ircrehab.com – News Features & Broad Perspectives

Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson emotionally dedicated his CEAT Cricket Award to his wife Charu, acknowledging her unwavering support. He also praised fans and reflected on his decade-long journey, highlighting his mental resilience and perseverance that led to crucial match-winning performances. Samson concluded by expressing gratitude and reaffirming his dedication to the nation.

After a painful 'retired out' incident in the 2025 IPL, Tilak Varma received crucial guidance from his childhood coach, Salam Bayash. This mentorship helped him deliver an unbeaten 69 in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan, leading India to victory and fulfilling his determination to win for the team.

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.

India clinched the 2025 Asia Cup with a five-wicket win over Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday (September 28). Sahibzada Farhan’s fiery fifty set up Pakistan, but a stunning collapse from 113/1 to 146 all out handed India the edge. Tilak Varma’s gritty 69* and Shivam Dube’s power-hitting ensured India overcame early setbacks to seal another tense India-Pakistan classic.

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 face Bangladesh in a crucial Super 4 match, aiming to leverage their historical dominance despite Bangladesh's recent form. India's spin trio, Kuldeep, Chakravarthy, and Patel, are key, while Bangladesh counters with their own spin and pace options led by Mustafizur. India's top order must fire, addressing fielding concerns and Bumrah's economy.

Sunil Gavaskar praised Tilak Varma's fearless batting after India's dominant Asia Cup victory over Pakistan. Varma's audacious strokes against Shaheen Shah Afridi sealed the win, leaving Gavaskar impressed. India's strong opening partnership and Pakistan's struggles with the ball further contributed to India's commanding performance, positioning them favourably in the Super 4 standings.

The BCCI has announced the India A squads for the upcoming three-match one-day series against Australia A in Kanpur. Rajat Patidar will lead in the first match, while Tilak Varma will captain the subsequent games. The squads feature young talents from domestic cricket and the IPL, with Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana joining for the final two matches.

Sanju Samson is set to embrace a new role in the Asia Cup 2025, with Shubman Gill's return potentially shifting Samson down the batting order. Likely to bat at number five or six, Samson demonstrated his adaptability by moving down the order in a recent Kerala Cricket League match.

Sanju Samson has scored most of his IPL runs at No. 3, second only to Suresh Raina in terms of overall runs at that position. His record at No. 3 is strong, with an average of 38 and a strike rate of 143 in the IPL. But fitting him in there would mean dropping Tilak Varma, which would also break the left-hand/right-hand balance India have carefully built in their middle order.