Cricket

Virat Kohli's Heartwarming Gesture Inspires Rising Star Akash DeepIndian cricket legend Virat Kohli has extended a heartwarming gesture to promising pacer Akash Deep, gifting him a bat ahead of the Bangladesh Test series. The former India captain's act of kindness has not only motivated the young player but also highlights the camaraderie within the Indian cricket fraternity.Akash Deep, who made his Test debut against England last February, has been making waves with his consistent performances for Bengal in domestic cricket. His impressive tally of 41 wickets in the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season, coupled with his strong outings in the Duleep Trophy and for India A, earned him a place in the Indian Test squad for the Bangladesh series.Kohli's gift to Akash Deep is a testament to the former's leadership qualities both on and off the field. The batting maestro has previously shown his generosity by gifting bats to rising stars like Rinku Singh, fostering a sense of mutual respect and support among the players.For Akash Deep, this act of kindness from one of India's greatest cricketers is a significant motivational boost as he prepares to make his mark in the upcoming series. The 27-year-old pacer has expressed his gratitude to Kohli on social media, marking a special moment in his career.Kohli's gesture not only inspires Akash Deep but also serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship and support in the development of young athletes. As Akash Deep embarks on his journey in international cricket, he can draw inspiration from the guidance and encouragement of senior players like Virat Kohli.

Prithvi Shaw, hailed as India's next cricketing prodigy, made a grand entrance into international Test cricket with a scintillating century on debut. However, his promising start was marred by a puzzling decline in form, leaving fans and experts alike baffled.Shaw's early career was marked by remarkable achievements. He joined an elite group of Indian players to score a century on their Test debut, alongside legends like Rohit Sharma and Sourav Ganguly. He also held the record for the highest individual score in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for several years.Despite these early accolades, Shaw struggled to maintain consistency at the highest level. His form dipped inexplicably, raising questions about his technique and mental fortitude.India's return to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 was highly anticipated. However, Shaw's performance in the first match was a major disappointment. He was dismissed for a duck by Mitchell Starc on the second delivery, setting a challenging tone for the series.Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting analyzed Shaw's batting technique, identifying a weakness against inswinging deliveries. Shaw's lack of front foot movement created a gap between his bat and pad, which the Australian bowlers exploited ruthlessly.Shaw's struggles continued in the second innings, where he was dismissed by Pat Cummins in a similar fashion. His technical flaw was exposed, and he was subsequently dropped from the Indian Test team.Despite his early promise, Shaw's career has been marked by inconsistency and technical deficiencies. His inability to overcome these challenges has prevented him from fulfilling his potential and becoming the star that many had predicted.

Akash Deep, India's rising fast bowler, has expressed his admiration for pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, describing him as a "unique creation of God." Deep, who made his Test debut against England in February, has earned a spot in the Indian squad for the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai.Deep acknowledges the influence of various bowlers, including Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, but emphasizes that Bumrah's exceptional abilities are beyond his reach. "Bumrah bhai ko bhagwan ne alag hi bana k bheja hai (He has been uniquely crafted by God)," Deep said. "I can't learn everything from him."Reflecting on his experience under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, Deep praised the T20 World Cup-winning skipper for his ability to create a relaxed atmosphere in the dressing room. "He manages things so well, talks in a way that puts you at ease, and gives simple plans that make cricket easier," Deep said.Deep also expressed his excitement about working under new head coach Gautam Gambhir, who he believes will bring a fighting spirit to the team. "The way he fights for the game of cricket makes me feel like I'll really enjoy playing under his leadership as well," Deep said.In preparation for the Bangladesh series, Deep plans to focus on his strengths and bowl in good areas. "As a bowler, you can rely on your areas and strengths, which increases the chances of success and makes it easier to perform," he said.Deep acknowledges the challenges of red-ball cricket, emphasizing the importance of both physical and mental strength. "Red-ball cricket is tough for fast bowlers," he said. "If you can survive it, you can manage white-ball cricket as well."Deep draws inspiration from legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar, admiring his down-to-earth nature and unwavering motivation. "Sachin sir's down-to-earth nature has inspired me since childhood," Deep said.

Navjot Singh Sidhu's unexpected departure from India's tour of England in 1996 had a profound impact on the career of Sourav Ganguly. Sidhu, a senior member and established opening batsman, had a disagreement with then-captain Mohammad Azharuddin, leading to his abrupt exit.This sudden vacancy in the batting lineup forced the Indian team management to reconsider their strategy. Ganguly, who had been selected in the squad but was yet to make his debut, was brought into the playing XI as a replacement.Ganguly seized this opportunity with both hands, making a stunning debut at Lord's by scoring a century (131 runs). He followed it up with another century in the next Test at Trent Bridge, cementing his place in the Indian team.Sidhu's departure indirectly opened the door for Ganguly's Test career, allowing him to showcase his talent on the international stage. This turn of events marked the beginning of a legendary career. Ganguly went on to become one of India's most successful captains, known for his aggressive leadership style and his ability to build a fearless team.Ganguly's debut was a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite not being the first-choice opener, he grabbed the opportunity and made the most of it. His performance at Lord's and Trent Bridge not only earned him a permanent place in the Indian team but also set the stage for his future success as a captain.Sidhu's decision to leave the tour may have been controversial at the time, but it ultimately had a positive impact on Indian cricket. It paved the way for Ganguly's debut and the start of a remarkable career that would inspire generations of cricketers.

Harry Lee, a cricketer who defied death and played a Test match 15 years after his "demise," is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul. Born in 1890, Lee was a promising cricketer for Middlesex when World War I broke out. Despite initial reluctance, he joined the British Army in 1914.During the Battle of Aubers Ridge in 1915, Lee was shot in the thigh and presumed dead. However, he miraculously survived, lying unconscious in no man's land for three days before being captured by German forces. After a harrowing journey to a German hospital, Lee's wounds healed, but he exaggerated his injury to secure permission to return home.Upon his discharge from the Army in 1915, Lee was told he would never play cricket again. Undeterred, he defied the odds and returned to the field in 1916. In 1917, he accepted an offer to coach cricket in India, where he made his first-class comeback in 1918.Lee's return to England in 1919 saw him continue playing for Middlesex, despite his war injury. He enjoyed a successful career, scoring over 1,000 runs in 13 of his 16 post-war seasons. In 1931, at the age of 40, Lee was called up to the England Test team for the fourth Test against South Africa.Despite playing in the match, Lee never received his Test cap due to a dispute with a school he had coached in South Africa. However, he did receive a consolation tie from Jack Hobbs. Lee's Test debut came 15 years after his presumed death, a remarkable feat that showcased his resilience and determination.After retiring from playing, Lee transitioned into umpiring and coaching. He published his autobiography in 1948, recounting his extraordinary journey from the battlefields of World War I to the cricket fields of England and India. Harry Lee passed away in 1980 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of courage, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit of a true sportsman.

Brendon McCullum's bold selection of 20-year-old left-arm fast bowler Josh Hull for England's Test debut against Sri Lanka has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. McCullum's decision is a clear indication of his determination to break away from traditional English conventions and invest in players with high potential.Hull, who has only taken two first-class wickets this season, is a raw talent with an impressive physique and a bowling speed ranging from 80 to 90 miles per hour. McCullum believes that Hull's potential outweighs his lack of experience, and that he can provide England with a valuable weapon in various conditions.The selection of Hull also raises questions about the future of England's more established bowlers, such as Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, and Ben Foakes. These players, who were once considered the bedrock of the team, now seem to be out of favor with McCullum and Ben Stokes.McCullum's approach is a departure from the traditional English style of play, which has often favored experienced and reliable players. However, McCullum believes that England need to adapt to the modern game and recruit players who can challenge teams in all conditions.The selection of Hull is a gamble, but it is a gamble that McCullum is willing to take. He believes that Hull has the potential to be a key player for England in the future, and that his selection will help the team to become more rounded and competitive.

Bangladesh's historic Test debut against India in 2000 marked a significant milestone in the development of cricket in the South Asian nation. The journey to Test status began with Bangladesh's triumph in the 1997 ICC Trophy, which earned them a berth in the 1999 ODI World Cup. Their stunning victory over Pakistan in the tournament showcased their growing talent and potential.Bangladesh's domestic cricket infrastructure, including first-class cricket, played a crucial role in nurturing their players. Support from Test-playing nations like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka further aided their progress. The International Cricket Council (ICC), recognizing the potential for cricket's growth in Bangladesh, granted them full Test status in 2000.India hosted Bangladesh's maiden Test match in Dhaka, with Sourav Ganguly leading the Indian team as captain. Bangladesh opener Aminul Islam became the country's first Test centurion, helping them post a respectable 400 in the first innings. India responded with 429, led by Ganguly's 84 and Sunil Joshi's 92.Bangladesh captain Naimur Rahman impressed with six wickets in India's first innings. However, India's bowlers dominated the second innings, dismissing Bangladesh for a mere 91. India chased down the target of 63 with ease, securing a victory by nine wickets.Since their debut, India and Bangladesh have played 13 Test matches, with India emerging victorious in 11 and two ending in draws. Bangladesh has yet to register a Test win against India. In 2019, the two teams played their first Day/Night Test match in Kolkata.Bangladesh's Test debut against India was a testament to the country's growing cricketing prowess and the ICC's commitment to expanding the reach of the sport. It marked a new chapter in the history of cricket in South Asia and continues to inspire aspiring cricketers in Bangladesh and beyond.

Dan Lawrence, a versatile cricketer who has patiently awaited his opportunity, is set to make his Test debut as an opener for England in the first Test against Sri Lanka. Despite spending years as a drinks carrier and filling various batting positions, Lawrence is eager to seize this chance and prove his worth.Lawrence's journey to the Test team has been marked by both perseverance and adaptability. After initially being groomed as an opener, he transitioned to a middle-order role and even developed his spin bowling skills. His recent stint as captain of London Spirit has honed his leadership abilities.Despite his eagerness to bat at any position, Lawrence acknowledges the challenges of opening the batting. However, he is determined to embrace the opportunity and make a positive impact. His aggressive strokeplay and resilience align well with England's current approach under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes.Lawrence's selection as an opener has raised some eyebrows, but he remains unfazed. He believes that his experience and versatility make him a suitable candidate for the role. The absence of Ben Stokes and the decision to replace him with Matthew Potts have also contributed to Lawrence's selection.As England prepares for the first Test, Lawrence is focused on enjoying the experience and contributing to the team's success. He is grateful for the opportunity to showcase his abilities and hopes to earn a permanent spot in the Test side.

Sarfaraz Khan, the prolific Indian domestic run-scorer, has been enduring a five-month competitive match hiatus since his Test debut against England in February. Despite his impressive performance in that match, where he scored 56 off 60 balls, Sarfaraz's place in India's middle order is uncertain with the return of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.Undeterred, Sarfaraz has maintained a rigorous practice regimen, aiming to regain his form in the ongoing Buchi Babu cricket tournament. "There is nothing called off-season for me," he told The Indian Express. "I wake up by 4.15 am and start the day with long-distance running. I can now run 5 km in half an hour."Sarfaraz's fitness regime also includes gym sessions and fielding drills in the morning, followed by batting practice in the evening. His dedication has paid off, as he has shed the bulky figure that drew criticism before his Test debut.Despite his impressive first-class average of nearly 70, Sarfaraz had to wait until February 2024 to make his Test debut. He remains unfazed by the competition, stating, "I have zero expectations... But I'll be ready if the opportunity arises."Sarfaraz's participation in the Buchi Babu tournament and the rebranded Duleep Trophy as part of India B will provide him with much-needed match practice. "I've not had this level of practice in Mumbai because of the rains," he explained. "But I don't like batting indoors because the ball comes nicely onto the bat. It is not the case on turf because it will challenge you a lot."With India's World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle resuming with two Tests against Bangladesh in September, Sarfaraz is determined to prove his worth. His unwavering work ethic and commitment to improvement make him a strong contender for a spot in the XI.