Indian cricket team manager R Devraj departed during the Champions Trophy 2025 following the death of his mother. He left for Hyderabad immediately after receiving the news. Devraj, also the secretary of the Hyderabad Cricket Association, was in Dubai with the team, and his return to duties is uncertain. Meanwhile, India faced New Zealand, scoring 249-9, aided by Shreyas Iyer’s gritty 79 and Hardik Pandya’s late contribution of 45. India, who struggled early, rebuilt with a strong partnership. They will play in the first semi-final on Tuesday, refusing to travel to Pakistan due to political tensions.
The manager of the Indian cricket team, R Devraj, departed from the team during the Champions Trophy 2025 following the passing of his mother on Sunday, as reported by Cricbuzz. The report indicated that Devraj traveled to Hyderabad immediately upon receiving the news. Currently serving as the secretary of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), he was in Dubai with the Indian team, but it is uncertain whether he will return to his managerial role. India is set to play in the first semi-final match on Tuesday, and should the Rohit Sharma-led team advance to the final, that match will occur on Sunday.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Secretary Devraj’s mother, Kamaleshwari garu. May her soul find peace. Our sincere condolences go out to Devraj garu and his family,” stated the HCA.
In the meantime, a resilient 79 from Shreyas Iyer, along with a late surge from Hardik Pandya, guided India to a total of 249-9 against New Zealand in their final group match of the Champions Trophy on Sunday.
To achieve this, they overcame impressive pace bowling from Matt Henry, who recorded figures of 5-42 — marking his third five-wicket haul in ODIs — over eight overs, complemented by some exceptional fielding.
Invited to bat first in Dubai, India found themselves in a precarious position at 30-3 when Virat Kohli, playing in his 300th one-day international, was dismissed by a remarkable one-handed catch from Glenn Phillips.
Iyer and left-hander Axar Patel, who contributed 42 runs, formed a partnership of 98 for the fourth wicket, working to stabilize the innings against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack.
Pandya added a quick-fire 45 off 45 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes to elevate the total on a sluggish pitch.
The winner of this match will face Australia in the semi-final, while the loser will take on South Africa.
Regardless of their placement and opponent, India will compete in the first semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday, having declined to travel to host Pakistan due to political tensions.
(With AFP inputs)
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