Cricket

Indian batter Rinku Singh has credited head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav for empowering the team to play aggressively and express themselves on the field. Singh's blistering 53-run knock off 29 balls played a pivotal role in India's 86-run victory over Bangladesh in the second T20I on Wednesday."The coach and captain have asked us to play our game and whatever the situation (is), the message from them is maarte jao ball ko (just keep hitting the ball)," Singh said at the post-match press conference.Singh, who has often batted in the latter stages of innings, was called into action early on Wednesday after India lost three wickets inside the powerplay. He explained his approach, saying, "At the position I play, I get batting at different junctures of the game. Whenever I get batting earlier, my aim is to take singles and doubles and attack the bad balls.""When I come to bat with 2-3 overs left, my aim is to hit more fours and sixes. My main aim is to collect more and more runs for the team."Singh revealed that the wicket was initially challenging, but he adjusted his batting accordingly. "When the match started, the ball was not coming properly on to the bat. When Sanju (Samson) and Surya bhai got out then Reddy told me that ball phass rahi hai (the ball is sticking on the wicket).""I batted accordingly and then the wicket got a little better. We were discussing that we should get a (good) partnership first and get the momentum. We started with singles and then Reddy hit sixes and the momentum changed."Singh, who will next feature in the Ranji Trophy, expressed his desire to play in all three formats of the game. "I do see myself as an all format player, wherever I get the opportunity I will play," he said.The third and final T20I between India and Bangladesh will be played in Hyderabad on Saturday.

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has etched her name in the record books as the fastest Indian to score a half-century in a Women's T20 World Cup. In a blistering display of power-hitting, Kaur reached the milestone in just 27 balls against Sri Lanka in Dubai.Kaur's innings was a masterclass in aggression, as she unleashed a barrage of boundaries and sixes, putting the Sri Lankan bowlers under relentless pressure. She surpassed the previous record held by Smriti Mandhana, who reached the mark off 31 deliveries against Australia in 2018.Coming in at a crucial stage, Kaur wasted no time in settling, targeting both spinners and pacers with equal authority. She cleared the boundary with ease, dispatching deliveries at her own will. The rapid fifty not only showcased her explosive batting but also shifted the momentum in India's favor, as they posted a commanding 172-run total.With this knock, Kaur also joined an elite group of batters, becoming only the third player after Suzie Bates of New Zealand and her compatriot Smriti Mandhana to amass 3500 runs in Women's T20Is. Her fearless approach and ability to dominate the bowling attack in high-pressure situations have become her signature, further cementing her reputation as one of the premier batters in women's cricket.In 176 T20Is till date, the seasoned 35-year-old has amassed an impressive tally of 3522 runs. Her batting prowess is evident in her commendable average of 28.63 and a strike-rate of 108.13. Harmanpreet's consistency is further highlighted by her single century and 13 half-centuries in the shortest format of the game.

Asha Sobhana, a 33-year-old allrounder, made history on May 6, 2024, when she became the oldest Indian woman cricketer to make her international debut. Her impressive performance against Bangladesh, where she claimed two wickets in three overs while conceding only 18 runs, earned her a place in the Indian team for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024.Sobhana's journey to the international stage began in 2004 when she met Aaron George Thomas, her childhood coach, at a camp for women cricketers in Kochi. Thomas, a renowned coach with over two decades of experience, recognized Sobhana's talent and played a pivotal role in her development.Under Thomas's guidance, Sobhana honed her skills and went on to represent the Kerala Women's Senior Cricket team. She also had stints with the South Central Railway (SCR) and Puducherry teams before joining the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the inaugural edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) in 2023.Sobhana's performance in the WPL was exceptional. She emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 12 scalps in 10 matches, including a five-wicket haul against UP Warriorz. Her impressive bowling earned her a call-up to the Indian team for the World Cup.In the World Cup, Sobhana made her mark in India's match against New Zealand. She dismissed the dangerous Georgia Plimmer, who had scored a blistering 34 runs in 23 balls. Despite India's defeat, Sobhana's performance showcased her potential and earned her praise from fans and experts alike.Thomas, who watched Sobhana's international debut from his home in Thiruvananthapuram, expressed his pride in his former pupil. He highlighted her dedication and hard work, which had culminated in this historic moment.Sobhana's success has also been a boost for women's cricket in Kerala. With two players from the state (Sobhana and Sajana Sajeevan) in the current World Cup squad, Kerala has gained recognition for its contributions to the sport.Thomas believes that Kerala women's cricket has made significant progress in recent years, thanks to initiatives such as the Kerala Cricket Association's Pink tournament and the Comrade Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Women's Cricket T20 Tournament. He also credits the emergence of cricket academies specifically for women for the growing interest in the sport.Sobhana's journey is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers, especially young girls. Her determination and perseverance have paved the way for her to achieve her dreams. As she continues to represent India on the international stage, she serves as a role model for future generations of women cricketers.

Arshdeep Singh, the young left-arm pacer, has emerged as a vital cog in India's T20I setup since his debut in 2022. His impressive performances have propelled him to the cusp of a significant milestone in the ongoing series against Bangladesh.With 86 wickets in 52 T20Is, Arshdeep is poised to surpass two legendary Indian bowlers in the T20I wicket-taking charts. After his three-wicket haul in the first T20I in Gwalior, he is just three wickets away from equaling Jasprit Bumrah's tally of 89 wickets in 70 T20Is. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with 90 wickets from 87 T20Is, is also within reach.If Arshdeep maintains his current form, he could become India's second-highest T20I wicket-taker by the end of the series. Only Yuzvendra Chahal, with 96 wickets in 80 matches, stands ahead of him. Notably, all of India's top five T20I wicket-takers are still active, highlighting the depth of talent in the team.Arshdeep's rise has been meteoric. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace has made him a potent weapon in the powerplay and death overs. His consistency and ability to deliver under pressure have earned him the trust of the Indian team management.As India aims to clinch the series against Bangladesh, all eyes will be on Arshdeep to see if he can surpass these modern-day greats. Currently fifth among India's highest T20I wicket-takers, he trails his teammate Hardik Pandya, who has 87 wickets.India's next two matches are scheduled to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi (9 October) and Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad (12 October). Arshdeep will have ample opportunities to etch his name in the history books and further cement his status as one of India's most promising young bowlers.

India's promising pace sensation, Mayank Yadav, has made an impressive debut in the T20 format. However, former left-arm fast bowler RP Singh believes that Yadav should not be rushed into Test cricket as he still has room for development.Singh acknowledges Yadav's pace and control but emphasizes that Test cricket demands a higher level of skill and endurance. He suggests that Akash Deep, who has played more domestic cricket, would be a better choice for the upcoming Test series in Australia."For the Australia tour, Akash Deep should be in the pace bowling attack. His bowling style suits better," Singh said. "Mayank Yadav has pace, which is one aspect of fast bowling, but there are many variations and skills that develop slowly."Singh highlights the importance of managing Yadav's workload, both in terms of bowling and gym sessions. He believes that Yadav needs to improve his skills and develop a roadmap for his progress with the help of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and BCCI coaches.Despite his reservations about Yadav's readiness for Test cricket, Singh praises his accuracy and control in his maiden international outing. "He started with a maiden as his first over in his first international match, so it tells that he has an idea about the accuracy along with pace," Singh said.Singh's comments underscore the need for a balanced approach in developing young fast bowlers. While Yadav's pace is undeniable, it is crucial to ensure that he has the necessary skills and experience to succeed at the highest level.

Arshdeep Singh, the rising star of Indian cricket, has emerged as a leader within the pace attack. His sage counsel to debutant Mayank Yadav during the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior is a testament to his growing stature.Arshdeep's journey to the top has been meteoric. Just two years ago, he was a newcomer to the international scene. Today, he is a key figure in India's white-ball setup, renowned for his death-over prowess. His ability to execute a mix of pace variations and pinpoint yorkers has made him a formidable force.Arshdeep's crowning moment came in Barbados, where he bowled a miserly 19th over to scuttle South Africa's chase in the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup final. The World Cup title, a lifelong dream for many, was achieved in quick time.Despite his rapid ascent, Arshdeep remains grounded. "I don't know how quickly these last two years have gone. I just try to enjoy and stay in the present," he said.The 25-year-old is also embracing new challenges. Last month, he featured in the long-format Duleep Trophy for India 'D'. A nine-wicket match-haul against India 'B' proved to be a highlight. Arshdeep's dismissal of India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav twice in that game showcased his versatility.While it is too early to suggest that Arshdeep is ready for Test duty, his experience bowling long spells with the red ball was invaluable. "Playing red ball cricket teaches you patience. In T20s, you don't need patience. I want to do my best in all formats wherever I get the opportunity," Arshdeep said.Arshdeep's rise to prominence is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He is a role model for aspiring cricketers, demonstrating that anything is possible with determination and perseverance.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, India's rising star opener, has received high praise from legendary West Indies captain Brian Lara, who believes the 22-year-old has the potential to excel in any conditions, including the challenging pitches of Australia.Jaiswal has made a remarkable start to his Test career, amassing 1217 runs in 11 matches at an impressive average of 64.05. However, the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia will present a new test for the young opener.Lara, who famously scored 277 in Sydney on his maiden trip to Australia in 1992-93, believes Jaiswal's mental strength will be crucial to his success Down Under. "The adjustment is upstairs," Lara said. "The adjustment is the ability to back your talent in whatever conditions."Lara emphasized that Jaiswal's technical skills are already strong, but he needs to develop a strong mindset to overcome the challenges of playing away from home and facing a formidable Australian team.Jaiswal's impressive performances in India's home Tests this year, where he has scored 901 runs in seven games, have caught Lara's attention. The former West Indies captain also highlighted Abhishek Sharma, who made his T20I debut earlier this year, as another exciting young Indian batter."They're very young, and they play the game in a style [that is] very attacking, very stylish," Lara said of Jaiswal and Sharma. "It's great to see them go from strength to strength."As India prepares for the three-match Test series against New Zealand starting October 16, Jaiswal has been rested from the ongoing T20I series against Bangladesh. The Test team will then embark on the tour of Australia, where they will face the Aussies in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting November 22.

Arshdeep Singh, the T20 World Cup-winning left-arm pacer, believes in living in the present and not dwelling on the past or future. Despite making his debut just two years ago, the 25-year-old has already played 55 T20Is, including two World Cups."I'm enjoying my game and didn't even realize how these two years flew by. I just try and stay in the present, enjoy the highs and lows, that's my focus," Arshdeep said ahead of the second T20I against Bangladesh.Arshdeep's mantra is to live in the moment. "Today is my rest day so I will enjoy my rest today. Kal ka kal dekhenge (Will think about tomorrow when it comes). The T20 World Cup is two years away, very far. I don't think much about the future," he added.The Punjab bowler has been making a case for his first Test cap but is unwilling to discuss it. He developed his red-ball skills in county cricket last season and recently put on an outstanding performance in the Duleep Trophy."I want to do my best in all the formats wherever I get the opportunity," he said.Arshdeep believes that playing in different formats helps players adapt to various conditions and improve their skills. "It gives opportunity to the players to explore their skills. How he can take wickets in different ways, how to absorb pressure," he said.The second game of the series is anticipated to be a high-scoring contest, with the hosts leading 1-0. Teams reached the 200-run mark eight times in the five IPL games played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium earlier this year."We (Punjab Kings) didn't have a match here in the IPL this season but seeing the scores at this ground, I didn't feel like seeing the wicket. We will come tomorrow and assess the conditions and make plans accordingly. The coach and captain will check the wicket and tell us the plan," Arshdeep said.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, has taken a well-deserved break after leading his team to a 2-0 Test series victory over Bangladesh. While Team India continues its T20I series against Bangladesh, Bumrah has been spotted at the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup 2024, supporting the Indian women's team.Bumrah, recently crowned as the No. 1 Test bowler in the ICC rankings, was present during the high-octane India-Pakistan match, where India emerged victorious with seven balls to spare. As India's women's team chased down a target of 106, Bumrah was seen in the crowd, giving an interview to broadcasters.Bumrah's presence at the Women's T20 World Cup highlights his commitment to the sport and his support for the Indian women's team. The 30-year-old pacer is expected to return to action in India's upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, starting October 16. He is also likely to be a key member of the Indian team that will tour Australia for five Test matches later in 2024.India's women's team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, secured their first win of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 against Pakistan. After restricting Pakistan to a modest total of 105, India's batting lineup struggled initially, losing Smriti Mandhana early. However, contributions from Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Kaur helped India cross the finish line.Despite the victory, India's qualification for the semi-finals remains an uphill battle. After a disappointing loss to New Zealand, India still has to face reigning champions Australia and a formidable Sri Lanka side. The team will need to perform consistently and improve their batting performance to secure a spot in the knockout stages.