No Sanju Samson in Ranji Trophy, no Rohit Sharma in BGT but Gaikwad-Kishan in Asia Cup

On October 10, India woke up to the tragic news of Ratan Tata’s demise. The entire sports fraternity condoled with Tata’s disastrous news. On the cricketing front, major developments went on coming. On the eve of the commencement of the Ranji Trophy, we got to know about Sanju Samson’s non-involvement. However, the major shock came late in the day when it was reported that Rohit Sharma might miss the initial stage of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy. On that note, here are the top six headline-worthy news from October 10.

No Sanju Samson in Ranji Trophy?

While major players will be part of the Ranji Trophy this season, Sanju Samson has been left out. The star batter, who is part of the current Indian T20I team, playing against Bangladesh, has not been included in Kerala’s Ranji team for the first two games. Samson was not going to play the first game. After all, Kerala’s Ranji opener against Punjab starts on October 11. Meanwhile, India will play their 3rd T20I on October 13. Samson, however, won’t be part of Kerala’s second Ranji game, which is against a high-quality Karnataka team.

No Rohit Sharma in BGT?

In what will be a major blow to Team India, skipper Rohit Sharma is likely not to be available for the opening Border-Gavaskar Test later this year. India will play the first Test against Australia on November 22 in Perth. Rohit has reportedly asked BCCI about the matter and has quoted personal reasons for it. In case Rohit misses out in a Test, Jasprit Bumrah is most likely to lead India in the BGT.

Comeback guide for Gaikwad, Kishan & Iyer?

The ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 presents a unique opportunity for star cricketers who have been overlooked for India’s main XI. Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad are among those vying for a spot. Unlike previous editions, the BCCI has relaxed the age limit with an eye on the T20 World Cup 2026. Iyer, a successful IPL captain, and Kishan, a talented wicket-keeper batter, are eager to make a comeback and prove their worth.

Suryakumar Yadav in Ranji Trophy

India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav has made himself available for the second round of Ranji Trophy game for Mumbai. After Mumbai’s opening game against Baroda, the defending champs will play against state rivals Maharashtra. Suryakumar will be free from the T20I assignment after the conclusion of the third T20I on October 13.

Harry Brook-Joe Root show

Harry Brook and Joe Root’s record-breaking partnership (454 runs) dominated the first Test against Pakistan in Multan. Brook became England’s sixth triple-centurion, surpassing Graham Gooch’s record. Already the highest Test run-scorer for England, Root scored a career-best 262. Their combined 454-run stand was the fourth-highest in Tests and the highest in any away Test. England bowlers are just 4 wickets away from clinching the Multan Test.

Harbhajan opposes sending India to PAK for Champions Trophy

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has opposed sending Team India to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, citing safety concerns. Despite other countries resuming cricket tours to Pakistan, India hasn’t visited in 16 years. Harbhajan believes Indian players’ safety would be at risk in Lahore, the proposed venue. His concerns are underscored by a recent bomb blast in Karachi, just before the Pakistan-England Test series began in Multan. BCCI vice president had talked with the press earlier this month about how the board will follow the government’s instructions and then decide whether they’ll travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy.