Cricket News Today: Sourav Ganguly clarifies criteria for chief selector role, Hardik Pandya ruled out of New Zealand Test series and more - 1st February, 2020

#2 Hardik Pandya ruled out of Tests against New Zealand

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya has been nursing a back injury since the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, although many expected him to be fit and firing for the Men In Blue’s tour to New Zealand. However, the all-rounder’s road to recovery has been marred by several obstacles and in the most recent development, Hardik was ruled out of the upcoming Test rubber against the Kiwis.

Furthermore, it was revealed that he would be continuing his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

He travelled to London and was accompanied by NCA Head Physio Ashish Kaushik for a review by spinal surgeon Dr James Allibone. Hardik will be under rehab at the National Cricket Academy until he regains full match fitness.

Earlier, there had been rumours about the Mumbai Indians star failing a workload test prior to the white-ball series against the Black Caps.

India are slated to play South Africa post the assignment in New Zealand. Thus, at this juncture, that particular rubber seems the appropriate time to pencil down a return for the all-rounder.

Read the full article here: NZ vs IND 2020: Hardik Pandya ruled out of New Zealand Test series

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#3 Virat Kohli opens up on effects of two consecutive Super Overs

Virat Kohli (L)

The past few days have seen India and New Zealand embroil themselves in a pair of Super Overs, despite the latter looking likely to win the encounter for large swathes. In fact, on both occasions, the Men In Blue have managed to claw their way back into the match and have subsequently, forced a one-over eliminator.

Consequently, India got their first taste of the Super Over, having never been called into such a situation before the 3rd T20I at Seddon Park. On the above, Virat Kohli quipped,

There's something new I've learned in the last couple of games: when the opposition is playing well, you stay calm till the end and try to come back. We couldn't have asked for more exciting games, we've never played Super Overs before and now we've won two. It shows the character of the team.

The final game of the five-match T20I series takes place at the Bay Oval on the 2nd of February, 2020 as the hosts look to get on the board whereas India would be hoping to complete an unprecedented white-wash on Kiwi shores.

Read the full article here: Two Super Over finishes have taught me to stay calm, says Virat Kohli