Gavaskar Lauds Root's Admiration for Ashwin's Bowling Prowess

Gavaskar Lauds Root’s Admiration for Ashwin’s Bowling Prowess

Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian cricketer, recently expressed his admiration for England batter Joe Root’s high regard for Ravichandran Ashwin’s bowling prowess. In a heartfelt conversation with Ashwin after the conclusion of the India vs England Test series, Gavaskar highlighted the significance of Root’s praise for the seasoned all-rounder.

Root had earlier acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Ashwin to premier batters, emphasizing the spinner’s ability to consistently trouble opponents with his crafty bowling variations. Gavaskar echoed these sentiments, stating that Ashwin’s ability to outfox batters with a diverse array of deliveries and tactical maneuvers has always been a highlight of his career.

Ashwin, who marked his 100th Test appearance for Team India in the series, delivered a stellar performance, claiming nine wickets as India clinched victory by an innings and 64 runs. He set a new record by registering the best bowling figures (9 for 128) in a 100th Test, surpassing Muthiah Muralitharan’s record.

Gavaskar conveyed the sentiment shared by many cricket enthusiasts, emphasizing Ashwin’s ability to outwit batters with a diverse array of deliveries and tactical maneuvers. “A lot of good players of spin bowling will be thinking a hundred times about how to cope with you,” Gavaskar remarked, echoing Root’s sentiments.

In response, Ashwin credited his adaptability and willingness to experiment, acknowledging the evolving nature of modern cricket and the importance of staying ahead in a game increasingly influenced by detailed analysis and strategic planning.

Ashwin’s remarkable achievements in Test cricket, including his record-breaking 36 five-wicket hauls, underscore his status as one of India’s premier bowlers. With a stellar performance in the series against England, Ashwin further solidified his reputation as a key asset for the Indian team across all formats.

As Ashwin embarks on his journey beyond the milestone of 100 Tests, his contributions to Indian cricket continue to inspire admiration and reverence from fans and peers alike. With upcoming challenges on the horizon, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Bangladesh Test series, Ashwin’s leadership and expertise are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s cricketing fortunes in the times to come.

Hogg Advocates Jurel as India's Test Wicket-Keeper, Urges Caution with Pant's Return

Hogg Advocates Jurel as India’s Test Wicket-Keeper, Urges Caution with Pant’s Return

Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has urged India to retain Dhruv Jurel as their specialist wicket-keeper in Test cricket, even after Rishabh Pant recovers from his injuries. Pant has been sidelined since late 2022 due to a car accident, but is expected to return to action in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL).

Hogg believes that Pant should prove his fitness and form in domestic cricket before being considered for the national team. “I think they will keep with Jurel and not go back to Pant quickly,” Hogg said on his YouTube channel. “I think they will make him go and play some first-class cricket in the longest format so that they make sure his body can withstand it and make sure, from a batting perspective, he still has the ability that he had before the accident.”

Hogg emphasized the importance of caution in Pant’s return to Test cricket. “I really hope that Pant gets back to playing Test cricket, but I feel it is a huge risk if they rush him back,” he added.

Meanwhile, in the ongoing fifth Test between India and England in Dharamsala, Kuldeep Yadav starred with a five-wicket haul to dismiss England for 218. Yadav’s performance, along with Ravichandran Ashwin’s four wickets in his 100th Test, gave India a strong start on the opening day.

Rohit Sharma's Leadership and Batting Guide India to 4-1 Test Series Victory Over England

Rohit Sharma’s Leadership and Batting Guide India to 4-1 Test Series Victory Over England

India’s resounding 4-1 series victory over England in the recently concluded five-match Test series was a testament to the team’s resilience and the exceptional leadership of Rohit Sharma. After losing the opening Test in Hyderabad, India staged a remarkable comeback, winning the remaining four matches to clinch the series.

Rohit Sharma, who took over the captaincy from Virat Kohli, played a pivotal role in India’s triumph. Not only did he lead from the front with his batting, scoring 400 runs in five Tests, but he also displayed astute leadership qualities.

In the crucial Rajkot Test, where India were struggling at 33/3 in the first innings, Rohit played a captain’s knock, scoring a magnificent 133 off 196 deliveries. His partnership of 204 runs with Ravindra Jadeja rescued India from a precarious position.

India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, praised Rohit’s contribution, saying, “It has been a pleasure watching him bat since I saw him as an 18-year-old. It is always pleasing to the eye. But I think he has added a lot of steel and grit to that. Sometimes, we forget that a little bit. Look at his numbers. He was shy enough not to mention the critical situation where he won the toss in Rajkot, and we were 3 down in the first hour. You need somebody to step up and get a hundred, and the captain does that for you.”

Rohit’s leadership was also evident in his ability to motivate his team and create a positive atmosphere within the squad. Despite the challenges they faced, India remained focused and determined throughout the series.

India’s victory was a collective effort, with contributions from all members of the team. However, Rohit Sharma’s leadership and batting prowess were undoubtedly key factors in their success.

England's Bazball Approach Fails in India, Hussain Calls for Individual Focus

England’s Bazball Approach Fails in India, Hussain Calls for Individual Focus

England’s Bazball Approach Falters in India, Hussain Calls for Individual Focus

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has criticized the team’s over-reliance on the “Bazball” approach, following their 4-1 series defeat to India. Hussain believes that individual performances must take precedence over the aggressive style of play advocated by Test coach Brendon McCullum.

“We just get lost with this term Bazball,” Hussain wrote in his column for Sky Sports. “The team, the management does not like the term Bazball. They need to look at their own individual performances.”

Hussain pointed to the team’s frequent batting collapses as a major concern. “Look at the opposition. Like in anything in life, try and learn. Why did we collapse? Why Crawley keeps getting starts and keeps getting out? Ben Duckett, got a brilliant 150, gave a charge when the ball was too new.”

Skipper Ben Stokes also came under fire for his poor batting performance in the series. “Ben Stokes had a poor series with the bat. Maybe because he is playing only with the bat. Just look at your own game and improve,” said Hussain.

Hussain praised James Anderson for reaching 700 Test wickets and R Ashwin for crossing 100 Test matches and 500 wickets. “The reason they end up as greats of the game is because they are constantly looking at improving in the game. Trying to improve,” he said.

Despite winning the first Test, England lost the plot in subsequent matches, often squandering their advantage. “In the third Test, England were in a position to try and get close to India but didn’t and once you give them a lead then you are chasing the game. They had their chances in the fourth Test as well,” Hussain noted.

“The batting collapses will be the main issue from this tour. There have been so many occasions where they have got off to decent starts and the middle order has then collapsed.”

This is England’s first series loss under the McCullum-Stokes era. They last won a series in India in 2012. “It can happen in India but the pitches in this series have been brilliant so England can have no complaints about that. Plus, they won three tosses out of five,” Hussain said.

“They will look at those collapses and say, ‘what could we have done differently in those positions to make sure it doesn’t happen again?’ because it did happen again.”

India Regains Top Spot in ICC Test Team Rankings After England Series Victory

India Regains Top Spot in ICC Test Team Rankings After England Series Victory

India’s dominance in Test cricket has reached new heights as they reclaim the top spot in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings after a resounding 4-1 series victory over England. This triumph marks a remarkable comeback for the Indian team, who had suffered a narrow defeat in the opening Test in Hyderabad.

However, India’s resilience and determination shone through in the subsequent matches. They displayed their prowess in Vizag, Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamsala, securing a series win and reclaiming the top spot in the ICC Test Team Rankings with 122 rating points.

Australia, the previous holders of the top position, now occupy the second spot with 117 rating points, while England sits in third place with 111 rating points. India’s dominance extends beyond Test cricket, as they also lead the ODI rankings with 121 rating points and the T20I rankings with 266 rating points.

This comprehensive success across all three formats underscores India’s consistent excellence in cricket. Their ability to adapt to different conditions and overcome challenges has been a hallmark of their recent performances.

The Indian team’s resurgence has been driven by a combination of factors, including the emergence of young talent, the experience of senior players, and the astute leadership of Virat Kohli. The team’s depth and versatility have allowed them to overcome injuries and setbacks, maintaining their position as one of the most formidable teams in world cricket.

India’s dominance is expected to continue in the upcoming series against New Zealand, where they will aim to further consolidate their position at the top of the ICC Test Team Rankings. The team’s success is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

India Extends Lead in World Test Championship After England Series Win

India Extends Lead in World Test Championship After England Series Win

India’s dominance in the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) continues as they extend their lead at the top of the points table after defeating England in Dharamsala. The 4-1 series victory solidifies India’s position as the number one Test team, regardless of the outcome of the ongoing Christchurch Test between New Zealand and Australia.

India’s resurgence in the WTC began after a disappointing start to the series against England. After losing the first Test in Hyderabad, they rallied to win the next three matches, climbing back to the top of the standings. The innings victory in Dharamsala further cemented their position, boosting their percentage points to 68.51%.

The WTC points system awards 12 points for a Test win, six for a tie, four for a draw, and zero for a defeat. Teams are ranked based on the percentage of points won, as each team plays a varying number of Tests in the WTC cycle.

India’s success in the WTC is attributed to their consistent performances and ability to win matches in different conditions. They have now won six out of nine matches in the ongoing cycle, with only two defeats and one draw.

Meanwhile, England’s slow over-rate penalties have hindered their progress in the WTC. Despite winning three Tests in this cycle, they have lost 19 points for slow over-rate penalties, dropping them to eighth place with only 17.5 percentage points.

New Zealand and Australia remain in contention for the top two spots. If New Zealand wins the Christchurch Test, they will increase their percentage points to 66.67%, while an Australian victory would move them ahead of New Zealand on 62.5%.

With only a Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test series remaining before the IPL season begins, India is set to maintain their number one ranking for the foreseeable future. The top two teams at the end of the WTC cycle will qualify for the final at Lord’s in June 2025. India has previously qualified for both WTC finals but lost to New Zealand in 2021 and Australia in 2023.

Rohit Sharma's Hilarious Outing with Team India Youngsters Sparks Social Media Buzz

Rohit Sharma’s Hilarious Outing with Team India Youngsters Sparks Social Media Buzz

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma’s leadership style has earned him immense admiration from his teammates. His jovial nature and camaraderie with the younger players are often captured in viral videos on social media.

Following India’s emphatic 4-1 Test series victory over England in Dharamsala, Rohit took some of the team’s rising stars out for a casual outing. He shared a picture of the gathering on Instagram, featuring Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Rohit’s witty caption, “Garden mein ghoomne wale bande,” drew laughter from former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh and current star Suryakumar Yadav. Yuvraj reacted with a laughing emoji, while Suryakumar quipped, “Gill and Jaiswal definitely.”

Beyond the lighthearted moments, Rohit also addressed his future in cricket. He stated that he would retire the moment he felt he could no longer contribute to the team. “One day, when I wake up and feel, I am not good enough then I will retire straightaway,” Rohit said.

He praised the team’s performance against England, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the resilience of the young players. “When you win a Test like this, everything has to fall in place. At some stage people are gonna (go) and people are gonna come and we know that,” Rohit said.

“These (young) guys are maybe short of experience, they have played a lot of cricket and I can stand here and see that these guys responded pretty well under pressure. The credit goes to the entire team and it was pleasing to see.”

Rohit will now shift his focus to the upcoming IPL 2024 season with the Mumbai Indians. His leadership and experience will be crucial as the team aims to regain its past glory.

Sarfaraz Khan Averts Injury Thanks to Rohit Sharma's Helmet Advice

Sarfaraz Khan Averts Injury Thanks to Rohit Sharma’s Helmet Advice

Sarfaraz Khan’s Helmet Saves Him from Injury, Thanks to Rohit Sharma’s Timely Advice

During the fourth Test match against England in Ranchi, young Indian cricketer Sarfaraz Khan narrowly escaped a potentially serious injury thanks to the timely intervention of his captain, Rohit Sharma. Khan was fielding without a helmet at silly point when Sharma noticed and immediately instructed him to put on the safety gear.

“Aye bhai, hero nahi banne ka (hey brother, don’t be a hero here),” Sharma advised.

Khan heeded his captain’s advice and resumed play with a helmet. This proved to be a wise decision, as in the subsequent match against England in Dharamsala, Khan was fielding at short leg with his helmet on when a short ball from Kuldeep Yadav was flicked hard by Shoaib Bashir. The ball struck Khan’s helmet with significant force, but the protective gear prevented any injury.

Sharma’s foresight and Khan’s compliance with his instructions underscore the importance of safety in cricket. Fielding close to the batter without a helmet can be extremely dangerous, as a mistimed shot or a deflection can cause serious injury.

In the same match, Ravichandran Ashwin achieved a remarkable milestone by taking a five-wicket haul in his 100th Test match. Ashwin’s performance was instrumental in India’s emphatic innings and 64-run victory, which handed England their heaviest defeat in the “Bazball” era.

Kuldeep Yadav was named player of the match for his seven-wicket haul, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings. India’s victory secured crucial World Test Championship points and capped off an action-packed five-match series.

New Zealand Extend Lead to 149 Runs on Day Three of Second Test

New Zealand Extend Lead to 149 Runs on Day Three of Second Test

New Zealand’s batting resurgence continued on day three of the second Test against Australia at Hagley Oval, as they extended their lead to 149 runs at lunch. After being dismissed for just 162 in their first innings, the Black Caps have fought back admirably, reaching 243 for 3 at the break.

Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell were the stars of the morning session, combining for an unbroken 88-run partnership. Ravindra, who scored a half-century in the first innings, brought up his second Test fifty with a stylish straight drive off Mitchell Marsh. Mitchell, meanwhile, played aggressively, using his reverse sweep and powerful drives to keep the Australian bowlers at bay.

The partnership between Ravindra and Mitchell was built on a solid foundation laid by Tom Latham, who resumed on 73 but fell for 73 to a sharp delivery from Pat Cummins. Latham’s dismissal was a blow to New Zealand, but Ravindra and Mitchell ensured that there was no further damage before lunch.

Cummins was the standout bowler for Australia, taking the key wicket of Latham and bowling with great accuracy and intensity. However, the pitch offered little assistance to the bowlers, and New Zealand’s batsmen were able to play with relative freedom.

Australia used seven bowlers in the first session, but none could make a breakthrough after Latham’s dismissal. Nathan Lyon, who bowled just two overs in New Zealand’s first innings, was unable to conjure much turn, while the part-time spin of Travis Head proved ineffective.

New Zealand will likely need a big lead to secure a rare victory over Australia, having won just one Test against them in the past three decades. The pitch is expected to remain flat for the remainder of the match, so the Black Caps will need to continue batting aggressively and build a substantial lead.

Sri Lanka Triumphs in T20 Series Finale, Thushara Shines with Hat Trick

Sri Lanka Triumphs in T20 Series Finale, Thushara Shines with Hat Trick

Sri Lanka’s cricket team secured a thrilling 28-run victory over Bangladesh in the final T20 match of their series, claiming the series 2-1. Opener Kusal Mendis played a pivotal role, scoring a brilliant 86 runs off 55 balls, including six fours and six sixes. His innings propelled Sri Lanka to a competitive total of 174-6.

Bangladesh’s chase got off to a shaky start, with pacer Nuwan Thushara making an immediate impact. Thushara, playing his first game of the series, ripped through the top order, taking four wickets in his two overs, including a hat trick. His victims included captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, and Mahmudullah.

Despite Rishad Hossain’s valiant effort with a 30-ball 53, Bangladesh’s batting lineup crumbled under Thushara’s relentless bowling. The team was eventually bowled out for 146 in 19.4 overs, falling short of the target.

Thushara’s career-best performance of 5-20 earned him the Player of the Match award. Sri Lanka captain Wanindu Hasaranga praised Thushara’s contribution, saying, “This is our last series before the World Cup, so we take a lot of confidence from this.”

The victory marks a significant boost for Sri Lanka as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The team’s bowling attack, led by Thushara, proved to be a formidable force, while Mendis’ batting prowess provided a solid foundation.

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