Cricket

Mohammed Shami, the Indian fast bowler, made a triumphant return to competitive cricket after a year-long injury layoff, taking four wickets for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy.Shami, who last played in the World Cup final in Ahmedabad in 2024, had raised concerns about his fitness after going wicketless in ten overs on the opening day. However, he dispelled those doubts with a superb performance on the second day, helping Bengal take a commanding lead.Despite being advised to tread cautiously, Shami bowled with intensity and accuracy, troubling the Madhya Pradesh batsmen with his trademark swing and seam. He bowled a total of 19 overs, taking four wickets for 54 runs.Bengal captain Anustup Majumdar praised Shami's determination to return to the field. "He has proven how desperate he was to return to the field," Majumdar said. "It didn't seem to me that he was returning from an injury."Shami's performance has raised hopes that he will be fit for India's upcoming tour of Australia. The Ranji Trophy is the only competitive red-ball cricket Shami will play before the tour, so his performance in Indore will be closely monitored by the national selectors.If Shami can maintain his fitness and form, he will be a valuable asset to the Indian team in Australia. His experience and skill will be crucial in the challenging conditions Down Under.

Varun Chakravarthy's journey in international cricket has been a rollercoaster ride. After a brief stint with the Indian team in 2021, he found himself out of favor and struggling to regain his place. However, through sheer determination and a willingness to reinvent himself, Chakravarthy has emerged as a formidable force in the Indian T20I setup.In 2023, Chakravarthy underwent a transformation in his bowling style. He abandoned his sidespin technique and embraced overspin, which gave him greater bite and accuracy. This change proved to be a masterstroke, as he finished the IPL season with 20 wickets and was instrumental in Kolkata Knight Riders' title triumph.His impressive IPL form earned him a recall to the Indian team for the T20I series against Bangladesh. In his first match back, he snared three wickets, and he continued to impress in subsequent games. Chakravarthy's ability to take wickets at crucial junctures has made him a valuable asset to the Indian team.In the recent T20I series against South Africa, Chakravarthy was the standout performer. He finished with ten wickets in four matches, including a five-wicket haul in the second game. His performances have not only solidified his place in the Indian team but have also made him a contender for a spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup squad.Chakravarthy's success is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Despite setbacks and criticism, he has persevered and emerged as one of the most effective T20I bowlers in the world. His journey is an inspiration to all aspiring cricketers, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has embarked on a trophy tour of Pakistan, despite the uncertainty surrounding the hosting of the Champions Trophy in the country. The trophy arrived in Islamabad on Thursday and will embark on a tour of major Pakistani cities, including Skardu, Lahore, and Karachi.The tour is intended to generate excitement for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9 next year. However, the ICC is yet to announce the final schedule or comment on India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the event.The trophy tour has been met with mixed reactions. Some cricket fans have welcomed the opportunity to see the trophy up close, while others have questioned the purpose of the tour given the uncertainty surrounding the tournament.Former Test captain Moin Khan expressed his skepticism, saying, "What is the purpose of this trophy tour when no one really knows at which venues the tournament will be held and whether Pakistan and India will play against each other in the event?"The ICC is expected to make a decision on the hosting of the Champions Trophy in the coming weeks. If India does not agree to travel to Pakistan, the tournament could be moved to a neutral venue or even canceled altogether.The trophy tour is part of the ICC's efforts to promote the Champions Trophy and build excitement for the event. The tournament will feature the top eight ODI teams in the world, including Pakistan, India, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.The Champions Trophy is one of the most prestigious events in international cricket. It was first held in 1998 and has been won by India, Pakistan, Australia, and South Africa.

India's Dominance in T20 Cricket: A Year of Triumphs2024 has been a remarkable year for the Indian cricket team in the T20 format. With an impressive record of 23 wins in 25 matches, India has showcased their dominance and embraced the attacking style of modern-day T20 cricket.Their success began with whitewashes against Afghanistan and Bangladesh at home, followed by a similar feat against Sri Lanka away. Even their second-string side triumphed in Zimbabwe with a 4-1 victory. However, the pinnacle of their achievements came with their undefeated run to lift the T20 World Cup in June.India's transformation in T20 cricket has been evident in their aggressive batting approach. They have shed their conservative mindset and now play with a fearless attitude, aiming to score big totals. This shift has paid dividends, as they have breached the 200-run mark eight times in 2024, the most by any team in a single year.In the upcoming T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg, India will be looking to end the year on a high note. They have already secured an unassailable 2-1 lead in the four-match series and will be eager to maintain their winning streak.South Africa, on the other hand, has had a disappointing year in T20 cricket. Despite their unbeaten run in the T20 World Cup, they have struggled in bilateral series, with a winless streak of eight matches. However, they will be determined to avoid a 3-1 defeat and salvage some pride in the final match.

Tamil Nadu's C. Andre Siddarth is set to embark on a journey to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the Indian team for the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2024. The 18-year-old batsman received the unexpected news on Wednesday night and immediately shifted his focus to the upcoming tournament.Despite the excitement of the selection, Siddarth remained grounded and prioritized the ongoing Ranji Trophy match against Railways. He played a crucial role in TN's first-innings lead, scoring a valuable 78 runs."The selection is not that important for me right now. This match was more significant because we needed to take the lead," Siddarth said after the second day's play. "When the time comes to travel and compete there (UAE), I'll shift my focus to that. Wherever I'm playing, that side comes first."Siddarth's maturity and dedication are evident in his approach to the game. He believes in honing his skills through both successes and setbacks."Performances are not always up to me. Some days you just get a good delivery... For me, each and every ball is a kind of test, and it's like writing an answer to a question," he said.Siddarth's selection for the U19 Asia Cup is a testament to his talent and hard work. He has consistently performed well at the domestic level and is now ready to represent India on the international stage.The U19 Asia Cup will be a major test for Siddarth and his teammates. They will face some of the best young players in Asia and will need to perform at their best to achieve success.Siddarth is confident in his team's abilities and is eager to contribute to their success. He believes that the team's focus and determination will be key to their performance."We have a good team and we're all working hard together. We're confident that we can do well in the tournament," Siddarth said.The U19 Asia Cup will be held in the UAE from December 14 to 28, 2024. India will be looking to defend their title and Siddarth will be hoping to play a key role in their success.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction approaches, a plethora of Indian and overseas cricketers eagerly await their fate. Among them is Ashutosh Sharma, a 26-year-old middle-order batter who made a significant impact in the 2024 IPL season with Punjab Kings.After being picked at his base price of ₹20 lakh, Ashutosh seized the opportunity and showcased his daring and inventive strokeplay. Batting predominantly in the slog overs, he contributed 189 runs in 11 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 167.26.Despite his impressive performance, Ashutosh was not retained by Punjab Kings, a decision that he accepts with equanimity. "I didn't think much about whether I was retained or not. It is not in my hands," he said. "Wherever I go, I will be happy as long as I just play cricket."Ashutosh's journey to the IPL has been marked by perseverance and determination. After not getting enough opportunities for Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket, he moved to Railways, where he finally found his footing.Reflecting on his IPL experience, Ashutosh highlights the invaluable lessons he learned. "I have learned a lot of things. A lot of legends play in the IPL. I have learned by observing how they perform on a big stage," he said. "I used to get to bat in tough situations. The biggest lesson was how to handle those tough situations and how to stay calm and believe in yourself."As the mega auction looms, Ashutosh remains optimistic about his prospects. "I am excited about the auction. I am hoping to get picked by a team that believes in me and gives me the opportunity to showcase my skills," he said.With his talent and determination, Ashutosh Sharma is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming IPL season. Whether he returns to Punjab Kings or finds a new home, his journey is a testament to the transformative power of the IPL and the opportunities it provides to aspiring cricketers.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has expressed optimism that Virat Kohli can rediscover his form during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Kohli's recent Test performances have been below par, with only one half-century in the five matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand.Shastri believes that composure will be key for Kohli's success in Australia. "Your juices are flowing, you're charged up. It's again a case with Virat. You want to see calmness because at times you are over-eager to get out there and throw the first punch," Shastri said on the ICC Review show.He emphasized the importance of Kohli avoiding rushing his innings. "But I think that calmness in the first half an hour where he gets out to bat or in the first three innings of the series will be extremely important. If he can be calm and play the game at his own pace rather than being in a hurry, I think he'll be fine," Shastri added.Kohli has a strong track record in Australia, with 1352 runs in 13 matches at an average of 54.08. He has also scored six centuries and four fifties in Australia. Shastri expressed confidence in Kohli's ability to perform well in familiar conditions."Well, the King is back in his territory. That's all I will tell them. When you've earned that title after your exploits in Australia, it will be on your (opponent's) mind when you go out to bat," said Shastri.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on November 22nd and will feature five Test matches, marking the first time since 1991/92 that the series will have these many games.

Tamil Nadu's batting prowess was on full display as they ended day two of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group-D fixture against Railways with a commanding 324 for six, establishing a significant lead of 95 runs.The opening partnership between M. Shahrukh Khan and N. Jagadeesan laid the foundation for TN's strong position. Shahrukh, known for his aggressive batting, unleashed his power with expansive drives and hooks, amassing 86 runs off 114 deliveries. Jagadeesan, the Tamil Nadu skipper, played a more measured innings, accumulating 56 runs off 117 balls. Their 137-run stand provided a solid platform for the team.However, Railways bowlers managed to break the partnership, dismissing Shahrukh and Jagadeesan in quick succession. Vijay Shankar and Pradosh Ranjan Paul also fell cheaply, leaving TN at 160 for four.Undeterred, C. Andre Siddarth stepped up and consolidated the innings. He formed two crucial partnerships, first with Paul (38) and then with S. Mohamed Ali (37 batting). Siddarth's 78 runs off 133 deliveries, characterized by precise ground strokes and off-side boundaries, proved invaluable.Despite Railways' efforts to regain momentum, TN's batters remained resolute. Kunal Yadav's late wickets of Siddarth and R. Sonu Yadav could not prevent TN from extending their lead.Railways bowlers toiled hard throughout the day, but luck seemed to elude them. Several close lbw and caught-behind appeals went unanswered, and some chances were missed in the slip cordon.As the match enters its third day, TN holds a clear advantage. Their substantial lead and four wickets in hand give them the upper hand. Railways, on the other hand, will need to produce a strong performance to turn the tide in their favor.

Australia's Border-Gavaskar Trophy preparations have hit a snag as assistant coach Daniel Vettori is set to depart midway through the first Test to attend the IPL 2025 mega auction. Vettori, who is also the head coach of IPL runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), will need to be present for the auction, which clashes with the Test match days.The IPL 2025 mega auction is scheduled for November 24 and 25, coinciding with the first Australia-India Test in Perth, which runs from November 22 to 26. Vettori's absence will be a significant blow to Australia, who are looking to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after losing it in India last year.Vettori is not the only Australian coaching staff member who will be leaving for the IPL auction. Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, who are head coaches of Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) respectively, are also expected to depart midway through the Perth Test.The IPL's growing stature and financial clout have made it increasingly difficult for players and coaches to prioritize international commitments. The league is now one of the richest and most-watched in the world, offering lucrative contracts and the opportunity to work with top players and coaches.Vettori's departure highlights the challenges facing cricket boards in balancing the demands of international cricket with the allure of the IPL. While the IPL provides financial benefits and opportunities for players and coaches, it can also disrupt national team preparations and create scheduling conflicts.Despite the challenges, Australia will be determined to put on a strong performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. They will be led by Pat Cummins, who is also retained by SRH along with Travis Head. The team will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing loss in India and reclaim the trophy on home soil.