Cricket

Suryakumar Yadav Eyes Milestone as India Gear Up for South Africa T20I SeriesIndia's swashbuckling batter Suryakumar Yadav is poised to etch his name in the record books as he prepares to lead the team in a four-match Twenty20 International series against South Africa. Yadav, who has been in scintillating form, is on the cusp of surpassing Rohit Sharma as the highest-scoring Indian batter against the Proteas in T20Is.Currently ranked third among Indian batters with 346 runs in seven T20Is against South Africa, Yadav needs just 84 more runs to eclipse Sharma's tally of 429 runs. The Mumbai Indians star has been a consistent performer against the Proteas, averaging an impressive 57.66.Sharma, who led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, has amassed 429 runs in 18 T20I matches against South Africa, averaging 26.81. Virat Kohli, India's run machine, is second on the list with 394 runs in 14 matches, averaging 39.40.The upcoming series will provide Yadav with an ideal opportunity to cement his status as one of India's most prolific T20I batters. The first T20I will be played on November 8 at Kingsmead in Durban, followed by the second on November 10 in Gqeberha, the third on November 13 in Centurion, and the fourth and final T20I on November 15 in Johannesburg.

Indian cricket sensation Sarfaraz Khan has been on a remarkable run of form, captivating fans and experts alike. However, concerns have been raised about his fitness, with some suggesting it could jeopardize his place in the playing XI.To address these concerns, Sarfaraz has embarked on a rigorous fitness regimen, guided by the Indian team's strength and conditioning coach. Additionally, Rishabh Pant has recommended a chef to assist Sarfaraz in improving his nutrition."Sarfaraz is working on his fitness with the Indian team strength and conditioning coach, and Rishabh has provided him with a chef who is taking care of his food," revealed Suryakumar Yadav in an interview with Indian Express. "The intent is that by the time he reaches the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, his body is in a better shape."Despite his perceived fitness issues, Sarfaraz's batting prowess remains undeniable. "His body type might make him look fat, but if you ask him to bat 450 balls, score double hundred, triple hundred, daddy hundred, he has that skill," Yadav emphasized.Sarfaraz's dedication to his craft is evident in his unwavering practice routine. "I have never seen him skipping practice even on match day," Yadav added. "If there is a game, he will get up at 5 am, bat for one hour near his home, and then join the team bus. After the game, he will go to the nearby ground and bat again."After scoring his maiden century for India against New Zealand in the Bengaluru Test, Sarfaraz expressed his elation. "It felt amazing to get my first century for India," he said. "But tomorrow will be tough for them. The pitch is breaking down, the ball is moving, and if we strike early, they could find themselves in a similar situation as we did."Sarfaraz's fitness journey is a testament to his determination to overcome any obstacles that may hinder his cricketing aspirations. With the support of his teammates and a renewed focus on his physical well-being, he aims to silence his critics and cement his place as a vital cog in the Indian cricket team.

The Maharashtra Derby, a storied rivalry in Indian domestic cricket, is set to be reignited at a new venue - the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy ground - in the heart of a business hub. Mumbai, the defending Ranji Trophy champions, will face off against Maharashtra in a crucial match that could shape their title defense.Mumbai, playing its first game of the season, has received a boost with the return of India's T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav. Yadav, who last played a Ranji match at the same venue two years ago, will be eager to make an impact and help his team get its title defense on track.Maharashtra, under the new coach-captain combination of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sulakshan Kulkarni, will also be looking to make a statement after conceding the innings lead to Jammu and Kashmir in their previous match. Reading the pitch and getting its combination right will be key for Maharashtra.The Maharashtra Derby has a rich history, having been staged at various venues across the state over its 64 previous Ranji Trophy meetings. The rivalry between the two teams is intense, with both sides boasting a strong fan base.In recent years, Mumbai has held the upper hand, winning the last two encounters. However, Maharashtra will be determined to break that streak and reclaim the bragging rights.The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams possessing a wealth of talent. Mumbai will rely on the experience of Ajinkya Rahane and the explosive batting of Suryakumar Yadav. Maharashtra, on the other hand, will look to its captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and the all-round abilities of Shardul Thakur to guide them to victory.The outcome of the match could have a significant impact on the Ranji Trophy standings. A win for Mumbai would give them a strong start to their title defense, while a victory for Maharashtra would boost their confidence and put them in contention for a playoff spot.

Suryakumar Yadav, the charismatic Indian cricketer, has emerged as a beacon of leadership and sportsmanship. Since assuming the captaincy from Rohit Sharma, Surya has instilled a fresh and dynamic approach to the team's play.In the recently concluded T20I series against Bangladesh, Surya's leadership qualities shone brightly. After India's emphatic 3-0 series victory, Surya displayed a heartwarming gesture towards retiring Bangladesh star Mahmudullah. As Mahmudullah walked off the field after his final dismissal, Surya approached him, shook his hand, and embraced him, acknowledging his illustrious career.This act of sportsmanship resonated deeply with fans, showcasing Surya's humility and respect for his opponents. The video of Surya's gesture went viral on social media, earning widespread praise.Beyond his leadership, Surya has also emphasized the importance of versatility in T20 cricket. Speaking at the post-match presentation, he stressed the need for batters to be adaptable and flexible."We have to be flexible when it comes to batting and bowling. Bowlers who can have to chip in. Batters have to be flexible and their performances were commendable," Surya said.Surya's words reflect his own versatility as a player. He is renowned for his ability to play a wide range of shots and adapt to different situations. This adaptability has been crucial to India's success under his captaincy.As India continues to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Surya's leadership and vision will be vital. His ability to inspire his teammates, foster a positive team culture, and promote versatility will be key to India's chances of success on the global stage.

India's dominance in T20I cricket continued as they clinched a resounding 3-0 series victory against Bangladesh with a massive 133-run triumph in the third and final match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The victory marked India's 16th consecutive unbeaten streak in T20I series at home.Captain Suryakumar Yadav hailed the team's selfless approach and adaptability, crediting head coach Gautam Gambhir's guidance. "We've achieved a lot as a team. Gauti bhai said no one is bigger than the team, and you have to hit the ball out of the field," Suryakumar said.India's batting prowess was on full display as they amassed an impressive 297/6, the second-highest total in men's T20I history against Bangladesh. Sanju Samson stole the show with a breathtaking 111 off just 47 balls, including 11 fours and eight sixes. Suryakumar provided excellent support with 75 runs off 35 balls, while the lower order chipped in to help India reach their highest-ever total in men's T20Is.Suryakumar emphasized the need for flexibility in both batting and bowling. "We have to be flexible when it comes to batting and bowling. Bowlers who can have to chip in, and batters have to be flexible," he said.Bangladesh's chase was derailed by India's disciplined bowling attack. Mustafizur Rahman was the only Bangladeshi bowler to impress, taking 3/52. India's spinners, led by Axar Patel (2/22) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/31), kept the Bangladeshi batsmen in check.The series victory extends India's dominance in T20I cricket and sets the stage for their upcoming tour of South Africa, where they will play a four-match T20I series starting on November 8.

Suryakumar Yadav's appointment as India's T20I captain raised eyebrows, with many expecting Hardik Pandya to take over the mantle. However, the duo has forged a strong bond, with Pandya expressing gratitude for the freedom granted to him by Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir.After India's 3-0 clean sweep against Bangladesh, Pandya was named player of the series. He credited the team's success to the empowering environment created by the captain and coach. "The kind of freedom the skipper and the coach has given has been fantastic," Pandya said. "That is coming to all the players who are playing."Pandya emphasized the importance of enjoying the game and celebrating each other's successes. "When the dressing room is enjoying, when everyone's enjoying everyone's success, you feel like doing more," he explained.Reflecting on his own performance, Pandya attributed his success to improved fitness and workload management. "Body has been fantastic, God has been kind to help me out," he said.When asked about his favorite shot of the match, Pandya recalled a helicopter chip shot over the cover region. "Over the covers when I just chipped it," he said.The harmonious relationship between Yadav and Pandya has fostered a positive team atmosphere, contributing to India's recent success in the T20I format. Pandya's gratitude for the support and freedom he has received highlights the importance of a collaborative and empowering leadership style.

India's T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has emphasized the importance of fostering a selfless team environment after his side's record-breaking 3-0 sweep of Bangladesh in Hyderabad. This marks the second consecutive series sweep for Suryakumar and coach Gautam Gambhir since taking charge of the team.Sanju Samson epitomized India's fearless and selfless approach with a blistering 92 off 35 balls, including a remarkable sequence of six consecutive sixes in the tenth over. He then reached his century off just 40 balls, the second fastest by an Indian in T20Is. Samson's blitz propelled India to a formidable total of 297 for 6, the second-highest in men's T20Is."We have achieved a lot as a team," Suryakumar said. "We want to be a selfless team, where everyone is willing to sacrifice for the greater good. Sanju's performance is a testament to that."With several Test players rested ahead of the upcoming series against New Zealand, India experimented with their lineup, fielding a team packed with allrounders. Suryakumar utilized seven bowling options in the second and third T20Is, showcasing the team's flexibility."We have to be very flexible when it comes to batting and bowling," Suryakumar said. "Everyone has to contribute, and our batters have shown great adaptability."India's next T20I assignment is a four-match series in South Africa from November 8 to 15, which will overlap with the Test team's preparations for their tour of Australia.

India's Predicted XI for the third T20I against Bangladesh in Hyderabad on Saturday is expected to undergo significant changes, as the hosts have already secured the series victory with a 2-0 lead.The young Indian team has showcased promising performances, with Nitish Kumar Reddy emerging as a standout performer in the second T20I. His all-round abilities, including a match-winning knock and impressive bowling, have impressed the team management. Mayank Yadav's express pace has also earned him a spot as a reserve bowler for the upcoming New Zealand Tests.However, concerns remain over Sanju Samson's form, as he has failed to make a substantial impact in the series. The third T20I provides him with an opportunity to prove his worth and boost his chances of future selection.Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are likely to open the batting for India once again. Abhishek has shown glimpses of form, but the onus will be on Sanju to find his rhythm. A strong performance in the third T20I could be crucial for his confidence.Suryakumar Yadav will continue to lead the side, with Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, and Nitish Kumar Reddy forming the middle order. This young batting core will be eager to make a statement and solidify their positions in the team.Hardik Pandya and Washington Sundar are expected to play as all-rounders. Hardik's impressive performances with both bat and ball have been a major asset for India.In the bowling department, Harshit Rana is likely to make his debut, joining Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh in the playing XI. Mayank Yadav is expected to be rested for the final match.

Indian batter Rinku Singh has credited head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav for empowering the team to play aggressively and express themselves on the field. Singh's blistering 53-run knock off 29 balls played a pivotal role in India's 86-run victory over Bangladesh in the second T20I on Wednesday."The coach and captain have asked us to play our game and whatever the situation (is), the message from them is maarte jao ball ko (just keep hitting the ball)," Singh said at the post-match press conference.Singh, who has often batted in the latter stages of innings, was called into action early on Wednesday after India lost three wickets inside the powerplay. He explained his approach, saying, "At the position I play, I get batting at different junctures of the game. Whenever I get batting earlier, my aim is to take singles and doubles and attack the bad balls.""When I come to bat with 2-3 overs left, my aim is to hit more fours and sixes. My main aim is to collect more and more runs for the team."Singh revealed that the wicket was initially challenging, but he adjusted his batting accordingly. "When the match started, the ball was not coming properly on to the bat. When Sanju (Samson) and Surya bhai got out then Reddy told me that ball phass rahi hai (the ball is sticking on the wicket).""I batted accordingly and then the wicket got a little better. We were discussing that we should get a (good) partnership first and get the momentum. We started with singles and then Reddy hit sixes and the momentum changed."Singh, who will next feature in the Ranji Trophy, expressed his desire to play in all three formats of the game. "I do see myself as an all format player, wherever I get the opportunity I will play," he said.The third and final T20I between India and Bangladesh will be played in Hyderabad on Saturday.