KIF-OD – In-Depth Insights, News & Analysis for Curious Minds

Facing social media backlash for the lack of live coverage of the Duleep Trophy quarterfinals, the BCCI has announced that the final will be telecast live from September 11-15. Despite an agreement for 100 days of live domestic cricket, fans expressed frustration over missing the quarterfinal action, which featured performances from several India players and the return of Mohammed Shami.

Rahul Dravid has resigned as head coach of Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL-2026 season, a year after his return. The Royals had a disappointing 2025 season, finishing ninth with only four wins, compounded by Dravid's injury.

As India gears up for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Suresh Raina suggests a bold opening pair. With Kohli and Sharma potentially out, Raina backs youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma to lead the charge. He also mentioned Priyansh Arya, who impressed in his debut IPL season, could be a surprise package.

India's Test skipper Shubman Gill has reached BCCI Centre of Excellence for fitness checks ahead of Asia Cup 2025. Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammad Siraj and Shardul Thakur too are set to arrive at CoE for the mandatory pre-season assessment.

Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has strongly criticized head coach Gautam Gambhir, labeling him a "hypocrite" for India's upcoming Asia Cup match against Pakistan. Tiwary highlighted Gambhir's previous stance against playing Pakistan, questioning his current role as coach.

Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Farveez Maharoof explained the reasons behind Jasprit Bumrah's constant injuries. He also revealed his favourites for Asia Cup 2025 and admiration for Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Manoj Tiwary questions the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match appropriateness after the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, emphasizing human life's value over sports. He also expressed surprise over Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal's exclusion from the Asia Cup squad, despite their strong performances.

Former cricketer Manoj Tiwary has called for BCCI to live stream selection meetings to improve transparency. This demand follows controversy over the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal from the Asia Cup squad.

The selection of India's Asia Cup 2025 squad is creating controversy. Yashasvi Jaiswal is surprisingly left out. Shubman Gill makes a comeback to the T20I team. He is also appointed as the vice-captain. Experts are questioning Jaiswal's exclusion despite his strong performance. Sai Sudharsan's omission is also raising concerns. Subramaniam Badrinath highlights potential recency bias in the selection process.

Ajinkya Rahane has relinquished his captaincy of Mumbai's domestic cricket team, aiming to foster new leadership while continuing as a player across all formats. Rahane led Mumbai to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last season and expressed his commitment to contribute to the team's future success. Mumbai has potential captaincy candidates like Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali expressed shock over the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami from India's Asia Cup squad. Ali believes Iyer's omission is particularly unjust, stating that in Pakistan, these players would be top-tier.

The BCCI selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, announced India's squad for the Asia Cup 2025, naming Suryakumar Yadav as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain. The exclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer has raised eyebrows, with Madan Lal questioning Jaiswal's omission and Hardik Pandya's changed role.

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra suggests Yashasvi Jaiswal holds an edge over Shubman Gill for a spot in India's Asia Cup squad. Chopra highlights Jaiswal's aggressive T20 style aligns better with the team's needs. He also raises concerns about accommodating Gill without disrupting the team's balance, especially with Sanju Samson's role as an opener complicating the situation.

Speculation surrounds Sanju Samson's possible departure from Rajasthan Royals, fueled by Riyan Parag's captaincy role and reported tensions. Chennai Super Kings have emerged as a potential destination for Samson, viewed as a possible successor to MS Dhoni. However, questions remain about how Samson would fit into CSK's already established batting lineup, creating a complex situation for all parties involved.

England pacer Josh Tongue acknowledged the difficulty of bowling a bowler short as India set a daunting 374-run target. Despite the challenge, he expressed confidence in England's batting lineup and their ability to chase the target.

Yashasvi Jaiswal's magnificent century and Akash Deep's surprising half-century propelled India to a commanding position against England on Day 3. Jaiswal's 118 and Akash Deep's aggressive 66 frustrated the English bowlers, building a substantial lead. However, India lost quick wickets after lunch, leaving Jadeja and Jurel to consolidate.

Team India has set a formidable 374-run target for England in the fifth Test at The Oval, fueled by Yashasvi Jaiswal's century and crucial fifties from Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. England face a historic challenge, needing to surpass the highest-ever fourth-innings chase at The Oval, a record set in 1902.

Akash Deep, the Indian night watchman, showcased an exceptional performance by scoring a maiden Test fifty and forging a century partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal against England. Deep's remarkable innings of 66, along with his earlier ten-wicket haul on the tour, places him among cricket legends.

Akash Deep's remarkable 66, achieved as nightwatchman, ignited celebrations in the Indian dressing room during the fifth Test. His partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal surpassed a significant milestone, becoming the 18th century stand of the series. Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill's visible pride underscored the innings' impact, boosting India's lead and denting England's morale.

Mohammed Siraj's fiery spell, bagging four crucial wickets, spearheaded India's fightback against England on Day 2 of the fifth Test at The Oval. Prasidh Krishna supported him with four wickets as well. India ended the day strongly at 75 for 2, building a 52-run lead, with Yashasvi Jaiswal's aggressive half-century further boosting their position.