No Yo-Yo for CSK, relief for Sreesanth and more - Cricket News Today, 15th March 2019

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The third Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh which was scheduled to start on the 16th of March at the Hagley Oval has been called off after the mass shooting in Christchurch. The Bangladeshi players narrowly escaped the shooting incident which took place in the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch.

They had gone there to offer their Friday prayers but before they could enter the mosque, the shooting took place and they were safely escorted back to the hotel.

There’s a fresh turn of incidents in the case of Sreesanth while JP Duminy has announced that he will retire from the 50-over format after the World Cup.

Here are all the top news that made headlines in the cricketing world today.

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No Yo-Yo Test for CSK players

The Yo-Yo Test is one of the prime fitness tests for the Indian cricket team. Under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, India have made it mandatory for the players to pass the Yo-Yo Test in order to be considered for selection.

However, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have decided against the Yo-Yo Test ahead of the upcoming IPL season. Former India trainer Ramji Srinivasan who is a part of the CSK setup this season has opted for the 2 km or 2.4 km and the Sprint Repeat test".

"These couple of tests will gauge the players’ fitness ahead of the 12th edition. He said that just because Yo-Yo is a standard for the Indian team, it’s not necessary for him or CSK to follow the same.

“I have picked the 2km or 2.4km run to check the fitness standards of the players as also the Sprint Repeat test. Just because the national team does the Yo-Yo test doesn't mean I need to follow the process. I believe in the need to prepare challenges for players keeping their specific requirements in mind".

"For example, even when I was with the Indian team, the training regime I prepared for Dhoni wasn't the same as the one for Sachin Tendulkar,” Ramji Srinivasan was quoted saying by IANS.

JP Duminy to retire after 2019 World Cup

JP Duminy

South African all-rounder JP Duminy has announced that the 2019 World Cup will be his last 50-over assignment. He has already retired from the longest format of the game. Duminy retired from Test cricket back in September 2017 after playing 46 games for South Africa.

He announced that he will continue playing domestic and international cricket after the 2019 World Cup and will be available for selection. He said that it was a tough decision but felt it was the right time to move on and pass the baton.

“While a decision like this is never easy, I also feel that it is the right time for me to pass on the baton. I will still be available to play international and domestic T20 cricket but would also like to invest more time towards my growing family, who are my number one priority".

"I have been privileged to live out my dream playing a sport I love, and I am forever grateful for the support I have received from my teammates, coaches, family, friends and fans throughout the years,” Duminy was quoted saying while disclosing his decision.

Supreme Court revokes life ban on Sreesanth

The Supreme Court, on Friday, revoked the life ban imposed on Sreesanth for his involvement in the much-hyped spot-fixing case of the 2013 IPL.

The court has asked the board (BCCI) to reconsider its decision on Sreesanth’s life ban. The BCCI has three months to come up with a fresh punishment for the 36-year-old.

“Life ban given to Mohammed Azharuddin (former India captain) was overturned. Pakistan's Salim Malik got a life ban but it was overturned. Hansie Cronje was given life ban but he died in a plane crash when proceedings were not closed,” Sreesanth's lawyer Salman Khurshid was quoted saying the court.

Along with two other Rajasthan Royals cricketers Ankit Chavan and Ajit Chandila, Sreesanth was arrested by the Delhi police for allegedly involved in spot-fixing in the 6th edition of the IPL in 2013. Subsequently, all three cricketers were banned for life by the BCCI.

Sourav Ganguly picks Pujara to bat at No. 4

The Indian ODI team has been sweating over the No. 4 spot for a long time now. As many as 12 players have been tried at that slot but none of them have cemented their spot.

Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly made a surprising pick for the No. 4 position. In India TV’s talk show, ‘Cricket Ki Baat’, Ganguly said that it might not sound believable but his pick for the No.4 position is Cheteshwar Pujara.

The recently appointed advisor of the Delhi Capitals said that his fielding might be on the weaker side, but Pujara’s is better than the options India have tried.

“See, I am going to say something that might not sound believable to many viewers and a lot of people might laugh at my suggestion. But for me, Cheteshwar Pujara should be India's No.4 in ODIs. His fielding might be a bit weak but he is a very good batsman".

"I know people will be shocked by my claim but if you want a quality batsman who is better than the options India has tried off late, I think Pujara is the best choice,” Ganguly said while he made the surprising pick.