Cricket

India's wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is set to make a grand return to domestic red-ball cricket in the upcoming Duleep Trophy. Kishan, who last played a domestic game in 2022, will lead Team D in the tournament, which kicks off on September 2024.Prior to the Duleep Trophy, Kishan will lead Jharkhand in the Buchi Babu tournament. The 25-year-old last played for India in the T20I series against Australia in November 2023. He was also part of the team for the subsequent tour of South Africa but withdrew due to personal reasons.Kishan's absence from domestic cricket towards the end of the 2023-24 season proved costly, as he was removed from the central contract list for not prioritizing domestic cricket. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized the importance of Kishan playing domestic cricket to regain his place in the Indian side.The Duleep Trophy marks the start of the new domestic season and will feature some of the finest players from the international circuit and emerging talents. The tournament will be played in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, and Bengaluru, Karnataka.Despite reports that senior players might be picked for the Duleep Trophy, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravichandran Ashwin have not been selected. Shubman Gill, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shreyas Iyer will captain the four teams.Kishan's decision to participate in the Duleep Trophy is a significant step in his bid to regain his place in the Indian team. He has featured in two Tests, 17 ODIs, and 11 T20Is for India in 2023 and was part of the squad that reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, is expected to return for the three-Test series against New Zealand starting on October 16. However, he may be rested for the two Tests against Bangladesh in September. The Indian team management and selectors are considering adding a left-arm seam and swing bowler to the pace attack for greater variation.Arshdeep Singh, a regular in the T20 format, and Khaleel Ahmed, who is highly rated but injury-prone, are the two main contenders for the left-arm seamer role. Arshdeep has experience playing County cricket for Kent, while Khaleel has shown improvement but can be erratic.In terms of Bumrah's availability, the decision will ultimately depend on his fitness. The team management is keen to have him fully fit for the five-Test series against Australia Down Under.Meanwhile, Ajay Ratra is the frontrunner to become the North Zone national selector. Salil Ankola's term has ended, and Ratra, a former India wicketkeeper, is expected to fill the vacant slot.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020. Despite his retirement, Dhoni's impact on the sport continues to resonate, particularly through his role in shaping the careers of numerous current Indian cricketers.Dhoni's leadership and cricketing acumen have earned him a legendary status in the sport. He has been instrumental in grooming players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shikhar Dhawan. Dhoni's belief in young players and his patience with them have allowed many to flourish under his guidance.Rohit Sharma, the current Indian captain, credits Dhoni for playing a pivotal role in his career. In a video shared by Star Sports, Rohit recalls Dhoni's ability to encourage and support young players, regardless of their performance. This unwavering support has been crucial in fostering a sense of confidence and security among the team members.Dhoni's deep understanding of the game and his ability to read match situations made him a master strategist. His field placements, bowling changes, and match tactics often caught the opposition off guard. His calmness allowed him to think ahead and plan for various scenarios.Dhoni's captaincy transformed the Indian team into a formidable unit, both at home and abroad. His leadership style has influenced a generation of cricketers, and he remains a role model for captains around the world. As one of India's most successful cricket captains, Dhoni led the team to victories in all three major ICC tournaments: the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.Dhoni's legacy as one of the greatest captains in the history of cricket is cemented by his success in international cricket and the IPL. His calm and composed approach, sharp decision-making, and ability to stay cool under pressure have earned him immense respect from his peers and fans alike.

On August 15, 2020, former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket in a characteristically unexpected manner. A post on his Instagram account, accompanied by images from his illustrious career, simply stated, "Thanks - Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired."Dhoni's retirement marked the end of an era for Indian cricket. Having already retired from Test cricket in 2014, he chose to step away from international cricket altogether while continuing to play for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Dhoni's legacy as a captain is unparalleled. He led India to victory in all three major ICC tournaments: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He also held the Test mace for a period of time.Throughout his career, Dhoni played 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20Is, amassing 4876, 10773, and 1617 runs respectively. His tally of runs in international cricket included 16 centuries, and he made significant contributions as a wicketkeeper.Just minutes after Dhoni's announcement, his close friend and India teammate Suresh Raina followed suit, retiring from international cricket as well. Raina had been a key member of Dhoni-led teams that won the ODI World Cup and the Champions Trophy.Dhoni's retirement leaves a void in Indian cricket, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players. His calm demeanor, strategic brilliance, and unwavering determination have made him one of the most respected and successful captains in the history of the game.

Venkatesh Iyer, the Indian all-rounder, is making waves in England's domestic cricket scene as he represents Lancashire in the One-Day Cup. This stint marks Iyer's maiden experience in English county cricket, providing him with an invaluable opportunity to hone his skills in diverse playing conditions.In Lancashire's match against Worcestershire at Old Trafford, Iyer showcased his batting prowess, scoring 25 runs. However, it was his bowling performance that stole the show. With Worcestershire needing just 4 runs off the last 8 balls, Iyer stepped up to the challenge.Despite conceding boundaries on his first two deliveries, Iyer remained composed. He then dismissed Tom Hinley and Harry Darley in consecutive balls, turning the tide of the match. Worcestershire was eventually bowled out for 234, handing Lancashire a thrilling 3-run victory.Iyer's performance highlights the benefits of playing in county cricket for subcontinent cricketers. The challenging conditions in England, including seaming pitches and overcast weather, provide a unique test for players. For Iyer, this experience will be crucial in refining his game, particularly against the moving ball.During his time with Lancashire, Iyer will have the privilege of playing alongside and against some of England's finest cricketers. This exposure will enhance his cricketing knowledge and adaptability, making him a more well-rounded player.Iyer's stint in county cricket is expected to contribute significantly to his growth as an all-rounder. His performances will not only benefit Lancashire but also the Kolkata Knight Riders, his Indian Premier League franchise, and the Indian national team.

Rishabh Pant, India's star wicketkeeper-batter, is set to make his long-awaited return to red-ball cricket in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, which marks the commencement of India's 2024-25 domestic season on September 5. This will be Pant's first first-class appearance since his horrific car accident in December 2022.Pant's inclusion in the Duleep Trophy squad is a significant development, as it signals his recovery from the injuries sustained in the accident. He has been undergoing rehabilitation and training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and is now deemed fit to return to competitive cricket.However, Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, will not be part of any of the four Duleep Trophy squads. Shami is nearing full fitness and has begun bowling at full tilt, but he is targeting a comeback during the two-Test series against Bangladesh from September 19. He will continue his training under the NCA's supervision in Bengaluru.The Duleep Trophy squads also feature the return of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who had lost their central contracts for not prioritizing domestic cricket last season. Other top players included in the squads are KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, and Kuldeep Yadav.Notably, Test captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah have been given an extended break ahead of India's home season. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who has been sidelined with a quadriceps tendon injury since January 2024, is also set to make a comeback in the Duleep Trophy.The selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, has rewarded domestic form, as evidenced by the inclusion of Mumbai all-rounder Musheer Khan. The 19-year-old had a breakout year, playing a key role in India's Under-19 World Cup squad and Mumbai's Ranji Trophy triumph.All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been included subject to fitness, as he is recovering from a sports hernia surgery in June.The Duleep Trophy 2024-25 squads are as follows:Team A: Shubman Gill (capt), Mayank Agarwal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel (wk), KL Rahul, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Tanush Kotian, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan, Vidwath Kaverappa, Kumar Kushagra, Shaswat Rawat.Team B: Abhimanyu Easwaran (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Musheer Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy (subject to fitness), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd Siraj, Yash Dayal, Mukesh Kumar, Rahul Chahar, R Sai Kishore, Mohit Awasthi, N Jagadeesan (wk)Team C: Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Abishek Porel (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, B Indrajith, Hrithik Shokeen, Manav Suthar, Umran Malik, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Anshul Khamboj, Himanshu Chauhan, Mayank Markande, Aryan Juyal (wk), Sandeep WarrierTeam D: Shreyas Iyer (capt), Atharva Taide, Yash Dubey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ricky Bhui, Saransh Jain, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Aditya Thakare, Harshit Rana, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Sengupta, KS Bharat (wk), Saurabh Kumar

Sachin Tendulkar's Maiden International Century: A Defining Moment in Cricket HistoryOn August 14, 1990, at the iconic Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester, a young Sachin Tendulkar etched his name into the annals of cricket history by scoring his maiden international century. This remarkable achievement marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would redefine the sport.At just 17 years of age, Tendulkar faced a daunting task. India, trailing in the second Test against England, needed to bat out the final day to avoid defeat. With the pressure mounting, Tendulkar stepped up to the plate and delivered an unforgettable performance.His unbeaten 119 was a testament to his composure, technique, and maturity beyond his years. Tendulkar's innings was a masterclass in batting, showcasing his ability to play shots all around the wicket with ease. He dominated the English bowlers, hitting 16 fours and 2 sixes.This century was not just a personal milestone for Tendulkar but also a turning point for Indian cricket. It signaled the arrival of a generational talent who would go on to become one of the greatest batsmen of all time.Tendulkar's maiden century was the first of his 51 Test centuries, a record that remains unmatched. He also holds the record for the most runs in international cricket, with over 34,000 runs across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.Beyond his statistical achievements, Tendulkar's impact on cricket is immeasurable. He is celebrated for his humility, sportsmanship, and the inspiration he provided to countless cricketers around the world. His technique, consistency, and adaptability made him a role model for aspiring cricketers.Tendulkar's retirement from international cricket in 2013 marked the end of an era. However, his legacy continues to inspire and motivate cricketers and fans alike. His maiden international century remains a defining moment in cricket history, a testament to the brilliance and determination of one of the greatest players to ever grace the game.

Wriddhiman Saha, the veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter, has made a triumphant return to the West Bengal cricket team after a two-year stint with Tripura. Saha, who originally played for Bengal from 2007 to 2022, rejoined the team with aspirations of leading them to victory in major domestic tournaments.Saha's departure from Bengal in 2022 was prompted by a public fallout with a Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) official, who accused him of fabricating excuses to skip Ranji Trophy matches. This dispute led Saha to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) to play for Tripura."After playing for almost 15 years with the West Bengal cricket team, I played for the Tripura cricket team for two years. Now I have returned to play for the West Bengal cricket team... As a wicket-keeper batsman, I will try my best to help the team win major tournaments," Saha told ANI.Saha's return to Bengal is seen as a significant boost to the team's prospects in the upcoming domestic season. His experience and leadership will be invaluable assets to the team, which is aiming to win its first Ranji Trophy title since 1990.CAB president Snehasish Ganguly welcomed Saha's return, praising his impressive record of 40 Tests for India. "When Saha is there, he always gives his 200 percent. We are very focused on domestic cricket. We have a very good side this time," Ganguly said.Saha last played for India in 2021, scoring 1,353 runs in 40 Tests, which includes three centuries and six fifties. He has also represented India in five ODIs.Saha's return to Bengal is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game and his desire to contribute to the success of his home state. His experience and leadership will be crucial as Bengal looks to challenge for domestic supremacy in the upcoming season.

Former Indian cricket legend Harbhajan Singh believes that Virat Kohli's exceptional physical condition will allow him to continue playing international cricket for another five years. He also expressed his opinion that Rohit Sharma, the current captain of the Indian team in both Test and ODI formats, can continue playing for at least two more years.Harbhajan emphasized Kohli's remarkable fitness, stating that he is "probably the fittest guy in the team." He believes that Kohli's fitness will enable him to withstand the rigors of international cricket for an extended period.Regarding Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan said, "Rohit can easily play for two more years." He highlighted the importance of experience in Test cricket, stating that both Kohli and Sharma are crucial players in this format.Harbhajan stressed the need for selectors to balance experience with performance. He said, "If someone is not performing well, they should be dropped, whether they are senior players or juniors." However, he emphasized that as long as players are fit and contributing, they should continue to be selected.Harbhajan also acknowledged the hunger and determination of younger players, saying, "Youngsters have much more hunger than the seniors." He praised the opportunities being given to Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill.Despite India's recent 0-2 defeat against Sri Lanka in the ODI series, Harbhajan downplayed its significance. He said, "It was one of those things. Sometimes you win it, sometimes you lose it. It's sports after all." He commended Sri Lanka for playing better than India.