Gavaskar’s satire: work load now should disappear from Indian team’s dictionary!
Legendary India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has hit back at the idea of “workload management,” citing the example of Indian Army jawans who patrol the borders in the harshest conditions. “If you’re going to succumb to people talking about workload, then you’ll never have your best players on the field,” Gavaskar told India Today. The ball that Mohammed Siraj bowled to Gus Atkinson to rattle his stumps was Siraj’s fifth fastest delivery of the series, and this came after five Tests in which he bowled a whopping 185.2 overs. He ended up as the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets in the series. He was the last bowler remaining from both sides to play all the games at the end alongside Chris Woakes. Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, appreciative of Siraj’s workload, said that he debunked the “business of workload.” “There’s always the saying that the bowlers win your matches, but the fact of the matter is that you’ve also got to score the runs. So because India didn’t score the runs, they lost those two matches. So yes, I think Siraj bowled his heart out, and he debunked forever this business of workload,” he said, speaking to India Today. Gavaskar, however, made it clear that his criticism was not directed at Bumrah, saying that his was a case of “injury management” more than anything else. “When you are playing for your country, forget the aches and the pains. On the border, do you think that the jawans are complaining about cold? What did Rishabh Pant show you? He came out to bat with a fracture. That is what you expect from the players. Playing cricket for India is an honour,” Gavaskar told ‘India Today’. “You are representing 140 crore people and that is what we saw in Mohammed Siraj. I think Siraj bowled his heart out, and he debunked forever this business of workload. “For five Test matches, non-stop he has bowled 7-8 over spells, because the captain wanted him and the country expected of him,” added the former skipper. The 76-year-old said workload management cannot come in the way of fielding the best available team. “If you are going to succumb to people who are talking about workload, then you are never going to have your best players on the field for your country,” he said. “I hope that the word ‘workload’ goes out of the Indian cricket dictionary. I’ve been saying that for a long time… And I think that is the one thing that we all should keep in mind that this workload is only a mental thing, not so much a physical thing,” he added. England, set a target of 374 to win, lost a nail-biting encounter by just six runs, with Siraj returning innings figures of 5/104 as India ended a rollercoaster campaign level at 2-2. The hosts resumed Monday’s final day on 339/6, needing just 35 more runs for a win that would have secured a 3-1 series victory. But they had no answer to the enduring skill of fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who featured in all five Tests. He dismantled England with a brilliant burst of 3/9 in 25 balls, ending the match in style by knocking over Gus Atkinson’s off-stump.
Arshdeep Singh coaches Siraj about making videos for Instagram!
After Mohammed Siraj dragged India over the finish line on Monday at the Oval to help Shubman Gill’s side level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2, he needed some help. He was trying to figure out the perfect social media clip to encapsulate the moment. In came Arshdeep Singh with an assist. The bowler, who was not used by the coach Gautam Gambhir in any of the five matches against England, helped out Siraj with a content idea. In a video shared by the BCCI on its social media handles after India’s six-run victory, Arshdeep is seen hilariously advising Siraj to film a two-second Instagram Reel. Arshdeep tells Siraj to say the popular catchphrase, “Pressure? What pressure?” — a line made famous by football legend Alan Shearer during the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament. Arshdeep, in fact, even tells Siraj to pause for a second after saying “pressure” for the first time, like a diction and speech coach. Siraj, who looks confused by Arshdeep’s instructions, asks: “Should I upload an Instagram Story or a Post?” Siraj, who looks confused by Arshdeep’s instructions, asks: “Should I upload an Instagram Story or a Post?” He then looks at the BCCI camera person and quips: “Sab sikhaana padta hai bowling ko chhod ke (Other than bowling, have to teach him everything).” Siraj ended the England tour as the highest wicket-taker of the series with 23 scalps in nine innings, including the nine wickets he took in the final Test at the Oval as the leader of the Indian bowling unit in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
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.
Sachin’s daughter Sara Tendulkar appointed brand ambassador for Australian tourism campaign
Indian cricket great Sachin Tendulkar’s daughter Sara Tendulkar is entering the international limelight in an entirely new manner as one of the endorsers of Australia’s massive tourism campaign, “Come and Say G’Day.” The campaign boasts a combination of international celebrities, and Sara’s addition is making waves throughout India. The Australian government is set to launch a new tourism campaign featuring legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar’s daughter Sara Tendulkar. Sachin Tendulkar‘s daughter Sara Tendulkar, a biomedical science graduate from University College London, has a master’s degree in clinical nutrition and public health as well. Passionate about science and healthcare, she has chosen to focus on meaningful work through the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation, where she serves as a director. Speaking to Vogue, she shared turning down Bollywood offers and opting for projects that resonate with her, complementing her job in public health with discreet entries into fashion and lifestyle. The $130 million campaign, named Come and Say G-day, is aimed at encouraging international travelers to plan and book an Australian holiday. It will first go live in China on August 7, while it will progressively roll out in other key markets before the end of the year. The two-year campaign brings the Federal Government’s total investment in Come and Say G’Day to $255 million since 2022. The government reports that every dollar invested in tourism generates a $14 return, supporting over 700,000 jobs and 360,000 businesses. Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell stated: “The previous campaign struck a chord with visitors, with Ruby the Roo bounding into the imagination of countless guests, encouraging them to book a holiday down under. I know this iteration, featuring popular talent like Robert Irwin, will be a smash. Tourism is the lifeblood of so many communities right around the country and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs. Come and Say G’Day is bringing more visitors to our shores, creating more jobs and growing our economy.” In the new TV and online video advertisements brand ambassador Ruby the Roo will be joined by talent well-known to audiences in the US, UK, China, India and Japan, Australian Ministry of Trade and Tourism said in a statement. While Sara Tendulkar will feature in the campaign set to launch in India, other popular faces include Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, who is the son of legendary Steve Irwin, for the campaign in the US. Food writer and TV cook Nigella Lawson will star in the UK. Actor Yosh Yu in China and Comedian Abareru-kun in Japan/ Australian actor Thomas Weatherall will also feature in the new advertising creative. “The new campaign features Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin in the US; food writer and TV cook Nigella Lawson in the UK; actor Yosh Yu in China; entrepreneur and philanthropist Sara Tendulkar in India; and media personality and comedian Abareru-kun in Japan,” Tourism Australian Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said. Assistant Minister for Tourism Nita Green added: “Supporting our tourism industry means supporting the jobs in Australia that rely on it. This next chapter of Come and Say G’Day will do just that. It’s energetic, funny and heart-warming, and highlights Australia’s iconic places and the memories you can make by visiting them. I can’t wait to see the campaign launched across key markets, and bringing more visitors to every part of Australia.”
Amidst the shower of appreciations, Mohammed Siraj reveals his ‘simple plans’ on the pitch!
Michael Atherton compared Siraj to Yorkshire and England legend, the warhorse, big-grinned Darren Gough, a fiery fast bowler from his playing days. He said that Siraj can lift the whole team with his enthusiasm, which makes 35 runs not a mere formality. “Absolutely, and the type of cricketer I think that just makes other people rise as well. We had one way back in my time, Darren Gough, would make people play better just because of the way they carried on in the middle and the dressing room, actually,” Atherton told Sky. “When the going gets tough, there are some characters that just grow a bit taller. He is one, and everybody else will look at him,” Atherton said. Elaborating, he added, “He’s a bit of a leader in the field. He’s not the captain obviously, not wearing the armband. But he’s the guy they look to when it gets tough. So he makes others play better in those moments.” Siraj, who crossed the milestone of 200 wickets, also surpassed Bhubneshwar Kumar and is now behind only Jasprit Bumrah for most wickets (24) against England in England. His spell on the fourth day was a scorching one, bowling eight overs, giving away 33 runs, and getting a crucial wicket of Ollie Pope to end the first session with figures of 2 for 44 in 12 overs, though he set up the board for Prasidh to snare wickets. The hard-working bowler is the leading wicket-taker with 20 wickets at an average of 34.30 in nine innings, with best figures of 6/70. He went past Bhuvneshwar’s 19-wickets in 2014 at an average of 26.63 and best figures of 6/82. But Siraj waved away all concerns of breaking down, even as other pacers from both sides ended up knackered if not broken, and explained, “I love to play for the country. I don’t think of breaking down or anything. I try to make simple plans whenever I am in the field. I give it everything. And rest will follow,” Siraj told Sky Cricket after the fourth day. “Since childhood, why did you play…motivation is to play for India. I don’t fixate on the result. Just give 100 percent in the body. When you relax after a tough day, you ask yourself if the answer is yes, you have 100 percent, then I sleep well, concluded Siraj.
The PCB bans using Pakistan’s name in private leagues
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has put a ban on using the name of the country in teams representing it in private cricket leagues following the fiasco in the World Championships of Legends (WCL) in which Indian players refused to play against the ‘Pakistan Champions’. According to a report in Telecom Asia Sport, the PCB has decided to pull the plug on the use of the country’s name in private cricket leagues after the ongoing WCL in the UK was made out to be a clash between India and Pakistan. “The decision was taken after a detailed discussion in the Board of Directors meeting on Thursday,” sources told according to a report from Telecom Asia on Friday. “The high-level authorities felt Indian players refusing to play Pakistan in the WCL’s second edition twice is hurtful to the name of the country.” Moving forward, no private organisation will be permitted to use Pakistan’s name for private leagues. However, the current Pakistan Legends team will be allowed to play in Saturday’s final against South Africa. In the future, no permission will be given to any private organization to use the name of the country for private leagues. However, the current Pakistan Legends team will be allowed to play Saturday’s final against South Africa. The reports said that various private organisations have used the name of Pakistan to feature in minor and low-profile leagues in Zimbabwe, Kenya, and the USA. Sources close to the PCB stated, “All private organisations will face legal action in case they use Pakistan’s name. PCB has the sole right to allow its use for cricket events if it finds the authenticity of the League and the organisation as reputable.” It has also been reported that the Pakistan government and the IPC (Inter-provincial coordination committee), responsible for overseeing sports in the country, have issued an advisory to the PCB to regulate the use of the country’s name in private cricket leagues in the future. “All private organizations will face legal action in case they use Pakistan’s name. PCB has the sole right to allow its use for cricket events if it finds the authenticity of the League and the organization as reputable,” the report quoted sources close to the PCB as saying.
Jasprit Bumrah could miss out on the Asia Cup T20 due to workload management
India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah could miss out on the Asia Cup T20 due to workload management. Bumrah was released from the Indian team during the England tour as he chose not to play the fifth Test at The Oval to keep himself away from injury. The 31-year-old bowled 119.4 overs across the three games and picked up 14 wickets, including two fifers – at Headingley and Lord’s. However, in his third Test in the series, Bumrah struggled as he conceded more than 100 runs in a single innings for the first time in his career. Prior to India’s tour of England, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir had said that Bumrah would not play all five Tests as part of his workload management plan. India’s next international assignment is Asia Cup T20 tournament and it would be a surprise if Bumrah opts to play the tournament considering that the next Test series against West Indies will start in less than a week’s time after the event in the UAE. With the Asia Cup 2025 scheduled from September 9 to 28, the selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar faces a tricky question. Given the form and strength of the Indian team, they are expected to go deeper into the tournament. With the Test series against the West Indies scheduled in less than a week’s time after the Asia Cup in the UAE, Bumrah is unlikely to play the Asia Cup. “It will be a tricky call but Bumrah loves Test cricket and there are World Test Championship points at stake. As far as T20 is concerned, he can play the series against New Zealand in January, which will be a dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup,” a BCCI source abreast with Indian selection process told PTI on conditions of anonymity. “If Bumrah plays Asia Cup and suppose India plays the final, no way can he play against West Indies at Ahmedabad. Obviously the question arises, do you need Bumrah against West Indies or he plays Asia Cup after a month’s break and plays the two Tests against South Africa. That call, Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir will have to take,” the source added. Bumrah is not expected to play many ODIs till the T20 World Cup at home.
Kumar Dharmasena engaged in a heated exchange with K Rahul
The fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval saw tempers flare on Day 2. A heated exchange took place between England’s star batter Joe Root and Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna which then got spiralled which saw KL Rahul and on-field umpire Kumar Dharmasena getting into a heated debate. The altercation began after Root hit Krishna for a boundary and didn’t appreciate the pacer’s comments, prompting him to charge toward the Indian bowler. The tension escalated to the point where on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Kumar Dharmasena had to step in and speak with both players to de-escalate the situation. The complete conversation between KL Rahul and Kumar Dharmasena – Rahul says to Kumar Dharmasena what do you want us to do Be quiet, just bat and bowl and go home. In reply Dharmasena says will u like any bowler to come and walk to you, no can’t do that. No Rahul we should not go on that way, we will discuss at the end of the match you can’t talk like that. It is extremely unlikely that Rahul will face any kind of punishment as he did not use any unparliamentary language while speaking to the umpire. Also, the umpires will have to take into account the situation of the match and the stakes attached with it. Once the match gets over, we will get more clarity on the matter. After being bowled out for 224 in their first innings, India fought back strongly on Day 2 of the Oval Test. England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, had threatened to take control of the match with a solid 92-run partnership. However, their momentum was halted by a stellar bowling performance from Mohammed Siraj. The Indian pacer showcased his experience, taking three crucial wickets in a lengthy eight-over spell during the second session. He dismissed the key batsmen of Joe Root, Ollie Pope, and Jacob Bethell, shifting the momentum back to India. This spell was instrumental in the visitors’ comeback, as England was eventually bowled out for 247, managing to secure only a slender 23-run lead. At the moment, India have their noses slightly in front with a lead of 52 runs. India have eight wickets in hand and Yashasvi Jaiswal is batting on 51*. India would hope to get as many runs as possible as the pitch is expected to get tougher to bat on as the game progresses. The first session on Day 3 could be decisive from the point of view of both sides.
Petersen’s advice helped nair to establish his mettle
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen backed Karun Nair to get a well-deserved and long-awaited half century on Day 1 of IND vs ENG 5th Test. Kevin Pietersen, who mentored Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, Pietersen wrote on X (formerly Twitter) “So happy for Karun and how he’s stabilised India’s batting yesterday. He’s a tremendously hard worker on his game and we spent many hours talking about batting in England during the IPL. I’m hoping he gets a wonderful 100 today” The duo worked together during the latter’s stint with Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 where the former was DC’s batting coach. After enduring failures in six innings in the ongoing Test series in England, Nair finally managed to break free of the shackles and remained unbeaten on 52 runs at the end of play on Day 1. Nair started off his comeback on the worst possible note, getting dismissed for a duck in the IND vs ENG 1st Test in Leeds. It was then followed by scores of 20, 31, 26, 40 and 14. Karun was then dropped from the XI in the Manchester Test. However, he received probably what could be one last chance in the 5th Test as India decided to go ahead with an extra batter in the line-up. Karun didn’t squander the opportunity this time around as he displayed immense grit en route to his first half-century in over seven years. He now has the golden opportunity to cement his spot in India’s Test XI by getting to a triple-figure score on Day 2 of the IND vs ENG 5th Test in London. Nair made his way back into the IPL after 3 years as DC acquired his services for just Rs 50 lakhs in the mega auction. In 8 matches, he amassed 198 runs, including one half-century. Karun subsequently went on to earn a recall to the Indian Test team for the series against England after over a seven-year gap. Of course, it was his consistent performance in domestic cricket, apart from the IPL, that paved way for his return to India’s red-ball setup. The Bengaluru man, who now plays for Vidarbha, used his extensive experience of playing for English County Northamptonshire during his 24th first-class ton. Live England vs India, 5th Test at London, Jul 31 2025 India 224/10 England 18/0, (3 ov) Day 2 – Session 1: England trail by 206 runs.
Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 tournament, to be moved out of the M Chinnaswamy stadium to either KSCA Alur Stadium
The Bengaluru stadium witnessed a stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory parade in early June, which claimed 11 lives. On July 11, Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) announced, that the fourth edition of the annual franchise-based tournament will be a closed-door event. It is learnt that the city police are yet to give the tournament a go-ahead. Confirming this, a source told TOI that they’re looking at other venues. With police permission still elusive, Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 tournament, scheduled from August 11 to 27 is likely to be moved out of the M Chinnaswamy stadium to either KSCA Alur Stadium, on Bengaluru’s outskirts, or the Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar ground in Mysuru. There have been questions raised on the infrastructure and safety measures at the 50-year-old stadium, which was further highlighted in the Justice D’Cunha report submitted to the state government last week. Although the event has been announced as a closed-door event, apprehensions remain. “…..Until such infrastructural changes are made, continuing to host high-attendance events at the current location poses unacceptable risks to public safety, urban mobility and emergency preparedness.” While KSCA president Raghuram Bhat was unavailable for comments, Bengaluru City police commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh was non-committal: “We have received a proposal and the same has been sent to the jurisdiction police station for verification.” The fourth edition of the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 is all set to bowl off on August 11 at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, with Gulbarga Mystics taking on Mangaluru Dragons in the tournament opener. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) announced the full schedule on Wednesday (July 23), confirming that all 34 matches of the two-week T20 competition will be hosted at a single venue. A blockbuster clash between defending champions Mysore Warriors and Bengaluru Blasters will headline the evening fixture on opening day, a rematch of last season’s final. With star-studded squads across all six franchises and high entertainment value guaranteed, the Maharaja Trophy 2025 is expected to build on the momentum of its successful previous edition, which reached over 39 million viewers via broadcast and streaming platforms. A franchise representative said, “KSCA has taken the franchises for granted. We are the major stakeholders, and they have to respect that. Barring one unofficial communication from a managing committee member, we have no other information from the association.” With premier hotels booked and logistics worked out, the franchises are now worried about the losses they will incur. “No hotel is going to give us a 100% refund. We’ve spent several lakhs to book almost two dozen rooms in a five-star hotel. This apart, if the tournament moves from here, it is going to be a logistical nightmare,” said a stakeholder from another franchise. The two venues being considered come with different challenges. The Alur facility, which is ideal cricket-wise, has no floodlights or spectator galleries. Which means the tournament will have to be held during the day, which makes it unsuitable for franchises and broadcasters. “We agreed to play closed door, but our sponsorship proposals were based on the live coverage on a national sports channel. There will be legal implications for us if the sponsors pull out, since Alur also does not have permanent broadcast facilities. It is a joke if we have to play Maharaja Trophy like local league matches,” lamented a team official.
