Cricket

Mumbai's Musheer Khan has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history by surpassing a record previously held by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar during the ongoing Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.The 19-year-old, younger brother of India cricketer Sarfaraz Khan, showcased exceptional skill and composure as he scored a century in Mumbai's second innings of the title clash. In achieving this milestone, Musheer became the youngest batsman from his team to achieve such a feat in a Ranji final, eclipsing Tendulkar's previous record set at the age of 21.Tendulkar's iconic 140 against Punjab in the 1994-95 Ranji Trophy final had remained a benchmark for nearly three decades until Musheer's historic knock. Notably, both instances occurred at the hallowed grounds of the Wankhede Stadium, adding to the significance of Musheer's achievement.Facing the formidable Vidarbha attack, Musheer exhibited maturity beyond his years, patiently accumulating runs before reaching the coveted three-figure mark after negotiating 255 deliveries. The presence of Tendulkar himself at the venue to witness the proceedings of Day 3 added a surreal dimension to Musheer's accomplishment.Prior to his heroics in the Ranji final, Musheer had already made waves on the cricketing scene by representing India at the ICC U-19 World Cup earlier in the year. His stellar performance, amassing 360 runs in the tournament, underscored his potential as one of the brightest talents in Indian cricket.Moreover, Musheer had demonstrated his prowess with the bat during the Ranji Trophy quarter-final clash against Baroda, where he notched up his maiden First-Class century, later converting it into a double-ton with a remarkable 203 off 357 balls.With his elder brother Sarfaraz Khan also making headlines with his exploits in the Test arena, the Khan brothers have become a talking point in Indian cricket circles. Musheer's meteoric rise, coupled with Sarfaraz's success, exemplifies Mumbai's rich cricketing legacy.As Mumbai set their sights on clinching a record-extending 42nd Ranji Trophy title, Musheer Khan's monumental achievement serves as a testament to the city's cricketing prowess and the promising future of Indian cricket.

Rohit Sharma's Inspiring Gesture: Supporting Domestic Cricket at Ranji Trophy FinalIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to domestic cricket by visiting the Wankhede Stadium to support the Mumbai team in the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha. Despite being unavailable to play due to India's upcoming Test match against England, Rohit made a special appearance in the dressing room to offer encouragement and support to his teammates.Rohit's presence at the Ranji Trophy final underscores his belief in the importance of domestic cricket as the foundation of Indian cricket. He has repeatedly emphasized that players should prioritize playing for their state teams when fit, as it provides invaluable experience and helps develop their skills."It is important that we give importance to domestic cricket, which is the core of Indian cricket," Rohit said recently. "When games like that happen, you see the quality and everything coming into display for everyone to watch."Rohit's gesture has been widely praised by fans and commentators alike. His support for domestic cricket sends a strong message to young players about the value of representing their states and contributing to the development of the sport.The Mumbai team, led by Prithvi Shaw, will be looking to secure their 42nd Ranji Trophy title in the final against Vidarbha. Rohit's presence in the dressing room will undoubtedly provide an extra boost of motivation to the players as they strive to achieve their goal.Rohit's commitment to domestic cricket extends beyond his words. He has consistently made time to follow the progress of the Ranji Trophy, including watching the semi-finals involving Mumbai. His dedication to supporting the domestic game is a testament to his passion for Indian cricket and his desire to see it thrive at all levels.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the prodigious Indian opener, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by bagging the coveted ICC Men's Player of the Month award for February 2024. This accolade is a testament to his exceptional performances in the recently concluded five-Test series against England, which was part of the World Test Championship cycle.Jaiswal's meteoric rise to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. In just a handful of international matches, he has showcased an uncanny ability to score runs at a prolific rate. His tally of 560 runs in three Tests during February, at an astonishing average of 112, is a testament to his unwavering consistency.The highlight of Jaiswal's month was his twin double centuries in back-to-back Tests. In the second Test in Vizag, he smashed a majestic 219 in the first innings, setting the tone for India's eventual victory. His second double century, a gritty 214* in the second innings of the third Test in Rajkot, helped India seize the series lead.Jaiswal's exploits in Rajkot were particularly noteworthy. He became the third youngest batter in history to register two double centuries in Test cricket, joining the illustrious ranks of Sir Donald Bradman and Vinod Kambli. He also set a new record for the most sixes in an innings during a Test, further cementing his status as a fearless and aggressive batsman.Beyond his statistical achievements, Jaiswal's performances have been characterized by an unwavering determination and a maturity that belies his age. His ability to handle pressure situations with aplomb has been a key factor in India's recent success in the Test arena.Jaiswal's ICC award is a fitting recognition of his exceptional talent and hard work. It is a testament to his potential to become one of the world's leading Test openers in the years to come. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, the Indian cricket team can look forward to many more memorable performances from this rising star.

Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal's exceptional performance in the recent home series against England has raised expectations for his potential in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. However, former Australian spinner Brad Hogg believes Jaiswal will need to adapt his game to the unique challenges of Australian pitches.Hogg emphasized the need for Jaiswal to develop a new range of shots to counter the pace and bounce of Australian surfaces. He suggested that Jaiswal should utilize the pace of the ball to his advantage by playing hook and pull shots instead of relying solely on power."Jaiswal played exceptionally well. Now how he is going to play when he comes here (Australia), he is going to have to change his game. Maybe look to use the pace while playing hook and pull shots instead of hitting hard," Hogg said on his YouTube channel.Hogg also praised another young Indian batter, Sarfaraz Khan, who made his international debut in the England series. Hogg noted that Khan's impressive shot-making against fast bowlers indicates that he is working on improving his game against pace."Sarfaraz Khan, I was worried about his game against fast bowling. But some of the pull shots he has played against sheer pace, I can say that he has been working on his game. I think he is just about ready to take on Australia's pace attack in Australia with some of the pull shots he has played," Hogg said.Jaiswal and Khan will be key players to watch in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as India aims to retain the trophy on Australian soil. Their ability to adapt to the unique conditions and execute their shots effectively will be crucial to India's success.

Wankhede Stadium: A Testament to Sachin Tendulkar's LegacyThe iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in Indian cricket history, particularly for the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. From his debut at the tender age of 10 to his triumphant farewell in the 2011 World Cup, the stadium has been an integral part of Tendulkar's illustrious career.Built in 1974, the Wankhede Stadium has hosted numerous historic matches, including its first Test in 1975 when West Indies toured India. It has also been the venue for 12 Ranji Trophy finals, including the ongoing clash between Mumbai and Vidarbha.For Sachin Tendulkar, the Wankhede Stadium holds a special significance. It was here that he made his Mumbai debut as a 10-year-old, showcasing his prodigious talent from an early age. The stadium also witnessed his rise to stardom, as he became one of the greatest batsmen of all time.In 2011, the Wankhede Stadium played host to the unforgettable World Cup final, where Tendulkar led India to a historic victory over Sri Lanka. The stadium erupted in jubilation as Tendulkar lifted the trophy, marking the culmination of his illustrious career.On the occasion of the stadium's 50th anniversary, Tendulkar took to social media to express his emotional connection to the Wankhede. "The Wankhede has been my second home," he wrote. "It's where I've shared some of my most precious cricketing moments."The Wankhede Stadium will forever be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history, and it will always be remembered as a testament to the legacy of Sachin Tendulkar.

India head coach Rahul Dravid has urged Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan to prioritize domestic cricket to regain their places in the national team. Both players have been under scrutiny for opting out of domestic cricket in recent months.Dravid emphasized that playing domestic cricket is crucial for players to showcase their skills and force the selectors to consider them. He stated that contracts and selections are not his responsibility but that he values players who demonstrate commitment to domestic cricket.Kishan has not played any BCCI-sanctioned cricket since opting out of the South Africa Test series, while Iyer missed the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals due to back spasms. However, Iyer has since returned to play for Mumbai in the semi-finals and is expected to feature in the final.Dravid acknowledged that both players remain in contention for selection but stressed the importance of them performing well in domestic cricket. He highlighted that there are numerous examples of players who have been selected despite not having contracts.The BCCI recently announced a Test Cricket Incentive Scheme that will increase match fees for players who feature in over 75% of Tests played in a season. Dravid emphasized that this scheme should be viewed as a reward for hard work rather than a financial incentive.He praised the challenges and rewards of Test cricket, noting that it requires special qualities to succeed in the format. Dravid expressed hope that the recognition and support for Test cricket will continue to attract players to the format.

India's coach Rahul Dravid has lauded the selectors for their bold decisions in selecting young players, which played a crucial role in India's 4-1 series victory over Australia. Despite missing several key players due to injuries and workload management, India managed to field five debutants, the joint-highest number after their inaugural series.Dravid acknowledged the selectors' efforts in identifying and pushing for these young talents. "They've pushed us and challenged us to pick some of these young players, and they've picked the right ones," he said. "They've come out here and performed."One of the standout selections was wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who had only 15 first-class matches under his belt. In Pant's absence, Jurel played a pivotal role in preventing India from falling behind in Ranchi, earning him the Player-of-the-Match award.Other young players who stepped up included Yashasvi Jaiswal and Kuldeep Yadav. Jaiswal, with four Tests prior to the series, became only the second Indian batter to score 700 or more in a series. Kuldeep, with eight caps, became the fastest Indian bowler and the second-fastest spinner overall to reach 50 Test wickets.Rohit Sharma, India's captain, praised Jaiswal's aggressive approach and Kuldeep's resilience. "He's got something about him, which we all need to be happy about," Rohit said of Kuldeep. "He has worked hard at NCA and is putting a lot of body into the ball."Rohit also acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead for Jaiswal. "He has come a long way to where he is right now," Rohit said. "So obviously he will understand what he needs to do individually and then what the team expects from him as well."Dravid's praise for the selectors highlights the importance of identifying and nurturing young talent. By giving these players opportunities, India has ensured a strong foundation for the future.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, has etched his name in cricketing history by equaling Muttiah Muralitharan's record for the most wickets in a player's 100th Test match. Ashwin's stellar performance in the fifth and final Test against England in Dharamsala saw him claim nine wickets, achieving the milestone with the dismissal of Ben Foakes on Day 3.Ashwin's remarkable outing commenced in the first innings of the Test, where he displayed his bowling prowess by capturing four crucial wickets, restricting England to a modest total of 218. Despite facing disappointment with the bat, Ashwin quickly shifted gears with the ball as India took the field on the third day.Making an immediate impact, Ashwin struck in his very first over, dismissing Ben Duckett for just two runs with a sublime delivery that shattered the stumps. He continued his dominance by claiming the wicket of Zak Crawley shortly after. In a display of skill and guile, Ashwin outsmarted Ollie Pope with a cleverly bowled short delivery, catching the batsman off guard as he attempted a sweep shot.A pivotal moment arrived just before lunch when Ashwin removed English captain Ben Stokes, delivering a deceptive slider that breached Stokes' defenses and crashed into the stumps. With this feat, Ashwin surpassed Indian legends Anil Kumble and Kapil Dev, who were tied for the most wickets by an Indian in their 100th Test.Minutes into the second session, Ashwin achieved his 36th five-wicket haul by dismissing Ben Foakes, further cementing his place in cricketing history. Ashwin's milestone also marked him as the second Indian player to claim a fifer in their 100th Test, following in the footsteps of Anil Kumble. Interestingly, Ashwin surpassed Kumble for the most five-wicket hauls by an Indian in Test history, showcasing his unparalleled impact in the longest format of the game.With his exceptional performance, Ashwin not only etched his name alongside legends but also reaffirmed his status as one of India's premier spin bowlers of all time. His ability to control the pace and trajectory of the ball, combined with his astute understanding of the game, makes him a formidable opponent for any batting lineup.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled a new 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' to promote the traditional format of the game and provide financial incentives to Indian cricketers. The scheme, effective from the 2022-23 season, offers additional rewards on top of the existing match fee for Test matches.This move aligns with the BCCI's commitment to emphasize Test cricket, which is considered the purest and most challenging format of the game. The scheme aims to encourage budding cricketers to participate in Test matches and develop their skills in the longest format.BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced the initiative on social media, stating that it is a step towards providing financial growth and stability to Indian cricketers. The scheme offers additional rewards for Test matches, which are typically longer and more demanding than other formats.The announcement coincides with India's triumph in the ongoing five-match Test series against England in Dharamsala. India secured a comprehensive victory, defeating England by an innings and 64 runs to clinch the series 4-1.England struggled against India's formidable spin attack, with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin delivering a stellar performance, claiming five wickets for 77 runs in his 100th Test appearance. England's batting faltered, with Joe Root's 84 being the only notable contribution as they were bowled out for 195 in their second innings on day three.The introduction of the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' reflects the BCCI's commitment to nurturing talent and promoting Test cricket's significance in Indian cricketing culture. This initiative is poised to incentivize players and inspire future generations to excel in the longest format of the game.