India’s selectors are reportedly looking at Ruturaj Gaikwad as a potential long-term replacement for Virat Kohli at No. 3 in the ODI team.

 

Virat Kohli’s place in Indian cricket has been almost impossible to replace. Over the years, the former India captain has turned the No. 3 position into his own, producing one match-winning performance after another in the 50-over format.

 

But with Kohli’s international career entering its final phase, India’s selectors have already started looking ahead.

 

According to PTI journalist Kushan Sarkar, the BCCI selection committee is considering Ruturaj Gaikwad as a potential successor to Kohli in the ODI setup.

 

The report suggests that Gaikwad could eventually take over the No. 3 position after Kohli brings the curtain down on his ODI career, with the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa potentially being his final tournament.

 

Gaikwad emerging as a long-term option

 

Gaikwad is not yet a regular member of India’s ODI side, but he continues to be highly rated within the Indian cricket setup.

 

The Chennai Super Kings batter has played only nine ODIs so far, making his debut against South Africa in Lucknow in October 2022. He has scored 228 runs in eight innings, including a century against South Africa in Raipur.

 

Those numbers are still modest compared to Kohli’s remarkable ODI record. However, the selectors appear to be looking beyond current statistics and considering Gaikwad’s potential over the long term.

 

The 29-year-old has also gained valuable leadership experience in the IPL. He took over as Chennai Super Kings captain after MS Dhoni stepped down from the role, adding another dimension to his game.

 

Kohli has made No. 3 his own

 

Finding a successor for Kohli will be a particularly difficult challenge because of his extraordinary record at No. 3.

 

Since making his India debut in 2008, Kohli has played 314 ODIs and scored 14,941 runs at an average of 58.59.

 

He has spent most of his ODI career batting at No. 3, appearing in that position 247 times and scoring 12,820 runs at an incredible average of 61.33.

 

Kohli has also scored 47 of his 54 ODI centuries while batting at No. 3.

 

For India, therefore, the challenge isn't simply finding another batter. The team will eventually have to fill a position that has been dominated by one of the most prolific ODI players of his generation.

 

When could Kohli retire from ODIs?

 

Kohli has already retired from T20I and Test cricket, leaving ODI cricket as his only remaining international format.

 

While there has been no confirmed retirement announcement from Kohli regarding ODIs, his career could potentially come to an end after the 2027 World Cup.

 

That gives India some time to identify and develop the next player for the No. 3 role.

 

For Gaikwad, the opportunity could be significant. He will need consistent performances for India and strong domestic and IPL seasons to establish himself as a permanent option.

 

Whether he ultimately becomes Kohli’s successor remains to be seen. But if the latest report is any indication, the BCCI may already have a name in mind for one of the most important positions in India’s ODI batting lineup.

After three straight losses, Delhi Capitals finally found their winning formula, and it came from their opening pair absolutely destroying the UP Warriorz bowling attack. Sometimes in cricket, you just need one dominant performance to turn everything around, and boy, did Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee deliver.

Lee smashed 86 off 54 balls while Shafali blazed her way to 77 off just 38 deliveries. Together, they didn't just chase down the target - they made it look ridiculously easy, winning by seven wickets with overs to spare.

For a team that had been struggling, this wasn't just a win. It was a statement. It was Delhi saying, "Yeah, we might be in trouble, but we can still do this." The confidence boost from a performance like this can change an entire season.

Shafali, in particular, looked back to her destructive best. She's always had the ability to take any bowling attack apart on her day, and this was definitely her day. The way she stepped out to the spinners and smoked them over their heads? Pure class. Lee provided the perfect counterbalance - more measured but equally effective.

The pitch at Dr. DY Patil Stadium has been a batter's dream, but you still need to execute. UP Warriorz posted 154 for 8, which looked competitive at the halfway mark. But once Shafali and Lee got going, it never felt like enough.

For UP Warriorz, this is now their third consecutive loss under Meg Lanning's captaincy. The combination of international talent they have on paper should be doing better. They've got Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone - that's some serious firepower. But cricket isn't played on paper.

Meanwhile, young captain Jemimah Rodrigues can finally breathe. Her first win as captain had to feel incredible, especially given the pressure of replacing a legend like Lanning. This performance proved her team has the quality - they just needed to put it all together.

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This is one of those storylines that cricket fans live for. Meg Lanning, the legendary Australian captain who led Delhi Capitals to three consecutive WPL finals, is now wearing UP Warriorz colors. And yes, she's facing her former team.

At 33, Lanning has nothing left to prove. Three T20 World Cups, five ODI World Cups as captain, and more records than you can count. But here's what makes her special - she still plays like she's got everything to prove. That competitive fire hasn't dimmed one bit.

Delhi Capitals made the bold call to move in a different direction, handing the captaincy to 25-year old Jemimah Rodrigues, who becomes the youngest captain in WPL history. It's a massive gamble, but also an exciting new chapter. Jemimah has big shoes to fill, but she's got the talent and temperament to pull it off.

For UP Warriorz, bringing in Lanning is a masterstroke. They've got someone who knows what it takes to win finals, even if she never actually won one with Delhi. That experience, that calmness under pressure, that tactical genius - it's exactly what a team needs when the pressure's on.

The first match between her new team and old team? The cricket gods couldn't have written it better. Lanning became only the third batter to cross 1,000 WPL runs, reaching the milestone while batting against Delhi. Talk about perfect timing.

What's fascinating is watching how both teams are adapting. Delhi is trying to prove they can win without Lanning. UP Warriorz is trying to prove that adding Lanning was the missing piece. Both teams are currently winless, which makes their clash even more crucial.

The real winner in all this? The fans. We get to watch one of cricket's greatest minds go up against the team she built. That's must-watch television right there.

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The Women's Premier League 2026 just witnessed history, and it came from the most unexpected source. Twenty-four-year-old Nandani Sharma from Chandigarh has taken the tournament by storm, becoming the first player ever in WPL history to take five wickets AND a hat-trick in the same match.

Delhi Capitals' decision to back this young talent has paid off spectacularly. In just three matches, Sharma already has eight wickets under her belt and currently holds the Purple Cap. Her performance against Gujarat Giants wasn't just good cricket - it was the kind of stuff that makes you believe in fairy tales.

What makes this even more special? Sharma wasn't a household name before this season. She's always been talented, sure, but this tournament has given her the platform to show the world what she's capable of. The Delhi Capitals management saw something in her, gave her the new ball, and she's repaying that faith in the best possible way.

The way she set up the hat-trick was pure theatre. First came the perfect length ball that nipped back, then a slider that fooled the batter completely, and finally, that dream delivery that every bowler fantasizes about - the one that swings late and takes the stumps. The stadium went absolutely nuts.

What's really exciting for Indian women's cricket is that players like Nandani are emerging from different parts of the country, not just the traditional cricket centers. Chandigarh has produced a genuine match-winner, and this could inspire countless young girls across smaller cities to pick up a cricket ball.

Delhi Capitals are currently struggling with three losses, but with Sharma finding her rhythm and bowling like this, don't count them out just yet. Sometimes all you need is one player to spark a turnaround, and Nandani Sharma might just be that spark.

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Manchester City sent a strong message in the Premier League title race with a 3–0 victory over Crystal Palace. The champions dominated the match, showcasing their trademark possession-based football.

Erling Haaland once again played a key role, while City’s midfield controlled the tempo from start to finish. The clean sheet will please manager Pep Guardiola as the league enters a crucial phase.

With this win, City remain within touching distance of the league leaders, keeping pressure firmly on their rivals. The squad’s depth and consistency could prove decisive in the coming weeks.

For football fans streaming on StyxSports, matches like these underline why the Premier League remains one of the most exciting leagues in the world

Nepal’s women’s national football team suffered a 2–1 defeat against Indonesia in an international friendly match held in Yogyakarta. Nepal took an early lead through an own goal, raising hopes of a positive result.

However, Indonesia responded strongly in the second half, scoring twice to turn the match around. Nepal struggled to regain control as the hosts dominated possession and created better chances.

Despite the loss, the friendly offered valuable exposure against competitive opposition. Such matches are vital for preparing Nepal’s women’s team for regional tournaments.

The coaching staff emphasized positives, including improved defensive organization in the first half. The team will look to refine their attacking transitions in upcoming fixtures.

For fans watching via StyxSports, these friendlies are an important step in Nepal women’s football development

Nepal’s U19 team suffered another setback in the Asia Cup, losing to Bangladesh U19 by seven wickets. Nepal managed to post 130 runs, but Bangladesh chased the total with ease.

A few individual performances showed promise, but once again Nepal struggled to maintain momentum. Bangladesh’s batters capitalized on loose deliveries and controlled the chase comfortably.

While the results are disappointing, the experience gained from facing strong cricketing nations is invaluable. These matches highlight areas that need improvement — fitness, shot selection, and death bowling.

The coaching staff remains optimistic, stressing patience and long-term development. With more exposure, this generation can mature into competitive senior players.

For StyxSports viewers, these matches provide insight into Nepal’s cricketing pipeline and the challenges young players face at international level