BCCI likely to select Shubman Gill as captain; Virat and Rohit likely to be in the squad for the ODI series
All eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of Team India’s selection for the forthcoming T-20 and three One Day Internationals series against Australia. According to the Indian Express, there is no doubt about the selection of Rohit and Virat for the ODI series, but BCCI is likely to continue with Shubman Gill as Team India’s captain for the forthcoming ODI and T-20 series in Australia. According to reports, the reason behind BCCI plans to choose Gill as captain is that the Board also wants Gill to lead Team India in the ICC ODI World Cup, to be held in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe in 2027. Gill was also in the selection committee meeting. According to the Indian Express, the coach Gautam Gambhir has also been informed about the change of leadership in ODI captaincy from Rohit Sharma to Shubman Gill. Team India’s Test captain has scored 2775 runs in 55 ODIs at an average of 59.04, including a 208 against New Zealand in Hyderabad in 2003. However, Rohit and Kohli remain in the scheme of things for ODIs for now but will be playing their first competitive matches in eight months. Their last game was the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, which India won under Rohit’s captaincy by beating New Zealand by four wickets in Dubai. Rohit captained the Indian white-ball team to two ICC trophies, the T20 World Cup in the West Indies last year and the Champions Trophy title this year. However, Rohit and Kohli remain in the scheme of things for ODIs for now but will be playing their first competitive matches in eight months. Their last game was the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, which India won under Rohit’s captaincy by beating New Zealand by four wickets in Dubai. Rohit captained the Indian white-ball team to two ICC trophies, the T20 World Cup in the West Indies last year and the Champions Trophy title this year. However, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s inclusion does not have any doubt so far but both the cricketers will be participating in an international match after a gap of eight months. Their last match was the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, which they won by four wickets in Dubai. Rohit Sharma stepped down from captaincy after a poor show against Australia. While remembering that, Rohit commented recently, “Runs are not coming but there is no guarantee that you won’t be able to score two months down the line or six months down the line. I am mature enough to know what I am doing.”
PCB Chief Creates Big Controversy; Follows Rauf’s mocking, citing a Cristiano Ronaldo Video!
Christiano Ronaldo is seen in a video posted on social media, explaining how his direct free kick dipped and struck the nets. But Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is the ‘Interior Minister’ and chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board, on Wednesday, used Ronaldo’s video and created a big controversy with a provocative gesture against Indian military. Earlier, during the Asia Cup Super 4 game in Dubai last Sunday, Rauf made gestures mocking India’s military action. ACC chairman also fueled the controversy with the post of Ronaldo’s video, trying to mean how Pakistan brought down India’s planes during the post-Pahelgaon-attacks. The controversy has caught the attention of both BCCI and ICC mandarins, and only time will tell if action will be taken against Naqvi as a result. Meanwhile, India has filed an official complaint with the ICC against Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhin for their provocative gestures during the two sides’ Asia Cup Super 4 game in Dubai last Sunday. It is reliably learnt that the BCCI filed the complaint against the duo on Wednesday and ICC is in receipt of the e-mail. An ICC hearing is expected to take place in case Sahibzada and Rauf deny these allegations in writing. They might have to appear before the ICC Elite Panel Referee, Richie Richardson for a hearing. In its retaliation, the Pakistan Cricket Board also seems to have lodged an official complaint with the international parent body against Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav for expressing his solidarity with victims of Pahalgam terror attack and dedicating his team’s victory to the Indian Armed Forces involved in Operation Sindoor. His comments came after the September 14 game.
The reforms in Jammu and Kashmir cricket propels Mithun Manhas as the leading candidate for the BCCI president’s post
Former Delhi batsman Mithun Manhas has emerged as the frontrunner for the BCCI’s new president post. One key reason for Mithun’s rise is his role in reviving cricket in Jammu and Kashmir. As the Head of Cricket Operations at the JKCA, he implemented improvements in infrastructure development and made the selection processes more transparent. He also introduced youth development through talent hunts and provided essentials like uniforms and gear for players and coaches. Mithun’s efforts improved playing conditions by installing dome covers and increasing turf wickets. These changes led to Jammu and Kashmir’s impressive performances in national tournaments, such as the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy. Manhas has played 157 first-class matches and scored 9,714 runs in a career spanning 18 years. Roger Binny, the former all-rounder, who was the BCCI president, has stepped down because of the 70-years age cap rule for office bearers. Sources state that the BCCI will keep Devajit Sakia as secretary and Rajeev Shukla as vice-president. Veteran politician Shukla has served for five years as vice-president.
Binny to quit; rajiv shukla likely to fill the post
Indian Cricket returns to making headlines once again, as this time it’s within the top management that a change has taken place. The latest reports coming out of BCCI are that they have a new interim president, Rajeev Shukla, after the serving one, Roger Binny, stepped aside from his position. Sources close to the information have revealed that Shukla will assume charge till the next BCCI elections, expected in September. While the BCCI unanimously appointed Shukla as the IPL chairman in 2015, he was elected unopposed as the BCCI’s vice-president in 2020. Meanwhile, upon being re-elected, Binny shall continue in his role as the board’s president; however, should he fail to get enough votes, a new face will lead the Indian Cricket Board. During the BCCI Apex Council meeting on Wednesday (Aug 27), Shukla took charge as the acting chief, a report in Dainik Jagran read. The meeting’s agenda was to finalise Team India’s lead sponsor following Dream11’s departure, with the 2025 Asia Cup also starting in ten days; however, fixing one before the T20 tournament gets underway in the UAE remains a massive challenge. “We don’t even have two weeks left. We are trying, but floating a new tender, completing legal processes, and handling technicalities will take time. As for a short-term sponsor only for the Asia Cup, we are not going that way. Our focus is on securing a sponsor for the next two-and-a-half years, until the 2027 ODI World Cup in October-November,” the report read. Although the new National Sports Governance Act was passed in the parliament earlier, the Indian Cricket Board shall continue to conduct its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections (in September) under the existing rule, as it will take close to five months for the new bill to come into effect. Despite BCCI operating under the constitution drafted after the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Lodha Committee recommendations, the elections for the cricket board or any state association that are due shall be held under the existing rule. Regarding the age cap, with the Lodha Committee recommendations setting it at 70 for all office bearers, the revised act stretches it till 75 to contest elections, allowing Binny, who turned 70 recently, to fight for the post once again. The report also claims that BCCI office bearers would be forced to step down after the completion of nine years in total or six consecutive years in office. “If BCCI President Roger Binny had to step down, then state associations will also have to accept the same,” the report highlighted.
Ajit Agarkar’s two senior national selectors lose jobs
The BCCI on Friday invited applications to fill two vacancies in the five-member senior men’s national selection committee, as well as four positions in the women’s panel. The eligibility criteria remained unchanged from previous years. Applicants must have played either a minimum of seven Test matches or 30 first-class games. Alternatively, candidates with experience in at least 10 One Day Internationals (ODIs) or 20 first-class matches will also be considered. “The contracts of selectors are renewed annually. We have not yet identified which selectors will be replaced, but that process will be undertaken soon,” a BCCI official told PTI. The current men’s selection committee, which recently picked the squads for next month’s Asia Cup, is currently headed by former India pacer Ajit Agarkar and comprises SS Das, Subroto Banerjee, Ajay Ratra, and S Sharath. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially invited applications for positions across its national selection committees, including the high-profile Senior Men’s Selection Committee. The announcement confirms that two members of the current men’s panel, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, will be replaced, with one of them being South Zone selector S Sharath, who has already completed his four-year term. In a press release issued on Thursday, the BCCI called for applications to fill two vacancies on the Senior Men’s Selection Committee. The eligibility criteria for these roles include having played a minimum of seven Test matches, or 30 First-Class matches, or a combination of 10 ODIs and 20 First-Class games. Additionally, applicants must have retired from professional cricket at least five years prior and must not have served on any BCCI cricket committee for a cumulative period of five years. Earlier media reports suggested that the current selection committee — comprising Ajit Agarkar, SS Das, Subroto Banerjee, Ajay Ratra, and S Sharath — was under scrutiny. It was reported that changes to the panel could be made at the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September. According to a report in Hindustan Times, Sharath is likely to be replaced by former India spinner Pragyan Ojha. Sharath, in turn, is expected to take over as the chief of the junior men’s selection committee. While two members of the senior men’s committee are set to be replaced, Ajit Agarkar is likely to receive an extension on his tenure till 2026. Agarkar’s Tenure and Achievements Appointed in July 2023, Agarkar has overseen several key achievements for the national team, including: • Reaching the final of the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup • Winning the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024 • Winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 These milestones are believed to be major reasons behind the BCCI’s decision to retain him. “Under his tenure, the Indian team won titles and saw transitions in the Test and T20 formats too. The BCCI extended his contract till June 2026, and he accepted the offer a few months back,” a BCCI official told The Indian Express. In addition to the men’s selection roles, the BCCI has also opened four positions in the women’s national selection committee, and one position in the junior men’s cricket selection committee.
Rugby-centric Bronco Test for Indian cricketers
The BCCI has reportedly introduced a rugby-centric Bronco fitness test for Indian players in an effort to ensure consistently high fitness standards. It will now be used alongside the established Yo-Yo test and 2-kilometer time trial to assess players’ readiness for international competition. To ensure top Indian cricketers maintain a high level of fitness and improve their aerobic capacity, the rugby-centric Bronco Test — involving multiple shuttle runs of 20 metres, 40 metres and 60 metres — has been introduced. the Indian team’s strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux who also wants the fast bowlers to clock more running miles instead of being gym-focused. Head coach Gautam Gambhir is also on the same page. For starters, the Bronco test does not replace the existing Yo-Yo test and the 2-kilometre time trial. India head coach Gautam Gambhir and strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux have instead introduced the Bronco test, originally developed for rugby which measures aerobic endurance and pushes cardiovascular limits. What is the Bronco test? The Bronco test is a high-intensity aerobic running drill which involves shuttle runs of 20, 40 and 60 metres respectively. So an athlete must run 20 metres and cover as much distance on the way back, totaling 40 metres. Going by this rule, the player effectively covers 80m and 120m respectively for the other two shuttle runs. The three distances form a set, and in the Bronco test, a player must complete five sets, effectively covering 1,200 metres, without taking rest. The time taken to complete the five sets is then noted as a measure of a player’s fitness, with the team currently setting six minutes as the benchmark. Why the Bronco Test? “The Bronco Test has been introduced at the Centre of Excellence. Some of India’s contracted players have travelled to Bengaluru and have taken the test. The Bronco Test is being used to ensure there are clear fitness standards. Also, it was noticed that Indian cricketers, more so the fast bowlers, were not running enough and spending too much time in the gym. Players have been told that they will have to do more running,” a source said. In the 2-km time trial, the benchmark for fast bowlers was 8 minutes and 15 seconds. For batsmen, wicket-keepers and spinners, it was 8 minutes and 30 seconds. The Yo-Yo-Test involves running between markers placed 20 meters apart, at increasing speeds, with a 10-second break between each 40-metre run. The minimum Yo-Yo level for the Indian team was set at 17.1. According to The Indian Express, several players have already undergone the Bronco test at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Additionally, le Roux had recommended the test in response to concerns over players, especially fast bowlers, spending too much time in gyms instead of endurance training. Le Roux had rejoined the Indian team as their s&c coach in June this year, having previously worked with the Indian team from January 2002 and May 2003 under then-captain Sourav Ganguly and head coach John Wright. He has also worked with Cricket South Africa as well as Indian Premier League franchises Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings.
Shubman Gill may not feature in India’s Asia Cup squad
The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, is set to meet in Mumbai on Tuesday to finalise India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025. India’s Test captain Shubman Gill might find it difficult to get into the Asia Cup T20 side, with selectors struggling to find a way to slot him into the squad of 15. According to a report by Cricbuzz, Gill may not find a place in the Asia Cup roster, with the committee in the Asia Cup roster, with the committee as the first-choice opening pair. Yashasvi Jaiswal is being considered as the third opener, ahead of Gill. However, Gill’s inclusion could still depend on head coach Gautam Gambhir’s inputs. If Gambhir pushes for Gill, Jaiswal might have to make way. There has been much talk about vice-captaincy in recent times. Shubman Gill as possible vice-captain for the Asia Cup is something that has been doing the rounds. The truth is that vice-captaincy isn’t something that is very relevant to the selection meeting. Gill as player will indeed be discussed, and a call taken. It is equally true that his inclusion or non-inclusion will not depend on him being a possible vice-captaincy option. Gill has already proved that he is captaincy material in Test cricket. Vice-captaincy isn’t going to tilt the scales for or against him on August 19. Indian team management and selectors are of the opinion that Gill at the moment doesn’t fit into their T20 scheme of things. Which means there are chances of Gill not boarding a flight to Dubai as the Indian team management want to stick to players whom they have backed post the 2024 T20 World Cup. the selectors will convey this to the Indian board bosses before the selection committee assembles on August 19, to make them aware of the situation. The Indian team will continue to be led by Suryakumar Yadav, who has cleared his fitness. It is understood that in a series of informal talks before the selection, there was discussion on Gill’s inclusion in the playing eleven. If India’s Test captain makes it in the squad the team management would have to open the innings with him. However, with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson having done well in the top order, the team wants to stick with their tried and tested openers in whom they have invested so far. There was also a discussion informally on whether to drop Tilak Varma and accommodate Gill. However, the team management felt that it would be unfair on the left-handed batsman, who is holding the number two ranking in International Cricket Council (ICC) T20I’s batting rankings. The team doesn’t want Gill to be seen warming the bench. This means recent success in England, where a young Indian cricket team without stars earned a 2-2 draw, might not have much of an impact on the upcoming selection, given it’s two different formats. However, with recent success in Test cricket, Gill is pushing his case hard for inclusion in white ball formats. In the IPL, Gill was the fourth highest run getter after Sai Sudharsan (759), Surya (717), Kohli (657) with 650 runs. Shreyas (604) and Jaiswal (559) were 6th and 7th respectively. With his success in the red ball format, the buzz had risen to make him the all-format captain of the Indian team. However, selectors are not jumping the gun after the England success and have decided to carry on with their old captain who is yet to lose a series in his leadership stint. Finally, it will be interesting to see if the selectors decide to try out someone new. With the T20 World Cup just five months away, the Asia Cup is perhaps the final opportunity to check out on a new player. As the cup comes closer and India contest T20 games against South Africa and New Zealand in December-January, you would want to play your best XI and get the combination right. In fact, the time for experimentation is now. If Gill is in your World Cup plans, play him in Dubai. If Samson and Abhishek are the designated openers, they should be persisted with.
Bumrah informs selectors he is ready to take part in the Asia Cup
The Ajit Agarkar-headed selection committee will pick the 15-member squad for the forthcoming Asia Cup on 19th August. The majority of the first-choice players are available for selection, and the selectors will have their task cut out during the meeting. The chief selector is likely to address a press conference along with the captain, Suryakumar Yadav, after the meeting. All eyes will be on whether Jasprit Bumrah is selected in the team or not. Bumrah’s back issues have seen him miss multiple series. Bumrah only played three Tests against England. The right-arm pacer hasn’t played a T20I since the 2024 World Cup final. The 2023 ODI World Cup final remains his last appearance in the 50-over format. According to a report published by The Indian Express, Bumrah spoke to selectors a few days ago to confirm his availability for the continental tournament. Bumrah’s availability is a big boost to Team India. Suryakumar Yadav, who underwent a sports hernia surgery in June, has cleared the fitness test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, and he will attend the selection meeting. The right-handed batsman won’t be playing the Duleep Trophy. Shubman Gill, who was appointed white-ball teams’ vice-captain, is likely to retain that position. He has not featured in a T-20 International match since July 2024. Gill is India’s present Test captain.
Bumrah Misses Fifth Test Due To Injury, Not Workload
India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval, not for workload management, as initially speculated, but due to a knee injury. Accordind to a report from Mumbai Mirror has confirmed that the decision was precautionary in nature. A report by Mumbai Mirror stated that the decision to not include Bumrah in the fifth Test was precautionary in nature. However, the BCCI, in its statement on 31st July, did not reveal that Bumrah was injured. It simply stated: “Bumrah has been released from India’s squad for the fifth Test of the series against England.” This revelation has now prompted questions about the decision and intention of the BCCI. Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from The Oval Test is being felt more acutely now, as India stare at a potential defeat in the match and the series, with hosts England just 35 runs away from victory while chasing a mammoth 374. As the match heads into the fifth day for a thrilling finish, with India needing four wickets, it has come to light that Bumrah did not choose to skip the Test as part of workload management, but due to injury. He ended the series with 14 wickets in three matches. With the series on the line at The Oval, everybody through Bumrah would push a little more to play in the fifth Test, but an BCCI update put end to all discussions. Mr Jasprit Bumrah has been released from India’s squad for the fifth Test of the series against England. The fifth and final Test of the series is underway at Kennington Oval, London,” the BCCI said in a release. However, a BCCI official clarified the situation, saying: “Unfortunately, Bumrah is suffering from a knee injury. The good thing is that it’s not a major one and won’t require surgery. The BCCI medical team is currently awaiting his scan reports.” The 31-year-old speedster is expected to begin his rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE). Although details of Bumrah’s injury are yet to be known, the 31-year-old might have injured his knee during the fourth Test in Manchester. Recently a viral video that surfaced online, caught Bumrah limping while climbing the stairs at Old Trafford. The report stated that Bumrah will head to BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) straight from England and is expected to begin his rehabilitation. With no international commitments in August, the Indian teams will next be seen in the United Arab Emirates in the Asia Cup 2025, starting on September 9, followed by a Test series against West Indies at home. However, recent reports have stated that Bumrah might be rested for the Asia Cup 2025 and keep him fresh for the Test series against the Caribbean. Bumrah has a long injury history. Earlier this year, he suffered a back stress fracture sustained during the New Year’s Test in Sydney on India’s tour of Australia. Now, this knee injury marks a fresh fitness concern. Meanwhile, England edged closer to a series win on Sunday. On Day 4 at The Oval, Joe Root (105) and Harry Brook (111) stitched a 195-run partnership, helping England reach 339/6, just 35 runs shy of their target.
King Charles pays tribute to late Arun Jaitley, receives the ‘book on partition’ from BCCI
Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams met King Charles III at St James’s Palace in London on Tuesday, where the monarch displayed remarkable knowledge about the players’ personal lives and their recent match performances. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, who was also present at the get-together, presented a book on the partition of India in 1947 to King Charles. Shukla expressed delight, revealing that Charles also paid tribute to the late Arun Jaitley and his family. Charles, at the same time, looked curious about Akashdeep’s sister’s illness. Regarding cricket, he also noticed that if India had a regular batsman on the pitch on the fifth day, they would have been able to win the match. In that meeting, the Indian team also met British Actor Idris Elba before their royal encounter. After the meeting, the Indian skipper Shubman Gill said, “ It was amazing to meet King Charles III, and he was very kind and generous to call us. We had some excellent conversations.” Gill added, “King Charles III told us the way our last batsman got out in the previous Test match was quite unfortunate, the ball rolling on the stamp.” Harmanpreet Kaur also shared her experience of meeting the king: “It was a very nice experience. We came to England so many times, but this was our first time that we could meet the King.” The Indian women’s team won the T-20 series 3-2. Now they are preparing for the upcoming three-match ODI series starting in Southampton.
