Cricket

India's recent Test victory over England in Dharamshala marked a significant milestone in the team's history. For the first time, India's overall win-loss ratio in Test cricket reached 1.0, meaning the number of wins now matches the number of losses.This achievement highlights India's remarkable transformation from a team that struggled in overseas conditions to a formidable force in both home and away Tests. The team's success can be attributed to several factors, including the emergence of world-class spinners like Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, R. Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja.India's home record has been particularly impressive. Since the 1990s, the team has dominated at home, with a win-loss ratio of over 3.0. This dominance is largely due to the preparation of spin-friendly wickets, which have favored India's skilled spinners.In recent years, India has also made significant strides in away Tests. The team's win-loss ratio in away Tests has improved from 0.24 in the 1990s to 0.9 in the 2020s. This improvement is due to a combination of factors, including a more balanced bowling attack and a strong batting line-up.India's success in Test cricket is a testament to the team's hard work, dedication, and talent. The team's ability to adapt to different conditions and overcome challenges has made them one of the most respected and feared teams in the world.

India's dominance in the World Test Championship (WTC) continues unabated as they secured a comprehensive innings and 64-run victory over England in Dharamsala. This emphatic win sealed a resounding 4-1 series triumph, further solidifying their position at the summit of the WTC rankings.India's impressive performance in the ongoing WTC cycle has seen them accumulate 68.51 percentage points from nine matches, with six wins, two losses, and one draw. Their latest victory propelled them from 64.58 to their current standing.Captain Rohit Sharma celebrated the series triumph by acknowledging the contributions of promising young talents Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel. In a social media post, Sharma referred to them as "garden mein ghoomne wale bande," a phrase he had used during the Vizag Test to describe players who were not performing up to expectations.Sharma's post drew attention from India's T20 sensation Suryakumar Yadav, who singled out Jaiswal and Gill for praise. Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh clarified that the post specifically referred to Shubman.Rohit Sharma himself had an exceptional series with the bat, amassing 400 runs in five matches at an average of 44.44. He notched up two centuries and one fifty, showcasing his class and consistency.India's victory in Dharamsala was a testament to their all-round strength. The bowlers, led by Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Shami, wreaked havoc on the English batting lineup, while the batsmen, including Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant, provided valuable contributions.The series win against England has further boosted India's confidence as they prepare for the upcoming WTC final against New Zealand. With their impressive record and a formidable squad, India will be aiming to secure the inaugural WTC title and cement their status as the world's leading Test team.

Sunil Gavaskar's fury erupted when Sarfaraz Khan recklessly threw away his wicket shortly after the tea break on day two of the fifth and final Test between India and England in Dharamsala. Making his third Test appearance, the 26-year-old Khan had settled into a promising 56 but opted for an ill-advised cut shot against spinner Shoaib Bashir. The ball found an edge and was gratefully accepted by Joe Root in the slips.Gavaskar, providing commentary during the live broadcast, was scathing in his criticism of Khan's shot selection. "The ball was pitched up, it wasn't short enough for that shot," Gavaskar lamented. "Goes for it and pays the price. I mean you are playing the first ball after tea. Give yourself a little sighter."Gavaskar's ire stemmed from a meeting with Khan the previous day, where he had emphasized the significance of shot selection. A crestfallen Khan later apologized to Gavaskar through Dubai-based businessman Shyam Bhatia, who had arranged their meeting. "Sir, please say sorry to Mr Gavaskar – I made a mistake! I won’t make that mistake again," Khan reportedly conveyed through Bhatia.Gavaskar's anger was not unfounded. Khan's dismissal was a glaring example of poor decision-making, especially considering the crucial stage of the match. India was looking to consolidate its position after a dominant first day, and Khan's wicket gave England a much-needed boost.The incident highlights the importance of shot selection in Test cricket. Batsmen must carefully assess the situation and play shots that are appropriate for the conditions and the match situation. Impulsive or reckless shots can have disastrous consequences, as Khan's dismissal demonstrated.Despite Khan's lapse, India went on to win the Dharamsala Test inside three days, securing a 4-1 series victory. However, the incident served as a reminder of the importance of discipline and shot selection in the longest format of the game.

R Ashwin's stellar performance in the fifth Test against England has propelled him back to the top of the ICC Test bowling rankings. The Indian offspinner's nine-wicket haul in Dharamsala has earned him the No. 1 spot for the sixth time in his career.Ashwin's resurgence has coincided with a dip in form for Jasprit Bumrah, who has slipped to No. 3. However, India's bowling attack remains formidable, with Kuldeep Yadav rising to a career-best 16th after his seven-wicket haul in Dharamsala.In the Test batting rankings, Rohit Sharma has moved up to sixth, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill have also made significant gains. Jaiswal's impressive start to his Test career has seen him accumulate 740 rating points, placing him behind only Don Bradman and Mike Hussey among batters with nine or fewer Tests.The ICC rankings also reflect the dominance of India across formats. The Men in Blue are ranked No. 1 in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, with Australia and England trailing in the Test and ODI rankings, and England and Australia in the T20I rankings.In the ODI batting rankings, Harry Tector's impressive performances against Afghanistan have lifted him to fourth place, while Babar Azam remains at the summit. In the ODI bowling rankings, Keshav Maharaj, Josh Hazlewood, and Adam Zampa occupy the top three spots.The T20I batting rankings are led by Suryakumar Yadav, Phil Salt, and Mohammad Rizwan, while Adil Rashid, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Akeal Hosein are the top three bowlers.In the allrounder rankings, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Nabi, and Shakib Al Hasan are the top-ranked players in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, respectively.

Sri Lanka's opening batsmen, Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando, got off to a solid start in the first ODI against Bangladesh in Chittagong on Wednesday. Nissanka struck a six over mid-wicket off Taijul Islam, while Fernando hit a boundary through covers off Tanzim Hasan Sakib.However, Sakib provided the breakthrough for Bangladesh, dismissing Fernando for 24. The left-arm spinner bowled a full and wide delivery outside off, which Fernando edged to the keeper.Nissanka continued to play aggressively, hitting another boundary off Sakib and a four off Shoriful Islam. He was eventually dismissed for 35, caught behind off Taijul Islam.Kusal Mendis, the Sri Lankan captain, came to the crease and played a patient innings, scoring 25 off 40 balls. He was supported by Sadeera Samarawickrama, who made 22 off 33 balls.Bangladesh's bowlers kept the Sri Lankan batsmen in check, with Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam taking two wickets each. Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib also bowled economically.At the end of 20 overs, Sri Lanka were 105/3, with Mendis and Samarawickrama at the crease.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is implementing a new policy that will require state cricket associations to route all proposals for training camps and competitions with foreign boards through the parent body. This decision will be finalized at the BCCI's Apex Council meeting on March 18.The move comes after several state units, including Delhi and Puducherry, held discussions with foreign boards, primarily associate nations, to host them on exposure trips. The Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) has reportedly received a proposal from the Nepal Cricket Association."State units can certainly partner with foreign boards for cricket-related activities, but those agreements must be facilitated by the BCCI as it is the parent body. All proposals must go through the BCCI," said a BCCI source.The upcoming Apex Council meeting will include a discussion on "state cricket associations collaborating with foreign boards for organizing cricket." The BCCI will then take matters into its own hands.Nepal is expected to visit India for an exposure trip ahead of the T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean in June. Officials from the Cricket Association of Nepal met with BCCI secretary Jay Shah last month.The BCCI has a history of assisting associate nations. Afghanistan used India as its home base for an extended period before the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing facilities in Dehradun and Greater Noida for training and competition.The new policy aims to streamline the process of organizing international cricket events and ensure that all such activities are conducted in accordance with BCCI regulations. It will also provide the BCCI with greater oversight and control over the activities of state cricket associations.

Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, is poised to make a triumphant return to competitive cricket after a grueling 14-month recovery from a devastating car accident in December 2022. As the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches, Pant reflects on the challenges and triumphs he has faced during his rehabilitation journey.In an exclusive interview with TOI, Pant candidly shared the emotional toll of missing the ODI World Cup hosted by India last year. "It was very upsetting," he admitted. "We had set our sights on the World Cup, but my knee couldn't handle the load."Undeterred, Pant embraced the setback as an opportunity for growth. "I started pushing myself more," he said. "When you set shorter goals, it helps you stay motivated. It's like building a good Test innings."The official declaration of fitness by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has filled Pant with immense satisfaction. "This was the thing we were waiting for," he exclaimed. "I just want to go out there and play and have fun."Pant has already joined the Delhi Capitals camp in Vizag, where he will prepare for the team's IPL opener against Punjab Kings on March 23. The wicketkeeper-batsman is eager to contribute to his team's success and prove that he is back to his best.Pant's return to competitive cricket is a testament to his resilience and determination. After enduring a life-threatening accident, he has emerged stronger than ever, ready to once again showcase his exceptional skills on the field.

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant's life took a dramatic turn after a horrific car crash in December 2022. The accident left him with severe injuries, including a damaged ligament in his right knee, a hurt wrist and ankle, and abrasions to his back. The severity of his injuries was such that doctors even considered amputating his leg.Pant's recovery journey has been arduous and challenging. He underwent intensive rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, working tirelessly to regain his fitness. The 26-year-old is now set to make his comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Delhi Capitals, marking his return to competitive cricket after a 14-month absence.The accident has had a profound impact on Pant's life, both physically and mentally. He admits that the long layoff has taken a toll on him, but he is grateful to be alive and have the opportunity to play cricket again."When my accident happened, I felt something spiritual saved me," Pant said. "With the kind of accident I had, I only got my knee injured, but I can't even imagine how much worse it could have been."Pant's determination to return to the field is evident in his rigorous rehabilitation program. He has been working tirelessly to regain his strength and fitness, and is eager to prove that he is still one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen in the world.If all goes well in the IPL, Pant could be in contention for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States in June. The tournament would be a major milestone in his comeback journey, and would serve as a testament to his resilience and determination.Pant's accident has been a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. He has emerged from the experience with a renewed appreciation for life and a deep gratitude for the support he has received from his family, friends, and fans.

Kuldeep Yadav, the enigmatic left-arm wrist spinner, has emerged as a formidable force in Indian cricket. Despite playing only 12 Tests in a career spanning seven years, he has left an indelible mark on the game with his unique bowling style.Yadav's journey has been marked by both brilliance and setbacks. He made his debut in 2017 and quickly established himself as a match-winner, taking 19 wickets in a series against England. However, he has also faced periods of inconsistency and has often found himself on the sidelines.Undeterred, Yadav has worked tirelessly to improve his craft. He has refined his run-up, pace, and batting, transforming himself into a more complete bowler. His efforts have paid off, as he has regained his place in the Indian team and played a pivotal role in their recent Test series victory over England.Yadav's success stems from his ability to bowl the "chinaman," a delivery that spins away from the right-handed batter. This delivery is notoriously difficult to master, but Yadav has developed exceptional control over it. He can deceive batters with his subtle variations in pace and trajectory, making him a formidable opponent.In addition to his bowling prowess, Yadav has also shown maturity and resilience. He has learned to handle both praise and criticism with grace, and he has maintained his focus on improving his game. His positive attitude and willingness to learn have been instrumental in his resurgence.Yadav's return to form is a testament to his talent and determination. He has proven that even after setbacks, it is possible to regain one's place at the top. As India looks to the future, Yadav is poised to play a leading role in their spin attack. His unique skills and unwavering spirit make him a valuable asset to the team and a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers.