dolarkit.com – Strategic News & Policy Briefs

Dinesh Karthik praises Jitesh Sharma's mindset regarding national team selection. Karthik helped Jitesh refine his finishing skills while at Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Jitesh's IPL 2025 performance earned him a spot back on the Indian squad. He aims to solidify his position in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Sanju Samson is currently the preferred wicketkeeper.

Manoj Tiwary, the former Indian cricketer, has ignited controversy by advocating for India to boycott their Asia Cup match against Pakistan, scheduled in Dubai on September 14. His call follows the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people due to Pakistan-backed terrorism.

Shah Rukh Khan affectionately refers to Virat Kohli as Bollywood's 'son-in-law,' highlighting his close bond with both Virat and Anushka Sharma. SRK fondly remembers spending time with the couple during their early dating days, solidifying their friendship. While SRK prepares for 'King,' Anushka is set to star in 'Chakda 'Xpress,' a biopic on Jhulan Goswami.

The BCCI has ended Rajeev Kumar's decade-long tenure as the Indian cricket team's masseur. Kumar, a beloved figure known for his dedication and trademark smile, confirmed his departure on Instagram. He was crucial in player recovery, providing massages, energy drinks, and on-field support. Players like Shami and Chahal have publicly acknowledged his vital contributions.

Sachin Tendulkar recently reminisced about his epic battles with Australian legends Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne, recalling a strategic assault on McGrath in a 2000 match. He also humorously addressed controversial umpiring decisions by Steve Bucknor. Tendulkar dominated Warne, scoring 123 runs without being dismissed.

Australian fast bowler Lance Morris is set to miss the Ashes series and will be sidelined for 12 months following back surgery. The 27-year-old, who was a potential backup pace option, withdrew from the South Africa one-day series due to lower back discomfort. Tests revealed a lumbar bone stress injury, prompting the surgery.

Amitabh Bachchan praised Sachin Tendulkar's exceptional cricketing intellect, recalling instances where Tendulkar accurately predicted game scenarios. Bachchan highlighted Tendulkar's profound knowledge and ability to foresee movements in the game and bowling strategies. Recently, the Tendulkar family celebrated Arjun Tendulkar's engagement and Sara Tendulkar's launch of her Pilates studio, marking significant personal milestones.

Virat Kohli's training images from London have sparked excitement among fans as he prepares for the upcoming ODI series in Australia. Spotted at Lord's Cricket Ground, Kohli balanced practice with leisure, spending time with wife Anushka Sharma. Despite discussions about farewell matches, BCCI clarifies that Kohli and Rohit Sharma continue to be vital players in the ODI format.

As the Asia Cup 2025 approaches, the scheduled India-Pakistan cricket match in Dubai faces political opposition. Samajwadi Party leaders question the appropriateness of sporting ties given strained relations and recent terror attacks. They argue that playing against Pakistan, especially after the Pahalgam attack, is unacceptable and would disgrace the nation.

In the 1980s, actress Sarika was linked to cricket legend Kapil Dev, with marriage seemingly on the cards. However, the relationship ended, and Dev reconciled with and married Romi Bhatia. Sarika later married superstar Kamal Haasan in 1988, after the birth of their daughter Shruti Haasan. Read on to know more.

The Indian cricket team has reportedly incorporated the Bronco Test into its fitness evaluation, joining the Yo-Yo Test and 2-kilometre time trial. This new assessment aims to elevate fitness standards by focusing on aerobic endurance, and as explained by a former strength and conditioning coach, makes cheating and cutting corners more difficult.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old cricketer, was bought by Rajasthan Royals. He scored 252 runs in IPL 2025 with a record-breaking century. Ambati Rayudu praised Vaibhav's talent and bat speed. Rayudu hopes Vaibhav will represent India soon. Vaibhav will join India U-19 team against Australia. The series will start on September 21 in Brisbane. Rahul Dravid will guide him.

While Shubman Gill is being groomed as a future leader, Ambati Rayudu believes Shreyas Iyer should be India's next ODI captain. Rayudu cites Iyer's calmness and success leading KKR to an IPL title, along with his ability to guide underdog teams. Iyer's consistent ODI performance, including a strong Champions Trophy and World Cup, further strengthens Rayudu's argument.

Smriti Mandhana has climbed to third position in the ICC's T20I batter rankings, propelled by her recent century against England. Her score of 112 off 62 balls in the first T20I match significantly contributed to India's victory. England's Lauren Bell advanced to fourth in the bowler rankings after taking three wickets in the same match.

India faces a daunting challenge in the second Test at Edgbaston, where they have historically struggled against England. England has dominated as per the record of the two sides at the venue. The ground's seam-friendly conditions and England's strong batting record pose a significant threat.

Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer was seen in a viral video playing cricket with his mother, Rohini Iyer. The video was shared by Punjab Kings on X, where Rohini bowled Shreyas out during their game at home and celebrated her son's wicket with great joy.

Jofra Archer missed England's training session, but is expected to rejoin the squad before the second Test against India. His inclusion in the squad marks a potential return to Test cricket after battling injuries.

Rishabh Pant reflected on his journey, a year after India's T20 World Cup victory, acknowledging his second chance at life following a severe accident. Despite a duck in the final against South Africa, Pant's strategic pause in play, feigning knee pain, disrupted South Africa's momentum, a move Rohit Sharma initially believed was genuine concern for Pant's well-being.

Sanjay Manjrekar urges KL Rahul to display consistent Test performances as he steps into a senior role after Virat Kohli's and Rohit Sharma's retirements. While the former India star is confident of Rishabh Pant he wants KL Rahul to step up and maintain his form that he showed in the 1st Test.

Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, has finally revealed the reason behind his serious demeanour. On The Kapil Sharma Show, Gambhir explained that he remains serious so others can smile, emphasising his focus and commitment to results. He also addressed his on-field confrontations, stating they are always for the country, not himself.