Kuljyot Singh

Former India batter Robin Uthappa has offered his perspective on Shubman Gill's omission from India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, suggesting that the decision was influenced by broader concerns around team form and balance. According to Uthappa, the selectors were wary of heading into a marquee global tournament with multiple batters struggling for runs. With captain Suryakumar Yadav also enduring a prolonged lean patch, the think tank reportedly felt it was risky to persist with two out-of-form players in the playing group, ultimately leading to Gill being left out. Gill had made his return to India's T20 setup ahead of the Asia Cup in September and was given a sustained run in the format.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has categorically dismissed speculation about Gautam Gambhir's future as India's Test coach, stating that reports suggesting a possible replacement are completely unfounded. In an exclusive conversation with AajTak, the sister channel of India Today, Saikia clarified that there has been no internal discussion or consideration regarding any change to the red-ball coaching structure of the Indian team. Addressing the rumours directly, Saikia emphasized that Gambhir continues to enjoy the full confidence of the Board of Control for Cricket in India and remains firmly in his position as per the terms of his contract. He described the circulating reports as baseless speculation with no truth to them, urging fans and media alike not to read into unverified claims.

India are expected to manage the workload of two of their most important white-ball players, with star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and premier

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has once again sparked discussion around the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, suggesting that their exits from Test cricket earlier this year did not appear to be entirely “natural.” Sharing his perspective, Uthappa remarked that there seemed to be more to the situation than what was made public, adding that the complete truth would only come out if and when Kohli and Rohit themselves choose to speak openly about the circumstances surrounding their decisions. Both senior batters announced their Test retirements within days of each other in May, a development that left Indian cricket reeling. Their departures resulted in the sudden loss of the team's two most experienced and influential players in the longest format, creating a leadership and experience vacuum ahead of important international assignments.

India's selectors have left out star batter Shubman Gill from the T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand and the all-important ICC T20 World Cup 2026. In Gill's absence, Sanju Samson has emerged as one of the preferred opening options, signaling a shift in the team's approach at the top of the order. The move has sparked discussion among fans and experts, given Gill's stature and consistent performances across formats. Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has weighed in on the decision, offering a balanced perspective on Gill's omission. According to Harbhajan, the call is less about Gill's individual ability and more about the overall composition of the team.

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa recently shared his perspective on the Melbourne pitch used for the fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England, stating that the surface was challenging but far from unplayable. The Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground concluded within two days, with England clinching a closely fought four-wicket win, sparking widespread debate about the nature of the pitch. Addressing the criticism, Uthappa felt that the pitch itself was not the sole reason for the quick finish. According to him, both Australian and English batters failed to show the level of patience, technique, and mental application required to succeed in such conditions.

In the middle of the continuing differences between IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals and the Rajasthan Cricket Association, the franchise appears close to relocating its home matches away from Jaipur. With the standoff showing no signs of resolution, Rajasthan Royals have reportedly decided to move their home fixtures for the 2026 IPL season to the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, opting against their traditional base at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. The move reflects growing frustration within the franchise over administrative and operational issues with the local cricket body, prompting them to explore alternative venues that can offer greater stability and smoother coordination during the tournament.

Shortly after confirmation that KL Rahul will take up the role of opening batter for the Delhi Capitals in the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier

Shikhar Dhawan recently offered a thoughtful perspective on the roles of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the lead-up to the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. He emphasized that despite being seasoned players, both Rohit and Kohli continue to bring exceptional value to the Indian side. According to Dhawan, their vast experience and proven leadership abilities make them invaluable assets, particularly in high-pressure global tournaments where composure and decision-making often determine outcomes. He further highlighted that players of their caliber possess an innate understanding of match situations, which becomes crucial during knockout stages and tense moments. Their presence in the squad not only strengthens the batting lineup but also provides guidance and stability to younger players.

All-rounder Corbin Bosch has opened up about the atmosphere inside the Mumbai Indians dressing room as captain Hardik Pandya continues to recover from a back spasm that ruled him out of the team's last two matches in the ongoing IPL 2026 season. Bosch, who stepped into the playing XI in Hardik's absence, said the squad remains positive and fully trusts the medical team handling the skipper's recovery. He expressed confidence that the support staff is doing everything possible to ensure Hardik returns to full fitness soon.