Cricket Trending News - Gill And Rabada Rule Out And England Create Unwanted Record And Many More

*Shubman Gill ruled out, India name 38th Test captain*

India’s star opener Shubman Gill has been scribed out of the remainder of the South Africa series after a neck spasm, prompting the selectors to promote a new captain for the second Test in Guwahati. The BCCI confirmed the decision, sparking speculation over who will lead the side in Gill’s absence.  

*India suffer 30‑run defeat to South Africa in Kolkata; Gambhir defends Eden Gardens pitch*

South Africa clinched a historic win on Day 3 at Eden Gardens, chasing down 124 to beat India by 30 runs. Coach Gautam Gambhir brushed off criticism of the “turner” track, saying it was exactly the surface the team wanted, while former captain Sourav Ganguly urged the coach to listen to the players.  

*Kagiso Rabada ruled out of the Guwahati Test*

South Africa’s fast‑bowler Kagiso Rabada has been declared unavailable for the second Test in Guwahati, a blow to the Proteas’ bowling attack as they look to level the series. The news comes after a string of injuries have plagued the squad.  

*WPL 2026 auction: 277 players shortlisted, 73 spots up for grabs*

The Women’s Premier League announced its mini‑auction shortlist, featuring 277 cricketers vying for 73 available slots. The auction will shape the upcoming season, with marquee names like Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh among the top contenders.  

*Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s power‑play mystery – why he didn’t bat, and a viral photo*

A recent photo of Vaibhav Suryavanshi sitting out the powerplay has gone viral, prompting fans to ask why the youngster was left on the bench. The reason, revealed by the team, was a tactical decision to preserve his spot for the middle overs. 

*India A vs Pakistan A Rising Stars Asia Cup semifinal – PAK win by 5 runs*

In a thrilling semi‑final, Pakistan A edged out Sri Lanka A by five runs, setting up a showdown with India A. The match highlighted emerging talent from both nations and promised an exciting final.  

*Ashes 2025‑26: Australia set unwanted records, England eye a “BazBall” resurgence*

The first Ashes Test saw Australia create a new unwanted milestone – the longest spell of dot balls in a Test innings – while England’s “BazBall” approach is being touted as a potential game‑changer for the series. 

Can Indian Team Bounce Back? After Shame Full Defeat In Kolkata And What Will We Expect From Guwahati Pitch

*What to expect from the 2nd Test – Guwahati, 22 Nov

The series is on a knife‑edge after India’s 30‑run defeat in Kolkata, and the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati is the make‑or‑break game. With the home side trailing 0‑1, the pressure is on Gautam Gambhir’s men to turn the tide, while the Proteas will be looking to seal the series. Here’s a quick rundown of the storylines, the likely XI and how the pitch might behave.

*Pitch & Conditions*

The venue– Barsapara (also called the Assam Cricket Association Stadium) is making its Test debut. The wicket is described as a “good flat surface” that should produce plenty of runs, but the early start (first ball at 9 am) brings moisture and cooler air, giving the seamers extra movement for the opening session .

Weather & swing – The early morning dew and overcast skies mean the ball will swing for longer than usual. As the day wears on, the pitch dries out, becoming more batting‑friendly, but the late‑day chill can bring a second burst of movement around the 3 pm mark .

Breaks– Expect an early tea at 11 am, followed by lunch at 1:20 pm – a reversal of the usual order, so players will need to adjust their routines.

*Expected Form*

India will be hungry for a win after the Kolkata loss, and Gambhir knows a home series defeat would be a huge blot on his tenure. The coaching staff will be looking for aggressive intent, especially from the bowlers, to exploit the early swing. South Africa, fresh from a World Test Championship triumph, will aim to capitalise on any early mistakes and push for a series‑clinching victory  .

*Likely India Playing XI*

Captain *Shubman Gill* is travelling with the squad and is being monitored, but his participation is still undecided. If he’s fit, he’ll likely open with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Should Gill miss out, Sai Sudharsancould slot in as the replacement left‑hander, and Rishabh Pant would take over the captain’s role .

A probable line‑up (subject to Gill’s fitness) looks something like:

1. *Yashasvi Jaiswal* – aggressive opener

2. *Shubman Gill* (or Sai Sudharsan) captain, technical class

3. *KL Rahul* – experienced middle‑order anchor

4. *Devdutt Padikkal* – steady left‑hander

5. *Ravindra Jadeja* – all‑rounder, crucial in the middle

6. *Axar Patel* – lower‑order batsman, spin bowler

7. *Rishabh Pant* – wicket‑keeper, finisher (captain if Gill out)

8. *Washington Sundar* – versatile bowler

9. *Jasprit Bumrah* – 

If Gill is ruled out, *Pant* would lead, *Sudharsan* would come in at No. 3, and the batting order would be shuffled accordingly.

*Key Talking Points for the Blog*

- *Early‑morning swing* – The first session could be decisive; bowlers who can seam the ball into the right‑handed batsman will have a golden window.

- *Flat but deceptive* – While the surface is expected to be run‑friendly, the moisture and late‑day chill could make the ball bite, rewarding patience.

- *Gambhir’s pressure* – The head coach’s reputation for aggressive tactics will be tested; a win here would silence critics after the New Zealand white‑wash.

- *Gill’s fitness* – Keep an eye on the BCCI medical update; his presence (or absence) will shape India’s batting strategy.

- *South Africa’s intent* – The Proteas will look to exploit the early conditions and put India under pressure from the outset.

All of this makes the Guwahati Test a compelling narrative – a fresh venue, a must‑win for India, and a pitch that will reward both skill and adaptability. Perfect material for a blog that captures the drama on and off .

Gautam Gambhir as India’s Test Team Preformance And Comparison With Other Coach's

Gautam Gambhir as India’s Test coach – how does he stack up?

When Gambhir took over from Rahul Dravid in July 2024, the expectation was that his aggressive, high‑intent mindset would work across formats. In Tests, however, the picture is far more mixed.

- *Results under Gambhir* –

 In the 12 Tests he’s headed, India have won only four, lost six and drawn two. At home, the record is even worse: four defeats in eight matches, including a 0‑3 white‑wash against New Zealand and a 30‑run loss to South Africa on a turning Eden Gardens track  . Those results are a sharp dip from the Dravid era, when India lost just two home Tests between 2015‑2022.

- *Coaching philosophy* – 

 Gambhir has pushed for “defensive‑thinking” surfaces and a batting line‑up that leans heavily on all‑rounders, often at the expense of specialist Test batsmen. Critics say this has led to overly aggressive pitch preparation (e.g., the “dust bowl” in Kolkata) that favors the bowlers but leaves the batsmen scrambling  . Former players like Cheteshwar Pujara have questioned whether the team is being asked to adapt to conditions that the coach himself created  .

- *Comparison with Rahul Dravid* –

 Dravid’s tenure was marked by stability, a clear technical framework, and a focus on building long innings. Under Dravid, India’s home record was near‑flawless, and the side could grind out wins even on tricky wickets. Gambhir’s approach, by contrast, appears more “win‑at‑all‑costs” in the short term, which can backfire on turning tracks where patience is essential  ².

- *Player confidence* – 

Ex‑cricketer Mohammad Kaif has publicly accused Gambhir of fostering insecurity, saying players are “playing with fear” and lacking freedom . While some argue that a tough stance can galvanise a team, the repeated criticism suggests a cultural shift that may be hurting performance.

- *White‑ball success vs. red‑ball struggle*

  Gambhir’s record in ODIs and T20s is stellar (over 70 % win rate and multiple tournament victories). The issue isn’t a lack of cricketing knowledge but rather the difficulty of translating that aggressive, high‑intensity model into the patience‑heavy world of Test cricket  ².

*Bottom line*

The data shows that, as a Test coach, Gambhir has struggled to replicate the consistency and home‑ground dominance India enjoyed under Dravid. His aggressive pitch choices and emphasis on all‑round depth have produced some memorable wins but have also exposed gaps in batting resilience. Whether this makes him “not good” is a matter of perspective: he’s undeniably a talented strategist, but the red‑ball numbers suggest his coaching template doesn’t suit Test cricket as seamlessly as his white‑ball successes would imply. If the BCCI wants to restore India’s Test fortress, a re‑evaluation—or even a split‑role model like Pakistan’s recent experiment—might be worth considering.

 

Is Indian Team Forgotten How To Play Spin ?

*Indian batsmen and the spin puzzle – a deep‑dive*

The recent chatter on social media asks whether Indian players have “forgotten how to play spin.” It’s a bold claim, but the data and recent match footage suggest there’s a genuine shift in how the side handles quality wrist‑spin and orthodox turning balls.

1. What the numbers say

- *Yashasvi Jaiswal’s IPL record* 

shows a strike‑rate of 152.86 and an average of 34.38, yet his highest score (124) came against a predominantly fast‑bowling attack. When faced with leg‑breaks in the 2025 season, his dismissal rate rose noticeably – 3 of his 5 dismissals that year were caught off spin .

- In the 2025 IPL, *Harpreet Brar*, a left‑arm orthodox spinner, took 3/22 against Rajasthan Royals, dismissing both openers – Jaiswal (50 off 25) and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (40 off 15) – with clever variations .

- Historically, India’s spin‑friendly conditions produced legends like Tendulkar, Dravid and Kohli, who averaged *above 45* against sub‑continent spin. In the last two Asia Cups (2023, 2024), the team’s collective average against spin fell to *31.2*, a drop of roughly 10 runs per wick compared with the 2010‑2014 period.

These snapshots hint that while Indian batsmen can still dominate fast bowling, they appear less comfortable when the ball turns.

2. Why the wobble?

*a. Shift to power‑play mindset*

The IPL’s emphasis on explosive starts has trickled into the national setup. Young guns are encouraged to “hit the ball hard” from the first ball, which can lead to a premature swing at a spinning delivery that would otherwise be left.

*b. Reduced exposure to quality spin in domestic circuits*

Most Indian first‑class matches are played on flat, high‑bouncing tracks. Even the Ranji Trophy’s “spin‑friendly” wickets are often prepared to favour batsmen, giving limited practice against genuine turn.

*c. Technical tweaks gone awry*

Coaches have been experimenting with “open‑chested” stances to generate more power. While effective against fast balls, this stance can compromise the subtle footwork needed to negotiate spin.

*d. Psychological factor*

Spin is a “thinking” bowler’s weapon. The pressure of chasing big totals in T20s can make batsmen rush, leading to mistimed shots and easy catches.

3. Player‑by‑player spotlight

Player Recent spin record Notable innings Comments

Yashasvi Jaiswal 3/5 dismissals off spin in 2025 IPL 124 vs MI (fast) Good eye for pace, but tends to get “spun out” when facing leg‑breaks

Shubman Gill 2/7 dismissals off spin in 2025 IPL 73 vs CSK (fast) Still relies on strong footwork; needs more practice on turning wickets

Ravindra Jadeja (all‑rounder) 6 wickets @ 18.5 in 2025 IPL – Shows that Indian spin bowling remains world‑class; batting against spin is the weak link

4. What can be done?

1. *Targeted net sessions* – 

Introduce “spin‑only” blocks in training camps, using both orthodox and wrist‑spin deliveries on varied surfaces.

2. *Match‑simulation drills* –

 Play short games where the field is set for spin (e.g., 2‑3 fielders on the leg side) to force batsmen to rotate strike and use the crease.

3. *Mental rehearsal* – 

Use video analysis of classic spin battles (e.g., Murali vs. Tendulkar) to reinforce the “watch the seam, not just the ball” mindset.

4. *Rotate strike wisely* –

 Encourage players to take singles off the first few spin deliveries, preserving the wicket and building confidence.

5. Bottom line

It’s not that Indian players have forgotten how to play spin; rather, the modern game’s emphasis on power hitting and the lack of regular exposure to genuine turn have created a temporary blind spot. With focused practice, smarter footwork drills, and a return to the “feel‑for‑spin” that made Indian cricket great, the side can quickly close the gap.

 Yashasvi Jaiswal IPL stats ;

 Harpreet Brar’s spell vs RR general spin performance trends from recent Asia Cups (public cricket statistics).

Shubman Gill Or YB Jaiswal Who Is More deserving Indian T20 Team

Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are both talented young batsmen, but their T20 stats paint different pictures. Here's a comparison:

Yashasvi Jaiswal's Stats:

- *Matches:* 23

- *Runs:* 723

- *Average:* 36.15

- *Strike Rate:* 164.32

- *Fifties:* 5

- *Hundreds:* 1

Shubman Gill's Stats:

- *Matches:* 31

- *Runs:* 762

- *Average:* 28.22

- *Strike Rate:* 140.86

- *Fifties:* 3

- *Hundreds:* 1

Conclusion -

While Gill has played more matches, Jaiswal's average and strike rate are significantly better. In fact, Jaiswal's stats are more impressive considering he's played fewer innings .

Deserving Spot in Indian T20 Setup:

Given their current form, Yashasvi Jaiswal seems to be deserving of a spot in the Indian T20 setup. His explosive batting style and ability to score quickly make him an attractive option for the team. On the other hand, Shubman Gill's recent performances have been underwashing, raising concerns about his place in the team .

Ultimately, the decision will depend on the team's requirements and the selectors' preferences.

Happy Birthday To King Kohli Here Are Top Ininings Of King

MOST IN THE CRICKET HISTORY:

ICC Trophies - Virat Kohli (Joint).

ICC Awards - Virat Kohli.

BCCI Awards - Virat Kohli.

ICC POTT Awards - Virat Kohli.

ICC POTM Awards - Virat Kohli.

- The Greatest Ever! 🐐

Happy birthday to King Kohli! Here are some of his top iconic innings :

- *183 vs Pakistan (2012)*: 

A masterclass that defined his dominance in ODIs, showcasing his ability to chase down big totals.

-133 vs Sri Lanka (2012)

*: A breathtaking knock of 133 not out off 86 balls, helping India chase down 321 runs in just 36.4 overs.

- *127 vs Australia (T20 World Cup 2022)*:

 Although the match wasn't in India's favor, Kohli's 127 runs showcased his incredible batting skills.

- *117 vs New Zealand (2023 ODI World Cup semifinal)*:

 A crucial 50th ODI century, helping India win the match by 70 runs.

- 254vs South Africa (2019)

*: A captain's knock that demonstrated  batting prowess, scoring 254 not out off 336 balls.

These innings showcase Kohli's exceptional skill, determination, and ability to perform under pressure, solidifying his position as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history.

Can Harmanpreet And Her Team Done It ? It's Time For WC Final India Vs South Africa

The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will host the ICC Women's World Cup final between India Women and South Africa Women on November 2, 2025. This will be a historic match, and the stadium has already witnessed a thrilling semifinal match between India and Australia, where India chased a target of 339 runs, the highest ever recorded in women's ODI cricket history.

*Key Highlights of the Semifinal Match:*

- *Highest Run Chase*: India successfully chased 339 runs against Australia, with Jemimah Rodrigues scoring a match-winning 127 not out off 134 balls.

- *Record-Breaking Partnership*: Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur shared a crucial partnership that put India on the path to victory ¹.

*DY Patil Stadium Details:*

- *Venue*: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai

- *Match Timing*: The final match will begin at 3:00 pm IST, with the toss scheduled for 2:30 pm IST 

To win the WC final against South Africa, the Indian women's team needs to build on their strengths and capitalize on the opponents' weaknesses. Here are some key points to consider:

*Key Players to Watch Out For:*

- *Jemimah Rodrigues*: 

Her exceptional batting skills and ability to perform under pressure make her a crucial player. She recently scored a match-winning 127 runs off 134 balls in the semifinal against Australia.

- *Harmanpreet Kaur*: 

The captain's experience and leadership skills will be vital in guiding the team to victory. She contributed a crucial 89 runs in the semifinal.

- *Marizanne Kapp*:

 

The South African all-rounder's ability to take wickets and score runs will be crucial for her team.

- *Laura Wolvaardt*:

 The South African captain's batting skills and experience will be important for her team's success.

*Strategy for India:*

- *Strong Batting Lineup*: 

India needs to utilize their batting lineup effectively, with players like Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur setting up big partnerships.

- *Tight Bowling*: The Indian bowlers need to restrict the South African batting lineup by taking regular wickets and not giving away too many extras.

- *Fielding*: Sharp fielding will be crucial in dismissing the South African batters and restricting their scoring opportunities.

*Recent Performance:*

- India and South Africa have had some close encounters in recent matches, with India winning some crucial games.

- The Indian team has shown great promise in the tournament, with players like Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur performing well.

- South Africa, on the other hand, has been consistent in their performances, with players like Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt contributing significantly .

Why Harsit Rana Play In Place Of Arsdeep Singh In 1st T20 Against Australia Detail Analysis

Harshit Rana played in place of Arshdeep Singh in the 1st T20I between India and Australia, sparking controversy among fans and former cricketers. Here's a detailed analysis :

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- *Reason for Selection*: 

The Indian team management, led by coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, chose Harshit Rana over Arshdeep Singh, citing Rana's batting depth at No. 8 as a factor. Rana had performed well in the ODI series against Australia, taking 6 wickets in 3 matches and scoring 24* crucial runs in the 2nd ODI.

- *Arshdeep Singh's Credentials*:

 Arshdeep Singh is India's highest wicket-taker in T20Is with 101 wickets in 65 matches. Despite his impressive record, he was left out of the playing XI, sparking debate about the team management's decision.

- *Criticism and Reactions*: 

Former cricketers like Irfan Pathan, Shreevats Goswami, and Aakash Chopra questioned the decision to drop Arshdeep Singh in favor of Harshit Rana. Fans also took to social media to express their disappointment, with some accusing the team management of favoritism.

- *Analysis of Harshit Rana's Performance*:

 Harshit Rana has played 3 T20Is, taking 5 wickets at an average of 22.40 and an economy rate of 10.18. While he showed promise in the ODI series, his experience in T20Is is limited, and some argue that he doesn't fit the bill as a reliable No. 8 batter.

- *Impact on the Team*:

 The decision to drop Arshdeep Singh has raised concerns about the team's strategy and the potential impact on the series. With the T20 World Cup approaching, the team management's decision has been scrutinized, and many are eagerly awaiting Arshdeep Singh's return to the playing XI.

Rohit Sharma's Masterclass And Virat Kohli Break Threw Innings Help India To Avoid White Wash

Rohit Sharma Player of the Series and Virat Kohli Finally Open Account: All Important Takeaways from Australia Series 2025

The Australia series 2025 has come to an end, with India managing to avoid a whitewash by winning the final ODI match against Australia. Here are the key takeaways from the series:

Series Highlights

- *Rohit Sharma's Masterclass*: 

Rohit Sharma was adjudged Player of the Series for his outstanding batting performances, including a match-winning century in the final ODI.

- *Virat Kohli's Record-Breaking Innings*:

 Virat Kohli became the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara's record.

- *India's Consolation Win*: India won the final ODI match by 9 wickets, thanks to a brilliant partnership between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Key Moments

- *Rohit Sharma's Century*: 

Rohit Sharma scored his 33rd ODI century, finishing unbeaten on 121 runs off 125 balls.

- *Virat Kohli's Unbeaten 74*: 

Virat Kohli played a crucial role in India's win, scoring 74 not out off 81 balls.

- *A Seamless Partnership*: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli shared an unbeaten partnership of 168 runs, showcasing their incredible batting chemistry.

Post-Series Reactions

- *Rohit Sharma's Reflection*:

 Rohit Sharma reflected on his time in Australia, saying it was a "nice way to finish" his tour.

- *Virat Kohli's Appreciation*:

 Virat Kohli praised Rohit Sharma's batting, saying it's "pretty easy" to bat with him.

What's Next?

- *T20 Series*: India will face Australia in a three-match T20 series, starting on October 29, 2025.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any photos of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli together from the series. However, you can check out the official cricket websites or social media handles for more photos and updates from the series .

End Of An Era Rohit Sharma And Virat Kholi Uncertain Future In ODI World Cup

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's future in ODI cricket has been a topic of speculation, with various reports and statements from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the players themselves. Here's what's been happening

:

- *BCCI's Stance*: The BCCI has stated that they're focused on the upcoming Asia Cup and T20 World Cup preparations, and Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's futures are not a concern for the board at the moment. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla emphasized that the board never tells any player to retire and that both players are still part of India's one-day team.

- *Players' Plans*: There have been reports suggesting that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might retire from ODIs after the Australia series in October 2025. However, Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, clarified that both players are non-committal about playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup.

- *Domestic Cricket Requirement*: According to reports, if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli want to continue playing ODIs beyond the Australia series, they might need to participate in domestic cricket, specifically the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Agarkar confirmed that the BCCI has made it clear that whenever the players are available, they should play domestic cricket.

- *Leadership Transition*: With Shubman Gill being named the new ODI captain and Shreyas Iyer appointed vice-captain, it seems like a transition is underway. Agarkar mentioned that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will likely play mentoring roles, guiding the next generation of players.

- *2027 ODI World Cup Planning*: The BCCI is reportedly planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup, and Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's participation is uncertain. Agarkar emphasized that the board is looking ahead and preparing for the future, but no decisions have been made regarding the duo's participation in the World Cup.

It's worth noting that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from Test and T20I cricket, and their future in ODIs is currently uncertain. The BCCI seems to be preparing for a transition, with a focus on younger players and new leadership.

The Indian team squads for the Australia series 2025

The Indian team squads for the Australia series 2025 have been announced. Here are the players selected for the ODI and T20I series:

*ODI Squad:*

- *Captain:* Shubman Gill

- *Vice-Captain:* Shreyas Iyer

- *Batsmen:* Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer

- *Wicketkeepers:* KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel

- *All-rounders:* Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar

- *Spinners:* Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy

- *Fast Bowlers:* Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna

*T20I Squad:*

- *Captain:* Suryakumar Yadav

- *Vice-Captain:* Shubman Gill

- *Batsmen:* Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh

- *Wicketkeepers:* Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson

- *All-rounders:* Axar Patel, Washington Sundar

- *Spinners:* Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav

- *Fast Bowlers:* Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana

Notable exclusions from the squads include Hardik Pandya, who is still recovering from a quadriceps injury, and Rishabh Pant, who is nursing a foot fracture. The series is scheduled to start on October 19, 2025, with the ODI matches, followed by the T20I series .