Cricket

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, is set to make his return to domestic cricket with Bengal in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The announcement comes as a welcome boost for Team India, which is preparing for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia with a relatively inexperienced pace attack.Shami's return to domestic cricket marks an important step in his comeback journey. The 32-year-old has been sidelined with injuries for much of the past year, but he has shown signs of regaining his form in recent matches. In Bengal's Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh, Shami took seven wickets and scored 36 runs, demonstrating his all-round abilities.Shami's form is a positive sign for Team India, which is heading to Australia with a pace attack that lacks experience at the highest level. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are the only two bowlers in the squad with significant Test experience, while the likes of Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep are yet to establish themselves at the international level.Shami's experience would be invaluable in Australia, where he has a proven track record. In eight Tests down under, he has taken 31 wickets at an average of 32.16, including best figures of 6/56. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace would be a major asset for India in the challenging conditions in Australia.If included in the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Shami will be looking to reclaim his spot in the Indian team ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy and the Indian Premier League in 2025. His return to domestic cricket is a significant step towards achieving that goal.

The Gabba Test of 2021, a pivotal moment in Indian cricket history, witnessed a remarkable triumph against all odds. Mohammed Siraj's exceptional bowling performance laid the foundation for India's historic victory, while Rishabh Pant's match-winning knock sealed the deal.Siraj, in only his third Test match, delivered a stunning spell of 5/73 in Australia's second innings. His maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket came at a crucial juncture, dismissing key players like Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Matthew Wade. These wickets played a pivotal role in restricting Australia to 294, setting India a challenging target of 328.Despite the absence of senior bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Ravichandran Ashwin, Siraj led the depleted Indian bowling attack with maturity and aggression. His performance was even more remarkable considering the personal tragedy he had endured during the tour, having lost his father.Pant's unbeaten 89-run knock in India's chase was equally crucial. His gritty innings anchored India's successful pursuit of the highest-ever target chased at the Gabba. The victory ended Australia's 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue, showcasing India's resilience and depth.The Gabba triumph highlighted the emergence of a new generation of Indian cricketers. Debutants like Washington Sundar and T. Natarajan, along with other inexperienced players, stepped up to the challenge and performed beyond expectations. This Test showcased the future of Indian cricket, with young players proving their mettle on the biggest stage.India's victory in Brisbane was a testament to their unwavering spirit and refusal to give up, even when faced with adversity. It became a story of triumph over adversity, inspiring fans worldwide. The Gabba Test win will be remembered as one of the most defining moments in the history of the sport, with Siraj and Pant playing pivotal roles.

Ajit Agarkar's Adelaide Heroics: A Pivotal Moment in Indian Cricket HistoryIn the annals of Indian cricket, Ajit Agarkar's performance in Adelaide in 2003 stands as a testament to his skill and the indomitable spirit of the Indian team. During the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, played from December 12-16, 2003, Agarkar delivered a spell that would forever be etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts.Facing a formidable Australian batting lineup that included the likes of Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, and Adam Gilchrist, Agarkar rose to the occasion. In Australia's second innings, he unleashed a devastating spell, claiming six wickets for just 41 runs. His victims included key batsmen Langer, Ponting, Simon Katich, and Gilchrist.Agarkar's spell played a pivotal role in bowling out Australia for a mere 196 runs, setting up a manageable target of 230 for India. This was a remarkable feat considering Australia's mammoth first-innings score of 556, with Ponting scoring a double century.India responded with a strong batting performance, scoring 523 thanks to centuries from Rahul Dravid (233) and VVS Laxman (148). Dravid's composed unbeaten 72 guided India to a four-wicket victory.This victory was significant for several reasons. It was one of India's rare Test victories on Australian soil, a testament to their growing competitiveness overseas. It also underlined the team's determination and teamwork, which would become a hallmark of the memorable 2003-04 series in Australia, which ended in a 1-1 draw.Agarkar's spell in Adelaide 2003 is celebrated as a pivotal moment in one of India's most famous overseas Test victories. Known more for his contributions as an all-rounder, this was one of Agarkar's finest performances with the ball in Test cricket. It silenced critics who questioned his ability to deliver as a strike bowler and showcased his potential to perform under pressure.Winning a Test in Australia was a rare feat for India at the time, and Agarkar's performance played a decisive role in achieving this victory. The victory in Adelaide remains one of India's most cherished overseas Test wins, and Agarkar's spell is remembered as one of the cornerstones of this success.This performance cemented Agarkar's place in Indian cricket history as a hero of that iconic Test. It also highlighted the importance of team contributions beyond just the usual stars, showcasing the depth and resilience of the Indian team.

India's Test squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia includes three uncapped players, including seam-up all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. Reddy's rapid rise from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the cusp of a Test debut has raised eyebrows, but former India pacer Dodda Ganesh believes his fast-tracking "serves no purpose."Reddy, who was part of India's 'A' team in Australia before the Test squad's arrival, was selected for the BGT along with Abhimanyu Easwaran and Harshit Rana. Reddy's IPL exploits for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024 earned him a call-up to India's T20 squad against Bangladesh. His impressive performance in the second match, with a 74-run knock and two wickets, further enhanced his reputation.In four innings of two unofficial Tests against Australia 'A' earlier this month, Reddy's highest score was 38, and he took only one wicket. Former India coach Ravi Shastri has tipped Reddy to make his Test debut in Perth, citing his batting ability and seam-up bowling as potential assets to the team's balance.However, Ganesh believes that such a move would be premature. "This fast-tracking of Nitish Reddy for Tests serves no purpose. He is still undercooked to be playing the longer format," Ganesh wrote on social media. He suggests that the Indian think-tank should opt for a specialist in the playing eleven, either a bowler or a batter.Shastri, on the other hand, believes that Reddy's versatility could be valuable in Perth's pacer-friendly conditions. He suggests that Reddy could play a similar role to Shardul Thakur as a fourth seamer who can also contribute with the bat.The Indian team management faces a dilemma in selecting the playing eleven for the opening Test. Reddy's inclusion would provide balance, but his lack of experience in the longer format raises concerns. The decision will ultimately depend on the team's assessment of the conditions and the opposition's strengths.

Tilak Varma, the 22-year-old left-handed batter from Hyderabad, has emerged as a rising star in Indian cricket. His recent exploits in South Africa have cemented his place as a potential future mainstay in the national team.Varma's journey to the international stage began with a bold move. He approached his captain, Suryakumar Yadav, and requested to bat at No. 3, a position Yadav had made his own. Varma's confidence and determination paid off as he went on to score a century in the third T20I against South Africa.Two nights later, Varma surpassed his own record with an unbeaten 120 in the fourth T20I. His back-to-back centuries made him and Sanju Samson the only two Indians to achieve this feat in T20Is.Varma's success in South Africa was a testament to his talent and the unwavering support he received from the team management. V.V.S. Laxman, India's stand-in coach, has been a guiding force for Varma and other young players in the team.Despite his impressive performances, Varma remains grounded. He recognizes that the competition for places in the Indian T20I setup is intense. However, he is determined to prove that his faith in him is not misplaced.Varma's versatility is another key factor in his success. He is comfortable batting on both sides of the wicket, off either foot, and against both pace and spin. His ability to adapt to different situations makes him a valuable asset to any team.While Varma has established himself as a T20 specialist, he is eager to expand his horizons to the 50-over format. He has played four ODIs and has shown promise in the longer version of the game.Varma's rise to prominence is a reflection of the changing landscape of Indian cricket. The team is now embracing a more aggressive and innovative approach, and young players like Varma are thriving in this environment.With his talent, determination, and the support of the team management, Tilak Varma is poised to become a key figure in Indian cricket for years to come.

Tilak Varma, the rising star of Indian cricket, has etched his name in the record books by surpassing the legendary Virat Kohli's record for the most runs scored by an Indian player in a T20I bilateral series. Varma achieved this remarkable feat during the fourth and final T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg.Varma's performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He smashed an unbeaten 120 runs off just 47 balls, including nine fours and 10 sixes, at an astonishing strike rate of 255.32. This blistering knock followed his century in the previous match, making him the top run-scorer of the series.Varma's tally of 280 runs in four matches at an average of 140 and a strike rate exceeding 198, with two centuries to his name, is a testament to his exceptional talent. He surpassed Kohli's previous record of 231 runs in a five-match series against England.In the match, India won the toss and elected to bat first. After Abhishek Sharma's quickfire 36 off 18 balls, Varma and Sanju Samson (109* off 56 balls) unleashed a batting masterclass. Their unbeaten 210-run partnership propelled India to a mammoth total of 283/1.South Africa's chase was derailed by the scoreboard pressure. Apart from Tristan Stubbs (43 off 29 balls) and David Miller (36 off 27 balls), no other batter made a significant contribution. South Africa was bowled out for 148 runs in 18.2 overs, suffering their largest-ever defeat in T20Is by a margin of 135 runs.Arshdeep Singh was India's standout bowler, claiming 3/20. Varun Chakravarty and Axar Patel picked up two wickets each, while Ravi Bishnoi, Ramandeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya chipped in with a wicket apiece.Tilak Varma's exceptional performance earned him the 'Player of the Match' award. His record-breaking feat is a testament to his immense talent and the bright future that lies ahead for him in Indian cricket.

The legendary bond between Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. Despite their contrasting personalities, these two icons shared a deep respect for each other's skills and contributions to the team.Ganguly, the former Indian captain, often credited Tendulkar as a calming influence and a constant support during his tenure. When faced with challenges, Sachin stood by him, providing both moral and tactical support. Similarly, Ganguly acknowledged Sachin's strategic insights, referring to him as the "team's think tank."Their camaraderie extended beyond the field, as they often faced off against the fiery Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar in high-octane matches. Tendulkar and Ganguly, with their contrasting styles, neutralized Akhtar's threat by rotating the strike and counter-attacking. Their left-right combination forced Akhtar to adjust his line and length constantly, reducing his effectiveness.In a viral video, Ganguly expressed his admiration for Tendulkar, recalling an incident where Sachin suffered a double fracture in his rib cage after being hit by Akhtar. Despite the pain, Tendulkar continued to bat, showcasing his unwavering determination.Akhtar, too, has repeatedly expressed admiration for both Sachin and Sourav, calling them two of the best players of his era. He described Sachin as "calm and calculating," while Ganguly was "gritty and gutsy," praising both as challenging opponents for different reasons.The battles between Sachin, Sourav, and Shoaib represent the golden era of India-Pakistan cricket, marked by intensity, skill, and mutual respect. These encounters were more than just cricket-they were a spectacle of sportsmanship and passion, making them unforgettable for fans.Tendulkar and Ganguly's partnership defined an era of Indian cricket where the team started believing in its ability to dominate globally. Their friendship and on-field success continue to inspire young cricketers worldwide, serving as a testament to the power of teamwork and mutual respect.

Indian cricket is undergoing a transformative phase, with a young and dynamic team led by Suryakumar Yadav emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the T20 format. Backed by the team management's unwavering support, this transitional side has been playing an exhilarating brand of cricket, winning 24 out of 26 T20Is in 2024.Despite the absence of seasoned veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and the injuries to key players like Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian team has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. The team's newfound freedom of expression, particularly with the bat, has been a key factor in their success."Everyone has a different skill set, and they also want to come out and express themselves. So freedom is very important when they get onto the field, which is what I try to give," said Suryakumar at the start of the series.This freedom has allowed players like Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma to flourish. Samson, now the record holder for most T20 international tons (3) in a calendar year, has been instrumental in India posting 200-plus totals on six occasions since the T20 World Cup.Varma, too, has made a significant impact since returning from injury, scoring back-to-back centuries while batting at No. 3. "The team backed us even when we flopped. They told us to play the brand of cricket the team is known for," said Varma.The team management's unwavering support has been crucial in fostering this positive environment. "In T20Is, I never thought of consistency. If there is a ball to be hit, it's necessary for me to capitalize on that. In the team, even our captain Surya, Gautam bhai, and Laxman sir emphasize maximizing runs in the first innings," said Samson.The big question now is how to accommodate the likes of Samson and Varma when injured players return. "I haven't thought that far ahead. When they come back, we'll discuss it calmly. It will be tough, but it's a good headache," said Suryakumar.As India gears up to host the T20 World Cup in 2025, the team's current form bodes well for their chances. The young players have shown immense talent and determination, and with the continued support of the team management, they have the potential to achieve even greater heights.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma and his wife Ritika Sajdeh welcomed their second child, a baby boy, on Friday night at a local hospital in New Delhi. The couple already has a daughter, Samaira, born in 2018.Rohit is currently not in Australia with the Indian cricket team, as he was awaiting the birth of his second child. His absence has left a void in the team's batting lineup, which has struggled in recent matches.Whether Rohit will join the team for the first Test against Australia on November 22nd in Perth remains unclear. The short timeframe leaves limited opportunity for practice before the match. Head Coach Gautam Gambhir had previously expressed hope for Sharma's availability, despite uncertainty surrounding his participation.India's top order batting has appeared vulnerable, highlighting the team's need for Rohit's leadership and experience. While Rohit himself has not been in peak form, his presence is still considered crucial, especially given recent concerns over other players.If Rohit does not join the team in time for the first Test, it will be a significant blow to India's chances of winning the series. The team will be hoping that he can recover quickly and join them in Australia as soon as possible.