The high-octane semi-finals of the Duleep Trophy will begin today, with a super strong West Zone side taking on Central Zone. Meanwhile, North Zone are pitted against South Zone. The likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar will be in action. However, several high-profile names are missing as well. Also, the Suryakumar Yadav-led Team India will also reach Dubai today, with them having their first practice session at ICC Academy on September 5. On that note, catch the news that you might have missed yesterday.
Virat Kohli breaks silence
Virat Kohli has finally spoken on the Bengaluru stampede that claimed 11 lives outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4. In a statement shared by RCB under their ‘RCB CARES’ initiative, Kohli expressed grief for the victims and their families, calling the incident a heartbreaking moment that overshadowed the team’s historic IPL title win. He urged moving forward with care, respect and responsibility. The Justice Cunha Commission has since declared the stadium unfit for mass gatherings, blaming RCB, KSCA and organisers for the tragedy. Read more here.
Bronco Test incoming
Indian cricketers have not yet undergone the Bronco test during their recent fitness assessments at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. The new endurance test, recommended by strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux, was expected to be introduced alongside the Yo-Yo test, but players including Rohit Sharma were only subjected to routine health checks, mobility drills and the Yo-Yo assessment. Reports suggest the Bronco test could still be conducted when the squad assembles in Dubai ahead of the Asia Cup. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will begin their campaign against UAE on September 10. Read more here.
Kohli completes test in England?
Virat Kohli has reportedly completed his fitness test in England, becoming the only Indian player to do so outside the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. As per Dainik Jagran, the board approved his assessment abroad, which was closely monitored. Kohli, who now plays only ODIs after retiring from Tests and T20Is, last featured in IPL 2025 and is expected to return for the Australia series in October. Other players like Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will undergo their tests in September, while most of the squad has already cleared the first round of evaluations in Bengaluru including Rohit Sharma. Read more here.
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar is frustrated
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has voiced his frustration over being sidelined from Team India since the 2022 T20 World Cup. In a recent interview, the pacer said only selectors can explain his exclusion, stressing that his role is to keep performing. He said about his commitment to domestic cricket and maintaining fitness, while also admitting that luck also plays a role in selection. Bhuvneshwar remains hopeful that consistent performances will eventually be rewarded, especially under BCCI president Rajeev Shukla. The 35-year-old was a standout for RCB in IPL 2025, taking 17 wickets in 14 games to guide them to their maiden title. Read more here.
BCCI elections to shuffle things
The BCCI elections are set for late September, with a likely reshuffle in the board’s top positions after Roger Binny’s exit as president. The main debate centres on whether IPL chairman Arun Dhumal must serve a three-year cooling-off period, as his six-year stint includes three years as treasurer and three years as IPL chief, the latter not officially an office-bearer role. Devjit Saikia, who has handled key transitions as secretary, is expected to continue. Acting president Rajeev Shukla is the frontrunner to formally take charge, though his tenure could be short due to the cooling-off rule. Key decisions loom large. Catch InsideSport’s exclusive story here.
India to Dubai for Asia Cup
India will begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign under captain Suryakumar Yadav as defending champions, having won the last edition in Colombo. The 15-member squad will assemble in Dubai by September 4, but unlike previous tournaments, players are travelling separately from their hometowns instead of flying out together from Mumbai. Stars including Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah will arrive directly, while Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav will join after playing in Duleep Trophy quarters. The team’s first training session is scheduled for September 5 at the ICC Academy, giving them time to prepare before their opener on September 10.
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