Ajinkya Rahane Playing Test Match

Ajinkya Rahane recalled into Test team; picked for WTC final

Mumbai-batter Ajinkya Rahane has been named in the 15-member squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia set to be played at The Oval from June 7. The right-hander who was dropped from the Test squad back in January 2022 has been recalled following an amazing performance for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

Rahane topped the run charts for Mumbai in a mostly forgettable Ranji Trophy 2022-23 campaign, his 634 runs at 57.63 including two centuries not enough for his side to make it to the knockouts. Playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, however, Rahane found a new tempo to his innings and at the time of this squad announcement, he had blitzed 209 runs from five innings at a strike-rate of 199.04.

Ajinkya Rahane will be responsible to handle the middle order duties, which seem a bit weak due to the absence of Test regulars Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer.

Team India Squad for World Test Championship final: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat

The news of Rahane’s comeback to the Test team was widely appreciated by cricket fans and pundits. Here are a few reactions by the netizens:

Team India loses first ODI bilateral series in home since 2019

Team India loses first ODI bilateral series at home since 2019

Team India has had a really disastrous end to their 2023 ODI World Cup preparations. The World No.1 T20 team has lost 2-1 to Australia in the recently conducted home series. With this series defeat, the Men in Blue has lost an ODI series at home since 2019.

The 3rd ODI between India and Australia happening in Chennai saw Australia post 269 after winning the toss. Team India failed to chase the target despite a fifty from Virat Kohli and a fighting 40 from Hardik Pandya. Rohit Sharma, who looked dejected after the series loss, stated, “A lot of takeaways (from the series), just not look at these 3 games. The 9 ODIs we played from January, we can take a lot of positives from that. A loss like that really hurts. But again, we can understand what we need to do better as a group.”

He further added, “It’s not about going out there and pin-pointing at one or two individuals. It’s not what I do or it’s not what the team does as well. It’s a collective failure that we need to look at and reflect. We have to understand that in 5 months time, we will be playing on these kind of conditions. We need to understand the ideas and the thoughts.”

The 3-match series saw Team India win the first match comfortably by 5 wickets. In the 2nd ODI, the Men in Blue had a dismal batting performance. The Indians were all out to 117 runs which the Australians easily chased down and leveled the series.

With this effort, Australia has become the new number-one ODI team in the ICC Rankings. Currently, the Australians have occupied the number one Test team spot in the ICC Rankings.

Indian Cricket Team Squad For Asia Cup

Bumrah still unfit; not picked for Australia ODI series

Team India is having a fantastic summer. After winning the first two Tests from Australia ODI Series in the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the team has announced an unchanged squad for the rest of the two Tests. KL Rahul, whose form is a concern for the team, has been retained but has been stripped of his vice-captain position from the squad.

Almost all of the members are the same as the squad announced for the first two Tests. Saurashtra’s Jaydev Unadkat, who recently won the Ranji trophy, will be back with the squad for the third and fourth Test in Indore and Ahmedabad, respectively.

Team India squad for the third and fourth Test: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat.

Additionally, the selectors have also announced an 18-man squad for the 3-match ODI series against Australia. The likes of Shahbaz Ahmed and Rajat Patidar – who were part of the squad for the New Zealand series last month – have been left out. KL Rahul returns, too, at the expense of KS Bharat.

Sanju Samson, who has performed exceptionally in the limited chances he’s got, has been skipped for the limited-overs series.

India will miss the services of Rohit Sharma for the first ODI – who will be unavailable due to family commitments, BCCI said in a release. Hardik Pandya will lead the side in Rohit’s place.

Team India squad for the ODI series against Australia: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (Vice-captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Jaydev Unadkat

Interestingly, Team India’s star bowler Jasprit Bumrah has not been included in the Tests and ODI series. The talk is that the selectors don’t want to rush the Mumbai Indians pacer and want him to be fully fit for the ODI World Cup scheduled in October.

7 Sachin Tendulkar records that won't be beaten

7 Sachin Tendulkar Records That Stand the Test of Time

Sachin! Sachin!!! Almost every Indian has sat at home cheering enthusiastically when Sachin Tendulkar was on the pitch. Cricket, as a sport, has witnessed remarkable talent throughout its history. Among the many extraordinary individuals who graced the game, Sachin Tendulkar’s name shines brighter than most. The legendary Indian batsman not only rewrote the record books but also established a legacy that seems impervious to being surpassed.

Can you believe it? Sachin Tendulkar has scored over 34,357 runs and 100 centuries that makes it one of the unbreakable records in cricket history In this article, we delve into seven remarkable records held by Sachin Tendulkar that have become an integral part of cricketing folklore, destined to remain unchallenged for generations to come.

7 Sachin Tendulkar records that won’t be beaten anytime soon

100 international centuries

Sachin Tendulkar’s record of scoring 100 international centuries is an unparalleled feat in the history of cricket. His ability to consistently convert innings into centuries across various formats of the game stands as a testament to his exceptional skill, unwavering determination, and longevity. To this day, no other cricketer has come close to approaching this remarkable milestone.

This record of Sachin Tendulkar might never get broken in the sport of cricket. Sachin Tendulkar holds an extraordinary record that no other cricketer comes close to matching. Despite hopes that Virat Kohli might one day break this record, it now appears improbable. To date, only Sachin has scored a whopping 100 centuries in 782 innings, something no one has yet achieved. Sachin Tendulkar’s impressive record was obtained through years of commitment and dedication to cricket. Known as the “God of Cricket,” he achieved tremendous success over his 24-year career, creating multiple records. Coming in a distant second to Sachin are Virat Kohli (73) and Ricky Ponting (71). 

Most international centuries in cricket: 

  1. Sachin Tendulkar: 100 
  2. Virat Kohli: 73
  3. Ricky Ponting: 71 
  4. Kumar Sangakkara: 63 
  5. Jacques Kallis: 62 

Most ODI runs in a calendar year 

Sachin the opener | Cricket | ESPNcricinfo.com

In April 1998, Sachin Tendulkar created a legendary moment in cricket history with his incredible batting performances in the Sharjah Desert Storm’. Fans were enthralled as Tendulkar, at his peak, outclassed Shane Warne with an aggressive style of batting. To date, these two magical innings remain some of the most cherished and remembered moments in Sachin’s and his fans’ lives. 

Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 1894 ODI runs in a single year has been untouched for 25 years. Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid came close to breaking the record in the following year, but no one has achieved the feat so far. 

Most ODI runs in a calendar year:

  1. Sachin Tendulkar: 1894 (1998)
  2. Sourav Ganguly: 1767 (1999)
  3. Rahul Dravid: 1761 (1999)
  4. Sachin Tendulkar: 1611 (1996)
  5. Matthew Hayden: 1601 (2007)

Most runs at the ODI World Cup 

Sachin Tendulkar – Top ODI innings

Sachin Tendulkar is the only cricketer in history to have scored over 2000 runs in the World Cup. He finished with 2278 runs across 6 World Cups. Furthermore, Tendulkar holds the record for being the single highest scorer in a World Cup with 673 runnings in the 2003 competition. Sachin Tendulkar played with an average of 56.95 runs in the World Cup and maintained a strike rate of 88.98. Ricky Ponting is the second on the list. The Australian has scored 1743 runs in the World Cups. 

Most runs in World Cups 

  1. Sachin Tendulkar: 2278 runs
  2. Ricky Ponting: 1743 runs
  3. Kumar Sangakkara: 1532 runs
  4. Brian Lara: 1225 runs
  5. AB de Villiers: 1207 runs

15000+ runs and 150+ wickets in ODIs 

It’s no surprise that Sachin Tendulkar is the only cricketer to have scored over 15000 runs in his career. He was also a very handy bowler, especially during the early stages of his ODI career, taking 154 wickets with an average of 44. What made him truly unique was his ability to quickly switch between off-spin, leg-spin, and medium pace, depending on the situation. 

Sachin Tendulkar’s bowling skills were not just about the wickets he took but also about the way he used them to his advantage. He had great control of the ball and was often able to read the situation to anticipate what the batsman was likely to do. His bowling was a key part of his success in ODI cricket, and he even managed to bowl economically during the tough phases of a match, making him a valuable all-rounder. 

Sachin Tendulkar has always been humble when it comes to his bowling skills. He has said that while he is proud of what he achieved as a bowler, he is more proud that he contributed to the team’s success. He believes that his most important contribution as a cricketer was consistently delivering in the toughest of situations. 

Sachin Tendulkar has said, “I am proud of my bowling achievements, but more importantly, I am proud of being able to contribute to the team’s success. I believe the measure of a cricketer lies in how well they perform in the toughest of situations.”

Most Man of the Match awards in ODIs

CWC11: Sachin Tendulkar's 120 v England

Creator: DIBYANGSHU SARKAR | Credit: AFP via Getty Images Copyright: 2011 AFP

Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 62 Man of the Match awards in One-Day Internationals is a testament to his consistent match-winning performances throughout his illustrious career. He is well above Sanath Jayasuriya’s record of 48 Man of the Match awards. After them, there is quite a significant gap in numbers with Virat Kohli (37), Jacques Kallis (32), Ricky Ponting (32), and Shahid Afridi (32). Sachin Tendulkar’s one-day international record has long since been unmatched, and his Man of the Match awards are a testament to that. 

This incredible feat highlights his ability to rise to the occasion and deliver under pressure. Given the competitive nature of modern-day cricket and the ever-increasing pool of talented players, it is highly unlikely that any player will match this record.

Most international runs

With an astonishing tally of 15,921 runs in Test matches and 18,426 runs in One-Day Internationals, Sachin Tendulkar sits at the summit as the highest run scorer in both formats. Achieving such monumental milestones demands an extraordinary level of skill, commitment, and longevity.

Sachin Tendulkar holds an unassailable lead in the rankings for most international runs scored across all formats of the game, with 34357 runs, nearly 7000 runs ahead of the second-placed Kumar Sangakkara on the list. This is an incredible 20% difference. He also holds the record for being the highest run scorer in both ODIs and Test cricket, with Virat Kohli and Alastair Cook being the only two names capable of challenging these records. 

Most international runs: 

1) Sachin Tendulkar: 34357 runs

2) Kumar Sangakkara: 28016 runs 

3) Ricky Ponting: 27483 runs

4) Mahela Jayawardene: 25957 runs 

5) Jacques Kallis: 25534 runs

Most Test runs at number 4 

Sachin Tendulkar began his Test career by batting at different positions but eventually settled into the number four spot as an essential part of India’s batting line-up. The renowned number four batsman racked up an incredible 13,492 runs in this position. Number four is considered a crucial batting position in cricket, as the batsman typically follows the loss of two wickets. Former Sri Lankan ace Mahela Jayawardene holds the second-highest run count for a number 4 batsman, with 9,509 runs scored after the loss of two wickets. 

Other Sachin Tendulkar’s records which are very tough to break

Sachin Tendulkar is a once-in-a-lifetime cricketer. The things he has achieved on the field are impossible to achieve for any other cricketer. However, a few cricketers like Virat Kohli and Babar Azam are looking to break a few of them. Only time will tell whether these cricket players can break SRT’s records.

Here’s a look at some of the other records by Sachin Tendulkar.

Sachin Tendulkar hails Raina on his remarkable career - Rediff Cricket

Creator: Pal Pillai | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2010 Getty Images

Most fifty-plus scores

Virat Kohli might challenge Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most international centuries, but the Little Master’s record of most fifty-plus scores is likely to remain intact forever. Sachin Tendulkar scored 145 fifty-plus scores in ODIs, 27 more than the next-highest batsman, and 119 in Tests, 16 more than the runner-up. Sachin scored 264 fifty-plus scores in international cricket, an impressive 47 more than second-place Ricky Ponting (217). 

Most boundaries scored

It is highly unlikely that any player will be able to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of fours in Test and ODI formats. He hit around 2,058(+) fours in Test cricket and 2,016 in the ODI format, more than 400 fours ahead of the next-best player. When he retired, he had accumulated around 4,076(+) fours in international cricket, an astonishing 1,000 fours more than second-placed Kumar Sangakkara (3,015). 

Most International Matches Played

Sachin Tendulkar’s incredible 24-year career was capped off with his 200th Test match appearance, a record that is unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon as the second-most appearances belong to Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh at 168. He also holds the records for most ODI (463) and international (664) appearances, which are an intimidating feat for players of the current generation. Mahela Jayawardene was close to breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most international games played, as he featured in 448 One-Day Internationals and 652 total international games.

Conclusion

Sachin Tendulkar’s legacy as one of cricket’s greatest players is secured by an abundance of records that appear untouchable for the predicted future. His extraordinary achievements, including 100 international centuries, the highest run-scorer in Tests and ODIs, most Test centuries, and several other remarkable records, have set an impossibly high bar for aspiring cricketers. These records not only exemplify Tendulkar’s immense talent and longevity but also emphasise the challenges faced by any player seeking to surpass his achievements. As cricket continues to evolve and new stars emerge, Sachin Tendulkar’s records will continue to serve as a testament to his unrivalled greatness, etching his name indelibly into the annals of cricketing history.

While some of his records will certainly be beaten, there are many that are impossible to achieve for any other cricket player. What do you think which record of Tendulkar will be broken in the near future?

MS Dhoni: The man with Golden Touch

7 instances when MS Dhoni proved he was one of the best finishers ever

MS Dhoni can be termed the father of modern-day Indian cricket. The long-haired guy from Ranchi changed the fortunes of team India by winning them two World Cups in two different formats within a span of 4 years. MS Dhoni is touted as one of the best captains of all time for his top-notch captaincy over the years. MS Dhoni was a genius behind the stumps and a beast in front of it. There are very few cricketers in the world who can match MS Dhoni’s ability to hit the ball out of the park. 

MS Dhoni is a power-hitter, one of the finest in the business. He is known as the inventor of the helicopter shot, which requires maximum timing and strength. MS Dhoni is known as one of the best finishers in the game. The former Indian skipper is never under any pressure, which makes him better at his finishing role. MSD has given his fans some iconic moments right from the 2011 World Cup finals to 113* against Pakistan in 2012. These moments surely make MS Dhoni a legendary finisher; let’s have a look at them. 

7 instances when MS Dhoni proved he was one of the best finishers ever

64* vs Kings XI Punjab, 2016 

Rising Pune Supergiant vs Delhi Daredevils - Cricbuzz

Source: Cricbuzz

As Chennai Super Kings were given a two-year league suspension, MS Dhoni was in charge of the Rising Pune Super Giants. His team was already eliminated from contention for a postseason spot. However, Dhoni still used his big-hitting skills against Axar Patel despite this. In the final over, which Axar bowled, a young left-arm spinner at the time, RPSG required 23 runs to win. 

Dhoni dumped the second ball of the over for a maximum after refusing to take a single off the first ball. The next delivery was blocked from going for a boundary by Hashim Amla’s dive, and Dhoni once more instructed Ashwin to remain at the non-striker’s end. MS Dhoni smashed a four in the 3rd delivery and two sixes off the final two deliveries to secure one of the most memorable victories in IPL history. 

183* vs Sri Lanka, 2005

Mahendra Singh Dhoni walked out to bat in Jaipur following the loss of Sachin Tendulkar’s wicket in the first over itself. MS Dhoni slashed two sixes off Chaminda Vaas in the first over to start India’s chase for 299. He continued to manage the threat of Muttiah Muralitharan in 

the middle overs before making his century in 85 balls with the help of Upul Chandana’s bowling. Dhoni displayed great athleticism and skill throughout the match, even in the later stages, despite cramps, as he maintained a steady scoring rate. 

Dhoni finished his incredible innings with a tenth six, leading India to a successful conquest of the 299-run target with 23 balls remaining. His 183* is still the highest score made by a wicketkeeper in a men’s one-day international, and when he walked off the pitch, Kumar Sangakkara, the opposing ‘keeper who made an unbeaten 138*, was the first to greet him with a handshake.

113* (125) vs Pakistan, Chennai 2012 

 

Interestingly, MS Dhoni has played most of his iconic knocks against Pakistan. Pakistan was touring India for a three-match ODI series and a two-match T20I series. Team India decided to bat first against Pakistan in the first ODI, which was being played in Chennai. To everyone’s surprise, the Pakistani bowling duo of Junaid Khan and Mohammad Irfan made lightwork of India’s entire batting lineup as the hosts were down to 5 wickets with just 29 runs on the board. 

Skipper MS Dhoni was forced to enter the ground early. However, MSD, alongside Suresh Raina, carried India’s innings forward slowly but steadily. Ravichandran Ashwin also played a crucial part with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 39 runs. MS Dhoni remained not out till the end as he scored 113 runs off just 125 balls. Team India managed to post a decent total of 227 runs which was easily chased by Pakistan. MS Dhoni did everything to keep his side in the game. MS Dhoni deservingly won the “Man of the match” award for his solo effort against Pakistan. 

44* (58) vs Australia, Adelaide 2012 

Twitter celebrates as Mahendra Singh Dhoni turns 41: 'Scoring last over runs in big match easy for someone who collected ticket on crowded train' - Indiaweekly

Creator: Clive Mason | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2019 Getty Images

David Hussey and debutant Peter Forrest scored individual fifties to post a decent total for Australia while batting first against India. The iconic opening pair of Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir handed India a decent start of 52 runs. Gambhir amassed a massive total of 92 runs, but other Indian batters failed to support the southpaw during the chase. MS Dhoni entered the crease when Gambhir got out, as India needed another 92 runs from the remaining 15 overs. 

Dhoni stitched an important partnership with Suresh Raina of 52 runs. However, the match went right down till the last over. India needed 12 runs off four deliveries, and Clint McKay was bowling for the Baggy Greens. Nevertheless, it was quite easy for India’s most efficient finisher as India won the match with two balls to spare. As he often does, Dhoni took the game to the end and then easily won it for his side. 

72* (46) vs Pakistan, Lahore 2006 

Shoaib Malik-led Pakistan posted a dominating total of 288 runs after choosing to bat first against arch-rivals India. Team India had a mammoth total to chase against a strong Pakistani bowling lineup, and it was never going to be easy. Adding to that, India lost two early wickets in the name of Gautam Gambhir and Irfan Pathan. Legends Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh tried to stabilize India’s innings, but at one stage, the visitors were at 190 for 5. 

Team India needed 99 runs from just 15 overs and entered MS Dhoni. MS Dhoni didn’t waste any time to start his mayhem against Pakistan. Dhoni scored a total of 72 runs in just 46 balls, including 13 boundaries. MSD combined with Yuvraj Singh (79*) to win it for India with more than two overs in hand. A new finisher was born that day and later became one of the game’s greatest.

45* (52) vs Sri Lanka, Port of Spain 2013 

मुश्किल है महेंद्र सिंह धोनी के इन रिकॉर्ड्स को तोड़ना! - Ms dhoni unbreakable records in international cricket team india captain cool retirement tspo

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India was facing Sri Lanka in the finals of the tri-series, which included the two countries alongside the West Indies. Ishant Sharma’s stellar bowling figure of 5/30 bundled up the Lankans for a modest total of just 201 runs in 50 overs. However, the Indians had a shaky start during their chase, losing their first two wickets under just 27 runs. Rohit Sharma was carrying India’s innings as he scored a half-century and cemented a good 3rd wicket partnership with Dinesh Karthik of 50 runs. 

MS Dhoni entered the game when India was in a comfortable position of 139/4. However, the game took a quick turn as the Indian batters started falling like a house of cards, and suddenly, the Men in Blue were down to 9 wickets with 20 runs still required. The match went down to the wire as India needed 15 runs in the last over. MS Dhoni was on the strike, and Shaminda Eranga was given the responsibility of defending the total. The first ball of the last over went for a dot; however, Dhoni later finished the game by scoring 6, 4, and 6 in the next three balls and won it for India again. 

91* (79) vs Sri Lanka, Mumbai 2011 

Because of me, he came ahead of Yuvraj," Muralitharan on Dhoni's batting promotion in 2011 World Cup final

Creator: Michael Steele | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2011 Getty Images

The 2011 ODI World Cup finals were one of the most historic moments for the Indian fans as well as MS Dhoni’s career. No true team India fan can forget the winning six from MS Dhoni to seal the World Cup for India after a span of 28 years. Team India was to chase a huge total of 274 runs against a loaded Sri Lankan bowling attack. Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar got out early in the match, making it more difficult for India. Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir combined to put a third-wicket partnership of 88 runs. 

MS Dhoni’s decision to enter the game before Yuvraj Singh after Virat Kohli’s wicket was a gutsy move, but it turned out to be a great decision later. Gautam Gambhir is the unsung hero of the match, as he scored 97 runs when his side was in deep trouble. But MS Dhoni is still considered to be the hero of the World Cup.

Ganguly vs Dhoni vs Kohli: Who is the greatest Indian captain?

Ganguly vs Dhoni vs Kohli: Who has been the greatest Indian captain?

Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni are the founding fathers of modern-day Indian cricket. While the legend Sourav Ganguly injected the fighting spirit into the frail Indian side, MS Dhoni got back the glory days in the country. India won their first World Cup in 1983 but failed to thrive on the success achieved by the great Kapil Dev. It took India more than 2 decades to win their second World Cup, which came in the face of the 2007 T20 World Cup. 

While MS Dhoni carried India toward its peak, Sourav Ganguly created a solid base for it to happen. Then came Virat Kohli, the most fearless of all. Not a single team in the world wasn’t scared to face Virat Kohli’s Test team, even the big bullies Aussies. Virat Kohli dominated the Baggy Green on their turf not once but twice. Virat Kohli was the new captain of the new India, and it never got any better. 

What if you are asked to select one among the three? Ganguly vs Dhoni vs Kohli: Who is the greatest Indian captain? Let’s have a closer look.

Let’s have a look at their journey as Indian captains. 

Sourav Ganguly: 

Team India is known for its passion and aggressive approach toward the game. Sourav Ganguly is the prime inspiration behind that. Who can forget his famous celebration at the Lords in 2002, where he rattled the entire British team as well their media with his shirtless celebration? The Prince of Kolkata had one message for his team “don’t get dominated” by any opposition. He forced the fighting spirit amongst the Men in Blue. Ganguly also handed many youngsters like MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh a chance to play in his team, the players who later went on to win many accolades for India. 

Sourav Ganguly Discharged After COVID-19 Treatment - Pragativadi

Creator: Michael Steele | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2003 Getty Images

Most importantly, Sourav Ganguly took charge of the Indian team when the side was going through its worst phase, as many senior Indian players, including Mohammad Azharuddin, got banned for match-fixing. Azharuddin was charged with match-fixing in the year 2000 and was later banned for life by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The incident took place after India toured South Africa in 2000; India won the series 3–2. The scandal left a huge dent in team India and its reputation. 

Sourav Ganguly became the prime candidate to lead the Indian team after superstar Sachin Tendulkar stepped down from the role citing his health as the reason. As Ganguly was the vice-captain at that time, the BCCI decided to hand him the bandwidth of the Indian team. Ganguly proved to be a promising captain as he took India to the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy finals in his first year. 

Sourav Ganguly-led India reached the finals of the 2003 World Cup for the first time since 1983. However, India lost the finals against Australia. Nevertheless, Ganguly had a brilliant tournament in which he scored 465 runs at an average of 58.12, which also included 3 centuries. By the year 2004, Ganguly was termed one of the most successful captains of Team India. 

MS Dhoni:

MS Dhoni is arguably, the greatest Indian captain of the modern generation. He is the only captain to win all three ICC limited-overs trophies, including the 50-50 World Cup, the T20 World Cup, and the Champions Trophy. MS Dhoni might come second to only the great Australian player Ricky Ponting in terms of captaincy in international cricket. MS Dhoni’s game sense and leadership qualities set him apart from everyone else. MSD took charge of the young Indian side in the first T20 World Cup when the seniors refused to take responsibility. 

MS Dhoni wins ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade | Cricket News – India TV

Creator: Hagen Hopkins | Credit: Getty Images

The sumptuous MS Dhoni won India the 2011 50-50 World Cup with a six, a memory which is tattooed in the memories of every Indian fan. Even the best captains out there take inspiration from MS Dhoni. The guy from Jharkhand changed the fortune of Indian cricket as well as the definition of elite captaincy. MS Dhoni won the Champions Trophy in 2013; the last ICC Trophy won by India. MS Dhoni has won 4 IPL trophies with Chennai Super Kings. 

Famous quotes about MS Dhoni 

  1. “Dhoni is the best Captain I have played under.” – Sachin Tendulkar
  2. “I would go to war with Dhoni by my side.” – Gary Kirsten 
  3. “He knows exactly what he wants to do in the middle. He is always calm and composed. He allows himself to make those tough decisions on the field. For me, he will always be my captain.” – Virat Kohli 
  4. ” If Dhoni tells me to jump from the 24th floor, I’d readily do it.” – Ishant Sharma
  5. “As far as One-Day Cricket is concerned, Dhoni is one of the greatest Captains of all times.” – Saurav Ganguly 

Virat Kohli: 

Virat Kohli was handed India’s leadership in 2014 when MS Dhoni took a step down from the Test format. In 2017, Virat Kohli became the all-format skipper of the Indian national team. Virat Kohli was an adamant leader who demanded fitness and full dedication. Virat’s regime was one of the most dominating eras in Indian cricket’s history but only in the bilateral series. Be it a down-under Test series or hosting any team at home, Virat’s side entered the match as the favourites. 

Virat Kohli surpasses Ricky Ponting by breaking 1214-day drought

Creator: MUNIR UZ ZAMAN

Having said that, Virat Kohli’s team failed to thrive in the major ICC events. Be it the 2019 50-50 World Cup or 2021 T20 World Cup, team India got out of the tournament in an embarrassing manner. India also failed to win the ICC WTC finals against New Zealand. Virat Kohli was replaced by Rohit Sharma as the full-time Indian captain in 2022. However, Virat Kohli will still be remembered as one of the most influential captains of team India. 

Team India played a total of 95 matches under Virat Kohli’s captaincy in ODIs. India managed to win a total of 65 matches and maintained a winning rate of 68.42%. Virat Kohli is the fourth-most successful Indian captain in the 50-over format behind MS Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly, and Mohammed Azharuddin. 

Who is the better captain?

Dhoni captained India in 60 tests, out of which he won 28, lost 18, and drew 15. His win percentage is 45. Ganguly captained India in 49 tests in which he won 21, lost 13, and drew 15. His win percentage is 42.85. Dhoni has an upper hand over Sourav Ganguly in Test cricket. Dhoni won the ODI and the T20I World Cup, which automatically makes him the more successful captain in the limited-overs format. 

Virat Kohli has captained India in 68 Test matches and managed to win 40 of them. Virat Kohli is the most successful Indian Test captain. Virat Kohli has captained India in 24 Test series and has won 18 of them. He never lost a Test series at home. 

Ganguly vs Dhoni vs Kohli: Who has been the best captain for India 

Virat Kohli is out of contention because while he achieved a lot in Test cricket, he failed to win any major ICC tournament with a solid team. Sourav Ganguly injected a new trend in Indian cricket, and he is the closest to MS Dhoni regarding the best captains. 

MS Dhoni is clearly the best captain in the history of Indian cricket. 

Famous cricketers talk about MS Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly, and Virat Kohli in captaincy: 

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith: 

“The biggest difference between Dada’s captaincy and Dhoni’s captaincy is MS, the player for me. I think in that middle order, the ability to close games, win games, and finish games in that calm that he brought to the people around him. I think that the biggest difference between the two heroes is MS Dhoni. 

If Dada had an MS-type player, his team would have been slightly more developed; I think you would have seen him win plenty more trophies. Dada was blessed to play or not blessed to play in an era where Australian cricket was at the forefront and dominating the world game as well, which at the time, the team had won the most during that period, 

I agree that when it comes to Test cricket, having played against MS, you would always feel that you had an opportunity to work him over, especially away and out of India, but I think when it comes to Test cricket, I’ll have to sit with Dada, but one-day cricket, certainly MS is my man.” 

Former Sri Lanka captain Sangakkara 

“You can be judged on a lot of things, but sometimes you have to leave something behind, and I think in that sense, Dada did a lot to create a wonderful legacy for others to inherit, and MS benefitted from that. MS, an exceptional player and unbelievable captain, has moved Indian cricket forward. But the foundation for all of that was laid by Dada for me. In one-day cricket, the ability to finish is always very, very tough. So, I would go with MS for sure in limited-overs cricket, in white-ball cricket just because he batted at that tougher finisher position, but in Test cricket, without a doubt, Ganguly every day.”

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir 

“Both these guys have taken Indian cricket forward, but just purely from an impact point of view, I can only talk about MS Dhoni because he was very serious about taking Indian cricket forward.” 

Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin 

“Cricket captains will always be spoken about with respect to their records and the kind of triumphs they managed, but Virat Kohli’s legacy as a captain will stand for the kind of benchmarks you have set. There will be people who will talk about wins in Australia, England, Sl, etc. Wins are just a result, and the seeds are always sown well before the harvest! The seeds you managed to sow is the kind of standard you set for yourself, hence setting the expectations straight with the rest of us.” 

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah 

“Integrity, insight, and inclusivity. Virat Kohli’s contribution to the team as captain is invaluable; Virat Kohli has been a great leader to this side. It’s been a pleasure playing under Virat Kohli.” 

Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri 

“Virat can go with his head held high. Few have achieved what you have as captain. Definitely India’s most aggressive and successful.”

Sanju Samson ruled out of T20Is vs Sri Lanka due to knee injury- God of Sports

Sanju Samson suffers knee injury; ruled out of T20I series against Sri Lanka

Kerala’s star wicketkeeper Sanju Samson has been ruled out of the remaining T20Is against Sri Lanka. The right-hander has suffered a knee injury after hurting his left knee during the first game in Mumbai.

During the first T20I, Sanju Samson made a diving attempt to take a catch which resulted in the injury. Although he caught the ball, he could not hold on to it after falling to the ground. He continued fielding in the match, but, it is learnt, he later experienced swelling, because of which he was asked to take medical advice by the BCCI Medical Team. Although, he is ruled out of the T20I series against Sri Lanka. It is unlikely that he will be available for the New Zealand series.

“Team India wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson has been ruled out of the remainder of the 3-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. Samson hurt his left knee while attempting to field a ball near the boundary ropes during the 1st T20I at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. He was taken for scans and a specialist opinion this afternoon in Mumbai by the BCCI Medical Team and has been advised rest and rehabilitation,” BCCI said in a statement.

The wicketkeeper-batter did not travel with the Indian team to Pune, staying back in Mumbai for scans and a specialist opinion, and was advised rest and rehabilitation. Jitesh Sharma, the 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Vidarbha, has been named Samson’s replacement.

India’s updated squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar.

Rishabh Pant unlikely to be available for IPL 2023

Rishabh Pant unlikely to be available for IPL 2023

India’s star wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is looking at a long hiatus from the game. The left-hander sustained a gamut of injuries from the near-fatal crash near Gurukul, Narsan, in the state of Uttarakhand, including a couple of cuts on his forehead. Although the wicketkeeper is stable, he has suffered abrasion injuries on his back besides the ligament tear in his right knee that will take some time to recover.

As per a Cricbuzz report, the exact nature of treatment and time required for recovery and rehab can be decided only after the treatment of the ligament tear on the right knee starts. The medical team of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is monitoring the progress of the 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, and they may fly him to Mumbai when he is in a position to move.

According to The Times of India, who quoted a doctor who looks after the sports injury department at AIIMS-Rishikesh, it will take three to six months for Rishabh to recover from the ligament injury he suffered during the car crash. AIIMS-Rishikesh’s Dr Qamar Azam, who looks after the sports injury department, told TOI, “Pant will take at least three to six months to recover from the ligament injury. And if it’s severe, he may take more time. Further evaluation can be based on his detailed injury report.”

Pant, who was recently dropped from the white ball squad for Sri Lanka, was in great form in red-ball cricket for the Indian team in 2022. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter was India’s best Test batsman in 2022, amassing 680 runs in seven Tests at 61.81.

With the serious injury, it is certain that Pant will miss the 4-match Test home series against Australia. This will present an opportunity for KS Bharat, who might see his Test debut, or will we see the comeback of experienced man Wriddhiman Saha behind the wickets?

Pant, who plays for Delhi Capitals, will be under pressure to fill the gap left by Pant’s absence. They will likely turn to David Warner or Prithvi Shaw to lead the team.

23 Virat Kohli quotes that will inspire you

Virat Kohli lives in the hearts of Indians. Sure he does because he is the most successful captain India ever had in the Test format under his captaincy No.1 Test team in the ICC Rankings for a continuous period of 42 months from October 2016 till early March 2020. With a record of a whopping 973 runs in one IPL season. He has been on it since 2008 when he joined the Indian cricket team. But what makes him so inspiring? Being a die-hard fan of cricket hailing from a city like Delhi where there are millions of boys like him who dream to be where he is today.

It was his dedication and devotion to cricket that helped him bag so many prestigious awards like the Arjuna award, Padmashri and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. He has also been named ICC ODI Player of the Year three times, in the year 2012, 2017 & 2018.

Virat has made a special place in everyone’s heart and when asked any of his fans to describe him in one word. The answers were passionate, disciplined, dedicated, consistent and even aggressive, but the most common word was WINNER. It indeed is true, He has showcased his batting skills in 223 matches in which he has scored over 6600 runs. He won the Orange Cap during the 2016 season, where he scored 973 runs with 4 hundred and 7 half-centuries.

He emphasises the importance of focusing on one’s own journey and giving it your all. By staying focused and committed, you can achieve extraordinary results. Kohli’s desire to be remembered for his character traits rather than just his sporting achievements is truly inspiring. He reminds us of the importance of values and how they shape our legacy.

Here are Virat Kohli’s quotes for fans more like words of wisdom from him.

“I want to be a person known for his integrity, honesty, and empathy.” — Virat Kohli

“I don’t count my trophies, I count the lives I’ve touched.” — Virat Kohli

“Never give up. Today is hard. Tomorrow will be worse. But the day after tomorrow there will be sunshine.” — Virat Kohli

“If you are true to yourself, you won’t fear anything.” — Virat Kohli

“Whatever you want to do, do it with full passion and work really hard towards it. Do not look anywhere else. There will be a few distractions, but if you can be true to yourself, you will be successful for sure.” — Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli quotes

Here are more motivational quotes by Virat Kohli.

“Self-belief and hard work will always earn you success.” — Virat Kohli

“I play my game. I play my cricket. I give my 100% on the field. That’s what I focus on.” — Virat Kohli

“Pressure is the lack of preparation.” — Virat Kohli

“You have to stay fresh and blank in your mind when you go out to bat. You complicate things, and you’re gone.”
— Virat Kohli

“You can either try and fit yourself in a mould created by others, or you can be original and be yourself.” — Virat Kohli

“The only thing that should be constant in your life is your desire to constantly improve.” — Virat Kohli

“I love playing under pressure. In fact, if there is no pressure, then I am not in the perfect zone.” — Virat Kohli

 

“I get really motivated when I put on the India jersey. It is a responsibility, so I want to perform in the best way I can.” — Virat Kohli

“A lot of people tell me a lot of things about my conduct, my game, my future… but I try to stay away from their words of wisdom. I do not let it distract me. On the field, you will be facing the ball alone. If you fail, you will be the only one to blame. So, you should be the one deciding for yourself.” — Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is a very verbal person. You must have seen him give the opposing team a hard time on the field. His “verbal game” with the opposition has led to many unforgettable moments. Some people share the opinion about Virat being an aggressive player but, Kohli’s emphasis on maintaining a clear and focused mindset is crucial not only in cricket but in life as well.

Here are some aggressive cricket quotes for a better view of the brighter side of it.

“On the field, aggression can sometimes be a positive emotion. It boosts performance and can lift your game. But over the years, I have learnt that restrained aggression is a better animal. That way, you will conserve your energy and will not spend yourself quickly.” — Virat Kohli

“I am a guy who likes to play with intensity. Once that is gone, I don’t know what I am going to do on the field.” — Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli quotes

“I like to be myself, and I don’t pretend. For instance, I don’t dress up for occasions; I am what I am.” — Virat Kohli

“A fit body gives you confidence. And there’s nothing more impressive than a great attitude, which you can wear on your sleeve. But you’ll have to remember the difference between being rude and being confident.” ― Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli quotes

The batter’s instagram is as versatile as his personality, packed with fun videos, brand recommendations, motivational captions, funny reels with his wife Anushka Sharma.

Here’s an insight of Virat Kohli’s insightful posts on Instagram.

“Everyday is a chance to be better” — Virat Kohli

“The competition is all in your head. In reality it’s always you vs you.” — Virat Kohli

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)

“It’s a long road to the top but the greatest lessons are learnt when you get knocked down and get back up.” — Virat Kohli

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)

Virat Kohli sure is master of his skill, such that even the greatest of cricket legends have appreciated his consistency and his never give up attitude.

“To Become A Good Player, You Need Talent. To Become A Great Player You Need An Attitude Like Kohli” – Sunil Gavaskar

“It’s a Joy To Watch Virat Kohli Bat. I Hope He Can Break My Records” – Sachin Tendulkar

Virat Kohli, with his extraordinary talent and inspiring quotes, has left an indelible mark on the world of cricket and beyond. His words serve as a source of motivation and encouragement, reminding us to believe in ourselves, work hard, and never give up. Whether you are a cricket enthusiast or not, the lessons derived from Kohli’s quotes can be applied to various aspects of life. So, take inspiration from these Virat Kohli quotes and embark on your journey towards success with passion and determination.

Saini, Easwaran & Kumar added to the squad for Bangladesh Tests

Saini, Easwaran & Kumar join Test squad for Bangladesh Test’s

The Board of Cricket for Control in India (BCCI) has confirmed that they have called up Navdeep Saini, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Saurabh Kumar to the national squad that will be facing Bangladesh for the two-Test series.

The BCCI said, “India captain Rohit Sharma met with a specialist in Mumbai for his left thumb injury, which he sustained during the 2nd ODI against Bangladesh. He has been advised appropriate management for this injury and will not be available for the first Test against Bangladesh.”

“Fast bowler Mohd. Shami and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja are yet to fully recover from their respective shoulder and knee injuries and are ruled out of the Test series,” the BCCI further added.

As per the report, Saini, Easwaran and Kumar will be replacing the current Test skipper Rohit Sharma, fast bowler Mohd. Shami and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The BCCI has also added Saurashtra’s Jaydev Unadkat for the two-Test series.

India’s revised squad for Bangladesh Tests: KL Rahul (C), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara (VC), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Navdeep Saini, Saurabh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat

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