Cricket

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's heartwarming interaction with a young fangirl has captured the hearts of fans on social media. Ahead of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, the girl approached Rohit for an autograph, expressing her admiration and revealing that she had traveled a long distance.In a playful twist, the fangirl requested Rohit to convey her message to former captain Virat Kohli, saying, "Tell Virat bhai that a huge fan had come." Rohit responded with a smile, assuring her that he would pass on the message.The interaction highlights the special bond between cricketers and their fans. Rohit's willingness to engage with the young girl and fulfill her request demonstrates his humility and appreciation for the support he receives.Meanwhile, Team India is focused on leveling the ongoing Test series against New Zealand after a disappointing loss in the first Test. Despite wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant's knee injury, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate remains optimistic about his participation in the second Test.Pant's courageous 99 in the second innings of the first Test helped India recover from a disastrous first innings total of 46. However, he aggravated the same knee that was previously operated on following a severe car crash in 2022.India faces a selection dilemma, with Shubman Gill set to return while KL Rahul struggles with form. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be without their star batsman Kane Williamson, who is sidelined with a groin injury.The second Test promises to be an exciting contest as both teams look to gain an advantage in the series. Rohit Sharma's leadership and the team's determination will be crucial in their quest to level the series and regain momentum.

India's Batting Woes and the Importance of Defense in Modern CricketIndia's recent Test defeat against New Zealand in Bengaluru has sparked a debate about the team's batting approach and the role of defense in modern cricket. Skipper Rohit Sharma admitted to making a mistake by batting first on a challenging pitch, but some experts argue that the team's problems run deeper.The modern batting style emphasizes high-risk shots and a relentless pursuit of runs. While this approach can be exciting, it also carries significant risks. As coach Gautam Gambhir pointed out, "There will be days when we'll get bundled out for 100."In Bengaluru, India's batsmen fell victim to this high-risk strategy. They were unable to adapt to the conditions and defend against the New Zealand bowlers. The result was a paltry total of 46, India's lowest at home.The absence of defensive shots in India's batting arsenal was a major factor in their downfall. The sweep, traditional or reverse, is no substitute for old-fashioned defense and innings-building. As England discovered in Pakistan, the Bazball style can create its own pressure, forcing batters to live up to its tenets.The importance of defense in cricket cannot be overstated. It allows batsmen to survive difficult periods, build partnerships, and set up the team for a strong total. While high-risk shots can be effective in certain situations, they should not be the default approach.The Bengaluru Test also highlighted the importance of team selection and batting order. India's decision to leave out Cheteshwar Pujara, a renowned defensive batsman, may have been a mistake. Pujara's ability to anchor the innings and provide stability could have been invaluable on the challenging pitch.The toss also plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of a match. Had New Zealand batted first, as skipper Tom Latham suggested, the result might have been different. The home team has the advantage of choosing the pitch and conditions that suit their strengths.In conclusion, India's defeat in Bengaluru serves as a reminder of the importance of defense in modern cricket. While high-risk shots can be effective, they should be balanced with a solid foundation of defensive technique. Team selection and batting order also play a vital role in determining the outcome of a match.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is poised to unveil India's Test squad for the upcoming tour of Australia on October 28. The inclusion of veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara is a strong possibility, given his impressive performances during India's previous two tours Down Under.Pujara, 36, has amassed 521 runs in the 2018-19 Border Gavaskar Trophy and 271 runs in the subsequent tour. His experience of 103 Tests and his ability to anchor the innings on bouncy Australian tracks could prove invaluable for India.Pujara's current form also supports his case for selection. He recently scored a mammoth 234 against Chattisgarh in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.According to reports, Nitish Reddy will not be included in the T20I squad for the South Africa series. Instead, he has been named in the India A squad as part of the BCCI's plan to develop him as a seam-up all-rounder.The selection of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami will depend on his fitness and availability. India captain Rohit Sharma has indicated that they will not risk fielding an "undercooked" Shami in Australia.Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep are expected to be automatic choices for the fast bowling department. Avesh Khan and Yash Dayal are likely to be included as backup seamers.The BCCI is also considering sending India A to Australia for an intra-squad match with Team India ahead of the first Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. This move aims to provide the Indian players with valuable experience on Australian conditions.

Mitchell Santner has been appointed as New Zealand's interim captain for the upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, scheduled for November. The 15-man squad includes two debutants: bowling allrounder Nathan Smith and wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay.Smith, 25, has impressed with his performances for Wellington in domestic white-ball competitions, earning him the NZC's Men's Domestic Player of the Year award in March. Hay, who made his New Zealand A debut last year, has also shown promise.The pace attack will be led by Lockie Ferguson, supported by Smith, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and Josh Clarkson. Tim Robinson, who excelled on his maiden international tour to Pakistan, has also been included.Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips will provide spin-bowling allround support, while Dean Foxcroft offers offspin options. Legspinner Ish Sodhi, with 117 T20I appearances, brings experience to the squad.Glenn Phillips, Will Young, and Henry Nicholls will bolster the batting lineup. Nicholls had a strong Ford Trophy campaign last summer, scoring 301 runs in six games.Six members of the New Zealand Test squad in India will join the white-ball team in Sri Lanka after the conclusion of the third Test in Mumbai. The New Zealand-based players will depart for Sri Lanka on November 4 ahead of the first T20I in Dambulla on November 9.Chief selector Sam Wells emphasized the importance of building depth for future events, including the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 and the 2027 ODI World Cup.Head coach Gary Stead will lead the group, assisted by bowling coach Jacob Oram. Former England international James Foster will rejoin New Zealand as their batting coach, while Luke Ronchi focuses on the start of the New Zealand home summer.

England's Test tour of Pakistan reaches its climax in Rawalpindi, a match that will not only determine the series outcome but also provide crucial insights into the team's ability to compete in Asian conditions. After 17 Tests in Asia over the past four years, England will not return for another two, making this match a pivotal moment in their subcontinent journey.Under Ben Stokes' leadership, England's record in Asia stands at five wins and five defeats, with one victory under Ollie Pope's captaincy. While they are not alone in struggling in India, a second consecutive win in Pakistan would bolster their subcontinent credentials.Rawalpindi holds special significance for England, as it was the site of their remarkable victory two years ago, where they amassed 506 runs on the first day and showcased their bowling prowess on a lifeless surface. However, they anticipate a different challenge this time, reflected in their selection of three frontline spinners, including Rehan Ahmed.The pitch has been meticulously prepared to favor spin, with groundstaff using rakes and heaters to create a turning surface. Stokes acknowledges the potential for a "decent wicket" for the first few days, but believes the spinners will come into play as the game progresses.Pakistan's approach to pitch preparation has raised eyebrows, with the recycling of the same strip in Multan and the tailoring of the Rawalpindi surface to suit their spinners. However, Stokes has refrained from criticism, simply stating that the pitch is "good."The toss will play a significant role, as it did in the second Test in Multan. Stokes recognizes the importance of winning the toss in subcontinent conditions, but believes the pitch will not deteriorate as drastically as in previous matches.England has shown a willingness to adapt to overseas conditions, as evidenced by the inclusion of Rehan Ahmed as a wildcard spin option. Stokes believes his "free spirit" and ability to create chances will be valuable, even on a flat pitch.Stokes' own batting in the subcontinent has been underwhelming, with an average of 27.22 and only one century in eight innings in Pakistan. He will be eager to end his century drought and prove his worth in these challenging conditions.The success of the McCullum-Stokes regime will ultimately be judged by their results against India and Australia next year, but this week's match will shape their reputation in Asia. Stokes emphasizes the importance of winning, highlighting their singular focus on securing victory in Rawalpindi.

Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali has expressed concern over the delay in announcing the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) squad for the upcoming tour of Australia. Ali, who played alongside Aaqib Javed, the head of the PCB's new selection panel, urged Javed to announce the team promptly.Ali, known as "Chocolaty" to Javed, emphasized the importance of announcing the squad before the third Test match against England, scheduled to begin on October 24 in Rawalpindi. He expressed concern that the PCB's current establishment, which he believes has favored certain individuals, may not support Javed's decisions."I pray that you continue to receive the support of the chairman, Mohsin Naqvi," Ali said. "But keep your eyes open. The talks that I have heard can hurt."Ali also urged Javed to intervene if Fakhar Zaman, who publicly backed former captain Babar Azam after his omission from the Test squad, faces sanctions from the PCB. Zaman received a show-cause notice from the PCB for his comments, but he defended his actions, stating that he felt compelled to speak out."Do send Fakhar Zaman (to Australia)," Ali said. "If there is an action taken (by PCB) against Fakhar Zaman, you should intervene."Ali's advice comes amid ongoing speculation about the future of Babar Azam, who was dropped from the Test squad despite being Pakistan's captain in all three formats. The decision has sparked controversy, with many fans and experts questioning the rationale behind it.The PCB has yet to announce the squad for the Australia tour, which is scheduled to begin on November 4. The series will feature three ODIs and three T20Is.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the schedule for the 2024-25 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan's premier domestic first-class competition. The tournament will commence on October 26 and culminate in the final on December 19.In a significant expansion, the tournament will feature 18 teams representing 16 regions, including two teams each from Lahore and Karachi. This marks a departure from previous years, which saw a limited number of teams participating."The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is the pinnacle of domestic cricket in Pakistan," said Abdullah Niazi, Director of Domestic Operations. "It showcases the immense talent across the country and prepares players for international challenges."The PCB's commitment to strengthening its domestic structure was evident in the successful Champions One-Day Cup earlier this year. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy remains a cornerstone of this commitment.The tournament's start date of October 26 is later than usual, as the PCB prioritized the Champions One-Day Cup in September. This means the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will overlap with Pakistan's busy Test season, which includes seven home games.Pakistan vice-captain Saud Shakeel suggested that the first-class competition could be used to prepare for the upcoming tour of South Africa by replicating the conditions there.

Pune is preparing a unique pitch for the second Test against New Zealand, aiming to neutralize the visitors' seamers who secured their first Test win in India in 36 years in Bengaluru. The pitch is expected to be bald, low-bounce, and made of black soil, a departure from the usual surfaces in India.However, New Zealand batsman Daryl Mitchell remains unfazed by the potential changes. He emphasizes the team's adaptability and resilience, stating that they cannot alter the surface and must react to the conditions. Mitchell acknowledges that he has been searching for form, but he remains confident in his ability to contribute to the team's success.With Kane Williamson still unavailable due to a groin strain, Will Young is expected to retain his spot at No. 3. He played a crucial role in New Zealand's chase in Bengaluru, forming an unbeaten 75-run partnership with Rachin Ravindra. Mitchell also praises the seamless transition of Young and Ravindra into the international setup.Another standout performer for New Zealand in the first Test was Will O'Rourke, who made his Test debut in India and impressed with a match haul of seven wickets. Mitchell highlights O'Rourke's height, release point, and ability to move the ball both ways as factors that make him a challenging bowler to face.Despite the potential challenges posed by the Pune pitch, Mitchell remains optimistic about New Zealand's chances. He believes the team will devise a plan to take 20 wickets and score enough runs to secure a positive result.

Afghanistan has bolstered its squad for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh with the inclusion of opening batter Sediqullah Atal and left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad. The 19-man squad will face Bangladesh in three ODIs from November 6 to 11 in Sharjah.Atal, who has six T20I caps, has been in impressive form at the Emerging Teams Asia Cup T20 tournament, scoring 52, 95 not out, and 83. Noor, on the other hand, returns to the squad after a stellar performance in the Caribbean Premier League, where he was named Player of the Series for his 22 wickets for the St Lucia Kings.Afghanistan Cricket Board chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil explained the squad changes: "Ibrahim Zadran is currently undergoing rehabilitation and continues to recover from the surgery he recently had. Mujeeb Ur Rahman also remains unavailable due to ongoing treatment.""However, Noor Ahmad is back in the squad, and we have included a promising top-order batter in Sediqullah Atal, who has impressed everyone with his consistent top performances."Afghanistan will use the Bangladesh series as part of its preparation for the Champions Trophy in February 2025. In their previous assignment, the three ODIs against South Africa, Afghanistan created history with their first series win against an opposition ranked in the top five of the ICC rankings.