Right before the start of the first T20I game, the viewers became witness to an unusual event in Kinngsmead, Durban. The Indian national anthem reportedly stopped twice due to a possible technical glitch midway during the anthem.

In the first instance, the national anthem stopped and the players were left singing all by themselves. But when the glitch occurred a second time, players including the likes of Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar, and Tilak Varma were left bewildered and their hilarious reaction soon went viral on social media like wildfire.  

Watch the full incident here

Technical issues while playing India national anthem at South Africa #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/zERCrEi3DV

— Mr.Perfect 🗿 (@gotnochills007) November 8, 2024

It was a light moment for the Indian team as the players were seen chuckling around in this video footage. Hardik on one hand could be observed clapping his hands together with a smile on his face while Axar, who was standing next to him was also full of smiles. However, on the contrary, the South African team did not face any such hiccups of this sort when their country's national anthem was played. 

Calm before the storm

Although players shared a light moment before the start of the game, very few could have accurately speculated the carnage that was to follow. Sanju Samson launched a scathing attack on the Proteas bowlers and smashed his second consecutive T20I ton to power India to a commanding first innings total of 202-8. During his scintiliating knock, Samson amassed 107 in 50 balls which included seven fours and a mind-boggling 10 sixes. 

In reply, South Africa were a no-show with the bat and the target proved way beyond their reach as they were bundled out cheaply for only 141. 

See also: Controversial India vs Bangladesh Kanpur Test venue rating revealed

Hardik Pandya, the dynamic Indian all-rounder, recently shared an image of his custom-made 'World Champion' ring, commemorating India’s T20 World Cup victory. His post instantly went viral, capturing the admiration of fans and sparking pride nationwide. Pandya’s influence in India's triumph, capped by his impressive performances both with bat and ball, has cemented his legacy in Indian cricket.

Hardik’s ‘World Champion’ ring: A tribute to T20 glory

Pandya’s ‘World Champion’ ring, featuring the T20 World Cup trophy design at its center, proudly displays “World” at the top and “Champion” inscribed at the bottom. It’s a fitting tribute to his role in India’s T20 World Cup win, where his 144 runs at a strike rate of 151.57 and 11 wickets at an economy of 7.64 were crucial. Pandya’s last-over heroics in the final match, where he defended 16 runs against South Africa, showcased his nerve and skill under pressure.

This victory also marked India’s first T20 World Cup title in 17 years, and Pandya’s contributions silenced critics who doubted him following his captaincy struggles with Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. His post-victory celebrations and the viral image of him holding the trophy have only added to his popularity among fans.

See Also: Sundar & Jadeja shine, but New Zealand take the edge over India

Pandya to lead Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 as core players are retained

Following his World Cup success, Mumbai Indians have shown faith in Pandya’s leadership by retaining him as captain for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Despite a challenging 2024 season that saw Mumbai finish at the bottom of the table, the franchise retained their core squad, including Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, and Tilak Varma, with Pandya earning INR 16.35 crore.

Mumbai Indians have INR 45 crore left for the 2025 auction as they prepare for another season with a solid core. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see Pandya return to IPL action, hoping he can bring the same tenacity and skill that led India to the T20 World Cup title.

With the IPL 2025 mega-auction approaching, speculation is rife regarding the retention of top players by Mumbai Indians (MI). While contrasting reports have emerged about whether MI will retain ex-skipper Rohit Sharma, a new report suggests that MI plans to retain their key players, including Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav. With the deadline for IPL retentions looming, Mumbai Indians are strategizing on how to build a formidable team while managing their purse effectively.

Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya set for MI retention

Amid the swirling rumors surrounding Rohit Sharma's future with Mumbai Indians, a new report from Sportstar claims that MI will retain their former captain. Earlier speculation suggested a rift between Rohit and MI following his removal as skipper in 2024, with Hardik Pandya taking over the reins. However, the report confirms that Rohit Sharma, along with Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav, will remain with the franchise.

This decision comes despite Hardik Pandya's poor performance as captain last season, where he struggled to lead the team to the playoffs. Nevertheless, MI views both Rohit and Hardik as essential to their future plans. Their retention will significantly impact MI’s auction purse, as retaining players in different categories comes with a steep cost, but these players are considered the franchise's core strength.

Impact on MI's IPL 2025 strategy

Rohit Sharma’s retention will likely play a major role in shaping MI's IPL 2025 auction strategy. Retaining key players means a substantial portion of MI's auction budget will be allocated, with the first and fourth players retained receiving ₹18 crore each, the second and fifth players getting ₹14 crore, and the third retention receiving ₹11 crore.

While Rohit’s IPL 2024 performance was decent, scoring 417 runs at a strike rate of 150, the bigger question remains who will lead MI in the upcoming season. Despite rumors linking Rohit with a move to Lucknow Super Giants and internal disputes with the previous MI coach, new head coach Mahela Jayawardene has reportedly convinced Rohit to stay with MI.

Mumbai’s Top Retention
Not Hardik Not Bumrah
Rohit Sharma it is #RohitSharma𓃵

— रोहित जुगलान Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) October 22, 2024

See Also: Hero of 2022 Pakistan tour recalled by England for third Test

Meanwhile, the retention deadline is set for October 31, giving MI a limited window to finalize their squad for next season. The franchise is aiming to improve team morale and performance, with retention decisions being key to their preparations for IPL 2025.

As Mumbai Indians gear up for IPL 2025, the retention of top players like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah will significantly shape their strategy for the mega-auction. Despite some uncertainties and challenges last season, MI is committed to retaining their core players and building a strong squad for the future. The upcoming retention decisions will have a lasting impact on the team’s prospects in the next IPL season.

Hardik Pandya took a stunning catch in the Delhi T20I on Wednesday (October 9) night, where India secured the home T20I series against Bangladesh by 2-0 with one match to go. 

It was the second T20I of the three-match series at Delhi, where India were sent to bat first and the hosts scored 221/9 in 20 overs. In reply, Bangladesh were restricted to 135/9, as India won that match by 86 runs. 

Hardik Pandya covered 27 meters for a catch

Bangladesh were deeply struggling in the high chase when Hardik Pandya took an incredible catch. 

It was the third ball of the 14th over of the second innings, where Bangladesh were battling at 93/6. Varun Chakravarthy delivered an outside the off stump to Rishad Hossain, who connected well to blow that to the long on. Pandya started his running from deep mid-wicket and covered around 27 meters to grab that stunning catch. That incredible catch ended Hossain's innings for nine runs off 10 balls. 

HARDIK PANDYA TOOK A STUNNER 🥶

- One of the Great comeback stories ever in Indian cricket. pic.twitter.com/XZKAeg3ad9

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 9, 2024

Nitish Kumar Reddy won the Player of the Match

Earlier in the batting, Hardik Pandya scored 32 off 19 balls with the help of two fours and two sixes. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rinku Singh also batted dominantly, as they completed half-centuries in 27 and 26 balls, respectively. Reddy scored 74 off 34 balls with four fours and seven sixes. Meanwhile, Rinku Singh was out after scoring 53 off 29 balls with five fours and three sixes.  

Mahmudullah, who will retire from T20I after the last match of the series, was the only 20+ runs scorer in Bangladesh innings as the right-handed batter scored 41 runs off 39 balls with the help of three sixes. 

All seven Indian bowlers took wickets in the match. Nitish Kumar Reddy (2/23) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/19) picked up two wickets each in that innings. Reddy won the Player of the Match for his brilliant all-round performances. 

In an exciting first T20I between India and Bangladesh at the Madhavrao Scindia Stadium in Gwalior, Hardik Pandya once again showcased his stylish and flamboyant side both on and off the field. Pandya, who is known for his aggressive batting and electrifying presence, pulled off a spectacular no-look scoop shot that has now gone viral on social media.

Pandya's 'No-Look shot' magic in the final moments

As the game entered its decisive final phase, India needed just a few runs to seal their victory against Bangladesh. Taskin Ahmed bowled a short delivery, and in response, Pandya executed a perfectly timed scoop shot over the wicketkeeper’s head. What made the moment memorable wasn't just the shot itself, but Pandya’s sheer confidence. Without even looking back to see where the ball landed, Pandya stood in place, fully assured that the ball would find its way to the boundary.

True to his expectation, the ball raced past the outstretched arms of Bangladesh wicketkeeper Litton Das and hit the ropes, leaving India needing just five more runs to complete their chase. The crowd erupted in cheer as Pandya once again proved why he is regarded as one of the most thrilling players to watch in world cricket.

Best Shot of #IndvsBan 1st T20i 🔥
No look Shot by #HardikPandya
Swag wala Pandya 😍🗿 pic.twitter.com/kEXah2RwTB

— Hardik Kohli (@ShortStatus1) October 6, 2024

As soon as the shot was played, social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), lit up with clips and posts celebrating Pandya’s no-look brilliance. Fans praised his unique ability to entertain while delivering under pressure. The video clip of the shot quickly went viral, with users hailing it as yet another example of Hardik Pandya’s flair and confidence on the cricket field.

Pandya’s no-look scoop reminded many of his ability to thrive in high-pressure moments, combining his trademark aggression with creativity. The shot added to the excitement of what was already a closely contested game, and it highlighted how Pandya’s audacious batting style can change the course of a match in an instant.

See also: Watch: Bumrah enjoys team India's thrilling win over Pakistan in Women's T20 World Cup

India clinch victory over Bangladesh, lead the series 1-0

The match itself saw India chase down a modest target of 128 runs, set by Bangladesh earlier in the evening. With Pandya’s no-look shot serving as the cherry on top, India eventually crossed the finish line with ease, winning by six wickets. Bangladesh were bowled out for 127 runs in 19.5 overs, with notable bowling performances from Arshdeep Singh (3/14) and Varun Chakravarthy (3/31).

After Pandya's boundary, India wrapped up the match in the next over, securing a 1-0 lead in the series. The innings break saw Bangladesh falter after a strong start, and despite some resistance from Mehidy Hasan Miraz (35), they could not build a competitive total. India’s bowlers applied consistent pressure, and the team's overall performance reflected a dominant start to the T20I series.

The 30-year-old Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been forgotten in Test cricket. However, the all-rounder can return to red-ball cricket as per the latest reported development. 

During the 2017 Galle Test against the hosts Sri Lanka, Hardik Pandya made his Test debut. In his 11 Tests, Hardik scored 532 runs (average 31.29) and took 17 wickets for the national team. The right-handed batter hit one century and four half-centuries in his Test career. The right-arm pacer also recorded one Test five-wicket haul. 

SEE ALSO: Pant strikes back with fiery 50 in Test cricket after 638 days; Fans get crazy

Hardik Pandya last played a first-class match in December 2018

Hardik last played a Test match in September 2018 during the Southampton Test against the hosts England.  

Due to recent injury and fitness issues, pace-bowling all-rounder Hardik is majorly active in white-ball cricket. Hardik played his last first-class match in December 2018 when Baroda faced Mumbai at Wankhede. 

In his 29 first-class matches, Hardik scored 1351 runs (average 30.02) and took 48 wickets. Apart from his one century and ten half-centuries, he also secured three five-wicket hauls in his first-class career.

Hardik Pandya is likely to play in the upcoming Ranji Trophy

In a recent CricTracker report, a source in the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) claimed that Hardik will serve for Baroda in domestic cricket in the ongoing season. Apart from playing in List A and T20 cricket, the all-rounder is also likely to represent Baroda in the first-class competition. It means that the all-rounder is likely to participate in the upcoming Ranji Trophy. 

Earlier, Hardik clarified why he didn’t participate for Baroda recently in first-class cricket. Pointing out his lack of fitness level and preparation for Test cricket, the all-rounder felt it wouldn’t be unethical to take up one deserving spot.

Hardik also added that he wouldn’t jump to red-ball cricket until he finds himself eligible for the format. As the all-rounder is reportedly eyeing a return to first-class cricket, it won’t be wrong to say that he is trying to make a comeback in Test cricket.

Recently, Hardik had an important role in India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 trophy success. 

India will travel to Australia in November for a five-match Test series. In mid-2025, India will also tour England for another five-match Test series. If Hardik returns to red-ball cricket, he can play a crucial role in the upcoming challenging foreign tours for Test cricket.  

Suryakumar, 33, recently took over as India’s captain from the beloved Rohit Sharma, who retired from the 20-over format following India’s World Cup victory in June.He was chosen over all-rounder Hardik Pandya, whose frequent injury absences raised concerns.

However, Suryakumar’s previous captaincy of the Mumbai state team had raised questions about his leadership style, leading to his sacking in 2015 after complaints from teammates.

“Many things have changed since then. I am a different person now,” the batsman told reporters in Kandy ahead of Saturday’s series opener.”I have gotten married and learned a lot from other captains. I will take the team forward in my own style,” he added.

“Our brand of cricket remains the same. The captaincy has given me new responsibilities, and I am looking forward to the challenge.”Star batsman Virat Kohli also retired after the T20 World Cup, and India’s 15-man squad gives Suryakumar the opportunity to experiment with the top order, anchored by openers Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Suryakumar Yadav’s New leadership and Sri Lanka’s Squad changes ahead of upcoming Series

Sri Lanka also has a new short-format captain after a humiliating first-round World Cup knockout prompted Wanindu Hasaranga’s resignation just six months after his appointment.

SEE ALSO:Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024, Semi-final 1: Brilliant spells from Renuka and Radha help India dominate Bangladesh

His replacement, Charith Asalanka, captained Jaffna Kings to a title win in the island’s 20-over Lanka Premier League tournament on Sunday.”It’s a huge challenge for us to play the world champions. We are ready for the challenge as we have prepared well for this series,” Asalanka said.

“A bit disappointed that we are not at full strength,” he added, noting that injuries and illness have affected the team’s pace attack.Fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of the series with a fractured thumb, while Dushmantha Chameera is unwell.

Sri Lanka has brought in right-arm seamer Asitha Fernando and left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka as replacements.The three-match series concludes on Tuesday in Kandy before a three-match ODI series begins in Colombo on Friday.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has joined a growing chorus of former cricketers questioning the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as India’s new T20I captain over Hardik Pandya. Despite Hardik’s impressive credentials, including leading the Gujarat Titans to an IPL title and serving as Rohit Sharma’s deputy during India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign, the BCCI opted for Suryakumar Yadav. This decision has sparked widespread debate within the cricketing community.

BCCI’s bold captaincy decision

The BCCI’s choice of Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain came as a surprise to many, especially given Hardik Pandya’s leadership experience and success in the IPL. Hardik was widely expected to succeed Rohit Sharma as the T20I captain. However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited fitness concerns as the primary reason for preferring Suryakumar for the captaincy role. Agarkar’s statement has led to mixed reactions, with some agreeing with the focus on fitness and others questioning the justification.

“No, here they (the claims) just hand him a certificate saying he isn’t fit and there are concerns about his fitness. There are plenty of players who weren’t super fit but still became great captains. So, I think it was just an excuse. Because if Surya wasn’t around, then Rishabh (Pant) would have been the captain since you have to look at the future,” Latif said.

Additionally, Hardik Pandya lost his T20I vice-captaincy to the young and promising Shubman Gill. The selection committee explained that this decision was part of their strategy to groom young players for future leadership roles.

Rashid Latif’s criticism

Rashid Latif, known for his outspoken opinions, has openly criticized the BCCI’s reasoning. Latif dismissed the fitness concerns as mere excuses for bypassing Hardik Pandya for the captaincy. He argued that if fitness is genuinely an issue, the selectors should provide an unfit certificate for Hardik. Latif’s comments reflect a broader skepticism about the decision-making process within the BCCI.

See also: Rahul Dravid to discuss cricket’s inclusion in Olympics at Paris event – Cricket Winner

In a press conference held before India’s departure for the Sri Lanka tour, Ajit Agarkar addressed the media, reiterating that fitness played a significant role in the decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav over Hardik Pandya.

“Hardik’s skill-sets are difficult to find and fitness is difficult to find. we have got a bit more time and we can look at a few things. Fitness was a clear challenge and we wanted someone who was likely to be available more often,” Agarkar said.

“We have taken general feedback from the dressing room also,” he added.

Despite this explanation, the debate continues, with many former players and fans expressing their dissatisfaction with the BCCI’s choice.

Former India pacer Ashish Nehra has opened up on the rapport that Gambhir and Kohli share. Both of them have been at the centre of a few on-field tussles, with the most recent coming in the Indian Premier League 2023 season as well. Both the cricketing icons wear their passion on their sleeves, and everyone is waiting to see them together as well.

“The things on the outside, people get an impression about it”- Ashish Nehra

“Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir are two very passionate individuals. Whenever they play for a team, they can turn up against the opposition. But, when they are together in a dressing room, they are together, united for the team. You’re talking about Virat Kohli, who has an experience of over 16-17 years, Gautam Gambhir is also experienced. The things on the outside, people get an impression about it. It’s not just Gambhir and Kohli, there are so many players who have had on-field spats in the past, but when they play together for a team, they have done well as a player, as a coach-captain, as a coach and senior player,” said Nehra, as per India Today.

Gautam Gambhir, who takes over the Team India head coach job from Rahul Dravid who is not similar in personality in comparison as well. Despite the drastic shift, Ashish Nehra isn’t expect Kohli and Gambhir to have problems in the team as well.

“Gautam Gambhir is upfront, transparent which is great. He keeps it clear and speaks his mind. That’s very important. Yes, I agree, everybody has their own style (of coaching), to operate with the coach, captain and player. I don’t see any problem with these two and where they are in their careers,” said Nehra.

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma comments on his retirement plans after quitting T20Is

“No, I am not surprised” – Ashish Nehra on Hardik Pandya’s snub from T20 captaincy

Nehra also said he was not surprised by the Indian management’s decision not to appoint Hardik Pandya as the new T20I captain as well. Nehra said that he understood the decision of chief selector Ajit Agarkar and newly-appointed coach Gautam Gambhir as they picked Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain.

Hardik Pandya, who led India in T20Is in 2023, was Rohit Sharma’s deputy in the T20 World Cup 2024 campaign in June in the USA and the West Indies. While Hardik was likely to replace Rohit as T20I captain after Rohit retired from the format, the BCCI announced Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain for the upcoming three-match series in Sri Lanka as well.

“No, I am not surprised. When it comes to cricket, these things keep happening. Yes, Hardik Pandya was vice-captain in the World Cup, but at the same time, there is a new coach who has come in. Every coach and every captain have different thoughts. At this time, his (Gambhir’s) ideas are toward that direction,” Nehra told India Today’s sister channel SportsTak.

“I think Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir have made it clear, that’s good. He is playing one format, 50-over also, he is playing less. Hardik Pandya, in white-ball cricket, will remain a very, very important player for Indian cricket. When you have him, you can have 4 fast bowlers, he brings in a different balance to the side and keep in mind, that there’s no impact player in international cricket. Not just Hardik Pandya, but when you have so many matches, there will be changes. Even Rishabh Pant has captained, KL Rahul has captained,” he concluded.

The next IPL season will see big changes in the coaching setups of many teams. Gautam Gambhir, Abhishek Nayar, and Ryan ten Doeschate have left Kolkata Knight Riders to join the Indian team’s coaching staff, and Ricky Ponting has ended his time as head coach of Delhi Capitals.

According to News18, head coach Ashish Nehra and Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki might leave Gujarat Titans before IPL 2025. Last season, GT finished eighth on the points table under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, who took over from Hardik Pandya.

Nehra and Solanki joined the Titans in IPL 2022 and led the team to their first title in their debut season, a huge achievement. Titans had a great run in IPL 2023, reaching the final where Chennai Super Kings beat them. However, this year, they missed the playoffs after failing to replace all rounder Hardik Pandya, who was traded to Mumbai Indians, and also missed the injured Mohammad Shami.

Ashish Nehra and Vikram Solanki likely to leave Gujarat Titans

The report mentions that Titans are talking to Yuvraj Singh about joining the coaching staff as Nehra and Solanki are expected to leave.

“Lot of changes on the cards. Ashish Nehra and Vikram Solanki are highly likely to move on and discussions around Yuvraj Singh have already begun. Nothing is finalised right now but there could be some major changes in the coaching staff of the Gujarat Titans,” says a source

Yuvraj Singh in talks for coaching role with Gujarat Titans

Yuvraj has mentored GT captain Shubman Gill before, and they share a great bond off the field, but Yuvraj has no IPL coaching experience.

Gary Kirsten, who was Titans assistant coach for the past three seasons, has already left to become head coach of the Pakistan cricket team. Other coaching staff members like Aashish Kapoor, Naeem Amin, Narender Negi, and Mithun Manhas are also expected to leave if Nehra and Solanki depart.

IPL owners set to meet BCCI

IPL team owners will probably meet with the BCCI on July 30 or 31. The exact date isn’t set yet, but the meeting will happen this month to finalize player retentions and discuss the Impact Player rule and salary cap before the mega auction.

BCCI officials and top executives from various IPL teams have already had one round of discussions. Final decisions will be made when the owners meet with the BCCI’s top leaders.