Tarkesh Jha

24.

[Eddie Gonzalez @bansky]

Internet decided “traveling” was the peak of existence and can’t fathom that’s not everybody’s ideal lol

[Sid Lowe @sidlowe]

Said it before but: if you were Messi you would have walked away after the last World Cup, football completed. I would anyway. And now look. What a lunatic.

[Samuel Luckhurst @samuelluckhurst]

Never expected a coach as supposedly sophisticated as Tuchel to be reduced to such agricultural tactics at that level. Charles Hughes stuff. England had a deep enough talent pool to see the game out productively but their approach after scoring was backwards.

[Harsha Bhogle @bhogleharsha]

I think it is imperative that the BCCI gives fans the reason why Sanju Samson isn't in the team to Zimbabwe. Communication is crucial because otherwise people will arrive at their own conclusion. Because surely he cannot be dropped. Surely not.

[Priyank Panchal @PKpanchal09]

India's defeat to England, coming on the back of the disappointing series loss to Ireland, raises an uncomfortable but important question, i.e. has the relentless cricket calendar finally caught up with this team?

Over the last few months, India's core group has barely had time to switch off. A high-pressure World Cup campaign was immediately followed by a demanding IPL season, where the intensity often matches that of international cricket.

While the physical workload is evident, mental fatigue can be even harder to overcome.

As players, we often spoke about the challenge of staying emotionally invested when every game feels like a knockout. Decision-making slows down, intensity in the field drops by a few percentage points, and those small margins often decide international matches.

That, however, shouldn't take away from the opposition. Ireland showed tremendous growth and fearlessness, while England capitalised on every opportunity. International cricket has become far more competitive, and no team can afford to operate below its best.

The way forward isn't to panic after two disappointing series. Instead, it is an opportunity to reassess workload management. Strategic rest, a stronger rotation policy and greater trust in the bench can ensure India's premier players are mentally and physically fresh for the biggest assignments.

India possesses one of the deepest talent pools in world cricket. This phase should be viewed as a timely reminder rather than a crisis. Every successful team goes through periods where it must recalibrate. If managed well, these setbacks could ultimately strengthen the side and help it peak when the next major ICC tournament arrives.

#INDvENG

[Priyank Panchal @PKpanchal09]

For a long time, matches against nations like Ireland were viewed as opportunities to experiment, rotate players and bank easy wins. Those days are well and truly behind us.

India's 2-0 defeat to Ireland may surprise many, but if you've been following the growth of world cricket closely, it isn't entirely unexpected.

Teams like Ireland, Scotland, Nepal, the Netherlands and the USA have invested consistently in their structures, domestic pathways and player development.

More importantly, they have changed their mindset.

I experienced it first-hand during my days in the Nepal Premier League.

Today's non-Test playing cricketers no longer walk onto the field hoping to compete, as they genuinely believe they can win.

What has impressed me most is their clarity of approach.

Whether with the bat or ball, they understand their strengths and execute plans with conviction.

Their fielding standards have improved significantly, fitness levels are exceptional, and they aren't overawed by reputations anymore.

They have played franchise cricket around the world, shared dressing rooms with international stars and gained invaluable experience.

For heavyweight nations, that means there is simply no room for complacency.

Talent alone is no longer enough.

Preparation, adaptability and execution have become the biggest differentiators.

Losses like these should be viewed as a wake-up call rather than a setback.

Indian cricket has the depth and quality to bounce back strongly, but it also needs to acknowledge that the gap between the traditional powerhouses and the rest of the world is shrinking rapidly.

And that's good news for cricket.

A stronger, more competitive global game is exactly what the sport needs.

Thoughts?

#INDvIRE #Cricket

[Priyank Panchal @PKpanchal09]

Me and James Hildreth. Two countries. 38,000 first-class runs. But one shared trauma: the Test cap that never came! 😅

[Tarkesh Jha @jha_tarkesh]

. @ZEE5India Last night, I looked to upgrade my account for the three-month FIFA package. You guys deducted Rs 799 from the account, set up an autopay, but didn��t upgrade my account. Kindly either process the refund or roll out the FIFA package for me at he earliest

[Johns. @CricCrazyJohns]

Priyank Panchal led Sportsversity launches India's maiden athlete-first sports education platform 👏

The platform launches with five specialised programmes covering Athlete Wellness & Performance Science, Sports Media, Content & Commentary, Sports Business & Entrepreneurship, Athlete Branding, Career & Finance, and The Sports Family, Parenting & Finance.

[Priyank Panchal @PKpanchal09]

An year after my retirement, I am stepping onto something I’ve always been passionate about.

Would appreciate your support, feedback, and company in this exciting journey ahead! 😇🙌

[Priyank Panchal @PKpanchal09]

I remember Manav Suthar from the GT nets a few years ago. He has worked hard in domestic cricket over the years to finally earn a well-deserved India cap! Really hope he carries forward the Ashwin-Jadeja legacy and gets us back to the top of red-ball cricket. #INDvAFG

[Priyank Panchal @PKpanchal09]

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s six-hitting skills defy age. Bat swing, footwork, timing, and even the balance he holds whilst pulling off his aerial shots are second to none. At this point, even calling him a generational talent sounds like an understatement. #IPL2026

[Priyank Panchal @PKpanchal09]

Whilst appreciating Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, let’s not forget to Jharkhand player Samar Qadri, who scouted and recommended his name to RR for trials. Spotting a talent is one thing, but backing them against conventional notion at such a young age is what has made this story so special! #IPL2026

[Chennai Super Kings @ChennaiIPL]

💛

#WhistlePodu #CSKvSRH

[Priyank Panchal @PKpanchal09]

I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again. RCB are a case study for any team looking to turn around their fortunes. Remember, all it takes is one good auction. Success might be closer to you than you’d think! #IPL2026

[Priyank Panchal @PKpanchal09]

As the game gets more and more tilted in the favour of the batters, people might begin watching the game more because of stories rather than the love for the sport. In that case, someone like a Vaibhav fits perfectly in the current day and age. Issue will come for the fraternity in consistently churning out such unique stories though. #IPL2026

[Priyank Panchal @PKpanchal09]

You can’t help but appreciate the sheer clarity of the Gujarat Titans team management with which they have constructed this squad. They’ve backed conventional cricketing wisdom in an age where being unconventional is cool. Kudos #IPL2026

[Tarkesh Jha @jha_tarkesh]

Ponting’s pep talk helps Arshdeep? 🤔 #IPL2026

[Tarkesh Jha @jha_tarkesh]

MADHAV TIWARI - A future India player? 🤔 #IPL2026

[Priyank Panchal @PKpanchal09]

I have always rated Urvil very highly. He comes across as a talented kid, whose batting style is in tune with the demands of modern day cricket. His intent and keenness to learn is praiseworthy. Godspeed! #IPL2026