Cricket

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the prodigious Indian opener, has etched his name into the annals of Test cricket history with his remarkable achievements in 2024. The 22-year-old left-hander has become only the third Indian cricketer to amass over 1000 runs in home Tests in a single calendar year, joining the legendary Gundappa Vishwanath and Sunil Gavaskar.Jaiswal's stellar run began in July 2023 when he made his India debut. Since then, he has accumulated over 1300 runs in his short Test career, averaging an impressive 60. His tally includes three centuries and eight fifties, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess.In the second Test against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune, Jaiswal further cemented his place in cricket history. He became the first Indian and only the second batter to hit more than 30 sixes in Test cricket in a calendar year, joining New Zealand's Brendon McCullum.During India's chase of a formidable 359-run target, Jaiswal led the charge with a gutsy half-century. His 77 off 65 balls, including a crucial 62-run partnership with Shubman Gill, kept India in the hunt for a remarkable victory.Jaiswal's achievements have not gone unnoticed. He has been hailed as one of India's most exciting young talents in Test cricket. His ability to score runs consistently, both at home and away, has earned him comparisons to some of the greatest batsmen in the game.As Jaiswal continues to break records and establish himself as a force to be reckoned with, Indian cricket fans can look forward to many more memorable performances from this rising star.

Rishabh Pant's blistering knock on Day 4 of the first Test against New Zealand has etched his name into the annals of Indian cricket history. The swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter became the fastest Indian wicketkeeper to reach the milestone of 2500 Test runs, surpassing the previous record held by MS Dhoni.Pant achieved the feat in just 62 innings, eclipsing Dhoni's mark of 69 innings. Farokh Engineer, another legendary Indian wicketkeeper, had previously held the record with 82 innings. Pant's achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and aggressive batting style.Pant's milestone came as India fought back valiantly, reaching 344/3 before rain forced an early lunch. His aggressive innings of 53 off 56 balls played a pivotal role in India's resurgence, alongside Sarfaraz Khan, who scored his maiden Test century.Despite suffering a knee injury while keeping on Day 3, Pant showed no signs of discomfort as he took charge with his trademark attacking approach. After a cautious start, he launched a counter-attack, smashing two sixes off left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel in quick succession and following up with a series of elegant drives and sweeps.Pant brought up his 12th Test fifty in 55 balls, with a stunning cover drive off Glenn Phillips that showcased his controlled aggression. His partnership with Sarfaraz, worth 113 runs in 22 overs, was instrumental in guiding India out of an early wobble and putting them on course for a potential lead.Sarfaraz, in only his fifth Test, stole the spotlight with a sublime century, but Pant's contribution was equally vital in stabilizing the innings. The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has become a cornerstone of India's Test lineup since his debut in 2018, with several match-winning knocks in overseas conditions, including memorable performances in Australia and England.Pant's record-breaking achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. He has emerged as one of the most exciting and dynamic wicketkeeper-batters in world cricket, and his contributions will be crucial as India aims to secure a series victory against New Zealand.

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket legend, has etched his name among the greatest players of all time with his exceptional batting skills and unwavering determination. His ability to excel across all formats of the game has set him apart from his contemporaries.Kohli's batting prowess is unmatched. In Test matches, he has amassed seven double centuries, the most by an Indian. His consistency in ODIs is equally impressive, with a record-breaking 49 centuries. In Twenty20 Internationals, he became the first batter to reach 4000 runs.Beyond his individual achievements, Kohli has also proven to be an astute leader. Under his captaincy, India won their first-ever Test series in Australia in 2018-19. He also led the team to numerous other victories, including a record-equaling 46 international wins in a calendar year.Kohli's impact on cricket extends far beyond his on-field performances. He has become a role model for aspiring cricketers worldwide, inspiring them with his dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. His records and achievements serve as a testament to his greatness and will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

Shafali Verma Blazes to Record-Breaking Double Century in Women's Test CricketIndian opener Shafali Verma has etched her name in the annals of women's cricket history by smashing the fastest double-century in Test cricket. During the one-off match against South Africa in Lucknow, the 20-year-old prodigy surpassed Australia's Annabel Sutherland's previous record of 248 balls. Verma achieved the milestone in a mere 194 deliveries, showcasing her exceptional batting prowess.Verma's blistering knock propelled her to become the second Indian woman after former captain Mithali Raj to score a double century in Test cricket. Raj had achieved the feat in 2002, scoring 214 off 407 balls against England.Throughout her aggressive innings, Verma displayed her power-hitting abilities, striking 23 boundaries and eight towering sixes. She reached her double century with consecutive sixes off off-spinner Delmi Tucker, followed by a single. Her remarkable knock was eventually halted when she was run out for 205 off 197 balls.Verma's opening partner, Smriti Mandhana, also played a crucial role in India's dominant performance. Mandhana scored a brilliant 149 off 161 balls, including 27 boundaries and one six. Together, the duo formed a formidable opening partnership of 292 runs, which came off just 52 overs.India has been in complete control of the opening day against South Africa, scoring at a blistering pace close to a run-a-ball. Verma's record-breaking double century has set the tone for a potential Indian victory in the one-off Test match.