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'Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be.....': Ravichandran Ashwin drops bold verdict on IPL 2026 Final Awards
'Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be.....': Ravichandran Ashwin drops bold verdict on IPL 2026 Final Awards
'Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be.....': Ravichandran Ashwin drops bold verdict on IPL 2026 Final Awards
By
Rashmi Wasnik
Published - 01 Jun 2026, 01:56 PM | Updated - 01 Jun 2026, 02:16 PM
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Virat Kohli. Image Credit: X
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are still enjoying the celebrations of their second straight IPL title, but Virat Kohli getting the Player of the Match honor has left former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin baffled. Kohli got the honour for his unbeaten match-winning knock in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
However, Ashwin feels another RCB star deserved the Player of the Match honor for what he achieved throughout the 2026 season. It was another memorable night for the
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
as they defeated the Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final on Sunday (May 31) and became only the third team in IPL history to win back-to-back titles.
Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar take RCB to IPL 2026 glory
In the IPL 2026 final, Virat Kohli and
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
stole the …
Gill replaces Rohit as India's ODI captain - ESPN
Gill replaces Rohit as India's ODI captain - ESPN
Shubman Gillhas been appointedIndia's new ODI captain, replacingRohit Sharma, and will lead the side in thethree-match series in Australiastarting on October 19.
Rohit has been picked in the ODI squad as a batter and, along withVirat Kohli, is set to represent India again for the first time since the 2025 Champions Trophy in March.
The selection panel, headed by former India fast bowler Ajit Agarkar, met on Saturday in Ahmedabad, where India won the first Test of the seriesagainst West Indiesby an innings and 140 runs. The reason behind the captaincy change was that the selectors wanted Gill to settle down well before the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. It is understood the decision was taken collectively by Agarkar in coordination with India head coach Gautam Gambhir and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.
"Obviously at some stage you got to start looking at where the next World Cup is," Agarkar said at a press conference in Ahmedabad. "It's [ODIs] also a format which is played the least now, so you don't get that many games to actually give the next guy, or if there is going to be another guy, that much ti…
'Very important': India coach reveals how Rohit remains crucial to Gill
'Very important': India coach reveals how Rohit remains crucial to Gill
Ahead of the second ODI against Afghanistan, India spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule backed Rohit Sharma, calling him a "champion cricketer" and highlighting his influence on ODI captain Shubman Gill and the team. Bahutule also praised KL Rahul's versatility and form, saying the batter can adapt to any situation and remains a key member across formats.
India to Test No.3 Slot in Kohli's ODI Absence - newkerala.com
India to Test No.3 Slot in Kohli's ODI Absence - newkerala.com
Cricket News
Updated Jun 12, 2026
India to Experiment at No.3 in Kohli's Absence, Says Morkel
India's fast bowling coach Morne Morkel has confirmed the team will experiment with the number three batting position in Virat Kohli's absence during the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. Kohli was ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained in the IPL 2026 final. Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the top contenders for the slot. Morkel also provided updates on new pacers Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar, and confirmed Rohit Sharma is fully fit.
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Jun 12, 2026
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1st ODI: India will play around No.3 slot in Virat Kohli's absence, says Morkel
Dharamshala, June 12
India's fast bowling coach Morne Morkel has indicated that the team will experiment with the number three batting position in Virat Kohli's absence during the three‑match ODI series against Afghanistan, starting at the HPCA Stadium on Saturday.
Kohli was ruled out of the three ODIs against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury picked up while hitting a match-winning 75 not out in the In…
India vs Afghanistan ODIs: Rohit Sharma fit, Rahul, Kishan and ...
India vs Afghanistan ODIs: Rohit Sharma fit, Rahul, Kishan and ...
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Rohit’s fitness, Virat’s replacement: Morkel spells out India's plans for Afghan ODIs
Rohit's fitness, Virat's replacement: Morkel spells out India's plans for Afghan ODIs
Speaking to the media on the eve of India's ODI series against Afghanistan in Dharamsala, bowling coach Morne Morkel dismissed concerns over Rohit Sharma's fitness and outlined the team's options to replace the injured Virat Kohli at No. 3.
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Rohit Sharma ready for India vs Afghanistan ODIs (PTI Photo)
India Today Sports Desk
New Delhi,
UPDATED: Jun 12, 2026 20:05 IST
Written By:
Akshay Ramesh
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India bowling coach Morne Morkel has ruled out concerns over any lingering niggle as Rohit Sharma gears up for a return to action in the
three-match ODI series against Afghanistan
, which begins on June 13 in Dharamsala. The former fast bowler also indicated that India will use the series to give their in-form batters opportunities, with as many as three players potentially getting a chance to fill Virat Kohli’s No. 3 spot over the course of the series.
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India will begin the f…
'He is a combination of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma' - Anil Kumble's ...
'He is a combination of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma' - Anil Kumble's ...
Anil Kumble comparedSanju Samson'sbatting in the 2026 T20 World Cup to legendary Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The wicketkeeper-batter won the Player of the Tournament award after scoring three consecutive half-centuries, helping India lift the T20 World Cup title for the third time.
In the final, Samson top-scored with a 46-ball 89, hitting five fours and eight sixes against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8.
While praising Samson's performance, Kumble said that the 31-year-old played with caution when required, as Kohli does, and took the attack to the bowlers inside the power play like Rohit Sharma.
“If you look at the previous World Cup in 2024, it had Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both are great players, very difficult to replace them. I think Samson is a combination of Kohli and Rohit, in a sense. When it required a little bit of Kohli, where you just plan and ensure that you don’t lose wickets. And then whenever you need to accelerate, in the powerplay, you want to take on the bowlers [like Rohit],” Kumble said on ESPNcricinfo.
Former South …
Gill, Samson Miss Out As Sehwag Reveals His Top 3 Game-Changers For ...
Gill, Samson Miss Out As Sehwag Reveals His Top 3 Game-Changers For ...
Virender Sehwag Reveals His Game-Changers (Source: @BCCI/x.com, @KnightsVibe/x.com)
Team India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad announcement has stirred controversies over selection, yet the strength and depth of the side remain undeniable. Seasoned stars along with unreal fresh talents, Suryakumar Yadav’s Team India is set to chase glory.
As the tournament is approaching soon, the former Indian batter picked his three game-changers. Known for his witty remarks, his bold choices are turning heads.
After some stalwarts' exit from the game, Team India is entering the new era. After Rohit Sharma stepped away from the shortest format after the T20 World Cup win,Suryakumar Yadavis set to lead the team in the Asia Cup 2025. As the team management named a star studded squad, the Men in Green is eyeing to reclaim the title.
As the squad turned out to be a perfect mix of some exceptional young talent with some legendary superstars, former Indian batter Virender Sehwag was asked to pick his three game changers.Speaking to Sony Sports, his surprising picks have already grabbed plenty of attention.
“I think Abhishek Sharma can …
India Squad for 2027 World Cup: Players, Captain & Team Updates
India Squad for 2027 World Cup: Players, Captain & Team Updates
The 2023 ODI World Cup is well past now. India had a dominant run in the 50-over event.
And it seemed the Men in Blue would lift the World Cup. But everything came crashing down in the final after Australia routed them completely. The loss was one hard pill to swallow for the players and the fans.
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Now, with the next mega ICC event scheduled for 2027 in South Africa and Zimbabwe, the focus has shifted to building a strong squad with a new captain at the helm.
In a big move, the BCCI has
removed Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain
. Young opener
Shubman Gill
has been officially named the new ODI skipper, starting with the
Australia ODI series (October 2025)
. Rohit, however, continues to be part of the squad as a senior batter.
Captaincy & Current Form: Rohit, Gill, and Virat in Focus
Ambati Rayudu’s View
– He strongly felt
Rohit Sharma
should continue as ODI captain till 2027. He believed Rohit’s leadership and experience are unmatched in big ICC events.
Virat Kohli’s Role
– Rayudu also added that no one can replace Kohli at No. 3, stressing his importance in ODIs.
Shubma…
Rohit Sharma's Test journey ends, but ODI World Cup dream lives on
Rohit Sharma's Test journey ends, but ODI World Cup dream lives on
Rohit Sharmahas announced hisretirement from Test cricketwith just over a month to go for India's tour of England. Rohit's decision means someone new will take over India's captaincy in the first Test at Leeds on June 20. Rohit goes out as India's 10th most successful Test captain, winning 12 out of 24 matches. It's still the most wins for any skipper who captained India in less than 40 Tests, as a win percentage of 60 demonstrates, the same as MS Dhoni. Ever since he took over as India's all-format captain, Rohit led India to two big series wins – against Australia in 2023 and England in 2024. However, the remainder of the year didn't work as well as he'd have imagined, as in October, New Zealand inflicted a 3-0 clean sweep on India to break their 12-year-long streak of home dominance.
Rohit's decision to bid adieu to Tests isn't exactly a shocker, as the Indian captain has been struggling for form. Having retired from T20Is last June, Rohit decided to step aside on the heels of a poor Test series against Australia, where he simply couldn't get going. With scores of 3, 6, 10 and 3, Rohit looked at sixes and seven…
'Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can ... ': Anil Kumble's message to Shubman Gill
'Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can ... ': Anil Kumble's message to Shubman Gill
Anil Kumble believes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's experience will be vital for India's 2027 ODI World Cup campaign, offering crucial support to captain Shubman Gill. Kumble praised Gill's IPL leadership and highlighted how the veterans can guide him through high-pressure situations, easing his burden.
“They can guide him…,” Kumble suggests Virat Kohli, Rohit ...
“They can guide him…,” Kumble suggests Virat Kohli, Rohit ...
BySalman Anjum- 12 Jun, 2026
Former India captain Anil Kumble believes the vast experience of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be vital for supporting young skipper Shubman Gill at the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Kumble highlighted that the veteran duo can guide the team through critical tactical decisions in high-pressure moments.
The legendary leg-spinner also praised Gill’s leadership skills shown during the IPL 2026, where he led Gujarat Titans (GT) to the final and finished as the second highest run-scorer with 732 runs from 16 innings at an impressive strike rate of 163.02.
"We have seen in the IPL that he has rotated his bowlers well, used his spinners at the right time, and handled pressure situations with clarity. His form with the bat has not dipped,"Kumble said onJioStar.
According to Kumble, Gill will benefit immensely from having Kohli and Rohit around him in the ODI setup.
"They (Virat and Rohit) can guide him with field placements, bowling changes, and key tactical decisions. Shubman doesn't have to carry the burden alone,"he added.
Having retired from T20Is and Tests in the 2024-25 season, Kohli and Rohi…
Ahead Of England Tour, Shardul Thakur Reveals What Makes Shubman Gill ...
Ahead Of England Tour, Shardul Thakur Reveals What Makes Shubman Gill ...
Updated 28 May 2025 at 18:37 IST
Shardul Thakur is expected to play a prominent role when the Shubman Gill-led India take on England in a five-match Test series starting from next month.
Anirban Sarkar
Cricket
2 min read
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Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant in action | Image:
AP
Shubman Gill will have a tough task to cut out when the Indian team take on England in a five-match Test series, This upcoming series will mark a new era under the leadership of Gill.
Shubman Gill To Navigate Indian Test Team Through Transition Phase
The Gujarat Titans captain has been named as Rohit Sharma's successor in the long format, while Rishabh Pant will be his deputy in Test cricket. Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma hung up their boots, and the Indian team will usher in a new era under Gill and Pant. Selectors named a relatively young squad for the England tour, and the likes of Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh will be in focus.
Also Read:
Shubman Gill Has An Opportunity To Do What Virat Kohli Couldn't As The Test Captain Of India, Youngster Eyes Rahul Dravid's Record
Shardul Thakur Opens Up On Shubman Gill An…
Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli Will Be Missed: Anil Kumble ... - Oneindia
Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli Will Be Missed: Anil Kumble ... - Oneindia
Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli Will Be Missed: Anil Kumble Shares Views On India's T20 World Cup 2026 Team
Cricket
oi-Gaurav Sharma
By
Gaurav Sharma
Published: Monday, February 2, 2026, 15:36 [IST]
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The Indian team is preparing to defend its crown at the T20 World Cup 2026, two years after winning the trophy in 2024. India had beaten South Africa in the final, claiming a second T20 world title under captain Rohit Sharma.
That 2024 squad also featured senior names such as Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, giving the line-up heavy international experience. For the T20 World Cup 2026, India will move ahead without Rohit and Kohli, who retired from T20I cricket after the 2024 final.
AI Summary
AI-generated summary, reviewed by editors
India will compete in the T20 World Cup 2026, aiming to defend the title won in 2024 against South Africa under captain Rohit Sharma, without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as discussed by Anil Kumble and Cheteshwar Pujara.
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Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli
T20 World Cup 2026 squad balance and experience
Former India captain Anil Kumble dis…
3rd India vs Afghanistan ODI: Jaiswal, Rahul, Rana in focus - DT Next
3rd India vs Afghanistan ODI: Jaiswal, Rahul, Rana in focus - DT Next
CHENNAI:Along with a dominance-extending series clean sweep, India will eye substantial runs from KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the third and final ODI against Afghanistan here on Saturday.
While Rahul's spot in the one-day squad has never really been in doubt, Jaiswal would welcome a heavy knock to stake his claim for a space in the already-crowded top-order.
Jaiswal was brought back to the 50-over format for the first time since December 2025, and he was dismissed for 4 in the second match against the Afghans at Lucknow.
The left-hander had made an unbeaten 116 against South Africa at Visakhapatnam in his previous appearance but since then the return of Ishan Kishan has added one more contender to the top-order positions.
Kishan did no harm to his reputation with a hundred at Lucknow, and skipper Shubman Gill dropped himself to No. 3 to accommodate Jaiswal.
But once Virat Kohli returns to the side after recovering from his hamstring injury, the batting superstar is certain to occupy the No. 3 slot.
It leaves Gill with no other option but to return to opening the innings alongside Rohit Sharma. With Ki…
'They start looking for your successor': Rohit Sharma faces blunt warning
'They start looking for your successor': Rohit Sharma faces blunt warning
Former England spinner Graeme Swann believes discussions around Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's futures are natural. He feels the upcoming England tour is crucial for Rohit. Swann is impressed by young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's talent. He also shared surprise at Suryakumar Yadav's removal as T20I captain. The focus remains on India's senior players and emerging stars.
Shubman Gill Joins Don Bradman's Elite Club, Becomes Fourth on ...
Shubman Gill Joins Don Bradman's Elite Club, Becomes Fourth on ...
N
ew Delhi:
The current season is proving to be memorable for Indian Test team captain Shubman Gill. Gill, who has been continuously scoring runs on the field, has now made a record in his name, which has become a hot topic of discussion in the cricket world.
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As soon as he completed 1000 Test runs as a captain, his name has been registered among those selected players, which include legends like great Australian batsman Sir Don Bradman.
A new chapter recorded in the pages of history?
Gill's statistics have put him in the list of great players of cricket. The consistency with which he has scored runs after assuming the captaincy has reminded many of the old records. This is the reason why his performance is now being compared with that of legendary players.
How did your batting improve with captaincy?
It has often been seen that after getting the captaincy, the performance of the batsmen gets affected. But in Gill's case the picture looked different. After increasing responsibility, big scores continued to come from his bat. On many occasions he also brought the team out of difficult situations.
Is the…
IND vs AFG: Virat, Hardik injuries open doors for Ishan Kishan and Nitish Reddy
IND vs AFG: Virat, Hardik injuries open doors for Ishan Kishan and Nitish Reddy
Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya's injuries have forced India into transition mode as they begin preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ishan Kishan appears set to get the No. 3 role, Nitish Kumar Reddy could replace Hardik, while young pacers Prince and Gurnoor await opportunities.
Rohit, Kohli’s experience will be invaluable for Gill at 2027 World Cup ...
Rohit, Kohli’s experience will be invaluable for Gill at 2027 World Cup ...
Former India batter Suresh Raina believes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's experience will be crucial for captain Shubman Gill during the 2027 ODI World Cup. Anil Kumble also praised Gill's leadership, saying he has handled captaincy without compromising his batting form.
New Delhi:Former India batter Suresh Raina touched upon the importance of ODI skipper Shubman Gill having veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s experience by his side in the 2027 World Cup, saying, “The presence of experience from the two veterans can make all the difference.”
Kohli and Rohit, who have retired from T20I and Test cricket, remain exclusively active in ODIs. During the 2019 ODI World Cup, Rohit was the top scorer with 648 runs in nine games at an average of 81.00 with five hundreds and a half-century. He also became the first batsman in World Cup history to score five centuries in a single edition.
In the 2023 edition, Kohli was the leading run-scorer, amassing a historic 765 runs in 11 innings. Sachin Tendulkar’s record (673 runs) for most runs in a single edition. Kohli was named the Player of the Tournament.
“Physical…
IND vs AFG: Versatile KL Rahul key to India's 2027 ODI World Cup plans
IND vs AFG: Versatile KL Rahul key to India's 2027 ODI World Cup plans
The ODI series against Afghanistan serves as an early indicator for India's 2027 World Cup preparations, with KL Rahul emerging as a key middle-order option. His adaptability and ability to accelerate or consolidate innings provide crucial flexibility, making him an important asset regardless of his batting position or wicketkeeping duties.
Gill breaks silence on Rohit's ODI future: 'It is a good kind of headache'
Gill breaks silence on Rohit's ODI future: 'It is a good kind of headache'
Shubman Gill admitted India have "a good kind of headache" over the opening combination after Yashasvi Jaiswal's second ODI hundred in three matches intensified the selection debate around Rohit Sharma ahead of the England tour. While backing Jaiswal's talent, Gill said the final XI would depend on the squad and players' fitness.
Raina: Rohit, Virat Key for Captain Gill in 2027 WC
Raina: Rohit, Virat Key for Captain Gill in 2027 WC
Sports India News
Updated Jun 11, 2026
Raina: Rohit, Virat's Presence a Key Advantage for Captain Gill in 2027 WC
Suresh Raina believes veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's experience will greatly benefit captain Shubman Gill in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit topped the run charts in 2019 and Virat in 2023, both proven in ICC tournaments. Anil Kumble praised Gill for maintaining his batting form despite captaincy duties. Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the upcoming Afghanistan ODI series due to a hamstring injury.
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Jun 11, 2026
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Rohit, Virat's presence an advantage for captain Gill in 2027 WC: Raina
New Delhi, June 11
Former India batter Suresh Raina touched upon the importance of ODI skipper Shubman Gill having veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's experience by his side in the 2027 World Cup, saying, "The presence of experience from the two veterans can make all the difference."
Kohli and Rohit, who have retired from T20I and Test cricket, remain exclusively active in ODIs. During the 2019 ODI World Cup, Rohit was the top scorer with 648 runs in nine games at…
'Gautam Gambhir likes Shubman Gill more than Shreyas Iyer...': Ex-India ...
'Gautam Gambhir likes Shubman Gill more than Shreyas Iyer...': Ex-India ...
'Gautam Gambhir likes Shubman Gill more than Shreyas Iyer...': Ex-India star's massive claim after Asia Cup squad announcement
While Gill was made India's vice-captain for Asia Cup, Iyer was excluded not just from the squad, but from the reserve list as well
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Aug 26, 2025 05:05 PM IST
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Shubman Gill (L) and Gautam Gambhir in this frame
Story Highlights:
Manoj Tiwary made a stunning claim about Gautam Gambhir
Shreyas Iyer wasn't included in India's squad for Asia Cup
Shreyas Iyer's omission from India's squad for Asia Cup 2025 has been one of the biggest talking points ever since Ajit Agarkar named the team. Many were left shocked by the fact that Iyer was left out from the 15-member team especially after having a stellar IPL campaign with the Punjab Kings earlier this year.
On the other hand, despite having not played for India in the T20I format since July 2024, Shubman Gill was added to the Asia Cup squad and was also made the vice-captain of the side. The selectors likely came to this decision after seeing Gill's performan…
'Ravi Shastris, Anil Kumbles will come and go': Chief coach sends out ...
'Ravi Shastris, Anil Kumbles will come and go': Chief coach sends out ...
New Delhi: Ravi Shastri, the newly appointed skipper of the Indian cricket team, has started off his second stint with Indian team with a bang. In the two press conferences he has attended since being appointed as the head coach, the Mumbai veteran has dealt with the bouncers bowled at him in a very confident manner.
While the reporters were keen to know his opinion about how his coaching style would be different from his predecessor Anil Kumble, the 55-year-old handled the tricky question really well by shifting the focus towards the success of the Indian team in the last three years.
Addressing his first press conference along with skipper Virat Kohli, Shastri said, "I carry on from where I left. The fabric of Indian cricket will remain, these Ravi Shastris and Anil Kumbles will come and go. I don't come with any baggage. The team has done exceedingly well over three years. If they are No.1 today, they (the players) are the people who deserve the credit."
"As a player, when you play the game, you want the mind to be very clear. You don't want any distraction and that happens with a good support staff. M…
Opportunity knocks for Jaiswal, Rahul in India's final ODI against ...
Opportunity knocks for Jaiswal, Rahul in India's final ODI against ...
AP
India aims for significant scores from KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the final ODI against Afghanistan
Chennai: Along with a dominance-extending series clean sweep, India will eye substantial runs from
KL Rahul
and
Yashasvi Jaiswal
in the third and final ODI against Afghanistan here on Saturday.
While Rahul's spot in the one-day squad has never really been in doubt, Jaiswal would welcome a heavy knock to stake his claim for a space in the already-crowded top-order.
Also Read:
Harshit Rana added to India squad for third ODI against Afghanistan
Jaiswal was brought back to the 50-over format for the first time since December 2025, and he was dismissed for 4 in the second match against the Afghans at Lucknow.
The left-hander had made an unbeaten 116 against South Africa at Visakhapatnam in his previous appearance but since then the return of
Ishan Kishan
has added one more contender to the top-order positions.
Live Events
Kishan did no harm to his reputation with a hundred at Lucknow, and skipper
Shubman Gill
dropped himself to No. 3 to accommodate Jaiswal.
But once Virat Kohli returns to the side after recov…
'It is not good for KL Rahul': Ex-India captain questions Gambhir's strategy
'It is not good for KL Rahul': Ex-India captain questions Gambhir's strategy
India has secured the ODI series against Afghanistan, using the matches to test new player combinations. While Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill impressed at number three, former captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth questioned KL Rahul's deployment in a lower batting order, advocating for him to bat higher. Srikkanth also raised concerns about player fatigue due to the demanding schedule.
IND vs AFG ODIs: Spotlight on Rohit Sharma as World Cup auditions begin for 2027
IND vs AFG ODIs: Spotlight on Rohit Sharma as World Cup auditions begin for 2027
Rohit Sharma faces an audition for his ODI future, needing to prove his fitness and form ahead of the next World Cup. Captain Shubman Gill grapples with selection decisions, potentially looking beyond the veteran. The series against Afghanistan also serves as a platform to test new batting combinations with Virat Kohli sidelined.
3rd ODI: Rana returns, Jaiswal under scrutiny as India aim to sweep series
3rd ODI: Rana returns, Jaiswal under scrutiny as India aim to sweep series
Harshit Rana returns to the Indian after regaining fitness even as Yashasvi Jaiswal will have to prove his ODI credibility as India look to sweep series against Afghanistan.
Along with a dominance-extending series clean sweep, India will eye substantial runs from KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the third and final ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai on Saturday.
While Rahul's spot in the one-day squad has never really been in doubt, Jaiswal would welcome a heavy knock to stake his claim for a space in the already-crowded top-order.
Jaiswal's ODI spot under scrutiny
Jaiswal was brought back to the 50-over format for the first time since December 2025, and he was dismissed for 4 in the second match against the Afghans at Lucknow. The left-hander had made an unbeaten 116 against South Africa at Visakhapatnam in his previous appearance but since then the return of Ishan Kishan has added one more contender to the top-order positions.
Kishan did no harm to his reputation with a hundred at Lucknow, and skipper Shubman Gill dropped himself to No. 3 to accommodate Jaiswal.
But once Virat Kohli returns to the s…
Rohit Sharma Fitness Key to India 2027 World Cup Plans
Rohit Sharma Fitness Key to India 2027 World Cup Plans
Rohit Sharma Fitness Key to India 2027 World Cup Plans
As India begin their preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, one of the biggest talking points surrounding the national team is the future of Rohit Sharma. The experienced opener remains one of India's most accomplished white-ball batters, but questions regarding his fitness, form and long-term availability have become increasingly relevant ahead of the next global tournament.
The three-match ODI series against Afghanistan may appear like a routine bilateral assignment, but it could provide important clues about India's roadmap for the future and Rohit's role in it.
A Defining Phase for Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma has been one of the most influential figures in modern cricket. His ability to dominate bowling attacks and deliver match-winning performances has helped India achieve success across formats for more than a decade.
However, the road to the 2027 World Cup presents a fresh challenge. By the time the tournament begins in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, Rohit will be approaching 40 years of age. While experience remains a valuable asset, maintaining p…
'Foolish to write him off': Ex-India captain backs veteran for ODI WC 27
'Foolish to write him off': Ex-India captain backs veteran for ODI WC 27
Former captain Kris Srikkanth backs Ravindra Jadeja for the 2027 World Cup, urging selectors not to dismiss the all-rounder despite recent form. He also believes Rohit Sharma's ODI future hinges on performance, not age, as India shapes its squad for the next global tournament. The team currently leads Afghanistan 1-0.
Rohit Sharma Breaks 37-Year-Old National Record Against Afghanistan ...
Rohit Sharma Breaks 37-Year-Old National Record Against Afghanistan ...
IND vs AFG Live:Experienced opening batsman Rohit Sharma has officially broken a long-standing national sporting record by becoming the oldest cricketer to represent India in One Day International history. The veteran captain achieved the monumental career milestone during an international fixture against Afghanistan, eclipsing an administrative benchmark that had previously remained completely untouched for nearly thirty-seven years.
The powerful top-order batsman took the field aged 39 years and 44 days to surpass 1983 World Cup winner Mohinder Amarnath. Amarnath previously held the domestic record since October 1989 after making his final international appearance against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium.
The senior batsman successfully overcame a troublesome hamstring injury sustained during the domestic franchise season to secure his place in the starting line-up. Despite having retired from Test and T20 International formats, he remains central to white-ball tournament strategies.
ALSO READ |Bangladesh Cricketer 'Beaten With Pipes' By Police; BCB Reacts Strongly
While the Indian opener now lead…
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's Comeback Date Revealed, BCCI Confirms India ...
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's Comeback Date Revealed, BCCI Confirms India ...
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the dates of India's next Test and ODI match, which will mark the team playing the two formats after a long gap. Shubman Gill will return to lead the team in a one-off Test and three ODI matches against Afghanistan in June, with the latter set to have the eyes of the world as former captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be in action in the only format they are active cricketers in.
The Afghanistan cricket team will play a bilateral ODI series against India for the first time in history as they tour India as an away team for the third time. The two teams will play a test match for the second time in history. Earlier, Afghanistan played their first-ever Test match against the Indian team in 2018 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
The match will take place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh (formerly known as Mullanpur) in what will be the first-ever Test at the venue. The one-off Test will start less than a week after the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) final.
Later, the two teams will play ea…
IND Vs AFG, 1st ODI: Morne Morkel chalks India's plan to replace Virat ...
IND Vs AFG, 1st ODI: Morne Morkel chalks India's plan to replace Virat ...
Ahead of the 3-match ODI series opener against Afghanistan in Dharamshala tomorrow, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel opened up about the Men in Blues’ strategy for the number 3 batting position, which is up for grabs after Virat Kohli got ruled out entirely due to a hamstring injury.
With Virat Kohli now expected to return in time for ODI series in England, it will be interesting to see who replaces the former captain in the number 3 slot. A lot of contenders are there to replace Kohli in the series but Morne Morkel, during the pre-match press conference on the eve of the 1st ODI, named three specific batters who will be given the responsibility.
Also Read:England Vs Sri Lanka, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Live Streaming: When and where to watch ENG-W Vs SL-W today?
Morne Morkel stated that the Indian team management will juggle around with a couple of options for the number 3 slot, given the fact that it will be a good time to try and test their options beyond Virat Kohli.
The former South African speedster confirmed that either of Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul or Yashasvi Jaiswal will take up the number …
'As soon as Rohit retires...': Sehwag reveals who will inherit India's opening slot
'As soon as Rohit retires...': Sehwag reveals who will inherit India's opening slot
Virender Sehwag backs Yashasvi Jaiswal to become a regular in India's ODI side post-Rohit Sharma's retirement. Despite strong performances, including a century against South Africa, Jaiswal faces tough competition. Sehwag and Manoj Tiwary believe Jaiswal is poised to lead the future opening lineup once senior players depart after next year's World Cup.
Corroboration
No verdict, no pronouncement. The model extracts atomic factual claims with verbatim quotes; every quote is validated against the source text and corroboration is computed by counting how many editorially-opposed blocs assert each fact.
The spine · 0 facts corroborated across ≥2 opposed blocs
No fact in this cluster crossed two opposed editorial blocs. The facts below are reported, but not (yet) independently corroborated across the divide.
Single-source · 10 — reported by one bloc only (uncorroborated)
India secured the ODI series against Afghanistan.
timesofindia
Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill impressed at number three.
timesofindia
Krishnamachari Srikkanth questioned KL Rahul's deployment in a lower batting order and advocated for him to bat higher.
timesofindia
Krishnamachari Srikkanth raised concerns about player fatigue due to the demanding schedule.
timesofindia
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are celebrating their second straight IPL title.
cricketaddictor.com
Virat Kohli received the Player of the Match honor for his unbeaten match‑winning knock in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated the Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final on Sunday (May 31).
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru became only the third team in IPL history to win back‑to‑back titles.
cricketaddictor.com
Ravichandran Ashwin was baffled by Virat Kohli receiving the Player of the Match honor.
cricketaddictor.com
Ravichandran Ashwin said another RCB star deserved the Player of the Match honor for his season performance.
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Framing · 2 — loaded language surfaced (spin shown, not adopted)
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“has left former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin baffled”
→ baffled
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“It was another memorable night for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru”
→ memorable night
Entities
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INDorg
Virat Kohliperson
Shubman Gillperson
AFGorg
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Ishan Kishanperson
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Anil Kumbleperson
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