Cricket

India vs Bangladesh: Rishabh Pant's Heated Exchange with Litton Das After Hasan Mahmud's Triple StrikeThe opening day of the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai witnessed a heated exchange between wicketkeepers Rishabh Pant and Litton Das, following a throw that irked the Indian star.After Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud rocked the Indian top order with a three-wicket burst, Pant, making his Test comeback after a serious car accident, found himself at the receiving end of a throw that annoyed him. The stump microphone captured the words exchanged between the two players."Mere ko kyu maar rahe ho?" (Why are you hitting me?) Pant was heard telling Das, to which the Bangladesh stumper replied: "Woh to fekega hi na." (He will throw it, won't he?)Mahmud's early strikes had reduced India to 34 for 3, but Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal stitched an unbroken partnership of 54 runs to take their team to lunch at 88 for 3. However, Mahmud returned after lunch to break the fourth-wicket stand, dismissing Pant for 39.The track, prepared with red soil and underlying moisture, assisted Mahmud's pace bowling, and he made the most of it by dismissing Rohit Sharma (6), Virat Kohli (6), and Shubman Gill (0) before sending Pant back to the pavilion.Both India and Bangladesh opted for a bowling combination of three pacers and two spinners, hoping to exploit the overcast conditions.

New Zealand's bowlers wrapped up Sri Lanka's innings for 305 on the second morning of the first Test in Galle, with Will O'Rourke claiming a five-wicket haul.Resuming on 302 for 7, Sri Lanka added just three runs before being dismissed. O'Rourke trapped Ramesh Mendis lbw for 14 and then bowled Asitha Fernando for 0 to complete his five-for. Ajaz Patel also picked up a wicket, dismissing Prabath Jayasuriya for 10.O'Rourke's 5 for 55 was his second five-wicket haul in four Test innings, while Ajaz and Glenn Phillips finished with two wickets each.Rain interrupted the morning session, delaying the start of New Zealand's innings. Only one over was possible before rain intervened again, forcing the players off the field.Lunch was taken after just 15 minutes of play, with New Zealand trailing by 300 runs. More rain is forecast for the day, but an extended post-lunch session and a longer third session have been scheduled to make up for lost time.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has heaped praise on skipper Rohit Sharma, describing him as a "great guy" with immense respect in the dressing room. Gambhir's comments come ahead of India's upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19 in Chennai.Rohit Sharma has established himself as a formidable force in Test cricket since making his debut in 2013. In 59 Tests and 101 innings, he has amassed 4138 runs at an impressive average of 45.47. His leadership qualities have also been evident, guiding India to several notable victories.Gambhir, who played alongside Rohit Sharma during their playing days, spoke highly of their relationship. "We've had several conversations. I believe that the team ultimately belongs to the captain because he leads on the field. My role, along with the support staff, is to assist the captain in every way possible," Gambhir said.He emphasized the importance of Rohit Sharma's leadership and respect within the team. "Rohit's leadership and respect in the dressing room are crucial. So, he's a great guy and has got a lot of respect in that dressing room, and that is the first and foremost quality of a leader," Gambhir added.India will face a formidable challenge against Bangladesh, who recently whitewashed Pakistan 2-0 in their first Test series victory on Pakistani soil. The Bengal Tigers' impressive performance has put them in top form, making them a formidable opponent for India.The upcoming Test series against Bangladesh is crucial for India as they aim to maintain their lead in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. India currently holds a point percentage of 68.52, with upcoming WTC series against New Zealand, Australia, and Bangladesh.

India's Test cricket campaign resumed with a practice session in Chennai ahead of the first match against Bangladesh. The team, led by Rohit Sharma, aims to reach the World Test Championship final for the third consecutive time.Star batter Virat Kohli, who was seen having fun with Kuldeep Yadav and Rishabh Pant during the warm-up, is back in action after a brief break. Pant, who returned to Test cricket following a car accident, has been in impressive form since his comeback.Gautam Gambhir, India's new coach, is overseeing his first Test series. Key players like Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja have returned to the squad.India has opted for a three-pacer, two-spinner bowling attack, with Bumrah leading the pace attack. Ashwin and Jadeja form the spin duo.Bangladesh, currently ranked fourth in the World Test Championship table, has also chosen a three-pacer combination. All-rounders Shakib al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz will handle the spin duties.The second Test between Bangladesh and India is scheduled for September 27 in Kanpur, followed by a series of three Twenty20 matches.

Bangladesh Opts to Bowl First in Historic Chepauk TestIn a historic move, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto elected to bowl first after winning the toss in the first Test against India at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. This marks the first time in 21 Tests that a team has chosen to bowl after winning the toss at this iconic venue.The decision raised eyebrows as the Chepauk pitch is traditionally known for its spin-friendly nature, favoring teams batting first. However, Bangladesh's decision suggests they believe their pace attack can exploit the seam-friendly conditions on offer.India, on the other hand, has opted for a balanced attack with three seamers and two spinners. Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack, while Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will provide spin support.Bangladesh has also opted for three pacers, including Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Nahid Rana. The spin department will be handled by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.The last time a team elected to bowl first at Chepauk was in 1982, when India chose to field against Sri Lanka. India went on to win that match by an innings and 119 runs.The Bangladesh team will be hoping to create history by becoming the first team to win a Test match at Chepauk after bowling first. However, they face a formidable challenge against a strong Indian side that is looking to extend its unbeaten streak at home.

Left-arm pacer Yash Dayal's remarkable performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season has earned him a maiden Test call-up for India's upcoming series against Bangladesh. Despite initial skepticism surrounding his signing by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Dayal played a pivotal role in the team's qualification for the playoffs.In a crucial match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), RCB needed to win by at least 18 runs to secure a playoff berth. With CSK requiring 17 runs off the final over, RCB captain Faf du Plessis entrusted Dayal with the responsibility.Under immense pressure, Dayal conceded a six off the first ball to MS Dhoni, the legendary CSK batter. However, he responded with a stunning dismissal of Dhoni on the next delivery, effectively ending CSK's hopes of reaching the top four.Reflecting on the moment, Dayal expressed mixed emotions. "I felt bad after dismissing him," he said. "I don't know if he will return to the IPL. It was a moment where a lot of things were going through my head."Despite the bittersweet nature of Dhoni's dismissal, Dayal's composure and execution under pressure showcased his maturity and potential. He credited his confidence to the guidance of his teammates, particularly Virat Kohli."With 11 runs needed off 4, I was like why I am even looking at the scoreboard," Dayal recalled. "Virat bhai said, 'don't give pace, nor bowl right onto his bat.' I told him right now it's like peanut butter falling from top. Anywhere I want to bowl, I will I have so much confidence."Dayal's impressive performances in the IPL have not only earned him a Test call-up but have also established him as a rising star in Indian cricket. His ability to bowl with accuracy, control, and pace has made him a valuable asset to any team.As India prepares for the Bangladesh series, Dayal will be eager to prove his worth at the international level. His determination, skill, and the support of his teammates will undoubtedly serve him well as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.

Virender Sehwag, the swashbuckling Indian opener, is a legend in the cricketing world. Known for his fearless batting style, Sehwag has amassed over 8,000 runs in both Test and ODI cricket. His aggressive approach has left an indelible mark on the game, with even the greatest bowlers fearing his wrath.Sehwag's aura was such that he could sing Hindi songs while smashing bowlers for boundaries. The likes of Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee, and Dale Steyn, all ace pacers, were not spared. Even the slightest loose ball from these bowling giants was dispatched to the boundary with disdain.Sehwag's journey to becoming an opener was not a straightforward one. Initially, he started as a middle-order batsman, but his explosive batting earned him the role of opener. He went on to open India's batting in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 alongside the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, setting the tone of the tournament with a brilliant 175 in his first innings.Sehwag shares the record for the most triple centuries in Test cricket. During a Test match against Sri Lanka in Mumbai, he had the chance to make history as the first batsman to score three triple centuries. On the first day of the match, Sehwag scored 284 runs, making it the third-highest score by a batsman in a single day of a Test match.Facing tough bowlers like Muttiah Muralitharan, Sehwag remained in control. Towards the end of the day, with only 3-4 overs left, his batting partner Rahul Dravid advised him to play out the day. Dravid suggested that Sehwag imagine batting through the remaining overs without losing his wicket and then coming back the next day to possibly make 300, 400, or even 500 runs.Sehwag recalled in an interview that Dravid carefully played out the overs, taking a single only when the over was about to end so that Sehwag would face fewer balls. When the day ended, and both batters remained not out as they returned to the dressing room, Dravid told him, 'Well done, bohot badhiya. Ab kal dekh tu wapas aaega toh pura din batting karega toh tu world record bana sakta hai.'Sehwag admitted that Dravid's words filled him with optimism. He went to his room, had dinner, and slept soundly. However, the next day, he managed to add only 9 more runs before being dismissed for 293. Sehwag later admitted that as he walked back to the dressing room, he regretted listening to Rahul Dravid.Sehwag had scored 293 runs off 254 balls, with 40 fours and 7 sixes. In the end, the world's leading wicket-taker, Muralitharan, dismissed Sehwag with a caught-and-bowled effort. MS Dhoni went on to score a century in that match, and India posted a massive total of 726 for 9 before declaring. India went on to win the match by an innings and 24 runs.

Virat Kohli, the former Indian cricket captain, has once again demonstrated his heartwarming nature by fulfilling a fan's wish. In a video that has gone viral on social media, Kohli is seen sitting in the team bus when he notices a fan holding a hand-painted poster of him. The fan is desperately trying to get Kohli's attention for an autograph on the image.Kohli, upon noticing the fan's request, gestures for him to wait. He then asks one of his staff members to bring the poster to him so that he can sign it. The video has garnered immense appreciation from fans, who have praised Kohli's humility and kindness.Kohli's gesture is a testament to his strong connection with his fans. He has always been known for his approachable and down-to-earth nature, both on and off the field. This incident further solidifies his reputation as a true role model for aspiring cricketers and fans alike.Kohli's return to the Indian Test squad comes after a brief break from cricket. He had been on a family vacation in London and was exempted from the Duleep Trophy, where many of India's Test regulars participated. However, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin were also exempted from the season-opening domestic red-ball competition.Kohli's presence in the Test squad is a significant boost for India as they prepare for the two-Test home series against Bangladesh, beginning September 19. The series will be a crucial test for India, who are looking to maintain their dominance in Test cricket.

Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling prowess has made him the most talked-about cricketer in India, a nation obsessed with batters. His unique bowling style, characterized by upper body strength, torque, and a powerful forearm, allows him to neutralize the influence of the pitch.Bumrah's return to international cricket in August 2022 marked a resurgence in his career. He has been rapid, incisive, and often unplayable, elevating his threat levels to unprecedented heights. His pace remains undiminished, his craft has become more polished, and his repertoire has expanded.In the recent World Cup, Bumrah was India's battering ram, delivering one match-turning spell after another. His economy and penetration were remarkable, and he was instrumental in India's triumph. His sensational final two overs in the final, where he conceded only six runs and claimed the crucial wicket of Marco Jansen, showcased his ability to exert pressure and strangle run-chases.Bumrah's hunger for Test cricket is evident, and he is eager to play as much as possible. India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has hailed him as the best bowler in the world, praising his performance and his desire to make a difference at any stage of the game.Bumrah's importance to India's Test ambitions cannot be overstated. He will be crucial in Australia, where his ability to take wickets on any surface will be invaluable. The leadership group will want Bumrah at his fierce, fearsome best as India chases an unprecedented hat-trick of Test series triumphs Down Under.Australia recognizes Bumrah as their primary threat, but even they may struggle to contain him. His command over his multi-faceted craft makes him a complete fast bowler, equally adept with the new and old ball. He uses reverse swing with spectacular effect, targeting both toes and stumps while also inducing outside edges from right-handed batters.Bumrah's ability to control the game with three-over bursts is another asset for India. The pressure he imposes often translates to wickets at the other end. He is chomping at the bit to have a go at Bangladesh, but a lack of game-time since June may be a concern. However, his efficacy is unlikely to be significantly impacted.