aikidogs.com – Local Reports & Special Coverage

Mohammad Kaif advocates for Sanju Samson to bat at No.3 in the Asia Cup 2025, ahead of Tilak Varma. Citing Samson's experience and form, Kaif believes he's ideal against Afghanistan, especially facing Rashid Khan. He highlighted Samson's IPL record, South African centuries, and Kerala Cricket League performance.

Team India will participate in the Asia Cup 2025 without a lead sponsor after Dream11 ended its contract due to new online gaming regulations. Consequently, the 'India' logo on the team's jerseys will be more prominent.

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.

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.

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.

Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf has stirred the pot ahead of the Asia Cup clash with India, confidently proclaiming victory in both anticipated matches. While Pakistan gears up for the tournament and a preceding tri-series, a surprising squad selection sees Salman Agha appointed captain, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan notably absent.

Bazid Khan analyzed India's Asia Cup squad, noting the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will impact the team's intensity. He highlighted Suryakumar Yadav's struggles against Pakistan and emphasized Ravindra Jadeja's all-round contribution and fielding prowess will be missed. India faces the challenge of finding the right combination to compensate for these key players.

Wicket-keeper batter Jitesh Sharma, after a period of self-reflection following his initial T20I appearances, has made a remarkable comeback to the Indian team. His resurgence was fueled by a strong IPL season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he showcased his finishing abilities and even captained the team in Rajat Patidar's absence.

Months after Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma's divorce, Suryakumar Yadav's wife, Devisha Shetty, has publicly supported Dhanashree. Following Dhanashree's emotional account on 'Humans of Bombay' about the overwhelming separation and media scrutiny, Devisha posted an Instagram story expressing her respect and love.

Ajinkya Rahane has relinquished his captaincy of Mumbai's domestic cricket team, aiming to foster new leadership while continuing as a player across all formats. Rahane led Mumbai to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last season and expressed his commitment to contribute to the team's future success. Mumbai has potential captaincy candidates like Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav.

Sanju Samson has scored most of his IPL runs at No. 3, second only to Suresh Raina in terms of overall runs at that position. His record at No. 3 is strong, with an average of 38 and a strike rate of 143 in the IPL. But fitting him in there would mean dropping Tilak Varma, which would also break the left-hand/right-hand balance India have carefully built in their middle order.

T20 cricket has undergone a six-hitting revolution, transforming batting from risk-averse accumulation to power-driven aggression. India, once lagging behind, now match the world’s best with a six every 12 balls in 2024. With IPL and internationals fuelling the trend, six-hitting is now the currency of modern T20 cricket.