Sanjay Manjrekar India's former Batsman backs Hardik Pandya for pure number 6 batsmen in ODIs. 



Sanjay Manjrekar who earlier criticized selectors for the selection of all-rounder in One Day Squad against Australia seems to have changed his mind. Former Indian Batsmen, Sanjay Manjrekar backs Hardik Pandya as a pure number 6 batsmen in ODIs for India. After a rollicking performance from the dashing Hardik Pandya in the third and final ODI against Australia. Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik?s match-winning partnership of 150 runs avoided a clean sweep.



Sanjay Manjrekar while commentary in Sony Six heaped praise on Hardik Pandya for his match-winning 92 in the final ODI while unbeaten 90 in the first game. Manjrekar who initially looked confused about his selection, later said, ?India has found the perfect number 6 batsmen in the form of Hardik Pandya.?



Even though the all-rounder is not fully sure about his bowling but he is showing good intent with his batting performance. The former Indian batsman, Sanjay Manjrekar added that he was impressed with Pandya?s maturity during both the knocks in Canberra and Sydney.



<h2>He is a pure number 6 batsman:</h2>



?I was a bit spectacle when the selectors picked him on the basis of IPL performance. I thought he was a good Twenty20 batsman but One Day- is a slightly different format. Can Hardik Pandya be a pure 50 over batsman and he proved his mettle in support,? Sanjay Manjrekar on Sony Six.



?He scored 90 runs in the first encounter too but we have seen him scoring runs and not be consistent enough. He proved us wrong and scored a good match-winning knock in the final ODI against Australia. So yes, India has found a pure number 6 batsman.?



Manjrekar accepted that Pandya?s brilliant performance in the series forced him to alter his thoughts on the all-rounder. He initially believed that Manish Pandey would be a much better option for India in the number 6 position.



?It was not a Twenty20 game, Men In Blue lost a few early wickets. He got 30 runs from 30 balls. He has that range and not many bowers can keep him shut for long period. That?s really impressive. He has convinced me as I was dicey about him at number 6 pure batsman.?



?Whether he bowls or not, India has found a capable and reliable batsman who can be used at number 5 or 6 in the near future.?



After his stellar performance in the series, Pandya amassed a total of 210 runs in the three-match series. He will surely continue his heroic show in the T20Is ahead.



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Sanjay Manjrekar backs Hardik Pandya for pure number 6 batsmen in ODIs

sanjay-manjrekar-backs-hardik-pandya-for-pure-number-6-batsmen-in-odis

Ian Chappell reckons Ravi Ashwin as a better spinner than Nathan Lyon.



Former Australian Cricketer Ian Chappell described Indian senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as one of the greatest modern-day bowlers playing Cricket currently while former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed his ?problems? being called Ashwin as the all-time great.



Manjrekar feels that despite having so many wickets under his hat in Test format, Ashwin never picked a fifer in SENA countries. Moreover, the former cricketer stated that his likes have been matched by Ravindra Jadeja in the last couple of years who is constantly picking wickets for India in all three formats.



?When people start talking about him as being one of the all-time greats of the game then I have a few problems,? Manjrekar said on the ESPNcricinfo programme ?Runorder?.



?One basic problem I have with Ashwin is that when you look at SENA countries, Ashwin doesn?t have a single five-wicket haul there.



?And the other thing when you talk about him running through sides on Indian pitches that are suited to his kind of bowling is that in the last four years, Jadeja has matched him with wicket-taking abilities.



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The 55 years old cricketer put forth the stats of Ashwin and Axar Patel in recent India vs England Test series wherein the latter scalped more wickets than the former.



?Then, interestingly, in the last series against England, Axar Patel got more wickets than Ashwin on similar pitches. So that is my problem with accepting Ashwin as a real all-time great,? Manjrekar concluded.



Ian Chappell, a brilliant Australian skipper, not convinced with what Manjrekar observed, cited Joel Garner, former West Indies bowler as an example.



Chappell argued, how many test fifers Garner owns in his test career? Not many, if you look at his records, he is definitely one of the all-time great bowlers.



?I would like to make a couple of points there ? if you look at Joel Garner, I mean how many five-wicket hauls Joel Garner has? Not many, when you consider how good he was and his record. And why, because he was performing with three other very, very fine players,? Chappell pointed out as Manjrekar listened.



?And I think, particularly of late, I find that the Indian attack has been so strong that the wickets are being shared around more.



?And the other point I would make is because of Ashwin?s reputation I think the England players probably concentrated more on keeping Ashwin out and with Axar Patel, well, let?s be blunt about it, they didn?t have a bloody clue,? Chappell added.



<h2>Ian Chappell's top 5 current best Test bowlers:</h2>



Keeping Ravichandran Ashwin in the list of his top 5 current best bowlers, the former skipper picked two other Indians - Mohammad Shami, Ishant Sharma- along with the likes of Pat Cummins and Kagiso Rabada.



Chappell rated Ashwin ahead of Australian spinner Nathan Lyon.



?I think Ashwin is a better bowler than Nathan Lyon. Have a look at Nathan Lyon?s strike rate, you are in the 70s and I am going back to 2018.



?Nathan Lyon, to me, I think runs get scored through the onside when he is bowling to the right-handers and that really just shouldn?t happen. Yes, he is a fine bowler but I think Ashwin is a better bowler.?



The 77-years old Aussie seems impressed with Ishant Sharma?s stats since 2018. The pacer has picked up 77 wickets in 22 test games he has played since 2018.



?Ishant?s record in the last I think I went back to the start of 2018 and looking at some stats and his record is extremely good,? Chappell said.



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Ian Chappell reckons Ravi Ashwin as a better spinner than Nathan Lyon

ian-chappell-reckons-ravi-ashwin-as-a-better-spinner-than-nathan-lyon

Ravi Ashwin takes a hilarious dig at Sanjay Manjrekar?s tweet stating ?Ashwin is not all time great?.



Indian senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has finally decided to engage in banter with former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, who earlier stated that Ashwin is not quite there to be termed as all-time great.



The 55-years old former cricketer said, all-time great is the highest possible praise in Cricket and for him, Ashwin right now doesn't deserve a place there.



??All-time great? is the highest praise &amp; acknowledgement given to a cricketer. Cricketers like Don Bradman, Sobers, Gavaskar, Tendulkar, Virat etc are all-time greats in my book. With due respect, Ashwin not quite there as an all-time great yet,? wrote Sanjay Manjrekar on his Tweet.



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To reply to Manjrekar?s statement, Ashwin took the funniest way possible and replied with an image with a dialogue from Tamil Movie 'Aparichit? and it read as: ?Apdi Solladha Da Chaari, Manasellam Valikirdhu."



The English translation to this dialogue is: Don't say things like that, it hurts."



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Ravichandran Ashwin, who is currently in Southampton, England with the Indian squad for the final assignment of the ICC World Test Championship, has picked up 409 wickets in 78 Test matches which include 30 five-wicket hauls.



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<h2>Ashwin doesn't have test five-wicket hauls in SENA countries: Sanjay Manjrekar</h2>



Sanjay Manjrekar has some issues terming Ashwin as an all-time great as he doesn't have enough five-wicket hauls in SENA countries. 



"When people start talking about him (Ashwin) as being one of the all-time greats of the game then I have a few problems," said Manjrekar during a show on ESPNcricinfo?



"One basic problem I have with Ashwin is that when you look at SENA countries, Ashwin doesn't have a single five-wicket haul there. And the other thing when you talk about him running through sides on Indian pitches that are suited to his kind of bowling is that in the last four years Jadeja has matched him with wicket-taking abilities."&nbsp;



Responding to Manjrekar?s comments on Ashwin, former Australian cricketer Ian Chappell was quick enough to cite Joel Garner, West Indies all-time great cricketer, as an example.



The former Aussie cricketer reckons that of late the Indian bowling attack has taken giant strides. The attack is now the best in Test cricket.?The bowlers are quick enough to contribute to the team?s success and share the 10 wickets amongst them.



"I would like to make a couple of points there, if you look at Joel Garner, I mean how many five-wicket hauls Joel Garner has? Not many, when you consider how good he was and his record. And why, because he was performing with three other very, very fine players. And I think, particularly of late, I find that the Indian attack has been so strong that the wickets are being shared around more," said Chappell.



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Ravi Ashwin takes a hilarious dig at Sanjay Manjrekar?s tweet stating ?Ashwin is not all time great?

ravi-ashwin-takes-a-hilarious-dig-at-sanjay-manjrekars-tweet-stating-ashwin-is-not-all-time-great

ICC WTC Final: Ravindra Jadeja?s selection for his batting skills backfired India, says Sanjay Manjrekar.



ICC WTC Final: Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar keeps alive his online controversy with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as he gives another bold statement for the all-rounder post India's horrifying defeat against New Zealanders in the ICC World Test Championship.



Team India-led by Virat Kohli lost the all important rain marred test match against Kiwis by eight wickets in the reserve day.



Manjrekar questioned Jadeja?s selection for the final test which was delayed by one day.



?If you have to look at how India went about before the game started, picking two spinners was always a debatable selection especially when the conditions were overcast and the toss was delayed by a day. They picked one player for his batting, which was Jadeja, and his left-arm spin wasn?t the reason he was picked. He was picked for his batting and that is something that I am always against,? Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.



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He furthermore said that selection of Hanuma Vihari could have given team India more depth in those overcast conditions. A specialist batsman with the abilities of Hanuma Vihari may have helped India to post a total of over 200 runs on the last day.



?In a team, you have to pick specialist players on the basis of their primary skillset. If they felt that the pitch would dry up they would have selected Ashwin along with Jadeja owing to his left arm spin abilities. But they picked him thinking of his batting and I think that backfired as mostly it does,? said Majrekar.



Commenting on the upcoming test series against England, Manjrekar said: ?I hope India don?t do what England have historically done, pick somebody because there is another strength that they have and that strength might just come to good use, but very rarely it does when it?s a pressure game.?



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Ravindra Jadeja?s selection for batting backfired India: Sanjay Manjrekar.

ICC WTC Final: Ravindra Jadeja?s selection for his batting skills backfired India, says Sanjay Manjrekar

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Bhuvneshwar Kumar is not 100 per cent fit in the IPL, says Sanjay Manjrekar.



Vivo IPL 2021: Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar reckons that senior Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is not in his comprehensive fitness in the ongoing fourteenth season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and which can be clearly seen in his performances in the recent matches.



The senior Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pacer hasn?t been effective since the resumption of the Vivo IPL 2021 and has picked just two wickets from four appearances and has also been expensive with an economy of 8.15.



The two times consecutive purple cap winner (in IPL 2016 &amp; 2017) has just managed to pick five wickets from 10 IPL 2021 matches for SRH, which is an alarming sign for him as well as the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021.



Manjrekar analysing Kumar?s performance said that the pacer showed some flashbacks of his prime fitness during his comeback series against England in India, however, again was taken aback by some niggles during the Sri Lanka series.



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In conversation with ESPNcricinfo, Manjrekar felt that the slow track in the UAE may be one of the reasons for Bhuvneshwar Kumar?s ineffectiveness.&nbsp;



"When Bhuvi made his comeback during the home series against England, he was giving assurances that he's back in his prime form again. But, then in Sri Lanka, it seemed like he's not a hundred percent fit. Again, in the ongoing IPL, we can clearly see that he's not at the peak of his fitness. This is the only for his underwhelming form currently because you can't criticize him for his bowling. He's speed has dipped a bit now. Trent Boult is in a similar situation, where his pace has also taken a hit."



The pacer?s selection in the Indian T20 World Cup squad has taken social media on its toes. With consistent failures in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 phase two, netizens have raised several questions over the selection of the pacer.



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Vivo IPL 2021: Bhuvneshwar Kumar is not 100 per cent fit in the IPL, says Sanjay Manjrekar

bhuvneshwar-kumar-is-not-100-per-cent-fit-in-the-ipl-sanjay-manjrekar

Vivo IPL 2021: Season fourteen is just about to make its conclusion as 59 matches are already completed and CSK will square off against KKR in the final tonight to wrap up the tournament. The former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar seems to be unimpressed with the quality of cricket being displayed in the ongoing season. Manjrekar feels that most of the big players in the IPL 2021 were out of form and several have moved ahead of their prime touch, which resulted in the matches ending with a ?bizarre turnaround.?



In conversation with ESPNcricinfo, the former cricketer opined that due to the huge gap between consistent players and the ordinary performers in the IPL 2021 which prompted him to think of the IPL in a unique way.



"I've followed the IPL very closely, but this has been a very unique IPL. Because we have seen some quality players, but we have also seen a large number of guys who are either ability-wise quite ordinary to begin with or players who are past their prime. So, we have seen a lot of those kinds of players in the IPL and we have seen some bizarre results and performances," Manjrekar said.



The renowned commentator even termed IPL season fourteen as ?the most frustrating IPL season ever,? as a couple of teams slipped down from a comfortable position and took their teams to the tricky ending.



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"You've got these very good players and then there is a huge chunk of out-of-form players, players past their prime and players with ability that you wonder they belong here. And that is the reason why we've seen so many bizarre ends and turn-arounds. This has been, for me, the most frustrating IPL to watch," he added.



If we look at the qualifier two of the Vivo IPL 2021 between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Wednesday, the latter team had a good upper hand to seal the match convincingly, however, the KKR middle order collapsed during the need of the hour and nearly lost the game to DC.



Delhi scalped five match-turning wickets by conceding five runs. KKR lost its third wicket in 125 runs and was reduced to 130 runs in the loss of seven wickets. It was Rahul Tripathi?s six which came to rescue his side and took KKR over the line, otherwise, the match would have gone in the bag of Delhi Capitals (DC) out of nowhere.



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ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/final-csk-vs-kkr-dream11-prediction-playing11-pitch-report-best-fantasy-tips/">Vivo IPL 2021: Final CSK vs KKR Dream11 Prediction, Playing11, Pitch Report, Best Fantasy Tips</a>

Vivo IPL 2021: Sanjay Manjrekar reckons that IPL 2021 was the most frustrating IPL to watch

sanjay-manjrekar-reckons-that-ipl-2021-was-the-most-frustrating-ipl-to-watch

Sanjay Manjrekar hails Hardik Pandya for his tremendous comeback after injury: Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has hailed Indian senior all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his brilliant performance over the last few months. Pandya, who made a comeback to cricket, months after a forced injury break, is now a completely changed guy, said Manjrekar.



Following Rishabh Pant?s classy ton, all-rounder Hardik Pandya slammed his half-century in the ODI decider at Manchester against England on Sunday to propel team India towards an easy victory.



Team India clinched the ODI series by 2-1 and Hardik Pandya played a crucial role in it. Pandya amassed 71 runs off 55 deliveries in the final ODI against England and scalped four wickets. His match-winning performances earned him the Player of the Series award.



"Absolutely, Hardik Pandya is a completely changed guy. It was a wildcard that the franchise played. First of all, picking him as one of their first players, before that his fitness was a problem, his batting was an issue for the earlier franchise," Manjrekar said in a show on Sports 18 after ENGvIND 3rd ODI.



Manjrekar also talked about how Gujarat Titans backed Hardik as one of their gun players in the recently completed IPL 2022. Hardik Pandya was appointed Gujarat?s skipper in the debut season and the all-rounder completely ruled the position and led his side to a title win in his maiden stint.



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"Not only did they pick him, and back him as one of their marquee players they gave him the captaincy. Just the way the league turned out for him. Hardik Pandya is a changed man now, there's a lot of maturity, responsibility and ambition as well. I see a sense of ambition coming into him. And once you have that, wanting to grow within Indian Cricket then there's tremendous motivation. He's also addressing himself in third person now. Hardik Pandya has arrived."



"So, firstly with my bowling, you know post IPL. After every series I take maybe four or five days to train because that is refuelling for my fitness and just to get fresh. I like to play 100 per cent because then it gives me the opportunity to do all the things which I did today," said Hardik.



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Sanjay Manjrekar hails Hardik Pandya for his tremendous comeback after injury

sanjay-manjrekar-hails-hardik-pandya-for-his-tremendous-comeback-after-injury

IND vs AUS: India is already in ICC WTC Final says Sanjay Manjrekar: While team India continues to push for its appearance in the ICC WTC Final as it takes on Australia in the fourth test match, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes India has already reached the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, which is scheduled to be held at Oval, London, starting from June 7.



Speaking after the stumps on day 1 of the IND vs AUS 4th test match, Manjrekar said although India will have to officially qualify for the ICC WTC Final, it has already reached there.



?I believe India are already in the final. But, you still have to actually, you know, officially get there. So that tension was there. Plus the series hanging the way it has, Australia making that brilliant comeback in Indore and plus a figure like Narendra Modi at the ground. That buzz was there. Every box was ticked before the start of this Test,? Manjrekar told Star Sports.



Notably, the only team on India's way to the ICC WTC 2021-23 final is Sri Lanka, which is placed third in the points table. Sri Lanka has a two-match test series against New Zealand, which starts later this week. The island nation has to strike a clean sweep against the Kiwis in order to seal its place in the WTC final. Anything less than a clean sweep would result in India's advancement to the ICC WTC Final.



"It's a great setting when people are there, every seat was taken. World Test Championship takes for India, on the verge of getting there. I think India will get there. I don't think Sri Lanka are capable of upsetting New Zealand," he added.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/03/IND-vs-AUS-4th-Test-Ahmedabad.jpg" alt="IND vs AUS: India is already in ICC WTC Final says Sanjay Manjrekar" class="wp-image-104139" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">India vs Australia 4th Test Day 1 in Narendra Modi Stadium | Image: BCCI</figcaption></figure>



For India to keep things in its hands, it needs to win the ongoing IND vs AUS 4th Test match in Narendra Modi Stadium. A win in the 4th test match would help India make its place in the ICC WTC Final.



Meanwhile, if India draws or losses the ongoing IND vs AUS 4th test, it will have to hope for Sri Lanka that it doesn't get a complete hold of the New Zealand two-game test series.



Talking about the IND vs AUS 4th Test match, Australia managed to score 255 runs in the loss of 4 wickets on day 1 of the test. Aussie opener Usman Khawaja returned unbeaten at 104 runs at the stumps on the first day. Meanwhile, Mohammad Shami scalped two wickets and R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja got one apiece in their bag.



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To know more head to BCCI's official <a href="https://www.bcci.tv/">website</a>.

IND vs AUS: India is already in ICC WTC Final says Sanjay Manjrekar

ind-vs-aus-india-is-already-in-icc-wtc-final-says-sanjay-manjrekar

We are just one sleep away from the cricket carnival in India. The <a href="https://www.iplt20.com/auction" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.iplt20.com/auction">Indian Premier League</a> (IPL) 2023 will begin from 31st March and much like all seasons, it promises to be another blockbuster season. The season of predictions, banters and thrillers are here as many have predicted the winners, orange and purple cap holders. With the kind of competition, the league offers, it?s fair to say that any team can upset any opposition and the one who ticks all the right boxes will be through as the margin of error will be very less.?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sanjay Manjrekar backs Royal Challengers Bangalore to win IPL 2023</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="http://www.icccricketschedule.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/RCB-2.jpg" alt="IPL 2023 Auction: 2 Players RCB may target in IPL 2023 Auction" class="wp-image-98263" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: BCCI/IPL</figcaption></figure>



Even if Royal Challengers Bangalore haven?t won any IPL title. But it?s fair to say that they are the most entertaining team in the tournament. The Faf du Plessis-led side has displayed a staggering brand of cricket ever since the league started in 2008.?



India?s very best Virat Kohli and various other superstars have been part of the franchise and have displayed a remarkable brand of cricket. They have kept fans entertained in every season and also are the owners of the highest score in the league.&nbsp;



They will resume their title hunt this year as well and it?s fair to say that with the kind of talent and firepower they have in their team, it?s fair to say that if they play to their potential they can win their maiden title as well. The Faf du Plessis-led outfit will open their campaign against Mumbai Indians on 2nd April at Chinnaswamy Stadium.?



Read Also:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-2023-ranking-all-ipl-10-teams-based-on-their-potential-set-of-all-rounders/">?</a><a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-2023-ranking-all-ipl-10-teams-based-on-their-potential-set-of-all-rounders/">IPL 2023: Ranking All IPL 10 Teams Based on Their Potential set of All?rounders</a>



They have a combination of young talent along with experience this year and their squad this time looks pretty balanced as compared to last year. Many fans and pundits have backed them to win the league this time and the latest to join the bandwagon is Sanjay Manjrekar. The former Indian cricketer has backed RCB to win the IPL. Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, he said:?"Yes, I feel RCB will win in this IPL 2023 title.??



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Royal Challengers Bangalore predicted XI for the first game of the IPL 2023 against Mumbai Indians?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="http://www.icccricketschedule.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/RCB.jpg" alt="IPL 2023: Royal Challengers Bangalore Strongest Playing11, RCB Playing11 &amp; Squad" class="wp-image-90021" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: IPL</figcaption></figure>



Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have a few injury concerns. Glenn Maxwell, Josh Hazlewood, Rajat Patidar and Wanindu Hasranga are doubtful to start the first game. However, as the tournament will progress they will field the full-strength XI.?



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Let?s take a look at the Royal Challengers Bangalore?s predicted XI for the first game against Mumbai Indians:&nbsp;



Faf du Plessis (c)? Fin Allen? Virat Kohli? Suryash Prabhudesai? Michael Bracewell? Shahbaz Ahmed? Dinesh Karthik (wk)? Karan Sharma? Harshal Patel? Reece Topley? Mohammed Siraj?



Here's RCB squad for the IPL 2023: 



Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Suyash Prabhudessai, Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat, Finn Allen, Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed, Harshal Patel, David Willey, Karn Sharma, Mahipal Lomror, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood, Siddarth Kaul, Akash Deep, Avinash Singh, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Rajan Kumar, R Sonu Yadav?



Visit?<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC CRICKET SCHEDULE</a>?for more cricketing updates.

?I feel they will win this IPL 2023,? Sanjay Manjrekar predicts his winner for IPL 16

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IND vs WI: 3 New batters &amp; bowlers for Test squad, India?s Test Squad for West Indies series : Team India's two-match test assignment has become crucial for the BCCI, as it looks to resurrect its performance in the marquee multi-lateral events. While India has managed to perform well throughout the group or league stages of any tournament, the hit it has been taking for a decade in the important knockout matches has somewhat hurt the team's aspirations.



Recently, Rohit Sharma-led India faced a harsh defeat against Australia in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023. The 209 run-defeat against the Aussies will not settle anytime soon until significant reforms are not made on the Indian side.



It is important to note that, a few senior members of the Indian team have come under scrutiny following their poor show in the WTC final 2023. 



The Test figures of skipper Rohit Sharma, although soared in 2021 and 2022, however, they aren't justifying his stature anymore. He has often found ways to get dismissed in innocuous deliveries by playing unnecessary shots after negating the dangerous spells.



Similarly, Cheteshwar Pujara's numbers are also a sign of concern for the Indian side. Although he performed well during his recent county stint, his runs have dried in the Indian colours.



Talking about Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, who still are going strong, they are also under scrutiny. While Rahane,35, made a commendable comeback in the WTC final, it remains a question as to how long he can hold his position in the team with that age factor coming into play. Virat Kohli, on the other side, is also far from his beast version, although, he has managed to gain some momentum in the test format. 



The aforementioned four players form India's heavy top and middle order, which now is nearing its twilight. So the BCCI will have to plan and strategise ahead for the bright future of the Indian test side.



With the senior pros not having a ball of a time in the field, the young players must be given fair opportunities to slide into the side and pose as serious competition for the playing spot.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">IND vs WI: Start rewarding young players: Sanjay Manjrekar</h2>



Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar reckons BCCI should now start rewarding the players who are consistently doing good in first-class cricket. 



"About time we start rewarding the guys who are doing well in first-class cricket," said Sanjay Manjrekar. "And not just runs. The selectors could look at players who have it in them to be future Test players and succeed in foreign conditions."



He further said he would love to see three new batters and bowlers get the national call-up for the upcoming two-match IND vs WI test series, which begins on July 12 in Dominica.



"I would like to see at least three new batters come into play in the picture and new fast bowlers,"&nbsp;he said.



Manjrekar also dissected what served as one of the key ingredients of Australia's success in the ICC WTC 2023 Final against India. 



"The game changers for Australia in the WTC final - Steve Smith and Travis Head - don't play a lot of T20 cricket. So we have to find guys who are not going to be fatigued or don't have to make the adjustments from IPL to Test cricket."



Manjrekar reckons India again needs to work on its pace bowling lineup and form a new set of players, who are match ready at any given moment. Team India had a certain depth in the bowling with the services of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna among others.



However, suddenly with the injuries to a couple of pacers, the fast-bowling lineup became thin and dull and there was too much responsibility on Mohammed Siraj and Shami.



"Just a few months back I was taking pride in the depth that we have in our seam-bowling department and suddenly Bumrah is not fit. There are quite fit others like Prasidh Krishna so maybe for Test cricket, India needs to create a new line of fast bowlers. Now you should look for specific test players. If somebody gets injured, we should have backups ready. Like Scott Boland. Came in straightaway and made an impact. We had to go back to Umesh Yadav which is not a good sign," he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">India's Test Squad for West Indies Series - Prediction</h2>



The BCCI could use the opportunity to hand national call-up to the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Eshwaran, Sarfaraz Khan, Mukesh Kumar and Rajat Patidar. 



India's Test squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Eshwaran, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Sarfaraz Khan, Ishan Kishan, Srikar Bharat, R Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mukesh Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-pak-icc-bcci-refuse-pakistans-request-to-change-venues-for-icc-cricket-world-cup-2023/">IND vs PAK: ICC, BCCI refuse Pakistan?s request to change venues for ICC Cricket World Cup 2023</a>



For more details head to BCCI?s official&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bcci.tv/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website.</a>

IND vs WI: 3 New batters &amp; bowlers for Test squad, India?s Test Squad for West Indies series

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The wait for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to be over. The tournament will begin on 19th February, and the final will take place on 9th March. The India team, no doubt, will be one of the hot favourites to win the tournament, which will be played in a hybrid model. 
India will be playing all their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 games in Dubai. The Rohit Sharma-led side will be beginning their campaign against Bangladesh on 20th February, and, after that, will be playing Pakistan on 23rd February, followed by New Zealand on 2nd March. 
The departure date of India for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 also has been revealed. As per the reports in Times of India, it is learned that the Rohit Sharma-led side will be travelling to Dubai on 15th February. The reports added that more clarity on the same will come in the coming days. 
<h2>India won't be playing any warmup matches ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025</h2>
Not only this, it is learned that India also won't be playing any warmup matches ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This is because all the teams will be in Pakistan, and hence, it will be difficult for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to arrange the warmup match. 
The reports added that India team management is happy with the net session ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This is because they will be playing the three-match ODI series against England, which will begin on 6th February across three venues in India. 
Apart from this, it is reported that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 won't be having a captain photoshoot because of the different challenges along with the different arrivals of the team. This means that Rohit Sharma won't be travelling to Pakistan for this and will be staying in Dubai with the team. 
The opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in Lahore. There were talks of having the event in Karachi but the Pakistan Cricket Board decided to host it in Lahore.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-champions-trophy-2025-babar-azam-s-batting-position-decided-selectors-not-in-favour-of-giving-him-this-role-/#google_vignette">ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Babar Azam's batting position decided; selectors not in favour of giving him this role</a>

India will be playing all their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 games in Dubai.

It is learned that India also won't be playing any warmup matches ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India to travel to Dubai on this date; unlikely to play warmup game

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India batter Shubman Gill has started his preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The premier batter has returned to nets for the white-ball practice as he was named in the Indian team for the ODI series against England and the ICC tournament. 
Shubman Gill has been under a lot of pressure for his poor outings with the bat, especially in Test cricket. With the emergence of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who delivered consistent performances, there were a lot of questions about the place of Gill, even in the ODIs. 
Several fans and experts also have backed Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the innings for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 along with Rohit Sharma. However, amid all this Shubman Gill is making sure that he gives his best to train for the tournament. 
With England ODIs and ICC Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner, Shubman Gill was seen batting in the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium. He was seen batting with the white-ball ahead of the tournament and the video can be seen at the end of the article. 
Shubman Gill looked in golden touch with the bat as he played a pull towards the four before blocking the balls. The batter would be eager to make a strong comeback and reply to all the criticism in style with his performances in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 
Shubman Gill recently played the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 for Punjab. The batter was the lone warrior for his team as he hit a magnificent century and returned to form after having a poor outing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where he played just three games. 
Shubman Gill would want to carry on his form and help a team win. He has been one of the best batters for India in ODIs. He also has been named as the vice-captain of the team for the tournament and with added responsibility under his belt, a lot will be reliant on him.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/watch-dewald-brevis-turns-into-superman-as-he-takes-a-stunner-in-sa20-2025-/#google_vignette">Watch: Dewald Brevis turns into ‘SUPERMAN’ as he takes a stunner in SA20 2025</a> 
<h2>Watch: Shubman Gill begins preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:</h2>

Shubman Gill gets ready for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 {PC:X}

India batter Shubman Gill has started his preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Shubman Gill has been under a lot of pressure for his poor outings with the bat, especially in Test cricket.

Watch: 'Under pressure' Shubman Gill looks solid in nets ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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Pakistan batter Babar Azam has been in the news for the last few days, especially with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner. The batter's name has been discussed a lot related to making him open, especially with no clarity over Saim Ayub. 
Pakistan is the only team that has yet to announce the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Since the last few days, he has been in the news as there have been a lot of reports that have suggested that there are chances that he might open the innings for the team. 
However, the fresh reports in Cricket Pakistan have revealed that there are no plans to make Babar Azam open the innings. The reports added that the selection committee has not given the green signal to the development as they feel that batter will be best suited in the middle order. 
<h2>Selectors want a proper opener in the role; Babar Azam to at in middle-order</h2>
The reports claimed that selectors want a proper opener in the role. One of the openers that has been finalized by the management is Fakhar Zaman. However, with Saim Ayub likely to miss out, it is learned that Imam-ul-Haq is also in contention to take the role. 
Babar Azam has been the best batter for Pakistan in ODIs. The batter has mustered truckloads of runs for the team in the format while batting at No.3 and he will be extremely crucial for his team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be played in Pakistan with India games to be played in India. 
Babar Azam also has been a decent opener as well. He has been opening for the team in T20Is and has achieved massive success as well. He also opened in Test cricket during the recent South Africa series and aced that challenge as well, slamming two half-centuries in two innings. 
But, in white-ball cricket, Babar Azam has been criticised a lot for opening in T20Is. This is because he has failed to maximise the powerplay and has been batting with a low strike rate. It remains to be seen where he will be batting for the team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/watch-dewald-brevis-turns-into-superman-as-he-takes-a-stunner-in-sa20-2025-/#google_vignette">Watch: Dewald Brevis turns into ‘SUPERMAN’ as he takes a stunner in SA20 2025</a>

Babar Azam has been the best batter for Pakistan in ODIs.

Pakistan batter Babar Azam has been in the news for the last few days, especially with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Babar Azam's batting position decided; selectors not in favour of giving him this role

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India assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate has provided a massive fitness update about batter Rinku Singh ahead of the fourth IND vs ENG T20I. He mentioned that the left-hander has gained full fitness and will be playing the next match of the five-match T20I series. 
India and England are all set to lock horns with each other in the fourth match of the T20I series. The game is all set to be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday (30th January). The series is currently at 2-1, with hosts in the lead. 
India has been without the services of Rinku Singh for the last two games of the IND vs ENG series. The left-hander sustained a low back spasm while fielding in the first game and was then ruled out of the next two games of the series as he was under the observation of the BCCI medical team. 
In his place, the India team added Dhruv Jurel to the XI, and the move didn't pay off. The keeper-batter batted lower down the order and struggled to get going in both games, and it potentially cost them the last match of the series. 
<h2>Rinku Singh is fit and ready to play tomorrow - Ryan Ten Doeschate</h2>
However, in what will be a massive boost, Rinku Singh has been declared fit for the next two games. The development was confirmed by assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate, who said that the batter hit nets and will be playing. He told reporters. 
"Rinku Singh is fit and ready to play tomorrow. He batted yesterday night" 
Rinku Singh has been India's one of the best batters in the T20Is. His absence was felt in the last two games as well, but now, with him being fit, it is expected that he would walk straight into the XI and is likely to add Dhruv Jurel to the team. 
The fourth IND vs ENG T20I will be a great opportunity for India to to seal the series, but they need to make some corrections before heading into the next IND vs ENG match. 
India faced a disappointing 26-run loss in the last match at Rajkot. Their batting was one of the main reasons behind the loss and they would be hoping to make a strong comeback.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/watch-dewald-brevis-turns-into-superman-as-he-takes-a-stunner-in-sa20-2025-/#google_vignette">Watch: Dewald Brevis turns into ‘SUPERMAN’ as he takes a stunner in SA20 2025</a>

India assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate has provided a massive fitness update about batter Rinku Singh ahead of the fourth IND vs ENG T20I

India has been without the services of Rinku Singh for the last two games of the IND vs ENG series.

Rinku Singh to play fourth IND vs ENG T20I? India's assistant coach makes a massive statement

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On Thursday morning, the scene outside New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium was nothing short of extraordinary. A massive crowd had gathered well before the match, eager to witness Kohli in action. Long queues stretched for nearly 2 km, with fans patiently waiting for entry. Given his status as Indian cricket biggest crowd-puller the frenzy was hardly surprising. A huge crowd is gathered to see king kohli in  Arun Jaitley Stadium to watch kohli. Reports says that 2KM long queue was showing outside the Arun Jaitley Stadium for virat kohli.
Ranji Trophy action was peaked on January 30 when Virat Kohli, top  star of Indian crickete team, show in his first Ranji Trophy match after a 12-year. Crowd that was shown 2KM away from Arun Jaitley Stadium to see live playing virat kohli. That shows the fan base that kohli and love for indians.
Virat Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy after more than a decade has ignited immense excitement among cricket fans, drawing fresh attention to India’s premier domestic tournament. Virat Kohli’s played his last match  in 2012, that was named in Delhi’s starting XI for their clash against Railways.
According to ANI sports  reports Vipul Kashyap, more than 15,000 fans showed up to see Kohli playing in a Ranji Trophy match after 12 year . That  momentous was return after 12 years for cricket fans. The crowd erupted in excitement the moment Kohli stepped onto the field with his teammates. The roar of the fans was deafening, a testament to their admiration for the former India captain. Kohli acknowledged their love, expressing his gratitude with a warm gesture to there fans.
Virat Kohli last played in the Ranji Trophy when Delhi still had former players like Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag. In that match against Uttar Pradesh, he scored 57 runs across two innings, falling to Bhuvneshwar Kumar both times.
Kohli has featured in 23 Ranji matches between 2006  to 2012 debut against Tamil Nadu, scoring 1,574 runs at an impressive average of 50.77, including five centuries. His highest score—173—came against Bengal. A stellar 2009-10 season earned him a Test call-up, and in 2011, he made his debut in whites against the West Indies. 
Reports says that Virat Kohli’s plays more domestic tournament matches to do practice for future matchs and inspire young generation as well. In future we see more such matchs and India top player's to plays such a match in domestic ground.

Huge Crowd Coming To See Virat Kohli In Ranji Trophy

Ranji Trophy action peaked on January 30 when Virat Kohli, the star Indian cricketer, featured in his first Ranji Trophy game after a 12-year gap.

Virat Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy after more than a decade