Duleep Trophy 2024-25: Top Indian Stars Set to Feature, Raina Advocates for Participation

Duleep Trophy 2024-25: Top Indian Stars Set to Feature, Raina Advocates for Participation

The upcoming edition of the Duleep Trophy, commencing on September 5, 2024, marks the commencement of red-ball cricket in the domestic season. This prestigious tournament will witness the participation of India’s top international stars and promising young talents.

The tournament will feature the likes of Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, and Shubman Gill, who will be eager to showcase their skills and prepare for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. However, notable absentees include Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who will miss the domestic tournament.

Former India batter Suresh Raina has expressed his belief that the star players should have participated in the Duleep Trophy to gain valuable match practice ahead of the crucial Test series. Raina emphasized the importance of playing four-day cricket to acclimatize to the conditions and prepare for the challenges of Test cricket.

India will face Bangladesh in a two-match Test series starting on September 19. Raina cautioned against underestimating Bangladesh, highlighting their strong bowling attack and experienced players. He believes this series will serve as a valuable warm-up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

The Legends League Cricket (LLC) will also take place in India and Qatar from September 11 to October 5, featuring former international stars.

KL Rahul's Leadership Praised by LSG Fielding Coach Jonty Rhodes

KL Rahul’s Leadership Praised by LSG Fielding Coach Jonty Rhodes

KL Rahul’s leadership has been lauded by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fielding coach Jonty Rhodes, who praised Rahul’s efforts since taking charge of the franchise in its inaugural season in 2022. Under Rahul’s captaincy, LSG made it to the playoffs in the first two seasons but finished seventh in the 2024 edition, raising questions about his future with the team. However, discussions between team owner Sanjiv Goenka and Rahul about his potential retention have been reportedly positive.

Rhodes, speaking to India Today, highlighted the challenges Rahul faced leading a new franchise and commended his ability to establish a competitive team culture. “I think if you look at a record as a captain of a brand-new franchise, getting into the playoffs every time like he has, it’s been something that goes a long way towards his captaincy,” Rhodes said. “The way that he leads the team and the sort of setup and the approach that he has.”

Rhodes noted that while other IPL captains like Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni have multiple trophies, Rahul’s accomplishments with LSG should not be underestimated. “From LSG’s point of view, it might just be one thing getting into the final, winning the trophy,” Rhodes added, drawing parallels to Mumbai Indians’ early struggles before their eventual success.

Rhodes compared LSG’s current phase to Mumbai Indians’ initial years in the IPL, where they did not make the playoffs in the first two seasons and only claimed their first title in 2013. “It then turns out MI didn’t win a trophy for quite a few years at the start. Once they learned how to win trophies, they kept going,” Rhodes explained. “I think from that point of view, he’s done an excellent job at the helm, with a brand-new franchise, setting up a new culture, with new owners. And that I think is an indication of how well he’s captained the team in a setup where there are players from all over the country in India who are very different and all over the world.”

LSG’s ownership now faces critical decisions ahead of the upcoming mega auction as they decide whether to retain Rahul. Given the end of the three-year cycle, the team’s management will need to weigh Rahul’s past successes against recent setbacks to determine the franchise’s path forward. Despite the recent seventh-place finish, Rhodes’ remarks emphasize confidence in Rahul’s capacity to lead LSG effectively.

Gavaskar Predicts 3-1 India Victory in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Gavaskar Predicts 3-1 India Victory in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

India’s dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to continue, according to former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar. India has not lost the trophy since 2014-15, and Gavaskar predicts a 3-1 victory for India in the upcoming five-Test series against Australia.

India’s tour Down Under begins with the first Test in Perth on November 22. Rohit Sharma’s team will aim to retain the trophy and complete a hat-trick of Test series wins on Australian soil.

Gavaskar believes Australia’s opening batting combination will be a concern, with the retirement of David Warner. He also cautions India about the importance of a confident start, as they have historically been slow starters outside the subcontinent.

India’s preparation for the series has been limited, with no proper practice matches scheduled on the tour. However, they will play an intra-squad warm-up game at the WACA in Perth from November 15-18 and a two-day pink-ball warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra before the day-night second Test in Adelaide.

Before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India will play five Tests at home, beginning with the two-match series against Bangladesh and three Tests against New Zealand.

England Dominate Sri Lanka on Day 4 of Lord's Test

England Dominate Sri Lanka on Day 4 of Lord’s Test

England’s dominance continued on Day 4 of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London. After posting a mammoth 344 in their first innings, England dismissed Sri Lanka for 135 and enforced the follow-on.

In their second innings, Sri Lanka lost two early wickets, leaving them with a daunting task of chasing down 430 runs with just eight wickets in hand. Gus Atkinson, who has been a revelation for England this series, claimed the wicket of Dimuth Karunaratne in the second innings, adding to his tally of three wickets in the match.

England’s batting performance was led by Joe Root, who scored a magnificent 186 in the first innings. Jonny Bairstow also contributed with a valuable 111, while Ben Stokes chipped in with 56.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain England’s batsmen, with only Lasith Embuldeniya managing to take more than one wicket. The Sri Lankan batsmen, on the other hand, failed to put up any significant resistance, with only Angelo Mathews (49) and Niroshan Dickwella (35) offering some resistance.

With Sri Lanka facing an uphill battle to save the match, England will be confident of wrapping up the contest on Day 4. The hosts need just eight more wickets to secure victory and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Hong Kong's Ayush Shukla Makes History with Four Consecutive Maiden Overs in T20I

Hong Kong’s Ayush Shukla Makes History with Four Consecutive Maiden Overs in T20I

Ayush Shukla, a 21-year-old Hong Kong cricketer, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the third bowler ever to deliver four consecutive maiden overs in a T20 International (T20I) match. This remarkable achievement also makes him the first bowler from Asia to reach this milestone.

Shukla’s historic performance unfolded during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier against Mongolia. Opening the bowling for Hong Kong, he bowled his four overs consecutively, starting with a wicket maiden. He dismissed Bat-yalalt Namsrai with the first ball of his spell and proceeded to deliver 18 consecutive dot balls, exerting immense pressure on the Mongolian batsmen.

Prior to Shukla’s feat, only two other bowlers had managed to bowl four straight maiden overs in a T20I match. Canada’s Saad Bin Zafar achieved this in 2021 against Panama, finishing with figures of 4-4-0-2. New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson matched the feat during the T20 World Cup earlier this year, ending with figures of 4-4-0-3 against Papua New Guinea.

Shukla’s standout performance was a testament to his exceptional skill and control. He maintained a tight line and length, consistently hitting the seam and denying the Mongolian batsmen any scoring opportunities. His ability to generate swing and seam movement made him a formidable force, leaving the opposition batters frustrated and unable to break the shackles.

Shukla’s record-breaking spell was part of a dominant display by Hong Kong’s bowling unit, which restricted Mongolia to a paltry 17 runs. Hong Kong then chased down the target effortlessly in just 1.4 overs, securing a nine-wicket victory.

Ayush Shukla’s historic achievement is a significant milestone for Hong Kong cricket. It showcases the talent and potential of the team and highlights Shukla’s emergence as a rising star in the international arena. His performance will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Hong Kong cricketers and serve as a source of pride for the nation.

Joe Root Becomes England's All-Time Highest Test Run-Scorer

Joe Root Becomes England’s All-Time Highest Test Run-Scorer

England’s Joe Root has etched his name into the annals of cricket history by becoming the all-time highest-scoring player for his country. At the age of 33, Root achieved this remarkable feat during the second Test against Sri Lanka, registering his 34th Test century.

Root’s achievement is a testament to his exceptional consistency and longevity at the highest level. Despite the significant shift in England’s approach to Test cricket under Brendon McCullum’s “Bazball” philosophy, Root has maintained his exemplary form, piling up runs and reaching milestones that others can only dream of.

Currently ranked seventh on the all-time list of Test run-getters with 12,377 runs, Root has a realistic chance of surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the top spot with 15,921 runs. When asked about the possibility of becoming the highest-scoring player in Test cricket, Root remained humble, emphasizing his focus on playing for the team and scoring runs.

“I just want to play, and try, and do my bit for the team and score the runs as many as I can and see where we get to,” Root said. “But there’s no better feeling… it’s obviously amazing when you score 100, you’d be lying if you said it wasn’t, a big part of why you start playing the game and what you love about it.”

However, Root also acknowledged the importance of winning Test matches, stating that it is the ultimate goal. “But there’s no better feeling than winning a Test match,” he said. “So the more it can affect games and the more you can add to the team, the greater it is. So, that will be the main focus. And hopefully more days like this will come with that mentality.”

With several years of cricket still ahead of him and fitness on his side, Root has a realistic chance of surpassing Tendulkar’s record. His unwavering determination and exceptional talent make him a formidable force in the world of Test cricket.

Pakistan Faces Humiliating Defeat Prediction in 2026 World Cup

Pakistan Faces Humiliating Defeat Prediction in 2026 World Cup

Pakistan’s cricket team has endured a tumultuous period, marked by disappointing performances in major tournaments and a recent Test defeat against Bangladesh. The team’s struggles have prompted widespread criticism, with former fast bowler Mohammad Asif issuing a stark warning.

Asif predicts that Pakistan will face another humiliating defeat against the United States in the 2026 T20 World Cup if they fail to address their shortcomings. “We lost to the USA, who were playing in the T20 World Cup for the first time,” Asif said. “The way the situation is going at this moment, the USA will beat Pakistan in the next World Cup, in 2026. I’ll guarantee you that.”

Asif believes that Pakistan needs a complete overhaul, including changes to the captaincy, coaching staff, and player roster. He emphasizes the need for long-term planning and investment in a specific squad. “Before the 2026 World Cup, we have to change the captain, coach, and the players,” Asif said. “There needs to be planning for the two years that this is the team, this is the 20 players we want to work with.”

Asif’s comments highlight the growing frustration among Pakistani fans and experts. The team’s recent performances have fallen short of expectations, and there is a sense that drastic measures are needed to turn things around. Asif’s prediction serves as a wake-up call for the Pakistan Cricket Board and the team itself, urging them to take immediate action to avoid further embarrassment on the international stage.

Indian Stars Shine in WBBL Overseas Draft

Indian Stars Shine in WBBL Overseas Draft

The second Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) overseas draft witnessed a surge of Indian talent, with Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma headlining the platinum-round picks. Rodrigues reunited with Jess Jonassen at Brisbane Heat, while Deepti joined Melbourne Stars, where she will play alongside Meg Lanning.

Hobart Hurricanes, with the first pick, drafted in Danni Wyatt after losing out on Sophie Ecclestone, Heather Knight, and Laura Wolvaardt to retention picks. Melbourne Renegades opted for Deandra Dottin in the platinum category, while Hayley Matthews was allocated a gold category as their second-round pick.

Heat drafted in Shikha Pandey, marking her maiden WBBL season. Melbourne Stars also selected wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia as their third pick. Perth Scorchers, with Sophie Devine as their pre-signed captain, drafted in D Hemalatha, who has played alongside Beth Mooney at Gujarat Giants in the WPL.

Adelaide Strikers’ third pick was Ireland allrounder Orla Prendergast, who has captained Ireland in ODIs. Sydney Sixers, with Amelia Kerr as a gold-category pick, could have a potent spin-bowling combo with Ecclestone.

The presence of six Indians in the WBBL is the most for an edition of the tournament. This influx of Indian talent highlights the growing strength of women’s cricket in India and the WBBL’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Pakistan's Shahzad and Hamza Rip Through Bangladesh Top Order

Pakistan’s Shahzad and Hamza Rip Through Bangladesh Top Order

Pakistan’s bowling attack dominated the morning session of the third day in the second Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, leaving the visitors reeling at 75 for 6 at lunch. Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza wreaked havoc on the Bangladesh top order, claiming six wickets in the first hour.

Shahzad, bowling with precision from around the wicket, targeted the stumps and reaped the rewards. He dismissed Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, and Najmul Hossain Shanto in quick succession, leaving Bangladesh in tatters at 20 for 4.

Hamza joined the party, trapping Mominul Haque in front of the stumps and inducing a thin edge from Mushfiqur Rahim to Mohammad Rizwan. Shakib Al Hasan’s dismissal to Shahzad left Bangladesh on the brink of collapse at 26 for 6.

However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Litton Das showed some resilience, adding 49 runs for the seventh wicket. Mehidy was the aggressor, hitting four boundaries off Hamza and Mohammad Ali. Litton provided support, contributing a neat clip off Shahzad.

With the pitch easing and the Pakistani bowlers losing their initial venom, Mehidy and Litton managed to survive until lunch. Bangladesh still trail Pakistan by 199 runs and need 50 runs to avoid the follow-on.

Salman Ali Agha Defends Babar Azam Amidst Test Struggles

Salman Ali Agha Defends Babar Azam Amidst Test Struggles

Pakistan’s all-rounder Salman Ali Agha has come to the defense of star batter Babar Azam following another disappointing innings in the second Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. Babar’s struggles in the series have raised concerns, but Agha remains confident in his teammate’s ability to bounce back.

Babar’s lean patch in Test cricket has seen his average dip below 45, with his last score over fifty coming in late 2022. In the ongoing series, he has been dismissed for a duck, 22, and 31, contributing to Pakistan’s struggles.

Despite Babar’s poor form, Agha believes it is only a temporary phase. “Babar Azam is a world-class player,” Agha said. “As a cricketer, you go through these phases. He has scored consistently throughout the last five years. Soon, we will see him scoring big runs for Pakistan again.”

Agha emphasized the importance of supporting Babar during this difficult period. “There are 10 other players in the team, you should focus on them,” he said. “It’s fine if he’s struggling. He will return to scoring big runs very soon.”

Babar’s struggles have coincided with Pakistan’s poor performance in the series. After losing the first Test by 10 wickets, Pakistan collapsed from 179/4 to 274 all out in the second Test, highlighting the team’s batting woes.

Despite the setbacks, the team management and Babar’s teammates remain confident in his abilities. Head coach Saqlain Mushtaq has backed Babar to regain his form, while captain Azhar Ali has praised his work ethic and determination.

Babar Azam is regarded as one of Pakistan’s finest batters, and his return to form is crucial for the team’s success. With the third and final Test of the series still to come, Babar will have an opportunity to prove his critics wrong and lead Pakistan to a series victory.

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