After a brief suspension due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, the IPL 2025 is set to resume on May 17. The IPL Governing Council confirmed the development, bringing relief to cricket fans eagerly awaiting the continuation of the tournament’s final phase. The action will recommence with a high-octane clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The evening encounter is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST and will mark the resumption of the 18th edition of the world’s most-watched T20 league. The tournament was abruptly halted last Friday amid growing geopolitical tensions in the subcontinent, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to temporarily pause the remaining fixtures. With the situation now stabilised, the league is back on track with just over two weeks of cricket left to play, including the playoffs and final. IPL 2025 schedule Currently, Gujarat Titans sit at the top of the standings with 16 points, having delivered a consistent and dominant performance through the group stage. With just 16 matches left to be played, including four high-stakes playoff games, the battle for a spot in the top four is expected to go down to the wire. Seven teams remain in contention for a place in the playoffs, making this one of the most competitive finishes in IPL history. The margin for error is slim, and every match from here on out holds immense significance for the teams involved. Fans can expect nail-biting finishes, tactical masterstrokes, and standout performances as the teams push for glory. The rescheduling of fixtures is likely to lead to a tighter calendar, but franchises have begun regrouping quickly. Players who had left the country during the break, particularly several overseas cricketers, are being flown back in to bolster squads. The BCCI has also issued directives to all 10 franchises to reassemble their squads and resume training sessions immediately to ensure match readiness. The IPL final is tentatively scheduled for May 30, giving teams a compact window to navigate the remaining fixtures. With fan anticipation at an all-time high and the playoff race heating up, the stage is set for an electrifying conclusion to IPL 2025.
12 May,2025 10:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIt is rare in modern cricket for any batter to be realistically compared with the towering records of Sachin Tendulkar. Yet for more than a decade, Virat Kohli appeared to be the one cricketer with the stature, consistency, and hunger to potentially surpass the Indian legend’s most iconic milestone, 100 international centuries. However, with Kohli’s unexpected retirement from Test cricket on Monday, that dream now seems all but over. In a poetic twist of fate, Tendulkar had once named Kohli and Rohit Sharma as the only two players he believed could break his record. That statement came during an award ceremony shortly after Tendulkar notched his own 100th international ton. But fast forward to this week, and both Kohli and Rohit have now stepped away from Test cricket, narrowing their chances of making history. Kohli exits the Test arena with 30 centuries to his name in the format, and a total tally of 82 international hundreds, 51 in ODIs and one in T20Is. That leaves him 18 short of Tendulkar’s magical three-figure mark. With just the ODI format left in his international career, and realistically only a couple of years of high-level cricket remaining, the probability of Kohli scoring 19 more centuries seems increasingly remote. Compounding that challenge is the uncertain future of 50-over cricket. With debates surrounding the format’s relevance and a shrinking calendar, opportunities are limited. India is slated to play only 27 ODIs leading up to the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, including a short three-match series against Bangladesh in August-September. Even if Kohli plays every game, the margin for error is slim, and the physical toll of the game will only grow heavier with time. Tendulkar’s century record, built over an illustrious career of 200 Test matches and 463 ODIs, included 51 centuries in Tests and 49 in ODIs. Kohli’s final numbers, 30 Test centuries, 51 in ODIs, and one in T20Is, place him second on the all-time list but still well behind. Rohit Sharma, too, has an impressive tally with 49 centuries across formats (12 in Tests, 32 in ODIs, and five in T20Is), but his Test retirement limits further progress. Beyond these two, no current player seems capable of mounting a challenge. Ricky Ponting (71), Kumar Sangakkara (63), Jacques Kallis (62), and Hashim Amla (55) have already retired. Among active players, Joe Root (53), Steve Smith (48), and Kane Williamson (48) are all entering the twilight of their careers. (With PTI inputs)
12 May,2025 10:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndian batting mainstay Virat Kohli's sudden retirement decision took Delhi head coach Sarandeep Singh by 'surprise', especially after the former captain informed him that he was 'preparing' for next month's England tour. On Monday morning, Kohli took to Instagram and penned a note that stirred the hearts of many. He confirmed that the days of speculation had turned into reality by closing the curtains on his 14-year-long Test journey. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) With Kohli's exit, the Indian Test setup is threadbare in terms of experience playing on the UK's green, blushing pitches. Sarandeep was taken by surprise after hearing Kohli's announcement, considering his involvement, which included his return to the Ranji Trophy in January after 13 years. "I was surprised to hear this (Kohli announcing the retirement). Before the Ranji match, I talked to him; he said he wanted to play and about the wicket as well. He showed a lot of involvement, something I have not seen from a big player who comes to play Ranji after a long while of playing Tests. He would come to the ground at 8:00 instead of 9:15 AM for practice, and he also did gym," Sarandeep said on JioHotstar. With the England tour on the horizon, Sarandeep spilt the beans about Kohli's plans before he called it a day in the longest format of cricket. According to Sarandeep, Kohli had informed him about his ambition of replicating his 2018 heroics in England, a series where he handsomely struck 593 runs with two swashbuckling centuries and three fifties. "He was preparing for the England tour. He told me he was trying to replicate his 2018 heroics in England. We could see in that preparation. We did not see anything that indicated he wanted to retire from Tests. Now, everyone is shocked. Kohli must know the reason himself," he said. The 45-year-old claimed that Kohli was planning to play two India A matches and then prepare for the five high-stakes Test fixtures beginning from June 20 at Headingley, a gruelling series where he eyed to hammer three to four centuries. "We had talked a few days back, and I did not see anything that indicated his retirement plans. He is in fine form in the IPL. I asked him if he would play some county cricket to prepare, and he told me I would play two India A matches and then prepare for Tests against England. This is really surprising," he said. "Fitness and form is not an issue. We have seen Kohli score 3-4 centuries in Australia during a single tour. He scored one this time around, he was not satisfied. He was talking during Ranji that I want to smash 3-4 centuries in England," he added. In a journey that redefined the demands of the game, Kohli's unparalleled contributions saw him rack up 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties and finish as India's fourth-highest run-getter in the format. (With ANI inputs)
12 May,2025 10:24 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIndia women's team captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Sunday expressed her concerns about her pacers' frequent tryst with injuries and said the support staff is looking to address it before the ODI World Cup comes calling. Harmanpreet was speaking after India's title triumph in the Tri-Nation ODI series following their 97-run win over Sri Lanka in the final here. "Proud of the entire team, especially the batters, we wanted to play good cricket, were looking to bat first if we win the toss and pretty happy with how we played," Harmanpreet said at the presentation ceremony. India put up an imposing 342/7 batting first and then bowled out Sri Lanka for 245. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was the biggest star of the day as she struck a magnificent hundred to power India's charge before the likes of Jemimah Rodrigues, Sneh Rana, Amanjot Kaur and Harmanpreet herself joined the party. "We can never stop improving, lots of areas where we can keep doing better, be it batting, bowling or fielding. Our pacers keep getting injured, that's something we need to keep care of, the coaches are working on it." Harmanpreet added, "The way the other batters apart from Smriti and me, the way they batted was a big positive. The way Sneh Rana bowled was also a big positive. There are a lot of positives to talk about, but just want the enjoy the moment right now. "Enjoyed the conditions here in Sri Lanka, we did struggle to get accustomed to the heat, but we then got used to it and nice to win this trophy." Rana was declared the Player-of-the-Series for taking 15 wickets, while Mandhana was named the Player-of-the-Match. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 May,2025 09:08 PM IST | Colombo | PTIIPL 2025 is expected to resume this week following a brief hiatus amid cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. Reports indicated that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed all 10 franchises to finalise their squads by May 13, with the potential restart set for May 16. The IPL final is now reportedly slated for May 30. Several overseas players had departed India after the IPL suspension, but many are anticipated to return for the final leg of the season. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Super League 2025, which was running concurrently with the IPL, was indefinitely suspended after failed attempts to resume the remainder of the season in the UAE. The suspension has raised concerns regarding the players contracted to PSL teams, with some switching to the IPL instead. One notable example is South African cricketer Corbin Bosch, who was originally slated to play for Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL but was later signed by Mumbai Indians as an injury replacement. Alzarri Joseph With RCB's Josh Hazlewood reportedly injured, the franchise might look towards Alzarri Joseph as a potential replacement. Joseph, who was bought by RCB for Rs 11.50 crore at the IPL 2024 auction, played only three matches in the 2024 season, taking just one wicket and struggling with an economy rate of 11.90. However, his raw pace and bounce are what make him a dangerous bowler. In the PSL 2025, Joseph excelled for Peshawar Zalmi, taking 12 wickets from eight matches, and finished as one of the top wicket-takers. If Hazlewood’s injury prevents his return, Joseph could be a valuable asset for RCB’s bowling attack. Michael Bracewell New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell could be an ideal addition to the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad. Although he played a modest role in the PSL 2025 for Multan Sultans, accumulating 44 runs and taking six wickets in eight matches, his talent is undeniable. His 46* in a T20I against Pakistan earlier this year showcased his ability to perform under pressure. Bracewell has previous IPL experience, having joined RCB in 2023 as an injury replacement for Will Jacks. He contributed 58 runs and took six wickets in five matches during his brief stint. RCB could consider him not just for the current season but potentially as a long-term injury backup for the upcoming seasons. Adam Milne Delhi Capitals might explore the option of signing New Zealand's Adam Milne as a potential replacement for Australia’s Mitchell Starc. Reports suggest that Starc may not return to India for the rest of IPL 2025. Milne played two matches for Karachi Kings in the PSL 2025 but was limited due to injury. In those matches, he scored just 16 runs and didn’t claim any wickets. Milne, however, has a strong track record, having taken seven wickets in three T20Is against Pakistan last year. His IPL experience, albeit limited, includes playing for Chennai Super Kings in 2022, where he took seven wickets in 10 matches. DC could consider him as a reliable pace option should Starc be unavailable.
12 May,2025 09:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVirat Kohli bid farewell to Test cricket on Monday, declaring he had 'given it everything' as he followed Rohit Sharma in stepping away from the red-ball format. The announcement comes just days before India is set to unveil its squad for the highly anticipated tour of England. Widely regarded as one of the finest batters of his generation, Kohli departs with an illustrious record, 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an impressive average of 46.85, etched into the legacy of Indian cricket. "It's been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket," Kohli wrote on Instagram. "Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It's tested me, shaped me and taught me lessons I'll carry for life. As I step away from this format, it's not easy - but it feels right. I've given it everything I had and it's given me back so much more than I could've hoped for." Several media reports on Saturday, May 10, indicated that the 36-year-old had formally communicated his intent to retire from Test cricket to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Following the announcement, an old interview of Kohli resurfaced on social media, where he candidly spoke about the core of his motivation. During an episode of Breakfast with Champions, host Gaurav Kapoor asked Kohli what fuels his desire to continue. Kohli replied with his signature clarity and conviction, underscoring his belief that the hunger to win was his greatest source of inspiration. Thank you for all the Memories King 👑Virat Kohli Retires 💔#ViratKohli #testcricket #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/gAFLDptxSB — Tanay (@tanay_chawda1) May 12, 2025 "Motivation is just about winning. Jis din passion khatam ho gaya (The day my passion ends), I'll stop playing. I'll never want to drag myself for more than what my body can take. Jis din I feel like why am I standing on the field like what am I doing, woh passion nahin hai jeetne ka (that passion of winning is not there), woh energy nahin hai jeetne ki (that energy to win is not there), main nahin khel sakta hoon (I can't play). Then that will just be a participation thing, woh skill hai, khelne ka idea hai toh run bana diye (the skill is there, I scored runs for the sake of it). If I can't contribute to the thing, I won't play," he said. Kohli, who served as India’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 matches, relinquished leadership duties in 2022. Known for his intensity and unyielding drive, Kohli averaged nearly 55 between 2011 and 2019. However, his recent performances dipped, with an average of just 32.56 over the past two years, prompting speculation over his red-ball future.
12 May,2025 08:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA video of former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has sparked a storm online after he was seen leading what was described as a 'victory rally' in Karachi, celebrating Pakistan’s perceived success in the recent military standoff with India. The video, which quickly went viral across social media platforms, showed the 47-year-old standing in an open vehicle while supporters behind him waved Pakistani flags. Afridi’s celebratory tone came in stark contrast to India’s official position, which was supported by visual evidence of precision strikes on numerous Pakistani air bases. These visuals, released by the Indian Armed Forces, countered Afridi’s narrative and affirmed the success of India’s Operation Sindoor. Indian netizens viewed the rally not as a patriotic gesture, but as an insensitive celebration in the wake of an operation targeting terror infrastructure. Some even went as far as to label Afridi a 'terrorist'. Thank God cricket matches are recorded and broadcast live. Otherwise, Pakistani cricketers like Shahid AfridiCould have fooled their country by claiming they won all the World Cups. pic.twitter.com/bv0RGG7fRf — Yanika_Lit (@LogicLitLatte) May 12, 2025 "Shahid Afridi" needs treatment like Imran Khan, his mental balance is disturbed, he is stunned after seeing the valor of Indian Army, otherwise who celebrates after getting beaten so much....?😂😂#Ceasefire #KiranaHills #IndiaStrikesBack pic.twitter.com/C84AUTf3XY — Nagendra pandey (@nagendr_24) May 12, 2025 Nice to see Shahid Afridi celebrating IAF's long-range strikes on 11 Pakistani air bases & 26 terror camps. Someone book him a psychiatric consult🤦Even Air Marshal AK Bharti must be laughing😄#IndiaPakistanWar2025pic.twitter.com/cExe7yKP1R — Alak Paul (@AlakPaul13) May 12, 2025 Nice to see Shahid Afridi celebrating IAF long range air strikes on 11 Pakistani air bases & 26 terror targets.[🎵: South of Heaven/@Slayer] pic.twitter.com/OrjcH44Cr3 — Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) May 12, 2025 Shahid Afridi is not a cricketer.He is a terrorist, promoting terrorism in a terrorist country Pakistan!!That's it. pic.twitter.com/Idwjzg6HhI — Sunanda Roy 👑 (@SaffronSunanda) May 12, 2025 Previously, Afridi also denied any Pakistani involvement in the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, having challenged India to present proof, stating, 'their failure to protect their citizens' rendered the Indian military 'useless'. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 by India, targeted nine terror facilities located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was executed in response to the Pahalgam attack and was designed to deliver a strong message while avoiding civilian casualties and maintaining military precision. The four days of cross-border military actions by land, air, and sea heightened regional tensions and raised fears of a broader conflict. However, on May 10, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire. The agreement was announced after a phone call between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the development, noting that both sides had reached a mutual understanding to de-escalate the situation. Interestingly, it was US President Donald Trump who first publicly revealed the ceasefire agreement through a social media post, claiming the US had played a mediating role in brokering the truce.
12 May,2025 07:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Test team finds itself navigating a period of uncertainty following Virat Kohli’s abrupt retirement from the longest format on Monday, mere weeks before a pivotal five-match series against England. For over a decade, Kohli served as the backbone of India’s Test batting order. He was the anchor during collapses, the aggressor when needed, and a relentless force in some of the toughest conditions the sport has to offer. In the wake of his exit, reports have surfaced suggesting that the decision may not have been entirely one-sided. According to Dainik Jagran, the cricket board did not make any effort to persuade Kohli to continue for the England tour. Instead, the 36-year-old was reportedly informed that he no longer fit into the Test setup. A source told Dainik Jagran that the BCCI does not make personal requests to any player, emphasising that such decisions are entirely personal and the board does not intervene. The report also stated that a similar message was conveyed to former captain Rohit Sharma during a meeting in Mumbai on May 7. Mid-Day, however, could not verify these claims. Kohli’s final act in Test whites unfolded far from Indian shores, on Australian soil, a place synonymous with some of his greatest triumphs. Ironically, the land that once witnessed his rise and reign also became the stage for his exit. His final innings ended in familiar agony, chasing a wide delivery from Scott Boland and nicking behind, symbolic of a career that had begun to wrestle with time, reflexes, and fading dominance. Earlier, Kohli took to his Instagram handle and announced his decision to retire from the longest format of the game. "It's been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It's tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I'll carry for life. There's something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever," Kohli wrote on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) "As I step away from this format, it's not easy - but it feels right. I've given it everything I had, and it's given me back so much more than I could've hoped for. I'm walking away with a heart full of gratitude - for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I'll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off," the post added.
12 May,2025 07:02 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Test team has been thrust into uncertainty following Virat Kohli’s unexpected retirement from the longest format on Monday, just weeks ahead of a crucial five-match series in England. Kohli's final chapter in Test whites played out far from home, during a disastrous Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Once a land of his triumphs and transformation, Australia became the backdrop to a painful farewell. His last innings was the same way of dismissal, edging behind after chasing another delivery outside off-stump from Scott Boland. Kohli has witnessed it all in Australia, from coming of age to dominance to utter helplessness against forces of age, muscle memory, and time. 2014: This was Kohli in his formative years in the longest format of the game, battling numerous ups and downs in his game. Riding on a successful New Zealand tour with the bat, where he scored 215 runs in four innings with a century and fifty, much was expected from Kohli on his first Test tour of England. Instead, Kohli had a disastrous tour, where he struggled with the top-quality seam and swing bowling by the England pace duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad. The class of this bowling duo, with over 1,300 wickets to their name, was too much for a 25-year-old Kohli, as he could score just 134 runs in 10 innings at a poor average of 13.40, with the best score of 39. He often struggled with the deliveries outside the off-stump line. Anderson brought this weakness to the front for the cricketing world to see, and he dismissed him four times. With each edge to an outside off-stump delivery, chinks in his armour were exposed. 2018: From 2016-19, Kohli had one of the best peaks ever by a batter in Test cricket, scoring 4,208 runs in 43 matches at an average of 66.79, with 16 centuries and 10 fifties. A crown jewel of this whole run was the England tour in 2018. Dedicating hours to honing his craft and overcoming his past weaknesses, Kohli was extremely keen to add to his monumental Test run and avenge his humiliation from Anderson and Broad. Kohli ended the tour with 593 runs in five matches at an average of 59.30, with two centuries and three fifties, topping the run-charts. The 'King' had conquered England as well. Not once did he succumb to his foe, Anderson, but rather, he handled him with a mix of class and aggression that only he could have shown. With a loud roar following his century at Edgbaston, Kohli started a superhuman, lone warrior effort with the bat, which went in vain as India lost the series 4-1. 2021/22: This series came during Kohli's first real slump in form. This was a phase of his career when everyone realised that Kohli was a human after all and could have his ups and downs after years of delivering almost inhuman-level performances. His struggles with the outside off-stump line and England's swing and seam movement once again resurfaced and led to him piling up average numbers. Kohli emerged as the eighth-highest run-getter, scoring 249 runs in nine matches at an average of 27.76, with two half-centuries and a couple of useful 40s. While these numbers do not look attractive, Kohli nevertheless put up a resilient fight in English conditions, but could not overcome them like he did back in 2018. His rivalry with Anderson was reignited, as he dismissed him twice. Due to the up-and-down nature of these tours, Kohli's numbers in England do not do true justice to his talent and ability against world-class bowling in overseas conditions. Kohli has played 17 Tests in England, scoring 1,096 runs at an average of 33.21, with two centuries and five fifties in 33 innings and the best score of 149. (With ANI inputs)
12 May,2025 06:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Test team has been thrust into uncertainty following Virat Kohli’s unexpected retirement from the longest format on Monday, just weeks ahead of a crucial five-match series in England. Kohli’s departure marks the end of a formidable era, as the batting giant leaves behind a legacy spanning over 14 years of resilience, excellence, and unmatched intensity in red-ball cricket. An inspirational figure and icon to Indian cricket fans, Kohli was the country's most successful Test captain with 40 wins and 17 defeats in 68 matches before stepping down from the role in 2022. The fiercely competitive Kohli averaged close to 55 at his peak between 2011 and 2019, but he could muster only 32.56 over the past 24 months in Tests and had come under pressure. Whether it was the hallowed turf of Lord’s or the fiery pace of Perth, his presence commanded attention and his words stirred the soul of Indian cricket. They are more than just quotes, they are echoes of a career defined by steely resolve and unwavering commitment. “The bat is not a toy, it’s a weapon. It gives me everything in my life, which helps me to do everything in the field.” Few cricketers have demonstrated the level of devotion to their craft that Kohli has. With 70 international centuries to his name, his bond with the bat was deeply emotional and spiritual. “Chasing the target was always on our mind. Negativity has no place in this team.” Kohli’s debut as Test captain during the 2014 Adelaide Test signaled a dramatic shift in India's overseas mindset. While India ultimately fell short in a tightly contested match, his twin centuries and unwavering aggression redefined how Indian cricket would be perceived abroad. It wasn’t merely about enduring tough conditions anymore, it was about dictating terms. His leadership, even in defeat, injected a fearless identity into the team. “My 150 doesn’t matter. A 30 in a winning cause would’ve meant far more.” This statement, made after scoring a sublime 153 in a losing effort, encapsulates Kohli’s selfless mindset. For a batter of his calibre, personal milestones never outweighed team success. Even in moments of individual brilliance, his focus remained on collective triumph. "If someone’s laughing now, let them, because for the next 60 overs, they’ll feel the heat." On the final day at Lord’s in 2021, with the match seemingly headed for a draw, Kohli’s on-field fire became the catalyst for a stunning Indian turnaround. His words reflected his trademark intensity and fierce resolve, factors that turned ordinary sessions into match-winning ones. Under his command, India didn’t just compete; they dominated with intent and unrelenting energy. “A lot of people tell me a lot of things about my conduct, my game, my future… but I try to stay away from their words of wisdom. I don’t let it distract me. On the field, you will be facing the ball alone. If you fail, you will be the only one to blame. So, you should be the one deciding for yourself.” Kohli has long been a subject of intense scrutiny, praised, criticised, dissected. Yet, his mental strength remained unshaken. These words offer insight into his fiercely independent approach, grounded in personal accountability. For Kohli, success was built not just on talent, but on the clarity of mind to drown out external noise and trust his own instincts.
12 May,2025 05:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Test team has been thrust into uncertainty after Virat Kohli’s unexpected retirement from the longest format on Monday, just weeks ahead of a crucial five-match series in England. Kohli’s departure marks the end of a formidable era, as the batting giant leaves behind a legacy spanning over 14 years. Kohli has long been the cornerstone of India’s Test lineup, anchoring innings under pressure and delivering in some of the game’s most demanding conditions. His absence not only creates a massive gap in experience but also removes a calming, battle-hardened presence from India’s top order. As the team readies itself for the high-stakes English summer, attention turns to a group of emerging and returning candidates eager to rise to the occasion and fill the void left by the Indian maestro. Sai Sudharsan, the elegant left-hander from Tamil Nadu, has been steadily making his mark in domestic cricket. The 23-year-old showcased his potential in this year’s Ranji Trophy, scoring 304 runs in just three games at a formidable average of 76, including a double century, a ton, and a fifty. With 1,957 runs from 29 First-Class games at an average nearing 40, Sudharsan represents a promising all-format prospect. Shreyas Iyer appears primed for a resurgence. After falling out of favour, the Mumbai batter has clawed his way back with an impressive domestic campaign, scoring 480 runs at 68.57 in five Ranji matches, striking at a brisk 90.22. Though his Test experience is limited, 14 matches yielding 811 runs, Iyer’s flair and determination could provide the middle-order spark India needs in England. KL Rahul, often India’s crisis man, brings versatility and composure. With previous tours to England under his belt, the 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has scored 614 runs in nine Tests there, including two centuries. His technique and adaptability across formats make him a reliable option at No. 4. Sarfaraz Khan, a product of domestic dominance, has a jaw-dropping first-class average of 65.61 with 4,593 runs. Despite limited opportunities at the international level, the 27-year-old has already made an impact with a century against New Zealand last year and remains a strong contender. Karun Nair, India’s second-ever triple-centurion, has reignited his case with a prolific Ranji season, scoring 863 runs in nine outings at 53.93. His return could add invaluable experience and firepower. Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane remain in the fray as experienced reinforcements. Pujara amassed 306 runs in England in 2021, while Rahane struggled with just 109. Given the current vacuum of seasoned Test heads, either could yet be called upon to steady the ship.
12 May,2025 05:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
