Cricket

Ravindra Jadeja's exceptional left-arm spin, combined with his fielding prowess and batting contributions, has solidified his position as India's premier Test spinner. With the Pune pitch expected to favor spinners significantly more than the Bengaluru surface, New Zealand may opt to include Mitchell Santner in their playing XI.According to Ryan ten Doeschate, India's assistant coach, there is optimism that Rishabh Pant will be fit to resume wicketkeeping duties in the second Test after sustaining a knee injury in the series opener. However, a selection battle is brewing between middle-order batters KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan, with head coach Gautam Gambhir keen on giving Rahul an extended run.India's team selection remains a closely guarded secret, with the home side keeping their cards close to their chest. The team is eager to bounce back from their 0-1 deficit in the three-match series, not only to level the series but also to maintain their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final.

Left-Arm Spinners Dominate India-New Zealand Test SeriesLeft-arm finger spin has emerged as a dominant force in the ongoing India-New Zealand Test series, with four left-arm spinners featuring in the first Test in Bengaluru. Ravindra Jadeja, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, and Kuldeep Yadav all played significant roles, highlighting the effectiveness of this bowling style against right-handed batters.Left-arm finger spinners possess the ability to bowl attacking lines around the wicket, bringing LBW into play. They can also employ negative tactics by bowling over the wicket and outside leg-stump, as seen in the famous examples of Ashley Giles against Sachin Tendulkar and Nilesh Kulkarni against Delhi.This advantage has made Ravindra Jadeja India's first-choice Test spinner, due to his smartness, fielding, and batting contributions. In the first Test, none of the four left-arm spinners were economical, indicating the challenging conditions for spinners.Despite having another left-arm spinner in Axar Patel, India has added off-spinner Washington Sundar to their squad for the second Test in Pune. This move is aimed at countering the four left-handers in the New Zealand team, as off-spinners can take the ball away from them.New Zealand may also consider playing Mitchell Santner in Pune, given the expected spin-friendly conditions. Indian batsmen have historically struggled against unfancied left-arm spin at home, making the role of left-arm spinners crucial in this series.

Chennai Super Kings Face Dilemma: Ruturaj Gaikwad or Ravindra Jadeja for Higher Retention Slab?As the Indian Premier League (IPL) retention deadline of October 31 approaches, all franchises are finalizing their rosters. Among the most scrutinized teams is five-time champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who must decide between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja for the higher retention slab.According to reports, CSK is considering offering both players the same pay scale. The official retention slabs are: Rs 18 crore (first), Rs 14 crore (second), Rs 18 crore (third), Rs 14 crore (fourth), Rs 11 crore (fifth), and Rs 4 crore (uncapped player).However, CSK may opt to avoid creating a disparity between Gaikwad and Jadeja. Gaikwad has emerged as the franchise's captain, while Jadeja has been a mainstay since 2012 and was CSK's highest retention before the previous mega auction.The Times of India reports that while CSK is leaning towards equalizing the pay of Gaikwad and Jadeja, a final decision is pending. The management will consult with both players before making an announcement.If CSK retains four players, two retention slabs of Rs 18 crore are mandatory, potentially opening the door for Gaikwad and Jadeja to be retained on equal terms.Another consideration for CSK is the Right to Match (RTM) option, which allows teams to retain players who have been released into the auction. CSK must decide whether to retain Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana and Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube using the RTM.Notably, the RTM option is included in the six retentions. If a team uses all six retentions, it will have no RTM at the auction.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have unveiled their five retentions for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, hitter Shivam Dube, pacer Matheesha Pathirana, and the legendary MS Dhoni making the cut.Gaikwad and Jadeja, the team's top two performers, will be officially retained for Rs 18 crore and Rs 14 crore, respectively. However, under the IPL's "redistribution of purse" rule, CSK may offer both players the same amount, recognizing Jadeja's seniority and Ruturaj's current status.Dhoni, the former India captain and CSK icon, will take the Rs 4 crore retention. The franchise faces a dilemma with Pathirana and Dube, two crucial players whose salaries may be comparable.CSK will have one Right to Match (RTM) option remaining, which they may use based on auction dynamics. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra are potential targets for the RTM.The retentions reflect CSK's emphasis on continuity and stability. Gaikwad, Jadeja, and Dhoni have been key figures in the team's success over the years, while Dube and Pathirana provide valuable depth and versatility.The IPL auction is scheduled for December 16, and CSK will be looking to fill the remaining slots in their squad with a combination of experienced players and promising youngsters.

Cricket's allure often stems from the thrill of a powerful stroke or the precision of a lightning-fast delivery. While these moments ignite our passion, they overshadow the versatility of players who excel in both batting and bowling. These rare individuals, known as all-rounders, are the epitome of cricketing prowess.In the annals of cricket, all-rounders have left an indelible mark. From the legendary Kapil Dev to the enigmatic Imran Khan, these players have captivated audiences with their ability to dominate the game from both ends. In contemporary cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have emerged as India's formidable all-rounders.Ashwin and Jadeja's recent performances in the Test series against Bangladesh showcased their exceptional skills. Ashwin amassed 114 runs, averaging 57, while Jadeja contributed 94 runs at an average of 47. Their 199-run seventh-wicket partnership in the first innings effectively sealed Bangladesh's fate.Beyond their batting prowess, Ashwin and Jadeja are renowned for their spin bowling. Ashwin claimed 11 wickets in the series, while Jadeja scalped nine. This double whammy, coupled with the pace of Jasprit Bumrah, proved insurmountable for the Bangladeshi batsmen.The value of all-rounders extends beyond their individual contributions. They provide teams with flexibility and depth, allowing them to adapt to different conditions and strategies. In India's case, Ashwin, Jadeja, and Rishabh Pant offer multiple insurance policies, mitigating the risk of batting or bowling collapses.However, India's quest for a genuine fast-bowling all-rounder remains unfulfilled. Despite the emergence of promising candidates like Ajit Agarkar, Irfan Pathan, and Stuart Binny, none have consistently matched the standards set by Kapil Dev.The absence of a seam-bowling all-rounder is particularly felt in overseas conditions, where the new ball plays a crucial role. In England, Australia, and New Zealand, batting collapses are common, and it is here that all-rounders can stem the rot and provide much-needed stability.The search for India's next great fast-bowling all-rounder continues, but for now, Ashwin and Jadeja remain the backbone of the team's all-round capabilities. Their ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes them invaluable assets, ensuring India's dominance in the world of cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's veteran off-spinner, has etched his name in cricket history by equaling the record for Player of the Series awards after India's 2-0 Test series victory over Bangladesh. Ashwin's remarkable partnership with fellow-spinner Ravindra Jadeja has been instrumental in India's success, particularly on home soil.Together, Ashwin and Jadeja have amassed an astonishing 830 Test wickets, with Ashwin claiming the lion's share of 527. Despite the occasional selection dilemma when only one of them is chosen for the playing XI, Ashwin has emphasized that it no longer affects him.However, Ashwin admitted that he used to harbor resentment towards Jadeja when the latter was preferred over him. "It used to bother me at one point of time," Ashwin confessed. "But, it doesn't anymore because the larger goal is at the forefront of my mind."Ashwin went on to praise Jadeja's exceptional all-round abilities, highlighting his status as the second left-arm spinner with 300 Test wickets and over 3000 runs. "If he's the one that has to play, he's the one that has to play and I have complete faith in him," Ashwin stated.Earlier this week, Jadeja became the third Indian cricketer to achieve the rare feat of 3,000 Test runs and 300 Test wickets, joining Ashwin and Kapil Dev in an elite club.Meanwhile, Ashwin has made history by becoming the first bowler to take at least 50 wickets in all three editions of the World Test Championship (WTC). He achieved this milestone during the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, dismissing Shakib Al Hasan for 9.Ashwin, currently ranked as the world's top Test bowler, has taken 50 wickets in just 10 WTC matches, making him the second-highest wicket-taker in WTC history behind Australia's Nathan Lyon.

MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ravindra Jadeja: Chennai Super Kings' No-Brainer Retentions for IPL 2025Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja has identified MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ravindra Jadeja as the three indispensable players for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK)."MS Dhoni for sure. There's no doubt about that, especially because he's now an uncapped player. He's done a lot for the team and has no desire to be treated as the No. 1 player on the squad. His value is unquestioned," Jadeja stated.Ruturaj Gaikwad, the current CSK captain, has also earned Jadeja's endorsement. "He's had a good year, so you'll hope to retain him as well," he said.Ravindra Jadeja, the all-rounder, completes Jadeja's trio of must-haves. "He can't be left out either," he emphasized.Ex-India batter Aakash Chopra believes the Right to Match (RTM) card will be advantageous for CSK. "I don't think they'll retain five players. They might go for 3-4. I see two players worth 18 CR in Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja," he said.Chopra also suggested that CSK could use the RTM card for Deepak Chahar, depending on his fitness. "The price for these players is really high, so the RTM card could be useful to get players for cheaper," he explained.Regarding the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Chopra believes they may let go of their current skipper Faf du Plessis. "It's not about his ability; it's about his age. When you're talking about a mega auction, it's for the next three seasons," he said.Jadeja, on the other hand, thinks RCB will be more cautious with their retentions. "We don't even need to discuss Virat Kohli; it's the same as Dhoni. I favour Rajat Patidar, whether it's his style or his role in RCB's revival. He's the future," he said.Jadeja also highlighted the importance of wicketkeeper-batsmen and suggested that RCB could retain Mohammed Siraj and Yash Dayal.

As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, Australian cricketers have revealed their thoughts on who they find the most annoying or amusing from Team India.Steve Smith, the prolific Australian batter, singled out Ravindra Jadeja as the player who annoys him the most on the field. "He's a very good player," Smith explained. "He always finds a way to get in the battle, whether it's scoring runs, taking wickets, or making a great catch. It can be a bit annoying at times, but he's a very good player."Josh Hazlewood, Australia's pace bowler, echoed Smith's sentiments, saying, "Probably Jadeja again."Jadeja's impressive record against Australia supports these assessments. In 17 Tests, he has scored 570 runs at an average of 28.50 and taken 89 wickets.Marnus Labuschagne, another Australian batter, found someone else amusing from the Indian side. "The one I always find the most amusing is Rishabh Pant," Labuschagne said. "He's always funny, a great laugh, and plays the game in the right spirit."Pant has a fine record in Australia, scoring 624 runs in seven matches at an average of over 62.Travis Head pointed to India's high-energy batsman Virat Kohli, adding, "I think a lot of people would say Virat, just because of how good he is. He's always getting runs, and his high energy is always there. He's always into you."Kohli's Test record in Australia is prolific, scoring 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08 in 13 Tests.Nathan Lyon, Australia's spinner, humorously commented, "I get triggered by all Indian players."The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on November 22, with the first Test at Perth. The series promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams fielding talented and experienced players.

Ravindra Jadeja, India's star all-rounder, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the latest member of the prestigious 300-wicket club. During the second Test against Bangladesh, Jadeja surpassed Pakistan legend Imran Khan's record of 300 wickets and 3,000 runs in Tests.Jadeja's remarkable achievement came in just his 74th Test, making him the quickest Asian cricketer to reach this milestone. He now has 3130 runs and 303 wickets to his name, surpassing the likes of Imran Khan (75 Tests), Kapil Dev (83), and Ravichandran Ashwin (88).The 35-year-old left-arm spinner became the second-fastest all-rounder in the world to reach this milestone, behind only England's Ian Botham, who did it in 72 Tests. Jadeja secured his 300th wicket by dismissing Bangladesh's Hasan Mahmud, adding another highlight to his illustrious career.India's bowling coach Morne Morkel hailed Jadeja as a "complete package" during a post-match press conference. Morkel praised Jadeja's exceptional abilities with both bat and ball, along with his remarkable fielding, noting that he is the kind of player any team would want.Jadeja's longstanding partnership with fellow spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been instrumental in India's dominance in Test cricket, which was once again on display in the series against Bangladesh. Despite losing two full days to rain, India's bowlers made short work of Bangladesh on Tuesday, dismissing them for 146 in their second innings and setting up a modest target of 95 runs.Ravichandran Ashwin (3/50), Ravindra Jadeja (3/34), and Jasprit Bumrah (3/17) led the attack, ensuring India remained unbeaten at home in Test series since 2012. Subsequently, India cruised to a 7-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the second Test, securing a 2-0 series sweep in Kanpur. The dominant win, which followed their massive 280-run triumph in the first Test in Chennai, solidified India's position at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.