India's Test Season Begins with Bangladesh Challenge

India’s Test Season Begins with Bangladesh Challenge

India’s Test cricket team, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, is poised to embark on a new season with a positive outlook. The team will face a spirited Bangladesh side in a two-match series, marking the beginning of a busy schedule that includes 10 Tests in the upcoming months.

Gambhir and his men are eager to make a strong start in the World Test Championship, with a series of crucial matches lined up. After the Bangladesh series, India will host New Zealand for three Tests in October, followed by a five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia starting in November.

Former India player Dinesh Karthik and Australia legend Michael Bevan expressed their excitement for the upcoming series. Karthik believes the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be a challenging test for India, as they face an in-form Australian side. However, he remains confident in the team’s resilience and determination.

Bevan, who will coach the Southern Superstars in the Legends League Cricket, also anticipates a competitive series. He acknowledges the strength of the Indian team but believes the Australian team is forging a new culture under Pat Cummins.

Regarding the first Test against Bangladesh, Karthik warns that the visitors will enter the match with confidence after their recent triumph over Pakistan. He emphasizes that India must be aware of the threat posed by a slightly different Bangladesh team.

The jersey launch for the Southern Superstars was attended by actress Aishwarya Rajesh and franchise spokesperson Srinadh Chitoori. Former India players Parthiv Patel and Kedar Jadhav were also present as team members.

India Dominates Budapest Olympiad, Poised for Record-Breaking Finish

India Dominates Budapest Olympiad, Poised for Record-Breaking Finish

A decade ago, India made history at the Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway, winning its first medal since its debut in 1956. Led by K Sasikiran, the team finished third behind China and Hungary.

Fast forward to 2023, and India stands as the sole leader at the halfway mark of the Budapest Olympiad. With all their matches won so far, the team is poised for a record-breaking finish.

This time, India’s dominance is not surprising. Its top players, aged 18-21, have been making waves individually, with jaw-dropping performances in the World Cup, Candidates, and World Championship.

The team’s strength lies in its youth and talent. The top three boards average an age of 19, with two of them ranked among the world’s top five. They have been crushing their opponents with machine-like precision.

Arjun Erigaisi, ranked fourth in the world, has a flawless 6/6 score. Gukesh, who missed the first round, has been equally dominant with four wins and a draw. His performances have caught the attention of world No.1 Magnus Carlsen and reigning world champion Ding Liren.

In Round 7, India will face China, with a potential face-off between Ding and Gukesh. China has been shaky in recent times, but remains a formidable opponent.

The Indian women’s team is also performing well, having beaten every team they have faced. Divya Deshmukh has been a standout performer, winning five of her six games and closing in on Elo 2500.

The Indian teams won bronze medals at the last Olympiad in 2022. This time, they are aiming for gold. With five rounds remaining, anything is possible. However, one thing is clear: India has emerged as a world-dominating chess nation, and the future looks bright.

Raina Recommends Spin-Dominant Attack for India in Bangladesh Test

Raina Recommends Spin-Dominant Attack for India in Bangladesh Test

As India prepares to face Bangladesh in the first Test of their upcoming series, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has recommended a bold strategy for the Indian team. Raina suggested that India should deploy a spin-dominant attack with three spinners and two fast bowlers for the match, which begins on Thursday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Raina’s strategy is driven by the nature of the Chennai pitch, which he expects to favor spinners due to its black soil composition. He proposed selecting Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav as the spin trio, alongside fast bowlers Mohammad Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah.

“I believe India should go with five bowling options, that is three spinners and two pacers. Mohammad Siraj has been doing very well in the past few years in Red ball cricket, we all know how good Jasprit Bumrah is, and what he has done for the Indian cricket team in the past few years barely any fast bowlers in the world of cricket has done. So with two pacers and Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav India should go ahead,” Raina told IANS in the backdrop of the LLC press conference.

“Ashwin and Jadeja combination on Indian pitches is the most deadly combination so with the condition that Chennai pitch offers, the black soil, humid conditions and the winds they will just unsettle the opponents,” he added.

India, currently leading the World Test Championship (WTC) standings with a 68.52 percent rating, is looking to solidify their position at the top. The series against Bangladesh is crucial as it precedes Test series against New Zealand and Australia.

Raina acknowledged that while his suggestion is based on pitch conditions and current form, the final decision rests with Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who will assess the best combination for the team.

Raina welcomed former teammates Shikhar Dhawan and Dinesh Karthik to the third edition of the Legends League Cricket. “I would like to welcome Shikhar Dhawan and Dinesh Karthik to the Legends League Cricket, we all have been playing cricket since 1998, and it’s good that we will play cricket again.”

The Legends League Cricket (LLC) is set to return for the third edition with former India stars Dinesh Karthik and Shikhar Dhawan, the two latest entrants taking part in the tournament, signed directly by the respective teams Southern Superstars and Team Gujarat.

Harbhajan Singh-led defending champions Manipal Tigers will take on the Konark Suryas Odisha (previously known as Bhilwara Kings) captained by Irfan Pathan at the Barkatullah Khan Stadium, Jodhpur on September 20.

Smith's Opening Role in Doubt as Australia Considers Alternatives

Smith’s Opening Role in Doubt as Australia Considers Alternatives

Australia’s Test team faces a crucial decision ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series against India: who will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja? Steven Smith’s four-match stint as an opener has been met with mixed reviews, prompting speculation about potential alternatives.

Despite Smith’s initial request to open, his performance in New Zealand has raised concerns. His scores of 31, 0, 11, and 9 on pitches favoring new-ball bowlers have cast doubt on his suitability for the role.

Coach Andrew McDonald has stated that the incumbent top six from the New Zealand series will remain for the first Test against India, but discussions are ongoing. If Smith is not retained as an opener, several options emerge.

Marnus Labuschagne:

Labuschagne could swap positions with Smith, moving from No. 3 to open. He has experience opening in first-class cricket, including a century at the WACA in 2016. However, moving Labuschagne from his successful position at No. 3 may not be ideal.

Cameron Green:

Green was considered as a potential opener before Warner’s retirement. He has the skills to do it, but his heavy bowling workload and preference for No. 4 make it an undesirable option.

Travis Head:

Khawaja has suggested Head as the best partner for him, allowing Smith to return to No. 4. Head has opened in Test cricket in India, but his mediocre record against spin in the subcontinent is a concern.

Mitchell Marsh:

Marsh has made it clear that he is not comfortable moving to the top of the order. His technique is not suited to batting against the new ball, and his bowling will be crucial throughout the summer.

The selectors face a difficult decision. Smith’s desire to open must be balanced against the team’s overall balance and the strengths of the other candidates. The upcoming Shield matches will provide further insights into the team’s plans.

India Prepares on Black-Soil Pitch for Bangladesh Test Amid Weather Concerns

India Prepares on Black-Soil Pitch for Bangladesh Test Amid Weather Concerns

India’s preparation for the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai has taken an interesting turn, with the team training on a black-soil pitch despite the match being expected to be played on a red-soil surface. The unusual weather conditions in the city have raised concerns about the pitch’s behavior during the match.

The red-soil pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium is known for providing good bounce and carry for pacers, while the black-soil composition is more likely to assist spinners. However, the extreme heat in Chennai could lead to the disintegration of the pitch as the match progresses, bringing the spinners into play.

This has prompted the Indian batsmen to focus on perfecting their technique against spin, as Bangladesh boasts a formidable spin attack. The likes of Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Virat Kohli have struggled against spin in recent matches, and they have been working hard to address this weakness.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has acknowledged that the Indian team needs to improve its ability to handle spin effectively. “We got undone in Sri Lanka. The focus has moved to doing well in Australia, England, (so) that we’ve kind of let playing spin, which was always a strength of the Indian team, fall back a little bit,” he said.

The Indian team is expected to go through an optional net session on Wednesday, but the intensity of Tuesday’s practice was evident despite the scorching sun. The nature of the pitch will force the Indian management to make a careful decision regarding the team’s composition for the opening Test.

With the pitch likely to favor pacers, India may opt for a three-pacer attack, including Akash Deep or Yash Dayal alongside Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav. This strategy aligns with India’s goal of giving their pacers as much experience as possible ahead of their tour of Australia later this year.

India Clinch Fifth Asian Champions Trophy Title with 1-0 Win over China

India Clinch Fifth Asian Champions Trophy Title with 1-0 Win over China

India’s dominance in the Asian Champions Trophy continued as they clinched their fifth title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over hosts China in the final. The defending champions showcased their resilience and determination throughout the tournament, winning all their matches.

The match started with India as the favorites, having defeated China 3-0 in the opening league game. However, the final proved to be a close affair. China defended resolutely and troubled India with quick counterattacks.

Despite India’s dominance in possession, they struggled to break through the Chinese defense in the first three quarters. Raj Kumar Pal and Nilakanta Sharma had early chances, but Chinese goalkeeper Wang Weihao denied them.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 51st minute by defender Jugraj Singh. India captain Harmanpreet Singh made a brilliant run into the Chinese circle and passed the ball to Jugraj, who slotted it past the goalkeeper.

China fought back with renewed vigor, earning penalty corners in the 38th and 40th minutes. However, India goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak stood firm.

With four minutes remaining, China withdrew their goalkeeper for an extra field player. But India held on to their lead, defending in numbers and securing their fifth Asian Champions Trophy title.

India’s victory was a testament to their team spirit and tactical discipline. They controlled the game for long periods and never panicked under pressure. China, despite being in only their second international tournament final, showed great resilience and determination.

Australia's Bowling Quartet Poised to Challenge India's Dominance in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australia’s Bowling Quartet Poised to Challenge India’s Dominance in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australia’s formidable bowling quartet of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon poses a significant threat to India’s dominance in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, according to Pakistan’s Test team head coach Jason Gillespie. Despite India’s impressive record of four consecutive series wins since 2014-15, Gillespie believes the Australian bowlers have the potential to turn the tide.

Gillespie expressed his confidence in an interview with ‘Fox Sports’, stating, “I will be backing them in and I am sure they can do the job. They are the best bowlers in the country. Their records speak for themselves. This quartet, including Nathan Lyon, is the best possible bowling attack that Australia can put out in the park.”

India, led by Rohit Sharma, has maintained an unbeaten streak in the current World Test Championship cycle, securing victories against the West Indies and England, and a draw against South Africa. However, Gillespie remains optimistic about Australia’s chances, saying, “They are red-hot, they are playing some good Test cricket for a while now. Even though they have beaten Australia in recent times. I think Australia have a chance to beat India this time around.”

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, part of the World Test Championship, will commence on November 22 in Perth. This series will also mark a historic milestone as it will be the first time since 1991-92 that India and Australia will compete in a five-Test series for this trophy.

In terms of player positions, following David Warner’s retirement, Steve Smith had moved to the opening slot but didn’t perform well. Gillespie suggested, “Players like David Warner are pretty tough to replace. I didn’t mind the idea of Steve Smith going up in the order. I have a feeling that he might have slot back in the middle order to bat at 4.”

India and Australia currently occupy the top two spots in the World Test Championship points table, with New Zealand in third place. The upcoming series promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world’s leading Test nations.

India Plans to Manage Fast Bowlers Amidst Grueling Schedule

India Plans to Manage Fast Bowlers Amidst Grueling Schedule

India’s cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, is gearing up for a grueling schedule that includes 10 Tests in 15 weeks. The team is aware of the strain this can put on their fast bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who are expected to play a significant role in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

To manage the workload, India has implemented a plan to monitor and rest their bowlers as needed. They have already given Bumrah and Siraj breaks during previous Test series. The team is also expanding its fast-bowling pool, with left-armer Yash Dayal joining the squad for the Bangladesh series.

Despite the challenges, India is not viewing their home series against Bangladesh as preparation for their overseas tours. Rohit Sharma emphasized that every game is important, and they aim to win every Test match.

The team has been in Chennai for a week-long training camp to prepare for the Bangladesh series. The camp has allowed them to spend ample time on the field and get ready for the challenges ahead.

Bangladesh Ready for India Test Challenge, Says Hathurusingha

Bangladesh Ready for India Test Challenge, Says Hathurusingha

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha believes the upcoming two-Test series against India will provide a valuable assessment of his team’s international standing. The Tigers are coming off a triumphant 2-0 Test series win against Pakistan, but Hathurusingha acknowledges the challenge posed by India, the current leaders of the World Test Championship (WTC) table.

“We are encouraged by playing the best team in the world,” said Hathurusingha. “Playing against the best always gives you the perception of where you stand, and as sportspersons, we always look forward to it.”

Hathurusingha praised the “most rounded” Bangladesh squad he has ever seen, featuring eight specialist batters, six bowlers, and two all-rounders. He highlighted the experience of Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who played key roles in the Pakistan series.

“Shakib has always played a huge part in Bangladesh cricket,” said Hathurusingha. “He gives us the luxury to balance the team the way we want, thanks to his all-round abilities.”

Regarding the pitch, Hathurusingha described it as “sporting” but cautioned that it could change significantly during the match.

India Unfazed by Opponents' Desire to Beat Them, Says Rohit Sharma

India Unfazed by Opponents’ Desire to Beat Them, Says Rohit Sharma

India’s Test captain, Rohit Sharma, has emphasized that his team remains unfazed by the fact that every team relishes the opportunity to defeat India. Ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, Rohit stated that the Indian team is solely focused on executing their game plan.

“We understand that every team enjoys beating India, but we don’t dwell on that,” Rohit said at a press conference. “Our focus is on our own performance and achieving our objectives.”

Rohit acknowledged Bangladesh’s recent Test series victory in Pakistan, but he expressed confidence in his team’s preparation. “We’ve had a productive camp in Chennai and are well-prepared,” he said.

Regarding the potential inclusion of KL Rahul in the playing XI, Rohit expressed his belief in Rahul’s abilities. “KL Rahul has the talent to succeed in Test cricket,” Rohit said. “I have no doubt that he can be successful in this format.”

With the World Test Championship (WTC) final in sight, Rohit stressed the importance of every match. “Every game is crucial when playing for the country,” he said. “We’re not treating this series as a dress rehearsal for Australia. We need to start the season strongly and accumulate WTC points.”

India’s upcoming schedule includes a five-Test series in Australia in November, following the two Tests against Bangladesh and three Tests against New Zealand at home.

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