sem-tn.com – Interviews & Local News Headlines

Following India's dominant victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia downplayed the controversy surrounding the team's decision to skip the post-match handshake. Saikia emphasized celebrating India's triumph and disregarding noise from external parties. Captain Suryakumar Yadav stated the decision was aligned with the government and BCCI. India's next match is against Oman on September 19.

Bollywood actor Zayed Khan has come out in full support of Team India before their high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 clash against Pakistan. Confident about the Men in Blue’s form, Zayed declared that India will dominate the tournament, calling them a “damn good team.”

Team India, fresh off a dominant win against UAE in their Asia Cup 2025 opener, is keenly observing Afghanistan, a formidable T20 opponent. Key players like Sanju Samson and Hardik Pandya were seen analyzing Afghanistan's net practice, focusing on their explosive batting and diverse bowling attack.

Arun Dhumal, IPL chairman, affirmed India's commitment to playing Pakistan only in ACC/ICC events, adhering to government policy amidst Asia Cup boycott call. This decision follows heightened tensions after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, leading to military action. Couple of months ago, Dhumal also managed a crisis during the IPL when PBKS' match in Dharamsala was halted before the league was paused.

Team India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, delighted fans awaiting their arrival at the ICC Cricket Academy in Dubai by signing autographs. Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel also interacted with fans, posing for photos and signing autographs.

Defending champions India are gearing up for the Asia Cup 2025 with intense practice sessions in Dubai, emphasising all-rounder development and fine-tuning bowling combinations. Bowling coach Morne Morkel highlights the team's focus on intensity and execution, respecting Pakistan while prioritising their own game. The team aims to leave no stone unturned in their preparation for the tournament.

Team India has commenced preparations for their Asia Cup 2025 title defense with a rigorous practice session in Dubai, fueled by coach Gautam Gambhir's call to seize every opportunity. Key players like Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill participated in extensive drills, emphasising the team's focus on acclimatisation and skill enhancement.

Team India will participate in the Asia Cup 2025 without a lead sponsor after Dream11 ended its contract due to new online gaming regulations. Consequently, the 'India' logo on the team's jerseys will be more prominent.

The introduction of the rugby-style Bronco Test in the Indian cricketing system, by the current Indian Strength and Conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux, has created a lot of buzz. The 2011 World Cup-winning S&C coach Ramji Srinivasan calls it a much-needed step to improve the endurance of the fast bowlers. Meanwhile, Soham Desai, who recently left the Team India set-up, calls it 'just another test'.

Team India celebrated the one-year anniversary of their 2024 T20 World Cup victory in Birmingham, taking a break from Test match preparations. A video shared by the BCCI captured the team cutting a cake and reminiscing about their unbeaten run to the title. The players, including Bumrah, Pant and Jadeja, shared light-hearted moments and laughter, celebrating the unforgettable triumph.

Mohammad Azharuddin has cautioned India against over-relying on Jasprit Bumrah and suggested including Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test against England. He emphasised the need for a more varied bowling attack to support Bumrah. Azharuddin defended Shubman Gill's captaincy, urging patience and support for the new captain despite the team's batting collapse and defeat in the first Test.

During preparations for the second Test against England, the Indian cricket team enjoyed a heartwarming reunion at Edgbaston as familiar faces from home joined their net practice. Current and former teammates reminisced about their shared journey, strengthening bonds. Jasprit Bumrah's return to the nets raised hopes, while the team focused on improving lower-order batting.

In 2024, Team India secured a memorable T20 World Cup victory, ending a decade-long drought in ICC knockouts. They remained unbeaten, defeating strong teams like Australia, Pakistan, and England. The final against South Africa saw India defend a total of 176, winning by seven runs.