Cricket

Kuldeep Yadav's Humble Gesture Highlights Respect for Senior AshwinIn a heartwarming display of respect and camaraderie, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav deferred to his senior teammate Ravichandran Ashwin to lead the Indian team off the field after the first day of the fifth Test against England in Dharamshala.Yadav had been the star performer for India, claiming a five-wicket haul to bowl out England for 218. However, he showed immense humility by asking Ashwin, who had taken four wickets in his 100th Test, to lead the team off.Ashwin, known for his team-first attitude, initially declined the offer and tossed the ball back to Yadav. But after some gentle persuasion from Mohammed Siraj, Ashwin relented and allowed Yadav to take the honor.The moment was captured on video by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and shared on social media. It showcased the deep respect and admiration that Yadav has for Ashwin, who has been a mentor and guide to him throughout his career.Later, when asked about the incident, Yadav revealed that Ashwin had already collected 35 balls and asked him to keep the one he had taken. This gesture further highlighted the bond between the two spinners and the importance of senior players in the Indian team.Yadav's humble act has been widely praised by fans and experts alike. It is a reminder of the values of respect and humility that are deeply ingrained in Indian cricket culture. It also serves as a testament to the strong bond between the players in the Indian team, who are united by a common goal of success.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the enigmatic Indian off-spinner, has etched his name in the annals of Test cricket with his remarkable achievements. With 500 Test wickets to his name, Ashwin stands tall as one of the most successful bowlers in the history of the game.Ashwin's journey to the 500-wicket milestone has been a testament to his skill, perseverance, and adaptability. He made his Test debut in 2011 and quickly established himself as a key member of the Indian bowling attack. Known for his guile, accuracy, and ability to extract turn from any surface, Ashwin has troubled batsmen from all corners of the globe.One of Ashwin's most notable achievements is his ability to perform consistently across different conditions. He has picked up wickets in all the major Test-playing nations, with his best performances coming against Sri Lanka and West Indies. Ashwin's 10-wicket hauls in Galle and Roseau are a testament to his ability to dominate even the most challenging of pitches.Beyond his wicket-taking prowess, Ashwin has also made significant contributions with the bat. He has scored five Test centuries, including a memorable 124 against England in 2018. Ashwin's all-round abilities have made him an invaluable asset to the Indian team, and he has played a crucial role in their recent successes.As Ashwin continues to add to his tally of wickets, he is poised to become one of the greatest bowlers of all time. His unique style, coupled with his unwavering determination, makes him a formidable opponent for any batsman. With his 500th Test wicket, Ashwin has cemented his legacy as a true legend of the game.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the legendary Indian off-spinner, etched his name in the annals of cricket history as he stepped onto the Dharamsala ground for his 100th Test match. The momentous occasion was marked by a heartwarming guard of honor from his teammates, a testament to his exceptional contributions to the sport.As Ashwin emerged from the pavilion, the Indian players formed two rows, applauding and cheering their esteemed colleague. The spinner, visibly moved by the gesture, embraced skipper Rohit Sharma, sharing a moment of camaraderie and respect.Ashwin's wife, Prithi, and two daughters witnessed the historic event from the stands, adding to the emotional significance of the occasion. Before the match commenced, head coach Rahul Dravid presented Ashwin with a commemorative 100th Test cap, further recognizing his remarkable achievement.Ashwin's journey to this milestone has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has established himself as one of the finest bowlers of his generation, with 507 wickets in 99 Tests at an impressive average of 23.91. His tally includes 35 five-wicket hauls, with a best bowling performance of 7/59.Beyond his bowling prowess, Ashwin has also proven his mettle as a capable batsman. In 140 innings, he has amassed 3,309 runs at an average of 26.14, including five centuries and 14 half-centuries. This versatility makes him one of the most successful all-rounders in modern cricket.Ashwin's 100th Test places him among an elite group of Indian cricketers who have achieved this remarkable feat. He joins the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble, and Kapil Dev, all of whom have left an indelible mark on the game.As Ashwin continues his illustrious career, he remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring cricketers and a source of pride for Indian cricket fans. His 100th Test is a testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and the enduring legacy he has built in the sport.

Ravichandran Ashwin's 100th Test match marked a significant milestone in Indian cricket history. As the veteran spinner took to the field, his influence on the team and the ongoing series against England became a topic of discussion.Shubman Gill, India's promising top-order batter, shared his insights on Ashwin's impact. He praised Ashwin's relentless pursuit of improvement, noting that the spinner is always seeking to add new skills to his game. Gill highlighted Ashwin's dedication to his craft as a key factor in his success.Reflecting on India's performance in the series, Gill expressed optimism about the team's resilience. He pointed out that despite facing challenges in each of the four matches, the team has shown the ability to bounce back. Gill attributed this resilience to the team's strong bond and determination.Gill also discussed his own learnings from the series. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure, even in crucial situations. He shared that his heartbeat remained normal when he went into bat, despite the team losing wickets.Regarding his position in the batting order, Gill expressed confidence in his abilities regardless of where he bats. He acknowledged that his move back to opening the innings was a result of his lack of runs at No. 3. However, he emphasized that his focus remains on contributing to the team's success.Gill also shed light on the camaraderie among the teammates, highlighting the strong bond they share off the field. He believes that this positive atmosphere contributes to the team's success.As he looks ahead, Gill remains focused on continuous improvement. He is optimistic about the future and believes that the team will continue to grow and achieve success.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian off-spinner, reached a significant milestone in his illustrious career as he played his 100th Test match against England in Edgbaston. The occasion was marked by an emotional speech from Ashwin, who expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country and shared his thoughts on the importance of Test cricket.Ashwin's speech was a testament to his love for the game and his belief in its enduring value. He emphasized that Test cricket, with its unique challenges and rewards, teaches life lessons that cannot be found elsewhere. "Test cricket is the closest synergy that you can find to life," he said. "It will teach you to adapt, dealing with pressures."The 37-year-old spinner also paid tribute to his father, who played a pivotal role in his journey to the international stage. Ashwin recalled how his father would take him to cricket practice on his motorbike, despite being a government employee with limited means. "He got me here because of the help of my mom and, of course, my granddad," Ashwin said.Ashwin's wife, Preeti, has also been a constant source of support throughout his career. "My wife didn't know what she was getting into. She's gotten into it and she's standing next to me today," he said.India head coach Rahul Dravid, who handed Ashwin his 100th Test cap, praised the spinner's dedication and contributions to the team. "You have given everything faithfully to the team and today is your 100th Test," Dravid said. "It's been a privilege speaking with you. It's been a privilege to work with you as a coach."Ashwin's 100th Test was a celebration of his remarkable career and a reminder of the enduring power of Test cricket. His speech served as a passionate defense of the longest format of the game, highlighting its ability to teach valuable life lessons and create lasting memories.

Ricky Ponting Lauds Ravichandran Ashwin's Mastery and Dedication on 100th TestAs Indian spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin prepares to play his 100th Test match, Australian legend Ricky Ponting has heaped praise on the spinner's exceptional skill and unwavering dedication.Ponting, who coached Ashwin at the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has witnessed firsthand the spinner's relentless pursuit of perfection. "He's a master of spin in any conditions. He's been an incredible cricketer, no doubt about it," Ponting said in the latest episode of the ICC Review.Ashwin's illustrious career has been marked by remarkable achievements. With 507 wickets in 99 Tests at an impressive average of 23.91, including 35 five-wicket hauls, he has established himself as one of the greatest spinners of all time.Ponting highlighted Ashwin's ability to adapt to different conditions and his innovative approach to bowling. "He's got a lot of theories and philosophies on the game, which I like. He's always done things a little bit differently and done things his way. But he just continued to evolve as a bowler," Ponting remarked.In the ongoing series against England, Ashwin has not only breached the 500-wicket milestone but has also surpassed Anil Kumble's records for the most Test wickets taken in India and the most five-wicket hauls. With this feat, Ashwin solidifies his place among the pantheon of cricketing greats.Ponting also acknowledged India's commanding position in the series, securing an unassailable 3-1 lead over England. Despite England's early advantage, Ponting noted their inability to capitalize on opportunities in key moments, as India displayed resilience and dominance throughout the series.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian off-spinner, is set to become the 12th Indian cricketer to play 100 Tests when he takes the field against England in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala on Thursday. The match is inconsequential to the final outcome of the series, as India has already taken an unbeatable 3-1 lead. However, it has become significant due to Ashwin's impending milestone.Ashwin's captain, Rohit Sharma, has heaped praise on the off-spinner ahead of his 100th Test, calling him a "rare" talent who has been critical to the team's success. "His performances over the last five-seven years, every series he has contributed. It is rare to have players like him," Rohit said.Ashwin has taken 507 Test wickets, making him only the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble (619) to go past the 500-wicket mark. He has also scored over 2,500 runs in Tests, including five centuries.Ashwin's journey to 100 Tests has been a long and winding one. He made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and has since become one of the most successful bowlers in the world. He is known for his ability to bowl with accuracy and control, and he has a wide range of deliveries that he can use to deceive batsmen.Ashwin has also been a key member of the Indian team that has won the World Cup, the Champions Trophy, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in recent years. He is a respected figure in the dressing room and is known for his intelligence and his ability to read the game.As Ashwin prepares to play his 100th Test, he will be hoping to add to his already impressive tally of wickets. He will also be hoping to help India win the series against England and cement his place as one of the greatest bowlers of all time.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's veteran spinner, was forced to leave the Rajkot Test against England after the second day's play due to a family emergency. Ashwin, who had reached the 500-wicket milestone earlier that day, addressed the press conference after the final session and immediately departed for home.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) initially stated that it was a "family emergency" that prompted Ashwin's departure, but it was later revealed that the situation involved his mother's health. Ashwin himself has not yet spoken about the matter, but his wife Prithi explained the situation in a column she penned ahead of the cricketer's 100th Test.In her column for the Indian Express, Prithi revealed that Ashwin's mother suddenly collapsed, prompting the family to rush her to the hospital. However, instead of calling Ashwin, Prithi contacted Cheteshwar Pujara to arrange for the spinner's return."During Rajkot, the kids had just got back from school when five minutes later, he got to 500. And soon, all of us were on the phone answering all the congratulatory messages," Prithi wrote. "It was then that I heard a sudden scream from aunty as she collapsed, and in no time we were at the hospital. At that point, we had decided not to tell Ashwin because there wasn't good flight connectivity between Chennai and Rajkot."Prithi then called Pujara, whose family helped arrange Ashwin's return flight. After the scans, the doctor suggested that Ashwin's presence would be beneficial, so Prithi informed him of the situation."Over the phone, he sounded so broken and hung up. It took another 20-25 minutes to process what I told him and for him to call back. And thanks to Rohit (Sharma), Rahul bhai (Dravid) and the others in the team and the BCCI - who followed up all the way till he reached here - he got here late at night," she added.Ashwin arrived home and found his mother in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Fortunately, she recovered, allowing Ashwin to return to Rajkot and rejoin his teammates on Day 4 of the Test."It was a very emotional moment for him to see his mom in the ICU. And after she stabilized, we asked him to rejoin the team. Given his personality, he would never leave a game like that. And he would have an extreme amount of guilt if he didn't win the game for his team. Through those couple of days, I realized his yearning for time with his parents is a lot more now and it is coming with age and maturity," Prithi said.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier spinner, is set to reach a significant milestone in his illustrious career as he prepares for his 100th Test match in the upcoming fifth and final Test against England at the picturesque HPCA stadium in Himachal's Dharamshala. This momentous occasion will also mark Ashwin's 500th wicket in the red-ball format, a testament to his exceptional skill and longevity in the game.Throughout his decade-long career, Ashwin has established himself as a master of spin bowling, earning the admiration of experts and fans alike. His unique carrom ball, delivered with a flick of his fingers from a front-on action, has become a formidable weapon in his bowling arsenal, leaving even the world's best batters bewildered.Ashwin's repertoire extends beyond the carrom ball, encompassing a wide range of variations, including the slider, arm ball, and topspin. By subtly altering his wrist position, he keeps batsmen guessing, making him a prolific wicket-taker across all formats, particularly in Tests.Former England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar has hailed Ashwin as the "engineer of spin bowling," praising his ability to adapt and reinvent himself throughout his career. "Ashwin has been absolutely brilliant," Panesar said. "He's been working out angles and engineering his way to dismissals. He's brilliant at changing the revolutions on the ball and enriching the art of spin bowling."Since his debut against England in 2012, Ashwin has enjoyed remarkable success, contributing significantly to India's victories. In 21 Tests against England, he has claimed 105 wickets at an average of 28.88, with 12/167 being his best effort to date. In the ongoing five-match series, the veteran spinner has claimed 17 wickets in four matches at an average of 30.41.As India holds an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series, Ashwin will be eager to add to his tally and surpass English spinner Tom Hartley's 20 wickets in the series. The Dharamshala Test will provide Ashwin with the perfect opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the greatest spinners of all time.