In a statement bound to ruffle feathers within the Indian cricket fraternity, former Indian batsman turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has openly opposed considering veteran opener Rohit Sharma for India's 2027 ODI World Cup campaign.

Manjrekar's blunt assessment comes right ahead of India's highly anticipated three-match ODI series against England, starting July 14 at Edgbaston, which marks a crucial transition phase for the national team's 50-over setup.

"Opening in 50 Overs is Like a Rehab Programme"

Speaking on Sony Sports, Manjrekar urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and national selectors to abandon their "big-name obsession" and proactively secure the long-term future of Indian cricket over the personal milestones of aging stalwarts.

Rohit Sharma's Recent ODI Outing (vs Afghanistan):

├── Innings Played : 3

├── Runs Scored    : 143

├── Batting Avg    : 47.66

└── Strike Rate    : 115.32 (Finished as 4th highest run-scorer)

Despite Rohit's healthy numbers in the recent bilateral assignment against Afghanistan, Manjrekar feels the opening slot should be blooded with fresh talent rather than protected stars.

"I mean this will become controversial, but I think I should not care; I have not cared for all these years. We are in mid-2026, and that World Cup is in late 2027. I think India have options. Virat Kohli, with his sheer fitness, is making a strong case. But what happens here is when we select, we are thinking Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma. We should think about what is best for Indian cricket," Manjrekar pointed out.

He further added a sharp analogy regarding the nature of opening the batting in modern one-dayers:

"Opening in 50 overs is fun. It is like a rehabilitation programme. That, I think, you should give to a player who is in his prime and has got another 5 to 10 years. If you are thinking only about Rohit Sharma, it's not right... In that space, I don't think Rohit Sharma would be my choice in the squad."

Yashasvi Jaiswal's Omission Adds Fuel to the Fire

Manjrekar's comments carry heavy context, arriving right after young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal was left out of the ODI squad traveling to England, despite Jaiswal slamming two centuries in his last three ODI appearances.

Manjrekar called Jaiswal's exclusion "unfortunate and a bit harsh," arguing that the obsession with retaining senior players prevents India from building a seamless transition pipeline.

BCCI Boardroom Keeps Strategy Strictly Confidential

The growing public clamor around the "RoKo" (Rohit-Virat) era approaching its sunset has forced the administrative brass to clear the air, though they remain tight-lipped on specifics.

BCCI Strategic Framework (As per Board Secretary):

├── Consultation: Seamless loop involving Selectors, Head Coach, & Support Staff

└── Policy      : Deliberated strictly within boardroom bounds; no media leaks

Addressing the timeline, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized that structural choices regarding senior icons are continuous internal operations that do not require public evaluation.

"As the head of the board, we have a very well-knit team and a lot of experts. All stakeholders are taken on board—including the cricket committee, selectors, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and the players concerned. These are strategic discussions and are matters that should remain within the boardroom; we are not authorized to disclose roadmaps prematurely to the media," Saikia maintained.

While the board continues to play its cards close to its chest, the upcoming England series will serve as a vital indicator of where the team management's structural alignment lies for the 2027 showpiece event.

India's preparations for the white-ball tour of the United Kingdom have suffered an early setback. Nitish Reddy has been ruled out of both T20I assignments after sustaining a muscle injury, prompting selectors to bring in emerging all-rounder Suryansh Shedge.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy will miss the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England due to injury. The 23-year-old experienced discomfort in his left quadriceps during the third ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai on June 20 and was subsequently assessed by the BCCI medical team.

Following detailed medical evaluations, doctors recommended a rehabilitation period, ruling him out of India's entire T20I campaign in the United Kingdom. The development comes as a setback for both the player and team management, which had viewed Reddy as an important all-round option in the shortest format.

India begin their UK tour with the Ireland T20I series starting on June 26 before taking on England in a high-profile white-ball contest.

Injury Forces Withdrawal

According to the BCCI, Reddy had already shown signs of fitness concerns during the Afghanistan ODI series. He missed the second ODI in Lucknow due to a sore thigh before returning for the final match in Chennai.

However, the discomfort resurfaced during the game, leading to further medical examinations. Officials have not yet announced a definitive timeline for his return, leaving uncertainty over his availability for the ODI series against England scheduled to begin on July 14.

The latest injury adds to a challenging period for Reddy, who has struggled with recurring fitness issues since 2025. Previous injury setbacks also affected his participation in international and franchise cricket over the past year.

Suryansh Shedge Gets Opportunity

The selection committee has named Suryansh Shedge as Reddy's replacement for both T20I series. The Mumbai all-rounder has earned his maiden senior India call-up after a string of impressive performances across domestic and India A cricket.

Shedge recently played a key role in India A's successful tri-series campaign, scoring 147 runs in five matches while contributing valuable overs with the ball. His ability to contribute in multiple departments reportedly impressed selectors.

The all-rounder also enjoyed a standout Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, scoring 131 runs at a strike rate above 250 and helping Mumbai secure the title. Team management believes his aggressive batting and utility bowling make him a suitable replacement in India's T20 setup.

Team Departs for Ireland

The Indian squad has begun travelling to Ireland in phases. The first group departing from Chennai included players such as Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma, along with members of the coaching and support staff.

Additional players are expected to join the squad from Mumbai before the opening fixture.

Impact on India's Plans

Reddy's absence removes an important pace-bowling all-round option from India's T20 combination. Team management had been monitoring his development closely, particularly after his performances in international cricket and the IPL.

For Shedge, the opportunity represents a chance to establish himself at the highest level. Strong performances in Ireland and England could strengthen his case for future selection in India's white-ball squads.

With the first T20I just days away, attention will now shift to how India reshapes its balance and whether the newcomer can seize a breakthrough opportunity on the international stage.

One of Indian cricket’s most anticipated young talents has taken a major step in his career. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is now on the verge of making his international debut after receiving his first India jersey and departing with the national squad for Ireland.

India's teenage cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has moved a step closer to realizing his dream of representing the country at the highest level. The 15-year-old batter received his first Team India jersey ahead of the upcoming T20I series against Ireland, marking a significant milestone in a remarkable rise that has captured the attention of the cricketing world.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video of the emotional moment when Team India throwdown specialist Raghu handed Sooryavanshi his national jersey. The youngster, visibly overwhelmed, described the occasion as the fulfillment of a dream he had carried since picking up a bat for the first time.

Sooryavanshi has already departed for Ireland alongside senior players including Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. With the series set to begin this week, cricket fans are eagerly waiting to see whether the teenager will earn his first international cap.

Emotional First Moment

Speaking after receiving the jersey, Sooryavanshi said he struggled to put the experience into words. According to the youngster, seeing the India jersey for the first time felt surreal and represented the biggest step in a journey that began during his childhood cricket training.

The BCCI video showed Raghu arriving at his room with the jersey package. After respectfully greeting him, Sooryavanshi carefully opened the box and held the jersey in his hands, smiling as he absorbed the significance of the moment.

The footage quickly gained traction on social media, with fans and former cricketers congratulating the teenager on reaching another landmark in his career.

Ireland Tour Begins

Soon after joining the squad, Sooryavanshi was seen travelling with the Indian team to Ireland. A selfie featuring the young batter alongside Abhishek Sharma and members of the support staff went viral online.

Many fans highlighted the possibility of an explosive opening partnership between Sharma and Sooryavanshi. Both players are known for their aggressive batting approach and ability to dominate bowlers from the very first over.

If selected for the opening match, Sooryavanshi could become one of the youngest players ever to represent India at the international level.

Meteoric Rise in Cricket

Over the past year, Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket. His performances across domestic tournaments, age-group cricket and franchise competitions have consistently strengthened his case for national selection.

The teenager attracted widespread attention after becoming the youngest centurion in IPL history. He followed that achievement with strong performances in domestic competitions, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.

His breakthrough season reached another level during IPL 2026, where he scored 776 runs and finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer, outperforming established stars such as Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul.

The youngster also impressed in the recent tri-series final against Sri Lanka A, producing a match-winning knock of 94 under pressure.

The high-profile trade marks a significant squad reshuffle for both franchises after a disappointing season for Lucknow Super Giants and a strategic rebuild by Delhi Capitals.

Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have completed one of the most talked-about trades in recent IPL history, with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant returning to his former franchise and spinner Kuldeep Yadav moving in the opposite direction. The deal comes after Pant's difficult stint with Lucknow and signals a major change in plans for both teams ahead of the next IPL season.

Pant, who spent nine seasons with Delhi Capitals between 2016 and 2024, is set to wear the franchise's colours once again. The left-handed batter had become the most expensive player in IPL history when Lucknow acquired him for ₹27 crore during the 2025 mega auction. However, his performances as both captain and batter failed to meet expectations, leading to speculation about his future with the franchise.

Reports indicate that Pant agreed to a substantial reduction in salary to facilitate the move. His new contract value is expected to be around ₹15 crore, making the transfer financially viable for Delhi Capitals.

The development is being viewed as one of the most significant post-IPL 2026 transactions, with both franchises attempting to reshape their squads after mixed performances in recent seasons.

Pant's Homecoming

Rishabh Pant's return brings familiarity and experience back to the Delhi setup. During his first spell with the franchise, he established himself as one of the league's most explosive batters and emerged as a key figure in the team's leadership group.

Pant represented Delhi Capitals in 111 IPL matches before parting ways with the franchise ahead of the 2025 mega auction. His departure was reportedly linked to differences over future plans, but the latest move suggests both sides have found common ground.

Despite returning to Delhi, reports suggest the franchise is unlikely to hand him the captaincy immediately. Team management is expected to evaluate leadership options separately while focusing on Pant's role as a senior player and match-winner.

Kuldeep Heads to Lucknow

As part of the trade, Kuldeep Yadav's successful five-year association with Delhi Capitals has come to an end. The left-arm wrist spinner joined Delhi in 2022 and became one of the team's most reliable bowlers, taking 72 wickets in 65 matches.

The move represents a homecoming of sorts for Kuldeep, who has strong ties to Uttar Pradesh cricket. Lucknow believe his experience and wicket-taking ability can strengthen a bowling attack that struggled for consistency during IPL 2026.

According to franchise sources, Kuldeep's arrival is expected to play a central role in LSG's rebuilding plans following a disappointing campaign.

Leadership and Future Plans

Pant's exit from Lucknow appeared increasingly likely after he stepped down from the team's captaincy. Under his leadership, LSG managed only 10 wins in 28 matches across two seasons and finished 10th in IPL 2026 after ending seventh in 2025.

His batting form also came under scrutiny, with the wicketkeeper-batter scoring just 312 runs during the 2026 season. The franchise's management subsequently began exploring options to restructure the squad.

Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal publicly thanked Kuldeep Yadav for his contribution to the franchise and welcomed Pant back, expressing confidence in the batter's ability to rediscover his best form.

With the IPL transfer window still active, the Pant-Kuldeep exchange could influence further player movements across franchises. Analysts believe the deal has the potential to reshape the balance of both teams as preparations begin for the next IPL season.

Defending champions New Zealand's Women's T20 World Cup campaign is teetering on the brink of disaster after a spectacular fielding meltdown handed Sri Lanka a historic, nerve-shredding victory on Tuesday night.

Chasing 151, Sri Lanka rode on a gritty, career-defining half-century from veteran Nilakshika Silva to cross the finish line with just two balls to spare, registering their first-ever victory over the White Ferns in eight T20 World Cup attempts.

The dramatic turnaround came just days after Sri Lanka suffered a bruising 87-run defeat to England on opening night. That loss had prompted a blunt assessment from head coach Jamie Siddons, who demanded his players master the basics.

They responded in clinical fashion, though they were heavily aided by a generous New Zealand side that seemed entirely incapable of holding onto its catches.

New Zealand Ruining Their Own Script

"It's disappointing... people say catches win matches and we've been on the wrong side of that," a dejected Melie Kerr said after the match.

The White Ferns' fielding display was a continuation of the horror show from Saturday, where they spilled six catches in a seven-wicket loss to the West Indies. On Tuesday, they dropped three more crucial chances.

The most fatal error came when a sweeping Nilakshika Silva top-edged Kerr to short fine leg while on just 1. Bree Illing grassed the regulation chance, a mistake that ultimately cost New Zealand the match.

Silva made them pay dearly. Her blistering 54 off 37 balls was only her second T20I fifty in 116 appearances. Walking out with Sri Lanka stuttering at 55 for 4 after a mini-collapse, Silva anchored a 50-run stand with Kavisha Dilhari before stitching an unbeaten 48-run partnership with Kaushini Nuthyangana to seal the chase.

"We scouted her and know she's a good player," Kerr admitted after the game, recalling Silva's previous exploits against them in Colombo. "That's the thing with cricket, you give people a chance, you give them two chances, yet you can't do that. Unfortunately we did."

Nuthyangana’s Gloves Do the Talking

While New Zealand fumbled, Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana put on a masterclass behind the stumps to keep the target within reach.

Nuthyangana set the tone on the third ball of the match, diving low to her right to remove Izzy Gaze. She later orchestrated a successful caught-behind review against Brooke Halliday, and completed a sensational 20-metre sprint to her left, narrowly avoiding a collision with an incoming fielder, to dismiss Izzy Sharp for a duck.

For New Zealand, regular contributions of 45 each from skipper Sophie Devine and Kerr had set up what looked like a competitive total of 150. However, the failure of their set batters to convert these starts into big scores left their bowlers with little margin for error on a true Southampton surface.

With two losses in their first two matches, the defending champions now face an uphill battle to reach the knockouts. They must win their remaining group fixtures against Ireland, Scotland, and England, while praying for other results to go their way.

"It's really disappointing to start a World Cup with two losses," Kerr remarked, trying to stay optimistic. "There's still a possibility... most important is to turn up for the next three games… there's nothing to lose now."

The Indian women's cricket team will aim to strengthen its position in Group 1 of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 when it faces the Netherlands at Headingley in Leeds on Wednesday. Coming off a convincing victory against Pakistan in their tournament opener, India enters the contest with confidence and an opportunity to move to the top of the group standings.

Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, India made a strong statement in their first match with an all-round performance. The victory not only boosted the team's net run rate but also reinforced India's status as one of the tournament favorites. A win against the Netherlands would place the Women in Blue in a commanding position as the race for the semi-finals begins to intensify.

For the Netherlands, the match represents another chance to make an impact on the global stage. Despite suffering a defeat against Bangladesh in their debut appearance at the Women's T20 World Cup, the Dutch side showed resilience and competitiveness that could trouble higher-ranked teams.

India Look to Build Momentum

India's batting lineup remains one of the strongest in the competition. Experienced opener Smriti Mandhana continues to be a key figure at the top of the order and is expected to play a crucial role in setting the platform.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh and middle-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues add depth and stability to the batting unit. The team's ability to accelerate during the latter stages of the innings remains one of its biggest strengths.

In the bowling department, Deepti Sharma arrives in excellent form after her impressive five-wicket haul against Pakistan. Her ability to control the middle overs while taking crucial wickets makes her one of India's most valuable players.

Dutch Team Seeking Upset

The Netherlands may enter the match as underdogs, but the side possesses several players capable of producing match-winning performances. Batter Sterre Kalis remains the backbone of the Dutch batting lineup and will carry much of the responsibility in the top order.

Captain Babette de Leede will also be expected to lead from the front as the Netherlands look to challenge a stronger Indian side. The team showed glimpses of promise in its opening game and will aim to convert those positives into a more complete performance.

With the ball, Iris Zwilling remains a key weapon. Her ability to bowl economically and take wickets could prove important if the Dutch side hopes to restrict India's powerful batting lineup.

Historic First Meeting

Wednesday's encounter will mark the first-ever Women's T20 International between India and the Netherlands. Although the two nations have faced each other three times in Women's One-Day Internationals, all those meetings came more than two decades ago, with India winning each contest.

The historic nature of the fixture adds another layer of interest as the teams prepare to write a new chapter in their international rivalry.

Conditions at Headingley

The Headingley surface is expected to offer assistance to fast bowlers during the early stages of the match, with swing and seam movement likely under cloudy conditions. As the game progresses, spinners could come into play as the pitch slows down.

Teams batting first have generally enjoyed success at the venue, making the toss an important factor. Captains may prefer to put runs on the board and apply scoreboard pressure.

Weather forecasts indicate mild temperatures ranging between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius. While some cloud cover is expected, only a slight chance of rain has been predicted.

Match Details

Match: India Women vs Netherlands Women

Tournament: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026

Date: June 17, 2026

Venue: Headingley, Leeds

Time: 7:00 PM IST

Live Telecast: Star Sports Network

Live Streaming: JioHotstar

With India targeting the top spot in Group 1 and the Netherlands chasing a landmark victory, cricket fans can expect an intriguing contest under the lights in Leeds.

India will look to seal the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan when the two teams meet in the second One-Day International at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday. Having secured a comfortable victory in the series opener, the hosts enter the contest with momentum on their side and the opportunity to take an unassailable 2-0 lead.

The match also presents a significant milestone for captain Shubman Gill, who is aiming to register his first ODI series win since taking over the leadership role. Gill led from the front in the opening game, producing an unbeaten 84-run knock that guided India to a convincing seven-wicket victory in Dharamshala.

India's young bowling attack also impressed, with debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey claiming three wickets each to restrict Afghanistan and underline the depth of talent available to the team management.

Gill's India Look to Continue Momentum

India's dominant performance in the first ODI has given the team management the flexibility to experiment with combinations. The captain recently indicated that opportunities could be provided to players waiting on the sidelines as the team continues to assess options ahead of future international assignments.

Players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Kuldeep Yadav could come into contention for selection as India seek to balance winning the series with building squad depth.

Gill remains the centerpiece of India's batting unit. Fresh from a successful IPL season and carrying excellent form into the series, the right-hander will once again be expected to anchor the innings.

The Indian bowling unit, despite the absence of senior stars, showed discipline and composure in the first match. Another strong showing could strengthen their claims for a more regular place in the national setup.

Afghanistan Seek Stronger Team Performance

Afghanistan enter the second ODI under pressure but not without positives. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz delivered one of the standout performances of the series opener, scoring a brilliant century and becoming the fastest Afghan batter to register an ODI hundred against India.

However, the visitors struggled to find support around him as wickets fell regularly at the other end. Afghanistan's batting lineup will need greater contributions from the middle order if they hope to challenge India in Lucknow.

The bowling department also has room for improvement. Spin spearhead Rashid Khan remains Afghanistan's biggest threat and will be crucial on a surface expected to assist slower bowlers.

With conditions likely to suit spin, Afghanistan will be hoping their experienced attack can put greater pressure on India's batting lineup and force the series into a decider.

Key Battles to Watch

One of the most anticipated contests will be between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and India's pace attack. Gurbaz looked in excellent touch in the opening match and will again be Afghanistan's primary source of runs at the top of the order.

Another intriguing battle involves Rashid Khan against India's experienced batters. The leg-spinner has often troubled top-order players around the world and could play a decisive role if the pitch offers turn.

India, meanwhile, will rely on their in-form captain and young bowling group to maintain control and close out the series.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow has traditionally offered assistance to spin bowlers, particularly as the match progresses. The average first-innings score at the venue remains relatively modest, suggesting that batting could become challenging if conditions slow down.

Teams winning the toss may consider batting first and putting scoreboard pressure on the opposition.

Weather conditions are expected to remain clear throughout the day, with no significant threat of rain. A full match is anticipated, providing ideal conditions for a crucial contest in the series.

Match Details

Match: India vs Afghanistan, 2nd ODI

Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

Date: June 17, 2026

Time: 1:30 PM IST (Toss: 1:00 PM IST)

Broadcast: Star Sports Network

Streaming: JioHotstar

With India aiming to wrap up the series and Afghanistan desperate to stay alive, an intense contest is expected in Lucknow as both teams battle for momentum and valuable international success.

The IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans has gone down as the most-watched match in the tournament's history, capping off what officials are calling a record-breaking season on the broadcast front as well as on the field. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Rajat Patidar, lifted the trophy after beating Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31, becoming only the third franchise after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to win back-to-back IPL titles.

RCB Wins Back-To-Back Crown

The final itself turned out to be fairly one-sided. Gujarat Titans, captained by Shubman Gill, batted first and were restricted to 155 for 8. RCB chased the target down comfortably inside 18 overs, with Virat Kohli, who has featured in every IPL season since the league's inception, hitting the winning six to seal the title for his side.

Record Viewership Numbers

According to a release issued by broadcaster JioStar, the final alone reached across 400 million, or 40 crore, screens, making it the most-watched single match in the competition's run so far. The season overall recorded a watch time of 870 billion minutes, translating to roughly 87,000 crore minutes, a figure JioStar described as a season-high benchmark for the tournament.

JioStar Reports Growth Numbers

The broadcaster's statement said the IPL 2026 season pushed overall reach past 1.2 billion, marking a 7 percent rise compared with the previous year. JioStar attributed part of the growth to new storylines and standout individual performances through the season that kept audiences engaged, noting separately that watch time touched 870 billion minutes across the competition.

CEO Hails Platform Integration

JioStar CEO Ishan Chatterjee, commenting on the numbers, said the broadcaster had worked through the season to build what it sees as a genuinely integrated sports platform, where fans were not just watching matches but engaging with content in more personalised ways. He said connected TV viewing and regional-language coverage had turned into significant drivers of growth this season, adding that the results reflected efforts across the platform and would not have been possible without every screen, every interaction, and every moment meaningful for viewers, alongside what he termed the BCCI's steady partnership through the season.

Sooryavanshi Sweeps Top Awards

On the individual honours front, teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had a standout season, sweeping nearly every major batting award on offer. The 15-year-old finished with 776 runs to claim the Orange Cap, becoming the youngest player to do so in IPL history. He was also named Most Valuable Player and Emerging Player of the Season, besides picking up awards for the most sixes, with a tournament-record 72, and the highest strike rate of the season.

Other Award Winners Named

Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan was recognised for hitting the most fours through the season, while his teammate Kagiso Rabada claimed the Purple Cap after finishing with 29 wickets, the highest tally among bowlers in IPL 2026. Together, the individual honours rounded off a season that organisers and the broadcaster both described as one of the most competitive editions of the tournament in recent years.

With RCB's second straight title and the IPL's viewership numbers setting fresh benchmarks, attention will now shift to whether the franchise can extend its dominance into the next edition, even as broadcasters look to build on this season's reach heading into IPL 2027.

Virat Kohli, currently away from international cricket after being ruled out of the Afghanistan ODI series, was spotted enjoying quality family time with wife Anushka Sharma and children in London on Tuesday.

A picture of the star cricketer holding his son Akaay in his arms went viral on social media, with fans flooding the internet with reactions. Another snap showed Kohli and Anushka at a park in London, marking a rare public appearance since the couple relocated to the UK last year.

The sighting comes amid ongoing speculation about Kohli's career trajectory. The 37-year-old has stepped away from T20 internationals after the 2024 World Cup and retired from Test cricket the following year, remaining active only in the ODI format for India.

 Brett Lee's high praise for Kohli

Former Australian pace legend Brett Lee has sparked fresh buzz with his assessment of Kohli's stature in world cricket. Speaking on the 'Silly Point' podcast, Lee was asked which current Australian player would have suited the 'Golden Era' Australian team.

"Kohli, I know he's getting towards the back end of his career as well, and I had the chance to play against him. Kohli in his heyday would've fitted into the Australian cricket team," Lee said.

The 48-year-old backed his statement, citing Kohli's aggression, fitness capacity, and work ethic. "Contrary to his on-field image, Kohli is a great guy off the field," Lee added, noting that this quality makes his personality synonymous with the Australian pride the team banks itself on.

Lee's comments have reignited discussions about Kohli's legacy, particularly given his 80 international centuries and reputation as one of the game's greatest modern-day batsmen.

 Why Kohli moved to London

Kohli and Anushka Sharma relocated to London in 2024, seeking to escape constant media attention and public scrutiny in India. The couple has been raising their children in what they describe as a more private, normal environment away from the relentless spotlight.

According to sources close to the family, they still visit India for professional commitments but prefer the peace and anonymity London offers. The decision was confirmed by Dr Sriram Nene and Kohli's childhood coach, citing the need for family privacy and a balanced life.

Kohli's absence from the Afghanistan series has given him an extended break. Meanwhile, fans are eagerly awaiting his return to competitive cricket. Speculation about his ODI future continues, though no official announcement has been made regarding his long-term plans.

Further details about Kohli's return to the Indian squad are awaited.

In a heartwarming moment that stood out amid heated on-field drama, India’s 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi touched the feet of Sri Lanka’s first ODI captain Anura Tennekoon shortly after India A’s Super Over defeat against Sri Lanka A.

The incident happened on Tuesday in Dambulla. Emotions were already running high after a fiery exchange between Sooryavanshi and Sri Lankan bowler Vishen Halambage. According to reports, Halambage taunted the young Indian with words like “Match over… now you go home,” prompting Sooryavanshi to react sharply and charge towards him. Teammates, including India A captain Tilak Varma, had to step in to separate the two. Varma was also seen arguing with the umpire.

The match ended in disappointment for India A, but the day took a respectful turn when Tennekoon, who had travelled all the way from Colombo, waited outside the India A dressing room for nearly an hour. When the young batter emerged, Sooryavanshi immediately bent down to touch the veteran’s feet — a traditional Indian gesture of respect. Tennekoon responded with a warm hug.

The conversation between the two was brief but meaningful. The legendary Sri Lankan cricketer advised the prodigy to focus only on his game and cut out the outside noise. “Today, unfortunately, you couldn’t get going. But that’s part of the game, you can’t get going every day,” Tennekoon told him, according to those present.

The gesture has earned praise across cricket circles, especially given Sooryavanshi’s age and the intense pressure he has been under. The 15-year-old has already made waves with over 700 runs in the IPL 2026 season, earning fans even in Sri Lanka.

Tennekoon himself expressed admiration for the youngster. “I was really impressed by his batting in the IPL. And hitting those sixes and fours the way he does is something unbelievable. I hope he continues in this way,” he said.

This is not the first time Sooryavanshi has received words of wisdom from a senior figure. Just days ago, Virat Kohli met the young opener and gave him similar advice — to stay focused on cricket and ignore distractions. A video of that interaction had gone viral after being shared by RCB.

Sooryavanshi’s recent scores for India A read 12, 44 and 21. While he couldn’t fire in Dambulla, his talent remains unquestionable. At just 15, he is already being talked about as a generational talent, but Tuesday’s events also highlighted the challenges of handling expectations and on-field aggression at such a young age.

The on-field clash has drawn attention to the competitive nature of these ‘A’ team matches, which are meant to prepare players for higher levels. Sri Lanka A managed to pull off a thrilling win in the Super Over, adding to the intensity of the contest.

For Anura Tennekoon, who captained Sri Lanka in their first-ever ODI in 1975, the gesture from Sooryavanshi was special. The veteran made the effort to personally meet and guide the young Indian, showing the spirit of cricket that often rises above rivalry.

Back home, Indian fans have reacted positively to the touching feet moment, with many calling it a fine example of sportsmanship and respect for elders. Social media is filled with clips of the interaction, balancing out the earlier videos of the confrontation.

Cricket experts believe such experiences, both the tough ones and the respectful ones, will help shape Sooryavanshi’s career. At 15, he is already carrying the weight of big expectations, but moments like Tuesday’s meeting with Tennekoon could provide the mental balance he needs.

The India A tour of Sri Lanka continues, and all eyes remain on how the young batter performs in the remaining games. For now, the image of the teenager touching the feet of Sri Lanka’s cricket pioneer has become the lasting memory from the day.

Further matches are expected to test both skill and temperament, but Sooryavanshi’s ability to show respect after a heated contest has won him admirers on both sides of the border.

India produced a clinical all-round display to beat Pakistan by 64 runs in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 opener in Birmingham on Sunday, with Smriti Mandhana's 68 and Deepti Sharma's five-wicket haul setting the tone for the campaign.

Mandhana's blistering knock at the top of the order gave India the platform, while Harmanpreet Kaur chipped in with 36 to take India to a competitive total. But it was Deepti Sharma who stole the show with the ball, returning figures of 5 wickets for just 10 runs in her four overs to be named Player of the Match.

Pre-match tension visible at the toss

The match began on a tense note even before the first ball was bowled. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana avoided shaking hands at the toss, continuing a trend that has now been seen in 11 consecutive cricket matches between the two nations across formats and age groups.

The no-handshake stance between India and Pakistan has been in place since last year, following the military tension between the two countries during Operation Sindoor. Harmanpreet, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, walked over to match referee Mel Jones for a brief chat and walked away without any interaction with her Pakistani counterpart.

Fielding moments grab attention

The contest also threw up some sharp fielding efforts from both sides. In the fourth over of India's innings, Pakistan's Natalia Pervaiz took a juggling catch to dismiss Jemimah Rodrigues off a top-edged slog, and celebrated by hurling the ball to the ground in visible frustration.

India hit back on the field during Pakistan's chase. In the 11th over, Deepti Sharma fired in a bullet throw from the field to catch Muneeba Ali short of her crease, as Pakistan's batters attempted a quick single. Later, in the 15th over, Shreyanka Patil produced a brilliant diving catch at backward point to send back Rameen Shamim, who had gone for a big shot over the covers.

Deepti scripts record-breaking outing

Beyond the result, Deepti Sharma's performance carried significant historical weight. With her five-wicket haul against Pakistan, she became the highest wicket-taker in Women's T20 International history, going past Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong's tally of 165 wickets. Deepti now has 166 wickets to her name in the format.

The off-spinner is also closing in on another milestone. Jhulan Goswami currently holds the record for most wickets across Women's International Cricket with 355 scalps. Deepti's latest haul has taken her tally to 351 wickets, putting her within touching distance of the legendary pacer's record.

Harmanpreet rewrites World Cup run tally

Harmanpreet Kaur also added to India's list of milestones during the innings. Her 36-run knock against Pakistan helped her overtake former India captain Mithali Raj's tally of 726 runs to become the highest run-scorer for India in the history of the Women's T20 World Cup. Harmanpreet now has 762 runs in the tournament.

India extend dominance over Pakistan

The win also extended India's dominant head-to-head record against Pakistan in the Women's T20 World Cup. This was India's seventh victory over Pakistan in the tournament's history, making it jointly the second-highest number of wins by any team against a single opponent in the competition. Australia tops that list, having beaten South Africa eight times in the Women's T20 World Cup.

With this win, India have made a statement start to their Women's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, and attention will now turn to their next fixture as they look to build momentum in the group stage.

Sri Lanka A drew first blood in the must-win clash, removing both Indian openers cheaply as India A reached 85/2 in the 15th over of the fourth match of the ongoing one-day tri-series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Monday.

The 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fell for 21 off just 13 balls, while Prabhsimran Singh managed only 11 before Sri Lanka A’s pacers and fielders struck early. Captain Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad then steadied the innings with a growing partnership as India A looked to rebuild.

Early Promise Fades Quickly

The Indian openers began aggressively. Sooryavanshi, who has been in sublime touch this season after a stellar IPL 2026 campaign, slammed two fours and a six in the second over, racing India A to 17/0. However, the momentum shifted in the fourth over when Sahan Arachchige’s captaincy and a sharp catch by Wanuja Sahan sent the young batter back to the pavilion at 30/1.

Prabhsimran Singh tried to keep the scoring rate up, smashing a boundary soon after, but Mohamed Shiraz claimed his wicket in the seventh over, leaving India A at 39/2. The early breakthroughs handed Sri Lanka A the upper hand in the powerplay.

Middle-Order Stabilises

By the 10th over, India A were 57/2. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma then took control, mixing caution with calculated aggression. Gaikwad found the boundary ropes regularly, and the pair crossed the 50-run partnership mark as the scoreboard ticked past 85 by the 15th over, just before the drinks break.

A dropped catch of Gaikwad earlier offered India A some breathing space, exposing occasional sloppiness in the Sri Lankan fielding.

Team Changes and Context

India A made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in Yash Thakur in place of Anshul Kamboj and including Nishant Sindhu. Tilak Varma had earlier indicated that a total around 300 would be defendable on this surface.

The pitch at Rangiri Dambulla has offered assistance to bowlers, with batting expected to become tougher as the innings progresses. Spinners could play a bigger role in the middle overs. Weather concerns lingered too, with a 55% chance of rain, following previous matches decided by the DLS method.

Series Situation

All three teams—India A, Sri Lanka A, and Afghanistan A—are level on two points each after one win and one loss apiece. Sri Lanka A top the table on net run rate, followed by India A. A strong performance today is crucial for India A to stay in contention for the final scheduled on June 21.

Sooryavanshi’s lean patch in this series continues, with this being his third consecutive match without a half-century despite his explosive reputation. Gaikwad, on the other hand, has been the standout for India A, amassing 167 runs including a century. Arshad Khan leads the bowling charts for the side with three wickets.

Sri Lanka A will look to capitalise on their strong start, led by performers like Avishka Fernando with the bat and Chamika Gunasekara with the ball.

As the match progresses into the middle overs, all eyes will be on whether Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad can push India A towards a competitive total or if Sri Lanka A’s bowlers can continue to chip away at the batting order on a tricky Dambulla surface.