Cricket

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has predicted that Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli will return to form with "big centuries" in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. Kohli, who missed the home Test series against England due to the birth of his son, will be eager to rediscover his prolific run-scoring form.Ali believes that Kohli will make a significant impact in the upcoming Tests, stating, "In the England series, Virat wasn't there. He didn't perform well in the Sri Lanka series. But in the Bangladesh and the New Zealand series, you will see big centuries (from Virat). Not 110 or 115, you may see a 200-run knock from him."Kohli's recent performances have been underwhelming, with a disappointing T20 World Cup and a poor showing in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. However, Ali is confident that the Indian batter will bounce back and regain his dominance in the Test format.India's Test squad for the Bangladesh series features a formidable batting lineup, including skipper Rohit Sharma, young openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, and the experienced KL Rahul. The spin quartet of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav will provide balance to the team.Ali has named his preferred playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh, opting for Kuldeep over Axar due to the presence of several left-handed batters in the opposition lineup. His team includes Rohit, Jaiswal, Gill, Kohli, Rahul, Pant, Jadeja, Ashwin, Kuldeep, Bumrah, and Siraj.With the Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand on the horizon, fans will be eagerly anticipating Kohli's return to form. If Ali's predictions hold true, the Indian batter could be set for a prolific run-scoring spree that will delight cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

Akash Deep, a rising star in Indian cricket, has drawn comparisons to the legendary Mohammed Shami due to his uncanny bowling style. With Shami sidelined by an ankle injury, Deep made his Test debut against England in February and has since impressed selectors with his ability to swing the ball both ways.Deep's bowling action, seam position, and compact follow-through mirror Shami's, leading to speculation that he has received guidance from his Bengal teammate. Deep confirmed these rumors, revealing that Shami has shared valuable insights on how to move the ball effectively.In the recent Duleep Trophy opener, Deep showcased his skills by dismissing Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy with first-rate deliveries that disturbed their off-stumps. His match haul of nine wickets (four for 60 and five for 56) highlighted his ability to trouble left-handed batters.Deep's success is particularly impressive considering he had only played one competitive match since his Test debut. He credits his performance to the practice games he played at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where he approached each game with the intensity of a real match.Despite his recent achievements, Deep remains grounded and focused on the process of bowling. He believes that getting wickets is a byproduct of executing his plans effectively. He also emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, recognizing that there is always room for growth.Deep's emergence as a potential successor to Shami is a testament to his talent and dedication. As he continues to gain experience and refine his skills, he has the potential to become a key figure in India's bowling attack for years to come.

Rishabh Pant's Test prowess has earned him high praise from former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, who believes the wicketkeeper-batter is destined for greatness in the format. However, Ganguly also urged Pant to improve his performances in shorter formats.Pant's return to the Test side after his horrific car accident in December 2022 has been met with anticipation. He is expected to feature in the opening Test against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 in Chennai."I consider Rishabh Pant one of India's best Test batsmen," Ganguly said at a promotional event in Kolkata. "He will be an all-time great in Tests if he keeps performing like this."Ganguly acknowledged Pant's impressive performances in T20 and ODI cricket since his return from injury earlier this year. However, he emphasized the need for Pant to enhance his skills in the shorter formats."For me, he needs to get better in the shorter formats," Ganguly said. "With the talent he has, I'm sure with time, he will become one of the best."The Indian selectors have included uncapped left-arm pacers Yash Dayal and Akash Deep in the squad, while Mohammed Shami has been given more time to recover from ankle surgery."It's still a very good attack," Ganguly said. "In India, you will see a lot more spin. Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar, and Kuldeep are the four best spinners in the world at the moment."Ganguly also praised Akash Deep, calling him a player to watch out for. "He runs in, bowls quick, and will bowl for long periods," Ganguly said. "He will be as quick as Siraj and Shami, hitting high 140s."Bangladesh, fresh from their historic Test series win over Pakistan, will face a tough challenge in India. Ganguly believes India will be too strong for Bangladesh, but he expects a competitive series."India will be a different kettle of fish; India, whether at home or away, are a fantastic side with a very strong batting unit," Ganguly said. "I don't see Bangladesh winning; India will win the series."Ganguly expressed concern about the lack of talent in Pakistan cricket, which he believes has contributed to their recent struggles."I see a genuine dearth of talent in the country," Ganguly said. "Every generation has to produce outstanding players to win, and when I look at Pakistan in world cricket, there is a dearth of talent in that country."

The Duleep Trophy, India's premier domestic First-Class tournament, kicked off with India C and India B securing emphatic victories over India D and India A, respectively. The tournament serves as a crucial platform for India's top stars to gain match practice ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh.Amidst the ongoing tournament, former England captain Kevin Pietersen reminisced about his experience playing in the Duleep Trophy in 2004. As part of England A, who were invited by the BCCI, Pietersen made a lasting impression on Indian soil.Sharing a nostalgic picture on Instagram, Pietersen expressed his fondness for India and its bowlers. "India 2004! Playing in the Duleep Trophy. This is when I first fell in love with India or should I say, Indian bowlers," he captioned the image.Pietersen's performance in the tournament was remarkable, as he emerged as the highest run-getter with 345 runs. His tally included two centuries and a half-century, but England A narrowly missed out on the semi-finals after defeats to South Zone and East Zone.A year later, Pietersen made his Test debut for England in the Ashes at Lord's. Despite scoring two half-centuries, England lost the match by 239 runs. However, Pietersen's debut Test series proved to be a resounding success, as he finished as the leading run-scorer with 473 runs from five matches.Pietersen's international career spanned 104 Tests, 136 ODIs, and 37 T20Is, during which he amassed 13,779 runs at an average of 44.30. Notably, MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, and Yuvraj Singh also participated in the 2004 Duleep Trophy, with Yuvraj scoring a century in both innings of the final against Dhoni's East Zone.

Smriti Mandhana, India's star batter, is preparing for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. Known for her aggressive batting and consistency, Mandhana has been a cornerstone of the Indian women's cricket team.In a recent interview with Star Sports, Mandhana revealed that Virat Kohli is her favorite cricketer. She praised Kohli's batting prowess and mindset, stating that she had sought his advice on batting techniques and handling expectations."When I met Kohli, I asked him a lot of things about batting," Mandhana said. "I wanted to know his mindset, especially since I had a problem with my grip changing. He told me that he doesn't view expectations as pressure, but rather as a motivation to perform for his team."Mandhana acknowledged that she had struggled with handling expectations in the past, but Kohli's advice helped her develop a more positive mindset. "After hearing it from him, I realized that I needed to focus on my own performance and not let expectations weigh me down," she said.Both Mandhana and Kohli represent Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their respective leagues, the Women's Premier League (WPL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL). They are both iconic figures in Indian cricket, inspiring fans worldwide with their exceptional skills and leadership qualities.Mandhana's admiration for Kohli highlights the respect and camaraderie within the Indian cricket fraternity. Her willingness to seek guidance from a senior player like Kohli demonstrates her commitment to continuous improvement and her desire to become one of the best batters in the world.

Dhruv Jurel Matches Dhoni's Record, Shines Behind Stumps in Duleep TrophyYoung Indian wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history by equaling a 20-year-old record held by none other than Mahendra Singh Dhoni. During the ongoing Duleep Trophy match between India A and India B in Bengaluru, Jurel displayed exceptional glovework, taking seven catches in an innings.This remarkable feat matches the record set by Dhoni in the 2004/05 season while playing for the East Zone against the Central Zone. Jurel, 23, demonstrated exceptional reflexes and anticipation behind the stumps, showcasing his potential as a future star in Indian cricket.Despite his heroics behind the stumps, India A suffered a disappointing 76-run defeat. Chasing a target of 275, they were bowled out for 198. KL Rahul top-scored with a patient 51, but lacked support from his teammates. India B's disciplined bowling attack, led by Yash Dayal (3/50), Mukesh Kumar (2/50), and Navdeep Saini (2/41), proved too strong for India A.Jurel's record-equalling performance came as a consolation amidst the team's defeat. It highlights his exceptional talent and potential as a wicketkeeper. His ability to take seven catches in an innings demonstrates his sharp reflexes, quick decision-making, and anticipation skills.The Duleep Trophy has long been a platform for emerging players to showcase their abilities, and Jurel's performance stands out as a significant moment in this tournament's history. His achievement serves as a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the bright future that lies ahead for him in Indian cricket.

Sanju Samson, a prodigious talent in Indian cricket, has been a paradox of brilliance and underachievement. Blessed with an elegant batting style and an uncanny ability to pick the length early, he has captivated audiences with his silken touch and delectable placement. However, his international career has been a tale of unfulfilled potential, leaving many to wonder what ails this enigmatic batsman.Samson's international debut came in 2015, but it wasn't until 2021 that he made his ODI debut. Despite his impressive 56.66 average in ODIs, his T20I record has been underwhelming, with an average of just 19.30. This disparity has raised questions about his ability to translate his IPL dominance into international success.One possible explanation for Samson's struggles is his tendency to choose the wrong shots at the wrong time. His eagerness to impress may lead him to play risky strokes early in his innings, resulting in his downfall. Additionally, the weight of expectations and the pressure to perform may be weighing heavily on his mind.However, it would be unfair to dismiss Samson's talent based solely on his T20I record. His ODI performances suggest that he has the potential to be a valuable asset in the longer white-ball format. With the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, Samson has ample opportunities to prove his worth.The upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh and South Africa will be crucial for Samson. He needs to make a statement of intent and convince the selectors that he deserves a longer rope. The appointment of Rahul Dravid as head coach of Rajasthan Royals, where Samson is captain, could provide him with the guidance and support he needs to unlock his full potential.Samson's journey has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. He has experienced the adulation of fans and the scrutiny of critics. But through it all, he has remained a dedicated and hardworking cricketer. With a little more judiciousness in shot selection and a renewed belief in his abilities, Samson can overcome his international hurdles and become the world-class batsman he is destined to be.

The Duleep Trophy, a prestigious domestic cricket tournament in India, has been a platform for the country's top players to showcase their skills and prepare for international assignments. However, a recent concern has emerged regarding the slow over-rates maintained by teams during the tournament.In the first-round match between India-A and India-B at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, key batters like Rishabh Pant and K.L. Rahul impressed with their performances. However, both teams struggled to maintain healthy over-rates, falling short by 11 overs on day one, 16 on day two, and 18 on day three.According to a seasoned umpire, one of the reasons for the slow over-rates is the increased use of the Decision Review System (DRS). Players often request reviews even when they have little chance of success. Additionally, strategizing mid-over and between successive balls has become more common, leading to delays.In international cricket, teams are penalized for slow over-rates. However, in the Duleep Trophy, there are only financial penalties and a maximum ban of one match for the skipper. This has led to a lack of strict enforcement, with teams taking the penalties lightly.The umpire emphasized that financial penalties are not sufficient to deter teams from maintaining slow over-rates. He suggested that stricter measures, such as point deductions, should be implemented.India has qualified for both World Test Championship finals so far, but it has not been immune to the problem of slow over-rates. While playing abroad, where pacers do the heavy lifting, the side has been penalized, most notably in the 2022 Edgbaston Test versus England and the 2023 Centurion game against South Africa.If India wants to avoid a repeat of these penalties, it is imperative that it addresses the issue of slow over-rates. The next two rounds of the Duleep Trophy provide an opportunity for the teams to improve their over-rates and ensure that they are ready for the upcoming international challenges.

Rahul Dravid, the legendary Indian cricketer and current head coach of the national team, has hailed the remarkable transformation of Indian cricket into a formidable force, attributing it to the burgeoning talent pool that now spans the entire country.Dravid, who guided India to a historic T20 World Cup triumph in 2023, emphasized the pivotal role of a robust club cricket culture in breaking the traditional dominance of city-based players in the national team. "Indian cricket today is incredibly strong and powerful," Dravid declared during the 50th anniversary celebration of Mount Joy Cricket Club. "One of the key reasons for this is that talent is emerging from every corner of the country."In the past, Dravid noted, the majority of talented cricketers hailed from major cities or a select few states. However, today, boys from even the most remote areas are making their mark on the national stage. This shift is evident in the elevated standards of domestic cricket in India, particularly in the Ranji Trophy."In the past, you could take certain teams in the South Zone for granted," Dravid said. "But today, there is no team that you can walk into and expect an easy victory."Dravid lauded the club cricket structure in India, especially in Karnataka, for fostering accessibility to the sport for all. "We need strong clubs to ensure that cricket is not concentrated in the hands of a few," he stressed. "It must be egalitarian and available everywhere."To maximize the potential of young talent, Dravid emphasized the importance of providing access to quality infrastructure in every part of the country. He recalled his own club career at HAL, where he would eagerly stay back after practice to listen to the wisdom of senior players like BK Kumar and Nandan."Those conversations were invaluable for my growth as a cricketer," Dravid said. "We need to create similar opportunities for young players today."