Cricket

Ravindra Jadeja, the enigmatic all-rounder, has quietly established himself as a cornerstone of India's Test machine. Despite often being overshadowed by the spectacular performances of his teammates, Jadeja's contributions have been instrumental in India's recent successes.In the recently concluded Test against Bangladesh, Jadeja played a pivotal role in India's 280-run victory. His 86 in the first innings, when India was struggling at 144 for five, provided a much-needed foundation. He then chipped in with five wickets in the match, including the crucial dismissals of Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das, helping India secure a 227-run lead.Jadeja's all-round brilliance is not a recent phenomenon. Since his comeback in 2018, he has amassed 1926 runs at an impressive average of 43.77 while picking up 128 wickets (avg 25.16). During this period, he has scored four centuries and taken as many five-wicket hauls.His exceptional fielding skills have also earned him widespread acclaim. Widely regarded as one of the best fielders in the world, Jadeja's athleticism and anticipation have saved countless runs and created numerous opportunities for his team.Jadeja's rise to prominence has coincided with a shift in India's Test strategy. The team has moved away from its traditional reliance on pace-bowling all-rounders and embraced the versatility of players like Jadeja and R. Ashwin.As India prepares for the second Test against Bangladesh, Jadeja stands on the cusp of a significant milestone. He is one wicket away from entering the elite club of players who have taken 300 Test wickets. If he achieves this feat, he will become only the seventh Indian to do so.Jadeja's journey from a promising young spinner to a world-class all-rounder is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities. As he continues to scale new heights, he is sure to leave an enduring legacy in the annals of Indian cricket.

India's dominance at home in Test cricket has reached unprecedented heights since 2013. With a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in Chennai, India extended their remarkable home record to 41 wins in 52 Tests.The Indian team's success has been built on a combination of factors, including the rise of their spin duo, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, and the emergence of a formidable pace attack. The lower-order batsmen have also played a crucial role, contributing valuable runs in the first innings.India's dominance is reflected in several key statistics:* 41 Test wins: India has won 79% of their home Tests since 2013, a higher win percentage than even Australia's Down Under.* 36 wins by an innings or 100+ runs: 88% of India's home victories have come by crushing margins, showcasing their complete dominance over the opposition.* 17 consecutive series wins: India has not lost a home series since 2012, winning 17 consecutive series, including three against Australia and England.* 15 Test victories bowling less than 700 deliveries: India has dismissed the opposition twice in less than 110 overs in 15 home Tests, highlighting the effectiveness of their bowling attack.* 7 series sweeps: India has swept seven home series since 2013, including a 4-0 thrashing of Australia and a 3-0 drubbing of South Africa.* 18.21 batting average difference: Indian batters have dominated at home, averaging 40.08 compared to the opposition's 21.87.* 69 individual hundreds: India has recorded 69 individual centuries at home since 2013, while the opposition has managed only 25.* 18.8 bowling average difference: The Indian bowling unit has a combined average of 22.54, significantly lower than the opposition's 41.34.* 52 fifers and 10 ten-wicket match hauls: Indian bowlers have taken 52 fifers and 10 ten-wicket match hauls at home since 2013, showcasing their exceptional skill and dominance.India's home record is a testament to their exceptional talent, preparation, and the unwavering support of their fans. As they continue to dominate at home, they are poised to further cement their legacy as one of the greatest Test teams in history.

Dhawal Kulkarni Emphasizes Importance of Domestic Cricket for Test AspirationsFormer India pacer Dhawal Kulkarni has underscored the paramount importance of domestic cricket for aspiring Test cricketers. Kulkarni, who retired last season after an illustrious 18-year domestic career, believes that consistent performances in domestic red-ball competitions are crucial for Test selection."Playing domestic cricket is very important if you want to play Test cricket for India," Kulkarni asserted. "It is not easy to perform consistently in domestic cricket, but it is essential for Test aspirations."Kulkarni highlighted the value of domestic cricket in providing players with a deep understanding of conditions and the challenges of playing in different environments. "You get the idea of conditions in domestic cricket," he explained. "There is no option other than domestic cricket to play Test."While acknowledging the importance of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kulkarni emphasized that domestic cricket should take precedence for players aiming to represent India in Test matches. "IPL is also important, but I give more importance to domestic cricket," he said.Reflecting on his own career, Kulkarni expressed satisfaction with his achievements, which include five Ranji Trophy titles with Mumbai. He retired last season to make way for younger fast bowlers in the Mumbai team."I planned to retire well in advance last season," Kulkarni said. "I thought this was the right time for them [young fast bowlers] to come into the team and perform."Kulkarni's retirement coincided with Mumbai's Ranji Trophy triumph, a fitting end to his illustrious domestic career. "I bagged the first and last wicket in that match, so it was a proper send-off for me," he said.

India's Test Trio Arrives in Kanpur for Second Bangladesh TestIndia's head coach Gautam Gambhir, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, and star batter Virat Kohli have arrived in Kanpur ahead of the second Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to commence on Friday at the Green Park Stadium.Gambhir's tenure as Test head coach began with a resounding 280-run victory in Chennai. Pant, returning to Test cricket, impressed with a 109-run knock in the second innings, showcasing his aggressive and defensive prowess. He also contributed 39 runs in the first innings.Kohli, however, had a disappointing outing in Chennai, scoring only 6 and 17 in the two innings. He was dismissed by Hasan Mahmud in the first innings and Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the second.Ravichandran Ashwin emerged as the 'Player of the Match' in the first Test, scoring a crucial 113 in the first innings and taking six wickets in the second, helping India secure a comprehensive victory on the fourth day.The Indian team will be looking to continue their winning momentum in Kanpur and seal the series against Bangladesh. The Green Park Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for India, with the team winning their last three Tests there.

The upcoming Test tour of India poses a formidable challenge for New Zealand's batters, particularly in deciphering the intricacies of the turning ball and the occasional skidding delivery, according to former Black Caps opener Martin Guptill.India and New Zealand, the finalists of the inaugural World Test Championship, will engage in a three-Test series from October 16 in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. Guptill emphasizes the difficulty of scoring runs in India due to the unpredictable nature of the ball's trajectory."You feel like you can never score sometimes," Guptill said. "The ball's turning square, then the same sort of ball comes through and it skids on straight. You never know which one's going to turn and which one's going to go straight, so you have to always be thinking, you have to always be mentally on song and on (the top of) your game."Guptill stresses the importance of seizing any advantage against India, who have won their last 17 home series. "To try and get on top of India is extremely difficult. But when you feel like you are, you have to try and take that as long as possible in the game," he said.Given their current form, Guptill finds it challenging to identify the greater threat between Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah. "Both of them," he said. "You can't take away (the fact) that (Ravindra) Jadeja scored 86, 89 or something, wasn't it? (They had a) 199 run partnership, you think you've got India against the ropes and then you've got these two come out and bat."Jadeja and Ashwin rescued India in the opening Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, forming a 199-run partnership for the seventh wicket. "While Jadeja is probably the better batter, I mean, Ashwin goes about his work in a completely different way and is very effective in the way he scores his runs," Guptill said.Guptill also highlights the potential of young Kiwi pacer Will O'Rourke, whose extra pace troubled Sri Lanka's batters in the Galle Test. "He's got a little bit of extra pace behind him, which some of our bowlers don't have and he's got a bit of height, which gives him that little bit of extra bounce," Guptill said.While acknowledging the need for change in New Zealand's Test side, Guptill reserves judgment on whether the younger generation can fill the void left by the likes of Kane Williamson. "I can't comment on that at the moment. I mean, you don't know until these new guys come through and start playing whether they're up to it or not," he said.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the renowned Indian spinner, has been a consistent performer in both bowling and batting. During the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, Ashwin scored his sixth century in the format, equaling MS Dhoni's tally. At 38, Ashwin is nearing the end of his illustrious career, and his wife Prithi's recent remarks have given him pause."My wife told me that when she watched the Duleep Trophy highlights, she noticed all the off-spinners bowling," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. "She asked me when I would leave the team to give others a chance."Ashwin's words reflect the reality that younger players are emerging and eager to make their mark. The competition for places in the Indian team is intense, and even established stars like Ashwin must constantly prove their worth.Meanwhile, Ashwin has also commented on the contrasting coaching styles of Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir. Dravid, who led India to the T20 World Cup triumph, was known for his "regimented" approach, while Gambhir is more relaxed."With Rahul bhai, everything had to be in order," Ashwin said. "Even a bottle had to be kept in a specific place at a specific time."In contrast, Gambhir is more laid-back and creates a lively atmosphere in the dressing room. "He's like a 'relaxed Rancho,'" Ashwin said, referring to the character from the Bollywood film "3 Idiots."Gambhir's approach has been well-received by the players, who appreciate his relaxed demeanor. He has also guided India to victory in his first Test assignment against Bangladesh.As Ashwin approaches the twilight of his career, he faces the challenge of adapting to the changing landscape of Indian cricket. The emergence of young talent and the contrasting coaching styles of Dravid and Gambhir will undoubtedly shape his final years in the game.

Pakistan's Test captaincy is expected to remain unchanged, with Shan Masood set to lead the team in the upcoming home series against England. Babar Azam will continue as the white-ball captain during the tours of Australia and South Africa later this year.England's squad will arrive in Pakistan on October 3 for a three-Test series beginning in Multan on October 7. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selectors will announce the Test squad after the Champions Cup final on Sunday.Masood, who has overseen five consecutive Test losses, will meet with head coach Jason Gillespie and national selectors Muhammad Yousuf and Asad Shafiq in Faisalabad this week to finalize the strategy for the England series.The last time England visited Pakistan, during the 2022/23 season, they swept the series 3-0 under the captaincy of Babar Azam.Sources indicate that few changes are expected in the Test squad that recently lost a series against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi 0-2. The batting line-up is likely to remain stable, with Shan, Babar, Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Rizwan, Kamran Ghulam, and Muhammad Huraira being considered for selection.The selectors are considering the inclusion of some new spinners for the three-match series, but the decision will depend on the type of pitches prepared in Multan and Rawalpindi.Since 2022, Pakistan has lost home series to Australia, England, and Bangladesh, managing only to draw the series against New Zealand. The team will be eager to turn things around against England and regain some momentum in the Test format.

India's star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant made a triumphant return to Test cricket with a record-equalling century in the first match against Bangladesh in Chennai. Despite initial nerves, Pant's determination and attacking instincts propelled him to a match-winning performance.Pant's comeback was highly anticipated after a life-threatening car accident in December 2022. His 109-run innings in the second innings showcased his resilience and unwavering spirit. The innings was a blend of aggressive strokes and calculated defense, leaving the Bangladesh bowlers bewildered."I was very nervous, very jittery," Pant admitted. "But there was some fire inside that I wanted to make it happen."Pant's partnership with opener Shubman Gill was crucial in India's victory. The duo shared a 167-run stand, with Gill contributing a composed 110. Pant praised Gill's off-field camaraderie, which translated into their on-field success."When you have a great relationship outside the field, it really helps to bat with that guy," Pant said. "We were just having fun, talking about the game, and staying relaxed."Pant's performance extended beyond his batting. He was also involved in a light-hearted moment on the stump mic, where he cheekily instructed the Bangladesh captain on field placements."O bhai, ek idhar aayega (Brother, one fielder should come here). One on midwicket," Pant said, drawing laughter from fans and commentators.India's 280-run victory puts them 1-0 up in the two-match Test series. Pant's century and match-winning partnership have set the tone for the second and final Test in Kanpur, which begins on Friday.

Sri Lanka's Test squad for the second and final Test against New Zealand has undergone a change, with uncapped offspinner Nishan Peiris replacing injured seamer Vishwa Fernando. Fernando, who did not feature in the first Test, which Sri Lanka won by 63 runs, has developed a tightness in his right hamstring and will undergo rehabilitation.Peiris, 27, has been on the fringes of the Test team for several years, having been included in the squad twice previously but never making his debut. However, with Ramesh Mendis' performance coming under scrutiny after the first Test, Peiris may have an opportunity to break into the playing XI.Mendis, who has been Sri Lanka's leading spinner in recent years, took six wickets in the first Test but was criticized for his lack of control. His economy rate was the poorest of Sri Lanka's spinners, and he often allowed New Zealand batters to score freely.Peiris, on the other hand, has a strong first-class record, having taken 172 wickets in 41 matches at an average of 24.37. He recently represented Sri Lanka A in South Africa, where he picked up three wickets in the first unofficial Test.If Peiris does make his Test debut, he will be tasked with providing Sri Lanka with control and wicket-taking options. The offspinner has the ability to turn the ball sharply and generate bounce, which could be effective against New Zealand's right-handed batters.The second Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will begin on Thursday, August 25, at the Galle International Stadium. Sri Lanka will be looking to secure a series victory after their impressive win in the first Test.