Cricket

Shafali Verma, the prodigious Indian batter, is determined to lead her team to glory at the upcoming T20 World Cup. With a combination of consistency, power-hitting, and unwavering confidence, she aims to make a significant impact on the tournament.Verma's journey has been marked by a natural ability for power-hitting. However, she has recently developed a newfound consistency, exemplified by her maiden international century in June. This improvement stems from a shift in mindset, allowing her to block deliveries and play along the ground.The confidence gained from leading India to victory in the Under-19 T20 World Cup last year serves as a source of inspiration for Verma. She believes that the experience of lifting the trophy will fuel her team's determination to achieve similar success at the senior level.In preparation for the T20 World Cup, Verma has been working diligently on her fitness and mental strength. She has opted out of the Hundred and WBBL to focus on these aspects, recognizing their importance for playing long innings.Verma's power-hitting remains a key asset, something she has honed since her early days in the Women's T20 Challenge. She emphasizes the importance of working on both strengths and weaknesses, ensuring that her natural ability is complemented by consistent execution.As the T20 World Cup approaches, Verma is eager to combine her newfound consistency with her power-hitting and confidence. She believes that this combination will be instrumental in India's quest for glory.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's omission from India's T20I squad for the Bangladesh series has sparked controversy, given his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for India in T20Is. However, reports suggest that the selectors have a strategic reason for this decision: to prepare Gaikwad for a potential Test call-up during the upcoming Australia tour.Gaikwad has amassed 633 runs in 23 T20Is for India, averaging 39.56 with one century and four fifties. Despite these numbers, he has struggled to secure a regular spot in the Indian T20I team.Sources close to the selection committee have revealed that Gaikwad is being considered as the third opener for the Australia tour. With Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal as the first-choice openers, India lacks a backup option. Shubman Gill, who can also open, has been assigned the No. 3 spot, while Virat Kohli bats at No. 4.The selectors believe that Gaikwad's experience and ability to play in different conditions make him the ideal candidate for the third opener's role. They also want him to continue playing red-ball cricket to enhance his Test credentials. This is why he has been asked to lead Rest of India (ROI) in the Irani Cup.The decision to prioritize Gaikwad's Test development over his T20I prospects has drawn mixed reactions. Some experts believe that it is a wise move, given India's need for a reliable opener in Test cricket. Others argue that Gaikwad should be given more opportunities in T20Is to prove his worth.Ultimately, the selectors' decision will be judged based on Gaikwad's performance in the Irani Cup and, if selected, on the Australia tour. If he can translate his T20I success into the longer format, he could cement his place in the Indian Test team for years to come.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian all-rounder, has heaped praise on Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir, the former and current head coaches of the Indian cricket team, respectively. Ashwin, who has played under both Dravid and Gambhir, believes that their passion for Indian cricket is "palpable."Dravid, who took over as head coach in 2021, guided India to its maiden ICC T20 World Cup title earlier this year. Under his leadership, India also achieved notable victories in Test series against England, Australia, and Bangladesh.Gambhir, who succeeded Dravid as head coach in 2023, has had a mixed start to his tenure. India won the T20I series against Sri Lanka but suffered an unprecedented ODI series defeat to the same opposition. However, they bounced back to complete a Test series sweep over Bangladesh.Ashwin, who has witnessed the transition from Dravid to Gambhir, believes that there is no significant difference in their approach or passion for Indian cricket. "I don't see huge differences in how they approach the game or the passion they have for Indian cricket," Ashwin said. "Their passion is at the highest level."Ashwin also praised Dravid and Gambhir for their knowledge and love for the game. "They bring an incredible amount of love to that dressing room," he said. "To have them pass on their knowledge, it's like having two cricketing geeks to talk cricket with."The new era of Indian cricket under Gambhir has begun with a mixed bag of results. India will now shift its focus to the T20I format for the three-match series against Bangladesh, followed by a three-match Test series against New Zealand.

Jemimah Rodrigues, a key member of the Indian women's cricket team, believes that adaptability and a team-first mentality will be crucial for India's success at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. India, who finished runners-up in the 2020 edition, will begin their campaign against New Zealand on October 4.Rodrigues, who scored a half-century in India's first warm-up match against West Indies, emphasized the importance of assessing conditions and playing to the situation. "I just want to keep it simple and do whatever it takes to help the team win," she said. "When I put things in that perspective, it gets the best out of me and motivates me."The 24-year-old also highlighted the need to play to the situation, regardless of the bowler. "It's not about specific bowlers but about playing to the situation," she said. "Bowlers can have off days, and as a batter, I need to assess which bowler to attack and when to hold back."Rodrigues praised the team's blend of youth and experience, with players like Richa Ghosh and Shafali Verma having already played in World Cups. "This team is special," she said. "There's something in this team, a fire to win, and at the same time, an energy and bond that's very special."Speaking about New Zealand legend Sophie Devine, Rodrigues said, "I've always admired her game. We've prepared well to bowl against her, and now it's just about executing our plans."India will also face Australia in the group stage, and Rodrigues believes execution will be key against the former champions. "We've prepared well and put in the work," she said. "Now it's time to execute our plans."Rodrigues also praised senior teammates Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur. "Smriti is young, but she understands the game and her role so well," she said. "Harman di is a big-match player. We want to win it for India and for her."

Indian cricket's future is in safe hands with the emergence of two exceptional young batting talents: Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Their impressive performances in the recent Test series against Bangladesh have caught the attention of seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who believes they have the potential to become key players for India, particularly in overseas conditions.Jaiswal, with his aggressive yet controlled approach, has quickly become a fan favorite. His ability to dominate bowlers with three fifties in the series showcased the kind of temperament that is vital in the longer format. Gill, on the other hand, has cemented himself as a reliable opener, delivering a strong performance with his century in the first Test, solidifying his growing reputation as a technically sound and adaptable batter.Ashwin, a senior figure in the team, recognized the duo's raw talent but emphasized the need for continuous improvement and evolution. "The raw material is there, and it's evident to everyone that both of them are high-quality players," Ashwin said. "It's just that they need to be able to encounter more and more new experiences and be able to identify for themselves what they need to work on."Both players have already showcased their class in previous outings. In the Test series against England, Jaiswal amassed a staggering 712 runs from nine innings, including two double-hundreds, while Gill followed with 452 runs, averaging 56.50 with two centuries. Their consistency in both home and away conditions has proven that they are ready to take on tougher challenges in the years to come.India's cricketing future looks bright with these young stars leading the charge. Their next big test will come in the upcoming series against New Zealand starting on October 16, followed by the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, beginning on November 22.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, has acknowledged the benefits of having a limited number of Test centers for players. However, he refrained from endorsing the idea for India, stating that it was beyond his purview to comment on such matters.The debate on Test centers resurfaced after Kanpur's Green Park stadium faced criticism for its poor drainage system, leading to the loss of two days in the second Test between India and Bangladesh. Virat Kohli, India's star batter, had previously suggested that India should adopt a system similar to Australia and England, which have a limited number of major Test centers.Ashwin acknowledged the advantages of having a select few Test centers, citing the familiarity with conditions and the ability to tailor preparations accordingly. He pointed out that Australia and England have a tradition of playing at specific venues, which allows players to develop a deep understanding of the conditions.However, Ashwin emphasized the importance of having a wide range of venues for Test cricket in India. He highlighted the benefits of fostering cricket talent across the country and the need to invest in essential facilities such as weather-proof infrastructure and proper drainage systems.Regarding the performances of young openers Yashaswi Jaiswal and Shubhman Gill, Ashwin expressed confidence in their potential. He praised their aggressive approach in the truncated second Test, which set the tone for the team's victory.Ashwin also discussed the team's strategy of adopting an ultra-aggressive approach in the second Test. He explained that the plan was to put pressure on the opposition from the outset, which proved successful in securing a quick victory.

India's Unsung Hero: Raghavendra Dwivedi, the Throwdown Specialist Behind the Team's SuccessIndia's recent 2-0 Test series sweep against Bangladesh was not just a victory for the players on the field but also a testament to the invaluable contributions of Raghavendra Dwivedi, the team's throwdown specialist. Known affectionately as "Raghu Bhaiya," Dwivedi's role in honing the skills of India's batters against high-speed bowling has earned him widespread recognition and admiration.Dwivedi's journey to this pivotal role was not without its challenges. Born in Kumta, Karnataka, he faced opposition from his father, a school teacher, who discouraged his cricketing aspirations. Undeterred, Dwivedi pursued his passion, enduring hardships and sleeping in unconventional places during trials for the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).His determination paid off when his performances earned him accommodation and support from the KSCA. However, an injury shattered his dreams of becoming a professional cricketer, leading him to pursue coaching. By 2008, he was working with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and three years later, he became a throwdown specialist for the national team.Dwivedi's ability to deliver throwdowns at blistering speeds has earned him the respect of some of India's greatest cricketers, including MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Dhoni has even dubbed him an "overseas pace specialist," highlighting the importance of his skills in preparing the team to face the world's fastest bowlers.Dwivedi's contributions extend beyond the technical aspects of batting. He is known for his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering support for the team. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has praised him as the "heartbeat of the Indian Cricket team," recognizing his ability to motivate and inspire the players.The gesture of handing Dwivedi the series trophy after India's victory over Bangladesh was a fitting tribute to his tireless efforts behind the scenes. It is a testament to the importance of unsung heroes in the world of sports, whose contributions often go unnoticed but are essential to the success of the team.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian opener, has emerged as a shining star in the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh. His exceptional performances in the second Test at Green Park in Kanpur earned him the coveted 'player of the match' award.In the first innings, Jaiswal displayed his aggressive batting style, smashing a quickfire 72 off just 51 deliveries. His innings was a testament to his ability to score runs at a rapid pace. In the second innings, he continued his impressive form, scoring a brisk 51 off 45 balls. His contributions proved crucial in India's seven-wicket victory.Jaiswal's exploits in Kanpur extended beyond his individual performances. He surpassed the legendary Sunil Gavaskar's long-standing record for the highest runs scored by an Indian batter in a calendar year before turning 23. Gavaskar had amassed 918 runs in 1971, a mark that had stood for over five decades.At the age of 22 years and 278 days, Jaiswal has now accumulated an impressive 929 runs in 2024. With more matches still to come this year, he has the opportunity to further extend his record and cement his place in Indian cricket history.Jaiswal's remarkable year has seen him play eight Tests, scoring 929 runs at an astonishing average of 66.35. His tally includes two centuries and six fifties, highlighting his consistency and ability to score runs in all conditions.During the second Test in Kanpur, Jaiswal also became only the second Indian batter to hit twin fifties with strike rates at or over 100. He joined the elite company of Virender Sehwag, who achieved this feat against West Indies in Delhi in 2011.Jaiswal's ability to score briskly in the traditional format has impressed experts and fans alike. His performances have been a major boost for Indian cricket, providing a glimpse of the team's future. As India prepares for upcoming matches, Jaiswal's spectacular form bodes well for the team's chances of success.

Virat Kohli, the enigmatic Indian cricket star, has faced scrutiny over perceived changes in his demeanor. However, his long-time teammate, fast bowler Ishant Sharma, has vehemently refuted such claims, asserting that their bond remains unyielding.Sharma, who has shared a close friendship with Kohli since their youth, believes that the responsibilities of captaincy may have subtly altered Kohli's approach. However, he emphasizes that fame and time have not fundamentally transformed the star batter."I don't know who said that he [Kohli] has changed," Sharma said in an interview with MyKhel. "But with me, the kind of relationship we share, he never changed for me. We've been playing together since U-17, so, you know, we are 36 now, I think he'll be 36 soon. So, we've been playing together for, I don't know, for even, you know, more than 10 years, 15 years. So, he hasn't changed for me."Sharma acknowledges that the demands of captaincy can necessitate a shift in focus. "I think, obviously if you're a captain, there are certain responsibilities that come. You don't have to see him as a captain, you have to see him as an individual. So, if he's a captain, he has to look after 15 players. So, he can't only focus on one player who's not playing."Despite these adjustments, Sharma maintains that Kohli's core values remain intact. "When he was captain, whenever I was not playing, I could go to his room and talk about why I'm not playing, even why I'm playing, we strategized. So, I think it's all about communication. I had a very good communication level with him because I know that he's my friend at the same time, you know, been playing for so long. So, he hasn't changed for me."Sharma's unwavering support for Kohli underscores the enduring nature of their friendship. Despite the challenges and scrutiny that come with being a high-profile athlete, their bond has remained steadfast.