Hardik Pandya and Shaheen Afridi [Source: AFP, AP]Hardik Pandya reportedly wants CSK captaincy. Litton Das has been included in Bangladesh squad for the Test series in Australia. In other news, Shaheen Afridi has left the Kandy Royals franchise halfway into the LPL 2026 season.Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Saturday, August 1. Litton Das makes wildcard entry in Bangladesh squad for AUS tourLitton Das has been included in Bangladesh squad for the upcoming series-opening first Test against Australia in Darwin. The senior wicketkeeper-batter has recovered from his calf injury, one which prompted him to miss several fixtures in Zimbabwe last month. The BCB said that Das is now expected to fly to Australia to join the national squad in Darwin. The first Test of the series will be played between August 13 and August 17.Hardik Pandya in shootout with Ruturaj Gaikwad for CSK captaincyThe CSK franchise has expressed its interest in acquiring Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya for next year’s IPL 2027. However, the legendary Indian all-rounder wants captaincy at the CSK camp, as reported by Rohit Juglan. Also Read- Fact Check- Did Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya Reunite Amid Rift Rumours?The CSK franchise, meanwhile, is not intending to replace regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad as the face of the team. In any case, both Pandya and Gaikwad find themselves in crossroads for the high-profile job.Rajat Patidar to lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026RCB skipper Rajat Patidar has been appointed as captain of the Central Zone team for the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2026 season. The cricketer has been included in the squad with vice-captain Rinku Singh, and fellow star performers like Zeeshan Ansari, Arshad Khan, Harsh Dubey and Yash Thakur among others. The tournament itself is scheduled to commence from August 23 onwards later this month in Bengaluru.Sai Sudharsan recovers from injury before Sri Lanka tourSai Sudharsan is recovering from his toe injury and is reportedly making good progress. The cricketer even resumed batting at the nets and is currently at the CoE in Bengaluru. The star all-rounder is now expected to attain full recovery in time for India’s upcoming two-match Test tour of Sri Lanka later this month.Sundar was named in Team India squad last week, at a time when the cricketer was yet to attain his recovery. Shaheen Afridi exits LPL 2026 for Kandy Royals Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has left the Kandy Royals franchise halfway into the LPL 2026 season in Sri Lanka. The senior paceman has cited personal reasons behind his exit from the tournament. Shaheen played six matches in LPL 2026 before leaving his team, picking up seven wickets in the process. The 26-year-old maintained an expensive bowling average of 32 and an economy rate of 10.18 during his two-week long stint.Also Read- Moeen Ali Joins Delhi Capitals' Owned Team In The Hundred
