Ishan Kishan's Duleep Trophy Availability in Doubt Due to Injury

Ishan Kishan’s Duleep Trophy Availability in Doubt Due to Injury

Wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan’s participation in the Duleep Trophy opener on Thursday is uncertain due to a potential injury, according to Cricbuzz. Kishan is part of Team D, led by Shreyas Iyer, but his availability for the tournament remains unclear.

If Kishan is unable to play, Sanju Samson is likely to replace him in the squad. Team D’s second match is scheduled for September 12. The four-team competition will see each team play three matches.

Kishan recently participated in the Buchi Babu tournament in Chennai, where his team, Jharkhand, was eliminated in the league phase. He scored a century (115) and 41 not out in the first match, but managed only 1 and 5 in the second match.

Kishan’s absence from the Duleep Trophy would be a setback for his hopes of returning to the national squad. He was excluded from the list of centrally contracted BCCI players due to his absence from domestic cricket while not on national duty.

To be eligible for selection in the Indian team again, Kishan must play domestic cricket. His inclusion in the Duleep Trophy was an indication that the BCCI was willing to soften its stance on him. However, this reported injury could hinder his progress.

Notably, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is also injured and is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, nursing a hand injury.

Pakistan's Cricket Team Plummets to Historic Low in ICC Test Rankings

Pakistan’s Cricket Team Plummets to Historic Low in ICC Test Rankings

Pakistan’s cricket team has plummeted to its lowest ranking in over half a century, falling to eighth place in the ICC Test rankings after a humiliating series loss to Bangladesh. This marks the first time Pakistan has ever lost a Test series to Bangladesh.

The two-match series, held in Rawalpindi, saw Pakistan suffer a crushing 10-wicket defeat in the first Test and a 6-wicket loss in the second. The defeats have resulted in Pakistan dropping two places in the rankings, below West Indies, and accumulating a mere 76 rating points.

This is the lowest rating Pakistan has held since 1965, excluding a brief period when they were not ranked due to an insufficient number of matches. Bangladesh’s successful chase of 185 in the second Test was the third-highest by any visiting team in Pakistan.

Despite their impressive performance, Bangladesh did not receive a significant boost in the rankings, remaining in ninth place. However, the series victory has solidified their position in the World Test Championship cycle 2023-25, where they now rank fourth behind India, Australia, and New Zealand.

Bangladesh’s success in the series has earned them 13 rating points, bringing their total to 33. They will now shift their focus to a two-Test series against India, commencing on September 19 in Chennai.

In the World Test Championship, teams are ranked based on the percentage of points they win. A victory earns 12 points, a draw earns 4 points, and a tie earns 6 points.

Chhattisgarh Dominate TNCA XI with Yadav's Century and Khare's 97

Chhattisgarh Dominate TNCA XI with Yadav’s Century and Khare’s 97

Left-handed batsman Prateek Yadav and skipper Amandeep Khare played pivotal roles as Chhattisgarh amassed a formidable 450 runs for nine wickets before rain halted play on day two of their semifinal clash against TNCA XI in the Buchi Babu cricket tournament at the NPR College cricket ground in Natham.

Yadav, who resumed his innings on 61, accelerated his scoring and reached his century with two towering sixes off left-arm spinner Ajith Ram. He displayed his aggressive intent, charging at the bowler for a long-off six and slog-sweeping over mid-wicket for his century off just 113 deliveries.

Yadav’s partnership with Khare, who had resumed his attritional batting from overnight, flourished to 164 runs. Khare, known for his patient approach, flicked Achyuth for a four through mid-wicket and cover-drove Sonu for a similar outcome. He also reverse-swept Lakshay’s off-spin to deep backward point and lofted it to long on for two more boundaries.

However, Khare’s innings came to an end when he mistimed a wide delivery from Lakshay, resulting in a sharp low catch by Mokit Hariharan at short fine leg. Khare departed with a well-crafted 97 off 267 deliveries.

Chhattisgarh’s innings was eventually declared at 450 for nine after 146.2 overs. Ajith Ram and Lakshay Jain were the most successful bowlers for TNCA XI, claiming four wickets each.

In the other semifinal match played in Tirunelveli, Hyderabad posted a total of 313 runs. TNCA President’s XI responded with 291 for six wickets at the close of play, with S. Rithik Easwaran (83 batting) and M. Mohammed (41 batting) holding the crease.

Yuvraj Singh Mentors Punjab Batsmen Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma

Yuvraj Singh Mentors Punjab Batsmen Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma

Yuvraj Singh, the legendary Indian all-rounder, has played a pivotal role in mentoring two promising Punjab batsmen: Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. Both players have already made their India debuts, with Gill emerging as a rising star in world cricket and Sharma showcasing his exceptional six-hitting abilities.

On Sharma’s 24th birthday, Yuvraj took to social media to extend his heartfelt wishes and share a glimpse of their training session. “Happy birthday sir Abhishek. Hope you take as many singles this year as many as you knock out of the park,” Yuvraj wrote playfully, acknowledging Sharma’s penchant for hitting towering sixes.

Sharma made his international debut in the T20I series against Zimbabwe earlier this year, where he played under the leadership of Gill. Despite being part of a young Indian team, Sharma impressed with his blistering century in the fourth match of the series, amassing 124 runs in four innings.

A versatile batsman, Sharma initially played in the middle order but has successfully adapted to batting in the top three positions for Punjab in domestic cricket and the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League. He also possesses useful left-arm spin bowling skills.

Yuvraj’s social media post further emphasized the importance of hard work and dedication. “Keep putting in the hard work! Loads of love and wishes for a great year ahead!” he wrote.

Sharma’s journey to the international stage is a testament to his talent and the guidance he has received from mentors like Yuvraj Singh. As he continues to develop his skills, Sharma has the potential to become a formidable force in Indian cricket.

Club vs Country Debate Intensifies in New Zealand Cricket

Club vs Country Debate Intensifies in New Zealand Cricket

The club vs country debate has become a pressing issue in New Zealand cricket, with several high-profile players opting out of central contracts. Test captain Tim Southee acknowledges the challenge, attributing it to the “changing landscape of international cricket.”

Southee hopes for collaboration between cricket boards and franchise leagues to address the issue. He emphasizes that New Zealand’s board is working towards a solution that benefits both parties.

The proliferation of lucrative offers in franchise leagues has contributed to the dilemma. However, Southee insists that his focus remains on representing New Zealand. He believes the team will not be affected by the contract decisions, as there are players with and without contracts on the current tour.

Among those who have declined contracts are Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne. Williamson is part of the squad for the upcoming Test against Afghanistan, the first of six Tests in the subcontinent.

Southee views the subcontinent tour as an exciting challenge, particularly for the spinners. New Zealand boasts a strong spin contingent, including Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips.

Afghanistan’s spin threat is also acknowledged by Southee. He expects the spinners to play a significant role in the subcontinent conditions.

Southee admits to not being at his best towards the end of the previous summer. However, he feels refreshed and ready for the upcoming challenges.

The Test against Afghanistan will be played from September 9 to 13, followed by tours of Sri Lanka and India.

Dhoni vs. Rohit: Contrasting Leadership Styles Shape Indian Cricket

Dhoni vs. Rohit: Contrasting Leadership Styles Shape Indian Cricket

MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, two of India’s most successful cricket captains, have distinct leadership styles that have shaped their teams’ performances.

Dhoni, known for his calm and composed demeanor, believes in empowering his players and allowing them to learn from their mistakes. Harbhajan Singh, who played under Dhoni, recalled an incident where Dhoni refused to intervene when Shardul Thakur was being hit for boundaries. Instead, Dhoni let Thakur learn from his errors.

In contrast, Rohit Sharma is a more hands-on captain who actively communicates with his players and provides them with confidence. Harbhajan highlighted Rohit’s ability to connect with each player and instill a belief in their abilities.

Rohit’s experience as captain of Mumbai Indians for over a decade and the Indian team for the past few years has honed his leadership skills. He has successfully led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title, ending the country’s long wait for an ICC trophy.

While Dhoni’s approach focuses on individual growth and self-reliance, Rohit’s style emphasizes communication, support, and a shared vision. Both captains have achieved remarkable success, demonstrating that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership.

Dhoni’s golden era with the Indian team from 2007 to 2013 saw India rise to the top of the world rankings in Tests and win the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy. Rohit, on the other hand, has led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title and is expected to guide the team to further glory in the future.

Pakistan Cricket in Crisis: Former Players Blame PCB Leadership

Pakistan Cricket in Crisis: Former Players Blame PCB Leadership

Pakistan’s recent Test series defeat against Bangladesh has sparked widespread criticism, with former players and fans alike blaming the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its leadership for the team’s decline. Ex-wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has singled out former PCB chairmen for their role in the team’s struggles.

Latif criticized the frequent changes in leadership, questioning the decisions to remove Babar Azam as captain and appoint Shan Masood in his place. He also questioned the appointment of Zaka Ashraf as PCB chairman, accusing him of dividing the team and making poor decisions.

Ashraf, in his defense, claimed that the team’s unity improved after Babar’s removal as captain. However, Latif dismissed this, stating that the team began to disintegrate after Babar’s resignation. He also criticized Ashraf for appointing Masood as captain, alleging that it was done to break the team.

Latif further criticized the role of former captain and coach Misbah-ul-Haq, who returned to the PCB as an advisor and headed a cricket committee. He questioned Misbah’s influence on team selection and captaincy decisions.

The victory for Bangladesh, which came after they recovered from a precarious position in the second Test, highlighted the weaknesses in the Pakistani team. Rookie pacers Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana combined to take nine wickets and bowl out Pakistan for 172, setting up an easy victory for the visitors.

Latif called for accountability and transparency in the PCB, suggesting that the chairman’s role should be limited and that they should not have the power to appoint captains or form selection committees. He also criticized the lack of cricket knowledge among PCB officials.

Gambhir's Coaching Challenges: Players Face Greater Pressure Than Coach

Gambhir’s Coaching Challenges: Players Face Greater Pressure Than Coach

Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team has commenced with a T20I series victory and an ODI series defeat. While Gambhir has much to learn and implement in the coming weeks, his success or failure will ultimately be judged by the team’s performance in ICC events.

Despite concerns about certain aspects of Gambhir’s coaching style, his former opening partner Virender Sehwag believes the challenges lie more with the players than the coach. “The players have won the T20 World Cup, they know their roles. Gambhir’s arrival will provide clarity and support,” Sehwag said.

Sehwag emphasized that the players face greater challenges in executing their roles and delivering results on the field. “Gambhir is there to help them,” he added.

Gambhir’s next assignment is the Test series against Bangladesh at home. While India has never lost a Test match to their neighbors, the recent Pakistan vs Bangladesh series serves as a reminder that the Bangla Tigers should not be underestimated.

Gambhir’s coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, hard work, and a winning mentality. He has been known to be demanding and expects high standards from his players. However, he also believes in creating a positive and supportive environment.

As Gambhir settles into his new role, he will need to find the right balance between discipline and motivation. He will also need to build strong relationships with his players and staff.

The upcoming Test series against Bangladesh will provide an early indication of Gambhir’s impact on the team. If India can maintain its dominance over its neighbor, it will be a positive sign for the future. However, if Bangladesh can pull off an upset, it will raise questions about Gambhir’s coaching abilities.

Bangladesh Whitewashes Pakistan 2-0 in Historic Test Series

Bangladesh Whitewashes Pakistan 2-0 in Historic Test Series

Bangladesh has achieved a historic 2-0 Test series whitewash over Pakistan on Pakistani soil, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing history. Despite Pakistan’s 12-0 record over Bangladesh in Test cricket and Bangladesh’s 0-20 record in Pakistan, the Tigers have emerged victorious.

The series victory is Bangladesh’s second-ever Test series win on away soil. Pakistan’s dismal performance has drawn criticism from experts, with Indian cricket journalist Harsha Bhogle calling it “embarrassing.”

After a rain-affected first day, Pakistan was bowled out for 274 on Day 2. Bangladesh, however, found themselves in trouble at 26/6 in their first innings. A resilient comeback led by Litton Das’ 138 off 228 balls brought Bangladesh within 12 runs of Pakistan’s total.

Bangladesh then bowled out Pakistan for 172 in the second innings, with Hasan Mahmud taking a five-wicket haul. Chasing the target, every Bangladesh batter contributed with a 20-plus score, guiding the team to a historic series win.

Earlier, Bangladesh had won the first Test by 10 wickets after a Pakistan second innings collapse. The series victory has propelled Bangladesh to an unprecedented fourth spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle standings, while Pakistan’s chances of reaching the final are almost certainly over.

Rahul Dravid Reflects on Coaching Career, Shares Career Advice

Rahul Dravid Reflects on Coaching Career, Shares Career Advice

Rahul Dravid, the former India coach and captain, recently shared his thoughts on his coaching career and the challenges of the game at the CEAT awards. Dravid, who guided India to victory in the T20 World Cup earlier this year, reflected on the highs and lows of his tenure.

“The beauty of this game is that you are failing a lot more than you are succeeding,” Dravid said. “But that’s what makes it so much more fun, so much more enjoyable.”

Dravid’s tenure as coach was marked by both success and disappointment. India reached the final of the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup but lost both to Australia. However, they managed to bring home the T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final.

“When you have moments like that, I try and avoid showing that to my children, thinking I’ve gone mad or something,” Dravid said of his emotions after winning the T20 World Cup. “But I have been always telling the boys that we have got to maintain our balance, we’ve got to remain cool and not go up and down with the results.”

Dravid also spoke about the challenges of coaching a team at the highest level. “You are constantly under scrutiny,” he said. “You are constantly being judged. But that’s part of the job. You have to be able to handle that pressure.”

Despite the challenges, Dravid said he enjoyed his time as coach. “It was a great experience,” he said. “I learned a lot. I grew a lot. And I made some lifelong friends.”

Dravid is now looking forward to the next chapter in his career. He has not yet announced his plans, but he said he is open to new opportunities. “I’m not sure what the future holds,” he said. “But I’m excited to find out.”

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