Cricket

Rishabh Pant's Wit and Wisdom Enlivens India's Test Victory over BangladeshIn a moment of lighthearted camaraderie during India's emphatic Test victory over Bangladesh in Chennai, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant injected a dose of humor into the proceedings. On Day 3 of the second innings, Pant's voice was captured on the stump mic offering tactical advice to the Bangladesh fielders."O bhai, idhar aayega yeh fielder (please bring the fielder here)," Pant was heard saying, much to the amusement of the commentary team and fans. The incident showcased Pant's quick wit and his ability to lighten the mood even in the midst of a competitive match.Speaking after India's 280-run triumph, Pant explained his motivation for the playful banter. "I think the understanding of the game for me is that cricket should improve wherever you play," he said. "So I was just trying to help the team that you can set a fielder here, and it was amazing. Actually, I enjoyed it."Pant's return to Test cricket after recovering from a serious accident in December 2022 was marked by a scintillating century in the second innings. His knock of 109 runs, a blend of aggression and controlled batting, played a pivotal role in India's victory."I was jittery, but there was a fire inside me to make it happen. And eventually, I did it. I'm happy, but not thinking about it too much," Pant said, reflecting on his performance.Pant's partnership with Shubman Gill, who scored 110 runs, proved to be the cornerstone of India's batting effort. The duo shared a 167-run stand, putting the Bangladesh bowlers under immense pressure."When you have a great relationship off the field, it helps on the field," Pant said of his partnership with Gill. "We were having fun, talking about the game, and staying relaxed while focusing on stitching a great partnership."With the victory in Chennai, India has taken a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. The teams will now travel to Kanpur for the second and final Test, which begins on Friday.

Rohit Sharma, India's esteemed captain, has faced criticism for his questionable DRS decisions. During the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, Rohit's refusal to review a caught-behind decision left him with a face-palm moment.In the 62nd over, Bangladesh batter Hasan Mahmud faced Ravichandran Ashwin's delivery. The ball spun sharply and bounced high, hitting Mahmud's glove before being caught by wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant. However, replays suggested the ball may have grazed Mahmud's forearm before entering Pant's gloves.Despite Pant's insistence on taking DRS, Rohit remained adamant. The replays later confirmed that the ball had indeed touched Mahmud's glove, meaning a review would have resulted in an overturned decision.Pant couldn't resist teasing Rohit, saying, "Out tha, abe yaar replay dekh to lo (it was out, at least see the replay)."Despite the DRS blunder, India secured a comprehensive 280-run victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.After the match, Rohit praised Pant's remarkable return to Test cricket after a 600-day absence. "He's been through some really tough times. The way he has managed himself through those tough times was superb to watch," Rohit said.Rohit's DRS decision-making has been a topic of discussion among cricket pundits. Some believe his reluctance to review decisions stems from a desire to maintain control on the field. Others suggest it may be a lack of confidence in the DRS system.Regardless of the reasons, Rohit's DRS decisions have raised questions about his captaincy. As India prepares for the upcoming Test series against Australia, Rohit will need to improve his DRS decision-making to ensure the team's success.

Sri Lanka's relentless bowling attack, led by Prabath Jayasuriya's exceptional performance, secured a resounding 63-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Galle. The triumph marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka, propelling them to third place in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.Jayasuriya, the left-arm spinner, was the architect of Sri Lanka's triumph, claiming a match-winning haul of 9 for 204. His eight-wicket haul in the second innings, including a five-wicket burst on the final morning, proved decisive in dismantling New Zealand's resistance.After Sri Lanka posted a formidable 305 in their first innings, New Zealand responded with a competitive 340, thanks to a gritty 70 from Tom Latham. However, Sri Lanka's bowlers, including Ramesh Mendis and Jayasuriya, kept the pressure on, restricting New Zealand's lead to just 35 runs.In their second innings, Sri Lanka amassed 309, with Dimuth Karunaratne contributing a crucial 83. New Zealand's bowlers, led by Ajaz Patel and Will O'Rourke, fought back, but Sri Lanka's batting depth proved too strong.With a target of 275, New Zealand began the final day with hope, but Jayasuriya's early strike against Rachin Ravindra (92) shattered their momentum. O'Rourke's dismissal shortly after sealed New Zealand's fate, handing Sri Lanka a comprehensive victory.O'Rourke, despite his disappointment, emerged as a standout performer for New Zealand, claiming eight wickets in the match. However, it was Jayasuriya's brilliance that ultimately proved the difference, earning him the Player-of-the-Match award.The result has significant implications for both teams in the WTC. Sri Lanka's victory keeps their hopes of reaching the final alive, while New Zealand's defeat complicates their path to qualification.With just a two-day break, the two teams will reconvene in Galle for the second Test, starting on Thursday. Sri Lanka will be aiming to seal the series, while New Zealand will be desperate to bounce back and level the contest.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's jovial nature and expressive on-field antics have made him a fan favorite. During the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, Rohit's playful demeanor was once again on display.In a viral video, Rohit was seen performing his signature bail flip while fielding. The video captured the essence of Rohit's relaxed yet competitive approach to the game. His animated conversations with teammates and humorous exchanges with opposition players showcase his ability to balance intensity with a sense of fun.India's victory in the first Test was largely due to the brilliance of R Ashwin. After going wicketless in the first innings, Ashwin claimed six wickets in the second innings, including the crucial dismissal of Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque.Ashwin's contributions extended beyond bowling. In the first innings, he scored a gritty century, rescuing India from a precarious position. His partnership with Ravindra Jadeja propelled India to a respectable total of 376.For his outstanding performance, Ashwin was named Player of the Match. The focus now shifts to Kanpur, where the second Test match is scheduled to take place from September 27. India, with a 1-0 lead in the series, will be the favorites heading into the second game.Bangladesh, on the other hand, have never managed to defeat India in a Test match. However, they will be determined to make history and level the series in Kanpur.

Ravichandran Ashwin's stellar performance at Chepauk, where he claimed 105 wickets in a single match, was met with mixed emotions from his wife, Prithi. While she was overjoyed with his achievements, she couldn't help but express her disappointment over the lack of attention she received on the first day of the match.In a heartwarming conversation shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Prithi confronted Ashwin about his absence on the opening day. "Kids want to know what would you give them on Daughter's day?" she asked. Ashwin responded with a playful suggestion of giving them the ball he used to pick up a fifer. However, his daughter quickly dismissed the idea.Prithi then asked Ashwin how it felt to perform so well in front of his home crowd. "I don't know how to react because the first day was something that happened really quickly," Ashwin said. "I didn't expect to walk in to bat here and get a hundred. I hadn't batted in a while. It feels great. Every time I come here it feels special. I don't know there is some energy in his ground that keeps me going."Prithi couldn't resist a cheeky question, wondering if Ashwin's performance had refueled his energy levels, as he had neglected her on the first day. Ashwin, however, managed to justify his actions. "Do you think this energy added anything to your energy?" Prithi asked. "She kept complaining that I didn't see her on the first day. I didn't. For me, it's very difficult for me to look out for the family when I am playing. In the middle of the game, but I do make a conscious effort because the children are always asking me, 'Why didn't you say hi'?" Ashwin said jokily.Prithi defended herself, saying that she didn't always expect Ashwin to greet her, but she felt neglected when he didn't acknowledge her presence at all. "I would like to defend myself here. I don't always say hi. When you sit in the seat for 9 to 5 and all I see is Raj waving back at me like I have made up the two days."Despite the playful banter, Prithi expressed her pride in Ashwin's achievements. "But congratulations. A second hundred and a fifer at Chennai. The kids are here they really had a good time. A perfect Sunday morning, it has been a decent weather," she said.Ashwin concluded the conversation by thanking Prithi for her support and bringing him good luck.

India's Test season commenced with a resounding victory over Bangladesh in Chennai, setting the tone for a challenging 10-match campaign. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Indian team asserted their dominance in the opening Test, securing a 280-run triumph in under four days.This victory not only gave India a 1-0 lead in the two-match series but also solidified their position atop the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. India's WTC points percentage (PCT) surged to 71.67, with 86 points from 10 Tests. Prior to the series, India held the top spot, but this win extended their lead over second-placed Australia by 9.17 PCT.The victory has significantly enhanced India's chances of reaching the WTC final for the third consecutive time. However, they still require at least four more wins in the remaining nine Tests to guarantee their spot. These Tests include the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur next week, a three-match home series against New Zealand next month, and the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.Bangladesh, who had risen to the fourth spot after a historic 2-0 whitewash against Pakistan last month, slipped to the sixth position after this defeat. Their PCT also dropped from 45.83 to 39.29.As the season progresses, all eyes will be on India's performance in the remaining fixtures. Each match is crucial for maintaining their stronghold at the top of the WTC table and securing a spot in the finals.

Brydon Carse, the English fast bowler, has expressed his gratitude to the England management for their unwavering support following his return to international cricket after a three-month gambling ban. Carse's suspension, which included 13 months suspended, stemmed from placing over 300 bets on matches between 2017 and 2019.Despite the breach of regulations, there were no indications or accusations of match-fixing. Carse's recall to the England setup is a testament to the belief that the management has in the 29-year-old."They've been incredibly supportive over the last period of time," Carse said. "It's been brilliant [to be back playing]. The last three weeks have been very pleasing for me to be back playing."Carse's return to the England setup has been met with full backing and support from everyone involved. He has been awarded a maiden Test call-up for the tour of Pakistan, along with his presence in both white-ball squads."Rob Key's been very communicative with me and everyone around the support structure has given me everything that I've needed to, to get back playing," Carse added.The current England regime believes that Carse possesses the attributes necessary for success at the international level. His ability to bowl with extra pace makes him a valuable asset in the Test format."I'm making sure I bowl enough overs in training to keep my loads up," Carse said of his preparations for the upcoming Test tour. "But the way the schedule is now, I'm fully focused on white-ball and the adjustments will be done in Pakistan when I land on October 2."Carse's role in the England team has been compared to that of Liam Plunkett, a former Durham predecessor and white-ball middle-overs specialist. However, Carse insists that he is not focused on comparisons."The only time I hear about that role is in the media," Carse said. "I'm not getting told that by the coaches or fellow team-mates. It's not something I've really thought about."Carse has yet to take the new ball for England, but he has consistently bowled as first change. Despite the changes in captaincy, the message to Carse of what is required from him has remained consistent."I'm not going to rule out bowling in the powerplay," he said. "I've had a couple of good spells in the powerplay in these 50-over games so far. And if I can come back [later in the innings] and take wickets for the team - you know, [Saturday] I was probably a little bit expensive to what I would've liked - but ultimately I'm going to try and take wickets because that's my role."Carse's performance against Australia at Headingley was a mixed bag. He claimed three wickets but was also expensive, conceding 75 runs from his ten overs. However, he believes that there are positives to take from the outcome."I probably struggled with a little bit of rhythm in my first spell. But coming back and picking up those two crucial wickets to stem the flow of the game at the time. I just kept trucking in and ultimately I think it's a day where I can take a few positives from the outcome, some good, some not so good."Carse acknowledges that the lack of 50-over cricket experience among some players in the England group has been a factor in their recent performances. However, he believes that the team has the potential to turn things around quickly."There's no hiding the fact that a lot of the players in that group don't play a lot of 50-over cricket and that's just the structure around English cricket now with the Hundred," Carse said. "But I think there's players in that group that have had very good T20 careers up to date and there's some up-and-coming players where it's just about adapting to the certain situations quicker. I think that's probably what we haven't done in these first two games, adapting to situations. But there's three games now to really try and turn that around quickly."

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's veteran spinner, is redefining his preparation for an arduous Test cricket season at the age of 38. His stellar performance in India's emphatic 280-run victory against Bangladesh in the first Test at Chepauk has prompted him to adopt a match-by-match approach."It's challenging. Sometimes, looking too far ahead can be overwhelming. You have to take it one match at a time," Ashwin emphasized. He acknowledged the importance of conserving energy for the upcoming matches.To cope with the physical demands, Ashwin has modified his fitness regime. "At 38, every bit of work has to be doubled. I've reduced my strength training sessions and focus more on mobility. I also incorporate yoga into my routine," he revealed.Ashwin lauded his teammate Ravindra Jadeja, who claimed five wickets in the match. "Jadeja is a force on the field. I have immense admiration for him," Ashwin said, highlighting their evolving relationship and mutual respect. "I've grown to admire him even more over the years. It's a friendly rivalry, but I know I can never surpass Jadeja. I'm content with my abilities but inspired by him."He also commended Rishabh Pant, who scored a century on his return to Test cricket. "Rishabh's form was never in doubt. His comeback has been remarkable. He's an entertainer and will only improve with time," Ashwin observed.As India gears up for a packed Test cricket season, Ashwin's experience and adaptability will be invaluable to the team's quest for the World Test Championship Final.

Bangladesh's top-order collapse in the first innings proved costly in their 280-run defeat to India in the first Test in Chennai, according to captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.Despite an improved second-innings performance, Bangladesh's 234 all out was not enough to overcome their first-innings deficit of 285. Shanto believes the team's inability to form a substantial partnership in the first innings was crucial."We didn't bat well in the first innings," Shanto said. "It was a very important phase of the game. We could have been in a better position if we had at least one [big] top-order partnership."The top order showed some improvement in the second innings, with openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam adding 62 runs. However, Shanto believes they need to spend more time at the crease."It is important to spend the time in the wicket but it wasn't enough [today]," Shanto said. "Still, it will help for the second Test. It was very important for the openers to put on 62 runs. That's one thing we can look forward to in the next Test match."Shanto scored his first Test fifty in 11 innings, but he believes he could have done better."I think everyone has a different plan. I hope they (India) will plan differently in the next match," he said.Despite a nervous start in the first innings, Shanto adjusted well in the second, attacking R Ashwin and reaching his half-century off 55 balls. However, he struggled against Mohammed Siraj on the fourth day."The morning session was tough today. The way Siraj was bowling. They were all bowling really well," Shanto said.Bangladesh's openers showed promise on the third day, but their inability to convert starts into substantial scores remains a concern."It goes without saying that you need to start well and once you have faced 20 or 30 balls, you get a bit of idea of what's happening," batting coach David Hemp said. "You want to go on from that, especially when you scored 30 or 40 runs."While the openers' mini-fightback and Shanto's knock provide some confidence, Bangladesh's top-order failure in the first innings will continue to haunt them until they find a solution.