Cricket

Jasprit Bumrah's Captaincy Prospects: Dinesh Karthik Raises ConcernsFormer Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has expressed reservations about the possibility of Jasprit Bumrah becoming the captain of the Indian national cricket team. While acknowledging Bumrah's leadership qualities, Karthik emphasized the importance of preserving his fitness and avoiding the potential risks associated with the added responsibility of captaincy.Karthik highlighted the physical demands of fast bowling and the need to protect Bumrah for crucial matches. He described Bumrah as a "Kohinoor diamond" for Indian cricket, whose well-being must be carefully managed. "Being a fast bowler, especially at Bumrah's level, it is so important to protect him and play him in important matches," Karthik said.He further explained that burdening Bumrah with captaincy could increase the risk of injury, potentially jeopardizing his availability for important matches. "To burden him with captaincy and then see him end up playing a lot of series and injuring himself would be a huge problem," Karthik added.Karthik's comments come amidst discussions about Bumrah's potential as India's captain following Rohit Sharma's retirement from the T20 format. However, the T20I captaincy was ultimately handed to Suryakumar Yadav, Bumrah's teammate from the Mumbai Indians.Bumrah has previously led India as a stand-in captain during the one-off Test against England at Edgbaston in 2022 and also captained India to a 2-0 series victory in a three-match T20I series against Ireland last year. Despite his success in these limited captaincy stints, Karthik's concerns underscore the importance of carefully managing Bumrah's workload to maximize his effectiveness and longevity in international cricket.

Virat Kohli's dominance in Test cricket reached unprecedented heights from 2016 to 2018, with the former Indian captain amassing over 1000 runs in each of those three years. In 2017, Kohli's brilliance was on full display, as he notched up 1059 runs in 10 Test matches at an astonishing average of 75.64.Kohli's dominance was particularly evident in the Hyderabad Test against Bangladesh in February 2017. In a match that marked Bangladesh's first Test on Indian soil, Kohli unleashed a batting masterclass, scoring a magnificent 204. This double century was his fourth consecutive in four successive series, a feat that surpassed the legendary Don Bradman and Rahul Dravid, who had achieved it in three consecutive series.Kohli's 204, coupled with Murali Vijay's 108, Ajinkya Rahane's 82, and Wriddhiman Saha's unbeaten 106, propelled India to a mammoth first-innings total of 687/6. India became the first team to post three successive scores of 600-plus, piling up an imposing total that left Bangladesh reeling.The Bangladesh bowlers were unable to contain Kohli's onslaught, with Taskin Ahmed, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan, and Taijul Islam all conceding over 100 runs in their toiling spells. On Day 4, Ravichandran Ashwin reached the milestone of 250 Test wickets, becoming the quickest to achieve the landmark.Despite Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim's valiant 127, India's bowlers proved too strong, with Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja taking four wickets each to dismiss Bangladesh for 250. India won by 208 runs, registering their sixth successive series win and extending their unbeaten streak to 19 consecutive Tests.Kohli's performance in the Hyderabad Test was not just a statistical marvel but also a testament to his exceptional batting skills. He broke several records, including:* Scoring a double century in four consecutive Test series, a world record.* Becoming the first Indian captain to score four double centuries, surpassing the combined tally of 31 double centuries scored by all previous Indian captains.* Scoring 1,168 runs in 15 innings at an average of 89.8 in the 2016-17 home season, the most Test runs scored by an Indian in a home season.* Scoring 3,036 runs in international cricket since January 1, 2016, the most by any batsman in the world.* Becoming the only cricketer to average above 75 in all three formats of the game (Tests, ODIs, and T20s) since January 2016.Kohli's dominance in 2017 was a testament to his unwavering determination, exceptional technique, and unwavering belief in his abilities. He set new benchmarks for batting excellence and cemented his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.

Umran Malik Recovers from Dengue, Eyes Duleep Trophy GloryIndian fast bowler Umran Malik has made a full recovery from dengue and is now intensifying his preparations for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, a prestigious domestic red-ball tournament. The 23-year-old pacer, who made his international debut in 2022, has been sidelined due to the illness but has now joined the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to regain his fitness and sharpness."I am feeling much better now and my focus is entirely on preparing for the Duleep Trophy at the NCA," Malik told ANI. "I am confident that I will perform well for my team this season."Malik's return to action is a significant boost for his team, which will be looking to make a strong impact in the Duleep Trophy. The tournament, which begins on September 5, features some of the top international stars and emerging talents from India. It provides a platform for players like Malik to showcase their skills ahead of the international season.Malik has impressed with his raw pace and wicket-taking ability since making his international debut. In 10 One Day Internationals (ODIs), he has claimed 13 wickets, while in eight Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), he has taken 11 wickets. His performances have earned him praise from former cricketers and experts, who believe he has the potential to become a world-class bowler.The Duleep Trophy will be a crucial test for Malik as he looks to cement his place in the Indian team. The tournament will provide him with an opportunity to showcase his skills in red-ball cricket, which is considered the ultimate test for a bowler.Malik's recovery from dengue is a testament to his determination and resilience. He is now fully focused on preparing for the Duleep Trophy and is confident of making a significant contribution to his team's success.

Harry Singh, the son of former Indian cricketer RP Singh Senior, made history by serving as the 12th man for England in their first Test match against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford in Manchester. This marked a significant moment for the young cricketer, who has strong ties to Indian cricket.RP Singh Senior, Harry's father, played for India in two ODIs against Australia in 1986. As a left-arm fast bowler, he had a successful domestic career, representing India in 59 first-class matches, taking 150 wickets, and scoring 1413 runs. After retiring, he moved to England in the late 1990s and became a coach for Lancashire County Cricket Club and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).Harry Singh has inherited his father's passion for cricket and has been making steady progress in his own career. In July 2023, he made his List A debut for Lancashire in the One-Day Cup. In seven matches, he scored 87 runs and claimed two wickets with his off-breaks.Singh's talent was recognized in 2022 when he was selected to represent England's U19 team for their home series against Sri Lanka. His performance in the series caught the attention of the England selectors, who invited him to join the senior team as the 12th man for the first Test against Sri Lanka.Harry Singh's journey to the England Test team is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has followed in his father's footsteps and is now making a name for himself in international cricket. As he continues to develop, he has the potential to become a valuable asset to the England team.

Rahul Dravid, the legendary Indian cricketer and former head coach, has hinted at a possible Bollywood debut during an awards function. With his characteristic wit, Dravid suggested that he might play himself in his biopic if the financial compensation is attractive.During a Q&A session following India's long-awaited ICC T20 World Cup victory over South Africa, Dravid was asked who would portray him in a biopic. With a broad smile, he replied, "If the money is good enough, I will play the role."Dravid's humorous response has sparked interest in the possibility of seeing him on the silver screen. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic brilliance, Dravid recounted the team's journey to T20 World Cup success. He attributed their unbeaten run to consistent preparation and strategy."Honestly, I did not want to do anything different," Dravid said. "We ran a fantastic campaign in the one-day World Cup. The common consensus among the team was that we needed to create the same energy, vibe, and team atmosphere that we had before, and then just hope for a bit of luck."Dravid also shared his unique experience of participating in a World Cup campaign in India as a coach rather than a player. He highlighted the enthusiasm of fans across the country:"To travel all over this country and to experience the joy and passion of the fans was phenomenal. It was incredible to see what this game means to the people of this country."Dravid's witty comment about his potential Bollywood debut has added to his charm and sparked interest in the idea of seeing him on the silver screen.

Shane Warne's Profound Impact on Indian Cricket: Piyush Chawla's Transformative EncounterShane Warne, the legendary Australian leg-spinner, left an indelible mark not only on his home country's cricket but also on the Indian cricketing landscape. Piyush Chawla, a prominent Indian spinner, recently revealed the profound guidance he received from Warne during a pivotal moment in his career.In 2008, Chawla, then an 18-year-old leg-spinner, was struggling to adjust to the demands of the Indian Premier League (IPL). His debut match for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) against Chennai Super Kings proved disastrous, with Michael Hussey's century leaving him demoralized."I got smashed for 20 runs in just one over," Chawla recalled on the 2 Sloggers podcast. "I thought, 'This T20 cricket is not my cup of tea.'"At this critical juncture, Chawla's captain, Yuvraj Singh, intervened and arranged a meeting between him and Warne, despite the language barriers. This encounter proved transformative for Chawla."Warne said so many things to me and made me understand the little things about cricket," Chawla said. "After 40 minutes, I left his room and I felt there is no bowler better than me."Warne's advice rejuvenated Chawla's confidence. In his next match, he delivered an impressive spell of 2/19, showcasing his true potential. This performance marked the beginning of a long and successful IPL career.Seventeen years later, Chawla has become a veteran of the IPL, amassing 192 wickets over his career. He credits Warne's guidance as a pivotal moment in his development as a spinner."Shane Warne's impact on Indian cricket is immense," Chawla said. "He not only inspired me but also countless other young spinners in India."Warne's legacy extends beyond his own playing career. His mentorship of young players, including Chawla, has left a lasting impact on the game of cricket in India and around the world.

Jaydev Unadkat, a highly skilled bowler in India's domestic red-ball circuit, has faced a perplexing career trajectory. Despite consistently taking wickets, he has struggled to earn a permanent spot in the Indian Test team. Even when included in the squad, his playing time has been limited.As the Indian team prepares for the upcoming Test season, the BCCI selectors opted not to include Unadkat in the Duleep Trophy squads. Undeterred, the left-arm pacer signed for English county side Sussex, hoping to showcase his abilities and impress selectors."I'm thrilled to be back here. Hove is my second home. The team has been performing exceptionally this season, and I'm confident we'll secure promotion back to Division One, where we belong," Unadkat said in a video posted by Sussex.In his first season with Sussex, Unadkat made an immediate impact, claiming 11 wickets in four matches. His impressive performances helped the team finish third in Division 2."We are delighted to have Jaydev back for the final five championship matches of the season," said Sussex's head coach, Ian Salisbury. "He not only showcased his exceptional skills on the field but also proved to be a valuable asset to our team. Jaydev is a fantastic individual who shared his knowledge and supported our players."Unadkat was part of the Indian squad that toured the West Indies in 2023. His last appearance for the national team came in the second Test against the West Indies in July 2023.Despite his impressive domestic record and strong performances for Sussex, Unadkat's path to the Indian Test team remains uncertain. However, his determination and unwavering belief in his abilities suggest that he will continue to strive for his ultimate goal of representing India in the longest format of the game.

Rohit Sharma's leadership style has been lauded by his teammates, particularly for its balance of freedom and accountability. As India's captain, Rohit empowers his players to play their natural game while setting clear expectations. He provides constructive feedback when necessary, and his subtle yet telling reactions effectively communicate his message without words.Mohammed Shami, India's star pacer, highlighted this during an award function. He praised Rohit for giving his players the freedom to perform with confidence and without undue pressure. However, Shami also noted that Rohit's reactions can be telling when a player falls short of expectations."The best thing about Rohit is that he gives you freedom," Shami said. "But if you don't meet his expectations, his reactions start to show a bit. He'll tell you that you should have done this or needed to do that.""But if you still don't live up to it, then the reactions we see on the screen, the ones we understand without him saying anything, start to come out," Shami added.Under Rohit's leadership, India secured a memorable victory in the T20 World Cup, breaking the long drought since MS Dhoni's 2007 triumph. India clinched the coveted trophy by defeating South Africa in a thrilling final in Barbados.Rohit's approach to captaincy has been praised by experts and fans alike. He has been credited with creating a positive and supportive environment within the team, which has contributed to India's recent success.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, is eagerly anticipating the upcoming 10-Test season, with the Bangladesh series next month marking his first under the guidance of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. Ashwin holds Gambhir in high regard, describing him as one of the "heroes" of Indian cricket."Gautam is someone I still share a very good relationship with," Ashwin said. "He's a very straightforward and honest guy. I think he's one of those guys that we should always be backing. He's a hero of Indian cricket."Ashwin's early cricketing journey was shaped by WV Raman, his first state team coach. Raman, who was also a contender for the India head coach role, played a pivotal role in Ashwin's development."People can give you a helping hand, but they cannot guide you through your career," Ashwin said. "You have to be open to fresh ideas. WV allowed me the freedom to express myself and try new things. He taught me how and on what path I need to travel, but he never said, 'This is the path you need to travel upon.'"Ashwin emphasized the importance of self-reliance in cricket. "If you don't have awareness of your own game and if you can't teach yourself, I think you are always going to be dependent on someone, which is a very dangerous part," he said. "I am not saying people with coaches don't do well in life, but there is a chance of selling yourself short."Ashwin believes that getting a second opinion is beneficial, but ultimately, cricket is a self-taught sport. "You have to be open to learning from others, but you also have to be able to trust your own instincts," he said.