Cricket news

Gambhir-Gill era begins, Bumrah’s captaincy dream takes a backseat

Shubman Gill is set to take over as India’s Test captain, sidelining Jasprit Bumrah, whose fitness record has raised concerns. Gautam Gambhir is playing a crucial role in this leadership transition.

Published

1 year ago

May 16, 2025

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With Gautam Gambhir assuming a key role in shaping India’s Test cricket leadership, all eyes are now on Shubman Gill, who is reportedly set to be named the next Test captain. This development comes even as pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, once a frontrunner for the role, finds himself on the periphery — a situation raising eyebrows within the cricketing fraternity.

Gambhir and Gill: New leadership shaping up

Head coach Gautam Gambhir recently met with the likely new captain in an extended session in the national capital, signalling a firm decision by the team management and selectors. While Gambhir’s Mumbai visit for a religious offering at the Siddhivinayak Temple may have appeared ceremonial, it has sparked speculation around the evolving leadership dynamics in Indian cricket.

Sources suggest there is little room for a change of course at this stage. Gill’s ascension, though not officially confirmed, seems to have been sealed with prior approvals from those in influential positions within Indian cricket. Despite whispers of discontent over Gill’s fast-tracked elevation, insiders claim no step was taken without a green signal from the top.

Bumrah’s fading leadership prospects

Jasprit Bumrah, once the natural choice to take over the Test reins, now finds himself sidelined in the captaincy debate. His unfortunate injury on January 4 in Sydney, followed by a prolonged layoff, appears to have shattered his captaincy ambitions. While his performance remains unmatched, concerns over his ability to endure a full five-Test series are reportedly at the heart of the decision to move in another direction.

Critics, including former players, have voiced disappointment. One noted commentator questioned why alternatives are even being considered when Bumrah was long seen as the natural successor. Yet, recurring fitness issues — including past back injuries and months-long absences — have made selectors wary.

The challenge of man management

Navigating the next phase will test both Shubman Gill’s maturity and Gautam Gambhir’s people management skills. Bumrah, a genuine match-winner, will need to be handled with care, ensuring he continues to feel valued despite being overlooked for captaincy.

Gambhir, known for shunning celebrity culture within the dressing room, now faces the nuanced challenge of making an exception without disrupting the team’s equilibrium. In a side where only a few like Bumrah and Rishabh Pant can change games singlehandedly, it becomes essential to balance discipline with discretion.

Though Bumrah doesn’t require technical hand-holding, he thrives in an environment that respects his individuality. Whether he continues to deliver match-winning spells or feels alienated will depend heavily on how Gill and Gambhir support him during this leadership transition.

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Cricket news

Abhishek Sharma smashes 113 off 38 balls as India beat New Zealand in 3rd ODI

Abhishek Sharma hammered 113 off just 38 balls as India chased down New Zealand’s 199-run target in 13.2 overs, winning the third T20I by six wickets.

Published

1 week ago

October 27, 2026

APNLive Desk

Abhishek Sharma delivered a stunning batting performance in the third T20 International against New Zealand in Wellington, smashing 113 off just 38 balls to power India’s chase of 199. India reached the target in 13.2 overs, winning the match by six wickets.

The Indian opener’s explosive innings proved decisive as India chased down New Zealand’s total of 198/3. His aggressive approach put the hosts under pressure and helped India complete the chase with plenty of overs to spare.

Abhishek Sharma leads India’s chase

Abhishek’s 113-run knock off 38 deliveries was the standout performance of the contest. His innings provided India with the momentum needed to pursue the 199-run target at a rapid pace.

The century also made Abhishek the central figure of the third T20I, with his power-hitting dominating the contest. India’s successful chase underlined the impact of his innings in a match where New Zealand had posted a substantial total.

India chase down 199 against New Zealand

New Zealand scored 198/3 in their innings, setting India a target of 199. However, India’s batters responded with an aggressive chase, reaching the target in just 13.2 overs.

The six-wicket victory gave India an important result in the five-match T20I series. Abhishek’s century was the defining contribution of the match, ensuring that the visitors completed the chase comfortably.

Abhishek Sharma’s innings takes the spotlight

Abhishek’s quickfire century was the major talking point from the Wellington encounter. Scoring 113 runs from only 38 balls, he combined scoring speed with the ability to keep India’s chase firmly on track.

His performance will be among the key highlights of the third T20I as India continue their campaign against New Zealand.

Cricket news

India beat Pakistan by 19 runs to win Asian Games cricket gold

India beat Pakistan by 19 runs in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket final to retain the gold medal in the competition.

Published

1 month ago

October 3, 2026

APNLive Desk

India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the men’s cricket final at the Asian Games 2026 on Saturday to retain the gold medal.

India posted 211 for six after being sent in to bat, before restricting Pakistan to 192 for six in their 20 overs. The victory gave India their second successive Asian Games gold medal in men’s cricket.

India post 211 in final

India’s batting was led by Abhishek Sharma, who scored 61 off 28 balls, while Tilak Varma contributed 51 off 22 balls.

The two batters provided the momentum as India reached 211 for six from their 20 overs.

India captain Shreyas Iyer had won the toss and elected to bat first in the final.

Pakistan fall 19 runs short

Pakistan’s chase was anchored by Hasan Nawaz, who made 96 from 51 balls. Saim Ayub added 29 from 22 balls, but Pakistan finished on 192 for six after 20 overs.

India’s Axar Patel and Washington Sundar each took two wickets as Pakistan fell short of the target.

The result secured the gold medal for India, while Pakistan finished with silver. Sri Lanka won the bronze medal after defeating Bangladesh in the bronze-medal match.

India retain Asian Games cricket title

The victory marked India’s second consecutive men’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games. India had also won the men’s cricket gold at the Hangzhou edition.

India’s victory over Pakistan also completed a gold-medal double for the country in cricket at the 2026 Asian Games, after the women’s team won the women’s cricket final earlier in the competition.

Cricket news

Jasprit Bumrah becomes first Indian to play T20Is in 13 countries

Jasprit Bumrah became the first Indian to play T20I cricket in 13 different countries after featuring against Sri Lanka in Japan.

Published

1 month ago

October 1, 2026

APNLive Desk

Jasprit Bumrah added another milestone to his international career on Thursday after taking the field for India against Sri Lanka in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket semifinal in Japan.

Bumrah’s appearance at Nishin made him the first Indian to play T20I cricket in 13 different countries, according to the report. He moved ahead of former India captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who have each played T20Is in 12 countries.

Bumrah’s 13-country T20I record

Before playing in Japan, Bumrah had represented India in T20Is in 12 other countries — India, Australia, Bangladesh, England, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the United States, West Indies and Zimbabwe.

His appearance in Japan took the tally to 13. Kohli, Rohit and Bhuvneshwar had played in all of those countries except Japan, leaving Bumrah alone at the top of the list.

Kohli and Rohit cannot add to their totals as both have retired from T20I cricket, according to the source.

Bumrah shines against Sri Lanka

Bumrah also made an immediate impact in his first T20I appearance in Japan. He claimed two wickets in his opening over against Sri Lanka and finished with figures of 2/7 in two overs.

India went on to dismiss Sri Lanka for 45 in 9.5 overs and won the semifinal by 124 runs to book a place in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket final.

The result set up an India-Pakistan gold-medal clash, scheduled for October 3.

Jasprit Bumrah has become the first Indian to play T20I cricket in 13 different countries. His appearance against Sri Lanka in Japan took him past Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who have played T20Is in 12 countries each.