Cricket

The recent Test series defeat to New Zealand on home soil has prompted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to revive its 'A' programme, which aims to develop a strong bench of players for the Indian cricket team.The 'A' programme, which was a dynamic initiative under former NCA head Rahul Dravid, involved touring with developmental teams throughout the year. However, the programme suffered after the COVID-19 lockdown, as other countries refused to bear the expenses of hosting India's U-19 and 'A' teams.NCA head VVS Laxman is now working on a plan to create a player resource pool. The BCCI has tried to organize a couple of shadow 'A' tours, such as the one that preceded India's Test tour of Australia. Laxman is exploring ways to provide greater exposure to the next generation of cricketers.Other boards are reluctant to host 'A' series, which do not generate revenue for them. The expenses must be borne by the local board. The BCCI needs to find a way to make these tours affordable.Earlier this year, an 'A' series against England Lions was held just ahead of England's tour of India. The series provided the selectors with valuable insights into the players' abilities. The board also needs to ensure that Emerging tournaments and other series do not coincide with the Ranji Trophy, as this can impact the quality of the competition.The impact of the 'A' programme was evident during the last tour of Australia, where players like Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Navdeep Saini, and Washington Sundar stepped up in the absence of senior players.

Tilak Varma, the rising star of Indian cricket, etched his name in the history books on Friday during the fourth and final T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg. The 22-year-old batter became only the second Indian to score centuries in consecutive T20I innings, joining an elite list that includes Sanju Samson.Varma's remarkable feat came on the back of his unbeaten 107 in the third T20I of the series. Building on that momentum, he delivered a scintillating 120 off just 47 balls in the fourth match, achieving a phenomenal strike rate of 255.32. His explosive knock featured nine fours and ten sixes, showcasing his dominance at the crease.Reflecting on his performance, Varma shared a lighthearted moment: "Actually, I wanted to tell one funny thing—last year when I played here, I got out on the first ball. This innings was very crucial for the team and the series."Speaking about his approach, he added: "I just focused on holding my shape and sticking to the basics from the last game. I stayed calm. It's an unbelievable feeling—I can't express it right now. I never imagined scoring two centuries in South Africa under challenging conditions. Thanks to our captain Surya for his support. As I mentioned after the last game, I was injured in recent matches, but I trust in God and my processes. That’s why I celebrated this way, dedicating it to God."Varma's exceptional innings earned him the Player of the Match award. His performance was a testament to his talent, determination, and the unwavering support of his teammates. The young batter has emerged as a key player for India in the shortest format of the game, and his recent exploits have only solidified his status as a rising star.

The Australian soil has been a breeding ground for Indian cricketers, with many making their mark on the international stage. From Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli, the country has witnessed the rise of several stars. This tradition continues with the current Indian squad, which features promising youngsters who could make their Test or international debuts during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Irfan Pathan (2003)Pathan's Test debut in 2003 was a memorable one, with India securing a historic win at Adelaide. He made his mark as an all-rounder, scoring a century and taking a wicket in his debut match. Pathan went on to play 173 matches for India, winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 and ICC Champions Trophy 2013.Vinay Kumar (2012)Kumar made his Test debut in 2012 under MS Dhoni's captaincy. He picked up a wicket in his only Test outing and also played 31 ODIs and nine T20Is for India. After retiring from first-class cricket in 2020, Kumar joined the Mumbai Indians talent scouting team and later became the bowling coach for MI Emirates.Karn Sharma (2014)Sharma made his Test debut in 2014 under Virat Kohli's captaincy. He took four wickets in the match but was overshadowed by Nathan Lyon's 12-wicket haul. Sharma has since played two ODIs and a T20I for India and continues to be a key domestic cricket player for Railways.KL Rahul (2014)Rahul made his international debut in 2014 and has since become a regular in the Indian team. He has scored over 8,000 runs in international cricket, including 17 centuries. Rahul will be looking to make a strong impact in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he has an average of just over 20.Mayank Agarwal (2018)Agarwal made his Test debut in 2018 and played a crucial role in India's victory in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He scored 195 runs in two innings, including a fine 76 in the first innings. Agarwal has since played 21 Tests for India, scoring over 1,400 runs with four centuries.Mohammed Siraj (2020)Siraj's Test debut was a moment of resilience and emotion. He stepped up in the absence of injured senior players and led the pace battery in the final Test at Gabba. Siraj took 5/73 in the match-winning effort, helping India to an inspirational series win. He is now an all-format star for India, having taken 165 wickets in 91 matches.Navdeep Saini (2021)Saini made his Test debut in 2021 and has since taken 23 wickets in 21 international matches. He was recently picked for the India A series Down Under and is present in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad as a reserve player.Shubman Gill (2021)Gill made his Test debut in 2021 and played a crucial role in India's 2-1 win over Australia. He scored 259 runs in three matches, including two half-centuries. Gill has since become an all-format star, scoring over 4,700 runs in 97 matches with 12 centuries.Washington Sundar (2021)Sundar made his Test debut in the iconic Gabba Test win in 2021. He scored 62 and 22 in the match and took four wickets, including three in the first innings. Sundar has since been picked up as the third spinner for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.T Natarajan (2021)Natarajan made his debut across all formats during the 2020-21 tour to Australia. He played his first Test at Gabba, picking up three wickets. Natarajan has not played first-class cricket since then and his last international match was against England in March 2021.

Varun Chakravarthy's journey in international cricket has been a rollercoaster ride. After a brief stint with the Indian team in 2021, he found himself out of favor and struggling to regain his place. However, through sheer determination and a willingness to reinvent himself, Chakravarthy has emerged as a formidable force in the Indian T20I setup.In 2023, Chakravarthy underwent a transformation in his bowling style. He abandoned his sidespin technique and embraced overspin, which gave him greater bite and accuracy. This change proved to be a masterstroke, as he finished the IPL season with 20 wickets and was instrumental in Kolkata Knight Riders' title triumph.His impressive IPL form earned him a recall to the Indian team for the T20I series against Bangladesh. In his first match back, he snared three wickets, and he continued to impress in subsequent games. Chakravarthy's ability to take wickets at crucial junctures has made him a valuable asset to the Indian team.In the recent T20I series against South Africa, Chakravarthy was the standout performer. He finished with ten wickets in four matches, including a five-wicket haul in the second game. His performances have not only solidified his place in the Indian team but have also made him a contender for a spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup squad.Chakravarthy's success is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Despite setbacks and criticism, he has persevered and emerged as one of the most effective T20I bowlers in the world. His journey is an inspiration to all aspiring cricketers, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has put himself in contention for a spot on the upcoming Australian tour with an impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy. Playing for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in Indore, Shami claimed four wickets, boosting his chances of joining the Indian team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Shami's last competitive appearance was in the World Cup final in November 2022. Since then, he has undergone ankle surgery and suffered a knee injury during his recovery. The Indian team management was keen to assess his fitness before considering him for the Australian tour.In response, Shami bowled four spells across 57 overs, taking 4 wickets for 54 runs. His performance has impressed the selectors, who were eager to see him in action before making a decision."Obviously, Shami was asked to play this game keeping in mind that the next round of Ranji Trophy will only start on January 23 after the Test season is over," said a BCCI source. "So, the selectors had only one match to check his fitness. He has bowled 19 overs in multiple spells and fielded for most part of the 57 overs. He bowled 90 dot balls. But he will again have to bowl and field (in the second innings). Suppose he bowls another 15 to 18 overs in the second innings, that's a very decent amount of overs bowled."The source added, "But the biggest test would be whether he again feels any pain after four days. If the NCA medical team green-lights his fitness, obviously he will join before the second Test."The national selection committee will assess Shami's fitness after the Ranji match concludes on November 16. If cleared, he might join the Indian team before the second Test against Australia, starting on December 6.Shami's return to fitness is a major boost for the Indian team, who are looking to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. The experienced pacer brings a wealth of experience and skill to the bowling attack, and his inclusion would strengthen India's chances of success Down Under.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has expressed his delight at the performances of young Indian batters in the T20I format following the retirements of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Kaif believes that the seamless transition under new captain Suryakumar Yadav is a testament to the depth of talent in Indian cricket.After India's T20 World Cup triumph in June, Rohit and Kohli announced their retirements from the format. However, the likes of Abhishek Varma, Sanju Samson, and Tilak Varma have stepped up to fill the void, showcasing their potential on the international stage.In the ongoing T20I series against South Africa, Tilak Varma smashed his maiden T20I century in the third match, while Abhishek Sharma blasted a 25-ball half-century in the second match. Earlier in the series, Samson hammered his second consecutive T20I century, becoming the first Indian batter to achieve this feat.Kaif praised the young batters for their impressive performances in challenging batting conditions in South Africa. He tweeted, "Watching Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson score runs in South Africa's tough batting conditions must be pleasing for Virat and Rohit. When it comes to T20, they have left Indian cricket in safe hands."India's T20I transition has been remarkably smooth since Rohit and Kohli's retirements. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, the team has maintained its dominance, defeating Sri Lanka and Bangladesh 3-0 each before heading to South Africa.In the ongoing series against South Africa, India holds a 2-1 lead heading into the final T20I in Johannesburg on Friday. The team's impressive performances have raised hopes of a successful title defense at the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Sanju Samson's recent batting performances have been a tale of two extremes. After a remarkable run of form with consecutive hundreds, the Indian batter has unexpectedly found himself on the opposite end of the spectrum, recording back-to-back ducks.The shift in performance has taken fans by surprise, as Samson was previously celebrated for his consistent and impactful scoring. During the second match of the series at Gqeberha, Samson's stumps were rattled by fast bowler Marco Jansen. The wicketkeeper-batsman struggled against the left-arm quick Jansen, who dismissed him in a similar fashion during the third encounter on Wednesday.In contrast, Samson's performance in the first game of the series in Durban was nothing short of explosive. He delivered an impressive 107 off just 50 balls, striking at an impressive rate of 214.00. His innings featured seven fours and ten towering sixes.Prior to this, Samson had scored his maiden T20I century against Bangladesh in the third and final match in Hyderabad last month. In the process, Samson, who got to his hundred in 40 balls, also surpassed skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who did it in 45 balls, to become the second fastest Indian to get to the landmark.Samson's recent struggles have raised questions about his consistency and ability to handle pressure. However, the wicketkeeper-batter remains confident in his abilities. "I feel honestly, I have faced a lot of failures in my career. Actually, I have had more failures than success in my career. When you go through that fear, you tend to doubt yourself a lot. People will say a lot and social media will play its role. But you also think a lot about yourself...," Samson said.The wicketkeeper-batter added that he has shot-making ability against spin and pace. "But with my experience, I know my abilities. If I spend some time on the wicket, I have the shot-making ability against spin and pace. I know I can help the team with my contributions. So I always used to tell myself that, even if you have lows, the upside is also good," he added.It remains to be seen whether Samson can regain his form and help India secure a series victory against South Africa. However, his recent struggles serve as a reminder that even the most talented players can experience setbacks.

Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have faced intense scrutiny following their underwhelming performances in the Test series against New Zealand. The duo's struggles with the bat contributed to India's humiliating 0-3 defeat at home.Despite the criticism, former BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma has defended the two batters, highlighting their significant contributions to Indian cricket. Sharma expressed confidence in their ability to bounce back and perform well against Australia."Let's honor and respect what Rohit and Virat have done for the country," Sharma said. "They are never out of form. They are still doing it. Just wait and watch what Rohit and Virat do in Australia. They will dazzle with their bats."India head coach Gautam Gambhir also came to the defense of Kohli and Sharma, criticizing former Australian captain Ricky Ponting for questioning Kohli's place in the Test team. Gambhir emphasized the duo's passion for the game and their desire to achieve more."What does Ricky Ponting have to do with Indian cricket?" Gambhir asked. "Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are still passionate about the game and want to achieve more. They are hungry for success and have done exceptionally well for the country over the years."Kohli and Sharma's poor form in the New Zealand series has raised concerns about their future in the Test team. However, Sharma and Gambhir's support suggests that the duo still has the backing of the selectors and the coaching staff.It remains to be seen whether Kohli and Sharma can regain their form and lead India to success in the upcoming Test series against Australia. Their performances will be closely scrutinized as they look to prove their worth and silence their critics.

Mohammed Shami's exceptional performance in the second Test against Australia in Perth in December 2018 remains a testament to his lethal bowling prowess in pace-friendly conditions. His remarkable 6/56, not only his best bowling figures, but also the fourth best by an Indian bowler in Australia at the time, played a pivotal role in India's eventual Test series triumph.Shami's absence of wickets in the first innings was more than compensated by his devastating spell in the second. With India opting for a four-pronged pace attack, Shami emerged as the standout performer, ripping through Australia's lower middle-order. His hat-trick attempt, dismissed by Tim Paine and Aaron Finch, showcased his relentless aggression.Shami's success stemmed from his ability to exploit the Perth pitch's pace and bounce. His consistent pace and movement off the seam troubled the Australian batsmen, forcing them into errors. Targeting the stumps with precision, Shami's high-paced deliveries proved too potent for the opposition.Despite Shami's heroics, India's lack of a balanced bowling attack ultimately cost them the match. The inability to chase down the 287-run target resulted in a 146-run defeat. However, Shami's performance underlined his status as one of India's premier pace bowlers, particularly on overseas tours.Shami's 6/56 in Perth showcased his ability to adapt to challenging conditions and deliver match-winning performances. His skill in extracting the best from pace-friendly pitches, combined with his relentless pace and accuracy, makes him a formidable force in the international arena.