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Former player’s bold call: How legitimate is comment on dropping senior stars after Boxing Day Test loss?

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1 year ago

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Rohit viart captaincy

Former Indian cricketer Surinder Khanna has voiced strong criticism of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli following India’s crushing 184-run defeat to Australia in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Khanna has urged the team management and selectors to bench the underperforming stars, emphasizing the need for bold decisions to rejuvenate the team.

Rohit Sharma, who missed the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Perth, has struggled for runs throughout the series. In five innings across three Tests, the Indian captain has managed only 31 runs. His decision to shuffle between middle-order and top-order positions has also failed to yield results.

Similarly, Virat Kohli’s inconsistency remains a concern. Despite a century in the opening Test in Perth, Kohli has been unable to replicate the performance, scoring just 7, 11, 3, 36, and 5 in subsequent innings. His repeated struggles outside the off-stump have added to India’s woes, even as he showed glimpses of his form in the Boxing Day Test.

“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are totally out of form. When your key players are not scoring, it becomes difficult to win matches,” Khanna told IANS. “Australia played better cricket and used conditions to their advantage. Meanwhile, our younger players like (Nitish Kumar) Reddy and (Yashasvi) Jaiswal are stepping up, and it’s time to trust them more.”

A call for bold decisions

Khanna urged the selectors and team management to have honest discussions with the senior players about their form and future. “You need the guts to have a one-to-one conversation with Rohit and Virat, asking them to make way for others. Senior players are expected to lead with performances, but they have been consistently falling short. Sometimes, tough decisions are needed to get the desired results,” he added.

The former cricketer also hinted that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might allow the players to announce their decisions regarding retirement, but he stressed that “the writing is on the wall” for both stars.

A year of decline

Khanna pointed out that 2024 has been a particularly poor year for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Test cricket, with both averaging under 25. Despite their legendary status, their performances over the last 40-45 innings have not met expectations, raising concerns about their future in the longest format of the game.

“A lot of focus is often placed on players like Rishabh Pant for their aggressive style, but the real issue is the inconsistency of senior batters like Rohit and Kohli,” he remarked.

Series finale at Sydney

With Australia leading the five-match series 2-1, the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground starting on January 3 will be pivotal. The pressure remains high on India’s senior players to deliver, but Khanna’s remarks underline growing impatience among cricketing circles.

As the debate over their form intensifies, the Sydney Test could potentially mark a turning point in the careers of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Whether they silence their critics or pave the way for the next generation remains to be seen.

The comment on dropping senior stars after the Boxing Day debacle raises a valid point, given the ongoing struggles of key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both have been out of form, with low scores in recent matches, and their inability to contribute consistently has been a concern for Team India. 

While it’s crucial to recognize their past achievements and leadership roles, the current form of these players impacts the team’s performance. The question of whether it’s legitimate to bench them stems from the need for a fresh approach and the desire for younger players to step up. 

However, making such a bold call requires careful consideration of the long-term strategy for the team. It’s not just about the present match but also about building a strong squad for future challenges, making this comment a legitimate topic for discussion.

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Who is Praful Hinge? Young pacer who made instant impact with match-turning IPL debut spell

Praful Hinge grabbed attention with a three-wicket over on his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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2 days ago

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April 14, 2026

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Praful Hinge bowling for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL

Praful Hinge is an emerging Indian fast bowler who grabbed attention after a remarkable debut in the Indian Premier League. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, the young pacer made headlines by taking three wickets in a single over, a rare and impactful feat in T20 cricket.

His performance came against Rajasthan Royals, where he turned the game with a decisive spell, announcing his arrival on the big stage.

Domestic cricket background

Hinge hails from Nagpur and has been associated with the Vidarbha cricket team in domestic cricket. Like many cricketers rising through India’s competitive system, his progress at the domestic level paved the way for his IPL opportunity.

While detailed statistics from his domestic career remain limited in public reports, his selection in the IPL reflects recognition of his potential and performances.

Bowling style and strengths

Praful Hinge is a right-arm fast bowler known for:

  • Maintaining a disciplined line and length
  • Ability to generate movement off the pitch
  • Effectiveness in short, impactful spells

His debut spell highlighted composure under pressure, especially in a high-intensity league like the IPL.

Breakthrough IPL moment

Making an immediate impact in the IPL is never easy, but Hinge’s three-wicket over on debut stands out as a defining moment. Performances like these often play a key role in shaping a young cricketer’s early career and gaining attention from teams and selectors.

A promising start

Praful Hinge’s debut has positioned him as a young fast bowler to watch. While it is still early in his career, such impactful performances suggest potential for further opportunities in domestic and franchise cricket.

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At 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes India debut, could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may soon make his India debut after a standout IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals.

Published

2 days ago

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April 14, 2026

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Rising cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is reportedly on the verge of earning his first senior India call-up following an impressive run in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batter has been shortlisted for the upcoming India tour of Ireland, according to multiple reports.

The young Rajasthan Royals player has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about talents this season, delivering impactful performances that have caught the attention of selectors.

Strong performances boost selection chances

Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting in IPL 2026 has played a key role in pushing his case for national selection. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenager has consistently taken on top bowlers with confidence, showcasing both aggressive stroke play and maturity beyond his age.

Reports suggest he is among several young players being monitored for India’s Ireland tour, with selectors looking to test emerging talent in a relatively shorter series.

Could become youngest India debutant

If selected and given an opportunity, Sooryavanshi could script history by becoming one of the youngest players to represent India at the international level. At just 15, he would surpass long-standing age records set by former greats like Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16.

The potential milestone has added further excitement around the youngster, whose rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket has been closely followed by fans and experts alike.

Future tours also on radar

Apart from the Ireland series, reports indicate that Sooryavanshi could also be considered for other upcoming assignments later in 2026, including a possible tour of Zimbabwe. His consistent performances and fearless approach have made him a strong contender for continued inclusion in India’s plans.

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Guwahati weather poses threat to RR vs MI blockbuster as rain delays toss

The IPL 2026 clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians faces a delay as the Guwahati weather brings persistent rain to the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

Published

1 week ago

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April 7, 2026

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Guwahati weather

The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 encounter between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) has hit a weather hurdle. Scheduled to take place at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, the toss for Match 13 has been officially delayed due to persistent rain in the city.

Rain intensifies at Barsapara Stadium

The Guwahati weather has taken a turn for the worse as heavy drizzle forced the groundstaff to keep the pitch and square under covers. While the rain had momentarily eased, allowing for a brief inspection, it returned shortly after, frustrating both fans and players. According to media reports, the probability of rain during match hours has surged to nearly 50%, a significant increase from earlier forecasts.

Cut-off time and over reductions

As the clock ticks, the pressure on the match officials increases. Overs were scheduled to start being reduced from 8:40 PM IST. For those hoping for at least a shortened game, the cut-off time for a minimum five-over-a-side contest has been established at 10:56 PM IST. The city remains under a weather alert, with cloud cover expected to be a major factor throughout the evening.

High-stakes encounter on hold

Rajasthan Royals enter this game with a perfect record, having won their first two matches of the season. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, are looking to bounce back after a mixed start. A key highlight of this match is the potential battle between 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the experienced Jasprit Bumrah.

Historically, the two teams share a fierce rivalry, with Mumbai holding a slight edge with 16 wins compared to Rajasthan’s 14 in their 31 previous meetings.

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