The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 entered its second round on December 23, with top players competing to make a mark in the one-day format. The tournament serves as a crucial platform for Indian cricketers to secure spots in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, which is less than two months away. Established players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, and Mohammed Shami are using the competition to fine-tune their skills ahead of international fixtures.

Top Run-Scorers in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25

Key Highlights:

• Abhishek Porel leads the charts with a stellar knock of 170* at a strike rate of 130.76, demonstrating his dominance at the top of the order.
• Yuvraj Chaudhary follows with 151 runs, showcasing remarkable consistency and technique.
• Shreyas Iyer, batting at a blistering strike rate of 207.27, is using this platform to prepare for international assignments.

Tournament Importance:

With the ICC Champions Trophy approaching, this edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy provides a golden opportunity for players to solidify their spots in the national team. While the core squad appears settled, standout performances in this tournament could be a game-changer for several aspirants. The second round promises more exciting cricket as players push their limits to make a mark.

Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya will miss the initial stages of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2024-25, India’s premier 50-over domestic tournament, which began on December 21. The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) confirmed that Pandya will only join the team for the knockout rounds, provided Baroda qualifies.

Pandya’s absence and return plans:

• Kiran More, a member of the BCA’s Cricket Improvement Committee, stated, “He will play from the knockouts; he has informed us.”
• Pandya has not played a 50-over match since October 19, 2023, when he suffered an ankle injury during the ODI World Cup against Bangladesh.
• He recently participated in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), scoring 246 runs and taking six wickets, helping Baroda reach the semifinals.

Baroda’s challenges in Group E:

Led by Krunal Pandya, Hardik’s elder brother, Baroda faces stiff competition in Group E, which includes strong teams like Kerala, Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. Critics believe Hardik’s absence could affect Baroda’s chances of advancing, especially in the challenging group stage.

Baroda squad for VHT 2024-25:

• Shashwat Rawat, Bhanu Pania, Parth Kohli, Jyotsnil Singh, Ninad Ashvinkumar Rathva, Shivalik Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Mahesh Pithiya, Raj Limbani, Atit Sheth, Vishnu Solanki, Babashafi Pathan, Lukman Meriwala, Bhargav Bhatt, Akash Maharaj Singh, Amit Passi, Lakshit Toksiya.

Importance of Pandya’s return to the format:

Pandya’s reentry into the 50-over format could be pivotal for Baroda and the national team, with the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for 2025. Indian selectors are keen on ensuring domestic participation for national players, and Pandya’s performance could reaffirm his place in the squad as a key all-rounder.

Baroda will look to leverage its experienced players and young talents in the group stages as they aim to secure a spot in the knockout rounds where Pandya is expected to bolster their chances.

India emerged victorious in the Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup final, defeating Bangladesh by 41 runs at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, December 22. This win marks a historic moment as India becomes the inaugural champions of the tournament.

India’s innings:

Bangladesh captain Sumaiya Akter opted to bowl first after winning the toss in the high-pressure final. Gongadi Trisha led India’s batting with a composed 52 off 47 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes, even as wickets fell at regular intervals. Mithila Vinod provided a late boost with a quick 17 off 12 balls, helping India post a competitive total of 117/7 in their 20 overs.

Farjana Easmin was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, taking 4/31 in her four overs. Trisha’s performance not only anchored India’s innings but also made her the tournament’s leading run-scorer.

Bangladesh’s reply:

Bangladesh’s chase got off to a poor start, losing Mosammat Eva in the second over. Despite Fahomida Choya’s efforts to stabilize the innings, key wickets, including captain Sumaiya Akter, fell cheaply.

Wicketkeeper-batter Juairiya Ferdous kept Bangladesh’s hopes alive with a patient 22 off 30 balls. However, her dismissal in the 15th over left Bangladesh at 64/5, needing 54 runs from the final 34 deliveries. The lower order collapsed under pressure, with the last five wickets falling for just 12 runs.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 76 in 18.3 overs, handing India a convincing 41-run win.

Key performers:

• India:
  • Aayushi Shukla: 3/17 in 3.3 overs
  • Sonam Yadav and Parunika Sisodia: 2 wickets each
  • Gongadi Trisha: 52 runs (leading tournament scorer)
• Bangladesh:
  • Farjana Easmin: 4/31 in 4 overs
  • Juairiya Ferdous: 22 runs

India’s comprehensive performance capped a dominant campaign, securing the inaugural Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup title.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the launch of its inaugural men’s T10 tournament, set to run from December 12 to 22. This marks the board’s first major step towards introducing a shorter-format league, previously considered only for women’s cricket. Partnering with T Ten Global Sports, SLC aims to attract both local and international talent, with a player draft scheduled for November 10.

The Lanka T10 Super League will feature six franchises—one more than the established Lanka Premier League (LPL) in T20. Shammi Silva, SLC president, expressed optimism, stating that the league will enrich the Sri Lankan cricket calendar and provide a unique experience for fans and players. The tournament is strategically scheduled after Sri Lanka’s South Africa Test series, ensuring top national players’ participation.

Shreyas Iyer’s return to first-class cricket didn’t go as planned as the Mumbai batter was dismissed for an 8-ball duck in the Ranji Trophy match against Baroda. Iyer, who is aiming to make a comeback to the Indian Test side, struggled at the crease before being dismissed by Bhargav Bhatt, continuing his patch of poor form in red-ball cricket.

In Mumbai’s first innings, Iyer was the only batter to depart without scoring, a major blow to his hopes of catching the selectors’ eye for a Test recall. His disappointing start in the Ranji Trophy follows a series of sub-par performances in the Duleep Trophy, where he also failed to make a strong impact.

Iyer’s Recent First-Class Scores:

• MUM vs ROI (Irani Cup): 57 & 8
• IND D vs IND B (Duleep Trophy): 0 & 50
• IND vs IND A (Duleep Trophy): 0 & 41
• IND D vs IND C (Duleep Trophy): 9 & 54
• IND vs ENG (Test): 27 & 29

Once a promising middle-order option for India, Iyer now faces an uphill battle to regain his spot in the Test squad. He has reportedly fallen out of favor with the selectors, who have cited his poor shot selection and the presence of other viable candidates for the Test team.

Having already missed out on BCCI’s central contracts list and dropped from the Test side earlier this year, Iyer’s path back to the national team depends on his ability to deliver in the domestic circuit. As the Ranji season progresses, Iyer will need to turn his fortunes around quickly to stay in contention for a Test spot.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced a ₹1 crore cash reward for the Mumbai cricket team following their victory in the Irani Cup. The announcement was made by MCA Secretary Abhay Hadap during a felicitation ceremony at Wankhede Stadium on Monday, where the players were honored for their outstanding performance.

Mumbai’s Victory in the Irani Trophy

Mumbai clinched the Irani Cup title after drawing the match against the Rest of India team but securing the win based on their higher first-innings score. Sarfaraz Khan played a pivotal role with a massive knock of 222 runs, helping Mumbai post a total of 537 in their first innings. Rest of India responded with 416 runs, but Mumbai’s first-innings lead ensured their victory.

Ajinkya Rahane on the Final-Day Pressure

Mumbai’s captain, Ajinkya Rahane, revealed that the final day’s first session was particularly tense, with the team struggling at 153-6. Both Rahane and head coach Omkar Salvi were under immense pressure, but the lower-order performances helped steer the team to victory.

Kotian and Avasthi Save the Day

The turning point came when spin all-rounder Tanush Kotian scored an unbeaten 114, while Mohit Avasthi contributed a crucial 51*, securing a first-innings lead and ultimately sealing Mumbai’s victory. Their efforts helped Mumbai maintain their dominant run in domestic cricket.

Bengal has announced its squad for the first two matches of the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, with some notable inclusions and exclusions. While veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami is still recovering from an injury, his younger brother Kaif has been named in the squad. The team will also benefit from the return of experienced wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, adding depth to the Anustup Majumdar-led side.

Shami Out, Kaif In Mohammed Shami, who is undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), will not feature in the initial matches of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy campaign. Although Shami is working on regaining full fitness, it was unlikely that he would be ready in time for Bengal’s opening match against Uttar Pradesh on October 11 in Lucknow. Instead, Kaif, his brother, has been included in the squad, stepping in to represent the family.

The Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar Boost Pacers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar, two of Bengal’s most reliable bowlers, have also been named in the squad. Akash Deep, fresh off his recent performances for India in the Test series against Bangladesh, will be a key player in Bengal’s pace attack. Mukesh Kumar has been in outstanding form, having impressed in the Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup, where he consistently troubled opposition batsmen with his swing and pace. The duo’s form with the red-ball will be crucial as Bengal looks to make a strong start in the competition.

Bengal Squad for First Two Ranji Matches The squad features a mix of experience and youth, with skipper Anustup Majumdar leading a team full of potential. Alongside the returning Saha and promising pacers, Bengal will look to continue their strong domestic cricket presence.

Full Squad: Anustup Majumdar (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sudip Kumar Gharami, Sudip Chatterjee, Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Shahbaz Ahmed, Abishek Porel (WK), Writtick Chatterjee, Avilin Ghosh, Shuvam Dey, Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Mohammad Kaif, Pradipta Pramanik, Aamir Gani, Yudhajit Guha, Rohit Kumar, Rishav Vivek

Bengal will be looking to kick off their campaign with a strong showing as they take on Uttar Pradesh in their opening game in Lucknow.

Delhi has named its 18-member squad for the first two games of the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, with Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant naturally excluded from the list despite being part of the 84-member probable squad. Delhi will face Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu in their opening fixtures, with Kohli and Pant’s exclusion coming as no surprise given their commitments to the Indian team.

No Kohli and Pant for Delhi

Virat Kohli, who is currently a two-format player for India, last represented his state side in the 2012-13 season. With the batter now 35 and coming off a packed international schedule, including an upcoming Test series against New Zealand starting October 16, his rest days have become a priority. Meanwhile, Delhi begins their Ranji Trophy campaign on October 11, leading to Kohli’s exclusion from the squad.

Similarly, Rishabh Pant, having been active in cricket since his IPL 2024 comeback, has been given rest by the BCCI. The wicketkeeper-batter, pivotal to India’s Test team, will sit out the T20Is against Bangladesh.

Simarjeet Singh’s Fitness Under the Scanner

Another key name, CSK pacer Simarjeet Singh, is only included conditionally—dependent on his fitness clearance. He had a stellar performance in the Delhi Premier League T20 2024, taking 18 wickets with a bowling strike rate of 12.00. However, if he is deemed unfit, Divij Mehra will replace him.

Notable Absence of Priyansh Arya

Despite stellar performances in the DPL T20, where he amassed 608 runs with a strike rate of 198.7 and an average of 67.5, Priyansh Arya was left out of the Ranji squad. His six sixes in a single DPL match were eye-catching, but Delhi’s lineup features other batting talents.

Delhi’s Squad for First Two Ranji Games

• Himmat Singh (C), Ayush Badoni, Anuj Rawat (W.K), Sanat Sangwan, Dhruv Kaushik, Yash Dhull, Jonty Sidhu, Mayank Rawat, Kshitiz Sharma, Pranav Rajuvanshi (W.K), Sumit Mathur, Navdeep Saini, Himanshu Chauhan, Simarjeet Singh* / Divij Mehra, Hrithik Shokeen, Harsh Tyagi, Money Grewal, Shivank Vashisth

Note: If Simarjeet Singh is unfit, Divij Mehra will replace him. Any unfit player will not travel or remain with the team until cleared by the Physio.

Drawn in the Elite Group A of the Ranji Trophy, Delhi faces tough competition against teams like Tamil Nadu and Saurashtra as they kick off their campaign.

Sarfaraz Khan’s unbeaten 221, supported by half-centuries from Ajinkya Rahane (97) and Tanush Kotian (64), powered Mumbai to a dominant position over Rest of India (ROI) on Day 2 of the Irani Cup in Lucknow. By stumps, Mumbai stood at 536 for 9, with Sarfaraz anchoring the innings through substantial partnerships and aggressive stroke play.

Key Moments of the Day

• Strong Start with Rahane and Sarfaraz: Continuing from their overnight score of 237/4, Rahane and Sarfaraz kept the pressure on ROI’s bowlers, building a 131-run stand. Rahane missed a century, falling to a short delivery at 97, while Sarfaraz carried on, reaching his double-ton.
• Sarfaraz’s Masterclass: His 276-ball knock featured 25 fours and two sixes, marked by partnerships of 131 runs with Rahane and 83 runs with Kotian. Sarfaraz survived a dropped catch on 91 and quickly converted that chance into a hundred in the following over.
• Kotian’s Supporting Act: Kotian’s patient fifty (104 balls) and partnership with Sarfaraz allowed Mumbai to have a wicketless second session, adding crucial runs and keeping up the momentum.
• Late Flourish with Thakur: Shardul Thakur’s 73-run partnership with Sarfaraz helped the latter reach his 200. Both batters attacked Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar, finding the boundary with ease before Thakur was bowled out in the final over of the day.

Mumbai’s Innings Summary

Mumbai’s steady batting ensured they piled on runs, ending Day 2 at 536 for 9. Sarfaraz’s double-hundred was the highlight, while Rahane narrowly missed a ton. Kotian’s support and partnerships throughout the day kept ROI bowlers under pressure.

Brief Scores: Mumbai 536/9 (Sarfaraz Khan 221*, Ajinkya Rahane 97, Tanush Kotian 64; Mukesh Kumar 4-109) vs Rest of India.

Sarfaraz Khan showcased his batting prowess by hitting his second Irani Cup century for Mumbai, playing a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings alongside Ajinkya Rahane against Rest of India. On Day 2 of the Irani Cup 2024-25 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, Sarfaraz scored a remarkable 103 off 149 balls, including 14 boundaries, marking his 15th First-Class century. This comes after his earlier ton against Saurashtra in the 2022 edition of the tournament.

Crucial Partnership with Ajinkya Rahane

Sarfaraz walked in when Mumbai was in a tricky position at 139 for four. He went on to build a crucial 131-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Rahane. Although Rahane narrowly missed his century, getting out for 97, the stand played a vital role in steadying the Mumbai innings.

Irani Cup Day 2 Status

By Day 2, Mumbai stood at 338 for six, with Sarfaraz still at the crease on 103 and Tanush Kotian supporting him with 26 runs. For the Rest of India, Mukesh Kumar was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets, while Yash Dayal picked up two. Earlier on Day 1, Rest of India’s captain Ruturaj Gaikwad had opted to field, with Mumbai putting up 237/4 in 68 overs.

Sarfaraz’s century and partnership with Rahane have set a solid foundation for Mumbai in this crucial match.

The highly anticipated Irani Cup 2024 is set to take place on October 1 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. This one-off match will feature India A going up against the Rest of India (ROI) squad, showcasing star players like Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shreyas Iyer. Ajinkya Rahane will lead the India A side, while Ruturaj Gaikwad will captain the Rest of India team.

Key Details:

• Match Date: October 1
• Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
• Start Time: 9:30 AM IST

Background:

The Irani Cup is one of India’s most prestigious domestic tournaments, where the winner of the Ranji Trophy competes against the Rest of India. Initially, the match was scheduled to be held in Mumbai but was shifted to Lucknow considering the winter conditions.

Where to Watch:

• Television Broadcast: The match will be telecast live on the Sports 18 Network starting at 9:30 AM IST.
• Live Streaming: For those looking to stream the match online, live streaming will be available on the Jio Cinema website and app.

Teams:

India A:

• Captain: Ajinkya Rahane
• Players: Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Shreyas Iyer, Siddhesh Lad, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore (wk), Sidhaant Addhatrao (wk), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Himanshu Singh, Shardul Thakur, Mohit Avasthi, Mohammad Juned Khan, Royston Dias.

Rest of India (ROI):

• Captain: Ruturaj Gaikwad
• Players: Abhimanyu Easwaran (vice-captain), B Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, Yash Dayal, Ricky Bhui, Shashwat Rawat, Khaleel Ahmed, Rahul Chahar.

Don’t miss the action as some of the best domestic and international players face off in this exciting clash for the Irani Cup 2024. Tune in to Sports 18 for live TV coverage or stream the match on Jio Cinema for all the live updates and action.