Cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's prolific spinner, has etched his name in the annals of Test cricket history by equaling the record for most 'Player of the Series' awards. His stellar performance in the recently concluded Test series against Bangladesh earned him his 11th such accolade, drawing him level with Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan.However, a recent revelation by the Indian Express has shed light on an administrative oversight that could have seen Ashwin break the record even earlier. During India's tour of the West Indies in 2023, Ashwin's exceptional performance with both bat and ball went unrecognized when the 'Player of the Series' award was inexplicably omitted.India emerged victorious in the two-match Test series, with Ashwin emerging as the standout performer. His tally of 15 wickets placed him among the frontrunners for the award. However, at the conclusion of the second Test, the award was conspicuously absent.Had Ashwin received the award in the West Indies, he would have equaled Muralitharan's record at that time. The subsequent award against Bangladesh would have then seen him claim the world record.The Indian Express reached out to Cricket West Indies (CWI) for an explanation, but the organization claimed that the award was the responsibility of an Indian agency. However, the agency in question stated that they were only responsible for the commercial aspects of the series, while the 'Man of the Series' award fell under CWI's purview.Despite the administrative error, Ashwin remains on the cusp of history. He will have the opportunity to claim the world record when India takes on New Zealand in a three-match Test series starting October 16. The Indian team will also travel to Australia later in the year for a five-match Test series, and Ashwin's current form suggests that he will be a key member of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad.

India's dominance in Test cricket under Rohit Sharma's leadership has once again been showcased in their emphatic 2-0 series victory over Bangladesh. Despite rain washing out two days of the Kanpur Test, the Indian team displayed their resilience and unwavering determination to secure a comprehensive victory.Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has hailed India's dominance, particularly their ability to maintain their position at the top of the Test rankings. He attributes this success to the team's exceptional skills and their ability to win matches overseas.Raja singled out Ravichandran Ashwin for special praise, recognizing his all-round abilities. Ashwin's century in the first Test and his six wickets in Bangladesh's second innings were crucial in India's victory. Raja believes that Ashwin is an underrated all-rounder whose contributions often go unnoticed.Similarly, Ravindra Jadeja's ability to perform under pressure was also highlighted by Raja. He noted that both Ashwin and Jadeja have shown a remarkable ability to improve their game over time, unlike many Pakistani players who tend to plateau after reaching their peak.Raja attributed India's continued success to the intense competition within the team. He believes that the presence of talented players on the bench keeps the established players motivated and prevents them from becoming complacent.In contrast, Raja expressed concern about the performance of Pakistani players, who often experience a decline in their performance after reaching their peak. He believes that Indian players have a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the team, which contributes to their longevity and success.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 22-year-old Indian opener, has emerged as a formidable force in Test cricket, amassing 1,217 runs in just 11 matches at an impressive average of 64.05. His twin fifties in the second Test against Bangladesh solidified his status as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the format.Former India pacer and selector Salil Ankola, who played a key role in Jaiswal's selection for the Mumbai Ranji team, recalls that the young left-hander's initial struggles in red-ball cricket raised doubts about his suitability for the format. However, Ankola's instincts told him otherwise."He has the attitude, flair, and guts-that street-smartness you want in a cricketer," Ankola said. "I felt Jaiswal had that. His selection was against all odds, but I trusted my instincts."Jaiswal's performances in the 2022 Ranji Trophy, where he scored 498 runs in three matches with three centuries, vindicated Ankola's faith. Ankola first recognized Jaiswal's potential during an Under-19 World Cup match against Pakistan in 2020, where the young batsman scored an unbeaten 105."I knew this guy was special, and he proved it," Ankola said. "He's got great timing and power-a rare combination. His 'flow' is tremendous, as is his bat speed and swing. That's what struck me about him."Ankola believes Jaiswal's adaptability, mental strength, and determination make him an all-format player. "He adapts to any surface and conditions quickly," Ankola said. "He's mentally strong and super fit. He handles pressure well. If he must take 300 balls to make a century, he'll do that, and if he needs to score a hundred in 50 balls, he'll do that too."With his exceptional talent and unwavering determination, Yashasvi Jaiswal is poised to become a cornerstone of the Indian Test team for years to come.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's veteran off-spinner, has etched his name in cricket history by equaling the record for Player of the Series awards after India's 2-0 Test series victory over Bangladesh. Ashwin's remarkable partnership with fellow-spinner Ravindra Jadeja has been instrumental in India's success, particularly on home soil.Together, Ashwin and Jadeja have amassed an astonishing 830 Test wickets, with Ashwin claiming the lion's share of 527. Despite the occasional selection dilemma when only one of them is chosen for the playing XI, Ashwin has emphasized that it no longer affects him.However, Ashwin admitted that he used to harbor resentment towards Jadeja when the latter was preferred over him. "It used to bother me at one point of time," Ashwin confessed. "But, it doesn't anymore because the larger goal is at the forefront of my mind."Ashwin went on to praise Jadeja's exceptional all-round abilities, highlighting his status as the second left-arm spinner with 300 Test wickets and over 3000 runs. "If he's the one that has to play, he's the one that has to play and I have complete faith in him," Ashwin stated.Earlier this week, Jadeja became the third Indian cricketer to achieve the rare feat of 3,000 Test runs and 300 Test wickets, joining Ashwin and Kapil Dev in an elite club.Meanwhile, Ashwin has made history by becoming the first bowler to take at least 50 wickets in all three editions of the World Test Championship (WTC). He achieved this milestone during the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, dismissing Shakib Al Hasan for 9.Ashwin, currently ranked as the world's top Test bowler, has taken 50 wickets in just 10 WTC matches, making him the second-highest wicket-taker in WTC history behind Australia's Nathan Lyon.

Virat Kohli, India's batting maestro, has etched another remarkable milestone in his illustrious career by becoming the first active batter to amass over 1000 fours in both Test and One-Day International (ODI) cricket. This achievement solidifies his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.Kohli reached the 1001-four mark in Test cricket during India's emphatic victory over Bangladesh in the second Test at Kanpur. With this feat, he joined an elite group of batters, including Sachin Tendulkar, Kumar Sangakkara, and Ricky Ponting, who have achieved this rare distinction.Kohli's journey to this milestone has been marked by consistency and brilliance. In ODI cricket, he has amassed 1302 fours, making him one of the most prolific boundary hitters in the format. His ability to find gaps and time the ball with precision has been a hallmark of his batting.In Test cricket, Kohli has been equally impressive. His 1001 fours have come in just 99 Tests, highlighting his exceptional longevity and ability to adapt to different conditions. His cover drives, flicks, and pull shots have become synonymous with his aggressive and stylish batting style.Kohli's achievement is a testament to his unwavering dedication and hard work. He has consistently pushed the boundaries of batting excellence, setting new records and inspiring generations of cricketers. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver match-winning performances has made him a true icon of the sport.Beyond his statistical achievements, Kohli's impact on Indian cricket has been profound. He has led the team to numerous victories, including the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. His leadership and passion have been instrumental in India's rise to the top of the cricketing world.As Kohli continues to grace the cricket field, fans can expect more milestones and unforgettable moments. His unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence will undoubtedly leave an enduring legacy in the annals of the game.

India's dominance in Test cricket continued as they secured a resounding 2-0 series sweep against Bangladesh, despite rain interruptions in the second Test in Kanpur. The victory solidified India's position at the summit of the World Test Championship points table, with 8 wins from 11 matches.After rain washed out two days of play, a draw seemed inevitable. However, India's bold approach and decisive decision-making forced the game into a result. The bowlers dismissed Bangladesh for 227 in the first innings, and India responded with an aggressive batting display to gain a slender lead.In the second innings, India's bowlers once again showcased their brilliance, coupled with astute captaincy from Rohit Sharma. The Indian fielders were exceptional, grabbing 23 out of 24 catches, including Mohammed Siraj's stunning one-handed effort.Rohit acknowledged the risks involved in their aggressive approach but emphasized the team's unwavering commitment to securing a result. "We had to take a little bit of risk to get a result," he said. "I was okay with it. So was the coach and the other players as well. Because you have to be brave enough to take those decisions and go and play that way."Rohit praised the team's fielding efforts, highlighting the hard work and dedication of the players and the support of the backroom staff. "It may go unnoticed, but out of the 24 catches that came our way, we took 23 of them," he said. "The guys who were standing behind were so sharp and to take those catches, it may look easy on television, but it is not."India's next challenge will be a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, followed by a three-Test series against New Zealand at home.

Indian cricket team's star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has etched his name in the annals of Test cricket history by becoming the first bowler to claim at least 50 wickets in all three editions of the World Test Championship (WTC). Ashwin's remarkable feat was achieved on Day 4 of the second Test match against Bangladesh in Kanpur, where he dismissed Shakib Al Hasan for 9.As the top-ranked Test bowler in the world, Ashwin has reached the milestone in just 10 matches, making him the second-highest wicket-taker in WTC history behind Australia's Nathan Lyon. Additionally, Ashwin has equaled Zaheer Khan's record of taking the most wickets in India-Bangladesh Test matches, with both bowlers having claimed 31 wickets each.However, the issue of multiple Test match venues in India has come under scrutiny once again after Day 3 of the Kanpur Test was delayed due to poor drainage at the Green Park stadium. Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the debate, offering both the advantages and disadvantages of the current system.Ashwin believes that having numerous Test venues across India has the benefit of promoting cricket at the grassroots level. "It triggers that sort of urgency and passion among cricketers to be able to come and play for this country," he said. "That is a big positive."He also highlighted how allowing more venues to host Test matches has opened doors for cricketers from diverse regions, nurturing the sport in areas that might otherwise be overlooked. In a country as vast as India, this inclusivity fosters a sense of national pride and opportunity for aspiring players across the nation.However, Ashwin acknowledged the challenges associated with having such a broad range of Test venues. Referring to the drainage issues at the Kanpur ground, he pointed out that certain facilities are critical to hosting a Test match at the highest level. "There are certain requisite ingredients that are important to host a Test match, and these were lacking in Kanpur," he said.Despite the inclusivity and passion generated by having many Test centres, Ashwin also recognized the advantages of having fewer, designated Test venues, similar to what other cricketing nations follow. He cited Australia and England as examples of countries with fixed Test match venues and specific times of the year to host games."We go to Australia, they play India only at five Test centres. They don't play us at the Manuka Oval in Canberra," Ashwin noted. "They won't be very familiar with the conditions. So does England. They have certain select Test centres, and that's where they play. Some of those are only white-ball centres."

Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, has been in scintillating form in Test cricket this year, amassing an astonishing 38 wickets in just seven matches at an incredible average of 14.42. His exceptional performances have propelled him to the top of the ICC Test bowling rankings.In the recently concluded two-Test series against Bangladesh, Bumrah was the joint-highest wicket-taker alongside spinner R Ashwin, claiming 11 scalps. His ability to swing the ball both ways and extract pace and bounce from any surface has made him a formidable force in the longest format.Bumrah's home Test record is equally impressive, with 44 wickets in just 10 games. His ability to adapt to different conditions and bowl with consistency has made him a vital cog in India's bowling attack.Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has hailed Bumrah as the team's "problem solver," highlighting his ability to deliver in any situation. "When in doubt, call Jasprit Bumrah," Karthik said. "He is the biggest asset for skipper Rohit Sharma."Bumrah's exceptional skills were on full display in the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, where he bowled two unplayable deliveries to dismiss Mehidy Hasan. His ability to reverse swing the ball at high speeds has made him a nightmare for batsmen.Following his match haul of six wickets in Kanpur, Bumrah reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Test bowling rankings, replacing his teammate Ashwin. Spinner Ravindra Jadeja maintained his sixth place, while Kuldeep Yadav remained in 16th.Bumrah's rise to the top of the bowling rankings is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. He has established himself as one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket and will undoubtedly continue to play a pivotal role in India's success in the years to come.

India's dominance in Test cricket continues as they secured a comprehensive 2-0 series sweep over Bangladesh, solidifying their position in the race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Bangladesh, who had previously clean swept Pakistan in a two-match Test series, were outplayed in all three days of the series decider in Kanpur.Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has highlighted the vast gulf in class between India and Pakistan's cricket teams. He believes that only Australia can truly challenge India's supremacy. "The difference between India and Pakistan is clear. If we continue to believe that our cricket is strong, we are mistaken. India's only competition is Australia," Ali stated.India's dominance is reflected in their position atop the WTC points table. With a point percentage of 74.24% after 11 fixtures, they are well ahead of second-placed Australia (62.50% in 12 Tests).India's next challenge will be a three-match Test series against New Zealand, followed by a highly anticipated five-Test rubber against Australia Down Under. The India-Australia series, starting on November 22, will be a crucial test for both teams. India will be aiming to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which they have held for the past four series.India's recent success has been built on a solid foundation of consistent performances. They have won their last 19 Test series, including famous victories in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21. Rishabh Pant's heroic 89 not out in the Gabba Test in 2021 remains a defining moment in Indian cricket history.As India continues its pursuit of Test cricket supremacy, their upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia will provide a true measure of their strength. With a talented squad and a proven track record of success, India will be confident of maintaining their dominance and securing a place in the WTC final.