Cricket

The recent defeat of England in Rajkot against India has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of their aggressive approach, known as "Bazball." While some critics attribute the loss to this strategy, a closer examination reveals that there are other factors at play.Firstly, it is important to recognize that a single defeat, no matter how crushing, cannot overshadow the remarkable success England has achieved under the leadership of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. In 21 matches, they have secured 14 victories, a significant improvement over their previous record of 11 defeats in 17 Tests.Moreover, it is crucial to acknowledge the strength of the Indian team, which has demonstrated exceptional resilience and a well-developed supply chain management system. India's ability to field a competitive team despite the absence of key players like Virat Kohli, K.L. Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Shami, and Ravichandran Ashwin is a testament to their depth and talent.The concept of Bazball, often misunderstood, is not about reckless batting or winning every match. It is a mindset that emphasizes putting pressure on the opposition through positive cricket while also recognizing the importance of absorbing pressure when necessary. This approach has allowed England to play attractive and entertaining cricket, which has captured the imagination of fans worldwide.However, the defeat in Rajkot has exposed some areas where Bazball needs refinement. One notable issue is the discomfort displayed by Joe Root, England's most experienced batter, with certain aspects of the approach. Root's dismissals in both innings suggest that he may not be fully comfortable with the aggressive style of play that Bazball demands.This lack of clarity and decisiveness in England's approach during the chase in Rajkot highlighted cracks in the Bazball philosophy, which prides itself on clear messaging and a unified vision.While Bazball has been praised for its attacking style, it is important to remember that sometimes playing for a draw can be a positive response, especially in a five-Test series. Joe Root, with his experience and ability to anchor the innings, could play a crucial role in leading such an approach.In contrast to England's Bazball approach, India has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and overcome challenges. Their resilience and willingness to "run into the danger," as Stokes described his team's approach, were evident in their victory in the Brisbane Test during their last tour of Australia.India's current team, featuring several young and talented players, has the potential to dominate world cricket in the coming years. The emergence of players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubhman Gill, Dhruv Jurel, and Sarfaraz Khan is a testament to the strength of India's cricketing pipeline.While a 4-1 series victory for India seems likely at this stage, it is important to remember that anything can happen in cricket. If India decides to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the final Test, it could be seen as a sign of Bazball-like arrogance.Ultimately, there is much to be said for traditional strategies like retaining a winning combination, employing defense as a form of offense, and playing session by session. These approaches have stood the test of time and can be just as effective as the more aggressive Bazball style.

The Tamil Nadu under-23 cricket team secured a resounding innings and 84-run victory over Kerala on Monday, propelling them to the quarterfinals of the men's Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy. This triumph marks a significant milestone for the team, as it's their first appearance in the knockout stages since the 2017-18 season.Skipper Boopathi Vaishna Kumar emerged as the linchpin of Tamil Nadu's success, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess with two centuries. His leadership and consistent performances have been instrumental in guiding the team to this stage of the competition.Left-arm spinner P. Vignesh played a pivotal role in dismantling Kerala's batting lineup, claiming crucial wickets and restricting their scoring opportunities. His impressive bowling performance proved to be a game-changer, contributing significantly to Tamil Nadu's comprehensive victory.Tamil Nadu coach R. Prasanna expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, acknowledging the talent and potential within the squad. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and determination as they strive to secure the championship trophy.The team's batting and bowling departments have displayed remarkable consistency throughout the tournament. Skipper Boopathi has led from the front with his prolific run-scoring, while ambidextrous batter R.S. Mokit Hariharan has emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer with two centuries to his name.The bowling attack, spearheaded by left-arm spinner P. Vidyuth, has made a significant impact, with Vidyuth claiming an impressive 38 wickets in just six matches. His ability to deliver under pressure and contribute with the bat down the order has been a valuable asset to the team.Coach R. Prasanna highlighted the importance of winning the knockout stage as a personal goal, emphasizing the significance of this achievement for the team's growth and development.

The Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad witnessed a historic moment as the home team, Hyderabad, clinched a thrilling five-wicket victory over Meghalaya in the final of the Ranji Trophy Plate Group on Tuesday. The triumph marked a remarkable end to a season filled with consistent performances and unwavering determination by the Hyderabad cricketers.Resuming the fourth day at 71 for one, Hyderabad needed 198 runs to secure victory. G. Rahul Singh, known for his aggressive batting, played a pivotal role in the chase, scoring a quickfire 62 runs off just 40 deliveries, including eight boundaries and two sixes. However, his dismissal in the 12th over of the morning brought captain Tilak Varma and Rohit Rayudu to the crease.The duo forged a crucial 82-run partnership, dashing Meghalaya's hopes of a comeback. Varma, in particular, looked set for another century this season but was unfortunately caught in the slips off a leading edge, just seven runs short of the milestone. Rayudu, too, departed soon after, giving a leading edge to a delivery from left-arm spinner Aryan Bora.Despite these setbacks, Hyderabad remained focused on the task at hand. K. Nitesh Reddy and Chandan Sahani steadied the innings, guiding the team to victory with an unbroken partnership of 12 runs. Sahani sealed the deal with a six over mid-on, sparking jubilation among the Hyderabad camp.The victory was a testament to the team's resilience and fighting spirit throughout the season. Hyderabad President A. Jagan Mohan Rao, along with officials from the Meghalaya Cricket Association, presented the prizes to the winning team. Rao announced a cash incentive of ₹10 lakh for the Hyderabad team and individual rewards for outstanding performances.

Colin Graves, the newly reinstated chairman of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, has yet to offer a direct apology to Azeem Rafiq, the former player who exposed the systemic racism he endured during his time at the club. Graves, who previously served as Yorkshire chair from 2012 to 2015, returned to the role last month despite the club being fined £400,000 for failing to address the racist and discriminatory language used within the organization.When questioned by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport select committee, Graves admitted that he had not personally apologized to Rafiq, stating that he had "plenty of things going on" at the time. This response drew criticism from committee members, who pressed Graves on why he had not reached out to Rafiq directly. Graves maintained that he had apologized publicly and that he would be willing to speak with Rafiq if the opportunity arose.Graves also addressed his previous comments in which he dismissed the accusations of racism as "banter." He acknowledged the insensitivity of his remarks and apologized for using the term. Graves reiterated that he was never made aware of any racism during his previous tenure as Yorkshire chair, attributing it to insufficient processes for recording such incidents.Meanwhile, Cindy Butts, chairwoman of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC), accused former England allrounder Ian Botham of spreading "untruths" about the commission's report on racism, sexism, and class-based discrimination in cricket. Butts clarified that Botham was invited to contribute to the report but did not respond. She expressed disappointment that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) did not publicly challenge Botham's comments.ECB chair Richard Thompson revealed that he had contacted Botham to express his disagreement with the latter's remarks. The ECB also published a progress report on its plan to promote inclusivity in cricket, indicating that 11 of its 12 programs were on track. However, Clare Connor, the former England women's captain and ECB deputy chief executive, announced her resignation from her post due to personal reasons.

The Indian cricket team will be without the services of key players KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming fourth Test against England in Ranchi, starting February 23. Rahul, who has been struggling with a right quadriceps injury, has not been able to recover in time, while Bumrah has been released from the squad as part of workload management.Rahul's absence is a significant blow to India's batting lineup. The right-hander was in impressive form in the opening Test in Hyderabad, scoring a century before succumbing to the injury. He was also the only Indian centurion in the drawn two-match Test series in South Africa in December.Bumrah's release from the squad is a precautionary measure, considering the heavy workload he has endured in the first three Tests. The pace spearhead has bowled 80.5 overs so far in the series, taking 17 wickets, including a match-winning spell in the second Test in Visakhapatnam.India are well-placed to seal the series in Ranchi, leading 2-1 after the first three Tests. However, if they are unable to do so, they will desperately need the services of Bumrah for the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala, beginning March 7.In the absence of Rahul and Bumrah, India have called up pacer Mukesh Kumar to the squad. Kumar, who was released from the squad for the third Test in Rajkot to play a Ranji game for Bengal, has joined the team in Ranchi.India's updated squad for the fourth Test:* Rohit Sharma (C)* Yashasvi Jaiswal* Shubman Gill* Rajat Patidar* Sarfaraz Khan* Dhruv Jurel (WK)* KS Bharat (WK)* Devdutt Padikkal* R Ashwin* Ravindra Jadeja* Axar Patel* Washington Sundar* Kuldeep Yadav* Mohd. Siraj* Mukesh Kumar* Akash Deep

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli and his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, have welcomed their second child, a baby boy named Akaay. The couple announced the joyous news on Instagram on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, sharing a heartwarming photo of their newborn son's tiny hand."With abundant happiness and our hearts full of love, we are pleased to inform everyone that on 15th February, we welcomed our baby boy Akaay & Vamika's little brother into this world!" Virat wrote in his Instagram post. "We seek your blessings and good wishes in this beautiful time in our lives. We request you to kindly respect our privacy at this time. Love & Gratitude, Virat & Anushka."The arrival of baby Akaay marks a new chapter in the lives of Virat and Anushka, who are already parents to their daughter Vamika, born in January 2021. The couple has been married since December 2017 and has been open about their desire to have a second child.Virat's decision to opt out of the ongoing Test series against England to be present for the birth of his son has been widely praised by fans and fellow cricketers alike. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also expressed its support for Virat's decision, emphasizing the importance of family and personal commitments.With the birth of baby Akaay, Virat and Anushka have become one of the most celebrated celebrity couples in India. Their fans and well-wishers have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, expressing their joy and excitement for the new addition to their family.

Mumbai's Ranji Trophy quarter-final aspirations have been dealt a significant blow with the news that key players Shreyas Iyer and Shivam Dube will miss the crucial knockout match due to injuries. Iyer, who has been battling back spasms, will be sidelined, while Dube is out with a side strain.Iyer's absence is particularly disappointing, given his impressive form in recent months. The talented batsman had a strong showing in the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup, amassing 530 runs in the latter tournament with an impressive average of 66.25. He also made a solid start to the Ranji Trophy season, scoring 91 runs in his only appearance.Dube, on the other hand, has been a revelation for Mumbai this season, striking two centuries and two half-centuries in his six Ranji innings. His aggressive batting style has been a major factor in Mumbai's success, and his absence will be keenly felt.The injuries to Iyer and Dube have left Mumbai with a depleted squad for the quarter-final against Baroda, starting on February 23. The team will be led by Ajinkya Rahane, with Prithvi Shaw, Shardul Thakur, and Dhawal Kulkarni as the other experienced players in the side.However, the absence of Iyer and Dube will undoubtedly weaken Mumbai's chances of progressing to the semi-finals. The team will need to find a way to compensate for the loss of their two key players if they are to maintain their title challenge.

Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, is poised for a much-anticipated comeback in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). After a near-fatal car accident in 2022, Pant has made significant strides in his rehabilitation journey and was recently spotted in a warm-up game in Alur, according to a Cricbuzz report.This marks the first time Pant has featured in a warm-up game since his accident, signaling his progress towards a return to competitive cricket. He will lead the Delhi Capitals in the upcoming IPL edition, solely focusing on his batting prowess, as per sources cited by Cricbuzz.Sources have confirmed that Pant's running and batting abilities have returned to the same levels as before his unfortunate accident. An NCA source, referring to the intra-squad game in Alur near Bengaluru, stated, "The match was part of assessing his mobility basically. He has been batting at nets for a while and playing in a practice game was more like an extension of it."Pant has undergone extensive rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and received treatment in London, arranged by the Indian cricket board. His return to a warm-up game after nearly 15 months away from cricket is a welcome development for the Indian team, his franchise, and his fans.Earlier this month, Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting expressed optimism about Pant's return to the IPL. He said, "Rishabh is very confident that he's going to be right to play. In what capacity we're not quite sure yet." Ponting acknowledged that Pant's wicketkeeping role might be limited this year, but praised his determination to play every game and bat at his preferred position.The 17th edition of the IPL is set to commence on March 22 and will be held entirely in India, despite coinciding with the general elections, as confirmed by league chairman Arun Dhumal. The schedule for the IPL's 17th edition has yet to be unveiled due to the elections, which are expected to take place in April and May.Rishabh Pant, at the age of 26, has already made a significant impact on Indian cricket, having played 33 Tests, 30 ODIs, and 66 T20s. His return to the field is eagerly awaited by fans and cricket enthusiasts alike.

Noor Ahmad, the 19-year-old Afghanistan spinner, has been handed a 12-month ban by the UAE's International League T20 (ILT20) for breaching his player agreement with the Sharjah Warriors franchise. The ban stems from Noor's refusal to sign a retention notice offered by the Warriors ahead of the second season of the ILT20, opting instead to play in the South Africa's SA20 with the Durban Super Giants.The ILT20 disciplinary committee, comprising league CEO David White, head of security and anti-corruption Col Azam, and Emirates Cricket Board member Zayed Abbas, investigated the matter and heard the perspectives of both Noor and the Warriors before reaching their verdict. Initially, the committee recommended a 20-month ban for Noor, considering the severity of the breach. However, taking into account Noor's age at the time of signing the original agreement and his explanation that his agent had not fully informed him of the contract terms, the committee decided to reduce the ban to 12 months.Noor's ban marks the second such incident involving a Warriors player in recent months. In December 2022, Naveen-ul-Haq, another Afghanistan cricketer, was banned for 20 months by the ILT20 for a similar breach of contract. This effectively rules out both Noor and Naveen from participating in the ILT20 in 2024 and 2025.During his stint with the Warriors in the inaugural season of the ILT20, Noor featured in seven matches, claiming four wickets at an average of 37 and an economy rate of 7.04. His ban serves as a reminder to players of the importance of adhering to contractual obligations and the consequences of breaching such agreements.