Cricket

Indian cricket's future is in safe hands with the emergence of two exceptional young batting talents: Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Their impressive performances in the recent Test series against Bangladesh have caught the attention of seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who believes they have the potential to become key players for India, particularly in overseas conditions.Jaiswal, with his aggressive yet controlled approach, has quickly become a fan favorite. His ability to dominate bowlers with three fifties in the series showcased the kind of temperament that is vital in the longer format. Gill, on the other hand, has cemented himself as a reliable opener, delivering a strong performance with his century in the first Test, solidifying his growing reputation as a technically sound and adaptable batter.Ashwin, a senior figure in the team, recognized the duo's raw talent but emphasized the need for continuous improvement and evolution. "The raw material is there, and it's evident to everyone that both of them are high-quality players," Ashwin said. "It's just that they need to be able to encounter more and more new experiences and be able to identify for themselves what they need to work on."Both players have already showcased their class in previous outings. In the Test series against England, Jaiswal amassed a staggering 712 runs from nine innings, including two double-hundreds, while Gill followed with 452 runs, averaging 56.50 with two centuries. Their consistency in both home and away conditions has proven that they are ready to take on tougher challenges in the years to come.India's cricketing future looks bright with these young stars leading the charge. Their next big test will come in the upcoming series against New Zealand starting on October 16, followed by the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, beginning on November 22.

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli extended a heartwarming gesture to Bangladesh's retiring all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan after India's 2-0 Test series sweep in Kanpur on October 1, 2024. Shakib, who played his last overseas Test in Kanpur, has expressed concerns about his ability to leave Bangladesh for the upcoming home series against South Africa due to ongoing legal issues.After the second Test concluded with India's seven-wicket victory, Kohli approached the Bangladesh team and presented Shakib with a signed bat. The duo exchanged pleasantries and shared a laugh as Shakib playfully swung the willow. Shakib is a popular figure in India, having played 71 IPL matches for Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad.However, Shakib's career has been marred by a murder charge stemming from the civil unrest that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Shakib was a member of parliament from Hasina's Awami League party. The current regime in Bangladesh has expressed reluctance to grant Shakib a farewell, with Bangladesh Cricket Board president Farukh Ahmed stating that his organization is not a security agency.Given these circumstances, Kanpur could potentially be Shakib's final Test match. He is expected to retire from international cricket after the Champions Trophy next year. Currently residing in the United States, Shakib's future in Bangladesh remains uncertain.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, has acknowledged the benefits of having a limited number of Test centers for players. However, he refrained from endorsing the idea for India, stating that it was beyond his purview to comment on such matters.The debate on Test centers resurfaced after Kanpur's Green Park stadium faced criticism for its poor drainage system, leading to the loss of two days in the second Test between India and Bangladesh. Virat Kohli, India's star batter, had previously suggested that India should adopt a system similar to Australia and England, which have a limited number of major Test centers.Ashwin acknowledged the advantages of having a select few Test centers, citing the familiarity with conditions and the ability to tailor preparations accordingly. He pointed out that Australia and England have a tradition of playing at specific venues, which allows players to develop a deep understanding of the conditions.However, Ashwin emphasized the importance of having a wide range of venues for Test cricket in India. He highlighted the benefits of fostering cricket talent across the country and the need to invest in essential facilities such as weather-proof infrastructure and proper drainage systems.Regarding the performances of young openers Yashaswi Jaiswal and Shubhman Gill, Ashwin expressed confidence in their potential. He praised their aggressive approach in the truncated second Test, which set the tone for the team's victory.Ashwin also discussed the team's strategy of adopting an ultra-aggressive approach in the second Test. He explained that the plan was to put pressure on the opposition from the outset, which proved successful in securing a quick victory.

Rohit Sharma's transformation from an ordinary ODI batter to one of the greatest ODI openers of all time is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. After a slow start to his ODI career, Sharma's fortunes changed dramatically in 2013 when he was promoted to the opening slot. Since then, he has amassed over 8800 runs in ODIs, including 29 centuries and 44 fifties, at an astonishing average of 56.45 and strike rate of 96.29.However, Sharma's Test career was a different story. Despite a promising start with two centuries in his first two Tests, he struggled to live up to expectations and his future in red-ball cricket seemed uncertain. His numbers in 27 Tests were below par, with an average of 39.6 and only three centuries.In 2019, Sharma's Test career took a dramatic turn when he was promoted to open the innings against South Africa in Vizag. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands, smashing two centuries in the match and becoming only the sixth Indian to achieve this feat. Since then, Sharma has emerged as a genuine match-winner for India at the top of the order.In 34 Tests as an opener, Sharma has scored 2563 runs at an average of 48.35, including nine centuries and seven fifties. His strike rate of 65.16 at home showcases his aggressive mindset and ability to take the shine off the new ball.Sharma's overseas performances have also improved significantly since he became an opener. In 12 Tests outside India, he has an aggregate of 919 runs at an average of 43.76, with two centuries and five fifties. His century at The Oval in 2021 helped India draw the series against England, while his 127 against the West Indies in Roseau was a major contributing factor in India's victory.Sharma's rise to the top of the Test batting rankings is a testament to his hard work and determination. He has overcome adversity and proved his critics wrong. Today, he is one of the most feared batsmen in the world and a key player for India in all formats of the game.

India's star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, has expressed his confidence in the potential of his compatriot Akash Deep after their impressive victory in the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. Despite losing significant playing time due to rain and a wet outfield, India's players displayed unwavering determination and secured a 7-wicket win on a sunny day in Kanpur.Throughout the series, India's experienced bowlers have consistently delivered when needed. However, it was the young Akash Deep who stole the spotlight in Kanpur, showcasing his exceptional swing bowling with the SG ball. Bumrah, who witnessed Akash's impressive performance firsthand, revealed that they have had numerous "interesting conversations" where Akash sought advice before captivating spectators with his mesmerizing spells."He (Akash Deep) comes up to me quite a lot before a spell and asks me 'what is happening and what should I do'. We have had a lot of interesting conversations, and the energy he brings on the ball, he gives his best on the field, and when he's bowling, he has got a lot of heart, and that is a good sign for us going forward. Hopefully, he goes from strength to strength," Bumrah said after India's victory.In the two Tests, Akash, who consistently hit the deck, swung the ball effortlessly and ended the series with five wickets. The Green Park surface underwent significant changes throughout the five days of play, with the weather constantly dictating the flow of the game. Once the rain subsided and the sun shone brightly over Kanpur, it became a challenging surface for the pacers to extract benefits from.However, for Bumrah, when the pitch turned against his natural style of play, it was a challenge that he relished taking on. "I like that challenge when you go against your nature and conditions are not favorable. The wicket is not favorable. How do you get answers? All of these battles I really like. We have played a lot of cricket in India. You understand the nature of the wicket, and the SG ball sometimes reverses as well, but sometimes, because of the humidity, you are not able to keep the ball dry, so you find solutions and discuss it with other players as well," Bumrah added."It was a test for our fitness as well, as you see how hot the weather is, bowling every day and trying to create an impact, a really special win. You use your experience, but it is easier said than done because you have played a lot of cricket and played on different surfaces. You find solutions. This wicket was completely different to what we got in Chennai, so we quickly communicated with the others and tried to find the best option," he noted.In the end, as India pushed their limits and redefined the way a Test is supposed to be played, Bumrah stood at the top as the joint-leading wicket-taker in the series with 11 wickets. As he continues to make the ball obey his will, Bumrah has earned the title of magician for himself. However, the experienced pacer is not focused on such adjectives. He is just delighted with the way India performed to subtly complete the series sweep over Bangladesh."It feels really good. I don't think about all those adjectives (being called a magician). It is really good to get this win; we had lost a couple of days," Bumrah said.Following the conclusion of the series, India will engage in a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh and then host New Zealand for three Tests this month.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, has etched his name further into the annals of cricket history by equaling the record for most Player of the Series awards in Test cricket. Ashwin's stellar performance in the recently concluded Test series against Bangladesh earned him the prestigious accolade, bringing his tally to 11, matching the legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.Ashwin's dominance in the series was evident from the outset. In the first Test in Chennai, he played a crucial role with both bat and ball. His magnificent century in the first innings rescued India from a precarious position, while his six wickets in the second innings helped seal a comprehensive victory.In the second Test in Kanpur, Ashwin continued his impressive form, claiming five wickets in the match. His ability to extract turn and bounce from the pitch proved too much for the Bangladeshi batsmen. Ashwin's consistent performances throughout the series earned him the Player of the Series award, a testament to his exceptional skills and match-winning contributions.Ashwin's achievement is a testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level. He has been a key figure in India's Test success in recent years, playing a pivotal role in numerous victories. His ability to adapt to different conditions and outsmart opposing batsmen has made him one of the most respected bowlers in the world.Equaling Muralitharan's record is a significant milestone in Ashwin's illustrious career. Muralitharan, widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all time, held the record for most Player of the Series awards for over a decade. Ashwin's achievement places him among the elite spinners in the history of the game.As India looks ahead to the upcoming World Test Championship final, Ashwin's experience and skill will be invaluable. His ability to control the game with his spin bowling will be crucial in India's quest for their maiden WTC title.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian opener, has emerged as a shining star in the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh. His exceptional performances in the second Test at Green Park in Kanpur earned him the coveted 'player of the match' award.In the first innings, Jaiswal displayed his aggressive batting style, smashing a quickfire 72 off just 51 deliveries. His innings was a testament to his ability to score runs at a rapid pace. In the second innings, he continued his impressive form, scoring a brisk 51 off 45 balls. His contributions proved crucial in India's seven-wicket victory.Jaiswal's exploits in Kanpur extended beyond his individual performances. He surpassed the legendary Sunil Gavaskar's long-standing record for the highest runs scored by an Indian batter in a calendar year before turning 23. Gavaskar had amassed 918 runs in 1971, a mark that had stood for over five decades.At the age of 22 years and 278 days, Jaiswal has now accumulated an impressive 929 runs in 2024. With more matches still to come this year, he has the opportunity to further extend his record and cement his place in Indian cricket history.Jaiswal's remarkable year has seen him play eight Tests, scoring 929 runs at an astonishing average of 66.35. His tally includes two centuries and six fifties, highlighting his consistency and ability to score runs in all conditions.During the second Test in Kanpur, Jaiswal also became only the second Indian batter to hit twin fifties with strike rates at or over 100. He joined the elite company of Virender Sehwag, who achieved this feat against West Indies in Delhi in 2011.Jaiswal's ability to score briskly in the traditional format has impressed experts and fans alike. His performances have been a major boost for Indian cricket, providing a glimpse of the team's future. As India prepares for upcoming matches, Jaiswal's spectacular form bodes well for the team's chances of success.

India's dominance in Test cricket continued as they swept the two-match series against Bangladesh with a comprehensive 7-wicket victory in Kanpur. The win extended India's unbeaten streak at home in Test matches to an impressive 10 years.After two days of rain interruptions, India resumed the fourth day with Bangladesh trailing by 242 runs. The spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, along with pacer Jasprit Bumrah, wreaked havoc on the Bangladesh batting lineup. Ashwin claimed three wickets, while Jadeja and Bumrah took three each as Bangladesh was dismissed for 146 in their second innings.Overnight batter Shadman Islam top-scored for Bangladesh with 50 runs, but his efforts were not enough to prevent India from setting a modest target of 95 runs.In the chase, India lost early wickets but Yashasvi Jaiswal's rapid-fire 51 from 45 balls kept the hosts in control. Rishabh Pant sealed the victory with a boundary, while Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 29.The victory not only gave India a 2-0 series sweep but also strengthened their position at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. India has now won 12 of their last 14 Test matches, showcasing their dominance in the longest format of the game.

The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, displayed a remarkable shift in mindset on the fourth day of the second Test match against Bangladesh in Kanpur. Despite rain interruptions limiting play to just 35 overs in the first three days, the hosts seized the initiative on Monday.After dismissing Bangladesh for 233, India's batsmen took an aggressive approach. Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings with a hat-trick of fours, while Rohit Sharma sent a six over the boundary on the first ball he faced.Former India cricketer Saba Karim praised Rohit's captaincy and his clear vision for the team. "Rohit's intentions have always been very clear," Karim said. "The decision-making has been very precise, and he leads by example."Karim noted that Rohit's aggressive approach has inspired his teammates. "When he wants to impose as a team that you need to win this encounter, this is the way you have to take the game forward," Karim said. "And I think that's what Rohit and company have done so far."In contrast to previous captains who often adopted a cautious approach, Rohit has emphasized the importance of making an immediate impact. "There are no half measures whatsoever," Karim said. "From the first ball, you need to make your intent very clear."Rohit's leadership has been instrumental in India's dominant performance in the match. The hosts have taken control of the game and are well-positioned to secure a victory.