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Devdutt Padikkal Sees India A Captaincy as Another Step in Batting Evolution
India batter Devdutt Padikkal sees his appointment as India A captain as more than just another leadership role. The Karnataka-based cricketer believes the responsibility will help him continue developing his game as he prepares for the next phase of his career.
Padikkal will lead India A in two red-ball matches against Australia A in Puducherry from September 22. He brings previous captaincy experience with Karnataka, having taken charge during last season’s Ranji Trophy. “It was a great learning curve for me, so I’m really looking forward to carrying that experience to India A as well,” he said while speaking to Select media.
He also believes that leading a side can have a positive impact on his batting by keeping him focused on helping the team win. orlando-books.blog
“Personally, I enjoy captaincy. That’s just an added responsibility to go out there and make sure that I’m helping the side. I’ve always played cricket that way. I’ve always wanted to make sure that the team wins. As a captain, that’s your sole focus. You want to make the team win. That just helps my batting even further,” he said.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a productive run in recent months. He returned from India’s tour of Sri Lanka with two centuries and the Player of the Series award before scoring 62 for South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final against East Zone.
Padikkal also feels his batting has developed technically over the past season after facing quality opposition in different conditions. His next challenge will be adapting to New Zealand, where he expects the conditions to offer a different test.
“It’s a constant learning curve. There are a lot of things that I’ve learnt throughout the season,” he said. “I think more technically than mentally. There were a few changes that I needed to make to evolve as a batter over the last season or so. We’re playing in different conditions. Obviously, Sri Lanka and Chennai were quite similar. But moving forward, going to New Zealand as well, it’ll be interesting to see how I can adapt to different conditions.”
The post Devdutt Padikkal Sees India A Captaincy as Another Step in Batting Evolution appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.
Rishabh Pant set for ODI return? Team India face selection dilemma as Asian Games clash with West Indies ODI series
Indian cricket is set for a rare situation later this month as the Asian Games in Japan clash with the three-match ODI series against the West Indies at home. The packed schedule means India will need two squads at almost the same time, with several regular players already committed to the Asian Games 2026.
The timing has created an interesting selection challenge for the national selectors, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup preparations also in focus.
Asian Games and West Indies ODI series clash
The West Indies ODI series will begin on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, while India’s Asian Games campaign is scheduled to start with the quarter-final in Aichi-Nagoya on September 28.
The second ODI will be played in Guwahati on September 30, just a day before the Asian Games semi-finals on October 1. The biggest clash comes on October 3, when the third ODI in New Chandigarh will take place on the same day as the Asian Games gold and bronze medal matches.
India have been given direct entry into the quarter-finals at the Asian Games, making the schedule even more interesting if the team progresses to the medal matches.
Rishabh Pant could get another ODI chance
The unusual schedule could give several players an opportunity to return to the ODI setup. Rishabh Pant is one of the names likely to be discussed by the selectors.
Ishan Kishan, who has been in strong form, will be part of the Asian Games squad. His absence could open the door for Pant to return as the second wicketkeeper behind KL Rahul.
Pant was part of India’s ODI squad for the Champions Trophy last year but did not get a chance to play. With Kishan unavailable for the West Indies series, the selectors could now consider bringing the left-hander back into the team.
Dhruv Jurel is another option for the wicketkeeper’s role and has the backing of the team management.
Jaiswal, Gaikwad in the selection picture
The selectors also have decisions to make in the batting department. Ruturaj Gaikwad could be considered for the ODI squad after scoring a century in his last ODI appearance against South Africa in December 2025.
Yashasvi Jaiswal is another strong contender. He was left out of the recent UK tour but has two centuries in his last three ODI innings, including one in his most recent appearance.
Shreyas Iyer’s absence from the West Indies ODI series could also create an opportunity for another middle-order batter.
Changes expected in bowling attack
The bowling unit could also see several changes because of the Asian Games commitments. Ravindra Jadeja could replace Axar Patel, while Mohammed Siraj and young pacers such as Mayank Yadav or Ashok Sharma could come into the picture.
Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav are also among the options available for the selectors.
Hardik Pandya, meanwhile, was another possible option but is expected to be considered for the India A series against Australia, which begins on October 6.
Rohit, Kohli and Gill set for return
Despite the selection issues, the West Indies ODI series will still have plenty of star power. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to return to the ODI side, while Shubman Gill will also be available.
With two Indian teams potentially playing in different countries during the same period, the upcoming weeks could become one of the most unusual phases in Indian cricket.
‘Need to reflect on our mistakes’: Babar Azam calls for changes after 0-3 loss
Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, calls for a candid introspection following England's clean sweep of the series. The Pakistani team is urged to evaluate their squad and establish the most effective eleven. Notably, the final Test showcased improvements in batting performance, highlighted by debutant Razaullah's impactful contributions. This 3-0 series defeat leaves Pakistan languishing at the bottom of the World Test Championship rankings.India A slump to six-wicket loss as Flintoff stars for Australia A
Tess Flintoff stole the show as Australia A humbled India A by six wickets in the opening match of their unofficial tour, which will feature three T20s, three One-dayers and a multi-day game, at Mullanpur on Saturday.
After Indian skipper Anushka Sharma opted to bat, pacer Flintoff wreaked havoc by picking up 4/12. Sianna Ginger (2/17) and Milly Illingworth (2/18) picked up two wickets each as India A stumbled to 117 all out in 19 overs. Minnu Mani scored 23 while Tejal Hasabnis got 22 as the Indian batters struggled against the visiting team bowlers.
It turned out to be an easy chase for the Aussies as Charli Knott (35) and Anika Learoyd (33) ensured the visiting side chased down the target in 14 overs, replying with 121/4.
The second and third matches will be played at the same venue on September 15 and 17, respectively.
Brief scores: India A: 117 all out in 19 overs (Mani 23; Flintoff 4/13, Ginger 2/17, Illingworth 2/18); Australia A: 121/4 (Knott 35, Learoyd 33; Anushka 2/14).