Cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian off-spinner, is preparing for what could be his final Test match at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. As he turns 38, Ashwin reflects on his journey and the significance of this venue in his illustrious career.Growing up in Chennai, Ashwin faced adversity early on when a coach dismissed him from a game. However, he persevered and embraced rejection, ultimately becoming one of India's most successful bowlers. With 516 Test wickets to his name, Ashwin is now chasing Anil Kumble's record of 619.The Test against Bangladesh could mark Ashwin's last appearance at Chepauk, a ground he holds dear. He has fond memories of playing there as a child and has created countless unforgettable moments throughout his career.In 2013, Ashwin cemented his place as India's premier off-spinner by taking 12 wickets against Australia at Chepauk. He also played a pivotal role in India's victory over England in 2021, scoring a crucial century on a challenging pitch.Despite his age and occasional knee issues, Ashwin remains determined to perform at his best. He has been working tirelessly in practice, honing his skills with both bat and ball.As the Test match approaches, Ashwin is focused on delivering a memorable performance for the Chennai crowd. He hopes to create another special moment at the venue that has been his home for so many years.

Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batsman N. Jagadeesan made his Duleep Trophy debut for India-B in the second-round match against India-C at the Rural Development Trust (RDT) Stadium B-ground in Anantapur. It was his first-ever first-class match outside the Ranji Trophy.Jagadeesan, who was part of the South Zone squad that won the title last season, had not played in the first round of the ongoing edition. He expressed his excitement about making his debut, saying, "I was very elated about it because you always wanted to be a part of a Duleep Trophy side."Despite feeling nervous initially, Jagadeesan overcame his debut jitters and played his natural game. "I was feeling a bit nervous in the beginning, but the moment I got to know nine wickets had fallen (for India-C) and probably I'd be batting soon, I think I was just focused a lot more on my batting," he said.Jagadeesan looked set to score his maiden Duleep Trophy century, but he was caught behind off Anshul Kamboj on 70 (137b, 8x4). While he was disappointed, he took away the positive of overcoming his debut nerves.Jagadeesan also highlighted a unique feature of the ongoing Duleep Trophy edition: "We have seen a lot of Duleep Trophies, and I think this Duleep Trophy has seen a lot of international players playing the games. Playing with them in close quarters, you get to learn a lot."The Duleep Trophy is a prestigious first-class cricket tournament in India, and Jagadeesan's debut marks a significant milestone in his career. He will be hoping to continue his good form and help India-B progress in the tournament.

Virat Kohli's return to Test cricket is a highly anticipated event for Indian cricket fans. After a nine-month hiatus, the star batsman is set to rejoin the team for a grueling schedule of 10 Test matches, starting with a two-Test series against Bangladesh in Chennai.Kohli's return is crucial for India's aspirations in the World Test Championship (WTC). The team currently leads the WTC table with a commanding 68.52% win percentage, but the scars of two consecutive WTC final defeats, against New Zealand and Australia, remain. This season presents an opportunity for India to exorcise those demons and claim the coveted Test mace.Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has expressed immense confidence in Kohli's ability to excel in this crucial period. Raina predicts a run-fest from the star batsman. "Rohit is a fantastic captain and he proved it when the Indian team lifted the T20 World Cup Trophy. But the focus will be on Virat Kohli's return to Red-ball cricket. He loves Test matches and gives a lot of respect to them. Leading to the WTC, India will play around 10 matches and I believe Virat will score a hell of runs in this Test cycle," Raina told IANS.This anticipation is fueled by Kohli's track record of thriving under pressure, evident in his recent performances at the T20 World Cup. Raina believes that the challenging bowling attacks of Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia will only serve to elevate Kohli's game.“Virat thrives under pressure, and this whole Test season will see him at the centre of action. Bangladesh has strong pacers, but Kohli has shown his prowess against bowlers like Haris Rauf. Challenges boost him, and I expect him to shine,” Raina added.While Rohit Sharma's captaincy has been instrumental in India's recent successes, including their T20 World Cup victory, Kohli's return is an invaluable asset for India as they aim to solidify their position at the top of the WTC standings.The upcoming series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia are not mere stepping stones for India. Bangladesh, ranked fourth in the WTC standings, will be eager to upset the top-ranked team and climb the table. New Zealand and Australia, both formidable opponents in Test cricket, will test India's mettle in their own backyard.

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has expressed his belief that head coach Gautam Gambhir's past aggressive behavior stems from a desire to protect his players. Karthik believes this approach will benefit the team, emphasizing that Gambhir does not display anger unnecessarily."His aggression has generally come out in protection of his players and that is something the current lot of players will enjoy. Knowing him, he is not someone who gets angry for the heck of it," Karthik told reporters on the sidelines of a Legends League Cricket event.Karthik also acknowledged Gambhir's inexperience in coaching Test cricket, which may be a concern as he prepares for his first assignment with the series against Bangladesh in Chennai on Thursday."He has been a part of numerous T20 tournaments. But this Test series will be completely new for him as a coach and it must be playing at the back of his mind," Karthik said.However, Karthik expressed confidence in Gambhir's ability to navigate the challenges of Test cricket."He is someone who has navigated through tough waters. He's got the acumen to understand the pulse of the game, which is extremely important as a coach," Karthik said.Karthik also spoke about India's upcoming series against Bangladesh, highlighting the challenges for both teams. He noted Bangladesh's recent success against Pakistan but pointed out the difficulties of playing against the Indian team at home."It will start with a lot of confidence from Bangladesh. (For India) it's about understanding that they are playing a slightly different Bangladesh team," he said."But, India in India is a different kettle of fish to beat. It's not going to be in any way as easy as compared to going outside and beating other countries in their backyard," he said.He also discussed the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, predicting a tough competition."The BGT will be a challenge for Team India. The current Australian team is in form and (is) a pretty well-oiled unit. It's not by chance that they won the World Test Championship," he said."It will be tough for India. But considering the grit and resilience that India has, it will be a wonderful series to watch," he added.

Kapil Dev, the legendary Indian cricketer, earned the moniker "Haryana Hurricane" for his explosive all-around abilities and his origins from the state of Haryana. Born in Chandigarh on January 6, 1959, Kapil Dev Ramlal Nikhanj quickly rose through the ranks of Indian cricket with his exceptional talent.The term "Hurricane" aptly describes Kapil's dynamic and whirlwind approach to the game. His bowling was fast, ferocious, and accurate, making him one of the most feared pacers of his time. His ability to swing the ball at high speeds left batsmen bewildered, much like the sudden onslaught of a hurricane. He could devastate batting line-ups with his sharp in-swingers and out-swingers. His bowling action, smooth yet aggressive, added to the impression of an unstoppable force of nature on the pitch.With the bat, Kapil was equally tempestuous. He was an aggressive lower-middle-order batsman capable of turning the game on its head in a matter of overs. His fearless batting, particularly during the 1983 World Cup, where he played a match-winning inning of 175 not out against Zimbabwe, became the stuff of legends. It was a performance that showcased his ability to single-handedly change the course of a game, much like a hurricane altering landscapes.Kapil's leadership was another aspect that contributed to his nickname. As the captain of the Indian cricket team, he led by example, inspiring his team to believe in themselves and fight against the odds. His captaincy during the 1983 World Cup, where he led India to its first-ever World Cup victory, was a perfect storm of strategy, aggression, and self-belief.The "Haryana Hurricane" was not just a nickname but a symbol of Kapil's approach to life and cricket. It embodied his roots in Haryana and his game-changing influence on the sport, forever etching his legacy in cricket history books.

India's rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal stands on the cusp of etching his name in the annals of Test cricket history. As India prepare to face Bangladesh in a two-match Test series commencing on September 19 in Chennai, Jaiswal is poised to achieve a remarkable milestone.With 1,028 runs already accumulated in the ongoing 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, the 22-year-old prodigy needs just 132 more runs to become the Indian batter with the most runs in a single edition of the WTC. The current record is held by former India captain Ajinkya Rahane, who amassed 1,159 runs in the 2019-21 WTC cycle.Should Jaiswal accomplish this feat, he will surpass Rahane's milestone and become the first Indian batter to achieve this distinction. Notably, Jaiswal is one of only three Indian players to score over 1,000 runs in a single WTC cycle, alongside Rahane and India captain Rohit Sharma.At present, Jaiswal is tied with England's Ben Duckett for second place in the WTC 2023-25 scoring charts, both with 1,028 runs. However, he remains 371 runs behind Joe Root, who leads with 1,398 runs.Since making his Test debut in 2023 against the West Indies in Roseau, Jaiswal has played 9 Tests, amassing 1,028 runs at an impressive average of 68.53. His record includes three centuries, four half-centuries, and two double centuries.India currently lead the WTC standings with a points percentage of 68.52. After the Bangladesh series, their WTC schedule includes three Tests against New Zealand at home and a challenging five-Test series away against Australia.Bangladesh, fresh from a historic 2-0 whitewash over Pakistan, will pose a strong challenge. They won the first Test by 10 wickets and secured a six-wicket victory in the second, marking their first-ever Test series win against Pakistan on Pakistani soil.

Virat Kohli's Gesture of Respect Inspires Young Sarfaraz KhanFor a 17-year-old Sarfaraz Khan, being greeted by Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli with a bow and folded hands was a surreal experience. The gesture, which came after Khan's impressive performance for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL), left an unforgettable mark on the young batter.On April 29, 2015, Khan had just scored a blistering 21-ball 45 for RCB, helping his team reach a formidable total of 200 for 7 against Rajasthan Royals. As Khan returned to the pavilion, Kohli, the RCB captain, approached him with a warm smile and a respectful bow.Recalling the moment, Khan expressed his admiration for Kohli's humility and leadership. "I met him at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time. I had scored 45 runs in 21 balls here and he bowed at me. I had a lot of fun that day. It was a dream to share an Indian team dressing room with him; it will come true in the future if I get the opportunity," Khan told Jio Cinema.Khan also praised Kohli's unwavering passion and dedication to the game. "His (Virat Kohli's) passion and spirit are unmatched. Whenever I saw him, even in the pre-match meetings, he'd take charge and tell everyone how many runs he'd score off a particular bowler and break that down for everyone. To be gutsy enough to stand up and talk with such positivity in front of everyone and then deliver the next day is a very unique ability," Khan said.The mutual respect between Kohli and Khan is set to continue as they prepare to team up for India in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. While Kohli has been training in Chennai, Khan is expected to join the squad soon after completing his Duleep Trophy commitments.Khan's journey from a young prodigy to a potential Indian star has been marked by hard work and determination. His ability to perform under pressure and his unwavering belief in his abilities have earned him the admiration of fans and fellow players alike. With Kohli as his mentor and guide, Khan is poised to make a significant impact on the international stage.

Virat Kohli's Heartwarming Gesture Inspires Rising Star Akash DeepIndian cricket legend Virat Kohli has extended a heartwarming gesture to promising pacer Akash Deep, gifting him a bat ahead of the Bangladesh Test series. The former India captain's act of kindness has not only motivated the young player but also highlights the camaraderie within the Indian cricket fraternity.Akash Deep, who made his Test debut against England last February, has been making waves with his consistent performances for Bengal in domestic cricket. His impressive tally of 41 wickets in the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season, coupled with his strong outings in the Duleep Trophy and for India A, earned him a place in the Indian Test squad for the Bangladesh series.Kohli's gift to Akash Deep is a testament to the former's leadership qualities both on and off the field. The batting maestro has previously shown his generosity by gifting bats to rising stars like Rinku Singh, fostering a sense of mutual respect and support among the players.For Akash Deep, this act of kindness from one of India's greatest cricketers is a significant motivational boost as he prepares to make his mark in the upcoming series. The 27-year-old pacer has expressed his gratitude to Kohli on social media, marking a special moment in his career.Kohli's gesture not only inspires Akash Deep but also serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship and support in the development of young athletes. As Akash Deep embarks on his journey in international cricket, he can draw inspiration from the guidance and encouragement of senior players like Virat Kohli.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, is poised to make history as he prepares to bowl on home soil in the upcoming five-Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. With 100 Tests under his belt and the distinction of being the world's No. 1 Test bowler, Ashwin is eager to showcase his skills on spin-friendly Indian wickets.Ashwin's return to his home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, for the first Test against Bangladesh on September 19 holds special significance. He is on the cusp of several records, including becoming India's highest wicket-taker in international matches played in India. With 455 wickets in 126 matches across formats, he trails only Anil Kumble's tally of 476.In the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Ashwin is poised to surpass Nathan Lyon as the leading wicket-taker. With 174 wickets in 35 Tests, he is just 13 behind Lyon's 187. Ashwin also holds the record for most five-wicket hauls in WTC matches, with 10 in 34 games.Another milestone within reach for Ashwin is becoming India's leading wicket-taker in Tests against Bangladesh. Currently, Zaheer Khan holds the record with 31 wickets, while Ashwin has 23. With nine more wickets, he will surpass Zaheer's mark.Beyond the upcoming series, Ashwin has his sights set on India's tour of Australia later this year. The 37-year-old is likely to make his final appearance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he will aim to continue his impressive record against the Aussies.