DRS Feb 1: Injustice to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson’s trouble against bouncer & Virat Kohli disappoints

What an anti-climatic return it was for Virat Kohli in the Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match! The entire Arun Jaitley Stadium was reverberating with “Kohli, Kohli” chants but the modern-day master was dismissed for a mere 6 runs as youngster Himanshu Sangwan castled him. Despite this, Kohli was facilitated by the DDCA for being only one of the three Delhi players to play 100+ Tests for India. Meanwhile, in international cricket, Team India won the bilateral series against England, with a substitute working in the hosts’ way. Unfortunately, Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav continued lean patch in this series. Apart from this, an ex-player lambasted selectors for ignoring CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad in the national team. On that note, let us look at top six stories from January 31, Friday.

The highly-anticipated return of Virat Kohli to the Ranji Trophy ended in disappointment as he was dismissed early on Day 2. The excitement was palpable outside the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with fans gathering hours before the match and chanting “Kohli, Kohli” in anticipation of his comeback. However, their enthusiasm was short-lived as Kohli’s off-stump was sent crashing by Himanshu Sangwan, bringing an abrupt end to his highly-hyped return. Ayush Badoni was out on 99 and Delhi is currently enjoying a lead of 93 runs. Read more here: Ranji Trophy Round-up: Shardul makes IPL teams regret, Kohli lets fans down & Patidar fails

Injustice to Ruturaj Gaikwad?

Former Maharashtra captain Milind Gunjwal has spoken out about the perceived injustice towards Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been consistently performing well in IPL and international cricket. Despite this, Gaikwad hasn’t been selected for the Indian team since 2024. He claimed that Maharashtra players are often overlooked and that Gaikwad’s exclusion is a prime example. There is no doubt Gaikwad has superb talent, but given the current Indian scene in T20Is, it might be tough for Gaikwad to break in. Read more here: “Consistent Ruturaj Gaikwad can’t…”: Ex-captain cries foul over “injustice” to state’s players

The Sanju Samson problem

Sanju Samson’s struggles against short-pitched deliveries are becoming a major concern. In the ongoing India vs England T20I series, he’s been dismissed four times by short balls, with his weakness being exposed by Jofra Archer’s pace and bounce. Even when Archer didn’t get him, Samson fell to another bouncer from Saqib Mahmood, who was bowling at a relatively slower pace. He has averaged a mere 4.75 against short balls against short balls in this series. Read more here: 4 for 4! Sanju Samson’s short ball issue exploited once again, escapes Archer but falls to Saqib

Latest on Cricket

India to leave for ICC Champions Trophy on…

The Indian cricket team is expected to depart for Dubai on February 15 to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy. The tournament begins on February 19, and India will play their group stage matches against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand at a neutral venue. The team is unlikely to have any warm-up matches before their first game against Bangladesh on February 20. The departure schedule is expected to be confirmed in the coming days. Read more here: Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma’s Team India likely to depart for Dubai on Feb 15

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy

Pakistan has announced its squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 and tri-series, with Mohammad Rizwan as captain. Injured Saim Ayub misses out, replaced by Khushdil Shah. The squad includes Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman, who were part of the 2017 title-winning side. Pakistan will host a tri-nation series with New Zealand and South Africa before the Champions Trophy, starting on February 8. The team will begin preparations on February 4, aiming to defend their title. Read more here: Pakistan’s squad for ICC Champions Trophy: Injured Saim Ayub misses out

Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana rattle England

India sealed a 15-run win over England, but the biggest talking point was the concussion substitution of Shivam Dube for Harshit Rana. England were visibly unhappy with the move, but Rana made an immediate impact, taking a wicket with his second ball in T20Is. Though he conceded runs later, his early breakthrough shifted momentum. Ravi Bishnoi’s 3/28 and sharp captaincy from Suryakumar Yadav ensured England faltered despite Harry Brook’s 51. Read more here: India use Dube & Rana as ‘Impact players’ to haunt ENG