Cricket

Sanju Samson, the enigmatic Indian batter, has shed light on his relationship with captain Rohit Sharma and the events surrounding his omission from the playing XI in the 2022 T20 World Cup final.In an interview with journalist Vimal Kumar, Samson revealed that he was initially slated to play in the final against South Africa but was dropped at the last moment. "I had a chance to play the final. I was told to stay ready, and I was ready. But just before the toss, they decided to stick with the same XI," Samson said.Despite his disappointment, Samson praised Rohit's leadership and the manner in which he handled the situation. "During warm-ups, Rohit took me aside to explain the decision. He asked, 'You understood, na?'" Samson shared. "I told him, 'Let’s focus on winning the match first; we can talk later.'"Samson recalled Rohit returning shortly after, sensing his disappointment. "He said, 'I know you’re cursing me in your mind.' I told him that as a player, I wanted to play. It had been my dream to perform in moments like these. Rohit explained his pattern and the reasons behind the decision. I told him I respected his explanation, but I will always carry a regret—that I missed playing a World Cup final under a leader like him," Samson added.Samson admitted that the 10-minute conversation before the toss left a lasting impact. "I thought, in such a high-pressure moment like a World Cup final, the captain would usually focus on the game or the players who are playing. But Rohit took 10 minutes to explain his decision to me before the toss, and then he went for the toss. That gesture won him a place in my heart forever."While Samson has often found himself on the fringes of the national team, he was part of India's squad that won the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, he didn't get a chance to play in any of the eight matches, with Rishabh Pant being preferred as the first-choice wicket-keeper batter.Despite missing out during the World Cup, Samson made a resounding statement in the recent T20I series against Bangladesh. In the second T20I, he hammered a stunning 111 off just 47 balls, leading India to a record-breaking total of 297/6— the highest-ever T20I score by a full-member ICC nation. His blistering knock, featuring 11 fours and eight sixes, was the second-fastest T20I century by an Indian, achieved in just 40 balls.Samson's recent performances have reignited the debate about his place in the Indian team. With his exceptional talent and unwavering determination, he is poised to make a significant contribution to Indian cricket in the years to come.

The upcoming second Test between India and New Zealand in Pune is set to feature a bald and slow-turning pitch, according to ESPNcricinfo. The pitch, primarily composed of black soil, will offer less bounce and be flatter compared to the first Test in Bengaluru.India, reeling from their lowest Test score at home (46 all out) in the first Test, is eager to level the three-match series at 2-1. The team's strategy for both the Pune and Mumbai Tests is to prepare pitches that favor spin, giving their spinners an advantage.However, there will be a key difference between the Pune and Mumbai pitches: bounce. The black soil in Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium will result in lower bounce than the red soil in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.In Bengaluru, overcast conditions and intermittent rain made the pitch more conducive to seam bowling, which New Zealand exploited to their advantage. However, in Pune, India is expected to field at least three spinners, potentially altering the combination based on the amount of spin the slow surface offers.The Indian selectors have added Washington Sundar to the squad as the 16th member, despite having Axar Patel as the fourth spinner alongside R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav.Pune's MCA stadium has hosted only two previous Tests. The inaugural Test in 2016 saw Australia win by a massive 333 runs, with left-arm spinner Steve O'Keefe taking 12 wickets. The pitch was rated poor by the ICC match referee due to its abrasive surface and loose topsoil. In 2019, Virat Kohli scored a double-century in an innings victory over South Africa.The pitch for the New Zealand Test is expected to be devoid of grass, with minimal seam movement outside the first hour after the toss. However, the dry surface will support reverse swing. The slowness of the surface and the lack of support for fast bowlers make the toss crucial, with teams likely to opt to bat first.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has criticized skipper Rohit Sharma's tactical decisions following India's first Test defeat to New Zealand in Bengaluru. Rohit faced significant backlash for his captaincy, particularly after New Zealand managed to add 137 crucial runs for the eighth wicket in their first innings. The criticism continued on Day 5 of the match.With New Zealand needing 107 runs to win, Rohit opted to bring on Ravichandran Ashwin, India's most successful bowler at home, only after 10 runs had been scored. Instead, he utilized Mohammed Siraj, who remained wicketless across two spells totaling seven overs, yielding no results."The thing with pacers, you might get wickets, but there are always runs coming through edges. I was a bit surprised, I think tactically for Rohit Sharma, this Test match wasn't his greatest. I can understand Siraj getting one or two overs and Bumrah getting a long spell. But Siraj getting 6 overs in that forespell, I think that is far too many and already a lot of runs on the board, and you had that little margin to chase," Manjrekar said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo."And another part is Aswhin. When there is no lavish turn on the pitch, the captain tends to use him with a new ball. He would have been tough for the Kiwi batters had he started off with Bumrah, and even if he had come in the fourth over of the inning," he added.Manjrekar highlighted India's significant tactical errors on the final day. This victory marked New Zealand's first Test win in India since 1988 and only their third overall.Despite the unexpected eight-wicket loss, Rohit Sharma praised his team's resilience, particularly their fightback in the second innings. Trailing by a substantial 356 runs after the first innings, India showed remarkable determination, scoring 462 to set a target of 107 for New Zealand."It was a good effort with the bat in the second innings. We didn't bat well in the first innings. So knew what was ahead and couple of guys stood out. When you are 350 behind you can't think too much about it. just got to see the ball and bat. Couple of partnerships were really exciting to watch and got us back in the game. We could have easily been bowled out cheaply but proud of the effort," Rohit said at the post-match presentation.To maintain their impressive home Test series winning streak of 18, India must avoid defeat in the upcoming two Tests. The second Test between India and New Zealand is set to begin in Pune on October 24.

India's Test cricket dominance suffered a setback as they were comprehensively defeated by New Zealand in the first Test match in Bengaluru. The Kiwis outplayed India in all departments, securing an emphatic 8-wicket victory.Captain Rohit Sharma's decision to bat first despite overcast conditions proved costly. India's batsmen struggled against New Zealand's fast bowlers, who exploited the damp pitch to bundle out the hosts for a mere 46 runs. It was India's lowest total at home in Test cricket.Rachin Ravindra's brilliant century propelled New Zealand to a commanding lead. The visitors' bowlers continued to dominate, dismissing India for 212 in the second innings. Despite valiant efforts from Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, India's batting lineup failed to match New Zealand's prowess.Another tactical error by India was their selection of three spinners and two fast bowlers. The inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav over Akash Deep proved ineffective, as the fast bowler would have been more suited to the conditions.The defeat exposed India's weaknesses in Test cricket. Their inability to adapt to different conditions and their reliance on spinners on a seamer-friendly pitch were major factors in their downfall.Despite the loss, India maintained their top spot in the World Test Championship table, while New Zealand rose to fourth position. The second Test of the series will be played in Mumbai from December 3-7.

India's Test series opener against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium ended in a disappointing eight-wicket defeat for the hosts. Skipper Rohit Sharma acknowledged that the team's dismal first-innings total of 46 set them back significantly."We knew it would be a challenge with overcast conditions and a tricky pitch," Sharma said. "We didn't expect to be all out for 46, but credit to New Zealand. It set us back, and games like this happen."Despite the setback, Sharma expressed confidence in his team's ability to bounce back in the remaining two matches. "We've been here before, conceding home losses; these things happen," he said. "Two Tests to go, we know what it takes and will give it all in the next two Tests."In the second innings, India showed resilience with a counter-attacking 177-run stand between Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99). Sharma praised the young batters for their performance."It was a good effort in the second innings with the bat," he said. "We knew what lies ahead, get as many as possible. A couple of guys stood out, was great to watch. When you're 350 behind, you can't think too much. Just have to try and bat the ball and see where the game goes."Sharma highlighted the importance of the partnership between Khan and Pant. "We could've easily been bowled under 350, it's something we're proud of," he said. "Everyone's on the edge of their seats when Pant and Sarfaraz bat. Pant's was a mature innings; he's done it for a while, and he played his shots too. Sarfaraz was very clear and mature in just his third or fourth Test."India now trails 1-0 in the three-match series and will travel to Pune for the second Test from October 24-28. The third and final game will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from November 1-5.

Rohit Sharma's IPL Future Sparks Fan Frenzy at India-New Zealand TestDuring the first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, India captain Rohit Sharma found himself at the center of a light-hearted moment that has captured the attention of cricket fans on social media. As Rohit walked off the field, a fan shouted out a question that has sparked speculation about his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL)."Bhai, IPL mein kaun sa team?" (Brother, which IPL team?), the fan asked, eager to know Rohit's preferred destination for the upcoming season. Rohit responded with a playful question of his own: "Where do you want?"Without hesitation, the fan replied, "Bhai, RCB mein ajao yaar (Come to RCB, brother)." Rohit, however, did not respond to the plea and continued walking towards the pavilion, leaving the fan's request unanswered.Rohit's current IPL team, Mumbai Indians (MI), has been his home for the past 13 seasons, during which he has led them to five championship titles. However, the fan's plea from the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) camp highlights the intense rivalries and transfer hopes that run deep within the IPL.In the match itself, Rohit bounced back from a disappointing first innings with a solid 52 in India's second innings, providing a strong foundation alongside opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (32). The hosts have staged a remarkable recovery by erasing New Zealand's mammoth 356-run lead, bringing the team back into contention for a victory.Rohit's future with MI remains uncertain, and the fan's plea for him to join RCB has sparked speculation about a potential transfer. While Rohit has been a key figure for MI, the team's recent struggles and the emergence of young talent could lead to a change in strategy.The IPL is known for its unpredictable nature and game-changing transfers, and Rohit's future destination will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Whether he remains with MI or makes a move to another franchise, his presence is sure to have a significant impact on the upcoming season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 retention list is highly anticipated, especially considering the upcoming mega auction. Among the most intriguing questions is whether Rohit Sharma will remain with the Mumbai Indians (MI), a team he has led to five IPL titles.According to a report by the Indian Express, MI is likely to retain Rohit along with three other star cricketers: Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav. This move would ensure the continuity of MI's core leadership group.Rohit Sharma, currently leading the Indian cricket team in the first Test against New Zealand, has been the subject of much speculation regarding his IPL future. Last year, he was replaced as MI captain by Hardik Pandya, sparking rumors of a rift within the team. However, the report suggests that MI remains committed to Rohit's leadership.In a recent incident, a fan approached Rohit Sharma during the Test match and asked him which IPL team he would be playing for. The fan's plea for Rohit to join the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) went viral on social media. Rohit responded with a smile but did not provide a direct answer.Meanwhile, MI has appointed Paras Mhambrey as their bowling coach. Mhambrey, who previously served as India's bowling coach, will work alongside current bowling coach Lasith Malinga under head coach Mahela Jayawardene. This appointment strengthens MI's coaching staff and signals their commitment to improving their bowling performance.

Former Indian cricketer and National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman has lauded Rohit Sharma's leadership qualities, particularly his ability to take ownership of mistakes. Laxman praised Rohit's decision to bat first in the opening Test against New Zealand, despite it backfiring spectacularly.Laxman emphasized the importance of leaders acknowledging their errors and taking responsibility for their decisions. He cited Rohit's post-match press conference, where he admitted to misreading the pitch, as an example of exemplary leadership.Laxman also highlighted the significance of preparation and having a clear roadmap for success. He believes that great leaders are the best performers in their teams, and Rohit has exemplified this with the Indian team. Rohit has instilled a selfless style of play, encouraging his teammates to play with freedom and aggression.Despite India's poor start in the Bengaluru Test, Laxman remains optimistic about a turnaround. He believes that the Indian batters, including Sarfaraz Khan and Virat Kohli, have the ability to contribute significantly. He also expressed confidence in the Indian spinners to make an impact in the fourth innings.Laxman emphasized the importance of trusting one's strengths in pressure situations, as demonstrated by Sarfaraz Khan's unbeaten 70. He believes that the Indian team will approach the remaining innings with a positive mindset and a determination to win.

Rohit Sharma's Unfortunate Dismissal Mars India's Fightback in Bengaluru TestIndia's hopes of salvaging the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru suffered a setback on Friday as opener Rohit Sharma was dismissed in an unfortunate manner. After trailing by 356 runs in the first innings, India had made a promising start to their second innings, with Sharma leading the charge.However, the Indian captain's impressive stay at the crease was cut short by a moment of misfortune. Facing left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, Sharma attempted a defensive stroke to a ball on the off-stump. The ball, however, glanced off the inside edge and trickled onto the stumps before Sharma could react.The dismissal left Sharma and the Chinnaswamy crowd in disbelief. The Indian opener had looked solid in his innings, scoring 52 runs off 83 balls. His departure was a major blow to India's hopes of building a substantial lead.Earlier in the day, New Zealand had been dismissed for 402 in their first innings. Rachin Ravindra (134) and Tim Southee (65) had put together a brisk 134-run partnership for the eighth wicket to extend the visitors' advantage.India's bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja (3/72), had struck early to reduce New Zealand to 233 for seven. However, Ravindra and Southee's partnership helped the Kiwis add valuable runs to their total.With Sharma's dismissal, India's task became even more challenging. The hosts will need to bat with patience and determination to avoid a heavy defeat in the first Test.