Ircrehab | Newsworthy Events, Perspectives & Features

Rishabh Pant made twin centuries at Headingley Test. He became the first Indian to score centuries in both innings of a Test in England. Pant joined India’s twin centuries club. His consistency in England earned him a special place. Pant equalled the record for the most sixes in a Test in England. The Headingley Test was historic for India.

Harbhajan Singh and Rohit Sharma hilariously recounted Shikhar Dhawan's antics at Harbhajan's 2015 wedding. Dhawan, known for his fun-loving nature, gatecrashed the festivities, enjoying the food, drinks, and dance. He even left an empty envelope as a 'gift'. Despite the playful jibes, Rohit praised Dhawan's character and their enduring bond from their early cricket days.

Rohit Sharma, India's ODI captain, celebrated 18 years in international cricket, marking his debut on June 23, 2007, against Ireland. He has since become a pivotal player, leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy this year. Having retired from Tests and T20Is, Sharma's next appearance is anticipated in the series against Bangladesh in August.

Shubman Gill, in his Test captaincy debut, displayed a passionate leadership style reminiscent of Virat Kohli during the match against England. His animated celebration after a perceived dismissal of Joe Root, later overturned by DRS, sparked commentary about his transformed on-field demeanor.

Rishabh Pant, known for his calm demeanor, displayed rare frustration during the Headingley Test when an umpire denied his request to change the ball. Despite the incident, Pant's batting prowess shone as he surpassed Rohit Sharma to become India's leading six-hitter in the World Test Championship.

Shubman Gill's exuberant celebration after a near dismissal of Joe Root sparked commentary box comparisons to Virat Kohli. Despite the overturned decision, Gill marked his Test captaincy debut with a century, joining an elite list of Indian players. He also reached 2,000 Test runs, mirroring Kohli's achievement in his captaincy debut.

Sourav Ganguly believes it will be challenging for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to maintain fitness and secure spots in India's 2027 ODI World Cup squad, considering their age and limited ODI opportunities. Ganguly acknowledged Kohli's irreplaceable caliber and praised Yuvraj Singh's exceptional white-ball performance, regretting his limited Test opportunities due to a strong batting lineup.

Rohit Sharma shared the details of his romantic proposal to Ritika Sajdeh, recounting how he surprised her at his childhood cricket ground under the guise of getting ice cream. He revealed that he proposed on the pitch, a moment captured by a friend.

Shubman Gill marked his Test captaincy debut with a brilliant 147 against England at Headingley, leading India's charge in the first Test. Despite falling short of a double century due to a mistimed shot, his innings was crucial in India's quest for an early series advantage.

Rishabh Pant's unbeaten 65 and record-breaking sixes propelled India to a strong position on day one of the Leeds Test against England. Pant surpassed Rohit Sharma for most sixes by an Indian in the World Test Championship. Yashasvi Jaiswal's century and Shubman Gill's ton on his captaincy debut further solidified India's dominance, setting the stage for a potentially commanding victory.

Rohit Sharma, known for his calm batting approach, recently shared his mindset, emphasising instinctive responses over fixed targets. He also highlighted emotional control in high-pressure games. Sharma has retired from Test cricket after scoring 4,301 runs in 67 matches, including 12 centuries. India now have a new red-ball captain in Shubman Gill for the Test series in England.

Cricket legends Matthew Hayden and Graeme Smith predict India will struggle in the upcoming Test series in England, citing the significant loss of experience due to the retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin. Hayden anticipates a tough challenge for the young captain, Shubman Gill, in the seaming conditions.

Ajinkya Rahane has unveiled his predicted India playing eleven for the first Test against England, featuring three debutants: Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, and Arshdeep Singh. Shubman Gill will captain the side in the absence of senior players like Kohli and Sharma. Rahane's lineup includes Jaiswal and Rahul as openers, with Gill at number four.

Former England skipper Alastair Cook observes that Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma's Test retirements mark a significant shift in India's dressing room dynamics, creating a 'clean slate' for new leadership under Shubman Gill. Despite their recent form decline, Kohli and Sharma's absence removes unchallenged authority, potentially impacting team culture.

England captain Ben Stokes acknowledges the absence of key Indian players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the upcoming Test series but warns against underestimating India's new squad under Shubman Gill. Stokes praises Jasprit Bumrah and welcomes Chris Woakes' return, highlighting England's strong record with him.

Shubman Gill, at 25, is set to captain India in Test cricket for the first time against England at Headingley. The article revisits the debut Test matches of previous Indian captains, highlighting their varied experiences. From Kohli's aggressive start with centuries to Ganguly's commanding win, each leader carved a unique path.

Mohammad Kaif supports Karun Nair's Test comeback, drawing parallels to Dravid, Laxman, and Pujara due to his red-ball temperament and consistency. Kaif also praises Sai Sudharsan's solid technique, envisioning him as a future Pujara or Dravid. For the fourth fast bowler slot, Kaif favors Nitish Reddy over Shardul Thakur, highlighting Reddy's batting prowess and recent red-ball performance.

Shubman Gill, the new Test captain, expressed his honour at leading India and confirmed he would bat at No.4, filling Virat Kohli's spot. He emphasized creating a secure team environment and backing young players. While keeping the playing XI flexible based on pitch conditions, Gill hinted at an evolving team identity to be revealed later in the series.

Sachin Tendulkar, whose name now features on the England-India Test series trophy alongside Jimmy Anderson, shared insights on India’s inexperienced batting unit, the Bazball challenge, and the England seamer's legacy. He urged India to focus on winning sessions as the Test series begins at Headingley on June 20. The Master Blaster also reflected on cricket's evolution and explained what made Anderson special.

Following Virat Kohli's retirement, Shubman Gill is set to bat at No. 4, a decision endorsed by coach Gambhir and Pant. Vengsarkar, who previously occupied the same position, advises Gill to adjust his bat position for straighter play.