Gujarat Spinner Siddharth Desai's Unconventional Run-Up Baffles Batsmen

Gujarat Spinner Siddharth Desai’s Unconventional Run-Up Baffles Batsmen

Gujarat left-arm spinner Siddharth Desai, known for his unconventional run-up, has been making waves in the ongoing Take Sports All India Buchi Babu Invitation Cricket Tournament. Desai’s unique approach to bowling from around the wicket has proven highly effective, particularly against right-handed batters.

Desai’s run-up begins over the wicket, where he cuts through the umpire and stumps. With a slight jump, he bowls from a position closer to the return crease. This exaggerated jump allows him to generate a sharp lift and nip on the ball, making it difficult for batsmen to handle.

In a recent match against TNCA President’s XI, Desai showcased his skills by claiming four wickets, all of which were right-handers. His ability to bowl from around the wicket and create an angle has been a key factor in his success.

Desai’s unusual run-up has drawn attention from cricket experts. He explains that it helps him get into a better position at the time of the jump, allowing him to use his body weight more effectively. By minimizing shoulder movement and relying on his fingers, he can transfer his weight better and generate more spin.

On pitches that offer bounce, Desai’s “nip” becomes even more threatening. The sharp lift and spin make it challenging for batsmen to adjust their timing and shot selection. Desai’s unique approach has made him a valuable asset to his team and a player to watch in the tournament.

Sri Lanka Aim to Level Series as England Seek Fifth Straight Test Win

Sri Lanka Aim to Level Series as England Seek Fifth Straight Test Win

England and Sri Lanka are set to face off in the second Test of their three-match series at Lord’s, with the hosts looking to extend their winning streak to five while the visitors aim to level the series.

Sri Lanka, despite losing the first Test at Old Trafford, showed resilience and determination, particularly in their batting. Kamindu Mendis and Asitha Fernando were standout performers, with Mendis scoring a century and Fernando taking five wickets.

England, on the other hand, had to work hard for their victory, with Joe Root anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 62. The hosts also benefited from a controversial ball-change, which allowed them to exploit the reverse swing generated by Fernando.

Sri Lanka will be hoping to capitalize on their improved form and the favorable weather conditions at Lord’s. They have a strong record at the venue, having drawn five of their eight previous Tests there. Dimuth Karunaratne, who has struggled for runs in recent times, will be keen to make a significant contribution.

England, meanwhile, will be looking to maintain their momentum and continue their dominance in home Tests. Ollie Pope, who has taken over the captaincy from Ben Stokes, will be eager to prove his credentials as a leader and batsman.

The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. Sri Lanka’s batting depth and England’s bowling attack will be key factors in determining the outcome.

Dhoni's DRS Prowess: A Testament to His Uncanny Cricket Acumen

Dhoni’s DRS Prowess: A Testament to His Uncanny Cricket Acumen

Dhoni’s DRS Prowess: A Testament to His Uncanny Cricket Acumen

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, has earned a reputation as one of the greatest wicket-keepers of all time. His razor-sharp judgment and uncanny ability to make match-defining decisions have made him a formidable force behind the stumps.

Recently, India umpire Anil Choudhary shared his insights on Dhoni’s exceptional reviewing skills. Choudhary, who has witnessed Dhoni’s brilliance firsthand, emphasized the former captain’s remarkable accuracy in DRS (Decision Review System) calls.

“He is very accurate, almost close to accurate,” Choudhary said, highlighting Dhoni’s ability to make correct judgments even in high-pressure situations. “His instinct and cricketing brain have set him apart over the years.”

Choudhary acknowledged that while Dhoni’s decisions are not infallible, they are rarely off the mark. This has added to his aura on the field and earned him the humorous moniker “Dhoni Review System” among fans and experts.

The veteran umpire explained the unique challenges wicket-keepers face when making DRS calls. “Sometimes, the keeper stays behind and can’t see the position of the bowler,” Choudhary said. “But Dhoni is very reasonable and makes decisions based on what he can see.”

Dhoni’s remarkable accuracy with DRS calls has led to numerous match-defining decisions in favor of India and his IPL franchise, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). His ability to analyze the situation quickly and make the right call has often turned the tide of matches.

As Dhoni’s legacy continues to inspire, the term “Dhoni Review System” seems less of a joke and more of a fitting tribute to a player who revolutionized the way the game is played and analyzed. His uncanny cricket acumen and ability to make crucial decisions under pressure have cemented his status as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.

Zaheer Khan Advocates for Impact Player Rule, Citing Benefits for Indian Cricket

Zaheer Khan Advocates for Impact Player Rule, Citing Benefits for Indian Cricket

Zaheer Khan Backs Impact Player Rule, Citing Benefits for Indian Cricket

Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan, now the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants, has voiced his support for the continuation of the impact player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Khan believes that the rule has contributed to the overall improvement of Indian cricket by providing opportunities to young talents.

The impact player rule, introduced in IPL 2023, allows teams to substitute a player during the match. This rule has sparked debate among players and stakeholders, with some expressing concerns about its impact on the game’s balance. However, Khan believes that the rule has had a positive effect on Indian cricket.

“I’m going on record to say that I’m all for it,” Khan said. “It has definitely given opportunities to a lot of uncapped Indian talents. It is something you will see this in the mega auction when teams will be looking at them.”

Khan emphasized that the rule has provided valuable match time for young players, which is crucial for their development. “That opportunity goes a long way with improving Indian cricket on the whole,” he said. “The time spent in match time, it’s something you cannot beat. That’s the biggest plus.”

Khan also addressed concerns about the impact of the rule on all-rounders. He believes that genuine all-rounders will still be valued, as they can provide both batting and bowling abilities. “If you are a genuine all-rounder, (then) no one can stop you,” he said. “There is always going to be a value addition with the ability with bat and ball.”

The impact player rule has been a topic of discussion among IPL team owners and BCCI officials. While some teams support its continuation, others have expressed reservations. However, Khan’s endorsement of the rule adds weight to the argument for its retention.

Zaheer Khan Appointed Mentor of Lucknow Super Giants for IPL Mega Auction

Zaheer Khan Appointed Mentor of Lucknow Super Giants for IPL Mega Auction

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), a young franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has appointed former India pacer Zaheer Khan as its mentor ahead of the upcoming mega auction. LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka, impressed by Zaheer’s experience as a player, coach, and strategist, hired him in the last two weeks.

“We are very excited to have him on board. We do believe he will do wonders for the future of LSG,” said Goenka at a press conference.

Zaheer, who previously worked with Mumbai Indians, acknowledged LSG’s potential despite its short existence. “The building blocks are in place,” he said. “The consistency you see in reaching the playoffs is something which is so tough in this fierce competition. That is something which gives me a lot of confidence when I’m looking at coming and contributing to this franchise’s success.”

Zaheer emphasized his role in fostering a culture of open communication and decision-making. “I’ll make sure a process which is required for each and every individual to express themselves freely, to bring a lot of victories to the franchise and the decision making which is so crucial. I think those are the aspects which we’ll be closely looking at. I’m looking to build that culture, that mindset at LSG to (help it) go to the next level,” said Zaheer, who will also serve as the bowling coach.

Goenka refrained from providing details about the possible team composition, citing the BCCI’s upcoming announcement of its player retention policy for the mega auction. However, he expressed confidence in LSG captain K.L. Rahul, stating that he is “like family” and will continue to play an important role.

Coach Justin Langer, assistant coach Lance Klusener, and fielding coach Jonty Rhodes will remain with the team.

Shreyas Iyer Channels Sunil Narine, Surprises with Mystery Spin in Buchi Babu Tournament

Shreyas Iyer Channels Sunil Narine, Surprises with Mystery Spin in Buchi Babu Tournament

Shreyas Iyer’s Surprising Bowling Debut in Buchi Babu Tournament Draws Comparisons to Sunil Narine

Indian middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has surprised fans and spectators alike with his bowling action during the ongoing Buchi Babu Tournament. In a match between TNCA XI and Mumbai, Mumbai captain Sarfaraz Khan handed the ball to Iyer in the 90th over of TNCA’s innings.

Iyer’s bowling action drew immediate comparisons to his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammate Sunil Narine. Like Narine, Iyer gripped the ball behind his back and approached the bowling crease with a unique, mystery spin action.

While Iyer’s attempt at emulating Narine’s bowling style did not yield any wickets, it captivated the audience. His unique action, reminiscent of his IPL teammate, instantly caught the eye of many fans, who were treated to an unexpected spectacle.

The Buchi Babu Tournament 2024 holds significance for Iyer and his Mumbai teammate, Suryakumar Yadav, as they eye a potential Test comeback for Team India. Their performances in this tournament could potentially influence the selectors’ decisions and open doors for their return to the Indian Test team.

Iyer’s bowling debut, though brief and wicketless, has added an unexpected twist to the Buchi Babu Tournament. It remains to be seen whether he will continue to experiment with his bowling in future matches, but his unique action has certainly left a lasting impression on fans and spectators alike.

Ben Stokes on Track for Pakistan Test Return After Hamstring Recovery

Ben Stokes on Track for Pakistan Test Return After Hamstring Recovery

Ben Stokes, England’s talismanic all-rounder, is on the mend and on track to make a full recovery from his hamstring injury in time for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan in October. Stokes sustained the injury while playing for Northern Superchargers in the Hundred two-and-a-half weeks ago, ruling him out for the remainder of the English summer.

Despite his absence, Stokes has remained with the England squad during their ongoing series against Sri Lanka, batting in the nets at Lord’s ahead of Thursday’s second Test. England are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on October 2, with the first Test set to commence five days later in Multan.

A return to full fitness for Stokes would be a significant boost to England’s chances in Pakistan, where they triumphed 3-0 in their most recent tour in 2022. During that series, Stokes bowled only 35 overs due to a chronic knee injury.

Stokes expressed his eagerness to return to action, describing it as “scratching an itch.” He emphasized his gradual progress in rehab and his belief that being surrounded by the medical team would expedite his recovery.

England’s stand-in captain, Ollie Pope, praised Stokes’s dedication and believes he will be “as fresh as anyone” heading into the winter tours to Pakistan and New Zealand. Pope highlighted Stokes’s ability to improve his game during injury setbacks and his positive impact on the squad.

Zak Crawley, who is also missing the Sri Lanka series due to a broken finger, visited Lord’s on Tuesday and is targeting a return for the Pakistan tour in October. Mark Wood, another injured player, has been replaced by Olly Stone in England’s XI for the second Test at Lord’s.

Pope expressed his excitement for Stone to showcase his abilities as a high-pace bowler, despite acknowledging that he may not reach Wood’s top speeds. Stokes commended Pope’s seamless transition into his interim role and enjoyed observing the team’s performance from the dressing room in Manchester.

South Africa Women to Tour Pakistan for T20I Series Ahead of World Cup

South Africa Women to Tour Pakistan for T20I Series Ahead of World Cup

South Africa’s women’s cricket team will embark on a crucial tour of Pakistan in September as part of their preparations for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The Proteas will play three T20I matches against Pakistan in Multan from September 16 to 20, providing them with valuable match practice ahead of the global tournament.

The tour will mark South Africa’s second visit to Pakistan in just over a year, following their successful ODI and T20I series in September 2021. The Proteas emerged victorious in the ODI series, while Pakistan swept the T20Is.

CSA director of cricket Enoch Nkwe emphasized the importance of the Pakistan tour for South Africa’s World Cup preparations. “This T20I series against Pakistan is a critical part of our preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup,” Nkwe said. “It offers the team the invaluable opportunity to gain match practice, allowing us to refine our strategies and ensure that our players are in peak form.”

Nkwe also expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their collaboration in arranging the series. “We are incredibly grateful to the PCB for their collaboration and efforts in arranging this series,” Nkwe said. “This series not only helps us prepare for the World Cup but also strengthens the relationship between our two cricket boards as the Proteas Women visit Pakistan for the second time in a year.”

The Women’s T20 World Cup will be held in Dubai and Sharjah from October 3 to 20. Pakistan has been drawn in Group A alongside Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, while South Africa is in Group B with Bangladesh, England, Scotland, and West Indies.

The South African team will arrive in Multan on September 13 and depart for the UAE on September 21, the day after the final T20I against Pakistan. The Proteas will be looking to build on their recent success in Pakistan and gain valuable experience ahead of the World Cup.

LSG Owner Confirms K.L. Rahul's Future with the Franchise

LSG Owner Confirms K.L. Rahul’s Future with the Franchise

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has expressed his confidence in K.L. Rahul, stating that he is “an integral part of the franchise.” This comes amidst speculations about Rahul’s future with the team.

Goenka’s comments follow a heated discussion with Rahul after a heavy defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad last season. The incident sparked rumors that Rahul might not continue with LSG. However, Rahul met with Goenka in Kolkata on Monday and expressed his desire to remain with the team.

“I’ve been meeting K.L. regularly over the last three years. I’m a little surprised this meeting got so much attention. As I’ve said, we have not taken any call till the retention rules are out,” Goenka said.

“But KL has been an integral and important part of the LSG family since inception. He’s played a very important role. He’s like family and will be family.”

Goenka remained evasive on the issue of player retention and captaincy, stating that the team is waiting for the BCCI to release the rules regarding retention.

“We have all of September, October, and November to decide that. Let the policies be out. We have not even thought about the team going forward, whether retention will be three-four-five or six, we have no clue,” Goenka said.

“Let us see, there is enough time, so bit by bit. Whatever decisions we take today will impact us for the medium-term future, so it has to be very well thought out and considered.”

“There is enough time for it so it’s too early. Let the BCCI announce the policy first, then there will be discussions.”

Goenka also announced the appointment of Zaheer Khan as the team’s mentor. He said that the team is looking to improve and that Zaheer’s experience will be invaluable.

“You always try and improve and that is a constant endeavor. When you have a mega auction, there is bound to be a reset but you want to retain the core as much as possible you can. Let’s see how it goes.”

“One doesn’t know which way what goes. Certainly, the coach (Justin Langer) continues, Lance Kluesener (assistant coach), and Jonty Rhodes (fielding coach) also continue. We are delighted for Morne Morkel and Gautam Gambhir, very pleased they have joined the national team,” Goenka said.

Rahul led LSG to the playoffs in the first two seasons, but it is believed that Gambhir’s strategic acumen played a significant role in the team’s success. Rahul’s leadership was exposed in the third season when LSG failed to make the last four.

ICC Test Rankings: Kohli Climbs, Babar Azam Slips

ICC Test Rankings: Kohli Climbs, Babar Azam Slips

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released its latest Test rankings, with significant changes in both the batting and bowling categories.

Batting:

Virat Kohli has climbed two spots to eighth, while Rohit Sharma has dropped one place to sixth. Yashasvi Jaiswal has made a notable jump to seventh. England’s Joe Root remains at the top, with Harry Brook moving up to fourth after his impressive performance against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan’s Babar Azam has slipped six places to ninth, while Mohammad Rizwan has risen to a career-best tied-10th. Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim has also achieved a career-high ranking of 17th.

Bowling:

India’s Ravichandran Ashwin continues to dominate as the top-ranked bowler in Test cricket. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja maintain their positions at third and seventh, respectively.

England’s Chris Woakes has moved up four places to 16th, and Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando has climbed 10 spots to 17th. Pakistani pacer Naseem Shah and England’s Gus Atkinson have both achieved career-best ratings.

All-Rounders:

Indian players continue to dominate the all-rounder rankings. Ravindra Jadeja remains at the top, followed by Ravichandran Ashwin. Axar Patel is ranked sixth.

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