Cricket

Sanju Samson's blistering century in the third T20I against Bangladesh on Saturday marked a significant milestone in his career. The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman smashed eight sixes and 11 fours in his whirlwind 111 runs off just 47 balls, becoming the second-fastest Indian to reach a T20I century.Samson's explosive innings propelled India to a mammoth total of 297/6, their highest-ever in T20I cricket and the second-highest overall. The 28-year-old's performance was a testament to his exceptional talent and the confidence he has gained in recent times.Reflecting on his achievement, Samson expressed his desire to continue improving. "I can do much better," he admitted, indicating his unwavering determination to reach even greater heights.Samson's teammates were overjoyed with his performance, and the team leadership has expressed their unwavering support for him. "The leadership tells me they back me no matter what... not just in words but in actions also," he said.Samson's century was a culmination of his hard work and dedication. He has faced setbacks in the past, but he has learned to deal with pressure and adversity. "Playing for your country, that pressure was there, but I wanted to perform and wanted to show," he said.Samson's success is a reminder of the immense talent that exists in Indian cricket. With his exceptional skills and the support of his team, he is poised to become a key player for India in the years to come.

Chetan Sharma's Historic Hat-Trick: A Defining Moment in Indian CricketOn October 31, 1987, Indian cricket history was etched in gold when Chetan Sharma became the first Indian bowler to claim a hat-trick in a World Cup match. This remarkable feat occurred during a group stage encounter against New Zealand in Nagpur, propelling India to a comfortable nine-wicket victory.Sharma's hat-trick unfolded in the 42nd over of New Zealand's innings. With sharp and accurate deliveries, he clean bowled Ken Rutherford, Ian Smith, and Ewen Chatfield in succession, leaving the Kiwi batsmen in disbelief. His bowling performance played a crucial role in restricting New Zealand to a modest total of 221/9.India's batting lineup, led by Sunil Gavaskar's unbeaten century (103 off 88 balls) and Kris Srikkanth's 75 off 58, made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 32.1 overs. However, it was Sharma's hat-trick that stole the show, becoming the defining moment of the match.Sharma's hat-trick not only marked a historic milestone for Indian cricket but also set a high standard for future generations. Since then, three other Indian bowlers have achieved hat-tricks in ODIs: Kapil Dev, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav (twice).Mohammed Shami remains the only Indian bowler after Sharma to take a hat-trick in an ODI World Cup. During the 2019 World Cup, Shami dismissed Mohammad Nabi, Aftab Alam, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman in three consecutive deliveries against Afghanistan, echoing Sharma's historic achievement.Chetan Sharma's hat-trick in the 1987 World Cup remains an iconic moment in Indian cricket history, showcasing the skill, determination, and legacy of one of the country's greatest bowlers.

Former Indian cricket star Ajay Jadeja has been declared the next Jam Saheb of Nawanagar, a princely state in Gujarat. The announcement was made by the current Maharaja Jam Saheb of Nawanagar, Shatrusalyasinhji Digvijaysinhji Jadeja, in an official statement.Jadeja, who represented India in 15 Tests and 196 One-Day Internationals between 1992 and 2000, comes from a family with a rich cricketing heritage. His relatives, K Ranjitsinhji and KS Duleepsinhji, are the namesakes of the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy, respectively.The announcement follows a recent visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Jam Saheb of Nawanagar Memorial in Warsaw, Poland. Modi praised the Maharaja's philanthropy and generosity, and announced the launch of the Jam Saheb Nawanagar Youth Action Program, which will bring 20 young Poles to India each year.In addition to his cricket career, Jadeja has also acted in films and participated in the dance reality show "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa." He has also worked as a cricket commentator and expert, and was the mentor of the Afghanistan cricket team in the 2023 ODI World Cup.Jadeja's appointment as Jam Saheb is a testament to his family's legacy and his own contributions to Indian cricket. It is also a symbol of the deep cultural and historical ties between India and Poland.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable comeback to Test cricket after a life-threatening car accident has been an inspiration to many. The young wicketkeeper-batsman's determination and resilience have been evident throughout his journey, which includes winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 with Team India and scoring a century in his first Test match since the accident.Pant's return to the Indian Test team for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand is a testament to his hard work and dedication. The 25-year-old has been named in the 15-man squad, which will be led by Rohit Sharma. Jasprit Bumrah will serve as the vice-captain.Pant's recent cryptic message on social media, where he asked his followers if he would be sold at an auction and for how much, has sparked speculation about his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Delhi Capitals (DC) captain is known for his fun-loving nature, but his message has raised questions about his commitment to the franchise.However, Pant has remained focused on his cricket and has been working hard to regain his form. He has been in good touch in domestic cricket, scoring a century in the Ranji Trophy. Pant's inclusion in the Indian Test squad is a sign that he is back to his best and ready to contribute to the team's success.The upcoming Test series against New Zealand will be a tough challenge for India, but Pant's presence in the team will give them a boost. The left-hander is a match-winner and can change the course of a game with his aggressive batting and brilliant wicketkeeping.Pant's journey from a life-threatening accident to a triumphant return to international cricket is a story of courage, determination, and resilience. He is an inspiration to many and his story will continue to motivate others to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and a strong core of players as India prepares for a crucial two-year period. With major events like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, ICC Champions Trophy, and potentially the World Test Championship Final on the horizon, Doeschate aims to build a team that can withstand the pressure.Doeschate highlights the significance of a diverse pool of players who can fill multiple roles. He cites examples like Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Sanju Samson, who have demonstrated versatility in their batting positions. This flexibility allows India to adapt to different playing conditions and maintain a balanced team.However, Doeschate stresses that maintaining the right mindset is paramount. He encourages players to push their limits, take risks, and believe in their abilities. He emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space where players feel comfortable experimenting and expanding their game.Doeschate acknowledges Samson's recent struggles but expresses confidence in his potential. He hints that Samson will likely get another opportunity to showcase his skills in the third T20I. The coach also indicates that India will continue to explore the option of having frontline batsmen bowl a few overs to support the main bowlers.Despite focusing on long-term goals, Doeschate emphasizes the importance of winning each game. He believes that playing for one's country and putting oneself under pressure is crucial for the team's development. He also acknowledges the value of these less intense series in assessing fringe players and identifying their strengths and weaknesses.

Jaydev Unadkat, the Indian left-arm pacer, has extended his contract with Sussex County Cricket Club for the 2025 and 2026 County Championship seasons. This extension marks Unadkat's continued commitment to the club, where he has made a significant impact since joining in 2023.Unadkat's initial stint with Sussex in 2023 saw him claim 15 wickets in three matches, showcasing his exceptional bowling skills. In 2024, he returned to the team and played a pivotal role in Sussex's Division Two title triumph, capturing 22 wickets at an impressive average of 14.40 in five games.Expressing his delight at the contract extension, Unadkat stated, "When I came to Hove last year, I wasn't sure what was on offer in the County Championship and how would I adapt to it. But after a few games now, I can definitely say Hove is my home away from home and Good Old Sussex by The Sea has my heart."Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace hailed Unadkat's contributions both on and off the field. "Jaydev's quality on the pitch has been so evident for everyone else to see, but just as importantly his qualities as a person make him one of the most popular and nicest guys any team could wish for," Farbrace said.Unadkat's current focus is on leading Saurashtra in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, which commenced on Friday. His impressive performances for Sussex and Saurashtra have solidified his reputation as a formidable bowler in both domestic and international cricket.

Rinku Singh's journey in Indian cricket has been a testament to his resilience and determination. From humble beginnings, he rose to prominence with a stellar performance in the 2023 IPL. His international debut made him a fan favorite, but since then, he has faced challenges in securing regular game time.Despite the limited opportunities, Rinku remains focused on making the most of every chance he gets. His tattoo, "God's plan," serves as a reminder of his belief in a higher power guiding his path.In the recent T20I series, Rinku was given more responsibility to rebuild the innings. He responded with a half-century, showcasing his ability to adapt to different situations. The team management's trust in him has given him the confidence to play his natural game.Rinku acknowledges the cut-throat competition in Indian cricket, but he remains unfazed. He understands that his role is to contribute to the team's success, regardless of his position in the batting order.The Indian cricket culture encourages players to take risks and express themselves. This has helped Rinku shed any inhibitions and focus on hitting the ball hard.While opportunities in Indian cricket can be fleeting, Rinku has proven his worth. He has made the most of his chances and continues to strive for improvement. His determination and belief in his abilities make him a valuable asset to any team.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma recently displayed his playful side as he engaged in a comical chase with enthusiastic fans. After a training session, Rohit attempted to evade the adoring crowd by sprinting towards his blue Lamborghini. The incident highlighted the skipper's ability to maintain his privacy while interacting with his fans.Rohit's playful antics come amidst preparations for the upcoming three-Test series against New Zealand, starting on October 16. The Indian team is riding high on a 2-0 clean sweep against Bangladesh in the recently concluded Test series.However, speculation is rife that Rohit may miss one of the first two Test matches in Australia's upcoming five-match series due to personal reasons. The series kicks off on November 22 in Perth, and there is a chance Rohit could skip either the first game or the second Test in Adelaide, scheduled from December 6-10."There isn't any complete clarity about the situation. It is understood that Rohit has intimated to the BCCI that there is a possibility that due to a pressing personal matter, he might have to skip one of the two Tests at the beginning of the series," a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.Despite the uncertainty surrounding his availability, Rohit remains a key figure in the Indian team. His leadership and batting prowess have been instrumental in India's recent successes. Fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on his availability for the Australia series, which is expected to be a highly competitive affair.

Abhimanyu Easwaran, a prolific run-scorer for Bengal in domestic cricket, has been patiently awaiting his Test debut for India. Despite an impressive record of 7506 runs in 98 first-class games at an average of 47.65, the elusive Test cap remains out of reach.As the Ranji Trophy approaches, India's search for a back-up opener for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy intensifies. Easwaran remains determined to earn his place, focusing on controlling the controllables. "I try and focus on one day at a time. The dream has always been to play for the country," he says.Easwaran's recent performances in the Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup have showcased his talent. He scored 157 not out, 116, and 19 in the Duleep Trophy, followed by a remarkable 191 in the Irani Cup against Mumbai.Despite his impressive performances, Easwaran acknowledges that selection is beyond his control. "I can just control the things which I have in control – that is how hard I work, look forward to the games, and prepare for it," he says.Easwaran has gained valuable experience as part of the Indian Test team, including the historic victory over England at Lord's in 2021. He has observed the meticulous preparation of senior batters like Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara, learning from their specific game plans and practice routines.The 'A' tours have played a crucial role in India's Test success, providing players with exposure to international cricket and overseas conditions. Easwaran believes these tours are a "great bridge between domestic cricket and international cricket."Easwaran fondly recalls his century against England Lions in 2019, where he partnered with KL Rahul. He also praises the aggressive intent displayed by the Indian team in the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, where they chased down 95 on day five to secure a remarkable victory.Easwaran believes that Test cricket remains vital, especially with the World Test Championship points at stake. "Every Test match is more like a World Cup game," he says. "Red-ball cricket will keep going like this and a lot of people will keep watching it, I'm sure."