Top 4 of IPL: GT, MI, RCB OR?

Imagine your team winning three in a row — but still missing the top two because of decimal points. That’s the cruel magic of net run rate (NRR). Wins? Not enough. How big you win (and how small you lose) matters just as much.

Break Down

• Gujarat Titans lead, but the race is far from over.

• Mumbai Indians must win all three of their remaining games to finish in the top 2.

• RCB must win at least 3 out of 4 — but also keep an eye on their NRR.

• Punjab Kings (led by the smooth, composed Shreyas Iyer) hold a tiny edge over Delhi Capitals, but they can’t afford slip-ups.

• Delhi Capitals started 4–0 but have since made baffling decisions, like not playing their top pacer T Natarajan.

• LSG and KKR are still alive, but only just; they need help from other results.

Eng squad to face Zim

Zak Crawley might be cricket’s most protected golden child — no matter how the numbers look.

Few batters get the kind of backing Crawley has. Maybe Rohit Sharma, early in his career, comes close, but even then, Rohit’s numbers weren’t this poor. Honestly, England’s one-off Test against Zimbabwe was the perfect, low-risk chance to test a new opener before the brutal five-match India series. Instead, they’re doubling down — classic sunk-cost fallacy at work. Average of 15.1 across his last 14 test innings. To put it into perspective, Eng seamers Atkinson (23.9) and Chris Woakes (19.6) possess better batting numbers.

On the bowling front, though, England are in rewarding form. Consistent Essex quick Sam Cook (319 wickets at 19.6) earns a well-deserved maiden call-up. Josh Tongue and Jordan Cox return from injury, while Shoaib Bashir, despite underwhelming numbers, is in the spotlight as the likely lone spinner. With Jacob Bethell still tied up at the IPL, Cox has a big chance to stake his claim. This is his third call-up to eng squad, yet to make his debut.

The lineup for the India series could look very different if and when Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, and Jacob Bethell return. Crawley may keep getting backed, but these fresh faces have everything to play for.

Cricinspo by Ben Berettell has done a wonderful review of eng squad and selection policy. (check it out)

BCCI bring shambles to cricket

The BCCI has turned into an authoritarian machine, doing more harm than good for cricket. They’ve repeatedly gone after independent journalists and creators, often for no real reason, stifling voices that make the game richer and more relatable. Worse, they’ve cut off public access to crucial data like Hawkeye, locking fans and analysts out.

Where global sports bodies work with creators to make the game more accessible and inclusive, the BCCI acts like a gatekeeper, guarding power instead of growing the sport. It’s a shortsighted approach that risks shrinking the very community that keeps cricket alive.

Catch pov

What do you reckon — brilliant fielding or a rule crying out for clarity?