Cricket

India's Sarfaraz Khan Steals the Show with Hilarious Catch in Perth TrainingAs the Indian cricket team intensifies its preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a moment of levity emerged during a fielding drill in Perth. Sarfaraz Khan, India's middle-order batter, became the center of attention with an unconventional catch that left his teammates in stitches.In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Khan is seen fielding at short leg when a ball is hit towards him. Instead of taking a conventional catch, Khan uses his body to trap the ball between his legs, much to the amusement of his teammates.The video captures the lighthearted camaraderie within the Indian camp, with Virat Kohli, Dhruv Jurel, and Rishabh Pant seen laughing uncontrollably at Khan's antics. The moment has provided a welcome respite from the intense training sessions as India gears up for the first Test in Perth on November 22.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a highly anticipated series between India and Australia, with both teams eager to claim victory. The series will consist of five Tests, with the remaining matches scheduled to be played in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.India will be looking to retain the trophy they won in 2018-19, while Australia will be determined to reclaim it on home soil. The series is expected to be fiercely contested, with both teams boasting a wealth of talent and experience.

Indian Cricket Team's Lighthearted Photoshoot Highlights Camaraderie Ahead of Border-Gavaskar TrophyAs the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, the Indian cricket team has engaged in a lighthearted and memorable photoshoot, offering fans a glimpse into their camaraderie and the playful banter that characterizes their interactions.Among the participants were Sarfaraz Khan, Mohammed Siraj, and the ever-charismatic Virat Kohli. In a moment captured by the BCCI's social media team, Sarfaraz and Siraj were heard calling Kohli a "legend" as he wrapped up his segment.Despite his ongoing struggles with consistency in all formats of the game, Kohli's stature as a global cricket icon continues to inspire those around him. In another playful interaction, KL Rahul was asked to name the most famous contact on his phone. Without hesitation, Rahul responded, "Virat Kohli," showcasing the batting maestro's unparalleled status both on and off the field.Beyond the lighthearted moments, the team's preparations for the series have been meticulous. Match simulations have been taking place to prepare Team India for one of the biggest challenges of the year. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting November 22 at Perth's Optus Stadium, promises to be a thrilling showdown between two cricketing giants, India and Australia.With five intense Test matches on the cards, the series holds immense significance as both teams vie for supremacy in the longest format. India, led by Jasprit Bumrah in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, will look to build on their historic success in Australia during their last two visits. Meanwhile, Australia, buoyed by home advantage and a formidable squad, will aim to reclaim their lost legacy against India.The Indian team's camaraderie and lighthearted interactions, as captured in the photoshoot, serve as a reminder of the team's unity and determination as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Indian cricket team batter Sarfaraz Khan has faced significant challenges during a practice session in Perth ahead of the first Test match against Australia, scheduled to commence on November 22. According to a report by The West Australian, Khan struggled to adapt to the conditions at the WACA ground, exhibiting difficulties in handling the bounce of the pitch.The report suggests that Khan appeared like a "batter who hasn't played outside of the subcontinent," as he faced issues with short balls and was prone to chopping deliveries outside his off-stump onto the wickets. This performance has raised concerns about his readiness for the upcoming Test series.Meanwhile, Australian cricket legend Ian Healy has expressed his belief that the Indian team's decision to train behind closed doors in Perth could be detrimental to their morale. Healy argues that such privacy can create an unhappy touring squad, as it prevents players from embracing the experience and interacting with the Australian public and media.Healy suggests that India's approach is similar to what Australia used to do in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, where they would isolate themselves from the local environment. However, he believes that this strategy is counterproductive and can lead to a less enjoyable tour.Healy acknowledges that India may have legitimate reasons for seeking privacy, such as the overwhelming attention they receive from fans and media. However, he emphasizes that social media has amplified the intensity of cricket in India, making it crucial for players to engage with the public and media to maintain a positive atmosphere during the tour.

Sarfaraz Khan Suffers Injury Scare in Team India's Perth Training SessionIndian batter Sarfaraz Khan has raised concerns after sustaining an injury during Team India's training session in Perth. The incident occurred while Sarfaraz was batting in the nets, preparing for the upcoming first Test against Australia.The 27-year-old was struck on his right elbow, causing him to walk off the field in visible pain. The extent of the injury is yet to be determined, but Sarfaraz's abrupt departure has raised concerns given his recent impressive form.Sarfaraz is a contender to play in the Perth Test at Optus Stadium, with captain Rohit Sharma likely to be absent due to personal reasons. He faces competition for the middle-order spot from experienced batter KL Rahul and promising wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel.Sarfaraz has a solid Test record, having scored 371 runs in six matches at an average of 37.10. He has registered a century, three fifties, and a top score of 150. However, he has yet to play a Test outside India, and the challenge of proving himself on Australia's fast and bouncy pitches awaits him.The Indian team management will be closely monitoring Sarfaraz's condition and hoping that the injury is not serious. His availability for the Perth Test will be crucial, as India aims to start the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series on a positive note.

India's batting woes continued in the third Test against New Zealand, with a series of questionable decisions and underperforming stars leaving pundits perplexed.On Day 1, Virat Kohli's reckless run-out set the tone for a topsy-turvy innings. The decision to send Sarfaraz Khan, who has been in scintillating form, down to No. 8 in the batting order sparked outrage among fans and former cricketers.Sanjay Manjrekar, a former India cricketer, questioned the team management's logic, stating that Sarfaraz's demotion made no sense given his recent performances. "A guy in form, has 3 fifties in his first 3 Tests, gets 150 in the Bangalore Test, a good player of spin, pushed back in the order to keep left & right combination?? Makes no sense," Manjrekar tweeted.Sarfaraz's brief stay at the crease ended in a 4-ball duck, adding to the frustration of fans who had witnessed his remarkable run at the Wankhede Stadium. In his last six innings at the venue, Sarfaraz has amassed 601 runs at an astonishing average of 150.25.The decision to send Mohammed Siraj (nightwatchman) and Ravindra Jadeja ahead of Sarfaraz raised eyebrows, especially considering their poor batting performances. Siraj and Jadeja were dismissed for 0 and 14 respectively.The Indian team's batting woes have been a recurring theme throughout the series. Despite Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant's heroics on Saturday, the team's overall performance has been inconsistent and error-prone.The team management's decisions have come under scrutiny, with many questioning the logic behind Sarfaraz's demotion and the batting order in general. As the series progresses, India will need to find a way to address their batting issues and regain their dominance on home soil.

On the opening day of the third Test between India and New Zealand in Mumbai, Sarfaraz Khan's fiery send-off to Rachin Ravindra marked a significant moment. Ravindra, a key performer for New Zealand, had been instrumental in their victories in the previous two Tests.During the first session, Washington Sundar's delivery crashed into Ravindra's stumps, leaving him bewildered. Sarfaraz, positioned at silly point, erupted in celebration and taunted Ravindra as he returned to the dressing room. Sundar's delivery was a masterstroke, earning him Ravindra's wicket for the third time in the series.Spinner Washington Sundar continued to shine, claiming two wickets as New Zealand ended the first session at 92/3. Will Young (38*) and Daryl Mitchell (11*) remained unbeaten.New Zealand's innings began poorly, with Akash Deep dismissing Devon Conway for four runs. Skipper Tom Latham and Will Young steadied the ship, but Sundar dismissed Latham for 28. Ravindra's dismissal for five runs further weakened New Zealand's position.Young and Mitchell guided New Zealand through the remainder of the session without further losses.India, trailing 0-2 in the series, will be determined to avoid a whitewash in the final Test. Mohammed Siraj has replaced the unwell Jasprit Bumrah in the Indian lineup, while Matt Henry has come in for Tim Southee for New Zealand.

The Indian cricket team's dismal performance in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand has raised serious concerns among fans and experts alike. After losing the first two Tests in Pune, India is on the brink of a humiliating clean sweep, a fate they haven't suffered at home in over a decade.The team's batting has been particularly disappointing, with the top order failing to provide a solid foundation. In the second Test, established batter Sarfaraz Khan was inexplicably sent in at No. 7, while all-rounder Washington Sundar was promoted ahead of him. This move drew criticism from former India star Sanjay Manjrekar, who called it "bizarre" and a sign of "T20 thinking."India's bowling, once a strength, has also been ineffective against the New Zealanders. The spinners, led by Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, have failed to make consistent breakthroughs, while the pacers have been unable to contain the opposition's batsmen.The loss in Pune has also dented India's chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final. With only one Test remaining in the series, India needs to win convincingly in Mumbai to keep their hopes alive.Former India captain MS Dhoni, who was at the helm when India last lost a Test series at home in 2010, has expressed his disappointment with the team's performance. "It's not easy to lose a Test series at home," Dhoni said. "The team needs to introspect and find out what went wrong."With the upcoming tour of Australia looming, India's poor form is a major cause for concern. The Aussies are a formidable opponent on home soil, and India will need to make significant improvements if they want to avoid another embarrassing defeat.

Sarfaraz Khan's astute observation and unwavering conviction played a pivotal role in India's successful review against New Zealand on Day 1 of the second Test in Pune. Despite initial skepticism from his teammates, Khan's insistence that the ball had brushed Will Young's glove prompted skipper Rohit Sharma to take a DRS, which ultimately resulted in Young's dismissal.Khan, fielding at backward short-leg, noticed a subtle noise as the ball passed Young's bat and glove. Sensing a possible contact, he approached Sharma and urged him to trust his instincts. "I knew there was contact, but there is always room for misjudgment," Khan explained. "But I heard a noise and hence, felt there was something involved."Khan's confidence stemmed from his close proximity to the action. "I was at backward short leg so when the ball was going past his bat and glove, I noticed that the bat was away from the pads. I heard a noise and that's when I went to Rohit bhai and told him, 'Rohit bhai, mere pe bharosa karo. Ball lagi hai, aap lo review. Main bol raha hu aapko, lo (Trust me. The ball has hit something, just take the review. I am telling you, take it),'" Khan said.Technical members of the broadcasting team initially expressed doubts about the contact, but the hawk-eye technology confirmed Khan's suspicions. "I did not hear the sound, as it is very feeble," said KN Srinivasa Rao, a sound supervisor. "But the hawk-eye has a different technology, which can identify the smallest of small sounds."Akanksha Pandey, the director's assistant, also admitted to being surprised by the outcome. "We were surprised when we saw the replays. We were watching the pictures that the director was cutting, and we were smiling because everybody is always convinced when they are trying to talk the captain into taking the DRS."Washington Sundar, one of India's star bowlers on the first day, praised Khan's persistence. "Honestly, I was a good 70-80 meters away from the middle, so I had no idea. I obviously didn't hear any sound, but Sarfaraz seemed to be very convinced with it. Really happy that Sarfaraz eventually convinced Rohit bhai," said Sundar.Khan's sharp observation and unwavering belief in his instincts not only contributed to Young's dismissal but also highlighted his growing influence within the Indian team. His ability to make crucial decisions under pressure is a testament to his maturity and leadership qualities.

India's Sarfaraz Khan has cemented his place in the Test team after his impressive century in the first Test against New Zealand. Despite Shubman Gill's return from injury, the team management has opted to retain Sarfaraz, dropping out-of-form KL Rahul.Sarfaraz's 150 in the second innings of the Bengaluru Test, which India lost by eight wickets, has earned him praise from former India batter Aakash Chopra. Chopra believes Sarfaraz should be included in the squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Test series against Australia."In the squad, yes, in the playing XI, we don't know yet. You will need to carry enough, and it might be a larger squad anyways, it is a five-Test match series. First time in Australia, we are going to play five matches," Chopra said."Sarfaraz, whenever he has played, it is just not about the last Test match, what he did against England was also commendable, so there is no reason for us to even speculate that he won't be part of the touring squad, I think it is a given he will be there," he added.New Zealand, who won the first Test for their first Test victory in India since 1988, lead the three-match series 1-0. Spinners are expected to play a key role in the second Test in Pune.New Zealand have made one change, with left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner replacing fast bowler Matt Henry, who has a "glute niggle." India have made three changes, with Gill, fast bowler Akash Deep, and spinner Washington Sundar coming into the team.Rahul, pace bowler Mohammed Siraj, and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav have been dropped.