Cricket

New Zealand's triumph over India in the first Test was a testament to the team's resilience and the brilliance of all-rounder Rachin Ravindra. Ravindra, who was born to Bengaluru parents in New Zealand, played a pivotal role in the Kiwis' historic victory, scoring a magnificent 134 in the first innings and guiding his team to a comfortable win in the second.Ravindra's Indian heritage played a crucial role in his success against India's formidable spin attack. "I have Indian heritage and have played a lot of cricket in India, which has helped me develop those game plans," he said. "I am not a massive sweeper or reverse sweeper, so I stick to my strengths. I was able to play against the spin, and with fewer fielders on that side, it helped me accumulate runs."Ravindra's ability to manipulate the length of the ball and get into good positions to score was evident throughout the match. "I was able to get some good practice in Chennai before this series, and that definitely helped," he said.In the first innings, Ravindra's century helped New Zealand recover from a precarious position of 233/7 to post a respectable total of 402. His 137-run partnership with Tim Southee for the eighth wicket proved to be the turning point of the match.In the second innings, Ravindra played a composed knock of 39* alongside Will Young (48*) to guide New Zealand to a comprehensive victory. India's bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, posed some challenges, but the Kiwis remained unfazed and chased down the target with ease.Ravindra's performance was a reflection of his hard work and dedication. "I have always been a student of the game, and I am always looking for ways to improve," he said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to play for New Zealand, and I am determined to make the most of it."

India's Test cricket dominance suffered a setback as they were comprehensively defeated by New Zealand in the first Test match in Bengaluru. The Kiwis outplayed India in all departments, securing an emphatic 8-wicket victory.Captain Rohit Sharma's decision to bat first despite overcast conditions proved costly. India's batsmen struggled against New Zealand's fast bowlers, who exploited the damp pitch to bundle out the hosts for a mere 46 runs. It was India's lowest total at home in Test cricket.Rachin Ravindra's brilliant century propelled New Zealand to a commanding lead. The visitors' bowlers continued to dominate, dismissing India for 212 in the second innings. Despite valiant efforts from Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, India's batting lineup failed to match New Zealand's prowess.Another tactical error by India was their selection of three spinners and two fast bowlers. The inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav over Akash Deep proved ineffective, as the fast bowler would have been more suited to the conditions.The defeat exposed India's weaknesses in Test cricket. Their inability to adapt to different conditions and their reliance on spinners on a seamer-friendly pitch were major factors in their downfall.Despite the loss, India maintained their top spot in the World Test Championship table, while New Zealand rose to fourth position. The second Test of the series will be played in Mumbai from December 3-7.

KL Rahul's Touching Gesture Sparks Retirement Speculation After India's Test LossTeam India's recent defeat to New Zealand in the first Test at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium has ignited speculation about KL Rahul's future in Test cricket. Following India's eight-wicket loss, a video emerged on social media showing Rahul touching the pitch, a gesture reminiscent of Sachin Tendulkar's farewell moment during his final Test.Rahul's recent form has been under scrutiny, with disappointing scores of 0 and 12 in the match against New Zealand. His second-innings failure was particularly crucial as it came after a promising partnership between Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant.With Shubman Gill likely to return for the upcoming Test in Pune and Sarfaraz Khan's impressive 150-run performance in Bengaluru, speculation is mounting that Rahul may be dropped for the critical match. The viral clip of Rahul touching the pitch has further fueled these rumors, with some fans suggesting the right-hander could be considering retirement from Test cricket.Rahul's struggles have been evident in his last five innings, where he has managed just one fifty during India's recent series against Bangladesh. Despite scoring a half-century against England and a century in South Africa earlier this year, his inconsistency has raised questions about his place in the Test squad.The gesture in Bengaluru has only intensified the speculation surrounding Rahul's future in the format. While some fans believe it could be a sign of his impending retirement, others suggest it may simply be a moment of reflection after a disappointing performance.The Indian team management has not yet commented on Rahul's future, but the speculation is likely to continue until he addresses the issue or his performance improves significantly.

New Zealand's historic triumph in India after 36 years was a testament to their resilience and the emergence of young talent. Despite the absence of their injured batting stalwart Kane Williamson, the Black Caps rose to the occasion, led by the impressive performance of Rachin Ravindra.Ravindra, whose parents hail from Bengaluru, played a pivotal role in New Zealand's victory. His composed innings of 134 in the first innings set the tone for the match. After dismissing India for a mere 46 runs, the Black Caps posted a formidable total of 402.India fought back with a strong batting performance, scoring 462 in their second innings. However, Ravindra's composure guided New Zealand to a remarkable eight-wicket win on Sunday."Our first two innings were outstanding," said New Zealand captain Tom Latham. "Rachin was a huge part in that. The way he played... a 137-run stand with a number nine batsman (Tim Southee) is awesome."Ravindra's performance was particularly impressive considering his relative inexperience at Test level. With Williamson's return uncertain due to a groin injury, Ravindra's emergence provides New Zealand with a much-needed boost."Anyone of Kane's calibre, if he's right and able to come back into the side, would be great," said Latham. "Selection headaches are always great things to have and fingers crossed he'll be alright and can get over here as soon as possible."As the series moves to Pune and then Mumbai for the final match, New Zealand will be hoping to maintain their momentum. Ravindra's performance has shown that they have the depth and talent to overcome the absence of their star batsman.

India's dominance in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) has been shaken after their loss to New Zealand in the first Test in Bengaluru. The defeat has cost India crucial percentage points, bringing Australia closer to them in the race for the WTC Final.Before the Bengaluru Test, India held a comfortable lead with a point percentage of 74.24. However, the loss has dropped their percentage to 68.06, while Australia (62.50 PCT) has closed the gap. Both teams have identical records of 8 wins and 3 losses in 12 games, but Australia's lower percentage points keep them behind India.The loss has major implications for India's hopes of reaching the WTC Final. Sri Lanka, currently third in the standings, is also a contender with 5 wins and 4 losses in 9 games. New Zealand's historic victory has propelled them to fourth place, with 4 wins and 5 losses in 9 matches.New Zealand's victory has given them a chance to qualify for the WTC Final. They have two more matches against India, followed by a three-match series against England. England, currently fifth in the standings, is also in contention with 9 wins and 8 defeats in 18 matches.India has two more Tests against New Zealand in Pune and Mumbai before embarking on a challenging five-match series in Australia later this year. The results of these matches will be crucial in determining India's fate in the WTC.

India's Test series opener against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium ended in a disappointing eight-wicket defeat for the hosts. Skipper Rohit Sharma acknowledged that the team's dismal first-innings total of 46 set them back significantly."We knew it would be a challenge with overcast conditions and a tricky pitch," Sharma said. "We didn't expect to be all out for 46, but credit to New Zealand. It set us back, and games like this happen."Despite the setback, Sharma expressed confidence in his team's ability to bounce back in the remaining two matches. "We've been here before, conceding home losses; these things happen," he said. "Two Tests to go, we know what it takes and will give it all in the next two Tests."In the second innings, India showed resilience with a counter-attacking 177-run stand between Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99). Sharma praised the young batters for their performance."It was a good effort in the second innings with the bat," he said. "We knew what lies ahead, get as many as possible. A couple of guys stood out, was great to watch. When you're 350 behind, you can't think too much. Just have to try and bat the ball and see where the game goes."Sharma highlighted the importance of the partnership between Khan and Pant. "We could've easily been bowled under 350, it's something we're proud of," he said. "Everyone's on the edge of their seats when Pant and Sarfaraz bat. Pant's was a mature innings; he's done it for a while, and he played his shots too. Sarfaraz was very clear and mature in just his third or fourth Test."India now trails 1-0 in the three-match series and will travel to Pune for the second Test from October 24-28. The third and final game will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from November 1-5.

New Zealand's historic victory in the first Test against India in Bengaluru marked a significant milestone for the visitors, who secured their first Test win on Indian soil in 36 years. Skipper Tom Latham hailed the team's performance, attributing their success to a combination of strategic planning and exceptional bowling.Initially intending to bat first, New Zealand's decision to bowl after losing the toss proved advantageous. Their bowlers, led by Matt Henry (5/15) and Will O'Rourke (4/22), wreaked havoc on the Indian batting lineup, bundling them out for a mere 46 runs in the first innings. This set the tone for the match, as India struggled to recover despite a valiant fightback from Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99).Chasing a modest target of 107 runs on the rain-delayed final day, New Zealand lost early wickets but remained composed. Will Young (48 not out) and Rachin Ravindra (39 not out) forged an unbeaten 75-run partnership to guide the visitors to victory, securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.Latham praised Ravindra's contributions, highlighting his impressive performance in both innings. He also acknowledged the pivotal roles played by O'Rourke, Tim Southee, and Matt Henry, whose bowling prowess laid the foundation for the win.This victory elevates New Zealand to fourth place in the World Test Championship standings, surpassing England and South Africa. It is a testament to the team's resilience and determination, and sets the stage for an exciting remainder of the series.

New Zealand has achieved a historic victory on Indian soil, breaking a 36-year drought with an eight-wicket triumph in the opening Test match. The Black Caps now lead the three-match series 1-0.After India's dismal performance in the first innings, where they were bowled out for a mere 46, New Zealand responded with a solid 402. The hosts, however, fought back in the second innings, posting a challenging 462.Needing 107 runs to win on the final day, New Zealand faced a hostile opening spell from Jasprit Bumrah. However, Will Young (48 not out) and Rachin Ravindra (39 not out) steadied the ship, adding 75 runs for the third wicket to guide the team to victory in just 27.4 overs.New Zealand's last Test triumph in India came way back in 1988 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where they defeated the hosts by 136 runs. India had won that three-Test series 2-1.The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin in Pune on October 24.

Virat Kohli's return to form in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru has ignited hope among Indian cricket fans. After a prolonged slump, Kohli's well-crafted 70-run knock marked a significant milestone in his Test career.Kohli's struggles in Test cricket had become a major concern, with his last fifty coming in 2022. His inability to counter outside-off deliveries from pacers and off-spinners had been a recurring issue. However, against New Zealand, Kohli showcased his vintage form, executing flawless cover drives and displaying impeccable timing.The knock was crucial not only for Kohli's personal confidence but also for India's match situation. After being dismissed cheaply in the first innings, Kohli's contribution in the second innings helped India build a substantial lead.Kohli's resurgence is a timely boost for India, who have a busy Test schedule ahead. The team will face New Zealand in the remaining two Tests before embarking on a five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia. Kohli's impressive record against Australia on their home turf bodes well for India's chances.Despite his recent form, Kohli's overall numbers in Test cricket since the launch of the World Test Championship in 2019 have been underwhelming. He ranks 13th on the list of most runs scored, with an average of 38.77. However, his performance in the current ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 has been more encouraging, with an average of 48.90.As India aims to secure their maiden WTC title, Kohli's continued form will be crucial. His experience and ability to score runs in challenging conditions will be invaluable for the team.