Facing a must-win Test against South Africa, Indian batters Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel revived an old-school net drill—batting with just one pad—to sharpen front-foot play and counter spin. Here’s why this technique matters now more than ever.
South Africa have called up pace spearhead Lungi Ngidi as cover for the injured Kagiso Rabada ahead of the crucial second Test against India in Guwahati—adding firepower to their attack after a historic series-opening win.
While Gautam Gambhir has thrived in white-ball cricket, his tenure as India’s Test coach has raised serious questions—marked by underprepared pitches, inconsistent selections, and a worrying dip in red-ball results.
In a striking response to their shocking defeat in the first Test, Indian batters Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel practiced without front pads—a deliberate drill to sharpen front-foot play against spin. With Shubman Gill’s availability in doubt, the team is urgently seeking solutions.
Sri Lanka have called up leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth as a direct replacement for the injured Wanindu Hasaranga ahead of their T20I tri-series in Pakistan — a key step in their build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Former England spinner Monty Panesar has issued a bold prediction: if England win the first Test, they will lift the Ashes urn in Australia for the first time in over a decade. We break down his reasoning and the real challenges ahead.