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Mohammad Kaif has said it will be tough for Sanju Samson to secure a spot in India's playing XI for the Asia Cup. Kaif believes Shubman Gill, who is now the vice-captain, will open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma.

The BCCI has reportedly introduced a rugby-centric Bronco fitness test for Indian players in an effort to ensure consistently high fitness standards. It will now be used alongside the established Yo-Yo test and 2-kilometer time trial to assess players' readiness for international competition.

Shubman Gill's Asia Cup vice-captaincy has intensified debate over Sanju Samson's T20 future, despite his selection. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar highlighted Gill and Samson as opening options alongside Abhishek Sharma. Captain Suryakumar Yadav strongly backed Jitesh Sharma's inclusion, praising his post-T20WC performance.

Astrologer Greenstone Lobo predicts Shubman Gill will be a prolific run-scorer for India, possessing a "phenomenal horoscope." While Gill's leadership has shown promise, Lobo suggests his captaincy might not immediately translate to major ICC trophy wins.

Shubman Gill's Asia Cup vice-captaincy has ignited debate over Sanju Samson's T20 role, fueled by selection order speculation. R Ashwin criticized the management's decision, fearing Samson's exclusion. Agarkar deferred to the team management for the final XI, acknowledging both Gill and Samson's recent form, leaving Samson's place uncertain despite his performances.

Keshav Maharaj has regained the top spot in the ICC ODI bowling rankings, surpassing Kuldeep Yadav, who now ranks third. Namibia's Bernard Scholtz made a significant leap to fourth, marking a milestone for Associate cricket. Shubman Gill remains the top ODI batter, while India's Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma lead the T20I batting rankings, showcasing India's dominance in both formats.

While Shubman Gill is being groomed as a future leader, Ambati Rayudu believes Shreyas Iyer should be India's next ODI captain. Rayudu cites Iyer's calmness and success leading KKR to an IPL title, along with his ability to guide underdog teams. Iyer's consistent ODI performance, including a strong Champions Trophy and World Cup, further strengthens Rayudu's argument.

Mohammad Kaif has endorsed Shubman Gill as Rohit Sharma's successor in ODIs, anticipating Rohit's retirement after the 2027 World Cup. Kaif highlighted Gill's impressive run-scoring record and leadership qualities, noting his Test captaincy and T20I vice-captaincy. Gill's maturity and form, particularly during the England series, have solidified his position as a future leader, according to chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

KL Rahul prioritised national duty, choosing to prepare for the England Test series soon after becoming a father. He aimed to lead the team in the absence of senior players. Rahul's commitment was evident as he played an unofficial Test, scoring a century. He opened alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal and scored another century in the first Test.

R Ashwin has urged coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill to advise Rishabh Pant on converting centuries into double centuries. Pant scored centuries in both innings of the first Test against England, but India lost the match. Gambhir, while acknowledging the centuries, emphasized the importance of results over individual performances, highlighting the team's failure to win.

Following India's defeat in the Leeds Test, former England captain Nasser Hussain critiqued Shubman Gill's captaincy debut, noting a lack of commanding presence compared to Kohli and Sharma. Hussain echoed Ravi Shastri's concerns about India's search for a seam-bowling all-rounder and highlighted issues with slip catching and lower-order batting collapses, which contributed to England's victory.

Rishabh Pant's historic twin centuries at Headingley propelled him to seventh in ICC Test rankings, while Ben Duckett's stellar performance secured him eighth position. Shubman Gill climbed to 20th after a century. Jasprit Bumrah remains the top Test bowler. In T20Is, Michael Levitt and Brandon McMullen made significant gains, reflecting the growing competitiveness in international cricket.

Following India's five-wicket loss to England in the first Test, former Australian player Brad Haddin urges captain Shubman Gill to improve the team's fielding attitude. Haddin links poor catching to the IPL and emphasizes that fielding excellence requires commitment. India dropped eight catches, costing them dearly, especially with Ben Duckett's match-winning performance.

The new World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle has commenced with Australia and England leading with a perfect PCT of 100. Sri Lanka follows after their series against Bangladesh. India, despite Shubman Gill's team's impressive fight and five centurions, suffered a loss to England in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy due to a middle-order collapse.

Jasprit Bumrah's return to training has boosted India's bowling preparations for the Edgbaston Test after their Headingley defeat. Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj bowled in the nets, injecting intensity into the team's practice. While Bumrah's inclusion remains uncertain due to workload management, his presence offers hope as Team India aims to level the series.

Amidst India's struggle against England in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, former captain Rohit Sharma's Milan vacation sparked debate. Shubman Gill, succeeding Sharma, faced criticism after a defeat at Headingley. Despite centuries from multiple Indian batsmen, batting collapses and dropped catches led to England's victory. Nasser Hussain pointed out Gill's reactive captaincy, contrasting it with Sharma and Kohli's proactive leadership.

England defeated India by five wickets in the first Test at Headingley, chasing down a target of 371, with Ben Duckett scoring a remarkable 149. Shubman Gill's captaincy debut faced scrutiny from former captains Nasser Hussain and Ravi Shastri, who questioned his on-field leadership and tactical decisions.

Following their Headingley defeat, the Indian cricket team has commenced preparations for the second Test against England in Birmingham. Despite Jasprit Bumrah's presence, he refrained from on-field activities, while Prasidh Krishna was also absent from bowling drills. Coach Gautam Gambhir engaged in discussions with pacers, and players participated in net sessions.

Shubman Gill aimed to be the series' top scorer and scored a century on his captaincy debut. However, India lost the first Test against England. While his batting wasn't affected, his leadership is developing. Coach Gautam Gambhir supports Gill. Ravichandran Ashwin suggested using Shardul Thakur earlier. Gill remained composed, but his field placements faced criticism.