R Ashwin Reclaims No. 1 Test Bowling Spot, India Dominates ICC Rankings

R Ashwin Reclaims No. 1 Test Bowling Spot, India Dominates ICC Rankings

R Ashwin’s stellar performance in the fifth Test against England has propelled him back to the top of the ICC Test bowling rankings. The Indian offspinner’s nine-wicket haul in Dharamsala has earned him the No. 1 spot for the sixth time in his career.

Ashwin’s resurgence has coincided with a dip in form for Jasprit Bumrah, who has slipped to No. 3. However, India’s bowling attack remains formidable, with Kuldeep Yadav rising to a career-best 16th after his seven-wicket haul in Dharamsala.

In the Test batting rankings, Rohit Sharma has moved up to sixth, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill have also made significant gains. Jaiswal’s impressive start to his Test career has seen him accumulate 740 rating points, placing him behind only Don Bradman and Mike Hussey among batters with nine or fewer Tests.

The ICC rankings also reflect the dominance of India across formats. The Men in Blue are ranked No. 1 in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, with Australia and England trailing in the Test and ODI rankings, and England and Australia in the T20I rankings.

In the ODI batting rankings, Harry Tector’s impressive performances against Afghanistan have lifted him to fourth place, while Babar Azam remains at the summit. In the ODI bowling rankings, Keshav Maharaj, Josh Hazlewood, and Adam Zampa occupy the top three spots.

The T20I batting rankings are led by Suryakumar Yadav, Phil Salt, and Mohammad Rizwan, while Adil Rashid, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Akeal Hosein are the top three bowlers.

In the allrounder rankings, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Nabi, and Shakib Al Hasan are the top-ranked players in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, respectively.

Sri Lanka Openers Give Solid Start in First ODI Against Bangladesh

Sri Lanka Openers Give Solid Start in First ODI Against Bangladesh

Sri Lanka’s opening batsmen, Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando, got off to a solid start in the first ODI against Bangladesh in Chittagong on Wednesday. Nissanka struck a six over mid-wicket off Taijul Islam, while Fernando hit a boundary through covers off Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

However, Sakib provided the breakthrough for Bangladesh, dismissing Fernando for 24. The left-arm spinner bowled a full and wide delivery outside off, which Fernando edged to the keeper.

Nissanka continued to play aggressively, hitting another boundary off Sakib and a four off Shoriful Islam. He was eventually dismissed for 35, caught behind off Taijul Islam.

Kusal Mendis, the Sri Lankan captain, came to the crease and played a patient innings, scoring 25 off 40 balls. He was supported by Sadeera Samarawickrama, who made 22 off 33 balls.

Bangladesh’s bowlers kept the Sri Lankan batsmen in check, with Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam taking two wickets each. Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib also bowled economically.

At the end of 20 overs, Sri Lanka were 105/3, with Mendis and Samarawickrama at the crease.

Kohli's Iconic Shot Fuels Fan Support Amid T20 World Cup Speculation

Kohli’s Iconic Shot Fuels Fan Support Amid T20 World Cup Speculation

Amidst the ongoing speculation surrounding Virat Kohli’s inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad, fans have rallied behind the cricketing icon, reminiscing about his unforgettable performance in the previous edition of the tournament in Australia.

Kohli’s iconic shot against Pakistan’s Haris Rauf during the 2022 T20 World Cup has become a symbol of his unparalleled skill and nerve under pressure. The momentous six, hailed as the ‘shot of the century,’ captivated cricket enthusiasts worldwide and showcased Kohli’s ability to deliver in high-stakes situations.

Social media platforms have been flooded with videos of Kohli’s memorable shot, with fans expressing their unwavering support for his inclusion in the Indian squad. Former Pakistan cricketers Danish Kaneria and Mohammad Irfan have also voiced their support, echoing the sentiments of countless fans who believe in Kohli’s prowess on the cricket field.

England legend Stuart Broad took to social media to question the authenticity of the news surrounding Kohli’s potential exclusion, further fueling the debate about his place in the team.

Kohli’s memorable encounter with Rauf occurred on October 23, 2022, during a high-stakes match at the T20 World Cup in Melbourne. With India facing a challenging chase against Pakistan, Kohli’s steely resolve and masterful stroke play came to the fore as he smashed Rauf for two crucial sixes, igniting a roar of approval from the packed crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The electrifying display of skill and composure by Kohli during that pivotal moment serves as a reminder of his ability to thrive under pressure and deliver when it matters most. As fans eagerly await the final squad announcement for the T20 World Cup, their unwavering support for Kohli remains steadfast, underscoring his status as a cricketing icon and a source of inspiration for millions around the globe.

Queensland Hold Slender Lead Over NSW in Thrilling Shield Clash

Queensland Hold Slender Lead Over NSW in Thrilling Shield Clash

Queensland and New South Wales are locked in a thrilling battle at Allan Border Field, with the home side holding a slender lead of 115 runs heading into the final day.

NSW resumed play on Wednesday well-placed at 222 for 5, and Ollie Davies took the game by the scruff of the neck to post a deserved century. The 23-year-old thumped 131 off 147 balls, lifting his side to a competitive total of 316.

Queensland’s response got off to a shaky start, as they slumped to 42 for 4 and 118 for 5. However, Jimmy Peirson and Jack Wildermuth combined to help them avoid an innings loss. Peirson, who scored 64 in the first innings, is still unbeaten on 57, while Xavier Bartlett has contributed a valuable 57 not out.

The pair will resume at the crease on Thursday, with captain Peirson still hopeful of pulling off an upset victory. “I’d love another 50 or 60 runs,” Peirson said. “There’s a crack developing at one end for the quicks to hit that, and there’s certainly some divots there to play with as well. So if we can get another 50 or 60 runs – it’s a funny game.”

NSW spinner Tanveer Sangha has been the pick of the bowlers, finishing the day with 4 for 116. The most special of those dismissals was that of Jack Clayton, with Davies snaring a one-handed reflex catch at leg slip.

NSW opener Sam Konstas suffered a potential concussion after hitting his head on the turf while dropping a catch late on day three. Konstas is set to miss the final day, which could be a blow to NSW’s hopes of victory.

BCCI to Control State Associations' Foreign Cricket Engagements

BCCI to Control State Associations’ Foreign Cricket Engagements

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is implementing a new policy that will require state cricket associations to route all proposals for training camps and competitions with foreign boards through the parent body. This decision will be finalized at the BCCI’s Apex Council meeting on March 18.

The move comes after several state units, including Delhi and Puducherry, held discussions with foreign boards, primarily associate nations, to host them on exposure trips. The Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) has reportedly received a proposal from the Nepal Cricket Association.

“State units can certainly partner with foreign boards for cricket-related activities, but those agreements must be facilitated by the BCCI as it is the parent body. All proposals must go through the BCCI,” said a BCCI source.

The upcoming Apex Council meeting will include a discussion on “state cricket associations collaborating with foreign boards for organizing cricket.” The BCCI will then take matters into its own hands.

Nepal is expected to visit India for an exposure trip ahead of the T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean in June. Officials from the Cricket Association of Nepal met with BCCI secretary Jay Shah last month.

The BCCI has a history of assisting associate nations. Afghanistan used India as its home base for an extended period before the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing facilities in Dehradun and Greater Noida for training and competition.

The new policy aims to streamline the process of organizing international cricket events and ensure that all such activities are conducted in accordance with BCCI regulations. It will also provide the BCCI with greater oversight and control over the activities of state cricket associations.

Rishabh Pant Declared Fit, Set for IPL Comeback After 14-Month Recovery

Rishabh Pant Declared Fit, Set for IPL Comeback After 14-Month Recovery

Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, is poised to make a triumphant return to competitive cricket after a grueling 14-month recovery from a devastating car accident in December 2022. As the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches, Pant reflects on the challenges and triumphs he has faced during his rehabilitation journey.

In an exclusive interview with TOI, Pant candidly shared the emotional toll of missing the ODI World Cup hosted by India last year. “It was very upsetting,” he admitted. “We had set our sights on the World Cup, but my knee couldn’t handle the load.”

Undeterred, Pant embraced the setback as an opportunity for growth. “I started pushing myself more,” he said. “When you set shorter goals, it helps you stay motivated. It’s like building a good Test innings.”

The official declaration of fitness by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has filled Pant with immense satisfaction. “This was the thing we were waiting for,” he exclaimed. “I just want to go out there and play and have fun.”

Pant has already joined the Delhi Capitals camp in Vizag, where he will prepare for the team’s IPL opener against Punjab Kings on March 23. The wicketkeeper-batsman is eager to contribute to his team’s success and prove that he is back to his best.

Pant’s return to competitive cricket is a testament to his resilience and determination. After enduring a life-threatening accident, he has emerged stronger than ever, ready to once again showcase his exceptional skills on the field.

IPL 2024: 10 Indian Players Could Earn Over Rs 100 Crore Without Salary Cap

IPL 2024: 10 Indian Players Could Earn Over Rs 100 Crore Without Salary Cap

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is poised to be an exciting spectacle, with teams bolstering their squads through the recent auction. While some teams have maintained their core, others have made significant acquisitions.

Australian pace duo Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc commanded record-breaking bids, fetching over Rs 20 crore each for SunRisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders, respectively. This marked the first time the Rs 20 crore threshold was surpassed in IPL history.

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa believes that the absence of a salary cap would result in astronomical salaries for Indian players. He estimates that as many as 10 Indian players could command over Rs 100 crore if the purse limit were removed.

“With an open auction and no purse limit, we have 10 players who can get over 100 crore,” Uthappa said on News24 Sports. “Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal would all be in that bracket.”

Uthappa, who has played for several IPL franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, emphasized the exceptional talent of these players. He highlighted their consistent performances, match-winning abilities, and fan following as factors that would drive their market value.

The IPL’s salary cap of Rs 100 crore per franchise ensures a level playing field and prevents teams from hoarding star players. However, Uthappa’s comments raise questions about the potential financial implications if the cap were lifted.

With the IPL 2024 season approaching, fans can expect intense competition and thrilling matches as teams vie for the coveted trophy. The presence of world-class players and the possibility of record-breaking salaries add to the anticipation surrounding the tournament.

Virat Kohli's T20 World Cup Inclusion Undoubted, Says Danish Kaneria

Virat Kohli’s T20 World Cup Inclusion Undoubted, Says Danish Kaneria

Amidst the ongoing speculation surrounding Virat Kohli’s potential exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup squad, former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has expressed his unwavering belief that the star batter will retain his place in the team.

Kaneria dismissed the rumors circulating on social media, emphasizing that such platforms should not be taken seriously. He firmly stated that Kohli’s inclusion is imperative, given his consistent run-scoring and invaluable experience.

“How can you ignore him (Virat)? He should be in India’s squad. He has been scoring runs, it is not a time to look beyond Kohli, it is a time to have Kohli in your squad, who can also groom youngsters,” Kaneria told IANS.

Kohli’s last T20I appearance was in January against Afghanistan, where he scored 29 and 0 in two matches. However, Kaneria believes that these performances should not overshadow his overall contributions.

In addition to Kohli, Kaneria also lauded the resurgence of chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav. He noted Yadav’s regained confidence and improved performance, encouraging him to continue building on his momentum.

Looking ahead to the upcoming IPL season, Kaneria urged the BCCI and franchises to prioritize the workload management of key players, especially to prevent injuries to the likes of Jasprit Bumrah. He also highlighted the importance of nurturing emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Expressing his desire to contribute to the game, Kaneria expressed his willingness to return to the field as a coach. He welcomed the opportunity to work with any IPL team, particularly to mentor young spinners and contribute to the development of the next generation of cricketers.

Rishabh Pant's Leg Amputation Considered After Horrific Car Crash

Rishabh Pant’s Leg Amputation Considered After Horrific Car Crash

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant’s life took a dramatic turn after a horrific car crash in December 2022. The accident left him with severe injuries, including a damaged ligament in his right knee, a hurt wrist and ankle, and abrasions to his back. The severity of his injuries was such that doctors even considered amputating his leg.

Pant’s recovery journey has been arduous and challenging. He underwent intensive rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, working tirelessly to regain his fitness. The 26-year-old is now set to make his comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Delhi Capitals, marking his return to competitive cricket after a 14-month absence.

The accident has had a profound impact on Pant’s life, both physically and mentally. He admits that the long layoff has taken a toll on him, but he is grateful to be alive and have the opportunity to play cricket again.

“When my accident happened, I felt something spiritual saved me,” Pant said. “With the kind of accident I had, I only got my knee injured, but I can’t even imagine how much worse it could have been.”

Pant’s determination to return to the field is evident in his rigorous rehabilitation program. He has been working tirelessly to regain his strength and fitness, and is eager to prove that he is still one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen in the world.

If all goes well in the IPL, Pant could be in contention for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States in June. The tournament would be a major milestone in his comeback journey, and would serve as a testament to his resilience and determination.

Pant’s accident has been a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. He has emerged from the experience with a renewed appreciation for life and a deep gratitude for the support he has received from his family, friends, and fans.

David Miller Postpones Wedding for $150,000 BPL Payout

David Miller Postpones Wedding for $150,000 BPL Payout

Legendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram has revealed a sensational claim that South African all-rounder David Miller postponed his wedding to play the final three matches of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024 for Fortune Barishal. Akram stated that Miller was offered a hefty sum of $150,000 (approximately Rs 1.24 crore) to participate in the crucial matches, which ultimately led Barishal to their maiden BPL title.

Miller, who recently tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend Camilla Harris in a lavish ceremony in Cape Town, reportedly made the decision to prioritize his professional commitments over his personal life. Akram disclosed this information during A Sports’ ‘The Pavillion’ show on March 12, following a match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

“I just found out today because we were discussing who won the BPL as we were not following because of the PSL. David Miller was offered $150,000 to play three matches. He postponed his wedding,” Akram said.

Akram’s revelation has sparked a buzz in the cricketing world, highlighting the financial incentives and sacrifices that players make to excel in their careers. Miller’s decision to delay his wedding for the sake of his team’s success is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the sport.

In a separate incident, Akram criticized Pakistan batter Abdullah Shafique for his muted celebration after taking a catch to dismiss Imad Wasim during the PSL 2024 match between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United. Shafique’s gesture, which involved putting his finger over his mouth, was interpreted by Akram as an attempt to silence his critics.

“No doubt, great catch but who is responsible for dropping 36 catches in Australia’s Test series? Who will answer for that? Abdullah should work in drama industry rather than cricket,” Akram said on A Sports.

Akram’s comments reflect his belief that players should focus on their performances rather than engaging in unnecessary theatrics. He emphasized the importance of accountability and responsibility in the game of cricket.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering foreign coaches from the PSL to potentially lead the national team until next year’s ICC Champions Trophy. With time running out and limited options available, the PCB is exploring the possibility of appointing a foreign coach to guide the team in the upcoming tournaments.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart