Rohit Sharma's Playful Gesture Brings Laughter to Indian Dressing Room

Rohit Sharma’s Playful Gesture Brings Laughter to Indian Dressing Room

Rohit Sharma’s Playful Gesture Sparks Laughter in Indian Dressing Room

On the second day of the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai, a lighthearted moment occurred in the Indian dressing room that showcased the camaraderie within the team. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, playfully tapped Shubman Gill on the jaw, eliciting a smile from the young opener.

Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain, noticed the cameras capturing the scene and quipped, “Rohit, don’t hit him too hard, he’s still young.” This remark drew laughter from the players, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, and eased any tension in the dressing room.

The incident highlighted the lighter side of cricket, where even in serious situations, players find ways to enjoy themselves and lift each other’s spirits. It also demonstrated the strong bond between the Indian players, who have been known for their close-knit relationships on and off the field.

Meanwhile, on the field, India extended their lead to an impressive 308 runs at the end of the second day. Gill remained unbeaten on 33, while Rishabh Pant was not out on 12 when play ended for the day.

Earlier, Bangladesh struggled in their first innings, managing only 149 runs before being bowled out. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets while conceding just 50 runs.

India’s commanding position heading into the third day of the Test match is a testament to their strong performance in both batting and bowling. The team will look to continue their dominance and secure a victory in the first Test of the series.

Indian Team Targeted by Australian Media and Players, Reveals Aakash Chopra

Indian Team Targeted by Australian Media and Players, Reveals Aakash Chopra

Team India’s upcoming tour of Australia in 2024 for a five-match Test series has sparked concerns about the potential for targeted attacks on the team by opposition players and the local media. Former India batter Aakash Chopra has revealed disturbing incidents from India’s previous tour in 2018/19, highlighting the tactics employed to tarnish the image of the visiting team.

Chopra shared an incident involving Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, who had a heated exchange during a match. The Australian media, according to Chopra, amplified the stump mic audio and released inconclusive clips to the press, creating a negative narrative around the Indian team.

“They (Australian media) used to release videos. They did it in front of me when Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja had a heated exchange with each other while standing in the 30-yard circle. The broadcasters amped up the stump mic as they were abusing each other,” Chopra said.

Chopra also revealed that Ricky Ponting, who was in the commentary box, initially condemned the incident but later changed his stance on-air. “Ricky said they are ‘Making a mountain out of a molehill’. The moment he went on air, he tore into the Indian team, and I was stunned that he had just said something else a few minutes back,” Chopra added.

These revelations raise concerns about the potential for similar tactics to be employed during the upcoming tour. India has enjoyed a dominant run in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, winning the last two series in Australia and becoming the only Asian team to win a Test series Down Under on multiple occasions.

However, the Aussies are eager to regain their dominance and may resort to underhanded tactics to gain an advantage. The Indian team must be prepared for such challenges and maintain their focus on the game.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has always been a fiercely contested rivalry, but it is important to ensure that the competition remains fair and respectful. The Australian media and opposition players have a responsibility to uphold the spirit of the game and avoid engaging in tactics that could damage the reputation of the Indian team or the sport itself.

India C Trail India A Despite Porel's Heroics

India C Trail India A Despite Porel’s Heroics

India C’s batting lineup faltered against India A’s bowling attack on day two of their four-day match in Anantapur. Despite a valiant effort from Abishek Porel, India C ended the day trailing by 81 runs.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, and Ishan Kishan all failed to make significant contributions, leaving India C in a precarious position. However, Porel, who has been in impressive form this season, played a crucial role in reviving the innings. He scored a gritty 82 off 113 deliveries, providing much-needed stability to the batting order.

Pulkit Narang, who is seeking to establish himself as a first-class cricketer, will be crucial for India C’s hopes of taking the lead on Saturday. He is currently on 99 first-class wickets and will be eager to reach the milestone.

Earlier, India A’s lower order provided a late boost to their first-innings total. Avesh Khan struck an unbeaten 51, while Prasidh Krishna contributed 34. Shashwat Rawat’s century on the opening day had laid the foundation for India A’s score of 297.

Vijaykumar Vyshak, who has caught the attention of selectors, impressed with the ball for India C. He claimed four wickets for 51 runs, including two of the three remaining wickets on day two. Anshul Kamboj, who had taken eight wickets in the previous game, finished with 3 for 49.

Ravichandran Ashwin Embraces Pressure-Free Cricket, Focuses on Enjoyment

Ravichandran Ashwin Embraces Pressure-Free Cricket, Focuses on Enjoyment

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian all-rounder, has undergone a significant mental transformation, shedding the pressure that once weighed heavily on him. In a candid interview, Ashwin revealed that he has liberated himself from external and internal pressures, allowing him to approach cricket with a newfound sense of freedom and enjoyment.

Ashwin’s recent century in the opening Test against Bangladesh is a testament to his mental liberation. Batting with resilience and determination, he rescued India from a precarious position, showcasing his versatility as a cricketer. Ashwin emphasized that he now only responds to pressure situations on the field, unlike in the past when he reacted to every perceived criticism.

“I do enjoy and embrace pressure. There’s no doubt about it. It does give you opportunities to be able to be pushed to a corner and then try and respond,” Ashwin said. “But I was critical too, earlier (of himself and others), because a lot of pressure has been put on me by people. I’ve put pressure on myself.”

Ashwin’s mental detachment has allowed him to clearly demarcate between his primary and secondary suits – bowling and batting. He explained that bowling and batting are distinct sports within the same game, requiring different mental approaches.

“Bowling and batting are very separate sports in the same game. One is done consciously, and the other one is done subconsciously,” Ashwin said. “For me to compartmentalize both has taken its own due and at this stage, I’m able to sequence that and split both of them.”

During his 189-minute innings, Ashwin maintained his focus by adopting a different mindset from his usual bowling approach. “The mind can play tricks because I’m a bowler who plays on 12-18 balls or 24 balls ahead when I’m sequencing it. But as a batter, I shouldn’t do that. So, I just used my experience to focus on the ball and hitting it as I see it,” he noted.

Ashwin’s transformation has brought him immense personal and professional satisfaction. He expressed his happiness at being able to compete and succeed in the highly competitive world of modern sport. “You feel happy about it, having been in a contest and coming out successful out of the contest. So, yeah, the underlying truth is that it gives me a lot of happiness competing in this game,” he said.

Samson's Century, Arshdeep's Bowling Give India D Edge in Duleep Trophy

Samson’s Century, Arshdeep’s Bowling Give India D Edge in Duleep Trophy

On the second day of the Duleep Trophy final round robin league match, India D established a commanding position over India B, thanks to Sanju Samson’s century and Arshdeep Singh’s impressive bowling performance.

India D resumed their first innings at 306 for 5, with Samson continuing his impressive form. The talented batsman reached his 11th first-class hundred, scoring 106 off 101 deliveries, including 12 boundaries and three sixes. However, India D’s innings ended shortly after Samson’s milestone, with the last five wickets falling for 43 runs. Delhi speedster Navdeep Saini was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming 5 for 74 in 18.3 overs.

In response, India B began their innings cautiously, with skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran leading the charge. Easwaran, who had scored a century in the previous game, notched up his 25th first-class hundred, a 170-ball knock adorned with 13 fours and a six. However, India B’s progress was halted by Arshdeep Singh, who returned for his second spell with a slightly older SG Test ball.

Arshdeep struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Musheer Khan and Nitish Reddy cheaply. He then accounted for the prized wicket of Suryakumar Yadav, who had been eagerly anticipated by the crowd. With India B reeling at 100 for 5, Easwaran and Washington Sundar (39 batting) steadied the ship, adding 105 runs for the sixth wicket.

However, Easwaran’s dismissal towards the end of the day, caught behind off Aditya Thakare, left India B in a precarious position at 210 for 6. The match remains evenly poised heading into the third day, with India B needing to bat cautiously to avoid a heavy defeat.

Jadeja Eyes 300th Test Wicket as India Dominate Bangladesh

Jadeja Eyes 300th Test Wicket as India Dominate Bangladesh

Ravindra Jadeja, India’s seasoned all-rounder, is poised to achieve a significant milestone at his home ground, Chepauk, in the ongoing Test match against Bangladesh. With 296 Test wickets to his name, Jadeja is just four scalps away from becoming the third Indian spinner to reach the 300-wicket mark.

In the first innings of the series opener, Jadeja claimed two wickets, further bolstering his impressive Test record. He also made a valuable contribution with the bat, scoring a solid 86 in a crucial 199-run partnership with centurion Ravichandran Ashwin.

Jadeja’s dismissal by Taskin Ahmed prevented him from reaching a century, but he remained upbeat about his performance. “I got out today, but it’s part and parcel of the game,” he said. “Now we have to put up a good score on the board in the second innings. I am very happy with my bowling, the way I went through today. It’s a good opportunity to take the 300th wicket on this ground.”

India are in a commanding position, having extended their overall lead to 308 runs. The hosts were 81 for three at stumps after dismissing Bangladesh for 149 in their first innings. India had made 376 in their first innings.

Jadeja, who has extensive experience playing at Chepauk due to his long tenure with Chennai Super Kings, emphasized the importance of batting well in the second innings. “First we have to bat very well, we have to put somewhere around 120-150 from hereon,” he said. “We’ll be in a good position and then we’ll come out and bowl and try and get them out as early as possible.”

A record 17 wickets fell in a day at Chepauk, indicating that the pitch offered something for both pacers and spinners. “It’s pretty good for batting but there’s still something in the wicket for the fast bowlers,” Jadeja observed. “Odd ball was seaming, odd ball was swinging, it’s not that easy for batters. If fast bowlers bend their back, they can take something out of the wicket.”

Jadeja also praised his partnership with Ashwin, who scored a brilliant 113 at his home ground. “First of all, Ashwin doesn’t need any advice,” he said. “I was just talking to Ash that we are not gonna miscall or try and make errors because the wicket was so good and we both were batting very well.”

“I said we’ll look to take easy singles, I’ll try and not make you run hard and that was the conversation between us. Well played to Ashwin, he played a brilliant knock at his home ground.”

Jadeja concluded by highlighting the potential for all five Indian bowlers to make an impact in the second innings. “There’s something in the wicket for the fast bowler and for spinners also, odd spin and odd ball is keeping low,” he said. “All the five bowlers will be in play.”

Afghanistan Defeats South Africa in Second ODI

Afghanistan Defeats South Africa in Second ODI

Afghanistan and South Africa faced off in the second ODI in Sharjah, with Afghanistan winning the toss and electing to bat first. The match witnessed a flurry of boundaries and some impressive bowling performances.

Nandre Burger opened the bowling for South Africa, but Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Riaz Hassan got Afghanistan off to a solid start. Gurbaz was particularly aggressive, hitting two boundaries in Burger’s first over. Lungi Ngidi replaced Burger and immediately made an impact, dismissing Hassan for 10.

However, Gurbaz continued to dominate, hitting a six and two more boundaries off Ngidi’s bowling. He was eventually dismissed for 30 by Bjorn Fortuin, who was introduced into the attack for the first time.

Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi steadied the Afghan innings, but they were both dismissed in quick succession by Ngidi. Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi then put on a 50-run partnership to revive Afghanistan’s innings.

Nabi was eventually dismissed for 32, but Omarzai continued to play aggressively, hitting two sixes and a boundary off Fortuin’s bowling. He was eventually dismissed for 50, leaving Afghanistan on 150/6.

Ikram Alikhil and Rashid Khan added some valuable runs in the final overs, helping Afghanistan reach a respectable total of 189/8.

In response, South Africa lost Reeza Hendricks and Tony de Zorzi cheaply. Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram then put on a 50-run partnership to stabilize the innings.

However, Afghanistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on, and Markram was eventually dismissed for 30 by Rashid Khan. Bavuma continued to fight, but he was eventually dismissed for 51 by Nangeyalia Kharote.

Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne added some late runs, but South Africa fell short of their target, finishing on 175/8. Rashid Khan was the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan, taking 3/38.

Ashwin and Jadeja's Lower-Order Brilliance Raises Succession Question

Ashwin and Jadeja’s Lower-Order Brilliance Raises Succession Question

The remarkable partnership between R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja against Bangladesh has highlighted their invaluable contributions as lower-order batters. However, their advancing age raises the question of who will succeed them in this crucial role.

Ashwin and Jadeja have consistently reinvented themselves to meet the evolving demands of the game. While they initially focused primarily on their bowling, they have since transformed into formidable batsmen. Ashwin has been involved in six 50-plus partnerships with lower-order batters, while Jadeja has forged four such partnerships.

Experts believe that India needs to identify and groom the next generation of lower-order batters. Washington Sundar and Axar Patel are potential candidates, but they need to demonstrate consistency across all formats. Manav Suthar, a promising left-arm spinner, has shown promise as a handy lower-order batsman.

However, finding replacements for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are also approaching the twilight of their careers, poses a greater challenge. The Indian selectors are implementing a phased easing out of seniors to avoid a sudden decline in quality.

Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Mayank Agarwal are among the players who could potentially fill the void left by Sharma and Kohli. India’s strong grassroots system provides hope that the next generation of players will emerge in due time.

Afghanistan Opt to Bat First in Bid to Seal Series Against South Africa

Afghanistan Opt to Bat First in Bid to Seal Series Against South Africa

Afghanistan, seeking to clinch the series against South Africa, opted to bat first in the second ODI in Sharjah. The decision was likely influenced by the scorching heat, with temperatures reaching 49 degrees Celsius. By fielding at night, Afghanistan aimed to conserve energy and avoid the worst of the weather conditions.

South Africa, on the other hand, made several changes to their lineup. Captain Temba Bavuma returned from illness, while debutant legspinner Nqaba Peter was included. Reeza Hendricks moved down the order to accommodate Bavuma, while Jason Smith was dropped. The bowling attack was also altered, with three seamers and two spinners replacing the four seamers and one spinner combination from the first match.

Afghanistan, meanwhile, made only one change, bringing in wicketkeeper-batter Ikram Alikhil for Gulbadin Naib. Their lineup featured three frontline spinners in Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, and Nangyal Kharote, along with two seamers.

Kohli's DRS Blunder Costs India Valuable Wicket

Kohli’s DRS Blunder Costs India Valuable Wicket

Virat Kohli’s DRS blunder on Day 2 of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai has sparked controversy and disappointment among fans and experts alike. Kohli, who was batting on 17, was adjudged lbw by the umpire after being struck on the front pad by a delivery from Mehidy Hasan Miraz. However, replays clearly showed that Kohli had got an inside edge on the ball, and a DRS review would have overturned the decision.

Kohli’s decision not to review the decision has been widely criticized, with many questioning his judgment and leadership skills. Indian captain Rohit Sharma was visibly upset about Kohli’s decision, and his reaction has gone viral on social media.

The incident has also raised questions about the role of non-striker Shubman Gill in the decision-making process. Gill, who was at the non-striker’s end, should have advised Kohli to take the DRS, but he failed to do so.

Kohli’s DRS blunder has cost India a valuable wicket, and it could have a significant impact on the outcome of the match. India is currently leading by 308 runs, but Bangladesh will be buoyed by Kohli’s dismissal and will be looking to make a comeback in the second innings.

The incident has also highlighted the importance of DRS in modern cricket. DRS has been a game-changer, allowing umpires to correct their mistakes and ensure that the correct decisions are made. However, it is crucial that players use DRS wisely and do not waste their reviews on frivolous appeals.

Kohli’s DRS blunder is a reminder that even the best players can make mistakes. However, it is also a lesson that players must learn from their mistakes and use DRS wisely in the future.

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