ircrehab.com – News Features & Broad Perspectives

Team India enjoyed a special dinner hosted by coach Gautam Gambhir ahead of the second Test against the West Indies in Delhi. Fresh off a dominant innings and 140-run victory in Ahmedabad, where Jadeja starred and the pace attack impressed, the squad is geared up for the series decider come Friday.

Former spinner R. Ashwin urges Indian cricket management to improve how senior players like Kohli and Rohit are handled. He stresses the importance of transparent communication and knowledge transfer, not just about batting, but also about managing pressure and injuries. Ashwin believes a clear roadmap is crucial for a smooth transition, preventing speculation and leaving players in a vulnerable position.

Varun Chakravarthy credits Gautam Gambhir for instilling a “Spartan mentality” in Team India, leaving no room for mediocrity. The mystery spinner thrived on his international comeback, starring in the ICC Champions Trophy and Asia Cup with key wickets. Partnering effectively with Kuldeep Yadav, Varun emphasized his attacking role, strategy in death overs, and the importance of specialists in T20 cricket, highlighting the trust and guidance from Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav.

Kuldeep Yadav's coach, Kapil Dev Pandey, lauded his student's stellar performance in India's Asia Cup 2025 victory over Pakistan. Pandey revealed Kuldeep's disciplined aggression, fueled by past frustration, helped him dismantle Pakistan's "kids" team, as Kuldeep reportedly called them, by focusing on batters' stances and strategic bowling.

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.

India’s Abhishek Sharma credited coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav for instilling the confidence to play fearless cricket in the Asia Cup 2025. Speaking after India’s five-wicket win over Pakistan, Sharma praised their support and leadership, reflected on his personal journey, and took a subtle swipe at the ACC over the champions being denied the trophy.

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.

Shoaib Akhtar believes Pakistan can defeat India in the Asia Cup 2025 final by dismissing Abhishek Sharma early and maintaining an aggressive mindset. Akhtar emphasized the importance of targeting Sharma in the initial overs, suggesting that his early dismissal could destabilize the Indian batting lineup. He also anticipates Gautam Gambhir will motivate India to bring their best game against Pakistan.

Sanju Samson scored a scratchy 45-ball 56 on a sluggish Abu Dhabi pitch against Oman and looked all at sea during his 17-ball stay at the crease against Pakistan in Dubai. He struggles when the ball gets soft, and with Jitesh Sharma waiting in the wings, it will be interesting to see how long India persist with Sanju Samson.

Abhishek Sharma's explosive 74 off 39 balls propelled India to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super Four clash. Sharma broke Yuvraj Singh's record for the fastest T20I half-century by an Indian against Pakistan, reaching the milestone in just 24 balls.

India's Asia Cup victory over Pakistan sparked controversy after the team skipped the customary post-match handshake, a move head coach Mike Hesson called "disappointing." Skipper Suryakumar and coach Gautam Gambhir cited solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and support for the armed forces' Operation Sindoor as reasons. Pakistan protested, alleging unsportsmanlike behaviour, overshadowing India's dominant performance.

India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup, a victory dedicated to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and in gratitude to the Indian Army for Operation Sindoor. Kuldeep Yadav's stellar bowling performance and Suryakumar Yadav's anchoring innings led India to a dominant seven-wicket win. This victory marked a significant moment, showcasing India's resilience and solidarity.

On the eve of India's Asia Cup clash with Pakistan, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, who hails from the Netherlands, discovered how India vs Pakistan begins long before the first ball, and why cricket is never just about cricket.

Arshdeep Singh, despite being India’s leading T20I wicket-taker and a World Cup hero, finds himself sidelined under coach Gautam Gambhir’s regime. From missing out on a Test debut in England to warming the bench in the Asia Cup, Arshdeep Singh is probably fighting the most gruesome battle of his career.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has cautioned that India might face challenges in the Asia Cup 2025 due to the absence of a third all-rounder. He emphasised the importance of having multiple all-rounders, recalling India's T20 World Cup victory where Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja provided crucial balance.

Team India has commenced preparations for their Asia Cup 2025 title defense with a rigorous practice session in Dubai, fueled by coach Gautam Gambhir's call to seize every opportunity. Key players like Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill participated in extensive drills, emphasising the team's focus on acclimatisation and skill enhancement.

India's cricket team concluded their Dubai practice, gearing up to defend their Asia Cup title. Key players like Gill and Yadav participated in batting sessions, while Bumrah rejoined after a break. The team, under coach Gambhir, is set to face UAE, Pakistan, and Oman in Group A, aiming to continue their Asia Cup dominance.

Gautam Gambhir celebrated Teachers' Day by acknowledging his mentor, Sanjay Bhardwaj, with a humorous post on X, reminiscing about their enduring bond. Gambhir emphasized the importance of honesty and resilience, lessons instilled by Bhardwaj since he joined the LB Shastri Cricket Club at age 10. He credits Bhardwaj's guidance for shaping his cricket career and life.

Gautam Gambhir was celebrated at the DPL 2025 final, where he playfully tagged cricketers with fitting descriptions. West Delhi Lions, led by Nitish Rana's unbeaten 79, clinched the title by defeating Central Delhi Kings. Rana's consistent performance throughout the playoffs and Gambhir's presence added excitement to the event.

Rinku Singh, known for his T20 heroics, asserts his capabilities extend to red-ball cricket, aiming to represent India in Tests. Preparing for the Asia Cup 2025, he emphasizes evolving his technique with guidance from Abhishek Nair and Gautam Gambhir. Singh aspires to contribute across all formats, driven by self-belief and a desire to win the T20 World Cup.