News / Author / Somshuvra Laha

Somshuvra Laha

Somshuvra Laha is a sports journalist with over 11 years' experience writing on cricket, football and other sports. He has covered the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, the 2016 ICC World Twenty20, cricket tours of South Africa, West Indies and Bangladesh and the 2010 Commonwealth Games for Hindustan Times.

Articles by Somshuvra Laha

Champions Trophy: Shami’s return big boost in Bumrah’s absence

The pacers do brilliantly in tandem, but a fit-again Shami will let India breathe easy going into the premier ODI event

Since 2020, Mohammed Shami has bowled at an average of 15.44 and a strike rate of 17.1 in One Day Internationals (PTI)

Cricket

Published on Jan 13, 2025 10:14 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Deconstructed: India’s batting downturn in Australia

India hit more sixes, but unlike in the past, they scored lower in playing out time and stitching fifty-run stands

India's Virat Kohli has struggled with the bat in the series against Australia. (AP)

Cricket

Updated on Jan 10, 2025 06:47 AM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Pat Cummins and his golden touch

Pat Cummins, Australia's Test captain, has achieved remarkable success, winning major titles and taking 130 wickets.

Under Pat Cummins, Australia has won the Ashes, the World Test Championship final, the ODI World Cup and now the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (AFP)

Cricket

Updated on Jan 07, 2025 08:52 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

The year ahead: Redrawing the pitch

Retiring star players, a new captain: Can the men’s cricket team emerge stronger from its period of transition? Can the women summon the teamwork and skill to win it all at home?

The year ahead is packed with events in which India have largely drawn a blank in recent times. The World Test Championship is one. There is also the Women’s ODI World Cup, which India hosts this year. (HT Image)

Cricket

Published on Dec 31, 2024 11:39 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Proteas in 2024: From prioritising T20s to reaching WTC final

Clarity of qualification requirement and consistency in delivering under pressure help South Africa book maiden summit clash

South Africa overcame Pakistan by two wickets at Centurion on Sunday to win the first Test and become the first team to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 (AFP)

Cricket

Published on Dec 31, 2024 09:48 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

2024 yearender: A cup high, a home low

In many ways, the 2024 T20 World Cup win became the final piece of the puzzle that would cement India as the undisputed leader of the game

After the World Cup triumph, India fell to a humiliating 0-3 defeat at home by New Zealand.

India News

Updated on Dec 31, 2024 06:28 AM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

WTC race: With SA taking top spot in the table, pressure on India

A 3-1 finish in the ongoing series against Australia should put India in the final for a third time in a row

South Africa beat Sri Lanka in the second Test on Monday. (AP)

Cricket

Published on Dec 09, 2024 09:04 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Voll, Perry hundreds seal ODI series win for Australia v India

Chasing a record 371/8, India fold for 249 in Game 2 at Brisbane as the hosts take an unassailable lead in the 3-match series

Action during the India-Australia second women’s ODI at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Sunday. (PTI)

Cricket

Published on Dec 08, 2024 07:00 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

New look top-order flops in big loss for India

Megan Schutt’s 5/19 helps Australia dismiss India for 100 before debutant Georgia Voll steers them to five-wicket win in first ODI

Australia's Megan Schutt, right, starred with a five-wicket haul against India on Thursday. (AP/File)

Cricket

Published on Dec 05, 2024 09:19 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

In Australia, a different test for India’s women cricketers

Shafali Verma is dropped from India's ODI squad as they seek replacements for injured players ahead of a crucial series against Australia.

Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women’s team will play in a three-match ODI series against Australia starting in Brisbane on Thursday. (AP)

Cricket

Updated on Dec 04, 2024 09:57 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

IPL auction: The rise and rise of the uncapped player

At just 13, Vaibhav Suryavanshi aims for an IPL contract, highlighting the rising profile and opportunities for uncapped Indian cricketers.

Jasprit Bumrah is the original poster boy of the uncapped-player-to-riches story in the Indian Premier League. (AFP)

Cricket

Updated on Nov 23, 2024 09:12 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

India v Australia: Perth’s surface tension, a legacy enhanced

The visitors’ first port of call, the Perth Stadium pitch, has been the most difficult in Australia to bat on in recent times

Jasprit Bumrah prepares to ball during a practice session at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Wednesday. (AFP)

Cricket

Published on Nov 20, 2024 09:03 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Tata Steel Chess India: Carlsen breezes to Rapid title

For the Norwegian, six wins out of nine games culminated into a two-point lead over runner-up R Praggnanandhaa

GM Magnus Carlsen in action against Uzbek GM Nodirbek Abdusattarov in TATA Steel Chess India in Kolkata on Friday. (Samir Jana/Hindustan Times)

Other Sports

Published on Nov 15, 2024 10:31 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Tata Steel Chess: Carlsen takes sole lead after winning spree

Magnus Carlsen leads Tata Steel Chess India after winning three games in Round 5, while Aleksandra Goryachkina tops the women's section with five points.

Magnus Carlsen in action against Arjun Erigaisi on second day of Tata Steel Rapid Chess, in Kolkata on Thursday. (PTI)

Other Sports

Updated on Nov 15, 2024 06:18 AM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Varun’s fifer in vain as Stubbs scripts SA’s thrilling chase

South Africa level series 1-1, beating India by three wickets in the second T20 International at Gqeberha

Cricket

Updated on Nov 11, 2024 12:14 AM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Right off the bat: A Wknd profile of cricket’s rising star, Smriti Mandhana

She’s setting records, in demand around the world, netting crores at WPL. Her rise is proof of what is possible when administrators stop ignoring women’s sports

Art and Culture

Updated on Nov 10, 2024 09:45 AM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

No end to India’s opening woes in build-up to Australia tour

Three failures with two combinations in India A matches make selectors’ job more difficult in case Rohit misses Perth Test

Cricket

Updated on Nov 07, 2024 08:41 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Rahul Dravid, Cheteshwar Pujara and the like: Batting for Indian Test specialist

Indian cricket may need to reconsider its batting strategy, focusing on a Test specialist to support a young core as Kohli and Sharma near retirement.

Cheteshwar Pujara during day a Test against Sri Lanka in Nagpur in 2017. (BCCI)

Cricket

Updated on Nov 05, 2024 11:07 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

For India, intent hasn’t translated to runs

India's batting strategy falters against New Zealand, raising questions on their approach which led to a dismal average of 21.55 runs per wicket

India haven’t been in their best batting shape for some time. (AP)

Cricket

Updated on Nov 05, 2024 06:11 AM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

The changing equations of IPL retentions

Sensibility of some major retentions underpins communication clarity and increased player involvement

Jasprit Bumrah is one of the five players retained by Mumbai Indians. (PTI)

Cricket

Updated on Nov 01, 2024 07:29 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Mandhana revels in anchor role with astute hundred

With the ODI World Cup at home next year, there couldn’t have been a more timely reminder of Mandhana’s ability to bind the innings

Smriti Mandhana scored the eighth ODI ton of her career against New Zealand in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. (AP)

Cricket

Published on Oct 30, 2024 09:18 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

IPL 2025 Retentions: Who will be the big movers and shakers

Each franchise will have a purse of ₹120 crore to build a squad for IPL 2025 but the final budget will depend on how they go about their retention strategy

MS Dhoni is now an uncapped player. (BCCI)

Cricket

Published on Oct 29, 2024 09:57 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Asia, Test cricket’s most exacting leveller

England and India’s defeats once again underline the importance of skill, discipline and respecting the conditions

India skipper Rohit Sharma during the second Test against New Zealand in Pune. (AFP)

Cricket

Updated on Oct 29, 2024 07:46 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

World Cup and waiata, a heartfelt connection

White Ferns’ soulful ode to Sophie Devine underscores the small joys of watching the ‘nice people’ win for a change

New Zealand's captain Sophie Devine (centre) poses with teammates after winning the ICC Women's T20 World Cup final against South Africa. (AP)

Cricket

Published on Oct 22, 2024 09:44 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Decoded, India’s batting downturn at home

India's batting woes have led to four home Test defeats since 2020, reflecting a significant decline in first-innings performance.

India captain Rohit Sharma (L) reacts as he is clean bowled during the third day of the first Test. (AFP)

Cricket

Updated on Oct 21, 2024 10:03 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

New Zealand thrash South Africa to win Women’s T20 World Cup

New Zealand won their first Women's T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa by 32 runs, with standout performances from Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday.

New Zealand's Sophie Devine lifts the trophy as she celebrates with teammates after winning the Women's T20 World Cup in Dubai. (REUTERS)

Cricket

Updated on Oct 20, 2024 11:47 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Resilient New Zealand overcome Dottin to reach final

Deandra Dottin's late surge wasn't enough as the West Indies fell short by 8 runs against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup semi-final.

Cricket

Updated on Oct 19, 2024 09:20 AM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Clinical SA stun Australia to enter World Cup final

South Africa stunned Australia in the T20 World Cup semi-finals, winning by eight wickets with a record 96-run partnership and Anneke Bosch's 74 runs.

South Africa's Anneke Bosch celebrates her fifty runs during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup semi-final against Australia. (AP)

Cricket

Updated on Oct 18, 2024 05:00 AM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

India records 3rd lowest total in Test history: A look at previous low scores

India vs New Zealand, 1st Test, Day 2: This is also the first time four of the top seven India batters were dismissed for a duck in a home Test

India's Virat Kohli walks off the ground after being clean bowled during the second day of the first Test.(PTI)

Cricket

Updated on Oct 17, 2024 08:13 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

Harmanpreet heroics in vain, defeat leaves India on verge of Cup exit

The narrow loss to Australia means India only semi-final hope is an unlikely New Zealand loss to Pakistan

India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur walks off after the defeat to Australia in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup at the Sharjah Stadium on Sunday. (AP)

Cricket

Updated on Oct 13, 2024 11:58 PM IST

BySomshuvra Laha

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Somshuvra Laha

The pacers do brilliantly in tandem, but a fit-again Shami will let India breathe easy going into the premier ODI event

India hit more sixes, but unlike in the past, they scored lower in playing out time and stitching fifty-run stands

Pat Cummins, Australia's Test captain, has achieved remarkable success, winning major titles and taking 130 wickets.

Retiring star players, a new captain: Can the men’s cricket team emerge stronger from its period of transition? Can the women summon the teamwork and skill to win it all at home?

Clarity of qualification requirement and consistency in delivering under pressure help South Africa book maiden summit clash

In many ways, the 2024 T20 World Cup win became the final piece of the puzzle that would cement India as the undisputed leader of the game

A 3-1 finish in the ongoing series against Australia should put India in the final for a third time in a row

Chasing a record 371/8, India fold for 249 in Game 2 at Brisbane as the hosts take an unassailable lead in the 3-match series

Megan Schutt’s 5/19 helps Australia dismiss India for 100 before debutant Georgia Voll steers them to five-wicket win in first ODI

Shafali Verma is dropped from India's ODI squad as they seek replacements for injured players ahead of a crucial series against Australia.

At just 13, Vaibhav Suryavanshi aims for an IPL contract, highlighting the rising profile and opportunities for uncapped Indian cricketers.

The visitors’ first port of call, the Perth Stadium pitch, has been the most difficult in Australia to bat on in recent times

For the Norwegian, six wins out of nine games culminated into a two-point lead over runner-up R Praggnanandhaa

Magnus Carlsen leads Tata Steel Chess India after winning three games in Round 5, while Aleksandra Goryachkina tops the women's section with five points.

South Africa level series 1-1, beating India by three wickets in the second T20 International at Gqeberha

She’s setting records, in demand around the world, netting crores at WPL. Her rise is proof of what is possible when administrators stop ignoring women’s sports

Three failures with two combinations in India A matches make selectors’ job more difficult in case Rohit misses Perth Test

Indian cricket may need to reconsider its batting strategy, focusing on a Test specialist to support a young core as Kohli and Sharma near retirement.

India's batting strategy falters against New Zealand, raising questions on their approach which led to a dismal average of 21.55 runs per wicket

Sensibility of some major retentions underpins communication clarity and increased player involvement

With the ODI World Cup at home next year, there couldn’t have been a more timely reminder of Mandhana’s ability to bind the innings

Each franchise will have a purse of ₹120 crore to build a squad for IPL 2025 but the final budget will depend on how they go about their retention strategy

England and India’s defeats once again underline the importance of skill, discipline and respecting the conditions

White Ferns’ soulful ode to Sophie Devine underscores the small joys of watching the ‘nice people’ win for a change

India's batting woes have led to four home Test defeats since 2020, reflecting a significant decline in first-innings performance.

New Zealand won their first Women's T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa by 32 runs, with standout performances from Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday.

Deandra Dottin's late surge wasn't enough as the West Indies fell short by 8 runs against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup semi-final.

South Africa stunned Australia in the T20 World Cup semi-finals, winning by eight wickets with a record 96-run partnership and Anneke Bosch's 74 runs.

India vs New Zealand, 1st Test, Day 2: This is also the first time four of the top seven India batters were dismissed for a duck in a home Test

The narrow loss to Australia means India only semi-final hope is an unlikely New Zealand loss to Pakistan

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