Cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian off-spinner, is set to play his 100th Test match, a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. As he embarks on this milestone, it's worth revisiting the qualities that have made him one of the greats of the game.From a young age, Ashwin displayed an uncanny intelligence and competitive spirit. His childhood coach, Sunil Subramaniam, was immediately impressed by his intuitive understanding of the game and his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. Ashwin's height and long, strong fingers gave him a unique advantage, allowing him to extract bounce and generate significant spin.Throughout his career, Ashwin has constantly pushed the boundaries of spin bowling. He has mastered the art of setting up batters, making it almost impossible for even the best players to score against him. His ability to drift the ball away from right-handers has become a trademark, and he has perfected it over the years.Despite injuries and periods of downtime, Ashwin has remained at the forefront of spin bowling. Subramaniam believes that his peak came between his 200th and 350th Test wickets, when he became a master at setting up and dismissing top batters.Ashwin himself acknowledges the challenges he has faced, but he emphasizes that the journey has been special. He has learned from his mistakes and used them to fuel his determination to innovate and stay relevant.As he prepares for his 100th Test, Ashwin's mind is focused on the task at hand. He is a true competitor who thrives on the big stage. His journey has been one of ups and downs, but it has also been a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering spirit.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, has set an unparalleled benchmark for finishers in the game. His exceptional batting style has often rescued the Indian team from precarious situations. Despite not being a technically proficient batter in the conventional sense, Dhoni's effectiveness has been undeniable, both for India and the Chennai Super Kings.Recently, Sunil Gavaskar, the iconic former Indian cricketer, drew comparisons between Dhoni and a rising star, Dhruv Jurel. During the fourth Test in Ranchi, Jurel's composed batting after the fall of the top order prompted Gavaskar to make the bold claim."Watching Dhruv Jurel's presence of mind makes me think he's the next MS Dhoni in the making," Gavaskar said during commentary. "I know it's a big claim, but when Dhoni was young, he showed the same presence of mind."Gavaskar has since elaborated on his comments, explaining that Jurel's game awareness and adaptability remind him of Dhoni. "The way he thinks about the game, assesses the situation, and bats accordingly gives me the MS Dhoni feels," Gavaskar said. "He can hit a six and then rotate the strike with ones and twos. Even in keeping, his quick reflexes and brilliant catches are reminiscent of Dhoni."Gavaskar believes that Jurel has the potential to emulate Dhoni's success, albeit in his own unique way. "No one can become MS Dhoni," he said. "But if Jurel can manage to do even some portion of the things Dhoni did, it would be great for Indian cricket."Gavaskar also sees Jurel as a potential option for the Indian team in shorter formats. "His ability to hit sixes with ease shows that he has the game for T20s and ODIs," Gavaskar said. "If he gets a chance, he will likely bat at No. 5 or 6 as a finisher, just like Dhoni."Jurel's IPL form will be crucial in determining his future prospects. "Form is very important," Gavaskar said. "But the ease with which he is hitting sixes shows that he has the game for shorter formats."

Ravichandran Ashwin, the seasoned off-spinner, is poised to make his 100th Test appearance for India in the upcoming match against England in Dharamsala. His journey to this milestone has been marked by remarkable achievements, including surpassing the 500-wicket mark in the third Test in Rajkot.Ashwin's success stems from his astute intellect and insatiable curiosity for experimentation. He is constantly striving to outwit opposing batsmen, meticulously observing their cues and adapting his bowling accordingly. His sharp mind and unwavering commitment to his craft have made him a formidable force in the game.Cheteshwar Pujara, Ashwin's longtime national teammate, has witnessed firsthand his exceptional abilities. In a column for 'ESPNcricinfo', Pujara praised Ashwin's ability to read batters and his willingness to innovate. He highlighted Ashwin's meticulous preparation, citing an example of how he studied videos of Steve Smith before India's tour of Australia in 2020-21.Pujara also described Ashwin's duels against star England batter Joe Root as a "battle of wills." Ashwin's tactic of keeping Root on strike and denying him singles has proven effective, forcing the English batsman to defend and react to Ashwin's variations.Beyond his cricketing prowess, Ashwin is known for his intelligence and wit. Pujara described him as "very smart" with an impressive vocabulary. However, Ashwin is also a good sport, despite his competitive nature.Off the field, Ashwin is a voracious reader, enjoys chess online, and is always open to learning new things. His insatiable curiosity and commitment to excellence extend beyond the cricket pitch.As Ashwin prepares for his 100th Test, he stands as a testament to the power of innovation, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of success. His contributions to Indian cricket have been immense, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of bowlers to come.

Rinku Singh: The Rising Star of Indian CricketThe Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a breeding ground for young talent, and Rinku Singh is one such player who has emerged as a force to reckon with. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter has grabbed the attention of fans and experts alike with his aggressive batting style and match-winning performances.Rinku's rise to prominence began in the 2022 IPL season, where he smashed five sixes in an over against Gujarat Titans' Yash Dayal. This audacious display of power-hitting earned him a place in the Indian team, where he made his T20I debut against Ireland.Since then, Rinku has played 15 T20Is for India, scoring 356 runs with two half-centuries. He has also played two ODIs, scoring 55 runs. His consistent performances have earned him praise from former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, who hailed him as a "match-winner."Rinku's popularity extends beyond the cricket field. His humble nature and extraordinary style of play have made him a fan favorite. A recent video posted by KKR on Instagram showed fans jumping and excitedly meeting Rinku during a practice session, eager to get his autograph and take photographs.In the 2023 IPL season, Rinku played 14 matches for KKR, scoring 474 runs at a strike rate of 149.53. His tally included four half-centuries. His performances helped KKR reach the playoffs, where they were eventually eliminated by Rajasthan Royals.Rinku's success is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has worked tirelessly to improve his skills and has shown a willingness to learn and adapt. As he continues to develop, Rinku has the potential to become one of the most exciting players in Indian cricket.

Legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble has heaped praise on young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, comparing him to the legendary MS Dhoni. Jurel made a remarkable Test debut in the third match against England at Rajkot, scoring a valuable 46 off 104 balls. He followed it up with a match-winning performance in the fourth Test in Ranchi.Kumble, speaking to JioCinema, lauded Jurel's temperament and technique. "Dhruv Jurel certainly has all the credentials to get to where MS (Dhoni) reached in his career," Kumble said. "He's not just shown the temperament of his technique to defend but even when he's attacking. Even in that first innings, he was very assured, he went after and then hit those big sixes."Kumble also praised Jurel's glovework, particularly against pacers. "He has (Jurel) been exceptional, especially of the faster bowlers...He is only going to improve. This is only his second Test and I am sure as he starts playing more and more he'll only get better. And it only augers well for India. And to have him in a squad is exceptional," he elaborated.Jurel's contributions were crucial in India's victory in the fourth Test. In the first inning, his knock of 90 runs and a 76-run partnership with Kuldeep Yadav pulled India out of a difficult situation and reduced England's lead to just 46 runs. Later, his 39* in the second innings and partnership with Shubman Gill helped India overcome the pressure of quick wickets and pull off a tense run chase of 192 runs. He earned the 'Player of the Match' award for his efforts in only his second Test.Jurel will be in action again in the fifth and final Test to be played at Dharamshala from March 7. His performances have raised expectations, and he is seen as a potential successor to Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020.

Former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has shed light on his decision to appoint Rohit Sharma as the captain of the Indian men's cricket team, replacing Virat Kohli. Ganguly, who was the BCCI chief at the time, revealed that he saw immense potential in Rohit, particularly considering his impressive record in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Ganguly praised Rohit's leadership skills, highlighting his ability to guide India to the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup on home soil. Despite losing to Australia in the final, Ganguly believes India was the strongest team in the tournament. He expressed his admiration for Rohit's calm and composed demeanor during the high-pressure event."I am not surprised by the way he led," Ganguly said. "He became the captain when I was the BCCI president, and I am not surprised by the way he has led the team. I made him the Indian captain because I saw the talent in him, and I am not surprised by what he has done."Rohit's recent achievements include leading India to a 17th consecutive Test series win on home soil. After losing the opening match against England in Hyderabad, India has bounced back to take a 3-1 lead in the series.Meanwhile, Rohit has relinquished his captaincy at Mumbai Indians to Hardik Pandya. Hardik, who led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in 2022, will now take charge of the five-time champions.

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes that the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) presents a golden opportunity for Ishan Kishan to reignite his career after being omitted from the BCCI's central contract list for 2023-2024.Kishan, 25, has been absent from the domestic circuit, citing personal reasons, despite not being on national duty since the tour of South Africa in December 2022. Chopra believes that this absence has fueled Kishan's hunger to prove himself."Ishan Kishan will be hungry, as he has not got a central contract. This is the only thing he is playing. What else is he playing?" Chopra said in a YouTube video.Chopra also highlighted Kishan's absence from the recent Test series against England, emphasizing that the IPL provides him with a platform to showcase his abilities and potentially earn a recall to the national team."Either he has himself opted not to play, or he won't be selected now. So this is his chance. If you make the IPL your own, you have chances of going forward. Then there is, of course, Wankhede's flat pitch. The ball will come nicely onto the bat and go far," Chopra added.The BCCI's decision to exclude Kishan from the central contract list has raised questions about his future prospects. However, Chopra believes that the IPL can serve as a catalyst for Kishan's resurgence."This is a big opportunity for Ishan Kishan. He has to make the most of it. He has to score runs, win matches, and show that he is still a force to be reckoned with," Chopra concluded.

Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian cricketer, recently drew comparisons between young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel and the iconic MS Dhoni. Jurel's impressive performance in the fourth Test against England in Ranchi, where he played a crucial knock of 90, prompted Gavaskar's remarks.Gavaskar emphasized that while there can never be another Dhoni, Jurel has exhibited signs of a promising future in Indian cricket. "No one can become MS Dhoni. There is only one MS Dhoni. But if Jurel can manage to do even some portion of the things Dhoni did then it would be great for Indian cricket," Gavaskar said.Jurel, who expressed gratitude towards Gavaskar for his remarks, has garnered attention with his consistent performances since his debut in Rajkot. The 23-year-old cricketer, previously a member of India's U19 World Cup team in 2020, has showcased his talent with notable contributions in domestic and IPL cricket.Gavaskar further emphasized that Jurel's performance in the upcoming IPL will be crucial in determining his prospects for the T20 World Cup. "If he gets a chance then he will bat at No.5 or 6 only, as a finisher. We've seen how Dhoni did coming in to bat that number in the last 4-5 overs of the innings. The same will be expected from him," stated Gavaskar.Jurel's ability to play under pressure and his match awareness have drawn comparisons to Dhoni. However, Gavaskar cautioned against putting too much pressure on the young player. "We should not put too much pressure on him. He is still young and has a long way to go. But he has shown that he has the potential to be a great player," said Gavaskar.Jurel's journey has been marked by hard work and dedication. He has spent countless hours honing his skills and has always been eager to learn from experienced players. His performances have earned him praise from coaches and teammates alike.As Jurel continues to develop, he will undoubtedly face challenges and setbacks. However, his determination and resilience will serve him well as he strives to reach the pinnacle of Indian cricket.

The Indian cricket board's (BCCI) recent decision to withhold central contracts from Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan for skipping the Ranji Trophy has sparked a debate about the relative importance of the domestic tournament and the Indian Premier League (IPL).While the IPL undoubtedly offers greater financial rewards and media attention, former India opener Devang Gandhi, who served on the senior selection committee until 2020, argues that Ranji Trophy performances remain paramount for Test team selection. He cites examples of Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Mohammed Siraj, who all played significant red-ball cricket before earning national call-ups.However, there have been exceptions, such as Ajinkya Rahane's selection for the World Test Championship final after a strong IPL season. Gandhi suggests that this was due to Rahane's proven track record in England, rather than solely his IPL performances.Rajasthan Royals star Dhruv Jurel, who made his Test debut recently, also has an impressive first-class average of 50.78. Other recent Test debutants, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, and Akash Deep, have all excelled in the Ranji Trophy.Sunil Subramaniam, R Ashwin's former coach, believes the IPL is a valuable indicator of a player's temperament on the big stage. However, he acknowledges a problem in the system, with the significant pay disparity between IPL and domestic cricket leading many young players to prioritize the former.Subramaniam suggests that top players should set an example by playing Ranji Trophy whenever possible, but acknowledges that workload management for pace bowlers is a concern. He believes the BCCI's recent diktat has come too late and that a systemic change is needed, starting with the very top players.