Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer Aim to Revive Test Careers in Buchi Babu Tournament

Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer Aim to Revive Test Careers in Buchi Babu Tournament

Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer, two of India’s most promising batters, are set to showcase their red-ball prowess in the upcoming Buchi Babu tournament, starting Tuesday. The tournament serves as a crucial platform for the duo to revive their Test careers and secure a spot in the Indian Test squad.

Suryakumar, who recently led India to a T20 series win in his first outing as skipper, is eager to prove his worth in the Test format. His solitary Test appearance came against Australia in February 2023, where he failed to make a significant impact. The Buchi Babu tournament provides him with an opportunity to showcase his red-ball credentials and stake a claim for a place in the Test squad.

Shreyas Iyer, who last played a Test in February, is also eyeing a place in the Test team. He has struggled for form in recent matches, averaging a mere 17.00 in 12 innings since January 2023. The Buchi Babu tournament and the upcoming Duleep Trophy, where he will lead Team D, present him with crucial opportunities to regain form and confidence.

The Mumbai team, led by Sarfaraz Khan, will face TNCA XI, led by R Sai Kishore, the leading wicket-taker in last season’s Ranji Trophy. This match offers players the chance to hone their skills and vie for selection in the Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19 in Chennai.

Top players such as Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant are expected to be available for the Bangladesh series, intensifying competition for spots in the Test squad. The Buchi Babu tournament also acts as a precursor to the Duleep Trophy, starting September 5.

Suryakumar’s last First-Class outing was in the Duleep Trophy last year, where he scored 71 runs in four innings, averaging 17.75. Both Suryakumar and Iyer are keen to improve upon past performances and secure a place in the Test team for the forthcoming season.

TNCA XI Sets Massive Target in Buchi Babu Tournament

TNCA XI Sets Massive Target in Buchi Babu Tournament

On a deteriorating pitch at the Sri Ramakrishna College ground, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) XI set a formidable target of 353 runs for Haryana in the Buchi Babu tournament. TNCA XI’s innings was anchored by B. Indrajith’s unbeaten 75 runs, which included three boundaries and a six.

Haryana had been bowled out for 218 in their first innings, giving TNCA XI a crucial 175-run lead. Captain R. Sai Kishore was the star performer with the ball, taking seven wickets for 76 runs. He dismissed Jayant Yadav (65) and Dheeru Singh (74), two of Haryana’s top scorers.

TNCA XI’s second innings got off to a shaky start as openers S. Lokeshwar and G. Ajitesh were dismissed early. However, Pradosh Ranjan Paul (44) and Indrajith steadied the ship with a 46-run third-wicket partnership. Indrajith also shared an unbeaten 55-run sixth-wicket stand with R. Sonu Yadav, guiding TNCA XI to a commanding position.

Haryana’s bowlers struggled to contain TNCA XI’s batsmen, with Nishant Sindhu and Jayant Yadav taking two wickets each. However, the target proved too daunting for Haryana, who were bowled out for 16 runs in their second innings.

Ishan Kishan Surprises with Bowling Debut in Buchi Babu Tournament

Ishan Kishan Surprises with Bowling Debut in Buchi Babu Tournament

In a rare and unexpected turn of events, Jharkhand captain and star wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan showcased his bowling skills during a Buchi Babu invitational tournament match against Hyderabad in Chennai. A viral video captured Kishan bowling off-spin with Jharkhand facing an uphill battle after a disappointing batting performance in the first innings. Despite the team’s struggles, Kishan’s bowling proved effective, as he conceded only five runs from his two overs.

This surprising display of bowling prowess comes on the heels of Rishabh Pant’s own bowling experiment during the Delhi Premier League (DPL). Notably, Kishan has never bowled for the Indian team or in the Indian Premier League. However, he has bowled five overs in First Class cricket, albeit without claiming a wicket.

Kishan’s bowling debut in the Buchi Babu tournament was not his only notable performance. He also excelled with the bat, helping Jharkhand secure a victory over Madhya Pradesh earlier this week. In the first innings, he scored a brilliant 114 off 107 balls. In the second innings, he remained unbeaten on 41, guiding Jharkhand to a two-wicket win.

Kishan’s return to red-ball cricket has been a resounding success. His decision to participate in the Buchi Babu tournament, despite not being initially included in Jharkhand’s long list, has paid off handsomely. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Kishan has also expressed his desire to return to the Ranji Trophy fold during the 2024-25 season.

Kishan’s last domestic first-class game was in December 2022. His absence from the Ranji Trophy towards the end of the 2023-24 domestic season proved costly, as he was removed from the central contract list for not prioritizing domestic cricket. However, his recent performances suggest that he is fully committed to regaining his place in the Indian team.

J&K Dominates Chhattisgarh, MP Takes Control Against Jharkhand in Buchi Babu Tournament

J&K Dominates Chhattisgarh, MP Takes Control Against Jharkhand in Buchi Babu Tournament

In the ongoing Buchi Babu Memorial all-India invitational cricket tournament, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) has taken a commanding lead against Chhattisgarh in the Group-D match. On day three, J&K declared their first innings on 587 for nine, securing a 309-run lead.

Opener Shubham Khajuria played a marathon innings, scoring 202 runs off 368 deliveries, including 17 fours and 8 sixes. He shared a crucial 223-run fifth-wicket partnership with Sahil Lotra (107 off 192 balls, 9 fours, 2 sixes).

In response, Chhattisgarh managed to score only 46 for two in their second innings, trailing by 263 runs.

Meanwhile, in Group-A, Madhya Pradesh (MP) is in a strong position against Jharkhand. Aniket Verma’s 110 (109 balls, 6 fours, 7 sixes) helped MP reach 238 in their second innings. Jharkhand, chasing 175, ended the day on 37 for one.

Earlier, MP’s medium-pacer Parush Mandal claimed five wickets for 42 runs, bowling out Jharkhand for 289 in their first innings, giving MP a 64-run lead.

In other matches, Indian Railways declared their first innings on 570 and then scored 135 for five in their second innings against Gujarat in Group-B. Haryana declared their first innings on 419 and Mumbai responded with 83 for two in Group-C.

Sarfaraz Khan Maintains Rigorous Practice Regime Amidst Competitive Match Hiatus

Sarfaraz Khan Maintains Rigorous Practice Regime Amidst Competitive Match Hiatus

Sarfaraz Khan, the prolific Indian domestic run-scorer, has been enduring a five-month competitive match hiatus since his Test debut against England in February. Despite his impressive performance in that match, where he scored 56 off 60 balls, Sarfaraz’s place in India’s middle order is uncertain with the return of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.

Undeterred, Sarfaraz has maintained a rigorous practice regimen, aiming to regain his form in the ongoing Buchi Babu cricket tournament. “There is nothing called off-season for me,” he told The Indian Express. “I wake up by 4.15 am and start the day with long-distance running. I can now run 5 km in half an hour.”

Sarfaraz’s fitness regime also includes gym sessions and fielding drills in the morning, followed by batting practice in the evening. His dedication has paid off, as he has shed the bulky figure that drew criticism before his Test debut.

Despite his impressive first-class average of nearly 70, Sarfaraz had to wait until February 2024 to make his Test debut. He remains unfazed by the competition, stating, “I have zero expectations… But I’ll be ready if the opportunity arises.”

Sarfaraz’s participation in the Buchi Babu tournament and the rebranded Duleep Trophy as part of India B will provide him with much-needed match practice. “I’ve not had this level of practice in Mumbai because of the rains,” he explained. “But I don’t like batting indoors because the ball comes nicely onto the bat. It is not the case on turf because it will challenge you a lot.”

With India’s World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle resuming with two Tests against Bangladesh in September, Sarfaraz is determined to prove his worth. His unwavering work ethic and commitment to improvement make him a strong contender for a spot in the XI.

Ishan Kishan Blasts Century in Red-Ball Return, Stakes Claim for Bangladesh Series

Ishan Kishan Blasts Century in Red-Ball Return, Stakes Claim for Bangladesh Series

Ishan Kishan, the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter, showcased his exceptional talent with a blistering 86-ball century against Madhya Pradesh in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament in Thirunelveli. Leading Jharkhand from the front, Kishan displayed his aggressive batting style, hitting the opposition bowlers to all corners of the park.

After coming in at number six, Kishan initially played cautiously, scoring a composed 61-ball half-century. However, after reaching his fifty, he unleashed his full potential, smashing 114 runs off just 107 balls. His brutal knock included 10 towering sixes and 5 boundaries, with a strike rate of 106.54.

Kishan’s innings was a testament to his class and versatility, as he seamlessly blended caution and aggression. This performance comes as a timely reminder of his abilities ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, which begins on September 19.

Earlier in the match, Madhya Pradesh were dismissed for 225, with Shubham S Kushwah top-scoring with 84 runs. Jharkhand ended the day at 277 for 7, with Kishan’s century playing a pivotal role in their strong position.

Kishan’s return to red-ball cricket after his Test debut for India in July 2023 has been impressive, showcasing his adaptability and potential. His performance in the Buchi Babu tournament will undoubtedly put him in contention for a place in the Indian squad for the Bangladesh series.

The 24-year-old will next feature in the Duleep Trophy, which will be played from September 5-24. This tournament is expected to feature several other Indian regulars, providing Kishan with an opportunity to further showcase his skills.

Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer to Grace Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament

Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer to Grace Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament

Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer to Feature in Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament

Indian Twenty20 International captain Suryakumar Yadav and star batter Shreyas Iyer are set to participate in the prestigious Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, which will commence on August 27 in Coimbatore. The tournament will provide an ideal platform for the duo to hone their skills ahead of the upcoming international season.

Suryakumar, who recently led India to a 3-0 series victory over Sri Lanka, has confirmed his participation in the tournament. The flamboyant batter is currently enjoying a brief vacation with his wife, Devisha Shetty. On Wednesday, he shared a photo on Instagram, expressing his eagerness to return to the field.

Shreyas Iyer, who has been in impressive form in recent times, will also be available for the match against Jammu and Kashmir. The BCCI has encouraged Indian internationals to participate in domestic matches to maintain their peak fitness and form.

The Buchi Babu Tournament is a highly regarded event in the Indian domestic cricket calendar. It will offer Suryakumar and Iyer an opportunity to showcase their abilities and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Mumbai, led by Sarfaraz Khan, will be bolstered by the presence of Suryakumar and Iyer. The team’s batting lineup is expected to be formidable, increasing their chances of making a significant impact in the tournament.

Suryakumar, despite his success in the shorter formats, has expressed his desire to make a mark in Test cricket. The Buchi Babu Tournament will provide him with a valuable opportunity to fine-tune his skills and gain experience in the longer format.

The participation of Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament is a testament to the importance of domestic cricket in India. The tournament will serve as a crucial stepping stone for the duo as they prepare for the upcoming international season.

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