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  Images :X Trisha Ghosal, Cardiff The weather in Cardiff was gloomy, cloudy, windy and relentlessly wet throughout the day, providing a very English backdrop to India’s latest training session ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. India had arrived at Sophia Gardens hoping for a productive outdoor session, but the persistent rain forced the team indoors for most of the day. There was a brief spell of sunshine around late afternoon and a few Indian players began making their way towards the outdoor nets. However, the respite was short-lived as the rain returned almost immediately. With showers continuing well into the evening and temperatures remaining chilly, India’s preparations were significantly curtailed. While the weather dominated Cardiff, the tournament itself officially came to life as the first set of warm-up fixtures took place in Derby and Loughborough. Sri Lanka produced arguably the most eye-catching performance of the day, cruising to a nine-wicket victory o...

  Suryakumar Yadav (PC: BCCI) Why did Suryakumar Yadav not retire? This is something doing the rounds on social media. A fair question to ask if you aren’t Surya. And if you are, a question completely out of bounds. It is his career and his decision. It is his self-belief and entirely his call. Surya must have believed he had the game. In fact, he still has the game. He was available, but the lack of runs forced the selectors to look beyond him. It is all very fair. The selectors had given him a long rope and he wanted to play on. Now, it was the selectors’ call and they have taken it. To expect Surya to retire is unfair and unreasonable. At no point did he believe that the game had gone away from him. For some of us who have seen him at his best just a few months ago, it is hard to believe he wasn’t able to score runs. But that’s sport and that’s why it is real, not reel, and cruel at times. Surya will always remain a very interesting case study. Anyone who has followed...

Shreyas Iyer (Source X) Former Team India skipper Rohit Sharma has expressed his confidence in newly appointed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, saying his leadership experience in the IPL has prepared him for the challenges of leading the national side. Speaking at the T20 Mumbai League on Saturday, Rohit said Shreyas has shown his leadership qualities over the last few years and believes that he is ready for the role. “I’m sure, looking at how he has captained in the last few years for his franchise, he’s going to have a good time,” Rohit said. Shreyas has been named India’s new T20 captain as the team starts a fresh cycle with major events such as the Asia Cup, the 2028 Olympics, and the next T20 World Cup. The Mumbai batter won the IPL title with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024 and guided Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the finals in 2020 and 2025, respectively. Rohit said representing Mumbai helps cricketers develop the qualities required to succeed at ...

Mohammed Shami in LSG ( PC- X) The third edition of the Bengal Pro T20 League 2026 got underway with a colourful inauguration ceremony at Eden Gardens on 5 June. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly and legendary cricketer Jhulan Goswami graced the occasion as players, team owners and officials gathered to mark the start of the new season. Defending men’s champions Adamas Howrah Warriors and reigning women’s champions Kolkata Royal Tigers were honoured on stage, with their captains presenting the trophies before the captains of all participating teams joined for a ceremonial photoshoot. The captains also signed a commemorative board to mark the opening of the tournament. A glimpse of the inauguration ceremony Addressing the gathering, Ganguly highlighted the league’s importance as a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent. Sujan Mukherjee and the Eden Gardens ground staff were also felicitated for their outstanding work during the IPL, which helped th...

Image :X Trisha Ghosal, Cardiff India’s final stretch of preparation for the Women’s World Cup is officially underway. Just two days after concluding the T20I series against England, the Indian squad returned to work in Cardiff on Thursday for what was their first full training session before the tournament starts. With practice scheduled over the next few days and warm-up matches to follow on 8 and 10 June, the team has entered the crucial final phase of its World Cup build-up. The session was characterised by intensity and involvement across the entire squad. Every player spent time either batting, bowling or fielding as the coaching staff sought to maximise preparation before the team shifts base to Birmingham after the second warm-up fixture. Among the notable performers was wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh. While her recent returns in matches have raised questions, largely because of the limited number of deliveries she often faces lower down the order, the Bengal batter looke...

  Images :X Not many selection committee meetings have generated this level of interest. First, India will see a new T20 captain. Second, in all likelihood, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, currently in Sri Lanka with the India A team, will break into the senior team for the tours of Ireland and England. What also needs to be seen is whether the selectors pick a young squad for Ireland and a different one for England, or will the same squad travel to both tours? What happens to players like Rajat Patidar and Bhuvneshwar Kumar? Will they get a look in, and will the selectors consider IPL performances when picking T20 squads? Finally, what about Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya? Will we see them miss out or be a part of the England tour, at least? Ajit Agarkar and the team management will give us an idea about their vision for India’s white-ball cricket with this selection. While the 50-over World Cup is 15 months away, the next T20 World Cup in Australia-New Zealand and the LA 2...