Cricket

Mohammed Shami, the star Indian pacer, has made a remarkable comeback in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match against Madhya Pradesh. His exceptional bowling performance has reignited Bengal's hopes in the contest.Shami's mastery of seam bowling was evident as he claimed four crucial wickets in MP's first innings. His pace, accuracy, and ability to extract movement from the pitch proved too much for the MP batters. He finished with impressive figures of 4/54 in 19 overs, with an economical rate of 2.80.Among his victims were MP captain Shubham Sharma and lower-order batters Saransh Jain and Kumar Kartikeya. Shami's wickets played a pivotal role in restricting MP to a manageable 167, giving Bengal a lead of 61 runs at lunch on Day 2.Shami's return has energized Bengal's bowling attack, which had struggled in their own batting innings, being bowled out for 228 on Day 1. His presence has provided a much-needed boost to the team's morale.However, Shami's availability for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia remains uncertain. He was initially left out of the squad due to fitness concerns. Captain Rohit Sharma had emphasized that they did not want to risk an "undercooked Shami" on the challenging Australian pitches.Despite his absence from the BGT squad, Shami's performance in the Ranji Trophy could potentially earn him a call-up. Cricket legends like Ricky Ponting believe that Shami's pace and bounce would be invaluable on the fast tracks in Australia.If Shami proves his form and fitness in this Ranji game, he could address what many see as a minor gap in India's pace arsenal. His experience and skill could strengthen the team's chances in the high-stakes series against Australia, which begins on November 22 in Perth.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has hailed VVS Laxman as a strong contender for the India coaching role after the team's victory over South Africa in the third T20I. Laxman, who is currently the stand-in coach for the tour of South Africa, made a bold decision to send Tilak Varma to bat at No. 3 instead of Suryakumar Yadav, a move that proved to be a masterstroke.Ali believes that Laxman's tactical acumen and ability to make decisive calls have put him in a prime position to succeed Gautam Gambhir as India's head coach. "VVS taught me a thing today. He is the next hot, hot, hot candidate for coaching," Ali said on YouTube. "He did not send Suryakumar to bat at No. 3 as he wanted to maintain the left-right combination. If Australia tour does not go well for Gambhir, VVS has emerged as a strong option."Laxman's decision to promote Varma paid off handsomely as the youngster smashed a magnificent century, guiding India to a formidable total of 219/6. South Africa's chase was spearheaded by Marco Jansen's blistering 54 off 17 balls, but India ultimately held on for an 11-run victory.Ali praised Laxman's ability to identify and nurture young talent, citing Varma's performance as a testament to his coaching skills. "The decision to not send Surya at No. 3 is one of those calls that attract attention and end up changing matches," Ali said. "It shows that VVS is not afraid to take risks and give opportunities to young players."With the series now poised at 2-1 in India's favor, Laxman's stock as a potential long-term coach has risen significantly. His tactical nous, player management skills, and ability to inspire his team have impressed many observers, including Ali.

Tilak Varma, the rising star of Indian cricket, expressed his sincere appreciation for captain Suryakumar Yadav after his remarkable century in the third T20I against South Africa. Varma's exceptional knock of 107 not out off 56 balls steered India to an 11-run triumph, securing a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.Varma revealed how Suryakumar, fondly called 'SKY,' generously offered him the No. 3 batting spot for the match, paving the way for Varma's extraordinary performance. "When Suryakumar knocked on my hotel room door and told me I'd bat at No. 3, I was filled with gratitude. He said, ‘Go out there and express yourself. It's a good opportunity.’ I promised him that I wouldn't let him down," Varma said after the match.Staying true to his promise, Varma delivered a spectacular performance, reaching his century in just 51 balls, with his second fifty achieved in a mere 19 balls. His innings was highlighted by seven powerful sixes and eight fours, showcasing his batting prowess, particularly against his former Mumbai Indians teammate Gerald Coetzee, the fastest bowler of the day.Upon reaching his century, Varma acknowledged his captain's gesture by blowing a flying kiss toward the Indian dugout, recognizing the faith entrusted in him. "It was for 'SKY' because he gave me the chance to bat at number three. I love batting at that position, and I wanted to repay the trust he placed in me," he said.Varma's 107-run partnership with young talent Abhishek Sharma, who contributed a crucial half-century, played a pivotal role in India's impressive total of 219/6. Varma, the second-youngest Indian to score a century in T20I history, shared his experiences of battling injuries that led to him missing international tours to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka earlier this year."It was frustrating to miss two series because of finger injuries, but I knew my time would come. I stayed patient, focused on my process, and worked hard. Today, that hard work paid off," Varma said.Recognized for his powerful batting, Varma is also diligently working on his off-spin, aiming to become a valuable all-rounder for the team. "I've worked hard on my bowling. The ball is coming out well, and I want to be seen as an all-rounder who can contribute to the team's success," he added.Varma's century is a testament to his talent and determination. With his exceptional performance, he has cemented his place in the Indian team and has emerged as a future star of Indian cricket.

Virat Kohli, India's batting mainstay, faces immense pressure as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches. The five-Test series, the first of its kind since 1991-92, will be a crucial test for Kohli, who has struggled for form in recent times.Kohli's average of 22.72 in six matches in 2024 is the lowest of his career. He has managed just one fifty this year, a 70 against New Zealand in the second innings of the first Test at Bengaluru. His last Test century came in July 2023 against the West Indies.Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes the Australians will target Kohli's weakness outside the off-stump. "They'll obviously start with that line outside the off-stump and gauge what his mood is," Manjrekar said. "Generally these days he looks to leave balls outside the off-stump and if they have anything that's pitched right up, he'll look to drive."Manjrekar also expects the Aussies to cramp Kohli for room and attack his body. "Nowadays, they are also trying to cramp him for room and attack his body because he loves to get forward so much," Manjrekar said. "So that is something New Zealand tried, which is very smart. And then if he is so focused outside off, that typical one of landing a ball on middle stump which Josh Hazlewood would try. So all those methods will be tried by the Australians and Virat Kohli is aware of that."Kohli's poor form in the recent Test series against New Zealand, where he scored just 93 runs in three matches, will be a concern for India. The Aussies will be looking to exploit his vulnerability and keep his poor form going.Kohli has played two Tests in Perth, scoring 44 and 75 in the two innings in January 2012 and scoring a century in 2018. India need to win four Tests in Australia to directly qualify for the World Test Championships final, which will be held at Lord's in June 2025.

KL Rahul Reflects on Intense Exchange with LSG Owner After Humiliating IPL LossIndia wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has shed light on the heated conversation he had with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka following the team's crushing 10-wicket defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2024 IPL.The loss shattered LSG's playoff hopes, and Goenka's visible displeasure after the match led to an animated exchange with Rahul along the boundary line. Rahul admitted that the incident was "not the nicest thing to be part of" and acknowledged its impact on the team."We were all in shock because every game was crucial at that stage," Rahul said. "We had to win three out of five or two out of the last four games. When this happened, it was a big shock for us."Rahul emphasized that the conversation was not constructive and should have been held in private. "It did affect the entire group," he said. "We still had a chance to make the playoffs, but unfortunately, our best wasn't good enough."The exchange between Goenka and Rahul sparked controversy, with experts and fans criticizing the public nature of the discussion. Rahul acknowledged the criticism and expressed regret over the incident."I don't know how much was made outside, but it was probably one of the worst games I've been part of," Rahul said. "We watched on TV how dominating Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma were, but to see it from up close was ridiculous."LSG's batting performance in the match was particularly disappointing, with Rahul scoring a sluggish 29 off 33. SRH's openers, Head and Sharma, then tore into the LSG bowlers, chasing down the target of 166 runs in just 9.4 overs without losing a wicket.Notably, LSG released Rahul in the IPL 2025 retentions day, ending their three-year association with the batter. Pooran became their biggest retention at Rs 21 crore, followed by Ravi Bishnoi and Mayank Yadav at Rs 11 crore each.

South African all-rounder Marco Jansen has emerged as a hot prospect ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, following his scintillating performance in the third T20I against India. Jansen's explosive batting and impressive bowling skills have caught the attention of cricket pundits and fans alike.In the high-scoring encounter, Jansen played a pivotal role in South Africa's chase of India's 219/6. Coming in at number seven, he unleashed a whirlwind innings of 54 off just 17 balls, setting a new record for the fastest T20I fifty against India. His innings was a display of power-hitting, featuring four boundaries and five sixes.Jansen's aggressive batting put India under immense pressure in the crucial final overs. Despite his heroics, South Africa fell short by 11 runs, but Jansen's performance left an indelible mark on the match.Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn took to social media to predict a substantial payday for Jansen in the upcoming IPL auction. "Marco Jansen. A 10 crore player? I'd say so," Steyn tweeted.Jansen, who was released by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) after the 2023 season, will be a sought-after player in the auction. His ability to bowl at high speeds and contribute crucial runs with the bat makes him a valuable asset.The cricketing world is abuzz with discussions about Jansen's power-packed innings, solidifying his position as a prime target in the IPL 2025 auction. The mega auction will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on November 24-25.

Jasprit Bumrah to Lead India's Pace Attack in Absence of Mohammed ShamiWith the absence of Mohammed Shami due to injury, the onus of leading India's pace attack in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia falls on Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah, India's vice-captain, played a pivotal role in India's historic Test series triumph in Australia in 2018-19, taking 21 wickets at an average of 17.00.Bumrah's impressive record in Australia, where he has taken 32 wickets in 7 Tests, makes him a key player for India. In the lead-up to the series, Bumrah has been working on his bouncer delivery, which is expected to be a potent weapon against the Australian batters.In a recent practice session at the WACA, Bumrah bowled bouncers at his Indian teammates, giving them a taste of the "chin music" they can expect in Australia. The Indian batters were peppered with short-pitched deliveries, providing them with valuable experience ahead of the series.Bumrah's ability to generate pace and swing, combined with his accuracy, makes him a formidable bowler. He will be crucial to India's chances of winning their third consecutive Test series in Australia.

The Indian cricket team has commenced its rigorous training in Australia in preparation for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against the hosts. The five-match series, starting on November 22, holds immense significance as a 4-0 victory would automatically qualify India for the World Test Championship final.However, the absence of captain Rohit Sharma has raised concerns. While there has been no official communication regarding the reason for his absence, coach Rahul Dravid has expressed hope that Sharma will join the team soon.Meanwhile, a photo posted by Rohit Sharma's PR team on Wednesday showed the Indian team training in Mumbai. The image has sparked speculation about Sharma's availability for the first Test.According to a report in the Times of India, Sharma is currently prioritizing his family as his wife is expecting their second child. "He is doing what any father would at this stage, which is to stay with his wife and family," a source was quoted as saying.Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has suggested that Jasprit Bumrah, the designated vice-captain, should lead the team if Sharma misses the first Test. However, former Australian captain Aaron Finch has disagreed with Gavaskar's statement, emphasizing the importance of supporting Sharma during this personal time.The Indian team's preparations have been hampered by injuries to key players. Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami are all recovering from injuries and their availability for the series remains uncertain.Despite these challenges, India will be determined to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which they won in 2020-21. The team boasts a strong batting lineup led by Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Rishabh Pant. The bowling attack, if fit, will be spearheaded by Bumrah, Shami, and Jadeja.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of the most prestigious rivalries in Test cricket. India has won the last three series against Australia, including a 2-1 victory in Australia in 2018-19.

Team India Arrives in Australia for Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Eyes Historic VictoryNEW DELHI: The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy is just around the corner, set to kick off in Perth on November 22. The five-match Test series between India and Australia is one of the most prestigious encounters in international cricket, and the excitement is building as Team India has officially arrived Down Under to begin their preparations.On Thursday, the Indian team took to Instagram to announce their arrival in Australia, sharing a video that showcased both the coaching staff and the players gearing up for the tough series ahead. The video, featuring visuals of India's intense net session, carried a voice-over stating, "There's pace. There's bounce. And there's the age-old rivalry. Australia, we have arrived!"In the clip, India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, bowling coach Morne Morkel, and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate were seen discussing the significance of the series. Nayar remarked on the challenges that Indian cricketers face when touring Australia, calling it "one of the toughest" assignments.Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel described the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as a "showpiece on the international cricket calendar," emphasizing the fierce competition. "It’s going to be teams that won’t give anybody an inch or sniff. It’s going to be hard-fought sessions," Morkel noted.Nayar also revealed that head coach Gautam Gambhir, along with senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, took the time to chat with the younger members of the squad. The discussion focused on the challenges of playing in Australia and how these experiences have shaped the careers of previous Indian players."Gauti bhai had a chat with the boys just before we started, and some of the senior boys too. Rohit, Virat, Ash all having a chat with the guys - how first they came here as a youngster with a lot of seniors around. And how they sort of felt that once you finish the Australia series, you go back a better cricketer," Nayar shared.Ryan ten Doeschate, proud of India's recent success Down Under, said, "It becomes a big part of Indian cricket to come here and do well. It’s a very proud moment that India won twice in the last two series here."The coaching staff expressed their optimism, with Morkel adding, "I am hopeful for the next five Test matches is hard. During the five days of cricket matches we sit after the day's play and you take off your shoes and say that I have given it all."With preparations in full swing, all eyes are now on Perth as India look to continue their winning legacy in Australia. The upcoming series promises to deliver high-intensity cricket as both teams battle for supremacy in one of the sport’s most celebrated rivalries.