Cricket

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.

India's Dominance Continues as England Collapses in DharamsalaIndia's remarkable dominance over England continued in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala, as the visitors suffered a humiliating innings and 64-run defeat within three days. Despite being provided with ideal English conditions, England's batting lineup crumbled under pressure, leaving BCCI Treasurer and IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal expressing surprise at their performance.Dhumal praised India's exceptional performance throughout the series, highlighting the team's resilience and depth. Despite missing key players like Virat Kohli, K L Rahul, and Mohammed Shami, India's young talents stepped up to fill the void. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, and Sarfaraz Khan showcased their potential, demonstrating the strength of India's bench.Dhumal also defended the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) against criticism over the outfield conditions. He emphasized that the poor conditions were primarily due to weather factors and that the HPCA had worked tirelessly to prepare a world-class outfield.

Rohit Sharma's India has silenced critics and extinguished the "Bazball" hype with a resounding 4-1 Test series victory over England. The Indian skipper, who faced criticism for his perceived lack of Test credentials, has silenced his detractors with two centuries, including a match-winning ton in the final Test at Dharamsala.Rohit's appointment as captain in 2022 raised eyebrows, but he has proven his mettle both as a leader and a batsman. Despite missing the England series due to the birth of his second child, Virat Kohli's absence has allowed Rohit to establish his own style of captaincy.Former England captain Nasser Hussain praised Rohit's approach, which he believes is often misconstrued as "laidback." Hussain highlighted Rohit's tactical acumen, particularly his decision to use Ravichandran Ashwin with the new ball to counter England's aggressive batting."Rohit has had to learn and adapt his own style of captaincy," Hussain said. "He's not the same as Virat Kohli, who was very aggressive. But Rohit has that fire burning within."India's loss in the first Test in Hyderabad was a setback, but they rallied to win the next three and seal the series. The final Test in Dharamsala was a fitting end to a dominant performance, with Rohit leading from the front with a century.Rohit's success has not only silenced his critics but also put an end to the "Bazball" phenomenon. England's aggressive batting approach, which had been successful in recent months, was unable to match India's skill and determination.

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has criticized England's 'Bazball' approach in Test cricket following their defeat to India in Dharamsala. India secured a 4-1 series victory after hammering England by an innings and 64 runs in the fifth and final Test.Sehwag took to social media to express his views on England's aggressive batting style, which has been dubbed 'Bazball' after new coach Brendon McCullum. "Bazball, Batti Gull. There needs to be a method to madness. England simply didn't have the game to match and looked clueless particularly after the second Test match," Sehwag wrote.He added, "The captain failing miserably only added to their woes and they simply looked like living in an illusion. For this method to succeed, there needs to be a method to madness, which England severely lacked."England's James Anderson became only the third bowler to reach 700 Test wickets during the match, but the visitors were never in contention. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took a five-wicket haul in his landmark 100th Test, helping to bowl out England for 195 inside three days.Ashwin expressed his delight with his performance, saying, "Win the Test and take wickets, what more can a bowler ask for?" Joe Root top-scored for England with 84, but Kuldeep Yadav took seven wickets in the match to be named man of the match.India's victory was marred by an injury to skipper Rohit Sharma, who did not take the field due to a "stiff back." Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah led the team in Sharma's absence and took two wickets.

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell has launched a scathing critique of England skipper Ben Stokes' captaincy, attributing India's series-sealing victory in the fourth Test to a critical lapse in strategy at a pivotal juncture.Chappell's criticism stems from Stokes' decision to utilize part-time spinner Joe Root instead of deploying the experienced Jimmy Anderson on the third evening of the Test. According to Chappell, this allowed India to gain momentum, ultimately shifting the balance of the match in their favor."On the third evening, Stokes desperately needed to start India's chase with his best two bowlers and try to claim at least one wicket," Chappell said. "Incredibly, he gave the ball to a part-timer, Joe Root, and ignored the experienced, probing bowling of Jimmy Anderson."Chappell also criticized Stokes' approach on the final day, suggesting that his cautious field placings allowed India's batsmen to accumulate easy singles, thereby making the chase more manageable for the hosts."The second innings should have been a time to force the Indian batters into taking a risk, but by allowing easy singles, Stokes gave his opponents the upper hand," Chappell remarked.Chappell emphasized the need for instinctive decision-making in captaincy, suggesting that Stokes could benefit from studying the leadership style of seasoned captains like Pakistan's Javed Miandad in demanding situations."Effective captaincy often relies on gut instincts rather than rigid adherence to statistical analysis or theoretical frameworks," Chappell said. "Stokes needs to develop that intuitive sense of leadership."Chappell's critique highlights the importance of bold and decisive captaincy, particularly in high-pressure situations. Stokes' failure to make the right calls at crucial moments ultimately cost England the series.

India's resounding 4-1 series victory over England in the recently concluded Test series was a testament to their unwavering dominance in the longest format of the game. Despite injuries and the absence of key players, the Indian team showcased their resilience and adaptability, reaffirming their supremacy on home soil.The series witnessed the emergence of several young talents, including opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Jaiswal emerged as the standout performer, amassing a staggering 712 runs, becoming only the second Indian batter after Sunil Gavaskar to cross the 700-run mark in a series. His back-to-back double centuries in Vizag and Rajkot played a pivotal role in keeping England at bay.Kuldeep Yadav's resurgence added another dimension to India's lethal spin attack. Operating at his best, he claimed 19 wickets in the last four Tests, including a five-wicket haul in Dharamsala. His improved fitness and straightened run-up have significantly enhanced his pace and effectiveness.The debutants also made their mark, with wicket-keeper batter Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan impressing in their first Test appearances. Jurel's handy contributions and Sarfaraz's sublime play against spin showcased their potential. Pacer Akash Deep and Devdutt Padikkal also displayed their class, providing glimpses of their future promise.India's victory was not without its challenges. The shock loss in the series opener raised concerns about their dominance, but the team rallied together to regain control. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and R Ashwin played crucial roles, delivering timely performances to maintain India's upper hand.Head coach Rahul Dravid praised the team's resilience and the impact of the young players. He highlighted the importance of the A team as a bridge between domestic cricket and international cricket, providing a platform for players to showcase their abilities.

England's Bold Approach Meets India's Traditional Strength in Thrilling Test SeriesThe recently concluded five-match Test series between England and India has been a captivating spectacle, showcasing contrasting approaches to the game's oldest format. England, under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, has sought to inject excitement into Test cricket with their bold and aggressive style. However, India, boasting a formidable pace attack and world-class spinners, has remained steadfast in its traditional approach, emphasizing patience and control.The series has highlighted the challenges of balancing innovation with tradition in Test cricket. England's batters, embracing the "Bazball" ethos, have often taken risks, leading to both spectacular successes and costly failures. India, on the other hand, has relied on its experienced bowlers to exploit the conditions and nullify England's power hitters.The pitch preparation has also played a crucial role in the series. India's slow turners have favored the home team's spinners, while England's rookie spin attack has struggled to make an impact. The only exception was the first Test in Hyderabad, where a rank turner allowed England to secure a victory.Despite England's bold approach, India has emerged victorious in four of the five Tests. The Indian batsmen have shown greater adaptability, changing their tactics when necessary. England's feeble bowling lineup has also contributed to their struggles.The series has also showcased the importance of experienced players. India's senior batsmen, such as Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, have stepped up in crucial moments, while Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin have been instrumental in India's bowling success.England's batters will return home with a newfound appreciation for the value of attritional play, while Stokes has acknowledged the importance of finding a balance between risk-taking and execution. India's victory has reaffirmed the relevance of Test cricket, demonstrating that tradition and innovation can coexist in the game's oldest format.

Team India's Young Guns Triumph Over England in Historic Series VictoryIn the absence of seasoned veterans Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, a youthful and inexperienced Team India has emerged victorious in a thrilling 4-1 series triumph over England. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in the development of India's cricketing future.Led by captain Rohit Sharma, the young Indian squad showcased exceptional talent and determination throughout the series. Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as the leading run-scorer, while Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel also made significant contributions. Their performances dealt England their most comprehensive defeat under the "Bazball" era.The series victory was particularly poignant for Ravichandran Ashwin, who claimed his 500th Test wicket and became the second Indian bowler to achieve this milestone. It was also a memorable occasion for Jaiswal, who emerged as the top scorer in the series.In a heartfelt video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the victorious Indian players relived the incredible moments of the series. Rohit Sharma praised the youngsters for stepping up and delivering when it mattered most.This series triumph marks India's 17th consecutive victory at home, a testament to the team's dominance on home soil. The last time India lost a series in India was against Alastair Cook's England in 2012.With the international schedule now complete, the Indian players will turn their attention to the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where they will represent their respective franchises.