Cricket

India's Test woes continue against New Zealand, with the visitors taking a commanding lead in the third innings of the second Test in Pune. Amidst the disappointment, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has urged the team to focus on the present series rather than the upcoming India vs Australia Test series.Gavaskar's comments came during commentary on the second day of the second Test, when fellow commentator Dinesh Karthik mentioned the Australia series. Gavaskar promptly interjected, emphasizing the importance of staying present and not getting distracted by future events."Don't talk about Australia now. That is a mistake that a lot of people often make. You've got to worry about what's happening now. Your focus should be only on what's happening at the moment. Australia will take care of itself. When you go there, you will find the methods to beat Australia. You've done that over the last couple of trips there. You found a way," Gavaskar said.Gavaskar also pointed out that the media and others outside the team are contributing to the distraction by constantly discussing the Australia series. He believes that this external noise can be detrimental to the team's performance in the current series."It's not the players. The players are focused on the game. It's the circle around which is the media and everybody else which is talking about Australia. There is so much of coverage about what is going to happen in Australia. The Australian players are all the time talking about the Indian team, what should be the team and all that. Pick him, pick that player. No body is asking us about the Australian team. All the former Australian players are telling us pick this guy, that guy. Ask us too who should be in the Australian team," Gavaskar said.Gavaskar's advice echoes the sentiments of many experts who believe that India needs to address its current challenges before looking ahead to the Australia series. The team has struggled with batting collapses and inconsistent bowling performances in the ongoing series against New Zealand, and these issues need to be resolved before they can hope to compete against a formidable Australian side.

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed concern over captain Rohit Sharma's defensive technique, particularly in the ongoing second Test against New Zealand. Rohit's nine-ball duck in the first innings, dismissed by Tim Southee, has raised questions about his approach while defending.Manjrekar highlighted Rohit's struggles against Southee, who has now dismissed him 14 times in international cricket, the joint-most by any bowler. He pointed out that Rohit's loose defense, which was a concern at the start of his international career, has resurfaced."He would not take a step forward and he would react just with the bat, that is starting to happen," Manjrekar said. "He was able to leave balls outside the off stump, but they have worked out a way to bowl to Rohit Sharma."Manjrekar believes that Rohit's vulnerability stems from his tendency to react with the bat rather than using his pad to defend. "That makes him a little vulnerable when there is a little bit in the pitch and the ball is hard," he said.However, Manjrekar praised Rohit's temperament and suggested that he needs to tighten up his defense. "He just maybe has to tighten up his defense a little more and things should be okay," he added.Rohit's dismissal in the first innings has put pressure on the Indian captain, who has been under scrutiny for his recent form. He will be looking to bounce back in the second innings and prove that he can overcome his defensive deficiencies.

Controversy Erupts in Emerging Asia Cup Semi-Final as Umpire Reverses Decision Without DRSA dramatic controversy unfolded during the semi-final of the Emerging Asia Cup between India A and Afghanistan A in Oman, as an umpire reversed a key decision without using the Decision Review System (DRS).The incident occurred when Afghanistan opener Zubaid Akbari was initially ruled not out after an appeal for a catch behind the stumps. However, following a lengthy consultation with the third umpire, despite the absence of DRS, Akbari was given out, sparking outrage from the Afghanistan camp.Akbari, who had scored 64 off 41 balls, refused to leave the field, raising his hand in protest. The situation escalated when the Afghanistan coach instructed Akbari to stay on the field, leading to a heated discussion between officials and coaching staff from both teams.The controversial reversal of the decision created tension, with both coaching units debating the ruling. Despite the setback, Afghanistan A posted a formidable total of 206/4, the highest score of the tournament, led by a 137-run opening partnership between Sediqullah Atal (83 off 52) and Akbari. Karim Janat added a quick 41 off 20 balls to give Afghanistan a strong finish.India A, chasing 207, stumbled early, losing five wickets by the 13th over. Ramandeep Singh and Nishant Sindhu provided late resistance with a brisk 68-run stand off 31 balls, but a miscommunication led to Sindhu's run-out, leaving India with too much to do in the final overs.Abdul Rahman held his nerve in the final over, dismissing Ramandeep on the last ball to restrict India A to 186/7, sealing a 20-run victory for Afghanistan A. They now advance to the final to face Sri Lanka A.The controversy surrounding the umpire's decision has raised questions about the use of DRS in international cricket and the potential for human error to influence the outcome of matches.

Sarfaraz Khan's astute observation and unwavering conviction played a pivotal role in India's successful review against New Zealand on Day 1 of the second Test in Pune. Despite initial skepticism from his teammates, Khan's insistence that the ball had brushed Will Young's glove prompted skipper Rohit Sharma to take a DRS, which ultimately resulted in Young's dismissal.Khan, fielding at backward short-leg, noticed a subtle noise as the ball passed Young's bat and glove. Sensing a possible contact, he approached Sharma and urged him to trust his instincts. "I knew there was contact, but there is always room for misjudgment," Khan explained. "But I heard a noise and hence, felt there was something involved."Khan's confidence stemmed from his close proximity to the action. "I was at backward short leg so when the ball was going past his bat and glove, I noticed that the bat was away from the pads. I heard a noise and that's when I went to Rohit bhai and told him, 'Rohit bhai, mere pe bharosa karo. Ball lagi hai, aap lo review. Main bol raha hu aapko, lo (Trust me. The ball has hit something, just take the review. I am telling you, take it),'" Khan said.Technical members of the broadcasting team initially expressed doubts about the contact, but the hawk-eye technology confirmed Khan's suspicions. "I did not hear the sound, as it is very feeble," said KN Srinivasa Rao, a sound supervisor. "But the hawk-eye has a different technology, which can identify the smallest of small sounds."Akanksha Pandey, the director's assistant, also admitted to being surprised by the outcome. "We were surprised when we saw the replays. We were watching the pictures that the director was cutting, and we were smiling because everybody is always convinced when they are trying to talk the captain into taking the DRS."Washington Sundar, one of India's star bowlers on the first day, praised Khan's persistence. "Honestly, I was a good 70-80 meters away from the middle, so I had no idea. I obviously didn't hear any sound, but Sarfaraz seemed to be very convinced with it. Really happy that Sarfaraz eventually convinced Rohit bhai," said Sundar.Khan's sharp observation and unwavering belief in his instincts not only contributed to Young's dismissal but also highlighted his growing influence within the Indian team. His ability to make crucial decisions under pressure is a testament to his maturity and leadership qualities.

MS Dhoni Responds to Viral 'Thala for a Reason' Meme, Expresses Gratitude for FansMS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and former captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has finally addressed the viral 'Thala for a reason' meme that has taken social media by storm. In a recent video, Dhoni acknowledged the meme's existence but expressed uncertainty about its origins."I do know about the meme, but I don't know the reason behind it," Dhoni said. "I'm not sure whether it's funny, meant to pull my leg, just banter, or a meme. But whatever it is, I think my fans have turned it into something positive for me."Dhoni's response highlights his humility and appreciation for his fans. He emphasized that he doesn't need to defend himself or explain the meme's meaning because his fans are always there to support him."I've got brilliant fans," Dhoni added. "I don't need to speak up or say anything; they're the ones who step up if someone questions me. I'm just keeping quiet and enjoying my life. I try to play good cricket, and that's what matters to me."Under Dhoni's captaincy, CSK has won the Indian Premier League (IPL) title five times, tying with the Mumbai Indians as the league's most successful team. Their first title came in 2010, followed by a back-to-back victory in 2011. CSK added to their legacy with titles in 2018, 2021, and 2023.Dhoni's leadership and strategic brilliance have played a crucial role in CSK's success. His ability to inspire and motivate his team, along with his calm and composed demeanor under pressure, has made him one of the most respected and admired cricketers in the world.

Indian billionaires Sanjiv Goenka and Mukesh Ambani have made significant bids for multiple franchises in the Hundred, a 100-ball cricket tournament in England and Wales. The ECB is selling 49% stakes in each team to investors, with the first round of bidding concluding last Friday.Goenka, the founder of RPSG Group, already owns the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and the Durban Super Giants in the SA20. He is believed to have bid for several Hundred teams, expanding his cricket portfolio.Ambani, through his Reliance Industries, owns the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and three other T20 teams. If successful, he could potentially rename the London Spirit franchise to MI London.Other notable bidders include the Glazer siblings, owners of Manchester United, and Jonathan Goldstein, director of Chelsea Football Club.The first-round valuation of the eight Hundred teams is estimated at £500 million. The proceeds from the sale will be invested in the recreational and professional cricket ecosystem in the UK.Team owners will receive a share of central revenues, including broadcast rights and sponsorship. The ECB has declined to confirm the names of interested parties or the value of bids, but has expressed enthusiasm for the level of interest.The Ambani group has not responded to requests for comment, while the RPSG group declined to comment. Decisions on successful bidders will be announced in 2025.

India's hopes of a comeback in the second Test against New Zealand at the MCA Stadium in Pune appear bleak, according to former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali. The visitors have taken a commanding lead of 301 runs at the end of day two, thanks to a brilliant performance by left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner.Santner's 7-53 dismantled India's batting lineup, bowling them out for just 156 in response to New Zealand's 259. India's batting woes continued from their 46 all-out debacle in Bengaluru, with Ravindra Jadeja top-scoring with 38."If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli score runs, there might be a possibility (of a comeback)," said Basit Ali on his YouTube channel. "But the chances are very low right now. New Zealand are in a very strong position to win the match."New Zealand extended their lead to 198-5 in their second innings, with Tom Latham scoring a solid 86. Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell (30 not out) and Glenn Phillips (9 not out) remained unbeaten, steering New Zealand closer to a historic Test series win in India.India's bowlers, led by Washington Sundar, showed some resistance. Sundar picked up four wickets, bringing his match tally to 11, while Ravichandran Ashwin chipped in with a key breakthrough. However, New Zealand's batters extended their lead, leaving India in a tough spot."Before the Australia tour, this is not a good sign for India," added Basit Ali. "Let's see what happens."India's batting collapse has exposed their vulnerabilities, particularly against spin. Santner's dismissals of Virat Kohli for just one and Sarfaraz Khan for 11 were crucial.With New Zealand already 1-0 up in the three-match series, India face an uphill task to level the series. Their struggles with the bat are particularly concerning ahead of their upcoming Australia tour.

Legendary Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni has hinted at continuing his illustrious career in the Indian Premier League (IPL) beyond 2025. The 43-year-old, who has led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to four IPL titles, expressed his desire to play for "the next few years" and maintain his fitness for the grueling tournament.Dhoni's comments come amidst speculation about his future in the IPL. He had previously handed over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 season. However, his continued presence in the team would be a major boost for the franchise and the tournament as a whole."I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play," Dhoni said at a promotional event. "When you play cricket like a professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy it just like a game. That's what I want to do. It's not easy. The emotions keep coming, the commitments are there. I want to enjoy the game for the next few years."Dhoni's words suggest that he is not only targeting the 2025 IPL season but also the subsequent three-year cycle after the mega auction. He emphasized the need to stay fit for nine months to prepare for the two-and-a-half-month IPL season."I have to keep myself fit for nine months, so that I can play two and a half months of IPL. You need to plan it out, but at the same time chill a bit," Dhoni said.With his last appearance for Team India being over five years ago, Dhoni can be retained by CSK as an uncapped player at a price of only Rs 4 crore. This is due to the revival of a rule that was previously removed in 2021.Dhoni's continued presence in the IPL would not only benefit CSK but also the tournament itself. As one of the most iconic and successful players in IPL history, his presence would add star power and excitement to the competition.

Vijaykumar Vyshak, a 27-year-old pacer from Bengaluru, has received his maiden call-up to the Indian cricket team for the upcoming T20 series in South Africa. The selection marks a significant milestone in Vyshak's career, which has been characterized by hard work, determination, and a remarkable transformation.Vyshak's journey to the national team began as a top-order batter. However, a decade ago, he switched to pace bowling, a decision that proved to be pivotal. Despite facing challenges due to his gluten allergy and weight, Vyshak remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence.In 2019, Vyshak sought guidance from former international athlete BP Aiyappa and trainers Sai Prasanna and Puneeth. Under their tutelage, he underwent rigorous training sessions, focusing on stamina, endurance, and technique. Additionally, he worked with former India bowling coach Bharat Arun to refine his bowling action.Vyshak's impressive performances for Karnataka in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament caught the attention of the selectors. His ability to swing the ball both ways, vary his pace, and soak pressure makes him a valuable asset to the Indian team.Speaking about his selection, Vyshak expressed his disbelief and gratitude. "An India call-up is what every cricketer aspires for. It's a dream come true," he said.Vyshak's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers. It demonstrates that with hard work, dedication, and a never-say-die attitude, anything is possible. As he prepares to don the Indian jersey, Vyshak is eager to prove his worth and contribute to the team's success.