As India prepares for the five-Test series in England starting June 20, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel is set to announce the new Test squad and captain following Rohit Sharma’s retirement. Leading contenders for the role include Jasprit Bumrah, the current vice-captain, and Shubman Gill. Former players have also backed names like KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja. Ishant Sharma supports Bumrah, while Sanjay Bangar prefers Rahul. With several veterans stepping down, the squad announcement is expected to usher in a new era in Indian Test cricket. Fans await clarity as the team looks to build for the future. (PC: BCCI)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to withdraw from all upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events, including the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the Men's Asia Cup scheduled for September. This decision follows the appointment of Pakistan's Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, as the new ACC president. Sources indicate that the move aims to isolate Pakistan cricket, reflecting national sentiment against participating in tournaments led by a Pakistani minister. The BCCI's stance casts uncertainty over the Asia Cup's future, especially considering India's significant role in attracting sponsors and broadcasters, given the high commercial value of India-Pakistan matches. (PC: NewsonAir & AP)

Gujarat Titans stormed into the IPL 2025 playoffs with a dominant 10-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in Match 60 at Delhi. Chasing 200, GT openers Sai Sudharsan (108*) and Shubman Gill (93*) put on a flawless 205-run stand in just 19 overs. Sudharsan’s century came off 56 balls, while Gill smashed seven sixes in a clinical chase. Earlier, KL Rahul's unbeaten 112 powered DC to 199/3. Despite the high total, DC’s bowlers failed to defend it. With this win, GT joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings in the playoffs. DC now face a must-win scenario in their remaining matches. (PC: BCCI)

Punjab Kings edged past Rajasthan Royals by 10 runs in a high-scoring IPL 2025 thriller to strengthen their playoff chances. Nehal Wadhera smashed 70 off 37 balls, supported by Shashank Singh’s unbeaten 59 and a quick 30 from captain Shreyas Iyer, taking PBKS to 219/5. Rajasthan Royals responded with a strong start as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi added 76 runs in under five overs. However, Harpreet Brar’s 3/22 triggered a collapse. Despite Dhruv Jurel’s late 53, RR fell short at 209/7. The win keeps PBKS in the race for the IPL 2025 playoffs. (PC: BCCI)

Shreyas Iyer took part in the IPL 2025 clash against Rajasthan Royals despite feeling unwell. He came out to bat and scored 30 runs off 25 balls before being subbed off during the innings break. According to the on-air commentators, Iyer was “carrying a niggle” and was “unable to take the field” for the second innings. Punjab Kings brought in Harpreet Brar as their Impact Player and handed the captaincy to Shashank Singh. Iyer’s absence was a big miss, but Punjab still managed to post 220/5 and kept their playoff hopes alive with a strong batting performance. (PC: AFP)

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar revealed he attempted to dissuade Virat Kohli from retiring from Test cricket during IPL 2025. Despite Bangar's efforts, Kohli was resolute in his decision, believing it was the right time to step away from the format. Bangar expressed personal sadness, acknowledging Kohli's stature in the game and his conviction about the timing of his retirement. Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the England tour in the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle. He will continue to represent India in ODIs, focusing on the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, having already retired from T20Is after the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA. (PC: IceCric News)

Virat Kohli's unexpected retirement from Test cricket has left the cricketing world in shock. Former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly expressed surprise at Kohli's decision, especially ahead of the crucial five-match Test series against England starting June 20. Kohli concluded his illustrious Test career with 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and seven double centuries, and led India to 40 victories as captain. His retirement follows closely after Rohit Sharma's, leaving India without its two senior pros for the England tour. Ganguly acknowledged the selectors' challenge in appointing a new captain, with Shubman Gill emerging as the frontrunner and Rishabh Pant likely to be named deputy. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag believes Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket prematurely. Despite a dip in form, Sehwag highlights Kohli's unmatched fitness and dedication, asserting that at 36, he surpasses 90% of players in physical condition. Sehwag emphasizes Kohli's unwavering routine and hunger for runs, suggesting he could have comfortably played for two more years. Kohli concluded his Test career with 123 matches, narrowly missing the 10,000-run milestone. A planned felicitation at Chinnaswamy Stadium was postponed due to rain. Sehwag's remarks underscore the sentiment that Kohli's early retirement leaves a significant void in Indian cricket. (PC: Getty Images & India)

Despite retiring from Test cricket, Virat Kohli may return to England's red-ball scene, as Middlesex expresses interest in signing him for a county stint at Lord's. Middlesex's Director of Cricket, Alan Coleman, confirmed discussions are underway, highlighting Kohli's iconic status. While BCCI restricts contracted players from overseas T20 leagues, county championship participation remains possible. Kohli's retirement statement omitted any mention of first-class cricket, leaving the door open. Middlesex, aiming for Division Two promotion, envisions a potential Kohli-Williamson middle-order partnership. Upcoming matches at Lord's and an away game against Lancashire could feature Kohli, rekindling his rivalry with James Anderson. Kohli concluded his Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches. (PC: AFP)

On May 16, 2025, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) honored Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma by naming a stand at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium after him. The “Rohit Sharma Stand” at the Divecha Pavilion Level 3 was unveiled in a ceremony attended by dignitaries, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and veteran politician Sharad Pawar. Rohit, visibly emotional, expressed deep gratitude to his parents for their sacrifices, guiding them onto the stage during the event. Teammate Suryakumar Yadav shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, praising Rohit's journey from finisher to opener to captain, and highlighting his humility and leadership. (PC: India Today)