Cricket

Rishabh Pant's remarkable return to Test cricket was marked by a record-equalling century, etching his name alongside former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the annals of Indian wicketkeeper-batsmen.After a 635-day hiatus from the longest format, Pant resumed his innings on Saturday with an unbeaten 12. With a couple off Shakib Al Hasan, he reached his sixth Test century, matching Dhoni's tally and becoming the joint record holder for most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper-batsman.Pant's century came in 124 balls, adorned with 13 fours and 4 sixes. His partnership with Shubman Gill, who was batting on 88 when Pant departed, stretched India's lead to a commanding 461 runs.The left-handed Pant, who miraculously survived a horrific car accident in December 2022, displayed his trademark aggression and shot-making prowess. His century was a testament to his resilience and determination to return to the highest level of cricket.India's first innings total of 376 was bolstered by Ravichandran Ashwin's 113 and Ravindra Jadeja's 86. Bangladesh, in response, were dismissed for 149, with Jasprit Bumrah claiming four wickets.Pant's century and India's dominant performance have put them in a commanding position in the ongoing Test match. The visitors will be looking to press their advantage and secure a series victory.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, has established himself as a formidable force in the cricketing world. His exceptional ability to execute lethal yorkers and dismantle batting lineups has earned him the reputation as a master craftsman.Bumrah's rise to prominence has been marked by his unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of perfection. Former India cricketer Parthiv Patel, who has witnessed Bumrah's evolution firsthand, attributes his success to his exceptional game understanding and ability to deliver under pressure.In the ongoing Test match against Bangladesh, Bumrah has showcased his dominance, claiming four wickets in the first innings. His impressive bowling figures of 4/50 in 11 overs have further cemented his status as a world-class bowler.Bumrah's impact extends beyond the Test format. He played a pivotal role in India's recent T20 World Cup triumph, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability. Patel highlights Bumrah's mastery of various deliveries, including inswingers, outswingers, yorkers, and slower balls."He has worked really hard. He works on a particular delivery for a long time at the nets," Patel said. "Delivering at the right time, under pressure, and in any situation is what makes him a unique bowler in the world."Bumrah's relentless pursuit of excellence has led him to achieve significant milestones. He recently became the 10th Indian bowler to take 400 wickets in international cricket, a testament to his consistency and longevity.In Tests, Bumrah has claimed 163 wickets in 37 matches at an average of 20.49, including 10 five-wicket hauls. In ODIs, he has taken 149 wickets in 89 matches at an average of 23.55, with two five-wicket hauls. In T20Is, he has taken 89 wickets in 70 matches at an average of 17.74.Bumrah's exceptional skills and unwavering determination have made him an indispensable asset to the Indian cricket team. His ability to strike at crucial moments and dismantle batting lineups has earned him the respect and admiration of both fans and opponents alike.

Rohit Sharma's leadership style as India's Test captain has been a topic of discussion, with many noting its distinct differences from that of his predecessor, Virat Kohli. While Kohli was known for his intense and aggressive approach, Sharma has adopted a more hands-on and supportive style.Sharma's approach emphasizes communication and guidance, with a focus on keeping his teammates motivated and engaged. His famous "garden mein ghoomne wala" comment, which he used to encourage his fielders to show more intensity, has become a viral sensation.However, Sharma's calm demeanor does not mean he lacks intensity. During the first Test against Bangladesh, he was seen expressing his frustration with a fielder, exclaiming, "Oye, soye hue hai sab log (Everybody is sleeping)."Despite his leadership style, Sharma has struggled to find his form against Bangladesh in Test cricket. In the first Test at Chennai, he scored only six and five in two innings, continuing his poor run against the Tigers. In four Tests and five innings against Bangladesh, he has managed just 44 runs at an average of 8.80.In contrast, Sharma's all-format numbers against Bangladesh are impressive, with 1,307 runs in 34 matches at an average of 40.84. He has also scored three centuries and eight fifties against them.In the ongoing 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship, Sharma has scored 711 runs at an average of 41.82, including three centuries and three fifties.Despite his recent struggles against Bangladesh, Sharma remains a key figure in India's Test team. His leadership style and ability to motivate his teammates will be crucial as India looks to improve its performance in the longest format of the game.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable return to Test cricket after a horrific car accident in December 2022 has garnered widespread admiration, including from Australian legend Adam Gilchrist. Pant's fighting spirit, fearless approach, and ability to entertain have earned him high praise from the former wicketkeeper-batsman.Gilchrist, known for his own aggressive batting style, believes Pant takes it to another level. "I reckon he attacks a bit more than I did," Gilchrist said. "He looks fearless. What I do like is that he occasionally puts a foot on the brake and absorbs a bit of pressure. So he's a class act."Pant's return to competitive cricket with the Indian Premier League earlier this year was a testament to his resilience. After undergoing multiple surgeries and spending over a year in rehab, he contributed to India's T20 World Cup triumph and played the Duleep Trophy to mark his red-ball comeback.Gilchrist, who played 96 Tests, 287 ODIs, and 13 T20Is, believes Pant's entertainment value is what sets him apart. "He is, what you say, bums on seats and people pay money well and truly. I would happily pay money to watch him play cricket," Gilchrist said. "He's got the humour. He knows how to go about a very serious business in a fun way."Pant's first Test innings upon return yielded a score of 39, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest level despite the challenges he has faced. His fighting spirit and determination have inspired many, and his return to form is a welcome boost for Indian cricket.

The remarkable partnership between R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja against Bangladesh has highlighted their invaluable contributions as lower-order batters. However, their advancing age raises the question of who will succeed them in this crucial role.Ashwin and Jadeja have consistently reinvented themselves to meet the evolving demands of the game. While they initially focused primarily on their bowling, they have since transformed into formidable batsmen. Ashwin has been involved in six 50-plus partnerships with lower-order batters, while Jadeja has forged four such partnerships.Experts believe that India needs to identify and groom the next generation of lower-order batters. Washington Sundar and Axar Patel are potential candidates, but they need to demonstrate consistency across all formats. Manav Suthar, a promising left-arm spinner, has shown promise as a handy lower-order batsman.However, finding replacements for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are also approaching the twilight of their careers, poses a greater challenge. The Indian selectors are implementing a phased easing out of seniors to avoid a sudden decline in quality.Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Mayank Agarwal are among the players who could potentially fill the void left by Sharma and Kohli. India's strong grassroots system provides hope that the next generation of players will emerge in due time.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, India's prodigious batting sensation, has etched his name into the annals of cricket history by becoming the fourth-highest run-scorer in the world after the first 10 Test matches. With an impressive tally of 1,094 runs, Jaiswal has joined an elite group that includes the legendary Don Bradman.Jaiswal's remarkable achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. His journey from the humble streets of Mumbai to the pinnacle of Test cricket is an inspiring tale of hard work and dedication. Known for his exceptional performances in age-group cricket, Jaiswal shot to prominence as the highest run-scorer in the 2020 U-19 World Cup.Upon making his Test debut for India in 2023, Jaiswal displayed the maturity and composure of a seasoned veteran. His debut century in the Caribbean against the West Indies was followed by a string of impressive knocks, establishing him as one of India's most dependable top-order batters.Jaiswal's inclusion in the list of the highest run-scorers after 10 Tests is a testament to his exceptional batting prowess. He stands alongside some of the greatest names in the sport, including Don Bradman, Everton Weekes, George Headley, and Mark Taylor.Bradman's 1,446 runs after 10 Tests remain an untouchable record, a testament to his unparalleled greatness. However, Jaiswal's achievement of surpassing legendary West Indian greats Weekes and Headley, as well as Australian icon Taylor, speaks volumes about his potential.Before Jaiswal's meteoric rise, the record for the most runs scored by an Indian batter in their first 10 Tests belonged to the great Sunil Gavaskar, who had amassed 978 runs. Jaiswal's 1,094 runs have surpassed Gavaskar's mark, further solidifying his status as one of India's most promising young cricketers.Jaiswal's achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a source of pride for Indian cricket. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers across the country, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: A Journey of Growth and BrillianceRohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of India's most celebrated cricketers, embarked on their international careers around the same time, their paths intertwined from the very beginning. Their early years were marked by a blend of learning, growth, and moments of brilliance that hinted at the greatness they would eventually achieve.Rohit's ODI debut came in June 2007, just ahead of the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa. He made an immediate impact, scoring a crucial 50* against South Africa in the group stage and contributing to India's title-winning campaign. However, despite his early promise, Rohit struggled with consistency in his initial years, often batting in the middle order.Virat's debut followed a year later in 2008, after he led India to victory in the U-19 World Cup. Initially brought into the team as a replacement for senior players, he showcased his talent but, like Rohit, took time to establish himself. Kohli's early years saw him primarily used in the middle order, with his performances fluctuating as he adjusted to international cricket.In 2008, the Australian cricket team toured India for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. India emerged victorious with a 2-0 margin, their most significant Test series win over Australia at the time. The series marked the retirement of Anil Kumble and Sourav Ganguly, two of India's most iconic cricketers.Prior to the Test matches, Australia played a tour match against the Indian Board President's XI in Hyderabad. This match proved to be a pivotal moment in the careers of Rohit and Virat. Batting together at the crease, they forged a remarkable 146-run partnership for the fifth wicket, showcasing their exceptional strokeplay and hinting at their future dominance in Indian cricket.Rohit and Virat both scored 105 runs in that innings, with Rohit facing 144 balls and Virat 146. Rohit's knock included 12 fours and 4 sixes, while Virat's featured 14 fours and a six. Their partnership propelled the Indian Board President's XI to a total of 455.From that moment forward, Rohit and Virat's careers took off. They grew in stature together, becoming pillars of Indian cricket. While Kohli's rise was more immediate, Rohit's breakthrough as an opener transformed his career, making them two of the most successful players in modern cricket.

Cheteshwar Pujara, the veteran Indian batter, is leaving no stone unturned in his preparations for the upcoming 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season. In a video shared on social media, the 36-year-old was seen honing his skills in the nets, accompanied by the caption, "Never stand still."Pujara, who has been out of the Indian team for over a year, will be eager to make a strong case for a national recall with a standout domestic season. His last competitive appearance was in May this year for Sussex in the County Championship, where he scored a patient 129 off 302 balls against Middlesex.Having last featured for India in the 2021-23 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023, Pujara's international form has been under scrutiny. In that match, he scored 14 and 27 in India’s 209-run defeat, leading to his exclusion from the national side.As Saurashtra prepare to launch their Ranji Trophy campaign against Tamil Nadu on October 11, Pujara will be a key figure for the side. Known for his grit and determination, he will be looking to capitalize on the domestic platform to regain his spot in India's Test squad.Pujara’s career statistics speak volumes of his importance to Indian cricket. In 103 Tests, he has accumulated 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, with 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. His experience and hunger for runs make him one of the most dependable batters in Indian cricket, and a successful Ranji Trophy season could open the door for his return to the national team.Pujara's return to form will be crucial for India's Test ambitions. With the World Test Championship final scheduled for June 2025, the team will need all their experienced players to perform at their best. Pujara's ability to grind out runs and anchor the innings will be invaluable in the challenging conditions that await them.

Rohit Sharma: A Captain Who Empowers Bowlers and Values Individual StrengthsIndia's captain, Rohit Sharma, has earned the admiration of his teammates and fans alike for his approachable demeanor and effective leadership style. Beyond his on-field communication, Rohit's approach to captaincy involves empowering bowlers with freedom while meticulously planning strategies.According to India all-rounder Axar Patel, Rohit grants bowlers complete autonomy in executing their plans. However, he also conducts thorough research before matches, devising strategies not only for opposing teams but also for individual players."He doesn't like to overcomplicate things," Axar explained. "He comes in well-prepared, knowing which bowler to use in each situation. After that, he leaves it to us."Rohit's trust in his bowlers extends to allowing them to experiment with their plans. "If I ask for something specific, he'll approve it without hesitation," Axar said. "But if it doesn't work, he'll suggest alternatives."Axar emphasized the strong rapport he shares with Rohit, which has prevented any disagreements over decisions. "We have never argued," he said. "I trust his judgment implicitly."Rohit's captaincy philosophy also includes recognizing the strengths of each bowler, regardless of their handedness. "He doesn't believe that a left-arm bowler can't bowl to a left-handed batter or vice versa," Axar noted. "That's a sign of a great captain."In conclusion, Rohit Sharma's leadership style is characterized by empowering bowlers, conducting thorough research, and valuing individual strengths. His approach has fostered a positive team environment and contributed to India's recent successes.