Cricket

The Bharat Ratna Shree Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow is abuzz with excitement as the inter-state season kicks off with the Z.R. Irani Cup tie between Mumbai and the Rest of India (RoI). The camaraderie and bonhomie between the two squads were evident during the practice sessions, but the competitive spirit will be on full display come Tuesday.Mumbai, the reigning Ranji Trophy champions, will be eager to regain the Irani Cup after a three-decade drought. Beating a formidable RoI side, which boasts a galaxy of India stars, is considered the ultimate test for a Ranji champion. Ajinkya Rahane and his Mumbai team will be determined to start their Ranji title defense with a bang.The RoI squad, on the other hand, will be bolstered by the addition of Yash Dayal and Dhruv Jurel, who were released from India's Test squad. Their presence will pose additional selection dilemmas for both camps. Mumbai may consider handing a debut to promising youngster Ayush Mhatre or giving Siddhesh Lad his first First Class appearance in four years.Beyond the team make-up, the bigger selection battles will be with an eye on the upcoming tour of Australia. The Australia selection tussle could add an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be a thrilling contest.

Ishan Kishan's impressive form in limited-overs cricket has earned him a recall to the red-ball format, as he has been selected in the Rest of India squad for the upcoming Irani Cup. The tournament, scheduled to take place in Lucknow from October 1 to 5, will pit the Rest of India against the Ranji Trophy champions, Mumbai.Kishan, who has been in scintillating form for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will be one of two wicketkeepers in the Rest of India squad, alongside Dhruv Jurel. However, Jurel's inclusion is subject to him not being selected for India's second Test against Bangladesh, which will be played in Kanpur from September 27 to October 1.The Rest of India squad also includes left-arm quick Yash Dayal and middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan, who are both part of the Test squad. However, their participation in the Irani Cup is also contingent on them not being picked for the Kanpur Test.The Mumbai squad, on the other hand, will be led by experienced campaigner Ajinkya Rahane and will feature several promising young players, including Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan, and Shams Mulani.The Irani Cup is a prestigious tournament that provides an opportunity for the best domestic players to showcase their skills and stake a claim for a place in the national team. Kishan's inclusion in the Rest of India squad is a testament to his growing stature in Indian cricket and his potential to become a force in the Test arena.

Rohit Sharma's Humble Gesture Delights Fans in MumbaiIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's popularity among fans is undeniable. His approachable and down-to-earth nature has always resonated with supporters, and a recent incident in Mumbai further cemented his status as a beloved figure.While in Mumbai, Rohit took time out to interact with fans who had gathered to meet him. He graciously posed for pictures, ensuring that everyone had a chance to capture a moment with their idol. However, amidst the excitement, Rohit remained mindful of the potential traffic congestion caused by the gathering.In a video posted on social media, Rohit can be heard gently reminding the fans, "Traffic ho jayega idhar" (There will be traffic here). His concern for the well-being of others, even in such a small gesture, speaks volumes about his character.After ensuring that everyone was happy, Rohit got into his car and departed, leaving behind a trail of delighted fans. His humility and consideration left a lasting impression on those present.Rohit's last appearance for India was during the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. After a month-long hiatus, he will return to the field to lead India in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, commencing on September 19. The first Test will be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, while the second match will take place at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur from September 27 onwards.Rohit's leadership and batting prowess will be crucial for India's success in the upcoming series. His ability to inspire his teammates and guide them to victory has been instrumental in India's recent triumphs, including the T20 World Cup win in Barbados.

Sarfaraz Khan's journey to the Indian Test team has been a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent. After making his first-class debut in 2014, he amassed a staggering number of runs, yet the elusive dream of playing for India remained out of reach.Despite being retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2018, Sarfaraz was benched due to fitness concerns. However, he returned to Mumbai in 2019 and embarked on a remarkable run, scoring 928 runs in six matches at an average of 154.66. This performance earned him a recall to the Indian Test squad.In the third Test against England in Rajkot, Sarfaraz made his debut at the expense of Mumbai teammate Shreyas Iyer. Despite the absence of Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz was not initially selected in the Test squad. However, with K.L. Rahul also out of commission, Sarfaraz was drafted into the side.On his debut, Sarfaraz showcased his aggressive batting style, smashing 161 off just 160 deliveries. He played with a fearless mindset, unfazed by the pressure of playing in his first Test match. Sarfaraz's innings helped India recover from a precarious position and set the stage for a memorable victory.In the subsequent Tests, Sarfaraz continued to impress, scoring a half-century in the second innings of the Rajkot Test and a fierce 56 in the final Test in Dharamsala. He has now scored three half-centuries in his first five Test innings and averages an impressive 50.India's selection panel now faces a dilemma, as Sarfaraz's performances have put him in contention for a regular spot in the middle order. With Kohli and Rahul returning to the team, there is only one middle-order slot up for grabs.Sarfaraz's main competition comes from Devdutt Padikkal, who made a promising debut in Dharamsala. However, Sarfaraz's experience and proven ability to score runs in difficult situations make him a strong candidate for selection.Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Sarfaraz remains focused on his goal of becoming a regular member of the Indian Test team. He knows that he has earned his spurs, and he is determined to continue making the most of every opportunity he gets.

India's T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav's hopes of a Test comeback have been dealt a blow after he suffered a hand injury while fielding for Mumbai in the Buchi Babu tournament. The extent of the injury is yet to be determined, but it is a significant concern for the hard-hitting batsman with the Duleep Trophy set to commence on September 5.Yadav, who has played only one Test for India, was eager to impress the selectors in the red-ball format. He had expressed his excitement about the upcoming Duleep Trophy, which would have given him a chance to stake his claim for a place in the Test team.However, his injury has cast a shadow over his plans. The injury occurred while he was fielding in Mumbai's match against Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) XI. Mumbai could only manage 156 in reply to TNCA XI's 379, and now face a daunting target of 510 to win.Yadav is part of the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Team C squad in the Duleep Trophy. India's home season kicks off with the two-Test series against Bangladesh in September-October. If Yadav's injury is serious, it could jeopardize his chances of making a comeback to the Test team.The injury is a setback for Yadav, who has been in excellent form in white-ball cricket. He was the leading run-scorer in the recently concluded T20I series against West Indies, and has also been impressive in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Yadav's injury is a reminder of the physical demands of cricket. Even the most talented players are susceptible to injuries, and it is important for them to manage their workload carefully. Yadav will be hoping that his injury is not serious, and that he will be able to recover in time for the Duleep Trophy and the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

Mumbai's hopes of salvaging a draw against TNCA XI in the Buchi Babu tournament were dashed as star batters Shreyas Iyer and Sarfaraz Khan fell in quick succession to short-pitched deliveries. The visitors, chasing a daunting 510, had shown promise in the first session, reaching 119 for two in 40 overs. However, TNCA XI's unconventional fielding setup, featuring a fly slip, fine third-man, and a fielder positioned between fine-leg and square-leg, proved to be their undoing.Sai Kishore's introduction of this unorthodox fielding arrangement disrupted Iyer's rhythm, and the pacer's pull shot went straight to the TNCA XI skipper's hands. Achyuth's next over saw Sarfaraz caught at deep backward point off a wide and rising delivery. Mumbai's batting lineup crumbled from 122 for two to 122 for five, with Sai Kishore also accounting for Sidhaant Aadhhathrao.The visitors never recovered from that jolt and were bundled out for 223, handing TNCA XI a 286-run victory and a berth in the semifinals. Achyuth, who made his debut in the match, expressed his delight at dismissing batters who have played for India. "The length is important, but that spell was more about short balls and the pace helped a bit," he said.

TNCA XI tightened their grip on the Buchi Babu tournament, piling on the misery for Mumbai in the third round match at the Sri Ramakrishna College Cricket Ground. After dismissing Mumbai for a paltry 156 in the first innings, TNCA XI piled up a mammoth 286 in their second essay, leaving Mumbai with an improbable target of 510.Mumbai's batting woes continued in their second innings, as they stumbled to six for no loss at stumps on day three. The home team is now on the cusp of a semifinal berth, having virtually sealed three points from this match.TNCA XI's dominance began with their bowlers, led by Sai Kishore's five-wicket haul. Mumbai captain Sarfaraz Khan, who missed the second day due to illness, returned to bat at No. 10 but was dismissed by Kishore along with Divyansh Saxena (70).Undeterred, TNCA XI opted to bat again and established a solid opening partnership of 142 runs between S.R. Athish (57) and S. Lokeshwar (73). Despite a spirited fightback from Mumbai's tweakers Shams Mulani (four for 73) and Tanush Kotian (five for 91), the damage had already been done in the first innings.Suryakumar Yadav, who had bowled the final over before lunch, did not field in the later part of the innings after suffering a blow to his hand while fielding in the slips.Mumbai's hopes now rest on a miracle, as they need a win to secure a place in the next stage. The scores at the end of day three stand as follows:TNCA XI 379 & 286 in 79.2 overs (Athish 57, Lokeshwar 73, Mokit 52, Mulani 4/73, Kotian 5/91) vs Mumbai 156 in 63.2 overs (Divyansh 70, Sai Kishore 5/36) & 6/0 in two overs.

Suryakumar Yadav, renowned for his explosive batting in limited-overs cricket, has recently turned heads with his unexpected bowling exploits. During Mumbai's Buchi Babu tournament match against TNCA XI, Yadav experimented with off-spin, delivering a high full toss that nearly resulted in an injury. The incident highlighted Yadav's willingness to contribute in all aspects of the game.Yadav's bowling adventure didn't end there. In a T20 match against Sri Lanka last month, he surprised many by bowling and even completing a Super Over. However, his bowling exploits in the Buchi Babu tournament were overshadowed by Mumbai's struggles against a dominant TNCA XI.Despite Himanshu Singh's five-wicket haul, TNCA XI posted a commanding first innings total exceeding 350 runs. R Sai Kishore then spearheaded the bowling attack, dismantling Mumbai's batting lineup, which folded for a paltry 156 runs.While the team's performance was underwhelming, the tournament holds significant weight for Suryakumar Yadav's Test aspirations. Having made his Test debut earlier this year against Australia, Yadav is aiming for a recall to the Indian Test squad for the upcoming Bangladesh series.With his inclusion in the Duleep Trophy squad, Yadav views the Buchi Babu tournament and the upcoming first-class competition as crucial opportunities to showcase his red-ball prowess and solidify his position in the Test team. Whether Yadav can replicate his limited-overs success in the longer format remains to be seen, but his participation in the Duleep Trophy indicates a clear intention to excel in red-ball cricket.

TNCA XI, led by three half-centurions, put up a formidable 294 for five on the opening day of the Buchi Babu tournament fixture against Mumbai in Chennai.Pradosh Ranjan Paul (65 off 87 balls) and B. Indrajith (61 off 115 balls) shared a 74-run stand for the third wicket, while No. 5 batter Boopathi Vaishna Kumar (63 not out off 121 balls) remained unbeaten at stumps.Paul, known for his late cuts and quick running, played a patient innings, hitting four boundaries and seven twos. He was eventually trapped in front of the wicket by Tanush Kotian.Indrajith, who has been in impressive form with three consecutive fifty-plus scores, was dismissed by off-spinner Himanshu Singh after a chanceless knock.The day's proceedings were briefly interrupted by a drizzle in the afternoon. However, the highlight of the day came at the end of the 90th over.Shreyas Iyer, bowling with an action similar to Sunil Narine, was fielding in the deep-midwicket boundary. Suryakumar Yadav, who was fielding nearby, was swarmed by young fans seeking autographs and pictures.Undeterred, Iyer continued to bowl while Yadav obliged as many requests as possible. As the final ball of the day was bowled, R. Sonu Yadav deposited it over Suryakumar's head, sending the fans into a frenzy.The match is poised for an exciting second day at the Sri Ramakrishna College Cricket Ground.