India's all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has sparked widespread speculation with an intriguing post on his Instagram story, leaving the internet abuzz. Jadeja shared an image of his Test jersey, which has since gone viral on X (formerly Twitter). The cryptic post has left many fans wondering about its significance, with some even speculating that the spin-bowling all-rounder may be announcing his retirement from Test cricket. One comment on X read, 'Any hint?', while another fan posted, 'Happy Retirement Jaddu'. Ravindra Jadeja's Instagram story. 🌟🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/vacB7do0HB — Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) January 10, 2025 Jadeja's post comes at a time when he has already retired from T20I cricket after India's World Cup title victory in June last year. Despite this, he remains an active member of India's Test and ODI squads. However, his recent performances have come under scrutiny, particularly following India's disappointing 1-3 loss in the Test series against Australia. The 34-year-old failed to make an impact as an all-rounder in the series, picking up just four wickets across three matches and contributing only 135 runs at an average of 27 with the bat. His lackluster performance has led to growing speculation about his future in the national team. According to reports, Jadeja's form is under review, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee may soon make a decision regarding his future in the longer format. Some reports suggest that the selectors are looking to move beyond the veteran all-rounder. India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, is reportedly focused on building a 'strong base' for the 2027 ODI World Cup and is keen to expose emerging talent to international cricket, as reported by a source close to the BCCI. The focus seems to be on giving more opportunities to younger, identified players as the team looks ahead to future global events. India is set to return to international action with a five-match T20I series and three ODIs against England, starting January 22 in Kolkata. Following this, the team will travel to Dubai to kick off its Champions Trophy campaign. The squads for these upcoming assignments have yet to be announced, and Jadeja's participation remains uncertain amid ongoing speculations about his career.
10 January,2025 10:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRavichandran Ashwin, whose recent retirement sent shockwaves through the cricket world and left his fans in disbelief, made a comment that could spark widespread debate. During a speech at the graduation ceremony of a private engineering college in Tamil Nadu, where the use of Hindi has long been a sensitive and contentious issue, Ashwin remarked that Hindi is 'not our national language, but an official language'. Tamil Nadu: Former off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin says, "...I thought I'd say it all. It's (Hindi) not our national language; It's an official language. Okay, anyway"(09/01/2025) pic.twitter.com/bR47icWZEU — IANS (@ians_india) January 10, 2025 Speaking to the students, Ashwin asked if they would be willing to pose questions in Hindi if they were not comfortable with English or Tamil. “English students in the house – give me a yay,” he said, receiving a loud cheer. “Tamil?” The response was a resounding roar from the students. “Okay, Hindi?” At this point, the audience fell silent. “I thought I should say this. Hindi is not our national language; it is an official language,” Ashwin continued, speaking in Tamil. This comment has the potential to reignite a long-standing debate, especially as several opposition parties, including Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK, have accused the central government of attempting to impose Hindi in southern states. At the same event, Ashwin also touched upon the topic of Team India's captaincy, offering a measured and diplomatic response. "When someone says I can't do it, I wake up to accomplish it, but if they say I can, I lose interest," Ashwin explained. Reflecting on his own journey, Ashwin shared insights from his background, having completed his engineering studies. He encouraged the students to persevere and remain focused on their goals, even when faced with challenges. "Had any engineering staff told me I couldn’t become captain, I would have worked harder," he said, urging the graduates to stay determined and not let doubt deter them. “If you are a student, you will never stop. If you aren’t, learning will cease, and excellence will just be a word in your cupboard,” he added, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and perseverance.
10 January,2025 07:44 PM IST | Chennai | mid-day online correspondentIndia pacer Varun Aaron, who was once regarded as the country's fastest bowler before injuries hampered his promising career, announced retirement from 'representative cricket' on Friday after his home state Jharkhand's campaign ended in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. The 35-year-old Aaron made the announcement on social media after Jharkhand failed to go beyond the preliminary stage of the marquee domestic one-day event. After a dazzling start, Aaron struggled with erratic form, which was made worse by injury breakdowns, and he had not represented India since 2015. And that’s a wrap!! Thanks for all the love. pic.twitter.com/Yze3JReX06 — Varun Aaron (@VarunAaron) January 10, 2025 "For the past 20 years, I have lived, breathed, and thrived on the rush of bowling fast. Today, with immense gratitude, I officially announce my retirement from representative cricket," Aaron posted on his Instagram account At just 21, Aaron burst onto the scene during the 2010-11 Vijay Hazare Trophy, showcasing his raw pace and making a mark with a blistering 153kph delivery against Gujarat in the final. His ability to consistently bowl at speeds exceeding 150kph quickly caught the attention of the Indian cricketing fraternity and he soon made his international debut in an ODI against England in Mumbai in 2011. This was followed by a Test debut at the same venue against the West Indies, again in 2011. However, the relentless demands of bowling at high speed took a significant toll on his body. He played nine ODIs and as many Tests, taking 29 wickets across the two formats for India. Over the course of his career, he endured as many as eight back stress fractures and three foot fractures, which severely hampered his progress. Injuries had forced him to give up red-ball cricket last year. "Over the years, I've had to push both my physical and mental limits to recover from numerous career-threatening injuries, having to come back time and again, this was only possible thanks to the relentless dedication of the physios, trainers, and coaches at the National Cricket Academy. "I'd also like to thank the BCCI, JSCA (Jharkhand State Cricket Association) , Red Bull, SG Cricket, and MRF Tyres for their invaluable support during critical junctures in my career. "As I bid farewell to a pursuit that has consumed me completely, I now look forward to savouring the smaller joys in life while staying deeply connected to the game that has given me everything. "Fast Bowling has been my first love, and though I step off the field, it will always be a part of who I am," he added. Among his memorable moments in the game, he had grabbed headlines by breaking Stuart Broad's nose with a bouncer during a Test match in 2014. Broad had tried to pull the delivery but the ball took the edge and sneaked inside the grill of his helmet to hit him on the nose. Despite not making the Indian team since 2015, Aaron continued to bowl in domestic cricket. He picked 141 wickets at an average of 26.47 and an economy rate of 5.44 in 88 List A matches. He also snared 93 wickets at an economy rate of 8.53 in the 95 T20s he played. Aaron also played nine seasons of the IPL between 2011 and 2022, turning out for with Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans. In his final season, he won the title with Gujarat Titans in 2022. (With agency inputs)
10 January,2025 07:19 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIndia defeated Ireland by six wickets in the first women's ODI to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series on Friday. Opting to bat, Ireland skipper Gaby Lewis struck a fine 92 and shared a 117-run partnership with Leah Paul (59) as the visitors scored 238 for 7. 𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻! 🙌 🙌A solid show from #TeamIndia to seal a 6⃣-wicket victory over Ireland in the series opener! 👏 👏Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/bcSIVpjnlo#INDvIRE | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/ttWtOphIzO — BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) January 10, 2025 India opener Pratika Rawal (89) and Tejal Hasabnis ( 53 not out) then scored fifties to help the hosts overhaul the target in 34.3 overs. Earlier, Lewis scored her runs off 129 deliveries, studded with 15 boundaries, as she almost single-handedly guided Ireland to a fighting total after they were reduced to 56 for 4 in the 14th over. Spinner Priya Mishra was the most successful India bowler, returning figures of 2/56. Deepti Sharma (1/41) and Titas Sadhu (1/48) took a wicket each. Brief Scores: Ireland 238 for 7 in 50 overs (Gaby Lewis 92, Leah Paul 59; Priya Mishra 2/56) India 241 for 4 in 34.3 overs (Pratika Rawal 89, Tejal Hasabnis 53 not out; Aimee Maguire 3/57) (With agency inputs)
10 January,2025 05:44 PM IST | Rajkot | mid-day online correspondentJust like the Indian Premier League has proved to be a breeding ground for future India players, South African legend AB de Villiers is confident that the Betway SA20 will strengthen the South African team in future. “There is a lot of potential [in South Africa] and lots of talent, so I feel if you have a strong domestic system, and Betway SA20 is a strong tournament, you will breed really good cricketers from that tournament. These players will gain from that experience and this will ultimately end up in the Proteas side gaining from the SA20 and possibly going on to win a World Cup. I think a really good SA20 this year can help cement itself as a really good domestic tournament globally that will attract a lot of attention from all corners of the world,” De Villiers, the brand ambassador of SA20, said recently during an online media interaction ahead of the third edition of the six-team tournament that gets underway on January 9 and will be telecast on the Star Sports network. De Villiers also felt that while it’s in the BCCI’s hands to permit Indian players to participate in foreign league, SA20 is a great even for some of the just-retired Indian greats who are hugely popular all over the world. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, who retired from international cricket in 2023, will be the first Indian player to feature in SA20 when he represents Paar Royals. “I’d love to see more Indian players involved in SA20. We know Dinesh Karthik will be here this year, which is fantastic, and it's great for the tournament. Hopefully, the BCCI will allow us to get more Indian players in the future to come and join the fun at SA20," added AB de Villiers.
10 January,2025 05:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Ashwin FerroCricketing legends, including Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar and Rohit Sharma, will be part of the Mumbai Cricket Association's (MCA) grand celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the Wankhede Stadium on January 19. The event will commence on January 12. The other stalwarts who are expected on the occasion are former skipper Ravi Shastri, Ajinkya Rahane, Dilip Vengsarkar, Suryakumar Yadav and Diana Edulji. The main event will also feature Mumbai's legendary men's and women's players from domestic and international cricket. "As we mark the 50th anniversary of the iconic Wankhede Stadium, I warmly invite all cricket fans to be part of this momentous occasion. Our legendary heroes will join us in the celebrations, and together, we will pay tribute to the rich legacy of the Wankhede Stadium which is a pride of Mumbai," said MCA president Ajinkya Naik in a release. The MCA will release a coffee table book on January 19, while a commemorative postal stamp will also be issued. MCA will also felicitate the groundsmen and members of the Mumbai team, which played the first first-class match at the Wankhede Stadium in 1974. (With agency inputs)
10 January,2025 03:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAustralia's stand-in skipper for the Sri Lanka series, Steve Smith is not bothered by people's opinions about his act in the sandpaper incident and he further said that he is comfortable in his own skin. Steve Smith, who was looking after the leadership duties in the 2018 Cape Town Test match against South Africa, will again lead the pack in Pat Cummins' absence against Sri Lanka. Traditional former opening batsman David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were also found guilty of ball-tempering in 2018. Following the incident, the players received a ban for certain periods. Steve Smith also served a two-year leadership ban for his role in the scandal. He has since led Australia on four occasions in Tests versus England in Adelaide (2021), against the West Indies in Perth (2022) and two away Tests versus India in 2023. Also Read: George Bailey feels this Australian star could open the innings in Sri Lanka series While Cricket Australia (CA) considers the matter closed, some sections still feel that Steve Smith should not be allowed to lead the national team. "I mean, everyone's entitled to their opinion," Smith told Sydney Morning Herald. "They can say whatever they like. I'm pretty comfortable in my own skin. (The environment) around the team has been good for a long time. I get on well with everyone inside. People are entitled to their opinion. They can say what they want," he added. While Australia finally claimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after four attempts, defeating India 1-3 in the five-match series recently, Steve Smith missed the 10,000 Test-run mark by just one run. He said while it was a "cool win" in the series, missing a personal landmark by just one run was painful. "It was a cool summer to be a part of... and particularly after the way we fought back from Perth (defeat). Just as a collective, it was a really cool win. Our bowlers were unbelievable. Scotty Boland, the way he came in, was exceptional. He's unbelievable at the moment," said Smith.Smith was left stranded at 9,999 runs in the fifth Test at Sydney after being dismissed by Prasidh Krishna in both innings. "One run... it hurt a little bit at the time. It would have been nice to have ticked that off in front of all my friends and family here at my home ground, but hopefully, I can knock it off first thing in Galle (Sri Lanka, first Test). "I probably let it wander (in my mind) too much throughout the game. It's a cool milestone to tick off," he added. (With PTI Inputs)
10 January,2025 01:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAustralia's swashbuckling batsman Travis Head could open the innings for the side in the two Test matches against Sri Lanka. On the other hand, Sam Konstas is also likely to get more opportunities to prove his skills, said the chairman of selectors George Bailey. Travis Head who had a great run in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Team India in the middle order, has been tested in the opener's slot on the sub-continent. Travis Head had come in for an injured David Warner during the 2023 tour of India and scored 223 runs at 55.75 in five innings at the top of the order. "Trav's an option (to open). We've got a number of options and there's been a few preliminary discussions around where that may land, and that may depend on the makeup of that first XI," George Bailey told cricket.com.au. "I think (head coach) Andrew (McDonald,) and (stand-in captain) Steve (Smith) will settle on that in due course, once we hit Sri Lanka," he added. Australia announced a 16-member squad on Thursday with several fresh faces added to the group that played India in the fifth and final Test at Sydney last week. Australia won the marquee series 3-1. Also Read: Robin Uthappa blames this star Indian player to cut short Yuvraj's career Steve Smith will be leading the Australian pack as regular skipper Pat Cummins is on leave for the birth of his second child. With 19-year-old Konstas turning heads with his refreshing style of batting during the Border-Gavaskar Tests, Bailey said the youngster's ability to read match situations quickly would help him excel in Sri Lanka, his maiden international tour. "What we have seen is he's (Konstas) a quick learner. (He) absorbs a lot of information," George Bailey said. "So (we're) expecting him to get to get a lot out of it. I know from his spin play in Australia, and the opportunities he's (had) in different parts of the world, we think he's got a game that's well suited, and a technique that can stand up." "But that's one of the exciting things about this tour we will learn a bit more about his game in different conditions to what he's just faced in Australia," he added. George Bailey further spoke about Nathan McSweeney, who is there for the Sri Lanka Test series. The chairman said that McSweeney handled his exclusion quite well and will remain in the scheme of things despite an underwhelming show as an opening batsman. The debutant had a trial by fire against Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, failing to put up a decent score in the first three games. "We still view (McSweeney) as a great Test prospect, and a long-term Test prospect. "I think at times when someone is left out of a team or squad, there's a view that they fall out of favour, or down the pecking order, but that wasn't the case with Nathan," said George Bailey. "I think it shows the character... and the sort of person he is, the way he responded and spoke so well about (being dropped) publicly pretty soon after it happened." (With PTI Inputs)
10 January,2025 11:56 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMI Cape Town got their Betway SA20 Season 3 off to a perfect start with a commanding 97-run victory over defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the competition opener at a sold-out St George’s Park on Thursday. The Orange Army had come out in their thousands to welcome home the back-to-back champions, but went back home disappointed as MICT delivered an inspired performance. Robin Peterson’s MICT outfit dominated all facets on the night with Dewald Brevis smashing 57 off just 29 balls (2x4; 6x6) to lift the visitors to 174/7 before Delano Potgieter and Trent Boult combined to dismiss the Sunrisers for just 77. Potgieter claimed the dreamlike career-best figures of 5/10, but it was the New Zealand international Boult (2/16) that set the tone with a superb new-ball spell that yielded a double-wicket maiden third over. The 35-year-old showed his world class ability to swing the new ball back into the right-hander, which accounted for Sunrisers’ England Test opener Zak Crawley. Also Read: Robin Uthappa blames this star Indian player to cut short Yuvraj's career Boult showed that he will be a major addition not only to the MICT squad, but also a wonderful asset to the League in its entirety with his high skill certainly set to be an attraction at all the venues around the country. It was the first time that MICT had beaten the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in five attempts since the inception of Betway SA20. And it was only fitting that Brevis played a major role in the victory with the Rising Star delivering on his potential that was first seen in the competition opener at Newlands two seasons ago. The 21-year-old was in rousing form striking the ball cleanly from the outset. His first task was to take on the dual spin of Simon Harmer and Liam Dawson before launching successive straight sixes off seamer Beyers Swanepoel. One of Brevis’ half dozen sixes was caught one-handed in the crowd by Christopher Moolman, who became the first entrant into the Betway Catch R2-million competition for Season 3. Although MICT lost Brevis heading into the final five overs, the momentum was maintained by Potgieter (25 not out, 12 balls) and George Linde (23 not out, 17 balls) with an unbroken 41-run partnership. The pair took 24 runs off Sunrisers’ Marco Jansen’s final over which swung the momentum in MICT’s favour which they never relinquished for the remainder of the evening. MICT will hope to maintain their winning momentum when they face Joburg Super Kings at the Wanderers on Saturday, while Sunrisers will look to bounce back against Paarl Royals at Boland Park also on Saturday. 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.
10 January,2025 11:06 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFormer Team India cricketer Robin Uthappa has indirectly held Virat Kohli for cutting short Yuvraj Singh's career after the star all-rounder returned to the game after beating cancer. One of India's premier all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, was one of the big reasons for the team's World Cup wins. After winning the ODI World Cup in 2011, the veteran was diagnosed with cancer and was taken to the US for further treatment. Yuvraj Singh made a stunning comeback in the team and also scored a century against England in ODI. Later, after a few outings in the Champions Trophy 2017, he was ignored and the veteran decided to draw curtains on his career in 2019. Telling the story as he saw it, Robin Uthappa said during an interview on 'Lallantop', "Take Yuvi Pa's instance. The man beat cancer, and he is trying to come back into the international side. He is the man who won us a World Cup, won us two World Cups for that matter, along with the other players, but played an integral role in helping us win." "Then for such a player, when you become captain, you say his lung capacity has diminished and you have been with him when you have seen him struggle. Nobody has told me this, I observe things." Also Read: Mumbai Marathon 2025: Laces tied? Here's all you need to know about the annual sporting event Robin Uthappa added, "You have seen him struggle, then when you are captain, yes you have to maintain a level of standard, but there are always exceptions to the rule. Here is a man who deserves to be an exception because he is not just beaten and won you tournaments, but he has beaten cancer." "He has beaten the hardest challenge in life in that sense. Some question room for someone like that." Robin Uthappa revealed that Yuvraj asked for a point deduction in the fitness test but was denied any leniency by the team management. However, he was able to clear the test and make a comeback to the side before being dropped after a poor outing in the Champions Trophy in England. "So when Yuvi requested for that two-point deduction, he didn't get it. Then he did the test because he was outside the team and they weren't taking him in. He passed the fitness test, came inside the team, had a lean tournament, took him out totally. Never entertained him after that. "Whoever was in the leadership group, didn't entertain him. That time Virat was the leader and it went according to him due to his strong personality, and that time it was according to him," Uthappa said. Expressing his views about Virat Kohli's captaincy, Robin Uthappa said, "I haven't played under Virat as a captain very much. But Virat as a captain, he was very 'my way or the highway' kind of a captain. It's not like these guys aren't also like that, but how to treat your team, how you treat your personnel, because it is not just about results." Yuvraj Singh, 43, announced his international retirement in 2019, having last played in the IPL in the same year for Mumbai Indians. (With PTI Inputs)
10 January,2025 10:33 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs the third season of the SA20 got underway on Thursday with defending champs Sunrisers Eastern Cape facing MI Cape Town at St George’s Park, League Commissioner and former South Africa captain Graeme Smith insisted the tournament would be highly competitive given the quality talent on view. Also Read: "Everybody must play domestic cricket, giving rest should be coach's decision": Sunil Gavaskar “We have some quality local players, the best of South Africa, and some outstanding international players that have come now. This year, I think the squads are looking even stronger, which is exciting going into Season 3. You look across the six squads, and you can see so many match-ups and so many potential great games along the way,” said Smith. “The fans have come out in numbers. Seeing people in the stands having a great time and enjoying the atmosphere. The feedback we get is when that people tune into the TV, they see a happy South Africa, summer, filled stadiums, and incredible cricket.” 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
10 January,2025 07:58 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
