Cricket

Krishnan Shrijith's First Class debut for Karnataka against Uttar Pradesh was a bittersweet moment. While he celebrated a remarkable century, the absence of his late father weighed heavily on his heart.Shrijith's father had always been a source of inspiration, urging him to work hard and never give up. His words echoed in Shrijith's mind as he faced the daunting task of rescuing Karnataka from a precarious position.With the team reeling at five for two, Shrijith stepped up to the plate and played a gritty innings. He faced 125 deliveries, hitting 14 boundaries and two sixes. His century not only helped Karnataka recover but also marked a significant milestone in his career.Shrijith's success is a testament to his determination and the guidance he received from his father. He credits the Maharaja T20 Trophy for preparing him for the challenges of First Class cricket. The tournament's high-intensity games and demanding schedule helped him develop mental resilience and adaptability.As Shrijith looks to cement his place in the Karnataka team, his century has raised hopes that he could be the answer to their wicketkeeper-batter conundrum. His ability to combine solid batting with reliable wicketkeeping skills makes him a valuable asset.Shrijith's journey is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of having a strong support system. His father's legacy will continue to inspire him as he strives to achieve greater heights in the sport.

Former Pakistan cricket star Basit Ali has heaped praise on Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, suggesting that he should be sold for a staggering Rs 50 crore in the upcoming IPL 2025 Auction. Pant's exceptional performance in the third Test against New Zealand, despite India's massive loss, has impressed Ali.Ali noted that Pant made the pitch appear "flat" during his innings, showcasing his exceptional shot selection. While media reports have estimated Pant's value at Rs 25 crore, Ali believes his abilities warrant a much higher price tag."Rishabh Pant scored 60 in the first innings and 64 in the second. What can I say about this kid? People say he should go for INR 25 crore in the IPL auction. However, I think he should be sold for INR 50 crore. When he batted on this pitch, it seemed like a flat track. He hit wherever he wanted to but his shot selection was good," Ali said on his YouTube channel.With the likes of Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami available in the auction pool, IPL team owners are eagerly anticipating the event. Pant, in particular, is expected to be the cynosure of all eyes.The Rs 75 crore retention cap on international players and the availability of Right To Match cards will make the auction intriguing. Teams with exhausted retention quotas will need to recruit at least 15 more players for a lesser sum. However, teams like Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have ample funds to make significant bids.Unprecedentedly, three IPL captains - Pant of Delhi Capitals, Iyer of Kolkata Knight Riders, and Rahul of Lucknow Super Giants - will be back in the auction pool. In Pant's case, it is believed that he was unhappy with the curtailment of his powers by the co-owners and the appointment of Hemang Badani as head coach and Y Venugopal Rao as Team Director.

Rishabh Pant's release from the Delhi Capitals has sparked a frenzy among IPL franchises eager to acquire the star wicket-keeper batter. However, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), despite being linked with Pant, faces challenges in securing his services due to financial constraints.CSK retained Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, and MS Dhoni ahead of the auction, leaving them with only one Right To Match (RTM) card. They are likely to use this card for opening batter Devon Conway.With just INR 55 crore remaining in their purse, CSK may struggle to compete for Pant, who is expected to fetch a fee of around INR 25 crore. The Super Kings have several areas to address, and spending such a significant amount on Pant could disrupt their balance.Other franchises with larger purses, such as Punjab Kings (INR 110.5 crore), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (INR 83 crore), and Lucknow Super Giants (INR 69 crore), are better positioned to sign Pant. Gujarat Titans (INR 69 crore) could also be in the race.Meanwhile, CSK could potentially reunite with Ravichandran Ashwin, who was released by the Rajasthan Royals. Ashwin has expressed his desire to play for his home franchise again, and this auction could provide an opportunity for that dream to be realized.

Rishabh Pant, India's premier wicketkeeper-batter, is poised to enter the IPL 2025 auction, potentially sparking a bidding war among multiple franchises. According to reports, Pant will not be retained by his current team, Delhi Capitals, ahead of the October 31 deadline.Pant's departure from DC stems from concerns over his leadership abilities in the T20 format. Despite his consistent performances for India and a successful return to the IPL after a serious accident, the DC management reportedly believes he lacks the necessary qualities to lead the team."Pant wanted captaincy and involvement in appointing coaches and support staff, but many in the DC setup are not convinced about his T20 game," a source told the Times of India. "They didn't want to let him go, but they didn't see him leading the side."With Pant's exit, DC is likely to explore captaincy options in the mega auction. Shreyas Iyer, who previously led the team to success, is a potential target. Axar Patel is another option, but the franchise may prefer to seek external candidates.Former India player Aakash Chopra predicts a fierce bidding war for Pant's services. "If Pant enters the auction, he will break the bank," Chopra said. "RCB, Punjab, Delhi, KKR, CSK, Mumbai, and Gujarat all need a keeper-batter, and Pant fits the bill perfectly."Pant's availability in the auction could significantly impact the dynamics of the IPL. His all-round abilities and star power make him a highly sought-after player. The bidding war for his services is expected to reach unprecedented heights, with multiple franchises vying for his signature.

Ishan Kishan, the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter, has made a triumphant return to the national setup after being named in the 15-member India A squad for the upcoming tour of Australia. The selection marks a significant milestone in Kishan's career, as he aims to reclaim his place in the Indian team.Kishan's journey back to the national fold has been marked by both highs and lows. Earlier this year, he was dropped from the BCCI central contracts due to concerns over his prioritization of the Indian Premier League (IPL) over domestic cricket. However, his impressive performances in the IPL and domestic tournaments have earned him a recall to the India A squad.The upcoming tour of Australia will provide Kishan with an ideal platform to showcase his skills and prove his worth to the national selectors. India A is scheduled to play two first-class matches against Australia A in Mackay and Melbourne, followed by a three-day intra-squad game against the senior India team in Perth.Kishan's return to the national setup has been met with joy and excitement by his family and fans. A heartwarming video that went viral on social media captured the moment Kishan's mother and grandmother showered him with love as he left for the Australia tour from his hometown.The India A tour of Australia is a crucial step in Kishan's quest to regain his place in the Indian team. With his exceptional talent and determination, he has the potential to become a key player for India in the years to come.

Ishan Kishan, the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter, has earned a recall to the India A team for their upcoming tour of Australia in November. The 24-year-old was dropped from the BCCI's central contracts earlier this year due to disciplinary issues, but has since worked his way back into contention with impressive performances in domestic cricket.Kishan's inclusion in the India A squad is a testament to his talent and determination. He has been in excellent form this season, leading Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy and scoring a century for India C in the Duleep Trophy. His performances have caught the attention of the selectors, who believe he is ready to make a return to the international stage.The India A team will play two first-class matches against Australia A in Mackay and Melbourne, respectively. They will then take part in a three-day intra-squad game against the senior Indian team in Perth. This tour will provide Kishan with an opportunity to showcase his skills against high-quality opposition and stake his claim for a place in the Indian team.Kishan's recall is a positive sign for Indian cricket. He is a talented player with the potential to become a world-class performer. His return to the national setup will bolster India's batting lineup and provide them with another option in the wicketkeeper-batter role.

Rishabh Pant's scintillating century in India's emphatic victory over Bangladesh in the Chepauk Test has reignited comparisons with legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni. However, former Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has cautioned against hasty conclusions, emphasizing the need to give Pant time to prove his greatness.Pant's 109 in the second innings propelled India to a mammoth 515-run target, which proved insurmountable for Bangladesh. The visitors were dismissed for 234, handing India a 280-run victory and a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.Pant's century was his sixth in just 58 Test innings, equaling Dhoni's record for most Test tons by an Indian wicketkeeper-batter. However, Karthik believes it's premature to declare Pant as India's greatest ever in the longest format."It's very unacceptable to say that he's (Pant) played 34 Tests and he's already India's greatest wicket-keeper batter," Karthik said on Cricbuzz. "Let's take time, let's not jump to conclusions."Karthik acknowledged Pant's potential but stressed the need to consider Dhoni's all-round contributions. "Don't discount Dhoni's credentials as a wicketkeeper as well," he said. "He not only kept brilliantly, batted and scored runs when it mattered very very well for India but also he led India to a World Test Championship mace which is becoming number 1."Pant's free-flowing innings against Bangladesh showcased his attacking prowess and ability to dominate the opposition. His century came at a crucial juncture, helping India set an imposing target and secure a comfortable victory.The second and final Test of the series will commence on September 27 in Kanpur, where Pant will have another opportunity to cement his status as one of India's most promising wicketkeeper-batters.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable comeback in Test cricket has been a testament to his resilience and determination. After a life-threatening car accident in 2022, many doubted whether he would ever return to the highest level of the sport. However, Pant has defied all odds, returning to the Indian team with a vengeance.In just 34 Tests, Pant has matched MS Dhoni's feat of scoring six centuries, a remarkable achievement considering Dhoni played over 90 Tests. Pant's return to form has been particularly impressive given the challenges he faced after his accident.His comeback story began with a determined performance in the last IPL, where he played as a No. 3 batter on some of the most difficult pitches in the T20 World Cup. Despite concerns about his body's ability to withstand the rigors of five-day cricket, Pant has proven his fitness and skill in the ongoing Test against Bangladesh.His comfort against the Bangladesh bowlers has shown that he has overcome any mental hurdles that may have lingered after his accident. Shubman Gill, who shared a 167-run partnership with Pant, praised his teammate's resilience."I've seen him work so hard for it when he was coming back from the injury and I think he also must be feeling really good," Gill said.Pant's hard work and dedication have been evident in his training sessions. In New York, he faced short-pitched deliveries on a pitch with variable bounce, testing his pain threshold and preparing himself for the challenges of Test cricket.Former coach Rahul Dravid and current boss Gautam Gambhir have both praised Pant's abilities as a batter and wicketkeeper. Gambhir highlighted Pant's consistent performances in red-ball cricket and his ability to impact the game."He's got runs everywhere around the world, and not many wicket-keepers of that age have done it so consistently in red-ball cricket," Gambhir said.Pant's glovework has also been impressive in this Test, showcasing his all-around skills. Gambhir believes that Pant's batting often overshadows his keeping abilities, but he has been remarkable behind the stumps on Indian pitches.As Pant continues his comeback, the best is yet to come. His resilience and determination have inspired many, and he is poised to become one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batters in the history of the game.

Indian wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan made a triumphant return to the cricket field, smashing a century in his red-ball comeback in the Duleep Trophy. Playing for India C, Kishan scored 111 runs off 126 balls, showcasing his exceptional strokeplay and intent.Kishan's knock has sparked chatter about his potential return to the Indian national team, especially since he is not part of the squad for the first Test against Bangladesh. His social media post, captioned "Unfinished Business," has further intensified speculation.Kishan's last appearance for India was during the tour of South Africa last year. Since then, he has been absent from the national team due to mental fatigue and a groin injury. Despite playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024 campaign, his absence from Jharkhand's Ranji Trophy campaign hindered his comeback plans.In the Duleep Trophy match against India B, Kishan was a late inclusion into the India C side. He missed the first-round game for India D due to a groin injury but made a dominant return. He shared a 189-run stand for the third wicket with Baba Indrajith, who made 78 off 136 balls.Kishan's century was laced with 14 fours and three sixes, highlighting his aggressive approach. His innings has caught the attention of selectors and fans alike, raising hopes for his return to the Indian team.The India B vs India C match ended in a draw, but Kishan's performance has left an indelible mark. His determination and skill have reignited the belief that he can be a valuable asset to the Indian national team.