INDIA CRICKET
Bumrah will be making his much-anticipated comeback in the three-match T20I series in Ireland. © Getty
The Indian squad for the three-match Ireland series will depart for Dublin on August 15 but VVS Laxman will not accompany the team as the head of the coaching staff. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side.
Since Rahul Dravid and his coaching team are currently in the US for the final phase of the bilateral series against West Indies and are not travelling with the T20I side, it was anticipated that Laxman would take charge of the coaching staff. However, it has now been revealed that the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) will not be part of the tour. Instead, a few other coaches such as Sitanshu Kotak and Sairaj Bahutule will be part of the support staff.
The three matches are scheduled for August 18, 20, and 23.
This series holds significance due to Bumrah’s much-anticipated comeback, considering he has been out of competitive cricket since September 2022. The Ireland series will provide insights into how far Bumrah, considered key to India’s World Cup plans, has progressed since his back surgery in February.
The team will assemble in Durban in two separate groups. One batch, currently in Miami for the last two T20Is, will travel from the US. Bumrah and the rest of the contingent will fly from Mumbai early on Tuesday.
Rayudu likely for Joburg Super Kings
In an altogether different development, there is information suggesting that Ambati Rayudu might be signed by Joburg Super Kings for the second season of SA20. On Friday it was announced that Rayudu joined St Kitts & Nevis Patriots for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season. Rayudu, a veteran of Chennai Super Kings, had initially announced his participation in the inaugural season of Major League Cricket (MLC) in the US with the Texas Super Kings. However, he had to withdraw due to personal and family reasons.
The management of Super Kings is contemplating the option of bringing Rayudu on board for SA20. Kasi Viswanathan, the team’s representative, stated that discussions are ongoing with Faf du Plessis and Stephen Fleming, the captain and coach of Joburg Super Kings. While it’s not confirmed yet, he said it’s a potential possibility.
Rayudu was part of the Chennai Super Kings squad that secured their fifth IPL title in May this year. CPL announced that Rayudu will be taking the place of Tristan Stubbs at St Kitts & Nevis Patriots.
Mahesh Ramani, chairman of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, commented, “I’m pleased to inform Patriots fans that Ambati Rayudu has been signed as one of our overseas players for the 2023 season. Ambati’s extensive experience, having won multiple championships with various teams during his illustrious career in India, will undoubtedly enhance the development of our young players as we aim for our second CPL title in 2023.”
The 2023 CPL season is from August 16 to September 24.
© Cricbuzz