Padikkal, Rahul Give India a Confident Start in Galle Devdutt Padikkal struck his maiden Test century as India ended the first day of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series against Sri Lanka at Galle on 288/2. The Indian opener, fresh from a century in a tour game, showcased his form with a composed 131, supported by Rishabh Pant’s 27, as the team built a strong foundation. The innings began with a brisk start after Shubman Gill’s team opted to bat first following a rain delay. Yashasvi Jaiswal took an early lead with aggressive strokeplay, but his innings came to an abrupt end when he was run out after a confusion between the openers. KL Rahul settled in alongside Jaiswal before the latter’s dismissal, allowing Padikkal to step into the middle. The left-handed batsman continued his impressive form, reaching his half-century in the second session as his partnership with Rahul crossed 100 in the 42nd over. The scoring accelerated from both ends, with India finishing the session at 197/1, both batters on track for their respective centuries. However, Rahul’s innings was cut short when he suffered discomfort in his bottom hand and had to retire hurt at the start of the third session. Skipper Shubman Gill joined Padikkal, and the latter soon completed his maiden Test century, showcasing his resilience and technique. Prabath Jayasuriya, who had gone 97 overs without a wicket in Galle, ended his drought with the dismissal of Gill, who edged a poor shot to mid-off, caught by Lahiru Igalagamage. Pant, now at the crease, partnered Padikkal for the remainder of the day, hitting three fours and a six in a thrilling finish. India’s score of 288/2 at the close of play marked a strong opening day, with Padikkal’s century and Pant’s late fireworks setting the tone.#shubman_gill #sitanshu_kotak #rishabh_pant #kl_rahul #devdutt_padikkal
Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya Fitness Update: Series Against Afghanistan Set to Begin The upcoming One Day International (ODI) series between India and Afghanistan, scheduled to start on June 13, 2026, has seen renewed optimism as batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed that both Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya are likely to feature in the matches. The confirmation comes after the players passed fitness tests and are expected to be part of the squad for the three-match series. The fitness of Sharma and Pandya had been a topic of speculation, as both had faced injury-related issues during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Sharma, who suffered from hamstring problems, missed several matches, while Pandya’s absence was attributed to back pain and illness. Despite their return to team training, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had mandated fitness tests before confirming their inclusion in the squad. Kotak, speaking after the Test series against Afghanistan, provided positive updates on the players’ condition. He stated, “I have full confidence in their fitness, based on the information I’ve received. Both are ready to contribute.” The coach also mentioned that the team management might organize a light training session before the ODI series to ensure the players are in peak condition. The BCCI’s medical team, based at the Bengaluru-based Center of Excellence (CoE), has been closely monitoring the players’ progress. While official reports on their fitness assessments have not been released, social media images suggest both are actively participating in fitness drills. However, their participation in the series remains conditional on passing the final medical clearance.#bcci #hardik_pandya #rohit_sharma #sitanshu_kotak #board_of_control_for_cricket_in_india
T20 World Cup final: A father's quiet vigil as Abhishek Sharma prepares for his biggest night On the eve of the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand, Abhishek Sharma’s focus remained on his cricketing craft as he trained at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Indian opener, known for his explosive batting, spent nearly 30 minutes batting in the nets, facing a mix of throwdown specialists and bowlers. His technique, particularly against off-spin, showed improvement as he settled into his rhythm. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and head coach Gautam Gambhir observed closely, offering guidance and feedback. The session highlighted Sharma’s determination to regain his form ahead of the high-stakes clash. Abhishek’s father, Rajkumar Sharma, a former coach and lifelong supporter, watched from a distance but remained deeply engaged. Though unable to see the action as clearly without his glasses, he found comfort in the sounds of the shots and the energy of the practice session. The father, who had been a constant presence in Abhishek’s early cricketing days, maintained a quiet but unwavering belief in his son’s ability to deliver. “Everything will be good tomorrow,” he remarked, expressing confidence in the team’s chances to win the World Cup. The father’s role extended beyond emotional support. During the session, he interacted with ICC Chairman Jay Shah, who was inspecting preparations for the final. Rajkumar’s presence also coincided with a pivotal moment in Abhishek’s training. After a lengthy conversation with Gambhir, the coach summoned Sharma for a detailed pep talk. The exchange, marked by gestures and reassurance, underscored the pressure on the batter to perform. Despite his efforts, Sharma’s tournament has been marked by inconsistency.#gautam_gambhir #narendra_modi_stadium #abhishek_sharma #rajkumar_sharma #sitanshu_kotak
