Cricket

Rishabh Pant, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter, is known for his entertaining antics both on and off the field. In a recent video that has gone viral, Pant can be seen playing a "kick prank" on his teammate Sarfaraz Khan during a team huddle. The video shows Pant attempting to kick Khan, who quickly moves out of the way.Pant's playful behavior has been a constant throughout his career. Even when he is not playing, he is always looking for ways to keep the atmosphere light and fun. This latest prank is just one example of his infectious personality.In addition to his off-field antics, Pant has also been making waves on the field. He recently overtook Virat Kohli to reach the sixth spot in the ICC Test rankings for batters. Pant's impressive performance in the second innings of the opening Test against New Zealand, where he scored a counter-attacking 99, helped him gain three spots in the rankings.Pant's rise in the rankings is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has consistently performed well for India in all formats of the game, and he is now one of the most feared batsmen in the world.Pant's success is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of the strength of Indian cricket. India currently has a number of world-class players, and Pant is one of the most exciting young talents in the team.With his unique style of play and his infectious personality, Rishabh Pant is one of the most popular cricketers in the world. He is a true entertainer, and he is sure to continue to make headlines for years to come.

In a dramatic turn of events during the second Test between India and New Zealand in Pune, Sarfaraz Khan's unwavering conviction led to the dismissal of Will Young, stealing a crucial wicket for the hosts.The incident occurred in the 24th over of New Zealand's innings. Young, batting on 18, attempted to glance a delivery from Ravichandran Ashwin to the fine-leg boundary. However, he missed the ball, and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant collected it cleanly behind the stumps.Despite Pant's uncertainty, Sarfaraz, positioned at short-leg, was adamant that he had heard a faint sound. As the countdown to review commenced, Sarfaraz pleaded with skipper Rohit Sharma to send the decision upstairs. With Virat Kohli also backing his claim, Rohit reluctantly agreed.The Ultra-Edge technology subsequently confirmed a slight spike as the ball passed Young's glove. The Indian team erupted in jubilation as Sarfaraz's instincts proved correct. Ashwin claimed his second wicket of the morning session, having earlier dismissed Tom Latham for 15.Sarfaraz's unwavering belief and the subsequent review not only highlighted the importance of close-in fielders but also showcased the growing influence of technology in cricket. The incident served as a reminder that even the most subtle of sounds can make a significant difference in the outcome of a match.New Zealand ended the morning session at 92 for 2 in 31 overs, with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra unbeaten on 47 and 5 respectively. The match remains evenly poised, with both teams looking to gain an advantage in the crucial second Test.

After his remarkable 150 in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Sarfaraz Khan's inclusion in the playing XI for the second Test in Pune was inevitable. His maiden Test century, scored under immense pressure, spearheaded India's fightback.With Virat Kohli dismissed on the final ball of Day 3 in the first Test, India faced a 125-run deficit at 231/3. Sarfaraz stepped up, forging a crucial 177-run partnership with Rishabh Pant (99) for the fourth wicket.Despite Shubman Gill's return to fitness, KL Rahul was dropped from the XI after scoring a duck and 12 in Bengaluru. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir had previously expressed support for Rahul, citing his performance in the Kanpur Test against Bangladesh.However, Rahul's last Test century came against South Africa in Centurion in December 2023, in a match India lost by an innings and 32 runs. His inconsistent form has raised concerns, and the team management's decision to select Sarfaraz over Rahul sends a clear message.Sarfaraz made his Test debut against England in Rajkot earlier this year, showcasing his temperament with half-centuries in both innings. He followed it up with a 56 in the fifth Test in Dharamsala, contributing to India's 4-1 series victory.Sarfaraz's exceptional performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the Ranji Trophy, have earned him recognition as a potential mainstay in India's Test middle order. His ability to score big under pressure and adapt to different conditions makes him a valuable asset for the team.

India's Predicted XI for the Second Test Against New ZealandWith the second Test match against New Zealand approaching, the Indian team is facing a crucial decision regarding their playing XI. The return of Shubman Gill from injury has sparked speculation about potential changes to the lineup.Opening ConundrumRohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal are expected to retain their positions as openers, having performed well in the first Test. However, the question remains whether Sarfaraz Khan or KL Rahul will make way for Gill.Sarfaraz's Form vs Rahul's BackingSarfaraz Khan has been in exceptional form, scoring a brilliant 150 in the first Test. His performances have earned him praise and support from fans and experts alike. However, the management has shown unwavering support for KL Rahul despite his recent struggles.Gill's Return and Batting OrderWith Gill's return, it is likely that he will bat at No. 3, his preferred position. This could mean that either Sarfaraz or Rahul will miss out on selection. Considering Sarfaraz's form and the coaching staff's statements, it appears that both players may retain their positions.Middle Order and All-RounderVirat Kohli is expected to bat at No. 4, followed by Rishabh Pant at No. 5. KL Rahul is likely to bat at No. 6, with Washington Sundar replacing Ravichandran Ashwin as the all-rounder.Bowling AttackJasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are expected to lead the pace attack, while Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja will continue to provide spin options.Predicted XIBased on the available information, India's predicted XI for the second Test against New Zealand is as follows:1. Rohit Sharma (captain)2. Yashasvi Jaiswal3. Virat Kohli4. Sarfaraz Khan5. Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)6. KL Rahul7. Ravindra Jadeja8. Washington Sundar9. Kuldeep Yadav10. Mohammed Siraj11. Jasprit Bumrah

Ravindra Jadeja's exceptional left-arm spin, combined with his fielding prowess and batting contributions, has solidified his position as India's premier Test spinner. With the Pune pitch expected to favor spinners significantly more than the Bengaluru surface, New Zealand may opt to include Mitchell Santner in their playing XI.According to Ryan ten Doeschate, India's assistant coach, there is optimism that Rishabh Pant will be fit to resume wicketkeeping duties in the second Test after sustaining a knee injury in the series opener. However, a selection battle is brewing between middle-order batters KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan, with head coach Gautam Gambhir keen on giving Rahul an extended run.India's team selection remains a closely guarded secret, with the home side keeping their cards close to their chest. The team is eager to bounce back from their 0-1 deficit in the three-match series, not only to level the series but also to maintain their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final.

Mohammed Siraj, India's fast bowler, has faced criticism for his recent performances. Despite his struggles, assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate defended Siraj, acknowledging his "wicket-drought" but emphasizing his quality bowling.Ten Doeschate praised Siraj's performance in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand, highlighting his ability to move the ball across left-handers. He attributed Siraj's lack of wickets to a temporary drought, expressing confidence in his recovery.Meanwhile, a selection battle is brewing between KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan for the second Test. Ten Doeschate acknowledged the competition, noting Rahul's recent struggles and Sarfaraz's impressive performance in the previous Test.The team combination is also under scrutiny, with Washington Sundar added to the squad. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are aiming to overcome injury concerns for the match.Ten Doeschate emphasized the need to balance the team's strengths and weaknesses, considering the pitch conditions and the team's performance in the first Test. He expressed confidence in the team's ability to bounce back from the defeat in Bengaluru.

Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has called for the inclusion of a prolific domestic run-scorer in the national team setup. In the wake of India's disastrous collapse to 46 all out in the first Test against New Zealand, Tiwary has questioned the place of KL Rahul in the side.Tiwary has pointed to the success of Sarfaraz Khan for India, who was promoted up the order and flourished at No. 4. He believes that Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has slammed four centuries in his last four first-class games, should be given a chance in the India playing XI.Tiwary highlighted Rahul's poor average in Test cricket, which stands at 33.98 after 91 innings. He argued that India has a pool of talented batters who are performing consistently in domestic cricket and deserve an opportunity."You need performances on a consistent basis, which should be checked in a 1:3 ratio," said Tiwary. "If you look at his (Easwaran's) numbers, there were hardly any innings in the last few matches he played where he did not score a century. So bring him in, and try him as a middle-order batter, given that he is in form. Why not?"Easwaran, who Tiwary has captained for Bengal, recently scored a stunning 191 for Rest of India against Mumbai in the Irani Cup 2024. He has also been a part of the India setup as a standby player.Tiwary believes that Easwaran's form and versatility make him a suitable candidate for the middle order. He suggested that the selectors should experiment with different combinations to find the best possible lineup."India has a lot of options, and they should try different players in different positions," said Tiwary. "If you are not getting the results, you need to change something. You can't keep doing the same thing and expect different results."

India's Test woes continued as they suffered a humiliating eight-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the first Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Despite a valiant fightback in their second innings, India's poor batting display in the first innings proved costly.After being bundled out for a paltry 46 in the first innings, India showed resilience in the second, posting a respectable 462. Young batter Sarfaraz Khan emerged as a beacon of hope, scoring a magnificent 150 off 195 balls, studded with 18 fours and three sixes.Khan's heroics raised questions about the team's selection dilemma. With Shubman Gill recovering from a stiff neck and expected to return, the Indian team management faces a tough decision. KL Rahul or Sarfaraz, who will make way for Gill?Former India batter Aakash Chopra weighed in on the debate, drawing parallels to Karun Nair's fate. Nair, the only other Indian to score a triple-century after Virender Sehwag, was dropped from the playing XI after his historic 303 not out against England in Chennai in 2016.Chopra suggested that a similar theory could see Sarfaraz being dropped, but he believes the team management will retain the young batter in the playing XI. "One more thing is important in Indian cricket - outside noise - and that favours Sarfaraz right now," Chopra said.India's batting woes were evident in the first innings, where they were bundled out for their lowest Test score against New Zealand. The top order failed to fire, with only Cheteshwar Pujara (11) and Virat Kohli (12) reaching double figures.In the second innings, India showed more fight, with Khan leading the charge. However, the loss of wickets at regular intervals prevented them from building a substantial lead.New Zealand, in contrast, displayed their batting prowess, chasing down the target of 122 with ease. Tom Latham (52) and Devon Conway (54) anchored the chase, ensuring a comfortable victory for the visitors.The defeat has raised concerns about India's batting depth and their ability to compete against top-quality opposition. The second Test of the series will be played in Mumbai from December 3-7, where India will be desperate to level the series.

Sarfaraz Khan's Maiden Test Century: A Moment of Triumph Amidst India's Bengaluru LossIn the recently concluded first Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, Sarfaraz Khan emerged as a beacon of hope for the Indian team. Despite India's eventual defeat, Khan's maiden Test century was a testament to his growing confidence and potential.With India in a precarious situation, Khan stepped up to the plate and played a pivotal role in the team's recovery. His century was a display of resilience and determination, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. The Mumbai batter's performance has raised expectations that he will be given a longer run in the playing XI.Beyond his on-field achievements, Khan also welcomed a new addition to his family during the match. The birth of his baby boy brought joy to the Khan household amidst the disappointment of India's loss.Expressing his delight after scoring his maiden Test century, Khan described the feeling as "flying in the sky." He credited star batter Virat Kohli for motivating him to back his skills and play his shots freely. Kohli's encouragement has played a significant role in Khan's development as a cricketer.Despite India's dismal performance in the first innings, where they were bowled out for a mere 46 runs, Khan and Rishab Pant provided some respite with their impressive batting in the second innings. Khan notched up 150 runs, while Pant contributed a valuable 99.While India's loss in Bengaluru was a setback, Khan's performance offers a glimmer of hope for the future. His maiden Test century is a testament to his talent and determination, and it is expected that he will continue to play a key role in the Indian team's success in the years to come.