Cricket

John Wright's Laissez-Faire Approach: The Key to India's Coaching SuccessFormer Indian cricketer and selector Sandeep Patil has attributed the success of John Wright as India's coach to his hands-off approach, which allowed players to flourish. In his autobiography, "Beyond Boundaries," Patil contrasts Wright's style with that of his successors, Greg Chappell and Anil Kumble, who he believes failed to emulate Wright's success due to their more authoritarian approaches.Patil highlights Wright's soft-spoken and polite demeanor, his willingness to stay out of the limelight, and his ability to maintain a distance from the media. He also emphasizes Wright's respect for the players and his belief in their leadership abilities.In contrast, Patil describes Chappell as aggressive and confrontational, which did not sit well with the Indian dressing room culture. Chappell's attempts to implement sweeping changes, including altering batting orders and introducing the Australian style of play, alienated senior players.Patil also points to the presence of Ian Fraser as Chappell's assistant coach as a source of tension. Many players resented Fraser's presence and felt that he undermined their authority.Patil believes that Gary Kirsten, who succeeded Chappell, was successful because of his close relationship with the players. Kirsten, like Wright, was well-respected and soft-spoken, and he had a deep understanding of Indian cricket.Patil concludes that a coach's success in India depends on their ability to understand the culture of the team and the board, and to build strong relationships with the players. Wright's laissez-faire approach allowed him to do this effectively, while Chappell's more authoritarian style proved to be counterproductive.

Legendary spinner Anil Kumble has raised concerns about Sanju Samson's consistency ahead of India's upcoming T20I series against South Africa. Samson, a wicketkeeper-batter, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, but his ability to deliver consistently has been a question mark.Samson made his T20I debut in 2015 and has since played 33 matches, scoring 594 runs at a strike rate of 144.52. He has one century and two half-centuries to his name. However, his performances have been sporadic, with some impressive innings followed by periods of poor form.In the recent third T20I against Bangladesh, Samson showcased his batting prowess with a stunning 111 runs off just 47 deliveries. This performance has given him a boost of confidence, according to Kumble."There's been a lot of talk about keeping Sanju Samson in the team long-term, and that century he scored will certainly have given him a lot of confidence. We know the ability of Sanju Samson; he is a class act," Kumble said.However, Kumble believes that Samson needs to improve his consistency to become a regular member of the Indian team. He suggests that Samson should be given opportunities to bat in the top order, where he can make the most of his strong backfoot play and ability to handle fast bowlers and spinners."Consistency is a bit lacking, and I'm sure the Indian selectors are mindful of that. Placing him at the top of the innings, either at number one, two, or three, is where I believe he can truly add value to this team," Kumble added.India and South Africa will play a four-match T20I series starting on November 8 in Durban. The series will provide Samson with an opportunity to prove his worth and cement his place in the Indian team.

Former Indian cricket captain Anil Kumble has expressed his belief in the potential of three domestic players, Yash Dayal, Vyshak Vijaykumar, and Ramandeep Singh, to represent the Indian cricket team. Kumble's endorsement comes as these players have impressed with their performances in domestic cricket.Kumble praised Yash Dayal's resilience and development as a left-arm seamer. He highlighted Dayal's ability to move the ball both ways and his impressive death-over bowling skills. Kumble believes that Dayal's strong comeback after conceding five sixes to Rinku Singh demonstrates his character and capabilities.Kumble also acknowledged Vyshak Vijaykumar's contributions to Karnataka's cricketing success. He described Vijaykumar as a talented player who has made a significant impact in domestic cricket. Kumble expressed surprise that Vijaykumar did not receive enough opportunities at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and hopes that he gets a chance to showcase his skills in South Africa.Kumble did not overlook Ramandeep Singh's dynamic playing style and impressive fielding skills. He praised Singh's ability to strike powerfully in the middle order and his exceptional fielding abilities. Kumble believes that Singh's all-round skills, including his occasional bowling, would be valuable at the international level.Kumble's endorsement of these players highlights their potential to contribute to the Indian cricket team. Their impressive domestic performances have caught the attention of the former captain, and they will be hoping to continue their good form and earn a place in the national side.

Anil Kumble's Broken Jaw: A Testament to Cricket's ResilienceCricket, a sport that demands both physical and mental fortitude, has witnessed countless instances of players exhibiting extraordinary resilience in the face of adversity. One such iconic moment occurred during the 2002 India tour of the West Indies, when legendary spinner Anil Kumble played through a broken jaw.On October 17, 2002, during the second Test match at Antigua, Kumble was struck by a bouncer from Mervyn Dillon while batting. The impact fractured his jaw, causing immense pain and discomfort. Despite the excruciating injury, Kumble's determination to contribute to his team remained unwavering.With his face heavily bandaged, Kumble returned to bowl in the second innings. His grit and determination were evident as he bowled 14 consecutive overs, showcasing his unwavering spirit. The highlight of his heroic effort came when he dismissed West Indies legend Brian Lara, a testament to his skill and resilience.Kumble's courageous act was widely praised by the cricketing fraternity and beyond. It exemplified the toughness and fighting spirit that cricketers bring to the game, often putting their bodies on the line for their teams. Despite the match ending in a draw, Kumble's actions left a lasting impression as a symbol of resilience and dedication.After this heroic effort, Kumble was flown back to India for surgery. The incident solidified his legacy as one of cricket's fiercest competitors, a player who never shied away from adversity. His broken jaw became a symbol of the indomitable spirit that drives cricketers to push their limits and perform at their best.

Anil Kumble's Commentary Anecdote: A Close Call Before 300th Test WicketIndian bowling legend Anil Kumble, celebrating his 53rd birthday today, shared a captivating anecdote from his playing days while commentating on the second day of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru.Kumble, who hails from Karnataka, recalled an incident that nearly prevented him from reaching a significant milestone on his home ground. In December 2001, he was bowling to Sachin Tendulkar in the nets ahead of a Test match against England."I was at 299 wickets and on the verge of reaching a milestone on my home ground," said Kumble. "A day before the match, I was bowling to Sachin in the nets. We generally don't go to pick up the ball until the other bowler has delivered, but somehow I went in after Sachin had played a shot off my last delivery."What happened next was a moment of panic for Kumble. "While I was picking up the ball, Harbhajan (Singh) had bowled a delivery to Sachin, which he drove fiercely and the shot ended up hitting me smack in the ribs. Sachin was like 'yeh maine kya kar diya, iska to home ground hai, iska 300 to gaya (what have I done; it's his home ground, his 300th wicket is surely gone now)," narrated Kumble."Luckily, nothing happened. I played the match and went on to complete my 300 wickets at my home venue (M Chinnaswamy Stadium)."Kumble became the first Indian spinner to take 300 Test wickets. He ended his career with 619 wickets in 132 Tests and 337 wickets in 271 ODIs.One of Kumble's most memorable achievements was taking all 10 wickets in a Test innings against Pakistan in 1999. This feat, known as a "perfect 10," is considered one of the greatest bowling performances in cricket history.Kumble's commentary anecdote not only entertained viewers but also highlighted the camaraderie and competitive spirit that existed within the Indian team during his playing days.

India's legendary spinner Anil Kumble has expressed his confidence in young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal's ability to excel in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Kumble believes that Jaiswal's versatility and adaptability will serve him well on the challenging Australian pitches.Jaiswal has been a consistent performer in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle, showcasing his ability to adjust his tactics based on the conditions and opposition. In the recent home series against Bangladesh, he displayed his versatility by playing cautiously in the first Test, where the conditions favored the fast bowlers, and then switching to his naturally aggressive style in the second game.Kumble believes that Jaiswal's aggressive approach will be an asset in Australia, where India has won two consecutive series. He also highlighted the psychological advantage that the Indian team has going into the series, having won the previous two encounters against Australia."This Indian team is heading to Australia with two back-to-back series wins over them, which is a great confidence booster for a youngster," Kumble said. "When other teams tour Australia, they often do so with some hesitation because of past failures. But for this Indian side, coming off two series wins against Australia, the situation is much more comfortable."Kumble emphasized the importance of Jaiswal's technique and hunger for runs, which he believes will be key to his success in Australia. He also noted that Jaiswal's ability to learn and adapt quickly will be crucial in navigating the challenges of playing in different conditions.Overall, Kumble is optimistic about Jaiswal's prospects in Australia and believes that he has the potential to make a significant contribution to India's success in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Anil Kumble's Historic 10-Wicket Haul: A Masterclass in Spin BowlingOn February 7, 1999, at the iconic Feroz Shah Kotla Ground in Delhi, Indian spin legend Anil Kumble etched his name into cricket history with an unforgettable 10-wicket haul against arch-rivals Pakistan. The match, the second Test of the series, witnessed one of the most remarkable spells of spin bowling the game has ever seen.Chasing a daunting target of 420 runs, Pakistan's openers, Shahid Afridi and Saeed Anwar, provided a solid start. However, the introduction of Kumble into the attack proved to be a game-changer. With his trademark accuracy and subtle variations, Kumble began to weave his magic on the pitch, which offered some assistance.Afridi was the first to fall, trapped lbw by Kumble's guile. From there, it was a one-man show as the Pakistani batsmen succumbed one by one to Kumble's spin mastery. Each delivery seemed to carry a hint of menace, with Kumble extracting extra bounce and sharp turn. His ability to outthink the batsmen was evident as he trapped them either lbw or got them caught behind.As Kumble took his ninth wicket, the tension was palpable. He was on the verge of achieving something only one bowler before him, England's Jim Laker, had done – take all ten wickets in an innings. And in the most fitting conclusion, Kumble dismissed Wasim Akram to complete his perfect 10 for 74, leading India to a massive victory.Kumble's feat cemented his legacy as one of the greatest spin bowlers in cricket. His 10-wicket haul remains a testament to his skill, determination, and the magic of spin bowling at its finest. It is a moment that will forever be etched in the annals of cricket history, inspiring generations of bowlers to come.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian spinner, has etched his name in the annals of Test cricket history by becoming the Indian bowler with the most Test wickets in Asia. During the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, Ashwin claimed the wicket of Najmul Hossain Shanto, taking his tally to 420 wickets in Asia. This achievement saw him surpass the previous record held by Anil Kumble, who had 419 wickets in the continent.Ashwin's journey to this milestone has been marked by consistency and excellence. In 102 Test matches, he has amassed a staggering 523 wickets, with his performances in Asia standing out. By reaching 420 wickets, he joins an elite club of bowlers who have taken over 400 wickets in Asia.The legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for the most Test wickets in Asia, with an impressive 612 wickets out of his overall 800 wicket haul in the continent. Ashwin and Anil Kumble are the only other bowlers to have taken more than 400 wickets in Asia.Next on the list after Muralitharan, Ashwin, and Kumble is another Sri Lankan, Ranganath Herath, with 354 Test wickets in Asia. Following him is India's Harbhajan Singh, with 300 wickets in Asia to his name.Ashwin's milestone is a testament to his skill, longevity, and resilience in the sport. His ability to spin the ball prodigiously and extract turn from even the flattest of pitches has made him a formidable force in Test cricket. His success in Asia, where pitches often favor spinners, highlights his adaptability and mastery of the craft.This achievement is not only a personal triumph for Ashwin but also a proud moment for Indian cricket. It showcases the depth and talent of Indian spin bowling and reinforces India's dominance in the Test format, especially in Asian conditions.

Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has etched his name in the annals of Test cricket history by surpassing legendary Anil Kumble to become the highest wicket-taker for India in the fourth innings of a Test match. Ashwin achieved this remarkable feat during the first Test against Bangladesh at Chennai on Saturday.After going wicketless in the first innings, Ashwin turned the tide in the final innings while defending a mammoth total of 515 runs. By the end of day three, he had claimed three wickets for 63 runs in 15 overs, with an economy rate of 4.20.With this performance, Ashwin has now taken 96 wickets in the fourth innings of a Test in just 35 innings, at an astonishing average of 19.4 and a strike rate of over 45. His best bowling figures in the fourth innings stand at an impressive 7/59. He has also registered six five-wicket hauls in the fourth innings of a Test match.Ashwin's remarkable achievement has not only placed him above Kumble, who had 94 fourth innings wickets, but also tied him with West Indies legend Courtney Walsh as the eighth-highest wicket-taker in Tests. In 101 Tests, Ashwin has amassed 519 wickets at an average of 23.78, with best figures of 7/59 and a total of 36 five-wicket hauls. Walsh, on the other hand, took 519 wickets in 132 Tests between 1984-2001.In the ongoing Test match, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field first. India's top-order collapsed, leaving them at a precarious 34/3. However, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (56) and Rishabh Pant (39) stitched a crucial 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket, bringing India back into the game.After India was reduced to 144/6, Ashwin (113) and Ravindra Jadeja (86*) forged a magnificent 199-run partnership, helping India reach a respectable 376 in 91.2 overs. Hasan Mahmud (5/83) was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, while Taskin Ahmed also chipped in with three wickets.In their first innings, Bangladesh struggled to keep up with India's pace attack. Shakib Al Hasan (32), Litton Das (22), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (27*) offered some resistance, but Jasprit Bumrah (4/50) and Akash Deep (2/19) proved too strong, dismissing Bangladesh for 149 runs and leaving them trailing by 227 runs.In their second innings, India once again lost their top-order quickly, but centuries from Shubman Gill (119*) and Rishabh Pant (109) helped them reach 287/4 before declaring their innings. Bangladesh was set a daunting target of 515 to win.Bangladesh started their run-chase positively, with openers Zakir Hasan (33) and Shadman Islam (35) putting up a 62-run opening stand. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (51*) held the innings together as Ashwin (3/63) and Bumrah (1/18) picked up wickets. At the end of day three, Bangladesh was 158/4, with Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan (5*) unbeaten.