Cricket

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, which commences on Friday. Having secured a comfortable victory in the first Test, India aims to replicate their success and strengthen their position in the race for the World Test Championship final.However, Virat Kohli's poor form in the first Test has raised concerns. Dismissed for 6 and 17 in the two innings, Kohli was dismissed twice in four overs by unheralded pacer Jamshed Alam during a net session on Wednesday. Alam, a 22-year-old from Lucknow, attributed his success to the out-swingers he bowled on a practice pitch that favored pacers.Despite Kohli's struggles, former Pakistan player Basit Ali believes the Indian star will regain his form in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, starting on November 22. Ali suggests that Kohli will thrive on the pacy wickets in Australia, where he has a proven track record of success."Virat will return to form against Australia," Ali said. "He will like the pacy wickets in Australia. Big players often lose concentration against weak teams but they do well against tougher oppositions."Ali also expressed confidence in India's ability to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. "People say India win at home but they have won two series in Australia as well," he said. "India won't allow Australia to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year as well."Kohli's return to form will be crucial for India's chances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Indian team will be eager to prove their dominance against a formidable Australian side and secure their place in the World Test Championship final.

Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has strongly advocated for the inclusion of left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav in India's playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. Despite Kuldeep's impressive performance in the recent home series against England, where he claimed 19 wickets in four matches, he was surprisingly omitted from the team in the first Test in Chennai.Manjrekar believes that Kuldeep's exclusion was a mistake, arguing that his unique bowling style would have been beneficial even on a pitch that was not expected to favor spinners. "I feel Kuldeep Yadav should not be dropped so easily," Manjrekar said on the ESPNcricinfo YouTube channel. "I believe that even if it was not a turner, India would have benefited from playing Kuldeep Yadav in Chennai because the seamers will get help for just one or one-and-a-half days on an Indian pitch."Manjrekar suggested that Kuldeep could replace Jasprit Bumrah in the team if the pace spearhead is rested. "If Bumrah wants a rest, give him. Try and get Kuldeep Yadav back," Manjrekar said. He further emphasized the importance of playing all three spinners, including Kuldeep, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Axar Patel, even on a green top. "Even if it's a green top and the sun is out, they should keep in mind that the green top will be just for the first few hours, and Siraj and Bumrah are enough for that. When you have three proven spinners, you should play all of them," Manjrekar said.With India securing a comprehensive 280-run victory in the first Test, where Bumrah played a crucial role with five wickets, the team management may consider resting him to manage his workload. This would provide an ideal opportunity for Kuldeep to make his way back into the side. Another pacer, Yash Dayal, could also be in contention for his debut if Bumrah is rested.

India's dominance at home in Test cricket has reached unprecedented heights since 2013. With a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in Chennai, India extended their remarkable home record to 41 wins in 52 Tests.The Indian team's success has been built on a combination of factors, including the rise of their spin duo, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, and the emergence of a formidable pace attack. The lower-order batsmen have also played a crucial role, contributing valuable runs in the first innings.India's dominance is reflected in several key statistics:* 41 Test wins: India has won 79% of their home Tests since 2013, a higher win percentage than even Australia's Down Under.* 36 wins by an innings or 100+ runs: 88% of India's home victories have come by crushing margins, showcasing their complete dominance over the opposition.* 17 consecutive series wins: India has not lost a home series since 2012, winning 17 consecutive series, including three against Australia and England.* 15 Test victories bowling less than 700 deliveries: India has dismissed the opposition twice in less than 110 overs in 15 home Tests, highlighting the effectiveness of their bowling attack.* 7 series sweeps: India has swept seven home series since 2013, including a 4-0 thrashing of Australia and a 3-0 drubbing of South Africa.* 18.21 batting average difference: Indian batters have dominated at home, averaging 40.08 compared to the opposition's 21.87.* 69 individual hundreds: India has recorded 69 individual centuries at home since 2013, while the opposition has managed only 25.* 18.8 bowling average difference: The Indian bowling unit has a combined average of 22.54, significantly lower than the opposition's 41.34.* 52 fifers and 10 ten-wicket match hauls: Indian bowlers have taken 52 fifers and 10 ten-wicket match hauls at home since 2013, showcasing their exceptional skill and dominance.India's home record is a testament to their exceptional talent, preparation, and the unwavering support of their fans. As they continue to dominate at home, they are poised to further cement their legacy as one of the greatest Test teams in history.

India's emphatic 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test in Chennai has sparked discussions about Virat Kohli's recent form. Despite India's dominance, Kohli's scores of 6 and 17 in the two innings have raised concerns.However, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes Kohli will regain his form in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. "Kohli will start performing against Australia," Ali said. "He likes the pacy wickets there. Big players often lose focus against weaker teams but excel against tougher opponents."Ali also expressed confidence in India's ability to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. "India won't let Australia win this year either," he said.Meanwhile, Bangladesh cricketer Tamim Iqbal has hailed the importance of Ravichandran Ashwin in the Indian team. "Ashwin is equally important as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma," Iqbal said. "We only talk about them when they perform well, but their contribution is immense."Ashwin's batting prowess was on display in the first Test, where he scored a crucial 58 in the second innings. His all-round performance has earned him praise from experts and fans alike.As India prepares for the New Zealand series and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli's form and Ashwin's continued brilliance will be key factors in their success.

Bangladesh's top-order collapse in the first innings proved costly in their 280-run defeat to India in the first Test in Chennai, according to captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.Despite an improved second-innings performance, Bangladesh's 234 all out was not enough to overcome their first-innings deficit of 285. Shanto believes the team's inability to form a substantial partnership in the first innings was crucial."We didn't bat well in the first innings," Shanto said. "It was a very important phase of the game. We could have been in a better position if we had at least one [big] top-order partnership."The top order showed some improvement in the second innings, with openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam adding 62 runs. However, Shanto believes they need to spend more time at the crease."It is important to spend the time in the wicket but it wasn't enough [today]," Shanto said. "Still, it will help for the second Test. It was very important for the openers to put on 62 runs. That's one thing we can look forward to in the next Test match."Shanto scored his first Test fifty in 11 innings, but he believes he could have done better."I think everyone has a different plan. I hope they (India) will plan differently in the next match," he said.Despite a nervous start in the first innings, Shanto adjusted well in the second, attacking R Ashwin and reaching his half-century off 55 balls. However, he struggled against Mohammed Siraj on the fourth day."The morning session was tough today. The way Siraj was bowling. They were all bowling really well," Shanto said.Bangladesh's openers showed promise on the third day, but their inability to convert starts into substantial scores remains a concern."It goes without saying that you need to start well and once you have faced 20 or 30 balls, you get a bit of idea of what's happening," batting coach David Hemp said. "You want to go on from that, especially when you scored 30 or 40 runs."While the openers' mini-fightback and Shanto's knock provide some confidence, Bangladesh's top-order failure in the first innings will continue to haunt them until they find a solution.

India Retains Squad for Second Test Against BangladeshThe Indian cricket team will field the same squad for the second and final Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin in Kanpur on Friday, September 27th. The decision was made by the selection committee, as announced by BCCI honorary secretary Jay Shah.The squad remains unchanged from the first Test in Chennai, where India secured a dominant 280-run victory within four days. Ravichandran Ashwin was the star performer, claiming 6-88 and leading the Indian bowling attack to dismiss Bangladesh for 234. Ravindra Jadeja also contributed with figures of 3-58.India's squad for the second Test against Bangladesh:* Rohit Sharma (C)* Yashasvi Jaiswal* Shubman Gill* Virat Kohli* KL Rahul* Sarfaraz Khan* Rishabh Pant (WK)* Dhruv Jurel (WK)* R Ashwin* R Jadeja* Axar Patel* Kuldeep Yadav* Mohd. Siraj* Akash Deep* Jasprit Bumrah* Yash DayalBangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, will be aiming to bounce back from their defeat in Chennai. Shanto showed some fight in the first Test with an innings of 82, but the Indian bowlers proved too strong.The second Test in Kanpur will be crucial for both teams. India will be looking to seal the series victory, while Bangladesh will be desperate to level the scores. The match promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched sides.

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli displayed his infectious enthusiasm on Day 2 of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. Despite failing to score big in the first innings, Kohli's spirits remained high, as evidenced by his jovial interactions with the crowd. A viral video captured Kohli waving to the Chennai spectators, eliciting a thunderous response. Later, he even performed a brief dance after a wicket fell.Bangladesh's first innings ended with a paltry 149, trailing India by a significant 227 runs. India's bowlers dominated, with Ravichandran Ashwin claiming three wickets.In reply, India declared their second innings at 287-4, setting Bangladesh a target of 515. Centuries from Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant propelled India towards victory.Bangladesh began their chase briskly but lost wickets to reach 158-4 when bad light halted play on Day 3. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan remained unbeaten at the crease, needing 357 runs for a win.Ashwin continued his impressive performance, taking three wickets to add to his 113 runs in India's first innings. Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam provided a solid start for Bangladesh, but Jasprit Bumrah broke their partnership.Pant and Gill put on a dominant 167-run stand for the fourth wicket, with Pant smashing a century and Gill remaining unbeaten on 119. Pant's innings was particularly impressive, considering his recent recovery from a car crash.India is aiming to extend their lead at the top of the World Test Championship rankings, while Bangladesh seeks their first-ever Test victory against India.

India's dominance in world cricket across all formats over the past five years has been widely recognized by legendary players. One of the key factors attributed to this success is the emergence of quality fast bowlers, a traditional weakness for India.Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja praised India's all-round strength, highlighting their ability to recover from adversity. On the first day of the Chennai Test against Bangladesh, India was reduced to 34 for 3 and then 144 for 6, but they rallied to post a competitive 376."India has become a great team," said Raja. "They don't lose when they play at home."Ravichandran Ashwin's attacking century and his 199-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (86) played a crucial role in India's recovery. Ashwin's century and Jadeja's 80s helped India score at a brisk pace and put pressure on the Bangladesh bowlers.Raja also praised the five-wicket haul of young pacer Hasan Mahmud, but noted that Bangladesh needs an all-round bowling strength to challenge teams like India.After being bowled out on the second morning, India took control with the ball. Jasprit Bumrah struck in the first over to remove Shadman Islam, and Akash Deep took two wickets off consecutive deliveries to reduce Bangladesh to 26 for 3 at lunch.India's dominance is a testament to their depth and quality in all departments. The emergence of fast bowlers has added a new dimension to their game, making them a formidable force in world cricket.

Bangladesh's promising start in the first Test against India in Chennai has been overshadowed by a potential penalty for failing to bowl the required number of overs on the opening day.The visitors had India reeling at 34 for 3 and later 144 for 6, but a remarkable partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin (102*) and Ravindra Jadeja (86*) rescued the hosts. India ended the day at 339 for 6, leaving Bangladesh in a precarious position.However, Bangladesh's troubles extend beyond the scoreboard. Despite being granted a half-hour extension in bowling, they fell 10 overs short of the target. This violation could result in a penalty from the International Cricket Council (ICC).This potential sanction adds to Bangladesh's woes, as they were recently docked three World Test Championship points and fined 15% of their match fee for being three overs short in their first Test against Pakistan.On Day 1 against India, Bangladesh managed to bowl only 80 overs, falling short in all three sessions. Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle expressed his disapproval on social media, stating that it was "unacceptable" for Bangladesh to bowl less than 80 overs despite the extra time granted.According to ICC regulations, a team loses one World Test Championship point for each Penalty Over incurred during the Round Stage. Bangladesh's failure to meet the over quota could therefore cost them valuable points in their quest for a place in the final.The situation highlights the importance of teams adhering to the ICC's playing conditions. Bangladesh will need to address this issue promptly to avoid further penalties and maintain their chances of success in the World Test Championship.