Cricket

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's jovial nature and expressive on-field antics have made him a fan favorite. During the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, Rohit's playful demeanor was once again on display.In a viral video, Rohit was seen performing his signature bail flip while fielding. The video captured the essence of Rohit's relaxed yet competitive approach to the game. His animated conversations with teammates and humorous exchanges with opposition players showcase his ability to balance intensity with a sense of fun.India's victory in the first Test was largely due to the brilliance of R Ashwin. After going wicketless in the first innings, Ashwin claimed six wickets in the second innings, including the crucial dismissal of Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque.Ashwin's contributions extended beyond bowling. In the first innings, he scored a gritty century, rescuing India from a precarious position. His partnership with Ravindra Jadeja propelled India to a respectable total of 376.For his outstanding performance, Ashwin was named Player of the Match. The focus now shifts to Kanpur, where the second Test match is scheduled to take place from September 27. India, with a 1-0 lead in the series, will be the favorites heading into the second game.Bangladesh, on the other hand, have never managed to defeat India in a Test match. However, they will be determined to make history and level the series in Kanpur.

Virat Kohli's recent performance in the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai has been a topic of discussion among cricket enthusiasts. Despite not scoring significant runs, Kohli's presence on the field has been a source of inspiration for the Indian team.In the first innings, Kohli managed a score of 6, while in the second innings, he was dismissed for 17. However, his contributions extend beyond his batting performance. Kohli's experience and leadership qualities have been invaluable to the team, especially in the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma.During Bangladesh's second innings on Day 3, Kohli was captured making a humorous gesture that has since gone viral on social media. The gesture, which involved Kohli pretending to play a shot with an imaginary bat, has been interpreted as a light-hearted moment amidst the intense competition.Despite his recent batting struggles, Kohli remains a key figure in the Indian team. His ability to motivate and inspire his teammates is a testament to his leadership qualities. Moreover, his presence on the field provides a sense of stability and confidence to the younger players.While India is in a strong position to win the first Test, thanks to centuries from Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, Kohli's contributions cannot be overlooked. His experience and leadership will be crucial as the series progresses.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has praised wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for his century in the first Test against Bangladesh, highlighting his defensive technique that resembles that of legendary former skipper MS Dhoni.Pant's century, along with Shubman Gill's, helped India set a massive 515-run target for Bangladesh. Manjrekar noted that Pant's innings showcased his willingness to play defensively, a trait often overlooked due to his aggressive batting style."It is a misleading package we see with Rishabh Pant," Manjrekar said. "Underneath that, you will see as many dot balls in his innings as Shubman Gill's, so he is willing to also play the defensive game that we have seen many times in the past."Manjrekar compared Pant's defensive technique to Dhoni's, who was known for his solid defense despite his reputation as a big-hitter. "He has got a pretty good defensive technique, bit like Dhoni, whose defensive technique was quite good," Manjrekar said.Manjrekar also noted Pant's ability to adapt his batting to the situation, similar to former opener Virender Sehwag. "He is that kind of player who has his own way of getting runs and has his own agenda - a bit like Virender Sehwag," Manjrekar said.In the match, India posted a total of 515 runs, with Ashwin and Jadeja contributing significant innings. Bangladesh was bowled out for 149 in their first innings, trailing by 227 runs. In their second innings, India declared at 287/4, setting Bangladesh a target of 515.At the end of day three, Bangladesh was 158/4, with Najmul Hossain Shanto leading the resistance.

Hardik Pandya's Test return prospects have been downplayed by former India coach Ravi Shastri, despite the all-rounder's recent social media post showcasing his bowling practice. Pandya was removed as Team India's vice-captain in white-ball cricket after Gautam Gambhir's appointment as head coach, and his Test comeback has been a subject of speculation.Shastri, who coached Pandya during his tenure with the Indian team, believes that Pandya's return to the Test setup depends on his physical and mental readiness. "If he feels he is strong enough to take the load, then why not? Don't want it to be a case where he comes in too early, plays and gets injured and then you miss him for the white-ball as well," Shastri said during commentary of the India-Bangladesh first Test.Shastri emphasized that Pandya's mindset and approach to the situation will be crucial. "Depends on how his mindset is. That would be ideal from India's point of view. I think he is someone who knows his body better than anyone," Shastri added.However, Shastri also suggested that Pandya may need to prioritize certain formats if he is not confident about his fitness and workload. "Got to see where he is most suited, in which format of the game. And stick to that," he said.Pandya played a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup 2024 triumph as vice-captain, contributing with both bat and ball. However, he was replaced by Shubman Gill as India's vice-captain in T20Is and ODIs after Gambhir's appointment.Pandya's Test chances appear slim, as he did not participate in the Duleep Trophy 2024. The all-rounder's last Test appearance was in 2018, and his return to the Test setup remains uncertain.

Virat Kohli, India's batting mainstay, is determined to regain his form after a disappointing performance in the first Test against Bangladesh. Despite failing to score big in his Test return, Kohli has been spotted practicing diligently in the nets during the match.Kohli, who had played only one Test prior to this in 2024, managed scores of only 6 and 17 in the two innings against Bangladesh. In the second innings, he was given out LBW, a decision he chose not to review despite replays showing that the ball had hit his bat before his pads.Undeterred by this setback, Kohli is eager to make amends. With one more Test to go in the Bangladesh series before a three-match home series against New Zealand, he appears to want to get more practice in.During an extra net session, Kohli was seen leaving deliveries with precision and hitting shots with audible power. His determination is evident, as he seeks to regain his batting prowess.Kohli's teammates have also expressed confidence in his ability to bounce back. Captain Rohit Sharma said, "Virat is a world-class player. He has been through tough times before and has always come out stronger. I have no doubt that he will do the same this time."India's second innings in the first Test against Bangladesh ended on a high note, with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant registering magnificent hundreds. The declaration at 287/4 set Bangladesh a daunting target of 515.Bangladesh's openers made a promising start to the chase, but R Ashwin dismantled their middle order in the final session of Day 3. With nearly 400 runs still to get, Bangladesh face an uphill task to save the match.

Shubman Gill's Century Powers India to Dominant Position in Chennai TestIndia's young batting prodigy Shubman Gill showcased his exceptional talent on Day 3 of the first Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. After a disappointing first innings dismissal for a duck, Gill bounced back with a magnificent century in the second innings, helping India set a daunting target of 515 runs for the visitors.Gill's 119 not out from 176 deliveries was a masterclass in batting. He reached his century with a single off Mehidy Hasan Miraz, becoming only the second Indian No.3 batter after Rahul Dravid to achieve this feat at this stadium in 35 matches. Gill's innings was adorned with 10 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing his aggressive yet elegant strokeplay.The 23-year-old formed a crucial 167-run partnership with wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who also scored a century in his return to Test cricket after nearly two years. Pant's century equaled MS Dhoni's record for the most Test centuries by an Indian keeper-batter.Gill's century was not just a personal milestone but also a significant contribution to India's strong position in the match. He became the first batter to score a second-innings century against Bangladesh after being dismissed for a duck in the first innings. This achievement places him in an elite group of Indian No.3 batters, joining Rahul Dravid as the only players to accomplish this feat at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.With India in a commanding position, Gill's performance could prove to be pivotal in securing a victory for the team. His century has not only boosted India's confidence but also put Bangladesh under immense pressure. The visitors will need a monumental effort to chase down the target and avoid a defeat in the series opener.

Team India's upcoming tour of Australia in 2024 for a five-match Test series has sparked concerns about the potential for targeted attacks on the team by opposition players and the local media. Former India batter Aakash Chopra has revealed disturbing incidents from India's previous tour in 2018/19, highlighting the tactics employed to tarnish the image of the visiting team.Chopra shared an incident involving Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, who had a heated exchange during a match. The Australian media, according to Chopra, amplified the stump mic audio and released inconclusive clips to the press, creating a negative narrative around the Indian team."They (Australian media) used to release videos. They did it in front of me when Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja had a heated exchange with each other while standing in the 30-yard circle. The broadcasters amped up the stump mic as they were abusing each other," Chopra said.Chopra also revealed that Ricky Ponting, who was in the commentary box, initially condemned the incident but later changed his stance on-air. "Ricky said they are 'Making a mountain out of a molehill'. The moment he went on air, he tore into the Indian team, and I was stunned that he had just said something else a few minutes back," Chopra added.These revelations raise concerns about the potential for similar tactics to be employed during the upcoming tour. India has enjoyed a dominant run in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, winning the last two series in Australia and becoming the only Asian team to win a Test series Down Under on multiple occasions.However, the Aussies are eager to regain their dominance and may resort to underhanded tactics to gain an advantage. The Indian team must be prepared for such challenges and maintain their focus on the game.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has always been a fiercely contested rivalry, but it is important to ensure that the competition remains fair and respectful. The Australian media and opposition players have a responsibility to uphold the spirit of the game and avoid engaging in tactics that could damage the reputation of the Indian team or the sport itself.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has heaped praise on skipper Rohit Sharma, describing him as a "great guy" with immense respect in the dressing room. Gambhir's comments come ahead of India's upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19 in Chennai.Rohit Sharma has established himself as a formidable force in Test cricket since making his debut in 2013. In 59 Tests and 101 innings, he has amassed 4138 runs at an impressive average of 45.47. His leadership qualities have also been evident, guiding India to several notable victories.Gambhir, who played alongside Rohit Sharma during their playing days, spoke highly of their relationship. "We've had several conversations. I believe that the team ultimately belongs to the captain because he leads on the field. My role, along with the support staff, is to assist the captain in every way possible," Gambhir said.He emphasized the importance of Rohit Sharma's leadership and respect within the team. "Rohit's leadership and respect in the dressing room are crucial. So, he's a great guy and has got a lot of respect in that dressing room, and that is the first and foremost quality of a leader," Gambhir added.India will face a formidable challenge against Bangladesh, who recently whitewashed Pakistan 2-0 in their first Test series victory on Pakistani soil. The Bengal Tigers' impressive performance has put them in top form, making them a formidable opponent for India.The upcoming Test series against Bangladesh is crucial for India as they aim to maintain their lead in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. India currently holds a point percentage of 68.52, with upcoming WTC series against New Zealand, Australia, and Bangladesh.

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, has emphasized the significance of fostering a strong relationship with senior players like captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli. Gambhir, who played alongside these players during his playing days, believes that their shared history will facilitate effective communication and decision-making.Gambhir acknowledged that his recent appointment is still in its early stages, but he expressed confidence in building upon the existing relationships he has with the senior players. He emphasized the importance of maintaining open and honest communication to ensure that everyone is on the same page."When you have that kind of a relationship, sometimes it gets much easier than building a relationship," Gambhir said. "Obviously, now the roles are different. The relationship we can build over the next couple of years is going to be very important."Gambhir also addressed the media attention surrounding his past spat with Kohli during an IPL match. He dismissed the notion that there is any lingering tension between them, stating that his relationship with all the players in the dressing room has always been positive."Sometimes people have made a lot of hue and cry about these things," Gambhir said. "But that's not true. My relationship with everyone in the dressing room team has been really, really good."Regarding team selection, Gambhir emphasized the importance of clear communication and transparency. He explained that the team's best playing XI is selected based on merit and that players who are not selected should understand the reasons behind the decision."We don't drop anyone," Gambhir said. "We only select the best playing 11. We think and do the job for that particular Test match."Gambhir also clarified the situation regarding the team's wicket-keeper for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. He praised the performances of both Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan but indicated that Pant remains the first-choice keeper for the time being."I feel Jurel is a quality player," Gambhir said. "But sometimes people will have to wait. Someone like Sarfaraz has also done really well. But sometimes you just need to wait for the opportunity and keep working hard."