zukasound.com – Daily Picks & Featured Commentary

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian spinner, has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League after a distinguished 16-season career. He represented five franchises, including Chennai Super Kings, where he won two titles. Ashwin concluded his IPL journey with 187 wickets in 221 matches, leaving a legacy of tactical brilliance and adaptability.

Veteran Indian off-spinner R Ashwin has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), expressing his desire to explore opportunities in other global leagues. Ashwin, who previously retired from international cricket, thanked the IPL and BCCI for their support.

Cheteshwar Pujara, speaking to India Today, said Test selections are now increasingly influenced by both red-ball performances and white-ball exploits, urging youngsters to equip themselves to excel across all three formats. The batting great admitted he missed out on IPL deals after being labelled a Test specialist.

Suryakumar Yadav recovered from an injury sustained near the end of IPL 2025. He spent weeks at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. There, he underwent a structured rehabilitation process. Yadav praised the facility and staff for their support. He focused on mindset and physical recovery. Now, Suryakumar Yadav is fit.

India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rinku Singh revealed how his IPL team owner Shah Rukh Khan asked him to travel on a special chartered flight with him after Rinku's team India snub.

The Tendulkar family is celebrating joyous occasions, with Sara Tendulkar launching her Pilates studio, a venture fueled by her passion for health and fitness. Sachin Tendulkar expressed immense pride in his daughter's independent endeavour, highlighting her dedication and the family's focus on well-being. This milestone follows Arjun Tendulkar's recent engagement to Saaniya Chandok, adding to the family's happiness.

Mark Butcher questions Jacob Bethell's captaincy for the Ireland T20Is. Butcher highlights Bethell's limited summer cricket. He points out the absence of key players like Harry Brook. Butcher suggests it disrespects Ireland's cricket. The series features players like Jordan Cox and Liam Livingstone. Butcher questions the necessity of Bethell's role given upcoming Ashes.

Arjun Tendulkar is reportedly engaged to Saaniya Chandok, though the Tendulkar family has not officially confirmed the news. The intimate ceremony was family-oriented, connecting the Tendulkar and Chandok families. Arjun, who plays for Mumbai Indians and represents Goa in domestic cricket, balances his personal milestone with his developing cricketing career.

Prithvi Shaw, once hailed as a future star, candidly admits to making poor choices and losing focus on cricket, leading to a decline in his career. After being dropped due to fitness issues and going unsold in the IPL, Shaw seeks a fresh start by leaving the Mumbai Cricket Association to play for Maharashtra.