Cricket

Dhruv Jurel, the rising star of Team India, recently shared his experience of facing sledging from England's Joe Root during the Ranchi Test earlier this year. Jurel, who made his Test debut in the series, recalled the incident that occurred when he was batting cautiously on 30 not out."I couldn't sleep that night," Jurel said. "I was thinking about how I could get my half-century, but I ended up getting around 36 before they took the new ball."The next morning, Jurel faced James Anderson, who immediately began sledging him. "He was all aggressive and was continuously sledging," Jurel said. "I didn't understand half of those words because of the British accent."To Jurel's surprise, his former Rajasthan Royals teammate, Joe Root, also joined in the mind games. "I asked him, 'Why are you sledging me?'" Jurel said. "He replied, 'We are all playing for our country now.'"Despite the sledging, Jurel remained focused and went on to score 90 runs in the first innings, followed by a crucial 39 not out in the second. His contributions helped India beat England by five wickets, with Jurel earning the man of the match award.Jurel's performance in the Ranchi Test showcased his resilience and determination. Despite the pressure of making his Test debut and facing sledging from experienced opponents, he remained composed and played a key role in India's victory.The 24-year-old has since been named in India's 16-man squad for the upcoming 1st Test against Bangladesh. His inclusion is a testament to his talent and the potential he holds for the future of Indian cricket.

Morne Morkel, the newly appointed bowling coach for the Indian cricket team, has expressed his intention to enhance the existing system rather than implementing drastic changes. With an impressive record of 544 international wickets, Morkel brings a wealth of experience to the Indian team ahead of their upcoming series against Bangladesh.Morkel has lauded the efficiency and professionalism of India's cricket structure, stating that his primary goal is to "protect and improve" the current setup with subtle modifications. He acknowledges the leadership qualities of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah, emphasizing their role in guiding the team.Morkel's approach focuses on building trust and fostering relationships within the team. He aims to create a welcoming environment where players feel comfortable sharing their concerns and seeking guidance. By sharing his knowledge and experience, he hopes to help players manage the pressures associated with representing India."The blue shirt carries a lot of expectations," Morkel said. "My role is to make players feel welcome in this environment, help them settle in, and pass on my knowledge."Morkel's appointment is seen as a strategic move to bolster India's bowling strength. His experience and expertise will complement the team's established framework, providing additional support and guidance to the players.

Indian cricket team spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's wife, Prithi Narayanan, expressed her excitement ahead of the team's home season opener against Bangladesh. The first Test match will be held at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai starting September 19.In anticipation of the match, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) organized a pre-series camp for the cricketers at the same venue. Prithi took to Instagram to share a picture of Ashwin in India's training jersey, captioning it, "Chennai, Test match feelings are coming. Right?"The Rohit Sharma-led Indian team has commenced its preparations for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. This will be India's first Test series under head coach Rahul Dravid and his new support staff, which includes former South Africa fast-bowler Morne Morkel as the new bowling coach.The BCCI shared pictures of the team huddle on its social media account, writing, "The countdown starts as #TeamIndia begin their preps for an exciting home season."Captain Rohit Sharma, star batter Virat Kohli, and other team members, including Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kuldeep Yadav, and KL Rahul, arrived in Chennai on Thursday night.The Bangladesh team, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, is scheduled to arrive in Chennai on September 15, four days before the first Test. After the Chennai Test concludes on September 23, the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur will host the second Test from September 27 to October 1.Both Test matches are part of the ongoing 2023-2025 World Test Championship cycle, where India currently leads the table with 68.52 percentage points, while Bangladesh is in fourth place with 45.83 percentage points.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma is gearing up for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, which begins on September 19 in Chennai. The 37-year-old Sharma has been sharing his intense fitness workouts on Instagram, giving fans a look at his rigorous training routine. Known for both his leadership and consistent performance, Sharma is focusing on staying in top shape ahead of the critical Test season.Rohit Sharma recently retired from T20 Internationals after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. This win ended an 11-year ICC trophy drought for India. Following this remarkable achievement, Sharma announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game, leaving on a high note.As the Test series against Bangladesh approaches, Sharma has been dedicating his efforts to maintaining peak physical condition. Sharma's recent Instagram video showed not only his demanding fitness regimen but also some fun moments shared with friends during training. This balance of intense preparation and light-hearted moments captures Sharma's approach to both his career and personal life.Sharma's fitness routine includes a variety of exercises, including weightlifting, cardio, and agility drills. He also emphasizes proper nutrition and rest to ensure his body is fully recovered and ready for the challenges ahead.The Indian team, under Sharma's leadership, is aiming to continue their dominance in Test cricket. They are currently ranked number one in the ICC Test rankings and will be looking to extend their lead over the other top teams.Sharma's focus on fitness and preparation is a testament to his commitment to the team and his desire to succeed at the highest level. With his experience, leadership, and unwavering determination, Sharma is poised to lead India to another successful Test series.

The Indian cricket team's preparations for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh have taken a significant turn, with several key players being rested for the second round of the Duleep Trophy. The decision was made to ensure that the players are fully fit and ready for the international assignment.Among the players who have been granted exemption from the Duleep Trophy are Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kuldeep Yadav, and Akash Deep. These players were all part of the Indian team that was selected for the opening Test match against Bangladesh.The BCCI has named replacements for the rested players. Pratham Singh will replace Gill, Akshay Wadkar will replace Rahul, and SK Rasheed will replace Jurel. Left-arm spinner Shams Mulani will replace Kuldeep, while Aaqib Khan will replace Akashdeep.Mayank Agarwal has been appointed as the new captain of India A, replacing Gill. Suyash Prabhudessai and Rinku Singh have been brought in to replace Jaiswal and Pant, respectively. Axar Patel has been replaced by Nishant Sandhu in the India D team.The India C team, captained by Ruturaj Gaikwad, remains unchanged.The decision to rest key players for the Duleep Trophy has raised some eyebrows, as it could potentially affect their match fitness ahead of the Test series. However, the BCCI has stated that the players' well-being is paramount and that they will be closely monitored during their break.The Duleep Trophy is a first-class cricket tournament in India, which serves as a platform for players to showcase their skills and earn selection for the national team. The tournament is currently in its second round, with the final scheduled to be played in September.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the Indian Test squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to commence on September 19 in Chennai. The squad features the return of star wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant and the maiden call-up of left-arm pacer Yash Dayal.Pant, who last played a Test match in December 2022, makes a comeback after recovering from a road accident that sidelined him for several months. The 26-year-old has been in impressive form since his return to cricket, playing a key role in India's T20 World Cup triumph.Another notable inclusion is pacer Akash Deep, who has impressed with his performances in the Duleep Trophy. Virat Kohli also returns to the Test side after missing the five-match series against England earlier this year.The squad is led by Rohit Sharma, with Dhruv Jurel serving as the second wicket-keeper batter. India and Bangladesh have a long history in Test cricket, with India holding a dominant 11-2 win-loss record.The second Test of the series will be played at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur from September 27 to October 1. Bangladesh will enter the series with confidence after their historic 2-0 win over Pakistan in Pakistan. India, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their impressive home record, having defeated England 4-1 earlier this year.

Shreyas Iyer, a middle-order batter, is determined to reclaim his spot in Team India's Test setup. In the second innings of the Duleep Trophy match between India C and India D, he showcased his counter-attacking prowess with a fine half-century.After a disappointing dismissal for just 9 runs in the first innings, Iyer displayed immense intent in the second. With the Duleep Trophy widely regarded as an audition for the upcoming India vs Bangladesh Test series, Iyer sent a clear message about his aspirations.Facing a formidable India C bowling attack, Iyer played a counter-attacking 44-ball 54. Instead of adopting a defensive approach, he took the initiative and helped India D post a respectable 236 runs.Despite India C's eventual victory, Iyer expressed satisfaction with his performance. "It was crucial for me to show intent because their bowlers were bowling exceptionally well," he said. "I wanted to take the attack and contribute to a decent total."Iyer's half-century and subsequent comments have sent a strong signal to India captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir. With the Bangladesh Test series set to be played in India, Iyer's skills could prove invaluable in similar conditions."The pitch offered little assistance to the bowlers," Iyer observed. "However, we can learn from this experience and improve."Iyer's impressive performance in the Duleep Trophy has reignited his hopes of a Test recall. His counter-attacking approach and determination to succeed have made a strong case for his inclusion in the squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma is leaving no stone unturned in his preparations for the upcoming two-match home Test series against Bangladesh. The veteran opener has been spotted working out extensively at the newly renovated gym at the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) headquarters.Sharma, who was exempted from the ongoing Duleep Trophy by the BCCI, is focused on enhancing his fitness ahead of the crucial Test season. India is looking to make a strong start in their red-ball assignments, and Sharma's leadership will be vital in achieving this goal.The 37-year-old was last seen in action during India's three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in August. Despite his consistent form, India lost the series 2-0, marking Sri Lanka's first ODI series win over India in 27 years.Sharma's focus on fitness underscores his determination to lead from the front in the upcoming Bangladesh series. The veteran opener is known for his class and experience, and his presence in the team will be a major boost for India.The Bangladesh series will be a crucial test for India, as they look to build momentum ahead of the World Test Championship final in June 2023. Sharma's leadership and fitness will be key factors in India's quest for success.

Gautam Gambhir's tenure as head coach of the Indian cricket team has commenced with a resounding start, as the Suryakumar Yadav-led side has secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. The two teams will face off in the series finale on Tuesday, followed by a three-match ODI series commencing on August 2.India's squad for the ODI series will witness the return of star batter Shreyas Iyer, who was dropped from the England Test squad earlier this year and subsequently omitted from the BCCI's central contract list. However, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan remains absent from the team.Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has attributed Kishan's prolonged absence to the player's preoccupation with fashion. "Ishan Kishan has fallen down the pecking order. He got into fashion a bit," Ali remarked on his YouTube channel.Kishan's last appearance for India was in the third T20I of a five-match series against Australia in November 2022. He was included in the subsequent tour of South Africa but withdrew from the Test series due to personal reasons. Kishan also opted out of Ranji Trophy matches, prompting the BCCI to remove him from the central contracts list.Sources indicate that Kishan's return to the team is contingent upon a full season of domestic cricket. His absence from the IPL is reportedly hindering his chances of selection. Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Sanju Samson are currently the designated keepers in the two white-ball formats.