<p>Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan made their Test debuts on Day 1 of India's first Test versus West Indies in Dominica on Wednesday (July 12). While Kishan accounted for two dismissals behind the stumps, Jaiswal made a promising start with the bat, being unbeaten on 40 when India went to stumps at 80 for no loss in response to West Indies' paltry 150.</p>

<p>Jaiswal started his innings with a lot of confidence and looked in good touch as he went to stumps remaining unbeaten along with captain Rohit Sharma (30 not out). After his Test debut, former Australia cricketer&nbsp;Tom Moody&nbsp;heaped praise on him and made a bold claim on his red-ball career.</p>

<h2><strong>'No doubt he'll leave a significant footprint'</strong></h2>

<p>"If the story of Yashasvi Jaiswal hasn’t been compelling enough, his test journey has launched. There's no doubt he'll leave a significant footprint in this format," Moody wrote on Twitter.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If the story of Yashasvi Jaiswal hasn’t been compelling enough, his test journey has launched. There's no doubt he'll leave a significant footprint in this format. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YashasviJaiswal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YashasviJaiswal</a></p>
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomMoodyCricket/status/1679317220302749700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neither-does-anyone-make-such-demand-nor-ex-india-opener-on-shubman-gill-asking-to-bat-at-no-3-615068">'Neither does anyone make such demand, nor...': Ex-India opener on Shubman Gill asking to bat at No. 3</a></strong></p>

<p>Jaiswal has been in superb form of late. In IPL 2023, he was a regular for the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) and ended the season with 625 runs -- fifth-most -- at an average of 48.08, including a best of 124 (one hundred, five fifties). Over the years, he has improved a lot while grinding it out&nbsp;in the domestic circuit. After playing 15 first-class games, the swashbuckling left-hander averages a solid 80.21 with 1,845 runs under his name.</p>

<p>Going to stumps on Day 1 at 40 not out, Jaiswal will be desperate to cross the 50-run mark and go for a daddy hundred against the Windies bowling line-up. He will aim for a big score to open his account in Test cricket and take India to a winning position in the two-match Test series opener.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan made their Test debuts on Day 1 of India's first Test versus West Indies in Dominica on Wednesday (July 12). While Kishan accounted for two dismissals behind the stumps, Jaiswal made a promising start with the bat, being unbeaten on 40 when India went to stumps at 80 for no loss in response to West Indies' paltry 150.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan made their Test debuts on Day 1 of India's first Test versus West Indies in Dominica on Wednesday (July 12). While Kishan accounted for two dismissals behind the stumps, Jaiswal made a promising start with the bat, being unbeaten on 40 when India went to stumps at 80 for no loss in response to West Indies' paltry 150. Jaiswal started his innings with a lot of confidence and looked in good touch as he went to stumps remaining unbeaten along with captain Rohit Sharma (30 not out). After his Test debut, former Australia cricketer Tom Moody heaped praise on him and made a bold claim on his red-ball career. 'No doubt he'll leave a significant footprint' "If the story of Yashasvi Jaiswal hasn’t been compelling enough, his test journey has launched. There's no doubt he'll leave a significant footprint in this format," Moody wrote on Twitter. If the story of Yashasvi Jaiswal hasn’t been compelling enough, his test journey has launched. There's no doubt he'll leave a significant footprint in this format. #WIvIND #YashasviJaiswal — Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) July 13, 2023 × Also Read: 'Neither does anyone make such demand, nor...': Ex-India opener on Shubman Gill asking to bat at No. 3 Jaiswal has been in superb form of late. In IPL 2023, he was a regular for the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) and ended the season with 625 runs -- fifth-most -- at an average of 48.08, including a best of 124 (one hundred, five fifties). Over the years, he has improved a lot while grinding it out in the domestic circuit. After playing 15 first-class games, the swashbuckling left-hander averages a solid 80.21 with 1,845 runs under his name. Going to stumps on Day 1 at 40 not out, Jaiswal will be desperate to cross the 50-run mark and go for a daddy hundred against the Windies bowling line-up. He will aim for a big score to open his account in Test cricket and take India to a winning position in the two-match Test series opener. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WI vs IND: 'Yashasvi Jaiswal will...' - Former Aussie cricketer makes BOLD claim on Indian star's Test career

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and European Space Agency (ESA) have selected three astronauts to serve as crew members for NASA's SpaceX Crew-3 mission to the International Space Station, which is expected to launch in the fall of 2021.</p>

<p>According to the NASA, the trio will consist of its astronauts Raja Chari, an Indian-American US Air Force colonel, and Tom Marshburn, who will serve as commander and pilot, respectively, and ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer, who will serve as a mission specialist. A fourth crew member will be added at a later date, following a review by NASA and its international partners.</p>

<p>This will be the first spaceflight for Chari, who became a NASA astronaut in 2017. He was born in Milwaukee but considers Cedar Falls, Iowa, his hometown. He is a colonel in the US Air Force and joins the mission with extensive experience as a test pilot.</p>

<p>He has accumulated more than 2,500 hours of flight time in his career. Chari was selected earlier this month as a member of the Artemis Team and is now eligible for assignment to a future lunar mission.</p>

<p>Marshburn is a Statesville, North Carolina, native who became an astronaut in 2004. Prior to serving in the astronaut corps, the medical doctor served as a flight surgeon at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston and later became medical operations lead for the International Space Station. "The Crew-3 mission will be his third visit to the space station and his second long-duration mission. Marshburn previously served as a crew member of STS-127 in 2009 and Expedition 34/35, which concluded in 2013," the NASA said.</p>

<p>Maurer comes from Sankt Wendel, in the German state of Saarland. Like Chari, Maurer will be making his first trip to space with the Crew-3 mission. In 2016, Maurer spent 16 days on an undersea mission as part of a NASA's Extreme Environment Mission Operations, or NEEMO, space analog.</p>

<p>When Chari, Marshburn, and Maurer arrive at the orbiting laboratory, they will become expedition crew members for the duration of their six-month stay. "The crew will have a slight overlap with the Crew-2 astronauts, who are expected to launch in the spring of 2021. This will not be the first commercial crew mission to overlap. The Crew-1 astronauts, who are currently on station, and the Crew-2 astronauts, also are expected to coincide in their sojourns for a short time. Increasing the total number of astronauts aboard the station is allowing the agency to boost the number of science investigations conducted in the unique microgravity environment," NASA said.</p>

<p>This will be the third crew rotation mission of SpaceX's human space transportation system and its fourth flight with astronauts, including the Demo-2 test flight, to the space station through NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The goal of the program is to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective crew access to the space station and low-Earth orbit in partnership with the American aerospace industry.</p>

<p>Moreover, the station is a critical testbed for NASA to understand and overcome the challenges of long-duration spaceflight.</p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and European Space Agency (ESA) have selected three astronauts to serve as crew members for NASA's SpaceX Crew-3 mission to the International Space Station, which is expected to launch in the fall of 2021.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and European Space Agency (ESA) have selected three astronauts to serve as crew members for NASA's SpaceX Crew-3 mission to the International Space Station, which is expected to launch in the fall of 2021. According to the NASA, the trio will consist of its astronauts Raja Chari, an Indian-American US Air Force colonel, and Tom Marshburn, who will serve as commander and pilot, respectively, and ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer, who will serve as a mission specialist. A fourth crew member will be added at a later date, following a review by NASA and its international partners. This will be the first spaceflight for Chari, who became a NASA astronaut in 2017. He was born in Milwaukee but considers Cedar Falls, Iowa, his hometown. He is a colonel in the US Air Force and joins the mission with extensive experience as a test pilot. He has accumulated more than 2,500 hours of flight time in his career. Chari was selected earlier this month as a member of the Artemis Team and is now eligible for assignment to a future lunar mission. Marshburn is a Statesville, North Carolina, native who became an astronaut in 2004. Prior to serving in the astronaut corps, the medical doctor served as a flight surgeon at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston and later became medical operations lead for the International Space Station. "The Crew-3 mission will be his third visit to the space station and his second long-duration mission. Marshburn previously served as a crew member of STS-127 in 2009 and Expedition 34/35, which concluded in 2013," the NASA said. Maurer comes from Sankt Wendel, in the German state of Saarland. Like Chari, Maurer will be making his first trip to space with the Crew-3 mission. In 2016, Maurer spent 16 days on an undersea mission as part of a NASA's Extreme Environment Mission Operations, or NEEMO, space analog. When Chari, Marshburn, and Maurer arrive at the orbiting laboratory, they will become expedition crew members for the duration of their six-month stay. "The crew will have a slight overlap with the Crew-2 astronauts, who are expected to launch in the spring of 2021. This will not be the first commercial crew mission to overlap. The Crew-1 astronauts, who are currently on station, and the Crew-2 astronauts, also are expected to coincide in their sojourns for a short time. Increasing the total number of astronauts aboard the station is allowing the agency to boost the number of science investigations conducted in the unique microgravity environment," NASA said. This will be the third crew rotation mission of SpaceX's human space transportation system and its fourth flight with astronauts, including the Demo-2 test flight, to the space station through NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The goal of the program is to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective crew access to the space station and low-Earth orbit in partnership with the American aerospace industry. Moreover, the station is a critical testbed for NASA to understand and overcome the challenges of long-duration spaceflight.

BAN-W vs IND-W: Bangladesh avoid T20I series whitewash vs Harmanpreet & Co., win final tie by four wickets

<p>Rohit Sharma-led India will begin their campaign in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle with the two-match Test series versus West Indies&nbsp;in the Caribbean island. The series will see India's young players -- such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, etc. -- take centre stage and try to cement their spots. It will also give Virat Kohli, former Indian skipper, a chance to break his five-year-long overseas Test century drought.</p>

<p>Kohli's last ton outside the subcontinent came in late 2018 during India's tour of Australia, where they won their maiden Test series on Australian soil. In fact, he scored his first-ever century in the format since 2019 during this year's Border-Gavaskar Trophy, versus the Baggy Greens, at home. Thus, all eyes will be on the 34-year-old to break his overseas century drought in whites during the Windies Tests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the two-match Test&nbsp;series opener, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra predicted that Kohli will break his overseas century drought in the upcoming Tests versus West Indies. Speaking on his YouTube channel,&nbsp;the former cricketer said, "It is a very interesting thing that Virat Kohli has not scored an overseas Test century for five years - the last time it came was in 2018 after that an overseas Test century hasn't come. So that wait might end in this series."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-wi-1st-test-shubman-gill-will-play-at-no-3-rohit-sharma-reveals-indias-batting-set-up-614517">IND vs WI 1st Test: Shubman Gill will play at No. 3 - Rohit Sharma reveals India's batting set-up</a></strong></p>

<p>However, Chopra pointed out, "If you see otherwise, his numbers are good against all teams, but the West Indies and England are the two teams and places where his numbers are slightly lower based on his standards, they are very good based on other people's standards. So the focus will be on Virat Kohli."</p>

<p>Since his Test debut in 2011 in the West Indies, Kohli has made a plethora of runs in the format (8,479). In the Caribbean island, he has managed 463 runs in nine matches at an average of 35.62, including a best of 200.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Rohit Sharma-led India will begin their campaign in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle with the two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island.

Rohit Sharma-led India will begin their campaign in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle with the two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island. The series will see India's young players -- such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, etc. -- take centre stage and try to cement their spots. It will also give Virat Kohli, former Indian skipper, a chance to break his five-year-long overseas Test century drought. Kohli's last ton outside the subcontinent came in late 2018 during India's tour of Australia, where they won their maiden Test series on Australian soil. In fact, he scored his first-ever century in the format since 2019 during this year's Border-Gavaskar Trophy, versus the Baggy Greens, at home. Thus, all eyes will be on the 34-year-old to break his overseas century drought in whites during the Windies Tests. Ahead of the two-match Test series opener, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra predicted that Kohli will break his overseas century drought in the upcoming Tests versus West Indies. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former cricketer said, "It is a very interesting thing that Virat Kohli has not scored an overseas Test century for five years - the last time it came was in 2018 after that an overseas Test century hasn't come. So that wait might end in this series." Also Read: IND vs WI 1st Test: Shubman Gill will play at No. 3 - Rohit Sharma reveals India's batting set-up However, Chopra pointed out, "If you see otherwise, his numbers are good against all teams, but the West Indies and England are the two teams and places where his numbers are slightly lower based on his standards, they are very good based on other people's standards. So the focus will be on Virat Kohli." Since his Test debut in 2011 in the West Indies, Kohli has made a plethora of runs in the format (8,479). In the Caribbean island, he has managed 463 runs in nine matches at an average of 35.62, including a best of 200. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IND vs WI: Virat Kohli's overseas Test century drought might end in West Indies, feels ex-Indian opener

<p>India are set to kick off their campaign in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle with the two-match Test series versus West Indies. The home side will host Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. in the first Test, at Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica, on July 12 as India look set to start a new era in red-ball format with the additions of many youngsters in the line-up. When the Test squad for the WI series was announced, Cheteshwar Pujara's name was missing as many believe he has been made the scapegoat for India's WTC final loss versus Australia, at The Oval, London, last month.</p>

<p>Pujara averaged 32 in the 2021-23 WTC cycle and has only scored one ton since early 2019. The right-hander's numbers have been dismal, to say the least, but the likes of Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane have also not performed as per expectations for quite some time. Thus, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh opined on Pujara's omission and feels he has been India's 'unsung hero' for a long time and deserves more respect.</p>

<h2><strong>Pujara has been doing the dirty work of hanging in there'</strong></h2>

<p>"I have a lot of respect for Chesteshwar Pujara for what he has achieved. He has been an unsung hero of the Indian team for many years now. He has been one of those pillars of strength for India, doing the dirty work of hanging in there, making sure other batters got their comfort," Harbhajan told news agency&nbsp;<i>PTI.</i></p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-can-be-an-option-for-test-captaincy-if-india-look-beyond-rohit-sharma-former-chief-selector-613947">Virat Kohli can be an option for Test captaincy if India look beyond Rohit Sharma: Former chief selector</a></strong></p>

<p>Bhajji asserted, "I believe he needs to be given a bit more respect than what he has been given and the way he was chucked out of the team was a surprise for me. Because he isn't the only one not scoring runs. There are others as well who play in that same team who are scoring runs at same average."</p>

<p>Harbhajan also pointed out that a lot of talk has been around Pujara's strike-rate in Tests, but he feels he has also held up one end firmly with his defensive approach. "In case of Pujara, we keep hearing about his strike-rate of scoring runs in Tests but because of that strike-rate, the wickets remain intact and that's a huge contribution. So you have to see which guy is contributing what. You need to see how much the team needs him. In my opinion, the team still needs him. When you go abroad (SENA countries), you need one such batter as you can't have everyone playing strokes all the time. You need someone who plays normal Test cricket, just like Chesteshwar Pujara," he added.</p>

<p>Pujara recently scored a ton in the 2023 Duleep Trophy semi-final for West Zone. He has been replaced by the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad for the WI series, however, if he scores a bulk of runs in the domestic circuit, he might still make a comeback in the Indian team.</p>

<p>In 103 Tests, Pujara has&nbsp;7195 runs along with 19 tons and 35 half-centuries at an average of&nbsp;43.60, including a best of 206.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


India are set to kick off their campaign in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle with the two-match Test series versus West Indies. The home side will host Rohit Sharma & Co.

India are set to kick off their campaign in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle with the two-match Test series versus West Indies. The home side will host Rohit Sharma & Co. in the first Test, at Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica, on July 12 as India look set to start a new era in red-ball format with the additions of many youngsters in the line-up. When the Test squad for the WI series was announced, Cheteshwar Pujara's name was missing as many believe he has been made the scapegoat for India's WTC final loss versus Australia, at The Oval, London, last month. Pujara averaged 32 in the 2021-23 WTC cycle and has only scored one ton since early 2019. The right-hander's numbers have been dismal, to say the least, but the likes of Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane have also not performed as per expectations for quite some time. Thus, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh opined on Pujara's omission and feels he has been India's 'unsung hero' for a long time and deserves more respect. Pujara has been doing the dirty work of hanging in there' "I have a lot of respect for Chesteshwar Pujara for what he has achieved. He has been an unsung hero of the Indian team for many years now. He has been one of those pillars of strength for India, doing the dirty work of hanging in there, making sure other batters got their comfort," Harbhajan told news agency PTI. Also Read: Virat Kohli can be an option for Test captaincy if India look beyond Rohit Sharma: Former chief selector Bhajji asserted, "I believe he needs to be given a bit more respect than what he has been given and the way he was chucked out of the team was a surprise for me. Because he isn't the only one not scoring runs. There are others as well who play in that same team who are scoring runs at same average." Harbhajan also pointed out that a lot of talk has been around Pujara's strike-rate in Tests, but he feels he has also held up one end firmly with his defensive approach. "In case of Pujara, we keep hearing about his strike-rate of scoring runs in Tests but because of that strike-rate, the wickets remain intact and that's a huge contribution. So you have to see which guy is contributing what. You need to see how much the team needs him. In my opinion, the team still needs him. When you go abroad (SENA countries), you need one such batter as you can't have everyone playing strokes all the time. You need someone who plays normal Test cricket, just like Chesteshwar Pujara," he added. Pujara recently scored a ton in the 2023 Duleep Trophy semi-final for West Zone. He has been replaced by the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad for the WI series, however, if he scores a bulk of runs in the domestic circuit, he might still make a comeback in the Indian team. In 103 Tests, Pujara has 7195 runs along with 19 tons and 35 half-centuries at an average of 43.60, including a best of 206. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'He has been Team India's unsung hero': Harbhajan praises senior batter ahead of West Indies Tests

<p>MS Dhoni shares a great rapport with several current Indian players. Often, the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and the likes have expressed their gratitude towards the former Indian captain for guiding them during their early days. Since 2018, Dhoni's relationship with Deepak Chahar has also been talked about. The two have been playing for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since their readmission in the Indian Premier League in 2018 and share a great camaraderie on and outside the field.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Chahar is Dhoni's go-to-bowler, especially, in the early overs, he has improved bowling at the death as well under his Chennai captain's guidance. Nonetheless, Chahar has also been scolded by the former Indian captain on the field. Recently, Dhoni shed light on his relationship with Chahar in a hilarious manner.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'In my lifetime, I won't see him mature'</strong></h2>

<p>"Deepak Chahar is like a drug, if he is not there, you would think, where is he - if he is around, you would think, why he is here - good part is that he is maturing but he takes time and that is the problem, in my lifetime, I won't see him matured (smiles)," Dhoni said during the launch of Tamil film <em>Lets Get Married</em>, under his own&nbsp;production company called the Dhoni Entertainment.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-reminds-me-of-darren-gough-james-anderson-lauds-mark-wood-after-his-splendid-performance-in-3rd-ashes-test-614321">He reminds me of Darren Gough: James Anderson lauds Mark Wood after his splendid performance in 3rd Ashes Test</a></strong></p>

<p>During IPL 2023, Chahar claimed 13 wickets in 10 games and played a pivotal role in Dhoni-led Chennai's fifth IPL title. Talking about the skipper, Thala Dhoni marshalled his troops brilliantly, kept well behind the stumps and smacked as many as 10 sixes while playing several vital cameos throughout the season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At present, Chahar is not part of India's squads for the upcoming West Indies tour, where the national side will play two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is. Meanwhile, the 42-year-old Dhoni is busy with his non-cricketing assignments and not much his known whether he will return for IPL 2024. After leading his side to the IPL 2023 triumph, he stated that he will try to come back but nothing is official.</p>


MS Dhoni shares a great rapport with several current Indian players. Often, the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and the likes have expressed their gratitude towards the former Indian captain for guiding them during their early days.

MS Dhoni shares a great rapport with several current Indian players. Often, the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and the likes have expressed their gratitude towards the former Indian captain for guiding them during their early days. Since 2018, Dhoni's relationship with Deepak Chahar has also been talked about. The two have been playing for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since their readmission in the Indian Premier League in 2018 and share a great camaraderie on and outside the field. While Chahar is Dhoni's go-to-bowler, especially, in the early overs, he has improved bowling at the death as well under his Chennai captain's guidance. Nonetheless, Chahar has also been scolded by the former Indian captain on the field. Recently, Dhoni shed light on his relationship with Chahar in a hilarious manner. 'In my lifetime, I won't see him mature' "Deepak Chahar is like a drug, if he is not there, you would think, where is he - if he is around, you would think, why he is here - good part is that he is maturing but he takes time and that is the problem, in my lifetime, I won't see him matured (smiles)," Dhoni said during the launch of Tamil film Lets Get Married, under his own production company called the Dhoni Entertainment. Also Read: He reminds me of Darren Gough: James Anderson lauds Mark Wood after his splendid performance in 3rd Ashes Test During IPL 2023, Chahar claimed 13 wickets in 10 games and played a pivotal role in Dhoni-led Chennai's fifth IPL title. Talking about the skipper, Thala Dhoni marshalled his troops brilliantly, kept well behind the stumps and smacked as many as 10 sixes while playing several vital cameos throughout the season. At present, Chahar is not part of India's squads for the upcoming West Indies tour, where the national side will play two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is. Meanwhile, the 42-year-old Dhoni is busy with his non-cricketing assignments and not much his known whether he will return for IPL 2024. After leading his side to the IPL 2023 triumph, he stated that he will try to come back but nothing is official.

In my lifetime, I won’t see him mature: MS Dhoni’s hilarious take on CSK teammate Deepak Chahar

<p>India are set to kick off their campaign in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle on Wednesday (July 12) when they take on hosts West Indies in the two-match series opener in Dominica. After a loss in the WTC final last month, India have inducted some young players in the line-up, with the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, etc making it to the squad.&nbsp;While many were happy with India's Test squad for the Windies tour, former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar wasn't impressed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gavaskar feels India should have added more youngsters in the mix and could have given rest to their main players against the eighth-ranked West Indies line-up. Thus, ahead of the series opener, the Little Master has taken an indirect dig at 'main guys' captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and the likes. The Indian legend feels the Windies series was an ideal time for India to test its bench strength but&nbsp;since they have persisted with their regulars, they won't gain anything significant and it will also hamper their transition process.</p>

<h2><strong>'The truth is the main guys do not want to go early'</strong></h2>

<p>Gavaskar, who turned 74&nbsp;on Monday (July 10), told the Indian Express, "What kind of preparation are we talking about? Now they have gone to the West Indies. You have the example of the World Test Championship before you. Are you playing any matches? So what is this talk about 20-25 days? When you talk about preparation, be genuine about it. Go 15 days before, play two warm-up matches. The main guys can rest, but the fringe players might be actually challenging those who are not doing well. He does not get an opportunity to show that he is good enough."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-theyve-to-play-him-nasser-hussain-explains-why-australia-need-david-warner-in-manchester-test-614207">Ashes 2023: 'They've to play him' - Nasser Hussain explains why Australia need David Warner in Manchester Test</a></strong></p>

<p>He added, "The truth is the main guys do not want to go early. Because they know that come what may, they will get selected. And when you go early, they will talk about the workload. You call yourself the fittest team in the world or fitter than the early generations then how do you break down so soon? How do you have a workload issue when you play a 20-over game?"</p>

<p>India's tour of West Indies comprises two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is. Rohit and Kohli will be part of the ODI squad as well but the duo will continue to remain out of the T20I squad for the Windies tour as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


India are set to kick off their campaign in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle on Wednesday (July 12) when they take on hosts West Indies in the two-match series opener in Dominica.

India are set to kick off their campaign in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle on Wednesday (July 12) when they take on hosts West Indies in the two-match series opener in Dominica. After a loss in the WTC final last month, India have inducted some young players in the line-up, with the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, etc making it to the squad. While many were happy with India's Test squad for the Windies tour, former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar wasn't impressed. Gavaskar feels India should have added more youngsters in the mix and could have given rest to their main players against the eighth-ranked West Indies line-up. Thus, ahead of the series opener, the Little Master has taken an indirect dig at 'main guys' captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and the likes. The Indian legend feels the Windies series was an ideal time for India to test its bench strength but since they have persisted with their regulars, they won't gain anything significant and it will also hamper their transition process. 'The truth is the main guys do not want to go early' Gavaskar, who turned 74 on Monday (July 10), told the Indian Express, "What kind of preparation are we talking about? Now they have gone to the West Indies. You have the example of the World Test Championship before you. Are you playing any matches? So what is this talk about 20-25 days? When you talk about preparation, be genuine about it. Go 15 days before, play two warm-up matches. The main guys can rest, but the fringe players might be actually challenging those who are not doing well. He does not get an opportunity to show that he is good enough." Also Read: Ashes 2023: 'They've to play him' - Nasser Hussain explains why Australia need David Warner in Manchester Test He added, "The truth is the main guys do not want to go early. Because they know that come what may, they will get selected. And when you go early, they will talk about the workload. You call yourself the fittest team in the world or fitter than the early generations then how do you break down so soon? How do you have a workload issue when you play a 20-over game?" India's tour of West Indies comprises two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is. Rohit and Kohli will be part of the ODI squad as well but the duo will continue to remain out of the T20I squad for the Windies tour as well. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Main guys know they'll get selected...': Gavaskar takes an indirect dig at Rohit, Kohli ahead of WI Tests

<p>Ahead of India's upcoming two-match Test series versus West Indies&nbsp;in the Caribbean island, former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad feels Virat Kohli can be a Test captaincy option if the selectors are thinking to move beyond Rohit Sharma. After Kohli resigned as the red-ball captain in early 2022, Rohit became the full-time skipper.</p>

<p>Since Rohit took over, India whitewashed Sri Lanka at home and won the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy&nbsp;2-1&nbsp;versus Australia at home before the Baggy Greens&nbsp;defeated them in the WTC final last month at The Oval, London. After the WTC summit clash, many raised fingers at Rohit's captaincy in the format. Ahead of the WI tour, there were talks of Rohit being removed as the Test captain. However, he retained the post whereas Ajinkya Rahane - who made a comeback in the WTC finale after more than a year -&nbsp;regained the vice-captaincy post.</p>

<p>Thus, Prasad feels if the selectors are not convinced with Rohit as the Test captain, they can ask Kohli to take over once again. It is to be noted that Kohli is India's most successful Test skipper, with 40 wins in 68 games. The ex-chief selector cited Rahane's example and stated that if the Mumbaikar can come back and be reappointed as the vice-captain, why can't Kohli lead India as well?</p>

<h2><strong>'When Ajinkya Rahane can&nbsp;become the vice-captain, then why not Virat Kohli?'</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to Khel Now, Prasad said, "Why not Virat Kohli? When Ajinkya Rahane can come back and become the vice-captain, then why not Virat Kohli? I don’t know what the mindset of Virat is on captaincy. In case selectors are thinking beyond Rohit, I don’t know whether they are thinking but if they are thinking beyond Rohit, then I think Virat can also be an option."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/people-are-going-overboard-harbhajan-singh-backs-under-fire-captain-rohit-sharma-ahead-of-wi-tour-613905">People are going overboard: Harbhajan Singh backs under-fire captain Rohit Sharma ahead of WI tour</a></strong></p>

<p>Prasad also spoke about the other prospects who can take over from Rohit. Among the younger lot, Rishabh Pant is a potential candidate but he is out of action following his horrific car accident in December 2022. Speaking about Pant, Prasad pointed out that while he can be an option, the keeper-batter first needs to return and resume from where he left off before being given additional responsibilities.</p>

<p>Prasad added, "Let him come back. See what Rishabh Pant has done no other wicketkeeper-batsman in the history of Indian Cricket has done. Because no wicketkeeper has got runs and centuries in Australia South Africa and England in the Indian Cricket history. Let him come back, let him start getting back on the field."</p>

<p>Pant has&nbsp;2,271 runs in 33 Tests, along with five centuries, along with 133 dismissals.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Ahead of India's upcoming two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island, former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad feels Virat Kohli can be a Test captaincy option if the selectors are thinking to move beyond Rohit Sharma.

Ahead of India's upcoming two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island, former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad feels Virat Kohli can be a Test captaincy option if the selectors are thinking to move beyond Rohit Sharma. After Kohli resigned as the red-ball captain in early 2022, Rohit became the full-time skipper. Since Rohit took over, India whitewashed Sri Lanka at home and won the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1 versus Australia at home before the Baggy Greens defeated them in the WTC final last month at The Oval, London. After the WTC summit clash, many raised fingers at Rohit's captaincy in the format. Ahead of the WI tour, there were talks of Rohit being removed as the Test captain. However, he retained the post whereas Ajinkya Rahane - who made a comeback in the WTC finale after more than a year - regained the vice-captaincy post. Thus, Prasad feels if the selectors are not convinced with Rohit as the Test captain, they can ask Kohli to take over once again. It is to be noted that Kohli is India's most successful Test skipper, with 40 wins in 68 games. The ex-chief selector cited Rahane's example and stated that if the Mumbaikar can come back and be reappointed as the vice-captain, why can't Kohli lead India as well? 'When Ajinkya Rahane can become the vice-captain, then why not Virat Kohli?' Speaking to Khel Now, Prasad said, "Why not Virat Kohli? When Ajinkya Rahane can come back and become the vice-captain, then why not Virat Kohli? I don’t know what the mindset of Virat is on captaincy. In case selectors are thinking beyond Rohit, I don’t know whether they are thinking but if they are thinking beyond Rohit, then I think Virat can also be an option." Also Read: People are going overboard: Harbhajan Singh backs under-fire captain Rohit Sharma ahead of WI tour Prasad also spoke about the other prospects who can take over from Rohit. Among the younger lot, Rishabh Pant is a potential candidate but he is out of action following his horrific car accident in December 2022. Speaking about Pant, Prasad pointed out that while he can be an option, the keeper-batter first needs to return and resume from where he left off before being given additional responsibilities. Prasad added, "Let him come back. See what Rishabh Pant has done no other wicketkeeper-batsman in the history of Indian Cricket has done. Because no wicketkeeper has got runs and centuries in Australia South Africa and England in the Indian Cricket history. Let him come back, let him start getting back on the field." Pant has 2,271 runs in 33 Tests, along with five centuries, along with 133 dismissals. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Virat Kohli can be an option for Test captaincy if India look beyond Rohit Sharma: Former chief selector

<p>Rohit Sharma-led India is set to lock horns with West Indies in the forthcoming two-match Test series, which commences on July 12. The series will kick off India's campaign in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. After finishing second in the previous two cycles, India will be desperate to get hold of the coveted Test mace and for that, they require a great start in the Caribbean.</p>

<p>Rohit has been serving as India's full-time captain since early 2022. Under him, India reached the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup but were thrashed by eventual winners England by ten wickets. In the 2021-23 WTC cycle, India played the final where Australia beat them by 209 runs, last month, at The Oval, London. Thus, the 2023-25 cycle is vital for Rohit as India will require a good start under him. Moreover, the ODI World Cup is set to take place later this year, at home, and Rohit &amp; Co. are one of the favourites.</p>

<p>Overall, a lot is riding on Rohit's shoulders at present. After India's WTC final defeat, many raised fingers at Rohit's leadership, including former cricketers such as Sunil Gavaskar. He was also trolled after India's T20 World Cup and Asia Cup debacle last year. However, he has found the backing of former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh.</p>

<h2><strong>'It is unfair to criticise Rohit alone'</strong></h2>

<p>"I find that people are going a bit overboard... the way Rohit has been criticised. Cricket is a team sport and one individual cannot take you from one place to another," Harbhajan told PTI ahead of India's Test series versus West Indies. He further opined, "Team India didn't do well in the WTC final, and yes, you talk about that performance and move on from there. But it is unfair to criticise Rohit alone, that he is not scoring runs, putting on weight, not captaining well. I think he is a brilliant leader."</p>

<p>"I have played with him (Rohit) and watched him closely. He commands a lot of respect not only in the MI dressing room but also in the Indian dressing room. So I think it's unfair to judge him on the basis of recent results. He will come good and we need to show faith in him and we need to support him rather than pinpointing that you are not doing this or that," Bhajji asserted.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-expected-more-sunil-gavaskar-on-rohit-sharmas-captaincy-performance-stst-613812">Sunil Gavaskar, disappointed with Rohit Sharma's captaincy, says he expected more</a></strong></p>

<p>In the past, Indian captains have enjoyed relentless support from&nbsp;the BCCI and its most powerful administrator. For instance, Sourav Ganguly relied on&nbsp;Jagmohan Dalmiya's support whereas MS Dhoni had the strong backing of N Srinivasan. In addition, Virat Kohli -- Rohit's predecessor -- took several decisions which were supported by&nbsp;Vinod Rai, the former CAG and Committee of Administrators (CoA) head.&nbsp;Thus,&nbsp;Harbhajan -- also known as the Turbanator -- hopes that Rohit receives the same level of support from the BCCI.</p>

<p>In this regard, Bhajji added, "If you have the support from BCCI, you can work freely. Not just MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli, if you go back a little further, a lot of captains have got support from BCCI presidents of that time.</p>

<p>"Rohit must be getting support from BCCI. I don't know how much support he must be getting (though). Having that kind of support will help him take right kind of decision at the right time. He will get that liberty if he has that support. Support must be there for Rohit like BCCI has given it to all its captains."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Rohit Sharma-led India is set to lock horns with West Indies in the forthcoming two-match Test series, which commences on July 12. The series will kick off India's campaign in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.

Rohit Sharma-led India is set to lock horns with West Indies in the forthcoming two-match Test series, which commences on July 12. The series will kick off India's campaign in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. After finishing second in the previous two cycles, India will be desperate to get hold of the coveted Test mace and for that, they require a great start in the Caribbean. Rohit has been serving as India's full-time captain since early 2022. Under him, India reached the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup but were thrashed by eventual winners England by ten wickets. In the 2021-23 WTC cycle, India played the final where Australia beat them by 209 runs, last month, at The Oval, London. Thus, the 2023-25 cycle is vital for Rohit as India will require a good start under him. Moreover, the ODI World Cup is set to take place later this year, at home, and Rohit & Co. are one of the favourites. Overall, a lot is riding on Rohit's shoulders at present. After India's WTC final defeat, many raised fingers at Rohit's leadership, including former cricketers such as Sunil Gavaskar. He was also trolled after India's T20 World Cup and Asia Cup debacle last year. However, he has found the backing of former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh. 'It is unfair to criticise Rohit alone' "I find that people are going a bit overboard... the way Rohit has been criticised. Cricket is a team sport and one individual cannot take you from one place to another," Harbhajan told PTI ahead of India's Test series versus West Indies. He further opined, "Team India didn't do well in the WTC final, and yes, you talk about that performance and move on from there. But it is unfair to criticise Rohit alone, that he is not scoring runs, putting on weight, not captaining well. I think he is a brilliant leader." "I have played with him (Rohit) and watched him closely. He commands a lot of respect not only in the MI dressing room but also in the Indian dressing room. So I think it's unfair to judge him on the basis of recent results. He will come good and we need to show faith in him and we need to support him rather than pinpointing that you are not doing this or that," Bhajji asserted. Also Read: Sunil Gavaskar, disappointed with Rohit Sharma's captaincy, says he expected more In the past, Indian captains have enjoyed relentless support from the BCCI and its most powerful administrator. For instance, Sourav Ganguly relied on Jagmohan Dalmiya's support whereas MS Dhoni had the strong backing of N Srinivasan. In addition, Virat Kohli -- Rohit's predecessor -- took several decisions which were supported by Vinod Rai, the former CAG and Committee of Administrators (CoA) head. Thus, Harbhajan -- also known as the Turbanator -- hopes that Rohit receives the same level of support from the BCCI. In this regard, Bhajji added, "If you have the support from BCCI, you can work freely. Not just MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli, if you go back a little further, a lot of captains have got support from BCCI presidents of that time. "Rohit must be getting support from BCCI. I don't know how much support he must be getting (though). Having that kind of support will help him take right kind of decision at the right time. He will get that liberty if he has that support. Support must be there for Rohit like BCCI has given it to all its captains." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

People are going overboard: Harbhajan Singh backs under-fire captain Rohit Sharma ahead of WI tour

<p>Former India player Mohammad Kaif has backed the Indian team to shine in the upcoming ODI World Cup as they try to win their third world title under the stewardship of Rohit Sharma. The Indian team will walk into the ODI World Cup as one of the favorites as they host the tournament for the second time in 12 years. According to Kaif, the Indian team has all the tools in their arsenal to go all the way in the tournament.</p>

<h2><strong>Kaif asserts India’s favorites tag</strong></h2>

<p>“India's chances are quite bright because playing at home, we know the conditions better compared to other teams. Spinners might be able to play a bigger role. We have the players to win the tournament,” said Kaif while speaking on 'Virtual Encounters' on DD India.</p>

<p>The former India player was part of the golden generation of Indian cricket where he reached the final of the 2003 World Cup. India finished runners-up to Australia in that tournament where Kaif and company enjoyed a great run till the final. He however thinks India will have a good chance of lifting the coveted trophy as they also are hosts of the tournament.</p>

<p>“The challenging part for India will be that you need to have all the senior players ready, fitness-wise and form-wise. Bowling should be okay I guess. If we can bat well, we will be a tough side to beat. If we talk about Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, all these senior players have to stand up and win matches,” Kaif added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ddca-director-shyam-sharma-provides-latest-update-on-rishabh-pants-recovery-613381">DDCA director Shyam Sharma provides latest update on Rishabh Pant's recovery</a></p>

<h2><strong>India to rely on big boys</strong></h2>

<p>India will have the services of great players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma going into the World Cup while they will be sweating on the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant. India will also hope for the availability of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul who both have missed action for the national side and in the Indian Premier League (IPL).</p>

<p>India will start their World Cup campaign on October 8 against Australia while they will play Pakistan in the high-voltage clash on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Former India player Mohammad Kaif has backed the Indian team to shine in the upcoming ODI World Cup as they try to win their third world title under the stewardship of Rohit Sharma.

Former India player Mohammad Kaif has backed the Indian team to shine in the upcoming ODI World Cup as they try to win their third world title under the stewardship of Rohit Sharma. The Indian team will walk into the ODI World Cup as one of the favorites as they host the tournament for the second time in 12 years. According to Kaif, the Indian team has all the tools in their arsenal to go all the way in the tournament. Kaif asserts India’s favorites tag “India's chances are quite bright because playing at home, we know the conditions better compared to other teams. Spinners might be able to play a bigger role. We have the players to win the tournament,” said Kaif while speaking on 'Virtual Encounters' on DD India. The former India player was part of the golden generation of Indian cricket where he reached the final of the 2003 World Cup. India finished runners-up to Australia in that tournament where Kaif and company enjoyed a great run till the final. He however thinks India will have a good chance of lifting the coveted trophy as they also are hosts of the tournament. “The challenging part for India will be that you need to have all the senior players ready, fitness-wise and form-wise. Bowling should be okay I guess. If we can bat well, we will be a tough side to beat. If we talk about Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, all these senior players have to stand up and win matches,” Kaif added. ALSO READ | DDCA director Shyam Sharma provides latest update on Rishabh Pant's recovery India to rely on big boys India will have the services of great players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma going into the World Cup while they will be sweating on the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant. India will also hope for the availability of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul who both have missed action for the national side and in the Indian Premier League (IPL). India will start their World Cup campaign on October 8 against Australia while they will play Pakistan in the high-voltage clash on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

ODI World Cup 2023: Mohammad Kaif makes big claim about Team India, says 'chances are quite bright because...'

<p>Indian cricket team had to face a heart-breaking 2019 World Cup exit in the semi-final against New Zealand on this day. Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni, during the run chase, stitched a solid partnership of 116 to keep Team India alive in the contest. Chasing a target of 240, Virat Kohli’s men fell short by 18 runs. After Jadeja’s dismissal in the 48th over, Indian cricket fans pinned their hopes on Dhoni. One of the finest finishers in the history of cricket, Dhoni seemed poised to take Team India over the line having scored a half-century. But Dhoni’s knock came to an end in the penultimate over after he was run out by a stunning direct hit from Martin Guptill. In an otherwise miserable outing with the bat, it was Jadeja who turned out to be Team India’s solitary ray of hope against the Kiwis. But the star all-rounder’s blistering knock of 59-ball 77 went in vain eventually. A video of Jadeja’s stellar semi-final knock has now gone viral on social media.</p>

<h2>How did Twitter react?</h2>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ravindra Jadeja played one of the greatest knocks On This Day in 2019, India 92/6 in the Semi-final &amp; he scored 77 runs from just 59 balls under huge pressure.<br />
<br />
This fight-back will be remembered forever!<a href="https://t.co/H0H5z3yZNv">pic.twitter.com/H0H5z3yZNv</a></p>
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1678228401516335104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Coming down to bat at 92/6 in the 31st over, Ravindra Jadeja came up with a remarkable knock of 77 runs off 59 balls. His resilient innings comprised four boundaries and as many sixes. Lavishing huge praise on Jadeja, one Twitter user wrote, “The only man we had faith in, that day.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-over-the-moon-ben-stokes-hails-trio-of-woods-woakes-and-moeen-after-critical-win-at-headingley-613724">Ashes 2023: 'Over the moon' Ben Stokes hails trio of Woods, Woakes and Moeen after critical win at Headingley</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The only man we had faith on that day</p>
— 82 Carnage🇮🇳 (@82carnage) <a href="https://twitter.com/82carnage/status/1678228875351040001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>This person still could not get over India’s 2019 World Cup defeat at the hands of New Zealand.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">4 years on. It's still heartbreaking to think about this day. I'm not sure why people keep posting about this match. For me, it's the saddest day as a cricket fan.</p>
— Saankhya Mondal (@saankhyaCFC8) <a href="https://twitter.com/saankhyaCFC8/status/1678255278402469889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>One social media user termed Ravindra Jadeja’s courageous knock as “one of the greatest” ones of all time.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This really has to be one of thegreatest innings of all time. India were in immense pressure and this man kept us alive. Take a bow Jadeja🙇🏻‍♂️</p>
— Sarthak Sengupta (@cricssg7) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricssg7/status/1678235140328177665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>“Ravindra Jadeja is one of the best ODI cricketers in the world, especially in last six or seven years or so,” wrote another person.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ravindra Jadeja is one of the best ODI cricketers in the world, especially since the last 6 or 7 years or so.</p>
— AK 7-4 (@Anshuma12603770) <a href="https://twitter.com/Anshuma12603770/status/1678255889818451969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Here are some other reactions.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Still hurts</p>
— Rahul Sahni 🇮🇳 (@RahulSahni0903) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulSahni0903/status/1678242500564205570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jadeja and DHONI both the wickets 💔</p>
— Nikhil Raj 🌶️ (@nikhilraj515) <a href="https://twitter.com/nikhilraj515/status/1678255715281178625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Still hurts</p>
— Dineshdk27 (@Dk27criccini) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dk27criccini/status/1678231300384124929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Still hurts to this day!</p>
— Ram (@ramdhaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/ramdhaw/status/1678261348839440384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-leeds-win-tops-my-list-to-do-it-on-my-home-ground-was-very-good-says-local-boy-harry-brook-613672">Ashes 2023: 'Leeds win tops my list, to do it on my home ground was very good,' says local boy Harry Brook</a></strong></p>

<h2>Team India’s collapse</h2>

<p>Batting first, New Zealand posted 239 runs in 50 overs. Ross Taylor emerged as his side’s highest scorer in that fixture with a fine knock of 74. Bhuvneshwar Kumar displayed a sublime performance picking up four wickets in the semi-final. Team India’s run chase suffered a big jolt having lost their opening batters in first four overs. New Zealand pacer Matt Henry ran through the Indian top-order to gain an upper hand for his side. Half of the Indian team went back to the dressing room scoring just 71 runs. Henry scalped three wickets in the match to bowl out India for 221.</p>

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>


Indian cricket team had to face a heart-breaking 2019 World Cup exit in the semi-final against New Zealand on this day. Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni, during the run chase, stitched a solid partnership of 116 to keep Team India alive in the contest.

Indian cricket team had to face a heart-breaking 2019 World Cup exit in the semi-final against New Zealand on this day. Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni, during the run chase, stitched a solid partnership of 116 to keep Team India alive in the contest. Chasing a target of 240, Virat Kohli’s men fell short by 18 runs. After Jadeja’s dismissal in the 48th over, Indian cricket fans pinned their hopes on Dhoni. One of the finest finishers in the history of cricket, Dhoni seemed poised to take Team India over the line having scored a half-century. But Dhoni’s knock came to an end in the penultimate over after he was run out by a stunning direct hit from Martin Guptill. In an otherwise miserable outing with the bat, it was Jadeja who turned out to be Team India’s solitary ray of hope against the Kiwis. But the star all-rounder’s blistering knock of 59-ball 77 went in vain eventually. A video of Jadeja’s stellar semi-final knock has now gone viral on social media. How did Twitter react? Ravindra Jadeja played one of the greatest knocks On This Day in 2019, India 92/6 in the Semi-final & he scored 77 runs from just 59 balls under huge pressure. This fight-back will be remembered forever!pic.twitter.com/H0H5z3yZNv — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 10, 2023 × Coming down to bat at 92/6 in the 31st over, Ravindra Jadeja came up with a remarkable knock of 77 runs off 59 balls. His resilient innings comprised four boundaries and as many sixes. Lavishing huge praise on Jadeja, one Twitter user wrote, “The only man we had faith in, that day.” Also read: Ashes 2023: 'Over the moon' Ben Stokes hails trio of Woods, Woakes and Moeen after critical win at Headingley The only man we had faith on that day — 82 Carnage🇮🇳 (@82carnage) July 10, 2023 × This person still could not get over India’s 2019 World Cup defeat at the hands of New Zealand. 4 years on. It's still heartbreaking to think about this day. I'm not sure why people keep posting about this match. For me, it's the saddest day as a cricket fan. — Saankhya Mondal (@saankhyaCFC8) July 10, 2023 × One social media user termed Ravindra Jadeja’s courageous knock as “one of the greatest” ones of all time. This really has to be one of thegreatest innings of all time. India were in immense pressure and this man kept us alive. Take a bow Jadeja🙇🏻‍♂️ — Sarthak Sengupta (@cricssg7) July 10, 2023 × “Ravindra Jadeja is one of the best ODI cricketers in the world, especially in last six or seven years or so,” wrote another person. Ravindra Jadeja is one of the best ODI cricketers in the world, especially since the last 6 or 7 years or so. — AK 7-4 (@Anshuma12603770) July 10, 2023 × Here are some other reactions. Still hurts — Rahul Sahni 🇮🇳 (@RahulSahni0903) July 10, 2023 × Jadeja and DHONI both the wickets 💔 — Nikhil Raj 🌶️ (@nikhilraj515) July 10, 2023 × Still hurts — Dineshdk27 (@Dk27criccini) July 10, 2023 × Still hurts to this day! — Ram (@ramdhaw) July 10, 2023 × Also read: Ashes 2023: 'Leeds win tops my list, to do it on my home ground was very good,' says local boy Harry Brook Team India’s collapse Batting first, New Zealand posted 239 runs in 50 overs. Ross Taylor emerged as his side’s highest scorer in that fixture with a fine knock of 74. Bhuvneshwar Kumar displayed a sublime performance picking up four wickets in the semi-final. Team India’s run chase suffered a big jolt having lost their opening batters in first four overs. New Zealand pacer Matt Henry ran through the Indian top-order to gain an upper hand for his side. Half of the Indian team went back to the dressing room scoring just 71 runs. Henry scalped three wickets in the match to bowl out India for 221.

On this day: Ravindra Jadeja’s brilliance goes in vain against New Zealand in 2019 World Cup semi-final

<p>The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 qualifiers have lived up to expectations. After a lot of twists and turns, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands have made it to the next round. The two sides are set to lock horns in the summit clash but irrespective of the result, both will now travel to India for this year's ODI World Cup which will get underway on October 05.</p>

<p>Defending champions England will face New Zealand in the tournament-opener in Ahmedabad on October 05. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma-led India will open their campaign versus Australia, the five-time winners, in Chennai on October 08. They will lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in Ahmedabad on October 15 and also have some tough battles ahead versus England, the Black Caps, etc.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-day-in-2019-rohit-sharma-became-first-ever-to-slam-five-centuries-in-an-odi-world-cup-612649">OTD, in 2019: Rohit Sharma became first-ever batter to slam five tons in single edition of ODI World Cup</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Here's India's full schedule at the CWC'23 after SL, NED qualify</strong></h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td><strong>Dates</strong></td>
			<td><strong>Fixtures</strong></td>
			<td><strong>Venues</strong></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>08/10/2023</td>
			<td>India vs Australia (D/N)</td>
			<td>Chennai</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>11/10/2023</td>
			<td>India vs Afghanistan (D/N)</td>
			<td>Delhi</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>15/10/2023</td>
			<td>India vs Pakistan (D/N)</td>
			<td>Ahmedabad</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>19/10/2023</td>
			<td>India vs Bangladesh (D/N)</td>
			<td>Pune</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>22/10/2023</td>
			<td>India vs New Zealand (D/N)</td>
			<td>Dharamshala</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>29/10/2023</td>
			<td>India vs England (D/N)</td>
			<td>Lucknow</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>02/11/2023</td>
			<td>India vs Sri Lanka (D/N)</td>
			<td>Mumbai</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>05/11/2023</td>
			<td>India vs South Africa (D/N)</td>
			<td>Kolkata</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>11/11/2023</td>
			<td>India vs Netherlands</td>
			<td>Bengaluru</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>India is the only team who will be playing in as many as nine venues, a different one for each game. Thus, the home side will have their task cut-out to meet the expectations of their ardent fans and go the distance in the tournament amid regular travel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit &amp; Co., who occupy the third spot in ICC ODI Rankings, will not play any day game. Thus, they will also have to take into consideration the dew factor at some venues. Overall, the Men in Blue are set to face a stern test in the league stage in order to enter the top four and go for their third title in the showpiece event.</p>

<p>The last time India hosted the ODI World Cup was back in 2011, when MS Dhoni-led co-hosts won the tournament. Indian fans will be desperate to see the national team replicate their 2011 success this time around as well. Given India's last ICC title win came in 2013, the pressure will be on Rohit &amp; Co.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 qualifiers have lived up to expectations. After a lot of twists and turns, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands have made it to the next round.

The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 qualifiers have lived up to expectations. After a lot of twists and turns, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands have made it to the next round. The two sides are set to lock horns in the summit clash but irrespective of the result, both will now travel to India for this year's ODI World Cup which will get underway on October 05. Defending champions England will face New Zealand in the tournament-opener in Ahmedabad on October 05. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma-led India will open their campaign versus Australia, the five-time winners, in Chennai on October 08. They will lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in Ahmedabad on October 15 and also have some tough battles ahead versus England, the Black Caps, etc. Also Read: OTD, in 2019: Rohit Sharma became first-ever batter to slam five tons in single edition of ODI World Cup Here's India's full schedule at the CWC'23 after SL, NED qualify Dates Fixtures Venues 08/10/2023 India vs Australia (D/N) Chennai 11/10/2023 India vs Afghanistan (D/N) Delhi 15/10/2023 India vs Pakistan (D/N) Ahmedabad 19/10/2023 India vs Bangladesh (D/N) Pune 22/10/2023 India vs New Zealand (D/N) Dharamshala 29/10/2023 India vs England (D/N) Lucknow 02/11/2023 India vs Sri Lanka (D/N) Mumbai 05/11/2023 India vs South Africa (D/N) Kolkata 11/11/2023 India vs Netherlands Bengaluru India is the only team who will be playing in as many as nine venues, a different one for each game. Thus, the home side will have their task cut-out to meet the expectations of their ardent fans and go the distance in the tournament amid regular travel. Rohit & Co., who occupy the third spot in ICC ODI Rankings, will not play any day game. Thus, they will also have to take into consideration the dew factor at some venues. Overall, the Men in Blue are set to face a stern test in the league stage in order to enter the top four and go for their third title in the showpiece event. The last time India hosted the ODI World Cup was back in 2011, when MS Dhoni-led co-hosts won the tournament. Indian fans will be desperate to see the national team replicate their 2011 success this time around as well. Given India's last ICC title win came in 2013, the pressure will be on Rohit & Co. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

CWC'23: India's full schedule at 2023 ODI World Cup after Sri Lanka, Netherlands enter main draw

<p>On July 06, 2019, Rohit Sharma created history as he became the first-ever batter to slam as many as five centuries in a single edition of the ICC ODI World Cup. The current Indian captain was in exceptional form in the previous edition of the 50-over showpiece event and entered the record books with his fifth ton, becoming the first-ever batsman to attain the feat. He also equalled Sachin Tendulkar with the most hundreds in ODI World Cup history (six) following his knock versus the Sri Lankans.</p>

<p>Four years back, India faced Sri Lanka in the 2019 ODI World Cup on July 06. Opting to bat first, Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka were struggling at 55 for 4 before former skipper Angelo Mathews slammed 113 and helped Lanka post&nbsp;264 for 7 in 50 overs. In reply, India rode on openers Rohit and KL Rahul's 189-run opening stand. Rohit returned with a fine 94-ball 103 whereas Rahul top-scored with a sublime 113. Thus, India won the game by eight wickets without dropping much sweat, achieving&nbsp;the target with 39 balls to spare.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stop-concentrating-on-india-vs-pakistan-shaheen-afridi-says-winning-cwc23-is-babar-cos-main-aim-612604">Stop concentrating on India vs Pakistan: Shaheen Afridi says winning CWC'23 is Babar &amp; Co.'s main aim</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking about Rohit's knock, his inning was laced with 14 fours and two sixes, resulting&nbsp;in a strike rate of 109.57. Throughout the 2019 ODI WC, the Hitman was in unbelievable form. The then vice-captain started his campaign with a hundred versus South Africa and followed it up with a match-winning 140 versus Pakistan before scoring three centuries on the trot -- against England, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. With the ton versus Lanka, Rohit surpassed Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara to hit five centuries in an ODI World Cup&nbsp;edition.</p>

<p>In the 2015 WC, Sangakkara had slammed four centuries&nbsp;before Rohit went a step ahead in the following edition. The right-hander ended the 2019 ODI WC with 648 runs -- second-most in a single edition -- and ended as the top run-getter. He will look to replicate the same form in the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup at home. Rohit-led India will kick off their campaign versus Australia on October 08 in Chennai.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


On July 06, 2019, Rohit Sharma created history as he became the first-ever batter to slam as many as five centuries in a single edition of the ICC ODI World Cup.

On July 06, 2019, Rohit Sharma created history as he became the first-ever batter to slam as many as five centuries in a single edition of the ICC ODI World Cup. The current Indian captain was in exceptional form in the previous edition of the 50-over showpiece event and entered the record books with his fifth ton, becoming the first-ever batsman to attain the feat. He also equalled Sachin Tendulkar with the most hundreds in ODI World Cup history (six) following his knock versus the Sri Lankans. Four years back, India faced Sri Lanka in the 2019 ODI World Cup on July 06. Opting to bat first, Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka were struggling at 55 for 4 before former skipper Angelo Mathews slammed 113 and helped Lanka post 264 for 7 in 50 overs. In reply, India rode on openers Rohit and KL Rahul's 189-run opening stand. Rohit returned with a fine 94-ball 103 whereas Rahul top-scored with a sublime 113. Thus, India won the game by eight wickets without dropping much sweat, achieving the target with 39 balls to spare. Also Read: Stop concentrating on India vs Pakistan: Shaheen Afridi says winning CWC'23 is Babar & Co.'s main aim Talking about Rohit's knock, his inning was laced with 14 fours and two sixes, resulting in a strike rate of 109.57. Throughout the 2019 ODI WC, the Hitman was in unbelievable form. The then vice-captain started his campaign with a hundred versus South Africa and followed it up with a match-winning 140 versus Pakistan before scoring three centuries on the trot -- against England, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. With the ton versus Lanka, Rohit surpassed Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara to hit five centuries in an ODI World Cup edition. In the 2015 WC, Sangakkara had slammed four centuries before Rohit went a step ahead in the following edition. The right-hander ended the 2019 ODI WC with 648 runs -- second-most in a single edition -- and ended as the top run-getter. He will look to replicate the same form in the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup at home. Rohit-led India will kick off their campaign versus Australia on October 08 in Chennai. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

OTD, in 2019: Rohit Sharma became first-ever batter to slam five tons in single edition of ODI World Cup

<p>On Wednesday (July 05), the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee picked a 15-man squad for India's five-match T20I series versus West Indies, in the Caribbean island. The five T20Is will get underway on August 03 as Hardik Pandya will lead a young side. The squad features several young talents who rose to the occasion in IPL 2023 as the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Verma, and Mukesh Kumar were inducted, whereas the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel and Sanju Samson have returned.</p>

<p>Although many have raised concerns over the omission of Rinku Singh and Rahul Tripathi, the likes of Washington Sundar, Shivam Mavi, Prithvi Shaw and Jitesh Sharma also could not find a place. Moreover, senior pros such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have continued to remain absent from the T20I squad as it seems certain that selectors have entrusted Hardik Pandya to lead the side in the shortest format for the future. Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra reviewed the squad on his YouTube channel and feels that Hardik is being considered to lead India in next year's T20 World Cup in West Indies and the USA.</p>

<p>"Hardik Pandya, who had been given the captaincy after the T20 World Cup - it seems like that's now the final fixture, that Hardik Pandya will lead the Indian T20 team for times to come, which means until the upcoming World Cup," Aakash Chopra said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/yashasvi-jaiswal-tilak-varma-get-maiden-t20i-call-as-india-announce-squad-for-west-indies-tour-612400">Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma get maiden T20I call as India announce squad for West Indies tour</a></strong></p>

<p>"I feel they had already moved in that direction and it is still the same, nothing has changed. None of the seniors have been picked. KL Rahul is unavailable but now it is extended that you have not played Rohit and Kohli since the World Cup," Chopra added.</p>

<p>India's five-match T20I series versus the two-time champions West Indies will kick off on August 03 and conclude on August 13. Soon after, Hardik &amp; Co. will also feature in three T20Is versus Ireland, in Dublin, before the focus shifts entirely to the 2023 ODI World Cup at home.</p>

<p><strong>India's T20I squad for WI series:</strong>&nbsp;Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Surya Kumar Yadav (vice-captain), Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya (captain), Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar.</p>


On Wednesday (July 05), the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee picked a 15-man squad for India's five-match T20I series versus West Indies, in the Caribbean island.

On Wednesday (July 05), the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee picked a 15-man squad for India's five-match T20I series versus West Indies, in the Caribbean island. The five T20Is will get underway on August 03 as Hardik Pandya will lead a young side. The squad features several young talents who rose to the occasion in IPL 2023 as the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Verma, and Mukesh Kumar were inducted, whereas the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel and Sanju Samson have returned. Although many have raised concerns over the omission of Rinku Singh and Rahul Tripathi, the likes of Washington Sundar, Shivam Mavi, Prithvi Shaw and Jitesh Sharma also could not find a place. Moreover, senior pros such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have continued to remain absent from the T20I squad as it seems certain that selectors have entrusted Hardik Pandya to lead the side in the shortest format for the future. Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra reviewed the squad on his YouTube channel and feels that Hardik is being considered to lead India in next year's T20 World Cup in West Indies and the USA. "Hardik Pandya, who had been given the captaincy after the T20 World Cup - it seems like that's now the final fixture, that Hardik Pandya will lead the Indian T20 team for times to come, which means until the upcoming World Cup," Aakash Chopra said in a video shared on his YouTube channel. Also Read: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma get maiden T20I call as India announce squad for West Indies tour "I feel they had already moved in that direction and it is still the same, nothing has changed. None of the seniors have been picked. KL Rahul is unavailable but now it is extended that you have not played Rohit and Kohli since the World Cup," Chopra added. India's five-match T20I series versus the two-time champions West Indies will kick off on August 03 and conclude on August 13. Soon after, Hardik & Co. will also feature in three T20Is versus Ireland, in Dublin, before the focus shifts entirely to the 2023 ODI World Cup at home. India's T20I squad for WI series: Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Surya Kumar Yadav (vice-captain), Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya (captain), Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar.

Feels like Hardik Pandya will lead Team India in 2024 T20 World Cup as well, says former Indian opener

<p>India and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the forthcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition, later this year in October-November. So far, India have been unbeaten versus their arch-rivals in the 50-over mega event. They enjoy a 7-0 winning streak over the Men in Green and Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. will be eager to keep their record intact as the two teams will meet at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on October on October 15.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the marquee clash, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly opined on the India-Pakistan games and made a big statement. Speaking to on Star Sports, Ganguly said, "There is a lot of hype in this match but the quality has not been that good for a long time because India kept on winning one-sided. Pakistan probably defeated India for the first time in the T20 World Cup in Dubai."</p>

<p>Ganguly's remark made heads turn but he probably was talking about the Indo-Pak World Cup clashes. In both ODI and T20 WCs, India have been at their dominant best versus Pakistan. They lead Pakistan 7-0 in ODI WC and have a 6-1 lead in T20 WC history. However, Pakistan have made amends in the previous few face-offs. They beat India by 180 runs in the 2017 Champions Trophy final and thrashed them by ten wickets in the 2021 T20 World Cup. Moreover, the two sides met in last year's Asia Cup where both won a game each. The two encounters saw a last-over finish.</p>

<p>In addition, India and Pakistan played a humdinger in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia where Virat Kohli's masterclass led to Men in Blue's thrilling win. Thus, former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has now reacted to Ganguly's remark.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Ganguly is trying to play mind games'</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit said, "I don't agree with him saying that India vs Pakistan matches are one-sided in favour of India. No doubt you have beaten us a lot in ICC World Cups before but that hasn't been the case since 2017. We beat India at the T20 World Cup in UAE and last year in the Asia Cup, won one, lost one. Yes, India defeated Pakistan at the T20 World Cup in Australia but that was purely because of Virat Kohli. He won it single-handedly. Clearly the best-ever T20 innings."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-how-west-indies-failed-to-grab-odi-world-cup-ticket-with-debacle-at-the-qualifiers-611930">Explained: How West Indies failed to bag an ODI World Cup ticket with debacle in the qualifiers</a></strong></p>

<p>Further, Basit also responded to Ganguly claiming that India versus Australia games have better quality. Ganguly had stated, "India vs Australia tends to be a better game in the World Cup because the quality is better'. To this, the former Pakistani cricketer said, "He also said that India vs Australia is a bigger crowd puller than India vs Pakistan. To that, I would just want to say that 'Brother, when India plays Australia, are roads in your country empty? No. They are empty whenever there's an India-Pakistan match - both in India and in Pakistan. Everyone is glued to their TV screen and are praying. Look at the ticket prices for the World Cup; India-Australia costs are nowhere close to India-Pakistan's. So I feel that Ganguly - DADA ji - is just trying to play mind games."</p>

<p>It will be interesting to see what happens when the two sides meet in this year's ODI WC in India. Before they, they will also meet in the Asia Cup (possibly on three occasions). Overall, the arch-rivals have a chance to lock horns on five instances this year. Thus, some blockbuster games are on the cards.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


India and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the forthcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition, later this year in October-November. So far, India have been unbeaten versus their arch-rivals in the 50-over mega event.

India and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the forthcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition, later this year in October-November. So far, India have been unbeaten versus their arch-rivals in the 50-over mega event. They enjoy a 7-0 winning streak over the Men in Green and Rohit Sharma & Co. will be eager to keep their record intact as the two teams will meet at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on October on October 15. Ahead of the marquee clash, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly opined on the India-Pakistan games and made a big statement. Speaking to on Star Sports, Ganguly said, "There is a lot of hype in this match but the quality has not been that good for a long time because India kept on winning one-sided. Pakistan probably defeated India for the first time in the T20 World Cup in Dubai." Ganguly's remark made heads turn but he probably was talking about the Indo-Pak World Cup clashes. In both ODI and T20 WCs, India have been at their dominant best versus Pakistan. They lead Pakistan 7-0 in ODI WC and have a 6-1 lead in T20 WC history. However, Pakistan have made amends in the previous few face-offs. They beat India by 180 runs in the 2017 Champions Trophy final and thrashed them by ten wickets in the 2021 T20 World Cup. Moreover, the two sides met in last year's Asia Cup where both won a game each. The two encounters saw a last-over finish. In addition, India and Pakistan played a humdinger in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia where Virat Kohli's masterclass led to Men in Blue's thrilling win. Thus, former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has now reacted to Ganguly's remark. 'Ganguly is trying to play mind games' Speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit said, "I don't agree with him saying that India vs Pakistan matches are one-sided in favour of India. No doubt you have beaten us a lot in ICC World Cups before but that hasn't been the case since 2017. We beat India at the T20 World Cup in UAE and last year in the Asia Cup, won one, lost one. Yes, India defeated Pakistan at the T20 World Cup in Australia but that was purely because of Virat Kohli. He won it single-handedly. Clearly the best-ever T20 innings." Also Read: Explained: How West Indies failed to bag an ODI World Cup ticket with debacle in the qualifiers Further, Basit also responded to Ganguly claiming that India versus Australia games have better quality. Ganguly had stated, "India vs Australia tends to be a better game in the World Cup because the quality is better'. To this, the former Pakistani cricketer said, "He also said that India vs Australia is a bigger crowd puller than India vs Pakistan. To that, I would just want to say that 'Brother, when India plays Australia, are roads in your country empty? No. They are empty whenever there's an India-Pakistan match - both in India and in Pakistan. Everyone is glued to their TV screen and are praying. Look at the ticket prices for the World Cup; India-Australia costs are nowhere close to India-Pakistan's. So I feel that Ganguly - DADA ji - is just trying to play mind games." It will be interesting to see what happens when the two sides meet in this year's ODI WC in India. Before they, they will also meet in the Asia Cup (possibly on three occasions). Overall, the arch-rivals have a chance to lock horns on five instances this year. Thus, some blockbuster games are on the cards. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

He's playing mind games: Ex-Pak batter on Sourav Ganguly's 'IND-PAK matches are one-sided' remark

<p>MS Dhoni remains the only international captain to have won all three ICC titles. During his captaincy, India became mentally strong&nbsp;in tough situations in multi-nation events, believed in taking&nbsp;the game deep, backed multi-dimensional players and emphasised on fielding. Dhoni took several memorable decisions as captain, which changed the course of Indian cricket, but some of his calls raised eyebrows.</p>

<p>During India's tour of Australia in 2011/12, they were whitewashed in the four Tests and had a poor run in the tri-series, also involving Sri Lanka, in early 2012. Back then, Dhoni introduced a rotational policy where he did not play&nbsp;India's top three -- Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir -- together before their&nbsp;must-win game versus the Lankans in Hobart.</p>

<p>As a result, India were not consistent and won only three out of eight matches. It is believed that Dhoni resorted to the rotational policy to accommodate Rohit Sharma in the line-up, keeping the 2015 ODI World Cup in mind (also held in Australia), along with having better fielders in the playing XI.&nbsp;Back in 2019, Gambhir recalled Dhoni's rotational policy and slammed it, calling it 'absolute crap'.</p>

<h2><strong>'It was absolute crap. If you make a decision, then back it'</strong></h2>

<p>Four years back, in an interview with Lallantop, Gambhir pointed out, "As far as the rotation policy goes, it was absolute crap and I’ve always maintained it. I have always believed that players are supposed to follow their captain’s decision but if you ask me, it was complete crap. If he believed in the rotation policy so much, then he should have stuck to it. He started with the rotation policy but played all three in the must-win games. If you make a decision, then back it."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/they-cut-2-frames-so-that-big-claim-ajmal-recalls-lbw-appeal-vs-tendulkar-in-cwc11-semi-final-611374">'They cut 2 frames so that...': BIG CLAIM! Ajmal recalls lbw appeal vs Tendulkar in CWC'11 semi-final</a></strong></p>

<p>“If you were preparing for the 2015 World Cup, then you shouldn’t have thought if you’re going to win this CV series or the one after this. It shouldn’t be like this. You began the policy but after four matches, when the results didn’t come, when questions began to be asked, then you start playing all three. That’s why I believe it was a complete waste of time If you play for your country, you should play your best team," the former batter added.</p>

<p>India's last game in the tri-series was against Sri Lanka, a must-win for them. Chasing a daunting 321, the Men in Blue had to pull off the run-chase in less than 40 overs to have any chance of qualifying for the finals. They rode on Sehwag-Sachin's blistering start, Gambhir's 64-ball 63, Virat Kohli's majestic 133&nbsp;not out and Suresh Raina's unbeaten 24-ball 40 to win by seven wickets. However,&nbsp;they still could not feature in the best of three finals.</p>

<p>Australia defeated Sri Lanka, 2-1, in a best-of-three final to win the tournament Down Under.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


MS Dhoni remains the only international captain to have won all three ICC titles. During his captaincy, India became mentally strong in tough situations in multi-nation events, believed in taking the game deep, backed multi-dimensional players and emphasised on fielding.

MS Dhoni remains the only international captain to have won all three ICC titles. During his captaincy, India became mentally strong in tough situations in multi-nation events, believed in taking the game deep, backed multi-dimensional players and emphasised on fielding. Dhoni took several memorable decisions as captain, which changed the course of Indian cricket, but some of his calls raised eyebrows. During India's tour of Australia in 2011/12, they were whitewashed in the four Tests and had a poor run in the tri-series, also involving Sri Lanka, in early 2012. Back then, Dhoni introduced a rotational policy where he did not play India's top three -- Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir -- together before their must-win game versus the Lankans in Hobart. As a result, India were not consistent and won only three out of eight matches. It is believed that Dhoni resorted to the rotational policy to accommodate Rohit Sharma in the line-up, keeping the 2015 ODI World Cup in mind (also held in Australia), along with having better fielders in the playing XI. Back in 2019, Gambhir recalled Dhoni's rotational policy and slammed it, calling it 'absolute crap'. 'It was absolute crap. If you make a decision, then back it' Four years back, in an interview with Lallantop, Gambhir pointed out, "As far as the rotation policy goes, it was absolute crap and I’ve always maintained it. I have always believed that players are supposed to follow their captain’s decision but if you ask me, it was complete crap. If he believed in the rotation policy so much, then he should have stuck to it. He started with the rotation policy but played all three in the must-win games. If you make a decision, then back it." Also Read: 'They cut 2 frames so that...': BIG CLAIM! Ajmal recalls lbw appeal vs Tendulkar in CWC'11 semi-final “If you were preparing for the 2015 World Cup, then you shouldn’t have thought if you’re going to win this CV series or the one after this. It shouldn’t be like this. You began the policy but after four matches, when the results didn’t come, when questions began to be asked, then you start playing all three. That’s why I believe it was a complete waste of time If you play for your country, you should play your best team," the former batter added. India's last game in the tri-series was against Sri Lanka, a must-win for them. Chasing a daunting 321, the Men in Blue had to pull off the run-chase in less than 40 overs to have any chance of qualifying for the finals. They rode on Sehwag-Sachin's blistering start, Gambhir's 64-ball 63, Virat Kohli's majestic 133 not out and Suresh Raina's unbeaten 24-ball 40 to win by seven wickets. However, they still could not feature in the best of three finals. Australia defeated Sri Lanka, 2-1, in a best-of-three final to win the tournament Down Under. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

THROWBACK | I told Dhoni it was crap: When Gambhir rejected his former skipper's rotational policy

<p>On June 23, the BCCI selectors named a 16-man squad for Team India's upcoming two-match Test series versus West Indies, in the Caribbean island, which commences on July 12. After Rohit Sharma-led India's humiliating loss in the WTC final to Australia, some tough decisions were expected to be taken as the axe was certainly going to fall on some senior players.</p>

<p>Thus, Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped as the selectors chose to&nbsp;include&nbsp;plenty of youngsters, such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, etc. Recently, former Indian player WV Raman opened up on Pujara's omission and feels he wasn't treated properly by the BCCI selection committee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking to former Indian opener Aakash Chopra on his Youtube channel, Raman said, "The problem is that they have picked four possible openers, and they have dropped Pujara, which is another bone of contention. A cricketer like Pujara has done a lot for Indian cricket, and he has been instrumental for India winning both at home and abroad on quite a few occasions."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-india-underprepared-for-wtc-final-after-ipl-2023-sourav-ganguly-disagrees-with-the-theory-610581">Was India underprepared for WTC final after IPL 2023? Sourav Ganguly disagrees with the 'theory'</a></strong></p>

<p>Raman -- the former Indian women's team coach -- further opined, "He is a gritty customer. He was even elevated to vice-captaincy quite recently but a failure in the WTC final, he finds that he is left out in the cold. I think this is one decision that has not gone down well with many people, and I, personally, as well, I am not for it."</p>

<p>"He deserves to be treated properly. In the event, if they think it's the end of Pujara, he could have been given a better exit, but that's how things happen sometimes, and this is not the first case again. There are a lot of precedences as far as this kind of treatment is concerned," Raman added.</p>

<p>Pujara, a veteran of 103 Tests, has 7,195&nbsp;runs in the red-ball format. The right-hander has not been at his best in the recently-concluded 2021-23 WTC cycle and his poor returns in the WTC final, where he managed 14 and 27, led to his ouster, with youngsters such as Ruturaj, Ishan Kishan, Jaiswal breathing down his neck.&nbsp;It will be interesting to see if Pujara manages to make a comeback to India's Test line-up.</p>

<p><strong>India's squad for WI Tests:</strong></p>

<p>Rohit Sharma (Capt), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R Ashwin,&nbsp;R Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


On June 23, the BCCI selectors named a 16-man squad for Team India's upcoming two-match Test series versus West Indies, in the Caribbean island, which commences on July 12.

On June 23, the BCCI selectors named a 16-man squad for Team India's upcoming two-match Test series versus West Indies, in the Caribbean island, which commences on July 12. After Rohit Sharma-led India's humiliating loss in the WTC final to Australia, some tough decisions were expected to be taken as the axe was certainly going to fall on some senior players. Thus, Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped as the selectors chose to include plenty of youngsters, such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, etc. Recently, former Indian player WV Raman opened up on Pujara's omission and feels he wasn't treated properly by the BCCI selection committee. Talking to former Indian opener Aakash Chopra on his Youtube channel, Raman said, "The problem is that they have picked four possible openers, and they have dropped Pujara, which is another bone of contention. A cricketer like Pujara has done a lot for Indian cricket, and he has been instrumental for India winning both at home and abroad on quite a few occasions." Also Read: Was India underprepared for WTC final after IPL 2023? Sourav Ganguly disagrees with the 'theory' Raman -- the former Indian women's team coach -- further opined, "He is a gritty customer. He was even elevated to vice-captaincy quite recently but a failure in the WTC final, he finds that he is left out in the cold. I think this is one decision that has not gone down well with many people, and I, personally, as well, I am not for it." "He deserves to be treated properly. In the event, if they think it's the end of Pujara, he could have been given a better exit, but that's how things happen sometimes, and this is not the first case again. There are a lot of precedences as far as this kind of treatment is concerned," Raman added. Pujara, a veteran of 103 Tests, has 7,195 runs in the red-ball format. The right-hander has not been at his best in the recently-concluded 2021-23 WTC cycle and his poor returns in the WTC final, where he managed 14 and 27, led to his ouster, with youngsters such as Ruturaj, Ishan Kishan, Jaiswal breathing down his neck. It will be interesting to see if Pujara manages to make a comeback to India's Test line-up. India's squad for WI Tests: Rohit Sharma (Capt), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

'If BCCI selectors think it's the end of him...': Former India player on Pujara's omission from WI Tests

<p>Young India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal earned an India call-up for the Test series against West Indies. Ahead of India’s tour of the West Indies, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Indian Premier League (IPL) side Rajasthan Royals shared a heart-warming post. The franchise tweeted a picture of Yashasvi and his father and captioned it “Miles to walk, hearts to win.” While talking about his father, Yashasvi shared an emotional anecdote. “My father was so emotional and started crying. He hugged me. I had an inkling that I would be picked but I was a bit nervous and was waiting for the news,” Jaiswal was quoted in the post shared by the Rajasthan-based franchise.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Miles to walk, hearts to win. ___ <a href="https://t.co/0MDPEXRfGW">pic.twitter.com/0MDPEXRfGW</a></p>
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/1674441369442725889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Yashasvi Jaiswal had an incredible season in the IPL last time. He was Rajasthan Royals’ leading run scorer with 625 runs under his belt. He scored those runs in 14 matches at an average of 48.07. The southpaw also brought up his maiden IPL hundred earlier this year. Yashasvi was among the reserve players for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. A spot in the playing XI did not seem quite far for the 21-year-old.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ex-india-cricketers-big-take-on-kl-rahul-he-should-be-made-to-play-domestic-cricket-stst-610475">Ex-India cricketer’s big take on KL Rahul: ‘He should play domestic cricket first'</a></strong></p>

<p>India tweaked their Test squad after the loss against Australia in the WTC final at The Oval. Team India dropped veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara who has been an integral part of the Test squad for a long time. Ajinkya Rahane, who just made a return to the Test team in the summit clash of the WTC, has regained his status of vice-captain. Ruturaj Gaikwad, along with Yashasvi, was added to the squad for the series against West Indies. Uncapped fast bowler Mukesh Kumar was also added to the Test squad after his commendable performance&nbsp;in first-class cricket.</p>

<p>Yashasvi Jaiswal’s call-up is a result of his sublime form in the last first-class season where he scored 1,169 runs in nine games, including five centuries. Gaikwad and Yashasvi both will be contending for the number three spot left empty by Cheteshwar Pujara. Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav are the other two names who are not part of the Test squad.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/elon-musks-big-update-ahead-of-his-cage-fight-with-mark-zuckerberg-stst-610514">Elon Musk’s big update ahead of his 'cage fight' with Mark Zuckerberg</a></strong></p>

<p>India's Test squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini.</p>


Young India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal earned an India call-up for the Test series against West Indies. Ahead of India’s tour of the West Indies, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Indian Premier League (IPL) side Rajasthan Royals shared a heart-warming post.

Young India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal earned an India call-up for the Test series against West Indies. Ahead of India’s tour of the West Indies, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Indian Premier League (IPL) side Rajasthan Royals shared a heart-warming post. The franchise tweeted a picture of Yashasvi and his father and captioned it “Miles to walk, hearts to win.” While talking about his father, Yashasvi shared an emotional anecdote. “My father was so emotional and started crying. He hugged me. I had an inkling that I would be picked but I was a bit nervous and was waiting for the news,” Jaiswal was quoted in the post shared by the Rajasthan-based franchise. Miles to walk, hearts to win. ___ pic.twitter.com/0MDPEXRfGW — Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) June 29, 2023 × Yashasvi Jaiswal had an incredible season in the IPL last time. He was Rajasthan Royals’ leading run scorer with 625 runs under his belt. He scored those runs in 14 matches at an average of 48.07. The southpaw also brought up his maiden IPL hundred earlier this year. Yashasvi was among the reserve players for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. A spot in the playing XI did not seem quite far for the 21-year-old. Also read: Ex-India cricketer’s big take on KL Rahul: ‘He should play domestic cricket first' India tweaked their Test squad after the loss against Australia in the WTC final at The Oval. Team India dropped veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara who has been an integral part of the Test squad for a long time. Ajinkya Rahane, who just made a return to the Test team in the summit clash of the WTC, has regained his status of vice-captain. Ruturaj Gaikwad, along with Yashasvi, was added to the squad for the series against West Indies. Uncapped fast bowler Mukesh Kumar was also added to the Test squad after his commendable performance in first-class cricket. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s call-up is a result of his sublime form in the last first-class season where he scored 1,169 runs in nine games, including five centuries. Gaikwad and Yashasvi both will be contending for the number three spot left empty by Cheteshwar Pujara. Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav are the other two names who are not part of the Test squad. Also read: Elon Musk’s big update ahead of his 'cage fight' with Mark Zuckerberg India's Test squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini.

Yashasvi Jaiswal recalls how his father reacted to India call-up, 'got emotional, started crying'

<p>On June 23, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Team India's 16-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series versus West Indies to be held&nbsp;in the Caribbean island. The Test series commences on July 12 as India will kick off their campaign in the third WTC cycle after ending second in 2019-2021 and 2021-23. While Rohit Sharma retained captaincy in the red-ball format, Ajinkya Rahane was promoted as vice-captain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahane was India's Test vice-captain for a long time during Virat Kohli's captaincy. He lost the post in late 2021 and his place&nbsp;after a series of poor performances&nbsp;in early 2022 before making a comeback into the Indian team ahead of the 2021-23 WTC final versus Australia. Returning with an impressive 89 and 46 in the WTC summit clash, where India lost to Australia by 209 runs at The Oval, London, Rahane regained the vice-captaincy post for the West Indies tour. It is believed that injuries to Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant also led to Rahane regaining the vice-captaincy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many former cricketers reacted to Rahane once again becoming the vice-captain and slammed the move. While some believe it was an ideal chance to groom Shubman Gill, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly feels Ravindra Jadeja was the ideal candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'There is Ravindra Jadeja, who has been there for a long time and a certainty in Test matches'</strong></h2>

<p>"I won't say it's a step backwards. You have been out for 18 months, then you play a Test and you become a vice-captain. I don't understand the thought process behind it. There is Ravindra Jadeja, who has been there for a long time and a certainty in Test matches, he is a candidate." "....but to just come back and straightway become vice-captain after 18 months, I don't understand. My only thing is that selection shouldn't be hot and cold. There has to be continuity and consistency in selection," said Ganguly while talking to PTI.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-seemed-possessed-r-ashwin-recalls-indias-last-over-win-vs-pakistan-in-2022-t20-wc-610129">Virat Kohli seemed possessed: R Ashwin recalls India's last-over win vs Pakistan in 2022 T20 WC</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking about the Test squad, the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Ruturaj Gaikwad have been included, whereas Cheteshwar Pujara has been dropped after a poor run in the previous WTC cycle, including low returns in the finale.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>India's Test squad for West Indies tour:</strong></p>

<p>Rohit Sharma (Capt), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


On June 23, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Team India's 16-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series versus West Indies to be held in the Caribbean island.

On June 23, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Team India's 16-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series versus West Indies to be held in the Caribbean island. The Test series commences on July 12 as India will kick off their campaign in the third WTC cycle after ending second in 2019-2021 and 2021-23. While Rohit Sharma retained captaincy in the red-ball format, Ajinkya Rahane was promoted as vice-captain. Rahane was India's Test vice-captain for a long time during Virat Kohli's captaincy. He lost the post in late 2021 and his place after a series of poor performances in early 2022 before making a comeback into the Indian team ahead of the 2021-23 WTC final versus Australia. Returning with an impressive 89 and 46 in the WTC summit clash, where India lost to Australia by 209 runs at The Oval, London, Rahane regained the vice-captaincy post for the West Indies tour. It is believed that injuries to Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant also led to Rahane regaining the vice-captaincy. Many former cricketers reacted to Rahane once again becoming the vice-captain and slammed the move. While some believe it was an ideal chance to groom Shubman Gill, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly feels Ravindra Jadeja was the ideal candidate. 'There is Ravindra Jadeja, who has been there for a long time and a certainty in Test matches' "I won't say it's a step backwards. You have been out for 18 months, then you play a Test and you become a vice-captain. I don't understand the thought process behind it. There is Ravindra Jadeja, who has been there for a long time and a certainty in Test matches, he is a candidate." "....but to just come back and straightway become vice-captain after 18 months, I don't understand. My only thing is that selection shouldn't be hot and cold. There has to be continuity and consistency in selection," said Ganguly while talking to PTI. Also Read: Virat Kohli seemed possessed: R Ashwin recalls India's last-over win vs Pakistan in 2022 T20 WC Talking about the Test squad, the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Ruturaj Gaikwad have been included, whereas Cheteshwar Pujara has been dropped after a poor run in the previous WTC cycle, including low returns in the finale. India's Test squad for West Indies tour: Rohit Sharma (Capt), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

'Don't understand...': Ganguly on Rahane's promotion as Test vice-captain, suggests ideal candidate

<p>The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Tuesday (June 27), released the full schedule for the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Rohit Sharma-led India will open their campaign on October 08, in Chennai, as they face Australia, whereas defending champions England will open their tournament by locking horns with last edition's runners-up New Zealand on October 05 in Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, the much-awaited India-Pakistan clash is set to take place on October 15 in Ahmedabad.</p>

<p>The last time both sides faced each other in an ICC event&nbsp;was during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. Back then, Rohit &amp; Co. emerged on top on the last ball by four wickets in a chase of 160 at the MCG, Melbourne. Opting to bowl first, India rode on Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya's three-for each to restrict Pakistan at 159 for 8. In reply, India were on the back foot and reduced to 31 for 4 before Virat Kohli's masterclass (82 not out) and Hardik Pandya's 40 (37) to chase down the target on the last delivery of the contest.</p>

<p>With two needed off the last two balls, India lost Dinesh Karthik as R Ashwin joined Kohli in the middle. A wide from off-spinner Mohammed Nawaz led to scores being levelled before Ashwin punched one down the ground,&nbsp;over mid-off, for a four as India won on the last ball of the contest. Recently, the 36-year-old Ashwin recalled India's famous win over arch-rivals Pakistan&nbsp;and shared what advice he got from Kohli and how he won the game for his side.</p>

<h2>'The moment Md Nawaz bowled a wide I knew I had won the contest'</h2>

<p><br />
Speaking to ICC, Ashwin said, "Virat just gave me like seven options to play off that one ball. If only I was that capable of playing all those shots I wouldn't be batting at no. 8. I just talked to myself, I couldn't say that to him. I looked at Virat and his eyes seemed like he was possessed. I said, okay he's on another planet and let me come back to earth. The moment he bowled a wide I knew I had won the contest."</p>

<p>"I think cricket in so many ways is going to give you a lot of messages that way. So that's where I brought my positivity from. I knew I'd won the game," stated Ashwin.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ex-pakistan-player-slams-pcbs-odi-wc-requests-confident-of-men-in-greens-participation-610090">Ex-Pakistan player slams PCB's ODI WC requests, confident of Men in Green's participation</a></strong></p>

<p>Recalling his winning shot, the off-spinner added, "I think about it every night when I go to sleep. To be honest, what happens&nbsp;every time I see a video on social media, I think about it, what if the ball had just gripped and hit my pad? It was pretty close for comfort. I just felt that the game was meant to be finished by me. That's how I felt honestly. Terrific innings by Virat and one of the better games I've watched and been a part of."</p>

<p>Ashwin is now gearing up for India's two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island&nbsp;from next month.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Tuesday (June 27), released the full schedule for the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Rohit Sharma-led India will open their campaign on October 08, in Chennai, as they face Australia, whereas defending champions England will open their tournament by locking horns with last edition's runners-up New Zealand on October 05 in Ahmedabad.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Tuesday (June 27), released the full schedule for the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Rohit Sharma-led India will open their campaign on October 08, in Chennai, as they face Australia, whereas defending champions England will open their tournament by locking horns with last edition's runners-up New Zealand on October 05 in Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, the much-awaited India-Pakistan clash is set to take place on October 15 in Ahmedabad. The last time both sides faced each other in an ICC event was during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. Back then, Rohit & Co. emerged on top on the last ball by four wickets in a chase of 160 at the MCG, Melbourne. Opting to bowl first, India rode on Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya's three-for each to restrict Pakistan at 159 for 8. In reply, India were on the back foot and reduced to 31 for 4 before Virat Kohli's masterclass (82 not out) and Hardik Pandya's 40 (37) to chase down the target on the last delivery of the contest. With two needed off the last two balls, India lost Dinesh Karthik as R Ashwin joined Kohli in the middle. A wide from off-spinner Mohammed Nawaz led to scores being levelled before Ashwin punched one down the ground, over mid-off, for a four as India won on the last ball of the contest. Recently, the 36-year-old Ashwin recalled India's famous win over arch-rivals Pakistan and shared what advice he got from Kohli and how he won the game for his side. 'The moment Md Nawaz bowled a wide I knew I had won the contest' Speaking to ICC, Ashwin said, "Virat just gave me like seven options to play off that one ball. If only I was that capable of playing all those shots I wouldn't be batting at no. 8. I just talked to myself, I couldn't say that to him. I looked at Virat and his eyes seemed like he was possessed. I said, okay he's on another planet and let me come back to earth. The moment he bowled a wide I knew I had won the contest." "I think cricket in so many ways is going to give you a lot of messages that way. So that's where I brought my positivity from. I knew I'd won the game," stated Ashwin. Also Read: Ex-Pakistan player slams PCB's ODI WC requests, confident of Men in Green's participation Recalling his winning shot, the off-spinner added, "I think about it every night when I go to sleep. To be honest, what happens every time I see a video on social media, I think about it, what if the ball had just gripped and hit my pad? It was pretty close for comfort. I just felt that the game was meant to be finished by me. That's how I felt honestly. Terrific innings by Virat and one of the better games I've watched and been a part of." Ashwin is now gearing up for India's two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island from next month. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Virat Kohli seemed possessed: R Ashwin recalls India's last-over win vs Pakistan in 2022 T20 WC

<p>Jasprit Bumrah has been out of cricketing action since September 2022. He was part of India's home T20Is versus Australia, before the T20 World Cup, where his back injury recurred and, hence, he missed the remainder of 2022. Bumrah has missed all the cricketing series in 2023 as well and is now racing against time to recover ahead of Team India's ODI World Cup campaign, to be held in October-November this year on home soil.</p>

<p>As per a report in news agency PTI, Bumrah is recovering slowly and steadily and is now bowling seven overs per day at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Earlier, it was reported that Bumrah is eyeing to make his international comeback during India's three T20Is versus Ireland, in Dublin, in August before the Asia Cup. Nonetheless,&nbsp;nothing is known regarding the exact timeline for his comeback.</p>

<h2><strong>Bumrah is bowling seven overs per day at NCA</strong></h2>

<p>A source tracking Bumrah's development told PTI, "For an injury of this nature, it is not wise to set any timeline as constant monitoring is necessary. But it can be said that Bumrah is recovering well and he has bowled seven overs at NCA nets. It is a steady increase in his workload from the light workouts and bowling sessions of the initial period. He will play a few practice matches (at NCA) next month, and there will be a close assessment of his fitness then."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-it-be-curtains-for-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-after-2023-odi-world-cup-sourav-ganguly-shares-his-take-609569">Will it be curtains for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma after 2023 ODI World Cup? Sourav Ganguly shares his take</a></strong></p>

<p>"He should not be hurried. Playing practice matches at the NCA is a good step as it will help tune his body to the demands of a match. But he should be made to play in some actual (domestic) matches before bringing him to top level cricket. The demands of international cricket are different and the body should be absolutely ready to take that amount of workload. Recovering from stress fracture is a delicate exercise and Bumrah should be allowed maximum recovery time," he told the news agency.</p>

<p>At present, Rohit Sharma-led India have been dented with injury concerns. The likes of Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are recovering from their respective injuries. India open their campaign in the forthcoming ODI World Cup on October 08 versus Australia, in Chennai, whereas defending champions England will lock horns with New Zealand in the tournament opener in Ahmedabad on October 05.</p>

<p>India face Pakistan on October 15 in Ahmedabad whereas Mumbai and Kolkata will host the two semi-finals, respectively. Ahmedabad will host the final on November 19.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Jasprit Bumrah has been out of cricketing action since September 2022. He was part of India's home T20Is versus Australia, before the T20 World Cup, where his back injury recurred and, hence, he missed the remainder of 2022.

Jasprit Bumrah has been out of cricketing action since September 2022. He was part of India's home T20Is versus Australia, before the T20 World Cup, where his back injury recurred and, hence, he missed the remainder of 2022. Bumrah has missed all the cricketing series in 2023 as well and is now racing against time to recover ahead of Team India's ODI World Cup campaign, to be held in October-November this year on home soil. As per a report in news agency PTI, Bumrah is recovering slowly and steadily and is now bowling seven overs per day at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Earlier, it was reported that Bumrah is eyeing to make his international comeback during India's three T20Is versus Ireland, in Dublin, in August before the Asia Cup. Nonetheless, nothing is known regarding the exact timeline for his comeback. Bumrah is bowling seven overs per day at NCA A source tracking Bumrah's development told PTI, "For an injury of this nature, it is not wise to set any timeline as constant monitoring is necessary. But it can be said that Bumrah is recovering well and he has bowled seven overs at NCA nets. It is a steady increase in his workload from the light workouts and bowling sessions of the initial period. He will play a few practice matches (at NCA) next month, and there will be a close assessment of his fitness then." Also Read: Will it be curtains for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma after 2023 ODI World Cup? Sourav Ganguly shares his take "He should not be hurried. Playing practice matches at the NCA is a good step as it will help tune his body to the demands of a match. But he should be made to play in some actual (domestic) matches before bringing him to top level cricket. The demands of international cricket are different and the body should be absolutely ready to take that amount of workload. Recovering from stress fracture is a delicate exercise and Bumrah should be allowed maximum recovery time," he told the news agency. At present, Rohit Sharma-led India have been dented with injury concerns. The likes of Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are recovering from their respective injuries. India open their campaign in the forthcoming ODI World Cup on October 08 versus Australia, in Chennai, whereas defending champions England will lock horns with New Zealand in the tournament opener in Ahmedabad on October 05. India face Pakistan on October 15 in Ahmedabad whereas Mumbai and Kolkata will host the two semi-finals, respectively. Ahmedabad will host the final on November 19. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Jasprit Bumrah starts bowling as Team India pacer eyes return ahead of ODI World Cup: Report

<p>The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Tuesday (June 27), released the full schedule of the upcoming ODI World Cup, to be held in India later this year. As soon as the schedule got revealed, former cricketers and experts shared their take on it, predicted the top four, etc. Talking about Team India, the home side will kick off their campaign versus Australia, in Chennai, on October 08 with the tournament opener to be held on October 05, in Ahmedabad, between defending champions England and New Zealand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At present, India have plenty of their star cricketers recovering from injuries -- such as Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. Nonetheless, India still have a lot of firepower in their line-up with stars including captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, etc. The two-time winners will hope to get off to a fine start in the ten-team tournament and go the distance with an aim to win the ODI World Cup after 2011, when MS Dhoni-led India won the championship on home soil.</p>

<p>Rohit, at 36, and Kohli -- who is 34 -- are in the twilight of their respective careers and, thus, the 2023 ODI WC is expected to be their last in the showpiece event or overall. In this regard, it is expected that the rest of the team will gear up to give their all for the superstar duo Rohit and Kohli. Sourav Ganguly, India's former captain and BCCI President, shared his take on Rohit and Kohli's future after the schedule announcement.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-he-was-playing-wouldve-said-india-are-real-favourites-for-odi-wc-former-indian-opener-on-star-player-609533">If he was playing, would've said India are real favourites for ODI WC: Former Indian opener on star player</a></strong></p>

<p>"I don't believe too much in last time, first time. I believe in performances. I think they are 34-35, I don't know what's going to happen in the next World Cup. There are world tournaments every year - T20 cricket, 50-over cricket. It's not like as in the past when we started - one every four years and then the Champions Trophy came in. So it's about performances and I am sure Rohit as captain and Virat will be wanting to make it a big one not from a personal point of view but from winning it. I think that's the biggest," Ganguly told&nbsp;<i>Star Sports.</i></p>

<p>Rohit and Kohli have been the backbone of Team India's batting order across formats for over a decade. The two will be desperate to lead the charge once again and take India to the title later this year in the ODI WC.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Tuesday (June 27), released the full schedule of the upcoming ODI World Cup, to be held in India later this year. As soon as the schedule got revealed, former cricketers and experts shared their take on it, predicted the top four, etc.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Tuesday (June 27), released the full schedule of the upcoming ODI World Cup, to be held in India later this year. As soon as the schedule got revealed, former cricketers and experts shared their take on it, predicted the top four, etc. Talking about Team India, the home side will kick off their campaign versus Australia, in Chennai, on October 08 with the tournament opener to be held on October 05, in Ahmedabad, between defending champions England and New Zealand. At present, India have plenty of their star cricketers recovering from injuries -- such as Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. Nonetheless, India still have a lot of firepower in their line-up with stars including captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, etc. The two-time winners will hope to get off to a fine start in the ten-team tournament and go the distance with an aim to win the ODI World Cup after 2011, when MS Dhoni-led India won the championship on home soil. Rohit, at 36, and Kohli -- who is 34 -- are in the twilight of their respective careers and, thus, the 2023 ODI WC is expected to be their last in the showpiece event or overall. In this regard, it is expected that the rest of the team will gear up to give their all for the superstar duo Rohit and Kohli. Sourav Ganguly, India's former captain and BCCI President, shared his take on Rohit and Kohli's future after the schedule announcement. Also Read: If he was playing, would've said India are real favourites for ODI WC: Former Indian opener on star player "I don't believe too much in last time, first time. I believe in performances. I think they are 34-35, I don't know what's going to happen in the next World Cup. There are world tournaments every year - T20 cricket, 50-over cricket. It's not like as in the past when we started - one every four years and then the Champions Trophy came in. So it's about performances and I am sure Rohit as captain and Virat will be wanting to make it a big one not from a personal point of view but from winning it. I think that's the biggest," Ganguly told Star Sports. Rohit and Kohli have been the backbone of Team India's batting order across formats for over a decade. The two will be desperate to lead the charge once again and take India to the title later this year in the ODI WC. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Will it be curtains for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma after 2023 ODI World Cup? Sourav Ganguly shares his take

<p>On Tuesday (June 27), the International Cricket Council (ICC) released the much-awaited full schedule of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition, to be held in India in October-November. Defending champions England will open their campaign versus New Zealand whereas hosts India will face Australia, in Chennai, on October 08 in their opening encounter. After the schedule was out, former cricketers and experts opined on every team's chances and Kris Srikkanth, part of Kapil Dev-led India's 1983 ODI World Cup win, made a big statement.</p>

<p>Srikkanth believes India will miss Rishabh Pant's services, who is unlikely to regain full fitness after a horrific car accident on December 30, 2022. "We don't know the real truth about Rishabh Pant. Because Rishabh Pant, if he was playing, I would have straightaway said that India are the real favourites for the World Cup. But I think obviously, Rishabh Pant's fitness is questionable. Nobody knows how fit will he be before the World Cup. I doubt it. Many people doubt if he will play the 2023 World Cup. Otherwise, the Rishabh Pant factor would have been very crucial," said Srikkanth while speaking to India Today.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nothing-bigger-than-odi-world-cup-it-is-the-olympics-of-cricket-says-former-indian-opener-virender-sehwag-609316">Nothing bigger than ODI World Cup, it is the Olympics of cricket, says former Indian opener Virender Sehwag</a></strong></p>

<p>However, Srikkanth was quick to add that Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue have enough firepower to go the distance in the showpiece event in India. "So I believe guys like KL Rahul (who is recovering from a thigh injury) should be back in the middle order. KL Rahul has been fantastic. We have Rohit Sharma opening with Shubman Gill. Then we have Virat Kohli, who has been fantastic in this format and he has been in form. I believe India has got the capabilities of winning the World Cup," said Srikkanth.</p>

<p>At present, Indian players such as Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah are recovering from their respective injuries. While Pant is very much out of contention, as India would certainly not risk playing him soon even if he recovers fully, Rahul, Iyer and Bumrah are expected to regain fitness just before the ODI WC. In such a scenario, India will be in a tough spot as the trio won't be having enough game time heading into the World Cup.</p>

<p>India will open their campaign versus Australia, face Pakistan on October 15 in Ahmedabad, New Zealand on October 22 in Dharamshala, England on October 29 in Lucknow and South Africa on November 05 in Kolkata apart from also facing Afghanistan, Bangladesh and the other two teams from the qualifiers.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


On Tuesday (June 27), the International Cricket Council (ICC) released the much-awaited full schedule of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition, to be held in India in October-November.

On Tuesday (June 27), the International Cricket Council (ICC) released the much-awaited full schedule of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition, to be held in India in October-November. Defending champions England will open their campaign versus New Zealand whereas hosts India will face Australia, in Chennai, on October 08 in their opening encounter. After the schedule was out, former cricketers and experts opined on every team's chances and Kris Srikkanth, part of Kapil Dev-led India's 1983 ODI World Cup win, made a big statement. Srikkanth believes India will miss Rishabh Pant's services, who is unlikely to regain full fitness after a horrific car accident on December 30, 2022. "We don't know the real truth about Rishabh Pant. Because Rishabh Pant, if he was playing, I would have straightaway said that India are the real favourites for the World Cup. But I think obviously, Rishabh Pant's fitness is questionable. Nobody knows how fit will he be before the World Cup. I doubt it. Many people doubt if he will play the 2023 World Cup. Otherwise, the Rishabh Pant factor would have been very crucial," said Srikkanth while speaking to India Today. Also Read: Nothing bigger than ODI World Cup, it is the Olympics of cricket, says former Indian opener Virender Sehwag However, Srikkanth was quick to add that Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue have enough firepower to go the distance in the showpiece event in India. "So I believe guys like KL Rahul (who is recovering from a thigh injury) should be back in the middle order. KL Rahul has been fantastic. We have Rohit Sharma opening with Shubman Gill. Then we have Virat Kohli, who has been fantastic in this format and he has been in form. I believe India has got the capabilities of winning the World Cup," said Srikkanth. At present, Indian players such as Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah are recovering from their respective injuries. While Pant is very much out of contention, as India would certainly not risk playing him soon even if he recovers fully, Rahul, Iyer and Bumrah are expected to regain fitness just before the ODI WC. In such a scenario, India will be in a tough spot as the trio won't be having enough game time heading into the World Cup. India will open their campaign versus Australia, face Pakistan on October 15 in Ahmedabad, New Zealand on October 22 in Dharamshala, England on October 29 in Lucknow and South Africa on November 05 in Kolkata apart from also facing Afghanistan, Bangladesh and the other two teams from the qualifiers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

If he was playing, would've said India are real favourites for ODI WC: Former Indian opener on star player

<p>The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Tuesday (June 27), released the full schedule of the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 edition, to be held in India in October-November. Defending champions England will kick off the ten-team showpiece event by facing New Zealand in the tournament opener on October 05 in Ahmedabad, whereas hosts India will clash with Australia in their tournament opener on October 08 in Chennai. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan will lock horns at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on October 15.</p>

<p>Rohit Sharma-led India will be looking to end their ten-year-long ICC title drought with a win in the ODI World Cup. They have a herculean task as India will play all their games at nine different venues. Speaking at the launch event on Tuesday, Virender Sehwag -- former Indian opener and 2011 ODI World Cup winner -- spoke at length about the 50-over mega event and called it the 'Olympics of cricket'.</p>

<h2><strong>'Nothing bigger than the World Cup'</strong></h2>

<p>Sehwag said, "For me, the World Cup is the best moment. I have reached the final once, won it once and crashed out without qualifying. So the journey has been up and down."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-india-vs-pakistan-muttiah-muralitharan-names-the-match-he-is-looking-forward-to-in-odi-world-cup-609271">Not India vs Pakistan! Muttiah Muralitharan names the match he is looking forward to in ODI World Cup</a></strong></p>

<p>"The best were certainly 2003 and 2011, which we won. Everyone was telling us, you have to win and we were like the host nation had never won it. If you score 500-600 runs in a bilateral series, no one will remember it. But if you contribute 300 odd runs in the World Cup or pick up 10 wickets and you win the crown, that will be remembered throughout your lifetime. Dhoni's six, Kapil Dev's 175, still gives us goosebumps. There is nothing bigger than the World Cup, it is the Olympics of Cricket," he opined.</p>

<p>"Because representing India in the Olympics is a big thing, but if you win a medal there, it is widely celebrated in the country. No one might know the athlete before they go to the Olympics, but once they come back after winning, the whole country applauds them. So when we won the World Cup, the fans were on the roads celebrating," Sehwag added.</p>

<p>Sehwag was part of MS Dhoni-led India's historic triumph in the 2011 ODI WC. Back then, India defeated the likes of Australia, Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Netherlands, Ireland and Sri Lanka -- in the final -- to lift the coveted title. The former Indian opener returned with 380 runs, including a best of 175.</p>

<p>India will be eager to replicate their 2011 ODI WC success this time around as well. The semi-finals will take place in Mumbai and Kolkata whereas Ahmedabad will host the final on November 19.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Tuesday (June 27), released the full schedule of the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 edition, to be held in India in October-November.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Tuesday (June 27), released the full schedule of the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 edition, to be held in India in October-November. Defending champions England will kick off the ten-team showpiece event by facing New Zealand in the tournament opener on October 05 in Ahmedabad, whereas hosts India will clash with Australia in their tournament opener on October 08 in Chennai. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan will lock horns at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on October 15. Rohit Sharma-led India will be looking to end their ten-year-long ICC title drought with a win in the ODI World Cup. They have a herculean task as India will play all their games at nine different venues. Speaking at the launch event on Tuesday, Virender Sehwag -- former Indian opener and 2011 ODI World Cup winner -- spoke at length about the 50-over mega event and called it the 'Olympics of cricket'. 'Nothing bigger than the World Cup' Sehwag said, "For me, the World Cup is the best moment. I have reached the final once, won it once and crashed out without qualifying. So the journey has been up and down." Also Read: Not India vs Pakistan! Muttiah Muralitharan names the match he is looking forward to in ODI World Cup "The best were certainly 2003 and 2011, which we won. Everyone was telling us, you have to win and we were like the host nation had never won it. If you score 500-600 runs in a bilateral series, no one will remember it. But if you contribute 300 odd runs in the World Cup or pick up 10 wickets and you win the crown, that will be remembered throughout your lifetime. Dhoni's six, Kapil Dev's 175, still gives us goosebumps. There is nothing bigger than the World Cup, it is the Olympics of Cricket," he opined. "Because representing India in the Olympics is a big thing, but if you win a medal there, it is widely celebrated in the country. No one might know the athlete before they go to the Olympics, but once they come back after winning, the whole country applauds them. So when we won the World Cup, the fans were on the roads celebrating," Sehwag added. Sehwag was part of MS Dhoni-led India's historic triumph in the 2011 ODI WC. Back then, India defeated the likes of Australia, Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Netherlands, Ireland and Sri Lanka -- in the final -- to lift the coveted title. The former Indian opener returned with 380 runs, including a best of 175. India will be eager to replicate their 2011 ODI WC success this time around as well. The semi-finals will take place in Mumbai and Kolkata whereas Ahmedabad will host the final on November 19. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Nothing bigger than ODI World Cup, it is the Olympics of cricket, says former Indian opener Virender Sehwag

<p>The International Cricket Council, on Tuesday (June 27), announced the full schedule of the ODI World Cup 2023 edition, which will be held in India in October-November. After a long delay, the schedule was revealed and it has created a huge stir on social media platforms and in the cricketing fraternity. Defending champions England will take on the last edition's runners-up New Zealand in Ahmedabad on October 05, whereas India will open their campaign versus Australia in Chennai on October 08.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium&nbsp;in Ahmedabad. By all means, it will be the biggest clash of the World Cup. Apart from the Indo-Pak face-off, the cricketing fraternity will also await the battle between England-Australia, New Zealand-Australia, Australia-South Africa, Pakistan-Bangladesh, etc. For Muttiah Muralitharan, he is looking forward to India's face-off versus England in Lucknow on October 29.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I am looking forward to India vs England. India are one of the favourites because they are playing at home and they know how to win in India. This is going to be a very interesting match and I want to watch it,” Muralitharan was quoted as saying to Star Sports.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-would-want-to-win-2023-odi-world-cup-for-virat-kohli-says-virender-sehwag-as-icc-shares-full-schedule-609226">India would want to win 2023 ODI World Cup for Virat Kohli, says Virender Sehwag as ICC shares full schedule</a></strong></p>

<p>In the 2019 ODI World Cup, India and England locked horns at&nbsp;Edgbaston, Birmingham where Eoin Morgan &amp; Co. beat Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue by 31 runs in a high-scoring contest. The last time India co-hosted the World Cup in 2011, both sides met in a memorable game which ended in a tie. It will be interesting to see which side ends on top this time around in the upcoming edition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India will open their campaign versus England in their first warm-up game on September 30 whereas they will play Qualifier 2 in their second and last warm-up game, on October 03. The two-time winners will open their campaign in the main draw versus Australia in Chennai on October 08 and then play Afghanistan on October 11 (in New Delhi), Pakistan on October 15 (in Ahmedabad), Bangladesh in Pune on October 19, New Zealand on October 22 in Dharamshala, England on October 29 in Lucknow, Qualifier 2 on November 02 in Mumbai, South Africa on November 05 and Qualifier 1 in Bengaluru.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The International Cricket Council, on Tuesday (June 27), announced the full schedule of the ODI World Cup 2023 edition, which will be held in India in October-November.

The International Cricket Council, on Tuesday (June 27), announced the full schedule of the ODI World Cup 2023 edition, which will be held in India in October-November. After a long delay, the schedule was revealed and it has created a huge stir on social media platforms and in the cricketing fraternity. Defending champions England will take on the last edition's runners-up New Zealand in Ahmedabad on October 05, whereas India will open their campaign versus Australia in Chennai on October 08. India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. By all means, it will be the biggest clash of the World Cup. Apart from the Indo-Pak face-off, the cricketing fraternity will also await the battle between England-Australia, New Zealand-Australia, Australia-South Africa, Pakistan-Bangladesh, etc. For Muttiah Muralitharan, he is looking forward to India's face-off versus England in Lucknow on October 29. “I am looking forward to India vs England. India are one of the favourites because they are playing at home and they know how to win in India. This is going to be a very interesting match and I want to watch it,” Muralitharan was quoted as saying to Star Sports. Also Read: India would want to win 2023 ODI World Cup for Virat Kohli, says Virender Sehwag as ICC shares full schedule In the 2019 ODI World Cup, India and England locked horns at Edgbaston, Birmingham where Eoin Morgan & Co. beat Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue by 31 runs in a high-scoring contest. The last time India co-hosted the World Cup in 2011, both sides met in a memorable game which ended in a tie. It will be interesting to see which side ends on top this time around in the upcoming edition. India will open their campaign versus England in their first warm-up game on September 30 whereas they will play Qualifier 2 in their second and last warm-up game, on October 03. The two-time winners will open their campaign in the main draw versus Australia in Chennai on October 08 and then play Afghanistan on October 11 (in New Delhi), Pakistan on October 15 (in Ahmedabad), Bangladesh in Pune on October 19, New Zealand on October 22 in Dharamshala, England on October 29 in Lucknow, Qualifier 2 on November 02 in Mumbai, South Africa on November 05 and Qualifier 1 in Bengaluru. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Not India vs Pakistan! Muttiah Muralitharan names the match he is looking forward to in ODI World Cup

<p>On Tuesday (June 27), the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the much-awaited full schedule of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition, set to be held in India in October-November. India, under Rohit Sharma, will open their campaign versus Australia on October 08&nbsp;and aim to go the distance in the mega event and end their ten-year-long ICC title drought. After the schedule was announced, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag said that Team India will be eager to win it for Virat Kohli, who is in the twilight of his illustrious career.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India won the 2011 ODI World Cup, co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, under MS Dhoni. Back then, the players were motivated to give a fitting farewell to Sachin Tendulkar, who was playing his last 50-over World Cup. As the forthcoming World Cup is expected to be the last for Kohli, Sehwag feels India will be motivated to replicate the same for King Kohli.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Everybody will look to win the World Cup for Virat Kohli'</strong></h2>

<p>"We played that World Cup for Tendulkar. We won the World Cup for Sachin paaji. Virat Kohli is the same now. Everybody will look to win the World Cup for him. He always gives more than 100 per cent," Sehwag told Star Sports.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-announces-odi-wc-schedule-england-to-face-nz-in-opener-india-pakistan-in-ahmedabad-on-october-15-609132">ICC announces ODI WC schedule, England to face NZ in opener; India-Pakistan in Ahmedabad on October 15</a></strong></p>

<p>"I think Virat Kohli is also looking to this World Cup. 100,000 people will watch you at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Virat knows how the pitches will behave. I am sure he will score a lot of runs and he will do his best to win the World Cup for India," the former Indian opener added.</p>

<p>Sehwag was part of Dhoni-led India's winning run in the 2011 edition&nbsp;where the Men in Blue beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the tournament finale to win the trophy for the second time in the country's history.</p>

<p>India will lock horns with Australia in Chennai on October 08 in their tournament opener. They will play Pakistan on October 15, in Ahmedabad, whereas the tournament opener will take place between the last edition's finalists England and New Zealand on October 05&nbsp;at the same venue. The semi-finals will be hosted by Mumbai and Kolkata, respectively, whereas Ahmedabad will host the summit clash on November 19.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


On Tuesday (June 27), the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the much-awaited full schedule of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition, set to be held in India in October-November.

On Tuesday (June 27), the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the much-awaited full schedule of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition, set to be held in India in October-November. India, under Rohit Sharma, will open their campaign versus Australia on October 08 and aim to go the distance in the mega event and end their ten-year-long ICC title drought. After the schedule was announced, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag said that Team India will be eager to win it for Virat Kohli, who is in the twilight of his illustrious career. India won the 2011 ODI World Cup, co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, under MS Dhoni. Back then, the players were motivated to give a fitting farewell to Sachin Tendulkar, who was playing his last 50-over World Cup. As the forthcoming World Cup is expected to be the last for Kohli, Sehwag feels India will be motivated to replicate the same for King Kohli. 'Everybody will look to win the World Cup for Virat Kohli' "We played that World Cup for Tendulkar. We won the World Cup for Sachin paaji. Virat Kohli is the same now. Everybody will look to win the World Cup for him. He always gives more than 100 per cent," Sehwag told Star Sports. Also Read: ICC announces ODI WC schedule, England to face NZ in opener; India-Pakistan in Ahmedabad on October 15 "I think Virat Kohli is also looking to this World Cup. 100,000 people will watch you at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Virat knows how the pitches will behave. I am sure he will score a lot of runs and he will do his best to win the World Cup for India," the former Indian opener added. Sehwag was part of Dhoni-led India's winning run in the 2011 edition where the Men in Blue beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the tournament finale to win the trophy for the second time in the country's history. India will lock horns with Australia in Chennai on October 08 in their tournament opener. They will play Pakistan on October 15, in Ahmedabad, whereas the tournament opener will take place between the last edition's finalists England and New Zealand on October 05 at the same venue. The semi-finals will be hosted by Mumbai and Kolkata, respectively, whereas Ahmedabad will host the summit clash on November 19. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

India would want to win 2023 ODI World Cup for Virat Kohli, says Virender Sehwag as ICC shares full schedule

<p>On Friday (June 23), the BCCI selection committee named India's squads&nbsp;for their two-match Test series and three ODIs versus West Indies as the tour commences next month in the Caribbean. Rohit Sharma retained captaincy of the 16-man Test squad, despite criticism after India's WTC final loss, whereas Ajinkya Rahane regained the vice-captaincy post.</p>

<p>Rahane served as Virat Kohli's deputy in whites for a long time and even led the team with aplomb in his absence before losing the post in late 2021. Soon, he even lost his spot before making his comeback during the WTC finale versus Australia early this month, where he returned with a sublime 89 and 46. With injuries to Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah, Rahane once again got the vice-captaincy back and Little Master Sunil Gavaskar reacted to the same.</p>

<p>Gavaskar said there is 'nothing wrong' in Rahane regaining vice-captaincy but feels there was an opportunity lost to name a youngster as Rohit's deputy for the Windies tour. Talking to Sports Today, he said, "There is nothing wrong in having him [Ajinkya Rahane] as the vice-captain, but a missed opportunity to groom a young player. At least, tell a young player that we are looking at you as a future captain. So, he starts to think as a future leader."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-james-anderson-nathan-lyon-throw-ceremonial-pitches-during-mlb-london-game-watch-608671">Ashes 2023: James Anderson, Nathan Lyon throw ceremonial pitches during MLB London game - WATCH</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>'One is Shubman Gill and the other is....'</strong></h2>

<p>Further, Gavaskar named three youngsters who can lead India in whites going forward. "One is Shubman Gill and the other is Axar Patel [as future captains] because Axar comes in leaps and bounds, he just gets better every match. Giving him the responsibility as vice-captain will make them think. So, these are the two candidates in my view. If there are others, somebody like Ishan Kishan, once he cements his place in the team. He can come in the reckoning as well," the veteran added.</p>

<p>India's tour of West Indies kicks off on July 12, comprising two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


On Friday (June 23), the BCCI selection committee named India's squads for their two-match Test series and three ODIs versus West Indies as the tour commences next month in the Caribbean.

On Friday (June 23), the BCCI selection committee named India's squads for their two-match Test series and three ODIs versus West Indies as the tour commences next month in the Caribbean. Rohit Sharma retained captaincy of the 16-man Test squad, despite criticism after India's WTC final loss, whereas Ajinkya Rahane regained the vice-captaincy post. Rahane served as Virat Kohli's deputy in whites for a long time and even led the team with aplomb in his absence before losing the post in late 2021. Soon, he even lost his spot before making his comeback during the WTC finale versus Australia early this month, where he returned with a sublime 89 and 46. With injuries to Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah, Rahane once again got the vice-captaincy back and Little Master Sunil Gavaskar reacted to the same. Gavaskar said there is 'nothing wrong' in Rahane regaining vice-captaincy but feels there was an opportunity lost to name a youngster as Rohit's deputy for the Windies tour. Talking to Sports Today, he said, "There is nothing wrong in having him [Ajinkya Rahane] as the vice-captain, but a missed opportunity to groom a young player. At least, tell a young player that we are looking at you as a future captain. So, he starts to think as a future leader." Also Read: Ashes 2023: James Anderson, Nathan Lyon throw ceremonial pitches during MLB London game - WATCH 'One is Shubman Gill and the other is....' Further, Gavaskar named three youngsters who can lead India in whites going forward. "One is Shubman Gill and the other is Axar Patel [as future captains] because Axar comes in leaps and bounds, he just gets better every match. Giving him the responsibility as vice-captain will make them think. So, these are the two candidates in my view. If there are others, somebody like Ishan Kishan, once he cements his place in the team. He can come in the reckoning as well," the veteran added. India's tour of West Indies kicks off on July 12, comprising two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Gavaskar opines on Rahane regaining vice-captaincy, suggests three names as India's next Test skipper

<p>Virat Kohli is a modern-day legend. Debuting in international cricket in 2008, he was part of MS Dhoni-led India's victorious run in the 2011 ODI World Cup but achieved sizeable success after the mega event. From being a chubby-faced lad, he transformed himself after an ordinary run in IPL 2008 to become one of the fittest cricketers in world cricket.</p>

<p>As a result, Kohli became a run machine across formats for Team India and took charge of the national side after MS Dhoni. To date, the 34-year-old remains fit as ever as he prepares&nbsp;hard for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 at home, later this year. Recently, Ishant Sharma -- veteran India pacer and Kohli's childhood friend -- narrated an unheard tale of Kohli and even lauded him for his inspiring transformation.</p>

<p>Speaking to Ranveer Allahbadia on his YouTube channel, Ishant said that he has seen the 'party phase' and the 'tattoo phase' of his Delhi teammate Kohli. "We were playing a U-19 match in Kolkata. He was batting overnight, yet partied all night and the next day he scored 250. I have seen that phase of Kohli as well. The best thing about him, according to me, is how he changed his physical aspect, starting in 2012, after the World Cup. He was training, but because of his diet, his mental strength and cricket, in general, went to a different level," Ishant stated.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gavaskar-opines-on-rahane-regaining-vice-captaincy-suggests-three-names-as-indias-next-test-skipper-608715">Gavaskar opines on Rahane regaining vice-captaincy, suggests three names as India's next Test skipper</a></strong></p>

<p>Further, Ishant -- who was seen in action during IPL 2023 for Delhi Capitals (DC) -- revealed that he has seen Kohli eating&nbsp;<i>Chhole Bhature</i>&nbsp;(a famous Indian street food) only once or twice since 2012.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ishant, a veteran of 105 Tests, further lauded Kohli and added, "Sachin [Tendulkar] paaji used to say hope is not a word, it's a feeling. But if you speak to Virat Kohli, the word 'hope' does not exist in his dictionary. His dictionary only has 'belief'. If you have belief, you can do anything. He is so intense," the senior pacer added.</p>

<p>Kohli will next be seen in action during Rohit Sharma-led India's two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island, starting on July 12. The former Indian captain has 8,479,&nbsp;12,898 and 4,008 runs in Tests, ODIs and T20Is respectively.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli is a modern-day legend. Debuting in international cricket in 2008, he was part of MS Dhoni-led India's victorious run in the 2011 ODI World Cup but achieved sizeable success after the mega event.

Virat Kohli is a modern-day legend. Debuting in international cricket in 2008, he was part of MS Dhoni-led India's victorious run in the 2011 ODI World Cup but achieved sizeable success after the mega event. From being a chubby-faced lad, he transformed himself after an ordinary run in IPL 2008 to become one of the fittest cricketers in world cricket. As a result, Kohli became a run machine across formats for Team India and took charge of the national side after MS Dhoni. To date, the 34-year-old remains fit as ever as he prepares hard for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 at home, later this year. Recently, Ishant Sharma -- veteran India pacer and Kohli's childhood friend -- narrated an unheard tale of Kohli and even lauded him for his inspiring transformation. Speaking to Ranveer Allahbadia on his YouTube channel, Ishant said that he has seen the 'party phase' and the 'tattoo phase' of his Delhi teammate Kohli. "We were playing a U-19 match in Kolkata. He was batting overnight, yet partied all night and the next day he scored 250. I have seen that phase of Kohli as well. The best thing about him, according to me, is how he changed his physical aspect, starting in 2012, after the World Cup. He was training, but because of his diet, his mental strength and cricket, in general, went to a different level," Ishant stated. Also read: Gavaskar opines on Rahane regaining vice-captaincy, suggests three names as India's next Test skipper Further, Ishant -- who was seen in action during IPL 2023 for Delhi Capitals (DC) -- revealed that he has seen Kohli eating Chhole Bhature (a famous Indian street food) only once or twice since 2012. Ishant, a veteran of 105 Tests, further lauded Kohli and added, "Sachin [Tendulkar] paaji used to say hope is not a word, it's a feeling. But if you speak to Virat Kohli, the word 'hope' does not exist in his dictionary. His dictionary only has 'belief'. If you have belief, you can do anything. He is so intense," the senior pacer added. Kohli will next be seen in action during Rohit Sharma-led India's two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island, starting on July 12. The former Indian captain has 8,479, 12,898 and 4,008 runs in Tests, ODIs and T20Is respectively. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Partied all night and scored 250 next day: Ishant shares unheard tale of Kohli, lauds his transformation

<p>Indian cricket is not at its best at the moment. Talking about the senior men's team, they remain without an ICC title since 2013. Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. had a chance to end their trophy jinx in the recently-held WTC final versus Australia but they lost heavily by 209 runs. While team selection, injuries to key players and&nbsp;some strategies have been criticised, BCCI have also been slammed for India's busy calendar.</p>

<p>Moreover, the BCCI is yet to name the chief selector following Chetan Sharma's end of tenure in a controversial fashion early this year. At present,&nbsp;Shiv&nbsp;Sunder Das -- former Indian opener -- has been named the interim chief selector of the committee also featuring S Sharath (south), Subroto Banerjee (central) and Salil Ankola (west).&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday (June 22), BCCI invited applicants from the north zone and the selected candidate is expected to be the new chairman of selectors. From north, big names such as Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh can be included but only Sehwag makes the cut as per his retirement year (2012). As per reports, he had been approached for the post but the former Indian batter was set to reject it citing salary issue.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virender-sehwag-eligible-to-become-chief-selector-unlikely-to-apply-due-to-this-reason-reports-607371">Virender Sehwag eligible to become chief selector, unlikely to apply due to THIS reason - Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>As per a&nbsp;TOI report, Sehwag was asked to comment on the speculations of being offered the top post. To this, the legendary cricketer replied saying "No". It is to be noted that a chief selector gets a salary of INR 1 crore (10 million) from the BCCI but since Sehwag earns a handsome amount being an analyst on various platforms, through promotional activities and his business, he is most likely to stay away from the high-pressure job.</p>

<p>BCCI's&nbsp;search for a right candidate for the top post continues with the ICC ODI World Cup set to start in October-November in India this year.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Indian cricket is not at its best at the moment. Talking about the senior men's team, they remain without an ICC title since 2013. Rohit Sharma & Co. had a chance to end their trophy jinx in the recently-held WTC final versus Australia but they lost heavily by 209 runs.

Indian cricket is not at its best at the moment. Talking about the senior men's team, they remain without an ICC title since 2013. Rohit Sharma & Co. had a chance to end their trophy jinx in the recently-held WTC final versus Australia but they lost heavily by 209 runs. While team selection, injuries to key players and some strategies have been criticised, BCCI have also been slammed for India's busy calendar. Moreover, the BCCI is yet to name the chief selector following Chetan Sharma's end of tenure in a controversial fashion early this year. At present, Shiv Sunder Das -- former Indian opener -- has been named the interim chief selector of the committee also featuring S Sharath (south), Subroto Banerjee (central) and Salil Ankola (west). On Thursday (June 22), BCCI invited applicants from the north zone and the selected candidate is expected to be the new chairman of selectors. From north, big names such as Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh can be included but only Sehwag makes the cut as per his retirement year (2012). As per reports, he had been approached for the post but the former Indian batter was set to reject it citing salary issue. Also Read: Virender Sehwag eligible to become chief selector, unlikely to apply due to THIS reason - Reports As per a TOI report, Sehwag was asked to comment on the speculations of being offered the top post. To this, the legendary cricketer replied saying "No". It is to be noted that a chief selector gets a salary of INR 1 crore (10 million) from the BCCI but since Sehwag earns a handsome amount being an analyst on various platforms, through promotional activities and his business, he is most likely to stay away from the high-pressure job. BCCI's search for a right candidate for the top post continues with the ICC ODI World Cup set to start in October-November in India this year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag reacts to rumours of being approached for chief selector’s post

<p>Truly, Cheteshwar Pujara remains the last of the Test specialists in the modern era where batters do not hesitate to go bang-bang from the word go. In an&nbsp;era with unparallel demand&nbsp;for&nbsp;quick scoring, be it any format, Pujara remains one from the old school of cricket,&nbsp;making his presence more significant in the longer version of the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nonetheless, whenever questions have been raised on India's famed batters' struggle for form, Pujara has been an easy target for critics. Call it his defensive approach, fitness issues, strike-rate woes (yes, even that is taken into account in red-ball cricket in modern times) or his stature being less than big-ticket players such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the Saurashtra-born batter has more often than not paid the price.</p>

<p>However, Pujara also enjoyed a lengthy rope in India's Test squad despite dwindling returns since his standout performances in the 2018/19 series against hosts Australia. Since India's first-ever Test series win in Australia, where Pujara ended with 521 runs, including three hundreds, the right-hander has struggled for consistency. He has added only one more three-figure knock under his belt, which came last December in Bangladesh (102 not out).</p>

<p>Pujara has only struck 15 fifties, in 62 innings,&nbsp;since the 2018-19 Australia tour. Thus, a long run of below-par performances have hogged his esteemed Test career. India have been unlucky to witness the fall of Rahane, Kohli, and Pujara at the same time. But, the axe has only fallen on Rahane and Pujara. Interestingly,&nbsp;the latter was offered a central contract for October-September 2022-23, while Rahane wasn't. But Rahane will board India's flight for the West Indies, where they play two Tests starting on July 12, whereas Pujara has been dropped after the squad was announced on Friday (June 23).</p>

<p>In the 16-member squad, the BCCI selectors backed a plethora of youngsters, such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, and Ishan Kishan.&nbsp;Thus, the transition period has certainly kicked off in India's Test line-up after the WTC final post-mortem (where India lost the Test mace to Australia by 209 runs earlier&nbsp;this month in London).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-retains-captaincy-as-bcci-names-india-test-squad-for-wi-tour-pujara-dropped-jaiswal-ruturaj-included-607800">Rohit retains captaincy as BCCI names India Test squad for WI tour, Pujara dropped; Jaiswal, Ruturaj included</a></strong></p>

<p>Unsurprisingly, Pujara has been the first victim among batters as his twin failures in the WTC summit clash (with scores of 14 and 27) intensified his omission&nbsp;talks. We are in an era in world cricket where England's Bazball is headlining the format. Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum-led England have adopted a fearless approach, batting&nbsp;at over 4.5 runs per over (RPO), and coming up with funky field sets. With India losing the WTC final twice in a row, tough decisions were set to be made. In this aspect, Pujara's slow-burn approach has been overlooked.</p>

<p>Pujara's approach has resulted in many hard-fought and dominating wins for Team India in whites since his debut in 2010. He has stood rock solid and bailed India out of the crisis by taking body blows, concentrating hard on each ball, and trusting his defence. However, his methods have been proven outdated with the rise of young blokes (Jaiswal, Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, etc.). Pujara has never been the quickest between wickets. Age is also not on his side&nbsp;(he is 35). On the other hand,&nbsp;Rahane's 89 and 46 and Kohli's 49 (not that his place will&nbsp;ever come under the scanner) in the WTC final coincided with&nbsp;his flop show,&nbsp;leading to his exit.</p>

<p>It is to be noted that&nbsp;Pujara's numbers versus spin aren't encouraging. He has never been comfortable against the moving deliveries but&nbsp;has also been dismissed by spinners on 19 occasions since 2019 (scoring 910 at a decent 47.89). He averaged over 70 (71.51) versus the spin bowlers from 2010-2018. One might say it is a lost battle now. However, never say never. Rahane wasn't even in India's WTC final scheme of things till Shreyas Iyer got injured. Now, he has regained the vice-captaincy tag for the West Indies series.</p>

<p>Overall, Pujara's road ahead looks extremely tough. As per reports in the Times of India, he is set to feature in this year's Duleep Trophy. His appetite for runs, hunger for batting, and love for Test cricket is second to none. Thus, Pujara's days are not over yet. He is a fighter by all means. The right-hander won't back down so easily. Nonetheless, his current omission looks like a start towards the future.&nbsp;Given his below-par returns since 2019, playing style, and fitness, it does seem&nbsp;to be the right call.</p>

<p>Thus,&nbsp;the phasing out of seniors has begun with Pujara's ouster. India will kick off their all-format tour of the West Indies on July 12. They play two Tests, on July 12 and July 20.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>TEST Squad:</strong>&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (Capt), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R Ashwin,&nbsp;R Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Truly, Cheteshwar Pujara remains the last of the Test specialists in the modern era where batters do not hesitate to go bang-bang from the word go. In an era with unparallel demand for quick scoring, be it any format, Pujara remains one from the old school of cricket, making his presence more significant in the longer version of the game.

Truly, Cheteshwar Pujara remains the last of the Test specialists in the modern era where batters do not hesitate to go bang-bang from the word go. In an era with unparallel demand for quick scoring, be it any format, Pujara remains one from the old school of cricket, making his presence more significant in the longer version of the game. Nonetheless, whenever questions have been raised on India's famed batters' struggle for form, Pujara has been an easy target for critics. Call it his defensive approach, fitness issues, strike-rate woes (yes, even that is taken into account in red-ball cricket in modern times) or his stature being less than big-ticket players such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the Saurashtra-born batter has more often than not paid the price. However, Pujara also enjoyed a lengthy rope in India's Test squad despite dwindling returns since his standout performances in the 2018/19 series against hosts Australia. Since India's first-ever Test series win in Australia, where Pujara ended with 521 runs, including three hundreds, the right-hander has struggled for consistency. He has added only one more three-figure knock under his belt, which came last December in Bangladesh (102 not out). Pujara has only struck 15 fifties, in 62 innings, since the 2018-19 Australia tour. Thus, a long run of below-par performances have hogged his esteemed Test career. India have been unlucky to witness the fall of Rahane, Kohli, and Pujara at the same time. But, the axe has only fallen on Rahane and Pujara. Interestingly, the latter was offered a central contract for October-September 2022-23, while Rahane wasn't. But Rahane will board India's flight for the West Indies, where they play two Tests starting on July 12, whereas Pujara has been dropped after the squad was announced on Friday (June 23). In the 16-member squad, the BCCI selectors backed a plethora of youngsters, such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, and Ishan Kishan. Thus, the transition period has certainly kicked off in India's Test line-up after the WTC final post-mortem (where India lost the Test mace to Australia by 209 runs earlier this month in London). Also Read: Rohit retains captaincy as BCCI names India Test squad for WI tour, Pujara dropped; Jaiswal, Ruturaj included Unsurprisingly, Pujara has been the first victim among batters as his twin failures in the WTC summit clash (with scores of 14 and 27) intensified his omission talks. We are in an era in world cricket where England's Bazball is headlining the format. Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum-led England have adopted a fearless approach, batting at over 4.5 runs per over (RPO), and coming up with funky field sets. With India losing the WTC final twice in a row, tough decisions were set to be made. In this aspect, Pujara's slow-burn approach has been overlooked. Pujara's approach has resulted in many hard-fought and dominating wins for Team India in whites since his debut in 2010. He has stood rock solid and bailed India out of the crisis by taking body blows, concentrating hard on each ball, and trusting his defence. However, his methods have been proven outdated with the rise of young blokes (Jaiswal, Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, etc.). Pujara has never been the quickest between wickets. Age is also not on his side (he is 35). On the other hand, Rahane's 89 and 46 and Kohli's 49 (not that his place will ever come under the scanner) in the WTC final coincided with his flop show, leading to his exit. It is to be noted that Pujara's numbers versus spin aren't encouraging. He has never been comfortable against the moving deliveries but has also been dismissed by spinners on 19 occasions since 2019 (scoring 910 at a decent 47.89). He averaged over 70 (71.51) versus the spin bowlers from 2010-2018. One might say it is a lost battle now. However, never say never. Rahane wasn't even in India's WTC final scheme of things till Shreyas Iyer got injured. Now, he has regained the vice-captaincy tag for the West Indies series. Overall, Pujara's road ahead looks extremely tough. As per reports in the Times of India, he is set to feature in this year's Duleep Trophy. His appetite for runs, hunger for batting, and love for Test cricket is second to none. Thus, Pujara's days are not over yet. He is a fighter by all means. The right-hander won't back down so easily. Nonetheless, his current omission looks like a start towards the future. Given his below-par returns since 2019, playing style, and fitness, it does seem to be the right call. Thus, the phasing out of seniors has begun with Pujara's ouster. India will kick off their all-format tour of the West Indies on July 12. They play two Tests, on July 12 and July 20. TEST Squad: Rohit Sharma (Capt), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Explained: India tour of WI | Sympathies with Cheteshwar Pujara but the right call made

<p>On Friday afternoon (June 23), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India's 16-man squad for their upcoming two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island, starting on July 12. Despite criticism for his captaincy after India's WTC final loss to Australia, Rohit Sharma has retained the top job with Ajinkya Rahane being named his deputy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, it was expected that the axe would fall on senior players after the WTC final loss. And the same has happened. Cheteshwar Pujara, India's No. 3, has been dropped, along with&nbsp;a plethora of young players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, etc. being included. Mohammed Shami's name is also missing from the squad. The veteran is expected to have been given rest but the same might not be the case for Pujara, who struggled for runs in the WTC finale (with poor returns of 14 and 27).</p>

<p>Navdeep Saini has been roped in as well along with Jaydev Unadkat retaining his place. Umesh Yadav, meanwhile, didn't find a spot. Mohammed Siraj will be expected to spearhead the pace attack.&nbsp;The likes of Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja are part of the all-rounder's department.</p>

<p>Both KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan are the wicketkeeper-batters in the 16-member squad. The first Test kicks off on July 12 at Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica, followed by the series decider at the&nbsp;Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad.</p>

<p><strong>TEST Squad:</strong>&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (Capt), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R Ashwin,&nbsp;R Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


On Friday afternoon (June 23), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India's 16-man squad for their upcoming two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island, starting on July 12.

On Friday afternoon (June 23), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India's 16-man squad for their upcoming two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island, starting on July 12. Despite criticism for his captaincy after India's WTC final loss to Australia, Rohit Sharma has retained the top job with Ajinkya Rahane being named his deputy. Meanwhile, it was expected that the axe would fall on senior players after the WTC final loss. And the same has happened. Cheteshwar Pujara, India's No. 3, has been dropped, along with a plethora of young players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, etc. being included. Mohammed Shami's name is also missing from the squad. The veteran is expected to have been given rest but the same might not be the case for Pujara, who struggled for runs in the WTC finale (with poor returns of 14 and 27). Navdeep Saini has been roped in as well along with Jaydev Unadkat retaining his place. Umesh Yadav, meanwhile, didn't find a spot. Mohammed Siraj will be expected to spearhead the pace attack. The likes of Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja are part of the all-rounder's department. Both KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan are the wicketkeeper-batters in the 16-member squad. The first Test kicks off on July 12 at Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica, followed by the series decider at the Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad. TEST Squad: Rohit Sharma (Capt), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Rohit retains captaincy as BCCI names India Test squad for WI tour, Pujara dropped; Jaiswal, Ruturaj included

<p>R Ashwin's omission from India's playing XI for the recently-held WTC final versus Australia created a huge stir on social media platforms and within the cricketing fraternity. As a result, India finished second by a huge margin, losing the coveted Test mace to Australia by 209 runs at The Oval, London.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With India missing out on winning yet another ICC title, since 2013, fans showed their frustration on the Indian players and called for the omission of some senior members. Recently, Ashwin reacted to Indian fans' outbursts while mentioning about MS Dhoni's leadership and the success India achieved under him.</p>

<p>On his Youtube channel, Ashwin began by congratulating Australia and said,&nbsp;"Congratulations Australia! It was a fantastic final and they completely deserve the win. There was a small advantage although as few players like Marnus Labuschagne played a couple of matches in county cricket. That was a small one because in a one-Test shootout you can't really say who will do what, but they thoroughly deserved it. Even in the last WTC cycle, they missed qualifying for the finals only by a whisker. They have been a consistent Test team like India."</p>

<h2><strong>'Under MS Dhoni,&nbsp;same squad of 15 and the XI will play throughput the year'</strong></h2>

<p>The veteran off-spinner highlighted Dhoni's significance as a leader and mentioned an important aspect. “It is understandable that there's a furore in India that we haven't won an ICC trophy in 10 years. I empathise with the fans. But the reaction on social media is that this player should be dropped and that player should be included. But quality of a player doesn't change overnight. Lot of us talk about MS Dhoni's leadership. What did he do? Ge kept it very simple. Under his regime, where I also played, he will pick a squad of 15. The same squad of 15 and the XI will play throughput the year. That sense of security is very important for a player,” Ashwin pointed out.</p>

<p>Under Dhoni, India won all ICC titles along with winning the Test mace.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-indian-opener-virender-sehwag-reacts-to-rumours-of-being-approached-for-chief-selectors-post-607724">Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag reacts to rumours of being approached for chief selector’s post</a></strong></p>

<p>This is not the first time when Ashwin emphasised&nbsp;on the need for sense of security among players within the dressing room. Soon after he returned to the country after WTC final snub, Ashwin talked about the "overthinker" name tag attached to him and reasoned out&nbsp;that it was&nbsp;natural for him to be "traumatised" and "overthink" knowing he has limited chances compared to a player assured of a longer run.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In&nbsp;an interaction with Indian Express, the 36-year-old Ashwin stated,&nbsp;"A lot of people marketed me and positioned me that I am an overthinker. A person who will get 15-20 matches on the go doesn’t have to be mentally overthinking. A person who knows that they will get only two games will be traumatised and will be overthinking because it’s my job. It’s my journey. So this is what suits me. If somebody is going to tell me, ‘you’re going to play 15 matches, you will be looked after, you will be this, you are responsible for players, you are in the leadership role, I won’t be overthinking. Why would I?"</p>

<p>Ashwin will now gear up for India's two-match Test series versus hosts West Indies, which will kick off Rohit &amp; Co.'s run in WTC 2023-25 cycle, starting on July 12.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


R Ashwin's omission from India's playing XI for the recently-held WTC final versus Australia created a huge stir on social media platforms and within the cricketing fraternity.

R Ashwin's omission from India's playing XI for the recently-held WTC final versus Australia created a huge stir on social media platforms and within the cricketing fraternity. As a result, India finished second by a huge margin, losing the coveted Test mace to Australia by 209 runs at The Oval, London. With India missing out on winning yet another ICC title, since 2013, fans showed their frustration on the Indian players and called for the omission of some senior members. Recently, Ashwin reacted to Indian fans' outbursts while mentioning about MS Dhoni's leadership and the success India achieved under him. On his Youtube channel, Ashwin began by congratulating Australia and said, "Congratulations Australia! It was a fantastic final and they completely deserve the win. There was a small advantage although as few players like Marnus Labuschagne played a couple of matches in county cricket. That was a small one because in a one-Test shootout you can't really say who will do what, but they thoroughly deserved it. Even in the last WTC cycle, they missed qualifying for the finals only by a whisker. They have been a consistent Test team like India." 'Under MS Dhoni, same squad of 15 and the XI will play throughput the year' The veteran off-spinner highlighted Dhoni's significance as a leader and mentioned an important aspect. “It is understandable that there's a furore in India that we haven't won an ICC trophy in 10 years. I empathise with the fans. But the reaction on social media is that this player should be dropped and that player should be included. But quality of a player doesn't change overnight. Lot of us talk about MS Dhoni's leadership. What did he do? Ge kept it very simple. Under his regime, where I also played, he will pick a squad of 15. The same squad of 15 and the XI will play throughput the year. That sense of security is very important for a player,” Ashwin pointed out. Under Dhoni, India won all ICC titles along with winning the Test mace. Also Read: Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag reacts to rumours of being approached for chief selector’s post This is not the first time when Ashwin emphasised on the need for sense of security among players within the dressing room. Soon after he returned to the country after WTC final snub, Ashwin talked about the "overthinker" name tag attached to him and reasoned out that it was natural for him to be "traumatised" and "overthink" knowing he has limited chances compared to a player assured of a longer run. In an interaction with Indian Express, the 36-year-old Ashwin stated, "A lot of people marketed me and positioned me that I am an overthinker. A person who will get 15-20 matches on the go doesn’t have to be mentally overthinking. A person who knows that they will get only two games will be traumatised and will be overthinking because it’s my job. It’s my journey. So this is what suits me. If somebody is going to tell me, ‘you’re going to play 15 matches, you will be looked after, you will be this, you are responsible for players, you are in the leadership role, I won’t be overthinking. Why would I?" Ashwin will now gear up for India's two-match Test series versus hosts West Indies, which will kick off Rohit & Co.'s run in WTC 2023-25 cycle, starting on July 12. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

R Ashwin credits MS Dhoni for creating 'sense of security' in Team India after WTC final snub

team-india

Team India, News on Team India, stories on Team India, articles on Team India, Team India stories at Wion, Team India news, Team India latest news

team india