India and New Zealand will play the last group-stage match of 2025 Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium on March 2. Both the teams have been unbeaten in the tournament so far and this will be a battle to take the top spot in the group.
The last time these two teams faced in an ICC tournament was the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 where the two sides played a high-scoring semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium. The winner of March 2 clash will face Australia while the loser will be up against South Africa.
Toss Update
New Zealand won the toss and decided to bowl first. They brought in Daryl Mitchell in place of Devon Conway. On the other hand the Indian team also made an interesting change by bringing in Varun Chakravarthy in place of Harshit Rana.
Varun Chakarvarthy joins in place of Harshit Rana
Rohit Sharma confirmed that the team has decided to rest Harshit Rana replaced the pacer with mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who will be making his debut in a 50-over ICC event. The Indian team will go into the match with four spin options in the form of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Chakravarthy.
What did the captains say at the toss?
Rohit Sharma (India)
Was anyway looking to bat first, wanted to see what we could do upfront and then challenge our bowlers since we chased on both games. Approach will be very similar to the previous games, just trying to do the same things. One change for us –Harshit has been rested, Varun is playing for us.It is all about bowling in partnerships, in both games we have combined to pick 19 wickets. Our spinners have restricted them well and then the seamers have got the wickets.
Mitchell Santner (New Zealand)
We’ll have a bowl first, looks like a good wicket. Want to put some pressure early and hopefully it skids on well later. We still want to win, we know we are going to be in Lahore later but first task is to do a job here, and challenge ourselves in different conditions.Daryl Mitchell comes in, Conway misses this one.
Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke.
In a move that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18. The timing of the decision, during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, took everyone by surprise.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s shocking retirement: A legend bids farewell
Ashwin’s illustrious career spanned 106 Test matches, during which he claimed 537 wickets at an impressive average of 24.01 and contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 3503 runs, including six centuries and 14 fifties. His dual contributions as a bowler and batter made him a pillar of the Indian Test side, and his sudden exit has left fans and cricket pundits grappling with mixed emotions.
The first signs of Ashwin’s retirement surfaced during the fifth day of the Gabba Test, where he was seen embracing Virat Kohli in an emotional momentin the dressing room. Speculation grew stronger when he joined Rohit Sharma at the post-match press conference, only to officially announce his retirement before leaving the venue. While the timing caught many off guard, it appears Ashwin’s decision was well-considered. He is set to return to India on Thursday, bringing an end to a career that leaves an indelible mark on the sport.
A record-breaking career for India cut short
Ashwin retires as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, behind only the legendary Anil Kumble. Kumble’s record of 619 wickets in 132 matches seemed within Ashwin’s grasp, but the veteran spinner chose to step away just 82 wickets short. Ashwin’s exceptional home record stood as a testament to his dominance in spin-friendly conditions, with 383 of his 537 wickets coming on Indian soil at a phenomenal average of 21.44. However, with India’s next home Test series scheduled for August 2025, the long wait for significant opportunities on familiar turf may have influenced his decision to retire.
Ashwin leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond numbers. His tactical acumen, ability to outfox batters, and contributions in both batting and bowling made him one of the most complete players of his era. While his sudden retirement has left fans yearning for more, Ashwin’s achievements will continue to inspire young cricketers aiming to follow in his footsteps.
3 key factors behind Ashwin’s sudden decision of retirement
1. Limited opportunities in overseas tests
Ashwin’s participation in overseas Test matches has been sporadic in recent years, with team management often favoring seam-heavy attacks in foreign conditions. In the ongoing BGT, Ashwin played only the second Test at Adelaide and was not considered for the first or third matches. This pattern of reduced involvement in overseas Tests could have frustrated the spinner, prompting him to call time on his career. Most of the time in the past couple of years, Ravindra Jadeja had been emerged as team’s preferred player not only on the basis of bowling but also in terms of bating and fielding, both areas where Jadeja is potentially miles ahead of Ashwin.
2.Lengthy gap before meaningful involvement
India’s upcoming Test schedule leaves little room for Ashwin’s strengths to shine. If the team, qualified for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, it will be scheduled to take place in England next year in June, followed by another series in England. Ashwin’s next major role in home conditions would only come in October 2025, during a series against the West Indies. Facing an almost a year before being able to contribute significantly, Ashwin may have felt this was an appropriate moment to retire and explore other avenues.
3.Focus on personal and professional priorities
At 38, Ashwin may have weighed his options and decided to prioritize his personal life and other professional pursuits. Having been a consistent performer for over a decade, the demands of international cricket, coupled with lengthy tours and limited downtime, could have contributed to his decision to step away from the game.
With India’s evolving Test team composition, Ashwin may have anticipated reduced opportunities even in upcoming series. The rise of younger spinners in form of Washington Sundar, who got a nod ahead of Ashwin in the first game, and the team’s growing reliance on fast bowlers in overseas conditions may have cast doubts over his role in the future, leading to his decision to retire while still at the top of his game.
Prithvi Shaw, once heralded as the future of Indian cricket, finds himself at a crossroads in his career. Touted as a child prodigy, Shaw’s early exploits, including leading India to victory in the U19 World Cup and a scintillating Test debut, showcased his immense potential. However, his decline has been swift, leaving many to wonder if his career can be salvaged. While his talent remains undeniable, issues with fitness, off-field controversies, and inconsistent performances have significantly dented his reputation.
Prithvi Shaw’s domestic woes and IPL 2025 auction snub
Shaw’s domestic season in 2024 failed to inspire confidence, as he managed only 59 runs in four Ranji Trophy 2024-25 matches. His Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy performance was equally disappointing, with 197 runs across nine matches at an average of 21.88, failing to register a single half-century. Barring a 26-ball 49 in the quarterfinal, his contributions were largely forgettable, even as Mumbai clinched the title.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction further underscored his declining stature in Indian cricket, as no franchise showed interest in acquiring him. For a player once seen as a future Indian captain, this downfall serves as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sport and the price of neglecting discipline and consistency.
Shreyas Iyer’s blunt remark
Mumbai captain Shreyas Iyer, a teammate of Shaw and the second-most expensive player in the IPL 2025 auction, weighed in on Shaw’s predicament with a mix of admiration and critique. Iyer described Shaw as “God-gifted,” emphasizing that his talent is unmatched, but talent without the right attitude and effort holds no value in the long term. According to Iyer, Shaw’s work ethic remains a major concern, and despite repeated advice from peers and coaches, he has struggled to adopt a professional mindset.
“I think, personally, he is a God-gifted player. The amount of talent he possesses as an individual, no one has it. That’s true. It’s just that he needs to improve his work ethics,” Iyer was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
Iyer highlighted that Shaw’s issues are not new and that the batter has managed to overcome challenges in the past. However, he firmly stated that it is Shaw’s responsibility to take charge of his career, as no amount of external guidance can replace self-motivation and discipline.
“And I have said it before as well in many of the interviews. He needs to get his work ethics right. And if he does that, you know, sky is the limit for him. Can you force him to? I can’t force him. He has played so much of cricket. And everyone has given him inputs. At the end of the day, it’s his job to go out there and figure out things for himself,” the 30-year-old added.
Iyer’s comments about Shaw struck a chord with cricketing circles, as he bluntly stated that professionals at the highest level need to take ownership of their careers. “We can’t babysit anyone,” Iyer remarked, pointing out that Shaw must independently figure out the solutions to his struggles. Iyer acknowledged Shaw’s past successes but stressed that continuous effort is key to sustaining success in modern cricket. He noted that Shaw has received ample advice and guidance from teammates and coaches but ultimately must step up and resolve his issues.
“We can’t babysit anyone, right? Every professional who is playing at this level, they need to know what they should be doing. And he has also done it in the past. It’s not that he hasn’t. He has to focus. He has to sit back, put a thinking cap on and then figure out himself. He will get the answer. No one can force him to do anything,” Iyer concluded.
Can Shaw revive his career?
Shaw is now at a critical juncture where his career could either take a turn for the better or spiral further downward. Despite his struggles, Shaw still has age on his side and the potential to stage a comeback. To achieve this, he must undergo a complete transformation, focusing on fitness, refining his technique, and building mental resilience.
Shaw must embrace the discipline required to compete at the highest level, seeking inspiration from players who have successfully revived their careers after setbacks. His next steps will determine whether he emerges as a story of redemption or remains a cautionary tale in Indian cricket.
India have made three changes to the squad that defeated Australia by 295 runs in the first Test in Perth. Captain Rohit Sharma missed the opening game of the series due to the birth of his son. He joined on Day 3 of the Perth Test and since then has taken part in all the practice sessions and interestingly, the 37-year-old confirmed that he will be batting in the middle order in Adelaide after KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal did a commendable job in the first Test.
Rohit is likely to bat at number six. He has batted at six in 25 innings and scored 1037 runs at an average of 54.57. The captain can express himself down the order and, alongside Rishabh Pant, can form a deadly pair. Apart from Rohit, Shubman Gill has also been announced in the playing XI. He missed the opening game due to a finger injury but has recovered and also featured in the warm-up game against Prime Minister XI, in which, he scored an unbeaten half-century.
Gill replaced Devdutt Padikkal in the playing XI. He has been a force to reckon with in number three and has experience of playing in Down Under, having played three games in the 2020-21 season and scored 259 runs at an average of 51.80. India also brought back Ravichandran Ashwin into the playing XI. He missed the Perth Test as the visitors wanted to try Washington Sundar, who was in brilliant form, leading to his selection.
India, in the meantime, have won the toss and elected to bat first. Rohit mentioned that the surface will get better later on, and that led to the decision of the visitors batting first. Australia, on the other hand, made one change as injured Josh Hazlewood missed out, and Scott Boland replaced him.
“It looks a good pitch. It obviously looks a little dry at the moment, but there’s enough grass covering as well. I guess it will have some carry for the fast bowlers, but as the game goes on it will get better to bat and there will be something in it for everyone. We’ve made three changes. I’m back, Gill is back and Ashwin is back in place of Washy, Padikkal and Jurel. I’m batting in the middle order, which is different, but I’m ready for the challenge,” Rohit said after the toss.
“[You would have batted first?] Yeah, that’s right. But Day 1, pink ball. There might be a bit of nip there for us. It’s good to have a fresh start. It’s a venue we really love playing at. Pink ball can be a little bit different than red ball. Everyone can look back at success they’ve had in past games. We weren’t at our best last week but we’re itching to get out there. One change, Josh Hazlewood misses this week and Scott Boland comes in,” said Australia captain Pat Cummins at the toss.
Playing XIs
Australia – Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
Tilak Varma became the second youngest Indian male cricketer to score a T20I century, following Yashasvi Jaiswal’s milestone in the Asian Games 2023. Varma’s century came in a thrilling encounter against South Africa in the third T20Iat SuperSport Park, Centurion, on Wednesday (November 14). The left-hander reached his hundred in 51 balls at the age of 22 years and five days, compared to Jaiswal, who scored his century at 21 years and 279 days.
Match-winning knock for India by Tilak Varma: 107 not out in 56 balls
Batting at No. 3 after Sanju Samson’s dismissal in the first over, Varma initially took a cautious approach to settle in. However, as the innings progressed, he switched gears, launching an aggressive attack on South Africa’s bowlers. After scoring 33 and 20 in the previous two games, Varma seized this opportunity to showcase his batting prowess after Samson’s early dismissal for a duck.
Tilak first built a solid 107-run partnership for the second wicket, which set a strong foundation for India’s innings. Later, he partnered with Rinku Singh for a rapid 58-run stand off just 30 balls for the fifth wicket, with Varma contributing 45 runs off 17 balls in this partnership. His powerful hitting pushed India closer to the 200-run mark, helping build a competitive total.
Finishing unbeaten on 107 off 56 balls, Varma’s innings was packed with eight fours and seven sixes, driving India to a total of 219/6 in 20 overs. India eventually secured victory by 11 runs, with Varma’s performance being the centerpiece of this memorable win.
Tilak, born Namboori Thakur Tilak Varma on November 8, 2002, in Hyderabad, Telangana, grew up in a family facing financial difficulties. His father, Namboori Nagaraju, worked as an electrician, while his mother, Gayatri Devi, managed the household. Despite limited resources, Tilak’s family supported his cricket aspirations from a young age. Tilak is an avid animal lover and owns a pet dog named Trigger. He is also known to have a deep faith in Lord Ganesha, often paying homage to the deity and seeking blessings before matches.
Tilak Varma with family (Image Source: Instagram)
2. Education, cricket training and idol
Tilak’s education began at Crescent Model English School and later continued at Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan’s Public School in Hyderabad. He completed his secondary education at Lepakshi Junior College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration from Andhra University. Noticing his talent and passion for the game, coach Salim Bayash took Tilak under his wing at age 10, training him at the Legala Sports Academy. Bayash’s mentorship and dedication, even traveling over 40 kilometers each day, were pivotal in shaping Tilak’s early cricketing skills.
His journey in cricket began formally when he joined the Legala Cricket Academy in Lingampally, where Bayash trained him intensively. This close bond with his coach, coupled with early exposure to competitive cricket, set a strong foundation for Tilak’s career. Tilak credits Suresh Raina as his cricketing idol, inspired by Raina’s aggressive playing style and consistency.
Tilak Varma with coach Salim Bayash (Image Source: X)
3. Domestic Career with Hyderabad
Tilak made his first-class debut for Hyderabad in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy on December 30, 2018, showcasing his promise as a middle-order batter. During the season, he scored 215 runs with an impressive strike rate of 147.26 in seven matches, which led to his selection for Hyderabad’s List A team. In his List A debut in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on September 28, 2019, he scored 180 runs and took four wickets over five matches. His all-around performance soon garnered attention, resulting in his inclusion in India’s Under-19 squad for the 2020 ICC Cricket World Cup.
4. Rise in the IPL with Mumbai Indians
In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 auction, Tilak was bought by the Mumbai Indians (MI) for Rs. 1.7 crore, marking a major milestone in his career. He quickly made an impact, with standout performances like his 33-ball 61 against Rajasthan Royals (RR). He continued his strong form in 2023, scoring 84 off 46 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and a quick 43 off 14 balls in a playoff against Gujarat Titans (GT). His contributions strengthened his reputation as a promising young talent in the IPL, laying the groundwork for his entry into international cricket.
Tilak Varma with Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai Indians (Image Source: X)
5. International Career and Breakthrough Performances
Tilak’s IPL success paved the way for his call-up to the Indian T20I squad in July 2023. He made his debut on August 3, 2023, against the West Indies, where he top-scored with 39 off 22 balls and took two catches. Just days later, he scored his maiden international fifty, becoming the second-youngest Indian to reach the milestone after Rohit Sharma. This impressive series made him India’s leading run-scorer and solidified his position in the squad. He was subsequently named in India’s T20I squads for the Ireland series and the Asian Games 2022.
Tilak made his ODI debut on September 15, 2023, against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup, continuing his steady rise on the international stage. His most notable achievement came on November 13, 2024, when he scored his maiden T20I century with a remarkable 107* off 56 balls against South Africa. This inning made him the youngest player to hit a T20I century against a Top 10 nation and the second-youngest overall to reach the feat after Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Tilak Varma in Team India’s jersey (Image Source: X)
The legendary Sunil Gavaskar has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors to appoint a new captain for the upcoming Test series against Australia if Rohit Sharma is unavailable for a significant portion of the matches. With reports suggesting that Rohit may miss the first two Tests due to personal reasons, including the expectation of his second child, Gavaskar believes that clarity and stability are essential for the team’s success.
The need for leadership in BGT
Gavaskar emphasized the importance of having a consistent leader at the helm, especially following India’s recent 3-0 defeat to New Zealand.
“It will not be easy for him to take the responsibility of captaincy again. We have been reading that Rohit Sharma will not play in the first Test, perhaps he will not play in the second as well. If this is the case then I say that right now the Indian selection committee should say that you have to rest, rest, if there are personal reasons then look at them,” Indian legend told Sports Tak in an interview.
This sentiment reflects a broader understanding that a captain’s presence is crucial not just for tactical decisions but also for maintaining team morale and unity. If Rohit is unable to lead from the front, Gavaskar had advocated for vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah to take charge throughout the series. He argued that this would alleviate the pressure on Bumrah, who would otherwise be thrust into leadership mid-series under challenging circumstances.
“It is important for the captain to play the first Test. If he gets injured then it is a different matter. In such a situation, if your leader is not available in the first match, then appointing a deputy leader, the pressure that builds on him is a different kind of pressure,” Gavaskar added.
The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, commencing on November 22 in Perth, holds significant implications for India’s standing in the World Test Championship (WTC). Following their recent loss to New Zealand, India find themselves in a precarious position, needing to secure four wins from five Tests against Australia to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the WTC final. Gavaskar pointed out that “there should be clarity” regarding leadership roles as the team navigates this critical juncture. The pressure of performing in Australia, particularly after a dismal home series, adds another layer of complexity.
The role of captaincy in team dynamics
Gavaskar’s insights extend beyond mere logistics; they delve into the psychological aspects of captaincy. He noted that “the captain has to unite the team,” especially after a rare home defeat. A captain’s ability to foster camaraderie and focus among players can be pivotal in high-pressure situations. With several players facing scrutiny following poor performances against New Zealand, having a steady leader could help mitigate doubts and enhance performance.
“If you are missing two-thirds of the matches then you should go for this tour only as a player. We will make the vice-captain the captain of this tour. Because there should be clarity. It is the responsibility of the captain because when we lost 3-0 here, it is important to have a captain. Absolutely necessary,” Gavaskar explained.
As India prepares for this challenging series against a formidable Australian side, they must also contend with their own batting concerns. Rohit’s uncertain status only exacerbates these worries. The team has historically performed well in Australia, but they will need to adapt quickly to conditions and build on past experiences to succeed this time around.
T Dilip, India‘s fielding coach, has identified four players who have notably elevated the standards of fielding within the team, especially during the recently concluded first Test match of the two-game series against Bangladesh in Chennai. His observations come in the wake of India’s emphatic victory, where exceptional fielding played a crucial role. Surprisingly, captain Rohit Sharma was notably absent from this esteemed list.
Dilip, who has been instrumental in fostering a culture of excellence in fielding, took the time to acknowledge the contributions of these players in enhancing the overall performance of the team. His insights emphasize the importance of fielding as a critical aspect of the game, one that can often shift the momentum in favor of the team. Dilip who has continued his tenure under Gautam Gambhir‘s leadership, highlighted the importance of fielding in India’s overall performance.
A star in the making: First choice by T Dilip
Among the four players, Yashasvi Jaiswal was the first to be singled out for his outstanding efforts. The young southpaw took two crucial catches, including a brilliant grab at gully to dismiss Bangladesh opener Zakir Hasan in the second innings off Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling. He also took a sharp low catch to dismiss Shakib Al Hasan at backward short leg, showing his adaptability and reflexes in different fielding positions.
“Jaiswal has shown impressive athleticism and quick reflexes throughout the series. The coaching staff was impressed by his excellent catch at gully and a lovely catch at short leg. It is tough for me to really mention it openly but as of now it is very evident that Yashasvi Jaiswal with that brilliant catch at gully and a lovely catch at short leg made himself really pushing that spot,” T Dilip said on BCCI TV.
T Dilip also heaped praise on senior players Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, both of whom showcased their athleticism in the slip cordon and mid-on region, respectively. Kohli, known for his intensity on the field, once again demonstrated his commitment by making catches look effortless. Dilip highlighted how Kohli’s approach to fielding, both in practice and during matches, serves as an inspiration to his teammates.
“Kohli’s fielding is always a highlight, and his intensity and commitment to the game are evident in his fielding. He practices with the same intensity as he plays, setting a great example for his teammates. With Virat Kohli, you won’t find any differences between the way he practices and the way he fields. The intensity which he replicates in the match, is the same in the practice session,” the fielding coach remarked.
Rahul, stationed at mid-on, also impressed with his quick reflexes, particularly with a sharp catch that showcased his agility. “Rahul has been doing well in fielding, especially with his quick catch at mid-on, which showed his fast reflexes. The other thing I liked about KL Rahul’s catch at mid-on was he showed great reflexes,” he added.
A fast bowler defying expectations
The fielding coach reserved special praise for Mohammed Siraj, India’s prime pacer, who put in a tremendous effort in challenging conditions. Despite being more prone to injuries due to his role as a fast bowler, Siraj threw himself around the field, diving and making difficult saves. His commitment to fielding, even after bowling long spells, was commendable.
“Siraj has shown impressive dedication to fielding, especially in the challenging conditions in Chennai. He is willing to dive and make difficult catches, demonstrating his strong commitment. These are execution wise but when it comes to effort, especially in the Chennai weather, putting those dives was Siraj. For a fast bowler to do that is really commendable,” Dilip concluded.
In a recent discussion on “HeyCB with DK” on Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik shared his views on whether Jasprit Bumrah could become India’s future captain. While Bumrah has taken on the captaincy in a few instances, he isn’t currently seen as a primary contender for the role. Karthik highlighted both the advantages and challenges of Bumrah stepping into a leadership position.
The uncommon role of fast bowlers as captains in India
Fast bowlers leading the Indian cricket team is a rarity. Though Pat Cummins has successfully led Australia, India have yet to see a similar scenario. Bumrah is highly regarded for his composure and mature mindset, qualities that are essential for leadership. However, the major concern revolves around his heavy workload as a fast bowler. Karthik emphasized the importance of carefully managing Bumrah’s fitness if he were to take on the responsibility of captaining across all formats.
Dinesh Karthik’s reservations
Karthik voiced his concerns about the practicality of Bumrah leading India in every format. He highlighted that fast bowlers like Bumrah need meticulous care regarding their fitness due to the demanding nature of their role. Karthik likened Bumrah to a “Kohinoor diamond,” stressing the need to protect and preserve him to ensure his longevity in cricket. He pointed out that the selectors likely grappled with the challenge of balancing Bumrah’s potential as a leader with the physical toll of consistently playing him in all formats.
“Everything right … He is calm cool, good maturity but he is a fast bowler so how can we play him for all three formats that is the biggest question the selectors would have had. For a fast bowler like Bumrah, his fitness needs to be monitored and he needs to be protected as a player and only made to play in important matches, I keep saying this about Bumrah, he is like a Kohinoor diamond, we got to protect him, take care of him, make sure that he lasts as long as possible because whenever Bumrah plays in any format he makes an impact and that’s what we want,” Karthik said.
Bumrah has captained India on three occasions – once in a Test against England and twice in T20Is against Ireland. His captaincy debut occurred in Birmingham in 2022 when Rohit Sharma was unavailable due to COVID-19. While Bumrah demonstrated leadership potential, ongoing concerns about his fitness have made the selectors cautious about offering him a more permanent captaincy role. Bumrah, nevertheless, has shown a willingness to embrace leadership. In a light-hearted moment during an interview with The Indian Express, he named himself as his favorite captain, reflecting his confidence in his own leadership abilities.
Recent performance and return
Bumrah last played for India during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, where he was instrumental in securing India’s victory, taking 15 wickets in 8 matches at an average of 8.27. His crucial spells against Pakistan and South Africa were particularly noteworthy. After dealing with injuries, Bumrah is expected to return for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, where he might play in one of the two matches. His return is eagerly anticipated, especially with the challenging tour of Australia on the horizon.
Former Team India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh‘s extraordinary life, both on and off the cricket field, is set to be portrayed on the big screen. The biopic, which will be produced by Bhushan Kumar in collaboration with Ravi Bhagchandka, aim to bring the cricketer’s dramatic journey to cinemas, capturing the highs and lows that defined his career and life.
A legacy beyond cricket
Yuvraj’s achievements in the ODI World Cup 2011 even overshadowed his earlier heroics in the T20 World Cup 2007. His ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments cemented his legacy as one of India’s greatest cricketers.
Yuvraj’s journey is arguably one of the most dramatic among Indian cricketers. The left-handed batter from Punjab not only won accolades for his cricketing prowess but also inspired millions by battling and overcoming cancer. His crowning achievement came in the ICC Cricket World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in India’s triumph on home soil.
The biopic, co-produced by Bhagchandka, who previously produced Sachin: A Billion Dreams, is expected to capture this legacy in full. However, the lead actor portraying Yuvraj Singh and the film’s title have not yet been announced, with fans eagerly awaiting further updates.
Yuvraj Singh’s hope: Inspiring millions
During a media briefing, Yuvraj expressed his hope that the biopic would serve as a source of inspiration for many facing their own challenges.
“I am deeply honored that my story will be showcased to millions of my fans across the globe by Bhushan ji and Ravi. Cricket has been my greatest love and source of strength through all the highs and lows. I hope this film inspires others to overcome their own challenges and pursue their dreams with unwavering passion.” Yuvraj said.
BIOPIC ON CRICKETER YUVRAJ SINGH ANNOUNCED… BHUSHAN KUMAR – RAVI BHAGCHANDKA TO PRODUCE… In a groundbreaking announcement, producers #BhushanKumar and #RaviBhagchandka will bring cricket legend #YuvrajSingh‘s extraordinary life to the big screen.
Bhushan, who is spearheading the project, shared his excitement about bringing Yuvraj’s life story to the big screen. The film will potentially celebrate Yuvraj’s remarkable achievements, including his unforgettable performance in the T20 World Cup 2007, where he famously hit six sixes in an over off England’s Stuart Broad. Additionally, it will highlight his off-field battles, particularly his fight against cancer, which he overcame to return to the cricket field and continue his illustrious career.
“Yuvraj Singh’s life is a compelling narrative of resilience, triumph, and passion. His journey from a promising cricketer to a cricketing hero, and then to a hero in real life, is truly inspiring. I am thrilled to bring a story that needs to be told and heard through the big screen and to celebrate his extraordinary achievements,” Bhushan said.
A master in white-ball cricket
While Yuvraj’s Test career may not have reached the heights he might have hoped for, his prowess in white-ball cricket was exceptional. Known for his ability to hit the ball long and clean, his backlift and flow were admired by many aspiring cricketers. Yuvraj played 304 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for India, scoring 8,701 runs at an average of 37 and a strike rate of 87.67, including 14 centuries and 52 fifties. His standout performance came during the 2011 World Cup, where he amassed 362 runs, took 15 wickets, and earned four Player of the Match awards, eventually being named the Player of the Tournament.
Former Indian fielding coach R Sridhar has lauded the appointment ofSuryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain, emphasizing the batter’s leadership qualities and strong rapport with his teammates. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Sridhar delved into the reasons behind the BCCI‘s decision to entrust the captaincy to the flamboyant batter.
R Sridhar highlights Suryakumar Yadav’s strong leadership credentials and player trust
Sridhar highlighted Suryakumar’s ability to exhibit leadership qualities throughout his stint with the Indian team.
“He is someone who has exhibited leadership qualities throughout his tenure of being with the Indian team. That’s held him in good stead, again falling back to his rapport with the other players, how they look up to him,” Sridhar observed.
The former coach believes that Suryakumar’s strong bond with his teammates has been a crucial factor in his elevation to the captaincy role.
Suryakumar’s availability and match fitness
Another key aspect that tilted the scales in Surya’s favour is his consistent availability for matches. Unlike some players who require careful workload management, he is expected to be fit and available for every match India plays. This factor has significantly enhanced his chances of being considered for the captaincy.
“The very fact that Surya is someone who will be on the park for every match India is playing and not being bothered about workload monitoring is something which has tilted the scales in his favour, in terms of captaincy,” said Sridhar.
Surya’s successful leadership stints in Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya’s Absence
Sridhar further emphasized that Suryakumar has already demonstrated his leadership capabilities by successfully captaining India in matches where Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya were unavailable.
“Some of the matches he has captained India, when Rohit and Hardik were not available, has given confidence to the BCCI that he can do an excellent job,” he added.
These successful stints have undoubtedly boosted the confidence of the selectors and management in Suryakumar’s ability to lead the team.
While lauding the mumbaikar’s appointment, Sridhar also acknowledged the importance of Hardik to the Indian team. He expressed confidence in Hardik’s return to form and emphasized the need to manage his workload carefully.
“I am sure Hardik will come back. He has just won you a World Cup. Hardik is somebody rare to find,” Sridhar stated.
The former coach stressed the importance of ensuring Hardik’s availability for crucial series and ICC tournaments.
“We can take good care of him till the time he is playing cricket and making sure he is available for the marquee series and all the big ICC tournaments,” he added.
Overall, Sridhar believes that Surya is the ideal choice for the T20I captaincy. His leadership qualities, strong rapport with players, and consistent availability make him a natural fit for the role. With Hardik Pandya expected to return to the team, India has a formidable leadership core in place, which augurs well for the team’s future in the shortest format of the game.
