Cricket

Kuldeep Yadav's resurgence as a formidable spinner has been a testament to his unwavering determination and the guidance he has received along the way. After a challenging period with the Kolkata Knight Riders, Kuldeep found a new lease of life at the Delhi Capitals, where he has honed his skills under the watchful eye of coach Kapil Pandey.Since joining DC, Kuldeep has emerged as the team's first-choice spinner, claiming 41 wickets in 33 matches. His transformation has been attributed to the hard work he has put in, developing new skills and refining his technique.Kuldeep credits his success to the support he has received from his coaches and mentors, including MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. He acknowledges that his experience with failure has been a valuable lesson, teaching him the importance of adaptability and respect for the opposition.The left-arm wrist spinner has also undergone a physical transformation, changing his run-up and increasing the pace on his delivery. This has resulted in more drift and prodigious turn in his break-backs.Kuldeep's maturity has also played a significant role in his resurgence. He has learned to understand his strengths and weaknesses, and to bowl to the batter's strengths.Despite his success, Kuldeep remains humble and grateful for the opportunities he has been given. He is determined to continue improving his game and contribute to the success of his team and the Indian national side.

Derek Underwood, the legendary English spin bowler, passed away at the age of 78. Known as "Deadly" for his lethal left-arm action, Underwood claimed 297 wickets in 86 Tests between 1966 and 1982.Underwood's career began at Kent, where he made his first-class debut at 17. Over three decades, he played over 900 matches for the county, taking 2,523 wickets at an astonishing average of 19.04. His accuracy and pace made him a formidable opponent, especially on rain-affected wickets.In the 1968 Ashes, Underwood's brilliance was on full display. In the final Test at The Oval, he claimed four wickets in 27 balls to defeat Australia and square the series. His most remarkable performance came in 1973 at Hastings, where he took 8 for 9 to rout Sussex on a rain-soaked pitch.Underwood's adaptability extended to India and Australia, where he adjusted his pace to maximize his impact. He was ranked as the world's No.1 bowler from 1969 to 1973. However, his career was marred by two controversial decisions.In 1977, he joined World Series Cricket, and in 1981-82, he participated in the rebel tour of South Africa. These actions led to a three-year ban from internationals, effectively ending his career.Despite these setbacks, Underwood's legacy remains intact. He won three County Championships, two One-Day Cups, and three Benson & Hedges Cups with Kent. He was awarded an MBE in 1981 and inducted into the ICC's Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009.In 2011, the Annexe Stand at Kent's home ground was renamed the 'Underwood & Knott Stand' in honor of his legendary partnership with wicketkeeper Allan Knott.

Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Spin Struggles and Team StrategiesThe upcoming match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai promises to be an intriguing battle, with both teams facing challenges in handling spin bowling.RCB's Spin WoesRCB have struggled against spin in the middle overs this season, averaging 50.75 and striking at only 125. This weakness has been evident in their recent performances, where they have lost wickets to spinners at a concerning rate.MI's Spin OptionsDespite their struggles against spin, MI have not utilized it extensively this season. They have bowled the least amount of spin (18 overs) and have picked up only two wickets with it. However, they have potential spin options in Shams Mulani and Kumar Karthikeya, who can provide variety with their left-arm and dual-action bowling, respectively.Team News and Impact Player StrategyMumbai Indians:* Likely to field an unchanged lineup.* May consider including Mulani as an extra spinner.* Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav could be used as Impact Subs.Royal Challengers Bengaluru:* May replace Glenn Maxwell with Will Jacks.* Could also consider bringing in Suyash Prabhudessai to strengthen the lower order.Players in the SpotlightJasprit Bumrah (MI):* Has been a standout performer for MI, averaging 19.60 and conceding at only 6.12 runs per over.* His ability to spread his overs effectively will be crucial for MI's success.Cameron Green (RCB):* Returns to the Wankhede Stadium, where he excelled in IPL 2023.* Has yet to make a significant impact with the bat for RCB this season.* Will be eager to turn his form around at his former home ground.Key Stats* Kohli has been dismissed four times by Bumrah and three times by Chawla.* Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan have formed the most successful opening pair for MI, with 12 half-century stands.* Siraj has yet to dismiss Rohit in the IPL, while he has dismissed Kishan twice.Pitch and Conditions* A new surface is likely to be used, with square boundaries expected to be equidistant.* Evenings in Mumbai have been pleasant, providing favorable conditions for batting.Quotes* Tim David on the finisher's role: "You could look at it the other way and say that I get under pressure and the other guys have the freedom to go out and if they mess it up, then I come in after."* Reece Topley on the Impact Player rule: "The interesting part is if teams are using overseas as impact player or local player. If it is a local player, I might have to lean on a few local players [in my team] and ask them what they do etc."

As a spinner, dew can be a formidable adversary. However, when the opposition is cruising at 107 for 2, needing just 62 runs off 48 deliveries, the challenges escalate exponentially.R Sai Kishore, having bowled three wicketless overs for 19 runs, faced this daunting task. Rohit Sharma, set on 43, threatened to extinguish the Gujarat Titans' hopes. But it was at this critical juncture that Sai Kishore rose to the occasion."I anticipated dew to play a significant role," he later remarked. "The ball was damp, but surprisingly, it still held on the wicket. Usually, it slides on, but I was astonished by the grip I was getting. So, I adjusted my length and varied my pace, slowing down the ball in the air."Sai Kishore, who had not featured for the Titans throughout the previous season due to team composition, had made only five sporadic appearances in 2022. He recognized the need to produce something extraordinary to keep the Titans alive. By shortening his length and inducing the ball to dip, he achieved just that.Rohit Sharma fell victim to a sweep shot, trapped plumb in front. Sai Kishore's intervention had brought the game back to an even footing. His figures of 1 for 24 played a pivotal role in Mumbai's slowdown, particularly in the latter stages of their chase. The Titans varied their lengths and bowled into the pitch to deny the batters."Given the two-paced nature of the wicket, we opted to bowl into the wicket more frequently, trusting our length rather than aiming for yorkers," Sai Kishore explained. "This strategy yielded several wickets. It was aggressive bowling, even though the situation may have suggested otherwise."At the Titans, Sai Kishore has adapted to the role of second spinner behind Rashid Khan. In the TNPL and for Tamil Nadu, he is often deployed as a trump card in the Powerplay. This change of role can be challenging, but for someone eager for opportunities, it was the opening he needed."In other teams, I typically play the lead role. To assume the second role makes it even more exciting," Sai Kishore said. "Most batters will play off Rashid and target me. That makes the challenge more stimulating.""The coordination with Rashid is excellent; we discuss the game thoroughly. One of the strengths of this team is the unity among the players. Jayant Yadav, the offspinner, would often come in and offer advice. The communication is always open, which is fantastic."Sai Kishore believed the Titans were at least 10 runs short of their desired total. The plan was to stay in the game as long as possible and seize key moments, as they did in the death overs with Mohit Sharma and Rashid building on Sai Kishore's foundation."We felt we were 10 runs short, but the essence of this team and its management over the past two years is the emphasis on competition. Regardless of the outcome, we take pride in our performance. We competed exceptionally well. That was the message conveyed by our head coach, Ashish Nehra.""All credit to the culture he has established over the last two years. Players are not solely focused on the result; they prioritize competition and staying in the game."Sai Kishore is coming off a remarkable Ranji Trophy season, where he emerged as the highest wicket-taker. He also made his mark as a captain, supporting young players who flourished due to clear role definitions.At the Titans, Sai Kishore relishes every opportunity to play, prepared to undertake the tough tasks without fear of consequences. "When you bowl four overs consecutively, it's like a one-day game; you can find your rhythm more easily.""With the Impact Player rule, we're playing six bowlers. I'm getting the role where I'm bowling four overs on the trot in the middle. I'm open to bowling one-over spells. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy or TNPL, that's how I use my overs, but with the quality of bowlers we have, I'm getting to bowl four overs, which I'm enjoying."

Ricky Ponting Lauds Ravichandran Ashwin's Mastery and Dedication on 100th TestAs Indian spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin prepares to play his 100th Test match, Australian legend Ricky Ponting has heaped praise on the spinner's exceptional skill and unwavering dedication.Ponting, who coached Ashwin at the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has witnessed firsthand the spinner's relentless pursuit of perfection. "He's a master of spin in any conditions. He's been an incredible cricketer, no doubt about it," Ponting said in the latest episode of the ICC Review.Ashwin's illustrious career has been marked by remarkable achievements. With 507 wickets in 99 Tests at an impressive average of 23.91, including 35 five-wicket hauls, he has established himself as one of the greatest spinners of all time.Ponting highlighted Ashwin's ability to adapt to different conditions and his innovative approach to bowling. "He's got a lot of theories and philosophies on the game, which I like. He's always done things a little bit differently and done things his way. But he just continued to evolve as a bowler," Ponting remarked.In the ongoing series against England, Ashwin has not only breached the 500-wicket milestone but has also surpassed Anil Kumble's records for the most Test wickets taken in India and the most five-wicket hauls. With this feat, Ashwin solidifies his place among the pantheon of cricketing greats.Ponting also acknowledged India's commanding position in the series, securing an unassailable 3-1 lead over England. Despite England's early advantage, Ponting noted their inability to capitalize on opportunities in key moments, as India displayed resilience and dominance throughout the series.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier spinner, is set to reach a significant milestone in his illustrious career as he prepares for his 100th Test match in the upcoming fifth and final Test against England at the picturesque HPCA stadium in Himachal's Dharamshala. This momentous occasion will also mark Ashwin's 500th wicket in the red-ball format, a testament to his exceptional skill and longevity in the game.Throughout his decade-long career, Ashwin has established himself as a master of spin bowling, earning the admiration of experts and fans alike. His unique carrom ball, delivered with a flick of his fingers from a front-on action, has become a formidable weapon in his bowling arsenal, leaving even the world's best batters bewildered.Ashwin's repertoire extends beyond the carrom ball, encompassing a wide range of variations, including the slider, arm ball, and topspin. By subtly altering his wrist position, he keeps batsmen guessing, making him a prolific wicket-taker across all formats, particularly in Tests.Former England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar has hailed Ashwin as the "engineer of spin bowling," praising his ability to adapt and reinvent himself throughout his career. "Ashwin has been absolutely brilliant," Panesar said. "He's been working out angles and engineering his way to dismissals. He's brilliant at changing the revolutions on the ball and enriching the art of spin bowling."Since his debut against England in 2012, Ashwin has enjoyed remarkable success, contributing significantly to India's victories. In 21 Tests against England, he has claimed 105 wickets at an average of 28.88, with 12/167 being his best effort to date. In the ongoing five-match series, the veteran spinner has claimed 17 wickets in four matches at an average of 30.41.As India holds an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series, Ashwin will be eager to add to his tally and surpass English spinner Tom Hartley's 20 wickets in the series. The Dharamshala Test will provide Ashwin with the perfect opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the greatest spinners of all time.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian off-spinner, is set to play his 100th Test match, a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. As he embarks on this milestone, it's worth revisiting the qualities that have made him one of the greats of the game.From a young age, Ashwin displayed an uncanny intelligence and competitive spirit. His childhood coach, Sunil Subramaniam, was immediately impressed by his intuitive understanding of the game and his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. Ashwin's height and long, strong fingers gave him a unique advantage, allowing him to extract bounce and generate significant spin.Throughout his career, Ashwin has constantly pushed the boundaries of spin bowling. He has mastered the art of setting up batters, making it almost impossible for even the best players to score against him. His ability to drift the ball away from right-handers has become a trademark, and he has perfected it over the years.Despite injuries and periods of downtime, Ashwin has remained at the forefront of spin bowling. Subramaniam believes that his peak came between his 200th and 350th Test wickets, when he became a master at setting up and dismissing top batters.Ashwin himself acknowledges the challenges he has faced, but he emphasizes that the journey has been special. He has learned from his mistakes and used them to fuel his determination to innovate and stay relevant.As he prepares for his 100th Test, Ashwin's mind is focused on the task at hand. He is a true competitor who thrives on the big stage. His journey has been one of ups and downs, but it has also been a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering spirit.

Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal showcased his exceptional skills in a DY Patil T20 Cup match on Tuesday, leading Income Tax to a resounding 135-run victory over Canara Bank. In his first appearance in the corporate tournament, Chahal delivered a match-winning spell of 4-0-22-4, restricting the opposition to a meager total.Income Tax had earlier set a formidable target of 244 for five, thanks to Vishal More's blistering 28-ball 61 and Sumit Kumar's unbeaten 18-ball 53. More's innings featured eight boundaries and three sixes, while Kumar's knock included five sixes and four fours.Chahal's spell was a masterclass in spin bowling. He bowled 10 dot balls and conceded only two fours, effectively stifling Canara Bank's batting lineup. His performance highlights his continued excellence and versatility as a bowler.Prior to the match, Chahal had made headlines by predicting the potential Orange Cap winners in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. In a video on his YouTube channel, he expressed his belief that either Jos Buttler or Yashasvi Jaiswal would emerge as the highest run-scorer.Chahal's prediction is based on his observations of Buttler's consistent performances for Rajasthan Royals and Jaiswal's impressive form in domestic cricket. He also picked himself as the potential leading wicket-taker, followed by Gujarat Titans spinner Rashid Khan.Chahal's exclusion from the BCCI's central contracts has raised eyebrows among cricket experts. Former India opener Aakash Chopra has expressed surprise at the decision, suggesting that the selection committee may be considering other options.Chahal's performance in the DY Patil T20 Cup serves as a reminder of his exceptional talent and his ability to make a significant impact on matches. As the IPL 2024 season approaches, his predictions and his own performances will be closely watched by cricket enthusiasts.

Nathan Lyon, Australia's seasoned spinner, has revealed that his primary weapon is the bounce he generates from the surface, following his impressive performance with both bat and ball in the first Test against New Zealand.Lyon's heroics began with a crucial knock of 41 as a nightwatchman. His resilient batting propelled Australia's score to 164, helping them set a total of 369. He then showcased his prowess with the ball, claiming the vital wickets of Tom Latham (8) and Kane Williamson (9) to reduce the Kiwis to 111/3 at the end of Day 3 in Basin Reserve.On his second ball on Day 3, Lyon dismissed Latham with a short and wide delivery. After the day's play, he discussed his strategy for dealing with the opposition batters."My biggest weapon, and it's no secret, is my bounce all around the world. So I'll continue to try and put some over spin on the ball and try and get the bounce and try and hit the stickers on the bat and challenge the guys' defense on the crease. I've got a fair understanding of what their plan is going to be. So it's a good opportunity for me tonight to reset some goals and reset some plans and we'll go from there," Lyon said.Apart from his exceptional bowling skills, Lyon also displayed his resilience with the bat earlier in the day, scoring 41 off 46 deliveries, including six boundaries. While his knock boosted Australia's scoreboard, the rest of the batters failed to make a significant impact in the second innings. Glenn Phillips dismissed five of Australia's first seven batters.Lyon acknowledged that the batters might be frustrated with the manner in which they lost their wickets."I dare say so. But I'll never criticize our batters the way they go about it because they've been exceptional for a number of years now. But then you've got to give credit to the bowlers and this is my big thing. Bowlers are actually there to bowl good balls. And it's not always the batters' fault getting out and bowlers are allowed to come up with plans and execute and take wickets. No doubt there will be some frustration in there," Lyon added.