Cricket

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli displayed his infectious enthusiasm on Day 2 of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. Despite failing to score big in the first innings, Kohli's spirits remained high, as evidenced by his jovial interactions with the crowd. A viral video captured Kohli waving to the Chennai spectators, eliciting a thunderous response. Later, he even performed a brief dance after a wicket fell.Bangladesh's first innings ended with a paltry 149, trailing India by a significant 227 runs. India's bowlers dominated, with Ravichandran Ashwin claiming three wickets.In reply, India declared their second innings at 287-4, setting Bangladesh a target of 515. Centuries from Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant propelled India towards victory.Bangladesh began their chase briskly but lost wickets to reach 158-4 when bad light halted play on Day 3. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan remained unbeaten at the crease, needing 357 runs for a win.Ashwin continued his impressive performance, taking three wickets to add to his 113 runs in India's first innings. Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam provided a solid start for Bangladesh, but Jasprit Bumrah broke their partnership.Pant and Gill put on a dominant 167-run stand for the fourth wicket, with Pant smashing a century and Gill remaining unbeaten on 119. Pant's innings was particularly impressive, considering his recent recovery from a car crash.India is aiming to extend their lead at the top of the World Test Championship rankings, while Bangladesh seeks their first-ever Test victory against India.

Shubman Gill's Century Powers India to Dominant Position in Chennai TestIndia's young batting prodigy Shubman Gill showcased his exceptional talent on Day 3 of the first Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. After a disappointing first innings dismissal for a duck, Gill bounced back with a magnificent century in the second innings, helping India set a daunting target of 515 runs for the visitors.Gill's 119 not out from 176 deliveries was a masterclass in batting. He reached his century with a single off Mehidy Hasan Miraz, becoming only the second Indian No.3 batter after Rahul Dravid to achieve this feat at this stadium in 35 matches. Gill's innings was adorned with 10 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing his aggressive yet elegant strokeplay.The 23-year-old formed a crucial 167-run partnership with wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who also scored a century in his return to Test cricket after nearly two years. Pant's century equaled MS Dhoni's record for the most Test centuries by an Indian keeper-batter.Gill's century was not just a personal milestone but also a significant contribution to India's strong position in the match. He became the first batter to score a second-innings century against Bangladesh after being dismissed for a duck in the first innings. This achievement places him in an elite group of Indian No.3 batters, joining Rahul Dravid as the only players to accomplish this feat at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.With India in a commanding position, Gill's performance could prove to be pivotal in securing a victory for the team. His century has not only boosted India's confidence but also put Bangladesh under immense pressure. The visitors will need a monumental effort to chase down the target and avoid a defeat in the series opener.

Rohit Sharma's Playful Gesture Sparks Laughter in Indian Dressing RoomOn the second day of the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai, a lighthearted moment occurred in the Indian dressing room that showcased the camaraderie within the team. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, playfully tapped Shubman Gill on the jaw, eliciting a smile from the young opener.Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain, noticed the cameras capturing the scene and quipped, "Rohit, don't hit him too hard, he's still young." This remark drew laughter from the players, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, and eased any tension in the dressing room.The incident highlighted the lighter side of cricket, where even in serious situations, players find ways to enjoy themselves and lift each other's spirits. It also demonstrated the strong bond between the Indian players, who have been known for their close-knit relationships on and off the field.Meanwhile, on the field, India extended their lead to an impressive 308 runs at the end of the second day. Gill remained unbeaten on 33, while Rishabh Pant was not out on 12 when play ended for the day.Earlier, Bangladesh struggled in their first innings, managing only 149 runs before being bowled out. Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets while conceding just 50 runs.India's commanding position heading into the third day of the Test match is a testament to their strong performance in both batting and bowling. The team will look to continue their dominance and secure a victory in the first Test of the series.

Suresh Raina Backs Shubman Gill as India's Future T20 CaptainFormer Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has thrown his support behind vice-captain Shubman Gill as the ideal candidate to lead India's T20 team in the future. Despite the recent appointment of Suryakumar Yadav as T20 captain, Raina believes Gill's exceptional performances and leadership qualities make him the standout choice.Raina highlighted Gill's composure under pressure and his aggressive yet strategic batting style as key attributes that position him as a natural leader. "Shubman Gill is a superstar," Raina said at an event. "He's the vice-captain, which means someone is thinking about him. If he performs well in the IPL and wins the trophy, he's the future (captaincy). He will be the next superstar."Raina also expressed his excitement about Rishabh Pant's impending return to Test cricket after nearly two years. "He's looking very good," Raina said. "He scored a fifty in the Duleep Trophy and has been keeping well. When you talk about a Test match, you play it session by session."Looking ahead to India's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, Raina praised the visitors' spin attack. "Bangladesh has done well against Pakistan," he said. "They have got good spinners, so it will be interesting to see how the Indians bat against them."

India's World Test Championship (WTC) campaign will culminate in a highly anticipated five-Test Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Ahead of this crucial series, Australian cricketers have identified Yashasvi Jaiswal as a rising star from India.In a video shared by Star Sports Tamil, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon named Jaiswal as a future superstar. Marnus Labuschagne also included Jaiswal alongside Shubman Gill.Jaiswal, 21, has impressed in his limited international appearances. In nine Tests, he has amassed 1028 runs at an astonishing average of 68.53, including two double centuries. His T20I record is equally impressive, with 723 runs at an average of 36.15 and a strike rate of 164.32.Gill, on the other hand, has established himself as a key member of India's batting lineup. He has played 25 Tests, 47 ODIs, and 21 T20Is, scoring 1492, 2328, and 578 runs respectively.Cameron Green and Travis Head voted for Gill as the future superstar, while Labuschagne recognized both Jaiswal and Gill's potential. Head praised Gill's ability to make bowling look slow and his proficiency in playing off both the front and back foot.India, currently leading the WTC table, will embark on a busy schedule of 10 Tests over the next four months. They will host Bangladesh for two Tests, followed by a three-Test series against New Zealand. The Border Gavaskar Trophy will be the ultimate test for India's WTC aspirations.The WTC final is scheduled to be held at Lord's Cricket Ground in London from June 11. India will be aiming to defend their title and cement their status as the world's leading Test team.

Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad: The Future of Indian Cricket Post-Kohli and RohitAs the legendary duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma approach the twilight of their illustrious careers, Indian cricket fans are eagerly looking towards the next generation of stars to carry the torch. Veteran leg-spinner Piyush Chawla believes that Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad possess the talent and potential to fill the void left by the departing greats.Chawla, who has shared the dressing room with both Kohli and Rohit, recently expressed his admiration for Gill and Gaikwad on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast. He hailed Gill's exceptional technique as a key factor in his success. "Shubman Gill—because of his technique. Whenever one goes through poor form, a batter who is technically strong can come out of it. Any batter who has a good technique cannot stay out of form for too long," Chawla said.Gill, 25, has already established himself as a vital cog in the Indian batting lineup. With 25 Tests, 47 ODIs, and 21 T20Is under his belt, he has amassed over 4,400 international runs, including 11 centuries. His ability to adapt to different formats and conditions has made him a reliable performer for India.While Gaikwad, 27, has faced some setbacks due to injuries and selection issues, Chawla remains confident in his abilities. "It [getting dropped or injured] is part and parcel of the game. It will keep happening. But, whenever he has got the opportunity, he has looked different. For me, these two players (Gill and Gaikwad) are special," Chawla added.Gaikwad has shown glimpses of his brilliance in the limited opportunities he has received. In six ODIs and 23 T20Is, he has scored over 750 runs, including a T20I century. His aggressive batting style and ability to clear the boundary with ease make him a valuable asset to any team.With Kohli and Rohit nearing retirement, the onus will fall on Gill and Gaikwad to lead the Indian batting charge in the years to come. Their talent, determination, and experience make them the ideal candidates to carry the legacy of their illustrious predecessors.

Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant injected a dose of humor into the Duleep Trophy encounter between India A and India B in Bengaluru. During the pre-match huddle of the India A team, Pant stealthily joined the group, listening intently to skipper Shubman Gill's speech.The incident, captured on video and shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), drew mixed reactions on social media. While some found it amusing, others expressed concern that such actions could undermine the seriousness of the tournament.Pant's prank came amidst his return to the Test side after a 20-month absence. He was named in India's 16-man squad for the opening match of the two-Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19.The squad also marked the comeback of Virat Kohli, who missed the five-Test series against England earlier this year due to the birth of his second child. Uncapped left-arm fast bowler Yash Dayal received his maiden Test call-up, while fast bowler Mohammed Shami remains on a comeback trail.India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah returned to the squad after the T20 World Cup. He is expected to play a couple of more Tests against New Zealand in October-November before the team's tour of Australia for a five-Test series.Pant's return to the national side comes after a challenging period. He met with a road accident in December 2022, which sidelined him from top-flight cricket until the IPL this year. The 26-year-old made his international comeback in the T20 World Cup, where India emerged victorious.Despite chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar's earlier indication that Shami was targeting a return in the first Test against Bangladesh, the right-arm seamer failed to make the cut. Dayal, who had a remarkable redemption with his India call-up, was once smashed for five consecutive sixes by Rinku Singh in an IPL match.

Shubman Gill, India's rising star in the batting order, anticipates an exciting and challenging Test series against Bangladesh. The two nations will face off in Chennai on September 19 and Kanpur on September 27.Gill, who has amassed 1492 runs in 25 Tests, believes Bangladesh poses a formidable threat. "Their fast bowlers and middle-order batters have shown impressive resilience in recent matches," he said. "We can't underestimate them."The series marks the return of Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli to the Test team. Gill, who has transitioned to the number three batting position, acknowledges the challenges it presents."When you play in a different position, you have to prove yourself," he said. "I had a slow start at number three, but I'm determined to convert my fifties into big hundreds."Gill's performance in the recent 4-1 Test series victory against England, where he scored 452 runs at number three, boosted his confidence. "It was a great experience and gave me a lot of belief," he said.The series against Bangladesh will provide Gill with another opportunity to showcase his skills and contribute to India's success. With his talent and determination, he is poised to play a pivotal role in the upcoming matches.

Former Indian wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik has suggested Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant as potential successors to Rohit Sharma as India's all-format captain. Karthik believes that both players have the potential and experience to lead the team across all formats.Karthik's choice of Gill and Pant stems from their impressive performances and leadership qualities. Gill, the 23-year-old opener, has captained the Gujarat Titans to victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has also led India A. Pant, the 25-year-old wicket-keeper batter, has captained the Delhi Capitals in the IPL and has led India in Tests and T20Is.Karthik's decision to overlook Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul is based on their injury concerns and limited experience as captains. Bumrah, the star fast bowler, has been plagued by injuries in recent months, while Rahul, the vice-captain, has not captained India in any format.Meanwhile, India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has emphasized the importance of domestic tournaments like the Duleep Trophy in his development as a cricketer. Jaiswal, who has already made his mark on the international stage, believes that these tournaments provide him with valuable experience and help him hone his skills.As India prepares for the upcoming red-ball season, Jaiswal is aware of the stakes involved, especially with the World Test Championship (WTC) in sight. He stressed the importance of every match and the need to perform consistently to ensure India remains competitive on the global stage.India will be playing a two-match Test and three-game T20I series against Bangladesh at home from September 19 to October 12. The series will provide India with an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the WTC and the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2023.