Cricket

As India prepares to face Bangladesh in the first Test of their upcoming series, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has recommended a bold strategy for the Indian team. Raina suggested that India should deploy a spin-dominant attack with three spinners and two fast bowlers for the match, which begins on Thursday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.Raina's strategy is driven by the nature of the Chennai pitch, which he expects to favor spinners due to its black soil composition. He proposed selecting Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav as the spin trio, alongside fast bowlers Mohammad Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah."I believe India should go with five bowling options, that is three spinners and two pacers. Mohammad Siraj has been doing very well in the past few years in Red ball cricket, we all know how good Jasprit Bumrah is, and what he has done for the Indian cricket team in the past few years barely any fast bowlers in the world of cricket has done. So with two pacers and Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav India should go ahead," Raina told IANS in the backdrop of the LLC press conference."Ashwin and Jadeja combination on Indian pitches is the most deadly combination so with the condition that Chennai pitch offers, the black soil, humid conditions and the winds they will just unsettle the opponents," he added.India, currently leading the World Test Championship (WTC) standings with a 68.52 percent rating, is looking to solidify their position at the top. The series against Bangladesh is crucial as it precedes Test series against New Zealand and Australia.Raina acknowledged that while his suggestion is based on pitch conditions and current form, the final decision rests with Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who will assess the best combination for the team.Raina welcomed former teammates Shikhar Dhawan and Dinesh Karthik to the third edition of the Legends League Cricket. "I would like to welcome Shikhar Dhawan and Dinesh Karthik to the Legends League Cricket, we all have been playing cricket since 1998, and it's good that we will play cricket again."The Legends League Cricket (LLC) is set to return for the third edition with former India stars Dinesh Karthik and Shikhar Dhawan, the two latest entrants taking part in the tournament, signed directly by the respective teams Southern Superstars and Team Gujarat.Harbhajan Singh-led defending champions Manipal Tigers will take on the Konark Suryas Odisha (previously known as Bhilwara Kings) captained by Irfan Pathan at the Barkatullah Khan Stadium, Jodhpur on September 20.

India's preparation for the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai has taken an interesting turn, with the team training on a black-soil pitch despite the match being expected to be played on a red-soil surface. The unusual weather conditions in the city have raised concerns about the pitch's behavior during the match.The red-soil pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium is known for providing good bounce and carry for pacers, while the black-soil composition is more likely to assist spinners. However, the extreme heat in Chennai could lead to the disintegration of the pitch as the match progresses, bringing the spinners into play.This has prompted the Indian batsmen to focus on perfecting their technique against spin, as Bangladesh boasts a formidable spin attack. The likes of Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Virat Kohli have struggled against spin in recent matches, and they have been working hard to address this weakness.Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has acknowledged that the Indian team needs to improve its ability to handle spin effectively. "We got undone in Sri Lanka. The focus has moved to doing well in Australia, England, (so) that we've kind of let playing spin, which was always a strength of the Indian team, fall back a little bit," he said.The Indian team is expected to go through an optional net session on Wednesday, but the intensity of Tuesday's practice was evident despite the scorching sun. The nature of the pitch will force the Indian management to make a careful decision regarding the team's composition for the opening Test.With the pitch likely to favor pacers, India may opt for a three-pacer attack, including Akash Deep or Yash Dayal alongside Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav. This strategy aligns with India's goal of giving their pacers as much experience as possible ahead of their tour of Australia later this year.

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha believes the upcoming two-Test series against India will provide a valuable assessment of his team's international standing. The Tigers are coming off a triumphant 2-0 Test series win against Pakistan, but Hathurusingha acknowledges the challenge posed by India, the current leaders of the World Test Championship (WTC) table."We are encouraged by playing the best team in the world," said Hathurusingha. "Playing against the best always gives you the perception of where you stand, and as sportspersons, we always look forward to it."Hathurusingha praised the "most rounded" Bangladesh squad he has ever seen, featuring eight specialist batters, six bowlers, and two all-rounders. He highlighted the experience of Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who played key roles in the Pakistan series."Shakib has always played a huge part in Bangladesh cricket," said Hathurusingha. "He gives us the luxury to balance the team the way we want, thanks to his all-round abilities."Regarding the pitch, Hathurusingha described it as "sporting" but cautioned that it could change significantly during the match.

India's Test captain, Rohit Sharma, has emphasized that his team remains unfazed by the fact that every team relishes the opportunity to defeat India. Ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, Rohit stated that the Indian team is solely focused on executing their game plan."We understand that every team enjoys beating India, but we don't dwell on that," Rohit said at a press conference. "Our focus is on our own performance and achieving our objectives."Rohit acknowledged Bangladesh's recent Test series victory in Pakistan, but he expressed confidence in his team's preparation. "We've had a productive camp in Chennai and are well-prepared," he said.Regarding the potential inclusion of KL Rahul in the playing XI, Rohit expressed his belief in Rahul's abilities. "KL Rahul has the talent to succeed in Test cricket," Rohit said. "I have no doubt that he can be successful in this format."With the World Test Championship (WTC) final in sight, Rohit stressed the importance of every match. "Every game is crucial when playing for the country," he said. "We're not treating this series as a dress rehearsal for Australia. We need to start the season strongly and accumulate WTC points."India's upcoming schedule includes a five-Test series in Australia in November, following the two Tests against Bangladesh and three Tests against New Zealand at home.

Ahead of the highly anticipated two-match Test series against Bangladesh, Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan expressed his excitement at the prospect of sharing the dressing room with Indian legend Virat Kohli. Khan, who made his Test debut against England earlier this year, is eager to connect with his former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate.During the England series, Khan was unable to meet Kohli, who withdrew due to personal reasons. However, the youngster has always admired Kohli's leadership skills and ability to inspire his team."His passion and spirit are unmatched. Whenever I saw him, even in pre-match meetings, he'd take charge and tell everyone how many runs he'd score off a particular bowler and break that down for everyone," Khan told JioCinema. "To be gutsy enough to stand up and talk with such positivity in front of everyone and then deliver the next day is a very unique ability."Khan also shared his first encounter with Kohli, expressing his desire to be his teammate in the national team. "I met him at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time. I had scored 45 runs in 21 balls here and he bowed to me. I had a lot of fun that day. It was a dream to share an Indian team dressing room with him, and it will come true in the future if I get the opportunity."Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel hopes to continue his strong form from his debut Test series against Bangladesh. Jurel sought Kohli's advice on maintaining consistency throughout his career."I asked him how he stayed so consistent and how I could improve my game. It's something I've always been curious about. I even asked Dhoni sir the same thing. They have become legends, and there must be a secret behind it. I know now that doing what seems boring and easy repetitively has built these legends," Jurel said.Kohli emphasized the importance of discipline and repetition in achieving success. "Kohli told me that if doing the boring things were so easy to do, everyone would be doing it. You have to keep doing those things, and then you'll be able to accomplish your dreams," Jurel added.Khan has learned the value of routine and self-awareness from observing Kohli over the years at RCB. "He is clear about his game. He knows the work a player needs to keep doing and that criticism or praise shouldn't affect your game. 'This is my work, I have to do this in the morning, this in the afternoon, this in the evening, and sleep at a specific time.' That's what I have learned from him."Both players also highlighted specific aspects of Kohli's batting technique that impressed them. Jurel praised his ability to step out and hit over the covers, while Khan admired his flick shot and cover drive.The first Test between India and Bangladesh will be played at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from Thursday.

Bangladesh's Test squad, brimming with confidence after their historic series triumph in Pakistan, commenced their preparations for the upcoming two-match Test series against India with a practice session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday.The Tigers, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, are riding high on their recent success, having secured a commanding 10-wicket victory in the first Test against Pakistan, followed by a six-wicket win in the second. Their impressive performance has instilled a sense of optimism within the team as they gear up for the challenge of facing India.In a video shared by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on their official Twitter handle, the players were seen engaged in net practice, honing their skills ahead of the series opener. The team's focus and determination were evident as they prepared to take on the formidable Indian side.Speaking at a pre-departure press conference in Dhaka, Shanto acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge that lies ahead but expressed confidence in his team's abilities. "It will be a challenging series, but we have the extra confidence from the Pakistan series," he said. "I think the whole country shares that confidence now. Every series is an opportunity. We want to win both Tests, but we need to stick to our process. If we do our job, we can get a good result."The first Test between India and Bangladesh will commence on September 19 at the iconic Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. The second Test will be played in Kanpur from September 27.India, currently leading the World Test Championship (WTC) standings with a points percentage of 68.52, will be eager to extend their dominance against Bangladesh. Their upcoming WTC series include home matches against New Zealand and Australia, as well as an away series against Australia.

Captain Rohit Sharma will lead India in the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, marking his return to the team after the ODI leg of the Sri Lanka tour in August. The Indian squad has been training in Chennai, preparing for the first Test starting on September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.During a recent net session, Rohit was spotted practicing the reverse sweep, a shot he rarely attempts in match situations. This move is likely a strategy to counter the threat posed by Bangladesh's spinners, who have been in impressive form lately.Bangladesh recently made history by winning their first Test series in Pakistan, whitewashing the hosts 2-0. All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the top wicket-taker in the series with 10 wickets, while Shakib Al Hasan took five with his left-arm spin.India currently leads the World Test Championship table, while Bangladesh sits in fourth place. After the Chennai Test, the two teams will face off in the second Test in Kanpur from September 7. The series will be followed by three T20Is on October 6, 9, and 12.Rohit's return to the team is a significant boost for India, as he is one of the most experienced and successful batters in the world. His leadership and batting prowess will be crucial in India's quest to maintain their dominance in Test cricket.Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their impressive form and challenge India on their home turf. The series promises to be a competitive and exciting affair, with both teams eager to prove their mettle.

As the highly anticipated two-match Test series between Bangladesh and India draws near, Indian batsman Sarfaraz Khan has heaped praise upon captain Rohit Sharma, highlighting his exceptional leadership qualities.Khan, who made his Test debut against England earlier this year, has been impressed by Sharma's ability to foster a positive and inclusive environment within the team. "He's very different, makes you comfortable, and is like an elder brother to us," Khan said in an interview with Jio Cinema. "He never treats you like a junior. He's a positive guy. The way he speaks, it boosts your confidence."Khan's admiration for Sharma extends beyond his leadership style. He also draws inspiration from the captain's unwavering determination and belief in his teammates. "For me, he's Lagaan's Aamir Khan," Khan added, referring to the iconic Bollywood film. "It feels like he's part of your family."Sharma's leadership will be crucial as India aims to secure a series victory against Bangladesh. The team will be bolstered by the return of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who has recovered from a potentially fatal accident in December 2022. Pacers Akash Deep and Yash Dayal have also received their maiden Test call-ups.The first Test match will commence on September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, while the second will be played in Kanpur from September 27. Head coach Gautam Gambhir will be eager to make a winning start to his Test tenure.With Sharma at the helm and a talented squad at his disposal, India will be confident of extending their dominance over Bangladesh in the longest format of the game.

Indian cricketers have commenced rigorous training for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin on September 19 in Chennai. The second Test will take place in Kanpur on September 27.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a video on Saturday showcasing the intense practice session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The video features star players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and KL Rahul undergoing demanding batting drills.India's pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, also displayed their prowess during the practice session. The team is currently ranked seven places above Bangladesh in the official Test rankings published by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and leads the World Test Championship standings.After facing Bangladesh, India will host New Zealand for three Tests before embarking on a five-match Test series in Australia.Bangladesh, on the other hand, is brimming with confidence after defeating Pakistan in a Test series for the first time. They will be led by Najmul Hossain Shanto in the upcoming series against India.