Cricket

India's hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final have taken a hit after their series defeat against New Zealand. With just six Tests remaining, India's lead over second-placed Australia has been reduced to a mere 0.32%.India's path to the final is now fraught with challenges. They must win the third Test against New Zealand and then secure at least three victories in the five-Test series against Australia Down Under. A 3-2 result in Australia would be ideal, but if they manage only two wins, they will need other teams to slip up.Australia, meanwhile, has the most Tests remaining among the contenders. They face a tough five-match series against India, followed by two Tests in Sri Lanka. The Aussies will be eager to avenge their recent defeats to India, but they must also be wary of Sri Lanka, who have a strong home record.Sri Lanka, currently ranked third, has four Tests remaining. They face a tricky two-Test series in South Africa, followed by two home Tests against Australia. The Islanders have a good chance of qualifying if they can win three of these four matches.New Zealand, who have moved up to fourth after their wins against India, have four Tests remaining as well. They face one more Test in India, followed by three home Tests against England. The Black Caps have a good record at home against England, but they will need to perform well in India to stay in contention.South Africa, ranked fifth, has five Tests remaining. They face a tough away Test against Bangladesh, followed by four home Tests against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The Proteas will need to win at least three of these matches to have a chance of qualifying.The race to the WTC final is heating up, with several teams still in contention. India's task has become more difficult, but they remain the favorites. Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and South Africa will all be looking to capitalize on any slip-ups by the leaders.

Harbhajan Singh: Transition in Indian Cricket Inevitable, Replacements Will EmergeFormer Indian cricket spinner Harbhajan Singh has witnessed firsthand the transition in Indian cricket between 2011-2013, when stalwarts like Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and VVS Laxman retired. He believes that age, fitness, and form are crucial factors in player selection, but questions arise when players start losing their edge."Age is a factor for some in this team, but Virat and Jaddu are extremely fit guys," Singh said. "Yes, age, fitness, and form are criteria, but the questions crop up once you start losing. The onus obviously comes on seniors in the team."However, Singh strongly refutes the notion that certain players cannot be replaced. "Who says you can't get replacements? You got replacements in the past, and you will get them in the future," he asserted. "The game will move on, and we will get replacements."Singh emphasized the abundance of talent in domestic cricket, citing the examples of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Sarfaraz Khan. "It is about getting the right opportunities at the right time," he said. "If you get a chance at the right time, you can become Virat Kohli, or else you could be Amol Mujumdar or Amarjeet Kaypee."Singh believes that it took Virat Kohli 15 years to become the player he is today. "So you need to look at the talent and maybe have an idea that, yes, this boy, if persisted with, can become a match-winner for a decade," he said.While Singh does not anticipate an immediate transition, he believes that the upcoming Australia series will be a "make or break" for many players in the team. "This Australia series will be a make or break for many in the team," he concluded.

Matthew Wade, the former Australian wicketkeeper-batter, has bid farewell to international cricket and will embark on a new chapter as a coach with the national team. Wade's retirement comes after a distinguished career spanning over a decade, during which he represented Australia in 36 Tests, 97 ODIs, and 92 T20Is.Wade's international journey began in 2011, and he quickly established himself as a versatile player, capable of contributing with both bat and gloves. He played a pivotal role in Australia's T20 World Cup triumph in 2021, showcasing his prowess as a finisher with a match-winning knock in the semi-final against Pakistan.In recent years, Wade has transitioned to a more specialized role as a batter, and he enjoyed a successful return to the Test side in 2019, scoring two centuries in the Ashes series. However, his Test career came to an end in 2021, and he also retired from red-ball cricket at the domestic level in March 2023.While Wade's international career has come to a close, he will continue to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) for the Hobart Hurricanes and participate in franchise tournaments around the world. He will also bring his experience and expertise to the Australian T20I squad as a coach, working alongside head coach Andre Borovec.Wade's retirement marks the end of an era for Australian cricket, as he was one of the last remaining members of the team that won the 2015 World Cup. His contributions to the national team have been immense, and he will be remembered as a skilled and versatile player who always gave his all on the field.

Harshit Rana, a rising star in Indian cricket, has made significant strides in his career, earning a spot in the Indian Test squad for the upcoming tour of Australia. With his impressive pace, bounce, and ability to swing the ball both ways, Rana has caught the attention of selectors and fans alike.Rana's journey to the national team began with his standout performance for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the 2023 season, he claimed 19 wickets in 13 matches, finishing as the joint-second-highest wicket-taker. His ability to bowl under pressure and deliver crucial overs in T20 cricket showcased his maturity and skill.The IPL success paved the way for Rana's inclusion in India's white-ball squads. He has since featured regularly in the team, gaining valuable experience and honing his craft. Recently, he was selected in the 18-member contingent for the five-Test tour of Australia, a testament to his growing stature in the Indian setup.Rana's selection for the Test team is a culmination of his hard work and dedication. He has spent time with the Test team as a traveling reserve, observing and learning from senior players like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. This experience has helped him prepare for the challenges of Test cricket, where consistency and accuracy are paramount.In addition to his bowling prowess, Rana is also a fiery competitor, known for his aggressive approach on the field. He is not afraid to engage in verbal exchanges with batters, adding an element of intensity to his performances.Rana's rise to prominence has been supported by the guidance of Gautam Gambhir, who served as KKR's mentor during the IPL and is now India's head coach. Gambhir has been a vocal advocate for Rana, recognizing his potential and providing him with valuable advice.As Rana prepares for his Test debut in Australia, he is excited about the opportunity to showcase his skills on the world stage. He is confident in his abilities and eager to contribute to India's success. With his talent, determination, and the support of his team, Rana is poised to make a significant impact on Indian cricket in the years to come.

Cricket's return to the Olympics after a 128-year absence could see matches played on the East Coast of the United States to cater to the massive Indian audience and tap into the growing domestic market in the host country.According to LA28 host committee chair Casey Wasserman, the East Coast's more favorable time zone for Indian viewers compared to the West Coast makes it the preferred location for the men's and women's cricket competitions. New York, which hosted preliminary-round matches of the T20 World Cup earlier this year, is a potential venue.Wasserman emphasized the importance of maximizing cricket viewership in India, a country with a huge fan base. He noted that the East Coast is nine-and-a-half hours behind India, allowing viewers to watch the matches live, while Los Angeles is 12-and-a-half hours behind.The LA28 organizers are exploring the use of pre-existing infrastructure to host cricket matches, potentially saving over $150 million and generating new revenue. The three venues that hosted the T20 World Cup in the US – Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, and a temporary stadium on Long Island – are potential candidates.Hosting Olympic competitions away from the main center is not uncommon. The Paris Olympics featured surfing events in Tahiti, sailing in Marseille, shooting in Chateauroux, and soccer matches across the country.

Delhi's Ranji Trophy campaign has taken a dramatic turn, with the team on the cusp of its first outright victory of the season. After trailing Assam by 116 runs in the first innings, Delhi staged a remarkable comeback on Monday, leaving Assam reeling at 44 for three in the second innings.The turnaround was sparked by an unlikely pair in Sumit Mathur and Siddhant Sharma. Despite being primarily bowlers, they showcased their all-round abilities by stitching together a crucial 166-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Mathur, a left-arm spinner, notched his maiden First Class century in just his second appearance, while Sharma, a left-arm seamer, fell just short of the three-figure mark with 89.Their partnership helped Delhi reach a formidable total of 454, giving them a 124-run lead. The lower-order resurgence began with Harshit Rana's half-century in the morning session.Assam's second innings got off to a shaky start as they lost three wickets in quick succession. Subham Mandal was trapped lbw by Siddhant Sharma, while Rishav Das and Abhishek Thakuri fell to Harshit Rana and Money Grewal, respectively.Delhi's bowlers maintained the pressure, with Rana, Grewal, and Sharma sharing the wickets. Skipper Denish Das, who was struck on the abdomen by a delivery from Himanshu Chauhan, was forced to retire hurt and taken to a nearby hospital.With Assam needing 80 runs to avoid defeat and Delhi requiring seven wickets for victory, the match is poised for an exciting finish.

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has defended his post-match comments to Test team captain Shan Masood, which sparked controversy and criticism. Raja's remarks, particularly his question about Pakistan's six consecutive losses, drew flak from fans and former players, including pacer Mohammad Amir.Raja, speaking on his YouTube channel, clarified that his intention was not to undermine the team's achievement but to explore how they overcame recent struggles. He dismissed the backlash as part of the social media landscape, saying, "Pakistan zinda hi social media pe hai" (Pakistan lives on social media).Raja expressed frustration with how people misinterpret his comments, adding, “If I lived my life based on social media narratives, I wouldn’t be in this field. There are many uninformed opinions from people who haven’t played cricket but act like experts.”He also underlined that he did not intend to question Shan Masood's captaincy and expressed disbelief at how quickly the conversation spiralled into controversy. "When Bangladesh won 2-0, I didn’t ask for anyone to be removed. Why would I question Shan's captaincy after a series win?" Raja argued.Earlier, Mohammad Amir had publicly criticized Raja for his remarks, suggesting that the former chairman should have focused on celebrating the series win rather than bringing up past failures. In a viral video, Amir remarked, “You should celebrate the series win. There is a series-winning captain sitting next to you. You should have asked him about the win, next plans. But you are making fun of him. Have some respect. You are literate people and you should behave like one as well. Where the credit is due, you should give it. I was feeling so bad for Shan. Ramiz has been doing on-air duties for so long now and he has no idea what to ask a winning captain."Raja's comments have sparked a debate about the role of former players in criticizing current teams and players. Some believe that former players have a responsibility to provide constructive criticism, while others argue that they should be more supportive and avoid undermining the team's achievements.

Prithvi Shaw, the prodigious Indian opener, has faced a setback in his career after being dropped from the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad due to fitness and disciplinary concerns. The exclusion has sparked a debate about the role of physical appearance in determining a player's fitness in cricket.Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has come to Shaw's defense, arguing that weight or body shape should not be the primary measure of fitness. He points to the example of Sarfaraz Khan, who despite facing scrutiny over his physique, recently scored a brilliant 150 against New Zealand.Gavaskar emphasizes that cricket fitness should be judged by a player's ability to perform on the field, such as scoring runs or bowling overs. He questions the relevance of body fat percentage, stating that it is not a reliable indicator of a player's fitness or ability.Sources indicate that Shaw has been irregular in attending training sessions and has been observed as being overweight. However, Gavaskar believes that these issues can be addressed through proper guidance and support. He urges Shaw to focus on his fitness and discipline, while also reminding him of his immense talent.The exclusion from the Ranji Trophy squad is a wake-up call for Shaw, who has been struggling to regain his form in recent times. He has been dropped from the Indian team and has faced criticism for his inconsistent performances.Shaw's exclusion has also raised questions about the culture within the Mumbai team. Some reports suggest that there may be a lack of discipline and accountability, which could be contributing to the team's poor performance in the Ranji Trophy.It remains to be seen how Shaw will respond to this setback. He has the talent and potential to be one of the best batsmen in the world, but he needs to address his fitness and discipline issues if he wants to fulfill his potential.

Rangpur Riders Appoint Mickey Arthur as Head Coach for Global Super League and Bangladesh Premier LeagueRangpur Riders, a franchise in the Global Super League (GSL) and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), have appointed Mickey Arthur as their head coach for the upcoming seasons. The 56-year-old South African will take charge of the team from November 26, when the GSL kicks off.Arthur brings a wealth of experience to the Rangpur Riders, having previously coached the South African, Sri Lankan, and Pakistani national teams. He has also worked with the Dambulla Aura team in the Lanka Premier League and is currently the director of cricket for Derbyshire County Cricket Club."We have signed Mickey Arthur for the GSL and BPL this year," said Rangpur team director Shanian Taneem. "It is a one-year deal. He will take care of us for these two tournaments this year. He is a great addition to our side. The local players are really excited to be coached by him."Arthur's appointment is expected to benefit the Bangladeshi cricketers in particular. "He has huge experience," said Taneem. "He has already taken care of so many international sides like Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Pakistan."Arthur has previously coached in the BPL with the Dhaka Dynamites in 2015. He is known for his friendly and approachable nature, which is expected to create a positive environment within the Rangpur Riders squad.The Rangpur Riders will be hoping that Arthur can help them improve on their recent performances in the GSL and BPL. The team has not won either tournament since 2017 and will be looking to challenge for the title this year.