With Virat Kohli ruled out due to a hamstring injury, Yashasvi Jaiswal emerges as the frontrunner to bat at No. 3; Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya cleared for selection

India’s men’s cricket team is set to experiment with both personnel and batting order in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, starting June 14 in Dharamshala. This marks the first bilateral ODI series between the two nations on Indian soil, and team management is likely to hand out at least two debut caps across the rubber.

Sources close to the selection committee confirmed that Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have received fitness clearance from the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, making them available for the series. However, Virat Kohli’s absence due to a hamstring strain has opened up the crucial No. 3 slot.

Opening Pair Sorted

Captain Shubman Gill is expected to partner Rohit Sharma at the top of the order. Gill has been in formidable touch this year, amassing 732 runs in IPL 2026 and following it up with 490 runs in 11n international innings across formats. Rohit, despite a mixed IPL campaign plagued by minor injuries, still managed 650 runs in 14 games – including two hundreds – and finished as India’s second-highest ODI run-getter in 2025.

No Kohli, Jaiswal in Contention

With Kohli ruled out, the BCCI has officially named Yashasvi Jaiswal as his replacement. The left-hander has played only four ODIs in 2025 but scored 171 runs including a century. Ishan Kishan remains an option for the middle order, though team management prefers KL Rahul at No. 5, making Jaiswal the likeliest choice for the one-drop position.

Vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is set to bat at No. 4, followed by Rahul at five and Hardik Pandya at six.

Hardik’s Form Under Scanner

IPL 2026 was a forgettable season for the Mumbai Indians all-rounder. In ten innings, Hardik scored just 206 runs and picked only four wickets across nine bowling appearances. His ability to bowl a full quota of ten overs remains an unresolved concern.

“The sports science team has cleared him for competitive cricket, but match situations will be the real test,” a team insider said. If Hardik is rested or fails to deliver, Nitish Reddy – who smashed 302 runs in 14 IPL games this year – is expected to get a look-in.

All-Rounder Puzzle

Washington Sundar and Hardik will form the core all-round foundation. Washington was impressive against Australia in the third ODI, taking four wickets, and carried that form into the home series against South Africa. In case Hardik misses out, Nitish Reddy provides a like-for-like replacement.

With Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel not part of the squad, Vidarbha’s Harsh Dubey is in line for an ODI debut. Dubey finished as the highest wicket-taker in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 with 69 scalps, playing a key role in Vidarbha’s title win.

Pacer Face-Off: Arshdeep or Prince?

Arshdeep Singh has been India’s pace mainstay across formats, but his tendency to concede extras – especially wide deliveries – remains a recurring issue. “When he loses his line, especially the wide yorker, boundaries flow to third man and fine leg,” a bowling coach familiar with his game noted.

Prince Yadav, meanwhile, has impressed with his disciplined length. The youngster claimed the prized wicket of Virat Kohli in IPL 2026 and finished with 16 wickets in 14 games at an economy of 8.83. With head coach Gautam Gambhir keen to audition new names, Prince could get the nod over Arshdeep in at least one ODI.

Gurnoor Brar, the 6-foot-5 Punjab pacer who took 11 wickets in eight Vijay Hazare matches, is also expected to feature.

Possible Playing XI

Wicketkeeper: KL Rahul  

Batters: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain)  

All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Harsh Dubey, Nitish Reddy  

Bowlers: Prince Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh

Series Schedule

The three ODIs will be played on June 14 (Dharamshala), June 17 (Lucknow) and June 20 (Chennai). All matches start at 1:30 PM IST.

England’s Test captain Ben Stokes finds himself in fresh disciplinary trouble barely 24 hours after leading his side to a morale-boosting 115-run victory over New Zealand at Lord’s. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched an investigation into a late-night incident involving Stokes and pacer Gus Atkinson at a central London nightclub in the early hours of Monday.

The development has cast a shadow over the team’s celebrations and raised serious questions about Stokes’ leadership, with some reports suggesting he could be sidelined for the second Test starting June 17 at The Oval.

Late-night festivities take a turn

According to ECB sources, Stokes and Atkinson were present at a nightclub following England’s emphatic win over the Kiwis, which wrapped up inside four days. The establishment was also hosting members of the Saracens Rugby Club for their end-of-season party.

Trouble reportedly broke out when Atkinson got into a disagreement with an unnamed academy player from the rugby side. While no injuries were reported, the nature of the exchange was serious enough to prompt the ECB’s Cricket Regulator to step in.

ECB confirms breach of protocols

In a brief statement released on Tuesday, the ECB said, “The ECB is currently investigating a breach of team protocols following the conclusion of the first Men’s Test against New Zealand. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when an incident took place.”

The board added that the squad announcement for the second Test has been delayed pending further inquiry. “We are seeking further information, and an announcement will be made in due course,” the statement read.

Stokes’ captaincy on shaky ground

ESPN reported late on Tuesday that the gravity of the breach is such that Stokes might not feature in the South London Test. While no formal decision has been taken, deputy Ben Stokes — the all-rounder himself has no official vice-captain, but limited-overs skipper Harry Brook is seen as the most likely stand-in.

Brook, who has led England in white-ball cricket, was himself involved in an altercation during a tour of New Zealand before the Ashes, though no formal action was taken at the time.

A familiar pattern of off-field troubles

This is not the first time England players have faced scrutiny for their conduct away from the crease. During the Ashes tour of Australia last year, Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell were reportedly intoxicated and partying in Noosa after two heavy defeats, drawing internal reprimands.

Stokes, meanwhile, has his own chequered history. In 2017, he was involved in a late-night street fight in Bristol following an ODI. Although he was cleared of affray charges in court, the ECB’s disciplinary commission fined him and handed a back-dated suspension for bringing the game into disrepute.

Irony of Stokes’ post-match words

What makes the timing particularly awkward is Stokes’ own comments on Sunday afternoon. After wrapping up the Lord’s Test, the captain had told reporters he was looking forward to “a proper beer with the boys” — a remark that gained added significance given he had publicly given up alcohol last year.

“I knew how big this game was,” Stokes had said. “I probably won’t be real happy and smiling until I get up there and share a proper beer with the boys.”

Whether that celebration went too far is now the subject of an official probe. For now, England’s camp remains tight-lipped, and fans await clarity on whether their talismanic captain will lead the side at The Oval — or watch from the sidelines as his disciplinary record catches up once again.

Maratha Royals batter Chinmay Sutar said he will use the upcoming Mumbai Cricket League season to push for an Indian Premier League (IPL) look-in, after winning the MCL Orange Cap last year. The 24-year-old Mumbai top-order batter told reporters on Saturday that his priority this season is to perform consistently and catch the eye of IPL scouts ahead of the 2027 auction.

Early influence and home ground

Chinmay, who grew up in a sporting household in Mumbai, says his father Rajesh played a formative role in shaping his cricketing ambitions. According to the player, Rajesh opened the batting alongside Sachin Tendulkar in local matches, and his experiences on the field inspired Chinmay to pick up a bat at age five. “I have been watching my dad play cricket since childhood,” Chinmay said in a video shared on his social feed. “Seeing him, I always felt that I should also play cricket.”

From age-group cricket to club ranks

The batter traced his understanding of professional cricket to his time in age-group competitions. He told reporters that while he enjoyed the game casually as a child, the shift to Under-14 and then A-division club cricket gave him a clearer sense of the pathway to higher levels. “After playing school games, when I started playing age-group cricket like Under-14 and then A-division club cricket, that's when I truly got an idea of what the path of professional cricket is like,” he said.

A major setback at 15

Chinmay also opened up about a challenging phase at 15 when illness sidelined him for nearly 11 months. Initial reports indicate the long break had both physical and mental consequences; Chinmay described that period as “very sensitive” and said staying away from the field for almost a year tested his resolve. “It is extremely difficult for a player to stay away from the field for such a long time, but I did not give up and kept myself mentally strong,” he said.

Role of his father and support system

Throughout the recovery and subsequent rise, Chinmay credited his father as his principal coach and guide. He said Rajesh has been present “in every situation,” helping him through slumps and explaining technical nuances that shaped his game. “Whenever I felt down in cricket or in life, he always helped me and still does. He is the biggest part of my life,” Chinmay said, acknowledging the influence on his approach to batting and temperament.

Player profile and ambitions

A right-handed top-order batter by trade, Chinmay insists he is “completely a batter” though he can bowl spin if required. His Orange Cap-winning campaign for Maratha Royals in the 2025 MCL raised his profile locally; sources familiar with franchise scouting suggest strong MCL performances are increasingly being monitored by IPL talent spotters, especially for the 2027 season. Chinmay says he plans to focus on consistent run-scoring and match-winning contributions to force consideration.

Ground-level cues

At practice nets in central Mumbai on Saturday morning, teammates described Chinmay as calm and deliberate — the sort of batter who builds an innings rather than chasing quick fireworks. Club coaches say his technique against pace and his ability to rotate strike in the middle overs stood out during last season’s MCL, traits that could translate well to franchise cricket.

What’s next

Chinmay will turn out for Maratha Royals in the upcoming MCL, which starts next month, and expects to play through the Mumbai club calendar to remain match-sharp. He has also had brief stints in England’s division cricket, which he says helped him adapt to different conditions. Scouts and franchise analysts will be watching the MCL closely; for Chinmay, the immediate task is simple — keep scoring and stay fit.

If he delivers another high-scoring season, the batter believes an IPL chance will follow. “This year I will make every effort to grab the attention of the IPL franchises with my performance,” he said.

In a major scheduling calibration aimed at maximizing television audiences in the sub-continent, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has officially advanced the start times for three of the five upcoming Men’s T20 Internationals during India's high-profile white-ball tour of England this July.

The three specific fixtures, which were originally slated for an 11:00 PM IST (6:30 PM local UK time) slot, will now commence an hour earlier at 10:00 PM IST (5:30 PM local time). According to sources familiar with the development, the decision follows intensive tripartite discussions between the ECB, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and host broadcasters Sky Sports (UK) and Sony Sports Network (India). The administrative reshuffle ensures that broadcasting windows across South Asia wrap up comfortably by 2:00 AM IST instead of pushing late into the night.

Primetime push for Indian viewers

The scheduling tweak serves as a direct acknowledgement of the immense financial and broadcast gravity that the Indian market commands in global cricket. For the ECB, the incoming multi-format bilateral series is an essential financial engine.

Insiders note that the adjustment of these start times from the standard evening windows underscores English cricket's acute reliance on high-value broadcast series featuring India. This reality was mirrored in the ECB’s recently published financial disclosures, which indicated that the board incurred net financial losses despite hosting a highly publicised, five-match Ashes series against traditional rivals Australia in 2027.

Divergent trends in ticket sales

Even as corporate stakeholders optimize television windows, the ground-level ticket sales within the UK reveal an intriguing contrast across formats. While the limited-overs tour begins with the five-match T20I series from July 1 to July 11, match tickets across venues like Chester-le-Street and Trent Bridge are yet to completely sell out.

Conversely, the subsequent three-match One Day International (ODI) series, scheduled between July 14 and July 19, is already an official sell-out. Local ticket vendors and cricket experts attribute this pattern to the continued allure of senior stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both iconic batters announced their international retirements from T20Is and Test cricket following India's recent ICC campaigns, making the 50-over matches their exclusive formats on English soil.

Teenage sensation in focus

Beyond the established names, significant consumer interest has built up around 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has been named in the Shreyas Iyer-led T20I squad for the tour. The young left-hander has taken the cricket ecosystem by storm over the last 24 months, capping it off with a spectacular IPL 2026 campaign where he amassed 776 runs.

Should Sooryavanshi feature in the playing XI during the opening T20I at Chester-le-Street, he will shatter Sachin Tendulkar’s 36-year-old record to become the youngest man ever to debut for the senior Indian national cricket team. Broadcasters have already moved quickly to cash in on his rising star power; Sony Sports Network recently snapped up exclusive rights for concurrent India 'A' assignments to leverage the teenager's massive crowd-pulling capability.

Uncertainty lingers over Kohli's fitness

While the T20I contingent looks set, minor anxieties remain over India's ODI lineup. Virat Kohli’s participation in the three-match 50-over leg remains highly uncertain due to a lingering hamstring injury.

The injury has already forced Kohli to pull out of India's ongoing assignment against Afghanistan at home. Senior BCCI officials have stated that the medical team at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) is closely monitoring his rehabilitation timeline, and a definitive call on his inclusion will only be made towards the tail end of the Afghanistan series. Kohli has been out of competitive international action for India since the home ODI assignments against New Zealand back in January 2026.

Looking to break the deadlock

This white-ball leg comes on the heels of intense red-ball history between the two nations. The last time a senior Indian men's team set foot in England was during the five-Test tour of 2025 for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. That tightly contested red-ball series ended in a dramatic 2-2 deadlock, secured after an inspired Indian victory at The Oval under the maiden captaincy stint of Shubman Gill.

As both sides recalibrate for shorter formats, India will look to complete a brief two-match T20I warm-up stopover against Ireland on June 26 and 28 before landing on English shores for the July 1 curtain-raiser.

Virat Kohli has emerged as India’s most valuable celebrity, surpassing Shah Rukh Khan and other entertainment icons in a new brand value ranking released by Fortune India and Interbrand.

Kohli Leads Celebrity Rankings

Mumbai: Star cricketer Virat Kohli has been ranked as India’s most valuable celebrity, with an estimated brand value of ₹3,542 crore, according to a recent study conducted by Fortune India in collaboration with global brand consultancy Interbrand. The ranking places Kohli ahead of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who secured the second position, while actor and global entertainer Priyanka Chopra came in third.

The findings underline Kohli’s growing influence beyond cricket, reflecting his appeal across advertising, endorsements, social media engagement and consumer trust.

Study Goes Beyond Earnings

Unlike conventional celebrity rankings that focus primarily on income or social media following, the Fortune India-Interbrand study evaluated a broader set of parameters. These included distinctiveness, audience engagement, trust, intimacy, responsibility and overall brand strength.

According to the report, these factors collectively determine a celebrity’s long-term market value and commercial relevance. The assessment highlights how public perception and brand credibility increasingly influence endorsement opportunities and commercial success.

Cricket and Cinema Dominate

The top 25 list is heavily dominated by personalities from the film and cricket industries, underscoring their continued hold on India’s entertainment and advertising landscape.

Among the top 10 names, three are cricketers while seven belong to the film industry. The ranking reinforces the strong connection brands continue to seek with both Bollywood and cricket, two sectors that command massive audience reach across the country.

Apart from Kohli, the list also features several prominent names including Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Rashmika Mandanna, Kriti Sanon, Diljit Dosanjh, Karan Johar, Vicky Kaushal and former India captain Sourav Ganguly.

Priyanka Leads Women Celebrities

Priyanka Chopra emerged as the highest-ranked female celebrity in the study, maintaining her strong presence in both Indian and international markets.

Other women featured in the rankings include Deepika Padukone, Rashmika Mandanna, Kriti Sanon, actor Nayanthara and India women’s cricket star Smriti Mandhana. Their inclusion reflects the growing commercial influence of female celebrities across entertainment and sports.

Mandhana remains one of the few cricketers outside the men’s game to achieve significant brand recognition at the national level.

IPL Success Adds To Value

Kohli’s dominance is also visible in cricket’s commercial ecosystem. Having represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, he remains one of the league’s most marketable faces.

According to industry estimates cited in recent sports business reports, Kohli has earned around ₹230 crore in IPL salaries during his career. He also tops several brand valuation and endorsement rankings linked to Indian sport.

Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and Chennai Super Kings icon Mahendra Singh Dhoni continue to rank among cricket’s biggest commercial names. Despite limited on-field appearances in recent seasons, Dhoni remains a major endorsement figure for brands targeting mass audiences.

Emotional Message After RCB Triumph

Kohli’s latest recognition comes shortly after Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured another IPL title, adding to the celebratory mood around the franchise and its longest-serving player.

Reflecting on the achievement, Kohli shared an emotional message on social media, describing RCB as his “home” and highlighting the team’s journey through pressure, challenges and support from fans. The post drew widespread attention and further reinforced his connection with the franchise’s fan base.

Influence Beyond The Field

The latest brand value ranking highlights how Virat Kohli’s influence now extends far beyond cricket. With sustained sporting success, a strong public image and a vast commercial footprint, Kohli continues to set benchmarks in India’s celebrity endorsement market.

As brands increasingly focus on credibility and audience engagement, the Virat Kohli brand appears well-positioned to maintain its lead in the years ahead.

The Gujarat High Court pulled up former cricketer and TMC MP Yusuf Pathan on Monday over his occupation of a Vadodara plot that was never formally allotted to him, warning that the land must be vacated or penalties would follow.

Court Demands Explanation

The Gujarat High Court on Monday sharply questioned former Indian cricketer and sitting Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan over his possession of a disputed municipal plot in Vadodara — land, the bench pointedly noted, that he was never legally allotted.

"If the land was never allotted, how did you take possession of it?" the division bench asked during the hearing, underlining that not a single rupee had been paid, no lease deed had been executed, and none of the required formalities had been completed.

The court went further — it asked Pathan to identify which official had handed over possession of the plot, indicating that an inquiry could be initiated against that person.

The Core of the Dispute

The case has its roots in a 2012 application filed by Pathan seeking a plot in Vadodara. The Standing Committee of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation approved a proposal to allot the land to him at market value. The General Body later endorsed the proposal, and it was forwarded to the Gujarat government for final approval.

The state government, however, rejected the proposal in 2014, citing the absence of a public auction process. Under its position, no allotment of public land could be made through a selective process without following prescribed norms.

Pathan challenged this rejection — along with a June 2024 VMC order directing removal of his possession — before the Gujarat High Court in 2024.

His Legal Argument

Pathan's counsel argued that the plot falls under municipal corporation jurisdiction and that state government approval was not required in the first place. The petition also invoked a 1999 state policy that allegedly made international cricketers eligible for land allotments, pointing out that both Yusuf and his brother Irfan Pathan had represented India at the highest level.

His legal team further contended that the allotment proposal had cleared both the Standing Committee and the General Body, and that Pathan had at all times expressed willingness to pay prevailing market value. The petition also cited security concerns, noting that the plot is situated near his residence.

Single Judge Had Already Dismissed His Plea

This is not the first time the matter has gone against Pathan. A single-judge bench had earlier dismissed his challenge, observing that he held no allotment letter and no legal order granting him possession.

The single judge had noted that despite the complete absence of any legal allotment, a boundary wall had been constructed around the property — an action the court described as an attempt to create pressure for eventual allotment. The judgment had been unambiguous: public land cannot change hands through a selective process.

Corporation Stands Firm

The Vadodara Municipal Corporation told the division bench that state government clearance was always mandatory given that the process bypassed public auction. It submitted that Pathan had been informed of this requirement and that the state's rejection had been duly communicated to him over the years.

The corporation's position was that no valid allotment had ever come into existence — the Standing Committee's resolution was a proposal, nothing more.

Court Warns of Penalties

The bench on Monday made its views plain: unauthorized occupation of public land amounts to an offence. It said the conduct was unexpected from an international cricketer, and stressed that even if the plot was lying unused, compensation and rent would still be payable for the period of occupation.

If the land is not voluntarily vacated, the court indicated it could direct authorities to reclaim possession and assess dues for the entire period it has remained under Pathan's control.

The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for June 15.

Team India received a timely boost on Tuesday as star players Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya were declared fully fit for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. Both cricketers, who endured injury setbacks during the IPL 2026 season, have cleared fitness assessments at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

The development ends uncertainty over their participation and strengthens India’s squad depth ahead of the bilateral series, expected to begin later this week.

Fitness Clearance After Tough IPL

Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya missed several matches for Mumbai Indians during the recently concluded IPL due to fitness concerns. Rohit sat out seven games with a hamstring issue before making a strong comeback, scoring a brisk half-century. Pandya too battled niggles that limited his involvement.

Following the IPL, both reported to the BCCI’s CoE for rehabilitation. Sources confirmed they completed all required tests under the supervision of the Sports Science and medical teams. Officials have now given them the green light to return to competitive cricket.

Rohit’s Recovery Path

The former India captain’s clearance comes as a relief for fans and the team management. Known for his leadership and big-match temperament, Rohit has a rich legacy, including leading Mumbai Indians to multiple IPL titles and guiding India to major white-ball triumphs.

His recent return during the IPL, despite the injury layoff, showed promising signs. With the ODI series providing an important assignment before bigger challenges, Rohit’s experience at the top will be crucial.

Pandya Completes Demanding Sessions

Hardik Pandya, who arrived at the CoE on June 2 after a brief holiday abroad, underwent intensive training over the next few days. According to a source close to the development, the all-rounder participated in multiple match simulation drills and bowled his full quota of 10 overs without any discomfort.

“Hardik was on a holiday abroad before he checked in at the CoE on June 2. Over the next five days, he did several match simulations and even bowled (full quota of) 10 overs,” the source told PTI. His fitness parameters were found satisfactory by the strength and conditioning coaches.

Bowling Workload Boosts Hopes

One of the most encouraging aspects of Pandya’s recovery is his ability to complete bowling spells during training. This indicates he is prepared for the physical demands of 50-over cricket. As a genuine all-rounder, Pandya offers balance to the Indian side with his medium-pace bowling and explosive batting in the middle and death overs.

India’s assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak had earlier voiced confidence in Pandya’s progress. The latest medical clearance reinforces that optimism and gives the team management valuable flexibility in team combination.

Uncertain Travel Plans

It remains unclear whether Hardik Pandya will join the squad for the under-lights training session in Chandigarh or travel directly to Dharamsala, the likely venue for the series. Team officials are expected to finalise plans shortly.

Significance for Indian Cricket

The return of Rohit and Hardik comes at an important phase for Indian white-ball cricket. Afghanistan have grown stronger in limited-overs formats, and the series offers India a chance to fine-tune strategies and combinations. The presence of senior players like Rohit and Pandya will not only boost morale but also provide guidance to younger members of the squad.

For Rohit, this series could mark another step in his carefully managed workload management. Pandya, meanwhile, will be keen to regain full match rhythm and cement his place as a key all-rounder.

Local cricket enthusiasts in the host cities are eagerly awaiting the series, which promises competitive action. With both stars now available, India head into the contest with a stronger hand.

What Lies Ahead

The BCCI is expected to announce the squad and detailed itinerary soon. Fans will closely watch how quickly the duo integrates into the playing XI and whether their return translates into match-winning performances.

India A recover from 17/2 as Ruturaj Gaikwad anchors innings with 101 off 114; Shedge-Badoni cameo adds crucial late runs in Dambulla tri-series opener

India A captain Tilak Varma won the toss and opted to bat first in the tri-nation series opener against Sri Lanka A at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Tuesday morning. The decision looked shaky early on, but a gritty 150-run partnership between Tilak and vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the innings before late fireworks pushed the total to 277/6 in 50 overs.

Early collapse raises concerns

The Indian innings got off to a promising but fleeting start. Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, making his first appearance since receiving a maiden Team India call-up, showed intent with a couple of early boundaries. But his stay was cut short at 14 when skipper Sahan Arachchige pulled off a diving catch at mid-off.

Prabhsimran Singh followed soon after, surprised by a sharp bouncer from Chamika Karunaratne that thudded off his glove. At 17/2 inside five overs, India A were in trouble.

Recovery act

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Priyansh Arya added 53 runs for the third wicket, but a terrible mix-up led to Arya's run out for 32. The left-hander's bat got obstructed by wicketkeeper Dickwella's boot, and both batters ended up at the same end.

That brought Tilak Varma to the crease, and the pair went into consolidation mode. Gaikwad brought up his fifty off 65 balls with a six, while Tilak anchored patiently at the other end. The 150-run partnership came off 185 balls—slow but desperately needed.

Gaikwad reaches milestone

On what is his 100th List A appearance, Gaikwad brought up his 21st century in the format, reaching three figures in 112 deliveries. He eventually fell for 101, holing out to Avishka Fernando near the ropes while attempting a slog over mid-wicket.

Tilak followed soon after for 60 off 97 balls, bowled by Mohamed Shiraz while trying to play fine.

Death over flourish

With the score at 225/5, India looked set to finish below 260. But Suryansh Shedge and Ayush Badoni had other plans. The pair stitched a quickfire 46-run stand in just 26 balls, with Shedge hitting back-to-back maximums off Karunaratne in the 49th over. Badoni fell lbw in the final over, and Shedge was run out on the last ball, but the damage was done.

Mohamed Shiraz finished with two wickets for Sri Lanka A, while Karunaratne, Garuka Sanketh, and Wanuja Sahan bagged one each.

Bowling under scrutiny

While the batting recovery will please the India A think tank, the bowling unit faces questions. Arshad Khan and Anshul Kamboj, both making their India A outings, received harsh treatment early in the Sri Lankan chase. Kamboj was hit for boundaries in his opening over before pulling things back, but the overall discipline remained patchy.

As Tilak Varma mentioned at the toss, 275 was considered sufficient in these windy Dambulla conditions. The target of 278 now puts the pressure squarely on the bowlers to defend what their batters have built.

Kuldeep Yadav's double strike on final day seals record-breaking victory as debutant Manav Suthar shines with seven wickets

India registered their biggest-ever Test win on Saturday, thrashing Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs inside three days at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. Kuldeep Yadav triggered the final collapse with two wickets in two balls as the visitors folded for 112 in their second innings.

The victory margin surpasses India's previous best—an innings and 262 runs against Afghanistan themselves in 2019. For Afghanistan, this was only their fourth Test match since gaining Full Member status, and the gulf in experience showed.

Spinners run through fragile line-up

Asked to follow on after conceding a 412-run first-innings lead, Afghanistan never looked like saving the contest. Fourteen wickets tumbled on Day 3 alone, with the pitch offering increasing turn and variable bounce.

Washington Sundar finished with four second-innings wickets while Kuldeep picked up three. Debutant Manav Suthar and Mohammed Siraj chipped in with one each. The Afghan batters, barring Sediqullah Atal's 42 and Rahmanullah Gurbaz's 24, offered little resistance. Seven batters failed to reach double figures.

The Indian attack needed just 35.5 overs to wrap things up in the second dig.

Suthar's dream debut

The Rajasthan left-arm spinner, called up after impressive domestic performances, ended with match figures of 7 for 62. After taking three wickets on Day 2, Suthar added four more on Saturday morning to clean up the first innings at 152.

"He bowled stump to stump and was really disciplined," Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi admitted after the game. "The scoreboard pressure was there, and the pitch behaviour kept changing session by session."

Suthar's parents had travelled from Sri Ganganagar to watch him but returned home before his heroics—apparently due to superstition, according to team sources.

Batting foundation laid early

India's victory was set up by their first-innings total of 564 for 8 declared. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul struck centuries while Rishabh Pant and Sai Sudharsan contributed 81 runs each. Washington Sundar's 52 provided late impetus after India won the toss and opted to bat first on a dry surface.

The plan was to post 350-plus no matter where you're batting," Gill said after the match. "For the spinners, it was about gaining experience—how to set up batters in home conditions."

 India surpass West Indies' win tally

The victory marked India's 186th Test win in 599 matches, moving them ahead of the West Indies' tally of 185. Only Australia (426), England (405) and South Africa (191) have won more Tests. The result also provided some relief for the home side after losing 0-2 to South Africa last year, though that series was away from home against stronger opposition.

Afghanistan's Mohammad Saleem, who picked up a six-wicket haul in India's first innings, emerged as a rare positive for the visitors alongside Rahmat Shah's fighting 60.

The focus now shifts to the ODI series starting June 13.

Young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar script history against Afghanistan on Test debut; family flees stadium mid-match to avoid 'jinxing' his performance.

A regular Sunday afternoon at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur turned into a historic script for Indian cricket, even as the protagonist's family chose to watch it unfold from hundreds of kilometres away. Rajasthan's young left-arm spinner, Manav Suthar, enjoyed a dream Test debut against Afghanistan, picking up seven wickets in the match, including a phenomenal six-wicket haul in the first innings to power India to a commanding victory by an innings and 300 runs.

However, in a classic tale of Indian cricket folklore, his family, who had travelled all the way from Sri Ganganagar to witness his crowning moment, abruptly left the stadium on Day 2 and headed back home out of sheer nervousness and old-school superstition.

A Dream Debut 25 Years in the Making

Suthar, 23, became the first Indian bowler in 25 years to pick up a wicket in his very first over on Test debut, striking on his fourth delivery. The young spinner had the Afghanistan batting lineup completely tied in knots, returning with exceptional figures of 6 for 33 in 22 overs during the first innings. He followed it up with another scalp in the second essay to finish with a match haul of 7 wickets.

The feat triggered widespread celebration, but the stands where his father Jagdish Suthar, mother, and sister Mansi were seated during the cap presentation ceremony on Saturday morning stood empty on Sunday.

Parents Flee Stadium to Avoid 'Jinx'

Speaking to reporters after the match, an emotional but soft-spoken Jagdish Suthar, a retired Physical Education teacher, explained their sudden disappearance from the venue.

"Yes, me, my wife, and my daughter Mansi had come to Mullanpur to watch his debut. I cannot describe the feeling of seeing him receive his Test cap from Kuldeep Yadav," the senior Suthar said. "However, by Sunday, we were all so incredibly nervous and a bit superstitious about watching him live from the stands. We felt our presence might jinx it, so we decided to travel back home to Sri Ganganagar to watch the rest of the game on television."

Emotional Video Call After Stumps

The sacrifice, however eccentric, seemed to work. Following the conclusion of play on Day 2, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a heartwarming video on its social media handles showing Suthar placing a video call to his family.

The youngster was seen smiling as his visibly moved family members congratulated him through tears. In the video, his father is seen offering grounded advice, telling the debutant to keep his head down and continue working hard for the country.

Overcoming the 'No Scope' Narrative

Suthar’s journey to the Indian Test cap was far from smooth. Having joined a local cricket academy at the age of 12 under coaches Deepak and Vinod, his first breakthrough came in the Rajasthan Under-14 team.

In past interviews, Suthar recalled how neighbors and acquaintances in his hometown often advised him to abandon the sport and focus on his academics instead. "Success in cricket is not easy in India. Many told me there was no scope in cricket and that I was wasting time," Suthar had mentioned. His breakthrough 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season, where he scalped 39 wickets in just six matches, followed by another 18 wickets in three games in the ongoing 2025-26 domestic circuit, finally silenced the detractors and fast-tracked him into the India 'A' and national squads.

Transition from White to Red Ball

While Suthar was picked up by Gujarat Titans in the IPL for a base price of INR 20 lakh and played 4 matches in the recent 2026 season, his white-ball career has been relatively quiet with just two wickets. However, his red-ball credentials have never been in doubt.

The youngster revealed that he was in his hotel room when his sister Mansi called to give him the news of his national selection after spotting the squad announcement on television. Inspired by the legendary Yuvraj Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin, Suthar's natural variations are expected to play a crucial role as India looks to build its spin transit pool for the upcoming long format cycles.

Afghanistan struggle at 128/6, still trail India by 436 runs in New Chandigarh

Morning proceedings on Day 3 of the one-off Test at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium followed a familiar pattern, as Prasidh Krishna removed Azmatullah Omarzai for a 10-ball duck to extend Afghanistan's misery.

The visitors resumed their first innings at 113/5, still needing 252 runs just to avoid the follow-on. That target now looks distant.

Early Breakthrough Sets Tone

Krishna needed only four deliveries into the third day's play to make an impact. Omarzai, who had looked tentative overnight, failed to open his account before edging one to the slips. The seamer's maiden over to start the morning put Afghanistan immediately on the back foot.

According to initial reports from the venue, the dressing room气氛 grew tense as the follow-on danger inched closer.

Debutant Suthar's Memorable Outing

Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, making his Test debut for India, delivered figures that his family back in Sri Ganganagar would have regretted missing. His parents reportedly travelled back home before witnessing his three-wicket haul on Day 2 due to superstition.

Suthar removed Abdul Malik on the fourth ball of his very first over, then sent back Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Afsar Zazai to finish with 3 for 21. The young spinner has looked increasingly comfortable on a surface offering gradual turn.

Rahmat Shah Breaks New Ground

Amid the collapse, Rahmat Shah quietly authored a piece of history. The experienced batter reached his half-century in 100 deliveries, becoming the first Afghanistan batsman to score a Test fifty against India.

Sources within the Afghan camp indicated that Shah's knock has brought some stability after top-order failures. He remains unbeaten on 53 off 112 balls at the lunch interval, having watched partners fall around him.

India's Batting Domination Sets Up Contest

The context of Afghanistan's struggles traces back to India's massive first innings declaration at 564/8. Captain Shubman Gill led with 126, while KL Rahul converted his start into a hundred. Rishabh Pant and Sai Sudharsan contributed identical 81-run knocks.

This represents India's highest Test total against Afghanistan. Teenage pacer Mohammad Saleem Safi claimed 6 wickets on debut, a silver lining for the visitors.

For Afghanistan to avoid an innings defeat, Shah must find support from the lower order. The pitch remains true, but the pressure of history is telling.

What Follows Next

The next session could decide the match. Afghanistan trail by 436 runs with four wickets standing. Another wicket before lunch would likely trigger thoughts of the follow-on.

Local authorities confirmed arrangements remain in place for a full five days, though few expect this contest to stretch that far.

Iran’s national football team is set to face a highly unusual logistical challenge during the FIFA World Cup 2026. According to Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, the team may be required to enter the United States only on match days and leave the country on the same day after playing.

The development has raised concerns over travel strain and preparation time, especially since all of Iran’s group-stage matches are scheduled to take place in the United States.

The team will be based in Tijuana, Mexico, for the duration of the tournament due to regional and diplomatic considerations.

Visa Confusion and Diplomatic Strain

The situation has been further complicated by visa-related uncertainty. While members of Iran’s squad were granted entry visas, reports suggest that some officials, including football federation chief Mehdi Taj, were not issued travel permissions.

This has added another layer of tension between the two nations, which have experienced strained diplomatic relations in recent years.

However, conflicting statements have emerged from within the Iranian camp. Team spokesman Amir Mahdi Alavi stated that the team holds multiple-entry visas and will be allowed to travel a day or two before matches, contradicting earlier remarks from the ambassador.

Group Stage Travel Schedule

Iran, also known as Team Melli, is placed in Group G of the tournament. The team is scheduled to play:

• New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and June 21
• Egypt in Seattle on June 26

These fixtures mean extensive cross-border travel between Mexico, the United States, and different host cities across the tournament schedule.

The logistical burden is expected to test the team’s preparation routines, recovery management, and matchday readiness.

Political Context Around Tournament

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is already drawing attention for its expanded format and multi-nation hosting arrangement across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, Iran’s situation has added a political dimension to the sporting event.

Recent diplomatic tensions between the US and Iran have influenced travel arrangements, making Iran’s participation one of the most closely watched storylines of the group stage.

It will also mark a rare instance where a national team enters a host country despite ongoing geopolitical conflict.

Impact on Team Preparation

If the strict travel conditions are enforced, Iran could face significant challenges in maintaining consistency and recovery between matches. Long-distance travel on matchdays may affect player performance and tactical preparation.

Football analysts suggest that such restrictions could influence not only Iran’s competitiveness but also broader discussions around neutrality and logistics in global tournaments.

The situation remains fluid, with official clarifications expected closer to the tournament kickoff.