Category: Sports

Australia’s seam bowling all-rounder Michael Neser expressed satisfaction with the execution of the plan that led to Joe Root’s dismissal, calling it “one of those rare occasions where it actually came off.” On the second day of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Neser claimed four wickets, including that of Root, who scored 160—his 41st Test century.

“I haven’t bowled a bouncer to him in ages, and I think I might surprise him if I try to bowl a bouncer there. And it’s one of those rare occasions where it actually came off and worked. The chances don’t come very often, so you’ve got to try to take everything. I’ve always prided myself on catching,” Neser stated to reporters at the end of the day’s play.

Neser acknowledged that bowling to Root is challenging. “He’s a tricky one to bowl to, especially when he’s in that touch. Your margin of error is very small. He seems to manipulate the ball very well off the stumps. Even then, when you go a bit wider in the channel, he works you off down to third man so well. He’s a class player. That’s why he’s going to go down as one of the all-time greats,” he added.

By the end of the day, Travis Head’s unbeaten 91 from 87 balls had taken Australia to 166/2 in 34.1 overs, trailing England by 218 runs. Neser noted that Head is clear about his approach. “Knowing him from his younger days, he’s still figuring out his game, but at the moment, he seems really clear about what he’s doing. Every ball he’s looking to score. His hand-eye coordination is amazing. You think you’ve beaten him with the ball, and all of a sudden, he’s slapped you through point for four. We all love the way Travis bats because the scoreboard seems to move,” Neser remarked.

He concluded by commenting on the heated exchange between Marnus Labuschagne and England skipper Ben Stokes just before stumps. Stokes ultimately dismissed Labuschagne for 48. “He’s such a strong competitor that he can get under your skin,” Neser added.

Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as captain of Mumbai for the remainder of their Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group C games in Jaipur, as announced by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Monday.

Iyer will take over the captaincy from regular skipper Shardul Thakur, who is sidelined for the rest of the competition due to injury. Mumbai currently holds the second position in Group C and will face Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, followed by a match against Punjab on January 8.

“The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is pleased to announce that Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the captain of the Mumbai senior men’s team for the remaining league matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy,” the MCA stated.

“Shreyas Iyer will take over the leadership responsibilities in place of Shardul Thakur, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury and is currently unavailable for selection. An experienced international cricketer with proven leadership credentials, Shreyas Iyer brings calmness, tactical acumen, and a strong understanding of the game.”

“The Association is confident that under his captaincy, the Mumbai team will continue to perform with determination and uphold Mumbai cricket’s rich legacy. The Mumbai Cricket Association wishes Shardul Thakur a speedy recovery and extends its best wishes to Shreyas Iyer and the entire Mumbai squad for the upcoming matches,” said MCA Secretary Prof. Dr. Unmesh Khanvilkar in the statement.

Interestingly, Iyer has been named in the squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting in Vadodara on January 11. His inclusion for that series depends on fitness clearance after participating in the Vijay Hazare Trophy games for Mumbai.

If Iyer clears his fitness tests, the MCA will need to appoint a new captain for the knockouts of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, starting on January 12 at the BCCI CoE Grounds in Bengaluru. Iyer was previously out of action due to a serious spleen injury sustained while taking a diving catch of Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey in the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground in October last year.

Former India cricketer and current PGTI president Kapil Dev has stated that no decision has been made yet regarding the participation of Bangladesh players amid the ongoing tension between the two neighboring countries. He confirmed that the PGTI will hold a board meeting to discuss the issue.

Tensions have risen between the two nations in recent weeks due to reports of violent incidents against religious minorities. According to Kapil Dev, a meeting will be convened soon to address the participation of players from Bangladesh. Notable Bangladeshi golfers competing in the PGTI tour include Jamal Hossain, Md Siddikur Rahman, and Md Akbar Hossain.

“There has been no decision yet regarding the participation of Bangladesh players in the PGTI. A board meeting will be held, after which the matter will be discussed and an update will be shared with everyone,” stated Kapil Dev.

In light of increasing atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh, the BCCI directed the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release pace spearhead Mustafizur Rahman from their squad.

In response, the Bangladesh government announced the suspension of the broadcast of all matches for the upcoming IPL season. A statement from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting noted, “It is hereby informed that a directive issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come to notice, whereby Bangladesh’s star cricketer Mr. Mustafizur Rahman has been excluded from the Kolkata Knight Riders team for the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament scheduled to commence on March 26, 2026. No reasonable justification for such a decision by the BCCI is known, and this decision has caused pain, distress, and anger among the people of Bangladesh.”

Due to rising security concerns and government advisories, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has requested the ICC to relocate all their T20 World Cup matches scheduled in February to Sri Lanka.

India and Sri Lanka are set to co-host the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with matches planned across multiple venues in both countries.

Former Indian Wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani’s Take on Young Cricketers

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Syed Kirmani has shared his thoughts on how young cricketers should aspire to surpass the standards set by batting legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, rather than simply emulating them.

Retirement of Kohli and Rohit

Ahead of last year’s England tour, both Kohli and Rohit announced their retirement from Test cricket. Both players had previously stepped away from T20Is following their 2024 World Cup victory, leaving One Day Internationals as the only format in which they continue to shine.

Inspiration for Young Players

“They have set a great example for young players to follow. With impressive records behind them, they serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for aspiring cricketers while they are active. Young players should study how capable they are and the records they have set. Instead of merely wishing to be like players A, B, C, or D, they should aim to be better than them. That should be their primary focus and guiding principle,” Kirmani stated.

Respecting Choices of Stalwarts

Kirmani expressed that criticism often arises from a desire for ‘new blood’ in the system. He emphasized that the decision for stalwarts to retire should be entirely up to them, highlighting the importance of their experience and legacy. He encouraged fans and critics alike to respect the choices of these seasoned players.

“They should keep playing if they’re enjoying cricket. Critics will always criticise, and they want new blood in the game. Everyone desires fresh players, so there’s no reason for concern. Let them decide for themselves. Their experience is a valuable support to the team, and seasoned players are always needed. We should not discourage them.”

Kirmani further added, “Leave the decision on when to retire to them. Domestic cricket also helps young players aiming for the national team. Experienced domestic players, whether in Vijay Hazare or other tournaments, can guide these aspiring cricketers. As long as they are contributing, let them be. But they should be allowed to play as much as they can. They are iconic players with impressive records. You can’t just overlook them. As I said, leave the decision to them, let them decide when to retire.”

Future Outlook

While neither Kohli nor Rohit has explicitly announced their retirement plans, there is a widespread belief that the 2027 Cricket World Cup could mark their final appearance for India.

Manchester United has sacked head coach Ruben Amorim following a 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday, which highlighted the team’s ongoing struggles. Former player Darren Fletcher is expected to take on the role of interim manager.

In an official statement, the club communicated that this decision was made to help improve their standing in the league.

“Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United. Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May. With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity for the highest possible Premier League finish. The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution and wishes him well for the future,” the statement read.

“Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday,” the statement added.

Fletcher, who was with United from 2002 to 2015, has remained involved in various coaching roles since retiring. Currently the head coach of the U-18 team, he was also part of the first-team staff under Ole Gunnar Solskjær in 2021. During his playing career, he contributed to five league titles under Sir Alex Ferguson and was part of the 2008 Champions League-winning squad.

Amorim, a notable signing after his successful spell at Sporting, struggled to implement his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, despite having visible alternatives.

While there was some progress this season, Amorim was unable to consistently display that his strategic vision was taking effect, as Manchester United frequently faced challenges. Notably, the team dropped points at home against a Wolves side that had only two points at that stage.

Following Sunday’s draw, Amorim passionately asserted that he is the manager of the Red Devils, despite the club’s official title of head coach. He also seemed to critique the leadership at Old Trafford.

Rising teenage talent Anahat Singh has advanced to the women’s semifinals of the prestigious British Junior Under-19 Open Squash Championship, currently taking place at the University of Birmingham.

Anahat’s Quarter-Finals Victory

The Indian top seed defeated Egypt’s Barb Sameh (5/8) with scores of 11-4, 10-12, 11-9, 11-3 in the quarter-finals. She is scheduled to face another Egyptian player, Malika El Karasky (3/4), in the semifinals.

Aryaveer Dewan Shines in Boys’ Category

Meanwhile, Indian second seed Aryaveer Dewan progressed to the semifinals in the boys’ Under-17 category after a tightly contested quarter-final match against Egypt’s Yassin Kouritam. Aryaveer won the match 9-11, 11-3, 10-12, 11-9, 12-10.

Path to Semifinals for Anahat

Earlier, Anahat had a commanding victory over Malak El Maraghy (Egypt, 9/16) in the last-16 round, winning 11-3, 11-3, 11-6. She also triumphed against Hong Kong’s Wing Kai Gladys Ho with scores of 11-1, 11-3, 11-3 in the second round, having received a bye in the first round.

Career Highlights

The Delhi player has had a breakout year, achieving her best world ranking of 28 during her second year on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour and defeating two top-20 players.

Recently, Anahat, the top seed and world No. 29, secured a win against former world No. 10 Joshna Chinappa in the final of the HCL Squash Indian Tour 4, held at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai. The match ended with scores of 11-8, 11-13, 11-13, 11-6, 11-8.

Recent Successes

In November, Anahat once again showcased her skills by beating the experienced Chinappa 3-2 in a thrilling all-Indian women’s final at the Daly College SRFI Indian Open squash in Indore. Anahat, also the top seed at that event and ranked 33 in the world at the time, won with scores of 11-8, 11-13, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9 in a match that lasted 55 minutes, marking her 13th PSA title.

Her impressive win streak in November and December came to an end when British world No. 10 Georgina Kennedy defeated Anahat 11-5, 11-8, 12-10 in the semifinals of the USD 96,250 PSA Silver event at the Canadian Open squash in Toronto earlier in October.

At that time, Anahat, ranked 43 in the world, defeated two top-20 players as she made her way to the semifinals, further establishing herself as a rising star on the global squash scene.

Veteran South African seam-bowling all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has expressed her full support for Jemimah Rodrigues as the new skipper of Delhi Capitals (DC) for WPL 2026. Kapp stated that she has long seen the Indian batter as captaincy material.

With Meg Lanning, who led DC in the first three seasons, transitioning to become the UP Warriorz skipper, Jemimah is set to take over as captain for the new season beginning on January 9. “I’m not going to lie. Losing Meg as a captain is obviously a big thing. She’s a very successful captain, not only for DC but in world cricket in general,” Kapp said.

“But in saying that, I mentioned a couple of years ago, when they asked me who should be India’s next captain, I actually said Jemimah. I feel like she’s one of those players who can bring a team together, just with her personality and a caring factor due to the way she is. I feel like she’s always been a leader,” Marizanne added during a select virtual roundtable with reporters.

Kapp emphasized that experienced international players will assist Jemimah in navigating her new leadership role. “Look, for a new captain, there will be challenges, but so it will be for any captain. Even if you are an experienced captain, there will always be challenges. I feel like Jemimah has a lot of senior players around her.”

“We still have a lot of players here that have been here before. Management is still the same. So she has a lot of support if she does struggle. But I believe Jemimah will take this opportunity with both hands, and I think she’ll be very successful,” she added.

DC has faced the disappointment of reaching three consecutive WPL finals without securing the title. When asked about the missed opportunities, Kapp pointed to a blend of circumstances and subpar performances on those crucial days. “I don’t think it’s a case of pressure. Every single game you go into, there’s pressure to perform. I think we’ve done so well over the past three years. Sometimes, it was just a bit of bad luck. I mean, that first season, I think we lost three wickets with full tosses that on any other day could have ended up being no balls. Then in the second year, it was probably the slowest wicket we played on.”

“With us being more of a pace attack, it probably didn’t suit our bowlers too much or our batters, to be honest. So I think it’s a mixed bag of bad luck and us not playing too well, not having our best days in the finals. But I wouldn’t say it’s a case of not being able to cope with the pressure,” Kapp remarked.

The addition of fellow South Africans Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee has enhanced the DC squad, Kapp noted. “It’s been good to have some of the South Africans over, especially. I was so excited for them to be in this environment. The DC environment has probably been the best I’ve ever played in any league. It’s just a wonderful group of players and management.”

“I was so excited for them to experience this as well. The way we are being treated in this team is just absolutely next level and looking forward to the season ahead. We also have people like Kingy (Alana King) and (Chinelle) Henry coming in and they are people we know quite well. Everyone’s just getting along so well and seeming to fit in so easily,” she shared.

Kapp praised the significance of the WPL for women’s cricket, linking it to India’s historic ODI World Cup victory. “I think people don’t always understand how important these leagues are for women’s cricket, especially the WPL. You saw India won their first cricket World Cup, the first in a very long time. That already shows you what an impact it has had on not only women’s cricket but on Indian cricket as well.”

The WPL has particularly boosted Marizanne’s batting aggression, which is essential given her role in the batting order. “For me, on a personal level, I feel like my game would have never grown the way it has if it wasn’t for these leagues. Even seeing some of these youngsters coming through the ranks is thanks to leagues like WPL.”

“Probably the aggressive nature within my batting. My role and where I come in means I don’t always get as much time to bat, so you have to make every ball count. My entry point within games has allowed me to be a bit more aggressive,” she explained.

“The general pressures of playing in India and on these wickets isn’t always easy, especially with the ball,” she added, noting that challenging conditions have strengthened her mental resilience. “You are put under so much pressure because batters come after you as a bowler, and it’s not very easy to bowl here. It’s about developing that grit to stay in the fight and not give up.”

Kapp concluded by highlighting that fast bowlers have shown their match-winning abilities in all three WPL seasons, despite tough conditions. “Look, it’s a challenge. I’m not going to lie. Everyone knows it’s not easy bowling in India. But the past three years have shown what an important role pace bowlers still play. Yes, your spinners are vital. But I feel like it’s mainly your pace bowlers that actually win matches, as they bowl in the powerplay and at death, which are the most challenging times.”

“Playing in these leagues, especially in the WPL, where it’s tough to be a pace bowler, develops you not only as a cricketer but as a person as well, because you have to have that grit and fight. It’s definitely not easy bowling in these conditions.”

Mumbai City FC have parted ways with Spanish defender Tiri amid growing uncertainty over the kickoff of the Indian Super League (ISL).

“Mumbai City can confirm that the club and Spanish centre-back Tiri have mutually parted ways. A true professional on and off the pitch, Tiri’s journey with the Club has been marked by resilience, leadership, and unforgettable moments. From battling it out on the continental stage in the AFC Champions League to lifting the Indian Super League Cup in the 2023/24 season, his contributions will always hold a special place in our story. Thank you, Tiri, for wearing the badge with pride and giving everything for #AamchiCity. We wish you the very best in the next chapter of your career,” Mumbai City FC posted on X.

Tiri, 34, signed with Mumbai City Football Club for a one-year extension in June 2025. The 2025-26 Indian Super League season would have been Tiri’s tenth season—the most for a foreign player in the Indian Super League. He is only the second foreign national to have made 150 competitive appearances in the league.

Tiri’s football journey began at Cadiz CF in the lower leagues of Spanish football and continued after joining Atletico Madrid’s reserve team. He signed with Mumbai City for the 2023-24 season and has made 49 official appearances for them to date, previously playing for Atletico de Kolkata, Jamshedpur FC, and ATK Mohun Bagan.

Earlier, City Football Group (CFG) divested its shareholding in Mumbai City FC, returning the Indian Super League (ISL) side to full control of its founding owners. The 2020-21 season saw the club make history by winning both the ISL League Winners’ Shield and the ISL Cup, becoming the first team to complete the double in a single season.

The club won a second Shield in the 2022-23 season, remaining unbeaten throughout the league’s 18 matches, a first in the ISL. Mumbai City FC also became the first Indian club to win an AFC Champions League match, marking a landmark achievement for Indian football on the continental stage.

Veteran South Africa seam-bowling all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has lauded the Women’s Premier League (WPL) for accelerating the growth of young Indian cricketers since its inception in 2023.

With experience across multiple franchise T20 tournaments worldwide, Marizanne is well-positioned to assess the impact of the WPL, especially through her interactions with young players at Delhi Capitals (DC) since its start.

Impact of WPL on Young Talent

“I think just in general, if you look at the WPL’s first year, it was probably mainly your internationals performing and your Indian international players performing well. From years two and three, you could already see there was a bigger impact from the domestic players, and I think that’s the beauty of these leagues,” she said.

“Like at first, especially if you’re not used to international cricket or playing against international players, it can be difficult at times. Then I feel like once these youngsters actually start playing with international cricketers and they realise, ‘Hey, I can still perform against the best in the world’, it just gives them a different level of confidence and I think you see that throughout the performances of the domestic players.”

“There’s no specific thing like batting, bowling, or fielding I can mention. I think it’s just in general, we’ve seen a lot more match-winning performances from domestic players,” Marizanne added during a media roundtable ahead of the new WPL season starting on January 9.

Consistency in T20 Format

When asked about maintaining consistency in the notoriously unpredictable T20 format, Marizanne suggested there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, with success depending on individual playing styles and self-awareness.

“I think it’s a bit of both, to be honest. It depends on what type of player you are, especially as a batter. You have people who actually perform better when they just go out and trust their instincts and just see ball, hit ball. Then you have your other, say, stroke players that need a bit of time to get themselves set and then go at it.”

“It’s different for everyone. But obviously, the more you get to play, you learn a lot about yourself. I feel like even if you have to compare my own career, like ODI cricket by now, I know exactly how I want to structure my game, training, innings, when I’m batting or bowling,” she explained.

Continual Learning in T20 Cricket

Despite her wealth of experience accumulated since 2009, Marizanne admitted T20 cricket continues to present fresh challenges and learning opportunities. “With T20 cricket, even me at this age, I’m still learning a lot about myself. So, I think it’s different in every league and every wicket you play on and probably just about adapting and being a bit smarter.”

With the rise of T20 leagues, Marizanne candidly acknowledged the physical toll of the demanding schedule leading to changes in her training and recovery regimen, particularly the shift towards maintenance-focused exercises.

“Look, it’s not always been easy. I’m not going to lie. The body is sore some days, but I’ve really worked hard. So in the past, for example, before I would put in extremely hard work and by the time I get to two pm, I’d hardly do any gym sessions and just focus on cricket mainly.”

“Now that I’m a bit older, I’ve really tried to, throughout the competition, the primers we do. I started to really join in on that and focus a lot more on mobility and the smaller, almost like rehab kind of exercises. So that’s something I try and do on a daily basis.”

“I’ve moved away from lifting heavy weights. Everything is more about maintenance now and just keeping the smaller areas, body parts conditioned. I would say that’s probably been my main focus,” she concluded.

Few voices carry the weight of perspective like Syed Kirmani’s. A 1983 World Cup winner from an era when Indian cricket was still carving its identity, the former wicketkeeper has witnessed the game’s evolution, from instinct-driven leadership to data-backed decision-making, from conservative batting to fearless intent.

Reflections on the Current Squad

As a relatively young Indian team prepares to defend the T20 World Cup title, Kirmani reflected on the squad’s balance, the pressure points of knockout cricket, debatable selection decisions, and the enduring value of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Speaking exclusively, Kirmani offered both reassurance and reflection on where Indian cricket stands today.

On Rohit and Kohli’s Continued Participation

Both Rohit and Kohli have been in great form in ODIs, performing brilliantly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring centuries for their respective teams. This surely provides a boost, but do they need to keep participating in domestic game?

“Yes, they should keep playing if they’re enjoying cricket. Critics will always criticise, wanting new blood in the game. Everyone desires fresh players, so there’s no reason for concern. Let them decide for themselves. Their experience is valuable support to the team, and seasoned players are always needed. We should not discourage them.”

Kirmani emphasized leaving the decision of when to retire to the players themselves. Domestic cricket also helps young players aiming for the national team, as experienced domestic players can guide these aspiring cricketers.

“As long as they are contributing, let them be. Cricket is played extensively through various tournaments. It’s up to the players how they conduct themselves and maintain their fitness. They should focus on competitions where they can excel and get selected. They should also decide when to take rest.”

Suggestions for the World Cup

For major tournaments like the World Cup, selecting key players based on their form and fitness is crucial.

“The ODI WC is over a year away and the duo play mainly ODIs and IPL. Let them play as long as they want, whether in domestic cricket or other one-day formats. They’ve already announced their retirement from Test cricket. So, they should be allowed to play as much as they can. They are iconic players with impressive records. You can’t just overlook them. As I said, leave the decision to them—let them decide when to retire.”

Legacy in Indian Cricket

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have delivered iconic performances in ODI World Cups. Their contributions significantly shape their overall legacy in Indian cricket.

“They have set a great example for young players to follow. With impressive records behind them, they serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for aspiring cricketers. Young players should study how capable they are and the records they have set. Instead of merely wishing to be like players A, B, C, or D, they should aim to be better than them.”

Assessing the T20 World Cup Squad

As someone who has seen Indian cricket evolve across generations, Kirmani assessed the balance and mindset of India’s current T20 World Cup squad, seeing it as capable of defending the title.

“Indeed, there is no doubt that cricket has undergone significant changes from our era to the current one. The game’s system and players’ mindsets have evolved considerably. There has been more aggression both on and off the field, and technology has played a much larger role than it did during our time. Back then, there were no coaches or support staff. We did win the World Cup, after all, so change is necessary.”

He praised the current T20 team, stating, “I believe the current T20 team selected for the World Cup is very well balanced. The captain often gets the spotlight when the team wins, but it’s truly a team effort. Recognition goes to the captain, the coach, and the entire squad.”

Team Strengths and Concerns

The team has a strong batting order and three or four all-rounders, which is crucial in limited-overs cricket.

“It’s a very balanced squad, and a remarkable effort by the Indian team. There’s an incredible pool of talent in our country. If you ask me, we could form four Indian teams. Everyone is competing for a spot, and if you don’t perform in a couple of innings, someone else gets the chance.”

Current competition is a positive sign, allowing for immediate replacements in any area needed.

“I commend the selection committee for their efforts because they faced tough competition in choosing players. They’ve done an excellent job in selecting the teams for the World Cup and the series against New Zealand.”

Identifying Key Strengths

Kirmani highlighted the importance of understanding capabilities during pressure situations.

“It’s crucial to select a player at number 7 or 8 who can handle pressure. You should know how to fight and lift the team during challenging times. Many players are capable of withstanding pressure, but our main strength lies in our batting, effectively supported by our spinners and medium pacers.”

Fearlessness in Approach

With discussions around India being too conservative in ICC tournaments, Kirmani stated that the current squad reflects a more fearless approach.

“Criticism will always exist, but we are moving with the wind. We’ve overcome crises several times. The team was in bad shape but recovered after losing the first two games. The squad does reflect a fearless approach.”

On Shubman Gill’s Non-Selection

Regarding the management not considering Shubman Gill for the World Cup, Kirmani noted, “Shubman Gill has been in poor form recently. It’s important to recognise that everyone faces good and bad times. You can’t ignore when he’s in poor form. His excellent past performances shouldn’t be overlooked.”

Comments on Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant was also not considered for the T20 World Cup, and Kirmani commented on his approach.

“He has a lot of talent and cannot be overlooked. However, there is so much competition for him. He has not been very consistent in meeting the team’s requirements. That doesn’t mean he should be sidelined totally. As and when he is in good form, he can be brought in anytime.”