The latest happenings from the world of cricket, all compiled in one place – here's Wisden's daily news segment, curating the sport's headlines from the globe.
Virat Kohli yet to join squad as India begin practice in New York
India had their first practice session before the 2024 T20 World Cup at a local facility in New York. While most of their squad members were present, Virat Kohli was a notable name missing from the practice. Kohli hasn’t landed in New York yet and could miss India’s one-off warm-up match against Bangladesh on June 1 at the newly-built Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.
India's first game at the tournament is against Ireland on June 5.
Gambhir as India next head coach reportedly a ‘done deal’
Amid speculations of who will be India’s next head coach, a report by Cricbuzz has claimed that "a very high profile owner of an IPL franchise, who is very close to the BCCI top brass" had revealed to the publication that Gautam Gambhir's appointment in that role is a "done deal and the announcement will come soon".
The report also added that any official announcement is yet to come, suggesting "negotiations are underway on multiple fronts – between the two parties and, perhaps, with some others too."
Wasim Jaffer: Kohli and Jaiswal should open in T20 World Cup
Former India international Wasim Jaffer has backed Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers for India’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. Jaffer suggested that captain Rohit Sharma, who usually opens, should move down to No.3 to accommodate the duo.
"Kohli & Jaiswal should open in the World Cup IMO," Jaffer wrote on X. " Rohit & SKY should bat 3&4 depending on the start we get. Rohit plays spin really well so batting at 4 shouldn't be a concern."
Kohli & Jaiswal should open in the World Cup imo. Rohit & SKY should bat 3&4 depending on the start we get. Rohit plays spin really well so batting at 4 shouldn't be a concern. #T20WorldCup #INDvPAK #INDvIRE pic.twitter.com/nMgwwaDNXb
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) May 29, 2024
‘We will celebrate the IPL with a flying kiss’ – Rana reveals how SRK cheered him up after ban
Harshit Rana, who had a breakthrough season in KKR's third IPL title win in 2024, revealed how his franchise co-owner Shah Rukh Khan stood beside him when he was banned for a match.
With 19 wickets in 13 matches, Rana was KKR’s second-highest wicket-taker. He was suspended for a match for two Code of Conduct breaches, involving his signature flying kiss send-off to Mayank Agarwal in a league game.
"After I got banned for one match, I was very sad and then Shah Rukh sir came to me and said 'Tu tension mat le ye waali celebration Trophy ke saath karenge' (Don't be tensed. We will celebrate the IPL with a flying kiss). He promised me and made sure that we did that with the trophy and our team," Rana revealed.
Shah Rukh stayed true to his words as he asked his team to recreate Rana’s trademark celebration after they beat Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final of the 2024 IPL.
Joe Burns to represent Italy as a tribute to late brother
Joe Burns, the former Australian cricketer, is all set to play for Italy to pay homage to his late brother Dominic, who passed away in February. Burns, 34, has played 23 Tests and six ODIs for Australia between 2014 and 2020. After being snubbed from Queensland’s contract list for 2024-25, the top-order batter has decided to change his allegiance to Italy through his mother’s heritage.
He will now be a part of the European nation’s squad in the sub-regional qualifiers for the 2026 T20 World Cup. In an Instagram post on Tuesday, he announced the decision.
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