3 Big Superstars who can also join as Uncapped Player in IPL 2025 using Old Retention Rule like MS Dhoni

Karan Rawat
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3 Big Superstars who can also join as Uncapped Player in IPL 2025 using Old Retention Rule like MS Dhoni

IPL 2025: The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) will have a mega auction that will make every team release most of their players. Only a limited number of players can be retained by the teams.

That’s where the big news came out: the BCCI is likely to bring back the old retention where a franchise can retain a retired player from an international for five or more years. The five-time champion Chennai Super Kings pushed this suggestion to the BCCI to bring back this rule, which was scrapped in 2022.

CSK did it to retain MS Dhoni, who retired in 2020. But this will also offer an option to other franchises who can look to bring some former crickets. Hence, we will talk about three players who can come in the IPL 2025 using the old retention rule.

Three players who can make comeback using old retention players in the IPL 2025

3. Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina IPL 2025
3 Big Superstars who can also join as Uncapped Player in IPL 2025 using Old Retention Rule like MS Dhoni 4

Famously known as “Mr. IPL,” Suresh Raina has a similar case to MS Dhoni. He also retired on August 15, 2020, a few months after MS Dhoni announced his retirement. Raina is still 37 years old and is very fit, as he has featured in a few T20 leagues and the Abu Dhabi T10 league.

He still has cricket left in him, and if he can be available as an uncapped player in the IPL 2025, there will be a number of franchises who will love to have him in their side. His experience is valuable.

2. DJ Bravo

DJ bravo IPL 2025
3 Big Superstars who can also join as Uncapped Player in IPL 2025 using Old Retention Rule like MS Dhoni 5

Another such case comes from the Chennai Super Kings, who is Dwayne Bravo. Though it looks very hard that Bravo will register himself as an uncapped player at the IPL 2025 auction. But like MSD, there can be an option for him.

Bravo retired from international cricket in 2018 and from the IPL in 2022. But he has been active in other T20 leagues around the world and doing pretty well. In the IPL, he played 161 games, scored 1560 runs, and took 183 wickets. He is an IPL legend, and any team will love to have him in the IPL 2025.

1. AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers IPL 2025
3 Big Superstars who can also join as Uncapped Player in IPL 2025 using Old Retention Rule like MS Dhoni 6

It was a heartbreaking moment for the fans when AB de Villiers announced his retirement from the IPL in 2022. He retired from international cricket in 2018 and is eligible to feature as per the old retention rule.

De Villiers’ comeback can be a massive moment in the IPL 2025. He hasn’t played many leagues after that, but if given a chance, he will love to play in the IPL 2025 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru again.

Also Read: MS Dhoni all set to play in IPL 2025 as Uncapped player; BCCI to bring old retention rule

MS Dhoni all set to play in IPL 2025 as Uncapped player; BCCI to bring old retention rule

Karan Rawat
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MS Dhoni all set to play in IPL 2025 as Uncapped player; BCCI to bring old retention rule

MS Dhoni to play in the IPL 2025. The preparation of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) is in full swing, with all ten franchises having to decide the players whom they need to retain.

The BCCI has confirmed that there will be a mega auction in the IPL 2025, which will make things interesting. All teams have a star-studded lineup, and it will be hard to pick players whom to retain and whom to release.

The five-time champion Chennai Super Kings and their fans will be happy as the BCCI is likely to bring back the rule where a retired player with a period of at least five years can be picked or retained as an uncapped player. This means that fans might see MS Dhoni playing for CSK once again.

CSK to retain MS Dhoni as BCCI brings back IPL retention rule for retired players

MS Dhoni all set to play in IPL 2025 as Uncapped player; BCCI to bring old retention rule
MS Dhoni

This can become one of the most historic moments in the history of the Indian Premier League if it happens. The rule of retaining a player who retired from international cricket at least five years ago was scrapped in 2021. But the BCCI is likely to bring back that rule. Some reports confirmed that it was CSK that pushed the BCCI to bring back this rule.

Chennai did it because they wanted MS Dhoni to retain as an uncapped player due to limited retentions. It means MS Dhoni, who retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020, can be retained as an uncapped player ahead of the IPL 2025. The former CSK captain played his last game for India during the 2019 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.

Since then, he has been playing competitive cricket only for CSK in the IPL. He gave away his captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad in 2024, which reduced a big responsibility from his shoulders as he led CSK from the first season, winning five titles with them. The rule of retaining a retired player as an uncapped pick was active from 2008 to 2021.

This can help CSK retain MS Dhoni for just INR 4 crore in the IPL 2025. Though Dhoni was getting INR 12 crore per season from 2022 to 2024 and a few as an uncapped player is way less than his previous salary but fans can see more of him in the IPL 2025. Dhoni himself said in an interview that his availability for the IPL 2025 depends on the BCCI’s retention policy.

Also Read: IPL 2025: 3 franchises who might be top contenders in the mega-auction for Steve Smith’s IPL comeback

IPL 2025: 3 franchises who might be top contenders in the mega-auction for Steve Smith’s IPL comeback

Ankaj Jha
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IPL 2025: Veteran Australian batter Steven Smith was once an eminent part of the IPL but was seen not being picked by a franchise for the last two seasons, as he was last seen for Delhi Capitals in 2021.

Steven Smith was recently seen in Major League Cricket, leading the Washington Freedom side to a great victory in the second season of the MLC in 2024. This was his comeback into franchise-level T20 cricket, following his stunning set of innings in the BBL last season in the very few appearances he made.

Smith, when recently being asked about his test batting position and whether he would continue to bat for Australia as an opener, was also questioned over his probable return to the IPL.

Smith, who was seen as a commentator in the last season of the IPL, clearly stated that he would love to play once more in the IPL and would surely participate in the mega-auction. Owing to Smith’s form this time, he would probably be picked in the mega-auction, especially with several teams in the search for a captain.

3 franchises who might target Steve Smith in the mega-auction

Royal Challengers Bangalore

The Royal Challengers Bangalore, RCB, will probably be in the hunt for a new skipper, as they are most likely to release the likes of Faf du Plessis ahead of the IPL. Even if they retain him, Faf is most likely to be replaced as a skipper.

The Challengers have never won the IPL, and Smith can be the breakthrough man for them as he is not only a suitable skipper but also an ideal batsman to enter the RCB lineup as he can add semblance to their middle order.

ALSO READ: WI vs SA: Mulder Outshines Shamar Joseph’s heroics at Guyana in the 17-wicket opening day

Chennai Super Kings

This franchise would seem unlikely to look for a skipper, but since MS Dhoni has decided not to be CSK’s captain even if he features for them, then the franchise is looking for an ideal man in the role.

The legend should not be the skipper any further
Legend will not be a skipper any further (Image: The Economic Times)


Steven Smith has always been one of the finest captains, as even the great MS Dhoni has played under him in the Rising Pune Supergiants camp. Smith can be roped into the side, especially with CSK always having an urge for the senior players.

Gujarat Titans

The Gujarat Titans are probably yet to make decisions over their franchise, with likely a change of ownership as well as a change in the team’s coaching deck. Though the team will have the likes of their best batter, Shubman Gill, he might not be burdened with the captaincy role if they have the likes of a batsman like Steve Smith, who is well equipped as a skipper; it seems like a piece of cake for him.

Shubman Gill no not captain
Shubman Gill might not be the GT skipper if Smith enters the scenario (Image: NewsBytes)

3 Bowlers who need a solid performance in Duleep Trophy 2024 to get picked for Bangladesh Tests

Karan Rawat
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3 Bowlers who need a solid performance in Duleep Trophy 2024 to get picked for Bangladesh Tests

Duleep Trophy 2024 is all set to get underway in a couple of months time. And it is time for some action in red-ball cricket. This tournament is India’s premier red-ball tournament, where the BCCI looks for the player who can play Test matches for India.

The Indian team have a break of 42 days. They will play their next series against Bangladesh on September 19. India are all set to place ten Test matches in the next 4-5 months. Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested for Bangladesh Tests.

Mohammed Shami is also doubtful as he is doing his rehab. So, it is a good chance for the bowlers to do well in the Duleep Trophy 2024 and get picked for the Bangladesh Test series. Here we will talk about such three bowlers.

Three Bowlers who can get picked for Bangladesh Tests with a good Duleep Trophy 2024 performance 

3. Mukesh Kumar

3 Bowlers who need a soldi performance in Duleep Trophy 2024 to get picked for Bangladesh Tests
Duleep Trophy 2024

In the last one and a half years, Mukesh Kumar has represented India across all three formats. He has been picked in the team whenever there is an injury, and he has done a decent job as a backup pacer for India. But the competition has been tight.

Mukesh needs a good and solid performance in the Duleep Trophy 2024 to get into the team, or else there are other bowlers as well who can make their way for Bangladesh Tests.

2. Prasidh Krishna

Prasidh Krishna has been on selectors’ radar for the last couple of years, but his injury-prone body has forced him to stay away from the action. He has played for India in all three formats but has been out of action because of an injury.

But he is fit now and will be part of Duleep Trophy 2024. He has got pace and bounce that’s make him a difficult bowler to face. So, his performance will be crucial, and he can even make his comeback in the team.

1. Arshdeep Singh

3 Bowlers who need a soldi performance in Duleep Trophy 2024 to get picked for Bangladesh Tests
Duleep Trophy 2024

India have a set of right-arm pacers to choose from, but since Zaheer Khan is left, they couldn’t find a left-arm pacer for Test matches. That’s where Arshdeep Singh will have an edge. He is India’s first-choice pacer in T20Is and has also played a few ODIs.

According to some former cricketers, Arshdeep can be pretty effective in Test matches as well. Especially in SENA countries where he can swing and reverse swing the ball. So, this Duleep Trophy 2024, he will be eyeing to get his maiden Test call.

Also Read: 3 Batters who need strong performance in Duleep Trophy 2024 to get back in team for BAN Tests

WI vs SA: Mulder Outshines Shamar Joseph’s heroics at Guyana in the 17-wicket opening day

Ankaj Jha
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WI vs SA: Shamar Joseph changed the fortunes for the Windies attack in the second test. South Africa is playing their second test against the West Indies after the hosts survived the first blow with all credits to Athanaze and the rain gods as it favoured them to end the match in a draw.

In the second game, Test cricket is back in Guyana after years, as the West Indies elected to bowl first on a fast track. The Protea batters came in to open, and without much wait, the West Indies drew the first blood as pacer Jayden Seales sent off Tony de Zorzi back to the pavilion with a stunner of a delivery.


Seales, in his second over of the match, bowled a magical in-swinger that sent Zorzi’s off-stump flying off the ground. The pacer lept in the air, overjoyed by the stunningness of the delivery.

Adding to the concerns of South Africa, Shamar Joseph was brought in as a replacement for Seales. Joseph was in the hunt for his maiden international wicket on home soil, and his first turns out to be the Protea white-ball skipper, Aiden Markram.

Shamar Joseph
Shamar Joseph bolds out Aiden Markram (Image: Wisden)


Markram was left baffled as Joseph’s sudden swinging ability both into and leaving the batter caused trouble, while he sent off the skipper Bavuma in the same over with another in-swinger that found him plum in front of the stumps.

The South African innings were under scrutiny as Joseph struck for his 5-fer and Seales with a 3-fer broke the back of the Protea batting order until Piedt and Burger put on a 50+ partnership for the 10th wicket, which took South Africa to 160 in the first innings.

ALSO READ: Jay Shah clearly defies holding two consecutive World Cups. Hence, BCCI denies the ICC the Women’s T20 World Cup


Mulder in the South African attack overshadowed the excellence of Shamar Joseph’s perfect homecoming. Mulder’s career-best 4/18 in the West Indies innings has restricted them to 97/7, with Jason Holder being the pick among the batters with 33 runs.

The track of Guyana seemed to be spicy for the pacers of either team, who bowled in 68 overs and shared and picked 15 of the 17 wickets that fell on the first day of the decider test between the two nations. Let’s see what Day 2 will have in store for the Windies batters.

3 Batters who need strong performance in Duleep Trophy 2024 to get back in team for BAN Tests

Karan Rawat
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3 Batters who need strong performance in Duleep Trophy 2024 to get back in team for BAN Tests

Duleep Trophy 2024 is all set to get underway on September 5. It will have a total of six games played between four teams, India A, B, C, and D. The Indian selection committee announced all four squads on Wednesday (August 14), which was almost every Indian star getting picked.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravi Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah have been given rest. Apart from these, every Indian player has been drafted in the squads to prove their worth in the Indian team for the upcoming Test series.

The Duleep Trophy 2024, which is India’s premier red-ball tournament, will help the BCCI find out the right players for the next series against Bangladesh, which will start on September 19. So, we will talk about three Indian batters who need a strong performance to make a comeback in the Indian Test team.

Three Indian batters who need a strong performance in the Duleep Trophy 2024 to make their India’s comeback

3. Sarfaraz Khan

3 Batters who need strong performance in Duleep Trophy 2024 to get back in team for BAN Tests
Duleep Trophy 2024

The 26-year-old Sarfaraz Khan will fight for a spot in the middle order. He made his debut in the series against England and played three Tests and scored three half-centuries in five innings. He looked good and showed great applications for playing the spin.

But Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul will be back in the middle order, which will squeeze the chances. Hence, Sarfaraz Khan needs a good performance in the Duleep Trophy 2024 to make a place in the upcoming Bangladesh series.

2. Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan was sacked from the central contract last year and was asked to play domestic cricket. But he will be on the radar of the BCCI. He was on a break from cricket, citing mental fatigue, and he was dropped from India’s team.

But that’s what he needs to achieve by doing well in the Duleep Trophy 2024. He will be under pressure because this is a major competition for him after returning to the game. Though it will be hard for him to make the Test team, if he can perform well in the Duleep Trophy, then he might get a chance in ODIs.

1. Shreyas Iyer

3 Batters who need strong performance in Duleep Trophy 2024 to get back in team for BAN Tests
Shreyas Iyer Duleep Trophy 2024

Shreyas Iyer recently made his ODI comeback against Sri Lanka since he was sacked from the central contract. Though he failed to impress in ODIs but he needs something special in the Duleep Trophy 2024. Iyer will be leading India D in the competition.

His performance can only help him get a place in tests. Already India have given chances to Dhurv Jurel, Sarfaraz, and then Pant, Virat, and Rahul will be there. So for Iyer to get his place back, he needs to do well in the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2024.

Also Read: Big Names Return except Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma as BCCI announces squads for Duleep Trophy 2024-25

“Dhoni’s jersey no. is 7…”- Suresh Raina reveals why he and MS Dhoni chose August 15, 2020 to retire

Karan Rawat
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“Dhoni’s jersey no. is 7…”- Suresh Raina reveals why he and MS Dhoni chose August 15, 2020 to retire

Suresh Raina reveals why he and MS Dhoni chose August 15, 2020, to announce their international retirements. Independence Day is celebrated by every Indian across the globe, and it is one of the most-awaited days that every Indian waits for.

But this day is also remembered for a major incident that took place in Indian cricket history. Because on August 15, 2020, two of India’s greatest players hung their boots and retired from international cricket. Former Indian captain MS Dhoni shared a post on his social media handle on 7:29 p.m.

After a few minutes, Suresh Raina also announced his retirement. It was a shock to many Indian fans, and it remained the talk of the town among fans for a long time. And whenever India celebrate Independence Day, fans talk about it.

Suresh Raina revealed why he and MS Dhoni retired on August 15, 2020

"Dhoni's jersey no. is 7..."- Suresh Raina reveals why he and MS Dhoni chose August 15, 2020 to retire
Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni

Suresh Raina made his debut for India in 2005 and played 18 Tests, 226 ODIs, and 78 T20Is. He was part of India’s 2011 World Cup winning squad. The Southpaw was the first Indian to score a T20I hundred, the first to score a century across all three formats, and the only Indian with a century in the T20 World Cup.

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni doesn’t need introduction, and he is the most successful Indian captain ever to lead India to win the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy. These two also played for Chennai Super Kings together until 2020. After retiring on August 15, 2020, Suresh Raina revealed that they already planned about their retirement and why they chose this date.

In an interview with Dainik Jagran, a few days after the retirement, Raina revealed about their decision. Raina said, “We had made up our minds to retire on August 15. Mahi Bhai’s jersey number is 7 and mine is 3, and put it together and it makes 73. And on Saturday, our country completed 73 years of independence, so there couldn’t have been a better day.” As soon as both superstars retired from cricket, Chennai Super Kings shared a video of the two on Twitter (now X), where Raina was seen hugging MS Dhoni. 

Also Read: IND vs BAN: 3 Pacers who can replace Jasprit Bumrah in the Test series against Bangladesh

Jay Shah clearly defies holding two consecutive World Cups. Hence, BCCI denies the ICC the Women’s T20 World Cup

Ankaj Jha
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The BCCI president has been very loud and straight over his clear intentions of not hosting the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup. The BCCi has categorically said ‘no’ to the ICC’s offer, as Shah clearly stated that since India is the host for the next year’s Women’s ODI World Cup, he is never in a position to hold consecutive World Cups, especially with the monsoons turning unlikely in India.


Now with India ruling themselves out of being the probable hosts, and hence the ICC are now left out with only Sri Lanka and the UAE as possible alternatives for the tournament. The ICC has faced a deep crisis over the political unrest in Bangladesh, who were supposed to be the primary host for the World Cup.

The ICC is, however, reported to have been closely monitoring the developments in coordination with BCB; still, the interim government is not able to assure them of the dependency they want before calling so many high-profile teams in the nation, especially with this being the Women’s World Cup.

Though the BCB and the Bangladesh government are trying their ways out, the participation of heavyweight teams like Australia, England, and most likely India will be very tough for the country, as they have to provide them with all aid and assurance before they pass through the barriers.

ALSO READ: IND vs BAN: How will India’s coaching deck look from Bangladesh’s tour of India – A peek into the den of the Men in Blue

Bangladesh’s Men’s Team are now in Pakistan for the two-match test series, they arrived early to train themselves as Bangladesh was under severe Political unrest. Now, they are also supposed to tour India next month for the 2-match test series and later a 3-match T20I series.

BAN VS IND
Bangladesh will tour India for 5 matches across the longest and shortest formats (Image: India Today)


On this very matter, the BCCI president Jay Shah has given an assurance that with the new government taking over recently in the neighbouring country, he is awaiting their response; if not any, then he will surely reach them, as the Bangladesh series is quite crucial from India’s point of view.

However, will India’s deferring from rescuing the ICC in its tough times cause trouble for the Indian Men’s Team if they defy from travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025? This will be a matter to look at in the coming days, as the ICC is yet to make its decision on 20th August over the venue of the Women’s T20 World Cup.

IND vs BAN: 3 Pacers who can replace Jasprit Bumrah in the Test series against Bangladesh

Karan Rawat
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IND vs BAN: 3 Pacers who can replace Jasprit Bumrah in the Test series against Bangladesh

IND vs BAN: The Indian team are in a break at the moment. They have their next series against Bangladesh; they will host them for two Tests starting on September 19. This is an important series because the IND vs BAN series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship 2023-25.

Team India are currently at the top of the WTC table, and they can strengthen their position at the top by winning this series. That’s why the BCCI has asked all the Indian stars to take part in the upcoming Duleep Trophy. But Jasprit Bumrah, along with some other stars, are not part of it.

Some reports also confirm that Jasprit Bumrah might be rested for IND vs BAN tests because of important series coming up against New Zealand and Australia. So, we will talk here about three Indian pacers who are in contention to replace Jasprit Bumrah.

IND vs BAN: Three pacers who can replace Jasprit Bumrah in Test series against Bangladesh

3. Khaleel Ahmed

According to some media reports, India are trying to pick a left-arm pacer to increase the pool of Indian bowlers for the coming international assignment. That’s where Khaleel Ahmed can be an option. The left-arm pacer has a brilliant IPL 2024 for Delhi Capitals.

As a result, he earned his place back in the Indian white-ball squad. He can swing the new ball, which can be very effective in Australian conditions. So, India can try him in place of Jasprit Bumrah in the IND vs BAN Test series.

2. Mukesh Kumar

IND vs BAN: 3 Pacers who can replace Jasprit Bumrah in the Test series against Bangladesh
Mukesh Kumar IND vs BAN

Mukesh Kumar has been part of the Indian team for a while now. He has represented India across all three formats. Mukesh has done well whenever he has gotten a chance for India. Mukesh had a pretty IPL for 2024 for DC.

He has been the backup pacer for India, and if Jasprit Bumrah misses out, Mukesh can come in the IND vs BAN series as Mohammed Shami is also not available and India need someone to bowl with Mohammed Siraj.

1. Arshdeep Singh

IND vs BAN: 3 Pacers who can replace Jasprit Bumrah in the Test series against Bangladesh
Arshdeep Singh Jasprit Bumrah IND vs BAN

The left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is the first choice bowler for India in T20Is. He took most wickets in the T20 World Cup and played a crucial role in India’s win. India don’t have a left-arm pacer in Tests at the moment.

That’s where Arshdeep can come in the team. The left-arm pacer is brilliant, and the new and old balls in his line and length area are pretty good for the test. That’s why he can be a good replacement.

Also Read: Big Names Return except Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma as BCCI announces squads for Duleep Trophy 2024-25

IND vs BAN: How will India’s coaching deck look from Bangladesh’s tour of India – A peek into the den of the Men in Blue

Ankaj Jha
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IND vs BAN: India has a long break before they return to international cricket with the Bangladesh Tests. This is a much-anticipated series, as India is expecting the likes of Mohammad Shami to make a comeback for Team India.

Also having dropped off the likes of great Jasprit Bumrah, he must be given some time off before he probably makes a comeback with the New Zealand red-ball tour. Other than this, the likes of several greats will play in the Duleep trophy in order to make their way into the longest-format squad for India.

India will host a two-match test series for the Bangladesh side from the 19th of September. This will be one of the chances for India to boost their WTC campaign and also set a proper Squad before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the coming year, as India targets a third win over the Aussie in a row in the BGT, as predicted recently by Ravi Shastri.

Gambhir now has more support in the Indian side
GG will be have more support in the Indian den with Morkel’s arrival (Image: Mint)

After India’s T20 World Cup victory, Indian coach Rahul Dravid stepped down from the position with his head held high. Ex-KKR mentor and veteran Indian two-time World Cup winner, Gautam Gambhir was roped in as India’s next head coach.

ALSO READ: Yuzvendra Chahal’s masterclass is on show as he makes his debut in the Royal London One-Day Cup against Kent

He had a tumbling start to his reign against the Lankans, as after portraying his strategies in the shortest format of the game, Team India faced a humiliating defeat in the ODI series against the Lankan side.

Now with a chain of home as well as foreign tours awaiting them, Team India not only looks to consolidate their Playing XI and the squad but also has formed one of the World’s best coaching decks which has been hand-picked by the head coach himself.

The team India coaching unit will from now onwards have the services of Gautam Gambhir, alongside assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate. Alongside India’s fielding coach from Dravid’s time T.Dilip, India will also have two bowling coaches with both Sairaj Bahutule and Protea legendary pacer Morne Morkel also joining forces with the Indian team which would also mark his return to international cricket as a coach after he resigned from the post of pakistan’s bowling coach.

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