Cricket

Virat Kohli's tenure as India's captain across all formats ended without an ICC trophy, but former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that doesn't diminish his legacy as a leader.Speaking to 'Sports Yaari,' Harbhajan emphasized that Kohli instilled a fighting spirit and a belief in taking on challenges head-on. He cited the heroic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia in 2020-21 as an example.Despite Kohli's absence for the final three Tests due to the birth of his child, the team's determination to chase down daunting targets and never give up was evident. Harbhajan attributed this mindset to Kohli's influence."The fire that he ignited in the team, like it may be a target of 400 in the fourth innings of a Test, we'll go for the chase, we won't panic. If we go down, we do it while chasing," Harbhajan said.He highlighted the performances of Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant in the fourth Test at the Gabba, where India chased down over 300 to clinch the series."That determination to fight till the end, which Shubman and Rishabh showed to win that Test in Gabba. It was because the way the team's thinking changed," Harbhajan concluded.While Kohli may not have led India to an ICC trophy, Harbhajan believes his legacy as a captain lies in the fire and belief he instilled in the team, which continues to reap benefits today.

Rishabh Pant, the charismatic wicketkeeper-batsman, celebrates his 27th birthday on October 4th. Known for his infectious smile and unwavering humor, Pant has emerged as a vital cog in India's cricketing machinery.2024 has been a remarkable year for Pant, marked by his triumphant return to international cricket after a horrific car accident in December 2022. In the recently concluded Test series against Bangladesh, he announced his comeback with a scintillating century, joining MS Dhoni as the Indian wicketkeeper with the most Test hundreds.Pant's resurgence has solidified his position as India's first-choice Test wicketkeeper-batsman, bolstering the team's defense ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia later this year. His heroics in the 2021 Brisbane Test, where he guided India to a memorable victory with an unbeaten 89, will serve as a reminder of his resilience and match-winning abilities.Beyond his Test exploits, Pant has also made significant contributions in limited-overs cricket. He led Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and played a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup triumph in 2023.With 2432 runs in 35 Tests, 871 runs in 31 ODIs, and 1209 runs in 76 T20Is, Pant has established himself as a prolific run-scorer across formats. His aggressive batting style and fearless approach have made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent.As Pant celebrates his birthday, the Indian cricket fraternity and fans alike will be eager to witness his continued brilliance on the field. His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering determination will undoubtedly inspire the team to greater heights in the years to come.

Abhimanyu Easwaran, the talented right-handed batsman from Bengal, has strengthened his case for a Test debut with a magnificent century for Rest of India against Mumbai in the Irani Cup. Easwaran, who replaced Ruturaj Gaikwad in India's squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa last year, has been consistently performing at the domestic level.Easwaran's century, which came off 117 balls, is his third in as many games. He scored two centuries in the recently concluded Duleep Trophy. The 29-year-old has been among the top run-getters for Bengal in the domestic circuit, with his breakthrough season coming in 2018-19 when he scored over 800 runs in the Ranji Trophy.Easwaran's forte is red-ball cricket, but he has also been a steady performer in List A cricket. He has represented India A in multiple tours, showcasing his potential to break into the Indian national team. He was named in the standby list for India's Test squad during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 against Australia and was part of the squad for the England Test series in 2021 and 2022.With India set to tour Australia later this year, the management will likely include a third opener in the squad. Easwaran's recent performances have put him in contention for that role. He faces competition from Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mayank Agarwal, and Sai Sudharsan, but his consistent run-scoring has given him an edge.Easwaran's century against Mumbai has further strengthened his case for a Test debut. He has shown that he has the temperament and the skills to succeed at the highest level. If he continues to perform at this level, he could soon be donning the Indian whites.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 22-year-old Indian opener, has emerged as a formidable force in Test cricket, amassing 1,217 runs in just 11 matches at an impressive average of 64.05. His twin fifties in the second Test against Bangladesh solidified his status as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the format.Former India pacer and selector Salil Ankola, who played a key role in Jaiswal's selection for the Mumbai Ranji team, recalls that the young left-hander's initial struggles in red-ball cricket raised doubts about his suitability for the format. However, Ankola's instincts told him otherwise."He has the attitude, flair, and guts-that street-smartness you want in a cricketer," Ankola said. "I felt Jaiswal had that. His selection was against all odds, but I trusted my instincts."Jaiswal's performances in the 2022 Ranji Trophy, where he scored 498 runs in three matches with three centuries, vindicated Ankola's faith. Ankola first recognized Jaiswal's potential during an Under-19 World Cup match against Pakistan in 2020, where the young batsman scored an unbeaten 105."I knew this guy was special, and he proved it," Ankola said. "He's got great timing and power-a rare combination. His 'flow' is tremendous, as is his bat speed and swing. That's what struck me about him."Ankola believes Jaiswal's adaptability, mental strength, and determination make him an all-format player. "He adapts to any surface and conditions quickly," Ankola said. "He's mentally strong and super fit. He handles pressure well. If he must take 300 balls to make a century, he'll do that, and if he needs to score a hundred in 50 balls, he'll do that too."With his exceptional talent and unwavering determination, Yashasvi Jaiswal is poised to become a cornerstone of the Indian Test team for years to come.

Virat Kohli's tenure as Test captain marked a shift in Indian cricket, with "intent" becoming the driving force. The team's potent pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, and Mohammed Shami, became a formidable weapon.When Rohit Sharma took over the reins, he brought a subtle but significant change. "For me, aggression is all about your actions, not the reactions," he emphasized. Rohit's approach is characterized by a relentless pursuit of victory, coupled with a clear communication of his gameplan to his teammates.Rohit's leadership style was evident in India's recent Test victory over Bangladesh in Kanpur. The team's ability to push the game forward at all times, even against the clock, showcased his influence. His informal and colloquial language creates a sense of camaraderie on the field, fostering a "big brother" vibe.Despite his reputation as the "Hitman" of Indian cricket, Rohit is far from being a larger-than-life superstar. His leadership extends beyond his own performances. In the absence of key players during the Gabba heist in 2021 and the five-Test series against England earlier this year, Rohit handed Test caps to four players who responded with exceptional performances.Rohit's ability to inspire his team is crucial to India's recent dominance in limited-overs cricket. His belief in uninhibited cricket has been a cornerstone of their success in the ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup.Rohit's leadership style is characterized by a calm and calculated approach. "When you are playing at such a high level, you have to be calm to think wisely," he stated. "I use my experience and knowledge to trust myself."As Rohit approaches the twilight of his career, he remains focused on leading India to further glory. His unwavering determination and ability to inspire his teammates will undoubtedly guide them towards another exciting dash to the finish line.

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, is poised to make a much-anticipated return to action in the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand. Shami has been sidelined since the World Cup final last year due to an ankle injury that required surgery.After undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Shami has been training diligently at the BCCI's newly inaugurated Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Sources within the BCCI have indicated that Shami's recovery is progressing well, and he is likely to be match-ready for the New Zealand series.The 30-year-old seamer is eager to prove his fitness and regain his place in the Indian team. He has dismissed rumors that he will miss the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia later this year, stating that he is working hard to recover and has not been ruled out by the BCCI.Shami's return will be a significant boost for India, who have missed his experience and skill in the bowling attack. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace makes him a formidable threat to opposition batsmen.The New Zealand series will provide Shami with an opportunity to demonstrate his fitness and form ahead of the crucial Australia tour. If he performs well, he is likely to be included in the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where India will aim to retain the trophy they won in 2018-19.Shami's return to action is a positive sign for Indian cricket. His experience and skill will be invaluable as the team prepares for a challenging schedule in the coming months.

Sarfaraz Khan, the prodigious Indian batter, has once again showcased his exceptional talent with a scintillating century in the Irani Cup for Mumbai. Despite being overlooked for the recent Test series against Bangladesh, Sarfaraz's latest heroics have sent a resounding message to the team management.Sarfaraz, who has amassed an impressive 15 triple-digit scores in First Class cricket, reached his century in just 150 balls, demonstrating his aggressive approach. His partnership with Ajinkya Rahane yielded 98 runs on Day 1, setting the foundation for Mumbai's strong start.On Day 2, Sarfaraz continued his onslaught, adding 58 runs with Tanush Kotian to guide Mumbai to a commanding position. His century in the 92nd over placed him among the legendary likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, who have each scored two centuries in the Irani Cup.Sarfaraz's performance has reignited the debate about his place in the Indian Test team. Despite his consistent domestic performances, he has yet to cement his spot in the playing XI. However, his latest century has served as a timely reminder of his immense potential.With the Indian team set to embark on a T20I series against Bangladesh, Sarfaraz will be hoping to continue impressing the management and earn a place in the squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour of Australia. His credentials are undeniable, but he faces stiff competition from KL Rahul, who is currently ahead of him in the pecking order.Sarfaraz's century has not only boosted Mumbai's chances in the Irani Cup but has also reignited the hopes of Indian cricket fans who believe he deserves a chance to shine at the international level. His ability to score runs consistently and his aggressive style of play make him an exciting prospect for the future of Indian cricket.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has lauded Rohit Sharma's aggressive captaincy and batting approach in the second Test against Bangladesh. India's dominant display, led by Sharma's fiery knock, has set new records and showcased the team's champion mentality.Manjrekar believes that Sharma's legacy as captain will be defined by his aggressive mindset. "This is how he thinks," Manjrekar said. "A strong team, one of the top two sides in the world, they also showed the champion's approach, realizing so much time has been lost."Sharma's blistering knock of 23 runs off 11 balls, including three sixes and a four, exemplified his willingness to take risks for the team's success. "He does not mind in the process, like in the 50-overs World Cup... He didn't get a big hundred on anything like that," Manjrekar added. "Even here, was quite happy to put his wicket on the line and suddenly we have a Test match which India could win."India's batters went on a run-scoring spree, setting the fastest records for 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 runs in Test history. The declaration on 285/9 gave India a 52-run lead, setting up a potential result in the rain-curtailed Test.Ravichandran Ashwin's brilliance with the ball further boosted India's chances, removing Zakir Hasan and Hasan Mahmud. India's aggressive approach has raised hopes of a positive outcome, despite the initial signs pointing towards a draw.

Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, two of India's most celebrated cricketers, have etched their names in the annals of the sport. Their exceptional performances have sparked a perpetual debate about who reigns supreme.Tendulkar, the "Master Blaster," dominated both Test and ODI cricket for over two decades. His unwavering determination and impeccable technique made him a formidable force against the likes of Wasim Akram, Glenn McGrath, and Shane Warne. His ability to adapt to different conditions and handle pressure situations cemented his status as a true legend.Kohli, the "Run Machine," has emerged as a modern-day icon. His aggressive batting style and exceptional chasing abilities have made him a nightmare for bowlers. He has excelled in all three formats of the game, showcasing his versatility and adaptability. His ability to handle pressure and lead the Indian team to numerous victories has further enhanced his reputation.While Tendulkar's longevity and record-breaking feats are unmatched, Kohli's dominance in the contemporary era and his versatility across formats make him a formidable contender. The debate between these two cricketing giants is a testament to the rich history and enduring legacy of Indian cricket.In a recent video, the late spin legend Shane Warne weighed in on the debate. Warne, who had many memorable duels with Tendulkar, expressed his admiration for the "Little Master." He stated that Tendulkar's performances in the mid-90s were unparalleled, and that he could not imagine anyone playing better than him during that period.Warne acknowledged Kohli's exceptional abilities but emphasized that Tendulkar's impact on the game was unmatched. He believes that the comparisons between the two players are flattering for Kohli, but that Tendulkar remains the greatest player he has ever witnessed.Ultimately, the greatness of Tendulkar and Kohli depends on the specific criteria used for evaluation. If longevity and records are the primary factors, Tendulkar stands tall. However, if modern-day dominance and versatility across formats are considered, Kohli may have the edge. Both players have left an indelible mark on the sport, and their legacies will continue to inspire generations of cricketers to come.