Vijay Hazare

The BCCI has announced the 2026-27 domestic cricket schedule, featuring 1,788 matches across various men's and women's categories. The Ranji Trophy will continue its two-phase format, commencing on October 11, while the Duleep Trophy kicks off the season on August 23. Notable changes include the U-23 one-day and Vizzy Trophy inter-zonal university competitions shifting to T20 format.

All-rounder Vijay Shankar has announced his retirement from all Indian domestic cricket and the IPL, concluding a career that saw him represent India in ODIs and T20Is, including the 2019 World Cup. Shankar, who played 12 ODIs and 9 T20Is, expressed gratitude for his journey and plans to explore new opportunities in cricket.

Cricket legend Dilip Vengsarkar is absolutely fuming! He's slammed the selectors for completely snubbing Auqib Nabi, the Ranji Trophy's top bowler, for the Afghanistan Test. Despite Nabi's incredible 60 wickets and being named Player of the Tournament for leading J&K to their first title, they apparently passed him over due to 'pace concerns'.

As the ODI World Cup approaches, concerns are rising regarding Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya's physical condition. Despite their inclusion in the Afghanistan series, the BCCI is wary of their effectiveness in the 50-over game. The selectors are urgently seeking information on Rohit's overall fitness and Hardik's bowling readiness, emphasizing the necessity for backup opening batsmen.

In a Zimbabwe domestic cricket match, Scorpions Cricket Club achieved an astonishing 822/4, powered by centuries from Winfed Mutende (203 off 75 balls) and Takunda Madembo (302). Methane Lions collapsed to 28/7, resulting in a record 794-run victory for Scorpions. This score dwarfs previous high totals in List A cricket.

Prince Yadav’s maiden India ODI call-up caps a remarkable rise in Indian cricket. From playing tennis-ball cricket in Najafgarh he has taken the long route to the national side. Spotted by coach Amit Vashishtha because of his yorkers and backed despite multiple setbacks, including a two-year ban for age fudging, Prince has now earned a place in India’s squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan.

The BCCI medical team is clearing players for the Afghanistan Test, with a full-strength batting lineup expected. However, workload management will likely see changes in the bowling department, potentially giving opportunities to new faces. The No. 3 batting position remains a concern ahead of upcoming tours.

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth suggests Jacob Bethell should bat in the middle order for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, advocating for Devdutt Padikkal to open alongside Virat Kohli. Srikkanth believes this change will address RCB's lack of an explosive top-order presence and bolster their middle order, which has struggled against quality bowling.

Gujarat Titans handed a maiden IPL appearance to all-rounder Nishant Sindhu against Punjab Kings. Captain Shubman Gill confirmed the decision at the toss, emphasizing the team's momentum in chasing and the need to peak at the right time. Sindhu, a left-handed batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler, previously impressed in junior cricket and the U-19 World Cup.

Ramakrishna Ghosh made his IPL debut for Chennai Super Kings against Mumbai Indians, a significant moment after his base price acquisition. Ghosh, a promising all-rounder from Maharashtra, impressed with a seven-wicket haul in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and demonstrated his batting prowess with a rapid half-century. His inclusion aims to bolster CSK's campaign with his disciplined bowling and lower-order hitting.

Punjab's Raghu Sharma made his IPL debut as an Impact Player for Mumbai Indians against Chennai Super Kings on May 2. The 33-year-old leg-spinner, a product of persistent domestic efforts, finally earned his maiden cap after a long journey. Sharma's inclusion highlighted MI's strategic moves amidst a challenging season, as they sought to bounce back from a previous heavy defeat.

Shivang Kumar made his name in the Madhya Pradesh T20 League as an opener. His exploits with the bat helped him become a marquee player for Bundelkhand Bulls, who picked him for Rs 13 lakh for the 2026 season. But within a year, he learnt the art of wrist-spin from his father, a former Bengal U-19 cricketer, and made instant impact. The IPL franchises noticed and multiple trials later, he was roped in by the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

At a time when Indian cricket is scaling new heights on the global stage, vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rajeev Shukla, shares insights into the system driving this sustained success. In a conversation with Fazal Khan, Shukla speaks about the depth of India’s talent pool, the role of structured domestic platforms, and the impact of leagues like the IPL.

Chennai Super Kings face a setback as Ayush Mhatre is out of IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury. This adds to their existing injury concerns. The team is now looking for replacements to maintain their momentum. Several players like Deepak Hooda, Swastik Chikara, Atharva Taide, Manan Vohra, and Yash Dhull are being considered to fill the void.

Shivang Kumar’s IPL journey is shaped by bold choices and setbacks. Converted into a left-arm wrist spinner by his father, he quit cricket briefly before returning inspired by MS Dhoni: The Untold Story. Strong domestic performances, including a five-wicket haul, earned him an SRH contract. Like Usman Tariq, Dhoni’s story played a key role in his comeback.

CD Gopinath, the last surviving member of India's historic 1952 Test win against England, passed away at 96. A natural batsman and shrewd captain, Gopinath also contributed significantly to Tamil Nadu cricket, leading them to their first Ranji Trophy title. Beyond cricket, he was an avid hunter and a skilled tennis player.

India's cricket board is rebuilding its Test team. A new plan focuses on young players for the future. A four-day competition will feature 64 players under 25. This aims to create a strong pipeline of red-ball cricketers. Coaches and selectors will prioritize Test development. Emerging and India A teams will tour Sri Lanka for four-day games.

From a quiet heads-up before the season to taking on the challenge head-on, Sameer Rizvi has shown early signs that he could seize his moment in his third IPL year.