The league stage of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 concluded on Sunday, determining the eight teams that advanced to the quarterfinals. Vidarbha was the first to secure qualification, setting an early benchmark for the other teams. In the final round, Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Haryana, Gujarat, Saurashtra and Jammu & Kashmir also sealed their spots. The tournament witne?ssed intense battles across all four groups, with teams displaying resilience to claim vital points.  With the group stage now over, the focus shifts to the knockout phase, where consistency will be key. The quarterfinals are set to begin on February 8, featuring high-stakes encounters.

Home advantage and venue adjustments for Quarterfinals

Vidarbha, Haryana, and Saurashtra will enjoy home advantage in the quarterfinals after finishing as group toppers. However, despite topping Group A, Jammu & Kashmir will play their match in Pune due to adverse weather in their home state. The quarterf??inal fixtures have been set, with Jammu & Kashmir facing Kerala at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

Vidarbha, Group B leaders, will take on Tamil Nadu at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. Haryana, the dominant side from Group C, will face defending champions Mumbai in Kolkata at Eden Gardens. Meanwhile, Saurashtra, Group D toppers, will clash against Gujarat at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. The choice of venues could play a crucial role in determining outcomes. With home conditions favoring some teams, others will need to adapt quickly to stay in contentio?n.

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Jammu & Kashmir and Kerala’s rare quarterfinal appearances

Jammu & Kashmir’s qualification marks?? only their third-ever Ranji Trophy quarterfinal appearance, making it a historic achievement. Their last knockout stage qualification came in the 2019-20 season, making this a long-awaited return. The team has shown remarkable resilience, topping Group A with 35 points despite vario??us challenges. Kerala, too, has secured a rare quarterfinal spot, reaching this stage for only the third time in tournament history.

Their last appearance in the quarterfinals was six years ago, making this a significant milestone. Both teams have exceeded expectations and will be eager to make further progress. Their quarterfinal clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, with each side eyeing a historic semifinal berth. The pres?ence of these two teams adds intrigue to the knockout stage. Their performances will be closely watched as they aim to upset stronger opponents.

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Also READ: Kevin Pietersen hails a rising Indian s??tar with shades of Yuvraj Singh

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England‘s former batting star, Kevin Pietersen, has recently shared his insights on India’s cricket team, particularly highlighting the influence of Yuvraj Singh on a young talent of Indian team. Pietersen also weighed in on Varun Chakravarthy‘s inclusion in the ODI squad and England’s performance in the T20I series against India.

Kevin Pietersen praises Varun Chakravarthy’s inclusion and predicts England’s adaptation

Pietersen has supported the inclusion of Chakravarthy in the Indian squad for the three-match ODI series against England, but anticipates that English batters will perform better against him in the longer format. Chakravarthy’s recent performance in the T20I series saw him pick up 14 wickets in five games, proving to be a difficult challenge for the English side. Pietersen believes that the ODI format will allow batters more time to adapt to Chakravarthy’s bowling style, as the pressure to score off every ball is reduced.

“The English batters would be better against him in the one-dayers because they can spend more time. It’s a longer format, not every ball is an event. But I think it is a great decision (to add Chakravarthy),” Pietersen told media on the sidelines of the launch of Dram Bell Scotch Whisky.

Also READ: Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and others flaunt style as B?CCI unveils Team India’s new Tri-Coloured theme jersey

T20I Series: A disaster for England

Pietersen described England’s performance in the T20I series as a “disaster”. He also pointed out that a questionable concussion substitution in the fourth T20I match significantly impacted the series outcome. Pietersen claimed that had Shivam Dube been replaced by a like-for-like player instead of Harshit Rana, England could have levelled the series.

“It was a disappointing series from England’s perspective. I think that in the fourth T20I, if the concussion substitution had been done correctly, maybe England would have got up there,” he added.

The rising star with shades of Yuvraj Singh

However, amidst England’s disappointing performance, Pietersen was particularly impressed by Abhishek Sharma. He noted that Abhishek’s batting style resembled that of Yuvraj. Pietersen went so far as to say that Sharma played the “best T20I innings I’ve ever seen“.

“Abhishek is amazing. He had the shades (of Yuvraj)…. Obviously, Yuvraj is rubbing off now on Abishek. His batting was fantastic. It was the best T20 international innings, I’ve ever seen and I said that to him afterwards,�?Pietersen concluded. Pietersen specifically praised Abhishek’s effortless strokes and his avoidance of “funky shots,” highlighting the perfection in his stroke play.

As India prepare for upcoming tournaments such as the Champions Trophy, IPL, and the five-Test tour of England, Pietersen emphasized the importance of managing Jasprit Bumrah‘s fitness. He also expressed his hope for sporting wickets in the Test series between India and England, suggesting that such conditions would favour England’s chances.

Also WATCH: Yashasv?i Jaiswal plucks a blinder to dism??iss Ben Duckett in Nagpur ODI �?IND vs ENG

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The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced the squad for the quarter-finals of the Ranji Trophy 2025. In a first for the season, seasoned batter and India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has been given a place in the squad. All-rounder Shivam Dube also returns to his domestic team after the T20I campaign against England.

The two star players are set to feature for their domestic side in the Ranji Trophy season with Dube returning to the squad following the disappointing loss of the team against Jammu and Kashmir in the group stage. Mumbai are scheduled to play their quarter-final match against Haryana at?? the Chaudhary Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium, Lahli.

Shreyas Iyer set to miss Ranji Trophy quarter-final; uncapped player finds a place in the team

Mumbai’s star middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer will not be a part of the quarter-final clash for his domestic side. Iyer is set to attend a training camp of the Indian team in Nagpur before their ODI clash against England. Additionally, youngster Harsh Tanna will replace Shreyas Gaurav in the squad. Tanna made his Vijay Hazare Trophy debut for M??umb?ai this year against Arunachal Pradesh on December 26, 2024. Tanna has played 4 List-A matches in his career so far.

Further, seasoned batter Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan and Musheer Khan have been ruled out of the squad for the quarter-final clash. While both Sarfaraz and Musheer are currently injured, Shaw was ruled out o??f the Mumbai squad during the Vijay Hazare Trophy due? to fitness and disciplinary issues and has not been included in the squad since.

Also Watch: Shardul Thaku?r scripts history with a sensational hat-trick in?? Ranji Trophy �?Mumbai vs Meghalaya

Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy season so far

The 42-time Ranji Trophy Champions are currently in the middle of a Ranji Trophy season that has gone far from ideal. Mumbai were pooled in Elite-A of the Ranji Trophy group stage alongside teams like Baroda, Maharashtra, Services, Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, Maharashtra, Tripura and Meghalaya.

While Mumbai easily won over other teams, Baroda and J&K were a bone of contention for them as both sides gave a crushing defeat to the current Ranji Trophy winners. While Baroda triumphed over them by 84 runs, Jammu and Kashmir managed to pull a stunner the star-studded side by 5 wickets. Despite these setbacks, Mumbai secured a ??place in the quarter-finals with 4 wins and 2 defe??ats to their name.

Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad for the quarter-finals against Haryana

Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Ayush Mhatre, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Amogh Bhatkal, Suryakumar Yadav, Siddhesh Lad, Shivam Dube, Akash Anand (WK), Hardik Tamore (WK), Suryansh Shedge, Shardul Thakur, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Mohit Avasthi, Sylvester Dsouza, Ro???yston Dias, Atharva Ankolekar, Harsh Tanna.

Also Watch: Wriddhiman Saha gets a Guard of Honour in his final Ranji Trophy matc?h

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India delivered a dominant performance in the fifth and final T20I against England at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, securing a massive 150-run victory to seal the series 4-1. Batting first, India posted a mammoth total of 247/9, courtesy of a breathtaking 135 off 54 balls from Abhishek Sharma. England, in response, faltered under the pressure of a record chase and were bundled out for just 97 in 10.3 overs, with Mohammed Shami, Shivam Dube and Abhishek starring with the ball. The emphatic win showcased India’s superior firepower and tactical acumen, leav?in?g England with no answers to the hosts�?aggressive approach.

Abhishek Sharma’s carnage and India’s explosive batting display

Put in to bat, India got off to a brisk start despite losing Sanju Samson early for 16. The stage was then taken over by Abhishek, who produced a sensational knock, hammering 135 runs off just 54 balls, laced with seven fours and 13 sixes. His blistering strike rate of 250 kept England bowlers on the back foot as he single-handedly dominated the innings. Tilak Varma (24 off 15) played a brief supporting role before Dube (30 off 13) added further impetus to the total. The middle and lower order could not contribute significantly, but India’s aggressive approach ensured they amassed a formidable 247/9 in 20 overs. England’s bowlers struggled, with Brydon Carse (3/38) be?ing the only stand??out performer amid the onslaught.

Also READ: IND vs ENG??: Fans erupt as Abhishek Sharma punishes England with a breathtaking T20I hundred i??n Mumbai

England collapse under pressure in record chase

Chasing a daunting target of 248, England had a promising start as Phil Salt blazed his way to a rapid 55 off 23 balls, striking seven boundaries and three sixes. However, his dismissal triggered a complete batting collapse, with wickets falling in quick succession. Shami (3/25) made early inroads, removing Ben Duckett and later wrapping up the tail. Varun Chakravarthy (2/25) and Dube (2/11)? played crucial roles in dismantling England’s lineup.

Harry Brook, Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone all failed to provide resistance, and England’s innings crumbled within 10.3 overs for a meager 97. The Indian bowlers executed their plans perfectly, ensuring an emphatic conclusion to a dominant series victory. With this win, India not only claimed the series 4-1 but also sent a strong message with their aggressive batting and disciplined bowling performances.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

The score line of #INDvENG was Smog & trouble free for team I?ndia 🇮🇳 well done ?boys.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 2, 2025

Well played @IamAbhiSharma4! That's where I want to see you! 🔥 Proud of you 👊🏻💯#IndVSEng

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) February 2, 2025

Abhishek Sharma beat England by 38 runs!#INDvENG

— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) February 2, 2025

England bowled out in 10.3 overs 🤣🤣

Abhishek beats them by 38 runs

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) February 2, 2025

England?? got almost a similar squad for CT. They should really worry about these many braindead players in a squad.

— arfan (@Im__Arfan) February 2, 2025

Will India allow England to use all 4 impact s??ubs to Ba?t .. 😜

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 2, 2025

India claim victory in the final T20I.

Congratulations to the hosts who win the series 4-1. pic.twitter.com/poh6TZlHbS

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 2, 2025

For playing an impressive knock of 135(54) and bagging 2 wickets, Abhishek Sharma is the Player of the Match 👌#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/ifhZsbi7mr

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 2, 2025

1️⃣7️⃣th consecutive T20I series victory at home, done and dusted in style! 😮‍💨�?/p>

Next ➡️ ODIs against 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 where the OGs are back. 🔥#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/d5rsYQ3vzY

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 2, 2025

England h??ave lost the fifth T20 against India by? 150 runs in Mumbai.

– India win the series by 4-1 margin. 🎇#Cricket #England #India #T20I #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/nHg07Sizod

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 2, 2025

Also READ: IND vs ENG: ?Ravichandran Ashwin breaks silence on India’s controversial concussion substitute decision in the 4th T20I

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India’s decision to introduce Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube during the fourth T20I against England in Pune ?has sparked a major debate ?in the cricketing world.

Controversy over Harshit Rana’s inclusion as a concussion substitute

The match saw Dube playing a pivotal role, smashing 53 off 34 balls, as India set a competitive total of 181/9. However, in the final over of India’s innings, Dube was struck on the helmet by a Craig Overton bouncer, forcing him to leave the field under concussion protocols. In a move that has since drawn heavy scrutiny, India replaced him with Harshit Rana, a medium-fast bowler, instead of a like-for-like all-rounde??r.

Rana made an instant impact, delivering a match-winning 3 for 33 on his T20I debut. His crucial breakthroughs – including Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell and Craig Overton – helped India bowl England out for 166, securing a 15-run victory. With this win, India took an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series ahead of the final match in Mumbai. England captain Jos Buttler did not hold back  in questioning India’s move, openly stating that Rana was not a like-for-like replacement for Dube.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s stance on India’s decision

Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has now voiced his strong disappro??val of the ??decision, criticizing both the match officials and the Indian team’s handling of the situation. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin did not mince his words, comparing the decision to the IPL’s Impact Player rule rather than an international cricket regulation.

“The game is done. India capture yet another series at home. T20I has been a real juggernaut of a win. What was this game? It was like a replica of the IPL. Supersub was there, and the game was played with an impact player,” Ashwi?n remarked, expressing his disbelief over the situation.

He further referenced the 2020 concussion substitution incident in Canberra, where Yuzvendra Chahal replaced Ravindra Jadeja after the latter suffered a concussion. Ashwin pointed out that at least in that case, a spinner was replaced by another spinner, making it a reasonable decision. In contrast, bringing in a pacer for a batting al??l-rounder like Dube seemed completely unjustified.

“The entire discussion is about how Harshit Rana came in as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube. Did we forget that it was an international match and play an IPL match? I can understand. It has happened in the past. Ravindra Jadeja got concussed in Canberra, and Yuzvendra Chahal came in as a substitute. I don’t understand this. At least previously, Chahal came in for Jadeja, a spinner for a spinner,” the 38-year-old stated.

Also READ: Did India follow ICC rules in replacing Shivam Dube with Harshit? Rana during ??4th T20I against England? Explained

Ashwin’s perspective on Ramandeep Singh as a possible replacement 

Ashwin strongly criticized the match officials, arguing that Ramandeep Singh, a batting all-rounder, was a perfect like-for-like rep??lacement for Dube, yet was overlooked. Ashwin further emphasized that this decision set a dangerous precedent, as it could allow teams to exploit the?? concussion rule in future matches.

“Here, Harshit came in for Shivam Dube. There is no role of the Indian or England team. If there is no one in the squad, then you can say that Harshit Rana can bat a bit and Shivam Dube can bowl a bit. That’s why we brought him in. Like-for-like replacement Ramandeep Singh was sitting outside. I don’t understand. This is a case of pure cricketing miscalculation, either on the part of the umpires or the part of the match referee. Ramandeep Singh was there, like-for-like for Shivam Dube. But not him. Harshit Rana was chosen as the concussion substitute. I think people in charge should look into this,” Ashwin concluded.

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The fourth T20I between India and England in Pune was not just about cricketing action but also about a major controversy regarding the concussion substitute rule. India’s choice to bring in Harshit Rana as a replacement for Shivam Dube drew criticism, with England’s skipper Jos Buttler questioning whether the decision aligned with ?ICC regulations.

Controversial decision raises questions

During the final over of India’s innings, Dube was struck on the helmet by a delivery from Jamie Overton. After? medical examination, India announced that pacer Rana would take his place under the concussion substitute rule. Rana went on to make a significant impact with the ball, claiming three wickets for 33 runs and playing a p??ivotal role in India’s 15-run triumph.

However, England expressed concerns over?? the legitimacy of the substitution. Buttler argued that Rana, primarily a pace bowler, was not a suitable like-for-like replacement for Dube, who is known for his batting and occasional medium-pace bowling.

Also READ: Triple-wicket maiden: England pacer Saqib ?Mahmood achieves a unique feat in the 4th T20I against India

Was Harshit Rana a true ‘like-for-like’ replacement?

Several experts believe that replacing an all-rounder like Dube with a specialist bowler such as Rana provided India with an advantage. Former players like Kevin Pietersen and Alastair Cook also weighed in, suggesting that the decision contradicte??d the spirit of the rule.

The ICC’s concussion substitute rules aim to maintain fairness in the game by ensuring that a replacement does not give a team an undue advantage. Clause 1.2.7.3 states that the substitute must be a like-for-like pl?ayer, meaning their inclusion should not significantly strengthen the team beyond what the concussed player offered. This prevents teams from using the rule strategically to gain an upper hand.

Meanwhile, Clause 1.2.7.7 grants the match referee the final authority in approving or rejecting a concussion ?substitution, with no option for teams to challenge the decision, ensuring that disputes do not disrupt the match.

Clause 1.2.7.3: “A concussion replacement should be a comparable player whose inclusion does not provide a significant advantage to the team for the remainder of the match.” This rule ensures that teams do not exploit the concussion substitution process?.

Clause 1.2.7.7: “The match referee’s decision regarding a concussion replacement is final, and teams cannot appeal against it.”

Also READ: England captain Jos Buttler fumes over India��s use of Ha??rshit Rana as concussion sub in the 4th T20I

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England captain Jos Buttler expressed his dissatisfaction with India’s decision to introduce Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube during the fourth T20I match in Pune, which the hosts won the match by 15 runs, sec?ur??ing an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series.

Dube, who played a crucial knock of 53 runs off 34 balls, was struck on the helmet by a Jamie Overton‘s delivery in the final over of India’s innings. After being assessed by medical staff and subsequently not taking the field for England’s chase, Rana was brought in as a concussion substitute. Rana made an immediate impact, claiming 3 wickets for 33 runs and playing a decisive role in India’s victory.

Jos Buttler criticizes ‘like-for-like’ substitution

During the post-match press conference, Buttler strongly disagreed with the substitution, questioning its adherence to the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules for concussion replacements.

“Either Shivam Dube has put on about 25 mph with the ball or Harshit has really improved his batting. It’s not a like-for-like replacement, we don’t agree with that. It’s part of the game; I still think we should have gone on to win the match but we disagree with the decision,” Buttler stated.

Notably, the ICC’s concussion substitute guidelines stipulate that the replacement player should be a like-for-like substitute who does not provide the team with an undue advantage. However, match referee Javagal Srinath approved India’s request for Rana as Dube’s replacement, leading to the controversy.

Also READ: Triple-wicket maiden: England pacer Saqib Mahmood achieves a unique feat in t??he 4th T20I? against India

Lack of consultation fuels frustration

Buttler also highlighted the lack of communication between the officials and England’s team management regarding the decision, emphasi??zing that such a crucial ruling should have been discussed with both teams beforehand. He expressed his disappointment over being informed about the substitution only after it had already been approved and implemented, leaving England with no opportunity to raise objections or seek clarification in real time.

“There was no consultation. As I came out to bat, I asked the umpire why Harshit was on the field, and he said he’s the concussion sub, which I was quite confused by,” Buttler remarked.

The incident has triggered a debate over the interpretation of the concussion substitute rule. Former England cricketers, including Kevin Pietersen and Alastair Cook, have also questioned ??the decision, emph?asizing the disparity between Dube, a batting all-rounder, and Rana, a specialist fast bowler with limited batting ability in T20 cricket.

India defend the decision

India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, defended the team’s move, asserting that the decision was made solely based on Dube’s health concerns. He also stated that it was ultimately up to the match referee to approve the ???substitution.

With the controversy gaining momentum, discussions surrounding the concussion substitute rule and its implementation are l??ikely to continue, adding another layer of intrigue to the ongoing series.

Also READ: Netizens go berserk as Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana lead India to a series-clinching win over En??gland in 4th T20I

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India registered a hard-fought 15-run victory over England in the fourth T20I at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, sealing the series 3-1 with one match to spare. After posting 181/9, India’s bowlers, led by Ravi Bishnoi and debutant Harshit Rana, delivered a clinical performance to bowl out England for 166 in 19.4 overs. This win marked India’s 17th consecutive T20I series triumph at home, further reinforcing their dominance in the shortest format. Notably, Harshit was introduced as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube in the second innings, ??a move that proved decisive in India’s fav??our.

Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya’s counterattack rescues India from top-order collapse

India’s batting innings began on a disastrous note, with the hosts reeling at 12/3 within two overs. Saqib Mahmood�?/strong>s triple strike sent Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav back to the pavilion for ducks, while Sanju Samson managed just one run before perishing. However, Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh attempted a partial recovery before the duo of Dube and Hardik Pandya turned the tide. Dube’s 53 off 34 balls, featuring seven fours?? and two sixes, provided much-needed stability, while Pandya’s explosive 53 off 30 balls, laced with four fou??rs and four sixes, ensured India reached a competitive 181/9 despite losing wickets at regular intervals.