BCCI Honors Ajinkya Rahane's Distinguished International Career The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Ajinkya Rahane on the conclusion of his remarkable international career following his decision to retire from competitive cricket. Over the course of nearly 15 years, Rahane established himself as one of India’s most reliable and composed performers, earning widespread admiration for his technical prowess, mental fortitude, and ability to thrive under pressure. His contributions to the sport, both as a player and a leader, have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. Rahane’s career was defined by his exceptional performances in challenging overseas conditions, where he consistently delivered when the stakes were highest. His ability to adapt to different pitches and climates, coupled with his calm demeanor, made him a critical asset for the Indian team. Among his most celebrated achievements are his centuries at iconic venues such as Lord’s in England, the Basin Reserve in Wellington, the MCG in Melbourne, and the Gabba in Brisbane. These innings not only showcased his technical mastery but also underscored his capacity to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations. A pivotal moment in Rahane’s career came during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he took on the role of captain at a critical juncture. India faced significant challenges, including a disastrous 36-run first-innings collapse in Adelaide and the logistical hurdles posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, Rahane led with composure, delivering a standout century at the MCG that leveled the series. His leadership extended beyond individual brilliance, as he guided the team through adversity to secure a historic series victory.#bcci #border_gavaskar_trophy #ajinkya_rahan #devajit_saikia #mitchun_manhas
Lalchand Rajput, Rohit Sharma's early mentor, remains confident that the former India captain is "good enough to play for a couple of years" despite recent speculation about his future in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Rajput, who first observed Sharma as a young player at the National Cricket Academy, dismissed rumors suggesting that selectors and coaches had ruled out Sharma's participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup. The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, later clarified that such reports were unfounded. Rajput emphasized that Sharma's current struggles, attributed to the natural "wear and tear" of a two-decade cricket career, do not diminish his value to the team. "I don't believe in speculation. Unless it happens, then only we can talk about that," Rajput told PTI. He highlighted Sharma's fitness improvements, noting that the player has become "leaner" and shown "glimpses of the Hitman" in recent matches. Rajput also pointed to Sharma's resilience, stating that the veteran opener is "one good innings away" from regaining his former form. The debate over Sharma's role in India's ODI plans intensified after reports claimed that chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir had advised Sharma that he was not part of the team's long-term vision for the 2027 World Cup. However, these claims were swiftly refuted by Saikia, who confirmed that Sharma remains a key figure in India's plans. Rajput, who served as the Indian team's manager during the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, reiterated that the focus should remain on Sharma's current performance. "Nothing is confirmed. Let's focus on Rohit because he is batting well, has worked very hard on his fitness, and has come back strongly," he said. Rajput also addressed the question of whether India should already be looking beyond Sharma.#gautam_gambhir #rohit_sharma #ajit_agarkar #devajit_saikia #lalchand_rajput
India Squad Selection for Ireland, England T20Is: Selection Committee Meeting Underway, Press Conference Scheduled The Indian cricket board’s senior men’s selection committee has convened at the BCCI headquarters to finalize the squad for upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England, as well as the Asian Games and India A’s Sri Lanka tour. The meeting, which began with Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the committee, and BCCI honorary secretary Devajit Saikia in attendance, is expected to yield key decisions. A press conference is set for 1 PM IST, where Agarkar and Saikia will address media, followed by the official announcement of the squads. The focus of the selection process centers on balancing immediate needs with long-term planning. The T20I squads, in particular, will highlight India’s strategy for white-ball cricket, while the Asian Games squad will serve as a testing ground for younger players. The India A squad for Sri Lanka’s red-ball matches will also provide insights into the selectors’ approach to building depth in longer formats. Among the most anticipated decisions is the inclusion of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose explosive IPL 2026 performance—776 runs, 72 sixes, and a strike rate exceeding 237—has positioned him as a potential left-handed opener. His selection could create competition for existing options like Ishan Kishan or Abhishek Sharma, raising questions about the selectors’ willingness to fast-track a 15-year-old prodigy. Meanwhile, Rajat Patidar’s case has gained momentum after leading Royal Challengers Bangalore to back-to-back IPL titles, adding credibility to his potential inclusion as a middle-order batter. Harsh Dubey, a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder with SRH and Vidarbha, is also in contention.#ajit_agarkar #rajat_patidar #vaibhav_sooryavanshi #devajit_saikia #india_cricket_board
BCCI Cannot Interfere with IPL Franchises' Player Fitness Assessments: Saikia The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified that it cannot intervene in the fitness evaluations conducted by IPL franchises for its contracted players during the tournament. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized this stance during a press conference in Mumbai on May 19, 2026, following the announcement of India’s squad for the home series against Afghanistan. Saikia stated that franchises are responsible for managing player injuries and fitness, while BCCI physiotherapists from the Centre of Excellence provide additional monitoring. Saikia explained that the BCCI’s role is limited during the IPL, as franchises have autonomy over their players’ fitness protocols. “We cannot interfere too much when the IPL is going on,” he said, noting that the BCCI’s physios oversee workload management and fitness plans but do not override decisions made by the franchises. He added that the BCCI’s control is more pronounced when dealing with the national team, as fitness assessments directly impact selection for international matches. The comments came amid ongoing debates about player fitness in the IPL, particularly regarding high-profile cases. Varun Chakaravarthy, for instance, is reportedly bowling despite a fractured toe, while Arshdeep Singh’s fitness status remains unclear due to a recurring niggle. Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, both key members of the national team, have been selected subject to fitness clearance by the BCCI. Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, echoed Saikia’s sentiments, stating that fitness decisions are best left to experts. “I am not an expert in that area,” Agarkar said. “If they tell me a certain guy is fit, I have to trust that person when we pick them.#mumbai #bcci #ipl #varun_chakaravarthy #devajit_saikia
BCCI Can't Micro-Manage Player Workloads During IPL, Says Secretary Devajit Saikia The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has faced renewed scrutiny over its approach to managing the workload and fitness of centrally contracted players during the Indian Premier League (IPL). BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia addressed the controversy, emphasizing that the board cannot micromanage players’ schedules and physical conditions during the IPL, a stance that has sparked ongoing debates about the balance between franchise autonomy and national team selection priorities. The discussion gained traction after the BCCI announced its squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan, which includes a one-off Test and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Key decisions in the selection process highlighted the tension between player fitness and competitive demands. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who has been monitored for workload management, and all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja (injured) and Axar Patel were rested for the series. Meanwhile, reports surfaced about mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy bowling for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) despite a fractured toe, and uncertainty surrounding Punjab Kings’ Arshdeep Singh’s fitness. Saikia clarified that the BCCI’s role is limited to monitoring, not direct control, during the IPL. “We can’t micro-manage the workload and fitness of the players during the IPL because otherwise, it will be interference in the functioning of the franchises by the BCCI regarding the activities of their teams and players,” Saikia told The Times of India. He explained that franchisees are responsible for injury management and fitness planning, with the BCCI’s physios at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru providing additional oversight.#bcci #kolkata_knight_riders #ipl #pune_kings #devajit_saikia
