Cricket

Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has emerged as a beacon of resilience and determination on the cricket field, particularly when his team faces adversity. Throughout his illustrious career, he has consistently embraced challenges, delivering his best performances when the pressure mounts.Rahane's affinity for challenging conditions stems from his formative years playing at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The lively bounce and unpredictable nature of the pitch honed his skills against formidable bowling attacks. "I always loved challenges where the ball moves, seams, or bounces," he remarked in a Star Sports promo.His unwavering spirit has translated into remarkable achievements on the international stage. Since his debut in 2011, Rahane has amassed over 8,400 runs across all three formats, including 15 centuries and 51 fifties. His highest score of 188 stands as a testament to his ability to construct long and impactful innings.In Test cricket, Rahane has established himself as a dependable batsman, scoring over 5,000 runs at an average of 38.46. His 12 centuries and 26 fifties have played a pivotal role in India's success in the longest format. In ODIs, he has contributed over 2,900 runs, including three centuries and 24 fifties.Rahane's versatility extends to T20Is, where he has scored over 375 runs at an average of 20.83. His ability to adapt to different formats and conditions has made him an invaluable asset to the Indian team.Despite his impressive record, Rahane's last appearance for India came in a Test match against the West Indies in July 2022. However, his unwavering determination and love for the game suggest that he has much more to offer.

Virat Kohli's recent form has raised concerns among cricket experts, particularly ahead of India's upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Despite his impressive record against the Aussies, Kohli has struggled in recent matches, failing to score a century in his last 10 innings.Former BCCI selection committee chief MSK Prasad expressed his concern, stating that India will miss the stability provided by Cheteshwar Pujara in Australia. Prasad highlighted the complementary roles played by Kohli and Pujara in the 2018 series, with Kohli providing aggression and Pujara anchoring the innings.Kohli's poor form is a cause for concern, especially considering India's World Test Championship qualification chances. The team needs to perform well in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to secure a place in the final.Kohli's return to form is crucial for India's success in Australia. His ability to score runs consistently and inspire his teammates is essential for the team's chances of victory.In addition to Kohli's form, the article also discusses the importance of Pujara's role in the Indian batting lineup. Pujara's ability to occupy the crease and grind out runs provides a solid foundation for the team.The article concludes by emphasizing the need for Kohli to regain his form and for India to find a way to replace Pujara's contributions in Australia.

Harbhajan Singh: Transition in Indian Cricket Inevitable, Replacements Will EmergeFormer Indian cricket spinner Harbhajan Singh has witnessed firsthand the transition in Indian cricket between 2011-2013, when stalwarts like Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and VVS Laxman retired. He believes that age, fitness, and form are crucial factors in player selection, but questions arise when players start losing their edge."Age is a factor for some in this team, but Virat and Jaddu are extremely fit guys," Singh said. "Yes, age, fitness, and form are criteria, but the questions crop up once you start losing. The onus obviously comes on seniors in the team."However, Singh strongly refutes the notion that certain players cannot be replaced. "Who says you can't get replacements? You got replacements in the past, and you will get them in the future," he asserted. "The game will move on, and we will get replacements."Singh emphasized the abundance of talent in domestic cricket, citing the examples of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Sarfaraz Khan. "It is about getting the right opportunities at the right time," he said. "If you get a chance at the right time, you can become Virat Kohli, or else you could be Amol Mujumdar or Amarjeet Kaypee."Singh believes that it took Virat Kohli 15 years to become the player he is today. "So you need to look at the talent and maybe have an idea that, yes, this boy, if persisted with, can become a match-winner for a decade," he said.While Singh does not anticipate an immediate transition, he believes that the upcoming Australia series will be a "make or break" for many players in the team. "This Australia series will be a make or break for many in the team," he concluded.

Harshit Rana, a rising star in Indian cricket, has made significant strides in his career, earning a spot in the Indian Test squad for the upcoming tour of Australia. With his impressive pace, bounce, and ability to swing the ball both ways, Rana has caught the attention of selectors and fans alike.Rana's journey to the national team began with his standout performance for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the 2023 season, he claimed 19 wickets in 13 matches, finishing as the joint-second-highest wicket-taker. His ability to bowl under pressure and deliver crucial overs in T20 cricket showcased his maturity and skill.The IPL success paved the way for Rana's inclusion in India's white-ball squads. He has since featured regularly in the team, gaining valuable experience and honing his craft. Recently, he was selected in the 18-member contingent for the five-Test tour of Australia, a testament to his growing stature in the Indian setup.Rana's selection for the Test team is a culmination of his hard work and dedication. He has spent time with the Test team as a traveling reserve, observing and learning from senior players like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. This experience has helped him prepare for the challenges of Test cricket, where consistency and accuracy are paramount.In addition to his bowling prowess, Rana is also a fiery competitor, known for his aggressive approach on the field. He is not afraid to engage in verbal exchanges with batters, adding an element of intensity to his performances.Rana's rise to prominence has been supported by the guidance of Gautam Gambhir, who served as KKR's mentor during the IPL and is now India's head coach. Gambhir has been a vocal advocate for Rana, recognizing his potential and providing him with valuable advice.As Rana prepares for his Test debut in Australia, he is excited about the opportunity to showcase his skills on the world stage. He is confident in his abilities and eager to contribute to India's success. With his talent, determination, and the support of his team, Rana is poised to make a significant impact on Indian cricket in the years to come.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, one of India's most promising young batters, continues to face a puzzling lack of opportunities in the national team. Despite consistently scoring runs in domestic cricket, Gaikwad has been overlooked for selection in all three formats.His absence from the recent Bangladesh T20I series raised eyebrows, with suggestions that the selectors were prioritizing his red-ball prospects. However, Gaikwad's name was also missing from the squad announced for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.This snub has sparked outrage from former Indian cricketer Krisnamachari Srikkanth, who criticized the selection committee for its treatment of Gaikwad. Srikkanth questioned the logic behind overlooking a player who has been one of the top performers in domestic cricket."I don't understand it at all," Srikkanth said. "He scored two first-class centuries, but still didn't get a chance. He got scores to back him up. Where should that guy be going now?"Srikkanth also pointed out that Abhimanyu Easwaran, another domestic stalwart, had been selected for the Australia tour despite not having the same level of recent form as Gaikwad."Abhimanyu Easwaran's performance has been brilliant. I'm not questioning that," Srikkanth said. "But what are you doing with Ruturaj? Why aren't they twirling around with him? What's the plan?"The selection committee has instead named Gaikwad as the captain of the India A squad for the upcoming tour of Australia. It remains to be seen whether a strong performance in the India A side will earn Gaikwad a recall to the senior team.

Steve Smith Hails Rohit Sharma as Opener in His World Test XI, Praises Aggressive StyleAustralian batting maestro Steve Smith has heaped praise on Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, selecting him as the opener in his World Test XI. Smith lauded Sharma's aggressive approach and ability to dominate bowlers, making him a formidable force in the longest format of the game."He is so dangerous, takes the game on with the new ball," Smith said in an interview with Fox Cricket. "He plays his shots but also has solid defense when the situation demands it. He puts the bowler under a lot of pressure."Smith's comments come amidst India's recent Test series defeat at home against New Zealand. However, Sharma is set to lead India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, starting on November 22 in Perth.The 18-member squad announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) includes several fresh faces but also has key omissions due to injury concerns. Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav will miss the tour due to knee and groin issues, respectively.Despite the setbacks, Smith believes Sharma has the leadership and batting skills to prove his faith and maintain India's dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy."He's a world-class player, there's no doubt about that," Smith added. "He's been in great form for a long time now, and I'm sure he'll be looking to continue that in Australia."Sharma's aggressive style and ability to adapt to different conditions make him a nightmare for bowlers. He has a wide range of shots and can score runs at a rapid pace, putting pressure on the opposition from the outset.With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the horizon, Sharma will be eager to lead India to victory and prove his status as one of the world's best batsmen.

India's qualification for the World Test Championship final in June 2023 is uncertain, and even if they qualify, it would be surprising if skipper Rohit Sharma remains available for the next two-year WTC cycle. The same applies to Ravichandran Ashwin, who will be 41 by then. Ravindra Jadeja and Virat Kohli, two exceptionally fit players, will be 39.The recent Test series defeat at home against New Zealand has sparked a debate about the effectiveness of some senior players. Former India coach Ravi Shastri expressed concern, stating that New Zealand's dominance in both Tests is a cause for reflection. He emphasized that it's early days for head coach Gautam Gambhir, but he will need to learn quickly.India faces a challenging transition as four world-class match-winners are expected to retire in the next few years. While there are options in batting, finding quality bowlers may be a struggle. Mohammed Shami, despite his return, is nearing the end of his illustrious career, and Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, while decent bowlers, lack the impact of Shami when paired with Bumrah.The next generation of bowlers is also a concern. Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed are quick, but consistency and fitness have been issues. Navdeep Saini's pace has declined, and Umran Malik has lost his way. Mukesh Kumar, Vyshak Vijaykumar, and Vidwath Kaverappa lack the pace to unsettle batters.Bumrah and Shami are exceptional talents, and unless someone like Mayank Yadav becomes consistently available, India's bowling cupboard is bare. Seam bowling all-rounders are also a concern unless Hardik Pandya, now 30, changes his mind. Nitish Reddy is a work in progress, but his inclusion is due to a lack of alternatives.In batting, Yashasvi Jaiswal has established himself as an opener, and three candidates are vying for the other slot once Rohit retires: Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and B Sai Sudharsan. Easwaran has the most prolific record, but concerns remain about his temperament in big games. Gaikwad is a talented white-ball cricketer, but his limited first-class experience may be a concern.Sudharsan, on the other hand, has a solid technique, temperament, and appetite for big runs. He can bat as an opener or at number three. Devdutt Padikkal, who scored a half-century on Test debut, is an exciting option for Kohli's slot.Rishabh Pant remains the undisputed keeper-batter, while Sarfaraz Khan has impressed in his first five Tests. Axar Patel is a valuable bowler on under-prepared surfaces but may struggle on surfaces that offer less assistance. Washington Sundar could be the single spin-all-rounder in the post-Ashwin-Jadeja era.

Ajinkya Rahane, a seasoned Indian cricketer, has attributed his transformation in fitness, training, and nutrition to the profound influence of former skipper Virat Kohli. Rahane's admiration for Kohli's unwavering commitment to a disciplined lifestyle has inspired him to adopt similar practices."Virat Kohli has been a tremendous source of inspiration for me," Rahane revealed in an interview with Curly Tales. "His approach to the game, his training regimen, his fitness, and his diet have all left an indelible mark on me."Rahane's transformation extended beyond his physical attributes. He also embraced Kohli's mindset and unwavering determination. "I've learned so much from Virat," Rahane said. "His ability to stay focused, his resilience, and his unwavering belief in himself have been invaluable lessons for me."The duo's on-field chemistry has also been a testament to their mutual respect and understanding. "I've thoroughly enjoyed batting alongside Virat," Rahane added. "We complement each other well and have forged some memorable partnerships for India. My favorite partnership with him was the 260-run stand we shared in Australia during the 2014 Test series."Despite not being a regular fixture in the national team, Rahane remains a dependable middle-order batsman, particularly in overseas conditions. His leadership skills were evident during India's remarkable Test series victory in Australia in 2020-21, where he captained the team in Kohli's absence.Rahane's success as a captain stems from his belief in empowering his players. "There's no secret to success," he said. "I believe that this game is not about individuals; it's about the collective effort of 11 players. Every player is equally important.""As a captain, it's crucial to give players freedom and confidence," Rahane continued. "Every player has the potential to be a match-winner, and it's my responsibility to create an environment where they can thrive."Rahane's insights into the impact of Virat Kohli and his own leadership philosophy provide valuable lessons for aspiring cricketers and leaders alike. His emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and empowering individuals serves as a reminder of the essential ingredients for success in both sports and life.

Irfan Pathan, the former Indian all-rounder, celebrates his 40th birthday today. Known for his prodigious swing bowling and vital knocks, Pathan was one of India's most versatile cricketers during his illustrious career.Hat-trick against Pakistan in 2006:Arguably Pathan's most iconic moment came in the Karachi Test against Pakistan in 2006. He became the first Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in the opening over of a Test match, dismissing Salman Butt, Younis Khan, and Mohammad Yousuf in consecutive deliveries. This historic feat etched his name into the annals of cricket history.Man of the Match in the 2007 T20 World Cup Final:Pathan played a pivotal role in India's victory in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007. In the high-pressure final against Pakistan, he delivered a match-winning spell of 3 for 16, helping India clinch the trophy. His remarkable bowling under pressure earned him the Man of the Match award, contributing significantly to India's historic triumph.Match-winning All-round Show in the Perth Test, 2008:In one of the toughest assignments for any cricketer, an overseas Test in Australia, Pathan produced a stellar all-round performance in Perth in 2008. He took 5 wickets in the match and also scored 46 vital runs in the second innings, helping India secure a rare victory on Australian soil. His ability to make an impact with both bat and ball was on full display, earning him the Man of the Match award in India's famous win at the WACA.Maiden Test Century in 2007:Pathan was not just a bowler but also a more than capable batsman. In the Bangalore Test against Pakistan in 2007, he scored his maiden and only Test century, batting at No. 8. His knock of 102 was a testament to his batting skills and versatility, proving he could contribute with the bat at crucial moments. It remains one of the highlights of his Test career.As Irfan Pathan turns 40, his contributions to Indian cricket are fondly remembered. Whether it was his lethal swing bowling, his crucial knocks with the bat, or his never-say-die spirit, Pathan remains a beloved figure in Indian cricket.