Kuljyot Singh

India comfortably chased down the 133-run target set by England in the first T20I of the five-match series, with a stunning performance from Abhishek Sharma. His explosive 34-ball 79-run knock, which included five boundaries and eight towering sixes, set the tone for the chase. The hosts achieved the target with ease, winning by seven wickets and with 43 balls to spare. Abhishek's scintillating innings was the highlight of the match, as he took charge from the start, unleashing his powerful hitting to dismantle the English bowlers. His clean striking and ability to find the boundary at will impressed both fans and pundits alike.

Indian cricket legend Virender Sehwag and his wife, Aarti Ahlawat, are reportedly heading towards separation after two decades of marriage. The couple, who tied the knot in 2004, is said to have been living separately for several months. However, neither Sehwag nor Ahlawat has officially confirmed the news or provided any public statements regarding the matter. Sehwag, widely known for his explosive batting style, remains one of India's most celebrated cricketers. His contributions to Indian cricket, particularly during the 2000s, earned him a place in the hearts of millions of fans. Since retiring from international cricket in 2015, Sehwag has continued to make headlines, not only for his media presence and commentary but also for his impressive financial success.

Lahore, a city renowned for its fast-paced lifestyle, is often humorously described as a place where everyone is in a rush, but nothing ever seems to happen on time. This amusing paradox recently extended to the Gaddafi Stadium, the city's most iconic sporting venue, casting a shadow over the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy. Awarded to Pakistan three years ago, the tournament raised the expectation that the country's stadiums, particularly in Lahore, would undergo significant upgrades. However, the much-needed renovations only began in earnest in August, leaving many skeptical about meeting the tight deadlines. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in an ambitious statement, revealed plans for a massive infrastructure overhaul of the Gaddafi Stadium, which included demolishing and rebuilding the entire structure from scratch.

Pat Cummins has been named captain of the ICC Men's Test Team of the Year for the second consecutive year, a perfect example to his outstanding leadership and stellar performances. The Australian pacer played a key role in leading his side to the ICC World Test Championship Final. During the year, he led Australia to victories against Pakistan, New Zealand, and India, while also claiming 37 wickets in nine Tests at an average of 24.02, further solidifying his place among the game's elite. India's rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal claims a spot in the team as an opening batsman after a remarkable year. The young left-hander amassed 1,478 runs at an impressive average of 54.74.

The England team has confirmed several changes to their lineup for the second T20I in Chennai as they look to bounce back from a disappointing defeat in Kolkata. In the opening match, England were beaten by seven wickets, a result that has left the visitors keen to regain their footing in the series. One of the most notable changes is the omission of right-arm pacer Gus Atkinson. The 29-year-old Brydon Carse is expected to take his place in the XI, bringing fresh energy to the pace attack. Carse's inclusion would add depth and variation to the bowling unit, offering the team a more dynamic option against the Indian batsmen.

India's star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, is racing against time to recover from a back injury ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The bowler is set to be assessed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rowan Schouten in New Zealand, who will evaluate the severity of his condition. Depending on Bumrah's recovery and Dr. Schouten's feedback, a follow-up consultation visit will be arranged. Bumrah, who has been named in India's 15-man squad for the global event, will need to regain full fitness in time for the tournament. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is already making contingency plans, with a backup ready if Bumrah's recovery does not proceed as expected.

As the countdown for the Champions Trophy 2025 intensifies, Pakistan is gearing up to host its first-ever ICC event on home soil in nearly three decades.

Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has lauded the young and talented Tilak Varma after his sensational match-winning performance in the second T20I against England on January 25 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. With India chasing a challenging target of 166 runs, the team found themselves in trouble, losing wickets at regular intervals. However, Tilak remained calm and composed, showcasing remarkable grit and maturity beyond his years to steer the hosts to a thrilling two-wicket victory with just four balls to spare. Tilak's innings of 72* off 55 balls was a masterclass in resilience and timing. Despite the mounting pressure, he struck four boundaries and five sixes, keeping the scoreboard ticking and ensuring that India remained in the hunt.

The domestic cricket circuit has long served as a crucial platform for players to showcase their talent and prove their worth. While some players, after excelling at this level, have gone on to establish iconic careers with the national team, there are others who, despite consistent performances, have struggled to break into the squad. Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair are prime examples of such players. Both have delivered remarkable performances in domestic cricket, yet have found it difficult to secure a permanent spot in the Indian team, highlighting the intense competition for places.

Fans eager to witness the much-anticipated ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 can now secure their tickets for this unmissable event, which will be held across Pakistan and the UAE. The tournament will run from February 19 to March 9, with India's matches taking place in the UAE. Tickets for the group stage fixtures and the second semi-final, which will be played in Pakistan, will go on general sale starting Tuesday, January 28, at 13:00 Gulf Standard Time (GST) / 14:00 Pakistan Standard Time (PST). In addition to the general sale, members of the ICC Family are being given exclusive early access to tickets, offering a two-hour priority window for purchasing. This allows those connected to the ICC to grab their tickets before they are made available to the wider public.