India made a winning start to their Women's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 6 wickets in a tense match in Sharjah on Sunday. India chased down a modest target of 106, with seven balls to spare, despite losing their captain Harmanpreet Kaur to a neck injury. Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, in a different role for the day, attended the match to show support for the women's team, praising their spirit and performance. Bumrah expressed his pride in the team, saying that his presence was to boost morale and support their efforts on the field.

Bumrah as supporter 

In a unique twist, India's star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was seen in the stands, showing his unwavering support for the women’s team. While he’s usually known for his match-winning performances, Bumrah shared that he was there in a different capacity, helping to uplift the team spirit and cheer for the women as they took on Pakistan. 

Bumrah also appreciated the strong bowling display led by Arundhati Reddy and Shreyanka Patil, who played key roles in India’s victory. He added that such collective performances build momentum, and the team looks set to carry forward this energy in upcoming matches.

 

 

 

 

 

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India’s bowling shine against Pakistan 

After Pakistan opted to bat first, India’s bowlers were on point from the beginning, restricting Pakistan to 105/8 in 20 overs. Arundhati Reddy was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 19 runs, while Shreyanka Patil also contributed with 2 crucial wickets. The Indian bowling attack, maintaining a tight line and length, stifled the Pakistani batters who struggled to find any momentum. Pakistan's Nida Dar was the top-scorer with 28 off 34 balls, but the Indian bowlers ensured wickets kept falling at regular intervals, never allowing the opposition to settle in.

In the chase, India faced a setback when captain Harmanpreet Kaur retired hurt after suffering a neck injury. Despite this, the Indian batters remained composed, with vital contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana, who helped India reach the target in 18.5 overs.

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India completed a successful chase in 18.5 overs, securing their first win of the tournament by 6 wickets. Pakistan's total of 105 was never enough as India comfortably chased down the target despite the early exit of their captain. The victory gives India the momentum they need heading into the rest of the tournament, while Jasprit Bumrah’s presence as a supporter further uplifted the team’s spirit.

India’s fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, is recovering from ankle surgery and is expected to return during the home Test series against Bangladesh. Shami’s absence during the recent Test series against England was felt, and he will continue to miss the IPL due to surgery. With India hosting Bangladesh in September, Shami’s return will be eagerly awaited by fans for bolstering the bowling attack.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah provided updates on other players’ injuries and rehabilitation efforts. KL Rahul, who missed the final four Tests against England due to injury, has started rehabilitation at the NCA. Rishabh Pant, recovering from a car accident, is progressing well and aims to make a comeback in the IPL, with potential implications for the T20 World Cup.

Shami’s Comeback: Anticipated Return and Road to Recovery

Shah also addressed the topic of foreign investment in the IPL, highlighting the regulatory constraints faced by the BCCI. The BCCI’s status as a society limits its ability to accept external investment without government approval. This clarification underscores the complexities involved in financing Indian sports leagues and the need for regulatory compliance.

The discussion around foreign investment reflects broader regulatory frameworks governing sports governance in India. Adherence to legal requirements is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability in sports administration. While foreign investment can bring substantial capital, regulatory compliance remains paramount to ensure the integrity of Indian sports leagues.

SEE ALSO: Prioritizing loyalty: RCB adds a KGF twist to Virat Kohli’s 16th IPL anniversary

Jay Shah’s updates provide valuable insights into player recoveries and regulatory challenges facing the IPL. Shami’s anticipated return brings hope for the Indian cricket team, while the progress of players like Rahul and Pant demonstrates resilience. As discussions continue on the future of the IPL and potential investment opportunities, adherence to regulatory norms will remain essential for sustainable growth in Indian sports.

Due to a shortage of players, England had to bring in assistant coaches Marcus Trescothick and Paul Collingwood to serve as substitute fielders in the current fifth Test against India at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

In response, Trescothick and Collingwood, former players themselves, were drafted in as substitute fielders. This move mirrors a similar instance in 2020 when New Zealand enlisted an assistant coach as a fielder during an ODI against India.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, England, led by Ben Stokes, made a solitary change in their playing eleven for the final Test, with Mark Wood stepping in for Robinson.

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Assistant Coaches Trescothick and Collingwood Sub in as England’s Fielders

Despite a victorious start to the tour with a win in the first Test in Hyderabad, England succumbed to India’s resurgence, losing the subsequent three matches, which led to India securing an insurmountable 3-1 lead.

Stokes, acknowledging the challenges, emphasized the significance of representing the country and commended the team’s resilience, stating, “It’s another opportunity to represent our country. Great experience for the boys to be part of this series and they have shown great character in their fight.”

England’s Playing XI for the fifth Test comprised Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes (w), Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, Mark Wood, and James Anderson.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the lineup for the last Test in the ongoing series against India. With just one alteration from the previous match, where they endured a defeat in Ranchi, England seeks redemption in the fifth Test commencing at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Thursday, March 7.

Mark Wood steps in for Ollie Robinson, while James Anderson retains his spot despite featuring in three consecutive Tests, merely two wickets away from the coveted 700 mark.

Battling for Redemption in Dharamsala Amidst Series Defeat

Robinson’s lackluster performance in Ranchi saw him exit the XI, despite his notable contribution with the bat alongside Joe Root. The official statement from England Men confirmed the change, asserting the team’s readiness for the final showdown.

England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, James Anderson, and Shoaib Bashir.

Ben Stokes, the England captain, accentuated the positives gleaned from their tour despite the series loss, highlighting significant improvements in fitness and overall performance.

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England’s journey in India saw debutants Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley showcasing promising bowling displays, with Hartley’s seven-wicket haul in the series opener being particularly notable. Despite such individual efforts, England’s quest for victory remains unfulfilled, conceding the series 3-1 to the hosts.

In addition to his prowess with the bat, Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, is renowned for his occasional humorous remarks that often amuse fans. Though not intentionally comical, his laid-back style of expression seldom fails to bring a smile to the faces of supporters.

This characteristic was evident during India’s clash against Afghanistan in the third T20I in January. Rohit Sharma had endured a rough patch in the series, being dismissed for ducks in the first two games of the three-match series. Notably, this was his first T20I series since the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Expectations were high for the captain to make an impact in the shortest format of the game, but he struggled to get off the mark in the initial matches. Eager to open his account in the third T20I, Rohit found himself in a light-hearted dispute with the on-field umpire when the latter awarded leg byes after the right-handed batsman seemingly struck the ball for a boundary in the first over.

Confident that he had made contact with the ball, Rohit questioned the umpire’s decision, only realizing the ruling after the over had concluded and he glanced at the scoreboard.

Rohit Sharma Shares Comical Exchange with Umpire: The Inside Story

“Hey, Viru, was that given as leg-bye on the second ball? The bat made significant contact,” Rohit Sharma quipped to the umpire.

Reflecting on the incident during the inauguration of the third edition of the Khel Mahakhumbh in Bilaspur district on Tuesday (March 5), Rohit Sharma shed light on the humorous exchange.

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“When you’ve registered two ducks, getting that first run becomes crucial. The ball had indeed struck the bat and reached the boundary, but the umpire perhaps didn’t see it and awarded leg byes instead. I don’t usually check the scoreboard while batting; my focus remains on my innings,” Rohit Sharma explained.

“After the over, I happened to glance at the scoreboard and noticed it still showed ‘Rohit Sharma on zero.’ I thought, ‘But I hit a boundary; why does it still say zero?'” he added.

Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel, the Indian batsmen, displayed remarkable composure as Rohit Sharma guided the team to a five-wicket triumph in the fourth Test match. The head coach of the Indian team, Rahul Dravid, was visibly animated as the hosts secured the victory, expressing rare emotion.

Known for his composed demeanor, Dravid’s elation highlighted the significance of the win, especially considering India’s 1-0 deficit after the initial Test. However, India’s stellar resurgence saw them clinch three consecutive victories, securing an insurmountable lead in the five-match series.

Dravid’s Emotional Response and Team Dynamics

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Dravid’s jubilant presence in the dressing room was evident as he cheered when Dhruv Jurel struck the winning runs, followed by warm embraces for both Jurel and Shubman Gill as they returned to the dressing room.

This win held particular significance as it marked India’s first Test victory in India while chasing a target of over 150 runs since 2013. Additionally, it was India’s seventh Test series win after trailing 1-0. England, under the leadership of head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, faced defeat in their first Test series. Despite holding a first-innings lead, England faltered in the second innings due to a lackluster batting performance.

Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin led the charge by claiming three early wickets in England’s second innings. His dismissals included Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, both falling for low scores. Ashwin further dented England’s hopes by removing Joe Root, leaving them struggling at 65/3.

SEE ALSO: IND vs ENG: Ben Stokes believes Test cricket’s future is in the safe hands of youngsters

Kuldeep Yadav joined the onslaught by dismissing Zak Crawley and later accounted for Ben Stokes, while Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Jonny Bairstow. Yadav’s dominance continued with the scalps of Tom Hartley and Ollie Robinson, completing a four-wicket haul. Ashwin wrapped up the innings with two more wickets, completing a five-wicket haul.

Chasing a target of 192 in the second innings, openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma provided a solid start, adding 84 runs for the first wicket. Rohit Sharma notched up a well-deserved half-century before falling for 55 runs. Despite the dismissals of Jaiswal and subsequent batsmen, Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel ensured India’s victory with a composed display, guiding the team to a five-wicket triumph.

Joe Root, the English batsman, notched his 47th international century, aligning himself with Indian captain Rohit Sharma and former South African batsman AB de Villiers. Root reached this milestone during the final session of Day 1 in the fourth Test against India at Ranchi’s JSCA International Stadium.

Having faced setbacks in the ongoing Test series, Root rediscovered his form in Ranchi, securing his 31st Test century. Departing from the aggressive ‘Baengzball’ approach on Day 1, Root achieved his first fifty-plus score in the series against India.

Root’s Milestone: Leveling Records and Setting New Benchmarks

England’s Joe Root showcased his prowess with the bat, securing his 47th international century and drawing level with India’s Rohit Sharma and former South African star AB de Villiers. Root reached the coveted three-figure mark during the final session of Day 1 in the fourth Test against India at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi.

After encountering a series of setbacks in the ongoing Test series, Root finally hit his stride in Ranchi, notching his 31st Test century. Departing from the aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach on Day 1, Root recorded his first fifty-plus score in the series against India.

This marked Root’s 13th Test century away from home and his third in India. Notably, he equaled former captain Andrew Strauss in registering the second-most Test centuries by an English batter in India, trailing only behind former skipper Alastair Cook. Additionally, Root matched legendary Australia captain Ricky Ponting in recording the most fifty-plus scores against India, tallying his 20th such score against the team. With this innings, he surpassed Cook to claim the record for the most fifty-plus scores in Tests for England, notching his 91st.

From Bazball to Traditional Approach

The ex-England skipper deviated from the ‘Bazball’ strategy, embracing a more conventional approach on Day 1. Root exercised restraint, eschewing aggressive strokes to secure his inaugural century of the current Test series.

Amidst a flurry of wickets, Root demonstrated his expertise by methodically accumulating runs in Ranchi. His resilience was evident as he forged a vital 113-run alliance with Ben Foakes, salvaging England’s innings after they faltered at 112 for 5, losing all five wickets in the morning session.

England’s eighth-wicket duo, Ollie Robinson and Joe Root, forged a noteworthy partnership, contributing 50 runs from 76 balls to the team’s total. Root, adhering to his characteristic style, accumulated 23 runs, while Robinson added 25, including two extras.

This collaboration proved pivotal as England reached the milestone of 300 runs in 89.3 overs, having faced a total of 541 balls, including 11 extras. At the close of play, England stood at 302/7 after 90 overs, with Root remaining unbeaten on 106 and Robinson on 31, positioning their team strongly for the following day’s play.

SEE ALSO:Rishabh Pant Commences Match-Simulation Training in Bengaluru

KL Rahul, the middle-order batsman, is highly likely to make his return to the cricket field for the fourth India-England Test set to commence in Ranchi on February 23. India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, provided an optimistic update on Rahul’s condition during his post-match press conference in Rajkot on Sunday, stating, “he should be okay.”

Both KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were sidelined for the second Test in Visakhapatnam but were included in the squad for the subsequent Tests in Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamsala. Their participation hinged on their fitness, with Jadeja successfully recovering in time for his home Test, while Rahul remained unavailable, leading to the announcement of Devdutt Padikkal as his replacement by the senior selection committee.

Rehabilitation Progress of KL Rahul Ahead of Ranchi Test

A BCCI media advisory on February 12 confirmed Rahul’s unavailability for the third Test in Rajkot, citing that he had reached 90% match fitness and was progressing well under the BCCI Medical Team’s supervision. During the Rajkot Test, Rahul continued his recovery regimen at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, aiming to achieve full match fitness for the subsequent Tests.

Rahul had experienced discomfort in his right quadriceps during the first Test in Hyderabad, sidelining him from action since then. However, he recently shared a video of himself engaged in a net session, indicating his gradual return to form and likelihood of featuring in the middle order for the Ranchi Test.

Middle Order Dilemma: Options and Performances in Rahul’s Absence

In Rahul’s absence, the team experimented with Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan in the middle order. While Patidar is yet to make a significant impact in the four innings he has played, Sarfaraz made an immediate impression with fifties in each innings of his debut Test.

SEE ALSO: India vs England, 3rd Test: Jaiswal and Jadeja Lead India to Historic Victory in Rajkot, Marking Their Largest Test Win by 434 Runs

Leading up to the third Test, the team management released Mukesh Kumar from the squad to enable him to participate in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal. However, new additions Akash Deep and Padikkal remained with the squad. Padikkal even served as a substitute fielder for R Ashwin during the Test, who had to depart due to a family medical emergency, before Ashwin’s return on Day 4 saw him contribute with a wicket as India sealed a comprehensive victory.

In a resounding display of dominance, India clinched a historic victory in the third Test against England in Rajkot, achieving victory with an impressive margin of 434 runs. The match was characterized by a stellar performance from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who emerged as the standout player with his remarkable batting prowess.

From the outset, it was evident that Jaiswal would play a pivotal role as he smashed his second consecutive Test double century, setting the tone for India’s imposing total. His stellar contribution, coupled with a strong batting display from the team, propelled India to a commanding first-innings score.

Despite a shaky start on Day 1, with early dismissals of key batsmen including Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rajat Patidar, Indian captain Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja steadied the ship with a formidable partnership. Their centuries laid a solid foundation for India’s first innings total of 445 runs.

Jaiswal’s Double Century and Jadeja’s Fifer Shine in India’s Victory

In response, England made a promising start, with openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett forging a strong partnership. However, their momentum was halted by a resilient Indian bowling attack, led by Mohammed Siraj, who claimed a crucial four-wicket haul to restrict England to 319 runs in their first innings.

India’s second innings showcased another stellar batting performance, with Jaiswal leading the charge once again with his second double century of the series. Supported by Sarfaraz Khan, Jaiswal’s unbeaten partnership of 172 runs further bolstered India’s lead, as they declared at 430/4, establishing a formidable target of 539 runs for England to chase.

England’s Collapse: From Promising Start to Crushing Defeat against India

Facing a monumental chase, England faltered from the outset, losing early wickets to India’s relentless bowling attack. Ravindra Jadeja’s exceptional fifer, coupled with contributions from other bowlers including Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin, sealed England’s fate as they were bowled out for just 122 runs in their second innings.

SEE ALSO: Watch:Sarfaraz Khan Celebrate Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Double Hundred on Day 4 with Joyful Bat Raise

In the end, it was a comprehensive team effort from India, with contributions from both batsmen and bowlers, that secured their largest Test win by runs in Rajkot. Jaiswal and Jadeja emerged as the heroes of the match, showcasing their talent and determination on the field. The victory marked a significant milestone for India, underlining their prowess in the Test arena.

In a touching demonstration of camaraderie and team spirit, Sarfaraz Khan, on his Test debut in the 3rd Test against England, enthusiastically celebrated his teammate Yashasvi Jaiswal remarkable second double century of the series. Their bond, fostered during their time playing for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, was on full display as they coordinated a crucial 172-run partnership, significantly bolstering India’s total to 557 runs.

Despite facing injury adversity, Yashasvi Jaiswal resilience shone through, while Sarfaraz, in his debut innings, showcased remarkable composure with consecutive 50+ scores.The duo’s partnership not only consolidated India’s position in the ongoing series but also hinted at a promising future, reflecting their synergy and coordination on the field.

Watch:Sarfaraz Khan Celebrate Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Double Hundred

Although a minor disagreement arose over completing a double, it was quickly overshadowed by Sarfaraz’s jubilant celebration as Jaiswal reached the milestone, underscoring their enduring camaraderie amidst divergent career paths. From their days in domestic cricket to their national team debut, their journey together exemplifies the transformative power of dedication and perseverance.

While Jaiswal earned his maiden call-up at the age of 22 following an impressive IPL 2023 performance, Sarfaraz’s path to the national team was marked by years of consistent toil in the domestic red-ball circuit. Their contrasting routes to the international stage further underscored the significance of their bond, rooted in mutual respect and shared experiences.

Unified Triumph: Sarfaraz Khan and Yashasvi Jaiswal Journey from Ranji Trophy Comrades to International Stars

As they basked in the glory of their partnership, both players symbolized the depth of talent and camaraderie within Indian cricket, inspiring future generations with their resilience and teamwork.Despite the brief tension over completing a run, Sarfaraz and Jaiswal’s celebration symbolized the triumph of friendship and unity over individual achievements.

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As they stood together on the field, their shared journey from Ranji Trophy teammates to international stars was a testament to the enduring bonds forged through cricket. In the jubilant atmosphere of the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, their celebration echoed beyond the boundaries, resonating with fans and teammates alike, as a testament to the unwavering spirit of the sport.