Cricket

South African pacer Gerald Coetzee has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for showing dissent towards the umpire's decision during the fourth T20 International against India in Johannesburg. The incident occurred when Coetzee made an inappropriate comment after a delivery was called wide.According to the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, Coetzee breached Article 2.8, which prohibits "showing dissent at an umpire's decision during an international match." As a result, he received an official reprimand and one demerit point added to his disciplinary record.Coetzee admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, eliminating the need for a formal hearing. The charge was leveled against the bowler by on-field umpires Allahudien Paleker and Stephen Harris, third umpire Lubabalo Gcuma, and fourth umpire Arno Jacobs.Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50% of a player's match fee, along with one or two demerit points. If a player accumulates four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points, leading to a ban. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test, two ODIs, or two T20Is, whichever comes first.In the fourth T20I, India posted an imposing 283/1 batting first, with centuries from Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma. South Africa was bowled out for 148, resulting in India's biggest win in terms of runs. The visitors won the match by 135 runs and claimed the four-match series 3-1.

South Africa's Test captain, Temba Bavuma, has made a timely recovery from an elbow injury and will lead his team in the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. The Proteas have named a 14-man squad for the series, which also includes the return of Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee to the Test fold.Bavuma's return is a significant boost for South Africa, who are chasing their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) final appearance. The Proteas need to win all four Tests at home - two against Sri Lanka and two against Pakistan that follow - to be assured of a place in the title round. They could still make it, based on results elsewhere, with three wins out of four."We've picked the strongest possible side to ensure we stay competitive and keep our hopes alive for a place in the World Test Championship final," said head coach Shukri Conrad. "It's great to have Temba back leading the side after his recovery. His leadership and skill are invaluable to the team."Jansen and Coetzee have both worked hard during their conditioning programmes and are ready to contribute to the team. The trio of Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, and Wiaan Mulder will complete the pace-bowling options alongside Jansen and Coetzee.Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy are the two frontline spinners selected, while Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, and Kyle Verreynne provide batting depth.The two-Test series begins in Durban on November 27 before the teams move to Gqeberha for the second Test starting December 5.

Tilak Varma, the 22-year-old left-handed batter from Hyderabad, has emerged as a rising star in Indian cricket. His recent exploits in South Africa have cemented his place as a potential future mainstay in the national team.Varma's journey to the international stage began with a bold move. He approached his captain, Suryakumar Yadav, and requested to bat at No. 3, a position Yadav had made his own. Varma's confidence and determination paid off as he went on to score a century in the third T20I against South Africa.Two nights later, Varma surpassed his own record with an unbeaten 120 in the fourth T20I. His back-to-back centuries made him and Sanju Samson the only two Indians to achieve this feat in T20Is.Varma's success in South Africa was a testament to his talent and the unwavering support he received from the team management. V.V.S. Laxman, India's stand-in coach, has been a guiding force for Varma and other young players in the team.Despite his impressive performances, Varma remains grounded. He recognizes that the competition for places in the Indian T20I setup is intense. However, he is determined to prove that his faith in him is not misplaced.Varma's versatility is another key factor in his success. He is comfortable batting on both sides of the wicket, off either foot, and against both pace and spin. His ability to adapt to different situations makes him a valuable asset to any team.While Varma has established himself as a T20 specialist, he is eager to expand his horizons to the 50-over format. He has played four ODIs and has shown promise in the longer version of the game.Varma's rise to prominence is a reflection of the changing landscape of Indian cricket. The team is now embracing a more aggressive and innovative approach, and young players like Varma are thriving in this environment.With his talent, determination, and the support of the team management, Tilak Varma is poised to become a key figure in Indian cricket for years to come.

India's T20I dominance in 2024 reached unprecedented heights, culminating in a record-breaking series win over South Africa. With a massive 283-run total in Johannesburg, India secured a 3-1 series victory and cemented their status as the world's leading T20I team.The year marked a remarkable turnaround for India, who had endured a disappointing ODI World Cup final defeat earlier in the year. However, the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA proved to be a transformative moment, as India went unbeaten throughout the tournament to claim their second T20 World Cup title.The triumph was a testament to the team's aggressive and fearless approach, led by Suryakumar Yadav, who took over the captaincy after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepped away from the format. India's win percentage of 92.31 in T20Is was the highest ever by any team, surpassing Pakistan's previous record.Individually, Sanju Samson emerged as a standout performer, becoming the first player to score three centuries in T20Is. He finished the year as India's top run-getter with 436 runs, averaging over 40 and striking at an impressive 180. Tilak Varma also impressed with two centuries and a strike rate of over 187.India's batting prowess was evident throughout the year, as they scored 200-plus totals nine times, including three in the series against South Africa. They also set a record for the most team centuries in a calendar year in T20Is, with seven centuries in total.On the bowling front, Arshdeep Singh led the charge with 36 wickets in 18 matches, the highest haul for a Test-playing nation bowler this year. Indian bowlers averaged 8.39 wickets per innings, the highest-ever among Test-playing nations in a calendar year.Overall, India's performance in 2024 was a testament to their aggressive and fearless approach, which has transformed them into the world's leading T20I team.

India's cricket team has achieved a remarkable triumph in their T20 International series against South Africa, securing a resounding 3-1 victory. The series win is a testament to the team's resilience and determination, as they faced a formidable opponent on their home turf.Led by stand-in captain V.V.S. Laxman, India showcased their depth and talent throughout the series. Young batters Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson emerged as key contributors, while experienced all-rounder Varun Chakravarty played a pivotal role with his exceptional bowling.In the first match of the series, India set a challenging target of 212 runs, which South Africa failed to chase down. Varma and Samson played crucial knocks of 48 and 63, respectively, while Chakravarty claimed three wickets.The second match saw India suffer a narrow defeat, but they bounced back strongly in the third match. Samson once again starred with a blistering 86 off just 59 deliveries, while Chakravarty continued his impressive form with another three-wicket haul.In the final match of the series, India produced a dominant performance to secure a massive 135-run victory. Varma and Samson continued their impressive run with half-centuries, while Chakravarty and fellow spinner Axar Patel shared seven wickets between them.Laxman hailed the team's performance as "a special effort," praising their spirit and determination. He highlighted the contributions of the young players and the support provided by the non-playing members.Captain Suryakumar Yadav also expressed his delight with the series win, describing it as "special." He credited the team's collective effort and the fearless approach they displayed throughout the series.India's T20I series triumph against South Africa is a significant achievement, demonstrating the team's potential and their ability to compete at the highest level. The victory will provide a much-needed boost of confidence as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia.

India's T20I team has found a new batting star in Tilak Varma, who has cemented his position as the team's No. 3 batter with back-to-back centuries in the recently concluded series against South Africa.Varma's rise to prominence has been a welcome sight for India, who have been searching for a consistent performer at the crucial No. 3 spot since Virat Kohli's departure. The 22-year-old Mumbai Indians all-rounder has grabbed the opportunity with both hands, showcasing his exceptional talent and maturity beyond his years.India skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who sacrificed his own spot for Varma, has been full of praise for the youngster. "He just walked the talk," said Yadav. "The way he batted at SuperSport and here was incredible. Hope he continues, not only in T20s but in all formats."Varma's centuries have been instrumental in India's 3-1 series triumph over South Africa. In the fourth T20I, he smashed an unbeaten 120 off just 47 balls, while in the third T20I, he scored 106 not out off 56 deliveries.Together with opener Sanju Samson, who also scored a century in the fourth T20I, Varma formed a formidable partnership that propelled India to a massive 283 for 1, the fifth-highest total in men's T20Is.Varma's success has underlined India's new-found dominance in T20I cricket, even after the retirement of several senior players. It also speaks volumes about the strength and depth of Indian cricket, with young players eager to step up and make their mark.Yadav believes that Varma's emergence is a testament to the strong base of Indian cricket. "Guys playing a lot of domestic cricket for their respective states. Guys wanting to go back and play for their states, that speaks a lot about their urge to play for their state, deliver, and keep that run," he said.Varma's success has also raised questions about the future of other players who have been tried at No. 3, such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, and Sanju Samson. Yadav, however, believes that the competition is healthy and will ultimately benefit the team."It's a good headache to have going forward," he said. "When they come back, we'll discuss it calmly (aram se). It will be tough, but it's a good headache to have."For Varma, his success is a dream come true. "I can't express my feelings right now. It's unbelievable. Can't imagine scoring back-to-back hundreds, that too in SA. Right now, I can't express my feelings," he said.As India looks ahead to the future, Tilak Varma is poised to play a key role in the team's success. His ability to anchor the innings, score runs at a rapid pace, and play under pressure makes him a valuable asset for the team.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's retirement from T20 internationals has paved the way for emerging talents like Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson to shine. In India's recent tour of South Africa, the duo showcased their exceptional batting prowess, leading the team to a 3-1 series victory.Tilak Varma emerged as a standout performer, scoring two consecutive centuries in the four-match series. His unbeaten 120 off just 47 balls in the fourth match was a testament to his aggressive and fearless approach. Varma's knock included 10 sixes and 9 fours, making him only the fifth batsman in T20I history to achieve the feat of back-to-back centuries.Wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson also played a crucial role in India's success. Opening the innings with Abhishek Sharma, Samson hammered an unbeaten 109 off 56 balls, including 6 fours and 9 sixes. The Varma-Samson pair added an impressive 210 runs in their undefeated second-wicket partnership, marking the first instance of two batsmen making centuries in the same T20I contest between two Full Member teams.Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif expressed his admiration for the duo's performances, stating that even Kohli and Rohit would have been impressed. "Two players will be the happiest: one is Virat Kohli and the other Rohit Sharma," said Kaif. "Even they would not have imagined that when they retire (from T20Is), we will get players who will take India forward in such fashion, with such powerful batting."Kaif praised Varma's ability to repay skipper Suryakumar Yadav's trust by delivering at the crucial number three position. He also lauded Samson's consistency, noting that he either scores a zero or a hundred.India's victory was a collective effort, with all six bowlers used by captain Suryakumar Yadav contributing to the Proteas' dismissal. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh led the charts with his spell of 3 for 20, while spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel took two wickets apiece.The performance of Varma and Samson has given Indian cricket fans hope for the future, proving that the team has the talent to continue its success even after the departure of its legendary batsmen.

India's dominance in the fourth and final T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg was a testament to their all-round brilliance. The visitors clinched the series 3-1 with a resounding 135-run victory, showcasing their prowess in both batting and bowling.Chasing a mammoth 284-run target, South Africa's hopes were shattered by the brilliance of pacer Arshdeep Singh. His devastating spell reduced the hosts to a disastrous 10/4 within just three overs, effectively ending the contest early. Singh's ability to swing the ball both ways proved too much for the South African batsmen, dismissing Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, and Heinrich Klaasen in quick succession.David Miller and Tristan Stubbs attempted to salvage the innings with an 86-run partnership, but their efforts were cut short by Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi. Stubbs fell off the very next ball after Miller's dismissal, and South Africa were eventually bowled out in the 19th over. Marco Jansen's late hitting provided some consolation, but it was too little, too late.Earlier, India had set a commanding 283/1, their highest-ever T20I score overseas and the highest by any team on South African soil. Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma were the architects of this record-breaking total, combining for a 210-run partnership for the second wicket.Samson, who had already struck a century in the first game, once again showcased his precision and elegance, scoring 109* off 56 balls. Varma, batting at number three, continued his sensational form with a muscular 120* off 47 balls. The duo's centuries marked a rare feat in T20I cricket, with two Indian batters reaching the milestone in the same innings.Abhishek Sharma also played a crucial role, setting the tone in the Powerplay with four huge sixes. On a flat track offering true bounce, the Indian batsmen were in full flow, hammering a record 23 sixes. Samson's nine maximums were just one shy of Varma's 10.India's comprehensive victory in the fourth T20I was a fitting end to a successful series. Their all-round performance, led by the brilliance of Arshdeep Singh, Sanju Samson, and Tilak Varma, proved too much for South Africa to handle.

In a historic display of batting prowess, India shattered records and left South Africa's bowlers bewildered in the fourth and final T20I at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma etched their names in the annals of cricket history, becoming the first pair to score centuries in the same T20I innings.Samson, known for his audacious strokeplay, unleashed a whirlwind knock of 109* off just 56 deliveries, peppering the boundaries with 6 fours and 9 towering sixes. Varma, the young prodigy, matched Samson's brilliance with a stunning 120* off a mere 47 balls, smashing 9 fours and 10 sixes.India's batting onslaught propelled them to a mammoth 283/1, the highest total ever recorded in a T20I between two Full Member sides. The previous record of 297/6, set by India against Bangladesh in Hyderabad in 2024, was shattered by this extraordinary performance.The partnership between Samson and Varma was equally remarkable, reaching a staggering 210* runs. This became the highest partnership for any wicket for India and the highest partnership for any wicket against South Africa in a T20I. It also stands as the highest partnership for the second wicket or below in all T20Is.India's batting fireworks extended to the six-hitting department, as they smashed a record 23 sixes. This surpassed the previous best of 22 sixes, which had been achieved by India against Bangladesh in Hyderabad in 2024, by West Indies against South Africa in Centurion in 2023, and by Afghanistan against Ireland in Dehradun in 2019.Samson's century was his third in T20Is in 2024, making him the first player ever to achieve this feat in a calendar year. He has now been involved in three 170+ T20I partnerships, the most for any batter.India also set a new record for the fewest overs taken to reach 200 runs in a T20I, achieving the milestone in just 14.1 overs. This surpassed the previous best of 13.5 overs, set by South Africa against West Indies in Centurion in 2023, and 13.6 overs, set by India against Bangladesh in Hyderabad in 2024.