Cricket

Shubman Gill's technical prowess and unwavering determination were on full display as he crafted a magnificent 90-run knock on a challenging Indore pitch, giving India a crucial advantage in the third and final Test against New Zealand.Gill's innings was a testament to his meticulous preparation, as he revisited the technical work he had done before the five-Test series against England earlier this year. This allowed him to rediscover his rhythm and confidence against spinners, who were expected to dominate on the rank turner."I was just trying to have fun," Gill said after the day's play. "I love batting, and I wanted to enjoy the opportunity to bat for as long as possible."Gill's partnership with Rishabh Pant, who contributed a quickfire 60, gave India a 28-run lead. New Zealand ended the second day at 171 for 9, still trailing by 143 runs.Gill emphasized the importance of having a clear mindset while batting on a turning track. "I was trying to have fun and enjoy the moment, even if it was difficult," he said. "I wasn't putting too much pressure on myself."He also credited his partnership with Pant for releasing pressure on him. "The way Rishabh came in and started hitting those boundaries, it made it difficult for the bowlers to bowl consistently in that area," Gill said.Gill's innings was particularly impressive given the "bit of panic" that India experienced at the end of the opening day. However, he believes that "one good partnership" of 70-80 runs on the third morning should see the hosts through."It's all about one good partnership," Gill said. "When you are chasing a total which is around 150-160, if you have one good partnership of 70-80 runs, the match is done and dusted."Gill's performance has been a bright spot for India in a series that has been marred by inconsistent batting. His ability to adapt to different conditions and his unwavering belief in his abilities make him a valuable asset to the team.

England won the toss and elected to field first in the second ODI against West Indies in Antigua. The hosts made one change to their lineup, with Shamar Joseph replacing Alzarri Joseph, who was ruled out as a precautionary measure.England's captain, Liam Livingstone, expressed confidence in his team's bowling attack, particularly Jofra Archer and John Turner, who impressed in the first ODI. He also acknowledged the importance of moisture in the pitch, which could assist the spinners.West Indies skipper Shai Hope emphasized the need for his team to adapt quickly to the conditions and praised the young players in their pace attack. He stressed the importance of consistency and playing good cricket every time they take the field.The match began with Jofra Archer bowling to Brandon King. King got off to a solid start, scoring a boundary in the second over. However, he was dismissed in the fourth over by Turner, who took a maiden international wicket.Matthew Forde, who has impressed with his bowling up front, spoke about the importance of adapting to the conditions and using his cutters effectively. He also highlighted the special bond he shares with Jayden Seales, his fellow pace bowler.The pitch report indicated that there was some moisture in the surface, which could make it challenging for the team batting first. The square boundaries were equidistant at 63 meters, while the straight boundary was 73 meters.Overall, both teams expressed confidence in their abilities and acknowledged the importance of adapting to the conditions. The match promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched sides.

India's spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar wreaked havoc on New Zealand's batting lineup on the second day of the third and final Test in Mumbai, triggering a collapse that handed India a significant advantage.The Kiwis lost eight wickets in the final session, crumbling to 171 for 9 in their second innings, with a lead of just 143 runs at the close of play. The Indian spinners spun a web around the Kiwi batters, exploiting the sharp turn and variable bounce of the Wankhede pitch.After India posted 263 all out in their first innings, securing a slim 28-run lead, the spinners took control. Ashwin (3/63) found his rhythm, while Jadeja (4/52) continued his impressive form, keeping India's hopes alive of avoiding a clean sweep.Will Young's gritty 51 was the only significant resistance from the Kiwis, who succumbed to pressure after Ajaz Patel (5/103) claimed another five-wicket haul. Ashwin showed visible delight when he stumped Rachin Ravindra (4), beating the batter with bounce and turn. He also bowled out Glenn Phillips (26) and Young (51) to secure crucial breakthroughs.Jadeja also made a notable contribution, ending a resilient 50-run stand between Young and Daryl Mitchell (21). Mitchell's aggressive shot against Jadeja failed to get the desired distance, and Ashwin covered 19 meters to complete a brilliant catch.Tom Blundell (4) chopped a delivery onto his stumps off Jadeja, while Ashwin bowled Phillips, who had shifted to aggressive batting mode. At the start of New Zealand's reply, Akash provided the rare sight of a pacer disturbing the stumps on a turning track, dismantling Tom Latham's (1) off and middle stumps in the first over.Earlier, India suffered a setback with Pant's dismissal towards the end of the morning session. From Pant's dismissal in the 38th over to India folding in the 60th, the team managed just eight boundaries and two sixes. Pant alone hit as many during his brisk half-century.Ajaz, finding his length, continued his success at the Wankhede Stadium, following up his world record 10/119 in the first innings of the 2021 Test here with another five-wicket haul. In the second session, Gill narrowly missed out on his century while other batsmen continued to disappoint.Sarfaraz Khan's struggle was particularly disheartening as he failed to open his account on his home turf. Gill's flawless 146-ball 90, including seven fours and a six, ended when Patel had him caught at slip. Jadeja (14) too was caught at slip, though off Glenn Phillips, while Washington fought a lone battle among the three all-rounders, scoring a brisk 38 not out off 36 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes.

Ravi Bopara, the former England all-rounder, has set the Hong Kong Sixes tournament ablaze with an astonishing feat. In a match against Robin Uthappa's India, Bopara unleashed a barrage of sixes, hitting six consecutive maximums in an over.Uthappa, the Indian skipper, bore the brunt of Bopara's onslaught, conceding a staggering 37 runs in the over. Bopara's six-hitting spree included a wide on the sixth delivery, but he made up for it with another six on the seventh.Bopara's pyrotechnics continued as he faced Shahbaz Nadeem, hitting another six to make it seven consecutive maximums. The former England star retired after scoring 53 runs off just 14 balls, with eight sixes to his name.Samit Patel provided excellent support to Bopara, scoring 51 runs off 18 balls with four fours and five sixes. England's total of 120/1 in 6 overs proved too much for India, despite cameos from Bharat Chipli, Shreevats Goswami, and Kedar Jadhav. India fell short by 15 runs, managing only 105/6 in 6 overs.Bopara's six-hitting spree has sent shockwaves through the tournament, with fans and experts alike marveling at his power and precision. The England skipper has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the Hong Kong Sixes, and his performance is sure to inspire his team to greater heights.

India's batting woes continued in the third Test against New Zealand, with a series of questionable decisions and underperforming stars leaving pundits perplexed.On Day 1, Virat Kohli's reckless run-out set the tone for a topsy-turvy innings. The decision to send Sarfaraz Khan, who has been in scintillating form, down to No. 8 in the batting order sparked outrage among fans and former cricketers.Sanjay Manjrekar, a former India cricketer, questioned the team management's logic, stating that Sarfaraz's demotion made no sense given his recent performances. "A guy in form, has 3 fifties in his first 3 Tests, gets 150 in the Bangalore Test, a good player of spin, pushed back in the order to keep left & right combination?? Makes no sense," Manjrekar tweeted.Sarfaraz's brief stay at the crease ended in a 4-ball duck, adding to the frustration of fans who had witnessed his remarkable run at the Wankhede Stadium. In his last six innings at the venue, Sarfaraz has amassed 601 runs at an astonishing average of 150.25.The decision to send Mohammed Siraj (nightwatchman) and Ravindra Jadeja ahead of Sarfaraz raised eyebrows, especially considering their poor batting performances. Siraj and Jadeja were dismissed for 0 and 14 respectively.The Indian team's batting woes have been a recurring theme throughout the series. Despite Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant's heroics on Saturday, the team's overall performance has been inconsistent and error-prone.The team management's decisions have come under scrutiny, with many questioning the logic behind Sarfaraz's demotion and the batting order in general. As the series progresses, India will need to find a way to address their batting issues and regain their dominance on home soil.

India's batting duo of Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill put on a dominant display on the second morning of the Kanpur Test against New Zealand, guiding their team to a strong position at lunch.Resuming on 19 for 1, Pant and Gill added a quickfire 96 runs for the second wicket, bringing India within striking distance of New Zealand's first innings total of 235. Pant was particularly aggressive, scoring his half-century in just 36 balls, the fastest by an Indian against New Zealand.Pant's attacking mindset forced New Zealand to adjust their field placements, but he continued to find the boundaries with ease. He hit two sixes off Ajaz Patel and looked set for a big score before being dismissed lbw for 60 by Ish Sodhi.Gill, who was dropped on 45, played a more cautious innings but still managed to reach 70 off 106 balls at lunch. He and Ravindra Jadeja, who was promoted to maintain the left-right combination, saw India through to the break with a 15-run stand.New Zealand's bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, with Patel and Sodhi being the only ones to take wickets. Patel finished with figures of 2 for 76, while Sodhi claimed 1 for 42.India will be looking to build on their strong start in the afternoon session and take a first-innings lead. New Zealand, on the other hand, will need to find a way to break the partnership between Gill and Jadeja and restrict India's scoring rate.

Rishabh Pant's return to cricket has been marked by a meticulous approach to fitness and recovery, including a tailored nutrition plan managed by a private chef, Akshay Arora. Arora, the founder of Neat Meals, travels with Pant to ensure he adheres to a strict dietary regimen.In collaboration with nutritionist Shweta Shah, Arora carefully monitors Pant's dietary needs, emphasizing anti-inflammatory foods and hydration to enhance recovery between games. Arora's culinary skills ensure that Pant's meals are both nutritious and enjoyable, preventing monotony and maintaining his interest in eating healthy.Arora explains that energy, in terms of nutrition, refers to nutrients that Pant may not have received sufficient supply of. By understanding Pant's specific requirements, Arora adjusts the macronutrient composition of his meals to optimize his performance.Arora recalls two particularly fulfilling moments: Pant's return to cricket in the IPL 2024 and his Test century against Bangladesh in Chennai. These milestones were not only significant for Pant but also for Arora, who witnessed the culmination of their collaborative efforts.Arora believes that the trend of private chefs will gain popularity among Indian cricketers, as it contributes to longevity in their playing careers. Players are increasingly recognizing the importance of clean eating and proper nutrition for on-field performance.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has retained star batter Virat Kohli ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 auction, signaling their unwavering commitment to the talismanic player. In a heartfelt video message posted on social media, Kohli expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support from RCB fans and vowed to strive for the elusive IPL title during the next three-year cycle."I'm very excited about the chance to create a squad at this auction," Kohli said. "As a franchise, as a team, we're looking ahead in this cycle. In the next three years, one of the goals obviously is to win the IPL title at least once. We're going to give our best shot as always, and I'll try to make everyone proud with the way we play our cricket."Kohli's retention as the top pick, commanding a salary of INR 21 crore, was an expected move given his long-standing association with the team since the IPL's inception in 2008. In his video message, Kohli reflected on his journey with RCB, noting that by the end of this new three-year cycle, he will have completed 20 years with the franchise. He described this milestone as a matter of immense pride and a testament to his enduring commitment to the team.Despite RCB's lack of an IPL title, Kohli acknowledged the incredible support from the fans, which remains unwavering and is largely attributed to his dedication and performances over the years. Kohli also shared his excitement about the upcoming mega auction, expressing confidence in the RCB management's ability to make strategic decisions that will bolster the team. He assured fans that the primary goal remains to win the IPL trophy, a dream that has eluded the franchise thus far.RCB's decision to retain Kohli, Patidar, and Dayal while releasing key players like Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell signifies a strategic shift aimed at restructuring the squad. With a substantial auction purse of INR 84 crore and three Right to Match (RTM) cards at their disposal, RCB are well-positioned to make impactful additions to their roster.Kohli's video message resonated with fans, reinforcing their hope and anticipation for a successful IPL 2025 season. As RCB heads into the mega auction, the focus will be on assembling a balanced and formidable squad capable of finally clinching the IPL title.

IPL Mega Auction: Teams Vie for Captains and Indian Wicket-KeepersAs the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction approaches, teams are gearing up to address their key needs. With several franchises seeking new captains and Indian wicket-keepers, the auction is expected to be highly competitive.Chennai Super Kings (CSK)CSK's primary concern is finding a successor to MS Dhoni as captain. Rishabh Pant is the top target, but their limited purse of Rs 55 crore could hinder their pursuit. Ishan Kishan could be an alternative if Mumbai Indians (MI) do not exercise their right-to-match (RTM) card.Delhi Capitals (DC)With Pant departing, DC will seek a captain who can match his stature. Shreyas Iyer, who led them to the IPL final in 2020, is rumored to be their top choice.Gujarat Titans (GT)GT has retained Shubman Gill as captain. They may consider Pant as a wicketkeeping option, given their remaining purse of Rs 69 crore.Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)KKR, having released Iyer, are also in the market for a captain. KL Rahul and Jos Buttler are potential candidates, but their purse of Rs 51 crore could limit their options.Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)LSG has a purse of Rs 69 crore and is likely to target Pant as their captain and wicketkeeper. They released KL Rahul, who is now available in the auction.Mumbai Indians (MI)MI has spent heavily on retentions and named Hardik Pandya as captain. They are expected to use their RTM for Ishan Kishan.Punjab Kings (PBKS)With Ricky Ponting as head coach, PBKS has released all players except Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh. They have a massive purse of Rs 110 crore and are likely to build their squad around Pant. They may also use RTM for Arshdeep Singh.Rajasthan Royals (RR)RR has retained most of its core players and has a limited purse of Rs 41 crore. They will focus on acquiring support players for Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, and Yashashvi Jaiswal.Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)RCB has the second-highest purse after PBKS, with Rs 83 crore. Dinesh Karthik's move to the coaching staff opens up a slot for a captain and Indian wicketkeeper. Pant is a potential target, with Rahul as a backup option.Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)SRH is one of the few teams that appear settled. They will seek support players for their retained core, including Aiden Markram, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Umran Malik.