Cricket

Mumbai's run-machine Sarfaraz Khan fulfilled a heartfelt promise to his family and teammates by scoring a magnificent double century in the Irani Cup match against Rest of India. The knock was a testament to his unwavering determination and a tribute to his younger brother Musheer, who was recovering from a road accident.Khan's 222-run innings propelled Mumbai to a mammoth 537 all out on the third day of the match. The achievement marked a significant milestone for the 26-year-old, making him the first player to score an Irani Cup double hundred for Mumbai.Driven by a deep emotional connection, Khan had vowed to score a double century if he was set. "I had promised my family and teammates that if I am set, I will score 200 – a hundred for me and a hundred for my brother," he said.Despite the challenging conditions at the Ekana Stadium, Khan displayed his exceptional batting skills. His elegant drives on the off-side and masterful footwork against spinners were a sight to behold. He particularly targeted left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, punishing him for 137 runs in 37 overs.Khan's monumental effort was not only a personal triumph but also a testament to his unwavering commitment to his team. "It's a big opportunity for us to win the Irani Cup after a long time," he said. "I thought of playing as long as possible, putting as many runs on the board as possible which will help the team win."The double century further solidifies Khan's status as a potential national team contender. His consistent ability to score big runs has caught the attention of selectors, who are likely to consider him for the remaining Test matches of the season.Khan's performance is a reminder of the resilience and determination that drives athletes to achieve greatness. Despite the adversity faced by his family, he remained focused on his goal and delivered a truly memorable innings.

Mumbai's Sarfaraz Khan produced a batting masterclass on the second day of the Irani Cup, scoring an unbeaten 221 to put his team in a commanding position against Rest of India (RoI).Khan's marathon innings, his fourth First Class double century, was a testament to his determination and skill. Despite a hot and humid day at the Bharat Ratna Shree Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, he remained unfazed, frustrating the RoI bowlers with his cheeky strokes and game-sense.After Mumbai lost early wickets, Khan found support from Tanush Kotian, who contributed 64 runs. Together, they helped Mumbai recover from a shaky start. When Kotian departed, Shardul Thakur provided valuable support, scoring 36 runs.RoI's bowlers, including Yash Dayal, Prasidh Krishna, and Mukesh Kumar, tried various tactics to dismiss Khan, but he remained unyielding. He used his reverse-paddle shot to negate the off-spinner Saransh Jain's plan of bowling in the stumps.Khan's double century is the highest individual score for Mumbai in the Irani Cup, surpassing Ramnath Parkar's 195 in 1972. It is also the fifth highest individual score in the tournament's history.Mumbai ended the day on 536 for nine, with Juned Khan yet to bat. The team will hope to build on their strong position on the third day and secure a victory in the Irani Cup.

Ishan Kishan's historic double century against Bangladesh in December 2022 etched his name in the annals of cricket history. The 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman became the youngest and quickest player to reach the milestone in ODI cricket.Kishan's blistering innings of 210 not out off 131 deliveries was a testament to his exceptional talent and fearless approach. He smashed 24 fours and 10 sixes, propelling India to a mammoth total of 409/8. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, as he effortlessly cleared the boundary with ease.As Kishan reached the landmark, his batting partner Virat Kohli erupted in celebration, performing a joyous bhangra dance before embracing the left-hander. The moment was a testament to the camaraderie and respect within the Indian team.India has a rich history of batsmen who have breached the 200-run mark in ODIs. Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary master blaster, was the first to achieve this feat, scoring an unbeaten 200 against South Africa in 2010. Virender Sehwag followed suit, smashing 219 against the West Indies in 2011.However, it is Rohit Sharma who holds the distinction of scoring the most double centuries in ODIs. The prolific opener has three such scores to his name: 209 against Australia in 2013, a record-breaking 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014, and an unbeaten 208 against Sri Lanka in 2017.With his incredible innings against Bangladesh, Kishan became the fourth Indian batsman to join this elite club. India's rising star Shubman Gill joined the elite double century club after smashing 208 off 149 balls against New Zealand in Hyderabad in 2023. His knock featured 19 fours and 9 sixes, making him the fifth Indian to accomplish this remarkable feat.Kishan's double century not only secured a resounding 227-run victory for India but also cemented his status as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket. His ability to combine power-hitting with finesse makes him a formidable force in the limited-overs format.

Rohit Sharma, the enigmatic Indian captain, has etched his name into the annals of ODI cricket history as the only batsman to have scored three double centuries in the format. His remarkable ability to construct colossal innings with elegance and flair has left cricket enthusiasts and experts alike in awe.Sharma's first monumental knock came against Australia in 2013, where he unleashed a breathtaking assault on the hapless bowlers, amassing a colossal 209 runs off a mere 158 deliveries. The Bengaluru crowd witnessed a spectacle of unrivaled brilliance as Sharma's bat conjured a symphony of boundaries and sixes, leaving the opposition in a state of stupefaction.Lightning struck twice when Sharma, donning the iconic blue jersey, took center stage against Sri Lanka in 2014. In a display of unmatched batsmanship, he surpassed his own record, accumulating an astonishing 264 runs, the highest individual score in ODI history. The cricketing world stood in raptures as Sharma's willow danced to a mesmerizing tune, dispatching the ball to all corners of the Eden Gardens with unerring precision.The magnum opus of Sharma's ODI odyssey unfolded against the same opposition, Sri Lanka, in 2017. In a masterclass of timing, technique, and temperament, he conquered yet another summit, registering a sublime 208 not out. The Mohali crowd was enthralled as Sharma's bat orchestrated a rhapsody of cricketing strokes, leaving an indelible mark on the sport's folklore.Sharma's tryst with ODI greatness is a testament to his unquenchable thirst for runs, his unwavering determination, and his sublime mastery of the willow. His ability to build colossal innings with such ease and consistency has set him apart as one of the most prolific batsmen of the modern era.

Virat Kohli's dominance in Test cricket reached unprecedented heights from 2016 to 2018, with the former Indian captain amassing over 1000 runs in each of those three years. In 2017, Kohli's brilliance was on full display, as he notched up 1059 runs in 10 Test matches at an astonishing average of 75.64.Kohli's dominance was particularly evident in the Hyderabad Test against Bangladesh in February 2017. In a match that marked Bangladesh's first Test on Indian soil, Kohli unleashed a batting masterclass, scoring a magnificent 204. This double century was his fourth consecutive in four successive series, a feat that surpassed the legendary Don Bradman and Rahul Dravid, who had achieved it in three consecutive series.Kohli's 204, coupled with Murali Vijay's 108, Ajinkya Rahane's 82, and Wriddhiman Saha's unbeaten 106, propelled India to a mammoth first-innings total of 687/6. India became the first team to post three successive scores of 600-plus, piling up an imposing total that left Bangladesh reeling.The Bangladesh bowlers were unable to contain Kohli's onslaught, with Taskin Ahmed, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan, and Taijul Islam all conceding over 100 runs in their toiling spells. On Day 4, Ravichandran Ashwin reached the milestone of 250 Test wickets, becoming the quickest to achieve the landmark.Despite Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim's valiant 127, India's bowlers proved too strong, with Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja taking four wickets each to dismiss Bangladesh for 250. India won by 208 runs, registering their sixth successive series win and extending their unbeaten streak to 19 consecutive Tests.Kohli's performance in the Hyderabad Test was not just a statistical marvel but also a testament to his exceptional batting skills. He broke several records, including:* Scoring a double century in four consecutive Test series, a world record.* Becoming the first Indian captain to score four double centuries, surpassing the combined tally of 31 double centuries scored by all previous Indian captains.* Scoring 1,168 runs in 15 innings at an average of 89.8 in the 2016-17 home season, the most Test runs scored by an Indian in a home season.* Scoring 3,036 runs in international cricket since January 1, 2016, the most by any batsman in the world.* Becoming the only cricketer to average above 75 in all three formats of the game (Tests, ODIs, and T20s) since January 2016.Kohli's dominance in 2017 was a testament to his unwavering determination, exceptional technique, and unwavering belief in his abilities. He set new benchmarks for batting excellence and cemented his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.

Shafali Verma Blazes to Record-Breaking Double Century in Women's Test CricketIndian opener Shafali Verma has etched her name in the annals of women's cricket history by smashing the fastest double-century in Test cricket. During the one-off match against South Africa in Lucknow, the 20-year-old prodigy surpassed Australia's Annabel Sutherland's previous record of 248 balls. Verma achieved the milestone in a mere 194 deliveries, showcasing her exceptional batting prowess.Verma's blistering knock propelled her to become the second Indian woman after former captain Mithali Raj to score a double century in Test cricket. Raj had achieved the feat in 2002, scoring 214 off 407 balls against England.Throughout her aggressive innings, Verma displayed her power-hitting abilities, striking 23 boundaries and eight towering sixes. She reached her double century with consecutive sixes off off-spinner Delmi Tucker, followed by a single. Her remarkable knock was eventually halted when she was run out for 205 off 197 balls.Verma's opening partner, Smriti Mandhana, also played a crucial role in India's dominant performance. Mandhana scored a brilliant 149 off 161 balls, including 27 boundaries and one six. Together, the duo formed a formidable opening partnership of 292 runs, which came off just 52 overs.India has been in complete control of the opening day against South Africa, scoring at a blistering pace close to a run-a-ball. Verma's record-breaking double century has set the tone for a potential Indian victory in the one-off Test match.

Essex dominated day two of their Vitality Championship match against Kent, declaring on a mammoth 591 for 7 before reducing the hosts to 118 for 4.Jordan Cox, returning to Canterbury for the first time since leaving Kent, starred with a double century (207). Shane Snater (83*) and Michael Pepper (82) also contributed significantly.Kent's hopes of a comeback were dashed by Matt Critchley's 2 for 19, including the crucial wicket of Ben Compton (41). Joe Denly (4*) and nightwatchman Matt Parkinson (10*) held on at stumps, but the hosts still trail by 473 runs.Essex resumed on 287 for 4 overnight, and Cox quickly reached his century with a cover-driven four off Parkinson. Kent briefly rallied with the wickets of Pepper and Simon Harmer, but Snater joined Cox for a 163-run partnership that took Essex to 449 for 6 at lunch.Cox continued his onslaught, reaching 150 with a single off Bhuiyan and then hitting successive sixes off the same bowler. Snater also reached his half-century, and the pair set a new Essex seventh-wicket partnership record against Kent (153).When Cox was finally dismissed by Marcus O'Riordan, Essex declared immediately. Zak Crawley and Daniel Bell-Drummond fell cheaply for Kent, while O'Riordan was lbw to Critchley. Compton was also unlucky to be given out lbw, leaving Parkinson to come in as the nightwatchman.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the prodigious Indian opener, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by bagging the coveted ICC Men's Player of the Month award for February 2024. This accolade is a testament to his exceptional performances in the recently concluded five-Test series against England, which was part of the World Test Championship cycle.Jaiswal's meteoric rise to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. In just a handful of international matches, he has showcased an uncanny ability to score runs at a prolific rate. His tally of 560 runs in three Tests during February, at an astonishing average of 112, is a testament to his unwavering consistency.The highlight of Jaiswal's month was his twin double centuries in back-to-back Tests. In the second Test in Vizag, he smashed a majestic 219 in the first innings, setting the tone for India's eventual victory. His second double century, a gritty 214* in the second innings of the third Test in Rajkot, helped India seize the series lead.Jaiswal's exploits in Rajkot were particularly noteworthy. He became the third youngest batter in history to register two double centuries in Test cricket, joining the illustrious ranks of Sir Donald Bradman and Vinod Kambli. He also set a new record for the most sixes in an innings during a Test, further cementing his status as a fearless and aggressive batsman.Beyond his statistical achievements, Jaiswal's performances have been characterized by an unwavering determination and a maturity that belies his age. His ability to handle pressure situations with aplomb has been a key factor in India's recent success in the Test arena.Jaiswal's ICC award is a fitting recognition of his exceptional talent and hard work. It is a testament to his potential to become one of the world's leading Test openers in the years to come. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, the Indian cricket team can look forward to many more memorable performances from this rising star.