We’ve got Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli fitness updates. The answer to why Rishabh Pant was removed as Test vice-captain is out. Sai Sudharsan has the management’s backing. Gautam Gambhir has praised the ICC. Shreyas Iyer’s appointment as India’s new T20I captain has been unofficially confirmed.
Rohit-Kohli injury update
Rohit Sharma is expected to report to CoE on June 8. The opener had sustained a hamstring injury during IPL 2026 and will join India in Dharamshala for the Afghanistan ODI series on June 11. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli might be ruled out of the England tour in July as well after reports emerged that he’s all but out of the Afghanistan ODI series due to a hamstring injury. He’ll report to CoE as well, but when is uncertain.
Why KL Rahul over Rishabh Pant?
Gautam Gambhir has provided the reason behind Rishabh Pant’s removal as India’s Test vice-captain. The head coach stated that Pant hasn’t played according to the situation a few times and must change that. Gambhir then contradicted himself by saying they won’t tell Pant to curb his natural instinct.
Sai Sudharsan pips Devdutt Padikkal
Gambhir also confirmed that Sai Sudharsan will continue at number three against Afghanistan. The statement came amid talks that Devdutt Padikkal would replace Sudharsan at the position. But the head coach stated that the management will give him a longer run, and the same will happen with Padikkal when he gets a look in.
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Gambhir backs ICC’s ball change rule
Gambhir is optimistic about India qualifying for the WTC 2025-27 final, despite needing to win 8 out of 9 matches in the next 9 months. Gambhir also praised the ICC for bringing about the decision to allow a ball change mid-Test, from red ball to pink ball, in case the light worsens.
Shreyas Iyer confirmed as captain
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), who employ Shreyas Iyer as a key sportsperson under their Sports Promotion Board, confirmed the batter as India’s next T20I captain on social media, despite the BCCI not confirming it. A few hours later, BPCL deleted the tweet but virtually confirmed his appointment.
India needs Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma’s childhood coach, Dinesh Lad, doesn’t think his protege needs to prove his fitness. Over the past few months, Rohit has decreased his weight but has sustained a hamstring injury. Lad believes Rohit’s experience is invaluable, and India will need him up top to reach the ODI World Cup 2027 final.
Cricket
Rohit Sharma expected to join Hardik Pandya at CoE, Virat Kohli could miss IND vs ENG series
