Cricket

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder will miss the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh due to ongoing shoulder rehabilitation. The series, scheduled to begin on November 22 in Antigua, will see the return of offspinner Kevin Sinclair and right-arm quick Anderson Phillip to the Test squad.Sinclair, who missed the recent Test series against South Africa due to injury, has recovered and will bolster the West Indies' spin attack. Phillip, who last played a Test in December 2022, has impressed with his recent performances for Trinidad & Tobago in the domestic 50-over competition and Lancashire in the English county championship.Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who was rested for the South Africa series due to his heavy workload, has also returned to the Test fold. Joseph, who is currently playing in the T20I series against England, will be a key member of the West Indies' pace attack.Despite Joseph's return, Joshua Da Silva will retain his role as vice-captain, a position he assumed during Joseph's absence. Making way for the returnees are spinners Gudakesh Motie and Bryan Charles. Motie, who has been playing in the white-ball games against England, has been dropped from the Test side after unimpressive performances against South Africa. Charles, who was expected to make his Test debut in the South Africa series, has also been omitted.The West Indies will also play a two-day warm-up match against Bangladesh from November 17-18 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua. Kraigg Brathwaite will lead a CWI Select XI, which includes several promising young players, in the warm-up match.

The Hilarious Run-Out That Never Was: Tendulkar and Kumble's Comic MisadventureIn the annals of cricket history, amidst the intense battles and thrilling victories, there have been moments of pure comedy that have left fans in stitches. One such incident occurred during India's tour of Bangladesh in 2004, involving two of the country's greatest players: Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble.During the first Test in Dhaka, with India batting in the second innings, Tendulkar and Kumble found themselves in a comical mix-up while running between the wickets. On the second ball of the 100th over, Tendulkar flicked a delivery to deep square leg and immediately called for two runs. Kumble, at the other end, took the first run but hesitated before taking the second, forcing Tendulkar to stop short.However, Kumble then started running again, prompting Tendulkar to follow suit. In a moment of confusion, Kumble stopped again in the middle of the pitch, leaving Tendulkar stranded. Bangladesh wicket-keeper Khaled Mashud fumbled the ball, allowing Tendulkar to make his ground.Meanwhile, Kumble had also started running towards the striker's end, where Tendulkar was already present. As Mashud threw the ball to the bowler's end, Kumble sprinted to beat the throw. In a comical twist, the throw was wide of the stumps, forcing Kumble to dive to reach the crease before the ball hit.With a smile on his face, umpire Jeremy Lloyds signaled for the third umpire, and both Tendulkar and Kumble gathered to discuss the bizarre sequence of events. After much deliberation, Kumble was adjudged not out, and two leg byes were awarded.The chaotic and comical situation had both players ending up on the same end, with Kumble charging towards the crease despite Tendulkar already being safe. The sheer confusion and the sight of two iconic players stopping awkwardly while running between the wickets made it a hilarious moment for fans and commentators alike.Despite being a moment of miscommunication, the incident lightened the mood of the match and became one of the funnier run-out incidents (that didn't happen eventually) in cricket. It also served as a reminder that even in the most serious of sports, moments of confusion and misjudgment can lead to unforgettable and entertaining moments.

Sanju Samson's blistering century in the third T20I against Bangladesh on Saturday marked a significant milestone in his career. The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman smashed eight sixes and 11 fours in his whirlwind 111 runs off just 47 balls, becoming the second-fastest Indian to reach a T20I century.Samson's explosive innings propelled India to a mammoth total of 297/6, their highest-ever in T20I cricket and the second-highest overall. The 28-year-old's performance was a testament to his exceptional talent and the confidence he has gained in recent times.Reflecting on his achievement, Samson expressed his desire to continue improving. "I can do much better," he admitted, indicating his unwavering determination to reach even greater heights.Samson's teammates were overjoyed with his performance, and the team leadership has expressed their unwavering support for him. "The leadership tells me they back me no matter what... not just in words but in actions also," he said.Samson's century was a culmination of his hard work and dedication. He has faced setbacks in the past, but he has learned to deal with pressure and adversity. "Playing for your country, that pressure was there, but I wanted to perform and wanted to show," he said.Samson's success is a reminder of the immense talent that exists in Indian cricket. With his exceptional skills and the support of his team, he is poised to become a key player for India in the years to come.

Team India Intensifies Fielding Preparations Ahead of Bangladesh T20I OpenerThe Indian cricket team is leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, commencing on Sunday in Gwalior. The players recently engaged in a rigorous fielding practice session under the watchful eyes of fielding coach T Dilip and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate.Dilip, renowned for his transformative impact on the team's fielding performance, has introduced the Best Fielder Award during World Cup matches to motivate players to excel in this crucial aspect of the game. During the training session, he emphasized the importance of proper technique, guiding the players to "get your feet where you are throwing."All-rounder Hardik Pandya and spinner Varun Chakravarthy displayed exceptional dedication during the practice, while head coach Gautam Gambhir closely monitored the players' progress. Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, and Ravi Bishnoi showcased impressive catches, highlighting the team's commitment to fielding excellence.Following the conclusion of the Test series, India and Bangladesh will engage in a three-match T20I series. Suryakumar will continue to lead the Indian side, with Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma serving as wicketkeeper-batters.The T20I series will kick off with the first match in Gwalior on October 6, followed by the second and third matches in Delhi on October 9 and Hyderabad on October 12, respectively.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian opener, has emerged as a shining star in the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh. His exceptional performances in the second Test at Green Park in Kanpur earned him the coveted 'player of the match' award.In the first innings, Jaiswal displayed his aggressive batting style, smashing a quickfire 72 off just 51 deliveries. His innings was a testament to his ability to score runs at a rapid pace. In the second innings, he continued his impressive form, scoring a brisk 51 off 45 balls. His contributions proved crucial in India's seven-wicket victory.Jaiswal's exploits in Kanpur extended beyond his individual performances. He surpassed the legendary Sunil Gavaskar's long-standing record for the highest runs scored by an Indian batter in a calendar year before turning 23. Gavaskar had amassed 918 runs in 1971, a mark that had stood for over five decades.At the age of 22 years and 278 days, Jaiswal has now accumulated an impressive 929 runs in 2024. With more matches still to come this year, he has the opportunity to further extend his record and cement his place in Indian cricket history.Jaiswal's remarkable year has seen him play eight Tests, scoring 929 runs at an astonishing average of 66.35. His tally includes two centuries and six fifties, highlighting his consistency and ability to score runs in all conditions.During the second Test in Kanpur, Jaiswal also became only the second Indian batter to hit twin fifties with strike rates at or over 100. He joined the elite company of Virender Sehwag, who achieved this feat against West Indies in Delhi in 2011.Jaiswal's ability to score briskly in the traditional format has impressed experts and fans alike. His performances have been a major boost for Indian cricket, providing a glimpse of the team's future. As India prepares for upcoming matches, Jaiswal's spectacular form bodes well for the team's chances of success.

Star India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has made a resounding statement in the ongoing 1st Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. In his first Test appearance since December 2022, Pant smashed his 6th Test century, scoring 109 runs in the second innings.Pant's performance has come amidst speculation about his future at Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, it has now been reported that the 26-year-old is set to be retained by the franchise ahead of the IPL mega auction.According to Cricbuzz, Pant met with DC co-owner Parth Jindal in Mumbai before the 1st Test to finalize his contract talks. The report suggests that Pant may receive an improved contract, having been retained by DC for Rs 16 crore in the 2022 mega auction."Pant's current IPL salary is INR 16 crore, but this figure is expected to go up based on the total player purse allowed to a franchise and the retention fee guidelines set by the BCCI," the report states.DC's co-owners, the GMR and JSW Groups, have reportedly finalized other retention decisions as well. If the BCCI allows more than five player retentions, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to be kept, along with overseas players Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tristan Stubbs. Additionally, 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Abhishek Porel may be retained as an uncapped player.Pant made his return to competitive cricket in the IPL earlier this year, leading DC to a sixth-placed finish. The IPL 2025 mega auction is expected to be a two-day affair held overseas in November or December this year.The BCCI is yet to announce the official retention rules, but it is anticipated that the announcement will be made soon.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's star spinner, has heaped praise on Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a "once-in-a-generation" bowler. Bumrah is set to make his return to Team India for the first time since his impressive performance at the T20 World Cup. The 30-year-old has been named in India's Test squad against Bangladesh, which will kick off in MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on September 19.Ashwin, speaking on Vimal Kumar's official YouTube channel, acknowledged that India has traditionally been a batsman-dominated country. However, he emphasized the importance of celebrating Bumrah's exceptional talent. "We should celebrate him even more," Ashwin said.The India spinner went on to state that Bumrah is currently the most valuable Indian cricketer. "He should be treated as a champion," Ashwin added.Bumrah has made a significant impact on Test cricket since his debut in 2018. In 36 Test appearances, he has claimed 159 wickets, showcasing his exceptional bowling skills.The second Test between India and Bangladesh will be held in Kanpur from September 27.

India's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh presents a dilemma for the team management: prioritize immediate success or prepare for the crucial tour of Australia later this year. The choice between Sarfaraz Khan's flamboyant batting and KL Rahul's experience has become a focal point.Khan's impressive performances in the home series against England showcased his fearless approach and technical prowess. His twin half-centuries in Rajkot and another fifty in Dharamsala highlighted his precise footwork and ability to handle both pace and spin. However, Rahul's decade-long experience in the national setup and his role as former Test captain give him an edge.A BCCI source emphasized Rahul's recent performances and fitness as key factors. Despite missing two previous Test tours of Australia due to injuries, Rahul scored a century in Sydney in 2014. His knack for scoring at significant overseas venues, combined with his extensive range of strokes, keeps him ahead in the pecking order.The same principle of continuity applies to the wicketkeeper position, where Rishabh Pant's exceptional Test credentials make him the preferred choice over Dhruv Jurel. Jurel's impressive performance in the England series is acknowledged, but Pant's exceptional Test record remains unmatched.One position with notable competition is the third spinner's spot, where Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are contenders. Axar's recent performances in the Duleep Trophy, where he showcased his all-round skills, have strengthened his case. However, Kuldeep's previous success against Bangladesh and his array of variations might give him an edge on favorable batting tracks.While Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel have proven their potential, the emphasis for now seems to be on experience and previously demonstrated success. India's team management is balancing immediate responsibilities with strategic preparations for the Australia tour, where continuity and experience will be crucial.

Rishabh Pant's Test prowess has earned him high praise from former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, who believes the wicketkeeper-batter is destined for greatness in the format. However, Ganguly also urged Pant to improve his performances in shorter formats.Pant's return to the Test side after his horrific car accident in December 2022 has been met with anticipation. He is expected to feature in the opening Test against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 in Chennai."I consider Rishabh Pant one of India's best Test batsmen," Ganguly said at a promotional event in Kolkata. "He will be an all-time great in Tests if he keeps performing like this."Ganguly acknowledged Pant's impressive performances in T20 and ODI cricket since his return from injury earlier this year. However, he emphasized the need for Pant to enhance his skills in the shorter formats."For me, he needs to get better in the shorter formats," Ganguly said. "With the talent he has, I'm sure with time, he will become one of the best."The Indian selectors have included uncapped left-arm pacers Yash Dayal and Akash Deep in the squad, while Mohammed Shami has been given more time to recover from ankle surgery."It's still a very good attack," Ganguly said. "In India, you will see a lot more spin. Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar, and Kuldeep are the four best spinners in the world at the moment."Ganguly also praised Akash Deep, calling him a player to watch out for. "He runs in, bowls quick, and will bowl for long periods," Ganguly said. "He will be as quick as Siraj and Shami, hitting high 140s."Bangladesh, fresh from their historic Test series win over Pakistan, will face a tough challenge in India. Ganguly believes India will be too strong for Bangladesh, but he expects a competitive series."India will be a different kettle of fish; India, whether at home or away, are a fantastic side with a very strong batting unit," Ganguly said. "I don't see Bangladesh winning; India will win the series."Ganguly expressed concern about the lack of talent in Pakistan cricket, which he believes has contributed to their recent struggles."I see a genuine dearth of talent in the country," Ganguly said. "Every generation has to produce outstanding players to win, and when I look at Pakistan in world cricket, there is a dearth of talent in that country."