New Delhi, September 2: The BCCI has announced a 15-member India squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with Shreyas Iyer named captain
as the team builds towards the upcoming Asian Games. Sanju Samson returns alongside Ishan Kishan as a wicketkeeping option, while Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar have been included subject to fitness clearance. Hardik Pandya, meanwhile, misses out as he continues his recovery from injury.
Iyer's elevation to the leadership role comes at an interesting time, with the batter also in contention to captain Mumbai in white-ball cricket alongside Suryakumar Yadav. Both have strong leadership credentials, with Iyer having recently guided Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title and Suryakumar having previously led India's T20I side. The Mumbai Cricket Association's final decision will depend largely on their availability amid international commitments, adding another layer to the captaincy debate.
While India's white-ball plans continue to take shape, the tennis world witnessed the end of an era at the US Open. Matteo Berrettini defeated Stan Wawrinka 7-6(4), 7-6(3), 6-0 in the first round, overcoming two tight sets before dominating the decider. The result brought Wawrinka's remarkable Grand Slam career to a close, with the three-time major champion receiving an emotional farewell at Flushing Meadows.
Here is your latest news from the world of sports in the Sports Bulletin for September 2.
India squad for Afghanistan T20Is
The BCCI has announced a 15-member India squad led by Shreyas Iyer for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in New Delhi, doubling as preparation for the upcoming Asian Games. Sanju Samson returns to the side alongside Ishan Kishan as a wicketkeeping option. Meanwhile, key players Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar have been included subject to fitness clearance following their rehabilitation. Hardik Pandya misses out as he continues recovering from injury.
Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav in race for white-ball captaincy
Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav are the top contenders for Mumbai's white-ball captaincy for the upcoming domestic season. Both bring stellar credentials to the table: Iyer recently guided Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in 2024-25, while Suryakumar boasts extensive leadership experience, having previously captained India's T20I team. According to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), the final decision between the two stars will depend entirely on their availability amidst international commitments.
PCB seeks Pakistan Fielding Coach with LinkedIn post
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sparked social media trolling after posting a vacancy for a permanent men's fielding coach on LinkedIn. Following Shane McDermott's departure, the board opted for public recruitment alongside a major squad overhaul during their Test series against England. Candidates require Level II accreditation and five years of elite coaching experience. Fans mocked the unconventional corporate approach for a national team role, flooding the post with sarcastic "CFBR" (Commenting For Better Reach) comments and jokes about hiring retired military personnel.
Khalid Jamil remains optimistic on India's Tough Brazil, Uruguay, Panama Tests
India head coach Khalid Jamil expressed optimism ahead of the Blue Tigers' high-profile FIFA International Friendlies against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay. Calling it a "very important window," Jamil emphasized that testing his squad against World Cup-level powerhouses in Bengaluru and Kolkata will provide invaluable experience. A 26-member squad will kick off a preparatory camp in Bengaluru on September 14, gearing up to face Panama on September 26, followed by marquee clashes against Brazil and Uruguay in October.
Naomi Osaka Pays Tribute To Allen Iverson With Striking US Open Look
Naomi Osaka made a bold fashion statement at the US Open, drawing inspiration from NBA legend Allen Iverson. Arriving at Arthur Ashe Stadium for her first-round match in cornrows, a newspaper-printed hooded robe, and a white skirt, Osaka honored Iverson's legacy of self-expression in sports. The tribute caught the attention of Iverson, who expressed his gratitude on Instagram. Following her striking entrance, the two-time champion secured a hard-fought 8-6, 7-3 double-tiebreak victory over Anastasia Zakharova to advance.
Matteo Berrettini ends Wawrinka's Grand Slam ambitions
Matteo Berrettini returned to the US Open spotlight with a commanding 7-6(4), 7-6(3), 6-0 first-round victory over Stan Wawrinka. The 30-year-old Italian showcased his trademark power serve and explosive forehand to edge two tight tiebreaks before dominating the final set. Beyond securing Berrettini's spot in the second round against Mariano Navone, this poignant win marked the end of three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka's legendary Grand Slam career in an emotional farewell at Flushing Meadows.
