sem-tn.com – Interviews & Local News Headlines

Rohit Sharma and Sarfaraz Khan ignited social media after training together at the NCA, fueling speculation about mentorship. Sarfaraz's impressive domestic form, including a recent unbeaten century, strengthens his case for a national call-up. Rohit prepares for the ODI series against Australia, showcasing his fitness after a brief hiatus, signaling a potential transition to the next generation.

Sourav Ganguly dismissed the India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash as one-sided, preferring to watch the Manchester derby. He cited a decline in Pakistan's team quality, stating the match no longer holds the competitive edge it once did. Ganguly also addressed the handshake controversy, emphasizing the need to end terrorism globally while deflecting questions about the players' actions to Suryakumar Yadav.

In the Asia Cup 2025 clash, Kuldeep Yadav's bowling and Jasprit Bumrah's contribution restricted Pakistan to a modest total. Abhishek Sharma then ignited India's chase with a rapidfire innings, smashing Shaheen Afridi for boundaries and sixes. His quickfire 31 set the stage for India's comfortable seven-wicket victory, prompting a patriotic message from the young opener.

Suryakumar Yadav's India commenced their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a resounding nine-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates in Dubai. India's bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav's impressive 4 for 7, dismantled UAE for a mere 57. India chased the target swiftly in 4.3 overs, with Abhishek Sharma contributing a quick 30.

Jasprit Bumrah's return for India's Asia Cup opener against the UAE has sparked debate over workload management, following his absence from recent England Tests. Ajay Jadeja questioned deploying Bumrah in a low-pressure game, while Irfan Pathan advocated for his consistent availability throughout the series. India faces a balancing act in ensuring Bumrah's sharpness for major tournaments without risking early burnout.

Suryakumar Yadav led the Indian team at the 2025 Asia Cup pre-tournament press conference in Dubai, shaking hands with ACC President Mohsin Naqvi. Eight captains expressed their determination to win the title, with India and Pakistan set for a highly anticipated clash on September 13.

Suryakumar Yadav, India's captain, has issued a confident warning to Pakistan ahead of their Asia Cup clash, emphasizing the team's inherent aggression on the field. He acknowledged the long gap since India's last T20I but expressed confidence in the team's preparation and adaptability.

Ravi Shastri advocates for wrist-spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav in India's Asia Cup XI, emphasizing Kuldeep's peak form. He believes Surya Kumar Yadav is a capable T20 captain, leading a fearless and talented team. Shastri acknowledges Jasprit Bumrah's brilliance but cautions against complacency, highlighting the need for spinners to perform well.

Sanjay Bangar shared a story. Shubman Gill's initial net practice amazed everyone. Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Ravi Shastri were present. Gill's batting impressed Kohli. Kohli felt he lacked Gill's talent at 19. Shastri wanted Gill in the playing eleven immediately. Gill's talent was evident from the start. Everyone realized his special ability during that session.

Irfan Pathan's relationship with MS Dhoni is under scrutiny again after an old interview resurfaced, suggesting Dhoni's alleged favouritism towards hookah-smoking players. This contrasts with Pathan's earlier statements about his close friendship with Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Robin Uthappa. Despite his all-round abilities, Pathan's career ended abruptly, leading to speculation about Dhoni's influence on his exclusion.

Robin Uthappa suggests Cheteshwar Pujara's retirement might have been delayed, pointing to his exclusion from the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad as a potential turning point. Despite this, Uthappa lauded Pujara's unwavering dedication, recalling a Ranji Trophy match where Pujara's commitment to batting was evident. While the timing may be debated, Pujara's significant contribution to Indian Test cricket remains undeniable.

Dinesh Karthik praises Jitesh Sharma's mindset regarding national team selection. Karthik helped Jitesh refine his finishing skills while at Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Jitesh's IPL 2025 performance earned him a spot back on the Indian squad. He aims to solidify his position in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Sanju Samson is currently the preferred wicketkeeper.

Riyan Parag, recovering from a shoulder injury sustained last October, returned to competitive cricket in the Duleep Trophy after a stint in the IPL where he experienced stress as stand-in captain. Parag expressed satisfaction with his performance in the Duleep Trophy match, focusing on enjoying the game and testing his fitness.

Reports suggest the BCCI has approached MS Dhoni to mentor the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Manoj Tiwary humorously commented on Dhoni's elusiveness, questioning his availability. Tiwary also highlighted the potential benefits of Dhoni's experience and the intriguing prospect of him working alongside Gautam Gambhir, while emphasizing that Dhoni's acceptance of the role remains uncertain.

Hasin Jahan's cryptic social media post has reignited the public feud with Mohammed Shami, shortly after the cricketer addressed his personal life. Jahan alleges ongoing attempts to intimidate and ruin her, asserting her resilience in the face of adversity.

Shubman Gill, recovering from a viral flu, is expected to arrive in Bengaluru to begin Asia Cup preparations at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. He will undergo assessment and training due to unsuitable facilities near his home, and is likely to depart for Dubai from Bengaluru, joining other squad members.

Manoj Tiwary, former Indian cricketer, suggests the newly introduced Bronco Test in Indian cricket might be a strategy to exclude Rohit Sharma from the team, especially with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon. He questions the timing of this endurance-focused test, contrasting it with previous instances where fitness benchmarks seemingly sidelined senior players like Gambhir and Sehwag.

Rohit Sharma lauded team India's unwavering "desperation" and "hunger" during their undefeated run to win the 2024 T20 World Cup, ending a 13-year ICC title drought. He highlighted the collective contribution of players and support staff, culminating in joyous celebrations upon their return to Mumbai.

Indian ODI captain Rohit Sharma recently celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi with his family, embracing tradition after stepping away from Test cricket in May 2025. While his Test and T20I careers have concluded, marked by significant achievements including a T20 World Cup win in 2024, Rohit now concentrates solely on ODIs.

Justin Langer downplayed Rishabh Pant's match-winning innings at the Gabba in 2021, which secured India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory. While he initially praised Pant's fearlessness, Langer now suggests the flat pitch and COVID-affected circumstances diminished Australia's home advantage. He highlighted that playing in January differed from the usual November conditions, impacting the game.