Cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed a novel plan to address security concerns and facilitate India's participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Under the proposal, the Indian team would return to India after each match played in Pakistan, either to Chandigarh or Delhi. This arrangement would allow Team India to travel to Pakistan for their games while mitigating concerns about staying in the host country for the tournament's duration.The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, with matches to be held in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. The PCB has planned all of India's matches in Lahore due to logistical considerations and security concerns. The city's proximity to the border makes it easier for Indian fans to attend the games.The PCB's proposal aims to address the Indian government's reservations about touring Pakistan. The decision on whether the Indian team will travel to Pakistan ultimately rests with the Indian government. However, recent developments, including discussions during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to Pakistan, indicate ongoing efforts to address security and logistical concerns.The ICC has distributed the tournament schedule to all parties involved, including the participating teams. Local media outlets have reported that the broadcaster has requested a change in the venue for the India-New Zealand match, with the PCB suggesting Rawalpindi as a potential replacement. However, both the broadcaster and the ICC have denied any knowledge of such a request.India's participation in the Champions Trophy is crucial for the global cricketing community. The event's significance would be greatly diminished if India chooses not to participate. The ICC and PCB have devised a backup plan to organize India's matches outside of Pakistan in case the Men in Blue are unable to make the trip.

India has etched its name in the annals of Test cricket history by becoming the first team to smash 100 sixes in a calendar year. This remarkable feat was achieved on Day 3 of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, marking a watershed moment in the sport.The Rohit Sharma-led side has been on a six-hitting spree throughout 2023, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill leading the charge with 29 and 16 sixes respectively. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 89 sixes set by England in 2022.India's dominance in this aspect is a testament to their aggressive approach and the presence of power hitters in their batting lineup. The team's ability to clear the boundary with ease has put pressure on opposition bowlers and created scoring opportunities.In the ongoing Test against New Zealand, India's batting prowess was on full display. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Sarfaraz Khan all struck fluent fifties, keeping their team in the hunt despite a significant first-innings deficit. Kohli's knock was particularly significant as he reached the milestone of 9,000 Test runs.New Zealand had earlier posted a formidable total of 402, thanks to Rachin Ravindra's century and Tim Southee's quickfire 63. However, India's counter-attacking approach has given them a glimmer of hope in the match.With two days remaining in the Test, India faces an uphill task to chase down the target and secure victory. However, their ability to hit sixes at will could prove to be a game-changer.

India's spirited fightback on the third day of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru was overshadowed by Virat Kohli's unfortunate dismissal off the last ball of the day. Kohli, who reached the milestone of 9,000 Test runs during his innings, shared a 136-run partnership with Sarfaraz Khan, who remained unbeaten on 70 at the close of play.India's second innings began with a solid opening stand of 72 between Yashasvi Jaiswal (35) and Rohit Sharma (52). However, spinner Ajaz Patel made inroads into the Indian top order, dismissing both openers. Rohit's dismissal came shortly after he had smashed Matt Henry for a sequence of four, six, and four to bring up his half-century.The day belonged to New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra, who scored his second Test century and was the last man out in the tourists' first innings total of 402. Ravindra, resuming on his overnight score of 22, reached his hundred with a boundary off Ravichandran Ashwin before lunch. He shared a crucial 137-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Tim Southee, who contributed a quickfire 65.India's pace duo of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah struck early in the morning session, while spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav claimed three wickets each. The hosts were without the services of wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who remained off the field after injuring his knee. Dhruv Jurel took over as the substitute wicketkeeper.India's second innings got off to a solid start, with Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan putting on a century partnership. Kohli reached his fifty at his adopted home ground, where he represents the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. However, his dismissal off the last ball of the day to Glenn Phillips, caught behind by Tom Blundell, left India at 231 for three at stumps, still trailing the Black Caps by 125 runs.

Virat Kohli's Resurgence: A Milestone and a Lifeline for IndiaVirat Kohli, the former Indian captain and batting maestro, has finally broken his century drought in Test cricket, marking his return to form with a crucial half-century in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand.Kohli's 52-run knock came at a time when India desperately needed a stabilizing force after losing early wickets. His innings was a testament to his resilience and determination, as he weathered the storm and played with the composure of a seasoned veteran.With this half-century, Kohli became the fourth Indian batter to surpass 9,000 runs in Test cricket, joining the illustrious ranks of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. However, Kohli's journey to this milestone was the longest among the quartet, taking him 197 innings to reach the coveted mark.Kohli's resurgence is a welcome sight for Indian cricket fans, who have been eagerly awaiting his return to his dominant form. His half-century has not only boosted India's chances in the ongoing Test but has also reignited hopes of a successful World Test Championship campaign.The Indian team has been struggling for consistency in recent months, and Kohli's return to form could be the catalyst they need to turn their fortunes around. His experience, leadership, and ability to score runs in all conditions make him an invaluable asset to the side.As India prepares for the second Test against New Zealand, Kohli will be expected to continue his good form and guide the team to victory. His return to form is a timely boost for India, who will be looking to secure a series win and consolidate their position in the World Test Championship standings.

Rohit Sharma's Unfortunate Dismissal Mars India's Fightback in Bengaluru TestIndia's hopes of salvaging the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru suffered a setback on Friday as opener Rohit Sharma was dismissed in an unfortunate manner. After trailing by 356 runs in the first innings, India had made a promising start to their second innings, with Sharma leading the charge.However, the Indian captain's impressive stay at the crease was cut short by a moment of misfortune. Facing left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, Sharma attempted a defensive stroke to a ball on the off-stump. The ball, however, glanced off the inside edge and trickled onto the stumps before Sharma could react.The dismissal left Sharma and the Chinnaswamy crowd in disbelief. The Indian opener had looked solid in his innings, scoring 52 runs off 83 balls. His departure was a major blow to India's hopes of building a substantial lead.Earlier in the day, New Zealand had been dismissed for 402 in their first innings. Rachin Ravindra (134) and Tim Southee (65) had put together a brisk 134-run partnership for the eighth wicket to extend the visitors' advantage.India's bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja (3/72), had struck early to reduce New Zealand to 233 for seven. However, Ravindra and Southee's partnership helped the Kiwis add valuable runs to their total.With Sharma's dismissal, India's task became even more challenging. The hosts will need to bat with patience and determination to avoid a heavy defeat in the first Test.

Rishabh Pant's Return Boosts India's Hopes in Bengaluru TestRishabh Pant's return to training on Friday has provided a glimmer of hope for India in the ongoing first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Despite conceding a massive 356-run lead, the hosts are pinning their hopes on the star wicketkeeper-batter to salvage the match.During the Tea break on Day 3, Pant emerged from the dressing room wearing a single pad and faced throw-downs under the watchful eye of assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. The Bengaluru crowd erupted in cheers as Pant, who missed the morning session due to a knee injury, began his preparations to bat.Pant's absence from the field on Friday saw Dhruv Jurel take over the wicketkeeping duties. However, as per ICC regulations, a substitute wicketkeeper cannot bat for the team. This means that Pant will be eligible to bat without serving any penalty time.India's hopes of saving the Test rest heavily on Pant's shoulders. The left-hander has a proven track record of rescuing the team from precarious situations. In the 2021 Sydney Test, Pant played a pivotal role in India's heroic draw, scoring a match-saving 97. He also played a crucial innings in India's historic victory in the Gabba Test.With India facing a daunting task in the second innings, Pant's return to the crease could prove to be a game-changer. His aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly could help India reduce the deficit and put pressure on New Zealand.The Indian team management will be closely monitoring Pant's progress in the coming hours. If he is deemed fit to bat, he is likely to come in at number six or seven in the batting order.

India's bowlers fought valiantly for over 90 minutes, but Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee's blistering partnership before lunch propelled New Zealand to a commanding lead in the ongoing Test match.After India's dismal first innings total of 46, they needed a strong start with the ball. Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah delivered, keeping the New Zealand batsmen in check with accurate bowling. They claimed the wickets of Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry, who appeared rattled and lacking confidence.However, Southee, known for his aggressive batting, provided stability for Ravindra. Despite the previous two batters falling to straight deliveries, Ravindra remained composed, trusting his partner. Southee's resilience allowed Ravindra to flourish, and he raced to his second Test century, his second international hundred in his hometown.From the 70th over onwards, Ravindra accelerated, scoring 56 runs off 38 balls. He lofted Kuldeep Yadav for a six to reach his fifty and continued to push the boundaries. Southee, initially cautious, also joined the attack, hitting an overpitched delivery from Ashwin for a six.Ravindra's confidence soared as he dictated the terms to the bowlers. Southee, too, found his rhythm, waiting patiently for the right deliveries to attack. By lunch, the duo had added an unbeaten 112 for the eighth wicket, giving New Zealand a lead of 299 runs.India's bowlers, who had toiled tirelessly, were left frustrated by the late onslaught. Ravindra and Southee's partnership, the second-quickest 100-plus stand against India, has put the visitors in a commanding position.

New Zealand Dominate Day 2 of Bengaluru Test, India Collapse to Dismal 46New Zealand seized control of the rain-affected opening Test against India in Bengaluru, finishing Day 2 with a commanding 134-run lead. Opener Devon Conway's brilliant 91 anchored the Kiwis' response to India's disastrous 46 all out, the hosts' lowest-ever Test score at home.India's batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of Matt Henry's five-wicket haul and William O'Rourke's four wickets. Only Rishabh Pant (20) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (13) managed double figures as the Indian innings folded in just 31.2 overs.In response, New Zealand openers Conway and Tom Latham (22) forged a solid partnership, putting on 78 runs for the first wicket. Conway reached his half-century off just 54 balls, showcasing his excellent footwork against the Indian spinners.However, Conway's dismissal to Ravichandran Ashwin's reverse sweep left New Zealand at 105/2. Will Young (29) and Daryl Mitchell (14) then steadied the innings, taking the Kiwis to 180/3 at stumps.Earlier, India's decision to bat first under overcast conditions backfired spectacularly. Henry and O'Rourke exploited the bounce and seam movement to dismantle the Indian batting order. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Sarfaraz Khan all fell cheaply, leaving India reeling at 10/3.Pant's counter-attacking innings was cut short, and Jaiswal's patient knock ended with a stunning catch by Ajaz Patel. The dismissals of Rahul and Jadeja left India reeling at 34/6 at lunch, and the innings concluded just minutes into the second session.New Zealand's bowlers set the tone for the day, with Henry and O'Rourke generating troublesome bounce and Southee's wobble seam accounting for Rohit's wicket. The Kiwis will look to extend their lead on Day 3 and put India under further pressure.

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli's struggles continued on Day 2 of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, as he was dismissed for a duck, equaling an embarrassing record. Kohli's dismissal marked his 38th international duck, tying him with New Zealand's Tim Southee for the most ducks among active cricketers. India skipper Rohit Sharma is third on the list with 33 ducks.Kohli's dismissal came off a short-length delivery from fast bowler Will O'Rourke. The ball flew off Kohli's gloves, and Glenn Phillips completed a good catch at leg gully. Kohli's poor form has been a concern for India, as he has failed to score a century in his last 10 Test innings.Earlier, India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat against New Zealand in the rain-truncated opening Test. India made two changes to their team, with Sarfaraz Khan replacing an injured Shubman Gill and Kuldeep Yadav replacing seamer Akash Deep.The first day's play was washed out due to persistent rain. India and New Zealand will play two more Tests, at Pune from October 24-28 and at Mumbai from November 1-5.