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Sreesanth Gautam Gambhir

F**k off fixer: Sreesanth reveals what Gautam Gambhir said to him during angry exchange

  • Dec 07, 2023
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On Wednesday, Sreesanth had posted a video where he said that Gambhir had called him something which was very rude.In an emotional video shared on his Instagram channel, S Sreesanth disclosed the content of his heated exchange with Gautam Gambhir during a Legends League match between Gujarat Giants and India Capitals.Sreesanth revealed, "He repeatedly called me a fixer, saying 'Fixer, fixer, you're a fixer... you f**k off, fixer.' These were the words he used on live television at the center of the wicket. He continued using this language, and even in front of the umpires as they tried to intervene.""I maintained my composure and did not utter a single offensive or abusive word towards him. I simply questioned him, asking 'What are you saying?' and responded with a sarcastic laugh," added Sreesanth during an Instagram live video on Thursday.The incident had happened in the second over, when Gambhir hit a six and a four against Sreesanth. Then, the bowler bowled a dot ball after which there was a flare-up between the two.It must be noted that the Delhi police had alleged that Sreesanth and two other cricketers were involved in spot-fixing during the 2013 season of the Indian Premier League. But the charges were later dropped by a Delhi court.“Just wanted to clear the air with what happened with Mr fighter. One who always fights with all his colleagues. For no reason whatsoever. He does not even respect his senior players, including Viru bhai. That’s exactly what happened today. Without any provocation, he just kept on calling me something which was very rude which shouldn’t have been said by Mr Gautam Gambhir,” the former India bowler had said in a video on Wednesday.He went on to add: “I am not at all at fault here. I just wanted to clear the air straightaway. What Mr Gauti has done, sooner or later all of you will get to know. The words which he used and the things he said on a cricket field, live, is not acceptable. My family, my state, everybody has gone through so much. I fought that battle with all your support. Now people want to down me for no reason. He said things he shouldn’t have said. I will surely let you know what he said.”

most sixes in Test

From Brendon McCullum to Virender Sehwag, know the cricketers to hit most sixes in Tests

  • Oct 25, 2023
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Brendon McCullum, Adam Gilchrist and Ben Stokes are the only three batters to smash 100 or more sixes in Test cricket.England all-rounder and Test captain Ben Stokes has hit the most sixes in Tests. He recently overtook Brendon McCullum to take top spot for most sixes in Tests.Stokes, who is captaining England in Tests, is likely to extend his lead for sixes in Test cricket with a lot of red-ball cricket ahead of him.Stokes, in fact, went past McCullum's record with the New Zealander as the coach of the English Test team. England's aggressive style of Test cricket means that Stoke is likely to finish his career with a sizeable lead as far as sixes in Tests go.Meanwhile, after making his Test debut against South Africa in 2004, Brendon McCullum smashed 107 sixes in the 101 Tests that he played. Considered to be one of the most destructive batters in modern cricket history, the former New Zealand captain amassed 6,453 runs in 101 matches at an average of 38.64. His strike rate in Tests was a healthy 64.6.Interestingly, McCullum holds the record for the fastest Test century, having reached the milestone off just 54 balls against arch-rivals Australia in Christchurch in 2016. He was eventually dismissed for 145 off just 79 balls, which included 21 fours and six sixes. McCullum features fourth on the list of most sixes in international cricket, having smashed 398 sixes in 474 matches. Only West Indies’ Chris Gayle (553), Shahid Afridi of Pakistan (476) and India’s Rohit Sharma (464) have hit more sixes in international cricket.Former Australian wicket-keeper batter Adam Gilchrist has also hit 100 sixes in Tests.  While Gilchrist clobbered 100 sixes in 96 Tests, Stokes has smashed the same number of sixes in just 82 Tests.Chris Gayle and former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis complete the top five list of most sixes in Tests. Gayle hit 98 sixes in the 103 Test matches that he played while Kallis smashed 97 sixes in 166 Tests.Virender Sehwag has hit the most sixes in Test match cricket for an Indian. The former opening batter hit 91 sixes in 104 Tests and features sixth on the list of most sixes in Tests. Sehwag managed 243 sixes in 374 matches in international cricket.Meanwhile, MS Dhoni features second on the list of most sixes by Indians in Tests. The former India captain smashed 78 sixes in the 90 Tests that he played between 2005 and 2014.Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar is third on the list of most sixes by Indians in Tests. Having made his Test debut against Pakistan in 1989, Tendulkar hit 69 sixes in 200 Tests. The India cricket legend ended his illustrious career with 264 sixes in 664 matches.Rohit Sharma and Kapil Dev complete the top five list of most sixes by Indians in Tests. While Rohit has smashed 66 sixes in just 46 Test matches, Kapil Dev hit 61 sixes in 131 Tests. Most sixes in TestsPlayerMatchesRunsAverage SR6sBen Stokes (ENG)92571235.9258.83109Brendon McCullum (NZ)101645338.6464.60107Adam Gilchrist (AUS)96557047.6081.95100Chris Gayle (WI)103721442.1860.2698Jacques Kallis (SA)1661328955.3745.9797Virender Sehwag (IND)104858649.3482.2391Most sixes by Indians in TestsPlayerMatchesRunsAverage SR6sVirender Sehwag 104858649.3482.2391MS Dhoni90487638.0959.1178Sachin Tendulkar2001592153.7854.0469Rohit Sharma47332046.7656.0268Kapil Dev131524831.0579.3361Also Read: Rohit Sharma can be relieved as captain from T20s

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya Net Worth: How much does star India cricketer earn through BCCI, IPL salary, brand endorsements

  • Oct 06, 2023
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Hardik Pandya, the talented Indian cricketer, has not only made a name for himself with his exceptional skills on the field, but has also accumulated significant wealth. The Baroda all-rounder is seen as the future India white-ball captain and continues to lead the T20I side in the absence of Rohit Sharma.As the star all-rounder grows in his career, let's delve into Hardik Pandya's net worth and explore how much he earns both from cricket and various brand endorsements.Hardik Pandya Cricket Contracts and Match FeesAs an integral part of the Indian national cricket team, Pandya receives a substantial income through his central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He falls under the A category, which guarantees him an annual retainer fee of INR 5 crore (approximately USD 700,000). Additionally, he earns match fees for every game he plays for India.Hardik Pandya IPL Earnings Apart from representing his country at the international level, Hardik is also a key player in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He played for Mumbai Indians from 2015 until 2022, when he signed up for Gujarat Titans to lead them to the title. His performances have earned him lucrative contracts over the years. In IPL auctions, franchises have shown great interest in acquiring his services due to his explosive batting and effective bowling skills. Ahead of the IPL 2022 Mega Auction, Pandya was drafted in by Gujarat Titans, a franchise that made its debut in the league that year, for a whopping Rs 15 Crore. According to Forbes, Hardik rakes in a substantial sum of Rs 24.87 crore in income annually. However, when it comes to his Instagram earnings, he brings home a whopping Rs 65,94,622.80 for each post, according to data shared by Mansworld India.Hardik Pandya Net Worth in Rupees The Baroda cricketer - who made his international debut in 2016 - has been a vital member of India's limited-overs side. By the end of the IPL 2023 season, in which he led Gujarat Titans to the final, Hardik had reportedly accumulated a net worth of Rs 91 crore ($11 million approximately).Hardik Pandya Brand Endorsements Hardik's popularity extends beyond just cricket grounds. With his charismatic personality and stylish image, he has become a sought-after brand ambassador. Several renowned companies have roped him in to endorse their products or services. Some prominent brands associated with him include Dream11, BoAt, and many more. These endorsements contribute significantly to his net worth.Investments and Assets of Hardik Pandya Like many other successful athletes, Hardik has made wise investment decisions to grow his wealth. He owns multiple properties in India, including a lavish house in his hometown Vadodara. Moreover, he possesses a collection of luxury cars that add to his overall assets.Hardik Pandya's Personal Life and Philanthropy Hardik's personal life also plays a role in shaping his net worth. He has been known for leading an extravagant lifestyle and often shares glimpses of it on social media platforms like Instagram. The cricketer also earns a good amount of money via paid promotions on social media. He commands 26.7 million followers on the image and video-sharing application Instagram and enjoys a massive 9.5 million followers on micro-blogging site X, formerly known as Twitter. Additionally, he actively participates in various charitable causes and donations. Hardik has accumulated substantial wealth through cricket contracts, match fees, IPL earnings, brand endorsements, investments, and assets. With each passing year and remarkable performance on the field, his net worth continues to soar higher. Alongside being an exceptional cricketer representing India globally, he has become a prominent figure in the world of sports business as well.FAQsQ. Who is Hardik Pandya? Hardik Pandya is a talented Indian cricketer.Q. How did Hardik Pandya accumulate significant wealth? Hardik Pandya accumulated significant wealth through his career in cricket and various brand endorsements.Q. What is Hardik Pandya's net worth? The exact net worth of Hardik Pandya is not mentioned in the article.Q. How much does Hardik Pandya earn from cricket and brand endorsements? The article explores how much he earns both from cricket and various brand endorsements.

Asian Games

Asian Games 2023 Live Updates: Shooting gold, Wushu silver and equestrian bronze take India's medal tally to 25

  • Sep 28, 2023
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Asian Games 2023: The men's 10m air pistol team continued India's success story at the Asian Games, winning gold with two marksmen also making it to the individual finals. The team of Sarabjot Singh, Arjun Singh Cheema and Shiva Narwal narrowly beat the Chinese team to take the top podium and earn India its fourth gold medal from the shooting ranges. India's Naorem Roshibina Devi signed off with a silver medal after a 0-2 defeat against local heavyweight Wu Xiaowei in the women's 60kg wushu sanda final. The Indian found the going tough against Wu Xiaowei, the reigning champions in the category, allowing the Chinese to get off to a strong start. Wu was declared winners by the judges after two rounds. Trying to get her opponent off the mat, the local favourite had an aggressive first round and began with a splendid take down of Roshibina. The Manipuri athlete tried to bounce back and got her hold of Wu's leg to push her out to the edges but was unsuccessful as round one belonged to the Chinese who had a 1-0 lead. A watchful Wu sealed the issue with an attack on Roshibina Devi's torso in the second round. Roshibina had won a bronze in the 2018 edition at Jakarta. India's Anush Agarwalla, in a splendid display of equestrian prowess, secured a well-deserved bronze medal in the individual dressage event at the Asian Games.

Best cricket players in the world

Best cricket players in the world 2023

  • Sep 28, 2023
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As we look ahead to a momentous year of cricket, featuring marquee events like The Ashes and the Cricket World Cup, the question on everyone's mind is: Who are the best cricket players in the world right now? These tournaments will undoubtedly showcase the skills and prowess of some of the finest athletes on the planet. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate the performances of the best cricket players in the world, as they vie for glory and cement their names in the annals of cricketing history. It's a thrilling time for cricket fans, as we witness these exceptional athletes push the boundaries of their sport and vie for the title of the best cricket player on the global stage.Indeed, determining the best cricket players in the world is a complex task, given the diverse formats and demanding schedules they face. While the ICC rankings offer some insight, they don't provide the full picture. Creating such a list involves a delicate balance, considering T20 specialists alongside established Test legends and factoring in current form as well as historical performance.The debate also brings into question whether all-rounders enjoy a natural advantage in these rankings. Should multi-format stars be ranked differently than red-ball masters or short-form experts? These are crucial considerations when compiling a top 10 list of the best cricket players in the world. It's a comprehensive evaluation that recognizes the diverse skills and contributions of these athletes across the spectrum of cricket formats.For all the statistics at our disposal to analyse modern cricketers, this list is still subjective. All cricket fans will have their own view on who should be included and in which order.10. Shaheen Shah AfridiSince making his debut for Pakistan as a teenager, Shaheen Shah Afridi has wasted no time in establishing himself as one of the best cricket players in the world, especially in the bowling department. Standing tall at 6 feet 6 inches, Afridi boasts exceptional pace and has the ability to extract tricky bounce, even on the flattest of pitches in Pakistan and the UAE.What sets him apart is his versatility as a bowler across all three formats of the game. In Test matches, Afridi showcases remarkable control and swing, effectively constraining the scoring rate and keeping batsmen under constant pressure. Transitioning to the white-ball arena, his repertoire includes a deadly mix of yorkers and hostile short deliveries, making him a formidable force both with the new ball and during the crucial death overs. Afridi's prowess with the ball makes him a vital asset in the world of cricket and a player who consistently ranks among the best.9. Suryakumar YadavSuryakumar Yadav, an established T20 sensation, particularly with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, presents an intriguing challenge when it comes to ranking the best cricket players in the world. Widely regarded as the finest T20 batsman on the planet, Yadav's limited exposure in just 20 ODIs and no Test matches complicates his ranking.Yadav's rise to the global stage occurred relatively late in his career, owing in part to being a late-bloomer and, to some extent, India's delayed call-up. However, what he has unequivocally demonstrated in the IPL and his brief stint in international cricket is his status as a genuine 360-degree hitter. Once he finds his rhythm, he becomes an unstoppable force and a nightmare for bowlers. Suryakumar Yadav's ability to consistently deliver exceptional performances in T20 cricket has solidified his reputation as one of the best cricket players in the world.8. Steve SmithSteve Smith's cricketing record unquestionably establishes him as one of the best cricket players in the world. With a Test batting average of over 60, his prowess in the longest format is truly remarkable. While his white-ball cricket contributions are relatively limited, he boasts an impressive record in ODIs.Notably, after averaging over 110 during the 2019 Ashes series, Smith's Test performances have seen a slight dip, but he remains firmly in the upper echelon of Test batters. What sets him apart is his ability to excel on all types of cricketing surfaces, making him a prominent figure in the world of cricket. When the time comes for his retirement, Steve Smith will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest batters of the 21st century.7. Kagiso RabadaSimilar to Afridi, Kagiso Rabada burst onto the international cricket scene at a tender age and has since consistently proven himself to be among the best cricket players in the world. Rabada's exceptional skills transcend all three formats, characterized by his pace and bounce, which make him a potent force even on surfaces that offer limited assistance to fast bowlers.In the wake of a golden era for South African fast bowling spearheaded by legends like Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, Rabada has seamlessly assumed the role of the team's bowling leader. His performance statistics are nothing short of outstanding, with a historically remarkable Test match strike rate further solidifying his status as one of the premier cricketers in the world today.6. Babar AzamBabar Azam's cricketing journey began with a stellar performance for Pakistan in white-ball formats, but he has since evolved into one of the nation's all-time greatest batters. Azam boasts impressive statistics across Tests, ODIs, and T20s, often shouldering the burden of carrying a subpar Pakistan batting lineup.Drawing inevitable comparisons to the illustrious Fab Four, Babar Azam has, in recent years, eclipsed several members of that quartet. Remarkably, he won't even turn 30 until October 2024, setting the stage for what could be an all-time great career, placing him in the esteemed company of past Pakistani icons like Younis Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Mohammad Yousuf. In the current cricketing landscape, Babar Azam undoubtedly stands as one of the best cricket players in the world, with a bright future ahead.5. Joe RootWhile Joe Root's batting averages may not shine as brightly as some of the other elite batters around the world, it's important to consider that a significant portion of his cricket career has unfolded on the challenging pitches of England. Despite this, Root has unquestionably established himself as one of the finest players of his generation, making a strong case as England's greatest ever batter.It's worth noting that his absence from England's white-ball teams could potentially be used against him in discussions about the best cricket player in the world. However, this is more a reflection of the depth and quality of England's batting options in shorter formats rather than a limitation of Root's talents. Root's remarkable cricketing skills and consistent performances in Test cricket have solidified his place among the cricketing elite.4. Jasprit BumrahWhen Jasprit Bumrah is in peak form and fitness, he undeniably stands as the most complete fast bowler in world cricket. His unique, jerky action, combined with a short run-up, poses a formidable challenge for batters, making it exceedingly difficult for them to read his deliveries. Bumrah's repertoire of skills allows him to torment batters in various ways.Whether it's swinging and seaming the red ball to create awkward angles or deploying a hostile bouncer with the white ball, Bumrah exhibits a remarkable range of variations and an uncanny ability to deliver pinpoint yorkers. His unorthodox approach is precisely what makes him the quintessential modern pace bowler, capable of adapting to different formats and conditions. In discussions about the best cricket player in the world, Jasprit Bumrah's diverse skillset and consistent performance rightfully earn him a prominent spot among the cricketing elite.3. Shakib Al HasanShakib Al Hasan's cricketing journey has often been overlooked, making him one of the most underrated players in the sport's history. Using a traditional and somewhat simplistic measure of an all-rounder, it's notable that Shakib boasts a higher batting average than his bowling average in Tests, ODIs, and T20s. Furthermore, he holds the coveted position of the number one all-rounder in both T20Is and ODIs, and he's ranked third in Tests according to the ICC rankings.Despite moments of controversy in his career, Shakib's true value may only be fully appreciated once he decides to retire from the game. He remains the standout performer for Bangladesh and has consistently delivered exceptional performances, making him not only one of the best cricket players in the world but also a symbol of inspiration for his nation.2. Rashid KhanRashid Khan, while not relying on significant spin, has masterfully wielded his leg-spinners to become one of the most lethal weapons in white-ball cricket. His red-ball career has also shown remarkable promise, particularly with Afghanistan's newfound Test status.Known for his pinpoint accuracy and a googly that is notoriously hard to read, Khan has excelled across various short-form leagues and boasts a stellar record in over 150 white-ball matches for Afghanistan. In addition to his bowling prowess, Rashid Khan has demonstrated his worth as a versatile all-rounder, often contributing valuable runs to the team when wielding the willow. His consistent performances have rightfully earned him recognition as one of the best cricket players in the world, particularly in the limited-overs formats.1. Ben StokesBen Stokes may not hold the title of the best batsman or the best bowler in the world, and he might not even top the statistical charts as the best all-rounder. However, when the pressure is at its peak, Stokes is undeniably the man you want with either bat or ball in hand. His career is punctuated by headlines such as two World Cup triumphs and the nearly unbelievable heroics at Headingley in 2019. Yet, beyond these historic moments, Stokes has consistently been the match-winner for his team on countless occasions.In 2022, when he took on the Test captaincy, the Christchurch-born all-rounder orchestrated a remarkable transformation, turning England from one of the world's weakest teams into an unstoppable force. In the process, he reinvented the way the world perceives the five-day game.Although Stokes's statistics may not always stand out, and he has recently retired from ODI cricket, he has remained a match-winner across all formats throughout his illustrious career. His leadership has proven transformative, making him a captain who can reshape a team's destiny. When assembling a lineup for a one-off match in any format, few cricketers can stake a claim to inclusion as firmly as Ben Stokes. He is, without a doubt, one of the best cricket players in the world.

Asian Games 2023

Asian Games 2023: India Clinch Historic Gold In Cricket As Women's Team Beat Sri Lanka In Final

  • Sep 25, 2023
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Indian women's cricket team made history in the Asian Games 2023, clinching the gold medal in their first-ever participation at the quadrennial event.The Indian women's cricket team made history in the Asian Games 2023 on Monday as Harmapreet Kaur & Co. defeated Sri Lanka by 19 runs in the final. In what was the Indian cricket team's first-ever participation in the Asian Games' cricketing events, the women's team claimed the top podium spot after producing a fine all-round effort. Though cricket has been a part of the Asian Games in 2010 and 2014, neither the men's nor the women's Indian team had participated in the event.Batting first, Harmanpreet's girls put 116 runs on the board for the loss of 7 wickets. With the ball, India put a stunning display on the 22-yard strip, restricting Sri Lanka to just 87/8. Titas Sadhu was the pick of the bowlers for India, bagging 3 wickets for just 6 runs in 4 overs.As for the match, the Indian team elected to bat first after winning the toss, that marked the return of Harmanpreet Kaur after 2-match suspension. After the early dismissal of Shafali Verma, opener Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues rebuilt the innings.Inoka Ranaweera gave SL the much-needed breakthrough, getting rid of Smriti for 46 off 45 balls with four boundaries and a six. India was 89/2 in 14.5 overs and the 73-run stand between Mandhana-Rodrigues was over.That wicket caused a collapse in the Indian innings as except for Rodrigues, who scored 42 in 40 balls with five fours, no other batter could stand tall against the Lankan side. India ended their innings at 116/7 in 20 overs.Kumari (2/30), Ranaweera (2/21) and Udeshika Prabodhani (2/16) were among the wickets for Sri Lanka.In the chase of 117 runs, Sri Lanka was troubled by medium-pacer Titas Sandhu, who dismissed the top order consisting of skipper Chamari Athapaththu (12), Anushka Sanjeewani (1) and Vishmi Gunaratne (0), reducing SL to 14/3 in 4.2 overs.Hasini Perera and Nilakshi de Silva had started to rebuild the Lankan innings, helping them cross the 50-run mark in 9.3 overs. But Rajeshwari Gayakwad turned the tide in India's favour by removing Hasini for 25 off 22 balls, with four boundaries and a six. SL was 50/4 in 9.5 overs.From then on, the road to gold got tougher for SL, as spinners Deepti Sharma and Devika Vaidya restricted the run flow. But Nilakshi and Oshadi Ranasinghe fought back with some boundaries, leaving SL with 43 to get in the final five overs.But Pooja Vastrakar, India's star in the semifinal with the ball, removed Nilakshi for 23 off 34 balls, ending a fighting 28-run partnership. SL was 78/5 in 16.1 overs.Deepti also removed Ranasinghe, who played a fighting knock of 19 in 26 balls. SL was 86/6 in 17.4 overs.

mens volleyball team

Indian men's volleyball team enters quarterfinals of Asian Games

  • Sep 22, 2023
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The Indian men's volleyball team maintained its strong performance, moving through to the quarterfinals of the Asian Games with a decisive 3-0 victory over Chinese Taipei on Friday. After their incredible victory against South Korea, India defeated Chinese Taipei in three straight games by scores of 25-22, 25-22, and 25-21 to go to the playoffs for the 1-6th place. On Sunday, India will take on either Kazakhstan or Japan.They play quickly and have experience. The first two sets were won by them, but our team responded effectively and quickly gained control, said India captain Vinit to media after the match."We expected a four-setter, but our team played well with man-to-man marking and improved a lot," he continued. Early on, India was down 6-10, but Erin Varghese helped the team close the difference to 11-13.India had been trailing for the whole of the match until it finally tied the score at 21-21. Varghese and Ashwal Rai then won the next two points to give India the lead. In the second set, India took an early 3-0 lead, but Chinese Taipei eventually tied the match at 17-17. However, India gained ground in the waning seconds with a string of scores to end the match 25-22. India got off to a good start in the championship game, leading 10-4 at one point.Chinese Taipei managed to narrow it down to 10-12 before drawing level at 14-14.India, however, moved ahead to 21-18 before sealing it comfortably 25-21."Pakistan also had defeated them (Chinese Taipei) 3-0, so we were under pressure to defeat them," assistant coach Jaideep Sarkar said.With back-to-back wins over Korea and Chinese Taipei, this is a good morale-booster ahead of our match against Japan," he said."We are not inferior to anyone. Japan are a good side and we expect a tough contest," he added.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, ODIs against Australia

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya set to miss first 2 ODIs against Australia

  • Sep 19, 2023
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India dropped four regular members for the first two matches against AustraliaIndia now looks ahead to their last and final practice for the ODI World Cup at home as they take on five-time champions Australia in a three-match series beginning September 22 after their perfectly timed Asia Cup title haul in Colombo on Sunday, where they defeated Sri Lanka by 10 wickets. The selection committee made up to four changes, when most people would have anticipated India to remain the same save for that one injury issue involving Axar Patel.Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector for the BCCI, read out the roster for the three-match home series against Pat Cummins' team virtually the day after India's Asia Cup victory. India selected a 15-member team for the opening two games and a 17-member team for the championship match.India lost four regular players for the first two games in Baroda on September 27, while the selectors only recruited two additional players to their 15-member World Cup team for the final match. The squad was without Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma for the first two games.Responding to a question from the press, Agarkar revealed: "Few of the players have been given a breather. Rohit has taken a break.""Luckily we got a fair amount of cricket at the Asia Cup," Agarkar added. "If not, we would've looked at it some other way. More than physical, sometimes guys need a mental break, which isn't a bad thing leading into a tournament like the World Cup."For the third game, everyone will be available. We will play our World Cup squad. This [squad for the first two ODIs] gives us a chance to give guys sitting outside a chance. It's still a strong squad. Like I said, if we hadn't got a lot of cricket at the Asia Cup, who knows, we may have thought differently."Rohit and Kohli had both been rested for the West Indies ODI series and had only returned to the set-up in the Asia Cup. In a bid to test India's bench strength, both had relinquished their original batting spot in the first ODI match against West Indies before being rested for the second and third game. They had later missed the T20I contest and the tour of Ireland as well.In fact, Hardik led India in place of Rohit in the last two ODIs. Hardik has participated in every ODI match against the West Indies. While both were resting for the Ireland tour, Kuldeep also participated in the competition.In the first two games against Australia, KL Rahul will serve as the captain and Ravindra Jadeja as his backup. Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad have been chosen for the first two games, and they will both be heading the Indian team at the Asian Games later this month.Also Read: Top 10 fantasy cricket websites in india