Gambhir's All-Time India XI: Surprises and Snubs

Gambhir’s All-Time India XI: Surprises and Snubs

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, recently unveiled his all-time India XI, sparking both admiration and debate among fans. The team, which features a blend of legendary players and modern-day greats, notably excludes some of India’s most prominent current stars.

Gambhir’s opening duo comprises himself and Virender Sehwag, two aggressive and prolific batsmen who formed a formidable partnership during their playing days. At number three, he has placed Rahul Dravid, the former Indian captain and current head coach of the National Cricket Academy.

The middle order boasts an array of batting stalwarts. Sachin Tendulkar, the “God of Cricket,” occupies the number four spot, followed by Virat Kohli, the current Indian captain and one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Yuvraj Singh, the swashbuckling all-rounder, and MS Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman, complete the batting lineup at numbers six and seven, respectively.

In the bowling department, Gambhir has opted for a spin-heavy attack. Anil Kumble, the former Indian captain and one of the greatest leg-spinners of all time, is placed at number eight, followed by Ravichandran Ashwin, the current Indian off-spinner.

For the pace bowling unit, Gambhir has selected Irfan Pathan, a left-arm seamer known for his all-round abilities, and Zaheer Khan, a left-arm pacer who was a key member of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning team. Notably absent from the list is Jasprit Bumrah, the current Indian pace spearhead and one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket.

Gambhir’s decision to snub Rohit Sharma, the current Indian ODI captain and one of the most prolific batsmen in limited-overs cricket, has raised eyebrows. Similarly, the omission of Kapil Dev, the legendary all-rounder who captained India to its first World Cup victory in 1983, has also sparked discussion.

Despite the absence of these star players, Gambhir’s all-time India XI remains a formidable lineup, showcasing the depth and talent that Indian cricket has produced over the years. It is a testament to the country’s rich cricketing history and the abundance of exceptional players who have graced the game.

Bangladesh Fight Back to Level Rawalpindi Test

Bangladesh Fight Back to Level Rawalpindi Test

The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi took a dramatic turn on Day 3, with Bangladesh fighting back from a precarious position to leave the match hanging in the balance.

Pakistan had dominated the first session, with Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza dismantling Bangladesh’s top order to leave them reeling at 26-6. However, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan staged a remarkable recovery, putting on a 165-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

Das, who scored a fighting 165, and Hasan, who contributed a pugnacious 78, defied the Pakistani bowlers for over five hours, bringing Bangladesh back into the match. Their partnership was the highest ever for the seventh wicket after the first six wickets had fallen for 30 runs or fewer in Test cricket.

Pakistan eventually broke the stand when Khurram Shahzad dismissed Hasan, but Das continued to fight, reaching his fourth Test century before falling to Agha Salman. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 262, giving Pakistan a slender 12-run lead.

Pakistan’s openers faced a challenging 20-minute period to see out the remaining overs, but Abdullah Shafique struggled and was dismissed in the final over of the day by Hasan Mahmud. Khurram Shahzad, who came in as the nightwatchman, was also dismissed by Mahmud, leaving Pakistan with a 21-run lead and eight wickets in hand.

The Test is now poised on a knife’s edge, with both teams having a chance to secure victory on the remaining two days. Pakistan will need to bowl Bangladesh out quickly to set up a chase, while Bangladesh will be looking to make the most of the new ball and put early pressure on the Pakistani batsmen.

Australian Cricketers Get Zapped in Hilarious Lie Detector Test

Australian Cricketers Get Zapped in Hilarious Lie Detector Test

Australian Cricketers Face Hilarious Lie Detector Test, Revealing Personal Secrets

Australian cricketers Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, and Josh Hazlewood recently participated in a hilarious lie detector test on the ‘Fletch and Hindy’ show on the Fox Network. The test, which has gone viral on social media, featured a series of funny and personal questions that left the players in stitches.

One of the most memorable moments came when Khawaja was asked if he had ever watched porn through virtual reality (VR). Despite answering “no,” he received an electric shock, indicating a lie. The incident sent the room into a fit of laughter.

Another question that raised eyebrows was directed at Cummins, who was asked if he had ever watched adult materials in VR goggles and lied about it. The pace-bowling all-rounder admitted to doing so, much to the amusement of his teammates.

The test also revealed some interesting tidbits about Glenn Maxwell, who missed Australia’s Cricket World Cup match against England due to a freak golf cart accident. Khawaja, who witnessed the incident, confirmed that Maxwell had indeed fallen off the cart, but he received an electric shock when he denied that it was a cover-up.

Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh disclosed that Maxwell had traveled to Turkey to get a new set of teeth.

The lie detector test provided a glimpse into the personal lives of the Australian cricketers, showcasing their sense of humor and camaraderie. The videos have garnered widespread attention on social media, highlighting the lighter side of the sport.

Yograj Singh Unleashes Fresh Attack on MS Dhoni, Accuses Him of Unforgivable Wrongs

Yograj Singh Unleashes Fresh Attack on MS Dhoni, Accuses Him of Unforgivable Wrongs

Yograj Singh, the father of former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, has reignited his feud with MS Dhoni, accusing him of ruining his son’s career. Yograj, who played seven international matches for India, has repeatedly criticized Dhoni on public platforms, alleging that he sabotaged Yuvraj’s chances of success.

In a recent interview with Zee Switch YouTube channel, Yograj expressed his unwavering resentment towards Dhoni. “I won’t forgive MS Dhoni. He should look at his face in the mirror. He is a great cricketer, but what he has done against my son is unforgivable,” he said.

Yograj’s accusations stem from his belief that Dhoni deliberately sidelined Yuvraj in the Indian team. He claims that Dhoni’s jealousy of Yuvraj’s talent led him to manipulate the selection process and limit his opportunities.

This is not the first time Yograj has attacked Dhoni. Earlier this year, he blamed Dhoni for Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) poor performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He alleged that Dhoni’s “bad deeds” had come back to haunt him, resulting in CSK’s failure.

Yograj’s comments have sparked a heated debate on social media, with many fans expressing their support for Yuvraj and criticizing Dhoni’s alleged actions. However, Dhoni has remained silent on the matter, choosing not to engage in a public feud with Yograj.

Meanwhile, Dhoni retired from international cricket in August 2020 but continues to play in the IPL. His future with CSK remains uncertain, as there is no clarity on whether he will participate in the tournament next year.

Yograj’s accusations have cast a shadow over Dhoni’s legacy, raising questions about his conduct as a captain and his relationship with fellow players. The ongoing feud between the two former cricketers highlights the complexities of team dynamics and the potential for personal conflicts to impact sporting careers.

Mysore Warriors Crowned Maharaja Trophy Champions with 45-Run Victory

Mysore Warriors Crowned Maharaja Trophy Champions with 45-Run Victory

Mysore Warriors emerged victorious in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 tournament, claiming a 45-run triumph over Bengaluru Blasters in the final at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Batting first, the Warriors amassed a formidable total of 207 for four wickets. Opener S.U. Karthik set the tone with a blistering 71 off 44 deliveries, including seven boundaries and three sixes. Skipper Karun Nair contributed a steady 66 off 45 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes.

The Warriors’ middle order provided valuable support. Manoj Bhandage played a whirlwind knock of 44 not out off just 13 deliveries, smashing three sixes and a four off the final four balls of the innings. This late surge propelled the Warriors’ total beyond the 200-run mark.

In response, the Blasters struggled to keep pace with the Warriors’ imposing target. L.R. Chethan top-scored with 51, while M. Kranthikumar remained unbeaten on 39. However, the Blasters’ chase was hampered by the Warriors’ disciplined bowling attack.

All-rounder Vidyadhar Patil was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets for 19 runs. Senior off-spinner K. Gowtham also chipped in with two wickets for 23 runs. The Blasters were eventually restricted to 162 for eight wickets, falling short of the Warriors’ total.

The Warriors’ victory marked their second Maharaja Trophy triumph, having previously won the tournament in 2014 when it was known as the Karnataka Premier League. The team’s success was a testament to their fine batting performance and first-rate bowling.

England Thrash Sri Lanka by 190 Runs, Atkinson Takes Five Wickets

England Thrash Sri Lanka by 190 Runs, Atkinson Takes Five Wickets

England’s Gus Atkinson continued his remarkable Lord’s legacy, claiming five wickets as the hosts thrashed Sri Lanka by 190 runs in the second Test on Sunday. This emphatic victory secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Sri Lanka faced an insurmountable task of chasing down a record-breaking 483 in the fourth innings. Despite valiant efforts from Dinesh Chandimal (58), Dimuth Karunaratne (55), and captain Dhananjaya de Silva (50), they were dismissed for 292 after tea on the fourth day.

Atkinson, who had earlier scored his maiden first-class century in England’s first innings, led the bowling attack with an impressive 5-62. His performance earned him a fifth mention on the Lord’s dressing room honors boards in just his second Test at the iconic venue.

Atkinson’s heroics made him only the third England cricketer after Tony Greig and Ian Botham to score a century and take five wickets in an innings of the same Test. He also joined India’s Vinoo Mankad and Botham as the only players to achieve this feat at Lord’s.

The 26-year-old Surrey paceman’s latest impressive return helped England seal a seventh successive win over Sri Lanka. This victory followed their five-wicket success in the first Test at Old Trafford.

“To get on both honors boards is incredible,” Atkinson said after the match. “It will take a while to sink in.”

This game was also a personal triumph for England captain Joe Root. For the first time in his 145 Test matches, Root scored centuries in both innings (143 and 103), setting a new record of 34 Test centuries by an England batsman.

Sri Lanka have little time to regroup before the third Test at The Oval, which starts on Friday. De Silva admitted that he had made a mistake in opting to field on a good batting pitch after winning the toss.

“Definitely. I got it wrong,” he told the BBC. “We have got to improve on the first innings whether we bat or bowl first, that’s what I will be telling my boys is that we’ve got to start better.”

Sri Lanka resumed Sunday on 53-2, with the odds stacked against them. However, Root dropped a tough chance to dismiss Karunaratne, who went on to score a half-century.

Olly Stone, in his first Test for three years, dismissed Karunaratne shortly before lunch. Chandimal counter-attacked with a quickfire fifty, but Atkinson had him caught at short leg.

Kamindu Mendis, who had scored a century in the first Test, fell for just four on Sunday. De Silva and Milan Rathnayake were also dismissed by Atkinson, who completed his five-wicket haul.

Chris Woakes had the final say when Lahiru Kumara holed out to Stone at mid-on.

Sarfaraz Khan's Dream Debut: A Testament to Determination and Talent

Sarfaraz Khan’s Dream Debut: A Testament to Determination and Talent

Sarfaraz Khan’s journey to the Indian Test team has been a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent. After making his first-class debut in 2014, he amassed a staggering number of runs, yet the elusive dream of playing for India remained out of reach.

Despite being retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2018, Sarfaraz was benched due to fitness concerns. However, he returned to Mumbai in 2019 and embarked on a remarkable run, scoring 928 runs in six matches at an average of 154.66. This performance earned him a recall to the Indian Test squad.

In the third Test against England in Rajkot, Sarfaraz made his debut at the expense of Mumbai teammate Shreyas Iyer. Despite the absence of Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz was not initially selected in the Test squad. However, with K.L. Rahul also out of commission, Sarfaraz was drafted into the side.

On his debut, Sarfaraz showcased his aggressive batting style, smashing 161 off just 160 deliveries. He played with a fearless mindset, unfazed by the pressure of playing in his first Test match. Sarfaraz’s innings helped India recover from a precarious position and set the stage for a memorable victory.

In the subsequent Tests, Sarfaraz continued to impress, scoring a half-century in the second innings of the Rajkot Test and a fierce 56 in the final Test in Dharamsala. He has now scored three half-centuries in his first five Test innings and averages an impressive 50.

India’s selection panel now faces a dilemma, as Sarfaraz’s performances have put him in contention for a regular spot in the middle order. With Kohli and Rahul returning to the team, there is only one middle-order slot up for grabs.

Sarfaraz’s main competition comes from Devdutt Padikkal, who made a promising debut in Dharamsala. However, Sarfaraz’s experience and proven ability to score runs in difficult situations make him a strong candidate for selection.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Sarfaraz remains focused on his goal of becoming a regular member of the Indian Test team. He knows that he has earned his spurs, and he is determined to continue making the most of every opportunity he gets.

Ollie Pope Vows to Ignore Criticism Amid Batting Struggles

Ollie Pope Vows to Ignore Criticism Amid Batting Struggles

Ollie Pope, England’s stand-in captain, has vowed to ignore criticism of his batting after a disappointing performance against Sri Lanka. Despite England’s perfect record under his leadership, Pope has come under fire for failing to reach 20 in four innings.

Pope’s dismissals in the first Test at Lord’s raised concerns about his ability to balance captaincy and batting. However, he insists that he will not use his new role as an excuse for his poor form.

“I’m not going to put down my average shot to the fact that I was captain,” Pope said. “I’ll learn from it and move on.”

Pope acknowledges that his nervous starts have been an issue, but he is working to improve them. “It’s something that I’m still trying to improve in my game,” he said. “I want to keep on improving, especially the way I start my innings.”

Despite the criticism, Pope remains confident in his abilities. He has sought advice from Joe Root, who has been in excellent form for England. “Any batter in England can learn a fair bit off him,” Pope said.

Pope is excited to play his first Test at The Oval, his home ground. “It’s always special getting back to The Oval,” he said. “Hopefully there will be a great crowd in.”

England are aiming for a summer sweep, having not won every Test in a home season since 2004. “It would be a pretty cool thing to look back on,” Pope said. “We’ve played some really good cricket throughout this summer.”

Liton Das's Century Lifts Bangladesh from Collapse in Rawalpindi Test

Liton Das’s Century Lifts Bangladesh from Collapse in Rawalpindi Test

Liton Das’s heroic century and a record-breaking partnership with Mehidy Hasan Miraz lifted Bangladesh from the brink of collapse to a competitive total of 262 all out on Sunday in the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

Das, who came to the crease with Bangladesh reeling at 26-6, played a marathon innings of 333 minutes, hitting 13 boundaries and four sixes to reach his fourth Test hundred. His knock was crucial in Bangladesh’s remarkable turnaround, which saw them add 236 runs for the last four wickets.

Mehidy, who had taken 5-61 in the first innings, provided valuable support to Das, scoring a pugnacious 78 off 12 boundaries and a six. The pair’s 165-run seventh-wicket stand is the highest for Bangladesh in Tests and the first time a pair has added 150 or more runs for the seventh or lower wicket from a team total under 50 runs.

Das and Mehidy’s partnership frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers, who had earlier put Bangladesh in a precarious position. Pacer Shahzad took 6-90, including a four-wicket burst in his first spell, while Mir Hamza chipped in with 2-50.

However, Bangladesh’s lower order showed great resilience, with Das adding 69 runs with tail-ender Hasan Mahmud (13 not out) in a 24.5-over ninth wicket stand. This equaled the partnership record against Pakistan and left the home team frustrated.

At close on the third day, Pakistan were left on a sluggish 9-2, with opener Abdullah Shafique dismissed for three and nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad falling without scoring. Saim Ayub was not out on six as the home team lead by 21 runs.

Pakistan will need to bat smartly to clinch a series-leveling win after losing the first Test, also in Rawalpindi, by 10 wickets. Bangladesh’s win last week was their first in 14 attempts against Pakistan.

Empty Seats at Lord's Raise Concerns About Test Cricket's Affordability

Empty Seats at Lord’s Raise Concerns About Test Cricket’s Affordability

England’s emphatic Test victory over Sri Lanka at Lord’s was marred by a disappointing turnout, raising concerns about the affordability and accessibility of the format. Despite the team’s impressive performance, thousands of tickets for the fourth day went unsold, leaving swathes of empty seats in the iconic stadium.

The low attendance has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the high ticket prices, the accelerated pace of Test matches under the “Bazball” approach, and the heavy schedule of cricket this summer. England’s dominant wins have often resulted in matches concluding earlier than expected, leaving fans feeling short-changed.

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which owns Lord’s, has acknowledged the issue and pledged to review fourth-day pricing. However, the club’s reluctance to cut prices at short notice has drawn criticism, with some arguing that lower ticket prices could have attracted more fans and ultimately generated more revenue through matchday spending.

The empty seats at Lord’s stand in stark contrast to the packed crowds that attended the Hundred final at the same venue two weeks earlier. While the Hundred offers a more affordable and accessible alternative to Test cricket, it would be misleading to suggest that the difference in attendance reflects a shift in fan preferences.

Despite the low turnout at Lord’s, Test cricket remains popular in England. However, the empty seats serve as a reminder that fans are not willing to pay exorbitant prices for a format that is increasingly seen as inaccessible. If administrators want to ensure the long-term health of Test cricket, they must address the issue of affordability and find ways to make the format more appealing to a wider audience.

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