Cricket

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, will miss Bengal's upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Karnataka due to an ongoing ankle injury. The Bengal squad, announced on Saturday, did not include Shami's name.However, there is a strong possibility that Shami will return to action in Bengal's subsequent match against Madhya Pradesh, scheduled to begin on November 13 in Indore. Sources close to the team have indicated that Shami is unlikely to be rushed back into action and will make his competitive return at his own pace.Shami, who has taken 229 wickets in 64 Tests, has been recovering from an ankle injury since the conclusion of the 2023 Men's ODI World Cup. He underwent surgery in February and has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.Despite his absence, Bengal remains in a strong position in Elite Group C of the Ranji Trophy, holding fourth place with five points after three matches. Coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla will be hoping that Shami's return will provide a significant boost to the team's title aspirations.Shami's last competitive match was the 2023 Men's ODI World Cup final against Australia, where he emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps. He played a pivotal role in India's historic Test series win in Australia in 2018/19, claiming 16 wickets in four matches.If Shami recovers in time, he could be available for the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia in Brisbane, starting on December 14. His return would be a major boost for India, who are looking to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after their triumph in 2020/21.

Tanush Kotian, a lanky all-rounder from Mumbai's Vikhroli suburb, has emerged as a rising star in Indian cricket. His journey has been marked by challenges and triumphs, shaping him into a determined and versatile player.Kotian's passion for cricket began at a young age, influenced by his father, a legend in tennis-ball cricket. Initially a pacer, he gradually developed a fondness for spin bowling. His talent was evident early on, as he helped Mumbai win the Ranji Trophy in 2023.However, a setback occurred in 2022 when Kotian's bowling action was deemed "suspect" during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Despite never being reported in any domestic game, this incident raised doubts about his future.Undeterred, Kotian used this episode as motivation to prove his worth. He worked tirelessly to refine his action and regain his confidence. His determination paid off when he was selected for India-A's shadow tour of Australia ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Kotian's versatility as a batting and bowling all-rounder has been a subject of debate. He believes in developing both aspects of his game equally, aiming to be a complete cricketer. This approach has been influenced by his coaches, who have emphasized the importance of thinking like a batter while bowling and vice versa.Kotian's success has not come without sacrifices. He spends countless hours away from home, honing his skills and pursuing his dream. His father's unwavering support has been a constant source of encouragement.In the 2024 Ranji Trophy, Kotian played a pivotal role in Mumbai's victory, earning the Player of the Tournament award. His impressive performance, including 502 runs and 29 wickets, catapulted him into national reckoning.Kotian's journey is a testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in his abilities. As he continues to navigate the challenges of professional cricket, he remains focused on achieving his ultimate goal of representing India at the highest level.

Domestic Cricket Thrills: Patidar's Century, Delhi's Dominance, and Mumbai's DrawThe Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic cricket tournament, has witnessed a thrilling week of action. Madhya Pradesh's Rajat Patidar stole the show with a lightning-fast century, while Delhi and Baroda registered emphatic victories. Defending champions Mumbai, however, were held to a draw by Tripura.Patidar's Blazing CenturyMadhya Pradesh batter Rajat Patidar set the stage alight with a blistering century against Haryana. He reached the three-figure mark in just 68 balls, becoming the fifth-fastest centurion in Ranji Trophy history. Patidar's innings helped Madhya Pradesh post a formidable total, but Haryana fought back to earn a hard-fought draw.Delhi's Dominant WinDelhi secured their first outright victory of the season with a comprehensive 10-wicket triumph over Assam. Openers Sanat Sangwan and Gagan Vats chased down the target of 59 runs without losing a wicket, securing a bonus point for their team.Mumbai Held to DrawMumbai, the defending champions, were held to a draw by Tripura after taking a first-innings lead. Tripura's Bikramkumar Das and Jiwanjot Singh played unbeaten knocks to guide their team to safety.Baroda's Innings VictoryBaroda skipper Krunal Pandya led from the front with a century, while Shivalik Sharma and Vishnu Solanki also made significant contributions. Their efforts helped Baroda secure an innings and 98-run victory over Odisha.Other Match ResultsIn other matches, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Baroda, Karnataka, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jammu & Kashmir, Chandigarh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Railways, and Vidarbha emerged victorious. Punjab and Uttar Pradesh played out a draw, while Bengal and Kerala's match was unfinished.

Harshit Rana's stellar performance in Delhi's Ranji Trophy victory against Assam has solidified his readiness for the upcoming five-Test tour of Australia. The 22-year-old pacer showcased his all-around abilities, claiming five wickets in the first innings, scoring a crucial half-century at No. 8, and delivering critical breakthroughs in the second essay to secure a 10-wicket win for Delhi.Rana's impressive display comes just days after he was named in India's 18-member squad for the tour of Australia. He is also set to join the India squad for the third Test against New Zealand, which begins in Mumbai on Friday. Rana had previously been with the India contingent as a traveling reserve for the first Test in Bengaluru before being released to gain match experience in Delhi's game.Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh, a former India selector, expressed his confidence in Rana's ability to deliver for the national team. "Rana showed he is totally ready to play Test matches," Singh said. "If India wants him to play (in Mumbai), I would love to see that. If he ends up playing a Test before going to Australia, then it is better for Harshit and India too."Singh's assessment is supported by Rana's consistent performances in domestic cricket. In the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, he has taken 25 wickets in six matches, including two five-wicket hauls. His batting has also been impressive, with an average of 35.25 and a highest score of 85.Rana's versatility and ability to contribute in multiple ways make him a valuable asset to any team. His pace and accuracy with the ball, combined with his solid technique and temperament with the bat, suggest that he has the potential to succeed at the highest level.As India prepares for the challenging tour of Australia, Rana's inclusion in the squad is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His performances in the Ranji Trophy have demonstrated that he is ready to take on the world's best batsmen and make a significant contribution to India's success.

Harshit Rana, the promising all-rounder from Delhi, has been recalled to the Indian Test squad for the third Test against New Zealand, scheduled to commence on November 1 in Mumbai. Rana's inclusion comes after his impressive performance in the ongoing Ranji Trophy fixture between Delhi and Assam.Rana, who was part of the Indian squad for the first two Tests but was released to play the Ranji Trophy, has been a consistent performer for Delhi. In the match against Assam, he claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings, followed by a crucial half-century and two more wickets in the second innings. His all-round contribution played a pivotal role in Delhi's comprehensive ten-wicket victory.The 22-year-old Rana has been on the radar of the Indian selectors for some time now. Despite his limited First Class experience, the selectors are impressed by his all-round abilities and believe he could be a valuable asset in Australian conditions. Rana's inclusion in the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia next month is a testament to the selectors' confidence in his potential.Rana's recall to the Test squad is a significant development for the young all-rounder. It provides him with an opportunity to gain valuable experience at the highest level and potentially make his Test debut. With New Zealand having already clinched the series 2-0, the third Test could serve as a platform for Rana to showcase his skills and stake a claim for a place in the team for the upcoming series against Australia.The Indian squad for the third Test against New Zealand includes: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana.

Rajat Patidar's scintillating century on Day 4 of the Ranji Trophy match against Haryana has sent a resounding message to his IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). With the IPL retention deadline looming on October 31, Patidar's blistering knock has put him firmly in contention for a place in RCB's retained squad.Patidar's unbeaten 100 came off just 68 balls, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess. His innings helped Madhya Pradesh recover from a 132-run deficit in the first innings. The knock has not only boosted MP's chances of victory but has also caught the attention of RCB, who are yet to finalize their list of retained players.RCB currently has only one confirmed retention in star batter Virat Kohli. The future of captain Faf du Plessis and other key players remains uncertain. With teams allowed to retain a maximum of six players, RCB has a crucial decision to make.Patidar's century has put him in a strong position to be one of RCB's retained players. His impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy, coupled with his consistent showings in the IPL, makes him a valuable asset for any team.The IPL retention rules allow teams to retain a maximum of five capped players and two uncapped Indian players. Patidar, who has yet to make his international debut, would be classified as an uncapped player for retention purposes.The purse for the mega auction has been increased to INR 120 crore, giving each franchise a larger budget to work with. The price for retaining uncapped players remains set at INR 4 crore.Patidar's century has not only boosted his chances of IPL retention but has also sent a clear message to RCB. The young batter is ready to take on a bigger role in the team and is determined to make a significant contribution to their success.

Ishan Kishan, the 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, has been away from the Indian cricket team for the past eleven months. After a T20I against Australia in Guwahati, Kishan took a break from the national side to focus on domestic cricket.During his time away, Kishan has played in various domestic tournaments, including the DY Patil T20, Buchi Babu multi-day tournament, Duleep Trophy, Irani Cup, and Ranji Trophy. His impressive performances in the Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy earned him a recall to the India A squad for the tour of Australia.Kishan credits his time away from the national team with helping him rediscover his hunger for the game. He spent a month in Baroda with Hardik Pandya, where he underwent a rigorous training regimen that included yoga, meditation, and early morning workouts."I had a reality check in Baroda about my hunger towards the game," Kishan said. "The process was just too good. It was like starting your life again, your cricket again."Kishan also received valuable advice from Pandya, who encouraged him to adopt a more practical mindset. "Hardik is a very practical guy," Kishan said. "He keeps sharing ideas with me. I am in a very practical zone right now."Despite the challenges he has faced, Kishan remains optimistic about his future. He is eager to return to the Indian team and make a significant contribution."I am very hungry to get an international match," Kishan said. "I know what happens in team meetings when someone makes a comeback to the team. How light banter happens and I am very excited about those things also. Whenever I get that opportunity, I am going to go all-in for sure."

Delhi's Ranji Trophy campaign has taken a dramatic turn, with the team on the cusp of its first outright victory of the season. After trailing Assam by 116 runs in the first innings, Delhi staged a remarkable comeback on Monday, leaving Assam reeling at 44 for three in the second innings.The turnaround was sparked by an unlikely pair in Sumit Mathur and Siddhant Sharma. Despite being primarily bowlers, they showcased their all-round abilities by stitching together a crucial 166-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Mathur, a left-arm spinner, notched his maiden First Class century in just his second appearance, while Sharma, a left-arm seamer, fell just short of the three-figure mark with 89.Their partnership helped Delhi reach a formidable total of 454, giving them a 124-run lead. The lower-order resurgence began with Harshit Rana's half-century in the morning session.Assam's second innings got off to a shaky start as they lost three wickets in quick succession. Subham Mandal was trapped lbw by Siddhant Sharma, while Rishav Das and Abhishek Thakuri fell to Harshit Rana and Money Grewal, respectively.Delhi's bowlers maintained the pressure, with Rana, Grewal, and Sharma sharing the wickets. Skipper Denish Das, who was struck on the abdomen by a delivery from Himanshu Chauhan, was forced to retire hurt and taken to a nearby hospital.With Assam needing 80 runs to avoid defeat and Delhi requiring seven wickets for victory, the match is poised for an exciting finish.

Agni Chopra, the son of renowned film producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra and film critic Anupama Chopra, has continued his remarkable run of form in the Ranji Trophy, smashing another double century for Mizoram. This was his second consecutive double ton in the competition, following his 218 off just 269 deliveries against Manipur.Agni's exceptional performance in the Ranji Trophy Plate League has been nothing short of sensational. He has scored four consecutive centuries at the start of his first-class career, a feat that even the legendary Don Bradman failed to achieve. Agni's remarkable streak includes scores of 105, 101, 114, 10, 164, 15, 166, and 92 in his first four Ranji games.Despite his impressive performances, Agni remains humble and determined to earn his place on merit. He dreams of playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but he believes that he must be selected based on his own abilities rather than his father's influence."May be I am not good enough so I wasn't picked (in the IPL auction). For me, I want to be picked for anything based on my pedigree, it shouldn't be because of anything else. I don't think my dad would ever pick up the phone and tell anyone just because I told him to. I have to be good enough so that they are calling my dad, rather than my dad calling them," Agni told PTI.Agni's father, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, is known for directing critically acclaimed films such as "12th Fail" and producing the blockbuster "3 Idiots." However, Agni is determined to make his own mark in the world of cricket."If something like that (his father pulling ranks) happened, may be I will be picked in squad, but surely, would not get to play in the eleven. I don't want to be in a team where I am picked because of a phone call and then I am not going to play," he added.Agni's determination and talent are evident in his performances on the field. He is a technically sound batsman with a wide range of shots and an ability to score runs quickly. His double century against Manipur was a testament to his skill and temperament.As Agni continues to impress in the Ranji Trophy, it is clear that he has the potential to become a top-class batsman. With his talent, determination, and the support of his family, he is well on his way to achieving his dreams.