India extended their dominance in Test cricket at home with a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Sunday, September 22. After putting up 376 runs in the first innings, India bowled out Bangladesh for a paltry 149, securing a commanding 227-run lead. In the second innings, India added 287 more, setting an imposing 515-run target. Despite skipper Najmul Hasan Shanto’s fighting 82, Bangladesh crumbled to 234 all out, handing India a convincing win to open their Test season.

Though Bangladesh showed early promise in the match, dominating the first two sessions, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja led India’s resurgence. Ashwin’s crucial century and six wickets, combined with Jadeja’s all-round contributions, turned the tide in India’s favor. Jasprit Bumrah’s lethal bowling further dismantled Bangladesh, giving India control after the first innings. In the second innings, centuries from Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill ensured India’s dominance before the bowlers sealed the match.

Let’s take a closer look at the standout performances from India’s heroes in this commanding win:

Ravichandran Ashwin (113 runs, 6 wickets)

Ashwin was instrumental in India’s victory, delivering an all-round masterclass. Coming to bat when India was struggling at 144 for 6, Ashwin’s partnership with Jadeja (199 runs) turned the innings around. Ashwin’s splendid knock of 113, his 6th Test century, set up a solid platform. His brilliance continued with the ball as he took 6 crucial wickets in the second innings, ensuring Bangladesh’s collapse and earning him the Player of the Match award.

Ravindra Jadeja (86 runs, 5 wickets)

Jadeja proved once again why he is one of the most reliable all-rounders in Test cricket. His 86 runs in the first innings, coupled with five wickets across both innings (2 in the first, 3 in the second), anchored India’s dominance. Jadeja is now just one wicket away from reaching the milestone of 300 Test wickets.

Rishabh Pant (148 runs)

Returning to Test cricket after nearly two years, Pant made a memorable comeback. His quickfire 39 in the first innings was overshadowed by a superb 109 in the second, as he took on the Bangladeshi bowlers with his trademark aggressive style. Pant’s form is a huge boost for India as they gear up for the Australia Test series later this year.

See Also: "This 100 was special because I love playing in Chennai" - Rishabh Pant

Shubman Gill (119 runs)

Despite an early setback with an eight-ball duck in the first innings, Gill roared back in the second innings, scoring an unbeaten 119. This was his 5th Test century, reinforcing his status as one of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket.

Jasprit Bumrah (5 wickets)

Bumrah’s incisive bowling played a key role in dismantling Bangladesh’s batting lineup. His four wickets in the first innings set the tone for India’s dominance, and his crucial breakthrough in the second innings, dismissing Zakir Hasan, triggered Bangladesh’s collapse in their 515-run chase.

India now heads into the next Test with a 1-0 lead in the series, with momentum firmly on their side.

Gujarat Titans faced a challenging Indian Premier League season in the post-Hardik Pandya era, managing only 12 points from 14 games, with their last two matches washed out due to rain. Hardik Pandya, who had led them to the championship in 2022, departed to join his former team, Mumbai Indians. This left a significant void in the team’s leadership and overall dynamic. Shubman Gill was entrusted with the captaincy, a considerable responsibility for the young cricketer, especially in a season marked by the absence of star pacer Mohammed Shami due to injury.

The team’s struggles were compounded by other issues. Rashid Khan, a key player for GT, was returning from an injury and was not at his best for a significant part of the tournament. His usual dominance with the ball was visibly lacking, which affected the team’s overall bowling performance. Additionally, GT’s middle-order batting appeared weak and inconsistent, failing to provide the necessary stability and firepower in crucial moments. Their fielding efforts also left much to be desired, often falling short of the high standards required in a competitive league like the IPL.

With their season now concluded, it’s time to reflect on what went wrong for Gujarat Titans. The absence of experienced players like Hardik and Shami left a leadership and performance vacuum that the team struggled to fill. Injuries to key players further hampered their campaign, while the middle-order batting woes and subpar fielding added to their troubles. As GT looks ahead, addressing these issues will be crucial for a stronger comeback in future seasons.

See Also: IPL 2024: CSK Review: What factors contributed to the Yellow Army’s inability to retain the IPL title?

The Hardik Pandya void

Filling the void left by their former title-winning skipper Hardik Pandya was always going to be a monumental task for the Gujarat Titans. Hardik was not only an inspirational leader but also a match-winner whose presence instilled confidence in his teammates. His departure left a significant gap, both in leadership and performance, that the team struggled to fill. The players’ strong faith in Hardik made it even more challenging to move on without him, as his contributions on and off the field were irreplaceable.

In Hardik’s absence, the responsibility of captaincy fell on Shubman Gill. While Gill is a talented player, his tenure as skipper was a mixed bag. He faced the daunting task of stepping into Hardik’s shoes, which proved difficult given Hardik’s unique influence and match-winning abilities. The Titans struggled to find a player of Hardik’s calibre to consistently win matches, which significantly impacted their performance throughout the season.

Rashid Khan, David Miller not up to the best

The lack of balance in the Gujarat Titans setup was not solely due to Hardik Pandya’s exit. Key players’ form and fitness issues exacerbated their challenges. Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan, coming off a back injury, struggled to regain his usual effectiveness. One of his most forgettable spells came against RCB, where he endured figures of 0/51. Overall, Rashid managed to take only 10 wickets in 12 matches, marking his lowest-ever wickets tally in the IPL.

Similarly, David Miller’s contribution was limited this season. He played just nine matches and scored 210 runs, with his highest score being 55 against DC. Miller’s reduced role and lack of impactful performances further highlighted the imbalance in the team. These issues, combined with the absence of their former inspirational skipper, left the Titans struggling to find their footing throughout the season.

The Indian cricket fraternity buzzes with anticipation as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently disclosed the 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Led by the seasoned campaigner Rohit Sharma, the squad boasts experience and youthful exuberance, aiming to clinch glory on the global stage.

The selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar ignored some deserving players from the squad. Instead of these deserving players, BCCI selected the quota of players. Let’s look at the 5 players who deserved a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad. 

See Also: Ajit Agarkar explains reasons behind exclusion of Rinku Singh and KL Rahul from T20 WC squad

1.Rinku Singh: The ‘Finisher’ and His Reserve Position

Amidst the roster reveals, the absence of Rinku Singh from the primary squad raised eyebrows. Known for his adept finishing skills, Singh earned acclaim in international cricket yet found himself among the reserve players. Singh’s stint with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL underscored his potential, but a lacklustre season hindered his selection. Rinku scored 356 runs in 15 T20 International matches, including 2 half-centuries. During this period his strike rate has been 176.23.

Surely, he deserved a place in a 15-member squad because Team India needs a finisher in the lower order, and in recent times, no one has been a better finisher than Rinku Singh. Speaking on his exclusion, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated it is really unfortunate, it is not his fault that he missed out. It’s about combinations.

2.Shubman Gill: From IPL Stardom to Reserve Opener

Shubman Gill’s journey from IPL prominence to the reserve bench showcases the fickleness of cricketing fortunes. Despite an illustrious IPL 2023 campaign and captaincy at Gujarat Titans, Gill’s tepid performance in the ongoing IPL 2024 led to his reserve player status. 

Gill scored 890 runs in IPL 2023 with the help of 3 centuries and 4 half-centuries. After this, he became the Gujarat Titans captain in IPL 2024. His prowess as an opener remains, but consistency eluded him this season. This season of IPL, Gill has scored 320 runs in 10 matches.

Gill’s performance could have been better this season, but his attitude as a player and skipper increased under the mentorship of Ashish Nehra in IPL. The way he treated his boys on the field is just fascinating for every Indian cricket fan because everyone sees the next Indian skipper in him, and his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad is nothing but a ridiculous decision from selectors.

3.Ravi Bishnoi: Struggles and Competition in the Spin Department

Ravi Bishnoi’s narrative embodies the competitive nature of cricketing selection. Initially touted as a prospect, Bishnoi’s recent form faltered, facing stiff competition from counterparts like Yuzvendra Chahal. With limited opportunities and subpar performances, Bishnoi’s inclusion in the squad became uncertain.

On the back of consistent performance in the IPL, he was fast-tracked to the national setup as well, and since his debut in 2022, he has featured in 24 T20Is and 1 ODI. For a wicket-taker bowler, he has only had five wickets at an average of 41.80 in eight matches and has leaked runs at 8.47. 

As per BCCI rule, they want new boys should play more matches, so why have they haven’t picked Ravi Bishnoi in the squad? He has that ability, which you want in any player to perform at the international level. Although his ranking in ICC Men’s T20I bowler is 6, now what do you want from a player?

4.KL Rahul: A Batsman in Tough Competition

KL Rahul’s predicament epitomizes the selection dilemma posed by an abundance of talent. Despite commendable performances for Lucknow Super Giants, Rahul grapples with the presence of formidable openers ahead of him in the pecking order. The fierce competition, coupled with stylistic similarities, complicates Rahul’s path to selection.

Based on runs scored, Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul makes a solid case to be selected in India’s T20 World Cup squad with 406 runs in ten matches, striking at 142.95 and 5th place in the Orange Cap list. 

He will be the best option if it comes down to choosing the backup openers. He has a lot of experience and can also be picked from a backup wicketkeeper’s perspective. 

Talking about his selection, Ajit explained, “KL’s a terrific player, we all know that. We were looking for guys who bat at the middle and KL bats at the top. Sanju can come down the order. Rishabh is batting at 5; that was more the thinking. Two incredible players as well”.

If we take a deep dive into this statement, we might see the hypocrisy of BCCI. Just one year before, when Team India didn’t have any player to bat at no.4, KL was there; India wanted an opener, then KL was there. Even KL bats from opening to no.6 position; what else do you want? KL opens in IPL, but BCCI clarified that they are not looking at IPL performances to select players. Then why they haven’t picked KL Rahul in the squad is a mystery.

5. T Natarajan: Deserving Selection and IPL Performance

In contrast, the inclusion of T Natarajan resonates with merit and performance. The Sunrisers Hyderabad’s left-arm pacer showcased remarkable prowess in the IPL 2024, securing 15 wickets in eight matches. Natarajan’s ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs and an impressive economy rate solidified his berth in the squad.

Currently, he is the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2024. Possessing an uncanny knack for delivering precise yorkers and maintaining stringent lines, Natarajan has emerged as an effective bowler in the death overs. 

Before the squad announcement former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar already stated that SRH left-arm pacer Thangarasu Natarajan deserved a spot in India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

“I was thinking more like T Natarajan, the left-arm pacer bowler. He has been bowling extremely well. So, I thought maybe he could have been in the team. But that’s okay. I think the seam bowlers that they have got, they all have experience. So no problem with that,” Sunil Gavaskar said while speaking to India Today.

In the 24th match of the IPL 2024 season, Gujarat Titans (GT) brought an end to Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) winning streak in a riveting encounter at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Tuesday, April 10. Gujarat Titans chased down a target of 197 runs to win match by 3 wickets in a last ball thriller encounter.

Rashid and Rahul’s Spectacular Finish

The match witnessed an enthralling as Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia orchestrated a stunning turnaround, guiding GT to a nail-biting victory by 3 wickets on the final delivery. Khan’s blistering knock of 24 runs off 11 balls, complemented by Tewatia’s valiant 22 off 11 deliveries, sealed the fate of the match in GT’s favor.

See Also: [Watch] Shubman Gill unhappy with umpire’s decision

Kuldeep Sen’s Impactful Bowling Display

GT’s chase commenced steadily with skipper Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharshan laying a solid foundation with a partnership of 64 runs in 50 balls. However, Kuldeep Sen’s three-fer halted GT’s momentum, claiming crucial wickets in the middle overs. Sudharshan’s dismissal for 35 runs and quick successions of wickets further added to GT’s challenge.

Gill’s Heroic Effort and Subsequent Dismissal

Despite the setbacks, Shubman Gill showcased exemplary batting prowess, anchoring GT’s innings with a splendid knock of 72 runs off 44 balls. However, Kuldeep’s double breakthroughs in the 11th over, followed by Yuzvendra Chahal’s dismissal of Gill in the 16th over, shifted the momentum in RR’s favor momentarily.

Rashid and Rahul’s Resilience

With the match hanging in the balance, impact substitute Shahrukh Khan’s brief cameo injected momentum back into GT’s innings. However, it was Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia’s resilient partnership that ultimately steered GT to victory. Despite Tewatia’s unfortunate run-out, Rashid Khan’s nerve-wracking boundary secured a thrilling win for GT.

The Royals’ Dominance in the First Innings

Earlier in the match, RR posted a formidable total of 196 for 3, courtesy of a sensational 130-run third-wicket partnership between skipper Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag. Samson’s leadership and Parag’s explosive batting propelled RR to a commanding position, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown.

Parag’s Explosive Performance

Riyan Parag’s monstrous knock of 76 runs off 48 deliveries, including three boundaries and five maximums, was a highlight of RR’s innings. His aggressive approach and impeccable timing demoralized GT’s bowling attack, showcasing his prowess as a formidable batsman in the IPL. Skipper Samson was unbeaten on 68 off 38 deliveries and Hetmyer on the other end was unbeaten on 13 off 5 deliveries.

Highest successful chase on the last ball for GT
197 vs RR, Jaipur, 2024*
196 vs SRH, Wankhede, 2022
190 vs PBKS, Brabourne, 2022

– This is also the fourth time RR lost an IPL match on the last ball while defending the target.

Highest target successfully chased at Jaipur in IPL
215 – SRH vs RR, 2023
197 – GT vs RR, 2024*
197 – RR vs Chargers, 2012
192 – DC vs RR, 2019

Highest target successfully chased by GT in IPL
198 vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2023
197 vs RR, Jaipur, 2024*
196 vs SRH, Wankhede, 2022
190 vs PBKS, Brabourne, 2022

Gujarat Titans in run-chases in the IPL
Matches: 22
Won: 16
Lost: 6

IPL Points Table After Match RR vs GT

The Indian team for the T20 World Cup is not likely to have many surprises, except for the return of Rishabh Pant. Pant, who has a notable track record with 33 Tests, 30 ODIs, and 66 T20Is, is making a comeback after being sidelined due to an injury over 16 months ago.

His recent performances in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) have put him ahead of other contenders for a spot in the team. The selectors and team management seem convinced of his readiness for international action. Barring any significant drop in form, Pant is expected to be part of the squad for the tournaments in the US and West Indies.

Rishabh Pant’s Return: A Major Boost for the Indian T20 World Cup Squad

Pant, who underwent knee surgery, has demonstrated his readiness both as a batsman and a wicketkeeper. Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has praised Pant’s efforts in rehabilitation and expressed his desire to see him back in the Indian team.

Sourav Ganguly, former India captain and president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), mentioned that Pant has regained full fitness and his recent IPL performances have been impressive. Pant faces competition from other contenders like Sanju Samson, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, and Jitesh Sharma for the second wicketkeeper’s position.

SEE ALSO: Watch: Ravindra Jadeja’s playful gesture amuses CSK fans

Virat Kohli’s Dominance and the Debate Over Strike Rate

Virat Kohli’s inclusion in the squad seems almost certain given his stellar performance in the IPL. However, there are discussions about how to accommodate players like Shubman Gill and Yuzvendra Chahal in the squad.

The selectors are also considering players like Mayank Yadav, who has shown promise with his pace, but his selection for the World Cup is still uncertain. The decision-makers are taking a cautious approach, evaluating factors like fitness, game sense, consistency, and accuracy before finalizing the squad.The team selection is expected to be finalized in the first week of May.

SEE ALSO: Big player returns for Pakistan’s upcoming T20I series against New Zealand

In the ongoing match between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Narendra Modi Stadium, Captain Shubman Gill showcases his prowess by scoring an unbeaten 89* runs, marking the highest individual score of the IPL 2024 season. Rahul Tewatia’s explosive cameo in the final overs propelled GT to a formidable total of 199/4, leaving PBKS bowlers helpless in the face of his onslaught.

IPL Live Score 2024: GT vs PBKS

In a high-octane clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Shubman Gill delivered a masterclass in batting, leaving the audience spellbound with his effortless stroke play and impeccable timing.

See Also: Record-breaking viewership in first 10 matches of IPL 2024

Gill’s innings was a testament to his exceptional talent and skill. Despite facing a formidable PBKS bowling attack, Gill dominated the proceedings with his elegant shot-making and astute decision-making.

The match witnessed several twists and turns, with both teams enjoying moments of ascendancy. However, it was Gill’s consistent performance that tilted the scales in favor of Gujarat Titans (GT) throughout the game. GT’s innings got off to a promising start as Gill and Wriddhiman Saha laid a solid foundation, accumulating 29 runs in just 2.5 overs.

Kane Williamson’s arrival at the crease bolstered GT’s batting lineup, as he combined forces with Gill to form a formidable partnership of 40 runs. Sai Sudharsan showcased his aggressive intent from the outset, providing crucial support to Gill and contributing to a vital 53-run partnership.

Gill’s innings was a sheer delight to watch, as he reached his well-deserved half-century with a shot that exuded class and elegance.

Shubman Gill’s Dominance

Gill’s performance at the Narendra Modi Stadium has been nothing short of spectacular. In 15 innings, he has amassed an impressive total of 825 runs at an astonishing average of 68.75 and a striking strike rate of 159.26. His consistency and dominance with the bat have been instrumental in Gujarat Titans’ success in the tournament.

Shubman Gill at Narendra Modi stadium in IPL:

The Narendra Modi Stadium witnessed a breathtaking display of cricketing brilliance as Shubman Gill showcased his impeccable batting skills against Punjab Kings (PBKS). Let’s dive into the details of Gill’s outstanding performance and the thrilling match at hand.

9(8), 43(38), 45(43), 63(36), 39(31), 39(31), 45(34), 56(34), 6(7), 94(51), 101(58), 129(60), 39(20), 31(22), 36(28), 89*(48).

15 innings, 825 runs, 68.75 average, 159.26 Strike Rate

Highest individual scores in IPL 2024
89*S Gill vs PK Ahmedabad
85 S Narine vs DC Vizag
84*R Parag vs DC Jaipur
83*V Kohli vs KKR Bengaluru
82*S Samson vs LSG Jaipur

Shubman Gill, the young and promising cricketer, embarked on his maiden Indian Premier League season as captain with a roller-coaster ride of emotions. In a gripping opener against the Mumbai Indians, Gill’s Gujarat Titans clinched a tight victory, showcasing his potential as a leader. However, the euphoria was short-lived as they stumbled in their encounter against the formidable Chennai Super Kings.

Victory Against Mumbai Indians

Gill’s leadership journey kicked off on a high note with a thrilling win against the Mumbai Indians. Despite facing his predecessor, Hardik Pandya, now representing the Mumbai franchise, Gill marshaled his team to a narrow six-run victory. This initial success set the tone for the Titans’ aspirations in the IPL.

See Also: Venkatesh Iyer praises Shreyas Iyer’s decision after defeat RCB

The Titans’ joy was soon overshadowed by a disappointing loss to the reigning champions, the Chennai Super Kings. Gill, both as a captain and a batsman, faced a challenging ordeal as his team succumbed to a significant 63-run defeat. This defeat not only dented their morale but also impacted their net run rate, highlighting areas for improvement.

Gary Kirsten’s Evaluation of Gill’s Captaincy

Gary Kirsten, the astute head coach of the Titans, provided insights into Gill’s early days as captain. Emphasizing the dynamic nature of T20 cricket, Kirsten lauded Gill’s adaptability and decision-making skills. He acknowledged the steep learning curve for a young captain in such a fast-paced format, expressing confidence in Gill’s growth trajectory.

“It’s a fast game. You are making tactical decisions on a regular basis. It’s not like Test cricket where it unfolds over a long period of time,” Kirsten said in the pre-match conference on Saturday.

Challenges and Adjustments in T20 Leadership

Amidst the ups and downs, Kirsten commended Gill’s demeanor and leadership qualities. Despite the pressures of captaincy, Gill showcased maturity beyond his years, earning praise for his strategic insight and composure under pressure. Kirsten reiterated the importance of patience and continuous improvement in Gill’s leadership journey.

Kirsten said, “I think he’s embraced it (captaincy) really well. He’s shown some good leadership qualities. He’s a smart guy. He’s a young captain, and there’s lots to learn, especially in T20. So, he’ll learn along the way.”

Analysis of the Defeat Against Chennai Super Kings

Reflecting on the loss to the Super Kings, Kirsten acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and the necessity for introspection. He emphasized the importance of leveraging individual strengths collectively, emphasizing resilience and adaptability as key pillars of success in T20 cricket.

“As with any cricket team, you want to play to the best of your ability. We weren’t good enough that day (against CSK). I think we’ve acknowledged that and we’ve had our conversations around what we need to make sure that we are better to gain from our skills. Every team has different kinds of strengths and we didn’t show that in the CSK game and we just got to move on,” Kirsten reflected.

Titans’ Position in the IPL Standings

Currently placed seventh on the IPL table, the Titans are aware of the challenges that lie ahead. With a win and a loss under their belt, they aim to ascend in the standings with a commanding performance against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

As anticipation mounts for the Titans’ clash against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gill and his team are gearing up for another test of character. The encounter presents an opportunity to showcase their resilience and bounce back from adversity with renewed vigor.

“I’ve been really impressed with the way he’s conducted himself as a leader,” Kirsten told the media.

The clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2024 marked an enthralling start to the season, with MI opting to bowl first under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya.

Hardik Pandya’s Captaincy Debut for MI

In his first match as captain, Hardik Pandya made an intriguing decision to bowl first after winning the toss, setting the tone for MI’s strategy in the game. Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling prowess was on full display as he significantly impacted the match, picking crucial wickets and applying pressure on the GT batting lineup.

See Also: IPL 2024: Rajasthan Royals beat Lucknow Super Giants by 20 runs

Jasprit Bumrah’s Mastery of Yorkers

Bumrah’s execution of the yorker against Wriddhiman Saha showcased his unparalleled skill and precision, reminiscent of his legendary yorkers in Test and T20 cricket. As Bumrah displayed his bowling brilliance, the camera captured Lasith Malinga, the ‘original’ Yorker master, applauding his protege, highlighting the passing of the torch from one pace spearhead to another.

Hardik started himself the first over ended up going for 11 runs. Surprisingly, he ended up coming back for the third over instead of handing the ball to Jasprit Bumrah after Luke Wood bowled the second and conceded nine. Bumrah then came in and got the first wicket for MI in the form of Wriddhiman Saha with his trademark yorker.

Most three wickets haul in IPL for MI
20 – Jasprit Bumrah
19 – Malinga

GT were then buoyed by some strong knocks from Sai Sudharsan, who scored 45 off 39 along with Azmatullah Omarzai and David Miller. Bumrah returned in the 17th over to dismiss Miller and Sudharsan. And showed his dominance in IPL. In his 4 overs of spell, he conceded just 14 runs and bagged 3 crucial wickets for MI.

MI’s Decision to Bowl First

MI’s decision to bowl first paid dividends as their bowlers, led by Bumrah, successfully restricted GT’s batting lineup and put them on the back foot early in the match. MI handed a debut to 24-year-old Naman Dhir, who showcased his talent and potential as he made his first appearance for the team in place of the injured Suryakumar Yadav.

On Day 2 in Dharamsala, India seizes the lead against England as Rohit Sharma notches his 12th Test century.Rohit Sharma showcased his dominant form, securing his 12th Test century against England on Day 2 of the Dharamsala Test.

The Indian captain, maintaining his exceptional performance throughout the current World Test Championship cycle, achieved his second century of the series and approached the milestone of 400 runs. Remarkably, Rohit stands as the sole Indian among the top-10 run-scorers in the WTC. Alongside Shubman Gill, their formidable partnership for the second wicket propelled India into the lead.

Starting from his overnight score of 52, Rohit Sharma swiftly shifted into high gear, reminiscent of his aggressive displays at the World Cup. Following a maiden and a tight over by James Anderson, Rohit unleashed his power, launching a six and a four off consecutive deliveries from Shoaib Bashir. Subsequently, Shubman Gill seized control in the following over, striking Anderson for a six and two boundaries in three balls, accumulating 14 runs and flourishing the partnership between the two.

Shubman Gill’s Spectacular Show Takes Center Stage

At 68 runs, Rohit Sharma provided England with a fleeting opportunity for a dismissal as he glanced the ball, narrowly missing the leg slip fielder. Following this, Rohit refrained from hitting boundaries for a brief period, although Shubman Gill continued to excel. As James Anderson faced the heat, Mark Wood also experienced the batter’s prowess, as he elegantly struck a couple of boundaries, drawing applause from his father in the stands.

Gill Leads with 400 Runs, Rohit Breaks Shackles.Shubman Gill reached the 400-run mark for the series before Rohit Sharma, marking his second-highest run tally in a Test series, just behind his 529 runs against South Africa at home in 2019. Following a period of quiet, Rohit unleashed his power, creating room for himself and smashing Mark Wood through the off-side for a boundary, reminiscent of his IPL prowess. Notably, Ben Stokes had positioned six fielders in the deep for Rohit, yet he opted to target extra cover for the four. As the runs continued to flow, Rohit and Gill celebrated their century partnership.

Rohit Sharma Surges After a Gradual Beginning

This marks Rohit’s third fifty-plus score of the series, adding to his innings of 131 in Rajkot and 55 in the previous match at Ranchi. With Virat Kohli sidelined, much rested on Rohit’s shoulders to lead the team, especially after India’s defeat in the opening Test in Hyderabad, which only heightened the pressure. Despite a slow start to the series, registering scores of 24, 39, 14, and 13, Rohit showcased his brilliance in the third Test, crafting a remarkable century and forging a pivotal partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, rescuing India from a dire situation at 33/3.

SEE ALSO:Zaheer Khan shares MS Dhoni’s plans after IPL 2024

In Ranchi, the hometown of Dhoni, Rohit faced an early dismissal in the first innings. However, during India’s pursuit of a challenging 192-run target on a sluggish, deteriorating, and turning pitch, he anchored the innings, providing India with an excellent start alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Adding to his achievements, Rohit, playing the fifth Test of a series for the first time in his career, is also making it count in Dharamsala as India aims for a 4-1 finish.

India’s batsman Shubman Gill extended his thanks to captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid for their unwavering support during a challenging phase of poor form. Despite facing criticism and suggestions for his removal, Gill was encouraged and believed in by the duo.

Gill’s triumphant return to form finally arrived in a spectacular innings during the ongoing Test against England in Vizag. In the second innings, he played a pivotal role, contributing significantly to his team’s commanding position with sensational shots that led to a substantial lead of approximately 400 runs.

The batter, who had been enduring a rough patch in Test cricket, faced calls for his exclusion from the team. However, the team management persisted in supporting Gill, and he reciprocated their faith by crafting a splendid century. This marked his third Test ton, rescuing the team and contributing 104 runs to achieve a total of 255 runs.

Shubman Gill expressed his appreciation for Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid, and Vikram Rathour for their backing. He credited their support for motivating him to elevate his game and perform at his best. In discussions with reporters, Gill elaborated on the impact of their encouragement on his performance.

“The encouragement I’ve received from Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, and particularly Vikram Rathour, has been crucial. They have consistently kept me motivated and maintained unwavering belief in my abilities. When you have individuals like them providing motivation, it fuels your determination to always perform at your best.”

Following his Test century against Australia in early 2023, Shubman Gill struggled to leave a significant impact on Test cricket. Experiencing consistent failures, he was subsequently moved to the No.3 spot. Despite initial challenges, it appears that he has now found his footing in the format.

Remaining true to oneself and the methods that have brought success is crucial, according to Shubman Gill

Emphasizing the importance of authenticity, Shubman Gill highlighted the ineffectiveness of experimenting with different approaches to break out of a slump. He continued to express that, leading up to the match against England in Vizag, he decided to stick to his usual playing style. Gill elaborated:

Maintaining authenticity is crucial in cricket. Shubman Gill stressed the significance of staying true to one’s natural style of play, cautioning against over-defensiveness or excessive aggression. He believes that deviating from one’s authentic approach can hinder progress and make it challenging to break free from a performance slump. Gill shared that he approached the Test match with a clear mindset, deciding to adhere to the same playing style that had brought him success before.

Shubman Gill concluded his innings with a score of 104 runs from 147 balls, showcasing an impressive display. During his time at the crease, the batsman executed 11 boundaries and 2 sixes before ultimately being dismissed by Shoaib Bashir.

SEE ALSO: Afghanistan Announced ODI Squad for Sri Lanka Series, with Rashid Khan Sidelined