The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Subhadeep Ghosh as the new fielding coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, replacing T Dilip, whose contract was not renewed following India’s tour of Zimbabwe.

Ghosh will officially begin his tenure during India’s upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka later this month.

Replaces T Dilip in Gautam Gambhir’s Support Staff

The appointment comes as part of changes to Gautam Gambhir’s coaching setup after India’s recent white-ball tours.

Earlier, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate also departed the support staff, making Ghosh the latest addition to the national team coaching group.

India’s current coaching staff now includes:

• Head Coach: Gautam Gambhir
• Batting Coach: Sitanshu Kotak
• Bowling Coach: Morne Morkel
• Fielding Coach: Subhadeep Ghosh

Vast Coaching Experience Across Indian Cricket

The 57-year-old brings extensive coaching experience to the role.

A former Assam and Railways cricketer, Ghosh played 17 first-class matches between 1994 and 2004 before moving into coaching.

Over the years, he has worked with several Indian teams, including:

• National Cricket Academy (NCA)
• India A team
• Indian women’s team
• Delhi Capitals (IPL)
• Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL)

He also served as the head coach of the Assam senior men’s team, earning praise for his work in developing domestic talent.

ACA Hails Ghosh’s Appointment

The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) welcomed Ghosh’s appointment, calling it a proud moment for cricket in the state.

In an official statement, the ACA said Ghosh has built an impressive coaching career across multiple Indian teams and age-group sides through his dedication and expertise.

The association added that his elevation to the national team would inspire aspiring cricketers and coaches from Assam and across the Northeast.

Sri Lanka Test Series to Be His First Assignment

Ghosh’s first assignment with the senior national team will be India’s two-Test series in Sri Lanka.

The series begins on August 15 in Galle, followed by the second Test in Colombo starting on August 23.

The tour will mark the beginning of a new chapter for India’s fielding unit under Ghosh’s guidance.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

Defending champions Central Zone have named Rajat Patidar as captain for the 2026 Duleep Trophy, with India batter Rinku Singh appointed as vice-captain for the prestigious inter-zonal red-ball tournament.

The squad also features recent India debutants Harsh Dubey and Yash Thakur, while Saransh Jain, who earned a place in India’s Test squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, strengthens the spin department.

Star-Studded Squad for Defending Champions

Central Zone have assembled a balanced squad packed with domestic performers and international experience.

Patidar will lead a batting unit that includes Rinku Singh, Yash Rathod, Aman Mokhade, and Ayush Pandey, while wicketkeeping duties will primarily be handled by Aryan Juyal.

The bowling attack features an exciting blend of pace and spin, with Yash Thakur, Nachiket Bhute, and Arshad Khan leading the seam department.

Saransh Jain and Harsh Dubey Head Spin Attack

The spin unit will be led by Saransh Jain, alongside left-arm all-rounder Harsh Dubey and Uttar Pradesh leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari.

Ansari recently returned to red-ball cricket after five years during India A’s tour of Sri Lanka, while Jain’s consistent domestic performances earned him a maiden call-up to India’s Test squad for the Sri Lanka series.

Aman Mokhade Rewarded for Outstanding Season

Vidarbha opener Aman Mokhade has been rewarded for a sensational 2025-26 Ranji Trophy campaign.

The right-hander amassed 760 runs in 11 innings at an outstanding average of 76, performances that also earned him an India A debut in Sri Lanka.

Another promising opener, Ayush Pandey of Chhattisgarh, has also retained his place after impressing during the India A tour.

Direct Entry Into Semi-Finals

As defending champions, Central Zone have received a bye into the semi-finals.

They will face the winner of the East Zone vs North East Zone clash on August 30, while the tournament begins on August 23 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

The Duleep Trophy 2026 final is scheduled to begin on September 6.

Central Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy 2026

• Rajat Patidar (Captain)
• Rinku Singh (Vice-captain)
• Aryan Juyal (WK)
• Kunal Singh Rathod (WK)
• Saransh Jain
• Harsh Dubey
• Yash Thakur
• Aman Mokhade
• Ayush Pandey
• Yash Rathod
• Kunal Chandela
• Zeeshan Ansari
• Aryan Pandey
• Arshad Khan
• Nachiket Bhute

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

There have been many great batters in Indian Test cricket who dominated scorecards and headlines. Ajinkya Rahane, however, built his legacy differently.

Rahane was rarely the centre of attention, yet he repeatedly produced innings that rescued India from difficult situations. Whether it was a fighting century at Lord’s, a captain’s knock in Melbourne, or countless middle-order rescues, the Mumbai batter earned a reputation as one of India’s most dependable Test cricketers.

As Rahane brings the curtain down on his Test career, he leaves behind not just numbers but memories of courage, resilience and unwavering commitment to the team.

The Man India Turned To During Difficult Times

Rahane was never India’s biggest superstar, but he was often the player trusted when the team found itself under pressure.

One of his earliest defining moments came at Lord’s in 2014, where India were struggling at 145/7 before Rahane counter-attacked with a brilliant century.

That innings laid the foundation for one of India’s most memorable overseas Test victories, later completed by Ishant Sharma’s famous spell of short-pitched bowling.

It became a recurring theme throughout Rahane’s career—delivering when the team needed someone to absorb pressure.

Melbourne 2020: The Innings That Changed Everything

If Lord’s announced Rahane’s arrival, Melbourne in 2020 cemented his legacy.

India entered the Boxing Day Test after the nightmare of being bowled out for 36 in Adelaide, their lowest Test score.

With regular captain Virat Kohli unavailable, Rahane stepped in as skipper and responded with a magnificent century under immense pressure.

His composed leadership and match-winning hundred helped India level the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and completely change the direction of the series.

That remarkable comeback eventually ended with India’s historic victory at The Gabba, one of the greatest overseas triumphs in Indian cricket history.

More Than Just Overseas Success

Although Rahane earned a reputation as India’s overseas specialist, he also produced several memorable performances at home.

Against South Africa in Delhi in 2015, he scored a vital century to wrest back control of the match.

A year later, he registered his highest Test score of 188 against New Zealand in Indore.

After that innings, Rahane summed up his philosophy perfectly by saying that overcoming difficult phases often made scoring hundreds even more satisfying than batting freely.

That mindset reflected the player he was throughout his career.

Difficult Final Years

Like many great cricketers, Rahane’s career also witnessed a challenging phase.

Technical issues outside the off stump and lapses in concentration began affecting his consistency.

In 2021, he managed only two half-centuries in 23 Test innings, leading to his omission from the Indian side in early 2022.

Rather than giving up, Rahane returned to domestic cricket and enjoyed a superb 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season, scoring 634 runs at an average of 57.64.

His performances earned him a recall for the World Test Championship Final, where he once again top-scored for India in the first innings.

However, modest returns during the subsequent West Indies tour meant that his international comeback proved to be short-lived.

Reinventing Himself in T20 Cricket

Even when many believed his white-ball career was over, Rahane found another way to stay relevant.

He reinvented his batting style with Chennai Super Kings during the IPL 2023, playing fearless cricket at an impressive strike rate and helping CSK win another IPL title.

His domestic performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy later earned him a return to Kolkata Knight Riders, where he also took over captaincy duties in 2025 and 2026.

The transformation showcased Rahane’s willingness to evolve with the modern game.

A Career Defined by Selflessness

Rahane finishes his Test journey with:

• Matches: 95
• Runs: 5,077
• Centuries: 12
• Half-centuries: 26
• Batting Average: 38.46

While those numbers may not place him among India’s highest run-scorers, they tell only part of the story.

Rahane’s true contribution lies in the moments when he quietly stepped forward, rescued India from difficult situations and allowed others to shine.

His farewell message perhaps captured his career better than any statistic.

“I lived by one simple rule: always put my country and my team ahead of myself.”

For Ajinkya Rahane, those words were never just a slogan—they defined an entire Test career built on sacrifice, resilience and unwavering commitment to Team India.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

India’s teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has received another major boost in his rapidly rising career after being named vice-captain of the East Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy 2026.

The 15-member squad will be captained by Ishan Kishan, while veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami also features in the team for the prestigious domestic red-ball tournament.

The Duleep Trophy 2026 is scheduled to begin on August 23 in Bengaluru, with the inter-zonal competition bringing together some of India’s top domestic cricketers.

Another Leadership Role for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

The vice-captaincy is another significant milestone for Sooryavanshi, who has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past few months.

The young batter recently made his India debut on the UK tour before continuing his impressive form during the T20I series against Zimbabwe, where he was named the Player of the Series.

His appointment as vice-captain reflects the confidence selectors have in both his leadership qualities and cricketing ability despite his young age.

Ishan Kishan to Captain East Zone

Experienced wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been entrusted with leading the East Zone side.

Fresh from an outstanding Zimbabwe tour, where he played several match-winning knocks, Kishan will now guide a squad that blends experienced campaigners with exciting young talent.

His leadership will be crucial as East Zone aim for a strong campaign in the domestic tournament.

Mohammed Shami Continues Domestic Journey

Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami has also been included in the squad.

The 35-year-old has not represented India since the 2025 Champions Trophy final, but he remains active in domestic cricket.

Shami featured for Bengal during the 2025-26 domestic season and also played 13 of Lucknow Super Giants’ 14 matches in IPL 2026, showing that he continues to be an important performer.

His experience will significantly strengthen East Zone’s pace attack.

Strong East Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy

Apart from Kishan, Sooryavanshi and Shami, the squad includes several established domestic performers such as Abhimanyu Easwaran, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed and Kumar Kushagra.

The combination of experienced internationals and promising youngsters makes East Zone one of the strongest teams heading into the tournament.

East Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy 2026

• Ishan Kishan (Captain)
• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Vice-Captain)
• Abhimanyu Easwaran
• Sudip Kumar Gharami
• Shahbaz Ahmed
• Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal
• Mohammed Shami
• Mukesh Kumar
• Kumar Kushagra
• Shikhar Mohan
• Anukul Roy
• Virat Singh
• Subhranshu Senapati
• Denish Das
• Abhijit Sarkar

Standby Players:

• Ayush Loharuka
• Sridam Paul
• Sambit S. Baral
• Sharandeep Singh
• Swastik Samal

With several international stars and emerging talents in the lineup, East Zone will head into the Duleep Trophy as one of the favourites to challenge for the title.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

Former India batter and selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has raised concerns over India’s lack of genuine pace-bowling all-rounders as the team builds towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.

With Hardik Pandya currently working towards regaining peak fitness, India have experimented with several alternatives, including Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy and even fast bowler Harshit Rana.

However, Srikkanth believes none of those options can currently provide the balance Hardik brings to the Indian side.

Hardik Pandya Working Towards Peak Fitness

Hardik is reportedly undergoing a “performance block” programme at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) as part of his preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The BCCI is reportedly unwilling to rush the star all-rounder back into action and wants him fully fit for the marquee tournament.

Hardik’s ability to contribute as a middle-order batter while also providing crucial overs of pace makes him an important part of India’s ODI combination.

Srikkanth Questions India’s All-Round Options

In Hardik’s absence, India have experimented with Shivam Dube and Nitish Kumar Reddy, while Harshit Rana has also been considered for a similar role because of his batting potential.

Srikkanth, however, believes India currently have only one genuine pace-bowling all-rounder.

Speaking on Star Sports, the former India selector said Hardik remains the team’s only complete all-round option. He described Nitish as the next-best alternative who could bat at No. 7 and contribute a few overs.

He was far less convinced about Dube and Harshit being considered genuine all-rounders.

Nitish Kumar Reddy Could Be Hardik’s Back-Up

Srikkanth’s assessment puts Nitish Kumar Reddy ahead of India’s other potential alternatives.

Reddy’s ability to bat in the lower-middle order and contribute with the ball gives India flexibility, although Srikkanth believes he is still some distance away from offering the complete package Hardik provides.

Finding a reliable back-up could become increasingly important as India plan their squad for the 2027 World Cup.

Srikkanth Questions Ravindra Jadeja’s Exclusion

Srikkanth also questioned why veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja appears to have fallen out of India’s ODI plans.

He described Jadeja as a “silent killer” and argued that his performances warrant continued consideration.

Jadeja has not announced his retirement from ODI cricket, and Srikkanth believes he should remain in the selectors’ plans if his performances justify selection.

He also highlighted Jadeja’s contribution during India’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign and his ability to produce match-winning performances.

India’s All-Rounder Puzzle Ahead of 2027 World Cup

The situation leaves India with an important selection question ahead of the World Cup.

Hardik remains a unique player because of his combination of power-hitting and seam bowling. Keeping him fit could therefore be crucial to India’s plans.

At the same time, developing alternatives such as Nitish could provide valuable insurance should Hardik face further fitness issues.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, India’s management will have to determine not only Hardik’s workload but also which players can provide the right balance around him.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

India have suffered a setback ahead of their upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, with spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar unavailable for the opening Test in Galle due to a leg injury.

According to a BCCI source, Washington’s availability for the second Test will depend on his recovery and fitness. Meanwhile, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and fast bowler Harshit Rana are also unlikely to be included in India’s squad for the tour.

The two-match Test series will begin on August 15 in Galle, with the second Test scheduled to be played at the SSC in Colombo from August 23.

Washington Sundar Sidelined by Leg Injury

Washington suffered the injury during India’s white-ball tour of England earlier this month.

The injury has now ruled him out of the first Test against Sri Lanka, scheduled from August 15 to 19.

His participation in the second Test remains uncertain and will depend on whether he can regain full fitness in time.

Washington’s absence could force India to reconsider their spin-bowling combination, particularly given the traditionally spin-friendly conditions in Sri Lanka.

Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana Unlikely to Tour

India could also be without Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana for the two-Test assignment.

Both players are unlikely to be part of the touring squad as India prepare to finalise their combination for the series.

Nitish’s absence would reduce India’s pace-bowling all-rounder options, while Harshit’s likely unavailability could affect the depth of the fast-bowling department.

Jasprit Bumrah Given Rest Until July 30

There is also an important update regarding Jasprit Bumrah.

The premier Indian fast bowler will remain on rest until July 30, after which he is expected to report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Bumrah’s fitness will be closely monitored ahead of the Sri Lanka Tests, given his importance to India’s pace attack.

Sai Sudharsan’s Availability Subject to Fitness

Top-order batter B Sai Sudharsan is another player whose availability remains subject to fitness.

However, there is positive news regarding the left-hander, with reports suggesting that his recovery is progressing well.

A fit Sudharsan would provide India with another option at the top of the order for the two-Test series.

India vs Sri Lanka Test Series Schedule

1st Test: August 15-19 – Galle
2nd Test: August 23-27 – SSC, Colombo

With several players dealing with fitness concerns, India’s final squad selection could depend heavily on medical assessments in the coming days.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to conduct a review of the Indian cricket team’s recent white-ball performances following disappointing tours of Ireland and England.

The review meeting is expected to take place in August and will also examine the contracts of some members of head coach Gautam Gambhir’s support staff.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board will assess India’s recent white-ball results, with particular attention expected to be given to the heavy setbacks suffered in Ireland and England.

India’s Poor Run in Ireland and England

India endured a difficult period after their World Cup success earlier this year.

The team suffered its first-ever series defeat against Ireland, losing both T20Is in Belfast.

Things did not improve significantly in England.

Under new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, India lost four matches in the five-game T20I series, while the remaining contest was abandoned.

It represented a dramatic change in fortunes for a team that had recently been enjoying considerable success in the shortest format.

India Also Lose ODI Series Against England

India’s struggles extended into the ODI series.

With Shubman Gill leading the side, India managed one victory but eventually lost the three-match ODI series 2-1 to Harry Brook’s England.

The performances in Ireland and England are expected to form a major part of the BCCI’s upcoming review.

India have since responded positively in Zimbabwe, where they have already secured the ongoing T20I series.

Gautam Gambhir’s Support Staff to Be Reviewed

The BCCI review will not be restricted to the players and results.

Contracts of a couple of members of Gambhir’s support staff are also expected to be discussed.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has reportedly requested to be released from his duties after completing his initial two-year contract.

There is a possibility that the BCCI could accept his request.

T Dilip’s Position Under Scrutiny

Fielding coach T Dilip could also come under scrutiny.

India’s catching and overall fielding standards during the UK tour attracted criticism, making that department another potential area of discussion during the review.

There is currently no confirmation regarding whether the BCCI intends to make a change.

The review, however, could determine the composition of Gambhir’s coaching team going forward.

India Squad for Sri Lanka Tests to Be Picked Tuesday

Alongside the white-ball review, attention will soon turn towards India’s upcoming Test assignment against Sri Lanka.

The squad for the two-Test series in Sri Lanka is expected to be selected on Tuesday, with the selection meeting likely to take place virtually.

India will play the opening Test in Galle from August 15, followed by the second Test in Colombo from August 23.

The squad is expected to remain largely similar to the group that faced Afghanistan in June.

Jasprit Bumrah Fitness a Major Talking Point

One of the biggest selection decisions concerns Jasprit Bumrah.

India’s premier fast bowler is recovering from the knee problem that kept him out of the third ODI against England.

Bumrah is considered likely to be selected if his recovery progresses as expected.

Mohammed Siraj, who led India’s pace attack against Afghanistan in Bumrah’s absence, is also expected to retain his place.

Will Auqib Nabi Finally Get His Opportunity?

Another interesting selection discussion could surround Auqib Nabi.

The pacer finished as the leading wicket-taker in the previous Ranji Trophy season, putting himself firmly in contention for national selection.

Whether the selectors reward his domestic performances with a place in the Sri Lanka Test squad will be one of the key developments to watch.

Nitish Kumar Reddy Doubtful for Sri Lanka Tests

Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy is unlikely to be selected for the Sri Lanka Test series.

Reddy has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after suffering a quadriceps injury last month.

Although he has resumed bowling, the five-day matches against Sri Lanka are reportedly expected to come too soon in his recovery process.

The all-rounder is instead being targeted for a return during India’s white-ball assignments in September.

Reddy last represented India in the third ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai in June.

Important Few Weeks Ahead for Team India

The coming weeks could therefore bring several important decisions for Indian cricket.

The BCCI must assess what went wrong during the Ireland and England tours, determine the future of members of Gambhir’s coaching staff and simultaneously finalise the Test squad for Sri Lanka.

With Bumrah’s fitness, Nitish’s rehabilitation and Auqib Nabi’s potential selection also on the agenda, both the review and selection meetings could have significant implications for India’s immediate future.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role