Cricket

India's Test squad for the upcoming home series against New Zealand remains unchanged from the one that faced Bangladesh in September, indicating that Mohammed Shami's recovery from injury is still ongoing. This series will serve as India's final red-ball preparation before the crucial five-Test tour of Australia later this year.Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, has been appointed vice-captain for the three-match series against New Zealand. This is a significant recognition of his leadership qualities and his growing stature within the team.The squad features a blend of experienced and emerging players. Rohit Sharma will continue to lead the side, while Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant remain key figures in the batting lineup. Shubman Gill, who has impressed in recent outings, will be looking to cement his place in the Test team.The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Axar Patel. R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, two of India's most experienced spinners, will also be crucial to the team's success. Kuldeep Yadav, who has been in impressive form in white-ball cricket, has been included as a potential spin option.The series against New Zealand will provide India with an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the Australia tour. The conditions in New Zealand are expected to be similar to those in Australia, making it an ideal test for the Indian team.India will be aiming to continue their impressive home record in Test cricket. They have not lost a Test series at home since 2012 and will be confident of extending that streak against New Zealand.

Former Indian cricketer and selector Jatin Paranjape has expressed confidence in Team India's ability to secure a hat-trick of Test series wins in Australia. Paranjape believes that under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India will continue their dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and defeat Australia for the third consecutive time on their home turf.The highly anticipated five-match Test series between India and Australia is set to kick off in November. India has previously won back-to-back Test series in Australia, first under Virat Kohli in 2018–19 and then under Ajinkya Rahane in 2020–21.Paranjape predicts a 3-2 or 4-1 victory for India, stating that the team will be "definitely" victorious if injuries do not occur. He also discussed the fitness of Mohammed Shami, suggesting that Akash Deep could replace him if he is unavailable.Regarding Sarfaraz Khan's exclusion from the Test XI against Bangladesh, Paranjape emphasized the intense competition for batting spots. He believes that Khan may be taken to Australia as a reserve player and that he should continue to perform well to earn his chance.For the third opener role, Paranjape considers Shubman Gill and KL Rahul as potential candidates. He also mentioned Prithvi Shaw as a dark horse, highlighting his talent but acknowledging the tough competition.Paranjape advised caution in managing Mayank Yadav's workload, suggesting that he should focus on first-class cricket for the next year or two before being considered for red-ball cricket. He emphasized the importance of bowling to improve and believes that Yadav's strength and conditioning should be prioritized.Despite Australia's recent lack of Test cricket, Paranjape expects both teams to be aggressive and competitive throughout the series. He believes that Pat Cummins' Australia will not be at a disadvantage and that the series will be "fascinating to watch."

Mohammed Shami Sidelined, Saha and Chatterjee Return for Bengal Ranji OpenerPremier Indian pacer Mohammed Shami will miss Bengal's first two Ranji Trophy matches due to an ankle injury. The veteran duo of Wriddhiman Saha and Sudip Chatterjee, however, have returned to the side after a brief hiatus.Shami, who last played in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, underwent surgery earlier this year and is still recovering. He had expressed his desire to play domestic cricket to assess his fitness before returning to international duty."If I need to play domestic cricket to test my fitness, I will," Shami had said. "What matters most is that I am fully ready for whatever comes next, regardless of the opposition or format."Saha, who made his Bengal debut in 2007, joined Tripura as a mentor and player in 2022 following a fallout with the Cricket Association of Bengal officials. Chatterjee, another experienced campaigner, has also returned to the fold.Under the leadership of captain Anustup Majumdar, the 19-member Bengal squad has departed for Lucknow, where they will face Uttar Pradesh in their opening match on October 11. Bengal will then host Bihar in the second round.Squad:* Anustup Majumdar (captain)* Abhimanyu Easwaran* Sudip Gharami* Sudip Chatterjee* Wriddhiman Saha* Shahbaz Ahmed* Abishek Porel* Writtick Chatterjee* Avilin Ghosh* Shuvam Dey* Akash Deep* Mukesh Kumar* Suraj Jaiswal* Mohd Kaif* Pradipta Pramanik* Aamir Gani* Yudhajit Guha* Rohit Kumar* Rishav Vivek

Mohammed Shami, the Indian cricket star, recently reunited with his daughter Aaira after a prolonged separation. The emotional meeting was captured in a heartwarming video shared by Shami on Instagram, where he expressed his love for his daughter. However, the reunion has sparked controversy, with Shami's estranged wife, Hasin Jahan, making serious allegations.Jahan claims that Shami's meeting with Aaira was merely a publicity stunt. She alleges that Shami refused to sign his daughter's passport, which has expired, and that he took her to a shopping mall where he has an advertising contract. Jahan further accuses Shami of neglecting his daughter's needs, such as her desire for a guitar and camera.Shami's personal life has been marred by controversy since his relationship with Jahan deteriorated. Jahan has accused him of domestic violence, extramarital affairs, and even match-fixing. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Anti-Corruption Unit investigated the match-fixing allegations, but no charges were filed.Despite the personal turmoil, Shami has remained a formidable force on the cricket field. Former India pacer Ishant Sharma has defended Shami against the match-fixing allegations, stating that he believes Shami is incapable of such misconduct.The reunion between Shami and Aaira has reignited the debate about the complexities of family relationships and the challenges faced by estranged parents. While Shami's fans have expressed their support for the father-daughter bond, Jahan's allegations have raised questions about Shami's commitment to his responsibilities as a parent.

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, is poised to make a much-anticipated return to action in the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand. Shami has been sidelined since the World Cup final last year due to an ankle injury that required surgery.After undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Shami has been training diligently at the BCCI's newly inaugurated Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Sources within the BCCI have indicated that Shami's recovery is progressing well, and he is likely to be match-ready for the New Zealand series.The 30-year-old seamer is eager to prove his fitness and regain his place in the Indian team. He has dismissed rumors that he will miss the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia later this year, stating that he is working hard to recover and has not been ruled out by the BCCI.Shami's return will be a significant boost for India, who have missed his experience and skill in the bowling attack. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace makes him a formidable threat to opposition batsmen.The New Zealand series will provide Shami with an opportunity to demonstrate his fitness and form ahead of the crucial Australia tour. If he performs well, he is likely to be included in the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where India will aim to retain the trophy they won in 2018-19.Shami's return to action is a positive sign for Indian cricket. His experience and skill will be invaluable as the team prepares for a challenging schedule in the coming months.

Mohammed Shami's Comeback Hopes Dented by Knee InjuryTeam India's hopes of a swift return for premier pacer Mohammed Shami have been dealt a blow as he has developed "swollen knees" during rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The injury could sideline Shami for an additional six to eight weeks, jeopardizing his availability for the upcoming five-Test series in Australia.Shami has been undergoing rehab at the NCA since February after undergoing Achilles tendon surgery. He was expected to join the Bengal Ranji Trophy team and participate in the first-class tournament starting October 11. However, the knee injury has flared up, casting doubt on his immediate return."Shami had resumed bowling and was on track to make a comeback soon. But this knee injury has flared up recently. The BCCI's medical team is assessing the injury, but it may require significant time," said a BCCI source.Shami's last competitive appearance was in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November 2023. He was selected for India's two-Test tour of South Africa in December 2023, subject to fitness. However, he was ruled out after the BCCI medical team withheld clearance.The injury is a setback for the NCA medical team, which has been working with Shami for over a year. The team has implemented a comprehensive workload management system, but the knee injury has emerged as an unexpected hurdle.The Indian team management has been cautious about the workload of its premier fast bowlers, including Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. They were expected to lead the attack in Australia, but neither has played five consecutive Test matches recently.The selectors will face a dilemma when selecting the squad for the three-Test home series against New Zealand starting October 16. They will hope that Shami recovers in time for the Australia tour, but his availability remains uncertain.

With the highly anticipated five-Test tour of Australia looming, the Indian team management faces the daunting task of finalizing its pace attack amidst uncertainty surrounding the fitness of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami.Akash Deep, despite his limited Test experience, has emerged as a beacon of assurance for the team. His impressive debut against England earlier this year showcased his ability to provide seam movement and control. Former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey believes Akash possesses the attributes necessary to succeed in Australia's challenging conditions.The selectors face the challenge of selecting five pacers for the tour, with workload management playing a crucial role. Even if Shami regains fitness, the team will require an additional pacer alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash.The team management is keen on including a left-arm option, with Yash Dayal currently in contention. Khaleel Ahmed and Arshdeep Singh are also potential candidates. Dayal appears to be the frontrunner, as his ability to create rough outside the off-stump could prove valuable in conjunction with Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav.Prasidh Krishna, with his height and seam-extracting capabilities, is another potential inclusion. The team management has invested heavily in his development, and his experience with the Kookaburra ball could be an asset.The success of India's pace attack in the previous Australia tour was largely attributed to the rigorous preparation provided by Rahul Dravid and Paras Mhambrey at the NCA. While the current crop of pacers may not have the same level of experience, they have been exposed to Kookaburra balls in India to familiarize themselves with the conditions.The upcoming three Tests against New Zealand and Shami's potential return to domestic cricket next month will provide further clarity on the team's pace resources. The selectors must carefully consider the workload management of their key bowlers and make strategic selections to ensure a balanced and effective attack for the all-important tour of Australia.

Akash Deep, the young Bengal pacer, has made a quiet but significant impact on the Indian Test team since his debut in 2023. In his first match against England in Ranchi, he claimed three wickets in his opening spell, including the prized scalp of Zak Crawley. In the recent Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, he once again showcased his prowess by dismissing Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque in consecutive deliveries, with the ball jagging back into the left-handers and breaching their defenses.Deep's rise to the national team is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He credits the rigors of domestic cricket for preparing him for the challenges of international cricket. "The domestic structure is so good that when you reach here, you already know many things," he said. "So, you get an idea of your bowling and what you must do. I don't find anything new here."Deep's bowling style is similar to that of Mohammed Shami, with the ability to move the ball both ways while attacking the stumps. This has led to comparisons between the two bowlers, and Deep is seen as a potential successor to Shami in the Indian pace attack."When you are playing in place of bowlers who have contributed to the country, then, along with being proud, I feel that I have to do something for my country," Deep said.Ahead of a long winter in which India will play Tests over the next three months, including five in Australia, Deep could be a key weapon in India's pace arsenal. With uncertainty over Shami's comeback after an Achilles tendon surgery, Deep is ready to step up and take over from his state teammate.Deep's journey so far has been marked by humility and a focus on the present. "I have worked on my strengths and what I can add to my bowling. I have thought about a few things. When I play here, it is simple. I don't put extra pressure on myself that I have to go to Australia or some other big series. I stay in the present and think about this match."

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, is determined to make a strong comeback to international cricket after recovering from an ankle injury. Shami, 34, last played in the 2023 ODI World Cup final and has been sidelined since then."I am working hard to make a comeback soon because I know I have been out of action for quite some time," Shami said at the Cricket Association of Bengal's (CAB) annual awards ceremony. However, he emphasized the importance of ensuring his fitness before returning to the field."I want to ensure there is no discomfort when I return. I've to work on my fitness, so that there is no discomfort," Shami said. "The stronger I return, the better it is for me. I don't want to rush and risk getting injured again."Shami has already started bowling but is not taking any chances until he is 100% fit. He is likely to make a comeback to competitive cricket for his domestic side Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, with a potential international appearance later in one of the Test matches against New Zealand."If I need to play domestic cricket to test my fitness, I will," Shami said. "What matters most is that I am fully ready for whatever comes next, regardless of the opposition or format."Shami is expected to be a key figure in India's preparations for the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. "We are the favorites, they should be worried," Shami said confidently.