Cricket

India's dominance in world cricket across all formats over the past five years has been widely recognized by legendary players. One of the key factors attributed to this success is the emergence of quality fast bowlers, a traditional weakness for India.Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja praised India's all-round strength, highlighting their ability to recover from adversity. On the first day of the Chennai Test against Bangladesh, India was reduced to 34 for 3 and then 144 for 6, but they rallied to post a competitive 376."India has become a great team," said Raja. "They don't lose when they play at home."Ravichandran Ashwin's attacking century and his 199-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (86) played a crucial role in India's recovery. Ashwin's century and Jadeja's 80s helped India score at a brisk pace and put pressure on the Bangladesh bowlers.Raja also praised the five-wicket haul of young pacer Hasan Mahmud, but noted that Bangladesh needs an all-round bowling strength to challenge teams like India.After being bowled out on the second morning, India took control with the ball. Jasprit Bumrah struck in the first over to remove Shadman Islam, and Akash Deep took two wickets off consecutive deliveries to reduce Bangladesh to 26 for 3 at lunch.India's dominance is a testament to their depth and quality in all departments. The emergence of fast bowlers has added a new dimension to their game, making them a formidable force in world cricket.

Riding on Ravichandran Ashwin's century and his 199-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, India posted a competitive 376 on the second day of the opening Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram.Resuming the day at 339/6, India lost four wickets for the addition of just 37 runs. Jadeja (86) was the first to fall, caught by Das off Taskin Ahmed. Ashwin added 11 runs to his overnight score of 102 before he was dismissed by Taskin for 113. The Bangladesh pacer grabbed three wickets (3/55) -- Jadeja, Ashwin, and Akash Deep.Pacer Hasan Mahmud emerged as the most successful Bangladesh bowler, snaring five wickets for 83 runs. His victims included Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah.India's innings was anchored by Ashwin's 113, his fifth Test century. He shared a crucial 199-run partnership with Jadeja, who fell just 14 runs short of his century.Bangladesh's bowlers toiled hard on a flat pitch, but they were unable to contain India's batsmen for long periods. The hosts will need to bat well in their first innings to stay in the contest.

Bangladesh's promising start in the first Test against India in Chennai has been overshadowed by a potential penalty for failing to bowl the required number of overs on the opening day.The visitors had India reeling at 34 for 3 and later 144 for 6, but a remarkable partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin (102*) and Ravindra Jadeja (86*) rescued the hosts. India ended the day at 339 for 6, leaving Bangladesh in a precarious position.However, Bangladesh's troubles extend beyond the scoreboard. Despite being granted a half-hour extension in bowling, they fell 10 overs short of the target. This violation could result in a penalty from the International Cricket Council (ICC).This potential sanction adds to Bangladesh's woes, as they were recently docked three World Test Championship points and fined 15% of their match fee for being three overs short in their first Test against Pakistan.On Day 1 against India, Bangladesh managed to bowl only 80 overs, falling short in all three sessions. Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle expressed his disapproval on social media, stating that it was "unacceptable" for Bangladesh to bowl less than 80 overs despite the extra time granted.According to ICC regulations, a team loses one World Test Championship point for each Penalty Over incurred during the Round Stage. Bangladesh's failure to meet the over quota could therefore cost them valuable points in their quest for a place in the final.The situation highlights the importance of teams adhering to the ICC's playing conditions. Bangladesh will need to address this issue promptly to avoid further penalties and maintain their chances of success in the World Test Championship.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier Test bowler, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming only the second player to achieve the remarkable feat of amassing 1000 runs and claiming 100 wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC).Ashwin's extraordinary accomplishment came during the opening day of the first Test match between India and Bangladesh in Chennai on Thursday. He joined his compatriot Ravindra Jadeja in the exclusive club, who had achieved the same milestone earlier this year against England.In the history of the WTC, only 11 bowlers have managed to take more than 100 wickets. However, among these elite bowlers, only Jadeja and Ashwin have also managed to score 1000 runs, showcasing their all-round abilities.Ashwin is now on the cusp of surpassing Australian spinner Nathan Lyon as the leading wicket-taker in the WTC. With just 14 wickets separating him from Lyon's tally of 187, Ashwin has the opportunity to etch his name in the record books during the upcoming matches against Bangladesh.Furthermore, Ashwin is also on the verge of another remarkable feat. If he manages to secure at least one five-wicket haul during the series, he will stand alone as the first player to achieve this milestone 11 times in WTC history.In addition to his bowling exploits, Ashwin also notched up his sixth Test hundred, finishing the day on 102 not out. India concluded the day's play at 339/6, with Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja forging an unbroken partnership.The duo put on an impressive 195 runs off just 227 deliveries, with Jadeja contributing a valuable 86 runs and remaining not out alongside Ashwin at the close of play.Ashwin's all-round performance has been instrumental in India's dominance in the WTC. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a formidable opponent and a valuable asset to the Indian team.

Ravichandran Ashwin Rescues India on Day 1 of Chennai Test Against BangladeshLocal hero Ravichandran Ashwin played a pivotal role in rescuing India from a precarious position on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai.With India reeling at 144/6, Ashwin stepped up to the plate and showcased his exceptional batting skills. The crowd erupted in cheers as he made his way to the crease, and he did not disappoint.Ashwin played a series of stunning shots, leaving head coach Gautam Gambhir in awe. Among his impressive strokes was a sublime cut shot against Nahid Rana in the 44th over. The tall pacer delivered a short, wide ball at 144.2kph, but Ashwin seized the opportunity and executed a perfect cut shot that sent the ball racing to the sweeper cover boundary.Gambhir's reaction was one of pure delight, as he witnessed Ashwin's exceptional stroke play. The commentators were quick to label it the 'shot of the day'.Ashwin acknowledged Bangladesh's recent series victory against Pakistan, which has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. He praised their remarkable progress and recognized their increasing prowess on the field."The series victory has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community," Ashwin said. "I am one of those guys who loves to see the underdog come out and perform. You can't call them an underdog anymore; they have played some wonderful cricket.""They have put their hand up and said, 'Look, we are a team on the rise and we are playing wonderful cricket,'" Ashwin added.Ashwin's innings helped India recover from a difficult position and reach a respectable total of 252/10 at the end of the day. His performance was a testament to his skill and determination, and it will give India confidence as they look to take control of the match in the coming days.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian off-spinner, is preparing for what could be his final Test match at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. As he turns 38, Ashwin reflects on his journey and the significance of this venue in his illustrious career.Growing up in Chennai, Ashwin faced adversity early on when a coach dismissed him from a game. However, he persevered and embraced rejection, ultimately becoming one of India's most successful bowlers. With 516 Test wickets to his name, Ashwin is now chasing Anil Kumble's record of 619.The Test against Bangladesh could mark Ashwin's last appearance at Chepauk, a ground he holds dear. He has fond memories of playing there as a child and has created countless unforgettable moments throughout his career.In 2013, Ashwin cemented his place as India's premier off-spinner by taking 12 wickets against Australia at Chepauk. He also played a pivotal role in India's victory over England in 2021, scoring a crucial century on a challenging pitch.Despite his age and occasional knee issues, Ashwin remains determined to perform at his best. He has been working tirelessly in practice, honing his skills with both bat and ball.As the Test match approaches, Ashwin is focused on delivering a memorable performance for the Chennai crowd. He hopes to create another special moment at the venue that has been his home for so many years.

India's Miraculous Comeback After Adelaide Humiliation: Ashwin Recounts Dressing Room MoodIn the aftermath of India's humiliating 36 all out in the first Test against Australia in Adelaide in 2020, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shed light on the somber mood in the dressing room.Despite holding a 53-run lead in the first innings, India collapsed to their lowest Test score, handing Australia a comfortable victory. The defeat left the team reeling and questioning their chances of winning the series.However, according to Ashwin, head coach Ravi Shastri played a pivotal role in lifting the team's spirits. "The mood in the dressing room was a bit down," Ashwin said. "But Ravi Bhai organized a team dinner and arranged for karaoke. He started singing old Hindi songs, and everybody joined in."With captain Virat Kohli preparing to leave for the birth of his child, the team set modest goals for the remaining Tests. "We were just focusing on doing well in the next Test in Melbourne," Ashwin said. "We kept small targets."What followed was a remarkable turnaround. Under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, India fought back with determination and resilience. They drew the second Test in Melbourne, won the third Test in Sydney, and triumphed in the fourth Test at the Gabba, where Australia had not lost in 32 years.Ashwin credits the team's unity and belief for their success. "We had a lot of belief in ourselves," he said. "We knew we could do it, and we just kept fighting."India's victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 remains one of the most inspiring stories in cricket history. It showcased the team's ability to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts after revealing his choices for the finest players of the cover drive and pull shot. In a recent rapid-fire Q&A session, Ashwin surprised many by naming former England batter Marcus Trescothick as the best cover drive exponent, instead of his Indian teammate Virat Kohli.Similarly, when asked about the greatest pull shot player, Ashwin opted for former Australian captain Ricky Ponting over India's current skipper Rohit Sharma. These choices have raised eyebrows, considering Kohli and Sharma are widely regarded as masters of these shots.Ashwin's selections highlight his admiration for the technical prowess and consistency of Trescothick and Ponting. Trescothick, known for his elegant strokeplay, possessed an exceptional ability to time the ball and execute the cover drive with precision. Ponting, on the other hand, was renowned for his aggressive and powerful pull shot, which he used to devastating effect against fast bowlers.While Ashwin's choices may not align with popular opinion, they underscore his deep understanding of the game and his appreciation for players who excel in specific areas. It also serves as a reminder that different players have their own unique strengths and styles.Beyond his opinions on batting, Ashwin also addressed his retirement plans. At 37 years of age, the off-spinner has enjoyed a remarkable career, taking over 500 Test wickets. However, he remains focused on the present and has no immediate plans to retire."There is nothing like that in my mind. I am only thinking about one day at a time because when you get older, you have to put in extra effort every single day. It's not the same. I have put in a lot of effort in the last 3-4 years," Ashwin said."I haven't decided (retirement), but the day I feel that today I don't want to improve, I will leave. That's all," he added.Ashwin's determination to continue playing at the highest level is a testament to his passion for the game and his belief in his abilities. As he prepares for India's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, Ashwin will be eager to prove that he still has plenty to offer.

Australia's star opener Usman Khawaja has expressed his admiration for legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, praising his strategic approach and cricketing intelligence. As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia approaches, Khawaja acknowledged Ashwin's formidable record against the Aussies.Ashwin has been a thorn in Australia's side, claiming 114 wickets in 22 Tests and 42 innings against them. His economy rate of 2.70 is a testament to his ability to control the flow of runs. On Australian soil, Ashwin has taken 39 wickets in 10 Tests, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 2.93.Khawaja believes that Ashwin's success stems from his ability to stay ahead of the game. "He is very strategic, he always has a plan," Khawaja said. "He always tries to figure it out. He is trying to get ahead of the game, one step ahead of the game, which I respect. I respect his cricketing brain."Ashwin's debut in 2011 marked the beginning of a remarkable Test career. In 100 matches and 189 innings, he has captured 516 wickets at an economy rate of 2.81. His ability to spin the ball prodigiously and deceive batsmen with his variations has made him one of the most successful bowlers in the world.The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a thrilling contest, with India seeking to extend its dominance over Australia. The series will begin on November 22 in Perth, with the second Test scheduled for Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The third Test will be played at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18, followed by the traditional Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The series will conclude with the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.