italiannetwork.co.uk – Trending Affairs & Reports

Concerns surrounded India's batting lineup post-Rohit and Kohli, particularly regarding Suryakumar Yadav's role. However, the Asia Cup game against Pakistan revealed a flexible Indian team with a strategic approach, mirroring England's successful T20 World Cup model.

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.

The BCCI has announced the India A squads for the upcoming three-match one-day series against Australia A in Kanpur. Rajat Patidar will lead in the first match, while Tilak Varma will captain the subsequent games. The squads feature young talents from domestic cricket and the IPL, with Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana joining for the final two matches.

Rohit Sharma's return to the nets, as seen in a recent Instagram video posted by the batter, has ignited excitement among fans, further amplified by his wife Ritika Sajdeh's emotional comment. After a break from international cricket and a recent fitness test, Rohit is set to play in the upcoming ODI series against Australia.

India initiated their 2025 Men's Asia Cup campaign with a dominant nine-wicket victory over the UAE, fueled by Abhishek Sharma's explosive batting. Chasing a modest target, India completed the chase in a record-breaking 4.3 overs. Kuldeep Yadav's exceptional four-wicket haul and Shivam Dube's three wickets restricted UAE to a mere 57.

A resurfaced video of Rohit Sharma practicing sparked speculation about his return, but it was confirmed as old footage from the 2025 IPL season. Despite concerns raised by a recent hospital visit, Sharma has cleared a fitness test and is set to join Virat Kohli in the ODI series against Australia, marking their return to international cricket after a break.

India A are set to play three List A matches against Australia A and the TimesofIndia.com has learnt that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will not be forced to play in the series and their participation. If at all it happens, it will only happen if they need game time before the tour of Australia, where the Men in Blue will play three ODIs.

Concerns arose among fans after Rohit Sharma's recent hospital visit, though he had cleared a fitness test in Bengaluru. Having been absent since the 2025 Champions Trophy win, Sharma, along with Virat Kohli, is set to return for the ODI series against Australia.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has cautioned that India might face challenges in the Asia Cup 2025 due to the absence of a third all-rounder. He emphasised the importance of having multiple all-rounders, recalling India's T20 World Cup victory where Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja provided crucial balance.

Sunil Chhetri revealed that Virat Kohli shared his fitness test scores from London. Recently, reports claimed that Kohli underwent his pre-season mandatory fitness test in London, unlike other players who gave it at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Rohit Sharma, India's ODI captain, was recently seen offering prayers to Lord Ganesha in Mumbai amidst a large crowd. Videos circulating online show the cricketer performing rituals and acknowledging fans, causing a chaotic scene around his car. He is expected to return to action in October for an ODI series in Australia, with a preparatory series planned beforehand.

Rahul Chahar recalls Rohit Sharma's leadership at Mumbai Indians. He highlights Rohit's confidence-boosting gestures. Rohit supported younger players during pressure situations. Chahar remembers a specific instance during a semi-final match against Delhi. He opined that Rohit's captaincy transition to Hardik Pandya is a natural phase. Rohit remains an inspiration despite the change in leadership.

Aakash Chopra questioned Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's decisions to retire from Test cricket while continuing in ODIs, suggesting they could aim for the 2027 World Cup. He felt their reduced game time is a concern and believed Kohli's legacy will be judged on batting records, noting the absence of ICC trophies under his captaincy.

Indian cricketers, including Rohit Sharma, recently underwent fitness assessments at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru following a break. While the Yo-Yo test was conducted, the Bronco drill, recommended by Strength & Conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux, was absent but might be included during the Asia Cup in Dubai.

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'.

Defending champions India enter the Asia Cup 2025 as favorites, despite a recent lack of T20I match practice. Irfan Pathan believes India's strong NCA system ensures adequate preparation, cautioning them mainly against Afghanistan's potent spinners. He also highlighted Shubman Gill's vice-captaincy as beneficial and revealed Rohit Sharma's desire to continue playing ODIs, contingent on maintaining fitness and game-time.

Ravi Bishnoi expressed disappointment over the sudden retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket. He hopes they receive a proper farewell as Indian cricket enters a new phase under Shubman Gill.

Rohit Sharma, after completing fitness tests with Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill, engaged in playful banter with Mumbai airport paparazzi. Sharma last played competitive cricket in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2, having since retired from Test cricket. He's gearing up for the limited-overs tour of Australia, while Gill and Bumrah prepare for the Asia Cup 2025.

Shubman Gill and other senior Indian cricketers are at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence. They are undergoing fitness analysis. Rohit Sharma is preparing for the Australia tour. Speculation suggests Rohit and Virat Kohli may play in the India A series against Australia A. This series will provide valuable match practice. Rohit last played competitively in June.

Cricket Australia has announced that the dedicated Indian fan zones at all eight venues for the upcoming white-ball series against India have been sold out.