India to face Pakistan only for medal matches at Asian Games

India and Pakistan play each-other in ICC tournaments, and that match becomes one of the biggest attractions. In ICC events and the Asia Cup, the two teams have often been placed in a position where an India-Pakistan contest becomes possible quite early in the tournament. The draw for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games has placed India and Pakistan in opposite halves in both men’s and women’s cricket.

As a result, there will be no India-Pakistan match in the quarter-finals or semi-finals. The two teams can meet only in a medal match, either for gold or bronze. If both India and Pakistan win their respective semi-finals, they will face each other in the Gold Medal match. On the other hand, if both teams lose their respective semi-finals, they will meet in the Bronze Medal match.

India to play nineteen more T20I matches in 2026

The Indian team is playing a continuous schedule of matches this year. Currently, the team is on a tour of Sri Lanka, where a two-match Test series is set to take place. The Indian team is scheduled to play a total of 43 matches in 2026, having already played 24 of them. India has played T20 series comprising 5 matches against New Zealand, 9 in the 2026 T20 World Cup, 2 against Ireland, 5 against England, and 3 against Zimbabwe.

Now, the Indian team has 19 more T20 matches to play this year. India is set to play 3 T20 matches against Afghanistan. Following that, the team will play 3 matches at the 2026 Asian Games. Additionally, India is scheduled to play five-match T20 series against both the West Indies and New Zealand. After these series, a three-match T20 series will be played between India and Sri Lanka.

BCCI is not considering two-head coach formula

Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir appears to be under immense pressure at the moment. The team has been consistently underperforming in the Test format, and the impact of this is now being felt. For some time now, there have been calls for Gautam Gambhir’s removal as head coach. This is why the upcoming series between India and Sri Lanka is being considered crucial. Meanwhile, Gambhir has received some good news from the BCCI.

According to Revsports, Gambhir’s job is not in danger even in the Test format. Even if Team India loses the Test series against Sri Lanka, Gambhir will remain the head coach for the New Zealand tour. Currently, the BCCI is unhappy with the two-head coach formula. There have been repeated calls to appoint VVS Laxman as head coach in the Test format. This report makes it clear that the BCCI is not considering this at this time. A significant amount of pressure has now been lifted from Gautam Gambhir.

Ajinkya Rahane to debut as Test commentator

Former Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane, who recently retired from international cricket, is now embarking on a new career. Rahane, who made his international debut 15 years ago in 2011, is now fully prepared for his commentary debut. Rahane will make his commentary debut in the two-match Test series in Sri Lanka. Rahane has been added to Sony Sports Network’s commentary panel for the Test series, which begins in Galle on August 15th.

37-year-old Ajinkya Rahane will be commentating on the two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka. This will be Rahane’s first time in Test cricket. Rahane, who recently ended an illustrious career spanning nearly 18 years since making his first-class debut, will now be seen in a new role as a commentator.

“Kuldeep is no longer getting the opportunities he deserves”

Indian cricket team superstar Kuldeep Yadav was once a major match-winner. However, despite being part of the squad across all three formats, he is rarely seen playing matches these days—a situation that has left several former Indian players deeply frustrated with the team management. Former Indian player Murali Kartik has hailed Kuldeep Yadav as a match-winner while also criticizing Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid.

The upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka is crucial for Team India, with the pressure particularly mounting on the spinners. Praising Kuldeep Yadav on Sony Sports Network, former Indian player Murali Kartik said, “Kuldeep has been a match-winner for India, but unfortunately, things haven’t gone his way under Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, and he is no longer getting the opportunities he deserves.”

Meanwhile, praising Ravindra Jadeja, Karthik said, “This series will also be a major test for the spinners. Jadeja, who has been outstanding for Indian cricket, is now in the final phase of his career. The way Manav Suthar made his debut against Afghanistan was truly delightful for any old-school spinner.”

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