gradientz.com – Global Reports & Smart Opinions

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar ignited a debate by stating that Rohit Sharma, despite his ODI achievements and leadership, doesn't quite reach the level of Indian batting legends like Gavaskar, Tendulkar, Dravid, and Kohli. Manjrekar emphasised Test cricket's significance in defining greatness, suggesting Rohit's impact in that format was not substantial enough.

Following IPL 2025, Rajasthan Royals' head coach Rahul Dravid steps down after a long association, while Kolkata Knight Riders sees the departure of head coach Chandrakant Pandit and bowling coach Bharat Arun. Pandit, despite leading KKR to a title in 2024, exits after a challenging 2025 season, with Abhishek Nayar returning as assistant coach.

Cheteshwar Pujara's retirement marks the end of an era of Test cricket resilience. His record of facing 525 balls in a single innings against Australia in 2017 tops the list of marathon innings by Indian batsmen.

Virender Sehwag recounted a tense exchange with former coach Greg Chappell, who criticized his footwork despite his impressive record. This led to a heated argument, with Rahul Dravid intervening. Fueled by Chappell's warning, Sehwag responded with a brilliant 184-run innings, proving his mettle and solidifying his place as a dominant force in Indian cricket.

Rahul Dravid, the former Indian cricket legend, has identified Glenn McGrath and Muttiah Muralitharan as the most formidable bowlers he encountered throughout his illustrious 16-year international career. Dravid admired McGrath's relentless consistency and ability to challenge his off stump, while he acknowledged Muralitharan's exceptional spin variations and tireless approach as a spinner.

Rahul Dravid and Ravichandran Ashwin humorously revisited the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy controversy, where Ashwin faced accusations of aiding Australia with spin techniques through a Tamil YouTube video. Dravid jokingly mentioned the criticism he received, suggesting Ashwin's coaching was perceived as superior. Ashwin defended himself, while recalling Mitchell Starc's playful reference to the video during the Indore Test.

Rahul Dravid opened up about his experience working with Rohit Sharma. He praised Rohit's leadership during his tenure as India's head coach from 2021 to 2024. Dravid highlighted Rohit's care for the team and clarity of vision. He said Rohit's experience greatly contributed to his success. Dravid oversaw India’s ICC T20 World Cup triumph in June 2024.

Sanju Samson has scored most of his IPL runs at No. 3, second only to Suresh Raina in terms of overall runs at that position. His record at No. 3 is strong, with an average of 38 and a strike rate of 143 in the IPL. But fitting him in there would mean dropping Tilak Varma, which would also break the left-hand/right-hand balance India have carefully built in their middle order.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old cricketer, was bought by Rajasthan Royals. He scored 252 runs in IPL 2025 with a record-breaking century. Ambati Rayudu praised Vaibhav's talent and bat speed. Rayudu hopes Vaibhav will represent India soon. Vaibhav will join India U-19 team against Australia. The series will start on September 21 in Brisbane. Rahul Dravid will guide him.

Rohit Sharma reflects on India's T20 World Cup victory, highlighting Suryakumar Yadav's crucial catch of David Miller as the turning point. He also reveals convincing Rahul Dravid to extend his coaching stint for one last shot at glory.

Rishabh Pant aims to surpass Virat Kohli's record of Test centuries against England in the upcoming Edgbaston Test. Following his impressive performance in the first Test, Pant needs one more century to overtake Kohli and equal Mohammed Azharuddin's record.