Tag Archives: parth dhall

Afghanistan pull out of Pakistan Tri-Series series: Details here

**Why Afghanistan Withdrew from T20I Tri-Series in Pakistan**
*By Parth Dhall | Oct 13, 2025, 10:56 PM*

In a significant development, Afghanistan has withdrawn from the upcoming T20I Tri-Series scheduled to be held in Pakistan, which also involves Sri Lanka. The series was set to take place between November 17 and 29 but has now been impacted by the ongoing military conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

### Rising Tensions Affect Cricket Plans

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has responded to this setback by beginning preparations for alternate arrangements. The decision comes amid escalating tensions following Taliban forces’ retaliation against airstrikes in Kabul. According to the Taliban government, 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed in “retaliatory” strikes carried out on a Saturday night, further straining the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

### ICC Urged to Prepare Alternate Plans

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to prepare “alternate plans” to ensure the tri-series proceeds despite Afghanistan’s withdrawal. The ICC’s involvement is seen as critical to managing the situation and maintaining the cricketing calendar.

### Strategic Moves by PCB

In an effort to keep the tournament on track, the PCB has invited Sri Lanka to play three T20Is starting November 11, ahead of the tri-series involving Pakistan and Afghanistan. Additionally, the Pakistan and Sri Lankan cricket boards are in discussions to organize a three-match T20I series in Colombo from January 1 to 10, signaling strong cricketing ties despite regional instability.

The situation remains fluid, and cricket fans will be watching closely to see how the boards navigate these challenges in the coming weeks.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/why-afghanistan-pulled-out-of-pakistan-series/story

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj becomes leading wicket-taker in 2025 (Tests)

Mohammed Siraj Becomes Leading Wicket-Taker in Test Cricket in 2025

By Parth Dhall | Oct 13, 2025 | 03:35 PM

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has emerged as the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket for the year 2025, surpassing Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani. Siraj claimed this milestone on Day 4 of the 2nd Test against the West Indies at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium by dismissing centurion Shai Hope, who had built an innings-defining 177-run partnership with John Campbell. This wicket took Siraj’s tally to 37 Test wickets in 2025.

Yearly Record: Siraj Tops the List

So far in 2025, Siraj has featured in eight Tests for India and has been a crucial pillar of the pace attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah. With Bumrah missing a few games to manage his workload, Siraj’s endurance and consistency have stood out. Across 15 innings this year, Siraj has taken more than 37 wickets at an impressive average of under 27.

His performance during the five-Test series against England was particularly notable, where he took 23 wickets and was named Player of the Series.

Surpassing Zimbabwe’s Muzarabani

In the latest Delhi Test, Siraj surpassed Blessing Muzarabani, who had taken 36 wickets from nine matches this year. Other notable wicket-takers this year include England’s Josh Tongue (19 wickets in three matches) and Ben Stokes (17 wickets in four matches), both trailing behind Muzarabani on the charts.

A Look at Siraj’s Test Career

Siraj was India’s standout bowler during their 2025 tour of England, where he claimed the pivotal series-leveling wicket in the fifth and final Test at The Oval.

In total, Siraj has played 43 Tests, taking over 130 wickets at an average of under 30. His career includes eight four-wicket hauls and five five-wicket hauls. Most recently, he starred in India’s comprehensive innings victory over the West Indies in the 1st Test at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, taking 4/40 and 3/31.

Remarkable Journey

Siraj’s rise to becoming a lethal Test bowler has been nothing short of remarkable. However, his journey has not been without hardship. Just days before his Test debut in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, Siraj suffered the tragic loss of his father due to illness.

Complicating matters, Siraj was confined to a strict COVID-19 bio-bubble in Australia and was unable to attend his father’s last rites back in India. His resilience and determination to succeed despite personal loss speak volumes about his character and endurance.

Mohammed Siraj continues to be a vital asset for India’s Test team, and his performances in 2025 have firmly established him as one of the premier pacers in world cricket.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/mohammed-siraj-bags-this-record-in-2025/story

IND vs WI, 2nd Test: Sai Sudharsan won’t field on Day 3

**Delhi Test: India’s Sai Sudharsan to Sit Out Fielding on Day 3**

*By Parth Dhall | Oct 12, 2025, 11:08 AM*

Indian batter Sai Sudharsan will not be fielding on Day 3 of the ongoing 2nd Test against the West Indies at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. This decision comes as a precautionary measure after he sustained an impact injury during Day 2 while fielding at short leg.

The incident happened during the West Indies’ first innings when opener John Campbell played a sweep shot that struck Sudharsan’s hand as he attempted to take cover. Despite the painful blow, Sudharsan managed to complete the catch, dismissing Campbell. However, he was clearly in discomfort and had to leave the field soon after.

Devdutt Padikkal took over Sudharsan’s position at short leg for the remainder of Day 2.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that Sudharsan will remain off the field on Day 3 as a precaution and is currently under close observation by the team’s medical staff. Further updates on his condition will be provided as the situation develops.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/bcci-gives-update-on-sai-sudharsan-s-injury/story

Varun Chakravarthy hails Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir

By Parth Dhall | Oct 07, 2025 | 09:31 PM

**Varun Chakravarthy Praises Coach Gambhir for Instilling ‘Spartan Mentality’ in Team**

India’s top-ranked T20I bowler, Varun Chakravarthy, has lauded head coach Gautam Gambhir for fostering a “Spartan mentality” within the team. Under Gambhir’s guidance, Chakravarthy says there is “no option of losing,” and players are expected to give their absolute best on the field.

Chakravarthy, who has been in sublime form recently, credited both Gambhir and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) for his international comeback after nearly a three-year hiatus from the Indian team.

### Support System: Gambhir and SKY Backed Me During My Absence

Reflecting on his return to the national side, Chakravarthy acknowledged the backing he received from Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav as a key wicket-taker. Speaking at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai on Tuesday, he shared how their support was instrumental during his absence from international cricket.

“I was out of the team for more than three years, but I did have a consecutive good IPL. For them to recognize that and bring me into the team was great for me,” Chakravarthy said.

### Career Trajectory: From Debut to Comeback

Varun Chakravarthy first represented India in July 2021. However, following a subpar performance at the ICC T20 World Cup that year, he was dropped from the T20I side. After nearly three years away from international cricket, Chakravarthy was recalled in October 2025.

Since his return, the mystery spinner has become a regular member of India’s T20I squad and has also made his One Day International (ODI) debut. Earlier this year, he played a key role in helping India win the Champions Trophy.

### Areas for Improvement: Gambhir Wants Me to Boost ODI Chances

Despite missing out on India’s ODI squad for the recent Australia tour, Chakravarthy revealed that Gambhir has advised him to work on certain aspects to improve his chances in ODI cricket.

“Basically, the conversations were around bowling longer spells,” Chakravarthy explained. He also mentioned that Gambhir encouraged him to bat higher up the order in domestic cricket and to develop his batting skills further.

### Career Highlights: Stunning Numbers Since Comeback

Since making his T20I comeback, Chakravarthy has taken 38 wickets in 18 matches at an impressive average of 12.94, maintaining an economy rate of 7.23. He has claimed two five-wicket hauls in T20Is after returning to the team against England and South Africa.

By achieving these feats, Chakravarthy became just the third Indian bowler to record multiple five-wicket hauls in T20I cricket, joining the ranks of Kuldeep Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Overall, he boasts 40 wickets from 24 T20Is at an average of 15.60.

### Team Chemistry: Praising Kuldeep Yadav’s Impressive Run

Chakravarthy also praised fellow spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the 2025 T20 Asia Cup. “Kuldeep is definitely one of the most experienced bowlers right now in the pool of players that we have, and he has done amazingly well,” he said.

The two spinners complement each other effectively with their different bowling styles and varying speeds, adding depth and variety to India’s bowling attack.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/varun-chakravarthy-heaps-praise-on-gautam-gambhir/story

Vidarbha beat ROI to win third Irani Cup title

**Vidarbha Claim Third Irani Cup Title: Key Stats**

*By Parth Dhall | October 5, 2025, 6:11 PM*

Vidarbha, the reigning Ranji Trophy champions, have added another feather to their cap by winning the prestigious Irani Cup. The team secured their third Irani Cup title after a commanding performance against the Rest of India (ROI) at Nagpur’s VCA Stadium, culminating in a dominating finish on Day 5.

**Bowling Brilliance Seals the Win**

Vidarbha’s five-man bowling attack operated in perfect harmony to bowl out ROI for 267 runs just before tea on Sunday. The star of the bowling lineup was Yash Thakur, whose double strike included the prized wicket of Yash Dhull, who scored a brilliant 92. Thakur’s incisive spells at crucial moments helped dismantle the opposition’s chase of 361 runs. In a fiery moment during play, Thakur and Dhull were engaged in a heated exchange, showcasing the intensity of the contest.

Harsh Dubey also played a pivotal role, taking a four-wicket haul at key junctures to stifle ROI’s chase effectively. His bowling performance was instrumental in ensuring a 93-run victory for Vidarbha, maintaining their dominant streak.

**Match Summary**

Vidarbha set a strong foundation batting first, posting 342 all out, thanks to a scintillating 143 from Atharva Taide and a solid 91 from Yash Rathod. ROI’s initial response saw them bundled out for 214, with Yash Thakur claiming four wickets.

In their second innings, Vidarbha were restricted to 232 all out, with Anshul Kamboj taking four wickets for ROI. Chasing a challenging target of 261 runs, ROI fell short at 267 all out, as Harsh Dubey’s four-wicket haul proved decisive.

**Perfect Record in Irani Cup**

With this victory, Vidarbha now boast a perfect record in the Irani Cup, having won all three editions they have competed in. Their previous back-to-back victories came in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons. Meanwhile, the Rest of India side faced disappointment as runners-up for the 30th time in the tournament’s history.

Vidarbha’s consistent excellence in domestic cricket continues to make them a formidable force in Indian cricket’s premier competitions.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/vidarbha-clinch-third-irani-cup-title/story