Cricket

Tilak Varma, the rising star of Indian cricket, etched his name in the history books on Friday during the fourth and final T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg. The 22-year-old batter became only the second Indian to score centuries in consecutive T20I innings, joining an elite list that includes Sanju Samson.Varma's remarkable feat came on the back of his unbeaten 107 in the third T20I of the series. Building on that momentum, he delivered a scintillating 120 off just 47 balls in the fourth match, achieving a phenomenal strike rate of 255.32. His explosive knock featured nine fours and ten sixes, showcasing his dominance at the crease.Reflecting on his performance, Varma shared a lighthearted moment: "Actually, I wanted to tell one funny thing—last year when I played here, I got out on the first ball. This innings was very crucial for the team and the series."Speaking about his approach, he added: "I just focused on holding my shape and sticking to the basics from the last game. I stayed calm. It's an unbelievable feeling—I can't express it right now. I never imagined scoring two centuries in South Africa under challenging conditions. Thanks to our captain Surya for his support. As I mentioned after the last game, I was injured in recent matches, but I trust in God and my processes. That’s why I celebrated this way, dedicating it to God."Varma's exceptional innings earned him the Player of the Match award. His performance was a testament to his talent, determination, and the unwavering support of his teammates. The young batter has emerged as a key player for India in the shortest format of the game, and his recent exploits have only solidified his status as a rising star.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the rising star of Indian cricket, has been hailed as "The New King" by the Australian media. His remarkable journey from humble beginnings to Test debutant has captured the attention of fans and critics alike.Born in Uttar Pradesh, Jaiswal moved to Mumbai with dreams of becoming a cricketer. Despite facing hardships, his dedication and resilience shone through. He made his Test debut in 2023 with a stunning 171 against the West Indies.Jaiswal's appetite for big knocks was evident in his double centuries against England in 2024. In October 2024, he became the first Indian batter to score 1,000 Test runs in a calendar year before turning 23.The Australian newspaper The Daily Telegraph has heralded Jaiswal as India's next superstar, comparing him to Virender Sehwag and Virat Kohli. However, the report also questions whether he can succeed on his maiden trip to Australia.Jaiswal's captain, Rohit Sharma, has expressed confidence in his abilities, stating that he has the potential to "do wonders for the team." The Test series in Australia will be a crucial test for Jaiswal, as success Down Under will determine if he can succeed Kohli as "The New King" and become "India's next superstar."

Yashasvi Jaiswal: A Rising Star in Indian CricketFormer Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has hailed young batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal as a "legend in the making." Jaiswal's exceptional talent and skill have impressed fans and seasoned players alike, earning him high praise from Tiwary.Known for his aggressive batting style and mature temperament, Jaiswal has made a strong impact in international cricket at a young age. In the second Test against New Zealand, he hammered 77 runs from just 65 balls in the second innings, standing out as the lone batter who could effectively counter the challenges posed by the Kiwi bowlers.Tiwary believes that Jaiswal has the potential to become one of India's future cricketing legends. "He is a legend in the making. I rate him very highly," said Tiwary. "He has everything a cricketer needs to become a great cricketer. And it is quite visible even at such a young age."Tiwary praised Jaiswal's technique, positive mindset, hunger, and desire to improve. He noted that Jaiswal's ability to dominate the bowling opposition, even on challenging wickets, is a testament to his exceptional talent."On such a wicket, the rest of the great players were not able to hit any big runs. But this player, at such a young age, the way he is bowling, the way he is hitting the shots — he is a God's gift to cricket," added Tiwary.Jaiswal's impressive performances have not gone unnoticed. He has been included in India's squad for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, a testament to his growing stature in the Indian cricket team.With continued hard work and guidance, Yashasvi Jaiswal has the potential to fulfill his promise and become one of the most successful cricketers of his generation. His talent, determination, and unwavering belief in his abilities make him a player to watch in the years to come.

Sarfaraz Khan's Memorable Week: Test Century and Baby BoyIndian cricket star Sarfaraz Khan's remarkable week has reached new heights with the birth of his baby boy, just two days after he scored his maiden Test century against New Zealand. This joyous occasion adds to the already unforgettable experience for the talented batter, who has been captivating fans with his exceptional performances on the field.During the rain-interrupted fourth day of the match in Bengaluru, Sarfaraz showcased his extraordinary batting prowess, amassing an impressive 150 runs. Playing in only his fourth Test match since his debut earlier this year, the young batter described his century as a "dream come true.""Since I started playing cricket, it was my dream to play for India and score a 100 for India. I am happy," the 26-year-old had told reporters on Saturday.Sarfaraz's journey to the Test team was not without its challenges. Initially, he was not the team's first choice, but he secured a spot in the playing eleven for the series opener after Shubman Gill was ruled out due to a stiff neck.Despite the unexpected opportunity, Sarfaraz seized the moment and delivered a performance that has left a lasting impression. His innings marked his 16th first-class century, with an impressive record of 10 out of his previous 15 centuries being scores of 150 or more, including four double hundreds.The birth of his baby boy adds another layer of joy to Sarfaraz's already memorable week. This special moment is a testament to the cricketer's resilience and determination, both on and off the field. As he continues to shine on the international stage, Sarfaraz Khan's star is undoubtedly on the rise.

Will Jacks' scintillating 84 against Australia in the third ODI at Chester-le-Street has cemented his status as a rising star in English cricket. Despite having only four half-centuries in 31 international innings, Jacks' knock against a formidable Australian attack stands out as his most impressive performance to date.Arriving at the crease with England reeling at 11 for 2, Jacks forged a match-winning partnership of 156 with Harry Brook, guiding the hosts to a comfortable position before rain intervened. Jacks' innings was characterized by its rapid pace, reaching his half-century off just 55 balls and accelerating thereafter.Jacks' performance highlights the importance of regular 50-over cricket for England players. With the decline of bilateral ODI series and the relegation of the domestic One-Day Cup, opportunities to gain experience in the format are limited. Jacks acknowledges this challenge but welcomes the opportunity to learn on the job.Despite being part of England's white-ball setup for two years, Jacks has yet to fully establish himself as a regular. A hectic schedule and a series of injuries have hindered his progress. However, his recent performances for England and in various franchise leagues have demonstrated his immense talent.The ECB is expected to rectify the omission of Jacks from its central contract list in the next round of offers. His value has skyrocketed since last year, and his performances have shown that he is worth the investment.

Shubman Gill: A Rising Star with Limitless PotentialFormer Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has heaped praise on young batter Shubman Gill, highlighting his exceptional talent and potential for greatness. Karthik believes that Gill possesses the technical skills and work ethic to excel in all formats of the game.Gill's ability to hit sixes with precision and power has impressed Karthik. Unlike power hitters like Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell, Gill focuses on hitting the ball in the gaps for maximum distance. This unique technique demonstrates his exceptional hand-eye coordination and timing.Despite initial struggles after being moved to the No. 3 position in India's Test batting order, Gill has shown remarkable resilience and determination. He has scored three centuries in his last five Tests, showcasing his growing confidence and maturity in the role.Karthik attributes Gill's success to his flawless technique and outstanding work ethic. He believes that Gill has the potential to become a dominant force in world cricket. "Whenever I look at Shubman Gill, I see greatness in him," Karthik said. "The kind of shots he plays, how he gets on top of the ball, technically, there aren't many flaws."With Karthik's glowing endorsement, expectations are high for Gill to maintain his impressive form as India prepares for crucial upcoming matches. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different conditions will be key to his continued success.

Musheer Khan, a rising star in Indian cricket, has announced his arrival on the big stage with a remarkable 181-run knock in his Duleep Trophy debut for India B against India A. The 19-year-old left-handed batter displayed exceptional composure and dominance, facing 373 deliveries and guiding his team to a competitive first-innings score of 321.Musheer's innings stood out amidst a batting collapse, as wickets fell around him. He found a reliable partner in Navdeep Saini, and together they orchestrated a record-breaking 205-run partnership for the eighth wicket, setting the highest such stand in the tournament's history.With this incredible debut, Musheer has surpassed some of cricket's elite, including Sachin Tendulkar, on the list of highest scores by a teenager in Duleep Trophy history. His 181 now sits third on the list, behind Baba Aparajith's 212 and Yash Dhull's 193.Musheer's journey to this moment has been remarkable. Growing up in Mumbai's cricket-rich ecosystem, the younger brother of Sarfaraz Khan has consistently shown potential. His early rise through the ranks included setting records in age-group cricket and eventually breaking into Mumbai's senior setup. However, his Duleep Trophy debut innings may be his crowning achievement thus far, marking him as a future star for Indian cricket.India B were in deep trouble at 94/7 when Musheer and Saini combined to salvage the innings. Musheer's resilience and composure under pressure were reminiscent of seasoned pros, which bodes well for his prospects at the highest level. While his immediate selection for India remains uncertain, this innings has certainly made selectors take notice.With Musheer's meteoric rise, it seems only a matter of time before he joins his brother Sarfaraz in representing India on the international stage. His exceptional talent, coupled with his ability to perform under pressure, suggests that he has the potential to become a mainstay in the Indian cricket team for years to come.

Musheer Khan, the younger brother of Indian Test cricketer Sarfaraz Khan, is rapidly establishing himself as a prodigious talent in the Mumbai cricket nursery. His recent exploits in the Duleep Trophy, where he scored a magnificent 181 for India B, have further cemented his reputation as a batsman to watch out for.Hailing from the famed Azad Maidan in Mumbai, Musheer honed his skills under the watchful eye of his father, Naushad Khan, a former first-class cricketer. At the tender age of 8, he broke his brother's record as the youngest player to debut in the Kanga League. His bowling prowess, with 25 wickets to his name, also earned him recognition.Musheer's consistent performances in age-group cricket propelled him into the Mumbai squad for the U19 Cooch Behar Trophy in 2022. The tournament proved to be a springboard for his Ranji Trophy debut. With an impressive tally of 632 runs and 32 wickets, he was named 'Player of the Tournament' and earned his entry into first-class cricket.Despite a disappointing Ranji Trophy debut, Musheer bounced back in style in the U-25 CK Nayudu Trophy, smashing 339 runs against Hyderabad. His century (139) and three wickets in the final of the U19 One Day Challenger Trophy further showcased his all-round abilities.These performances earned him a place in the U-19 India squad for the Asia Cup and the 2024 U-19 World Cup in South Africa. In the World Cup, Musheer emerged as India's second-highest scorer with 360 runs and also claimed seven wickets with his left-arm spin.Musheer's confidence soared after his double century (203) in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy quarterfinal against Baroda. He further enhanced his credentials with a century in the Ranji final against Vidarbha, becoming the youngest Mumbai player to achieve this feat.His latest heroics in the Duleep Trophy, where he rescued India B from a precarious position with a fighting 181, have further highlighted his potential. While his inclusion in India's Test squad for the upcoming series remains uncertain, it seems only a matter of time before he dons the national jersey alongside his brother Sarfaraz.

Over the past three years, B. Sai Sudharsan has emerged as a rising star in Indian cricket. From his breakout performance in the TNPL in 2021 to his debut for India in One-Day Internationals in December 2023, the 22-year-old's journey has been remarkable.Sudharsan's rise to prominence began with a brilliant 96 in the 2023 IPL final for Gujarat Titans against Chennai Super Kings. He followed that up with an impressive tour of Sri Lanka with India-A in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup, a short but fruitful county stint with Surrey, and an eye-catching performance in the Irani Cup, which fast-tracked him into the Indian set-up.This year, the Tamil Nadu left-hander went one better in the IPL, topping the run-charts for GT (527 in 12 games) and, in the process, becoming the fastest Indian batter to 1,000 runs (25 innings), beating Sachin Tendulkar and Ruturaj Gaikwad's record (31 innings).In an interview with The Hindu, Sudharsan spoke about his growth as a cricketer. "It's been a great experience, for sure," he said. "There were so many learnings, and I think I have good things to take forward. It's definitely been a dream."Sudharsan's journey has not been without its challenges. He missed the under-19 bus before COVID and spent a year without cricket. However, he used that time to work on his game, and it has paid off handsomely."The one good thing was I had one-and-a-half years of work behind me," he said. "There was completely undistracted work or complete, deliberate practice each and every day, waking up, getting fitter, getting better as a batsman, as a person. There was more focused practice because we couldn't do much else."Sudharsan's success has been built on his ability to adapt to different levels of cricket. "I feel there is not much difference as you go up," he said. "Yes, there is definitely a slight difference in quality. Just the consistency of the people or the bowlers executing is better. But it's more about external things. You get more pressure with 100,000 people watching you."Sudharsan's game awareness has also improved significantly. "Sometimes, you practise a lot, even some particular shots," he said. "But you don't know where to use it. I think that has gotten better in three years. Exposure to difficult conditions and better opponents has helped my game awareness, and my judgement has gotten better because of that."As a batter, Sudharsan relies on timing and placement rather than power. "The game moves very quickly, but there will be instances where you need both," he said. "We definitely need to adapt as a batter. At the same time, we must not sacrifice or trade off our strengths. If my strength is timing, we should not trade it off for power-hitting."Sudharsan's goals for the future include improving his decision-making and risk-taking. "I felt my approach could have been better in the first half and that I could have taken more risks," he said. "I got that understanding after a few games of experience. Now, I want to get better at it so that I can do that from the first game of the season, which can directly help the team."Sudharsan's rise has been a testament to his hard work and dedication. He is a role model for young cricketers across India, and his story is sure to inspire many more to follow their dreams.