Zahoor Khan Reveals Bumrah's Admiration for His Slower Deliveries

Zahoor Khan Reveals Bumrah’s Admiration for His Slower Deliveries

Pakistan-born fast bowler Zahoor Khan, who represents the UAE cricket team, had a memorable stint with the Mumbai Indians (MI) as a net bowler in 2014. Despite not featuring in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Zahoor gained invaluable experience and insights from his interactions with some of the world’s top cricketers.

In a recent interview, Zahoor shared his experiences with MI, particularly his encounters with Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma. He revealed that Bumrah was so impressed by his slower deliveries that he sought advice on his grip.

“I spent three months with Mumbai Indians and had the opportunity to interact with Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah,” Zahoor said. “Bumrah was particularly interested in my slower ball and asked me how I grip the ball. It was a huge honor for me, considering he’s the world’s No. 1 bowler.”

Zahoor also recalled bowling to Rohit Sharma in the nets and noted that the Indian skipper struggled to pick his slower delivery. “I bowled a slower ball to Rohit, and he couldn’t believe how slow it was,” Zahoor said. “He even commented that even if a batter picked it, it would never go for a six.”

Zahoor praised Rohit Sharma’s leadership and humility, describing him as a legend who treats everyone with respect. He also commended Bumrah’s resilience and determination, highlighting his impressive return to form after an injury layoff.

“Rohit is a true leader and a wonderful human being,” Zahoor said. “Bumrah is a superstar, but he’s also a great person. He’s shown that he’s back to his best after his injury.”

Zahoor’s time with MI provided him with a unique opportunity to learn from some of the best in the game. His interactions with Bumrah and Sharma have undoubtedly enriched his cricketing knowledge and will serve him well in his future endeavors.

TKR Bolstered by Jordan's Return, Amazon Warriors Hit by Tahir Injury

TKR Bolstered by Jordan’s Return, Amazon Warriors Hit by Tahir Injury

Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) have received a significant boost with the return of Chris Jordan for the home leg of the CPL 2024, starting on September 18. The England international, who previously played for TKR in 2019, will replace injured USA fast bowler Ali Khan.

Jordan’s return is a welcome addition to TKR’s bowling attack, having taken seven wickets in five matches during their 2019 campaign. His experience and skill will be crucial as TKR aims to improve upon their performance in the tournament.

Meanwhile, defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors have suffered a setback with captain Imran Tahir ruled out for approximately ten days due to injury. Tahir, the oldest player in the CPL at 45, has been a key figure for Amazon Warriors, but his absence will be a significant blow.

Shai Hope, who captained the team in Tahir’s absence in their last match, will continue to lead the side. However, the team will also miss the services of all-rounder Romario Shepherd, who is recovering from a toe injury.

To compensate for Tahir’s absence, Amazon Warriors have signed Nathan Sowter, an Australia-born English wristspinner. Sowter has impressed in franchise cricket, winning back-to-back titles with Oval Invincibles under Tom Moody.

Despite the setbacks, Amazon Warriors remain confident in their ability to perform well. Hope acknowledged the importance of Tahir’s absence but emphasized the need for the team to step up and find ways to compensate for his loss.

Dinesh Karthik: Gautam Gambhir's Aggression Stems from Protecting Players

Dinesh Karthik: Gautam Gambhir’s Aggression Stems from Protecting Players

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has expressed his belief that head coach Gautam Gambhir’s past aggressive behavior stems from a desire to protect his players. Karthik believes this approach will benefit the team, emphasizing that Gambhir does not display anger unnecessarily.

“His aggression has generally come out in protection of his players and that is something the current lot of players will enjoy. Knowing him, he is not someone who gets angry for the heck of it,” Karthik told reporters on the sidelines of a Legends League Cricket event.

Karthik also acknowledged Gambhir’s inexperience in coaching Test cricket, which may be a concern as he prepares for his first assignment with the series against Bangladesh in Chennai on Thursday.

“He has been a part of numerous T20 tournaments. But this Test series will be completely new for him as a coach and it must be playing at the back of his mind,” Karthik said.

However, Karthik expressed confidence in Gambhir’s ability to navigate the challenges of Test cricket.

“He is someone who has navigated through tough waters. He’s got the acumen to understand the pulse of the game, which is extremely important as a coach,” Karthik said.

Karthik also spoke about India’s upcoming series against Bangladesh, highlighting the challenges for both teams. He noted Bangladesh’s recent success against Pakistan but pointed out the difficulties of playing against the Indian team at home.

“It will start with a lot of confidence from Bangladesh. (For India) it’s about understanding that they are playing a slightly different Bangladesh team,” he said.

“But, India in India is a different kettle of fish to beat. It’s not going to be in any way as easy as compared to going outside and beating other countries in their backyard,” he said.

He also discussed the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, predicting a tough competition.

“The BGT will be a challenge for Team India. The current Australian team is in form and (is) a pretty well-oiled unit. It’s not by chance that they won the World Test Championship,” he said.

“It will be tough for India. But considering the grit and resilience that India has, it will be a wonderful series to watch,” he added.

England's Fast-Bowling Depth on Display in ODI Series Against Australia

England’s Fast-Bowling Depth on Display in ODI Series Against Australia

England’s ODI series against Australia will showcase their impressive fast-bowling depth, with seven seamers set to take the field. The demanding schedule of five matches in 11 days necessitates rotation, providing an opportunity for Hampshire’s John Turner to make his long-awaited international debut.

Turner, 23, has been on the fringes of England’s white-ball selection for over a year. Despite being named in the squad for last summer’s T20I series against New Zealand, an injury prevented him from playing. He was also an unused member of the touring party in the Caribbean in December.

With Jofra Archer’s workload being managed and three fast-bowling options (Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, and Olly Stone) departing for Pakistan’s Test series, Turner is poised to earn his first cap. Saqib Mahmood’s late addition to the squad further emphasizes the need for regular changes throughout the series.

Turner’s pace has piqued England’s interest since his T20 campaign for Hampshire last summer. He has consistently taken wickets throughout his young professional career, with a bowling average below 20 in all three formats.

England is eager to find a middle-overs wicket-taker in the mold of Liam Plunkett, and Jos Buttler has hinted that Turner could fill that role. Turner’s ability to break partnerships and take wickets is crucial in 50-over games, and his high pace is a valuable asset.

Turner’s competitive nature drives him to match the speeds of his fellow fast bowlers. He believes that healthy competition among the bowlers will benefit the team. Despite playing only twice in the County Championship this year, Turner’s ambitions extend across formats. He aims to become an all-format player, excelling in Test cricket, white-ball, and franchise cricket.

Raina Recommends Spin-Dominant Attack for India in Bangladesh Test

Raina Recommends Spin-Dominant Attack for India in Bangladesh Test

As India prepares to face Bangladesh in the first Test of their upcoming series, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has recommended a bold strategy for the Indian team. Raina suggested that India should deploy a spin-dominant attack with three spinners and two fast bowlers for the match, which begins on Thursday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Raina’s strategy is driven by the nature of the Chennai pitch, which he expects to favor spinners due to its black soil composition. He proposed selecting Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav as the spin trio, alongside fast bowlers Mohammad Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah.

“I believe India should go with five bowling options, that is three spinners and two pacers. Mohammad Siraj has been doing very well in the past few years in Red ball cricket, we all know how good Jasprit Bumrah is, and what he has done for the Indian cricket team in the past few years barely any fast bowlers in the world of cricket has done. So with two pacers and Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav India should go ahead,” Raina told IANS in the backdrop of the LLC press conference.

“Ashwin and Jadeja combination on Indian pitches is the most deadly combination so with the condition that Chennai pitch offers, the black soil, humid conditions and the winds they will just unsettle the opponents,” he added.

India, currently leading the World Test Championship (WTC) standings with a 68.52 percent rating, is looking to solidify their position at the top. The series against Bangladesh is crucial as it precedes Test series against New Zealand and Australia.

Raina acknowledged that while his suggestion is based on pitch conditions and current form, the final decision rests with Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who will assess the best combination for the team.

Raina welcomed former teammates Shikhar Dhawan and Dinesh Karthik to the third edition of the Legends League Cricket. “I would like to welcome Shikhar Dhawan and Dinesh Karthik to the Legends League Cricket, we all have been playing cricket since 1998, and it’s good that we will play cricket again.”

The Legends League Cricket (LLC) is set to return for the third edition with former India stars Dinesh Karthik and Shikhar Dhawan, the two latest entrants taking part in the tournament, signed directly by the respective teams Southern Superstars and Team Gujarat.

Harbhajan Singh-led defending champions Manipal Tigers will take on the Konark Suryas Odisha (previously known as Bhilwara Kings) captained by Irfan Pathan at the Barkatullah Khan Stadium, Jodhpur on September 20.

Smith's Opening Role in Doubt as Australia Considers Alternatives

Smith’s Opening Role in Doubt as Australia Considers Alternatives

Australia’s Test team faces a crucial decision ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series against India: who will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja? Steven Smith’s four-match stint as an opener has been met with mixed reviews, prompting speculation about potential alternatives.

Despite Smith’s initial request to open, his performance in New Zealand has raised concerns. His scores of 31, 0, 11, and 9 on pitches favoring new-ball bowlers have cast doubt on his suitability for the role.

Coach Andrew McDonald has stated that the incumbent top six from the New Zealand series will remain for the first Test against India, but discussions are ongoing. If Smith is not retained as an opener, several options emerge.

Marnus Labuschagne:

Labuschagne could swap positions with Smith, moving from No. 3 to open. He has experience opening in first-class cricket, including a century at the WACA in 2016. However, moving Labuschagne from his successful position at No. 3 may not be ideal.

Cameron Green:

Green was considered as a potential opener before Warner’s retirement. He has the skills to do it, but his heavy bowling workload and preference for No. 4 make it an undesirable option.

Travis Head:

Khawaja has suggested Head as the best partner for him, allowing Smith to return to No. 4. Head has opened in Test cricket in India, but his mediocre record against spin in the subcontinent is a concern.

Mitchell Marsh:

Marsh has made it clear that he is not comfortable moving to the top of the order. His technique is not suited to batting against the new ball, and his bowling will be crucial throughout the summer.

The selectors face a difficult decision. Smith’s desire to open must be balanced against the team’s overall balance and the strengths of the other candidates. The upcoming Shield matches will provide further insights into the team’s plans.

India Prepares on Black-Soil Pitch for Bangladesh Test Amid Weather Concerns

India Prepares on Black-Soil Pitch for Bangladesh Test Amid Weather Concerns

India’s preparation for the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai has taken an interesting turn, with the team training on a black-soil pitch despite the match being expected to be played on a red-soil surface. The unusual weather conditions in the city have raised concerns about the pitch’s behavior during the match.

The red-soil pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium is known for providing good bounce and carry for pacers, while the black-soil composition is more likely to assist spinners. However, the extreme heat in Chennai could lead to the disintegration of the pitch as the match progresses, bringing the spinners into play.

This has prompted the Indian batsmen to focus on perfecting their technique against spin, as Bangladesh boasts a formidable spin attack. The likes of Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Virat Kohli have struggled against spin in recent matches, and they have been working hard to address this weakness.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has acknowledged that the Indian team needs to improve its ability to handle spin effectively. “We got undone in Sri Lanka. The focus has moved to doing well in Australia, England, (so) that we’ve kind of let playing spin, which was always a strength of the Indian team, fall back a little bit,” he said.

The Indian team is expected to go through an optional net session on Wednesday, but the intensity of Tuesday’s practice was evident despite the scorching sun. The nature of the pitch will force the Indian management to make a careful decision regarding the team’s composition for the opening Test.

With the pitch likely to favor pacers, India may opt for a three-pacer attack, including Akash Deep or Yash Dayal alongside Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav. This strategy aligns with India’s goal of giving their pacers as much experience as possible ahead of their tour of Australia later this year.

Raina Endorses Shubman Gill as India's Future T20 Captain

Raina Endorses Shubman Gill as India’s Future T20 Captain

Suresh Raina Backs Shubman Gill as India’s Future T20 Captain

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has thrown his support behind vice-captain Shubman Gill as the ideal candidate to lead India’s T20 team in the future. Despite the recent appointment of Suryakumar Yadav as T20 captain, Raina believes Gill’s exceptional performances and leadership qualities make him the standout choice.

Raina highlighted Gill’s composure under pressure and his aggressive yet strategic batting style as key attributes that position him as a natural leader. “Shubman Gill is a superstar,” Raina said at an event. “He’s the vice-captain, which means someone is thinking about him. If he performs well in the IPL and wins the trophy, he’s the future (captaincy). He will be the next superstar.”

Raina also expressed his excitement about Rishabh Pant’s impending return to Test cricket after nearly two years. “He’s looking very good,” Raina said. “He scored a fifty in the Duleep Trophy and has been keeping well. When you talk about a Test match, you play it session by session.”

Looking ahead to India’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, Raina praised the visitors’ spin attack. “Bangladesh has done well against Pakistan,” he said. “They have got good spinners, so it will be interesting to see how the Indians bat against them.”

Raina and Rayudu Call for Increased Player Retention in IPL

Raina and Rayudu Call for Increased Player Retention in IPL

IPL Retention Debate: Raina and Rayudu Advocate for Increased Player Retention

Ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, former IPL stalwarts Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu have called for a significant increase in player retention. They argue that maintaining a stable core is essential for teams’ success in the highly competitive tournament.

During the last mega auction in 2022, IPL teams were permitted to retain up to four players. However, as the three-year cycle draws to a close, there is a growing consensus that this number is insufficient. Some teams are advocating for the retention of up to eight players, while others believe four or five would be more appropriate.

“Personally, I feel retentions have to be a lot more because a franchise invests a lot on players,” said Rayudu. “The core of the team is what makes every team unique in the IPL. The longer the core remains, the culture of the team remains, and there is a greater chance of success.”

Raina, Rayudu’s former Chennai Super Kings teammate, echoed these sentiments. “I 100 percent agree with Rayudu,” he said. “The mega auction should be every three years. The IPL Governing Council will do what is best for the game.”

The issue of player retention has become a hot topic of discussion as franchises prepare for the next mega auction in December. Teams are eager to secure the services of their key players and build a strong foundation for the upcoming seasons.

The IPL Governing Council is yet to make a decision on the number of players that can be retained. However, the views of Raina and Rayudu, two of the most experienced and successful players in IPL history, are likely to carry significant weight in the decision-making process.

Kapil Dev: The Haryana Hurricane Who Changed Indian Cricket

Kapil Dev: The Haryana Hurricane Who Changed Indian Cricket

Kapil Dev, the legendary Indian cricketer, earned the moniker “Haryana Hurricane” for his explosive all-around abilities and his origins from the state of Haryana. Born in Chandigarh on January 6, 1959, Kapil Dev Ramlal Nikhanj quickly rose through the ranks of Indian cricket with his exceptional talent.

The term “Hurricane” aptly describes Kapil’s dynamic and whirlwind approach to the game. His bowling was fast, ferocious, and accurate, making him one of the most feared pacers of his time. His ability to swing the ball at high speeds left batsmen bewildered, much like the sudden onslaught of a hurricane. He could devastate batting line-ups with his sharp in-swingers and out-swingers. His bowling action, smooth yet aggressive, added to the impression of an unstoppable force of nature on the pitch.

With the bat, Kapil was equally tempestuous. He was an aggressive lower-middle-order batsman capable of turning the game on its head in a matter of overs. His fearless batting, particularly during the 1983 World Cup, where he played a match-winning inning of 175 not out against Zimbabwe, became the stuff of legends. It was a performance that showcased his ability to single-handedly change the course of a game, much like a hurricane altering landscapes.

Kapil’s leadership was another aspect that contributed to his nickname. As the captain of the Indian cricket team, he led by example, inspiring his team to believe in themselves and fight against the odds. His captaincy during the 1983 World Cup, where he led India to its first-ever World Cup victory, was a perfect storm of strategy, aggression, and self-belief.

The “Haryana Hurricane” was not just a nickname but a symbol of Kapil’s approach to life and cricket. It embodied his roots in Haryana and his game-changing influence on the sport, forever etching his legacy in cricket history books.

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