With Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, Team India faces the daunting task of filling the crucial number 4 batting position. Michael Atherton expresses concern about finding a suitable replacement after decades of dominance by Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar. While names like KL Rahul and Shubman Gill are being thrown in the air, who will be India’s pick for the England tour?
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has onboarded New Zealand’s veteran pacer Tim Southee as Specialist Skills Consultant for the English men’s cricket team. Southee, New Zealand’s highest international wicket-taker, will support England across all formats until the end of the Test series against India. He will commence his role with the Test squad before their match against Zimbabwe.
Virat Kohli, India’s beloved cricketer, retires from Test cricket, marking the end of an era defined by his ‘My Way’ approach. His fitness obsession, bold captaincy decisions like prioritizing pace bowling, and early adoption of social media shaped his career. Kohli leaves behind a legacy of records, brand endorsements, and iconic status, inspiring future generations with his leadership and determination.
Ravichandran Ashwin has ignited debate over India’s next Test captain, suggesting Jasprit Bumrah, a ‘national treasure,’ deserves consideration despite workload concerns. He also proposes Ravindra Jadeja as a short-term option, emphasizing the importance of consistent selection and mentoring a younger player like Shubman Gill. Ashwin advocates for a formal interview process to assess leadership qualities beyond on-field performance.
Neeraj Chopra addressed his relationship with Arshad Nadeem. He mentioned the impact of India-Pakistan relations on their interactions. Chopra is set to compete in the Doha Diamond League. He will face strong competition from Anderson Peters and Jakub Vadlejch. Kishore Jena, another Indian athlete, will also participate. Chopra aims to reclaim the Doha DL title, having won it in 2023.
The ICC has announced a record USD 5.76 million prize pool for the World Test Championship Final between South Africa and Australia at Lord’s. The winner will receive USD 3.6 million. ICC Chair Jay Shah praised the intense competition. South Africa qualified after topping the WTC standings, while defending champions Australia secured their place with a Border-Gavaskar Trophy win.
Despite missing the World Test Championship final, India secured a substantial USD 1.44 million for finishing third in the 2023-25 cycle. The ICC announced a record USD 5.76 million prize pool, with Australia and South Africa set to compete for the top prize at Lord’s. India, led by Rohit Sharma, won nine out of 19 matches in the cycle.
Following his surprising Test retirement, Virat Kohli is gearing up for the resumption of IPL 2025, spotted with wife Anushka Sharma en route to Bengaluru. Kohli, having recently visited Vrindavan, now shifts his focus to leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s batting line-up as they prepare to host Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday.
Gautam Gambhir and the initial group of Test players are scheduled to depart for England on June 6, with subsequent departures contingent on IPL 2025 commitments. Gambhir will concentrate on preparing the Test squad, while support staff may join the team directly in England. The India A squad’s departure will also be staggered, commencing on May 25.
The BCCI is yet to confirm the venues for the IPL 2025 playoffs and final, with Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium emerging as a strong contender to host the title clash. While Kolkata’s Eden Gardens was initially scheduled, weather concerns and the need to avoid further delays are influencing the decision.