aikidogs.com – Local Reports & Special Coverage

Sanju Samson's explosive form in the Kerala Cricket League, marked by three consecutive fifties, has reignited discussions about his place in India's Asia Cup squad. His adaptability and attacking prowess, showcased by a blistering 121 and consistent scoring, have impressed many.

Former India opener Virendra Sehwag has picked his three game-changers for India in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. He has picked left-hander Abhishek Sharma, pacer Jasprit Bumrah and mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy for the same.

Former Kerala cricketer, Raiphi Gomez, suggested that Sanju Samson is more than flexible to bat lower down the order if the team needs it considering the return of Shubman Gill in the Asia Cup 2025 squad.

The Asia Cup 2025 is embroiled in controversy after Sony Sports Network's promotional video, highlighting the India-Pakistan rivalry, sparked outrage due to heightened tensions following a terror attack. Fans are calling for boycotts, overshadowing India's first major tournament without Kohli and Sharma. Suryakumar Yadav leads a youthful squad in Group A, facing UAE, Oman, and Pakistan.

Pakistan's bowling coach, Ashley Noffke, assures that Shaheen Afridi is regaining his top form before the Asia Cup, after battling a back injury in 2023. Afridi's pace is improving, with more balls reaching 140km/h during the West Indies series. He is working on his technique and swing to challenge the stumps consistently, aiming to hit speeds close to 150km/h.

Sanju Samson continues his stellar form as the Asia Cup approaches. He scored a blistering 89 in 46 balls to help the Kochi-based franchise post a fighting first-innings total.

Astrologer Greenstone Lobo predicts a strong comeback for Shreyas Iyer. Iyer was ignored for the Asia Cup 2025 squad. Lobo believes Iyer's horoscope indicates a potential captaincy. He suggests Iyer could lead India to a major tournament victory, possibly a World Cup. Lobo warns selectors against overlooking Iyer's talent.

Former India cricketer, Virender Sehwag, believes that the upcoming Asia Cup will serve as the perfect testing ground for the Indian team to build their team for the T20 World Cup, slated to take place next year.

Suryakumar Yadav recovered from an injury sustained near the end of IPL 2025. He spent weeks at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. There, he underwent a structured rehabilitation process. Yadav praised the facility and staff for their support. He focused on mindset and physical recovery. Now, Suryakumar Yadav is fit.

Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has strongly criticized head coach Gautam Gambhir, labeling him a "hypocrite" for India's upcoming Asia Cup match against Pakistan. Tiwary highlighted Gambhir's previous stance against playing Pakistan, questioning his current role as coach.

Afghanistan’s rise from ICC’s lower divisions to Asia’s No. 2 white-ball team is cricket’s most remarkable story of the last decade. From inspiring World Cup campaigns to a T20 semifinal run, they’ve surpassed Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, uniting a nation through hope, resilience, and a fearless brand of cricket.

Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Farveez Maharoof explained the reasons behind Jasprit Bumrah's constant injuries. He also revealed his favourites for Asia Cup 2025 and admiration for Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Oman has announced their 17-member squad, led by Jatinder Singh, for their debut in the Asia Cup, commencing on September 9 in the UAE. They are scheduled to play their first match against Pakistan on September 12 in Dubai. Following this, Oman will face the UAE and India later in the tournament.

Shreyas Iyer declined West Zone captaincy in the Duleep Trophy, leading to Shardul Thakur's appointment. Iyer, anticipating an Asia Cup call-up, focused on white-ball training but was surprisingly excluded from the squad. Meanwhile, Thakur is expected to lead Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, following Rahane's departure, after his strong red-ball performance and recent Test recall.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced its squad for the upcoming UAE tri-series and Asia Cup 2025, surprisingly omitting Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated the decision was made by selectors based on merit, emphasizing a focus on power-hitters and a long-term vision to introduce new talent. Salman Ali Agha will captain the team.

Afghanistan announced their 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, with Rashid Khan captaining the team. Naveen-ul-Haq returns, bolstering the pace attack alongside Fazalhaq Farooqi and others. The squad blends experienced players like Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib with promising talents, aiming to challenge established teams and make a significant impact in the tournament.

South African batting legend AB de Villiers has labelled Shreyas Iyer's omission from India's Asia Cup squad as "weird", hinting that the decision may have been shaped by considerations beyond just on-field form and performance.

South African legend AB de Villiers predicted India pacer Jasprit Bumrah won't play every Asia Cup 2025 game due to workload management, despite his inclusion in the squad. De Villiers supported selectors' proactive approach to protect senior players like Bumrah, emphasising the importance of managing workload to get the best performance.

India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rinku Singh revealed how his IPL team owner Shah Rukh Khan asked him to travel on a special chartered flight with him after Rinku's team India snub.

Shubman Gill, India's Test captain, is likely to miss the Duleep Trophy due to illness. Appointed captain of the North Zone team, Gill is resting in Chandigarh after medical examinations. Ankit Kumar will now lead the side, with Shubham Rohilla replacing Gill.