Cricket

Indian spinner Ravi Bishnoi has emerged as a crucial cog in India's T20I setup, playing a pivotal role in the team's recent 3-0 series sweep over Bangladesh. In the final match of the series in Hyderabad, Bishnoi's impressive spell of 3/30 in four overs helped seal the victory, making him the standout performer with the ball.Bishnoi's wickets included the dismissals of Najmul Hossain Shanto (14), Litton Das (42), and Rishad Hossain (0). With these wickets, Bishnoi reached the milestone of 50 T20I wickets, becoming the youngest Indian (24 years, 37 days) to achieve this feat. He is also the joint-second fastest to reach the mark, alongside Arshdeep Singh.In a post-match interview, Bishnoi expressed his excitement about reaching this milestone. "I'm feeling great about this small milestone. The competition in the team adds positive pressure, and I wanted to make the most of this opportunity," he said.Bishnoi's journey to this milestone has been marked by continuous improvement and adaptability. "It's good to take a step back and see the game from the outside. You have to work on yourself and adjust accordingly," he remarked.Bishnoi also credited his recent break for helping him recharge and improve. "I had a few days off and tried to make the most of that time to recharge and improve," he said.Bishnoi's performance in the Bangladesh series has further cemented his place in India's T20I squad. His ability to bowl economical spells and pick up crucial wickets makes him a valuable asset to the team. As India gears up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Bishnoi is expected to play a key role in the team's success.

India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, opted to bat first in the decisive third T20I against Bangladesh on Saturday. Despite the early dismissal of opener Abhishek Sharma for just 4 runs, Sanju Samson and Suryakumar provided India with a blistering start. Both batsmen maintained strike rates above 200, forging an explosive 173-run partnership.Samson showcased his exceptional power-hitting, smashing five consecutive sixes off R Hossain in the 12th over. He reached his century in record time, becoming the second-fastest Indian to achieve the feat in T20Is. Samson's innings of 111 runs off just 47 balls was a testament to his aggressive batting style.India had already secured the three-match series with a 2-0 lead, having won the first T20I by 7 wickets and the second by a dominant 86-run margin. After winning the toss, Suryakumar Yadav expressed his desire to bat first, citing the favorable batting conditions. He also emphasized the importance of continuing with the team's positive approach.Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto opted to bowl first, stating that the toss was inconsequential. He made two changes to his team, bringing in Tamim Iqbal and Mahedi Hasan. Shanto acknowledged the need for his batters to take responsibility and execute their plans effectively.For the final match, India rested Arshdeep Singh and included spinner Ravi Bishnoi in the playing XI. India aimed to complete a series sweep against Bangladesh.

India's Powerplay Prowess: Samson and Yadav Lead Charge Against BangladeshIn the third and final T20I of the series against Bangladesh, Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav unleashed a batting onslaught, propelling India to equal their highest Powerplay total of 82 runs for 1 wicket. The hosts, who had already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead, opted to bat first in Hyderabad, looking to complete a clean sweep.Samson and Yadav took the Bangladesh bowlers to task, smashing boundaries and sixes at will. Samson, in particular, was in devastating form, hitting three sixes and four fours in his 30-ball 55. Yadav, who captained the side in Rohit Sharma's absence, contributed with a quickfire 30 off 16 deliveries.India's aggressive approach in the Powerplay laid the foundation for a dominant performance. They reached the 50-run mark in just 4.2 overs and continued to pile on the runs, setting a daunting target for Bangladesh.This latest Powerplay performance adds to India's impressive record in the opening overs of T20Is. Over the years, the team has consistently showcased its explosive batting capabilities, with several high-scoring starts.In the 2021 T20 World Cup, India replicated their 82-run Powerplay total against Scotland in Dubai. This performance was crucial in propelling India to a comprehensive victory and highlighted their ability to capitalize on the early overs in high-pressure situations.Another standout performance came in 2018 against South Africa in Johannesburg, where the Indian batsmen racked up 78 runs for 2 wickets during the Powerplay. In 2023, during a home series against Australia in Thiruvananthapuram, India managed to score 77 runs for 1 wicket in the Powerplay.These performances showcase India's ability to start strong and maintain momentum throughout the game. The team's aggressive approach in the Powerplay has often put immense pressure on the opposition bowlers and set the tone for successful chases or imposing totals.

India opted to bat first after winning the toss in the third and final T20I against Bangladesh in Hyderabad, despite the potential challenges of defending a total in the dew. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hassan Shanto indicated that his team would have chased regardless.India, already leading the series 2-0, aimed to complete a clean sweep across formats after their 2-0 Test victory. However, they were forced to make a late change to their lineup due to Harshit Rana's viral infection. Ravi Bishnoi replaced Rana, who remains uncapped until October 31, potentially benefiting the Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming IPL retention process.Bangladesh also made two changes, bringing in Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Mahedi Hasan for Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker Ali. Miraz had struggled in the previous match, while Jaker had failed to deliver on his reputation as a big hitter.The match marked the final T20 international for Bangladesh's Mahmudullah, who was honored with a memento before the game.

India vs Bangladesh Live Score: India Eye Series Sweep, Monitor Second-Line PlayersIndia will be aiming to complete a series sweep and continue assessing the progress of their second-line players when they face Bangladesh in the third and final T20I in Hyderabad. The hosts have already secured the series 2-0 after victories in Gwalior and New Delhi.Among the positives for India in this series have been the performances of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. Samson has been given the opportunity to open the innings and has shown glimpses of his potential, but he will need to convert his starts into substantial scores to remain in contention for a regular spot.Another player who has impressed is Nitish Kumar Reddy. The all-rounder smashed a 34-ball 74 and took two wickets in the Delhi T20, and he will be hoping to continue his good form in Hyderabad.India's team management is also keeping a close eye on the performances of pacer Mayank Yadav and spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Yadav has bowled at over 150 clicks, while Chakravarthy has taken three wickets in his first outing in blue in three years.Beyond the obvious, India will also be looking to add new pieces to their white-ball jigsaw puzzle ahead of some important assignments such as the Champions Trophy. With a busy schedule of showpiece events both globally and bilaterally, it is critical for the team to have multiple backup options.Despite the inconsequential nature of the third T20I, India will be eager to maintain their momentum and continue monitoring the progress of their second-line players.

Indian Cricket Team Arrives in Hyderabad for Series Finale Against BangladeshThe Indian cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, arrived in Hyderabad on Friday for the third and final T20I match against Bangladesh. The series is already in India's grasp after convincing victories in the first two matches.In the series opener in Gwalior, India chased down Bangladesh's total of 153 with ease, winning by 7 wickets. The second T20I in Delhi was even more dominant, with India posting a massive 217/5 and restricting Bangladesh to just 131/7, securing an 86-run victory.Nitish Reddy, who hails from Visakhapatnam, expressed his excitement about playing in his home town of Hyderabad. "I'm really looking forward to playing in front of my home crowd," said Reddy, who scored a blistering 34-ball 74 in the second T20I.Bangladesh, on the other hand, are yet to register a win on this tour. They lost both Test matches that preceded the T20I series.Squads:India:* Suryakumar Yadav (C)* Abhishek Sharma* Sanju Samson (wk)* Rinku Singh* Hardik Pandya* Riyan Parag* Nitish Kumar Reddy* Washington Sundar* Ravi Bishnoi* Varun Chakaravarthy* Jitesh Sharma (wk)* Arshdeep Singh* Harshit Rana* Mayank Yadav* Tilak VarmaBangladesh:* Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)* Tanzid Hasan Tamim* Parvez Hossain Emon* Tawhid Hridoy* Mahmud Ullah* Litton Kumer Das* Jaker Ali Anik* Mehidy Hassan Miraz* Shak Mahedi Hasan* Rishad Hossain* Mustafizur Rahman* Taskin Ahmed* Shoriful Islam* Tanzim Hasan Sakib* Rakibul HasanThe third and final T20I match between India and Bangladesh will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday, August 20.

India, having secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, will aim for a clean sweep in the final encounter in Hyderabad on Saturday. The series has provided an opportunity for India to assess the progress of their emerging talents and identify potential backup options for future international events.Despite the series victories, India's openers, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, have failed to impress. Samson has managed only 29 runs in two innings, while Sharma has contributed 15 and 16. Their inconsistency has put pressure on the middle order, with India struggling to 41 for three in the power play during the second T20I.Head coach Gautam Gambhir and the coaching staff are evaluating potential support players for the upcoming ICC event next year. Fast bowler Mayank Yadav and spinner Varun Chakravarthy have impressed in their limited opportunities. Yadav, returning from injury, has bowled at speeds over 150 km/h, while Chakravarthy claimed three wickets in his comeback match.Nitish Kumar Reddy has also made a significant impact, scoring a 34-ball 74 and taking two wickets in the Delhi T20I. The think-tank is also considering including other talented players from the bench, such as leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi and all-rounder Harshit Rana.Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be desperate for a victory to salvage some pride from the tour. They will need stronger performances from senior players like captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, and Mustafizur Rahman, who have not lived up to expectations so far.

Rinku Singh's journey in Indian cricket has been a testament to his resilience and determination. From humble beginnings, he rose to prominence with a stellar performance in the 2023 IPL. His international debut made him a fan favorite, but since then, he has faced challenges in securing regular game time.Despite the limited opportunities, Rinku remains focused on making the most of every chance he gets. His tattoo, "God's plan," serves as a reminder of his belief in a higher power guiding his path.In the recent T20I series, Rinku was given more responsibility to rebuild the innings. He responded with a half-century, showcasing his ability to adapt to different situations. The team management's trust in him has given him the confidence to play his natural game.Rinku acknowledges the cut-throat competition in Indian cricket, but he remains unfazed. He understands that his role is to contribute to the team's success, regardless of his position in the batting order.The Indian cricket culture encourages players to take risks and express themselves. This has helped Rinku shed any inhibitions and focus on hitting the ball hard.While opportunities in Indian cricket can be fleeting, Rinku has proven his worth. He has made the most of his chances and continues to strive for improvement. His determination and belief in his abilities make him a valuable asset to any team.

Nitish Reddy, the promising Indian all-rounder, has credited the team management for giving him the freedom to play fearless cricket after his impressive performance in the second T20I against Bangladesh. The 21-year-old Andhra native played a pivotal role in India's victory, smashing a 34-ball 74 and claiming 2/23 with his medium-pace bowling.Reddy's innings was a display of power and confidence, as he took advantage of two early reprieves to hit a six off a free-hit thanks to a no-ball by Mahmudullah. He grew in confidence throughout his knock, helping India post an imposing 221/9.With the ball, Reddy showcased his versatility, bowling with accuracy and control to restrict Bangladesh to 135/9. His performance earned him praise from skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who said, "I wanted that situation, wanted my batters (5,6,7) in that situation. Happy for both (Rinku Singh and Nitish) of them."Yadav also highlighted the importance of testing the middle-order batters, saying, "They batted exactly the way I wanted. You got to go out there and express. The message has been loud and clear - do what you do in the nets, and franchises. Just the jersey changes, rest remaining remains the same."Reddy's performance has further strengthened India's position in the series, giving them an unassailable 2-0 lead going into the final T20I in Hyderabad on October 12. The all-rounder's fearless approach and ability to contribute with both bat and ball have made him a valuable asset to the Indian team.