Sourav Ganguly: Ranji Trophy will go on as per schedule
BCCI president Sourav Ganguly confirmed that the Ranji Trophy will go ahead as per schedule. The BCCI has decided to host the tournament across five venues from January 13
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is leaving no stone unturned to host the Ranji Trophy despite the country witnessing a surge in the COVID-19 cases.
Talking to ANI on Monday evening, the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly confirmed that "the tournament will go ahead". "It is on as per schedule," Ganguly said. Last week, Ganguly had to be hospitalized after contracting the virus. But with doctors opting for Monoclonal Antibody Cocktail therapy, the former India captain is now back home and is "recovering fine".
The tournament has been canceled last year due to the pandemic. But this time the BCCI has decided to host the tournament this time around across five venues from January 13. The tournament will be continuing for a couple of months. However, now the Omicron variant forced a spike in COVID cases. There were apprehensions that the Board might have to postpone the tournament for a while.
"We are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that all the players and other stakeholders are safe. The bio-bubbles will be stricter to ensure that there are no major issues"
A state association official told
A BCCI top brass made it clear that with a stricter bio-bubble, there "should not be a problem" in hosting the tournament. The group stage fixtures will be held in Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram, and Chennai. Meanwhile, the knockout stage fixtures will be played in Kolkata.
Seven members of the Bengal squad has tested positive on Sunday
On Sunday, seven members of the Bengal squad has tested positive. Meanwhile, Shivam Dube and support staff from Mumbai too contracted the virus and are currently in isolation. Cricket Association of Bengal president Avishek Dalmiya too tested positive for the virus on Monday. But, the Mumbai team has reached Kolkata and will train on Tuesday. Moreover, they will play a side game against Bengal on January 6-7.
"We are following all the protocols. As of now, things are looking okay and if we can maintain the protocols, everything should go smoothly." a state unit official said.
The teams will reach their respective centers in a couple of days and will enter the bubble by January 8. Most state units are doing regular tests for their players and support staff and will do till the tournament starts.
The controversy over the key members of the Indian Test team not being selected for major domestic cricket tournaments continues to grow. Now The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed strong displeasure over the exclusion of top international players like KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj from the South Zone team for the upcoming Duleep Trophy.
After this, the Board has officially written a letter to all the state associations asking them to give priority to the selection of centrally contracted players for this opening tournament of the domestic season.
South Zone announced its team on July 27. Many big names like KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Prasidh Krishna and Sai Sudharsan were not included in it.
The Duleep Trophy, which begins in Bengaluru on August 28, is considered an important platform for domestic and national level talents. The board did not like the decision of the South Zone to not include these players in the team despite their availability during the off-season.
Abey Kuruvilla wrote the email
BCCI General Manager of Cricket Operations Abey Kuruvilla addressed the issue in an email sent to zonal coordinators and state units last week. According to the reports, Kuruvilla stressed the importance of ensuring the participation of all available Indian players to maintain the prestige and competitive level of the Duleep Trophy.
Kuruvilla wrote in the email, “To uphold its prestige and ensure the highest quality of competition, it’s imperative that all currently available India players are selected for their respective zonal teams. Requesting the Zonal Convenors to ensure that all the current India players who are available to play Duleep trophy should be picked.”
“All players, contracted or otherwise, who make themselves available for selection into Team India, shall participate in domestic matches conducted by BCCI,”
“In case any player opts not to participate in any domestic cricket tournaments in spite of availability, he/she shall not be considered for selection unless a prior recommendation is obtained to skip the match/tournament from the National coach and the chairman of the selection committee, and prior approval from the BCCI. In case any leave is granted, the same shall be considered on the basis of some valid and cogent reason.” the email said.
Instructions to give priority to domestic cricket
This directive is in line with the BCCI's policy of making participation of international players mandatory in domestic competitions. The board had previously warned players against giving priority to the IPL over first-class cricket and earlier this year reminded all contracted players to remain committed to the domestic calendar.
However, this instruction from BCCI has come after South Zone announced its team. It is still not clear whether the selectors will make any changes in their list or not. Tilak Verma was made the captain of the team.
Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Shreyas Iyer among many other players are expected to participate in the tournament representing their respective regions.
The state associations have previously expressed concern that the automatic inclusion of Indian stars in the regional teams overlooks Ranji players who have performed consistently throughout the season.
Many have argued that matches such as India A tours and Board President's XI would be a more suitable platform for international players, leaving regional tournaments as a rewarding avenue for domestic players.
Ranji Trophy: Ajinkya Rahane steps down from Mumbai captaincy ahead of the new season
Ajinkya Rahane decided to step down from Mumbai Ranji Trophy team for forthcoming season. Rahane posted on X that he will continue to be available to play for Mumbai.
Veteran batsman Ajinkya Rahane, on Thursday, has resigned from the captaincy ahead of the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. In a message on social media, Rahane made it clear that this is the time when the team should get a chance to develop new leadership.
Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour.
With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader, and hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role.
'I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader'
Rahane posted on his social media account that he would not continue as Mumbai captain in Ranji Trophy but would continue to represent the side as a player.
“Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour. With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader, and hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role. I remain fully committed to giving my best as a player and will continue my journey with @MumbaiCricAssoc to help us win more trophies. Looking forward to the season,” Rahane wrote on his X account.
Mumbai Team under Rahane's captaincy
Under Rahane's captaincy, Mumbai achieved stability and success in domestic cricket. Under his leadership, Mumbai ended a seven-year drought by winning the Ranji Trophy in 2023–24. Apart from this, he also led the team to victory in the Irani Cup in 2024-25 and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2022-23. These victories took his captaincy to new heights.
Despite giving up captaincy, the 37-year-old, who has scored over 14,000 runs in 201 first-class matches, made it clear that he is not retiring. He will continue to represent Mumbai as a batsman in all formats.
Rahane said that he will work for the team as a batsman with full enthusiasm and commitment. His main goal is to bring success to the team and help the new captain in his development.
India allrounder Shardul Thakur will lead the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team for forthcoming season.
Thakur leading Mumbai was always on the cards especially after he was appointed as West Zone captain for Duleep Trophy. It is understood that the Mumbai senior selection committee spoke to Rahane before the season and had taken his feedback about future captaincy candidates.
Thakur has been playing a vital role in Mumbai’s Ranji success over the past few years. In addition to wickets, he has also bailed out Mumbai with lower-order runs. He also scored 505 runs for Mumbai last season where he slammed one hundred. He also took 35 wickets in nine matches.
BCCI has announced the schedule for the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025 which begins on August 28 in Bengaluru. After this, the announcement of the names of team captains has also started. This time also, like the old format, teams from four zones will participate in it. Now, as per the latest developments, the squad of West Zone has been announced.
While Shardul Thakur has been made the new captain of the team, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara have not found a place in the team.
Shreyas and Jaiswal will play under Shardul's captaincy
The West Zone team has been announced for the Duleep Trophy. This time the captaincy has been handed over to Shardul Thakur. Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be seen playing under the captaincy of Shardul Thakur. Apart from this, Sarfaraz Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tushar Deshpande have also been included in the team.
However, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara, who have been playing continuously for this team, are not seen in the squad this time.
Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane last played a Test match for India in 2023. Pujara played a crucial role in India’s Test series victories in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21. Notably, Rahane captained Team India to a memorable Border-Gavaskar Trophy win in 2020-21 despite several key players being unavailable.
Shreyas Iyer set to available for West Zone
Shreyas Iyer had made himself available for the upcoming Duleep Trophy. The middle-order batter has played 14 Test matches for India. However, he has not been part of the Test setup since February 2024, when he last featured against England.
Iyer was a key figure in India’s Champions Trophy-winning campaign in Dubai earlier this year. He also scored 480 runs in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy at an average of 68.57, including two centuries. He continued his form into the IPL, where he led Punjab Kings to their first final in over a decade.
According to Cricbuzz, South Zone and West Zone have been handed direct qualification into the Duleep Trophy 2025 semifinals. And the two quarterfinals are already set.
Sachin-Sourav, Mahela-Sanga: 5 best cricketing friendships in history
From Sachin Tendulkar & Sourav Ganguly to Kumar Sangakkara & Mahela Jayawardene, on Friendship Day special, we talk about the 5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history.
Cricket is a game played in partnership. No matter how good you are, you can not survive without a partner at the non-striker end. Therefore, cricketers form bonds that extend beyond the cricket field and last a lifetime. On this Friendship Day, we bring you the 5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history.
5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history
#1 Sachin Tendulkar & Sourav Ganguly
Sachin and Sourav scored 8227 ODI runs together, which is the highest by any pair in ODI history. Image | IndiaTimes
Well, if you talk about partnerships in cricket and do not talk about Sachin and Sourav, you are doing a sin. The Indian pair is one of the most successful opening pairs in cricket history. Their cricketing friendship dates back to U-17 days. Sourav and Sachin met each other there and toured with the India U-17 team. Although Sachin went on to represent India at a very young age, their friendship remained the same.
In fact, it was Sachin and Sourav who transformed the Indian team post the match-fixing scandal. They both scored 6609 runs as an opening pair in ODI cricket, which is a record in itself. Also, they scored the most number of hundred-run partnerships in ODI cricket, with 21 as an opening pair and 26 overall.
They scored 8227 ODI runs as a pair in ODI cricket, a record that might not be broken ever.
#2 Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene
Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene have the record for the highest partnership in test and first-class cricket (624). Image | ICC on X
These two Sri Lankan stalwarts dominated world cricket as a pair throughout their career. In fact, they were the only reason, along with Muralitharan, that Sri Lanka ruled cricket in the mid-2000s. Sri Lanka became unbeatable on their home soil on the banks of partnerships of Sanga and Mahela.
They both piled up runs with ease in international cricket. Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene scored 6554 runs together in test cricket, which is only second to Dravid and Tendulkar's 6920 runs. Their 624-run partnership against South Africa in 2006 is still the highest at any batting position in test cricket.
Kumar and Mahela now own restaurants together. Also, they are trying to help Sri Lankan cricket get back on their feet.
Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath are one of the grestest bowling pairs in cricket history. Image | ICC on X
Probably the greatest bowling pair in cricket history, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath played together and ended their cricket careers together. Perhaps it was because of them that Australia would win against any opposition and at any place.
Ashes to Ashes, Dust to dust, If McGrath can't get you, Warne must.
This old saying about Warne and McGrath reveals their greatness. Moreover, it talks about how they used to hunt in pairs. Though Warne was a bit flamboyant in his life, this duo's cricketing friendship ended many batsmen's careers. Warne is the highest wicket-taker in Ashes history with 195 wickets, while McGrath is the second highest with 157 wickets. They both played 104 Tests in tandem and took 1,011 wickets. In fact, Wisden has stated them to be the greatest bowling pair of all time.
Styen and ABD is known as one of the best friends in cricket alongside Faf du Plessis. Image | RCB
The only batting-bowling pair on our special list of best cricketing friendships. Dale Styen and AB de Villiers started their career together and literally made South Africa the best cricket team in the world.
Though the pair could not win any major ICC trophies for South Africa, they were the best Test team in the world during their time. Steyn finished his career as the highest test wicket-taker for South Africa (439), beating Shaun Pollock's record of 421 test wickets. Meantime, AB Deviliers is known as one of the most complete batters ever.
Wasim and Waqar took 1,147 wickets while playing together. Image | ICC on X
Waqar and Wasim are probably the most lethal bowling pair in modern cricket. The duo from Pakistan dominated the world with sheer pace and swing. Perhaps, Waqar is said to be the best reverse-swing bowler ever, while Wasim Akram is said to be the "sultan of swing" (king of swing).
If Waqar could break your toes, Wasim could too. They both complemented each other so well that they took 500 test wickets in 61 test matches together. They are both probably the best pacers that Pakistan has ever produced.
Other than these pairs, the world has seen many great friendships like Virat-ABD, Bravo-Pollard, Dravid-Kumble and Smith-Marnus over the years. We have chosen the best from 5 separate countries.
Note: The article was first published on Aug 1, 2021 and then got updated over time.
From Vengsarkar to Dravid, discover the most test runs scored by Indian batters at Lord's. Get a comprehensive look at India's performances and history at the iconic venue.
The Lord's Cricket Ground, with its iconic pavilion an rich history, has witnessed countless thrilling battles. For Indian batters, playing at this venue has been both challenging and rewarding.
We are about to take a look at the list of most test runs scored by Indian batters at Lord's. It took immense patience, dedication, and skill to face best bowlers around the world and score consistently.
Get ready to find how some legacies are unmatched till date.
1. Dilip Vengsarkar | 508 runs
Dilip Vengsarkar batting against England at the Lord's in 1986. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Dilip Vengsarkar stands at the top with 508 runs in 8 innings. It's been 35 years since his last appearance at Lord's, yet no Indian batter could come close to his remarkable numbers.
He was known for his elegant style and solid technique, which suited the English conditions. His 157 runs knock in the 1982 test was a monumental effort, which showed a glimpse of potential against a strong bowling attack.
Despite not being his highest, the unbeaten 126 against England in the 1986 Lord's test was the most memorable knock. It contributed to India's first-ever victory at the venue and broke a years-long curse.
Rahul Dravid celebrates his century at Lord's in 2011 England tour. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The 'Wall' of test cricket, Rahul Dravid, holds the 2nd spot with 354 runs in 7 innings. He specialised in soaking up pressure and batting for longer periods with e disciplined approach.
He scored two half-centuries and an unbeaten 103* in the drawn test of 2011. Having multiple test batting records to his name, Dravid proves his enduring class by making it to the top in here as well.
Dravid stats at Lord's:
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
HS
Avg
100
50
1996-2011
4
7
354
103*
59.00
1
2
3. Sunil Gavaskar | 340 runs
Sunil Gavaskar playing at the Lord's. Image | X
One of India's greatest openers, Sunil Gavaskar, amassed 340 runs across 10 innings to earn his deserved spot in the top 3. He consistently helped the team to have a good start, laying the foundation of big totals.
While Gavaskar didn't register a century at Lord's, his highest score of 59 runs, made in 1979, was part of a solid partnership for India's chase in a high-scoring draw.
Vinoo Mankad playing at Lord's against England. Image | TOI
Vinoo Mankad, a brilliant all-rounder, features impressively high on this list despite playing only 4 innings. He scored 333 runs and also holds the record for highest individual score by an Indian batter at Lord's, for his 184 runs in 1952.
Mankad's limited appearances at this venue were nothing short of legendary. He also equally contributed with the ball, displaying commendable all-around efforts.
Mankad stats at Lord's:
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
HS
Avg
100
50
1946-1952
2
4
333
184
83.25
1
2
5. Gundappa Viswanath | 272 runs
Gundappa Viswanath in action during a test match. Image | BBC
Known for wristy elegance, Gundappa Viswanath holds the 5th spot on this list for most test runs scored by Indian batters at Lord's. He scored 272 runs in 8 innings with his unique style.
Viswanath's century of 113 in the 1979 Test against England was a masterclass. It was a significant innings, particularly as it came in a match where India were chasing a massive target and ultimately secured a famous draw.
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