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Tag: AJIT AGARKAR

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BCCI asks Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Ajit Agarkar to suggest ways to improve domestic cricket | Cricket News – Times of India

MUMBAI: In a bid to keep up its efforts to boost men’s domestic cricket, the BCCI at its Apex Council meeting on Monday formed a three-member committee, which includes India men’s team head coach Rahul Dravid, National Cricket Academy chairman VVS Laxman and men’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar, to "give suggestions to improve domestic cricket," TOI has learnt."There were a lot of issues that cropped up during the conduct of men’s domestic cricket, with a prominent problem being that a lot of games in north India, particularly during the Ranji Trophy, were washed out or heavily curtailed due to bad weather in December-January.Dravid, Laxman and Agarkar have been asked to give their suggestions to improve men’s domestic cricket," a source said.The decision was taken in the BCCI’s Apex Counc...
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‘Rohit Sharma said we need Virat Kohli at any cost for T20 World Cup’ | Cricket News – Times of India

The report of Virat Kohli's possible omission from India's T20 World Cup squad spread like wildfire after it was first reported by The Telegraph earlier this week, but a latest post by former India allrounder Kirti Azad refutes all those claims as the 1983 World Cup winner states that captain Rohit Sharma has told BCCI secretary Jay Shah that the teams needs Kohli "at any cost".The report about Kohli's exclusion was based on sources telling The Telegraph that the BCCI selectors believe Kohli hasn't been at his best in the T20 format. The T20 World Cup will begin shortly after the IPL concludes. The premier T20I tournament will be jointly hosted by the West Indies and the USA from June 2 to 29. India haven't won an ICC tournament since clinching the 2013 Champions Trophy. Refuting claims...
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‘This can’t be true, Virat is the biggest draw’: England great shocked over Kohli’s potential T20 World Cup exclusion | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: After a report emerged that Virat Kohli could be dropped from India's T20 World Cup squad, former England pacer Stuart Broad expressed his surprise on the news saying he believes that the star batter would indeed be chosen for the event."This can't be true. Just from a fans point of view of growing the game, the ICC putting games on in America, India Vs Pakistan in New York, Virat is the biggest draw of any player in the world, I'm sure he will be selected," Broad posted on X.Set to be jointly hosted by the West Indies and the USA, the T20 World Cup will be held from June 2 to 29.The Indian team will be led by Rohit Sharma, as confirmed by the BCCI secretary Jay Shah earlier this month. However, the inclusion of Kohli for the tournament is not certain, according to a report p...
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Shreyas Iyer’s presence at KKR Academy left chief selector Ajit Agarkar furious: Report | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Just a few days ago, Shreyas Iyer, along with Ishan Kishan, found themselves excluded from the 2023/24 BCCI Central Contracts List. The board clarified that the duo wasn't recommended for the annual retainership among the 30 players.Concerning Iyer, who withdrew from Mumbai's Ranji Trophy quarterfinal against Baroda due to a back issue, a report in Revsportz suggests that BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar was displeased upon discovering that the right-handed batter was present at the Academy of his IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, a team he captains in the tournament.In his role as the chief selector responsible for finalising central contracts, Agarkar made the decision to exclude Iyer from the central contracts list.Despite this, Iyer is currently participating in Mumbai...
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Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer face contract axe over Ranji Trophy absence | Cricket News – Times of India

MUMBAI: Not playing in the ongoing Ranji Trophy may cost Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer heavily. Both Kishan and Iyer are likely to lose their central contracts when the BCCI announces the list, which is likely to be soon, TOI has learnt."The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, has almost finalised the list of centrally contracted players for the 2023-24 season too, which the BCCI will announce soon.Kishan and Iyer are likely to be excluded from that list, as both haven't been playing domestic cricket despite the BCCI's diktat to do so," a source told TOI.Kishan has been on an extended break "due to personal reasons" since coming back from the India tour of South Africa in December-January. He has been practicing with his Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya at Baroda, but has not turned out...
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‘The best possible team…’: Former chief selector backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s T20I return | Cricket News – Times of India

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories...
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T20 World Cup: Ajit Agarkar likely to speak to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, 30-odd players could be monitored during IPL | Cricket News – Times of India

CAPE TOWN: The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee will have some sleepless nights before selecting the squad for T20s against Afghanistan with veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli keen to play the World Cup in June.Both Rohit and Kohli have not played in the shortest format for India since the T20 World Cup semi-final against England in November 2022.The two national selectors, Shiv Sunder Das and Salil Ankola are both in South Africa and will be joined by their chairman Agarkar during the course of the second Test at Newlands.It is expected that Agarkar and Co will speak to head coach Rahul Dravid along with Test and ODI skipper Rohit, star batter Kohli before announcing the squad against Afghanistan.'30-odd players could be monitored during IPL'Around 30 T20 specialists, including ...
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Virat Kohli to take a break from white-ball games on South Africa tour; to be available for Tests: Report | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli, the top run-scorer in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the Player of the Tournament, is said to be opting for a break from white-ball cricket. However, he is set to make himself available for the two Tests during the upcoming tour of South Africa.According to The Indian Express, Kohli has informed the BCCIthat he won't be participating in the white-ball matches during the South Africa tour.The tour kicks off with a three-match T20I series, followed by a three-game ODI series. It concludes with the Boxing Day and New Year Tests at Centurion and Cape Town, respectively."He (Kohli) has informed the BCCI and selectors that he needs a break from white-ball cricket and he will get back to them about when he wants to play white ball cricket next. At the mo...
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After Ashish Nehra declines India’s T20 coach post, Rahul Dravid being offered extension as head coach

The BCCI wants Rahul Dravid to continue as head coach till next year’s T20 World Cup in June after Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra, a former fast bowler, turned down the offer to take over the reins in the shortest format. Dravid was the coach in all three formats. Dravid’s contract had expired at the end of the World Cup but the BCCI is now ready to offer the former Test No.3 a new contract. The T20 World Cup will be played in the USA and West Indies from June next year. Gujarat Titans, coached by Nehra, were IPL Champions last year and were runners up in the 2023 season. The BCCI had approached Nehra after India’s loss in the World Cup final. The Indian Express has learnt that India captain Rohit Sharma and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar are of the view that Dravid should con...
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Rohit Sharma: BCCI to discuss with Rohit Sharma his white-ball cricket plans | Cricket News – Times of India

With Rohit Sharma likely to focus majorly on Tests, grooming his successor will be on agendaNEW DELHI: As the dust settles on India’s heartbreak in the World Cup final, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) will be sitting down with captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkarto recalibrate and make a pathway for the next four years across formats. TOI understands that the hot topic of discussion would be about getting clarity on Rohit’s white-ball future along with grooming a captain for the future.According to sources, Rohit has already communicated to the selectors that he is fine with not being considered for T20Is. But with the selectors keen to invest in young blood, it will be interesting to see how Rohit sees his ODI career. Rohit will be nearly 40 by the time the next ODI Wor...
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R Ashwin vs Washington Sundar: Story behind an unexpected World Cup trial | Cricket News – Times of India

MOHALI: A month and half back, Ravichandran Ashwin was eloquently explaining on his Tamil YouTube channel, why a talent like Tilak Varma should be seriously considered for the ODI World Cup.One of India's greatest match-winners in Test cricket wouldn't possibly have envisaged that in six weeks time he would be summoned for a two-match trial against Washington Sundar -- nearly a decade and half junior to himClose selection calls are par for course when it comes to World Cup squads.Read AlsoHow Ravichandran Ashwin got back in ODI World Cup mixRavichandran Ashwin has been selected for the three ODIs against Australia, marking a remarkable turnaround in his white-ball career. KL Rahul, who recently made a century in his return match after a five-month injury break, will lead the team in the...
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ODI World Cup: More grass, bigger boundaries to tackle dew factor | Cricket News – Times of India

ICC comes up with 'protocol' for curators to reduce impact of tossNEW DELHI: With dew set to play a major role in the upcoming ODI World Cup in India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has fashioned a 'protocol' for curators across venues to ensure that the impact of the toss is reduced to an extent. Most venues are expected to be affected by heavy dew during October-November.The T20World Cup in the UAE in 2021 too was heavily affected by dew and team batting second had a significant advantage.Indian conditions are usually more conducive to spin, but the ICC has asked curators to leave as much grass as possible on the pitches to ensure that seamers stay in the game. This will mean that teams will be keen to have more seamers in the playing XI."Venues in the northern, western and e...
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Shreyas Iyer fit at the moment, says Ajit Agarkar

Shreyas Iyer’s fitness issues are behind him, and it’s all about him getting enough game time and runs ahead of the World Cup, according to the BCCI’s senior selection committee. Iyer had missed a lot of cricket since March due to a back injury and suffered a niggle on his return to the squad at the Asia Cup, where he had only one knock during the tournament. He had made a promising start in the match against Pakistan after the top order were blown away, before succumbing to a pull shot. Before his injury, He has been included in the squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia starting Friday, and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar said the middle-order batsman has been declared good to go.Most Read 1 Ridhi Dogra says it’s ‘unfortunate to play’ Shah Rukh Kh...
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Shreyas Iyer’s back stiffness keeps India worried as squad for Australia series set to be named this week – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Shreyas Iyer's back injury isn't apparently very serious but concerns remain about his availability for India's final Super 4 game against Bangladesh on Friday as the national selection committee is set to name the squad for the three-match series against Australia sometime during the week.Iyer, who has come back after a long lay-off and a back surgery to cure his stress fracture, played against Pakistan and Nepal in the group league stage before pulling out of the match against the arch-rivals at the eleventh hour, complaining back spasms.A clearer picture will emerge on Thursday during the optional training ahead of the Bangladesh game.Those in the know of the things said that there seems to be "some amount of stiffness", which will definitely impact his movements during fi...
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‘There are two people missing in this team’: Harbhajan Singh on India World Cup squad | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said on Thursday that two players, who should have been picked, are missing from the Indian ODI World Cup squad announced on Tuesday.According to Harbhajan, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee overlooked the duo of leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and pacer Arshdeep Singh while announcing a 15-member squad."I think there are two people missing in this team.First, Yuzvendra Chahal, and second, Arshdeep Singh. Because a left-arm seamer, if he can bring the new ball inside, it makes it useful in the game," Harbhajan said during a virtual press conference organised by Star Sports."If he can get two wickets early in the game, I'm not saying that right-handers can't do that, but a left-hand seamer can get an actual angle to get the wicket....
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India’s 2023 ODI World Cup squad: Did selectors decide to play it safe? | Cricket News – Times of India

Captain Rohit Sharma and Chief selector Ajit Agarkar's press conference on Tuesday in Sri Lanka where they announced the 15 member provisional squad for the ICC ODI World Cup in October-November didn't have anything that surprised anyone. After all, most media outlets were already reporting what the provisional squad is going to look like right after the meeting between Agarkar and the team management happened after the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match on September 2. And the final list was a mirror image of that.However, as is always the case, a number of questions are being asked about the squad that has been picked, which will not be changed unless some player picks up a serious injury. For the record the last date to make changes to the provisional squads is September 28. Any change...
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India’s ICC World Cup team selection is all about fear of failure

The smartly brave punt would be on India reaching the World Cup semifinals. Beyond that, if nationalism doesn’t colour the betting skills, it would be a very courageous person to pick this team as a winner.It would take inspired captaincy from Rohit Sharma, allied with a very intelligent selection of the playing XI on the day, to go beyond that. For a tournament that will decide their legacy, both Rohit and Rahul Dravid have their hands and heads full in what would be a very taxing World Cup campaign.If they do it, they will go down in history as great leaders; if they don’t, it won’t be a shock. When the selection of World Cup venues for India games were announced, a pattern emerged. All slow, potentially spin-abetting tracks, carefully chosen for the opponents suggested a CSK-level pl...
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Rohit Sharma hinges on star all-rounder’s form for India’s World Cup bid | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India captain Rohit Sharma emphasised on Tuesday the significance of Hardik Pandya's form for the team's quest to secure an elusive ICC trophy.The eminent all-rounder, who has been designated as the vice-captain of the squad heading to the World Cup, has been entrusted with leadership responsibilities across different levels.Pandya recently took charge of the Indian team during the second and third ODIs against West Indies in the absence of Rohit, who was rested.Additionally, Pandya serves as the captain for the team in the shortest format of the game."His form will be crucial to us. He's a guy who does both the things (batting and bowling), and that's important."In the last year or so he has come up with the bat and his bowling has been good too. That's important for us," sa...
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‘You have to make tough choices…’: Who is saying what about India’s ODI World Cup squad | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Waiting for an ICC trophy for more than a decade, India on Tuesday announced a 15-member squad led by skipper Rohit Sharma for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup. The inclusion of wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav headlined the squad announcement.Rahul is yet to make a comeback after a long injury layoff and Suryakumar, a proven T20 batter, is yet to make a mark in the 50-over format. The duo's inclusion meant Sanju Samson and youngster Tilak Varma missed the World Cup bus. The other prominent names missing from the squad were in the spin departments as the team went for Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, leaving no spots from veteran tweakers Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin.Reactions after the announcement of the India squad:Rohit Sharma conc...
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KL Rahul thanks BCCI for the constant support and belief after clearing all fitness tests | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Ahead of his anticipated comeback to the Indian team during the Asia Cup 2023, KL Rahul expressed his gratitude to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) staff for the treatment and support he received during his recovery. After successfully passing all the fitness tests, Rahul is now fully prepared to participate in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup, marking a positive development for his return to competitive cricket.Rahul took to X, formerly Twitter, to express his gratitude to BCCI and NCA after recovering from injury."Reflecting on my journey in the last few months, which has been filled with challenges and lessons. The road has been humbling. A big shoutout to Nitin sir, Yogesh sir, Rajini sir, Dhananjay Bhai, Shalini and everyone at the NCA for your efforts and commitme...