DRS Feb 2: Gambhir backs Rohit-Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad shouldn’t be selected & good news for Mumbai Indians

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) organised the Naman Awards for the Indian cricketers for their excellence in the entire 2024. Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana got the best male and women’s cricketers of the year. Meanwhile, Sachin Tendulkar got the Col. C.K. Nayudu lifetime achievement award. During the event, Gautam Gambhir reiterated the value of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Meanwhile, there were updates on Ruturaj Gaikwad and Mumbai Indians (MI) as well. On that note, let us look at the top six stories from the first day of February 2025.

Mumbai Indians (MI) have reason to celebrate as one of their new recruits is excelling in South Africa’s SA20 league. In 6 matches, Ryan Rickelton has scored 259 runs with an impressive strike rate of 177.39, including 3 half-centuries. Bought at his base price in the mega auction, the southpaw player is expected to make his debut in IPL 2025 and is already showing promising signs. He would be an apt replacement for Ishan Kishan. Read more here: IPL Unsold player tops SA20 run-scorers chart, Mumbai Indians’ new recruit strikes at 175+

Ruturaj Gaikwad shouldn’t be selected?

Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla believes that players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, nearing 30, shouldn’t be considered for the India A team. He thinks they’ve had enough exposure and should prove themselves in domestic cricket to be considered for the Indian team. Instead, younger players should be given a chance to develop through the India A team. Shukla plans to write to the BCCI to suggest changes to the selection process, prioritizing younger talent over experienced players who haven’t made the cut. Read more here: “Ruturaj Gaikwad shouldn’t be selected for India A”

Gambhir on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli

Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, has expressed his confidence in senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, stating that they will play a “massive role” in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Despite their recent struggles in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Gambhir believes they add huge value to the team and have the hunger and passion to perform. He also emphasized that the team’s focus is on winning the Champions Trophy, not just the high-profile India vs Pakistan. Read more here: Gambhir expects something big from Rohit Sharma-Kohli in Champions Trophy, plays down India vs Pakistan match

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Delhi win but Kohli didn’t get a chance to bat

Virat Kohli’s highly anticipated return to domestic cricket ended in disappointment for fans. Despite Delhi’s dominant win over Railways in the Ranji Trophy, Kohli’s contribution was limited to just 6 runs before being dismissed. Fans had flocked to the stadium eager to witness a vintage Kohli performance, but were left feeling incomplete as the match ended in a one-sided contest. Delhi’s bowlers stole the show, but for fans, the match was about Kohli, and his brief appearance left them wanting more. Read more here: Ranji Trophy: Team Delhi scripts famous victory over Railways ‘sans Virat Kohli’

Ravindra Jadeja finds a loophole

Ravindra Jadeja found a way to adhere to BCCI’s domestic cricket mandate without fully engaging. In Saurashtra’s win over Assam, he played but didn’t bowl an over. While his team dominated, his presence seemed more symbolic than impactful. With India’s England series and Champions Trophy approaching, he was rested for precautionary reasons. Without structured rewards or requirements for full participation, stars like Jadeja might continue to meet the mandate while minimising involvement, exposing the limitations of BCCI’s approach to strengthening domestic cricket. Read more here: Ravindra Jadeja finds a loophole in BCCI’s mandate of “forcing” India players

Good news for Gujarat Titans

The Gujarat Titans (GT) would surely be happy to see their new acquisition doing wonders in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. Playing for Haryana, Nishant Sindhu faced a stiff challenge against an in-form Karnataka side that have it’s fair share of supersats. In front of the Karnataka crowd, Sindhu dazzled with a superb century, a big one for sure. He made 165 runs against a top-quality opposition. As for the match, KL Rahul, he has been a failure so far. Read more here: Ranji Trophy: GT all-rounder’s heroic knock, Kohli doesn’t get chance to bat & biggest win by Mumbai