Team India has stepped up its preparations for the opening Test against Sri Lanka by recreating Galle-like conditions during practice in Colombo. Ahead of the first Test, starting on August 15 in Galle, head coach Gautam Gambhir ensured the batters trained on a specially prepared cracked pitch designed to simulate Sri Lanka's challenging spin-friendly conditions.

According to media reports, the Indian team arrived in Sri Lanka 11 days before the first Test and has already completed two intensive three-hour training sessions at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) in Colombo. The team will also play a three-day warm-up match against the SLC XI starting Friday to further adapt to local conditions.

Gambhir Confident of India's Preparation

Speaking during the training session, Gambhir expressed confidence in the team's readiness.

"Whether we bat first or bowl first on the morning of August 15, we will have answers to every challenge that comes our way," he said.

Special Practice Pitch Replicates Galle Conditions

To prepare the batters for the sharp turn and uneven bounce expected in Galle, Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak supervised the creation of a special 22-yard uncurated practice wicket at the NCC ground.

The surface was deliberately left with cracks, loose soil, and patches of grass to mimic the conditions typically seen during the fourth and fifth days of a Test match in Galle.

Local School Spinners Join the Practice

Initially, India's net bowlers bowled to the batters before local schoolchildren and young spinners were invited to bowl on the challenging surface.

The unpredictable wicket produced deliveries that either turned sharply or stayed unusually low, allowing India's top-order batters to spend extended periods practicing against difficult spin conditions.

Gill Recovers; Rahul and Padikkal Train Against Spin

Captain Shubman Gill, who injured his thumb during Wednesday's practice session, returned fully fit on Thursday and batted comfortably in the nets.

KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal also underwent lengthy batting sessions against India's frontline spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.

Crucial Series in World Test Championship Race

The two-Test series is significant for India's campaign in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Strong performances against Sri Lanka will be vital to keeping India's hopes of reaching the WTC Final alive.

India drew the Test series 2-2 in England earlier this year but suffered a 0-2 defeat in South Africa, making this series even more important.

Bumrah, Washington Sundar Unavailable

India will be without Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar for the opening Test due to fitness concerns. Meanwhile, Sai Sudharsan is still awaiting clearance from the Centre of Excellence (CoE).

To assist the batters during practice, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Vipraj Nigam, and Shivang Kumar have joined the squad as net bowlers.

Players Prepared Individually Before Departure

Several players completed individual training before leaving for Sri Lanka.

• KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal trained at indoor facilities in Mumbai.

• Shubman Gill practiced with the red ball in Chandigarh.

• Rishabh Pant focused on batting and fitness in Ranchi.

Tight Security During Practice

Security remained extremely strict throughout India's training sessions at the NCC ground in Colombo. Media personnel were allowed entry only after thorough security checks, while armed security personnel guarded the venue.

India's Dominance Over Sri Lanka

India has dominated the rivalry in recent years. Of the 17 Test series played between the two nations, India has won 10, Sri Lanka has won 3, while 4 have ended in draws.

Sri Lanka has not beaten India in a Test series since 2008, meaning they have gone nearly 18 years without a series victory against their neighbours.

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.

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.

Kuldeep Yadav Visits Banke Bihari Temple with Wife Vanshika

Star Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav offers prayers at Vrindavan's Banke Bihari Temple with wife Vanshika in first visit after marriage.

Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav made a quiet visit to the revered Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan along with his wife Vanshika on Tuesday evening. The couple reached the temple around 7:30 PM and spent about 25 minutes offering prayers, marking their first joint trip to the holy town after tying the knot earlier this month.

The duo arrived discreetly, with no prior public announcement, ensuring minimal attention. Temple authorities maintained tight security as the players sought blessings from Lord Krishna. Photos and videos of the visit surfaced on Wednesday morning, quickly going viral on social media and drawing warm reactions from fans across India.

Low-Key Arrival in Vrindavan

Kuldeep and Vanshika entered the temple premises without fanfare. They applied perfume on the threshold as part of the traditional rituals and offered '56 bhog' to the deity. The couple stood with folded hands near the sanctum sanctorum, receiving the Lord's blessed garland from the sevayats.

Temple priest Shailendra Goswami confirmed that Kuldeep's family had informed the management in advance and specifically requested confidentiality to avoid any crowd. "Nitin Sanwariya and I performed the worship. We presented them with the prasad and a wall hanging for Kuldeep, while Vanshika received a flute adorned with peacock feathers," Goswami said.

Couple Stays for Short Prayer Session

During their brief stay, temple guards stood beside the couple to ensure smooth darshan. After the puja, Kuldeep and Vanshika spent around an hour in Vrindavan before heading back to Delhi. The visit comes just days after their wedding on March 14 in Mussoorie, where the star spinner married his longtime partner Vanshika in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends.

Background of Kuldeep's Spiritual Side

Kuldeep Yadav, known for his sharp left-arm wrist spin, has often turned to faith during key phases of his career. Born on December 14, 1994, in a village in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh, he grew up in Kanpur. His father, Ram Singh Yadav, a brick kiln owner, played a pivotal role in shaping his cricket journey despite modest beginnings. Kuldeep's mother, Usha Yadav, is a homemaker, and he has three elder sisters.

The 31-year-old off-spinner once revealed in interviews that he initially showed little interest in cricket but pursued it seriously due to his father's encouragement. From playing tennis-ball cricket with friends to representing India, Kuldeep's rise highlights perseverance and family support.

Presence of Teammate Rinku Singh

Cricketer Rinku Singh was also spotted with the couple during the temple visit, adding a friendly touch to the spiritual outing. Fans shared warm messages, praising the couple for starting their married life with blessings from Banke Bihari.

Impact on Fans and Cricket Community

The images of Kuldeep and Vanshika offering prayers have resonated deeply with cricket enthusiasts and devotees alike. Many viewed the low-key visit as a reflection of the spinner's grounded personality amid his growing stature in international cricket.

In the lead-up to the upcoming IPL season, such moments of personal peace often help players recharge mentally. The couple's temple visit has sparked positive conversations on social media, blending sports and spirituality in true Indian tradition.

What Lies Ahead for the Couple

With the domestic cricket season and international commitments on the horizon, Kuldeep is expected to focus on his game while balancing his new family life. Fans eagerly await his performances, hoping the divine blessings from Vrindavan bring continued success on the field.

This first post-marriage visit to Mathura has added a heartfelt chapter to Kuldeep Yadav's personal story, reminding many that even star athletes find strength in faith and family roots.

Indian cricket spinner Kuldeep Yadav and his childhood sweetheart Vanshika Chadha are celebrating their big day in style. The couple, who tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Mussoorie on March 14, is now hosting a grand reception in Lucknow. Over 900 VVIP guests from cricket, politics, business and entertainment are expected at the star-studded event kicking off at 7 PM.

The venue is buzzing with excitement as top cricketers have already arrived. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja and Shikhar Dhawan with his wife Sophie Shine stepped into The Centrum hotel this afternoon. Fresh updates confirm Rishabh Pant is also in Lucknow and will join the celebrations shortly. Kuldeep’s family, including his father, was spotted making last-minute checks at the venue.

Royal Theme & Luxury at The Centrum Hotel

The reception is being held at The Centrum, Lucknow’s premier five-star urban resort in Sushant Golf City. Spread over six acres, the hotel’s iconic Laburnum Lawn is the main venue, capable of hosting 2,500 guests comfortably. A royal theme with stunning floral décor, elegant lighting and custom stage setup has been created at a cost of around ₹7 lakh.

Four chartered aircraft have ferried high-profile guests, including BCCI and ICC officials, Delhi Capitals teammates and senior politicians like the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. Executive suites at ₹30,000 per night and the exclusive Centrum Villa at ₹45,000 are reserved for VVIPs, while family members enjoy deluxe rooms at ₹16,000.

Hotel owner Sarvesh Goel shared the excitement: “We are very proud to host Kuldeep Yadav’s wedding reception. This is a prestigious occasion for us.”

Lavish Menu & Live Cooking Stations

Guests are in for a treat with the hotel’s premium Platinum Mix Dinner package. Each plate costs approximately ₹5,000 plus taxes, featuring 52 exquisite dishes including 8 welcome drinks, 2 live cooking stations, vegetarian biryani options and 3 premium ice creams. Himalaya and Vedika bottled water will be served in a grand buffet setup.

The entire venue booking for the day has crossed ₹26 lakh, pushing the total estimated expenditure—including rooms, décor and hospitality—beyond ₹33 lakh.

Lucknow’s Rise as a Celebrity Wedding Destination

This high-profile event is another milestone for Lucknow, which is fast emerging as a preferred wedding spot. Improved airport connectivity, expressways and the perfect mix of Nawabi culture with modern luxury are drawing big celebrations away from traditional hubs like Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur. The Centrum itself has hosted Kuldeep’s engagement earlier and many other celebrity and political events.

Earlier live moments from the day included heartwarming videos of Kuldeep, Yuzvendra Chahal, Tilak Varma and fielding coach T Dilip dancing at the wedding, and Bageshwar Dham’s Dhirendra Shastri attending the Mussoorie ceremony.

As the sun sets in Lucknow, the party is just getting started. The Kuldeep Yadav wedding reception promises to be one of the most talked-about cricket celebrations of 2026, blending star power, royal hospitality and pure joy.

Kuldeep Yadav, India's T20 World Cup-winning spinner, is set to begin a new chapter with his childhood sweetheart Vanshika. The Kuldeep Yadav wedding in Mussoorie on March 14 has cricket fans and Kanpur locals buzzing, especially after his father personally invited UP CM Yogi Adityanath.

Engagement Roots in Kanpur

Hailing from Kanpur, Kuldeep and Vanshika grew up just 3 km apart—him in Lal Bungalow, her in Shyam Nagar. Their bond started as childhood friendship and blossomed into love. Vanshika, now an LIC employee, fits Kuldeep's 2024 vision of a partner who prioritizes family over glamour. They got engaged on June 4, 2025, in Lucknow, with guests like cricketer Rinku Singh and SP MP Priya Saroj. Early plans for November 2025 shifted due to India's packed schedule and World Cup prep—now, post-victory, it's celebration time.

Ceremony Details: Mussoorie Magic to Lucknow Grandeur

Wedding festivities kick off March 13 with haldi and mehendi at a lavish Mussoorie resort. The pheras follow on March 14 amid Uttarakhand's scenic hills. Coach Kapil Dev Pandey confirmed the intimate yet starry vibe.

Post-wedding, a mega Lucknow reception hits Hotel Centrum on March 17. Expect Indian teammates, international cricketers, Bollywood stars, and UP politicians. Kuldeep's father, Ram Singh Yadav—a former brick kiln owner from Unnao—handed the invite to CM Yogi on Monday, highlighting the family's pride.

• Key dates: Haldi/Mehendi (March 13), Mussoorie wedding (March 14), Lucknow reception (March 17).
  
  

• Guest highlights: T20 heroes, celebs, political figures.
  
  

• Personal touch: Vanshika's Kanpur roots and LIC job add a grounded feel.
  
  

From Reluctant Boy to Cricket Royalty

Born December 14, 1994, Kuldeep credits his father for pushing him into cricket despite his initial disinterest. A top student who preferred tennis ball games, he transformed into a wrist-spin wizard through grit. Today, the Unnao village lad owns luxury cars and a plush Kanpur home—his Kuldeep Yadav wedding marks the ultimate personal milestone after T20 glory.

This Kuldeep Yadav wedding matters now amid IPL hype and India's cricket dominance. It inspires fans: success on the field pairs perfectly with roots and love. As Kuldeep starts this "new innings," stay tuned for exclusive updates.