Cricket

Rishabh Pant's valiant 99-run knock on Day 4 of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru was a testament to his exceptional batting prowess. Despite agonizingly missing out on a well-deserved century by just 1 run, Pant's innings was a masterclass in strokeplay and determination.After being sidelined for the entire third day due to a knee injury, Pant returned to the crease with a vengeance. Alongside Sarfaraz Khan, he forged an indomitable 177-run partnership that propelled India into the lead. Pant's innings was a whirlwind of boundaries, with 9 fours and 5 sixes peppering the Kiwi bowlers.Pant's dismissal on 99 was a cruel twist of fate. A short-of-length delivery from William O'Rourke kicked up and surprised him, forcing him into a defensive shot. The ball crashed into his leg stump, ending a magnificent knock that had brought India to the brink of a commanding position.Despite the disappointment of falling short of a century, Pant's innings was a reminder of his immense talent and fighting spirit. He now joins an elite group of Indian batters to be dismissed most times in the 90s in Tests, a testament to his ability to consistently perform at the highest level.Pant's knock also highlighted the growing maturity and resilience of the Indian team. Despite facing a daunting deficit of 356 runs, they fought back with determination and skill. Pant's innings was a catalyst for this resurgence, inspiring his teammates to believe in their ability to overcome adversity.As the Test match enters its final day, India will be looking to build on Pant's momentum and secure a crucial victory. With the series level at 0-0, every run and wicket will be vital in determining the outcome.

Rishabh Pant's Injury Raises Concerns for Team IndiaTeam India's hopes of a strong start to the Test series against New Zealand were dealt a blow on Thursday when wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant was forced to leave the field due to a knee injury. The incident occurred on the final ball of the 37th over, as Pant was struck on the right knee by a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja.Pant immediately collapsed to the ground in pain, and the physio was called onto the field to assess the injury. After a brief examination, Pant was helped off the field by the physio and a substitute fielder. The extent of the injury is still unknown, but any setback to Pant's recovery could have a significant impact on India's plans for the ongoing Test series and the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.Pant has been a key figure in India's middle order in recent years, and his dynamic presence is vital for the team's stability. He is known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to score runs quickly, and his absence would be a major blow to India's chances of success.The injury to Pant is a reminder of the physical demands of Test cricket, and the importance of staying fit and healthy. Pant has had a history of injuries in the past, and he will be hoping to make a speedy recovery from this latest setback.Fans and teammates alike are hoping for a positive update on Pant's condition, and they will be keeping their fingers crossed that he will be able to return to the field soon.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma's poor form continued on Day 2 of the first Test match against New Zealand in Bengaluru on Thursday. Sharma was dismissed for just 2 runs, failing to cross the 30-run mark in both Test matches against Bangladesh and the ongoing series against New Zealand.Sharma's dismissal came after he was completely beaten by the swing of a delivery from New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee. The ball crashed into the stumps, ending Sharma's short stay at the crease.Sharma's poor form has led to a lot of criticism on social media, with many calling for him to retire. However, Sharma has the backing of the team management, who believe that he is still the best batsman in the world.In the absence of Shubman Gill, who is not 100% fit due to neck stiffness, Sarfaraz Khan came into India's playing eleven. Kuldeep Yadav was also included in the team as the third spinner alongside Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.New Zealand skipper Tom Latham said Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips are the spin-bowling allrounders for the visitors alongside left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel. They will be complemented by three pacers in Matt Henry, Tim Southee, and William O'Rourke.

Team India's preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia are in full swing, with the team set to face New Zealand in a three-match Test series starting on October 16. The series against New Zealand will serve as a crucial test for India, as they aim to resolve the middle-order puzzle and fine-tune their strategy ahead of the highly anticipated clash with Australia.One of the key questions surrounding India's middle order is the selection between KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan. Rahul, a seasoned campaigner with 52 Tests under his belt, has been preferred over Khan in recent matches. However, Khan's impressive debut series against England, where he scored three fifties, has raised questions about Rahul's place in the team.Rahul's experience and familiarity with Australian conditions could give him an edge over Khan. Rahul has played in two previous Border-Gavaskar series, scoring a century in Sydney in 2014-15. However, his performance in the 2018-19 tour was less impressive, averaging only 11.40 in three Tests.On the other hand, Khan's recent form has been exceptional. In the series against England, he scored 153 runs in three innings, including a century in the second Test. His ability to play spin effectively could be a valuable asset for India in the upcoming series against Australia.The opening Test against New Zealand will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which has been a happy hunting ground for Rahul. In two previous Tests at the venue, he has scored 195 runs at an average of 65.00. A strong performance against New Zealand could bolster Rahul's case for a place in the middle order for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Ultimately, the decision between Rahul and Khan will depend on the team management's assessment of their current form and suitability for the conditions in Australia. With the series against New Zealand providing a crucial opportunity to test both players, India will be hoping for a clear indication of who will be their preferred choice for the middle order in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Jasprit Bumrah as the official vice-captain of the Indian Test team, a testament to his growing stature within the squad. While Rohit Sharma remains the captain, Bumrah's elevation to the vice-captaincy is a significant recognition of his leadership qualities and his importance to the team.Despite his limited captaincy experience, Bumrah has been an integral part of India's leadership group for some time. His tactical acumen and understanding of the game have impressed his teammates and coaches alike. Rohit Sharma, in particular, has praised Bumrah's contributions to the team's decision-making process."Bumrah has played a lot of cricket. He understands the game pretty well. He's got a good head on his shoulder. When you talk to him, he understands the game," said Rohit.In addition to his leadership abilities, Bumrah is also expected to mentor the younger pacers in the team. As the most experienced fast bowler, he will provide guidance and support to the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna."Whether it is speaking to the bowlers who have just come into the squad, whether it is getting internally with the team to discuss about how to move forward as a team, he's always been part of that leadership group," said Rohit.While Bumrah's vice-captaincy is a positive development for the Indian team, there are concerns about the fitness of Mohammed Shami. The veteran pacer has been struggling with a knee injury and is unlikely to be fit for the upcoming tour of Australia."To be honest, right now, it's pretty difficult for us to make a call on him, whether he'll be fit for this series or the Australia series. He recently had swelling on his knee, which was quite unusual," said Rohit.Despite the injury concerns, the Indian team remains confident ahead of the Test series against New Zealand. With Rohit Sharma at the helm and Jasprit Bumrah as his deputy, the team will be looking to continue their dominance in the longest format of the game.

Test cricket, the epitome of the sport, stands as a testament to the true essence of the game. Despite the surge in popularity of limited-overs formats like ODIs and T20s, Test cricket remains the format that embodies the complete spectrum of cricket.In India, Test cricket holds a profound significance, deeply rooted in history and culture. Even amidst the rise of shorter formats, especially with the advent of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Test cricket continues to be a cornerstone of Indian cricket.As Team India prepares for a three-match Test series against New Zealand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released a video showcasing the team's practice session. The video features a voiceover by Ravichandran Ashwin, who eloquently articulates the significance of Test cricket."Test cricket is constantly about adaptability," Ashwin says. "You can't start Day 5 like how you start Day 1. Every day you need to be able to adapt along with the conditions. That's why they say Test cricket is the pinnacle of this particular sport!"The video concludes with a headshot of a Team India helmet and the caption, "WE ARE BACK!"New Zealand's first tour of India was in 1955-56, and their most recent tour was in 2021-22. However, the Kiwis have yet to secure a Test series victory in India.The second and third Tests of the series will be held in Pune and Mumbai, commencing on October 24 and November 1, respectively.

Sanju Samson's scintillating century in the third T20I against Bangladesh has not only earned him accolades but also the admiration of his teammate, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma. Despite not featuring in the series, Jitesh expressed his joy for Samson's achievement, highlighting the camaraderie within the Indian team.Jitesh, who is also vying for a spot in the Playing XI, acknowledged Samson's struggles in the first two games but remained confident in his abilities. "I understand how his first two innings didn’t go well, but I was hoping he would score because I’ve seen Sanju’s hard work, and he had a good IPL season too," said Jitesh.The Indian team's persistence with Samson at the top of the order gave Jitesh hope, even though he was warming the bench. "It was good to see the Indian team back Sanju and give him opportunities to play. Seeing that gives hope to those who are not in the playing XI, knowing that when their time comes, they will receive the same kind of support," he said.Jitesh emphasized the importance of focusing on individual growth rather than comparisons with others. "I don’t see myself comparing with others because all wicket keepers focus on their own performance and growth, rather than competing against each other. Everyone has a different role, a different playing style—each of us is unique," he explained.Instead, he is concentrating on improving his batting, keeping, and fitness. "I believe it’s better to focus on myself rather than on others. We are all doing our best. When I put myself in their shoes and imagine failing, it feels bad. Everyone feels that way, so I don’t compare myself to others. Instead, I focus on my process—my batting, keeping, and fitness," he added.Head coach Gautam Gambhir's recent emphasis on supporting players has resonated with Jitesh, who is seeking to establish himself in the squad. "Those are important things to remember because anyone playing for India has earned that place. Everyone deals with pressure differently. Some players become comfortable quickly, while others take more time. I think these words carry meaning for anyone new to the team. They offer comfort, as every player is nervous in their early stages. If the coach gives that kind of reassurance, it allows the player to play freely, knowing they won’t be judged by one or two innings. The team knows that the player has performed well before and will receive their backing," he concluded.

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has provided an encouraging update on his recovery from injury, sharing photos on social media of himself lifting weights in the gym. Shami has not played since the World Cup final loss to Australia last November, but he is eyeing a return in the highly-anticipated Australia series later this year.Shami's omission from India's 15-member squad for the New Zealand Test series is believed to be part of a longer recovery plan. He underwent surgery following an injury in the World Cup and is gradually working his way back to full fitness.In Shami's absence, the pace attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep. The three Tests will take place across Bengaluru (October 16-20), Pune (October 24-28), and Mumbai (November 1-5).The selectors have also included young talents like Mayank Yadav and Prasidh Krishna in the reserves to provide additional pace options. India are currently leading the World Test Championship (WTC) standings and will aim to consolidate their top spot. The New Zealand series is crucial preparation for India as they gear up for a challenging five-Test tour against Australia.With India aiming to reach their third consecutive WTC final, every series seems vital — and so is Shami's eventual return to full fitness. The 32-year-old is one of India's most experienced and successful fast bowlers, and his return will be a major boost to the team's chances of success.

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant injected a dose of humor into India's practice session ahead of the highly anticipated home Test series against New Zealand. In a lighthearted exchange with young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pant joked about sharing a chair, creating a playful moment amidst the intense preparations.In a video posted on Pant's social media handle, the 27-year-old keeper playfully asked Jaiswal, "Chair chahiye kya tereko?" (Do you need a chair?). With only one free chair available, Pant cheekily added, "Yeh toh nahi dunga" (I won't give it to you), leaving both cricketers in laughter.Beyond the banter, Pant displayed his serious side, practicing various shots in the nets. The video captures him working on a wide range of strokes, hinting at the explosive form he aims to carry into the upcoming series.India has announced a formidable 15-member squad for the three-match Test series, which begins on October 16 in Bengaluru as part of the ICC World Test Championship. The team is led by Rohit Sharma, with fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah serving as vice-captain. Bumrah's elevation to deputy comes as India prepare for the grueling five-Test tour of Australia next month.However, the squad will miss the services of experienced pacer Mohammed Shami, who is recovering from ankle surgery. Shami sustained the injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup and will sit out the entire New Zealand series. Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Yash Dayal, part of the squad for the Bangladesh series, has been omitted.Despite the changes, India, having recently swept Bangladesh 2-0, remain focused on extending their lead at the top of the World Test Championship standings. The team will be eager to put on a strong performance against New Zealand and continue their dominance in the longest format of the game.