On Friday, July 19, we saw the commencement of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. The tournament has started on a fantastic note, with Nepal creating history by winning their first-ever Women’s Asia cup win over the U.A.E. However, the game of the day was between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, where the Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. registered a commanding 7-wicket win. Apart from this, we even saw some insights on Gautam Gambhir’s first squad selection as new men’s team head coach.
Virat Kohli says no problem with Gambhir
Virat Kohli has reportedly told the BCCI that he has no issues with Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach, dismissing rumors of a rift. The two had a warm interaction during IPL 2024, and Kohli has assured the board that past differences won’t affect their professional relationship. Gambhir had previously requested Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah to play the series.
Players wanted Suryakumar over Pandya?
It was highly surprising to see Suryakumar Yadav as India’s new T20I captain instead of Hardik Pandya. We expected Hardik Pandya to take charge once Rohit Sharma retired from the shortest format. Apparently, however, players favored Suryakumar’s leadership style (albeit from the dressing room environment). An unnamed BCCI source revealed seniors backed SKY for his calm demeanor and good rapport with everyone. Coach Dravid’s praise for Suryakumar Yadav also played a role in the decision.
Jadeja ODI career over?
Ravindra Jadeja’s ODI future is highly uncertain after being dropped for the Sri Lanka series. This follows his T20I retirement. With the Champions Trophy scheduled to take place in about six months, selectors are looking for his replacement, giving chances to Axar Patel and Washington Sundar in the upcoming ODIs. With only 6 ODIs before the Trophy, Jadeja’s spot seems to be in jeopardy.
Adani to buy Gujarat Titans?
Gujarat Titans (GT) ownership is set for a change. CVC Capital Partners, the current owner, is looking to sell a majority stake. Adani Group and Torrent Group, both based in Ahmedabad, are interested in buying. They missed out on owning the team in 2021 and now see an opportunity. For CVC, it’s a chance to profit as the team’s value has grown significantly, from Rs 6232 crore to an estimated Rs 8365-12547 crore.
Babar Azam & Rizwan denied NOCs due to an Indian?
PCB blocked the likes of Babar Azam, Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi from playing in Global T20 Canada. While a busy schedule was cited, reports suggest an Indian team owner’s suspicious actions and unpaid dues by some organizers might be the reasons. The tournament also lacks ICC sanctioning, creating another hurdle for Pakistani players.
Team India decimate Pakistan!
India’s women’s cricket team led by Harmanpreet Kaur crushed Pakistan by 7 wickets in their Asia Cup 2024 opener at Dambulla. Deepti Sharma’s 3 wickets earned her Player of the Match, while Renuka Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, and Shreyanka Patil chipped in with 2 wickets each. Openers Smriti Mandhana (45) and Shafali Verma (40) made the light work of the chase, showcasing India’s dominance across batting, bowling, and fielding.
