Cricket

Musheer Khan, the younger brother of Indian Test cricketer Sarfaraz Khan, is rapidly establishing himself as a prodigious talent in the Mumbai cricket nursery. His recent exploits in the Duleep Trophy, where he scored a magnificent 181 for India B, have further cemented his reputation as a batsman to watch out for.Hailing from the famed Azad Maidan in Mumbai, Musheer honed his skills under the watchful eye of his father, Naushad Khan, a former first-class cricketer. At the tender age of 8, he broke his brother's record as the youngest player to debut in the Kanga League. His bowling prowess, with 25 wickets to his name, also earned him recognition.Musheer's consistent performances in age-group cricket propelled him into the Mumbai squad for the U19 Cooch Behar Trophy in 2022. The tournament proved to be a springboard for his Ranji Trophy debut. With an impressive tally of 632 runs and 32 wickets, he was named 'Player of the Tournament' and earned his entry into first-class cricket.Despite a disappointing Ranji Trophy debut, Musheer bounced back in style in the U-25 CK Nayudu Trophy, smashing 339 runs against Hyderabad. His century (139) and three wickets in the final of the U19 One Day Challenger Trophy further showcased his all-round abilities.These performances earned him a place in the U-19 India squad for the Asia Cup and the 2024 U-19 World Cup in South Africa. In the World Cup, Musheer emerged as India's second-highest scorer with 360 runs and also claimed seven wickets with his left-arm spin.Musheer's confidence soared after his double century (203) in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy quarterfinal against Baroda. He further enhanced his credentials with a century in the Ranji final against Vidarbha, becoming the youngest Mumbai player to achieve this feat.His latest heroics in the Duleep Trophy, where he rescued India B from a precarious position with a fighting 181, have further highlighted his potential. While his inclusion in India's Test squad for the upcoming series remains uncertain, it seems only a matter of time before he dons the national jersey alongside his brother Sarfaraz.

Harshit Rana's impressive performance in the Duleep Trophy 2024 has reignited his hopes for an India call-up. However, his signature flying kiss celebration, which earned him a ban during IPL 2024, has resurfaced, albeit with a twist.During the first innings against India C, Rana claimed four wickets, including those of Sai Sudharshan and Ruturaj Gaikwad. After dismissing Gaikwad, Rana blew a flying kiss towards his own dressing room, a departure from his previous practice of aiming it at the dismissed batter.Rana's flying kiss celebration has been a subject of controversy. In IPL 2024, he was fined and banned for aiming it at Mayank Agarwal. However, this time, he directed it at his teammates, possibly as a gesture of appreciation or camaraderie.Despite his impressive bowling performance, Rana's celebration has raised questions about the appropriateness of such gestures in professional cricket. Some argue that it is disrespectful to the opposition, while others view it as a harmless expression of joy.Rana's celebration has also drawn comparisons to the iconic flying kiss performed by KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan and the team after winning IPL 2024. However, it remains to be seen whether Rana's version will be met with the same level of acceptance.As Rana continues to impress on the field, his flying kiss celebration is likely to remain a topic of discussion. Whether it is seen as a harmless gesture or a breach of etiquette, it has undoubtedly added an element of intrigue to his performances.

Musheer Khan, the younger brother of Indian cricketer Sarfaraz Khan, showcased his exceptional batting skills on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy match between India A and India B in Bengaluru. Despite facing a formidable pace trio of Khaleel Ahmed, Akash Deep, and Avesh Khan, Musheer remained unyielding, scoring an unbeaten 105 to rescue India B from a precarious position.Musheer's innings was a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Coming in at No. 3, he witnessed the early dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz, and Rishabh Pant. Undeterred, he absorbed the pressure exerted by the fast bowlers and patiently built his innings.Initially, Musheer struggled to gauge the seam movement on the green-tinged surface. However, he gradually adjusted his technique, walking down the pitch to defend and counter the exaggerated movement. As the innings progressed, he found his rhythm, hitting delicate paddles and full-blooded sweeps to accumulate runs.Musheer's century was a significant milestone in his young career. It marked his third first-class century and further cemented his reputation as a promising batsman. His innings was particularly impressive considering the challenging conditions and the quality of the opposition's bowling attack.As Musheer raised his bat to acknowledge the applause from his teammates, his brother Sarfaraz was among the first to congratulate him. It was a poignant moment, as Musheer had often been the one applauding Sarfaraz's achievements.Musheer's performance in the Duleep Trophy has caught the attention of national selectors. He has proven his ability to handle pressure and perform at the highest level. As he continues to develop, Musheer has the potential to become a valuable asset to the Indian cricket team.

Axar Patel's Heroics Rescue India D from Collapse in Duleep Trophy OpenerIn a thrilling opening day of the Duleep Trophy match between India D and India C in Anantapur, all-rounder Axar Patel emerged as the star performer, rescuing his team from a precarious position with a counter-attacking 86 and then chipping in with two crucial wickets.India D's batting order crumbled early on, with the pace duo of Anshul Kamboj and Vijaykumar Vyshak exploiting the responsive pitch to reduce them to a dismal 48 for six. However, Axar, batting at number seven, played a defiant innings, transitioning from a cautious start to an aggressive approach. He smashed six sixes, including three off left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, and propelled India D's total to 164 in 48.3 overs.Axar's batting heroics were complemented by his bowling contributions. He dismissed Aryan Juyal and Rajat Patidar to dent India C's progress, who ended the day at 91 for four, trailing by 73 runs. Wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel remained unbeaten on 32, while Baba Indrajith was on 14 at stumps.India C's bowlers had earlier made early inroads into India D's batting lineup. Shreyas Iyer fell to a notable delivery from Vyshak, while opener Atharva Taide and Devdutt Padikkal were dismissed cheaply.Despite Axar's heroics, India D's innings was marred by questionable shot selections from several batsmen. Taide's attempted pull shot early in his innings and Padikkal's dismissal at cover off a straightforward ball highlighted the need for more disciplined batting.

Shubman Gill's Taped-Up Jersey Sparks Curiosity in Duleep Trophy OpenerIndia A and India B are currently engaged in a captivating battle in the opening match of the Duleep Trophy 2024 at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. While the match has witnessed some thrilling cricketing action, it is Shubman Gill's unusual taped-up jersey that has become a talking point among spectators.Gill, the captain of India A, has been spotted wearing a jersey with a large piece of tape covering the number on the back. The reason behind this peculiar attire remains a mystery, but there are several speculations circulating.One theory suggests that Gill may not have had access to his usual '77' jersey. The number 7 holds special significance for Gill, who has previously expressed his desire to wear it. However, it is possible that the '77' jersey was unavailable for this match.Another possibility is that Gill borrowed a teammate's jersey and opted to cover the number to avoid confusion. This is a common practice in cricket, especially when players are wearing similar-colored jerseys.Regardless of the reason, Gill's taped-up jersey has certainly generated curiosity and sparked discussions among fans. It is a testament to the attention to detail and superstition that often surrounds the sport of cricket.

Rishabh Pant, India's star wicketkeeper-batter, has expressed his support for the involvement of elite players in domestic cricket as the Duleep Trophy commenced on Thursday. Pant, who is representing India B in the tournament, shared his excitement about returning to red-ball cricket after a two-year hiatus."It's an amazing feeling, especially after the accident I had two years ago," Pant said. "I always wondered when I would be able to play for India again. In the past six months, I've played in the IPL and won the World Cup, which was a dream come true. Now, I'm back in red-ball cricket and playing my first Duleep Trophy match in over two years."Pant emphasized the importance of domestic cricket, particularly the Duleep Trophy. "Match practice is crucial for cricketers," he said. "Youngsters learn a lot from us when they see us playing here, even after playing international cricket. We have a responsibility to share our experiences and knowledge with them."The 26-year-old believes that the gaps between international teams are narrowing, leading to increased focus on improvement. "Asian countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka perform well in Asian conditions," Pant said. "But as the Indian team, we focus on our own standards and how we can improve. We strive to play with the same intensity and give our best every day."Pant acknowledged the pressure associated with international cricket but emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. "The pressure will always be there," he said. "But we have to give our hundred percent regardless. That mindset has worked well for me so far."Pant is hopeful of making a return to the Test side for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh. "The margin between winning and losing is very small nowadays," he said. "But we have to give our hundred percent and focus on our own improvement."

Rishabh Pant's eagerly awaited return to red-ball cricket after his horrific car accident in December 2022 was cut short on Thursday, as India A captain Shubman Gill pulled off a breathtaking catch to dismiss the left-hander on day one of the first-round Duleep Trophy match against India B in Bengaluru.Pant, who was making his first appearance in a competitive match since the accident, lasted just 10 balls before Gill's stunning effort ended his innings. Trying to hit fast bowler Akash Deep towards the on-side, Pant sliced the ball towards mid-off, where Gill was stationed.Gill, despite the ball appearing to be sailing over his head, never lost sight of it. Running backwards, he looked to be a yard or two short, but he dived full length at the last second to make up for it and pouch the ball.Earlier, Gill won the toss and India A opted to bowl first to make use of any early moisture because of rains lashing Bengaluru over the past few days. India B got off to a sedate start, losing two wickets before lunch to reach 65 for 2 in 30 overs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal dismissed after getting his eye in. He scored 30.The post lunch session saw a flurry of wickets as India B slipped to 94 for 7, with only Musheer Khan showing some resistance, while approaching a patient fifty. Pacers Khaleel Ahmed, Akash Deep and Avesh Khan took two wickets each.Pant's dismissal was a major setback for India A, who were hoping for a strong performance from the star wicketkeeper-batsman. However, Gill's stunning catch proved to be a turning point in the match, as India B went on to post a respectable total of 242 all out.

India A vs India B: Shubman Gill Wins Toss, Elects to Bowl FirstThe official start of India's domestic season commenced with an improvised form of the Duleep Trophy, featuring four teams: India A, B, C, and D. In the opening match at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India A captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bowl first.The decision was influenced by the recent rainfall in the area, which left moisture on the wicket. Gill believed this would provide an advantage to his pacers, including Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed.India A's bowling attack also features Kuldeep Yadav, giving them a balanced combination of three fast bowlers and two spinners. India B, on the other hand, boasts a strong batting lineup led by Abhimanyu Easwaran, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sarfaraz Khan.With several established and promising Indian stars participating in the tournament, the match serves as an audition for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. Players like Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant will be eager to impress the selectors and secure their spots in the national team.The match is expected to be a competitive one, with both teams evenly matched. India A will look to utilize the early moisture on the wicket, while India B will rely on their strong batting lineup to post a challenging total.

In Indian domestic cricket, the Duleep Trophy has long served as a testing ground for emerging talent. After years of experimentation with formats and teams, the tournament has returned to its traditional region-wise format. This year's edition, commencing on September 4, 2024, will feature four teams named A, B, C, and D.The Duleep Trophy remains a significant event in the Indian cricket calendar, despite the rise of India-A as a stepping stone to the national team. A strong performance in the tournament can still make waves, especially as it marks the start of the domestic season. The BCCI's emphasis on red-ball cricket further underscores the importance of the Duleep Trophy.The tournament will witness the return of several national team regulars, including Shubman Gill, K.L. Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will also make his red-ball comeback after his horrific car accident in December 2022.The selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, and the new team management, headed by head coach Gautam Gambhir, will be closely monitoring the Duleep Trophy for potential additions to the national team bench strength. A key focus will be finding a backup opener to Yashasvi and Rohit Sharma. Sarfaraz Khan, among others, will aim to impress as middle-order reinforcements.With India scheduled to play 10 Tests in less than four months, the Duleep Trophy also provides an opportunity to identify fast-bowling reserves. Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, and Vidwath Kaverappa are among the promising pacers who will be vying for attention.The tournament will kick off with Team A taking on Team B at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, while Team C faces Team D in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. The matches will begin at 9.30 a.m. IST.