Latest news with #Saurashtra
Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Cheteshwar Pujara's name floated as stopgap after Rohit, Kohli's Test exits but BCCI 'in no mood to look back': Report
In the lead-up to India's first Test squad announcement of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle, there has been murmured curiosity around whether Cheteshwar Pujara could earn a return. With both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli having retired from the format earlier this month, a vacuum has opened in the top order. But according to a Cricbuzz report, the selectors are 'in no mood to look back,' a firm indication that Pujara's time in the Indian Test setup may be firmly behind him. At 37, Pujara still remains active in the domestic grind, a fact that lends some weight to the outside noise. He had a decent run with Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy last season, notching up a century and a double-hundred. Pujara is also among the regulars in County Championships, last representing Sussex in May 2024. Yet, despite an impressive record in the Indian whites (7,195 runs in 103 matches), the right-hander didn't feature in any game during the 2023–25 WTC cycle. His last appearance came in the final of the previous edition. The silence from the selectors might be louder than words. As Cricbuzz reported, while there has been 'some chatter' about revisiting Pujara given the lack of senior batters, the overall impression from the team management is that they're focused on the future. It has also been reported that Sai Sudharsan may get a maiden Test call-up, with Karun Nair also expected to make a return following an extraordinary domestic season with Vidarbha. India's squad for the five-match Test series in England, starting June 20, will be named on Saturday in Mumbai, followed by a press conference. The tour, featuring games at Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord's, Old Trafford, and The Oval, marks India's first bilateral assignment post the retirements of Kohli and Rohit. In preparation, India 'A' will face England Lions in three matches starting May 30 in Canterbury. Abhimanyu Easwaran will captain the side, with Dhruv Jurel as his deputy. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan will join the squad ahead of the second match.
The Independent
21-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Asiatic lion population grows by a third in five years as conservation efforts pay off
The Asiatic lion population in India has grown by nearly a third in five years, to 891 from 674 in 2020, according to the latest census. 'Not only did the count go up by 217 but the animals were found outside the Gir National Park, their traditional habitat, and spread across 11 districts of Saurashtra,' forest officials said, referring to the large peninsular region in western Gujarat that includes forests, grasslands and coastal areas. The previous census conducted in June 2020 estimated the population of Asiatic lions – a subspecies found only in India and historically associated with Gujarat 's Gir region – at 674. By the latest count, there are now 196 male lions, 330 females, 140 sub-adults, and 225 cubs. 'Estimated population of Asiatic lions has increased to 891,' chief minister Bhupendra Patel said. The population growth has triggered calls for translocating some of the lions outside Gujarat to reduce the pressure on Saurashtra and promote genetic diversity. The proposal is contentious, however, with concerns ranging from ecological suitability to local community acceptance and political considerations. Once limited to the Gir National Park in Junagadh and Amreli, the big cats now roam 11 districts. 'We counted 384 lions within the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, while 507 were found beyond its boundaries,' Jaipal Singh, principal chief conservator of forests in Gujarat. Outside Gir, lions were spotted in sanctuaries like Pania, Mitiyala, Girnar, and Barda as well as in non-forested and coastal areas. Forest officials reported the largest pride numbered 17 lions in the Bhavnagar district. Teetering on the brink of extinction in the early 20th century with its number plummeting to just about 20, the Asiatic lion has made a remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts. While this is a major success, conservationists warn that the subspecies remains vulnerable to genetic inbreeding and the risk of extinction from diseases or forest fires since it exists as a single isolated population. The lions are a key tourist draw, with over half a million people visiting the Gir park a year.
NDTV
02-05-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
"If The Team Needs Me...": Cheteshwar Pujara's Big Claim On India's Upcoming England Tour
Cheteshwar Pujara hasn't played for India since the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023. India's Test team passed through a lean phase and could not make a place in this year's WTC final. Speaking about India's England tour starting next month, Pujara said he would grab the opportunity if it comes his way. "If the team needs and I get the opportunity, I am prepared from my end. I have been working on my physical fitness, performing well in the country and domestic tournaments. Team India has been quite competitive, but has not won a series in England for around 20 years now, so given an opportunity, I would like to give the best from my end and grab the opportunity if the team needs me. This would be the perfect opportunity to contribute when a win is much needed in England," Pujara told Boria Majumdar on 'Backstage with Boria' season 6 The Indian team will tour England after the Indian Premier League 2025. Both teams will play a 5-match Test series starting from June 20. This series will also mark the start of a new World Test Championship cycle for India. "When one has been successful at the highest level and played more than 100 Test matches and are still not a part of the team, you carry on the hard work that has been the reason behind getting the success. Not getting the opportunity is a big disappointment, but I keep myself ready and motivated because of my love for this game. And out of that love, I keep myself close to the game and routine without expecting much, and through any opportunity I get, be it domestic or county," Pujara said. "When you fail, you fail as a team/unit and not because of a single player. So, missing out on being a part of the team is definitely disappointing for me, as it would have been for anyone else, but I try to take it positively. I try to focus on things that I have in my control. I keep my good performances for Team India in the past (be it in Australia, or England, or my performance in India) as my motivation. I always try to play for the team to win. Whether it is Saurashtra or Sussex, I keep my target as contributing to the team. So, getting a chance to get back into the Indian team will have the same motivation from my end even now," he added. Pujara featured for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, scoring 402 runs in seven matches and 10 innings at an average of 40.20, with a century and fifty and best score of 234. Since his last match for India, he has featured extensively in domestic cricket and in County cricket for Sussex alike. In England, Pujara has scored 870 runs in 16 matches at an average of 29.00, with a century and five fifties and a best score of 132*. Listen to the latest songs, only on
