ircrehab.com – News Features & Broad Perspectives

Former India opener Aakash Chopra defended young pacer Harshit Rana against online backlash for his repeated selection in Indian squads. Chopra urged fans to direct criticism at selectors, not the player, emphasising Rana's potential and the team management's faith in him. He called for patience and perspective, reminding fans that Rana is a young cricketer pursuing his dream.

Mohammed Kaif criticises India’s selectors for removing Rohit Sharma as ODI captain and accuses Ajit Agarkar of pressurising Shubman Gill into taking over prematurely. Kaif warns that the sudden responsibilities may affect Gill’s batting and urges patience ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

India's Test squad trained for the West Indies series just days after the Asia Cup, with player workload a key concern as three seniors rested. Captain Shubman Gill faced a tough net session, while others like Jaiswal and Padikkal looked fluent. The team's core is settled, with an extra batter slot being the main selection dilemma.

Rising star Abhishek Sharma received a hero's welcome after his scintillating Player of the Tournament performance at the Asia Cup 2025. His explosive 314 runs, including three half-centuries, were crucial as India lifted the trophy. The 25-year-old opener consistently provided rapid starts, cementing his reputation as a top prospect.

India's cricketing heroes returned to rapturous fan celebrations after their unbeaten T20 Asia Cup 2025 triumph, including multiple victories over archrivals Pakistan. Coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav were greeted by ecstatic supporters. The victorious squad now shifts focus to a two-match Test series against West Indies, starting October 2, aiming to extend their winning streak.

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi questioned India's decision to play cricket with Pakistan in the Asia Cup despite suspended diplomatic ties and terrorist activities. He criticized Prime Minister Modi's inconsistency, highlighting past strong actions against Pakistan and his comparison of a cricket victory to Operation Sindoor, which Owaisi deemed an insult to the armed forces.

India's Asia Cup victory over Pakistan descended into controversy as the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, citing his social media posts and diplomatic tensions. Naqvi, also Pakistan's interior minister, subsequently removed the trophy, leading to India celebrating without it. The incident escalated into a political spat between the two nations.

Shivam Dube's crucial 33 not out and economical bowling in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan drew accolades from his former coach, Satish Samant. Samant praised Dube's journey, natural six-hitting ability, and dedication, attributing his success to hard work and the team management's unwavering faith. Dube's vital contribution filled the void left by Hardik Pandya's absence.

Shashi Tharoor questioned Sanju Samson's batting position after India won the 2025 Asia Cup. He asked why Shubman Gill opened instead of Samson. Both players had modest performances in the tournament. Tharoor suggested restoring Samson to opener and placing Gill at number three. Samson contributed to stabilizing the innings during the final match.

The Indian cricket team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Pakistan's Interior Minister and ACC chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, after their final victory over Pakistan. This decision stemmed from Naqvi's perceived anti-India stance, with the BCCI informing the ACC in advance. The team also maintained its policy of avoiding handshakes with Pakistan throughout the tournament.

The BCCI condemned ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi for taking the Asia Cup trophy after India declined to accept it from him. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia announced the board will raise a serious objection at an upcoming ACC meeting, threatening to escalate the matter to the ICC if the trophy isn't returned.

ACC President Mohsin Naqvi ignited a major controversy after the Indian team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from him, citing his anti-India stance. Naqvi subsequently left with the trophy, denying India their traditional celebration. This incident follows his provocative social media posts and PCB's earlier threats to withdraw from the tournament, escalating tensions.

India's Asia Cup 2025 victory was marred by ACC President Mohsin Naqvi's refusal to present the trophy, leading to a protracted standoff. India declined to accept from him, and Naqvi blocked alternative presenters. The controversy escalated with Naqvi's politicised tweet to PM Modi, drawing widespread condemnation for disrespecting the sport and champions.

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav criticised the Asian Cricket Council for denying his team the Asia Cup 2025 trophy despite a hard-fought triumph over Pakistan in the final. Calling his teammates the “real trophies,” he stressed the significance of the win while dismissing concerns over his form. In a heartfelt gesture, Suryakumar announced he would donate his match fees to the Indian armed forces.

India's captain Suryakumar Yadav skipped the Asia Cup 2025 final trophy photoshoot, leaving Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha to pose alone. Agha downplayed the incident, emphasizing his team's focus on cricket, adapting strategy to conditions, and reducing mistakes. Despite losing both previous encounters to India, Pakistan aims for victory in the highly anticipated final clash.

Jasprit Bumrah enters the Asia Cup final against Pakistan under unusual scrutiny. Tasked with an exceptionally demanding role of bowling three overs in the powerplay, he has looked uncharacteristically off-colour, even losing his trademark calm. With five wickets in four games, India will hope their “smiling assassin” rediscovers his spark and delivers when it matters most.

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma is on the verge of shattering T20I records held by Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Mohammed Rizwan as India prepares for the Asia Cup final. With 309 runs in the tournament, he needs just 11 more to surpass Kohli's record and 23 to break Phil Salt's. He has also equaled a record for consecutive 30-plus scores.

Indian cricketers Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, and Jitesh Sharma shared a fun moment after India's Super Over win against Sri Lanka. Rinku playfully teased Arshdeep about his match-winning two wickets in the Super Over, recreating a viral reel. India, now clear favourites, will face Pakistan in the Asia Cup final.

Sanju Samson has now become India's leading T20I wicketkeeper in terms of sixes, surpassing MS Dhoni's record with 55 maximums. Despite adapting to different batting positions, he showcased his destructive power, contributing a vital 39 runs against Sri Lanka. His consistent ability to clear boundaries and adaptability make him a crucial asset for India's upcoming Asia Cup final.

India's batting posted a significant total against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup Super Fours. The team scored 202 for 5, establishing the highest total in Asia Cup 2025 so far. Abhishek Sharma contributed 61 runs, with Tilak Varma remaining unbeaten on 49. India became the first side to breach the 200-run mark in this tournament.