In a significant development for Indian cricket, Rishabh Pant has stated that he is completely fit and 'ready to go' in time for the Test series against South Africa in mid-November. Pant, who was out of action for a few months due to a serious fracture to his foot he sustained in July during the Test series between England and India, made the announcement in an interview with the BCCI at the Centre of Excellence (CoE).

Currently leading the India A team in the unofficial Test series against South Africa A, Pant opened up about his rehabilitation journey from the painful yorker injury he suffered in Manchester. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the CoE staff who supported him throughout his recovery.

“I started my rehab gradually. In the early days, there was a lot of physiotherapy and careful monitoring. Once I regained some mobility, I began focusing on building strength, which marked the start of the second phase. Right now, I’m happy to say that I’m fully recovered, and I owe a big thanks to the CoE staff for helping me through it,” Pant said.

Pant Shares Positivity and Focus During Recovery

Known for his resilience after surviving a life-threatening car accident in 2022, Pant shared how staying positive played a big role in his recovery journey. “Being positive is really a mindset thing. During an injury, it’s easy to lose motivation. Your energy levels drop and frustration builds up. But if you can find small things that make you feel good, it’s important to hold onto them, especially when you’re going through that period,” he explained.

See Also: WATCH: Team India cricketers jam with Diljit Dosanjh amid AUS vs IND T20Is

Pant’s return to the field, however, didn’t start with fireworks. In the first innings of the unofficial Test, he scored 17 runs off 20 balls before being dismissed by South African pacer Okuhle Cele. Still, his comeback is a massive boost for India’s Test side, which drew the England series 2-2 under Shubman Gill’s captaincy. With Pant’s experience and presence behind the stumps, India will have greater balance ahead of the two-match home series against South Africa, starting November 14 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The final squad announcement is expected soon.

Former India cricketer Sadagoppan Ramesh has strongly criticized the team management for frequently changing the batting order during the second T20I against Australia. In the match, India captain Suryakumar Yadav demoted himself to No. 4, allowing Sanju Samson to bat at No. 3, while Harshit Rana was sent ahead of Shivam Dube. As a result, Tilak Varma was pushed down to No. 5. India were bowled out for just 125 runs, and Australia comfortably chased down the target to win by four wickets.

Ramesh expressed his displeasure about the constant positional changes creating unnecessary disorder for the batters. “India needs to stop playing musical chairs with their batting order. They would have had a great chance of winning if they had scored 160 to 170. Didn’t Suryakumar Yadav play well at No. 3 in the last match? He was not out as well. Then why send Sanju Samson at No. 3?” Ramesh said on Instagram.

The former opener added that the inconsistent roles were affecting players’ clarity and performance. “He went from opening to No. 5 and now from 5 to 3. Because of this, everyone is looking at each other in confusion on who might go in to bat next. Tilak Varma won India the Asia Cup final at No. 4 and you moved him to No. 5,” he pointed out.

Ramesh Questions Role Clarity and Team Strategy

Ramesh also questioned the move to promote Harshit Rana ahead of Dube and urged the management to focus on each player’s primary strength. Dube came out to bat at No. 8 with only five overs remaining, and Ramesh said the team needs to ensure players perform their main role effectively. “Someone who cooks well can't be made a driver and a good driver can't become the cook. Likewise, the management should focus on each player's strength and main role in the team and aim to get the best out of them in that role. If they do something extra, that’s well and good,” he explained.

See Also: BCCI issues massive injury update on Shreyas Iyer ahead of IND vs SA ODI series

He further warned that the confusion between primary and secondary roles could hurt team balance. “But their secondary skill should not become the primary role and I fear that’s happening in this Indian team. A bowler who can bat needs to deliver with the ball first and likewise a batter who can bowl must deliver with the bat first. The management needs to be clear on this. That’s where India are slipping right now,” Ramesh concluded.

Cricket fans won’t have to wait long to witness another India-Pakistan clash. The two sides are set to face each other on November 7 at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong, reigniting one of the sport’s most intense rivalries.

This upcoming encounter is part of the Hong Kong Sixes, a fast-paced six-a-side tournament that brings together top talent in a condensed, action-packed format. Both teams have been drawn into the same group, setting the stage for a high-voltage showdown.

The mini-tournament has always been a fan favorite, known for its thrilling overs, quick scoring, and entertaining cricketing moments. With India and Pakistan squaring off once again, expectations are high for a match filled with energy, competitive spirit, and plenty of fireworks on the field.

See Also: [WATCH] Hardik Pandya and Mahieka Sharma officially celebrate Diwali together, social media goes wild

India-Pakistan to Face off Again:

The three-day tournament, scheduled from November 7 to 9, will feature 12 international teams, including South Africa, Afghanistan, Nepal, Australia, England, UAE, Pakistan, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and host Hong Kong. The squads have been divided into four groups, promising thrilling encounters and high-octane cricket as the teams compete in this unique and entertaining format.

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has been appointed as India’s captain for the upcoming Hong Kong Sixes. He will be joined by his former teammate R. Ashwin, who had already confirmed his participation in the fast-paced six-a-side event. Abbas Afridi has been named captain of Pakistan for the upcoming Hong Kong Sixes tournament, leading his team in the fast-paced event.

Dinesh Karthik said, “It is an absolute honour to lead Team India at the Hong Kong Sixes, a tournament with such rich history and global recognition. I look forward to leading a group of players who have such incredible records to their credit, and together we will aim to bring joy to the fans and play cricket that is both fearless and entertaining.”

Chairperson of Cricket Hong Kong Burji Shroff said, “We are thrilled to welcome Dinesh as the captain of Team India for the Hong Kong Sixes 2025. His leadership and wealth of experience will add immense value to the competition, and we are confident that his presence will attract fans from across the globe to witness this spectacular cricketing festival.”

The Indian cricket team celebrated Diwali 2025 on the road, arriving in Adelaide for the second One Day International (ODI) in the current India vs Australia series. Upon arrival, a festive moment occurred as hundreds of fans came to the airport to greet their cricketing heroes. The terminal was bustling with cheers of “Rohit! Rohit!” and “Kohli! Kohli!”, which only added to the excitement and special feel, especially with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli there. Fans waved the flag, took pictures, and celebrated the Diwali festival of lights along with their stars.

The team, which is currently being captained by stand-in captain Shubman Gill, is hoping to bounce back well after a losing this game heavily in the first ODI at Perth Stadium on October 19. Despite that loss, the mood among the supporters in Adelaide was cheerful and full of hope. Rohit and Kohli, came back to international cricket for the opening game, took some time to reach their fans. Both players smiled, waved and took pictures while acknowledging the love and energy of the crowd. For the Indian fans living abroad, this was a Diwali- celebrated light, color and cricket idol to share with.

The scenes at the Adelaide Airport showed how strong the connection is between the Indian players and their global fan base. The celebrations created an atmosphere similar to a home game, even though the team was far away from Indian soil. It came at a crucial time for the Men in Blue, who are determined to level the series after their tough start in Perth. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s return to the ODI lineup was one of the most talked-about moments before the series began. However, both batters failed to make a big impact in the first match, falling early to the pace attack of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, which left India’s middle order under pressure.

Diwali Cheer Lights Up Team India’s Spirits

As the team was preparing for their next match, the warm welcome in Adelaide acted as a big morale boost. The players were smiling and relaxed, embracing the slightly festive spirit around them, and the fans’ Diwali celebration reminded everyone that the love for Indian cricket knows no borders. Even when away from home, the players could feel the festival spirit within their supporters.

Watch the video here

The love for Ro-Ko! 🥹

Fans shower #RohitSharma & #ViratKohli with songs & praises as they gear up for the 2nd ODI vs Australia! 🙌🏻#AUSvIND, 2nd ODI 👉 Thu, 23rd Oct, 8 AM! pic.twitter.com/kry928PTsA

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 20, 2025

See Also: 'Pyar Aur Roshni Se Bhari Ye Diwali' – Shikhar Dhawan and girlfriend Sophie Shine celebrate diwali together

Gearing up for the second ODI on October 23, India will hope to make a tougher contest of it under the captaincy of Shubman Gill. For Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the game presents another opportunity to make a big play and bring happiness to millions of fans across the globe celebrating Diwali. This special festive occasion in Adelaide really demonstrated that even when playing abroad, Team India takes the light and joy of home with them.

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the use of the name “Team India” for the cricket team run by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The PIL argued that since the BCCI is a private organisation, it has no right to call its team the “Indian National Cricket Team” or use national symbols like the flag. The petition, filed by lawyer Reepak Kansal, claimed that when public broadcasters such as Doordarshan and All India Radio project the BCCI team as representing India, it misleads the public into thinking the team has official government recognition.

The plea also highlighted that the BCCI is registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975, and is not recognised as a statutory body or government authority. Also, it is not registered as a National Sports Federation eligible for government funding. Despite these claims, the Bench, led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, strongly rejected the PIL, calling it a “sheer wastage of time.”

The judges questioned the foundation of the plea, asking, “Are you saying that the team does not represent India?” The PIL had cited concerns under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, and the Flag Code of India, 2002, claiming that using the national flag and name for a private entity could harm the sanctity of national symbols and grant undeserved commercial legitimacy to the BCCI.

High Court Rejects PIL, Confirms BCCI’s Rights

The petition also argued that this practice allows a private association to profit in the name of the country. However, the High Court did not share the apprehensions. It asked the lawyer to improve the PIL in the future and completely dismissed the matter and effectively allowed the BCCI to use the name "Team India" for its cricket team.

See Also: List of Indian players who have previously played in Lanka Premier League (LPL)

This ruling once again confirms the BCCI’s unique status in Indian sports. Despite being a private organisation, it manages the country’s most popular sport while being widely recognised as the national cricket team by fans, media, and broadcasters. The order of the court reaffirms that the team can continue to be called "Team India" without legal restrictions.

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir is set to host a special dinner at his residence in New Delhi on Wednesday. The gathering will include Shubman Gill and the entire Indian Test squad.

The event comes just before the second and final Test against the West Indies, scheduled to begin on October 10 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. It will serve as an opportunity for the players and staff to relax and bond ahead of the crucial encounter.

Such team dinners are part of Gambhir’s efforts to foster unity and camaraderie within the squad. With India leading the series, the players will look to carry forward their momentum in familiar home conditions under the leadership of Shubman Gill.

See Also: Rohit Sharma vs Virat Kohli: Comparing Their ODI Captaincy Records

Gautam Gambhir to host Special Dinner for Team India:

As per ANI, the dinner is designed as an informal team bonding session, set to take place in Gautam Gambhir’s garden area. The event is planned as an open-air gathering, offering players a relaxed atmosphere. However, its continuation depends on the weather, as rainfall in Delhi could lead to the dinner being called off.

This will be among Gautam Gambhir’s first gestures of its kind since becoming India’s head coach last year. While renowned for his intense and disciplined on-field attitude, Gambhir also aims to strengthen unity and bonding off the field, particularly with a youthful squad currently adapting to new roles and responsibilities within the team setup.

India Shine with Commanding Ahmedabad Victory:

India head into the Delhi Test full of confidence after securing a commanding innings and 140-run victory over the West Indies in the opening match at Ahmedabad. The win gave India a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series, setting the tone for another strong performance.

India delivered a dominant all-round display in the opening Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium. West Indies, batting first, were dismissed for just 162 runs as pacers Mohammed Siraj (4/40) and Jasprit Bumrah (3/42) showcased exceptional bowling to put the hosts firmly in control early on.

India responded strongly with the bat, declaring their innings at 448/5. Centuries from KL Rahul (100), Dhruv Jurel (125), and vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja (104*) powered the hosts to a commanding position. Jadeja’s all-round brilliance, which included eight wickets across both innings, earned him the Player of the Match award.

West Indies struggled once again in their second innings, folding for just 146 runs. Their batting collapse sealed a dominant victory for India, who wrapped up the match within four days, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series with complete authority.

India’s Next Test Destination: Delhi:

The second Test at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, once Gautam Gambhir’s home turf, holds great importance for both sides. India will be eager to secure a series whitewash and strengthen their standing in the World Test Championship, while West Indies will fight to bounce back and avoid a clean sweep.

India are placed third in the World Test Championship standings, having registered three victories, one draw, and two defeats so far. Their consistent performances across recent series have kept them firmly in contention for a spot in the final, making every upcoming match crucial to strengthen their position in the table.

The pre-match dinner is set to boost team morale, giving players a chance to unwind before the final Test. With experienced stars like Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and young talents such as Dhruv Jurel, India appears well-prepared to continue their dominant form in the series.

Even Rohit Sharma might not have expected to be replaced as India’s ODI captain, yet when the official announcement came on Saturday, the reality quickly sank in. The decision marked not just the end of his captaincy, but a significant turning point in Indian cricket leadership.

Rohit has long been regarded as a players’ captain, admired for his calm yet commanding presence on the field. His record speaks volumes: in 56 ODIs as captain, India won 42 matches and lost just 12, giving him the highest win percentage among Indian leaders with more than ten games at the helm.

Under Rohit’s leadership, India nearly claimed the 2023 home World Cup before falling to Australia in the final. In his last assignment, he guided India to a Champions Trophy victory in Dubai, earning the Player of the Final award for a stellar 76 against New Zealand.

See Also: India’s new ODI skipper: Shubman Gill's key milestones and records in this format

Rohit Sharma’s Comeback in the Team but as Player not Captain:

Once India’s dominant ODI leader, Rohit Sharma will now take a step back and play a supporting role as the team heads to Australia later this month for a three-match series. While the promotion of Test captain Shubman Gill to ODI skipper was anticipated, the speed of this transition surprised many.

With the next 50-over World Cup two years away, selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar explained that ODIs are the format played least frequently. Installing a new captain early gives Gill valuable time to adapt, gain experience, and develop his leadership, ultimately benefiting both him and the team in the long run.

Agarkar emphasized that having three different captains across formats was not sustainable, with Suryakumar Yadav already leading the T20 team. Appointing Shubman Gill as ODI captain aligns with his proven track record and gradual grooming for leadership. 

Since becoming Rohit Sharma’s deputy during the Sri Lanka tour last year, Gill has shown he can manage both captaincy and batting duties effectively, highlighted by 754 runs in five Tests in England and an ODI double-century to his name.

At 26, Gill is young enough to handle multiple responsibilities without being mentally burdened by format changes or tight schedules. As T20I vice-captain as well, his elevation to ODI skipper reinforces his status as India’s all-format leader-in-waiting and reflects the selectors’ confidence in his abilities.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Face New Challenges Ahead:

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli now find themselves in a delicate phase of their careers, focusing on just one international format each. At 38 and soon-to-be 37 respectively, both legends have devoted nearly two decades to Indian cricket. However, with 50-over internationals becoming increasingly rare, they face the dual challenge of maintaining peak physical fitness and form while sustaining the mental sharpness that has defined their illustrious careers.

While India has seen players specialize in a single format before, rarely has that format been limited to ODIs alone. Despite their achievements, Rohit and Virat must continuously prove their worth, as emerging talents provide fresh competition. Their experience and skill remain invaluable, but longevity now depends on consistent performance and resilience.

Virat Kohli played a key role in revitalizing India’s Test cricket, particularly in challenging overseas conditions. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma reshaped the team’s mindset in limited-overs cricket, promoting a fearless, aggressive style from the very start of the innings. By leading through example, Rohit ensured that his teammates followed his approach, taking calculated risks while maintaining consistency.

Under his captaincy, India not only won matches but did so with style and panache, captivating fans with their entertaining brand of cricket. Achieving sustained success while adhering to an attacking philosophy, Rohit demonstrated that bold, risk-taking cricket can coexist with results. This fearless leadership and the flair his teams displayed remain defining highlights of his tenure as India’s limited-overs captain.

Many fans feel Rohit Sharma’s removal as ODI captain was premature, especially after guiding India to a global title, and their sentiment is understandable. However, once the selectors and coach Gautam Gambhir decided to back Shubman Gill as the future leader, the decision was final.

Without the security of captaincy, Rohit now faces a new phase in his career, taking on the dual role of senior player and mentor to the very player who succeeded him. This swift shift in responsibilities marks a dramatic role reversal, testing Rohit’s adaptability, leadership off the field, and ability to guide the next generation.

Shubman Gill is all set to lead India as the new ODI captain for the upcoming series against Australia, beginning on October 19. His appointment marks a significant shift in India’s leadership setup and signals the start of a new chapter in white-ball cricket.

Over the past few years, Gill has earned his place among India’s most promising talents, combining consistency, technique, and maturity beyond his age. His performances have made him a dependable figure at the top of the order.

As India transitions into a fresh era under his guidance, expectations are high. The young right-hander now carries the responsibility of continuing India’s winning legacy while shaping the next phase of the team’s ODI journey.

See Also: Why did BCCI end Rohit Sharma’s tenure as India’s ODI captain?

Shubman Gill’s ODI Journey and Achievements so far:

Shubman Gill made his ODI debut against New Zealand in 2019 during the fourth match at Hamilton, where he scored 9 runs while batting at No. 3. Since that modest beginning, he has evolved into one of India’s most consistent performers, scoring 2,775 runs in 55 matches at an impressive average of 59.04, with 8 centuries and 15 fifties.

Gill’s performances on home soil have been exceptional. In 26 ODIs played in India, he has accumulated 1,495 runs at an average of 62.29, including 5 centuries and 8 half-centuries, showcasing his dominance in familiar conditions. However, in Australia, he has featured in just one ODI, scoring 33 runs. As he prepares to captain India there, it presents a fresh challenge in his growing career.

• Key Achievements of Shubman Gill in ODIs:

Taking over from the iconic Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill assumes ODI captaincy at a pivotal moment as India looks to maintain its stronghold in 50-over cricket. His impressive home record, combined with emerging overseas experience, equips him to lead a young Indian team confidently during the upcoming Australia tour.

Team India’s squad for the upcoming series against Australia has officially been revealed, and while the change was expected, the timing caught everyone off guard. The announcement marked a significant shift in Indian cricket’s leadership structure.

The selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, made a bold decision to end Rohit Sharma’s reign as ODI captain. Despite guiding India to a Champions Trophy win just eight months ago, the 38-year-old veteran was relieved of his duties. The move signals a new direction focused on building for the future.

Shubman Gill, who had already stepped into the role of Test captain after Rohit’s retirement from the longer format, now inherits the ODI captaincy as well. At 26, Gill represents the next generation of Indian cricket—youthful, composed, and ambitious—ready to lead India into a new era with fresh energy and vision.

See Also: Updated WTC points table after IND vs WI first Test

Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy Journey Ends, Shubman Gill Takes Charge:

The BCCI has long preferred having a single captain across all formats to maintain consistency and direction within the team. This philosophy has again shaped their latest decision. Shubman Gill’s rapid rise in Indian cricket made him the natural choice to lead. His calm temperament, coupled with his strong performances, has positioned him as the face of India’s next generation.

With coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar at the helm, the management’s decision reflects a forward-looking approach. Their focus now shifts toward building a cohesive unit for the 2027 ODI World Cup, scheduled in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

The call was jointly made by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. During a press conference in Ahmedabad, Agarkar confirmed that Rohit Sharma had been informed about the committee’s decision before the public announcement.

When questioned about the future of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Agarkar chose not to disclose any details. He maintained a diplomatic stance, neither confirming nor denying their participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup, keeping fans and media guessing about what lies ahead for India’s two modern-day greats.

Agarkar explained that having separate captains for each format is unrealistic in the long run. Therefore, the committee decided to appoint Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain to ensure stability, continuity, and a unified approach across formats under one consistent leadership.

He said, “ That's the format they (Virat and Rohit) are at the moment playing, we picked them as far as the 2027 World Cup is concerned. I don't think we need to talk about it today. Obviously, with the captaincy change, that's generally the thought.”

He further said, “ A couple of things, really. Firstly, it's practically impossible to have three different captains for three formats, just in terms of planning. Obviously, at some stage, you have to start looking at where the next World Cup will be; it's also a format that is played the least now. So you don't get that many games to actually give the next guy, or if there is going to be another guy, that much time to prepare himself or plan.”

Ajit Agarkar on the Decision of Rohit’s Captaincy in ODI:

Agarkar chose not to disclose Rohit Sharma’s reaction to the news of his captaincy being handed over. However, he admitted that the decision to make this change was extremely difficult, considering Rohit’s leadership experience and the success he brought to the team.

It’s important to remember that under Rohit’s captaincy, India recently lifted the Champions Trophy, marking one of his most notable achievements as a leader. Despite that triumph, the selectors felt the need to plan for the future, leading to a transition aimed at grooming the next generation of leadership with Shubman Gill at the forefront.

He said, “ Even if he had not won the Champions Trophy, it would have been a difficult decision because of how good he's been for India. But you've got to sometimes look at what's coming forward.”

He further said, “ Where you stand as a team and eventually look at what's in the best interest of the team. Whether it's now or maybe six months later. Those are the calls that I suppose you have to make. Like I said, it's tough with one-day cricket at this point.”

He added, “ Because if you're going to make that call, you want to try and make it reasonably early and give the other guy enough chance to try and get that confidence of leading another format. That was the idea, but it's always tough. Someone who's been very successful, you have to make that decision.”

Ajit Agarkar on Giving Time to Shubman Gill:

Ajit Agarkar shed light on the management’s reasoning, explaining that the aim was to give Shubman Gill ample time and experience to settle into his role as ODI captain. This forward-thinking approach prompted the decision to hand Gill the leadership duties ahead of the upcoming series against Australia.

He said, “ he plan was to give the next guy enough time to plan with whatever games that we have coming, and it is very difficult to have three different captains for three formats, in terms of not just selectors but more importantly, even for the coach to plan with three different people is never easy.”

After their unbeaten triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup, India has firmly established itself as a nearly unstoppable force in T20 cricket. Riding on that momentum, the team went on to win the 2025 Asia Cup without losing a single match, continuing their dominant run in international cricket.

In their last 12 matches across these tournaments, India emerged victorious in 11 encounters, with only one game ending without a result due to uncontrollable circumstances. Such a record has made the current Indian side a benchmark for excellence in the shortest format of the game.

During a TV interview on ‘Sports Today’, veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai couldn’t resist posing a playful yet intriguing question to India’s first-ever World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev—for the third time. He asked hypothetically whether the legendary 1983 World Cup champions could have taken on and beaten India’s formidable 2025 Asia Cup-winning team in a T20 clash.

See Also: India vs West Indies 2025: Four Indian openers with 10+ Test centuries

Rajdeep Sardesai’s Intriguing Question to India’s First-Ever World Cup-Winning Captain:

Kapil Dev showcased the sharp and strategic mindset that had steered India to their historic 1983 World Cup victory against the West Indies, demonstrating the same clarity and insight that made him a legendary leader in cricket. He said, “ Very difficult to say. They can outbeat us because they know how to play T20. We didn’t know. Even 10 years back people didn’t know how to play (this brand of) T20.”

He further said, “ Now 150 mile (kph) ball is coming, and they (Indian batters) are sweeping as if they are playing an off spinner or leg spinner. You can’t compare two eras. But I’d say they are far better. Unbelievable. They are far better than what our team (India T20 side) was even five years ago.”

When Sardesai teased him about fitting seamlessly into any modern T20 team, Kapil replied with characteristic wit and confidence, reflecting his timeless cricketing sense and the strategic acumen that defined his leadership on the field. He added, “ I’m not playing now. What difference does it make today?”

Kapil Dev Talks About Which Player Impressed Him:

When questioned about Indian players who had caught his eye, Kapil wisely observed that it would take a few more years before he could label Abhishek Sharma—or any young batsman—a true star, even after their initial few seasons.

He said, “ Most players did their job well. Abhishek has become a household name. But give this young boy couple of years, opposition will start understanding his way of playing. Any new bowler comes out like Bumrah, he has to tackle other people. Or Malinga. Any new player, first season is very good, second season also. By third season if they are playing well, you will say ‘Yes! I think he has special talent.”

Kapil shared with ‘Sports Today’ that Tilak Varma had genuinely impressed him, particularly for his calm and composed temperament on the field, highlighting the young player’s maturity beyond his years in handling pressure situations.

He further said, “ But what Tilak played yesterday, was fabulous. Maturity was unparalleled. These boys know how to win matches. They don’t get into panic mode where they start going wild. They know they can get 30 plus in last 3 overs. They will get it easy. Not even once I got the impression that they are shaken up or (needed to worry about) what will happen.”

Kapil Dev expressed that Pakistan cricket was past its peak and had experienced stronger, more competitive periods in earlier years. He said, “ Pakistan don’t have similar talent like what they used to have in 80s or 90s or before that. Pakistan have given the world the best cricketers – Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Zaheer Abbas, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis. But unfortunately, we can’t see even 1 percent of that talent of what they used to have.”