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SAvIND Test Series: Did we see anything new from Rahul Dravid as head coach?

South Africa sealed the SAvIND test series by 2-1 despite losing the first test. Did Rahul Dravid do anything new as head coach?

Jan 14, 2022, 2:09 PM4 min read

SAvIND Test Series: Did we see anything new from Rahul Dravid as head coach?

The fight for the final frontier is over for team India. South Africa has won the test series by 2-1 despite a big loss in the first test. The dream to win a test series in South Africa is still a dream. As per pundits, this was India's biggest chance to crack the South African code. They went as the No.1 Test side in the world. Moreover, the African team had their own problems too. Perhaps, this African team was considered to be one of the weakest ever South African test teams. But, what was the reason behind India's failure? Did we get to see anything new from the new head coach Rahul Dravid in the SAvIND test series? We dive deep into that.

Did we see anything new from Rahul Dravid as head coach? | SAvIND Test Series | Cricket News | Sportz Point
Image - NDTV Sports

Rahul Dravid came in as India's Head coach with lots of reputation. His stint with Rajasthan Royals, U-19 and India A team had already earned him the name "Rahul Sir". Even when Ravi Shashtri was the Head coach of the team, many wanted Dravid to be the head sir of the dressing room of Indian cricket. Was this all overhyped?

As quoted by many cricket legends, to have success with big teams like India, you have to be more of a man-manager than a coach. Even Sunil Gavaskar had said, at the international level you need less coaching skill but more of man managing skill. Now, the question is, was the coach Rahul Dravid ready to be the man manager team India team needed? The time will answer.

Read Also: Cricket facts: who will be the next "fav-four" of international cricket?

Always calm and calculated Rahul Dravid did manage to hide his team players from the press conference and answered all the bouncers from the media. He ducked that well. Although, he could not manage to get the result that was expected. Perhaps, a misplanned tour? Or, team management thought we can roll over this South African team by doing anything we want in the SAvIND Test series.

Question arises. Fans ask how more chances do Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara need? Perhaps, the question was how much Shreyas Iyer and Hanuma Vihari would have to wait to get a long run. The answer was, "we want to give more chances than they deserve, we are a team like that". That was no different from what Ravi Shastri's management did earlier. Although, changes were expected from Rahul Dravid. Ajinkya Rahane averages 24.08 in tests since 2020. Meanwhile, Pujara averages 26.29 in his last 20 test matches.

Read Also: ICC U-19 World Cup: 6 players who went on to become future stars after World Cup

6 batters or 7? Team India could not clear the confusion between that and the series was over meantime. The planning from the bowlers to get 10 wickets in the last inning lacked too. Although, that use to be the main force of team Virat.

KL Rahul the future captain? We knew Rahane will not be made the Vice-captain again (after he was dropped from the position) as India looks towards the future. Maybe an 84-test match old Ravichandran Ashwin might have been a better option. However, team management may not be sure enough that Ashwin would play every test in future if Ravindra Jadeja is fit. A gamble was taken with Rahul? Yes, which did not go well in the second test of the SAvIND series.

Taking everything aside is there anything to take away from Dravid's first away test series as head coach? Perhaps, there were some. Rahul Dravid's calm mind did not let any outside "noise" disturb the team's environment. Other than that? It feels like we are still in the Ravi Shastri era with Rahul Dravid as pilot of the ship.

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India's ODI schedule till World Cup 2027

Know what is the ODI schedule of Indian Cricket Team till ODI World Cup 2027 and when India will face which team.

May 14, 2025, 9:44 AM3 min read

India's ODI schedule till World Cup 2027

After the Champions Trophy 2025, India's target in ODI cricket will be the ODI World Cup 2027. In such a situation, know what is Team India's ODI schedule till the World Cup 2027. The Men in Blue have to play a total of 9 series in the next ICC ODI tournament, which includes 27 matches.

Apart from this, some more ODI matches can be scheduled near the tournament. So, know what is the ODI schedule of Indian Cricket Team till 2027 and when India will face which team.

Also Read: The Kohli Effect: Will Indian fans lose interest in Test cricket after Virat Kohli's retirement?

The ODI World Cup2027 will be held around October to December. Before this, the Indian team is going to play a lot of matches. India have to play 3-match ODI series against 8 teams. They will play series twice against one country.

India will play New Zealand twice

India will play Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka once each in the upcoming ODI series, while it will play New Zealand twice. Out of the nine series, India will play six series at home, while the rest will be held outside the country.

It will start with the tour of Bangladesh in August, which will be played this year. In October-November 2025, India has to play a three-match ODI series on its tour of Australia. South Africa's team will tour India in November-December.

India will host Sri Lankan team in December 2026

In January 2026, the New Zealand team will play an ODI series in India. After this, India has to play a three-match series against Afghanistan in June. In July 2026, Team India will have to play the same number of ODI series on its tour of England.

The West Indies team is scheduled to tour India in September-October. There will be an ODI series against New Zealand at home in October-November. India will host the Sri Lankan team for an ODI series in December 2026.

Also Read: Fav four in Test cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith stats in Tests

India's ODI schedule till World Cup 2027

Month/Year Opponent Venue No. of ODIs
August 2025 Bangladesh Away 3
Oct-Nov 2025 Australia Away 3
Nov-Dec 2025 South Africa Home 3
January 2026 New Zealand Home 3
June 2026 Afghanistan Home 3
July 2026 England Away 3
Sep-Oct 2026 West Indies Home 3
Oct-Nov 2026 New Zealand Home 3
December 2026 Sri Lanka Home 3

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Foreign players asked to return to their country as IPL 2025 postponed for a week due to India-Pakistan tension

If the IPL 2025 resumes at the end of May, most of the foreign players will be able to return. The teams believe so. If these matches are played after May 25, it will be difficult for the players to return.

May 10, 2025, 12:46 PM4 min read

Foreign players asked to return to their country as IPL 2025 postponed for a week due to India-Pakistan tension

Due to the increasing conflict between India and Pakistan, BCCI has postponed the IPL 2025 for a week. BCCI gave this information on Friday. The board said that it has taken this decision keeping in mind the concerns of the players and the sentiments of the fans. The new schedule of IPL will be released depending on the situation.

At the same time, according to media reports, all foreign players have been asked to return to their country. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia and South Africa Cricket Board have expressed concern over their players. There are still 12 league matches and 4 playoff matches left in IPL 2025. The final of the tournament was to be held on 25 May.

Also Read: India-Pakistan War: How Indian athletes reacted to it

It is believed that India's tour of Bangladesh in August will be cancelled. The Asia Cup to be held in September will also be postponed. The remaining matches of IPL can be held in India in their place.

It is difficult for BCCI to bring back foreign players

The biggest challenge for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in resuming the IPL in May is to bring back foreign players. As soon as the IPL was announced to be postponed for a week, most of the foreign players returned to their respective countries. The remaining players will leave India by Saturday.

It will be interesting to see how BCCI brings back the foreign players and restarts the tournament. Because without them, it will be difficult to organize matches.

Players will start playing for the country

If the IPL resumes at the end of May, most of the foreign players will be able to return. The teams believe so. If these matches are played after May 25, it will be difficult for the players to return. The biggest reason for this is that many players will be playing for their national team then.

The final of the World Test Championship (WTC) is also scheduled to be held between the Australia and the South Africa at Lord's from June 11.

Starting the tournament is not easy

BCCI has kept all three grounds ready. Despite this, officials believe that it will not be easy to restart this competition now. All the teams were informed about this on Friday without any formal announcement. People from many teams are saying that all the remaining matches can be held at the end of the year.

Punjab-Delhi match had to be canceled midway

On the night of 8 May at around 8.30 pm, Pakistan attacked the borders of Jammu, Punjab and Rajasthan of India with missiles and drones. During this time, a match was being played between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. It had to be stopped midway.

Gujarat on top, 3 teams out of the playoffs race

By the time IPL 2025 was halted midway, 57 matches of the league stage had been completed. The 58th match was halted midway. After 57 matches, Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bangalore had the highest points in the points table with 16-16 points.

GT remained on top due to better run rate. Punjab was third, Mumbai fourth and Delhi fifth. Whereas Chennai, Rajasthan and Hyderabad teams were out of the playoff race.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Is Rohit the greatest test opener since Virender Sehwag?

Gujarat-Bengaluru have 3-3 matches left

When the tournament was stopped, 4 teams had 2-2 matches left. Whereas 6 teams including Gujarat and Bangalore had not played 3-3 matches. A match was to be played between Lucknow and Bangalore in Lucknow on Friday, but the tournament was stopped before that.

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Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Is Rohit the greatest test opener since Virender Sehwag?

Rohit played for India in this format from number one to number six. However, he was very successful as an opener in Test cricket. Let's take a look at Rohit Sharma stats in Tests as an opener.

May 8, 2025, 12:23 PM3 min read

Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Is Rohit the greatest test opener since Virender Sehwag?

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday. 38-year-old Rohit had already retired from T20I cricket. For now, he will continue to play for India in the ODI format and he is also the captain of Team India in this format. After this announcement by Rohit, his 11-year long Test cricket career also came to an end.

Rohit Sharma had a very good Test cricket career and he played for India in this format from number one to number six. However, he was very successful as an opener in Test cricket. 

Also Read: Rohit Sharma stats in tests

Let's take a look at Rohit Sharma stats in Tests as an opener.

Rohit scored most centuries as an opener

Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Is Rohit the greatest test opener since Virender Sehwag?

Rohit scored 4301 runs in 67 Test matches played in his career at an average of 40.57 with 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries, but he scored the most centuries as an opener.

Rohit was elevated to that role for the first time in October 2019, and since then, no other opener has scored as many tons. Overall, only four batters have scored more Test tons than Rohit in this period.

Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Most sixes for India

Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Is Rohit the greatest test opener since Virender Sehwag?

Rohit has hit a total of 88 sixes in his Test cricket career and is second on the list of batsmen who have hit the most sixes for India in the longer format of cricket. If he had hit 3 more sixes in the Test, he would have become the batsman who has hit the most sixes in Tests for India. The record for hitting the most sixes in Tests for India is held by Virender Sehwag who hit a total of 90 sixes.

Sr Player 6s M Inn R Ave 100s 50s
1 Virender Sehwag 90 92 178 8503 49.43 23 31
2 Rohit Sharma 88 59 116 4301 40.57 12 18
3 Mahendra Singh Dhoni 78 82 144 4876 38.09 6 33
4 Rishabh Pant 73 41 75 2948 42.11 6 15
5 Sachin Tendulkar 69 173 329 15921 53.78 51 68
6 Ravindra Jadeja 68 70 118 3370 34.74 4 22
7 Sourav Ganguly 57 101 188 7212 42.17 16 35

Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Most centuries for India in won Test matches

Rohit Sharma is at number 5 in the list of batsmen who have scored the most centuries in Test matches won by India. He has scored a total of 12 centuries in Test matches won by India. Sachin Tendulkar is at the top of this list with 20 centuries.

  • 20 - Sachin Tendulkar 
  • 15 - Rahul Dravid 
  • 14 - Virat Kohli
  • 13 - Cheteshwar Pujara 
  • 12 - Rohit Sharma

Also Read: Rohit Sharma in ICC tournaments for India

Rohit Sharma stats in Tests as an opener

As an opener in Test cricket, Rohit scored a total of 2697 runs in 66 innings for India. During this period, his average was 42.81 while in these 66 innings, he also scored 9 centuries and 8 half-centuries. His best score as an opener in Tests was 212 runs.

Span Mat Inns Runs HS Ave SR 100 50
2019-2024 38 66 2697 212 42.80 58.73 9 8

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Exclusive: "Do not call him a 'baccha', he will play T20s for India in two years," says Bihar head coach after Vaibhav Suryavanshi's historical IPL ton

Ashok Kumar, the head coach of the Bihar Cricket team, feels Viabhav Suryavanshi can play for India in T20Is in the next two years if he can improve his fitness and fielding.

Apr 28, 2025, 7:32 PM5 min read

Exclusive: "Do not call him a 'baccha', he will play T20s for India in two years," says Bihar head coach after Vaibhav Suryavanshi's historical IPL ton | sportzpoint.com
Image | BCCI

Vaibhav Suryavanshi just broke the record to become the youngest centurion in Indian Premier League history at the age of 14 years 32 days old. Not only that, with his 35-ball ton against Gujarat Titans, the opening batter from Bihar scored the second-fastest overall and fastest century by any Indian in IPL history. 

"He is different from others"

Exclusive | "He has the intent to play at the highest level," Bihar head coach on Vaibhav Suryavanshi - sportzpoint.com
Vaibhav Suryavanshi pictured during the Bengal vs Bihar Ranji Trophy match. Image | Sportz Point

Ashok Kumar, who coached Vaibhav in the Bihar U19 and men's senior team, feels that if Vaibhav Suryavanshi can work on his fielding and fitness, he will play for India in T20s in the next two years. The Bihar head coach shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point after Vaibhav's historical ton. 

"Before the match, I had a conversation with Vaibhav. I just advised him to be patient and wait for the balls in his zone," said Ashok Kumar, who feels the only thing that was missing from Vaibhav's game was patience. 

"Look, he is totally a unique player. He is different from others. I know he can be a match-winner for any team in this format," Ashok Kumar shared. 

Vaibhav was picked up by the Rajasthan Royals for a whopping 1.10 crore rupees, which made him the youngest player ever in the auction history. After that, Ashok Kumar knew that under Rahul Dravid, the youngster would learn lots of things in terms of cricket and life. 

Vaibhav not only learned but also impressed Rahul Dravid so much that he was handed the debut cap, and at just 14 years and a few days old, he became the youngest IPL player ever. Till then, everything has been like a dream for Vaibhav and his close ones. 

Read Also | Exclusive | "He has the intent to play at the highest level," Bihar head coach on Vaibhav Suryavanshi

An impactful debut

Exclusive: "Do not call him a 'baccha', he will play T20s for India in two years," says Bihar head coach after Vaibhav Suryavanshi's historical IPL ton | sportzpoint.com
Image | BCCI

His six against Shardul Thakur in the first ball he faced in the IPL surprised everyone. Even the commentators were stunned to see the youngster stepping out against the pace of Shardul in a platform like the IPL. But Ashok Kumar knew from the beginning that he could do things like this. 

"I had told you earlier that he has the talent and intent to hit anyone. Everyone thinks that he is batting aggressively. But this is his actual style of batting. You make him play 90 90-over game, he will play like this. He is natural," he shared. 

"That is why I want to tell all the coaches he will meet in his life not to make him bat like others. He should not lose his intent," he added. 

Before the historical debut, Ashok Kumar had the chance to talk with Rahul Dravid, and he told the former India coach the same thing. 

"Even I told the same thing to (Rahul) Dravid sir. He also agreed that Vaibhav should not lose his intent. I told him to work on his bowling as well. He can be a match-winner for any team."

Read Also | IPL facts: Every player to make IPL debut before turning 18

"Vaibhav wants to finish matches"

Exclusive: "Do not call him a 'baccha', he will play T20s for India in two years," says Bihar head coach after Vaibhav Suryavanshi's historical IPL ton | sportzpoint.com
Image | BCCI

Although Vaibhav had a great start to his IPL career in the first two games, he was not happy with himself for the way he got out in those matches. In fact, after the dismissal in the first match against LSG, everyone saw him shed a few drops of tears. That is why Ashok Kumar had advised him to have patience and only focus on the things which work well for him. 

"If you see his dismissal against RCB, he tried a shot that he had never played in the past. He has developed these kinds of shots in the camp. But I told him that you can try new things only after a few matches. I knew if he could wait for the bat balls, he was a good enough player to hit anyone," Ashok Kumar shared. 

"Vaibhav wants to finish games. I am sure he is disappointed not to be there till the win. And, for everyone out there, he is not a baccha (kid) in cricket. No one can call him that. Only I can call him that. It is only about time when the world realises that he is a man wrapped in a kid's body," he added. 

Vaibhav idolises Brian Lara since his childhood (although he is still a kid). He watches the former West Indian captain's old highlights to pick a few tricks to emulate. Tonight, after his ton, Brian Lara himself shared Vaibhav's video on Instagram, saying that he was entertained watching him bat. 

"If someone like Lara is watching Vaibhav bat and appreciating him, it is a great thing for Bihar and Indian cricket. The youngster in Bihar would be inspired by watching his growth. He will always have my support in his life and career," Ahsok Kumar expressed. 

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Tri-Nation Series 2025: India vs Sri Lanka Women's ODI Match Report | Dominant India registers easy victory on Sri Lankan soil

India defeated Sri Lanka by 9 wickets in the rain-affected opening match of the Tri-Nation ODI series with stellar bowling and batting performances, including a half-century from Pratika Rawal and valuable knocks from Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol.

Apr 27, 2025, 1:48 PM4 min read

Tri-Nation Series 2025: India vs Sri Lanka Women's ODI Match Report. Dominant India registers easy victory on Sri Lankan soil |sportzpoint.com

India started the Tri-Nation Women's ODI series with a winning note as they defeated the host Sri Lanka by 9 wickets. India chased down Sri Lanka's 148-run target with 56 balls remaining in the match after Indian spinners dominated the Sri Lankan batters in the first innings.

The match was initially interrupted by rain which resulted in the loss of overs, reducing to 39 overs a side. Indian announced their arrival with an impressively controlled victory at the R. Premadasa Stadium stadium, Colombo.

Indian spinners dominated the game from the start

The Sri Lankan team, batting first, struggled to build partnership and were bowled out for 147 in 38.1 overs. Indian bowlers dominated the entire first inning with Arundhati Reddy dismissing the Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu and getting an early wicket for the team. It followed by an exceptional bowling performance leading to a constant flow of wickets, which completely shattered Sri Lanka’s batting line-up.

Sneh Rana during her 3-wicket haul in Tri-Nation Series 2025: India vs Sri Lanka Women's ODI | sportzpoint.com
Sneh Rana during her 3-wicket haul in the first match of Tri-Nation ODI Series IND-W vs SL-W. Image | Instagram 

Sneh Rana was a star performer, who took 3 crucial wickets for India, with Deepti Sharma and Sree Charani taking 2 wickets each. Additionally, the on-field efforts of the Indian team was commendable in today's match.

During the second inning, India started off comfortably with the bat, without trying to rush things out. The opening pair, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, formed a partnership of 54 runs for the first wicket. Smriti Mandhana missed out on her 31st ODI half-century and was dismissed at 43 (off 46 balls). 

Harleen Deol came to bat next and played composed cricket, scoring 48 runs from 71 balls. Sri Lanka failed to take more wickets, and Harleen Deol sealed the win for India with her exceptional half-century from 62 balls.

Both teams fielded 2 debutants

Sree Charani and Kashvee Gautam in their debut for India in Tri-Nation Series 2025: India vs Sri Lanka Women's ODI | sportzpoint.com
Sree Charani and Kashvee Gautam before their debut for India in the ODI Tri-series against Sri Lanka. Image | Instagram 

Kashvee Gautam (22-year-old), who impressed the fans with her bowling for Gujarat Giants in the WPL 2025, along with the star of Delhi Capitals, Sree Charani (20-year-old), made their International debut for India in this match. Charani picked up 2 wickets with an economy of 3.25 in today's match.

Sri Lanka also handed debuts to Malki Madara and Piumi Badalge.

India's shield-like batting power 

Harleen Deol and Pratika Rawal in Tri-Nation Series 2025: India vs Sri Lanka Women's ODI 2025 | sportzpoint.com
Pratika Rawal and Harleen Kaur during their partnership of 87 runs from 119 balls against Sri Lanka. Image | Instagram 

The Indian batters showcased an amazing quality of batting in this format. Smriti Mandhana, along with Pratika Rawal, provided a good start in the initial overs. They kept the flow of runs going with their bat. Smriti departed at 43 (from 46 balls) while trying to loft the ball over the bowler (Inoka Ranaweera), and wasn't lucky enough to make it through.

Harleen Deol stepped in after the wicket and made no mistakes, adding 48 runs off 71 balls from her bat. Pratika Rawal scored 50 off 62 balls, putting the winning runs on the board for India.

It felt like Indian batters were quite difficult to get out and stood up like solid walls, without losing their wickets. 

Steady headstart for India

India's win has lift up the team's spirit and confidence to another level. This was also a glimpse of the solid form and composure that the players hold in this Tri-series squad. 

In today's match, each bowler had an economy below 5, and the batters were incredible in chasing down the total, without losing many wickets.

The challenge ahead for Sri Lanka 

This defeat against India serves as a reminder for Sri Lanka to assess and improve their shortcomings. They failed to build partnership throughout the game, which led to a low total on the board. Hasini Perera's 30 from 46 balls was the highest score by a Sri Lankan batter in this match. 

Immediate Reflections and Long-term Goals

This being the ODI World Cup year, the immediate reflections for both the teams would be to shape their strategies, set grounds and make effective adjustments with the stage of the Tri-Nation ODI series among India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.

Score Summary

SL-W: 147 (38.1/39) | Kavisha Dilhari 25; Sneh Rana 8-31-3

IND-W: 149 (29.4/39) | Pratika Rawal 50* (62); Harleen Deol 48* (71)

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