ircrehab.com – News Features & Broad Perspectives

The Delhi High Court dismissed a PIL questioning the BCCI's right to call its players the 'Indian cricket team'. Judges deemed the plea a 'sheer wastage' of judicial time, emphasising that the team unequivocally represents India in international sports, regardless of the BCCI's private status. The court found no violation of emblem or flag laws.

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.

Match referee Andy Pycroft, who faced controversy over a handshake incident during the Asia Cup, received a warm welcome at the India vs West Indies 1st Test in Dubai. Shubman Gill began his home stint as India's Test captain, expressing confidence after West Indies won the toss and opted to bat first, setting the stage for a competitive series.

Team India captain Shubman Gill has hinted at playing an extra seamer in Ahmedabad’s first Test against West Indies, citing overcast conditions. He described the quick turnaround from the Asia Cup as a mental challenge and warned West Indies of “tough cricket.” Gill emphasized the importance of wickets offering opportunities for both batters and bowlers.

Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant shared a light-hearted retirement message for England all-rounder Chris Woakes, who inadvertently caused Pant's fractured foot. Pant, currently sidelined from upcoming series, wished Woakes well after his distinguished 15-year international career. Woakes, retiring from England duty, will continue playing county cricket, while Pant recovers, highlighting a unique cricketing bond between the two players.

Abhishek Sharma's impressive 75 propelled India to a 41-run victory over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup Super 4, securing their spot in the final. Despite his run-out denying him a century, his sister Komal remains optimistic, crediting Yuvraj Singh's mentorship. Sharma also broke records, hitting 17 sixes in the tournament.

India's assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, indicates Jasprit Bumrah is likely to participate in the upcoming Test series against the West Indies, emphasizing the importance of match practice for him. Despite an unbeaten run in the Asia Cup, the team acknowledges areas for improvement, particularly after a somewhat untidy performance against Pakistan.

Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf faced backlash after gesturing towards Indian fans during Pakistan's defeat in the Asia Cup Super Fours clash. Rauf's gesture, referencing unsubstantiated claims of downing Indian jets, went viral and drew criticism.

Following India's dominant victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia downplayed the controversy surrounding the team's decision to skip the post-match handshake. Saikia emphasized celebrating India's triumph and disregarding noise from external parties. Captain Suryakumar Yadav stated the decision was aligned with the government and BCCI. India's next match is against Oman on September 19.

Team India, fresh off a dominant win against UAE in their Asia Cup 2025 opener, is keenly observing Afghanistan, a formidable T20 opponent. Key players like Sanju Samson and Hardik Pandya were seen analyzing Afghanistan's net practice, focusing on their explosive batting and diverse bowling attack.

Defending champions India are gearing up for the Asia Cup 2025 with intense practice sessions in Dubai, emphasising all-rounder development and fine-tuning bowling combinations. Bowling coach Morne Morkel highlights the team's focus on intensity and execution, respecting Pakistan while prioritising their own game. The team aims to leave no stone unturned in their preparation for the tournament.

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.

The introduction of the rugby-style Bronco Test in the Indian cricketing system, by the current Indian Strength and Conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux, has created a lot of buzz. The 2011 World Cup-winning S&C coach Ramji Srinivasan calls it a much-needed step to improve the endurance of the fast bowlers. Meanwhile, Soham Desai, who recently left the Team India set-up, calls it 'just another test'.

Team India celebrated the one-year anniversary of their 2024 T20 World Cup victory in Birmingham, taking a break from Test match preparations. A video shared by the BCCI captured the team cutting a cake and reminiscing about their unbeaten run to the title. The players, including Bumrah, Pant and Jadeja, shared light-hearted moments and laughter, celebrating the unforgettable triumph.

Mohammad Azharuddin has cautioned India against over-relying on Jasprit Bumrah and suggested including Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test against England. He emphasised the need for a more varied bowling attack to support Bumrah. Azharuddin defended Shubman Gill's captaincy, urging patience and support for the new captain despite the team's batting collapse and defeat in the first Test.

During preparations for the second Test against England, the Indian cricket team enjoyed a heartwarming reunion at Edgbaston as familiar faces from home joined their net practice. Current and former teammates reminisced about their shared journey, strengthening bonds. Jasprit Bumrah's return to the nets raised hopes, while the team focused on improving lower-order batting.