Tushar Deshpande Eyes India Call-Up After Impressive Performances

Tushar Deshpande Eyes India Call-Up After Impressive Performances

Tushar Deshpande, the Mumbai pacer, has set his sights on earning an India call-up after a string of impressive performances across formats. The 27-year-old has been a key strike bowler for Mumbai since making his Ranji Trophy debut in 2016-17, and his recent performances have caught the attention of national selectors.

Deshpande’s breakthrough season came in 2023, when he finished as the Chennai Super Kings’ highest wicket-taker in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His ability to consistently clock speeds of 140-plus and take crucial wickets has made him a valuable asset for both Mumbai and the Super Kings.

In the ongoing Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha, Deshpande has once again been in top form. He has taken three wickets in the first innings and scored a crucial 26 in the second innings, helping Mumbai to a strong position.

“I think I am ready for an India call-up,” Deshpande said ahead of the Ranji final. “If you look at the overall season, be it one-dayers (Vijay Hazare Trophy) or Ranji, I have been delivering with crucial wickets – and useful runs too.”

Deshpande’s performances have not gone unnoticed by Mumbai’s head coach Amol Muzumdar. “Tushar has been a consistent performer for us,” Muzumdar said. “He has the pace, the accuracy, and the ability to take wickets. I believe he has the potential to play for India.”

Deshpande is now hoping that a strong performance in the Ranji final and the upcoming IPL will help him realize his dream of playing for India. “These three months, especially starting with the Ranji quarterfinal, are extremely important for me,” Deshpande said. “I want to play these next three phases at full intensity.”

Australia Aim to Extend Lead in 2nd Test as Labuschagne, Lyon Resume

Australia Aim to Extend Lead in 2nd Test as Labuschagne, Lyon Resume

New Zealand vs Australia 2nd Test Day 2 Live Updates: Australia Aim to Extend Lead with Labuschagne and Lyon at the Crease

The second Test between New Zealand and Australia at Hagley Oval in Christchurch witnessed a thrilling opening day, with 14 wickets falling and Australia gaining the upper hand. Paceman Josh Hazlewood’s five-wicket haul restricted New Zealand to 229, while Australia ended the day at 124 for 4, thanks to Marnus Labuschagne’s unbeaten 45.

Resuming on Saturday, Labuschagne and night-watchman Nathan Lyon will look to extend Australia’s lead. Labuschagne, who has been in impressive form throughout the series, will be key to Australia’s hopes of building a substantial total. Lyon, known for his resilience and ability to bat in difficult situations, will provide valuable support.

New Zealand, on the other hand, will be eager to make early inroads and regain control of the match. Tim Southee, who took three wickets on Day 1, will be the main threat for the hosts. Trent Boult and Neil Wagner will also be looking to make an impact with their pace and aggression.

The pitch at Hagley Oval has shown signs of uneven bounce and seam movement, making it a challenging surface for both batters and bowlers. The weather forecast for Day 2 is favorable, with clear skies and no rain expected.

With the series level at 0-0, both teams will be desperate for a win in Christchurch. Australia will be aiming to take a 1-0 lead, while New Zealand will be determined to bounce back and level the series.

Virat Kohli: IPL's Success Stems from Player-Fan Connection

Virat Kohli: IPL’s Success Stems from Player-Fan Connection

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batsman, has expressed his deep affection for the Indian Premier League (IPL), attributing its success to the strong bond between players and fans. Kohli, who is currently on a break from the ongoing Test series against England due to personal reasons, is expected to return for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in their IPL opener against Chennai Super Kings on March 22.

Kohli emphasized the unique camaraderie that develops among players in the IPL, which sets it apart from other cricket tournaments. “I absolutely love IPL, also because of the camaraderie you share, so many new players you play with, so many players that you’ve known for a long time who are not from your own country, whom you don’t see often,” he said.

He further explained that in other cricket tournaments, players from different teams have limited interactions. “You do play all your tournaments which is one team versus another. ICC tournaments come every now and then, but even in ICC tournaments, you don’t interact with other players or see the other team, so often,” he said.

In contrast, the IPL provides a platform for players to connect with each other frequently. “But in IPL, you’re probably meeting every team just every second or third day, and that’s the beauty of IPL. You are playing in different conditions in a different city with a different team. Everybody has a different kind of determination at various stages of the tournament and such magical moments are being created,” he added.

Kohli’s comments highlight the IPL’s ability to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among players, which contributes to its immense popularity among fans. The tournament provides a unique opportunity for players from different backgrounds and nationalities to come together and showcase their skills, creating unforgettable moments that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Gavaskar Slams Sarfaraz Khan's Shot Selection, Triggers Indian Collapse

Gavaskar Slams Sarfaraz Khan’s Shot Selection, Triggers Indian Collapse

Sunil Gavaskar Slams Sarfaraz Khan’s Shot Selection, Triggers Indian Collapse

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his disappointment with the shot selection of young Sarfaraz Khan, which ultimately led to his dismissal on the first ball after tea during the second day of the fifth and final Test against England in Dharamsala.

Sarfaraz, who was well settled at 56 and had forged a promising 97-run partnership with debutant Devdutt Padikkal, squandered a golden opportunity to transform his innings into a potential century. Unfortunately, his innings concluded in a somewhat anti-climactic fashion when a late cut, executed on the first ball after tea, led to his dismissal. He was caught at slip off Shoaib Bashir.

Gavaskar couldn’t stop himself from reacting as he instantly recalled cricketing great Sir Don Bradman’s million-dollar advice on never to get complacent even if you are batting on 200. “The ball was pitched up; it wasn’t short enough for that shot. Goes for it and pays the price. I mean you are playing the first ball after tea. Give yourself a little sighter. Don Bradman said to me ‘Every ball that I face, even if I am on 200, I think I am on 0.’ And here is [Sarfaraz] is… playing such a shot first ball of the session,” Gavaskar shared his opinion during the commentary.

Sarfaraz’s dismissal proved to be a turning point as it triggered a collapse for India. From a position of strength at 376/3, the team stumbled to 428/8, losing quick five wickets in a span of 54 runs, allowing England to make a significant comeback.

Both Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill struck their second hundred of the series to fetch India a handy first innings lead. Each of India’s top five batters, including debutant Devdutt Padikkal, managed 50-plus scores to power the hosts to a commanding 473-8 for a lead of 255.

IPL Transforms Cricket Landscape, Fosters Talent and Enhances Competitiveness

IPL Transforms Cricket Landscape, Fosters Talent and Enhances Competitiveness

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has revolutionized the cricketing landscape, not only fostering talent identification but also enhancing the competitiveness of all three formats of the game, according to league chairman Arun Dhumal.

Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has witnessed an explosion in T20 cricket’s popularity. Players like Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rinku Singh have earned India caps after impressive performances in the lucrative league.

“The IPL has been phenomenal in identifying new talent,” Dhumal said. “Every season, we see highly skilled youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rinku Singh emerge. They have gone on to represent India, demonstrating the IPL’s significance in nurturing young talent.”

The IPL has become the world’s second-richest sports league in terms of per-match value, trailing only the NFL. Dhumal believes the league has positively impacted Test and ODI cricket as well.

“The IPL has become the second most important league globally in the past 15 years,” Dhumal said. “It has significantly altered cricket. We have seen more results in Test matches and increased competitiveness in ODIs.”

“Two decades ago, 250-300 runs were considered a good score in ODIs. Now, we regularly witness scores of 400. The T20 format and the IPL have played a crucial role in this evolution,” he added.

The upcoming IPL season will commence on March 22 and will be held entirely in India despite the coinciding general elections. The schedule will be finalized once the election dates are announced.

“We have released the schedule for the first two weeks,” Dhumal said. “We are awaiting the election commission’s announcement. We will adjust the schedule accordingly and hope to host a significant number of matches in Dharamshala.”

The final Test of the India-England series is currently underway in Ahmedabad. It marks a milestone for Ravichandran Ashwin and Jonny Bairstow, who are playing their 100th Tests.

“This Test is historic,” Dhumal said. “It’s Ashwin’s 100th, Bairstow’s 100th, and Anderson is likely to take his 700th wicket. It also coincides with the anniversary of Sunil Gavaskar scoring 10,000 runs.”

Shubman Gill Reaches 4000 International Runs Milestone

Shubman Gill Reaches 4000 International Runs Milestone

Indian batter Shubman Gill has reached a significant milestone in his international cricket career, surpassing the 4000-run mark during the fifth Test match against England at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala.

Gill’s impressive knock of 110 runs in the first innings of the match marked his 4000th international run. The 24-year-old has established himself as a consistent performer across all formats, having made his India debut in 2019.

In the ongoing Test match, Gill and captain Rohit Sharma forged a solid partnership of 160 runs, giving India a strong start. Gill’s innings was characterized by 12 boundaries and 5 sixes, showcasing his aggressive batting style.

Gill’s international career has seen him accumulate 2271 runs in 44 ODIs, 1492 runs in 25 Tests, and 335 runs in 14 T20Is. His overall strike rate stands at 103.46, indicating his ability to score runs at a brisk pace.

The right-handed batter has played a crucial role in India’s recent successes, including their historic Test series win in Australia in 2020-21. His consistent performances have earned him a reputation as one of the most promising young batsmen in the world.

As India continues its pursuit of victory in the fifth Test against England, Gill will be looking to add to his impressive tally of runs and help his team secure a series win.

Ravichandran Ashwin Celebrates 100th Test with Chess Inspiration

Ravichandran Ashwin Celebrates 100th Test with Chess Inspiration

Ravichandran Ashwin’s 100th Test milestone was a testament to his exceptional skill and longevity in the sport. The veteran off-spinner marked the occasion with a stellar performance, claiming four wickets as England were bowled out for 218 on the opening day of the fifth Test in Dharamshala.

Ashwin’s achievement was widely celebrated, with the Indian cricket board (BCCI) sharing a video on Twitter where he discussed the influence of chess champion Viswanathan Anand on his game. Ashwin revealed that he had reached out to Anand during the pandemic to discuss chess on his YouTube channel.

Anand, in turn, praised Ashwin’s mental fortitude and strategic thinking, calling him “the chess player amongst the cricketers.” He also shared that Ashwin had sought his advice on improving the mental aspect of his game through chess.

Ashwin’s journey to 100 Tests has been marked by both brilliance and perseverance. He made his debut in 2011 and has since established himself as one of the most successful bowlers in the world. His ability to spin the ball prodigiously and outfox batsmen with his variations has made him a formidable opponent.

Off the field, Ashwin is known for his intelligence and analytical approach to the game. He is an avid reader and has a keen interest in history and philosophy. His ability to think strategically and adapt to different situations has been a key factor in his success.

As Ashwin continues his illustrious career, he remains a role model for aspiring cricketers and a source of inspiration for fans around the world. His 100th Test is a testament to his dedication, skill, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Gill's Fearless Shot Stuns England, Embodies Modern Cricket's Aggression

Gill’s Fearless Shot Stuns England, Embodies Modern Cricket’s Aggression

Modern Cricketers Embrace Fearlessness, Gill’s Audacious Shot Stuns England

In the annals of Test cricket, batsmen have traditionally approached the early stages of the day with caution. However, the modern era has witnessed a shift towards a more aggressive mindset, with players unafraid to take risks against even the most formidable bowlers.

This fearless approach was on full display during the second day of the fifth Test between India and England at Dharamshala. In just the fourth over of the day, England’s leading wicket-taker James Anderson was steaming in, looking to make an early breakthrough.

Undeterred, India’s Shubman Gill charged down the pitch and lofted Anderson’s full delivery at 131 kmph straight down the ground into the crowd. The audacity of the shot left commentator Harsha Bhogle in awe, prompting him to speculate about Gill’s breakfast that morning.

Even England captain Ben Stokes couldn’t help but nod his head in amazement and approval. The official broadcaster shared the video of the shot, which quickly went viral on social media.

Gill’s fearless approach paid off as he went on to score 110 before being clean bowled by Anderson after lunch. However, his audacious shot set the tone for the day and demonstrated the changing nature of Test cricket.

Modern batsmen are no longer content to play defensively and wait for the bowlers to make mistakes. They are willing to take risks and put pressure on the opposition from the outset. This shift in mindset has made Test cricket more exciting and unpredictable than ever before.

Matt Henry Keeps New Zealand's Hopes Alive in Christchurch

Matt Henry Keeps New Zealand’s Hopes Alive in Christchurch

Matt Henry’s heroics have kept New Zealand’s hopes alive in the second Test against Australia in Christchurch. The all-rounder has been a one-man band for the Black Caps, leading both the wicket-taking (11) and run-scoring (85) charts.

Henry’s resilience was on display in the second innings, where he claimed three crucial wickets to dismiss Australia’s top four. His victims included the in-form Cameron Green, who was trapped lbw by a superb delivery.

Despite his heavy workload, Henry refused to blame New Zealand’s batters for their struggles. “It’s not a concern,” he said. “We’ve got world-class players in our batting line-up. They’ll be fine moving forward.”

Henry instead praised Australia’s Josh Hazlewood, who put on a bowling masterclass to take 5 for 31. “Josh bowled exceptionally well,” he said. “He provided a blueprint for how we wanted to bowl.”

Henry’s bowling was a stark contrast to that of Tim Southee and Scott Kuggeleijn, who struggled to contain Australia’s batters. However, debutant Ben Sears showed promise by dismissing Steven Smith.

“Searsy is a quiet man who works really hard,” Henry said. “He got the ball rolling for us.”

Henry emphasized the importance of bowling well at the start of day two. “Tomorrow morning will be a big moment with the ball,” he said. “We need to take early wickets and put Australia under pressure.”

England Faces Redemption in Final Test After India’s “Bazball” Triumph

India’s triumph over England in the ongoing Test series has cast a shadow over the much-hyped “Bazball” era, spearheaded by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. As the teams prepare for the final Test in Dharamsala, England faces the daunting task of salvaging a 2-3 series result.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has expressed concern over the team’s performance, despite the entertainment value provided by their aggressive approach. He emphasizes that results remain paramount, and England’s current position near the bottom of the World Test Championship table is a cause for worry.

Hussain believes that England’s win-loss ratio is the most crucial metric, and they must strive to improve it in Dharamsala. He acknowledges that the team has shown competitiveness throughout the series, but their inability to capitalize on opportunities has cost them dearly.

The gulf between India and England, according to Hussain, is significant. A 4-1 defeat would only widen this gap and reinforce the perception of England’s struggles in India. He urges the team to field their strongest XI in Dharamsala, regardless of future considerations, and to approach the match with the same intensity as if it were a series decider.

Hussain’s comments highlight the importance of results in cricket, even amidst the excitement generated by England’s attacking style. As the series concludes, England will be determined to prove that they can compete with the world’s best and that the “Bazball” era is not merely a flash in the pan.

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