Sports

Gambhir Comes Home from England Due to Family Emergency

Published

7 months ago

June 13, 2025

The Indian cricket team will begin their closed-door intra-squad warm-up match in Beckenham on Friday without head coach Gautam Gambhir, who was called back to India due to a family emergency, as reported by The Statesman.

During Gambhir’s absence, assistant coaches Sitanshu Kotak and Ryan ten Doeschate, along with bowling coach Morne Morkel, will lead the squad. Hrishikesh Kanitkar is currently at the helm of the India A side.

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The warm-up match, which will extend until June 16, aims to help the senior team gauge player form ahead of the first Test against England on June 20 at Headingley, under new captain Shubman Gill.

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While Gambhir’s return date remains uncertain, his absence is felt at a crucial time as the Indian team prepares for a significant transition during the five-Test series against England, particularly following the recent retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Consequently, the team management was expected to finalize the batting order, an aspect Gambhir planned to decide closer to the series opener.

The retirements of Rohit and Kohli have opened two batting positions, with newcomers B Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair emerging as strong candidates to fill those roles.

Among those who played for India A against England Lions, Nair, Dhruv Jurel, and Abhimanyu Easwaran stood out. Nair led the series with 259 runs, featuring a double century in the first match in Canterbury.

Jurel contributed 227 runs, including three half-centuries, while Easwaran added two fifties. KL Rahul, anticipated to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the upcoming series, scored 116 and 51 in his only game in Northampton.

The management is deliberating between Shardul Thakur and Nitish Reddy for the allrounder position, as Reddy impressed with two wickets from 26.5 overs, while Thakur achieved the same with 43 overs in two matches against the Lions.

For the pace attack, two of Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna are likely to join Jasprit Bumrah in the playing XI for the first Test.

In remembrance of the victims of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, players and staff observed a minute’s silence before the intra-squad match. All members donned black armbands as a sign of mourning.

The BCCI shared on their ‘X’ account, “A minute’s silence was also observed today to honor the victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash, showing respect for the lives lost and solidarity with the grieving families.”

On Thursday, more than 240 people were feared dead when an Air India plane, headed for Gatwick Airport in London, crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner went down near BJ Medical College, which is adjacent to the airport, with just one miraculous survivor reported.

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Sports

Storm in the First Over: RCB Create New WPL Record

Published

1 week 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.