ircrehab.com – News Features & Broad Perspectives

Former England bowler Steve Harmison has declared Virat Kohli the greatest cricketer of the last three decades, placing him above Sachin Tendulkar. Harmison cited Kohli's resilience under scrutiny and adaptability to modern cricket's demands as key factors. He also supported Kohli and Rohit Sharma against calls to play domestic cricket.

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.

Shubman Gill, a 26-year-old cricketer, is now India's ODI captain. He also leads in Tests and is vice-captain in T20Is. This comes with a demanding schedule and significant brand endorsements. Gill faces a challenging path ahead, balancing team dynamics and his own performance. Experts express concerns about potential burnout due to the intense workload and rapid rise.

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra advised against preparing rank turner pitches for the upcoming Test series against West Indies, warning they could be counterproductive by reducing the competitive gap. He advocated for balanced surfaces that allow matches to progress naturally over four to five days, noting how extreme pitches have negatively impacted senior Indian batsmen's confidence and performance.

Smriti Mandhana, the world's top-ranked ODI batter, enters the 2025 Women's World Cup in peak form, fresh off record-breaking centuries. As India's vice-captain, her phenomenal 2025 stats and elegant yet explosive batting make her pivotal to the nation's quest for a maiden ICC title, poised to rewrite history.

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.

Cricketer Virat Kohli shared a heartwarming picture with wife Anushka Sharma on Saturday, instantly making fans swoon. In the snap, Virat gently rests his cheek on Anushka’s forehead while both look directly at the camera with beaming smiles. Just days ago, the couple was spotted out with their son, Akaay, in London.

Virat Kohli delighted fans by sharing an intimate new photograph with wife Anushka Sharma, quickly amassing over 5 million likes. The couple, recently seen in London with their son Akaay, continues to share glimpses of their family life. This follows Virat's heartfelt birthday tribute to Anushka in May, highlighting their enduring relationship since meeting in 2013.

The Asia Cup is marred by a handshake controversy following India's victory over Pakistan, escalating with Mohammad Amir's veiled critique of the Indian team via a social media post praising Virat Kohli. This incident led to scheduling disruptions, including a delayed Pakistan-UAE match due to PCB's concerns over the match referee.

Amidst controversy, ICC match referee Andy Pycroft may be replaced for the Pakistan-UAE match following PCB's complaint regarding his conduct during the India game, which led to a "no-handshake" issue. The PCB demanded Pycroft's removal from the Asia Cup, threatening to pull out of the tournament.

Aakash Chopra has voiced concerns over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's absence from the India A vs Australia A one-day series, suggesting they should have participated to regain match rhythm after a long break. Chopra believes selectors likely consulted the senior players, who may have declined, potentially impacting their future performances due to lack of match practice.

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.

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq believes Pakistan has a golden opportunity in the upcoming Asia Cup clash against India. He suggests Virat Kohli's absence makes India's batting line-up vulnerable if Pakistan's bowlers strike early. India's recent Asia Cup opener saw a dominant win against UAE, fueled by Kuldeep Yadav's spell and quickfire batting.

Rohit Sharma is gearing up for the ODI series against Australia, marking his return to international cricket after seven months. He shared a video of his net session, showcasing his form and fitness. Recent concerns arose from a hospital visit, but he has since cleared a fitness test.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar ignited a debate by stating that Rohit Sharma, despite his ODI achievements and leadership, doesn't quite reach the level of Indian batting legends like Gavaskar, Tendulkar, Dravid, and Kohli. Manjrekar emphasised Test cricket's significance in defining greatness, suggesting Rohit's impact in that format was not substantial enough.

Concerns arose among fans after Rohit Sharma's recent hospital visit, though he had cleared a fitness test in Bengaluru. Having been absent since the 2025 Champions Trophy win, Sharma, along with Virat Kohli, is set to return for the ODI series against Australia.

Sanjay Bangar shared a story. Shubman Gill's initial net practice amazed everyone. Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Ravi Shastri were present. Gill's batting impressed Kohli. Kohli felt he lacked Gill's talent at 19. Shastri wanted Gill in the playing eleven immediately. Gill's talent was evident from the start. Everyone realized his special ability during that session.

Virat Kohli, India's most followed personality on Instagram with 273 million followers, has scaled back his social media presence. Citing the energy drain from constant online engagement, Kohli prioritized focusing on his game and personal life. While fans may miss his frequent posts, the article revisits some of his most memorable moments shared on the platform.

RCB captain Rajat Patidar addressed fans following the tragic stampede after their IPL victory parade, expressing condolences and solidarity. Virat Kohli echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the heartbreak and offering prayers. RCB announced a compensation package, a memorial, and safety measures, while a judicial commission held organisers responsible for safety lapses.

Indian cricketers, including Rohit Sharma, recently underwent fitness assessments at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru following a break. While the Yo-Yo test was conducted, the Bronco drill, recommended by Strength & Conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux, was absent but might be included during the Asia Cup in Dubai.