Cricket

Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has sparked a social media frenzy with a viral post featuring himself alongside legendary South African speedster Dale Steyn. The image, captioned "Goat," has garnered immense attention, highlighting the mutual respect between the two bowling greats.Bumrah, who is expected to lead India in the upcoming Test series against Australia, has had numerous encounters with Steyn on the field, both in international matches and the Indian Premier League. However, they have never shared a dressing room.Steyn, who retired from international cricket in 2021, holds the record as South Africa's most successful Test pacer. His exceptional pace and swing bowling have earned him widespread recognition as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time.Meanwhile, Bumrah is poised to take over the captaincy mantle for India in the opening Test against Australia, scheduled to begin on November 22 in Perth. Regular skipper Rohit Sharma is likely to miss the game due to personal reasons.Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has advocated for Bumrah to lead the team for the entire series if Rohit is unavailable. He believes that Rohit should focus solely on playing in the series.However, former Australia captain Aaron Finch has expressed a different view. Finch believes that Rohit deserves ample time with his family if he is expecting a child.Bumrah's leadership qualities have been evident in his role as vice-captain of the Indian team. His calm demeanor, tactical acumen, and ability to inspire his teammates make him a strong candidate for the captaincy role.The upcoming Test series against Australia will be a significant challenge for India, and Bumrah's leadership will be crucial in guiding the team to success. His experience, skill, and determination will be invaluable assets as India aims to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Former South African captain AB de Villiers has expressed his admiration for Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who has been excelling in his new role as opener in the national T20I set-up. De Villiers revealed that he and Samson have been in touch for a while, and suggested that something has changed in the latter's game.Samson has smashed two centuries in as many games in the format, including a 50-ball 107 with the help of 10 sixes and 7 fours in the series opener against South Africa on Friday. De Villiers believes that Samson has discovered "another gear" in his game."He scored a 100 once at the Chinnaswamy Stadium against RCB, I was on the park and I realized that day, that this guy is something special and he is proving me right," de Villiers said in a video on his YouTube channel. "For those of you who have followed Sanju Samson, I haven't often seen him bat at a strike rate of more than 200, he is generally more conservative, he is usually between 140-160 and both these hundreds he has scored back-to-back have been very very fast and especially this last hundred."De Villiers doesn't feel that the current Indian team management has had any influence in Samson's redemption. Instead, he believes that Samson has reached a point in his career where he can only improve and take his batting to another level."Something has triggered there, something has clicked in his game which is absolutely great to watch," de Villiers said. "The thing about him is that he makes it effortless out there. I don't see much experimentation going out there. Not a lot of creativity in terms of funny shots, doesn't seem that he wants to entertain the crowd and please someone, he just sticks in his little bubble and he just is easy on the eye.""Sanju has upped the gear in his game. I hope the selectors are watching this for all the formats. I want to see this guy play all the formats. I think he is someone who is really really special, someone who can play all the formats, in all conditions around the world. Something has clicked in the Sanju Samson world, whether it's the coaching staff, I doubt it. No disrespect to VVS Laxman, Gautam Gambhir, Ryan ten Doeschate and Morne Morkel, whoever is a part of the coaching group. I just feel that this guy has reached the maturity point, he has realized something. It is exciting to all of us Samson fans. I think there is another gear, a sixth gear, I want to see it unfold."

Arshdeep Singh, India's star pacer, is on the cusp of etching his name in the record books as he stands just five wickets away from surpassing Bhuvneshwar Kumar's record for most wickets by an Indian bowler in T20Is during a single calendar year. With 33 wickets in 21 T20Is this year, Arshdeep has an average of 18.12 and best bowling figures of 4/37.Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the previous record holder, had taken 37 wickets in 32 matches at an average of 19.56, with best figures of 5/4 in 2022. Arshdeep will have the opportunity to break this record when India faces South Africa in the second T20I of the four-match series at Gqeberha on Sunday.In the first T20I, India emerged victorious by 61 runs, with Arshdeep playing a pivotal role. He bowled a spell of 1/25 in three overs, claiming the wicket of South African skipper Aiden Markram.The highest wickets taken by any bowler in T20Is during a calendar year belongs to Uganda's Alpesh Ramjani, who took 55 wickets in 30 matches at an average of 11.29 and best figures of 4/9 last year.

Amidst Abhishek Sharma's inconsistent start to his T20I career, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Robin Uthappa has advocated for the team management to grant the young opener a free role. Despite scoring a century in just his second T20I match, Abhishek's recent performances have raised concerns. In nine T20I innings, he has managed only 166 runs at an underwhelming average of 20.75.Uthappa believes that the team should emulate the approach taken with Virender Sehwag in the early 2000s, where he was given the freedom to express himself. "I won't look for too much consistency with someone like him. I would like to leave him as free as possible, like a Virender Sehwag perhaps in the early 2000s, where people were like 'just go and enjoy yourself'," Uthappa told Jio Cinema.Uthappa emphasized that he is not overly concerned about Abhishek's consistency, as the team has assigned him a specific role of attacking the bowlers from the outset. "Because if it comes, it's a match-winning hundred or 80, if he gets a quick start, he is still serving the purpose towards the team. So the role is defined. I wouldn't worry too much about consistency when it comes to Abhishek," he added.Abhishek's breakthrough season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year caught the attention of the selectors. He scored 484 runs in 16 matches at an average of 32.26, helping SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) reach the final.Meanwhile, Sanju Samson's second consecutive T20I century powered India to a 61-run victory in the first of four matches against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday. Opening batter Samson struck 10 sixes and seven fours in a spectacular innings of 107 off 50 balls, contributing to India's total of 202-8.Leg-spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi combined to take six wickets as South Africa crumbled to 141 all out.

India's upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia has taken on heightened significance following their 3-0 loss to New Zealand. To qualify for the World Test Championship final without relying on other teams, India must defeat Australia in at least four of the five Tests.Amidst this crucial series, reports emerged that skipper Rohit Sharma might miss the first Test due to personal reasons. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar suggested that if Sharma is unavailable for the first two Tests, the team should appoint a new captain for the entire series.However, former Australian captain Aaron Finch disagreed with Gavaskar's opinion. Finch emphasized the importance of supporting Sharma during a significant personal moment, stating that he should take all the time he needs.Sharma's wife, Ritika Sajdeh, expressed her appreciation for Finch's stance. She reacted with a 'salute' emoji on an Instagram post highlighting both Gavaskar and Finch's comments.The debate over Sharma's potential absence has sparked discussions about the importance of leadership and team unity. Gavaskar believes that a captain is essential to guide the team, especially after a disappointing series loss. Finch, on the other hand, prioritizes personal well-being and believes that Sharma should not be penalized for attending to family matters.As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, the Indian team faces a crucial decision regarding Sharma's availability. The outcome of the series will have a significant impact on their chances of reaching the World Test Championship final.

Former Indian all-rounders Yuvraj Singh and Ravi Shastri have heaped praise on wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson for his scintillating century in the first T20I against South Africa. Samson's blistering knock of 107 off just 50 balls powered India to a commanding 61-run victory in Durban.Samson, who has been given a new lease of life as an opener, has now become the first Indian and fourth overall to score consecutive centuries in T20Is. His remarkable feat has earned him accolades from cricket legends."Sanju you beauty! Such a treat to watch that stroke play Very well played @IamSanjuSamson #IndVSSa," tweeted Yuvraj Singh.Ravi Shastri also took to Twitter to express his admiration for Samson's performance. "Sanjooo..... Samsonnn. Special. #SanjuSamson #SAvsIND," he wrote.Samson's century in Durban was his second in as many games, having scored 111 against Bangladesh in Hyderabad last month. Prior to Samson, only Gustav Mckeon (France), Rilee Rossouw (South Africa), and Phil Salt (England) had achieved the rare feat of scoring consecutive T20I centuries.Samson's knock was particularly impressive considering the self-doubt he had faced in the past about his ability to replicate his IPL success at the international level."Honestly in my career, I have had more failures than success. When you go through those failures, you start doubting yourself. People obviously say things, social media definitely plays its role, and then you also start thinking about it," Samson said after the match."It's like 'Sanju, are you not made for international level? You are doing well in the IPL, why is it not happening in international (cricket)?' I did have lots of thoughts, but after so many years of experience, I know my abilities."Samson's confidence and determination have paid off, and he is now proving to be a valuable asset for the Indian team. His ability to score runs quickly and consistently makes him a dangerous player in the shortest format of the game.

Sanju Samson's historic feat in Durban has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket. The 29-year-old became the first Indian to score back-to-back T20I centuries, a testament to his exceptional batting prowess.Samson's century against South Africa came on the heels of his scintillating 111 against Bangladesh in the previous T20I. He reached the milestone in just 47 balls, smashing 7 fours and 9 sixes. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, leaving the South African bowlers in awe.Samson's achievement is even more remarkable considering he has grabbed the opportunity presented by the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from T20I cricket. He has consistently performed in the shortest format, earning him a place in the Indian top order.The Kerala-born batsman is now part of an elite group of cricketers who have scored T20I centuries in consecutive matches. He joins England's Phil Salt, South Africa's Rilee Rossouw, and France's Gustav McKeon in this exclusive club.Samson's rise to prominence has been meteoric. He captained Rajasthan Royals to two IPL playoffs in the past three seasons, showcasing his leadership qualities and batting brilliance. His retention by the franchise for Rs 18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction is a testament to his value.In the first T20I against South Africa, India won the toss and chose to bat first. Samson's century laid the foundation for a strong total, which India eventually defended to win the match.Samson's historic achievement is a proud moment for Indian cricket. It highlights the depth of talent in the country and the emergence of a new generation of stars. As India looks to build a formidable team for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Samson's batting prowess will be crucial.

Sanju Samson Surpasses Dhoni and Pant, Joins Elite List of Indian Wicket-Keepers in T20IsNew Delhi: Indian batter Sanju Samson has etched his name in the record books by surpassing legendary wicket-keepers MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant in the shortest format of the game. During the first T20I against South Africa, Samson recorded his third 50+ score in T20Is, joining the likes of Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul, who also have three such scores as wicket-keepers for India.Samson's milestone came during an aggressive innings against South Africa, where he showcased his power and precision. The standout moment of his knock was when he smashed back-to-back sixes off Nqabayomzi Peter, reaching his half-century with a brilliant pull shot that sent the ball soaring in front of square.Samson's fifty came off just 27 balls, and his aggressive approach quickly put South Africa under pressure after they opted to bowl first. His remarkable strike rate of over 150 demonstrated his attacking mindset, as he carved up the South African bowlers with ease.Despite the early fall of Abhishek Sharma at 24, Samson and his partner Suryakumar Yadav took control, accelerating India's score and keeping a run rate of around 10 per over. Samson's innings played a crucial role in India's eventual victory, as they chased down South Africa's total of 106 with ease.With this feat, Samson has established himself as one of the most promising wicket-keepers in Indian cricket. His ability to combine aggressive batting with reliable glovework makes him a valuable asset to the team. As he continues to develop, Samson has the potential to become one of the best wicket-keepers in the world.

Virat Kohli, the beloved Indian cricket icon, was showered with love and admiration by his ardent fans at an event hosted by HSBC on November 7. The occasion marked a heartwarming celebration of Kohli's recent birthday, which fell on November 5.As Kohli graced the stage, the crowd erupted in a spontaneous rendition of "Happy Birthday," their voices echoing through the venue. The cricketer, visibly moved by the gesture, couldn't help but smile. Event host Gaurav Kapur, recognizing the special moment, reminded the audience of Kohli's birthday, prompting an even louder chorus of well wishes.Kohli's reaction to the outpouring of affection was a testament to his humility and genuine appreciation for his fans. He politely requested the crowd to stop singing, saying, "That's enough, thank you." However, the crowd's enthusiasm was infectious, and they continued to serenade him.The internet was abuzz with reactions to the heartwarming moment, with fans expressing their admiration for Kohli's down-to-earth nature. Many commented on his shy demeanor, which they found endearing.Kohli's birthday celebration came amidst a busy schedule for the Indian cricket team. The team is currently engaged in a Test series against New Zealand, with a subsequent series against Australia on the horizon. Kohli is expected to play a pivotal role in both series, particularly in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.Despite a challenging year in Test cricket, Kohli remains determined to improve his performance. He will be eager to make a significant contribution to India's quest for a fifth consecutive Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory.Beyond the Test series, Kohli's focus will also shift to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. He has been retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for INR 21 crore, and rumors suggest that he may return as captain of the franchise.The IPL 2025 mega auction coincides with the dates of the first Test between India and Australia in Perth. Kohli will have to balance his commitments to the national team and his IPL franchise during this period.