aikidogs.com – Local Reports & Special Coverage

Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has responded to Sunil Gavaskar after the former Indian great criticised overseas cricketers for commenting on Indian cricket matters.

Jitesh Sharma scored only 261 runs in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) title-winning season, but it was not the runs that caught the selectors’ eyes, it was his 176.35 strike rate while batting at 6 and 7. Jitesh, who never had a coach, learnt cricket by watching YouTube videos of his childhood heroes Adam Gilchrist and Sourav Ganguly. Making a comeback into the Indian team at the age of 31 is as breathtaking as his cricketing sojourn.

Dinesh Karthik praises Jitesh Sharma's mindset regarding national team selection. Karthik helped Jitesh refine his finishing skills while at Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Jitesh's IPL 2025 performance earned him a spot back on the Indian squad. He aims to solidify his position in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Sanju Samson is currently the preferred wicketkeeper.

Bharat Arun suggests Jasprit Bumrah should prioritize Test series over the Indian Premier League. Arun feels Bumrah should be adequately compensated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. He cites Cricket Australia's policy of resting key bowlers for important series. Arun praises Mohammed Siraj's consistent high energy and intensity.

Lalit Modi defended releasing unseen footage of the 2008 'Slap-gate' incident, asserting he was simply answering a question truthfully during a podcast with Michael Clarke. This reignited controversy, drawing criticism from S. Sreesanth's wife, Bhuvneshwari, who condemned the act as insensitive and harmful to their families. Harsha Bhogle explained the video's suppression, aimed at protecting the IPL's early image.

Following IPL 2025, Rajasthan Royals' head coach Rahul Dravid steps down after a long association, while Kolkata Knight Riders sees the departure of head coach Chandrakant Pandit and bowling coach Bharat Arun. Pandit, despite leading KKR to a title in 2024, exits after a challenging 2025 season, with Abhishek Nayar returning as assistant coach.

Teen cricket prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi swapped cricket whites for the kabaddi mat as he attended the grand opening of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 in Visakhapatnam. The 14-year-old IPL sensation joined icons like Pullela Gopichand, Dhanraj Pillay, and Pardeep Narwal to kickstart a night of nostalgia, drama, and new milestones in India's premier kabaddi league.

Ravichandran Ashwin, after retiring from the IPL with 187 wickets, has announced his intention to play in overseas franchise leagues. He has already registered for one league, seeking to enjoy cricket without pressure and recapture the joy of street cricket on the global stage.

Delhi's young pacer, Prince Yadav, celebrated a memorable IPL 2025 debut season with Lucknow Super Giants, highlighted by dismissing Travis Head for his first wicket. Yadav credits LSG captain Rishabh Pant's guidance for his success in handling pressure and maintaining a positive attitude.

Kris Srikkanth expressed surprise at Ravichandran Ashwin's sudden IPL retirement, believing the CSK legend had more to offer. Despite a recent dip in form, Ashwin, a key figure in CSK's past triumphs, will explore global T20 leagues. Srikkanth acknowledged Ashwin's legacy and suggested this move could pave the way for coaching or playing opportunities abroad.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian off-spinner, has announced his retirement from the IPL after a remarkable 16-season career, expressing gratitude to the franchises and BCCI. While stepping away from the IPL, Ashwin confirmed his continued participation in overseas leagues, marking a new chapter in his cricketing journey.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian spinner, has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League after a distinguished 16-season career. He represented five franchises, including Chennai Super Kings, where he won two titles. Ashwin concluded his IPL journey with 187 wickets in 221 matches, leaving a legacy of tactical brilliance and adaptability.

Veteran Indian off-spinner R Ashwin has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), expressing his desire to explore opportunities in other global leagues. Ashwin, who previously retired from international cricket, thanked the IPL and BCCI for their support.

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.

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.

The Tendulkar family is celebrating joyous occasions, with Sara Tendulkar launching her Pilates studio, a venture fueled by her passion for health and fitness. Sachin Tendulkar expressed immense pride in his daughter's independent endeavour, highlighting her dedication and the family's focus on well-being. This milestone follows Arjun Tendulkar's recent engagement to Saaniya Chandok, adding to the family's happiness.

Mark Butcher questions Jacob Bethell's captaincy for the Ireland T20Is. Butcher highlights Bethell's limited summer cricket. He points out the absence of key players like Harry Brook. Butcher suggests it disrespects Ireland's cricket. The series features players like Jordan Cox and Liam Livingstone. Butcher questions the necessity of Bethell's role given upcoming Ashes.

Arjun Tendulkar is reportedly engaged to Saaniya Chandok, though the Tendulkar family has not officially confirmed the news. The intimate ceremony was family-oriented, connecting the Tendulkar and Chandok families. Arjun, who plays for Mumbai Indians and represents Goa in domestic cricket, balances his personal milestone with his developing cricketing career.

Prithvi Shaw, once hailed as a future star, candidly admits to making poor choices and losing focus on cricket, leading to a decline in his career. After being dropped due to fitness issues and going unsold in the IPL, Shaw seeks a fresh start by leaving the Mumbai Cricket Association to play for Maharashtra.