Indian cricket team

Despite a promising start, Mumbai Indians suffered a six-run defeat in their opener, attributed partly to an unexpected batting strategy. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Mumbai surprised many by having Hardik Pandya open the bowling against his former team.

Shami's need for surgery arose following an injury sustained during India's 2023 ODI World Cup venture, and he has been sidelined from cricket since the defeat in the final against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium on November 19.

Set to grace the field for his 100th Test during the fifth and concluding match against England in Dharamshala, commencing on March 7th, Ashwin stands as a stalwart in the realm of Test cricket.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Gambhir stated, “I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties.”

India secured a decisive five-wicket triumph over England in the fourth Test held in Ranchi, solidifying their lead to an unassailable 3-1 in the five-match series. The conclusive Test is scheduled to take place in Dharamsala starting March 7.

Earlier in the day, India displayed resilience as they fought back from a challenging position, thanks to a crucial 76-run partnership between Dhruv Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav for the eighth wicket. Jurel, in only his second Test match, played a remarkable innings, scoring a brilliant 90 off 149 balls. Despite losing Kuldeep to James Anderson, Jurel's determined effort steered India towards a competitive total.

Pant, who was involved in a serious car accident in December 2022, has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy and is diligently working to regain match fitness ahead of the IPL's commencement in the latter half of March.

Bumrah's departure from the squad is part of a strategic workload management plan. Despite his exceptional performance in the Test series, where he claimed 17 wickets in three matches and played a pivotal role in India's victory in Visakhapatnam, the decision was made to prioritize his physical well-being.