Dwayne Bravo Retires from CPL After Groin Injury

Dwayne Bravo Retires from CPL After Groin Injury

Dwayne Bravo, the legendary all-rounder, has bid farewell to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) after sustaining a groin injury during a match against St Lucia Kings. The 40-year-old had initially planned to retire at the end of the 2024 season, but the untimely injury has forced him to end his CPL career prematurely.

Bravo’s injury occurred while attempting to catch Kings’ captain Faf du Plessis in the seventh over. He immediately left the field and did not bowl a single over in what turned out to be his final CPL game. Despite his injury, Bravo returned to bat at No. 11 in TKR’s failed chase of 219. He faced just one ball, which struck his thigh, before retiring hurt, visibly emotional.

“When he pulled up [injured], it looked pretty serious,” said TKR captain Kieron Pollard. “He’s been a charismatic person and has been inspiring throughout. We just want to tell him thank you very much for all that he has done for cricket.”

Bravo’s injury is a significant blow to TKR, who were also without Sunil Narine for the match against Kings. Narine is expected to return soon from a quad strain, while Andre Russell’s workload is being managed due to a hamstring complaint.

In the absence of Bravo and Narine, Pollard took on the bowling mantle, bowling his full complement of overs for the first time in the CPL since 2022. “I had to take the mantle with DJ [Bravo] going down and Russell isn’t 100% fit,” Pollard said.

Du Plessis, who played alongside Bravo at Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, paid tribute to the CPL stalwart. “Sad to see DJ Bravo finishing in that way,” du Plessis said. “He’s obviously someone that I’ve admired for a long time. He’s done so much for everyone around the Caribbean.”

Bravo is the most decorated player in the CPL, having won five titles in all, including three with TKR. He led TKR to back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018 before captaining St Kitts and Nevis Patriots to their first title in 2021.

Akash Deep Praises India's Domestic System for Preparing Players for International Cricket

Akash Deep Praises India’s Domestic System for Preparing Players for International Cricket

India’s fast-rising pace sensation, Akash Deep, has hailed the country’s robust domestic cricket system as a crucial factor in his seamless transition to international cricket. Deep, who has already made a mark in his two Test appearances, credits the BCCI’s well-structured domestic setup for preparing him for the rigors of international competition.

“The domestic cricket structure in India is incredibly strong,” Deep said. “By the time you reach the international level, you’ve already played a significant amount of high-quality cricket. You have a clear understanding of your bowling strengths and areas for improvement.”

Deep’s journey to the Indian team is a testament to the effectiveness of the domestic pathway. After an impressive Ranji Trophy campaign in 2019, where he claimed 35 wickets at an average of 18.02, he was selected for the East Zone in the Duleep Trophy and Deodhar Trophy. His consistent performances earned him a call-up to India A, and eventually, a Test debut against England Lions.

The support and guidance of senior players in the Indian team have also played a significant role in Deep’s transition. “I’m fortunate to play under Rohit Sharma,” Deep said. “He simplifies things and creates a comfortable environment for newcomers. He made me feel like I was playing domestic cricket, not international cricket.”

Deep’s success at the international level is a reflection of the hard work and dedication he has put in throughout his career. He has played over 100 first-class, List A, and T20 matches, honing his skills and developing a deep understanding of the game.

“I’ve played a lot of cricket in the last two years,” Deep said. “It’s important to understand yourself as a cricketer. When you’re selected for a new team, there shouldn’t be any confusion. I’ve worked on my strengths and identified areas where I can improve.”

Deep’s focus on the present and his ability to adapt to different conditions have been key to his success. “My job is to put the ball in good areas, regardless of the wicket,” he said. “I need to find ways to pick up wickets, even if the conditions aren’t favorable for fast bowlers.”

As India prepares for the final Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, Deep is excited to play on a ground that holds special significance for him. “I’m from Banaras, which is not far from here,” Deep said. “I had heard of Green Park when I was young, and I thought it was called that because the whole ground was green. It feels nice to be here, at the place I had heard of as a kid.”

Will Jacks Stars in England's ODI Victory with Match-Winning 84

Will Jacks Stars in England’s ODI Victory with Match-Winning 84

Will Jacks’ scintillating 84 against Australia in the third ODI at Chester-le-Street has cemented his status as a rising star in English cricket. Despite having only four half-centuries in 31 international innings, Jacks’ knock against a formidable Australian attack stands out as his most impressive performance to date.

Arriving at the crease with England reeling at 11 for 2, Jacks forged a match-winning partnership of 156 with Harry Brook, guiding the hosts to a comfortable position before rain intervened. Jacks’ innings was characterized by its rapid pace, reaching his half-century off just 55 balls and accelerating thereafter.

Jacks’ performance highlights the importance of regular 50-over cricket for England players. With the decline of bilateral ODI series and the relegation of the domestic One-Day Cup, opportunities to gain experience in the format are limited. Jacks acknowledges this challenge but welcomes the opportunity to learn on the job.

Despite being part of England’s white-ball setup for two years, Jacks has yet to fully establish himself as a regular. A hectic schedule and a series of injuries have hindered his progress. However, his recent performances for England and in various franchise leagues have demonstrated his immense talent.

The ECB is expected to rectify the omission of Jacks from its central contract list in the next round of offers. His value has skyrocketed since last year, and his performances have shown that he is worth the investment.

Jitesh Sharma Frontrunner for Second Wicketkeeper Slot in India's T20I Squad

Jitesh Sharma Frontrunner for Second Wicketkeeper Slot in India’s T20I Squad

With the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, the Indian cricket team is expected to announce its squad this week. While Rishabh Pant remains the primary wicketkeeper, Sanju Samson is set to take over as the No. 1 glovesman in the shortest format. However, the race for the second wicketkeeper’s slot is heating up, with Jitesh Sharma emerging as the frontrunner ahead of Ishan Kishan.

Sharma’s impressive performances for Vidarbha have caught the attention of the selectors, and he is believed to have an edge over Kishan, who is currently part of the Rest of India squad. Kishan’s selection in the Rest of India team suggests that his international comeback may be slightly delayed.

With the Test series against New Zealand starting on October 16, several top players, including Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah, are likely to be rested as part of the workload management program. This opens up opportunities for players who have been in good form recently.

Abhishek Sharma, the hard-hitting Punjab left-hander, is expected to return to the mix in the absence of Shubman Gill. However, it remains unclear who will partner him at the top of the order if both Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are rested.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the captain of the Rest of India team, is also in a tight spot as he will likely be busy with the Irani Cup until October 5, leaving little time before the Bangladesh T20Is begin. There is speculation that Jaiswal might play the first match, while Gaikwad could join the squad for the last two games.

Hardik Pandya is set to return to the national side, along with Shivam Dube. Other players who were part of the Zimbabwe series, such as Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Tushar Deshpande, and Ravi Bishnoi, are also expected to be included in the squad. Harshit Rana, who was in Zimbabwe as a backup pacer, could also get a chance.

Galle Test: Batting Woes Haunt Teams as Pitch Deteriorates

Galle Test: Batting Woes Haunt Teams as Pitch Deteriorates

In the realm of Test cricket, the toss holds immense significance, particularly at the Galle International Stadium in Sri Lanka. Traditionally, teams opt to bat first to capitalize on the most favorable batting conditions. However, this strategy is not merely about maximizing runs but also about mitigating the potential pitfalls that emerge later in the match.

In the recently concluded first Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, the hosts won the toss and elected to bat. Despite the early signs of a challenging pitch, Sri Lanka managed to post a respectable 305 in their first innings. However, the match took a dramatic turn as the pitch deteriorated, making batting increasingly difficult.

New Zealand’s batters initially enjoyed the more favorable conditions on day two, but they too succumbed to a late collapse. The match ultimately swung in Sri Lanka’s favor as the pitch became more treacherous, with 14 wickets falling on day four and two wickets within 15 minutes on day five.

Both teams acknowledged the importance of setting the tone early on, whether with the bat or ball. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead emphasized the significance of accumulating runs in the first innings to minimize the pressure in the second. Sri Lanka batting coach Thilina Kandamby echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need to establish a positive mindset and avoid collapses.

However, both teams identified areas for improvement. New Zealand could have capitalized on their strong position on day three, but they lost their remaining five wickets for 86 runs. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, experienced batting collapses in both innings, particularly among their top-order batters.

Sri Lanka’s tail-enders have also been a concern, with minimal contributions in terms of runs. The team has brought in Milan Rathnayake to address this issue, but Kandamby emphasized that they are actively working to improve the overall batting depth.

As the second Test approaches, both teams will be eager to learn from their mistakes and seize the initiative. The toss will once again play a crucial role, but the ability to adapt to the changing conditions and capitalize on key moments will ultimately determine the outcome.

Pakistan Cricket in Crisis: Kaneria Slams PCB and Team After Bangladesh Loss

Pakistan Cricket in Crisis: Kaneria Slams PCB and Team After Bangladesh Loss

Pakistan’s humiliating Test series loss to Bangladesh has sparked outrage among cricket fans and former players alike. Former leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the team, calling them “worse than a mohalla team.”

Kaneria’s criticism stems from Pakistan’s dismal performance in the two-match series. Bangladesh dominated the first Test with a resounding 10-wicket victory, while in the second Test, they chased down 185 runs with six wickets in hand. This marked the third-highest successful run chase by a visiting team on Pakistani soil.

Kaneria believes the PCB is to blame for the team’s poor showing. He highlights the disconnect between the leadership and the performance on the field, stating that “the luxuries of the captain’s ‘kursi’ (chair) and the chairmanship at the PCB spoil minds.”

Kaneria also questions the decision to replace Sarfaraz Ahmed with Babar Azam as captain. He believes Sarfaraz was a more capable leader and that the current leadership lacks the ability to handle pressure situations.

“I don’t know why Babar Azam was given the leadership responsibility despite Sarfaraz Ahmed’s good captaincy,” Kaneria said. “Currently, there is no captain material in the Pakistan team. A captain is someone who takes the pressure on his shoulders and carries the team forward with his performance, which both Babar and Shan Masood have failed to do.”

Kaneria draws a comparison between Pakistan and India, emphasizing that Indian players have consistently stepped up to the plate when required. He praises Rishabh Pant, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, and suggests that he could be a future leader for India, especially in Test cricket.

“When you look at the current Indian team, everyone takes responsibility and performs when it is needed,” Kaneria said. “Shubman (Gill), Rishabh (Pant), (Ravichandran) Ashwin — everyone contributes, and that is why they are a world-class team.”

Kaneria’s criticism reflects the growing frustration among Pakistani cricket fans and experts. The team’s recent performances have raised serious concerns about the direction of the team under Babar Azam’s leadership. The PCB must take immediate action to address the issues plaguing the team and restore Pakistan’s status as a cricketing powerhouse.

Sanjay Manjrekar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's Return in India's Playing XI for Second Bangladesh Test

Sanjay Manjrekar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav’s Return in India’s Playing XI for Second Bangladesh Test

Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has strongly advocated for the inclusion of left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav in India’s playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. Despite Kuldeep’s impressive performance in the recent home series against England, where he claimed 19 wickets in four matches, he was surprisingly omitted from the team in the first Test in Chennai.

Manjrekar believes that Kuldeep’s exclusion was a mistake, arguing that his unique bowling style would have been beneficial even on a pitch that was not expected to favor spinners. “I feel Kuldeep Yadav should not be dropped so easily,” Manjrekar said on the ESPNcricinfo YouTube channel. “I believe that even if it was not a turner, India would have benefited from playing Kuldeep Yadav in Chennai because the seamers will get help for just one or one-and-a-half days on an Indian pitch.”

Manjrekar suggested that Kuldeep could replace Jasprit Bumrah in the team if the pace spearhead is rested. “If Bumrah wants a rest, give him. Try and get Kuldeep Yadav back,” Manjrekar said. He further emphasized the importance of playing all three spinners, including Kuldeep, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Axar Patel, even on a green top. “Even if it’s a green top and the sun is out, they should keep in mind that the green top will be just for the first few hours, and Siraj and Bumrah are enough for that. When you have three proven spinners, you should play all of them,” Manjrekar said.

With India securing a comprehensive 280-run victory in the first Test, where Bumrah played a crucial role with five wickets, the team management may consider resting him to manage his workload. This would provide an ideal opportunity for Kuldeep to make his way back into the side. Another pacer, Yash Dayal, could also be in contention for his debut if Bumrah is rested.

Rohit, Kohli's Struggles Raise Concerns Over Preferential Treatment

Rohit, Kohli’s Struggles Raise Concerns Over Preferential Treatment

Despite India’s resounding victory in the first Test against Bangladesh, concerns have been raised over the underwhelming performances of skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli. While the team secured a 280-run triumph, the two senior players failed to make a significant impact.

Former India opener Sanjay Manjrekar has questioned whether Rohit and Kohli are receiving preferential treatment based on their reputation. He believes that their absence from the Duleep Trophy, a domestic first-class tournament, has hindered their preparation for the Test series.

“There was the option of picking them in the Duleep Trophy. So one has to be careful about treating certain players differently and do what’s best for Indian cricket and for the player,” Manjrekar said. “Virat and Rohit not playing (Duleep Trophy) was not good for Indian cricket, nor was it good for the two players.”

Manjrekar expressed confidence in Kohli and Rohit’s abilities to regain their form, but he emphasized the need to address the issue of preferential treatment within the Indian cricket team.

“But they have the class and experience to make a comeback later in the series, and I don’t see them, for that reason, not being in form,” he said. “But something that one must make a quiet note of, and that has been a problem with Indian cricket for a long time now, is that certain players get picked out for special treatment because of their status, which eventually hurts that player more than anyone else.”

The Indian team’s success in the first Test was largely due to the standout performances of Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Ravindra Jadeja. However, the struggles of Rohit and Kohli have raised questions about the team’s batting depth and the need for a more consistent performance from its senior players.

Kanpur Test: Green Park Stand Deemed Unsafe, Ticket Sales Restricted

Kanpur Test: Green Park Stand Deemed Unsafe, Ticket Sales Restricted

The Indian cricket team will face Bangladesh in the second and final Test match of the series at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. However, the stadium has been deemed unsafe by the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD), with one of the stands declared dangerous and at risk of collapse if filled to capacity.

The PWD has instructed the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) to limit ticket sales for the Balcony C stand to 1,700, significantly below its capacity of 4,800. Repair work on the stand is ongoing and is expected to continue for the next few days.

Engineers have warned that the Balcony C stand is in dire need of repair and could not withstand the weight of even 50 fans jumping in celebration. The UPCA has agreed to comply with the PWD’s directive and will not sell all the tickets for the stand.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant has made a strong return to international cricket after recovering from a serious car accident. He scored a century in the second innings of the first Test against Bangladesh, propelling him back into the ICC Test rankings at sixth position.

Yashasvi Jaiswal has also moved up the rankings to fifth place, aided by his half-century in the first innings of the Bangladesh match. Rohit Sharma, however, has dropped five places to 10th position after his low scores in the first Test.

In the Test bowling rankings, Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya has solidified his reputation as a top spinner, moving up five spots to eighth place after taking nine wickets against New Zealand in the Galle Test.

MS Dhoni's Humor and Leadership: A Guiding Force for CSK

MS Dhoni’s Humor and Leadership: A Guiding Force for CSK

MS Dhoni’s leadership style, characterized by a blend of humor and strategic acumen, was evident throughout the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer Mohit Sharma shared an anecdote on the “2 Sloggers” podcast that highlights Dhoni’s ability to guide his players with a touch of lightheartedness.

During an IPL match in Chennai, Deepak Chahar, another CSK bowler, bowled a knuckle ball that was dispatched for a boundary. Dhoni, observing Chahar’s struggles, advised him to refrain from using the knuckle ball. Chahar acknowledged the advice, but a few deliveries later, he bowled the same knuckle ball again, which sailed over the batter’s head.

“Deepak Chahar has also received a lot of sticks (from Dhoni). In 2019, Deepak was playing, and I was not. The game was in Chennai, and everyone was sweating profusely. He bowled a knuckle ball that I think was a full toss or something, which was hit for either a four or a six. Dhoni bhai told him not to bowl it again. He said, ‘ok Mahi bhai’. After bowling the next 2-3 ball, he bowled the knuckle ball again which this time went over the head of the batter,” Mohit recounted on the podcast.

Dhoni, with his trademark wit, responded to the delivery by telling Chahar, “Bewakoof tu nahi, mai hu” (You’re not the fool, I am). This outburst was a mix of lightheartedness and mild frustration from the five-time IPL-winning skipper.

Despite the occasional teasing, Dhoni’s trust in Chahar was evident in the 22 wickets he took that season. Dhoni often entrusted Chahar with bowling all four of his overs upfront, a testament to his belief in the young bowler’s abilities.

With Dhoni’s potential retirement from the IPL looming, there have been calls from his former teammates, including Suresh Raina, for him to play one more season and mentor Ruturaj Gaikwad in captaincy. Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024.

Although troubled by a knee injury, Dhoni’s impressive cameos in IPL 2024, where he scored 161 runs at a staggering strike rate of 220.55, hinted that he may have more cricket left in him.

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