December 23 Evening Brief: Today's Top news and headlines from cricket world

1. Reports: Ishan Kishan's time out from cricket happened due to mental marathon

Ishan Kishan's unexpected withdrawal from the upcoming Test series against South Africa, citing personal reasons, had sparked curiosity among the cricketing fraternity. The BCCI's official statement lacked specifics, but according to recent reports, mental fatigue stemming from incessant travel and limited game time appeared to be the underlying cause. (READ MORE)

2. ‘Would he have bowled from both ends?’ - Aakash Chopra on RCB chasing Pat Cummins at IPL auction

RCB went extreme with their bid for Australia skipper Pat Cummins, bidding for the all-rounder until INR 20.25 crore despite having a budget of only INR 23.25 crore during the IPL 2024 auction. Analysing the situation, Aakash Chopra stated that in case Sunrisers Hyderabad had pulled out of the race, RCB would have suffered a big blow as the team required more quality players. (READ MORE)

3. Jamaica Tallawahs to be replaced in CPL by Antigua-based franchise

The Jamaica Tallawahs will not be a part of the 2024 season of the Caribbean Premier League as the franchise will be replaced by a franchise from Antigua. (READ MORE)

4. Sanju Samson has the amount of supporters that biggest players have: Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik lauded Sanju Samson's performance in the third and final ODI against South Africa, highlighting his loyal global fanbase. (READ MORE)

5. I've got a lot of one-day and T20 cricket still left in me: Alex Carey

A dip in form has pushed Alex Carey out of the Australian ODI squad. However, the stumper-batter is determined to make a comeback as he believes that plenty of ODI and T20 cricket is left in him. (READ MORE)

6. Gautam Gambhir emphasises Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to hold key to India's batting success in South Africa

As the much-anticipated Test series between India and South Africa inches closer, former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has weighed in on the looming challenge for the Indian batting lineup. (READ MORE)

7. Hardik Pandya likely to miss Afghanistan T20Is, IPL 2024

India's premier seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been out of action since he twisted his left ankle while trying to stop a boundary in an ODI World Cup 2023 game against Bangladesh. Recent reports suggest that Hardik's return to the cricket field is set for a long delay as the 30-year-old is in line to miss the home T20I series against Afghanistan in January and also the forthcoming IPL season. (READ MORE)

8. Winning a Test match is a different feeling to anything else you experience: Virat Kohli

Ahead of the first Test against South Africa, which is slated to begin on Tuesday, December 26, in Centurion, India batter Virat Kohli opened up on the importance of red-ball cricket and what it means to him. (READ MORE)

9. 'Ladai meri sirf on the field hai'- Gautam Gambhir's heartwarming take on equation with Virat Kohli

Gautam Gambhir, who is known for his straightforward statements recently won hearts following his comment on Virat Kohli's 50th ODI century, which the latter achieved during the recently concluded ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. (READ MORE)

10. SA vs IND: Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of Test series due to finger injury, Abhimanyu Easwaran named replacement

Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered an injury to his right ring finger while fielding in the second ODI against South Africa in Gqeberha. The Men’s Selection Committee has named Abhimanyu Easwaran as his replacement. (READ MORE)