Cricket

Shubman Gill, India's rising batting star, continued his meticulous preparations for the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur by honing his technique against spin bowling. During India's practice session at Green Park, Gill engaged in intense cover drive drills with Rishabh Pant, who took on the role of a spinner."I'm going to hit a lot of drives against Jaddu (Jadeja) bhai," Gill declared in a video shared by the BCCI.Pant's brief stint with the ball drew a playful reaction from KL Rahul, who reminded the wicketkeeper-batter of his bowling exploits in the Delhi Premier League. Pant managed to outwit Gill once, prompting the latter to exclaim, "What a way to beat the batter!""You had a great practice session, Rishabh," Gill remarked in the video.The practice session also featured the presence of skipper Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, the spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav, and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.Team India arrived in Kanpur on Tuesday, eager to build on their impressive victory in the first Test in Chennai. Under the guidance of new head coach Gautam Gambhir, India cruised to a dominant 280-run win, with Gill playing a pivotal role.In the second innings, Gill remained unbeaten on 119, forging a crucial 167-run partnership with Pant to keep Bangladesh at bay. Ravichandran Ashwin was named 'Player of the Match' for his all-round performance, scoring a vital 113 in the first innings and claiming a six-wicket haul in the second.Ashwin's six-wicket haul marked his 37th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, equaling the legendary Shane Warne for the second-most five-wicket hauls in Test history. Only Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan, with 67 five-wicket hauls, stands ahead of Ashwin.

Star Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has vehemently denounced the spread of false news regarding his potential transfer to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.Pant took to social media to express his frustration and anger towards an individual who had disseminated baseless information on the platform. The user had alleged that Pant's management had inquired about the possibility of him becoming the captain of the RCB team, but Pant had ultimately declined the offer.The user further insinuated that this decision was influenced by a political agenda, taking a swipe at senior batsman Virat Kohli in the process.In response, Pant strongly condemned these claims, emphasizing the importance of responsible reporting and the need to verify facts before making such statements. He urged the individual to exercise more caution when sharing information on social media."Fake news. Why do you guys spread so much fake news on social media? Be sensible guys so bad. Don't create untrustworthy environment for no reason. It's not the first time and won't be last but I had to put this out. Please always re-check with your so-called sources. Everyday it's becoming worst. Rest it's up to you guys. It's wasn't just for you it's for a lot for people who is spreading misinformation. Tc," Pant tweeted.Pant's outburst comes amidst a sensational Test comeback in the opening game of the two-Test series against Bangladesh in Chennai. He scored a magnificent century, re-entering the ICC rankings at an impressive sixth position.The spread of false news and misinformation on social media has become a growing concern, with individuals often sharing unverified information without considering its potential consequences. Pant's response highlights the importance of responsible reporting and the need for individuals to be more discerning when consuming information online.

Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has expressed his admiration for Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, stating that he wishes Pant was an Australian player. In an interview ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Test series, Marsh praised Pant's character and competitive spirit."He's a ripping bloke. I wish he was Australian. He's obviously been through a lot over the last few years, and it's been a hell of a comeback. He's a positive guy, still really young, and he loves winning. He's highly competitive for someone who has the persona of being relaxed and always laughing and smiling. He's got that big smile," Marsh said.Marsh's teammate Travis Head echoed similar sentiments, describing Pant as "the Indian cricketer I believe is most Australian." Head highlighted Pant's aggressive nature and work ethic as qualities that would make him a valuable asset to any team.Pant responded to the video of the interview on Instagram with a series of emojis, indicating his appreciation for the compliments.Meanwhile, Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood emphasized that his team would prioritize devising strategies to counter young Indian batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill during the Border-Gavaskar series. Hazlewood acknowledged that Australia has limited experience playing against these players and would need to execute their basics effectively to win the series.The five-Test Border-Gavaskar series will commence in Perth on November 22, with India aiming to extend their dominance on the prestigious trophy. Australia, on the other hand, will be determined to showcase their bowling might and win it back after successive losses at home in 2018-19 and 2020-21.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable return to Test cricket has propelled him back into the ICC Test batting rankings at No. 6. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter, who missed nearly two years of Test action due to a horrific car crash, showcased his class with a 39 and a blistering 109 in India's victory over Bangladesh in Chennai.Yashasvi Jaiswal, another Indian opener, also made significant strides, moving up to fifth place with a half-century in the same match. Prabath Jayasuriya, the Sri Lankan left-arm spinner, was the biggest mover in the bowling rankings, climbing five positions to No. 8 after his match-winning performance in Galle against New Zealand.Rohit Sharma, however, endured a disappointing outing in Chennai, dropping from No. 5 to No. 10 in the batting rankings. Virat Kohli also slipped down five spots to No. 12, while Shubman Gill moved up five places to No. 14.In the ODI rankings, Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Travis Head made impressive gains. Gurbaz became the first Afghan batter to enter the top ten, rising to No. 8 after a series of impressive performances against South Africa. Head, the Australian all-rounder, jumped seven spots to No. 9 after his century in the first ODI against England.Rashid Khan, the Afghan leg-spinner, also made a significant impact in the ODI bowling rankings, moving up eight spots to No. 3. He was instrumental in Afghanistan's series win over South Africa, claiming seven wickets in two matches.

Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant Return to Delhi's Ranji Trophy Probables ListStar Indian batsmen Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant have been included in Delhi's probables list for the upcoming Ranji Trophy, scheduled to commence on October 11, 2024. The premier domestic red-ball event in Indian cricket has produced numerous Indian stars, including Kohli and Pant.Delhi will face Chhattisgarh in their Elite Plate Group D encounter on the opening day of the tournament. Other notable players on the probables list include Ayush Badoni, Anuj Rawat, Yash Dhull, and Navdeep Saini.Pant recently made a comeback to the Test team in the Duleep Trophy, where he scored a century in the opening match against Bangladesh. His return to form has been a welcome boost for the Indian team ahead of the home series against Bangladesh.The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) announced the list of 84 probables, stating that a fitness test for the selected players will be held on September 26, 2024. Players on international duty are exempted from the fitness test.The Ranji Trophy match on October 11 precedes India's first Test match against New Zealand in Bengaluru, which begins on October 16. This match provides Kohli with an opportunity to gain valuable game time in home conditions before the international series.

Rishabh Pant's horrific car accident in December 2021 was a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the indomitable spirit of human resilience. The accident, which left Pant with multiple injuries, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), threatened to end his promising cricket career.However, Pant, known for his fearless batting and infectious enthusiasm, refused to succumb to despair. With unwavering determination, he embarked on a grueling rehabilitation journey, driven by an unyielding desire to return to the field.Pant's recovery was a testament to his mental and physical fortitude. He spent countless hours in physiotherapy, gradually regaining strength and mobility. His surgeon, Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, was impressed by Pant's unwavering resolve, saying, "When I told Rishabh 18 months were needed, he responded with 'I am going to show you I can do it in 12 months.'"Pant's return to international cricket in August 2022 was a triumph of spirit and perseverance. His century in the second Test against England at Edgbaston was a poignant moment, not only for Pant but for the entire cricketing fraternity.The century was a culmination of Pant's unwavering belief in himself and the support of his family, friends, and fans. It was a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can prevail.Pant's comeback has been hailed as an inspiration to countless others who have faced setbacks in their lives. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.

As the highly anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 approaches, Australian spin maestro Nathan Lyon has unveiled his tactical approach to combat the formidable attacking prowess of Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant. Lyon, renowned for his guile and accuracy, acknowledges the immense challenge posed by Pant's explosive batting style."Bowling against someone like Rishabh Pant is a daunting task," Lyon admitted. "He possesses exceptional skills and leaves very little margin for error. As a bowler, you need to be at your best to contain him."Lyon's strategy revolves around forcing Pant to defend more by keeping him within the crease. "My aim is to restrict his attacking options and make him play within his crease," Lyon explained. "This will hopefully create opportunities for dismissals."Pant's recent return to red-ball cricket has been nothing short of sensational. After a near-fatal car accident, he made a remarkable comeback, scoring a century just 634 days after his return. His impressive record against Australia, with 624 runs at an average of 62.40, further underscores his match-winning capabilities.In the 2018-19 and 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy series, Pant played a pivotal role in India's victories. His heroic 89* in the fourth innings at the Gabba during India's last tour down under remains etched in the annals of cricket history.Lyon recognizes the threat posed by Pant and is determined to devise a plan that will neutralize his attacking instincts. "I'm not afraid of being hit for sixes," Lyon asserted. "But my focus is on creating chances and making Pant defend more. If I can do that, I believe we can limit his impact."As the Border Gavaskar Trophy draws near, the battle between Lyon and Pant promises to be one of the most captivating subplots. Lyon's experience and tactical acumen will be pitted against Pant's explosive batting and match-winning ability. The outcome of this contest could have a significant bearing on the outcome of the series.

India's Test Trio Arrives in Kanpur for Second Bangladesh TestIndia's head coach Gautam Gambhir, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, and star batter Virat Kohli have arrived in Kanpur ahead of the second Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to commence on Friday at the Green Park Stadium.Gambhir's tenure as Test head coach began with a resounding 280-run victory in Chennai. Pant, returning to Test cricket, impressed with a 109-run knock in the second innings, showcasing his aggressive and defensive prowess. He also contributed 39 runs in the first innings.Kohli, however, had a disappointing outing in Chennai, scoring only 6 and 17 in the two innings. He was dismissed by Hasan Mahmud in the first innings and Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the second.Ravichandran Ashwin emerged as the 'Player of the Match' in the first Test, scoring a crucial 113 in the first innings and taking six wickets in the second, helping India secure a comprehensive victory on the fourth day.The Indian team will be looking to continue their winning momentum in Kanpur and seal the series against Bangladesh. The Green Park Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for India, with the team winning their last three Tests there.

India's star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant made a triumphant return to Test cricket with a record-equalling century in the first match against Bangladesh in Chennai. Despite initial nerves, Pant's determination and attacking instincts propelled him to a match-winning performance.Pant's comeback was highly anticipated after a life-threatening car accident in December 2022. His 109-run innings in the second innings showcased his resilience and unwavering spirit. The innings was a blend of aggressive strokes and calculated defense, leaving the Bangladesh bowlers bewildered."I was very nervous, very jittery," Pant admitted. "But there was some fire inside that I wanted to make it happen."Pant's partnership with opener Shubman Gill was crucial in India's victory. The duo shared a 167-run stand, with Gill contributing a composed 110. Pant praised Gill's off-field camaraderie, which translated into their on-field success."When you have a great relationship outside the field, it really helps to bat with that guy," Pant said. "We were just having fun, talking about the game, and staying relaxed."Pant's performance extended beyond his batting. He was also involved in a light-hearted moment on the stump mic, where he cheekily instructed the Bangladesh captain on field placements."O bhai, ek idhar aayega (Brother, one fielder should come here). One on midwicket," Pant said, drawing laughter from fans and commentators.India's 280-run victory puts them 1-0 up in the two-match Test series. Pant's century and match-winning partnership have set the tone for the second and final Test in Kanpur, which begins on Friday.