Cricket

After his remarkable 150 in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Sarfaraz Khan's inclusion in the playing XI for the second Test in Pune was inevitable. His maiden Test century, scored under immense pressure, spearheaded India's fightback.With Virat Kohli dismissed on the final ball of Day 3 in the first Test, India faced a 125-run deficit at 231/3. Sarfaraz stepped up, forging a crucial 177-run partnership with Rishabh Pant (99) for the fourth wicket.Despite Shubman Gill's return to fitness, KL Rahul was dropped from the XI after scoring a duck and 12 in Bengaluru. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir had previously expressed support for Rahul, citing his performance in the Kanpur Test against Bangladesh.However, Rahul's last Test century came against South Africa in Centurion in December 2023, in a match India lost by an innings and 32 runs. His inconsistent form has raised concerns, and the team management's decision to select Sarfaraz over Rahul sends a clear message.Sarfaraz made his Test debut against England in Rajkot earlier this year, showcasing his temperament with half-centuries in both innings. He followed it up with a 56 in the fifth Test in Dharamsala, contributing to India's 4-1 series victory.Sarfaraz's exceptional performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the Ranji Trophy, have earned him recognition as a potential mainstay in India's Test middle order. His ability to score big under pressure and adapt to different conditions makes him a valuable asset for the team.

Sanju Samson's century in the third T20I against Bangladesh has reignited hopes of a permanent spot in the Indian team. After a disappointing start to the series, Samson's blistering knock sent a strong message to the selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir.Samson's struggles in the first two matches had left him feeling hesitant to even make eye contact with Gambhir. However, the wicket-keeper batter was determined to prove his worth in Hyderabad."I was a bit hesitant to make eye contact with him [Gambhir] but I told myself that apna time aayega (my time will come)," Samson said in an interview.Samson's century was a testament to his talent and resilience. He opened the batting and played with aggression, hitting 12 fours and 5 sixes. His innings helped India chase down Bangladesh's total of 145 with ease.Samson's performance has also earned him praise from India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav."Me and Surya go a long way since we have played a lot of junior cricket together," Samson said. "We have spent a lot of time together discussing cricket."Samson's century has put him in contention for a place in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from T20 internationals, there is a big opportunity for Samson to establish himself as a key player in the team.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's heartwarming interaction with a young fangirl has captured the hearts of fans on social media. Ahead of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, the girl approached Rohit for an autograph, expressing her admiration and revealing that she had traveled a long distance.In a playful twist, the fangirl requested Rohit to convey her message to former captain Virat Kohli, saying, "Tell Virat bhai that a huge fan had come." Rohit responded with a smile, assuring her that he would pass on the message.The interaction highlights the special bond between cricketers and their fans. Rohit's willingness to engage with the young girl and fulfill her request demonstrates his humility and appreciation for the support he receives.Meanwhile, Team India is focused on leveling the ongoing Test series against New Zealand after a disappointing loss in the first Test. Despite wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant's knee injury, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate remains optimistic about his participation in the second Test.Pant's courageous 99 in the second innings of the first Test helped India recover from a disastrous first innings total of 46. However, he aggravated the same knee that was previously operated on following a severe car crash in 2022.India faces a selection dilemma, with Shubman Gill set to return while KL Rahul struggles with form. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be without their star batsman Kane Williamson, who is sidelined with a groin injury.The second Test promises to be an exciting contest as both teams look to gain an advantage in the series. Rohit Sharma's leadership and the team's determination will be crucial in their quest to level the series and regain momentum.

After suffering a disappointing eight-wicket defeat in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Team India has made a strategic change by adding Washington Sundar to their squad for the remaining two Tests. Sundar, a right-arm off-spinner and left-handed batsman, was not initially included in the squad or even the reserves.Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has analyzed the rationale behind Sundar's inclusion. He noted that Sundar's recent century for Tamil Nadu against Delhi may have played a role. However, Chopra also raised concerns about the fitness of R Ashwin, who was brought in to bowl late in the final innings of the Bengaluru Test and bowled only two overs."The question that comes to mind is - what is the Indian team thinking?" Chopra said. "Do they want to play another spinner? There were already plenty of fast bowlers in the traveling reserves. Is Ashwin not fully fit?"Chopra questioned the logic behind not bowling Ashwin more extensively in the fourth innings, suggesting that he may be carrying an injury. "Was it because of that he was given only two overs on the last day?" he asked. "He was bowled when the match was over. It just did not make sense that you don't bowl Ashwin at all."Sundar's inclusion could indicate that the Indian team is considering playing two spinners in the remaining Tests. However, it remains to be seen whether Ashwin's fitness will allow him to play a full role.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has sparked a debate by suggesting that Team India should drop star batter KL Rahul from the Test side once Shubman Gill recovers from his injury. Gill missed the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru due to a stiff neck, paving the way for Sarfaraz Khan to make his Test debut. Khan seized the opportunity with both hands, scoring a magnificent 150 in the second innings.However, with Gill expected to return for the second Test in Pune, India faces a dilemma. Basit believes that Sarfaraz should not be sacrificed, despite his impressive performance. Instead, he argues that Rahul, who has been out of form, should be dropped."Once Shubman Gill is fit, there should not be an injustice to Sarfaraz Khan. KL Rahul should be rested now. People rate him very highly, but his performances haven't been like that. He did very well in South Africa but hasn't done the same in home matches," Basit said on his YouTube channel.Basit criticized Rahul's performance in the first Test against New Zealand, calling it "disappointing." He pointed out that Rahul's failure to deliver in both innings put pressure on the team."A lot depended on KL Rahul after Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant got out. He has played a lot of Test matches and is everyone's favorite. However, he disappointed me today," Basit added.Meanwhile, New Zealand secured a historic victory in the first Test, chasing down a target of 107 with ease. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra put on an unbroken 75-run partnership to guide the visitors to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Washington Sundar Joins Team India for Second and Third Tests Against New ZealandNew Delhi, India - All-rounder Washington Sundar has been added to the Indian squad for the second and third Test matches against New Zealand. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the updated squad on Sunday.Sundar, who has been in impressive form for Tamil Nadu in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, will join the team in Pune ahead of the second Test. The 23-year-old has played eight Tests for India, scoring 318 runs and taking 25 wickets.The addition of Sundar strengthens India's spin bowling options, which already include Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. Sundar's ability to bat in the lower order and contribute with the ball makes him a valuable asset to the team.India will be looking to bounce back in the second Test after losing the first match by 10 wickets in Kanpur. The second Test will be played in Mumbai from December 3-7, while the third Test will be held in Indore from December 12-16.

Indian cricket team opener Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test against New Zealand due to a stiff neck, is making significant progress in his recovery and could be available for the second Test in Pune starting on Thursday.Gill was spotted at the ground on Day 5 of the first Test in Bengaluru, facing throwdowns and having a prolonged net batting session. He faced fast bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Mayank Yadav, both traveling reserves for the Indian team, as well as Akash Deep.Gill's return would be a major boost for India, who lost the first Test by eight wickets. The 23-year-old has been in impressive form in recent months, scoring a century in the third Test against Australia in March and a half-century in the first ODI against New Zealand in August.If Gill is fit to play, he is likely to replace Abhimanyu Easwaran, who made his Test debut in the first Test but failed to impress. Gill's inclusion would provide India with a more experienced and reliable opening partner for Rohit Sharma.New Zealand's victory in the first Test was their first in India in 36 years. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra put on an unbroken 75-run partnership to guide the visitors to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.India will be looking to level the series in the second Test, which begins on Thursday at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

Mohammed Shami Bowls in Bengaluru, Boosting Hopes for Team IndiaIn a significant development for the Indian cricket team, pacer Mohammed Shami has resumed bowling at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The session, which lasted nearly an hour, took place following India's defeat to New Zealand in the first Test on Sunday.Shami, who has been recovering from ankle surgery, engaged in an extensive bowling session with assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. Despite having his left knee strapped up as a precautionary measure, Shami showcased his rhythm and accuracy, focusing on maintaining a consistent line and length.The experienced pacer also bowled to Shubman Gill with a slightly shortened run-up, while bowling coach Morne Morkel observed him closely. Shami's performance in the session has raised hopes that he may be fit for the upcoming Test tour of Australia.However, skipper Rohit Sharma had previously expressed concerns about Shami's fitness, citing setbacks in his recovery due to swelling in his knees. Rohit emphasized that it would not be wise to take an "undercooked" version of the pacer for such a high-profile series.Shami last represented India in the ODI World Cup final last year and has been recovering from the ankle surgery since then. He is currently working with physios and doctors at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to regain full fitness.The Indian team management will be closely monitoring Shami's progress in the coming weeks. If he is able to prove his fitness, he will be a valuable addition to the squad for the Australia tour, which begins in December.

Sarfaraz Khan's scintillating century in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand has reignited his hopes of cementing a place in the Indian Test team. The 25-year-old right-hander, who was drafted in as a replacement for the injured Shubman Gill, seized the opportunity with both hands, scoring a magnificent 150 runs to lead India's fightback.After a disappointing duck in the first innings, Sarfaraz showed his class and determination in the second, playing a series of eye-catching strokes to bring up his maiden Test century. He reached the milestone with a boundary off Tim Southee and celebrated with a jubilant sprint, his teammates and the support staff joining in the celebration from the dressing room.Sarfaraz's century was a testament to his hard work and perseverance. He has been in impressive form in domestic cricket for several years, but had yet to translate that success into the international arena. This knock has undoubtedly put him on the radar of the selectors and will give him confidence for the rest of the series.The BCCI shared a montage of two moments separated by more than nine years, featuring Sarfaraz and Virat Kohli. In the first clip, from IPL 2015, a 17-year-old Sarfaraz scored a cracking 21-ball 45 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. As soon as he finished his innings, Kohli came onto the field with a big smile and bowed to him, a gesture that left a lasting impression on the young batsman.Recalling the moment, Sarfaraz said, "I met him at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time. I had scored 45 runs in 21 balls here and he bowed at me. I had a lot of fun that day. It was a dream to share an Indian team dressing room with him it will come true in the future if I get the opportunity."Sarfaraz also spoke about his experience of playing alongside Kohli in RCB, highlighting his passion and love for the game. "His (Virat Kohli's) passion and spirit are unmatched. Whenever I saw him, even in the pre-match meetings, he'd take charge and tell everyone how many runs he'd score off a particular bowler and break that down for everyone. To be gutsy enough to stand up and talk with such positivity in front of everyone and then deliver the next day is a very unique ability," Sarfaraz said.Sarfaraz's century has given India a glimmer of hope in the first Test against New Zealand. The hosts still trail by a significant margin, but Sarfaraz's knock has shown that they have the batting firepower to compete with the world champions.