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Pujara's Timely Ton Sends Message to India Selectors Ahead of Australia Tour

Pujara's Timely Ton Sends Message to India Selectors Ahead of Australia Tour

Cheteshwar Pujara, the seasoned Indian batter, has sent a resounding message to the national selectors with a masterful century for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh. The 36-year-old's timely ton serves as a reminder of his enduring class and unwavering determination ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.Pujara's 66th First Class century, a testament to his prolific run-scoring prowess, saw him surpass West Indies legend Brian Lara for the most hundreds in the format. It was also his 25th in Ranji cricket, placing him second among active players.The veteran batter's century came after Chhattisgarh amassed a formidable 578 for 7 (declared) in their first innings. Undeterred, Pujara anchored Saurashtra's response with a composed and elegant knock. His 198-ball innings was adorned with 11 boundaries, showcasing his impeccable timing and shot selection.This century marks Pujara's first in the ongoing Ranji season, following a modest start against Tamil Nadu. However, it comes on the heels of a successful County stint in England, where he amassed 501 runs for Sussex, including two centuries.Pujara's resurgence is particularly timely given India's recent batting struggles in the opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. With the tour Down Under looming, the veteran has thrown his hat in the ring for selection, eager to prove his worth on the biggest stage.Pujara's last Test appearance for India came in the World Test Championship Final against Australia in June 2023. The top-order batter, who has played 103 Tests for his country, boasts an impressive tally of 19 centuries in the traditional format.As the Indian team prepares for the challenges of the Australian tour, Pujara's century serves as a timely reminder of his resilience, experience, and unwavering commitment to the game.

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Mohammed Shami Races Against Time for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Mohammed Shami Races Against Time for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, is diligently working towards regaining full fitness ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The five-match Test series is scheduled to take place between November 2024 and January 2025 in Australia.Shami's return to action has been eagerly anticipated after a prolonged absence. His last appearance for India was in the 2023 ODI World Cup final on November 19. Since then, he has been sidelined due to an ankle injury.The pacer has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after undergoing ankle surgery earlier this year. Despite the setback, there is optimism that Shami may regain full fitness before the team's departure for Australia.Recently, Shami was spotted bowling at full tilt on the same pitch where India lost the opening Test to New Zealand in Bengaluru. The session was closely monitored by India bowling coach Morne Morkel. A video of the session has gone viral on social media, showcasing Shami's progress.However, India captain Rohit Sharma has expressed reservations about including Shami in the Test squad for Australia, even if he regains fitness. Sharma cited Shami's lack of match practice as a concern."To be honest, it is difficult to make a call on him for the Australia series. He had a setback and had swelling in his knees. That put him back a little bit and had to start again. He's at the NCA with doctors and physios. We don't want to bring undercooked Shami to Australia. We are keeping our fingers crossed," Sharma said.Despite the captain's reservations, Shami remains determined to prove his fitness and earn a place in the Test squad. The pacer's experience and skill would be invaluable to India's chances of success in Australia.

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India Prioritizes Rishabh Pant's Knee Health Amidst Injury Concerns

India Prioritizes Rishabh Pant's Knee Health Amidst Injury Concerns

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, has revealed that the team is taking extra precautions with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant's knee injury, which he sustained during the first innings of the second Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru.Pant, who has undergone multiple surgeries on his knee following a life-threatening car accident in December 2022, was seen struggling to run comfortably while batting in India's second innings. He was eventually dismissed for 99 off 105 balls."He's had a massive operation on his leg, so we all know what he went through," Rohit said after India's eight-wicket defeat. "It's just to be a little careful about where he is at and what he is to us."Pant injured his knee on the second day of the Test while attempting to stump Devon Conway. He was replaced by Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps for the remainder of the first innings and the first 27.4 overs of New Zealand's second innings.Rohit emphasized the importance of being cautious with Pant's knee, given his recent history of injuries."He's had a lot of minor surgeries [and] one big surgery on his knee and he went through a lot of trauma, to be honest, in the last one-and-a-half years," Rohit said. "So it's just about being extra careful, not [just] careful with him."Despite his knee injury, Pant displayed his usual aggressive batting style, smashing nine fours and five sixes."No one knows what goes in his mind, to be honest," Rohit said with a smile. "He decides what he wants to do. I don't think there's anything that you need to speak to him [about]. We spoke to him about 'please understand the situation' and stuff like that, but that's Rishabh - he wants to play in a certain way and then, as a captain, as a coach, we want to back that because like he has produced results for us having that mindset. So let him go and play freely."

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India's Batting Disaster: Lowest Test Total at Home

India's Batting Disaster: Lowest Test Total at Home

India's Humiliating Collapse: Lowest Test Total at HomeThe Indian cricket team endured a catastrophic collapse on Thursday, registering their lowest-ever Test total at home against New Zealand in Bengaluru. After rain washed out the opening day, India opted to bat first in overcast conditions, a decision that proved disastrous.The Indian batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure of New Zealand's pace attack. Five batters—Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and R Ashwin—were dismissed for ducks, while openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal managed only 2 and 13 runs, respectively.Rishabh Pant emerged as the top-scorer with a meager 20 runs, highlighting the team's abysmal performance. The collapse sparked widespread criticism on social media, with fans and pundits calling for the return of veteran batters Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara.At lunch, India was reeling at 34 for 6, and their slide continued after the break. R Ashwin and Pant fell in quick succession, followed by Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, who contributed only 1 and 2 runs, respectively.The humiliating collapse has raised serious questions about India's batting depth and the team's ability to perform under pressure. The selectors' decision to move on from Rahane and Pujara has come under scrutiny, as the younger players have failed to live up to expectations.

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Mithali Raj Calls for Harmanpreet Kaur's Removal as India's T20 Captain

Mithali Raj Calls for Harmanpreet Kaur's Removal as India's T20 Captain

India's disappointing exit from the Women's T20 World Cup has sparked calls for a change in leadership, with former captain Mithali Raj advocating for a younger skipper. Raj believes that the time is ripe for a transition, as India has failed to progress under Harmanpreet Kaur's captaincy.Raj suggests that Jemimah Rodrigues, who has impressed with her energy and leadership qualities, would be a suitable replacement. She highlights Rodrigues' ability to build momentum and connect with her teammates.Raj attributes India's poor performance to their inability to adapt quickly to the slow wickets in South Africa. She contrasts this with the adaptability shown by New Zealand captain Sophie Devine, who scored a crucial half-century against India.Beyond the captaincy issue, Raj expresses concern about the team's lack of growth in recent years. She believes that India has become complacent in beating lower-ranked teams and has failed to challenge themselves against top sides like Australia.Raj also questions the team management's tactics, particularly their decision not to give opportunities to fringe players in the lead-up to the World Cup. She argues that this lack of depth has hindered India's ability to compete at the highest level.Furthermore, Raj criticizes the fitness levels of some players, which she believes contributed to dropped catches. She emphasizes the need for a consistent fitness benchmark throughout the year, rather than relying on short-term camps.

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Kohli's Brilliant Fielding Sets Social Media Abuzz Ahead of India-New Zealand Test

Kohli's Brilliant Fielding Sets Social Media Abuzz Ahead of India-New Zealand Test

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has set social media ablaze with his exceptional fielding skills in the lead-up to the highly anticipated first Test between India and New Zealand. A recent video showcases Kohli's remarkable reflexes and dedication as he engages in intense slip-catching drills alongside KL Rahul.During the practice session, Kohli displayed his agility and precision by pulling off a stunning low catch to his right, eliciting laughter from both players. The video highlights the focused preparation of India's key players as they gear up for the three-match Test series, commencing on October 16 at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.Kohli and Rahul, both eager to regain their peak form, have demonstrated their commitment to fielding excellence, leaving no stone unturned in their quest to maintain India's dominance in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.However, the team's preparations encountered a setback as heavy rain washed out India's practice session on Tuesday morning. With forecasts predicting continued rainfall throughout the week, the weather could significantly impact the series opener.The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert across parts of Karnataka, warning of potential disruptions during the first two days of the match. The weather could play a crucial role, especially considering recent matches. India's previous Test in Kanpur against Bangladesh was marred by rain delays but ultimately resulted in a home victory.New Zealand, on the other hand, faced similar challenges during their tour of the subcontinent, with their scheduled game against Afghanistan in Greater Noida abandoned due to poor drainage.India enters the series with momentum, having secured a 2-0 series win over Bangladesh, while New Zealand aims to bounce back from a 2-0 defeat in Sri Lanka. The hosts currently lead the WTC table, while the Kiwis, the reigning 2021 WTC champions, are eager to regain their footing.

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Shubman Gill's Injury Casts Doubt on Availability for New Zealand Test

Shubman Gill's Injury Casts Doubt on Availability for New Zealand Test

India's Test opener Shubman Gill is facing a potential setback ahead of the first Test against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on October 16. According to reports, Gill has complained of neck and shoulder pain, raising concerns about his availability for the match.The 25-year-old informed the team management about his discomfort on Monday, and a final decision on his selection will be made on the morning of the Test. Gill's absence could pave the way for Sarfaraz Khan or Dhruv Jurel to make their way into India's playing XI.Gill has established himself as a key figure in India's Test batting lineup, particularly at the No. 3 position. He played a pivotal role in India's recent Test series victory over Bangladesh, scoring a century in the first Test.In fact, Gill boasts an impressive batting average in the second innings of Test matches since 2020, making him one of India's most reliable batsmen in challenging conditions.Sarfaraz Khan, who recently scored a double century for Mumbai in the Duleep Trophy, is the frontrunner to replace Gill in the lineup. After a promising start to his Test career against England, Sarfaraz was unfortunate to miss out on selection after KL Rahul's return from injury.However, if Sarfaraz does enter the XI, India's batting order may need to be adjusted. The team will have to decide whether to promote Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, or Rishabh Pant up the order to fill the No. 3 spot.India will face New Zealand after a dominant 2-0 Test series win over Bangladesh. History favors India, as New Zealand has never won an away Test series in the World Test Championship (WTC).However, the weather could play a significant role in the outcome of the match, with rain predicted to impact play on all five days. The overcast and rainy conditions could also influence India's team selection.

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Jasprit Bumrah Named Vice-Captain for India's Test Series Against New Zealand

Jasprit Bumrah Named Vice-Captain for India's Test Series Against New Zealand

Jasprit Bumrah Appointed Vice-Captain for India's Test Series Against New ZealandNew Delhi: India's premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has been elevated to the role of vice-captain for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, commencing on October 16 in Bengaluru. This strategic move signals a potential shift in leadership dynamics within the Indian team.Bumrah's appointment as vice-captain suggests that he is being groomed to assume a more prominent leadership role in the future. Notably, no vice-captain was named during the recently concluded two-match Test series against Bangladesh.The Indian squad for the New Zealand series remains largely unchanged from the one that faced Bangladesh, with the exception of left-arm pacer Yash Dayal being dropped. Rising pace sensations Mayank Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna have been added as traveling reserves.Mohammed Shami continues to be absent as he recovers from an injury sustained during the World Cup final against Australia last year. Shami's return to the team remains uncertain.The second Test of the series will be played in Pune from October 24, while the third and final Test will take place in Mumbai from November 1.India's Squad for the Three Tests Against New Zealand:* Rohit Sharma (Captain)* Jasprit Bumrah (Vice-Captain)* Yashasvi Jaiswal* Shubman Gill* Virat Kohli* KL Rahul* Sarfaraz Khan* Rishabh Pant (Wicket-keeper)* Dhruv Jurel (Wicket-keeper)* Ravichandran Ashwin* Ravindra Jadeja* Axar Patel* Kuldeep Yadav* Mohd. Siraj* Akash DeepTraveling Reserves:* Harshit Rana* Nitish Kumar Reddy* Mayank Yadav* Prasidh Krishna

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Joe Root's Weakness: Jasprit Bumrah, the Only Bowler He Struggles Against

Joe Root's Weakness: Jasprit Bumrah, the Only Bowler He Struggles Against

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has heaped praise on Joe Root after the latter scored his 35th Test century, surpassing the likes of Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara. However, despite Root's remarkable consistency, Vaughan believes he has a weakness against one particular bowler: India's Jasprit Bumrah.Vaughan acknowledged that Bumrah is the "only" bowler who poses a significant challenge to Root. "The only bowler he does not quite line up is Jasprit Bumrah, I reckon, but who does?" Vaughan wrote in his column for The Telegraph UK.Vaughan attributed Root's difficulty against Bumrah to the latter's exceptional pace and ability to release the ball quickly. "To be as good as he is you have to pick up the ball so quickly out of the hand, which gives him that extra bit of time," Vaughan explained.Despite this weakness, Vaughan emphasized that Root has no major flaws in his technique. "There is no obvious way to get him out, against pace or spin. At the moment, bowlers are waiting for him to make a mistake," Vaughan said.Root's 35th Test century came in the first Test against Pakistan in Multan, where he remained unbeaten on 176 at the end of Day 3. He is now eyeing his sixth double century on Day 4.Bumrah and Root are likely to face off again in June 2025 when India tours England for a five-match Test series. This series will be part of the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle (2025-27).

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