The Cricket Bulletin : Major Talking Points

They took care of me: Virat Kohli on former India coaches

Virat Kohli credited former India head coach Rahul Dravid and batting coach Vikram Rathour for helping him during tough post-captaincy phase. Kohli said that the duo took care of him mentally after stepping down as India captain. “I’ve said this many times about Rahul bhai and Vikram Rathour. I had a great phase in Test cricket, and whenever I meet them, I thank them from the bottom of my heart because they took care of me in a way that made me feel like I wanted to play for them.”

At the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit Powered by Leaders on Tuesday, Kohli recalled, “I wanted to perform, grind it out, and do the hard work because they were so caring and nurturing. They reminded me of everything I had done so far – something you never really sit down and think about as a player.” He added that Dravid’s own experience at highest level as a professional cricketer helped the coach understand Kohli’s situation. “Rahul bhai understood that because he had experienced it himself at the highest level. Vikram had been around for years too. They understood what I was feeling and genuinely took care of me mentally. That put me in a space where I could enjoy my cricket again.”

England women’s captain to miss upcoming bilateral series

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is set to miss the upcoming bilateral series against New Zealand and India. with ICC T20 Women’s World Cup just round the corner, this is a matter of concern for the side. Sciver-Brunt is currently undergoing rehab for a sustained calf tear that she suffered from during England’s domestic ODI tournament earlier this month.

England batter Sophia Dunkley is confident of Sciver-Brunt recovering in time ahead of the marquee event. “Nat just needs a little bit of extra time to be in the best place possible to be ready and raring to go for the World Cup and we’re absolutely confident that she’ll be leading us out for that,” Dunkley said. “Nat’s our leader and our captain, so she’s a big part of our team, but we’ve got a really experienced T20 team at the moment and lots of different people stepping up in different positions. It’s a great opportunity for us to see what it’s like to play without her. Hopefully we can get on a roll with that and a few wins leading into the World Cup.”

Playing Test cricket for India has been my biggest dream: Gurnoor Brar

Gurnoor Brar was optimistic about his chances in Indian team. Speaking to the Sportstar, after being selected for India’s one-off Test against Pakistan from June, the Punjab pacer said, “I knew the selectors were closely watching. It was in my mind that I could get a chance.” He added, “Playing Test cricket for India has been my biggest dream. It is a prestigious format. I bowl a hard length, swing the ball away and get extra bounce.”

The 25-year-old Gujarat Titans pacer has been rewarded for his consistency. Gurnoor, whose First-Class record reads 52 wickets in 18 appearances at an average of 27.30, has been involved in the India-A set-up since September 2025. He is also part of the ODI squad that will take on Afghanistan in a three match series next month.