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The Royal Premier League kicked off in Pulwama as Royal Goodwill defeated Sultan Springs Baramulla in a thrilling opener, with thousands of fans celebrating the start of Kashmir's biggest local cricketing platform.

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.

In an exclusive interview, Cheteshwar Pujara said he took the decision to retire a week after contemplating the big call. The Test specialist added that he has no regrets about his career, including the last two years when he was not selected for the senior national team.

Former India off-spinner R Ashwin has called for greater recognition of Cheteshwar Pujara's cricketing achievements. Pujara retired from international cricket on Sunday, bringing the curtains down on a decorated Test career.

Sachin Tendulkar recently engaged with fans on Reddit, reminiscing about his prediction of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma carrying his legacy. He acknowledged their contributions to Indian cricket and highlighted the promising future with emerging talents. Kohli and Rohit, now focused on ODIs, are set to play a crucial series against Australia in October, bridging experience with the next generation.

Rishabh Pant honored Cheteshwar Pujara upon his retirement, recalling their vital Test partnerships, notably during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Pant highlighted their memorable stand at Sydney and Pujara's resilient innings at the Gabba, which significantly contributed to India's victories and draws. Pujara concluded his career as a key Test player, amassing 7,195 runs.

Shreyas Iyer declined West Zone captaincy in the Duleep Trophy, leading to Shardul Thakur's appointment. Iyer, anticipating an Asia Cup call-up, focused on white-ball training but was surprisingly excluded from the squad. Meanwhile, Thakur is expected to lead Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, following Rahane's departure, after his strong red-ball performance and recent Test recall.

Cheteshwar Pujara, known for his resilience and unwavering defense, retires from Indian cricket, marking the end of an era defined by grit and patience. Over 103 Tests, he amassed 7,195 runs, becoming a symbol of steadfastness at the No. 3 position.

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.

Wimbledon is targeting India to grow its brand, tapping into cricket’s popularity and engaging young audiences through collaborations, influencers, and technology. Indian cricketers like Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rohit Sharma have become key figures in this strategy. With key partnerships, Wimbledon aims to blend tradition with innovation for global appeal.

Indian fast bowler Mukesh Kumar and his wife, Divya Singh, are celebrating the arrival of their newborn son. The couple, who married in November 2023, shared the joyous news on social media, marking a new chapter in their lives. Mukesh, known for his dedication to cricket, is expected to return to the field soon, bringing renewed motivation after embracing fatherhood.

Prithvi Shaw, once a celebrated cricket prodigy, faced setbacks after early success. He lost focus and was dropped from teams. Sachin Tendulkar's support motivated Shaw to turn things around. Now, at 25, Shaw joined Maharashtra cricket to rebuild his career. He acknowledges his past mistakes and is working hard. Shaw aims for redemption with Sachin's backing.

Rishabh Pant has achieved a career-best seventh position in the ICC Test rankings after his remarkable centuries in the first Test against England. He equalled Andy Flower's record as the only wicketkeepers to score two centuries in a single Test. Pant's success is inspiring, especially after his near-fatal car accident in 2022.