Cricket

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has heaped praise on pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for his exceptional adaptability and versatility, which allows him to excel on any type of track. Bumrah is currently in action in the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh, with the first Test underway at Chennai's MA Chidambram Stadium.Speaking on JioCinema, Jurel lauded Bumrah's ability to adjust to different conditions seamlessly. "His adaptability across all tracks is not easy to maintain. Sometimes it is a long spell, other times it is a quick two-over spell where the captain needs a wicket," said Jurel.Jurel also highlighted Bumrah's resilience and consistency despite the physical demands of fast bowling. "Injuries are common for pacers like him, but he always delivers by taking wickets. That's what makes him special," he added.Jurel emphasized that Bumrah's adaptability sets him apart from many bowlers who prefer conditions that suit their style. "He can brilliantly adapt to any track, whether it is a seaming pitch or one that favors spinners," he said.The wicketkeeper-batter recalled the scorching yorker that Bumrah delivered to England's Ollie Pope during the Test series against England, which deceived the batter and uprooted two of his stumps. "I would not have done any better than Pope. I probably would have reacted the same way," said Jurel.In 37 Tests, Bumrah has taken 159 wickets at an average of 20.69, with the best bowling figures of 6/27. In nine home Tests, Bumrah has taken 33 wickets at an average of 16.36, with the best figures of 6/45.In the ongoing Test against Bangladesh, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl first. India's top-order collapsed, leaving them at 34/3. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (56 in 118 balls, with nine fours) and Rishabh Pant (39 in 52 balls, with six fours) stitched a 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket, bringing India into the game. After India was reduced to 144/6, Ashwin and Jadeja (86* in 117 balls, with 10 fours and two sixes) stitched a 195-run partnership, ending the day at 339/6.Hasan Mahmud (4/58) was the top bowler for Bangladesh, destroying the Indian top order, removing skipper Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0), and Virat Kohli (6).

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier Test bowler, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming only the second player to achieve the remarkable feat of amassing 1000 runs and claiming 100 wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC).Ashwin's extraordinary accomplishment came during the opening day of the first Test match between India and Bangladesh in Chennai on Thursday. He joined his compatriot Ravindra Jadeja in the exclusive club, who had achieved the same milestone earlier this year against England.In the history of the WTC, only 11 bowlers have managed to take more than 100 wickets. However, among these elite bowlers, only Jadeja and Ashwin have also managed to score 1000 runs, showcasing their all-round abilities.Ashwin is now on the cusp of surpassing Australian spinner Nathan Lyon as the leading wicket-taker in the WTC. With just 14 wickets separating him from Lyon's tally of 187, Ashwin has the opportunity to etch his name in the record books during the upcoming matches against Bangladesh.Furthermore, Ashwin is also on the verge of another remarkable feat. If he manages to secure at least one five-wicket haul during the series, he will stand alone as the first player to achieve this milestone 11 times in WTC history.In addition to his bowling exploits, Ashwin also notched up his sixth Test hundred, finishing the day on 102 not out. India concluded the day's play at 339/6, with Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja forging an unbroken partnership.The duo put on an impressive 195 runs off just 227 deliveries, with Jadeja contributing a valuable 86 runs and remaining not out alongside Ashwin at the close of play.Ashwin's all-round performance has been instrumental in India's dominance in the WTC. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a formidable opponent and a valuable asset to the Indian team.

Rohit Sharma's Test debut, which was long overdue, marked a significant moment in Indian cricket history. The highly talented batsman, who had already established himself in white-ball cricket, finally made his Test debut in November 2013 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.This debut coincided with the farewell series of batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who was retiring after a record-breaking career spanning 24 years. The focus was on Tendulkar's farewell rather than individual performances, but Rohit made his delayed Test debut count by scoring a magnificent hundred (177).Rohit's 177 was one of the highest scores by an Indian on debut, and it underscored his potential to succeed in the longest format of the game. In the second Test, played at Tendulkar's home ground in Mumbai, Rohit again went on to hit a hundred - this time an unbeaten 111 as India won by an innings and 126 runs.Rohit's Test debut marked a symbolic transition in Indian cricket. While the country was bidding farewell to its greatest-ever batsman, Rohit's entry into Test cricket hinted at the emergence of another extraordinarily gifted player. Rohit, already successful in limited-overs cricket, showed his ability to adapt to Test cricket, and over the years, he would go on to become one of the key players for India in all formats.This moment in cricket history was significant, as it represented both the end of an era and the beginning of a new one for Indian cricket. Rohit Sharma's Test debut, delayed by a freak injury and overshadowed by Tendulkar's farewell, marked the arrival of a new star in Indian cricket.

Virender Sehwag, the swashbuckling Indian opener, is a legend in the cricketing world. Known for his fearless batting style, Sehwag has amassed over 8,000 runs in both Test and ODI cricket. His aggressive approach has left an indelible mark on the game, with even the greatest bowlers fearing his wrath.Sehwag's aura was such that he could sing Hindi songs while smashing bowlers for boundaries. The likes of Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee, and Dale Steyn, all ace pacers, were not spared. Even the slightest loose ball from these bowling giants was dispatched to the boundary with disdain.Sehwag's journey to becoming an opener was not a straightforward one. Initially, he started as a middle-order batsman, but his explosive batting earned him the role of opener. He went on to open India's batting in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 alongside the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, setting the tone of the tournament with a brilliant 175 in his first innings.Sehwag shares the record for the most triple centuries in Test cricket. During a Test match against Sri Lanka in Mumbai, he had the chance to make history as the first batsman to score three triple centuries. On the first day of the match, Sehwag scored 284 runs, making it the third-highest score by a batsman in a single day of a Test match.Facing tough bowlers like Muttiah Muralitharan, Sehwag remained in control. Towards the end of the day, with only 3-4 overs left, his batting partner Rahul Dravid advised him to play out the day. Dravid suggested that Sehwag imagine batting through the remaining overs without losing his wicket and then coming back the next day to possibly make 300, 400, or even 500 runs.Sehwag recalled in an interview that Dravid carefully played out the overs, taking a single only when the over was about to end so that Sehwag would face fewer balls. When the day ended, and both batters remained not out as they returned to the dressing room, Dravid told him, 'Well done, bohot badhiya. Ab kal dekh tu wapas aaega toh pura din batting karega toh tu world record bana sakta hai.'Sehwag admitted that Dravid's words filled him with optimism. He went to his room, had dinner, and slept soundly. However, the next day, he managed to add only 9 more runs before being dismissed for 293. Sehwag later admitted that as he walked back to the dressing room, he regretted listening to Rahul Dravid.Sehwag had scored 293 runs off 254 balls, with 40 fours and 7 sixes. In the end, the world's leading wicket-taker, Muralitharan, dismissed Sehwag with a caught-and-bowled effort. MS Dhoni went on to score a century in that match, and India posted a massive total of 726 for 9 before declaring. India went on to win the match by an innings and 24 runs.

Virat Kohli, the former Indian cricket captain, has once again demonstrated his heartwarming nature by fulfilling a fan's wish. In a video that has gone viral on social media, Kohli is seen sitting in the team bus when he notices a fan holding a hand-painted poster of him. The fan is desperately trying to get Kohli's attention for an autograph on the image.Kohli, upon noticing the fan's request, gestures for him to wait. He then asks one of his staff members to bring the poster to him so that he can sign it. The video has garnered immense appreciation from fans, who have praised Kohli's humility and kindness.Kohli's gesture is a testament to his strong connection with his fans. He has always been known for his approachable and down-to-earth nature, both on and off the field. This incident further solidifies his reputation as a true role model for aspiring cricketers and fans alike.Kohli's return to the Indian Test squad comes after a brief break from cricket. He had been on a family vacation in London and was exempted from the Duleep Trophy, where many of India's Test regulars participated. However, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin were also exempted from the season-opening domestic red-ball competition.Kohli's presence in the Test squad is a significant boost for India as they prepare for the two-Test home series against Bangladesh, beginning September 19. The series will be a crucial test for India, who are looking to maintain their dominance in Test cricket.

Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling prowess has made him the most talked-about cricketer in India, a nation obsessed with batters. His unique bowling style, characterized by upper body strength, torque, and a powerful forearm, allows him to neutralize the influence of the pitch.Bumrah's return to international cricket in August 2022 marked a resurgence in his career. He has been rapid, incisive, and often unplayable, elevating his threat levels to unprecedented heights. His pace remains undiminished, his craft has become more polished, and his repertoire has expanded.In the recent World Cup, Bumrah was India's battering ram, delivering one match-turning spell after another. His economy and penetration were remarkable, and he was instrumental in India's triumph. His sensational final two overs in the final, where he conceded only six runs and claimed the crucial wicket of Marco Jansen, showcased his ability to exert pressure and strangle run-chases.Bumrah's hunger for Test cricket is evident, and he is eager to play as much as possible. India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has hailed him as the best bowler in the world, praising his performance and his desire to make a difference at any stage of the game.Bumrah's importance to India's Test ambitions cannot be overstated. He will be crucial in Australia, where his ability to take wickets on any surface will be invaluable. The leadership group will want Bumrah at his fierce, fearsome best as India chases an unprecedented hat-trick of Test series triumphs Down Under.Australia recognizes Bumrah as their primary threat, but even they may struggle to contain him. His command over his multi-faceted craft makes him a complete fast bowler, equally adept with the new and old ball. He uses reverse swing with spectacular effect, targeting both toes and stumps while also inducing outside edges from right-handed batters.Bumrah's ability to control the game with three-over bursts is another asset for India. The pressure he imposes often translates to wickets at the other end. He is chomping at the bit to have a go at Bangladesh, but a lack of game-time since June may be a concern. However, his efficacy is unlikely to be significantly impacted.

India's cricket landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, largely attributed to the exceptional impact of Jasprit Bumrah. As the team prepares for its first Test series under Gautam Gambhir's leadership, the former opener highlights Bumrah's profound influence beyond his on-field performances."Traditionally, India has been a batting-obsessed nation," Gambhir observes. "But Bumrah, Shami, Siraj, Ashwin, and Jadeja have shifted the focus towards bowling."Bumrah's remarkable statistics in just 36 Tests are a testament to his dominance. His ability to consistently take five-wicket hauls has been instrumental in India's memorable victories, including the Oval 2021, Melbourne 2018, and Visakhapatnam 2024 triumphs."Bumrah is the world's best fast bowler across all formats," Gambhir asserts. "His hunger and desire to play Test cricket are exceptional."Gambhir believes that Bumrah's presence in the dressing room is an honor and a catalyst for change. "We can make a difference at any stage of the game," he says. "Hopefully, we can continue this momentum in this series and beyond."As India embarks on its home season, the focus will inevitably shift to the spinners. Gambhir emphasizes the importance of selecting bowlers who can create an impact on both day one and day five. "Ashwin and Jadeja have been exceptional in tandem," he notes. "They have the ability to bowl defensively and aggressively, which is crucial in Test cricket."Despite India's undefeated record against Bangladesh, Gambhir cautions against complacency. "We don't change our intensity based on the opposition," he says. "International cricket demands constant hunger and determination."Gambhir is impressed by the talent pool at his disposal. "The players' passion for representing India is evident," he says. However, he acknowledges the challenges of transitioning between formats, particularly in Test cricket."Our batters have the quality to face any bowling attack," Gambhir says. "But in Test cricket, a strong defense is paramount. We need to develop our defensive skills to succeed in this format."

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, has emphasized the significance of fostering a strong relationship with senior players like captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli. Gambhir, who played alongside these players during his playing days, believes that their shared history will facilitate effective communication and decision-making.Gambhir acknowledged that his recent appointment is still in its early stages, but he expressed confidence in building upon the existing relationships he has with the senior players. He emphasized the importance of maintaining open and honest communication to ensure that everyone is on the same page."When you have that kind of a relationship, sometimes it gets much easier than building a relationship," Gambhir said. "Obviously, now the roles are different. The relationship we can build over the next couple of years is going to be very important."Gambhir also addressed the media attention surrounding his past spat with Kohli during an IPL match. He dismissed the notion that there is any lingering tension between them, stating that his relationship with all the players in the dressing room has always been positive."Sometimes people have made a lot of hue and cry about these things," Gambhir said. "But that's not true. My relationship with everyone in the dressing room team has been really, really good."Regarding team selection, Gambhir emphasized the importance of clear communication and transparency. He explained that the team's best playing XI is selected based on merit and that players who are not selected should understand the reasons behind the decision."We don't drop anyone," Gambhir said. "We only select the best playing 11. We think and do the job for that particular Test match."Gambhir also clarified the situation regarding the team's wicket-keeper for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. He praised the performances of both Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan but indicated that Pant remains the first-choice keeper for the time being."I feel Jurel is a quality player," Gambhir said. "But sometimes people will have to wait. Someone like Sarfaraz has also done really well. But sometimes you just need to wait for the opportunity and keep working hard."

Rohit Sharma's Forgetfulness: A Quirky Trait Humored by TeammatesIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has become renowned for his amusing tendency to forget things, a trait that has been the subject of lighthearted banter among his teammates. Virat Kohli, in particular, has often poked fun at Rohit's forgetfulness, highlighting his habit of misplacing items.In a recent video chat shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Virat and Gautam Gambhir engaged in a humorous exchange ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh. Gambhir asked Virat, "So Virat, the next guest is Rohit. What do you want me to ask? What should be the first question?"Virat, with a mischievous grin, suggested, "I think it is a very simple question to Rohit. Ke subah bheege badam khate ho ki nahi (Do you eat soaked almonds in the morning?)."This prompted laughter from Gambhir, who added, "That will help Rohit remember to come in at 11 am, not at night." He continued, "Ke subah 11 bhaje ke jagah, raat ko 11 bhaje na aa jaye (So that he comes in at 11 am and not 11 pm).""So, Rohit, that's the first question for you," Virat quipped.Rohit's forgetfulness has become a running joke within the Indian cricket team, with teammates often teasing him about it. However, it is clear that this quirk is not taken seriously and is instead a source of amusement for the team.