DRS Feb 6: Gaikwad better than Samson, Kavya Maran’s SRH buys new team & Rohit has Bumrah’s replacement

Following an enthralling T20I series, the focus shifts back to the 50-over format, a format that has seen it’s popularity go down in recent times. But fans, ODI cricket is still being played by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli—two stalwarts who are synonymous with cricket in the new-age India. As prep for the ICC Champions Trophy starts, India will be playing a three-match ODI series against England, starting today. Jasprit Bumrah, who is in the Champions Trophy squad till now, has been under a dark cloud over fitness and Rohit might have a replacement at his disposal. Meanwhile, is Ruturaj Gaikwad better than Samson? Well, catch all this and much more as we skim through the best cricketing stories from February 5, Wednesday.

Sanju Samson’s T20I woes have reached a boiling point. A dismal series against England, where he managed just 51 runs, has seen him plummet to 34th in the ICC rankings. To add context, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who last played a T20I in July 2024, now ranks higher than him. Gaikwad would like to take Samson’s spot but for that, he needs a spectacular IPL 2025. With Abhishek Sharma’s rise to prominence following a 37-ball ton, Samson’s place in the side is under threat. Will he be able to reclaim his spot, or is his T20I career on the decline? Read more here: Sanju Samson faces massive blow after horrible IND vs ENG series; even Ruturaj Gaikwad has better rank

Kavya Maran’s SRH has a new team!

The Sun Group, owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), has acquired a 100% stake in the Northern Superchargers, a team in the English cricket league, The Hundred. The deal is valued at £100 million (Rs 1092 crore). SRH becomes the third IPL franchise to own a team in The Hundred, after Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants. The acquisition gives SRH full control over the Northern Superchargers, with the Yorkshire County Cricket Club selling its entire stake, unlike what MI and LSG did (acquiring half of the stakes). Read more here: Kavya Maran’s SRH buys 100% stake in Northern Superchargers for Rs 1092 crore

Rohit has Bumrah’s replacement fixed?

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has hinted that mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy could be a potential replacement for injured pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the ICC Champions Trophy squad. Chakaravarthy’s impressive T20I performances have earned him a spot in the ODI squad against England, and Rohit believes he could be a valuable addition to the team. With Dubai’s pitch expected to favor spinners, Chakaravarthy’s inclusion could be a masterstroke, providing India with a unique attacking option. But if it happens, India will have as many as five spin-bowling options and just two frontline pacers. Read more here: Rohit Sharma hints at replacing ‘injured’ Bumrah with Chakaravarthy in India’s Champions Trophy squad

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No retirement, says Rohit Sharma

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has dismissed rumours of retirement, stating that his focus is on the upcoming ODIs against England and the Champions Trophy. Rohit, who had a dismal Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, averaging 6.20, is eager to regain form in the 50-over format, where he has excelled since 2023, scoring 1412 runs at a strike rate of 119.35. The first ODI against England in Nagpur, Rohit’s birthplace, will be a crucial test for the Indian captain. Read more here: Rohit Sharma brushes aside retirement rumours post-ICC Champions Trophy; says lean form “nothing new”

PCB to change PAK squad for Champions Trophy?

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering changes to Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy squad after facing heavy criticism over the initial selection. The squad, announced on January 31, was questioned by former captains Wasim Akram and Rashid Latif, among others. With the ICC deadline for final squads on February 11, the PCB has time to make adjustments. Huge questions were raised on the selection of Kushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf. However, it remains to be seen whether they will cave to outside pressure or back their original selection. Read more here: PCB mulling over making changes to Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad following heavy scrutiny

MS Dhoni to attend CSK training

MS Dhoni is set to attend the Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) training camp, which begins on February 20. The camp will mark the start of CSK’s preparations for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Dhoni, along with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravichandran Ashwin, is expected to be present on the first day of the camp. However, Ravindra Jadeja will miss the camp due to his national duty in the ICC Champions Trophy. Read more here: CSK training camp for IPL 2025 to start on February 20, MS Dhoni & Ruturaj Gaikwad expected to attend