Sports

Every Ball Matters: Gill and Gambhir Encourage Young India to Seize the Moment

Published

7 months ago

June 12, 2025

The upcoming Test series in England, commencing on June 20 in Leeds, signifies a new chapter in Indian cricket. This five-match series presents a significant opportunity for the next generation, led by new Test captain Shubman Gill, to uphold and advance the team’s legacy.

With veterans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin retiring from the format, the focus now shifts to the emerging talent eager to carve out their own path in the game.

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In a video released by the BCCI on Thursday, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Gill gathered the team for a pre-training discussion, outlining their goals for the England series, which also marks the launch of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both sides.

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Gambhir welcomed newcomers Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh to the senior squad, acknowledging their impressive recent performances.

“First Test calls are always special. I want to welcome Sai (Sudharsan), who has had an excellent last three months with the bat. Also, a warm welcome to Arsh (Arshdeep Singh), who has been outstanding in white-ball cricket. I believe he will excel with the red ball as well,” Gambhir stated.

Expressing his confidence in the revamped Indian team, Gambhir sees this transitional phase as a remarkable opportunity rather than a disadvantage. He emphasized the chance young players have to make history.

“There are two ways to view this tour: one is that we lack our three most experienced players, and the other is that we have an incredible chance to achieve something special for our country. Looking around this group, I see hunger, passion, and commitment to do something remarkable,” Gambhir noted.

“If we make sacrifices, step out of our comfort zones, and fight hard—not just every day, but every session, every hour, and every ball—we can have an unforgettable tour,” he added.

This tour also marks a new leadership era with Gill becoming India’s 37th Test captain. The 24-year-old stressed the importance of purposeful preparation, urging his teammates to push their limits during practice to be ready for high-pressure scenarios.

“Let’s make every net session meaningful and challenge ourselves. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about discovering our game and how we will perform under pressure, whether as bowlers or batters. Every ball should be played with intention,” Gill advised.

Following the first Test in Leeds, the series will move to Birmingham for the second Test, with Lord’s hosting the third Test starting July 10. The fourth and fifth Tests will be played at Old Trafford and Kennington Oval, respectively.

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Sports

Storm in the First Over: RCB Create New WPL Record

Published

2 days ago

January 17, 2026

Namma Kudla

Royal Challengers Bengaluru created history in the Women’s Premier League by scoring the highest number of runs in the first over of a match. RCB scored a massive 23 runs in the opening over, setting a new WPL record.

This historic moment took place during the match against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Gujarat Giants bowler Renuka Singh Thakur conceded 23 runs in the first over, making it the most expensive opening over in WPL history.

Renuka began the over with a wide delivery. The ball went past the wicketkeeper and crossed the boundary, resulting in five runs. RCB batter Grace Harris then took charge of the over. She smashed four consecutive boundaries, putting the Gujarat Giants under pressure.

During the over, Renuka Singh bowled two more wides, adding extra runs to the total. On the final delivery of the over, Grace Harris struck another boundary. This completed a dramatic and record-breaking first over for RCB.

With this, Renuka Singh Thakur recorded the most expensive first over ever bowled in the Women’s Premier League. The previous record was held by Tanuja Kanwar. She had conceded 21 runs in the first over while playing for Gujarat Giants against Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season.

In the same match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru batted first and put up a strong total. RCB scored 182 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. The team showed aggressive batting throughout the innings.

Gujarat Giants chased the target but failed to keep up with the required run rate. They were bowled out for 150 runs in 18.5 overs. As a result, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the match by 32 runs.

This victory strengthened RCB’s position in the tournament and added a historic achievement to the Women’s Premier League records.

Sports

Historic Test Debut in Guwahati as South Africa Reach 247/6 on Day 1

Published

2 months ago

November 23, 2025

Namma Kudla

On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.

South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.

India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.

The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.

Sports

India A Post 297/4 as Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes 144 Off 42 Balls

Published

2 months ago

November 14, 2025

Namma Kudla

India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.

Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.

India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.