Cricket

Yashasvi Jaiswal Faces Jasprit Bumrah's Test in Preparation for Bangladesh SeriesIndia's rising star opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is gearing up for his second Test season with a stern challenge from pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the nets. During the ongoing camp, Jaiswal faced a barrage of deliveries from Bumrah, who repeatedly sent his off-stump flying.Jaiswal, who boasts an impressive record of over 1000 runs in his first nine Tests, has been touted as a future star. However, concerns have been raised about his form on bouncy tracks, particularly evident during India's tour of South Africa.In the nets on Monday, Bumrah tested Jaiswal's technique with pace, bounce, and swing. Jaiswal struggled to judge the deliveries, often mistiming his shots. Even net bowlers like Simarjeet Singh, Gurnoor Brar, and Gurjanpreet Singh managed to beat his bat repeatedly.Seasoned player Virat Kohli observed Jaiswal's struggles and offered guidance. Both players batted for about an hour, with Kohli showcasing his impeccable cover drive and on-drive. Jaiswal focused on leaving deliveries, particularly from Bumrah, on a pitch with significant bounce.As the session progressed, Jaiswal appeared more comfortable against spinners, while Rishabh Pant displayed his batting prowess against left-arm spinners.Jaiswal's preparation is crucial as he aims to maintain his reputation and perform well in the upcoming season. He will need to address his vulnerabilities before taking on international bowlers like those from Bangladesh and Australia.

Jasprit Bumrah's Iconic Bowling Action Remains Unchanged: Mumbai Indians' Viral Video Sparks ExcitementMumbai Indians ignited a frenzy on social media with a captivating video showcasing Jasprit Bumrah's signature bowling action. The post, part of the "10-year challenge," juxtaposes Bumrah's bowling technique from 2014 to 2024. Despite the passage of time, fans were mesmerized by the uncanny resemblance in his unique delivery, underscoring why Bumrah is hailed as one of India's greatest fast bowlers.The video's release coincides with Bumrah's unexpected inclusion in India's squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. Having last featured in red-ball cricket in March 2024, many anticipated Bumrah's exclusion, particularly given the demanding international schedule ahead, including Tests against New Zealand and a highly anticipated series against Australia later this year. However, selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, appear to have a different strategy.Bumrah's selection for the Bangladesh series is likely a calculated move to ensure the pacer remains match-fit for the upcoming crucial fixtures. Bumrah has been India's indispensable bowler in overseas conditions, especially in Australia, where his ability to generate bounce and swing has been instrumental. With 32 wickets in just seven matches in Australia, his record speaks volumes. His potential to play a pivotal role in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy means India cannot afford to have a rusty Bumrah stepping straight into action.The first Test against Bangladesh, commencing in Chennai, provides an ideal opportunity for Bumrah to gradually reintegrate into red-ball cricket. While spin is expected to dominate the series, Bumrah's workload will likely be carefully managed, possibly playing just one Test to fine-tune his rhythm.Bumrah's inclusion in the Test squad has sparked a debate among cricket enthusiasts. Some argue that it is a prudent decision to ensure his fitness for the upcoming challenges, while others believe it is unnecessary to risk his well-being in a series where spin is likely to play a more significant role.Regardless of the differing opinions, Bumrah's iconic bowling action remains a sight to behold. The Mumbai Indians' viral video serves as a testament to his unwavering consistency and exceptional talent. As India gears up for a challenging international schedule, Bumrah's presence in the squad provides a sense of reassurance and anticipation.

Virat Kohli's Heartwarming Gesture Inspires Rising Star Akash DeepIndian cricket legend Virat Kohli has extended a heartwarming gesture to promising pacer Akash Deep, gifting him a bat ahead of the Bangladesh Test series. The former India captain's act of kindness has not only motivated the young player but also highlights the camaraderie within the Indian cricket fraternity.Akash Deep, who made his Test debut against England last February, has been making waves with his consistent performances for Bengal in domestic cricket. His impressive tally of 41 wickets in the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season, coupled with his strong outings in the Duleep Trophy and for India A, earned him a place in the Indian Test squad for the Bangladesh series.Kohli's gift to Akash Deep is a testament to the former's leadership qualities both on and off the field. The batting maestro has previously shown his generosity by gifting bats to rising stars like Rinku Singh, fostering a sense of mutual respect and support among the players.For Akash Deep, this act of kindness from one of India's greatest cricketers is a significant motivational boost as he prepares to make his mark in the upcoming series. The 27-year-old pacer has expressed his gratitude to Kohli on social media, marking a special moment in his career.Kohli's gesture not only inspires Akash Deep but also serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship and support in the development of young athletes. As Akash Deep embarks on his journey in international cricket, he can draw inspiration from the guidance and encouragement of senior players like Virat Kohli.

Former Indian batsman Ajay Jadeja believes that Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, will instill an aggressive and proactive approach in the team during the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. Jadeja expects Gambhir to keep the opposition on their toes throughout the series, which begins on September 19 in Chennai."His approach is aggressive. There will never be a dull moment with him around. He will always try something. He will do what he believes," Jadeja said about Gambhir's coaching style. "He will not sit back and let things flow. He will be out there, trying things."Jadeja, who played 196 ODIs for India, believes that Gambhir will not hesitate to make bold decisions, such as appointing Suryakumar Yadav as captain. "I am looking forward to the excitement we are going to see this year," he added.Despite Bangladesh's recent Test series victory against Pakistan, Jadeja remains confident in India's abilities. "India is a far superior team," he said. "Any team that has just won will always think they can win. But there is a difference between the Pakistan team at the moment and the India cricket team."Jadeja also commented on India's upcoming Test tour of Australia in November. "November is far off, but we have done well in Australia in the past. Why should we not think that we will do it again?" he said.

Morne Morkel, the newly appointed bowling coach for the Indian cricket team, has expressed his intention to enhance the existing system rather than implementing drastic changes. With an impressive record of 544 international wickets, Morkel brings a wealth of experience to the Indian team ahead of their upcoming series against Bangladesh.Morkel has lauded the efficiency and professionalism of India's cricket structure, stating that his primary goal is to "protect and improve" the current setup with subtle modifications. He acknowledges the leadership qualities of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah, emphasizing their role in guiding the team.Morkel's approach focuses on building trust and fostering relationships within the team. He aims to create a welcoming environment where players feel comfortable sharing their concerns and seeking guidance. By sharing his knowledge and experience, he hopes to help players manage the pressures associated with representing India."The blue shirt carries a lot of expectations," Morkel said. "My role is to make players feel welcome in this environment, help them settle in, and pass on my knowledge."Morkel's appointment is seen as a strategic move to bolster India's bowling strength. His experience and expertise will complement the team's established framework, providing additional support and guidance to the players.

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, has commenced his tenure with a rigorous training session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The session marked the beginning of India's preparations for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, which commences in five days.Gambhir, along with his coaching staff comprising Morne Morkel (bowling coach), Abhishek Nayar (assistant coach), and Ryan ten Doeschate (fielding coach), oversaw the training session under strict secrecy. The media was barred from attending, and no footage was allowed to be captured.The session focused on getting the players back into game mode after a prolonged break following the T20 World Cup triumph in June. Virat Kohli, who arrived from England late on Thursday, was among the first to take to the nets and face the bowling of Jasprit Bumrah, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja.With a place in the World Test Championship Final in June 2025 at stake, India faces a challenging schedule of 10 Tests over the next five months. After the two Tests against Bangladesh, they will host New Zealand for a three-Test series, followed by a five-Test tour of Australia.Gambhir aims to secure four wins and a draw from these 10 games to qualify for the WTC Final. For the first five home Tests, he will need to manage the rotation of his pace bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are likely to play at Chepauk, while Mohammed Shami is on the comeback trail.Left-arm pacer Yash Dayal and Bengal's Akash Deep are also in contention for a debut, depending on their performance in practice. Another key decision for the coaching staff is the choice between KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan as the No. 5 batter.Rishabh Pant remains the first-choice wicketkeeper, but his fitness after a recent accident will be closely monitored. Dhruv Jurel, who impressed on his debut against England, provides a capable backup option.Gambhir, known for his demanding nature, will expect his players to perform at their best. Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and R Ashwin are all likely to feature in the first Test.

Akash Deep, India's rising fast bowler, has expressed his admiration for pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, describing him as a "unique creation of God." Deep, who made his Test debut against England in February, has earned a spot in the Indian squad for the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai.Deep acknowledges the influence of various bowlers, including Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, but emphasizes that Bumrah's exceptional abilities are beyond his reach. "Bumrah bhai ko bhagwan ne alag hi bana k bheja hai (He has been uniquely crafted by God)," Deep said. "I can't learn everything from him."Reflecting on his experience under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, Deep praised the T20 World Cup-winning skipper for his ability to create a relaxed atmosphere in the dressing room. "He manages things so well, talks in a way that puts you at ease, and gives simple plans that make cricket easier," Deep said.Deep also expressed his excitement about working under new head coach Gautam Gambhir, who he believes will bring a fighting spirit to the team. "The way he fights for the game of cricket makes me feel like I'll really enjoy playing under his leadership as well," Deep said.In preparation for the Bangladesh series, Deep plans to focus on his strengths and bowl in good areas. "As a bowler, you can rely on your areas and strengths, which increases the chances of success and makes it easier to perform," he said.Deep acknowledges the challenges of red-ball cricket, emphasizing the importance of both physical and mental strength. "Red-ball cricket is tough for fast bowlers," he said. "If you can survive it, you can manage white-ball cricket as well."Deep draws inspiration from legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar, admiring his down-to-earth nature and unwavering motivation. "Sachin sir's down-to-earth nature has inspired me since childhood," Deep said.

India's Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh has been announced, featuring the return of several key players. However, the absence of Mohammed Shami and Shreyas Iyer has raised questions.Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant are among the top stars who will be making their return to the Test team. Rookie pacer Yash Dayal has also earned his maiden call-up.Mohammed Shami, who was expected to be fit for the first Test, has been left out of the squad. The veteran pacer's fitness remains a concern, and he is unlikely to be selected for the second Test as well.Shreyas Iyer, despite his impressive performance in the first Duleep Trophy match, has also been overlooked by the selectors. Iyer's inconsistent performances in red-ball cricket and a poor 2024 season have reportedly played a role in his omission.Fitness concerns have also troubled Iyer recently. His removal from BCCI's central contracts, following his unavailability for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, has reportedly left the board's bosses and the selection committee unhappy.With Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul also competing for the middle-order spots, Iyer seems to be low in the pecking order at the moment.The BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar had earlier said that Shami could make his return for the Bangladesh series. However, the pacer doesn't seem to have ticked all the boxes for selection. He is likely to be picked in the Bengal team for the Ranji Trophy campaign, starting on October 11. If he manages to prove his fitness in the domestic tournament, Team India's return could only be a formality.

Pakistan's cricket team has faced intense scrutiny after their humiliating Test series defeat against Bangladesh, marking a historic low for the side. Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed concern over Pakistan's decline, attributing it to a lack of star players.Ganguly highlighted the absence of legendary players like Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, and others, who once defined Pakistan's cricketing prowess. He emphasized the need for Pakistan to produce exceptional talent to compete in modern cricket."I see a genuine dearth of talent in the country," Ganguly said. "Every time we think of Pakistan, we remember Miandad, Wasim, Waqar, Saeed Anwar, Mohammad Yousuf, and Younis Khan. That's the memory of Pakistan for us, but that doesn't win matches in the modern generation of cricket."Ganguly urged Pakistani cricket authorities to address the issue, stating that the current squad lacks the caliber of past greats. He believes that Pakistan's decline is a matter of concern for the sport.Meanwhile, Ganguly praised Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who is set to return to the Test side against Bangladesh. Ganguly believes Pant has the potential to become an all-time great in Test cricket but needs to improve his performance in shorter formats."I consider Rishabh Pant one of India's best Test batsmen," Ganguly said. "I'm not surprised that he's back in the side, and he will continue to play for India in Tests."