Cricket

Umran Malik's meteoric rise to fame in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2022, where he showcased his blistering pace and ability to consistently bowl over 150 km/h, earned him a spot in the Indian white-ball squad. However, despite his early promise, Malik has not featured for India in more than a year, raising questions about his current predicament.Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey believes that Malik's rapid rise without substantial red-ball cricket experience is a significant factor in his current situation. According to Mhambrey, Malik's swift ascent to the national team via the IPL is typical of a bowler who lacks the grounding that comes from playing longer formats. With only 12 First-Class matches under his belt, Malik has struggled to maintain his place in the national lineup."Umran is a classic case of someone who has not played enough red-ball cricket," Mhambrey told The Indian Express. "He came into reckoning through the IPL. That's 24 balls in a game. Sometimes you don't even get to bowl 24 balls. The amount of pressure in bowling 24 balls is not like the red ball. I feel this (T20) is not a format to judge a prospect."Mhambrey emphasizes the importance of First-Class cricket for developing a bowler's skills and endurance. He explains that while the IPL offers a platform for showcasing talent, it doesn't replicate the mental and physical demands of longer formats."For all the perks that come with bowling in the IPL, it has its repercussions as well," Mhambrey continued. "We made sure that he played Ranji Trophy and red-ball cricket. The moment you play one season, you understand your bowling. Physically, you will be tested in different phases of the game. Sometimes you will have to be on the ground for six sessions. And to be able to bowl with that intensity when the last session is coming up, you will be physically and mentally challenged. And you need to go through that."Mhambrey's insights highlight a crucial element in Umran Malik's development: the need for experience and endurance that comes only from playing red-ball cricket. Without this foundation, Malik has found it challenging to adjust to the rigors of international cricket, leading to his exclusion from the team.

Jharkhand skipper Ishan Kishan made a triumphant return to red-ball cricket, leading his team to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Madhya Pradesh in the Buchi Babu fixture. Kishan's stellar performance, including a century in the first innings and an unbeaten 41 in the second, proved instrumental in Jharkhand's success.In the first innings, Kishan showcased his aggressive batting style, smashing a 107-ball 114. His innings included 12 fours and 4 sixes, setting the tone for Jharkhand's strong start. In the second innings, with Jharkhand needing 12 runs to win with two wickets remaining, Kishan took the responsibility upon himself. He smashed two sixes off Akash Rajawat in the 55th over, guiding his team to a memorable victory.Kishan's return to the Ranji Trophy fold is a significant development for Jharkhand. After being omitted from the initial long list, Kishan expressed his desire to participate, leading to his inclusion in the squad. His decision to prioritize domestic cricket is a testament to his commitment to the team.Kishan's last domestic first-class game was in December 2022. His absence from the Ranji Trophy towards the end of the 2023-24 season cost him a place on the central contract list. However, his impressive performance in the Buchi Babu tournament has reignited hopes of a successful return to the Ranji Trophy in the upcoming season.The 26-year-old made his Test debut in 2023, filling in for an injured Rishabh Pant. Despite being selected for the South Africa series, he opted out due to mental fatigue. Kishan has featured in two Tests, 17 ODIs, and 11 T20Is in 2023, showcasing his versatility across formats.The Buchi Babu tournament, revived after a six-year hiatus, provides a valuable platform for teams to prepare for the upcoming domestic season. The four-day red-ball format mirrors the Ranji Trophy league stages, offering teams a chance to fine-tune their skills and strategies.

Ishan Kishan, the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter, showcased his exceptional talent with a blistering 86-ball century against Madhya Pradesh in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament in Thirunelveli. Leading Jharkhand from the front, Kishan displayed his aggressive batting style, hitting the opposition bowlers to all corners of the park.After coming in at number six, Kishan initially played cautiously, scoring a composed 61-ball half-century. However, after reaching his fifty, he unleashed his full potential, smashing 114 runs off just 107 balls. His brutal knock included 10 towering sixes and 5 boundaries, with a strike rate of 106.54.Kishan's innings was a testament to his class and versatility, as he seamlessly blended caution and aggression. This performance comes as a timely reminder of his abilities ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, which begins on September 19.Earlier in the match, Madhya Pradesh were dismissed for 225, with Shubham S Kushwah top-scoring with 84 runs. Jharkhand ended the day at 277 for 7, with Kishan's century playing a pivotal role in their strong position.Kishan's return to red-ball cricket after his Test debut for India in July 2023 has been impressive, showcasing his adaptability and potential. His performance in the Buchi Babu tournament will undoubtedly put him in contention for a place in the Indian squad for the Bangladesh series.The 24-year-old will next feature in the Duleep Trophy, which will be played from September 5-24. This tournament is expected to feature several other Indian regulars, providing Kishan with an opportunity to further showcase his skills.

Suryakumar Yadav, India's dynamic T20I captain, remains determined to make his mark in Test cricket despite a prolonged absence from the format. Having played just one Test match in his career, Suryakumar has expressed his desire to represent India in all three formats.To enhance his red-ball credentials, Suryakumar has made himself available for the second half of Mumbai's Buchi Babu Invitational tournament, which runs until August. He will join a young Mumbai squad under the leadership of Sarfaraz Khan, requesting the selectors to maintain the current captaincy arrangement."I want to play for India in all three formats," Suryakumar stated. "Playing in Buchi Babu will give me good practice for the red-ball tournaments this season."Suryakumar's recent success as India's T20I captain, leading the team to a 3-0 series sweep over Sri Lanka, has further fueled his Test aspirations. Despite being omitted from the subsequent ODI series, Suryakumar has a clear path to push for a Test comeback with a series of red-ball matches on the horizon.Following the Buchi Babu tournament, Suryakumar is expected to participate in the Duleep Trophy, a prestigious first-class competition featuring teams selected by the national selectors. His last first-class appearance came in the 2023 Duleep Trophy, where he showcased his batting prowess.Throughout his first-class career, Suryakumar has amassed 5628 runs in 82 matches, averaging 43.62 with 29 fifties and 14 centuries. His impressive record suggests that he possesses the technical ability and temperament to succeed in the demanding Test arena.Suryakumar's determination to break into the Test team is a testament to his versatility and ambition. As he embarks on a series of red-ball matches, the Indian cricket fraternity will eagerly watch his progress, hoping to witness the emergence of a new Test star.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has significantly expanded its central contract list, awarding deals to 41 male players, a substantial increase from the previous 29. The contracts are divided into six categories: A1, A2, B2, C1, C2, and 'A' Team, with performance-based clauses incorporated.SLC has opted not to disclose the specific categories assigned to each player, aiming to maintain player morale. The expanded list includes several new faces, such as Shevon Daniel, Dushan Hemantha, Nuwanidu Fernando, and Sahan Arachchige, despite their limited national team appearances.In total, 18 new players have been added, while six have been dropped, including notable absentees Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Danushka Gunathilaka. Lahiru Thirimanne, Nuwan Pradeep, Minod Bhanuka, and Lakshan Sandakan are the other four players who have not been retained from the previous contract cycle.A key aspect of the new contracts is the emphasis on red-ball cricket. Test match fees have been increased by 100%, incentivizing players to prioritize the longer format. However, payments will be merit-based, with varying structures depending on results. ODI and T20I match fees have received a flat 25% increase.In addition to enhanced daily allowances, players will receive one-time payments for topping the ICC player rankings as a batter, bowler, or allrounder. Players who make it into the top ten but do not reach the summit will also be rewarded.The full list of centrally contracted Sri Lankan men's players includes:* Dimuth Karunaratne* Dinesh Chandimal* Wanindu Hasaranga* Angelo Mathews* Kusal Mendis* Dhananjaya De Silva* Charith Asalanka* Pathum Nissanka* Dasun Shanaka* Maheesh Theekshana* Kasun Rajitha* Prabath Jayasuriya* Dushmantha Chameera* Dilshan Madushanka* Asitha Fernando* Sadeera Samarawickrama* Ramesh Mendis* Kamindu Mendis* Chamika Karunaratne* Dunith Wellalage* Lahiru Kumara* Nishan Madushka* Matheesha Pathirana* Kusal Janith Perera* Vishwa Fernando* Jeffrey Vandersay* Pramod Madushan* Janith Liyanage* Akila Dananjaya* Praveen Jayawickrama* Nuwan Thushara* Sahan Arachchige* Nuwanidu Fernando* Dushan Hemantha* Lasith Embuldeniya* Binura Fernando* Shevon Daniel* Niroshan Dickwella* Ashen Bandara* Oshada Fernando* Avishka Fernando

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has taken a bold step by announcing a 100% pay raise for its senior men's team from the 2024-25 season. This move is a significant boost for domestic cricketers and could potentially set a precedent for other state associations to follow suit.The MCA's decision was driven by a desire to incentivize players and prioritize red-ball cricket. The association believes that the Ranji Trophy holds a special place in Mumbai and that players should be adequately compensated for their contributions.Under the new scheme, players' earnings from the MCA will match their earnings from the BCCI during the domestic season. This effectively doubles a player's income, providing a substantial financial incentive to perform well in domestic competitions.The move is particularly beneficial for players who do not have an IPL contract. For example, opening batter Bhupen Lalwani, who played in all 10 Ranji Trophy games for Mumbai in 2023-24, would have earned INR 17.2 lakhs as match fees. Under the new scheme, he would have earned INR 34.4 lakhs, a significant increase.The MCA's decision has been met with praise from former players and cricket enthusiasts. Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary India captain, has voiced his support for extending a similar scheme to first-class cricketers across the country. He believes that doubling or tripling match fees would encourage players to prioritize domestic cricket and strengthen the feeder system for the Indian team.The MCA's move is not the first time a state association has considered such a measure. In 2022-23, the MCA proposed annual contracts for its players but the proposal was not passed by the Apex Council. However, with the current president, Amol Kale, at the helm, the MCA has revisited the idea and implemented it successfully.The MCA's decision is a positive step towards recognizing the importance of domestic cricket and providing financial security to players. It is hoped that other state associations will follow suit and invest in their domestic teams, creating a stronger and more competitive domestic cricket ecosystem in India.

Tanveer Sangha, the promising Australian spinner, remains steadfast in his aspiration to become a three-format bowler for his country. Despite having played more white-ball matches for Australia than red-ball matches at first-class level, Sangha believes that red-ball cricket can still be a priority for him.Sangha is set to make his first Sheffield Shield appearance in almost two years when he turns out for New South Wales against Queensland on Monday. The legspinner has been sidelined from Shield action due to overseas commitments and injuries.Despite his limited red-ball experience, Sangha is confident that he can still achieve his goal of adding a Baggy Green to his limited-overs playing caps. "I definitely think all three formats is definitely up for play," Sangha said. "There's plenty of time still. Everyone says I'm young. I'm 22. You're not going to peak until late 20s."Sangha acknowledges the challenges of being a multi-format bowler, but he is determined to find a balance that allows him to maintain his skills in both red-ball and white-ball cricket. "It's the most difficult skill in cricket. I'm still learning, trying to pull leggies, wrong'uns, toppies, sliders and executing all these different variations. I'm just trying to think long term rather than short. It's a long career if I do make it and I do get through all of it."Sangha is aware of the impact that white-ball cricket has had on Test hopefuls, with players like Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell having limited opportunities in the Shield in recent seasons. However, he is determined to find a way to maintain his red-ball skills while on white-ball tours."That's what I'm learning now while I was away," Sangha said. "What can I still do while on a white-ball tour to make sure I'm maintaining my red ball-skills, shapes and bowling style?"For now, Sangha is focused on his upcoming Shield match and the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean later this year. He believes that his red-ball experience will benefit his white-ball cricket, as it will allow him to develop his skills in planning and executing dismissals.