not available for the ODI series &amp; Rohit Sharma is unavailable fr d upcoming test. There is no harm in takin a break but d timing has to be better. This just substantiates speculation abt d rift. Neither wil be giving up d other form of cricket.
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) <a href="https://twitter.com/azharflicks/status/1470655304194936833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-set-to-miss-upcoming-odi-series-against-south-africa-due-to-personal-reasons-report-436766">Virat Kohli set to miss upcoming ODI series against South Africa due to personal reasons - Report</a>

As the rif speculations are once again on the rise, a BCCI official has cleared the air regarding Kohli's absence form the ODIs. "Virat Kohli has informed us that he'll not be available for the ODI series. He wants to spend time with his family - don't read into social media rumours too much, there is nothing between Virat and Rohit", a BCCI official had told&nbsp;News9.

At present, the Dravid-led Indian team are set to leave for South Africa in a few days. The tour will commence on December 26 in Centurion with the three-match Test series opener.&nbsp;

Team India have gone through rapid changes in the recent months. Post the T20 World Cup in the UAE, Ravi Shastri's tenure as the head coach came to an end and he got replaced by Rahul Dravid.

Team India have gone through rapid changes in the recent months. Post the T20 World Cup in the UAE, Ravi Shastri's tenure as the head coach came to an end and he got replaced by Rahul Dravid. While Virat Kohli also stepped aside as the T20I captain, Rohit Sharma took over from him and recently was also named as the ODI captain, leading to Kohli's removal. All this has happened before India's all-important all-format tour of South Africa, which will have the three Tests and equal number of ODIs initially before the T20I leg. Ahead of India's departure to the African nation, the national side has been dealt with a huge blow as Rohit injured himself in training in Mumbai and is sure to miss the Test series. Now, reports have come in that Kohli won't be part of the three ODIs in order to spend time with his family. Hence, such developments have raised quite a few eyebrows among the Indian cricket fans as they sniff rift between the two superstar cricketers following the ODI captaincy switch. ALSO READ | Rohit is countering every point intelligently: Ex-Pak captain reacts to Hitman's comments on Virat Kohli Hence, former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin has now also reacted to the whole development. Taking to Twitter, Azharuddin wrote: “Virat Kohli has informed that he's not available for the ODI series & Rohit Sharma is unavailable for the upcoming tests. There is no harm in taking a break but the timing has to be better. This just substantiates speculation about the rift. Neither will be giving up the other form of cricket.” Virat Kohli has informed that he's not available for the ODI series & Rohit Sharma is unavailable fr d upcoming test. There is no harm in takin a break but d timing has to be better. This just substantiates speculation abt d rift. Neither wil be giving up d other form of cricket. — Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) December 14, 2021 × ALSO READ | Virat Kohli set to miss upcoming ODI series against South Africa due to personal reasons - Report As the rif speculations are once again on the rise, a BCCI official has cleared the air regarding Kohli's absence form the ODIs. "Virat Kohli has informed us that he'll not be available for the ODI series. He wants to spend time with his family - don't read into social media rumours too much, there is nothing between Virat and Rohit", a BCCI official had told News9. At present, the Dravid-led Indian team are set to leave for South Africa in a few days. The tour will commence on December 26 in Centurion with the three-match Test series opener.

This substantiates speculation about rift: Azhar reacts as Rohit set to miss SA Tests, Kohli to skip ODIs

Shreyas Iyer made heads turn on his Test debut during Day One of the Kanpur Test between India and New Zealand, on Thursday (November 25). Taking India to 258-4 at stumps, Iyer was unbeaten on 75 and looked comfortable as his innings progressed.&nbsp;

As soon as the action began on Day Two, Iyer was on fire and dealt in boundaries to get closer to his maiden three-figure mark in whites. Despite losing his overnight partner Ravindra Jadeja (50), Iyer looked at his usual best and got to his maiden hundred with wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha at the other end.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-vvs-laxman-unimpressed-with-ajinkya-rahanes-shot-selection-after-day-1-of-kanpur-test-431926">Ind vs NZ: VVS Laxman unimpressed with Ajinkya Rahane's shot selection after Day 1 of Kanpur Test</a>

By registering his maiden ton on debut, Iyer joined an elite list of Indian cricketers to have achieved the same feat in their first outing in whites. Here's the list (including players with debut tons in home Tests):

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The latest addition into the Centuries on debut for India club - <a href="https://twitter.com/ShreyasIyer15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShreyasIyer15</a> 👌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> <a href="https://t.co/r9yl1kFjQa">pic.twitter.com/r9yl1kFjQa</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1464094358014025729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-auction-delhi-capitals-to-release-shreyas-iyer-as-list-of-players-to-be-retained-released-report-431983">IPL 2022 auction: Delhi Capitals to release Shreyas Iyer as list of players to be retained released - Report</a>

Overall, Iyer became the 16th Indian to slam a hundred on debut (Virender Sehwag, Pravin Amre, Sourav Ganguly, Suresh Raina, etc. achieved the same on debut but in away Tests). Some other big names from the overall list includes&nbsp;Gundappa Viswanath, Lala Amarnath, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Mohammad Azharuddin, Prithvi Shaw and the likes.&nbsp;

After reaching his ton, the right-hander was determined to score a daddy hundred, however, he fell to Tim Southee for 105 (laced with 13 fours and 2 sixes at a strike-rate of 61.40). Nonetheless, he impressed one and all and has made a strong case for retaining his spot for the second and final Test, in Mumbai from December 3. While the big guns such as regular captain Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, etc. are expected to return to the squad for the series finale, Iyer might hold onto his spot in the playing XI after his recent heroics.&nbsp;

At lunch, India were 339-8 with R Ashwin nearing his half-century. The Ajinkya Rahane-led hosts will look to near the 375-run mark and challenge the Kane Williamson-led Black Caps in the series opener at Green Park, Kanpur.

Shreyas Iyer made heads turn on his Test debut during Day One of the Kanpur Test between India and New Zealand, on Thursday (November 25). Taking India to 258-4 at stumps, Iyer was unbeaten on 75 and looked comfortable as his innings progressed.

Shreyas Iyer made heads turn on his Test debut during Day One of the Kanpur Test between India and New Zealand, on Thursday (November 25). Taking India to 258-4 at stumps, Iyer was unbeaten on 75 and looked comfortable as his innings progressed. As soon as the action began on Day Two, Iyer was on fire and dealt in boundaries to get closer to his maiden three-figure mark in whites. Despite losing his overnight partner Ravindra Jadeja (50), Iyer looked at his usual best and got to his maiden hundred with wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha at the other end. ALSO READ | Ind vs NZ: VVS Laxman unimpressed with Ajinkya Rahane's shot selection after Day 1 of Kanpur Test By registering his maiden ton on debut, Iyer joined an elite list of Indian cricketers to have achieved the same feat in their first outing in whites. Here's the list (including players with debut tons in home Tests): The latest addition into the Centuries on debut for India club - @ShreyasIyer15 👌#TeamIndia #INDvNZ @Paytm pic.twitter.com/r9yl1kFjQa — BCCI (@BCCI) November 26, 2021 × ALSO READ | IPL 2022 auction: Delhi Capitals to release Shreyas Iyer as list of players to be retained released - Report Overall, Iyer became the 16th Indian to slam a hundred on debut (Virender Sehwag, Pravin Amre, Sourav Ganguly, Suresh Raina, etc. achieved the same on debut but in away Tests). Some other big names from the overall list includes Gundappa Viswanath, Lala Amarnath, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Mohammad Azharuddin, Prithvi Shaw and the likes. After reaching his ton, the right-hander was determined to score a daddy hundred, however, he fell to Tim Southee for 105 (laced with 13 fours and 2 sixes at a strike-rate of 61.40). Nonetheless, he impressed one and all and has made a strong case for retaining his spot for the second and final Test, in Mumbai from December 3. While the big guns such as regular captain Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, etc. are expected to return to the squad for the series finale, Iyer might hold onto his spot in the playing XI after his recent heroics. At lunch, India were 339-8 with R Ashwin nearing his half-century. The Ajinkya Rahane-led hosts will look to near the 375-run mark and challenge the Kane Williamson-led Black Caps in the series opener at Green Park, Kanpur.

Ind vs NZ, 1st Test: Shreyas Iyer slams ton on debut, joins Rohit, Azharuddin and other Indians in elite list

India lost their second game on the trot in the Super 12 round of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE, after going down to Kane Williamson-led New Zealand by eight wickets on Sunday (October 31). After having lost to Pakistan in their opening fixture, by ten wickets, the Virat Kohli-led side were expected to comeback in style and beat the Kiwis. However, India are now on the brink of elimination after losing two consecutive ties by big margins.

After the encounter, Jasprit Bumrah came for the post-match press conference from Team India. While Kohli had come out for the post-match presser after India were thrashed by Pakistan, the 32-year-old chose to skip the post-match meeting after the New Zealand game as Bumrah answered the questions. While the speedster was firm in his replies, former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin feels head coach Ravi Shastri should've come for the post-match press conference, if not Kohli.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/youll-have-to-face-the-nation-md-azharuddin-slams-virat-kohli-for-skipping-presser-after-nz-loss-425910">You'll have to face the nation: Md Azharuddin slams Virat Kohli for skipping presser after NZ loss</a>

"In my view the coach should have come for the press conference. If Virat Kohli doesn't want to attend the press conference, that's fine. But, Ravi (Shastri) bhai should've attended the press conference," Azharuddin said during a discussion on ABP News.

"You can't just attend press conferences after victories, you must give an explanation for defeats too. Sending Bumrah for the press conference was not right. Either the captain or the coach should have come for the presser or someone from the coaching staff," he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/never-seen-captaincy-potential-in-virat-kohli-says-danish-kaneria-as-india-near-elimination-in-t20-wc-426089">Never seen captaincy potential in Virat Kohli, says Danish Kaneria as India near elimination in T20 WC</a>

"If you lose a game or two, there's nothing to be ashamed of. But the captain or the coach must come and explain to the nation why the team lost. How can you expect Bumrah to answer these questions? If you are ready to face the media when the team wins then you should also step forward when your team is going through a rough phase," Azharuddin asserted.

India have their back against the wall in the T20 WC. They need to win their remaining games by big margins and hope for some other results to favour them in order to enter the semi-finals. The Men in Blue will now face Afghanistan on Wednesday (November 3) at Abu Dhabi and another defeat will end their campaign in the marquee tournament.

India's group, i.e. Pool B, is topped by Pakistan, who are followed by Afghanistan, New Zealand, Namibia. Kohli &amp; Co. and Scotland occupy the bottom-two spots, respectively.

India lost their second game on the trot in the Super 12 round of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE, after going down to Kane Williamson-led New Zealand by eight wickets on Sunday (October 31).

India lost their second game on the trot in the Super 12 round of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE, after going down to Kane Williamson-led New Zealand by eight wickets on Sunday (October 31). After having lost to Pakistan in their opening fixture, by ten wickets, the Virat Kohli-led side were expected to comeback in style and beat the Kiwis. However, India are now on the brink of elimination after losing two consecutive ties by big margins. After the encounter, Jasprit Bumrah came for the post-match press conference from Team India. While Kohli had come out for the post-match presser after India were thrashed by Pakistan, the 32-year-old chose to skip the post-match meeting after the New Zealand game as Bumrah answered the questions. While the speedster was firm in his replies, former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin feels head coach Ravi Shastri should've come for the post-match press conference, if not Kohli. ALSO READ | You'll have to face the nation: Md Azharuddin slams Virat Kohli for skipping presser after NZ loss "In my view the coach should have come for the press conference. If Virat Kohli doesn't want to attend the press conference, that's fine. But, Ravi (Shastri) bhai should've attended the press conference," Azharuddin said during a discussion on ABP News. "You can't just attend press conferences after victories, you must give an explanation for defeats too. Sending Bumrah for the press conference was not right. Either the captain or the coach should have come for the presser or someone from the coaching staff," he added. ALSO READ | Never seen captaincy potential in Virat Kohli, says Danish Kaneria as India near elimination in T20 WC "If you lose a game or two, there's nothing to be ashamed of. But the captain or the coach must come and explain to the nation why the team lost. How can you expect Bumrah to answer these questions? If you are ready to face the media when the team wins then you should also step forward when your team is going through a rough phase," Azharuddin asserted. India have their back against the wall in the T20 WC. They need to win their remaining games by big margins and hope for some other results to favour them in order to enter the semi-finals. The Men in Blue will now face Afghanistan on Wednesday (November 3) at Abu Dhabi and another defeat will end their campaign in the marquee tournament. India's group, i.e. Pool B, is topped by Pakistan, who are followed by Afghanistan, New Zealand, Namibia. Kohli & Co. and Scotland occupy the bottom-two spots, respectively.

Sending Jasprit Bumrah wasn't right: Md Azharuddin feels Ravi Shastri should have come for post-match PC

India were hammered by Kane Williamson-led New Zealand in their second game of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, on Sunday (October 31). After losing to Pakistan in their opening fixture in the main draw of the showpiece event, many expected Virat Kohli &amp; Co. to script a remarkable comeback, however, they lost to the Black Caps by 8 wickets as they remain way behind NZ in head-to-head record in ICC events.

Being asked to bat first, Kohli-led Indian team produced a forgettable batting performance as they were reduced to 110/7, courtesy Trent Boult and Tim Southee's match-winning spells. In reply, Kane Williamson &amp; Co. won the contest by 8 wickets with 33 balls to spare to remain alive in the semi-finals race. India, meanwhile, will have to win all their remaining games by huge margins and hope for few other results to fall in their favour to enter the top four.

After losing the clash, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai,&nbsp;Indian captain Virat Kohli was expected to come and answer the press in the post-match conference, however, he didn't turn up as speedster Jasprit Bumrah came in the captain's place. This has not impressed India's former skipper Mohammad Azharuddin.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-be-a-miracle-to-see-them-qualify-shahid-afridi-predicts-indias-fortunes-after-nz-loss-in-t20-wc-425850">Will be a miracle to see them qualify: Shahid Afridi predicts India's fortunes after NZ loss in T20 WC</a>

"There is no shame in losing. But you need to come and speak up. That is the right thing to do. People will listen to you and at least get to know the reason behind the loss. There is a difference between Bumrah speaking or a coach/captain speaking. It is important to face the public. You will have to face the nation and come and speak. If you don’t come, what will people think? Needless rumours are going to be spread," Azharuddin said on ABP News.

"If you are the captain, you should take responsibility. When you become the representative of the team, this will happen. If you come attend conference after winning in good times but not after losing in bad times, that isn’t the right approach. I don’t know the reason why he didn’t come, but he should have," Azharuddin pointed out.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gautam-gambhir-takes-a-dig-at-virat-kohli-reacting-to-everything-doesnt-mean-you-are-more-passionate-425844">Gautam Gambhir takes a dig at Virat Kohli: Reacting to everything doesn't mean you are more passionate</a>

India have a herculean task to remain alive in the T20 WC, being held in the UAE. With back-to-back defeats, the 2007 winners will now gear up for their upcoming game, versus Afghanistan, on Wednesday (November 3). Another defeat will end their campaign in the mega event.

India were hammered by Kane Williamson-led New Zealand in their second game of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, on Sunday (October 31). After losing to Pakistan in their opening fixture in the main draw of the showpiece event, many expected Virat Kohli & Co.

India were hammered by Kane Williamson-led New Zealand in their second game of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, on Sunday (October 31). After losing to Pakistan in their opening fixture in the main draw of the showpiece event, many expected Virat Kohli & Co. to script a remarkable comeback, however, they lost to the Black Caps by 8 wickets as they remain way behind NZ in head-to-head record in ICC events. Being asked to bat first, Kohli-led Indian team produced a forgettable batting performance as they were reduced to 110/7, courtesy Trent Boult and Tim Southee's match-winning spells. In reply, Kane Williamson & Co. won the contest by 8 wickets with 33 balls to spare to remain alive in the semi-finals race. India, meanwhile, will have to win all their remaining games by huge margins and hope for few other results to fall in their favour to enter the top four. After losing the clash, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, Indian captain Virat Kohli was expected to come and answer the press in the post-match conference, however, he didn't turn up as speedster Jasprit Bumrah came in the captain's place. This has not impressed India's former skipper Mohammad Azharuddin. ALSO READ | Will be a miracle to see them qualify: Shahid Afridi predicts India's fortunes after NZ loss in T20 WC "There is no shame in losing. But you need to come and speak up. That is the right thing to do. People will listen to you and at least get to know the reason behind the loss. There is a difference between Bumrah speaking or a coach/captain speaking. It is important to face the public. You will have to face the nation and come and speak. If you don’t come, what will people think? Needless rumours are going to be spread," Azharuddin said on ABP News. "If you are the captain, you should take responsibility. When you become the representative of the team, this will happen. If you come attend conference after winning in good times but not after losing in bad times, that isn’t the right approach. I don’t know the reason why he didn’t come, but he should have," Azharuddin pointed out. ALSO READ | Gautam Gambhir takes a dig at Virat Kohli: Reacting to everything doesn't mean you are more passionate India have a herculean task to remain alive in the T20 WC, being held in the UAE. With back-to-back defeats, the 2007 winners will now gear up for their upcoming game, versus Afghanistan, on Wednesday (November 3). Another defeat will end their campaign in the mega event.

You'll have to face the nation: Md Azharuddin slams Virat Kohli for skipping presser after NZ loss

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has said that Rishabh Pant might become a front-runner for the Team India captaincy role in the future after the youngster was named the Delhi Capitals captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pant will step in as the captain of DC in IPL 2021&nbsp;in the absence of injured Shreyas Iyer, who was ruled out of the tournament due to a left shoulder injury.&nbsp;

"Rishabh Pant has had such fabulous few months, establishing himself in all formats. It won't come as a surprise if the selectors see him as a front-runner for Indian captaincy in near future. His attacking cricket will stand India in good stead in times to come," Azharuddin, who played 334 ODIs and 99 Tests, for India&nbsp;tweeted.&nbsp;

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Rishabh Pant has had such fabulous few months,establishing himself in all formats. It won’t come as a surprise if the selectors see him as a front-runner fr Indian captaincy in near future.His attacking cricket will stand India in good stead in times to come.<a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a>
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) <a href="https://twitter.com/azharflicks/status/1377140377119956993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Delhi Capitals coach and former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting also said that captaincy will make Pant a better player.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kkr-captain-eoin-morgan-provides-update-on-his-split-webbing-injury-ahead-of-ipl-2021-374545" hreflang="en">KKR captain Eoin Morgan provides update on his split webbing injury ahead of IPL 2021</a>

"Unfortunate that Shreyas will miss the tournament, but looking forward to seeing&nbsp;@RishabhPant17&nbsp;grab his opportunity. It's well deserved for his recent performances and he's coming in with a lot of confidence. I'm convinced captaincy will make him an even better player," Ponting tweeted.&nbsp;

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Unfortunate that Shreyas will miss the tournament, but looking forward to seeing <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a> grab his opportunity. It's well deserved for his recent performances and he's coming in with a lot of confidence. I'm convinced captaincy will make him an even better player. <a href="https://t.co/tVqMnLt1Er">https://t.co/tVqMnLt1Er</a>
— Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) <a href="https://twitter.com/RickyPonting/status/1377110642922954758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sunrisers-hyderabad-sign-jason-roy-as-mitchell-marsh-pulls-out-of-ipl-2021-374521" hreflang="en">Sunrisers Hyderabad sign Jason Roy as Mitchell Marsh pulls out of IPL 2021</a>

On his new role, Pant in a statement said, "Delhi is where I grew up, and where my IPL journey began six years ago. To lead this team one day is a dream I've always&nbsp;harboured. And today, as that dream comes true, I feel humbled. I am truly grateful, especially to our team owners, who considered me capable enough for this role. With an amazing coaching staff, and a plethora of accomplished seniors around me, I can't wait to give my absolute best for Delhi Capitals."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2021 campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 10&nbsp;

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has said that Rishabh Pant might become a front-runner for the Team India captaincy role in the future after the youngster was named the Delhi Capitals captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has said that Rishabh Pant might become a front-runner for the Team India captaincy role in the future after the youngster was named the Delhi Capitals captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Pant will step in as the captain of DC in IPL 2021 in the absence of injured Shreyas Iyer, who was ruled out of the tournament due to a left shoulder injury. "Rishabh Pant has had such fabulous few months, establishing himself in all formats. It won't come as a surprise if the selectors see him as a front-runner for Indian captaincy in near future. His attacking cricket will stand India in good stead in times to come," Azharuddin, who played 334 ODIs and 99 Tests, for India tweeted. Rishabh Pant has had such fabulous few months,establishing himself in all formats. It won’t come as a surprise if the selectors see him as a front-runner fr Indian captaincy in near future.His attacking cricket will stand India in good stead in times to come.@RishabhPant17 @BCCI — Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) March 31, 2021 × Delhi Capitals coach and former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting also said that captaincy will make Pant a better player. ALSO READ: KKR captain Eoin Morgan provides update on his split webbing injury ahead of IPL 2021 "Unfortunate that Shreyas will miss the tournament, but looking forward to seeing @RishabhPant17 grab his opportunity. It's well deserved for his recent performances and he's coming in with a lot of confidence. I'm convinced captaincy will make him an even better player," Ponting tweeted. Unfortunate that Shreyas will miss the tournament, but looking forward to seeing @RishabhPant17 grab his opportunity. It's well deserved for his recent performances and he's coming in with a lot of confidence. I'm convinced captaincy will make him an even better player. https://t.co/tVqMnLt1Er — Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) March 31, 2021 × ALSO READ: Sunrisers Hyderabad sign Jason Roy as Mitchell Marsh pulls out of IPL 2021 On his new role, Pant in a statement said, "Delhi is where I grew up, and where my IPL journey began six years ago. To lead this team one day is a dream I've always harboured. And today, as that dream comes true, I feel humbled. I am truly grateful, especially to our team owners, who considered me capable enough for this role. With an amazing coaching staff, and a plethora of accomplished seniors around me, I can't wait to give my absolute best for Delhi Capitals." Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2021 campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 10

Won't be surprised if selectors see Rishabh Pant as front-runner for India captaincy: Azharuddin

FIR has been registered against three people including former cricketer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mohammed-azharuddin-named-telangana-congress-working-president-days-before-assembly-polls-180445">Mohammed Azharuddin</a> for allegedly duping a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/british-travel-firm-thomas-cook-collapses-251355">travel agent</a>, Mohammad Shadab, of more than Rs 20 lakh.

However, Mohammad Azharuddin has refuted allegations and said: "I strongly rubbish the false <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/shabana-azmi-accident-fir-filed-against-her-driver-for-rash-driving-275211">FIR</a> filed against me in Aurangabad. I am consulting my legal team and would be taking action as necessary."

Azharuddin's personal assistant Mujeeb lives in Augurangabad and has good relations with the travel agency of Shadab.

The travel agent alleged that Mujeeb asked him to book some flight tickets but did not pay the amount.

The police have booked the three under Section 406, 420 and 34 of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-caa-stir-court-to-hear-bail-plea-of-accused-in-darya-ganj-violence-case-today-272923">Indian Penal Code</a>.

FIR has been registered against three people including former cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin for allegedly duping a travel agent, Mohammad Shadab, of more than Rs 20 lakh.

FIR has been registered against three people including former cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin for allegedly duping a travel agent, Mohammad Shadab, of more than Rs 20 lakh. However, Mohammad Azharuddin has refuted allegations and said: "I strongly rubbish the false FIR filed against me in Aurangabad. I am consulting my legal team and would be taking action as necessary." Azharuddin's personal assistant Mujeeb lives in Augurangabad and has good relations with the travel agency of Shadab. The travel agent alleged that Mujeeb asked him to book some flight tickets but did not pay the amount. The police have booked the three under Section 406, 420 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code.

FIR registered against Mohammad Azharuddin, 2 others for duping travel agent

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin&#39;s nomination paper for the post of Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) president has been rejected by the returning officer.

A source in the HCA said that Azharuddin&#39;s application was rejected by returning officer K Rajiv Reddy who was not sure whether the BCCI has lifted the ban on him for alleged match-fixing and whether he is a HCA voter or not.

&quot;Azharuddin&#39;s nomination paper was rejected by the returning officer on scrutiny. The returning officer wrote to the BCCI whether his ban for match-fixing has been lifted or not. The BCCI did not reply,&quot; a source in the HCA said.

Another source, however, said that the returning officer should have written to the Lodha Committee instead of the BCCI.

There was also the issue of whether Azharuddin is enrolled as a HCA voter or not. &quot;I am sad and disappointed. I have been cleared by the court of&nbsp;all charges,&quot; Azharuddin said when asked about the rejection of his nomination. 
Azharuddin had filed his nomination for the top post in HCA earlier this week.

Azharuddin, who led India in three successive World Cups (1992, 1996, 1999), has been banned for life by the BCCI for his alleged involvement in the match-fixing scandal that rocked Indian cricket in 2000. After a long legal battle, Azharuddin received a favourable order from the Andhra High Court in 2011, but the BCCI is yet to officially lift his ban. &nbsp;

Azhar's application was rejected as the returning officer was not sure whether the BCCI had lifted the match-fixing ban on him

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin's nomination paper for the post of Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) president has been rejected by the returning officer. A source in the HCA said that Azharuddin's application was rejected by returning officer K Rajiv Reddy who was not sure whether the BCCI has lifted the ban on him for alleged match-fixing and whether he is a HCA voter or not. "Azharuddin's nomination paper was rejected by the returning officer on scrutiny. The returning officer wrote to the BCCI whether his ban for match-fixing has been lifted or not. The BCCI did not reply," a source in the HCA said. Another source, however, said that the returning officer should have written to the Lodha Committee instead of the BCCI. There was also the issue of whether Azharuddin is enrolled as a HCA voter or not. "I am sad and disappointed. I have been cleared by the court of all charges," Azharuddin said when asked about the rejection of his nomination. Azharuddin had filed his nomination for the top post in HCA earlier this week. Azharuddin, who led India in three successive World Cups (1992, 1996, 1999), has been banned for life by the BCCI for his alleged involvement in the match-fixing scandal that rocked Indian cricket in 2000. After a long legal battle, Azharuddin received a favourable order from the Andhra High Court in 2011, but the BCCI is yet to officially lift his ban.

Hyderabad Cricket Association rejects Azhar's prez nomination