KL Rahul's 8000-Run Milestone: Shastri Calls for Mindset Shift

KL Rahul’s 8000-Run Milestone: Shastri Calls for Mindset Shift

KL Rahul, India’s prodigious batsman, has reached the coveted milestone of 8000 international runs. However, despite this achievement, former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Rahul needs to undergo a mindset shift to fully unlock his potential and deliver consistent performances.

Rahul’s milestone came during the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. After a modest first innings, he played a brief but unbeaten knock in the second, helping India extend their lead. This achievement places him among the elite Indian cricketers who have surpassed 8000 international runs.

While acknowledging Rahul’s talent, Shastri emphasized the need for a change in mindset. “KL Rahul needs to realize the immense talent he possesses. When he does that and approaches the game with a different mindset, he will become a formidable player,” Shastri said.

Rahul’s inconsistency, particularly in Test cricket, has been a concern. Despite match-winning performances and crucial knocks in limited-overs cricket, his Test average remains a modest 34.12 after 50 matches. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar attributes this inconsistency to a temperamental issue rather than technical deficiencies.

“Rahul’s performances have been erratic. He plays a brilliant innings in one Test and then seems disinterested in the next two or three,” Manjrekar commented. “He has some brilliant hundreds, but an average of 34 tells you about his temperament.”

Reaching 8000 international runs is a testament to Rahul’s capabilities across formats. With 8017 runs in 200 matches, including 17 hundreds and 54 half-centuries, he has already achieved what many cricketers aspire to. His versatility as a batter is evident in his performances in both Tests and limited-overs cricket.

However, Shastri and other experts believe that Rahul’s true potential lies in his ability to perform consistently and reach new heights. This requires a mental shift that will allow him to approach the game with a different mindset and unlock the full extent of his talent.

India Crush Bangladesh by 280 Runs, Ashwin Stars with Six-Wicket Haul

India Crush Bangladesh by 280 Runs, Ashwin Stars with Six-Wicket Haul

Senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin orchestrated a dominant performance for India, leading them to a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening Test at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Bangladesh, set an improbable target of 515, were bowled out for 234 in their second innings, with Ashwin wreaking havoc with a six-wicket haul. The off-spinner, who has a special affinity for the Chepauk pitch, finished with figures of 6/88, showcasing his mastery of spin bowling.

Ravindra Jadeja provided valuable support, claiming 3/58, while skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored for Bangladesh with a valiant 82 off 127 deliveries. However, the visitors’ batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure applied by the Indian bowlers.

India’s victory was set up by a commanding batting performance in their second innings. Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill both notched up centuries, scoring 109 and 119 not out respectively. Their twin tons helped India declare their innings at 287/4, setting Bangladesh an insurmountable target.

The victory marks a significant milestone for Ashwin, who has now become the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket, surpassing Kapil Dev’s tally of 434 wickets. Ashwin’s exceptional performance has cemented his status as one of the greatest spinners of all time.

India will now look to seal the series in the second and final Test, which will be played in Dhaka from December 14-18. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to counter India’s formidable bowling attack.

Tamim Iqbal and Ravi Shastri Engage in Humorous Commentary Banter

Tamim Iqbal and Ravi Shastri Engage in Humorous Commentary Banter

Bangladesh’s star cricketer Tamim Iqbal has ventured into the world of commentary during the ongoing India-Bangladesh Test series. On Day 3 of the first Test, Tamim engaged in a lighthearted banter with renowned Indian commentator Ravi Shastri.

The conversation centered around the importance of power in hitting sixes. Tamim emphasized the role of physical strength, while Shastri highlighted the significance of technique. Shastri playfully pointed out that Tamim, despite his lean physique, has hit the most sixes for Bangladesh in both Tests and ODIs.

“Why are you complaining? You are not Arnold Schwarzenegger, and you hit the most sixes for Bangladesh! 41 sixes,” Shastri quipped.

Tamim’s record speaks for itself. He has smashed 41 sixes in Test cricket, five more than his compatriot Mushfiqur Rahim. In ODIs, he has hit 103 maximums, three more than Rahim.

Meanwhile, on the field, India’s Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant slammed four sixes each as they notched up impressive centuries in the first innings. Their six-hitting prowess prompted the discussion between Tamim and Shastri.

Bangladesh ended Day 3 on 158/4, still trailing India’s massive target of 515 by 357 runs. Mushfiqur Rahim was dismissed before the end of play.

Earlier, Gill and Pant’s centuries helped India declare at 287/4 in their second innings. Bangladesh’s poor first innings performance left them with a daunting task to chase down.

Bangladesh’s openers, Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam, provided a solid start with a 50-run partnership, but both fell shortly after. R Ashwin was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming three wickets, including those of Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim.

Bangladesh enter this series on the back of a historic 2-0 away series win over Pakistan. India, on the other hand, are playing their first red-ball match since their 4-1 victory over England in March.

India U-19 Thrash Australia U-19 in Youth ODI Opener

India U-19 Thrash Australia U-19 in Youth ODI Opener

India’s Under-19 cricket team made a resounding start to their Youth ODI series against Australia, securing an emphatic seven-wicket victory in the opening match on Saturday. The match was eagerly anticipated as it marked the potential debut of Rahul Dravid’s elder son, Samit, for India U-19. However, it remains unclear whether Samit was dropped due to a combination issue or an injury.

Batting first, Australia struggled to build a substantial total, posting 184 in 49.4 overs. Right-arm leg-break bowler Mohamed Enaan was the standout performer for India, claiming four wickets for 32 runs in his 10-over spell. Steve Hogan (42) and Riley Kingsell (36) got starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores. A middle-order collapse ensued, with only No. 10 Thomas Brown’s 29 taking the Aussies past the 180-run mark.

In reply, India lost their top three batters for just 32 runs. However, right-handed batter K.P. Karthikeya and skipper Mohammed Amaan steadied the innings with a crucial 153-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Karthikeya, who remained unbeaten on 85, played a more attacking role, hitting nine fours and two sixes in his 99-ball knock. Amaan, on the other hand, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 58 off 89 deliveries, hitting five boundaries.

Karthikeya was particularly severe on right-arm seamer Aiden O’Connor, smashing him for four boundaries and a six. He also hit a six off Thomas Brown. India eventually chased down the target with 14 overs to spare, securing a comfortable victory.

The win gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second Youth ODI is scheduled to be played on September 23, 2024.

TikTok Tactic Earns Pakistan Batsman Zaman Khan Promotion

TikTok Tactic Earns Pakistan Batsman Zaman Khan Promotion

Pakistan Batsman Zaman Khan’s TikTok Tactic Convinces Captain to Promote Him

In a unique twist, Pakistan batsman Zaman Khan resorted to a TikTok video to persuade his captain, Mohammad Haris, to elevate him in the batting order during a Champions One-Day Cup match.

Playing for the Stallions, Zaman showcased his power-hitting prowess in a TikTok video, hoping to catch Haris’s attention and earn a higher spot in the lineup. However, Haris initially remained unmoved and slotted Zaman at number 9.

Undeterred, Zaman seized the opportunity when he came to bat late in the innings. He unleashed a blistering display of power hitting, smashing an unbeaten 42 off just 16 balls, including six towering sixes.

After the match, Haris acknowledged his mistake in not promoting Zaman earlier. “I saw his TikTok videos and realized I had made a mistake,” Haris said. “I had prepared him for the 6th position, but I should have sent him in sooner.”

Zaman expressed his satisfaction with his performance and the impact it had on his captain. “I posted those videos on TikTok so that Haris would see them and send me in to bat sooner,” Zaman said. “I’m glad it worked.”

Despite Zaman’s heroics, the Stallions fell short in their chase of the Panthers’ massive 344/7, losing by 20 runs. However, Zaman’s TikTok tactic and subsequent performance have become a talking point in Pakistan cricket circles.

Delhi Capitals Prioritize Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav for IPL 2025 Retention

Delhi Capitals Prioritize Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav for IPL 2025 Retention

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction approaches, franchises are finalizing their retention strategies. According to reports, the Delhi Capitals have identified their priority players, with skipper Rishabh Pant topping the list.

Pant, a key member of the Indian team across all formats, was rumored to be considering a move to Punjab Kings, where former Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting is now in charge. However, a report in Cricbuzz suggests that Pant will remain with DC and be their top retention pick.

The wicket-keeper batter currently earns INR 16 crore per season, but this figure is expected to increase with the BCCI’s new retention guidelines. In addition to Pant, Delhi is likely to retain Team India stars Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav.

Overseas players Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tristan Stubbs are also reportedly set to be retained by the franchise. If the BCCI allows franchises to retain an uncapped player, DC is expected to keep wicketkeeper-batsman Abhishek Porel.

Kohli-Tendulkar Similarity: Manjrekar Draws Parallels in Batting Comfort

Kohli-Tendulkar Similarity: Manjrekar Draws Parallels in Batting Comfort

Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has drawn an intriguing parallel between batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar. Manjrekar observed that Kohli, like Tendulkar, appears to perform better away from home.

Kohli’s recent return to Test cricket against Bangladesh was underwhelming, with scores of 6 and 17. Manjrekar attributed this to Kohli’s discomfort batting in India. “He’s not enjoying batting in India as much. Like (Sachin) Tendulkar, I think he feels more at home away from home,” Manjrekar said on the ESPNCricinfo YouTube channel.

Manjrekar pointed to Kohli’s impressive performance in South Africa, where he was India’s standout batter. “We saw in South Africa how well he played. He was by far India’s best batter,” Manjrekar added.

In the second innings of the Bangladesh Test, Kohli was controversially given out LBW despite replays showing the ball had hit his bat. However, Kohli declined to review the decision, a move that Manjrekar found puzzling. “Felt bad for Virat today. He obviously didn’t think he had hit it. Just wanted to know from Gill if the ball was hitting stumps. Despite Gill encouraging him to go for the review anyway, he walked away dejected wanting to keep the 3 reviews for his team,” Manjrekar tweeted.

Kohli’s absence from Test cricket since January 2024 may have contributed to his struggles. He missed the home series against England due to the birth of his second child. Despite his low scores, Kohli reached a significant milestone, becoming the second Indian to score 12,000 runs on home soil, behind only Tendulkar.

Manjrekar’s comparison between Kohli and Tendulkar highlights the unique challenges faced by elite batters. While Tendulkar was known for his exceptional performances overseas, Kohli has also shown a remarkable ability to adapt to different conditions. However, Manjrekar’s observation that Kohli may be more comfortable batting away from home raises questions about his mindset and the pressure he faces when playing in India.

Rishabh Pant's Defensive Technique Impresses Sanjay Manjrekar

Rishabh Pant’s Defensive Technique Impresses Sanjay Manjrekar

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has praised wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for his century in the first Test against Bangladesh, highlighting his defensive technique that resembles that of legendary former skipper MS Dhoni.

Pant’s century, along with Shubman Gill’s, helped India set a massive 515-run target for Bangladesh. Manjrekar noted that Pant’s innings showcased his willingness to play defensively, a trait often overlooked due to his aggressive batting style.

“It is a misleading package we see with Rishabh Pant,” Manjrekar said. “Underneath that, you will see as many dot balls in his innings as Shubman Gill’s, so he is willing to also play the defensive game that we have seen many times in the past.”

Manjrekar compared Pant’s defensive technique to Dhoni’s, who was known for his solid defense despite his reputation as a big-hitter. “He has got a pretty good defensive technique, bit like Dhoni, whose defensive technique was quite good,” Manjrekar said.

Manjrekar also noted Pant’s ability to adapt his batting to the situation, similar to former opener Virender Sehwag. “He is that kind of player who has his own way of getting runs and has his own agenda – a bit like Virender Sehwag,” Manjrekar said.

In the match, India posted a total of 515 runs, with Ashwin and Jadeja contributing significant innings. Bangladesh was bowled out for 149 in their first innings, trailing by 227 runs. In their second innings, India declared at 287/4, setting Bangladesh a target of 515.

At the end of day three, Bangladesh was 158/4, with Najmul Hossain Shanto leading the resistance.

Rishabh Pant's Fairytale Comeback: Six Test Centuries in Just 34 Games

Rishabh Pant’s Fairytale Comeback: Six Test Centuries in Just 34 Games

Rishabh Pant’s remarkable comeback in Test cricket has been a testament to his resilience and determination. After a life-threatening car accident in 2022, many doubted whether he would ever return to the highest level of the sport. However, Pant has defied all odds, returning to the Indian team with a vengeance.

In just 34 Tests, Pant has matched MS Dhoni’s feat of scoring six centuries, a remarkable achievement considering Dhoni played over 90 Tests. Pant’s return to form has been particularly impressive given the challenges he faced after his accident.

His comeback story began with a determined performance in the last IPL, where he played as a No. 3 batter on some of the most difficult pitches in the T20 World Cup. Despite concerns about his body’s ability to withstand the rigors of five-day cricket, Pant has proven his fitness and skill in the ongoing Test against Bangladesh.

His comfort against the Bangladesh bowlers has shown that he has overcome any mental hurdles that may have lingered after his accident. Shubman Gill, who shared a 167-run partnership with Pant, praised his teammate’s resilience.

“I’ve seen him work so hard for it when he was coming back from the injury and I think he also must be feeling really good,” Gill said.

Pant’s hard work and dedication have been evident in his training sessions. In New York, he faced short-pitched deliveries on a pitch with variable bounce, testing his pain threshold and preparing himself for the challenges of Test cricket.

Former coach Rahul Dravid and current boss Gautam Gambhir have both praised Pant’s abilities as a batter and wicketkeeper. Gambhir highlighted Pant’s consistent performances in red-ball cricket and his ability to impact the game.

“He’s got runs everywhere around the world, and not many wicket-keepers of that age have done it so consistently in red-ball cricket,” Gambhir said.

Pant’s glovework has also been impressive in this Test, showcasing his all-around skills. Gambhir believes that Pant’s batting often overshadows his keeping abilities, but he has been remarkable behind the stumps on Indian pitches.

As Pant continues his comeback, the best is yet to come. His resilience and determination have inspired many, and he is poised to become one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batters in the history of the game.

Miami's Points Record Chase Stalled by NYCFC's Last-Gasp Equalizer

Miami’s Points Record Chase Stalled by NYCFC’s Last-Gasp Equalizer

Inter Miami’s pursuit of Major League Soccer’s single-season points record hit a roadblock on Saturday as New York City FC snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw in the dying moments of injury time.

Despite being assured of a playoff berth, Miami appeared poised to secure their 20th victory of the season when Lionel Messi assisted Ecuadorian international Leonardo Campana’s 75th-minute goal at Yankee Stadium. However, with victory seemingly within reach, New York defender James Sands rose above the Miami defense to meet a Santiago Rodriguez corner in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time, sending a thunderous header past goalkeeper Drake Callender.

The result dents Miami’s hopes of surpassing New England’s all-time single-season points tally of 73 set in 2021. The draw leaves Miami with 64 points from 30 games, meaning Gerardo Martino’s team must earn nine points from their remaining 12 matches to equal the Revolution’s record or 10 points to break it.

Despite the late equalizer, Miami could have few complaints after New York deservedly earned a point from the early fixture. The hosts squandered several chances to take the lead, with Messi narrowly missing with a free-kick in the fourth minute and Rodriguez’s free-kick rattling off the post in the 11th minute.

Keaton Parks missed a golden opportunity to put New York ahead in the 47th minute, firing wide with the goal at his mercy. Miami capitalized on New York’s profligacy 15 minutes from time when Messi found Jordi Alba in space, who squared the ball for Campana to tap in from close range.

That goal seemed to have sealed the victory, but New York’s late pressure paid off when Rodriguez’s pinpoint corner allowed Sands to head home the equalizer.

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