Cricket

Despite India's resounding victory in the first Test against Bangladesh, concerns have been raised over the underwhelming performances of skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli. While the team secured a 280-run triumph, the two senior players failed to make a significant impact.Former India opener Sanjay Manjrekar has questioned whether Rohit and Kohli are receiving preferential treatment based on their reputation. He believes that their absence from the Duleep Trophy, a domestic first-class tournament, has hindered their preparation for the Test series."There was the option of picking them in the Duleep Trophy. So one has to be careful about treating certain players differently and do what's best for Indian cricket and for the player," Manjrekar said. "Virat and Rohit not playing (Duleep Trophy) was not good for Indian cricket, nor was it good for the two players."Manjrekar expressed confidence in Kohli and Rohit's abilities to regain their form, but he emphasized the need to address the issue of preferential treatment within the Indian cricket team."But they have the class and experience to make a comeback later in the series, and I don't see them, for that reason, not being in form," he said. "But something that one must make a quiet note of, and that has been a problem with Indian cricket for a long time now, is that certain players get picked out for special treatment because of their status, which eventually hurts that player more than anyone else."The Indian team's success in the first Test was largely due to the standout performances of Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Ravindra Jadeja. However, the struggles of Rohit and Kohli have raised questions about the team's batting depth and the need for a more consistent performance from its senior players.

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.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction is fast approaching, and franchises are eagerly awaiting the release of retention and release guidelines from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). While the BCCI is expected to limit teams to retaining a maximum of six players, including Right To Match, some franchises are hoping for an increase to eight.One of the biggest questions surrounding the auction is the future of MS Dhoni, who has been a mainstay for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). CSK has reportedly suggested that the BCCI reinstate an old rule that would allow them to retain Dhoni as a mentor.Despite the uncertainty surrounding retention guidelines, reports have emerged highlighting the players that different franchises are interested in keeping. However, with only a limited number of players allowed to be retained, several top names could be released.Here are five cricketing superstars who could be released by their respective franchises ahead of the mega auction:1. Rohit Sharma: The Mumbai Indians captain has hinted that the 2024 season could be his last with the franchise. With Hardik Pandya now leading the team, Sharma may be on the lookout for a new side.2. KL Rahul: The Lucknow Super Kings are reportedly seeking a new captain, and Rahul's inability to dictate the game has put his position in jeopardy. He could potentially return to his former franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore.3. Faf du Plessis: The RCB skipper had a disappointing campaign last season, and at 40 years old, his best days in T20 cricket may be behind him. RCB is expected to rope in a new captain and release du Plessis.4. Venkatesh Iyer: The Kolkata Knight Riders have a tough decision to make regarding Iyer, who has fallen out of favor after a title-winning campaign. With several other key players to retain, Iyer could be released.5. Glenn Maxwell: After a poor season with RCB, Maxwell could also be on his way out. The franchise may prefer to invest in a player who guarantees a better performance.The IPL 2025 auction promises to be a major shake-up for several franchises, and these five superstars could find themselves in new colors next season.

Team India skipper Rohit Sharma heaped praise on Ravichandran Ashwin for his exceptional all-round performance in the first Test against Bangladesh at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. Ashwin's match-winning ton and fifer earned him the Player of the Match award.With the bat, Ashwin played a crucial knock of 113 runs from 133 balls, hitting 11 boundaries and two maximums. His innings helped India post a formidable total of 404 runs in the first innings.With the ball, Ashwin was equally impressive, bagging six wickets in his spell of 21 overs. He conceded 88 runs and played a key role in restricting Bangladesh to 150 runs in their first innings.Rohit Sharma lauded Ashwin's contributions, saying, "He's next in line to talk to you, he's the right man to answer what he does. Every time we look up to him, he's always there for us whether with the bat or ball. I don't know if I speak here, it'll be enough of what he does for this team. Every time we see him come out and do the job, it's always so brilliant. He's never out of the game."Rohit also spoke about wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who made a successful return to Test cricket after two years. Pant played a crucial knock of 109 runs in the second innings, helping India set a target of 513 runs for Bangladesh."He's been through some really tough times. The way he has managed himself through those tough times was superb to watch. He came back in the IPL, followed by a very successful World Cup and this is the format he loves the most. For us, it was never about what is he going to do with the bat, we always knew what he had with the bat and with the gloves as well," Rohit said."It was just about giving him the game time. Credit to him as well, he went on to play Duleep Trophy and got ready for this Test match and had an impact straightaway in the game. No matter what the conditions are, whether we play in India, whether we play outside, we want to build the team around that (strong bowling)," the opener added.

Kapil Dev's Insight: Prime Years for Cricketers and the Longevity of Rohit Sharma and Virat KohliFormer Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev, renowned for leading India to its historic World Cup triumph in 1983, has shared his perspective on the prime years for cricketers and the longevity of seasoned players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.According to Kapil Dev, the period between ages 26 and 34 represents the prime years for cricketers. During this time, players typically possess a combination of physical prowess, technical skill, and mental acuity. However, he emphasizes that fitness plays a crucial role in determining how long a player can maintain their peak performance.This insight is particularly relevant for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have both surpassed the age range Kapil Dev identifies as the prime years. Kohli, who will turn 36 in November, and Rohit, who turned 37 in April, have recently retired from T20Is but continue to play in other formats.Kapil Dev believes that retirement is a personal decision. He suggests that as long as players maintain their fitness and derive joy from the game, they should continue playing. He cites examples of players like Ravi Shastri, who retired at a relatively young age, and Sachin Tendulkar, who had a prolonged career.Kapil Dev's perspective offers a framework for understanding the career trajectories of modern players. While he provides a general guideline, he acknowledges that personal decisions and circumstances play a significant role. As Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli navigate their post-prime years, Kapil Dev's philosophy provides them and their fans with a lens through which to view their future career decisions.

Team India's dominance continued as they secured a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test of the two-match series in Chennai. The hosts set a daunting target of 515 for Bangladesh, who were eventually dismissed for 234 on the fourth day.Ravichandran Ashwin emerged as the star performer for India, showcasing his all-round brilliance. With the bat, he notched up a powerful century, while with the ball, he claimed a memorable six-wicket haul. Ashwin's exceptional performance played a pivotal role in India's comprehensive victory.The match also witnessed a light-hearted moment involving India skipper Rohit Sharma. On the fourth day, Sharma was captured on camera flipping the bails at the striker's end and hilariously casting a spell on the stumps. The incident drew comparisons to Virat Kohli's habit of switching bails during matches, adding a touch of humor to the proceedings.India's victory gives them an unassailable 1-0 lead in the series. The second and final Test will be played in Kanpur from September 27.In the post-match presentation, Rohit Sharma expressed his satisfaction with the result, highlighting the team's preparation and the impact of Rishabh Pant's century. He also emphasized the importance of building a strong bowling unit capable of adapting to various conditions.

Rohit Sharma, India's esteemed captain, has faced criticism for his questionable DRS decisions. During the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, Rohit's refusal to review a caught-behind decision left him with a face-palm moment.In the 62nd over, Bangladesh batter Hasan Mahmud faced Ravichandran Ashwin's delivery. The ball spun sharply and bounced high, hitting Mahmud's glove before being caught by wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant. However, replays suggested the ball may have grazed Mahmud's forearm before entering Pant's gloves.Despite Pant's insistence on taking DRS, Rohit remained adamant. The replays later confirmed that the ball had indeed touched Mahmud's glove, meaning a review would have resulted in an overturned decision.Pant couldn't resist teasing Rohit, saying, "Out tha, abe yaar replay dekh to lo (it was out, at least see the replay)."Despite the DRS blunder, India secured a comprehensive 280-run victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.After the match, Rohit praised Pant's remarkable return to Test cricket after a 600-day absence. "He's been through some really tough times. The way he has managed himself through those tough times was superb to watch," Rohit said.Rohit's DRS decision-making has been a topic of discussion among cricket pundits. Some believe his reluctance to review decisions stems from a desire to maintain control on the field. Others suggest it may be a lack of confidence in the DRS system.Regardless of the reasons, Rohit's DRS decisions have raised questions about his captaincy. As India prepares for the upcoming Test series against Australia, Rohit will need to improve his DRS decision-making to ensure the team's success.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's jovial nature and expressive on-field antics have made him a fan favorite. During the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, Rohit's playful demeanor was once again on display.In a viral video, Rohit was seen performing his signature bail flip while fielding. The video captured the essence of Rohit's relaxed yet competitive approach to the game. His animated conversations with teammates and humorous exchanges with opposition players showcase his ability to balance intensity with a sense of fun.India's victory in the first Test was largely due to the brilliance of R Ashwin. After going wicketless in the first innings, Ashwin claimed six wickets in the second innings, including the crucial dismissal of Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque.Ashwin's contributions extended beyond bowling. In the first innings, he scored a gritty century, rescuing India from a precarious position. His partnership with Ravindra Jadeja propelled India to a respectable total of 376.For his outstanding performance, Ashwin was named Player of the Match. The focus now shifts to Kanpur, where the second Test match is scheduled to take place from September 27. India, with a 1-0 lead in the series, will be the favorites heading into the second game.Bangladesh, on the other hand, have never managed to defeat India in a Test match. However, they will be determined to make history and level the series in Kanpur.

India's Test season commenced with a resounding victory over Bangladesh in Chennai, setting the tone for a challenging 10-match campaign. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Indian team asserted their dominance in the opening Test, securing a 280-run triumph in under four days.This victory not only gave India a 1-0 lead in the two-match series but also solidified their position atop the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. India's WTC points percentage (PCT) surged to 71.67, with 86 points from 10 Tests. Prior to the series, India held the top spot, but this win extended their lead over second-placed Australia by 9.17 PCT.The victory has significantly enhanced India's chances of reaching the WTC final for the third consecutive time. However, they still require at least four more wins in the remaining nine Tests to guarantee their spot. These Tests include the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur next week, a three-match home series against New Zealand next month, and the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.Bangladesh, who had risen to the fourth spot after a historic 2-0 whitewash against Pakistan last month, slipped to the sixth position after this defeat. Their PCT also dropped from 45.83 to 39.29.As the season progresses, all eyes will be on India's performance in the remaining fixtures. Each match is crucial for maintaining their stronghold at the top of the WTC table and securing a spot in the finals.