Cricket

Chennai Super Kings Eye 17-Year-Old Mumbai Opener Ayush Mhatre for IPL 2025 Mega AuctionFive-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are reportedly targeting a promising young batter for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. The franchise has invited Mumbai's 17-year-old opener Ayush Mhatre for a selection trial before the auction.Mhatre has caught the attention of CSK's talent scouts and none other than legendary India and CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The youngster has impressed with his performances for Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy.In his first-class debut for Mumbai in the Irani Cup game against Rest of India, Mhatre opened the batting alongside Prithvi Shaw and scored 19 and 14 runs in the two innings respectively. In the Ranji Trophy, he has made 321 runs in five games at an average of 35.66, including one century and one half-century.Mhatre's impressive century came against Maharashtra, where he scored a brilliant 176. His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed by CSK, who are keen on adding him to their squad for the next IPL season.CSK Managing Director and CEO Kasi Viswanathan has requested the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to allow Mhatre to attend a trial at their CSKHPC Navalur grounds. The trial will take place after the end of the fifth round of the Ranji Trophy 2024 season (on November 16) and before the start of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.CSK will enter the mega auction with a purse of Rs 55 crore, having retained Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, and Dhoni. If they choose to buy Mhatre, the youngster could emerge as an option at the top of the order, alongside captain Gaikwad.Mhatre's inclusion in the CSK squad would add depth to their batting lineup and provide them with a long-term option for the opening slot. The youngster's talent and potential have impressed Dhoni and the CSK management, and he could be a valuable addition to the franchise in the upcoming IPL season.

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir, while preparing for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, has expressed his admiration for Sanju Samson's recent performances in South Africa. Despite not being directly involved in the South African tour, Gambhir acknowledged Samson's talent and the support he has received."It's not about me," Gambhir said. "It's his ability. He's been given the right number and backing, and he's worked hard. What he's doing for Indian cricket is just the start."Samson's century in the first T20I against South Africa made him the first Indian to score consecutive tons in the shortest format. Gambhir believes this is a positive sign for Indian cricket."Some of the young players are really coming through, which is always healthy," he said.Gambhir is now focused on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which will be crucial for India's World Test Championship final hopes. He believes the team's experience will be invaluable."We have got a lot of experienced players who have been to Australia a lot many times," he said. "Their experience will come in handy for the young players as well."Gambhir emphasized the importance of being prepared for the first Test."These 10 days are going to be very crucial," he said. "Come the 22nd morning, we should be absolutely ready and ready to fire from ball one."

Afghanistan's relentless pursuit of victory culminated in a thrilling five-wicket triumph over Bangladesh in the third and decisive ODI in Sharjah, securing a 2-1 series win. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz's scintillating century and Azmatullah Omarzai's all-around brilliance proved pivotal in the Afghans' triumph.Gurbaz, known for his explosive batting, unleashed a masterful 120-ball 101, adorned with seven towering sixes and five boundaries. His innings laid the foundation for Afghanistan's successful chase of 245. Omarzai, who had earlier impressed with a four-wicket haul, complemented Gurbaz's heroics with a solid 77-ball 70.Bangladesh, batting first, had posted a competitive 244 for 8, thanks to Mohammad Mahmudullah's valiant 98 and Mehidy Hasan Miraz's steady 66. However, Afghanistan's bowlers, led by Omarzai, kept the Bangladeshi batsmen in check, restricting them to a manageable total.The Afghan chase got off to a shaky start, with Bangladesh pacers Mustafizur Rahman and Nahid Rana reducing them to 84 for 3. But Gurbaz and Omarzai steadied the ship with a crucial 100-run partnership for the fourth wicket.Gurbaz's dismissal in the 39th over left Afghanistan needing 61 runs to win. Omarzai, however, continued his onslaught, forging a vital 58-run partnership with Mohammad Nabi (34 off 27 balls). Omarzai sealed the victory in style, hitting the winning six.Afghanistan's skipper, Hashmatullah Shahidi, expressed his delight at the team's performance, particularly the contributions of Gurbaz and Omarzai. Miraz, on the other hand, acknowledged Afghanistan's dominance in the series.

Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the second-youngest player to score eight centuries in men's One-Day Internationals (ODIs). The 22-year-old opener achieved this remarkable feat during Afghanistan's five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the third ODI in Sharjah.Gurbaz's masterful 120-ball 101 propelled Afghanistan to a series triumph over Bangladesh. His innings was a testament to his exceptional talent and maturity beyond his years. The left-handed batsman displayed a wide array of strokes, including powerful drives, delicate flicks, and audacious scoops.Gurbaz's century is even more impressive considering the company he now keeps. Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar was 22 years and 357 days old when he reached his eighth ODI century, while superstar Virat Kohli achieved the feat at 23 years and 27 days. Pakistan's Babar Azam was 23 years 280 days when he got to his eighth ODI century.However, it is South Africa's Quinton de Kock who holds the record for being the youngest player to score eight ODI centuries. De Kock was just 22 years 312 days old when he reached this milestone.Gurbaz's century was also his third against Bangladesh and third in Sharjah in the ODI format. He now has the most centuries for Afghanistan in ODIs, surpassing Mohammad Shahzad's tally of six.The victory over Bangladesh was a significant achievement for Afghanistan, who have been making steady progress in international cricket. The team's success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its players and coaching staff.

Dan Mousley, the English cricketer, has made a remarkable debut in One Day Internationals (ODIs) with his unique "offspin" bowling style. Despite a three-year absence from List A cricket, Mousley's unconventional approach has caught the attention of the cricketing world.Mousley's journey to international cricket began in Sri Lanka's domestic competition in 2021, where he played for Burgher Recreation Club. His exceptional speed and accuracy with the ball earned him a call-up to the Warwickshire Academy.Mousley's signature move is a 116kph/72mph yorker bowled off three steps. This unorthodox delivery has proven effective, as evidenced by his first international wicket against Rovman Powell. According to CricViz, Mousley is the fastest spin bowler since ball tracking records began in 2006, averaging 109kph/68mph.Mousley's unique style has drawn praise from England captain Jos Buttler, who described him as "a point of difference" for the team. Mousley's ability to bowl at high speeds and deliver yorkers makes him a formidable opponent for batters.While Mousley's bowling may not conform to traditional aesthetics, it is effective in the modern T20 format. As scores continue to rise, bowlers are being challenged to innovate and find new ways to restrict batters. Mousley's fast spin/seamers present a unique challenge that batters are not accustomed to.Mousley's unconventional approach is a testament to his willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of the game. He is not a one-trick pony, as he also possesses traditional offspin skills. However, he recognizes that in T20 cricket, the ability to bowl the ball that is hardest to hit for six is paramount.Mousley's unique bowling style has sparked a debate about the future of spin bowling. Some believe that his approach is a glimpse into the future, while others argue that it is a fad that will eventually be countered by batters. Regardless, Mousley's emergence has undoubtedly shaken up the cricketing landscape and forced batters to rethink their strategies.

Pakistan's historic ODI series victory over Australia has sparked jubilation among cricket enthusiasts, with former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar lauding the team's young guns. After 22 years, Pakistan emerged victorious on Australian soil, winning the final ODI encounter by 8 wickets and clinching the three-match series 2-1.Akhtar hailed the impressive performances of fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, recalling his own experiences during Pakistan's last ODI series win in Australia in 2002. "Outstanding win. After 22 years, we won against Australia. In 2002, I remember I was there. We had won a series in Gabba, and it took us 22 years for the players to win the series. And they did an amazing job. They played really well. There was an attitude change. Rizwan changed the attitude. Naseem, Haris, Shaheen. All of them played really well and at the same time they did a comprehensively good job," Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan echoed Akhtar's sentiments, praising the bowlers for their exceptional performance. "Special moment for me, the nation will be very happy today, we didn't perform as per expectations in the last couple of years. I'm the captain only for the toss and presentations - everyone gives me suggestions on the field, the batting group and the bowling group," Rizwan said in the post-match presentation.Chasing a modest target of 141, Pakistan's openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, provided a solid foundation with an 84-run partnership. Rizwan and Babar Azam then guided the team to victory with an unbroken 58-run stand.Earlier, Australia's batting lineup faltered, with Sean Abbott emerging as the top scorer with 30 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah claimed three wickets each, while Haris Rauf chipped in with two scalps.Rizwan dedicated the victory to the Pakistani fans, acknowledging their unwavering support despite recent setbacks. "All the credit to the bowlers, Australia in Australia isn't easy, the conditions suit their style of playing, but the bowlers were outstanding. Also credit to the two openers, they made the chases easy. They (fans) don't care a lot about the results, but the people back home are always behind us and I want to dedicate this victory to them," the wicketkeeper-batter added.Pakistan's historic ODI series win over Australia marks a significant milestone in the team's cricketing journey. The young players have demonstrated their potential and determination, and the future looks bright for Pakistan cricket.

India has consistently produced exceptional young talent in every U-19 World Cup, but Rajangad Bawa's all-round abilities have set him apart. Despite injuries hindering his progress, Bawa has shown immense promise as a seam-bowling all-rounder.After his stellar performance in the 2022 U-19 World Cup, where he was named Player of the Match in the final, Bawa made his Ranji Trophy debut for Chandigarh. However, injuries plagued him, limiting his playing time.Undeterred, Bawa underwent rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where he received expert guidance and underwent corrections to his bowling action. The NCA's support has been instrumental in his recovery and return to form.In the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, Bawa has showcased his all-round skills, scoring 209 runs at an average of 52.25 and taking eight wickets. His performances have earned him a place in the elite list of players invited for high-performance camps at the NCA.Bawa's father and coach, Sukhwinder, has played a crucial role in his development, providing support and guidance. Bawa acknowledges the importance of staying relaxed and not putting undue pressure on himself.While comparisons to Hardik Pandya are inevitable, Bawa remains focused on his own journey. He recognizes the rise of other all-rounders, such as Nitish Kumar Reddy, as a challenge that motivates him to improve.Despite the setbacks he has faced, Bawa remains optimistic about his future. He is determined to prove his worth and earn a place in the Indian team. The NCA's continued support and his own unwavering determination make him a promising prospect for Indian cricket.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed his disappointment over the underutilization of all-rounder Axar Patel in the first two T20I matches against South Africa. Despite playing Axar as the third spinner alongside Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi, the Indian team management has failed to utilize his skills effectively.In the second game of the series, Axar bowled just one over despite the pitch offering assistance to spinners. Manjrekar believes this was a glaring mistake by captain Suryakumar Yadav. "What are we doing with Axar Patel? Why are you playing him? Give a little clarity. Axar Patel, one over in Kingsmead, Durban, and here also just one over. On a pitch where six of the seven wickets were picked up by spinners, he bowled just one over," Manjrekar said.Manjrekar emphasized that Axar's underutilization is a waste of a valuable resource. "In my opinion, he is being underutilized as a resource. We are saying that you are playing three spinners, but you are unable to play them properly. I am not thinking much about the batting failure, but not bowling Axar Patel was an obvious mistake on Surya's part," he added.Akaash Chopra also highlighted the fact that Tristan Stubbs struggled against spinners, and a few more overs from Axar could have made a difference for India. "That was a thing that stood out here as Tristan Stubbs, who played well, wasn't able to pick length properly at the start. He was going back against full deliveries. He is a quality player and he showed in the end how and why, but Gerald Coetzee came as an out-of-syllabus question, and I feel he will get one-and-a-half to two crores extra in the auction because he also hit sixes," Chopra said.Despite Varun Chakravarthy's impressive five-wicket haul, South Africa managed to snatch a three-wicket victory, leveling the series at 1-1. The Proteas' victory halted India's 11-match winning streak, but it was not without its share of drama.India struggled to a modest total of 124 for six on a bouncy pitch, while South Africa collapsed to 66 for six and 86 for seven. However, Stubbs and Coetzee's valiant partnership of 42 runs for the eighth wicket guided South Africa to victory.

Pakistan's participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is in jeopardy following India's refusal to travel to the country for the tournament. According to sources within the Pakistan government, the country may withdraw from the event if its hosting rights are revoked.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its intention to seek clarification from the ICC regarding the hosting arrangements. The PCB has only been informed of India's decision not to participate but has not received any official communication about a potential hybrid model.Under a hybrid model, India's matches would be played in a neutral venue while other matches would be held in Pakistan. This approach was adopted during the Asia Cup last year.The PCB is awaiting policy guidelines from the government regarding its stance on India. The government's decision will be cited in the PCB's request for clarification from the ICC.The PCB source emphasized that the ICC could face legal implications if the Pakistan government decides to take a tough stance on cricket relations with India.The situation remains fluid, and the PCB is in consultation with the government to determine its next steps.