Cricket

Rohit Sharma's leadership style as India's Test captain has been a topic of discussion, with many noting its distinct differences from that of his predecessor, Virat Kohli. While Kohli was known for his intense and aggressive approach, Sharma has adopted a more hands-on and supportive style.Sharma's approach emphasizes communication and guidance, with a focus on keeping his teammates motivated and engaged. His famous "garden mein ghoomne wala" comment, which he used to encourage his fielders to show more intensity, has become a viral sensation.However, Sharma's calm demeanor does not mean he lacks intensity. During the first Test against Bangladesh, he was seen expressing his frustration with a fielder, exclaiming, "Oye, soye hue hai sab log (Everybody is sleeping)."Despite his leadership style, Sharma has struggled to find his form against Bangladesh in Test cricket. In the first Test at Chennai, he scored only six and five in two innings, continuing his poor run against the Tigers. In four Tests and five innings against Bangladesh, he has managed just 44 runs at an average of 8.80.In contrast, Sharma's all-format numbers against Bangladesh are impressive, with 1,307 runs in 34 matches at an average of 40.84. He has also scored three centuries and eight fifties against them.In the ongoing 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship, Sharma has scored 711 runs at an average of 41.82, including three centuries and three fifties.Despite his recent struggles against Bangladesh, Sharma remains a key figure in India's Test team. His leadership style and ability to motivate his teammates will be crucial as India looks to improve its performance in the longest format of the game.

Virat Kohli's struggles with form continued in the first Test against Bangladesh, as the Indian batter failed to make a significant impact in either innings. In the first innings, Kohli chased an outside off stump delivery by Hasan Mahmud and was dismissed for 6. In the second innings, he fell victim to a wrong leg-before-wicket decision, which he chose not to review. Ultraedge later revealed that the bat had made contact with the ball, meaning Kohli would have been not out had he opted for a review.Kohli's poor form has been a concern for India across all formats this year. In 15 matches and 17 innings, he has scored just 319 runs at a sub-par average of 18.76, with only one half-century to his name. His best score of 76 came during the T20 World Cup final against South Africa.In Tests, Kohli's average has dropped to an eight-year low. In 114 Tests, he has scored 8,871 runs in 193 innings at an average of 48.74, with 29 centuries and 30 fifties. The last time his average was lower than this was during November 2016, when he averaged 48.28.The period of 2020s has not been kind to Kohli in white colours. In 30 Tests played since the start of 2020, he has scored just 1,669 runs at an average of just 32.72, with just two centuries and eight fifties in 52 innings. His best score is 186.In five Tests and eight innings during the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship cycle, Kohli has scored 392 runs at an average of 49.00, with a century and two fifties. His best score is 121. India will need Kohli to fire in coming matches against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia if they are to secure their maiden WTC title.

Virat Kohli and Mushfiqur Rahim's on-field rivalry has been a topic of discussion for years, and it resurfaced during the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai. Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal hinted at Kohli's history of sledging Rahim, prompting a cheeky response from ex-India coach Ravi Shastri.Rahim has previously stated that Kohli often engages in verbal exchanges with him on the field. "He always tries to sledge me every time I go in to bat," Rahim said. "He's a really competitive guy and doesn't want to lose any cricket match."Kohli's competitive nature was evident in India's dominant performance on Day 2 of the Test. After dismissing Bangladesh for 149, India extended their lead to 308. However, Kohli's innings was cut short when he was trapped lbw by Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 17.Despite Kohli's dismissal, India remained in control of the match. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant were unbeaten on 33 and 12, respectively, at stumps.Bangladesh's top scorer was Shakib Al Hasan with 32, while Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of India's bowlers with 4/55.The hosts opted not to enforce the follow-on, giving Bangladesh a chance to bat again. However, India's bowlers will be confident of wrapping up the match quickly and securing a series victory.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable return to Test cricket after a horrific car accident in December 2022 has garnered widespread admiration, including from Australian legend Adam Gilchrist. Pant's fighting spirit, fearless approach, and ability to entertain have earned him high praise from the former wicketkeeper-batsman.Gilchrist, known for his own aggressive batting style, believes Pant takes it to another level. "I reckon he attacks a bit more than I did," Gilchrist said. "He looks fearless. What I do like is that he occasionally puts a foot on the brake and absorbs a bit of pressure. So he's a class act."Pant's return to competitive cricket with the Indian Premier League earlier this year was a testament to his resilience. After undergoing multiple surgeries and spending over a year in rehab, he contributed to India's T20 World Cup triumph and played the Duleep Trophy to mark his red-ball comeback.Gilchrist, who played 96 Tests, 287 ODIs, and 13 T20Is, believes Pant's entertainment value is what sets him apart. "He is, what you say, bums on seats and people pay money well and truly. I would happily pay money to watch him play cricket," Gilchrist said. "He's got the humour. He knows how to go about a very serious business in a fun way."Pant's first Test innings upon return yielded a score of 39, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest level despite the challenges he has faced. His fighting spirit and determination have inspired many, and his return to form is a welcome boost for Indian cricket.

Sri Lanka's Dinesh Chandimal and Dimuth Karunaratne forged a formidable partnership to propel the hosts to a commanding lead in the first Test against New Zealand in Galle. The duo's 147-run alliance helped Sri Lanka establish a 202-run advantage at stumps on day three.Karunaratne, who scored 83, displayed his prowess by punishing loose deliveries and forcing New Zealand to spread the field. Chandimal, who contributed 61, adopted a more conservative approach. "When you play in Galle, there is a way I play, and I back that style," Karunaratne explained. "Sweeps and reverse sweeps are the best way forward on that wicket."New Zealand's Ajaz Patel broke the deadlock after tea, dismissing Karunaratne with a sharply spinning delivery. Chandimal followed suit in the next over, falling victim to rookie William O'Rourke's temptation. O'Rourke, who had already impressed with a five-wicket haul in the first innings, also accounted for Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis.New Zealand resumed on 255-4 but lost their remaining wickets quickly, despite a valiant effort from wicketkeeper Glenn Phillips (49). "It is a very good Test wicket," Phillips said. "There is a lot of assistance for spinners, and seamers can come into play as well."Sri Lanka drew first blood in the morning when Tom Blundell was given out caught after a review. Daryl Mitchell posted a half-century for New Zealand, but was eventually run out. The second new ball proved advantageous for Sri Lanka, with Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya finding bounce. Jayasuriya claimed four wickets, including that of top-scorer Tom Latham (70), while Ramesh bagged three.Saturday will see a rest day between the sides as Sri Lanka holds a presidential election, with play to resume on Sunday.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian all-rounder, has undergone a significant mental transformation, shedding the pressure that once weighed heavily on him. In a candid interview, Ashwin revealed that he has liberated himself from external and internal pressures, allowing him to approach cricket with a newfound sense of freedom and enjoyment.Ashwin's recent century in the opening Test against Bangladesh is a testament to his mental liberation. Batting with resilience and determination, he rescued India from a precarious position, showcasing his versatility as a cricketer. Ashwin emphasized that he now only responds to pressure situations on the field, unlike in the past when he reacted to every perceived criticism."I do enjoy and embrace pressure. There's no doubt about it. It does give you opportunities to be able to be pushed to a corner and then try and respond," Ashwin said. "But I was critical too, earlier (of himself and others), because a lot of pressure has been put on me by people. I've put pressure on myself."Ashwin's mental detachment has allowed him to clearly demarcate between his primary and secondary suits – bowling and batting. He explained that bowling and batting are distinct sports within the same game, requiring different mental approaches."Bowling and batting are very separate sports in the same game. One is done consciously, and the other one is done subconsciously," Ashwin said. "For me to compartmentalize both has taken its own due and at this stage, I'm able to sequence that and split both of them."During his 189-minute innings, Ashwin maintained his focus by adopting a different mindset from his usual bowling approach. "The mind can play tricks because I'm a bowler who plays on 12-18 balls or 24 balls ahead when I'm sequencing it. But as a batter, I shouldn't do that. So, I just used my experience to focus on the ball and hitting it as I see it," he noted.Ashwin's transformation has brought him immense personal and professional satisfaction. He expressed his happiness at being able to compete and succeed in the highly competitive world of modern sport. "You feel happy about it, having been in a contest and coming out successful out of the contest. So, yeah, the underlying truth is that it gives me a lot of happiness competing in this game," he said.

Ravindra Jadeja, India's seasoned all-rounder, is poised to achieve a significant milestone at his home ground, Chepauk, in the ongoing Test match against Bangladesh. With 296 Test wickets to his name, Jadeja is just four scalps away from becoming the third Indian spinner to reach the 300-wicket mark.In the first innings of the series opener, Jadeja claimed two wickets, further bolstering his impressive Test record. He also made a valuable contribution with the bat, scoring a solid 86 in a crucial 199-run partnership with centurion Ravichandran Ashwin.Jadeja's dismissal by Taskin Ahmed prevented him from reaching a century, but he remained upbeat about his performance. "I got out today, but it's part and parcel of the game," he said. "Now we have to put up a good score on the board in the second innings. I am very happy with my bowling, the way I went through today. It's a good opportunity to take the 300th wicket on this ground."India are in a commanding position, having extended their overall lead to 308 runs. The hosts were 81 for three at stumps after dismissing Bangladesh for 149 in their first innings. India had made 376 in their first innings.Jadeja, who has extensive experience playing at Chepauk due to his long tenure with Chennai Super Kings, emphasized the importance of batting well in the second innings. "First we have to bat very well, we have to put somewhere around 120-150 from hereon," he said. "We'll be in a good position and then we'll come out and bowl and try and get them out as early as possible."A record 17 wickets fell in a day at Chepauk, indicating that the pitch offered something for both pacers and spinners. "It's pretty good for batting but there's still something in the wicket for the fast bowlers," Jadeja observed. "Odd ball was seaming, odd ball was swinging, it's not that easy for batters. If fast bowlers bend their back, they can take something out of the wicket."Jadeja also praised his partnership with Ashwin, who scored a brilliant 113 at his home ground. "First of all, Ashwin doesn't need any advice," he said. "I was just talking to Ash that we are not gonna miscall or try and make errors because the wicket was so good and we both were batting very well.""I said we'll look to take easy singles, I'll try and not make you run hard and that was the conversation between us. Well played to Ashwin, he played a brilliant knock at his home ground."Jadeja concluded by highlighting the potential for all five Indian bowlers to make an impact in the second innings. "There's something in the wicket for the fast bowler and for spinners also, odd spin and odd ball is keeping low," he said. "All the five bowlers will be in play."

Virat Kohli's DRS blunder on Day 2 of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai has sparked controversy and disappointment among fans and experts alike. Kohli, who was batting on 17, was adjudged lbw by the umpire after being struck on the front pad by a delivery from Mehidy Hasan Miraz. However, replays clearly showed that Kohli had got an inside edge on the ball, and a DRS review would have overturned the decision.Kohli's decision not to review the decision has been widely criticized, with many questioning his judgment and leadership skills. Indian captain Rohit Sharma was visibly upset about Kohli's decision, and his reaction has gone viral on social media.The incident has also raised questions about the role of non-striker Shubman Gill in the decision-making process. Gill, who was at the non-striker's end, should have advised Kohli to take the DRS, but he failed to do so.Kohli's DRS blunder has cost India a valuable wicket, and it could have a significant impact on the outcome of the match. India is currently leading by 308 runs, but Bangladesh will be buoyed by Kohli's dismissal and will be looking to make a comeback in the second innings.The incident has also highlighted the importance of DRS in modern cricket. DRS has been a game-changer, allowing umpires to correct their mistakes and ensure that the correct decisions are made. However, it is crucial that players use DRS wisely and do not waste their reviews on frivolous appeals.Kohli's DRS blunder is a reminder that even the best players can make mistakes. However, it is also a lesson that players must learn from their mistakes and use DRS wisely in the future.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, India's prodigious batting sensation, has etched his name into the annals of cricket history by becoming the fourth-highest run-scorer in the world after the first 10 Test matches. With an impressive tally of 1,094 runs, Jaiswal has joined an elite group that includes the legendary Don Bradman.Jaiswal's remarkable achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. His journey from the humble streets of Mumbai to the pinnacle of Test cricket is an inspiring tale of hard work and dedication. Known for his exceptional performances in age-group cricket, Jaiswal shot to prominence as the highest run-scorer in the 2020 U-19 World Cup.Upon making his Test debut for India in 2023, Jaiswal displayed the maturity and composure of a seasoned veteran. His debut century in the Caribbean against the West Indies was followed by a string of impressive knocks, establishing him as one of India's most dependable top-order batters.Jaiswal's inclusion in the list of the highest run-scorers after 10 Tests is a testament to his exceptional batting prowess. He stands alongside some of the greatest names in the sport, including Don Bradman, Everton Weekes, George Headley, and Mark Taylor.Bradman's 1,446 runs after 10 Tests remain an untouchable record, a testament to his unparalleled greatness. However, Jaiswal's achievement of surpassing legendary West Indian greats Weekes and Headley, as well as Australian icon Taylor, speaks volumes about his potential.Before Jaiswal's meteoric rise, the record for the most runs scored by an Indian batter in their first 10 Tests belonged to the great Sunil Gavaskar, who had amassed 978 runs. Jaiswal's 1,094 runs have surpassed Gavaskar's mark, further solidifying his status as one of India's most promising young cricketers.Jaiswal's achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a source of pride for Indian cricket. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers across the country, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.