Cricket

Abhishek Sharma, once hailed as a rising star in Indian cricket, now faces intense scrutiny due to his recent batting struggles. After a promising start to his T20I career marked by a sensational century, his form has plummeted, raising questions about his future in the squad.Abhishek's international T20 debut was far from ideal, with a first-ball duck against Zimbabwe. However, he quickly redeemed himself with a blistering 46-ball century, showcasing his explosive potential. Since then, however, his form has been inconsistent.In the ongoing four-match T20I series against South Africa, Abhishek has been given multiple opportunities to open alongside Sanju Samson. However, his performances have been disappointing, with scores of 7 and 4 in the first two matches. Both dismissals came via bouncers, exposing his tendency to play hurried shots.Despite the mounting pressure, Abhishek's father and coach, Raj Kumar Sharma, remains optimistic. He believes his son is not out of form but needs one strong innings to regain his confidence. He also highlights Abhishek's ability to bounce back from setbacks, citing his century after a duck on his debut.With tough competition in the Indian squad, Abhishek's place in the team could be at stake if he doesn't find form soon. The third T20I might be his last chance to prove his worth and secure his spot.

South Africa and India Face Off in Competitive T20I SeriesDespite fielding weakened teams, South Africa and India have engaged in a thrilling four-match T20I series that is poised for an exciting conclusion. The series has highlighted areas of concern for both sides, which they will aim to address in the remaining matches.South Africa's Wristspin WoesSouth Africa's batting has struggled against India's wristspinners, Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakravarthy. In 16 overs, they have conceded 91 runs and lost 12 wickets. This dominance echoes the impact of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal in India's 2017-18 ODI tour of South Africa.India's Batting Depth IssueIndia's batting has shown a lack of depth, with their scoring seemingly stopping at No. 7. In the first T20I, they managed only 40 runs in the last six overs, while in the second, they failed to capitalize on Sanju Samson's century. This issue could prove crucial in determining the outcome of the series.Players in the SpotlightDavid Miller, who has been dismissed twice by Varun, will be eager to improve his performance against the wristspinner. Abhishek Sharma, on the other hand, has struggled to convert his aggressive approach into consistent runs. India's team management will need to support him and help him develop into a more well-rounded player.Team News and Pitch ConditionsLutho Sipamla has joined South Africa's squad for the remaining matches, potentially replacing Andile Simelane or Nqaba Peter. India has no immediate solutions for their batting depth issue but may consider experimenting with their lineup.Centurion, the venue for the third and fourth T20Is, is known for its high-scoring matches. The steep bounce could also favor fast bowlers if the surface provides assistance.Stats and Trivia* Centurion has the highest batting average (33.25) among South African grounds that have hosted at least three T20Is since 2010.* Miller has the most catches (81) by a non-wicketkeeper in T20Is.* Varun has a chance to break the Indian record for most wickets in a bilateral T20I series (9).* Arshdeep Singh has taken the most wickets (89) among Full Member players since his debut in July 2022.

Xavier Bartlett's return to the Australian cricket scene is a welcome sight for the national hierarchy, who are looking to bolster their fast bowling depth ahead of the grueling Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Bartlett, who has been sidelined since September due to a side strain, is set to make his comeback in the T20I series opener against Pakistan at the Gabba on Thursday.Bartlett's impressive performances in last season's BBL, where he was the leading wicket-taker and played a pivotal role in Brisbane Heat's title triumph, have put him on the radar of the selectors. His ability to generate late swing with the new ball, thanks to his immaculate upright seam positioning, makes him a valuable asset.With Australia's frontline quicks, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, facing the challenge of five Tests against India within seven weeks, the hierarchy is keen to build depth behind them. Bartlett's return provides a much-needed option, especially considering the recent fitness issues with fringe quicks like Michael Neser, Lance Morris, and Jhye Richardson.Bartlett, who has taken four-wicket hauls in his first two ODIs against West Indies and has an impressive average of 17.66 in T20Is, is eager to seize the opportunity. "Going forward there will be opportunities. Personally, the goal is always to try and play Test cricket for Australia," he said.Bartlett will be part of a second-string Australian team that will aim to salvage some pride after their surprise ODI series defeat to Pakistan. The batters struggled against Pakistan's pace attack, and Bartlett believes that Australia can learn from their opponents. "They have been amazing, the last two games they only used four bowlers," he said. "Hopefully we can emulate that."Bartlett is set to share the new ball with left-arm quick Spencer Johnson, a partnership that proved successful for the Heat during their title run. While the Gabba surface is known for its pace and bounce, Bartlett is confident that it will make for entertaining cricket.While Bartlett's performances in the T20I series could see him move up the pecking order of fringe Test bowlers, his Heat teammate Nathan McSweeney will make his debut in the first Test after being named as Usman Khawaja's opening partner. Bartlett expressed his excitement for McSweeney, saying, "To see his journey from when we were about 11 or 12 [years of age] to where he is now, making his Test debut, it's unbelievable."

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has advocated for the inclusion of Ramandeep Singh in the Indian team for the third T20I against South Africa. Uthappa believes that Ramandeep's all-round abilities, including his batting and bowling prowess, would bolster the team's lower order.India's batting lineup faltered in the second T20I, with the team struggling to post a competitive total. Uthappa identified the lack of solidity in the lower order as a key issue, suggesting that Ramandeep could provide stability at number 8."You need an all-rounder there (at number 8) is what I feel. You need someone who can bat and bowl. Whether that is a spinner or a fast bowler, other than Hardik Pandya I mean. It is what can fill that gap. Right now they don't have any, but they have Ramandeep on the wings, which is why I am saying - bring him on to play," Uthappa said.Ramandeep, who has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, offers both batting and bowling options. He can provide a solid middle-order presence, while also contributing with his medium-pace bowling.In the second T20I, India's bowlers, led by Varun Chakravarthy's maiden five-wicket haul, restricted South Africa to a modest total of 128. However, the Proteas' lower order, anchored by Tristan Stubbs and Gerald Coetzee, guided the team to a three-wicket victory.The series is now level at 1-1, with the third T20I scheduled for Wednesday. Uthappa's suggestion to include Ramandeep could be a strategic move to address the team's lower-order woes and improve their chances of securing a series victory.

India's batting lineup faces a crucial test in the third T20I against South Africa at SuperSport Park on Wednesday, November 12, 2024. The team needs to regain its mojo after a disappointing performance in the second match, where they were restricted to 124 for six.The unfamiliarity of the venue, where India has played only one T20I in the past, adds to the challenge. The pitch is expected to be similar to the one at Gqeberha, which was quick and bouncy. This poses a significant hurdle for India's batters, who struggled against South Africa's pacers in the previous match.Abhishek Sharma, who has been in poor form, is under pressure to deliver. The team may consider giving Tilak Varma a chance to partner Sanju Samson at the top and bringing in Ramandeep Singh to add more power to the middle order.Senior batters like Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Rinku Singh also need to step up. Yadav and Rinku have shown glimpses of their prowess, while Pandya's slow start in the second match was a concern.The pace attack, led by Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan, will be eager to make amends after a contrasting performance in the second game. Arshdeep's economy rate of 41 in the second match was a setback, while Khan's 28-ball struggle to find his first boundary raised questions about his form.However, the efforts of Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi in the previous match have been outstanding. The spinners will be looking to continue their good form and give India an advantage.South Africa, too, faces batting issues. Senior players like Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen are yet to fire in the series. The Proteas will need their veterans to contribute more, especially against India's spinners.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed his disappointment over the underutilization of all-rounder Axar Patel in the first two T20I matches against South Africa. Despite playing Axar as the third spinner alongside Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi, the Indian team management has failed to utilize his skills effectively.In the second game of the series, Axar bowled just one over despite the pitch offering assistance to spinners. Manjrekar believes this was a glaring mistake by captain Suryakumar Yadav. "What are we doing with Axar Patel? Why are you playing him? Give a little clarity. Axar Patel, one over in Kingsmead, Durban, and here also just one over. On a pitch where six of the seven wickets were picked up by spinners, he bowled just one over," Manjrekar said.Manjrekar emphasized that Axar's underutilization is a waste of a valuable resource. "In my opinion, he is being underutilized as a resource. We are saying that you are playing three spinners, but you are unable to play them properly. I am not thinking much about the batting failure, but not bowling Axar Patel was an obvious mistake on Surya's part," he added.Akaash Chopra also highlighted the fact that Tristan Stubbs struggled against spinners, and a few more overs from Axar could have made a difference for India. "That was a thing that stood out here as Tristan Stubbs, who played well, wasn't able to pick length properly at the start. He was going back against full deliveries. He is a quality player and he showed in the end how and why, but Gerald Coetzee came as an out-of-syllabus question, and I feel he will get one-and-a-half to two crores extra in the auction because he also hit sixes," Chopra said.Despite Varun Chakravarthy's impressive five-wicket haul, South Africa managed to snatch a three-wicket victory, leveling the series at 1-1. The Proteas' victory halted India's 11-match winning streak, but it was not without its share of drama.India struggled to a modest total of 124 for six on a bouncy pitch, while South Africa collapsed to 66 for six and 86 for seven. However, Stubbs and Coetzee's valiant partnership of 42 runs for the eighth wicket guided South Africa to victory.

Varun Chakaravarthy's journey back to the Indian cricket team is a testament to his dedication and perseverance. After being dropped from the squad, Chakaravarthy went back to the drawing board and made significant changes to his bowling technique."I had to go to the drawing board and check out all my videos," Chakaravarthy said. "I figured out that I was bowling side spin, and it was not working out in the higher levels. So, I had to change everything about my bowling, and it took me two years and I started bowling in the local leagues and IPL also. So, it worked there, and I have started bowling it on the international stage and it's working out for me," he said exclusively on JioCinema after India's three-wicket loss to South Africa in the second T20I.Chakaravarthy's overhaul of his bowling technique involved a complete change in his action. He now bowls with a more upright stance and a higher release point, which has given him more control and accuracy."I had to change my whole action," Chakaravarthy said. "I had to change my run-up, my release point, and my grip. It took me a lot of time and effort, but I'm glad I did it."Chakaravarthy's hard work has paid off. He has been one of India's most consistent bowlers in recent months, and he played a key role in India's victory in the recent T20I series against South Africa."It's a great feeling to be back in the Indian team," Chakaravarthy said. "I'm just trying to do my best and help the team win."

South Africa's women's cricket team is set to host England in a three-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series, with the aim of expanding their player pool and building on their performance at the recent T20 World Cup.For the T20I series, South Africa have rested experienced players Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka to give opportunities to other players. Medium-pacer Eliz-Mari Marx, who was the joint-leading wicket-taker in the CSA Women's Pro20 series, and allrounder Nondumiso Shangase have been recalled to the squad.Wicketkeeper-batter Mieke de Ridder and Seshnie Naidu have also been omitted from the T20I squad. De Ridder has been replaced by Faye Tunnicliffe, while Naidu is completing her final school exams and will then prepare for the Under-19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia in January.The T20I squad includes three players currently playing in the WBBL: captain Laura Wolvaardt, allrounder Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon. Bowlers Ayanda Hlubi and Tumi Sekhukhune, who were part of the T20 World Cup squad but did not play a game, may get an opportunity at home, where conditions are expected to suit them better.Interim coach Dillon du Preez said he hopes the team can build on their performance at the T20 World Cup, where they reached a second successive final. "We would like to have the same approach that we did in the last T20 World Cup. Although the next T20 World Cup is in two years' time, we would still like to grow as a team and continue to work on our T20 playing philosophy," du Preez said.For the ODI series, South Africa have added additional resources to the squad, including batter Lara Goodall and experienced seamer Masabata Klaas. Hlubi is also in line for an ODI debut. The matches are part of the Women's Championship, which forms the qualification pathway for next year's ODI World Cup in India.South Africa are currently in fourth place in the Women's Championship, with 23 points, five behind Australia and England. The top five teams along with hosts India will automatically advance to the event, which means Australia and England have already qualified. South Africa have also gone through, even if they are overtaken by Bangladesh or West Indies, both of whom have six matches left to play (including three against each other).The tour also includes a one-off Test in Bloemfontein from December 15 to 18, for which South Africa will name the squad at a later date. The T20 games are on November 24, 27, and 30, followed by the ODIs on December 4, 8, and 11.

Varun Chakravarthy's mesmerizing performance in the second T20I against South Africa has reignited calls for his inclusion in India's squad for next year's ICC Champions Trophy. The mystery spinner bamboozled the Proteas batters, claiming 5 of the 7 wickets that fell in the match.Chakravarthy's magical spell kept India in the hunt for a win despite defending a paltry score of 124. His former Kolkata Knight Riders teammate Dinesh Karthik took to social media to advocate for the spinner's selection, stating that "India would be making a grave error" if they overlooked him for the Champions Trophy.India captain Suryakumar Yadav also heaped praise on Chakravarthy, calling his performance "incredible" and "brilliant." However, the selection committee faces a dilemma as Chakravarthy has yet to make his ODI debut. Throwing an uncapped bowler into a tournament as prestigious as the Champions Trophy may not be the most prudent decision.Despite his lack of ODI experience, Chakravarthy's exceptional skills in the shortest format cannot be ignored. His ability to deceive batters with his variations and control makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket.If India decides to take a risk and include Chakravarthy in their Champions Trophy squad, they will have a potent weapon at their disposal. His ability to bowl economically and take wickets at crucial moments could prove invaluable in the high-pressure environment of the tournament.However, the selection committee must carefully weigh the pros and cons of selecting an uncapped player for such a significant event. They will need to consider Chakravarthy's ability to adapt to the longer format and the potential impact of the pressure on his performance.Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include Chakravarthy in the Champions Trophy squad will rest with the selectors. But if his performance in the T20I series against South Africa is any indication, he has the potential to be a game-changer for India in the upcoming tournament.