Cricket

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed his unwavering support for under-fire batter K.L. Rahul, emphasizing that the team management's opinion holds more weight than social media criticism. Rahul's recent struggles, including a duck in the first innings and a meager 12 in the second innings of the opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, have drawn widespread criticism.However, Gambhir remains confident in Rahul's abilities, stating that "social media does not matter one bit." He highlighted Rahul's impressive knock of 68 in the first innings of the Kanpur Test against Bangladesh as evidence of his batting prowess. "He is batting really well," Gambhir asserted. "He has capability of scoring runs. That's why he has been backed by the team."Despite Gambhir's support, Rahul's place in the team is under scrutiny following Sarfaraz Khan's maiden century in the first Test. Khan's performance has made the competition for batting spots more intense, and Rahul will need to deliver in the second match to retain his place.New Zealand currently holds a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after their eight-wicket victory in Bengaluru. The defeat was a humbling experience for India, who had previously swept Bangladesh 2-0, including a rain-affected victory in Kanpur."Cricket, sports are a big leveller," Gambhir said of the Bengaluru loss. "If we have enjoyed days like Kanpur we had to endure what happened in Bengaluru. We didn't show any intention to bat out the remainder of the two and a half days."India's batting collapse in Bengaluru, where they were dismissed for a record-low 46 in the first innings, has raised concerns about the team's ability to compete against a strong New Zealand side. Gambhir acknowledged the need for improvement, stating that "everyone is judged. International cricket is all about being judged."

Australia's search for a Test opener against India has taken an unexpected turn, with New South Wales coach Greg Shipperd suggesting that white-ball wicketkeeper Josh Inglis should be considered alongside prodigy Sam Konstas.Inglis, 29, has been in impressive form in the Sheffield Shield this season, scoring two centuries and averaging over 50. Despite never having opened in first-class cricket, Shipperd believes Inglis' aggressive style and international experience make him a viable candidate."I'd have Inglis and Konstas in the conversation as one-two, two-one, and let the Australian selectors mull over those two," Shipperd said. "His performances for Australia have been first-class, and I think they're looking for a style of player at the top of the order, and Inglis may fit that brief."However, Inglis' lack of experience as an opener remains a concern. He has only batted above No. 6 in first-class cricket, and his highest score in that position is 122.Konstas, on the other hand, has shown promise as an opener, becoming the third-youngest player to score twin centuries in a Shield game. Shipperd believes Konstas has the skills and temperament to succeed at the highest level."He's really poised and balanced. Anytime you get through the first 25 overs of a Victorian attack with a new ball that shows you've got something," Shipperd said.Despite Konstas' impressive start, Shipperd acknowledges that he may benefit from more time in Shield cricket before making his Test debut."I'm not sure. That's a very good question, though," Shipperd said. "Yes, he was made to wait. So whether that made him or he was already made anyway, because he was scoring multiple hundreds across the course of that journey between him not being selected and then finally selected, I think at around 21.""But Sam, I do see a lot of that skill level and that poise at the crease, shots on both sides of the wicket, in front of the wicket, behind the wicket. I think he's got what it takes."The Australian selectors will have a tough decision to make when choosing their openers for the first Test against India. Inglis' experience and aggressive style could be a valuable asset, while Konstas' potential and impressive start in Shield cricket make him an intriguing option.

Left-Arm Spinners Dominate India-New Zealand Test SeriesLeft-arm finger spin has emerged as a dominant force in the ongoing India-New Zealand Test series, with four left-arm spinners featuring in the first Test in Bengaluru. Ravindra Jadeja, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, and Kuldeep Yadav all played significant roles, highlighting the effectiveness of this bowling style against right-handed batters.Left-arm finger spinners possess the ability to bowl attacking lines around the wicket, bringing LBW into play. They can also employ negative tactics by bowling over the wicket and outside leg-stump, as seen in the famous examples of Ashley Giles against Sachin Tendulkar and Nilesh Kulkarni against Delhi.This advantage has made Ravindra Jadeja India's first-choice Test spinner, due to his smartness, fielding, and batting contributions. In the first Test, none of the four left-arm spinners were economical, indicating the challenging conditions for spinners.Despite having another left-arm spinner in Axar Patel, India has added off-spinner Washington Sundar to their squad for the second Test in Pune. This move is aimed at countering the four left-handers in the New Zealand team, as off-spinners can take the ball away from them.New Zealand may also consider playing Mitchell Santner in Pune, given the expected spin-friendly conditions. Indian batsmen have historically struggled against unfancied left-arm spin at home, making the role of left-arm spinners crucial in this series.

Cheteshwar Pujara, the seasoned Indian batsman, is a strong contender for a spot in the upcoming five-Test series against Australia. His impressive performances on the last two tours Down Under have made him a valuable asset for the Indian team.In the 2018-19 series, Pujara emerged as the leading run-getter with 521 runs off 1258 balls. His resilience and ability to wear down the opposition attack were crucial in India's success. Three years later, he once again played a pivotal role, accumulating 271 runs off 928 balls.Pujara's experience and ability to face a large number of deliveries could prove invaluable in the upcoming series. He has faced more balls than any other player in the two teams, tiring out the Australian bowlers comprising Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc.Despite not playing for India since the World Test Championship final in June 2022, Pujara has maintained his form. In the recent Ranji Trophy round, he scored a mammoth 234 off 383 balls against Chattisgarh.While Pujara's inclusion seems likely, the selectors may also consider other options. Nitish Reddy, who impressed in the Bangladesh series, has been picked in the India A squad for the shadow tour of Australia. Shardul Thakur, with his experience and all-rounder abilities, could also be in contention.In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep are likely to be included in the Test squad. Avesh Khan and Yash Dayal are also in the mix, while Mohammed Shami's fitness remains a concern.The Indian team will be hoping to continue their dominance in Australia, having won the series on their last two tours. Pujara's experience and resilience could play a key role in their quest for another historic victory.

India's humiliating 46-all out collapse in the first Test against New Zealand has sparked severe criticism from former cricketer Manoj Tiwary. Tiwary lambasted the team's selection and decision-making, particularly the bizarre choice to bat despite a rain-washed day.Tiwary questioned the logic behind captain Rohit Sharma's decision, emphasizing that common sense should have prevailed. He argued that the team should have opted for three pacers and given more overs to Ravichandran Ashwin, who has over 500 Test wickets.Tiwary also criticized coach Gautam Gambhir for failing to guide Sharma in his selection process. He pointed out that Sharma himself admitted to misreading the pitch, which could have been avoided with proper guidance."Good captains make mistakes, but the coach's role is crucial in providing constant guidance," Tiwary said. "I don't know why that didn't happen."Tiwary expressed concern about the impact on pacer Akash Deep, who was dropped from the XI after an impressive performance in the Bangladesh series. He suggested that Deep's confidence may have been shattered by the decision.With two Tests remaining in the series, Tiwary urged India to make a comeback. He emphasized the need for better decision-making and a more balanced approach to team selection.

India's men's cricket team faces an uphill battle in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand, trailing 0-1 after the first match. The focus now shifts to the second Test, scheduled to be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.The pitch at the MCA Stadium has been under scrutiny, with concerns raised about its potential to favor spin bowling. India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, inspected the surface and engaged in discussions with the curators. The pitch is expected to be a turner, similar to the one used in the first Test against Australia in 2017, which proved challenging for India.New Zealand's batting mainstay, Daryl Mitchell, acknowledged the potential challenges posed by the pitch but expressed confidence in his team's ability to adapt. "We can't change the surface. For us, it's reacting to what's coming at us and adapting on the fly," Mitchell said.India's fielding coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, assured that the team will not repeat the mistakes made in the first Test in Bengaluru, where they misread the conditions. "I don't think it was a massive miss. The conditions just caught us on the back foot a little," Doeschate said.The second Test promises to be a crucial encounter for both teams. India will be desperate to level the series, while New Zealand will aim to consolidate their lead. The pitch conditions will play a significant role in determining the outcome of the match.

Pakistan's Test team coach, Jason Gillespie, has garnered praise for his humble gesture after a training session ahead of the series-deciding third Test against England in Rawalpindi. A video circulating on social media shows Gillespie diligently picking up empty bottles and disposing of them in a dustbin.The incident occurred on Tuesday, as the team prepared for the crucial match. England had won the first Test by an innings and 47 runs, while Pakistan had fought back to clinch victory in the second by 152 runs.Gillespie's actions have been lauded by fans and observers alike, who have commended his "grace" and professionalism. Some have speculated that the empty bottles were left behind by the Pakistan players, who may have exited the training area without cleaning up.Meanwhile, the ground staff at the Rawalpindi stadium are working tirelessly to dry up the wicket in order to assist Pakistan's spinners. Three heaters and fans are being used on either side of the track to remove moisture from the 22-yard strip.The second match of the series was played on the same track in Multan, which became worn-out and cracked after being used in the first Test. This assisted the Pakistan spinners, who took all 20 English wickets to fall in that match.The third Test is set to begin on Thursday in Rawalpindi, with both teams eager to secure victory and claim the series. Pakistan will be hoping to continue their winning momentum, while England will be determined to bounce back and level the series.

New Zealand's resounding eight-wicket victory in the rain-affected first Test against India in Bengaluru has instilled a sense of optimism within the Kiwi camp. Middle-order batsman Daryl Mitchell expressed the team's readiness to confront any challenges, including spin-friendly tracks, in the upcoming second Test in Pune.The Kiwi pacers' remarkable performance in the first innings, dismissing India for a paltry 46, marked India's lowest Test total on home soil. Despite a spirited fightback in the second innings, erasing New Zealand's 356-run lead, India ultimately succumbed to defeat.Mitchell acknowledged the varying challenges posed by different soil conditions in Pune and Mumbai, but emphasized the team's preparedness to adapt. "Every country has its unique challenges," he said. "We've encountered different spinning wickets in Galle and Mumbai, with varying soil types. It's crucial to understand the threats each pitch presents and devise strategies to neutralize them while applying pressure on the bowlers."New Zealand's first Test victory in India in 36 years has boosted their confidence, but they anticipate a fierce response from a wounded Indian team, particularly with World Test Championship (WTC) points at stake. India currently leads the WTC standings and will aim to strengthen their position with another win."We can't alter the surface, so we must adapt to the conditions and respond effectively," Mitchell stated. "As Kiwis, we pride ourselves on embracing the moment and staying present. We can't control the wicket, but we'll formulate a plan to take 20 wickets and score runs."Mitchell also expressed admiration for Rishabh Pant's valiant 99 in India's second innings, despite his knee injury. "Rishabh is a world-class player, and I respect his approach to the game," he said. "Their partnership was impressive, but we recognized the need to continue taking wickets and applying pressure."

Former Australian opener David Warner has expressed his willingness to return to Test cricket, offering to fill the crucial opening slot for Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Warner, who stepped away from the longest format earlier this year, has stated that he is ready to make a comeback and provide experience at the top of the order.Australia's opening position has been under scrutiny, with the team struggling to find a consistent pair. Warner's return could be a timely solution ahead of the high-stakes series against India. Known for his aggressive style and extensive experience in Aussie conditions, Warner's inclusion could bolster the home team's chances in the challenging five Test matches.Warner has emphasized the sincerity of his proposal, rejecting any notion that his statements were intended as a joke or made in a lighthearted manner. "I'm always available, just got to pick up the phone," Warner told Code Sports. "I'm always dead serious. Honestly, if they really needed myself for this series, I'm more than happy to play the next Shield game and go out there and play."Warner, considered one of Australia's finest opening batsmen, stepped away from the game earlier this year. Throughout his career, he amassed an impressive 8,786 runs and 26 centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 335.As the Australian team faces challenges such as Cameron Green's injury and Steve Smith's return to his usual position at No. 4 after a short stint as an opener, the 37-year-old cricketer suggests that the team may need to re-evaluate their choices for the opening slots."I did retire for the right reasons to finish the game, and I wanted to finish. But my hand is up if they desperately need someone. I'm not going to shy away from that," Warner said, adding that he had cheekily messaged both Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald and chief selector George Bailey about the situation."I've spoken to Torch (McDonald) and his answer back to me was, 'you retired,'" Warner laughed. "I don't think he wants to give me the pleasure of him saying, 'can you come back?'"Warner's potential return to the Test team would add depth to Australia's lineup and provide a much-needed boost of experience. His aggressive style and ability to score quickly could be a valuable asset in the upcoming series against India.