Gill, SKY Shine as India's Batters Hit Top Gear in 2nd Practice Session

Key Takeaways from the Second Practice Session:

• Focus on Power-Hitting: The second practice session was dominated by the top-order batters, who focused heavily on aggressive, aerial shots. Players like Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rinku Singh spent significant time in the nets practicing big-hitting.

• Abhishek Sharma Impresses: Young opener Abhishek Sharma was a standout, clearing the boundary with remarkable ease and consistency. His performance has reportedly strengthened his case for being Shubman Gill's opening partner.

• Bumrah's Return: Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who is returning to T20 internationals, bowled long spells, particularly to Gill, as he gets back into the groove.

• Wicketkeeper Contention: The competition for the wicketkeeper spot is heating up. Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma are the two wicketkeeper-batters in the squad, and their performances in the practice sessions are being closely monitored. Samson was seen having a prolonged knocking session with the batting coach and later hitting big shots in the nets, while Jitesh also had a dedicated keeping workout.

• Tactical Discussions: 

• Head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Suryakumar Yadav, and vice-captain Shubman Gill were seen in discussions, indicating they are fine-tuning their tactical approach.
  

Probable Playing XI:

While there is no official confirmation on the playing XI for the first match, the practice sessions and recent form give some clues. The final selection will likely depend on the team management's strategy and the conditions of the pitch.

A potential playing XI could look something like this:

• Openers: Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma (given his impressive practice session performance).

• Middle Order: Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), and Rinku Singh.

• All-rounders: Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.

• Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.

• Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.

• Wicketkeeper: The choice between Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma remains a key point of discussion.

India's first match is against the UAE on September 10th. The team's aggressive batting approach in practice suggests they are ready to go all out in their title defense.

India First Training Session Before All Important Update

India Kicks Off Asia Cup 2025 Preparations with First Training Session in Dubai

The Indian cricket team, the defending champions, has officially begun its final phase of preparation for the Asia Cup 2025 with a full-fledged practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai. This marks the team's first collective training session since the conclusion of the Test series in England last month.

Unlike previous tournaments, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opted to skip a preparatory camp in India, instead asking players to assemble directly in Dubai for an extended run of practice sessions to acclimatize to the local conditions ahead of their campaign opener.

Key Highlights from the First Training Session:

• Star Players in Attendance: The session saw the participation of key players, including captain Suryakumar Yadav, vice-captain Shubman Gill, and pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who is making his return to T20Is after a break. Other notable players who had extended batting stints in the nets included Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Abhishek Sharma.

• Bumrah's Return: All eyes were on Jasprit Bumrah as he re-joined the squad. His last T20I appearance was in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. His return to the T20I setup after a 40-day break was keenly observed by the team management and media.

• New Look, New Era: All-rounder Hardik Pandya sported a new blonde hairdo, while the team's jerseys were notably without a lead sponsor, following the end of their association with Dream11. This marks a fresh visual start for the team as they begin their journey under head coach Gautam Gambhir, who was also present at the session.

• Focus on Acclimatization: The decision to arrive early in Dubai underscores the team's focus on adapting to the climate and playing conditions in the UAE before the tournament officially starts.

• Tournament Schedule: India's campaign in the Asia Cup begins on September 10 against hosts UAE in Dubai. They will then face arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14, followed by a match against Oman on September 19.

Cricket 360 (All Cricket Related Latest News)

Here are some of the latest cricket news updates:

Match Results

• South Africa vs England (2nd ODI): South Africa beat England by 5 runs in the second ODI at Lord's, London.

• Pakistan vs UAE (T20I Tri-Series): Pakistan defeated the United Arab Emirates by 31 runs in the T20I Tri-Series in the UAE.
  

• Scotland vs Namibia (ICC CWC League 2): Scotland won by 55 runs against Namibia in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2.
• Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe (T20I): Sri Lanka won the first T20I against Zimbabwe by 4 wickets.

• Upcoming Matches and Series

• T20I Tri-Series in UAE: Afghanistan is set to play against the UAE on September 5, 2025.

• South Africa tour of England: The final ODI of the series will be played on September 7, 2025.

• Asia Cup 2025: The tournament is scheduled to begin on September 9, 2025.

• The Ashes 2025-26: The highly anticipated series between Australia and England is set to begin on November 21, 2025.

Player and Team News

• BCCI Title Sponsorship: The BCCI has invited bids for the title sponsorship of the Indian cricket team after Dream11's withdrawal. The board has placed restrictions on companies involved in real money gaming and cryptocurrency.

• Pat Cummins Injury: Australian Test captain Pat Cummins is battling a back injury and will miss the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand and India. He remains optimistic about being fit for the Ashes series.

• Rishabh Pant Injury: Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is recovering from a toe fracture he sustained in July. The injury has ruled him out of the Asia Cup 2025.

• Ruturaj Gaikwad Return: Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was sidelined with an elbow injury, has made a strong comeback in domestic cricket, scoring two consecutive centuries in the Duleep Trophy.

• Player Retirements/Absence: Mitchell Starc has ended his T20 international career to focus on Tests and ODIs. Aakash Chopra has questioned the decisions of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to retire from Test and T20I cricket while continuing to play ODIs.

• Test Cricket Reforms: Former England captains Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan have called on the ICC to introduce reforms to Test cricket, including more flexible new-ball rules and the allowance of substitutions for non-concussion injuries.

The Rise of the Underdogs: How Afghanistan Became Asia's Second-Best Cricket Team

While Afghanistan's recent performance has been remarkable, the statement that they are the "2nd best team in Asia" is a bold one and depends on the format and the specific criteria being used. It's more accurate to say they have established themselves as a major force and a serious contender, and have recently outperformed other traditional powerhouses.

Here's a breakdown of their recent rise and a comparison with other major Asian teams:

Afghanistan's Recent Performance and Stats

• 2023 ODI World Cup: This was a significant turning point for Afghanistan. They won four out of their nine matches, a massive improvement from their previous World Cup campaigns.

  • Notable Victories: They defeated three full-member nations: England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

  • Final Standing: They finished 6th, just behind Pakistan on Net Run Rate, and ahead of England, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. This performance showcased their ability to compete with and beat top-tier teams.

• 2024 T20 World Cup: This was arguably their most impressive performance to date.

  • Semi-Finalists: They reached the semi-finals, a historic achievement for the team.

  • Notable Victories: They defeated powerhouses like New Zealand and Australia, demonstrating their immense progress in the T20 format. Pakistan and Sri Lanka, in contrast, failed to qualify for the Super Eights.

• T20 Tri-Series (Ongoing in 2025): Afghanistan has continued to show strong form in this format, including a recent victory over Pakistan. This further solidifies their position as a top-tier T20 side in Asia.

Comparison with Other Asian Teams

• India: India is widely considered the undisputed number one team in Asia across all formats. Their deep talent pool, consistent performance in ICC tournaments (as champions or finalists), and high rankings (No. 1 in T20I and Test rankings as of mid-2025) put them in a class of their own.

• Pakistan: Pakistan has a long and storied history in cricket, but their recent form has been inconsistent, particularly in white-ball cricket. While they finished ahead of Afghanistan on Net Run Rate in the 2023 ODI World Cup, their failure to make the Super Eights in the 2024 T20 World Cup and recent losses to Afghanistan highlight a period of transition and struggle.

• Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka's performance has been inconsistent. While they have had some success, like winning the Asia Cup in 2022, they finished behind Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

• Bangladesh: Bangladesh has also seen a decline in recent years, finishing 8th in the 2023 ODI World Cup and struggling in other recent tournaments.

ICC Rankings

It's important to note that global ICC rankings don't always fully reflect recent form and can sometimes lag behind. As of August 2025, Afghanistan's rankings are:

• ODI Ranking: 7th

• T20I Ranking: 9th

• Test Ranking: 11th

While these rankings don't place them as the clear second-best in Asia, their recent tournament results against top teams and head-to-head victories against their rivals are a stronger indicator of their current standing and have led many to consider them Asia's second-best team, particularly in white-ball formats.

Conclusion

Based on recent tournament results, particularly their semi-final run in the 2024 T20 World Cup and their strong performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Afghanistan has a very strong case for being considered the second-best team in Asia in white-ball cricket. They have shown remarkable growth, talent, and a winning mentality that has allowed them to consistently outperform and defeat traditional powerhouses like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. While India remains the top team by a considerable margin, Afghanistan's rise is one of the most compelling stories in modern cricket.

 

The Numbers Don't Lie: Why Aakash Chopra Believes This Wicketkeeper is India's 'No. 1' for the T20 World Cup

The Numbers Don't Lie: Why Aakash Chopra Believes This Wicketkeeper is India's 'No. 1' for the T20 World Cup

 Aakash Chopra's recent video analysis, there's a significant debate surrounding India's wicketkeeper for upcoming tournaments, including the 2026 T20 World Cup. His analysis, often shared on his YouTube channel, focuses on the performance and role of different players, particularly Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson.

Here's a summary of his key points for a blog post:

Aakash Chopra's Analysis of India's T20 Wicketkeeper Debate

1. The Central Question:

• Chopra's analysis highlights the dilemma for the Indian team management: who is the best wicketkeeper-batsman to play in the middle-order (Nos. 4-7)?

• He argues that with players like Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma likely to open, the wicketkeeper's role is to be a finisher, not a top-order batter.

2. Jitesh Sharma as the Top Contender:

• Chopra strongly backs Jitesh Sharma, stating that his numbers in the middle-order are the best among all contenders.

• He points out that Jitesh has a strike rate of 166 and an average of 28 when batting from Nos. 4-7, making him the only batter with a strike rate above 150 in that position.

• Jitesh's strong performance in the recent IPL, where he was a key finisher for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has significantly strengthened his case.

3. The Case of Sanju Samson:

• While Chopra acknowledges Sanju Samson's impressive record, he raises a "red flag" about his suitability for the middle-order role.

• He notes that Samson's numbers are excellent when he bats in the top three (over 6,000 runs at a strike rate of 140 and average of 33).

• However, Chopra questions whether Samson can replicate that success as a finisher, which is the role India needs to fill.

• The selection of Shubman Gill as vice-captain also casts a shadow on Samson's role as an opener, potentially pushing him out of the playing XI if the team prioritizes a different combination.

4. Other Options (Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel):

• Chopra mentions that Rishabh Pant, despite being part of the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team, is not currently a major part of the conversation for the wicketkeeper's role in the T20 format.

• He also discusses Dhruv Jurel, who is currently on the standby list for the Asia Cup. Chopra sees Jurel as a "work in progress" with a decent, but not stellar, strike rate of 144 in the middle order. He believes Jurel has a lot of potential but is not yet the finished product.

5. Conclusion:

• Aakash Chopra concludes that, based on the numbers and the role required by the team, Jitesh Sharma is the most logical choice for India's first-choice wicketkeeper.

• He believes that Jitesh's performance as a finisher makes him stand out, and he is likely to be a part of the playing XI in the upcoming Asia Cup.

For a blog post, you could structure it as follows:

• Catchy Headline: "Is Jitesh Sharma India's Wicketkeeper for the 2026 T20 WC? Aakash Chopra's Shocking Verdict!"

• Introduction: Briefly introduce the ongoing debate and Aakash Chopra's reputation as a cricket analyst. Mention that his recent video analysis has provided a clear front-runner.

• The Contenders: Have a section for each player (Jitesh, Samson, etc.) and detail Chopra's analysis for each. Use bullet points to highlight key stats and arguments.

• The Verdict: Dedicate a section to Chopra's final conclusion and the reasoning behind it.

• Conclusion/Your Take: End the blog post with a summary of the analysis and your own perspective on the debate, inviting readers to comment with their thoughts

Virat, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill & Jasprit Bumrah Bronco Fitness Tests Result

Based on recent reports, several key Indian cricketers, including Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Prasidh Krishna, have undergone the newly implemented Bronco test as part of their fitness assessments. While exact, individual scores are not publicly available for all players, some details have been reported.

The Bronco Test Explained 🏃‍♂️

The Bronco test is a continuous shuttle-running drill adopted from rugby. It's a grueling test of a player's aerobic endurance and speed. The test involves:

• Running shuttles of 20m, 40m, and 60m.

• Repeating this sequence five times.

• Covering a total distance of 1,200 meters (1.2 km) without rest.

The goal is to complete the test in the shortest time possible. The benchmark for top-level Indian cricketers is reportedly set at around six minutes.

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Reported Player Results

• Rohit Sharma: Reports indicate that Rohit Sharma cleared his fitness tests, including the Bronco test, with ease. He is said to be in great shape despite a break from competitive cricket.

• Shubman Gill: While specific scores for Gill have not been released, he is mentioned as one of the players who cleared his assessments without any issues. Experts have also suggested that his training methods make him well-suited to ace the Bronco test.

• Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah, along with other key players, has cleared his fitness assessments. His fitness is being carefully managed, especially as he is a part of the team's upcoming Asia Cup squad.

• Prasidh Krishna: Prasidh Krishna has been singled out as a standout performer. Reports suggest that his fitness scores were very impressive, even surpassing those of established fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

This new fitness benchmark is a way for the BCCI to ensure that centrally contracted players, especially fast bowlers who often struggle with injuries, maintain a high level of endurance and are capable of withstanding the physical demands.

"Slapgate’ IPL 2008: Harbhajan Slaps Sreesanth, Lalit Modi Releases Video"

Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has recently brought the infamous 2008 'slapgate' incident involving Harbhajan Singh and S. Sreesanth back into the public eye. During an appearance on Michael Clarke's "Beyond23 Cricket Podcast," Modi claimed to have an unseen video of the altercation, which occurred during the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Here is a summary of the complete news surrounding the incident:

The Original Incident (2008 IPL)

• The altercation took place during a match between Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Mumbai Indians in Mohali.

• After Kings XI Punjab's victory, players from both teams were exchanging handshakes.

• During this, Mumbai Indians' stand-in captain, Harbhajan Singh, allegedly slapped Sreesanth, who was playing for Kings XI Punjab.

• Sreesanth was later seen on television crying inconsolably, being comforted by his teammates.

• The exact trigger for the fight was never officially confirmed, but reports at the time suggested Sreesanth may have provoked Harbhajan with some on-field remarks.

• As a result of the incident, Harbhajan was suspended for the remainder of the season and fined.

Lalit Modi's Recent Revelation (2025)

• Lalit Modi, who was the chairman of the IPL at the time, has stated that he possesses a video of the incident that was not shown on television.

• According to Modi, the television cameras were turned off after the match, but his personal security camera captured the moment.

• In the podcast, Modi described the footage, stating that as the players were shaking hands, Harbhajan "just looked at Sreesanth, said something, and gave him a backhander."

• Modi said that he had kept the video private for almost two decades.

Reactions and Fallout

• The resurfacing of this old controversy has drawn strong reactions.

• Sreesanth's wife, Bhuvaneshwari, issued a strong statement on social media, condemning Modi and Clarke for bringing up the old incident for "cheap publicity." She said that both players have moved on and are now fathers, and that the incident's re-emergence is traumatic for their families and children.

• She also claimed that the podcast's page deleted her comments, and that the move was "disgusting, heartless, and inhuman."

• Sreesanth and Harbhajan have long since reconciled and have even played together on the same teams for India. Harbhajan has publicly expressed regret about the incident on multiple occasions, calling it one of the biggest regrets of his life.

Asia cup 2025 All Team Key Players To Watch Out Details Analysis

As of late August 2025, the Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to be held in the T20I format in the United Arab Emirates. The tournament is set to feature eight teams: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the UAE.

Here is an analysis of key players to watch out for from each team, based on recent form and historical performance in the T20 format:

India

India enters the tournament as defending champions and the most successful team in Asia Cup history. They have a strong squad, even with some notable absences like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

• Suryakumar Yadav (Captain): The captain is a dynamic T20 batter known for his audacious strokeplay and ability to score at a high strike rate.

• Shubman Gill: A rising star who has shown immense potential and consistency across formats. His form at the top of the order will be crucial.

• Jasprit Bumrah: The pace spearhead returns to the T20I side after a year and will be a key bowler for India, especially in the death overs.

• Kuldeep Yadav: The wrist-spinner has a knack for picking up wickets in the middle overs and can be a game-changer on the UAE pitches.

• Hardik Pandya: A vital all-rounder who provides balance to the team with his powerful hitting and medium-pace bowling.

Pakistan

Pakistan is a strong contender with a formidable bowling attack and a mix of experienced and young batters.

• Salman Ali Agha (Captain): The new captain will have a big responsibility on his shoulders to lead the side to success.

• Fakhar Zaman: Known for his aggressive batting, Fakhar Zaman can provide explosive starts at the top of the order.

• Haris Rauf & Shaheen Shah Afridi: The pace duo will be the main threat to the opposition. Haris Rauf has been vocal about his team's chances, and his speed, along with Afridi's ability to take early wickets, will be a key factor.

• Mohammad Rizwan: While reports suggest he has been dropped for this tournament, if he is included, his role as a wicket-keeper and a steady hand in the batting order would be crucial.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, the runners-up from the last T20 Asia Cup, will be a team to watch out for, especially with their spin options.

• Charith Asalanka (Captain): He will lead the side and will be a crucial part of their batting lineup.

• Wanindu Hasaranga: The star all-rounder is a game-changer with both bat and ball. His leg-spin and powerful lower-order hitting will be a significant factor.

• Matheesha Pathirana: Known for his unique sling-shot action, the young pacer can be a handful for batters, especially in the death overs.
  

Afghanistan

Afghanistan's strength lies in its world-class spin attack and dynamic batters.

• Rashid Khan (Captain): A global T20 superstar, Rashid's leg-spin is one of the most dangerous weapons in the tournament. His all-round abilities also make him a key player.

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz: The wicket-keeper batsman is an explosive opener who can provide a flying start to his team.

• Mujeeb Ur Rahman: The mystery spinner forms a potent spin duo with Rashid Khan, making Afghanistan a difficult team to score against in the middle overs.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh will rely on their senior players and a mix of youth to make a mark in the tournament.

• Litton Das (Captain): The captain will be a key batter for Bangladesh, providing stability at the top of the order.

• Mustafizur Rahman: The left-arm pacer, known as "The Fizz," is a master of variations and can be very effective, particularly on slow pitches.

• Taskin Ahmed: A fast bowler with the ability to take early wickets and provide breakthroughs.

Associate Teams (Oman, UAE, Hong Kong)

These teams have the opportunity to showcase their talent on a bigger stage, and some of their players could surprise the bigger teams.

• Oman: Captain Jatinder Singh will be a player to watch for, as will left-arm spinner Shakeel Ahmed, who has an impressive economy rate.

• UAE: Alishan Sharafu has turned heads with his batting performances and could be a key player for the host nation.

• Hong Kong: Ayush Shukla, a young medium-pacer, has already made a mark with his performance and will be one to watch.