Cricket

India's batting legend Rahil Dravid, in his final address as head coach, urged modern-day great Virat Kohli to complete his trophy cabinet by winning the World Test Championship (WTC). India has won all ICC trophies except the WTC, and Kohli, like the team, has yet to conquer this elusive title.The WTC is a relatively new ICC tournament, and India has been one of its most successful teams, reaching the finals twice before this cycle. However, they lost to New Zealand in 2021 and Australia in 2023.India is once again a favorite to reach the finals, and this time they aim to complete their trophy collection. After breaking their ICC trophy drought with their second T20 World Cup title this year, India now sets their sights on the WTC title.Their final stretch of the 'Road to Lord's' begins with a two-match Test series against Bangladesh. India has never lost a Test match against Bangladesh, but the gap in the WTC standings is not as significant as the Test rankings.Bangladesh is coming off a historic series win over Pakistan, which has boosted their confidence. However, India has not lost a Test series at home for over a decade.India's form in the current WTC cycle has been impressive, with six wins, two defeats, and one draw in nine matches. Bangladesh, on the other hand, has three wins, three defeats, and 45.83 percentage points in six matches.While Bangladesh is in good red-ball form, India has not played Test cricket for over six months. However, most of the Indian team members participated in the domestic Duleep Trophy game to prepare for the five-day grind.The series promises to be an exciting contest between two teams with contrasting strengths and weaknesses. India will rely on their experience and home advantage, while Bangladesh will look to capitalize on their recent momentum.

ICC Delegation to Inspect Pakistan for Champions Trophy PreparationsA five-member delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) will arrive in Karachi on September 17, 2024, for an inspection visit ahead of next year's Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The delegation includes top officials from the ICC's Events and Security Departments, as well as the General Manager Cricket and Production Manager.The ICC delegation's primary objective is to discuss the tentative schedule for the tournament, which was prepared and submitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) several months ago. A key aspect of the schedule is the allocation of matches to Lahore, where the Indian team is expected to play all their games.The delegation will also address the possibility of the Indian government not allowing the Indian team to travel to Pakistan. In such a scenario, alternative arrangements will need to be considered.During their visit, the delegation will inspect ongoing construction work in Karachi and review team hotel arrangements. They will also travel to Islamabad and Lahore for similar inspections.The ICC Security Manager will hold briefings with Pakistani security officials to assess the security measures in place for the tournament.The ICC's decision on the final schedule and tournament arrangements will be announced in due course.

India's Transformation: From Romantic Failure to Pragmatic TriumphIn the realm of international cricket, Australia has long been known for its aggressive sledging and unwavering belief in their own superiority. However, ahead of the upcoming series in Australia, a shift in the Indian team's mindset has emerged, signaling a departure from the traditional approach of glorifying failure.Historically, Indian cricket was characterized by a romantic notion of failure, where heroic efforts in defeat were celebrated. This attitude stemmed from the influence of British colonialism, which instilled a sense of inferiority in Indian players. However, in recent years, a pragmatic shift has taken hold, driven by a desire to win at all costs.This transformation can be traced back to the 2002 Headingley Test, where captain Sourav Ganguly's decision to bat first on a bowler-friendly pitch defied conventional wisdom. India's subsequent victory marked a turning point, demonstrating the importance of prioritizing results over aesthetics.Another pivotal moment came in 2014, when Virat Kohli led India to a historic Test series win in Australia. Kohli's aggressive captaincy and unwavering belief in his team's ability to win instilled a new mindset in the Indian players. They realized that they could compete with the best in the world and that winning was not just a possibility but an expectation.This shift in attitude has been accompanied by a focus on team success over individual milestones. Kohli's famous declaration in the 2014 Adelaide Test, where he prioritized the team's victory over his own century, exemplified this new approach.The Indian team's transformation has not been without its challenges. The traditional emphasis on romantic failure still lingers in some quarters, but the pragmatic approach has gradually gained acceptance. As India prepares to face Australia once again, their newfound belief in their own abilities and their willingness to embrace the "hard but fair" approach will be put to the test.

India's Test cricket team, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, is poised to embark on a new season with a positive outlook. The team will face a spirited Bangladesh side in a two-match series, marking the beginning of a busy schedule that includes 10 Tests in the upcoming months.Gambhir and his men are eager to make a strong start in the World Test Championship, with a series of crucial matches lined up. After the Bangladesh series, India will host New Zealand for three Tests in October, followed by a five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia starting in November.Former India player Dinesh Karthik and Australia legend Michael Bevan expressed their excitement for the upcoming series. Karthik believes the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be a challenging test for India, as they face an in-form Australian side. However, he remains confident in the team's resilience and determination.Bevan, who will coach the Southern Superstars in the Legends League Cricket, also anticipates a competitive series. He acknowledges the strength of the Indian team but believes the Australian team is forging a new culture under Pat Cummins.Regarding the first Test against Bangladesh, Karthik warns that the visitors will enter the match with confidence after their recent triumph over Pakistan. He emphasizes that India must be aware of the threat posed by a slightly different Bangladesh team.The jersey launch for the Southern Superstars was attended by actress Aishwarya Rajesh and franchise spokesperson Srinadh Chitoori. Former India players Parthiv Patel and Kedar Jadhav were also present as team members.

The inaugural Kerala Cricket League (KCL) has reached its climax, with Aries Kollam Sailors and Calicut Globstars set to battle it out in the final. Both teams have showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, securing contrasting victories in the semifinals.Aries Kollam Sailors, led by captain Sachin Baby, put up a formidable total of 210 for two against Thrissur Titans. Opener Abhishek Nair played a blistering knock of 103 runs, while Baby himself contributed an unbeaten 83. The Sailors' bowlers then restricted Titans to 194 for eight, with N.P. Basil and Biju Narayanan claiming three and two wickets, respectively.In the other semifinal, Calicut Globstars staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Trivandrum Royals. Royals looked poised for victory at 131 for one in the 15th over, but a dramatic collapse saw them lose their way. Riya Basheer and Govind Dev Pai, who had put on a 130-run partnership, were dismissed in quick succession by Akhil Scaria. Scaria then claimed two more wickets in the 18th over to seal the win for Globstars.The final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams. Sailors will rely on their batting prowess, while Globstars will look to their bowlers to make the difference. The match will be played at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, September 17.

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.

Australia's Test team faces a crucial decision ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series against India: who will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja? Steven Smith's four-match stint as an opener has been met with mixed reviews, prompting speculation about potential alternatives.Despite Smith's initial request to open, his performance in New Zealand has raised concerns. His scores of 31, 0, 11, and 9 on pitches favoring new-ball bowlers have cast doubt on his suitability for the role.Coach Andrew McDonald has stated that the incumbent top six from the New Zealand series will remain for the first Test against India, but discussions are ongoing. If Smith is not retained as an opener, several options emerge.Marnus Labuschagne:Labuschagne could swap positions with Smith, moving from No. 3 to open. He has experience opening in first-class cricket, including a century at the WACA in 2016. However, moving Labuschagne from his successful position at No. 3 may not be ideal.Cameron Green:Green was considered as a potential opener before Warner's retirement. He has the skills to do it, but his heavy bowling workload and preference for No. 4 make it an undesirable option.Travis Head:Khawaja has suggested Head as the best partner for him, allowing Smith to return to No. 4. Head has opened in Test cricket in India, but his mediocre record against spin in the subcontinent is a concern.Mitchell Marsh:Marsh has made it clear that he is not comfortable moving to the top of the order. His technique is not suited to batting against the new ball, and his bowling will be crucial throughout the summer.The selectors face a difficult decision. Smith's desire to open must be balanced against the team's overall balance and the strengths of the other candidates. The upcoming Shield matches will provide further insights into the team's plans.

India's cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, is gearing up for a grueling schedule that includes 10 Tests in 15 weeks. The team is aware of the strain this can put on their fast bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who are expected to play a significant role in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.To manage the workload, India has implemented a plan to monitor and rest their bowlers as needed. They have already given Bumrah and Siraj breaks during previous Test series. The team is also expanding its fast-bowling pool, with left-armer Yash Dayal joining the squad for the Bangladesh series.Despite the challenges, India is not viewing their home series against Bangladesh as preparation for their overseas tours. Rohit Sharma emphasized that every game is important, and they aim to win every Test match.The team has been in Chennai for a week-long training camp to prepare for the Bangladesh series. The camp has allowed them to spend ample time on the field and get ready for the challenges ahead.

Pakistan is eagerly preparing to host the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9, 2023. In anticipation of this global cricketing event, a five-member delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) will arrive in Karachi on Tuesday night for a four-day assessment of Pakistan's readiness.The ICC team, comprising experts in event management, security, cricket operations, and production, will meticulously inspect the three designated venues: Karachi's National Stadium, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. They will scrutinize stadium facilities, practice areas, and hotels earmarked for players and officials, ensuring they meet the high standards expected of such a major tournament.This visit follows previous trips by key ICC figures, including Security Manager David Mucker, Head of Events Chris Tetley, and Pitch Consultant Andy Atkinson, who have already familiarized themselves with the Pakistani venues. However, the current delegation reflects some recent changes within the ICC, showcasing a refreshed team taking the reins.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed confidence in the timely completion of renovations at the designated stadiums. However, local media reports have hinted at potential delays in the upgrade projects. "The redevelopment of the stadia in Karachi and Lahore is progressing rapidly and the PCB is confident that the construction companies will meet their targets on time," said a PCB spokesperson. "These upgrades are not just a necessity but a critical step in elevating our venues to meet the expectations of the modern game."The Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, carries a budget of $65 million, as approved by the ICC. The PCB has already submitted a draft schedule for the eight-team tournament, but its finalization hinges on a significant factor: India's participation. Should India choose not to travel to Pakistan, the ICC and PCB may need to consider a hybrid model, potentially hosting some matches at neutral venues, mirroring the approach taken for last year's Asia Cup.This ICC visit, therefore, carries immense weight, serving as a critical evaluation of Pakistan's preparedness to host a successful and memorable Champions Trophy. The world will be watching as Pakistan aims to showcase its passion for cricket and its ability to deliver a world-class event.