DRS, August 29: Zaheer becomes LSG mentor, Ro-Ko could’ve played Duleep Trophy & PCB vs Jay Shah?

Something’s always happening in cricket, even when no actual cricket is being played. A day before yesterday it was Jay Shah becoming the next ICC Chairman, yesterday it was Zaheer Khan joining the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as their mentor. Talking about Jay Shah, he apparently wasn’t selected unanimously. Let’s leave coaching and administration behind and talk about cricket. Mohammed Shami might miss India’s next two Test series, and according to the ex-cricketer, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah didn’t deserve to be rested for the Duleep Trophy. 

Meet the new LSG mentor, Zaheer Khan

Zaheer Khan has been named LSG’s mentor for the IPL 2025 season. The former Indian pacer has worked with the Mumbai Indians in the past and will start a new IPL chapter with Lucknow starting from the 2025 edition. After Gautam Gambhir left, LSG played without a mentor in the last season and have now decided to bring Zaheer as Gambhir’s replacement. 

Rohit-Kohli-Bumrah could’ve play Duleep Trophy: Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar feels like three of India’s biggest stars: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Japrit Bumrah could’ve played in the Duleep Trophy. The former Indian batter reasoned that Rohit and Kohli have played around 60% of India’s matches in the last five years, while Bumrah has played less than 35%, and therefore they are well rested.

PCB unhappy with Jay Shah becoming ICC Chairman?

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) aren’t exactly happy with Jay Shah becoming the next ICC Chairman. The current BCCI Secretary was elected for the position on August 27 unanimously. However, according to reports, PCB didn’t vote for the Indian administrator and instead chose to play the role of a spectator.

Shami’s India return uncertain

Mohammed Shami might miss the two upcoming Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. The pacer, who’s been out of action since November last year, has been included in Bengal’s probable squad for the upcoming domestic season. Given that the first Ranji Trophy match will be played on October 11 and that the Bangladesh Tests end on October 1 while the New Zealand tour commences on October 16, it’s tough to see Shami play international cricket directly before testing himself in the domestic circuit.

Yash Dhull’s heart surgery

India’s former Under-19 captain, Yash Dhull, has revealed that he recently underwent surgery and is currently recovering. Born with a hole in his heart, he was advised by the NCA team that it’d be better if he underwent a minor surgery. He’s since been awarded a fit-to-play certificate and is playing in the Delhi Premier League T20. 

PCB’s way of pitch preparation

Fearing that rain could affect the Rawalpindi pitch for the Pakistan vs Bangladesh 2nd Test, the PCB has decided to use a peculiar tactic for pitch preparation. The ground staff in Rawalpindi decided to use fans to dry off the pitch after it rained early in the day on August 28. Mind you, the match doesn’t start until 10:30 AM on August 30, but the PCB aren’t willing to take any chances.