Captain Roston Chase believes that confidence and strong starts are key to improving batting performance. He emphasised that scoring a big fifty or hundred could boost team morale and help challenge the Indian bowlers effectively in New Delhi.

Chase has sought guidance from legends like Lara, Sir Viv Richards, and Sir Richie Richardson. They advised him to maintain belief in the team’s potential and instill a positive mindset to overcome the current slump in performance.

Reflecting on his own form, Chase stressed the importance of focus, playing each ball on merit, and building innings over extended periods. He reiterated his commitment to West Indies red-ball cricket, setting aside franchise opportunities, and expressed determination to lead the team with hunger and dedication.

The post West Indies Focus on Batting Comeback Ahead of Second Test appeared first on India Podcast.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Iyer’s request to skip red-ball cricket until March 2026. He had previously led India A in the first unofficial Test but withdrew from the second match in Kanpur. Vice-captain Dhruv Jurel stepped in for the remainder of the series.

Iyer underwent back surgery in the UK in 2023 and has since been managing his fitness carefully. His decision to take a break from longer formats aligns with medical advice and personal goals. The BCCI also clarified that Iyer was not considered for the Irani Cup due to this planned rest.

Despite the break, Iyer remains a key figure in India’s white-ball plans. He will captain a promising India A squad featuring Prabhsimran Singh, Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, and Abhishek Sharma. The two-match ODI series offers a platform for these young players to shine under Iyer’s leadership.

Iyer expressed confidence in the squad and emphasized the importance of staying match-fit. He believes the break will help him rebuild strength and avoid further injuries. His presence also adds experience and stability to the team, which is preparing for future international assignments.

This strategic move allows Iyer to balance recovery with performance, ensuring he remains a strong contender for India’s ODI and T20 squads.

The post Shreyas Iyer Takes Red-Ball Break, Leads India A vs Australia A appeared first on India Podcast.

Gill recently led India in a five-match Test series in England, before playing in the Champions Trophy and the IPL with Gujarat Titans. He later joined the T20I squad for the Asia Cup and will return to captain India in the upcoming West Indies Test series. Despite this heavy workload, Kotak dismissed concerns about overuse, stressing that bowlers—especially fast bowlers—remain the main focus of workload management.

Kotak explained that batsmen are resilient and rarely require structured workload monitoring. “For batsmen, it’s not that much of an issue unless they feel mentally drained,” he said. His comments gain significance amid growing speculation that the BCCI may groom Gill as India’s all-format captain, given his leadership roles across formats.

Speaking on Gill’s technique, Kotak praised his adaptability. He highlighted that modern cricketers switch seamlessly between red-ball and white-ball formats, adjusting their approach during practice sessions depending on the format demands.

The post Sitanshu Kotak on Gill’s Workload and Technique appeared first on India Podcast.