Cricket

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.

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.

Rishabh Pant, India's dynamic wicket-keeper batter, is gearing up for his red-ball comeback in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, commencing on September 5. The tournament will serve as a crucial platform for Pant to regain his form and prepare for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.After recovering from a horrific car accident in December 2022, Pant has been working tirelessly to regain his fitness and skills. He recently shared a training video on Instagram, showcasing his customary shots and emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the game.Pant's return to the field is highly anticipated, especially considering his impressive record in red-ball cricket. Since his Test debut in 2018, he has amassed 2,271 runs in 33 matches, averaging 43.67 with a strike rate of over 73. His tally includes five centuries and 11 fifties, with a top score of 159*.In the Duleep Trophy, Pant will represent India B in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19. As one of India's leading red-ball batters, Pant is expected to play a pivotal role in his team's success.Following the Duleep Trophy, Pant will turn his attention to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, beginning on November 22. Pant has a remarkable record in Australia, having scored 624 runs in seven matches at an average of over 62. His performances include a century and two half-centuries, with a career-best score of 159* against the Aussies.Pant's return to red-ball cricket is a significant development for Indian cricket. His aggressive batting style and ability to score runs quickly make him a valuable asset to the team. Fans and selectors alike will be eagerly monitoring his performance in the Duleep Trophy, as it will provide a glimpse into his readiness for the upcoming challenges.