2 months ago
India's next Test **** ignment will take them to New Zealand for a two-match series beginning November 19, and former Kiwi fast bowler Trent Boult believes KL Rahul will be one of the Indian batters worth watching closely.
The two Tests will form part of India's marathon New Zealand tour, which begins on October 22 and features 12 matches across the three formats. With India needing a strong result to remain in contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, the spotlight is expected to fall on several key players, including captain Shubman Gill and pace spearhead Jasprit **** rah.
Boult, however, has picked Rahul and his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal as the two Indian batters he is particularly looking forward to seeing in action.
"I'm always a big fan of KL Rahul and his style of batsmanship. So he's a big player at the top of the order for the Indian side. And yeah, I believe Jaiswal is there as well. Two classy batters to see bat. So yeah, be interesting to see," Boult said in an interview to PTI.
The timing of the series could make conditions particularly interesting. Unlike India's previous Test tours of New Zealand, which have often taken place in the February-March window, this series will be played in late October and November.
Boult feels the timing could bring colder weather into play, while he is hoping the New Zealand pitches retain some grass and offer **** istance to the home attack.
"It's always an exciting chance when the Indian team comes down to play Test cricket in New Zealand," Boult said.
"The only thing I can see happening is it's going to be late October. I believe, just coming out of winter. So it's going to be quite cold. Hopefully, there's a bit of greenness in the wickets for some of our bowlers. It's going to be a good series, I'm sure," the star former Kiwi pacer added.
Boult also backed the current New Zealand bowling unit to make an impact against India, pointing to the variety available to the team.
Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke bring different qualities to the attack, and Boult believes that gives New Zealand enough options to develop its own identity.
"I think the bowling is very well balanced. It's got bases covered in terms of a good pace, obviously, with Will O'Rourke. Obviously, a bit of swing and a bit of bounce from Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry with his accuracy.
"So yeah, I think the way me, Tim (Southee) and Wags (Neil Wagner) did it over the years was a unique way in itself. But there's other strengths and other game plans that our younger bowlers can follow," Boult further said.
134121390
#test
The two Tests will form part of India's marathon New Zealand tour, which begins on October 22 and features 12 matches across the three formats. With India needing a strong result to remain in contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, the spotlight is expected to fall on several key players, including captain Shubman Gill and pace spearhead Jasprit **** rah.
Boult, however, has picked Rahul and his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal as the two Indian batters he is particularly looking forward to seeing in action.
"I'm always a big fan of KL Rahul and his style of batsmanship. So he's a big player at the top of the order for the Indian side. And yeah, I believe Jaiswal is there as well. Two classy batters to see bat. So yeah, be interesting to see," Boult said in an interview to PTI.
The timing of the series could make conditions particularly interesting. Unlike India's previous Test tours of New Zealand, which have often taken place in the February-March window, this series will be played in late October and November.
Boult feels the timing could bring colder weather into play, while he is hoping the New Zealand pitches retain some grass and offer **** istance to the home attack.
"It's always an exciting chance when the Indian team comes down to play Test cricket in New Zealand," Boult said.
"The only thing I can see happening is it's going to be late October. I believe, just coming out of winter. So it's going to be quite cold. Hopefully, there's a bit of greenness in the wickets for some of our bowlers. It's going to be a good series, I'm sure," the star former Kiwi pacer added.
Boult also backed the current New Zealand bowling unit to make an impact against India, pointing to the variety available to the team.
Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke bring different qualities to the attack, and Boult believes that gives New Zealand enough options to develop its own identity.
"I think the bowling is very well balanced. It's got bases covered in terms of a good pace, obviously, with Will O'Rourke. Obviously, a bit of swing and a bit of bounce from Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry with his accuracy.
"So yeah, I think the way me, Tim (Southee) and Wags (Neil Wagner) did it over the years was a unique way in itself. But there's other strengths and other game plans that our younger bowlers can follow," Boult further said.
134121390
#test
3 months ago
TimesofIndia.com in Colombo: With the handshake looming, Shubman Gill introduced himself into the attack. Judging by their body language, India had already checked out of the fixture with Sri Lanka's lead over 200 runs and little time remaining. A result in India's favour was almost out of the equation and the visitors were waiting for the formalities to be completed. Yashasvi Jaiswal was introduced from the other end, and even Dhruv Jurel rolled his arm over as the writing was on the cards. India would rue drawing a Test they were in a very good position of winning, squandering the opportunity to bolster their World Test Championship (WTC) final chances.
Sometimes, draws feel like wins and Sri Lanka must have a similar feeling in Colombo. With chips down and backs to the wall, Sonal Dinusha produced a performance for the ages, who had an equally stubborn lower-order for company. He has been the rockstar for the hosts in this series and made India dance to his tunes when he battled for close to two days to eke out a hard-fought draw. The 25-year-old's sequence of scores in the series read 100, 84, 103 and 133*, and across the four innings his compact technique, composure and solid temperament stood out.
It wasn't easy; whenever he came out to bat, the team was in a spot of bother and he mostly had the lower-order and tail for company. In the second Test alone, he spent nearly 147 overs out in the middle, facing 71 overs, frustrating the visitors and keeping the win out of their reach.
It didn't help that Mohammed Siraj wasn't running in with the steam he would have liked and the pitch offered turn but not enough threat. The tone was set by the pair of Keshara Nuwantha and Dinusha for over 40 overs and the former ended up playing 150 deliveries in the process. Lahiru ***** ara and Asitha Fernando followed the drill and India just carried on in hopes of things miraculously falling into place.
The 116th over of the Sri Lankan innings was significant in more ways than one. Siraj patiently waited to bowl as Sarfaraz Khan suggested field changes to Shubman Gill before the fast bowler began. The short-ball trap was set. After trying it for two deliveries, which Sonal Dinusha ducked safely, the bowler walked up to the stumps and flipped the bails. This was India's second attempt, followed by a very creative field setting, likely the first of its kind that day.
The entire field moved towards the off-side, placing enough men in catching positions for a miscued drive. Dinusha had been pushed back for most of the over and here Siraj was trying to induce a false shot from the most consistent batter of the series. The plan didn't work but India's attempt to finally make things happen brought success when Prabath Jayasuriya was dismissed in the very next over while driving against Ravindra Jadeja. India, even after picking up two wickets in the first hour after Lunch, were still two wickets away from beginning their chase but that 12-ball perio
Sometimes, draws feel like wins and Sri Lanka must have a similar feeling in Colombo. With chips down and backs to the wall, Sonal Dinusha produced a performance for the ages, who had an equally stubborn lower-order for company. He has been the rockstar for the hosts in this series and made India dance to his tunes when he battled for close to two days to eke out a hard-fought draw. The 25-year-old's sequence of scores in the series read 100, 84, 103 and 133*, and across the four innings his compact technique, composure and solid temperament stood out.
It wasn't easy; whenever he came out to bat, the team was in a spot of bother and he mostly had the lower-order and tail for company. In the second Test alone, he spent nearly 147 overs out in the middle, facing 71 overs, frustrating the visitors and keeping the win out of their reach.
It didn't help that Mohammed Siraj wasn't running in with the steam he would have liked and the pitch offered turn but not enough threat. The tone was set by the pair of Keshara Nuwantha and Dinusha for over 40 overs and the former ended up playing 150 deliveries in the process. Lahiru ***** ara and Asitha Fernando followed the drill and India just carried on in hopes of things miraculously falling into place.
The 116th over of the Sri Lankan innings was significant in more ways than one. Siraj patiently waited to bowl as Sarfaraz Khan suggested field changes to Shubman Gill before the fast bowler began. The short-ball trap was set. After trying it for two deliveries, which Sonal Dinusha ducked safely, the bowler walked up to the stumps and flipped the bails. This was India's second attempt, followed by a very creative field setting, likely the first of its kind that day.
The entire field moved towards the off-side, placing enough men in catching positions for a miscued drive. Dinusha had been pushed back for most of the over and here Siraj was trying to induce a false shot from the most consistent batter of the series. The plan didn't work but India's attempt to finally make things happen brought success when Prabath Jayasuriya was dismissed in the very next over while driving against Ravindra Jadeja. India, even after picking up two wickets in the first hour after Lunch, were still two wickets away from beginning their chase but that 12-ball perio
3 months ago
'You train them to repeat': Sanjay Manjrekar calls out BCCI & ICC over leniency on Yashasvi Jaiswal & Vaibhav Sooryavanshi despite on-field misbehaviour originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Sanjay Manjrekar criticised the ICC and BCCI for handing lenient punishments to Yashasvi Jaiswal over an on-field clash.
Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando were fined 25 per cent of their match fee and given one demerit point each.
Manjrekar also referenced a similar incident involving young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was fined 50 per cent of his match fee.
Sanjay Manjrekar has hit out at cricket's governing bodies, BCCI & ICC, over what he sees as a repeated pattern of soft punishment for on-field misconduct, pointing to Yashasvi Jaiswal's recent confrontation with Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando as the latest example.
#manjrekar #BCCI
Sanjay Manjrekar criticised the ICC and BCCI for handing lenient punishments to Yashasvi Jaiswal over an on-field clash.
Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando were fined 25 per cent of their match fee and given one demerit point each.
Manjrekar also referenced a similar incident involving young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was fined 50 per cent of his match fee.
Sanjay Manjrekar has hit out at cricket's governing bodies, BCCI & ICC, over what he sees as a repeated pattern of soft punishment for on-field misconduct, pointing to Yashasvi Jaiswal's recent confrontation with Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando as the latest example.
#manjrekar #BCCI
3 months ago
NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka spinner Prabath Jayasuriya has become the third player to be officially sanctioned during the ongoing second Test against India in Colombo, adding another disciplinary flashpoint to a match that had already been marred by the ugly confrontation between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando.
Jayasuriya was on Tuesday handed an official reprimand and one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the second day's play of the Colombo Test.
The left-arm spinner was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to the "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match".
It was Jayasuriya's first offence in a 24-month period, the ICC said.
"Sri Lanka spinner Prabath Jayasuriya has become the third player to be sanctioned for an incident during the second ICC World Test Championship contest against India after he was hit with an official reprimand following his dismissal in his side's first innings," the ICC said in a statement.
The incident involving Jayasuriya occurred with the final delivery of the second day's play on Monday.
The Sri Lanka spinner was adjudged leg-before wicket off India spinner Manav Suthar. As he walked back towards the dressing room following his dismissal, Jayasuriya struck the boundary wedges with his bat.
The action led to the charge under Article 2.2, with Jayasuriya subsequently admitting the offence and accepting the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
As Jayasuriya accepted the sanction, there was no need for a formal hearing. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Prageeth Rambukwella.
The one demerit point has now been added to Jayasuriya's disciplinary record.
Jayasuriya's sanction comes after Jaiswal and Fernando were both punished following their heated exchange on the opening day of the Colombo Test.
The incident took place in the 17th over of India's first innings after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal. The India opener walked towards the Sri Lanka pacer and the two exchanged words before Fernando moved his head towards Jaiswal.
Jaiswal then leaned in, resulting in their heads making contact.
133507746
Both players were subsequently fined 25 per cent of their match fees and handed one demerit point each for the altercation.
With Jayasuriya now joining Jaiswal and Fernando on the ICC's disciplinary list, three players have been sanctioned during the same Test.
#lanka
Jayasuriya was on Tuesday handed an official reprimand and one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the second day's play of the Colombo Test.
The left-arm spinner was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to the "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match".
It was Jayasuriya's first offence in a 24-month period, the ICC said.
"Sri Lanka spinner Prabath Jayasuriya has become the third player to be sanctioned for an incident during the second ICC World Test Championship contest against India after he was hit with an official reprimand following his dismissal in his side's first innings," the ICC said in a statement.
The incident involving Jayasuriya occurred with the final delivery of the second day's play on Monday.
The Sri Lanka spinner was adjudged leg-before wicket off India spinner Manav Suthar. As he walked back towards the dressing room following his dismissal, Jayasuriya struck the boundary wedges with his bat.
The action led to the charge under Article 2.2, with Jayasuriya subsequently admitting the offence and accepting the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
As Jayasuriya accepted the sanction, there was no need for a formal hearing. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Prageeth Rambukwella.
The one demerit point has now been added to Jayasuriya's disciplinary record.
Jayasuriya's sanction comes after Jaiswal and Fernando were both punished following their heated exchange on the opening day of the Colombo Test.
The incident took place in the 17th over of India's first innings after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal. The India opener walked towards the Sri Lanka pacer and the two exchanged words before Fernando moved his head towards Jaiswal.
Jaiswal then leaned in, resulting in their heads making contact.
133507746
Both players were subsequently fined 25 per cent of their match fees and handed one demerit point each for the altercation.
With Jayasuriya now joining Jaiswal and Fernando on the ICC's disciplinary list, three players have been sanctioned during the same Test.
#lanka
3 months ago
India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando have each been fined 25% of their match fees and handed one demerit point for their on-field altercation on the opening day of the second Test.
The ICC said both players had breached Article 2.12 of its code of conduct for players and player support personnel, which relates to "inappropriate physical contact with a player, support personnel, umpire, match referee or any other person, including a spectator, during an international match."
The incident occurred during the 17th over of India's first innings on Sunday.
Fernando, who had been hit for three consecutive fours by Jaiswal, dismissed the left-hander for 45 with a delivery that jagged back in and bowled him.
The Sri Lankan pacer then gave Jaiswal an animated send-off, prompting the batter to turn back, charge towards him and exchange words.
The confrontation escalated as the two players came face-to-face, with Jaiswal's helmet making contact with Fernando's head.
Teammates and Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva intervened and separated the two before the situation could escalate further.
Jaiswal later responded on social media to criticism of the incident, urging experts not to judge him without knowing what Fernando had said during the exchange.
"If you don't know what he said, then please don't make your judgement. If anyone crosses the line, we need to let them know: This India will fight and reply," Jaiswal posted before start of play on Day Two.
#jaiswal #players #India #batter
The ICC said both players had breached Article 2.12 of its code of conduct for players and player support personnel, which relates to "inappropriate physical contact with a player, support personnel, umpire, match referee or any other person, including a spectator, during an international match."
The incident occurred during the 17th over of India's first innings on Sunday.
Fernando, who had been hit for three consecutive fours by Jaiswal, dismissed the left-hander for 45 with a delivery that jagged back in and bowled him.
The Sri Lankan pacer then gave Jaiswal an animated send-off, prompting the batter to turn back, charge towards him and exchange words.
The confrontation escalated as the two players came face-to-face, with Jaiswal's helmet making contact with Fernando's head.
Teammates and Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva intervened and separated the two before the situation could escalate further.
Jaiswal later responded on social media to criticism of the incident, urging experts not to judge him without knowing what Fernando had said during the exchange.
"If you don't know what he said, then please don't make your judgement. If anyone crosses the line, we need to let them know: This India will fight and reply," Jaiswal posted before start of play on Day Two.
#jaiswal #players #India #batter
3 months ago
It was one of the riskiest singles Dhruv Jurel would have taken in his Test career. Anxious to complete his second Test century — and first overseas hundred — after being stranded on 99 for 12 ******* and made to wait by rain while on 95, Jurel punched the ball towards mid-off and sprinted for a single that just wasn't on.
The ball travelled quickly to the fielder after bouncing. But luck smiled on the 25-year-old batter. The fielder missed the direct hit and Jurel dived to complete the run and his century, which came off 171 ******* and had the entire Indian dressing room applauding as they shared the tension. Mohammed Siraj celebrated wildly, giving Jurel a bear hug.
Powered by Jurel's composed and flawless unbeaten 115 off 177 ******* , with nine fours and two sixes, and Rishabh Pant's entertaining 63 off 89 ******* , with six fours and two sixes, India declared at 503 for nine. Then, they reduced Sri Lanka to 8/2 on Day Two of the second and final Test in Colombo on Monday.
The hosts were clearly unhappy about being asked to bat in fading light. Yashasvi Jaiswal pulled off a brilliant diving catch at gully to send back Lahiru Udara for one off Prasidh Krishna in the second over.
In the third over, the hosts suffered another blow when nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya was trapped LBW for two by a fast, full delivery from Manav Suthar. Jayasuriya's agitated reaction after being dismissed reflected Sri Lanka's unhappiness at being asked to bat so late in the evening.
Kamil Mishara was batting on five when stumps were drawn at 5:51pm after an extended session. Shubman Gill and Co. deserve credit for their bowlers' early blows, as they did not leave the field even when the covers were being brought on because of the dark, wet conditions a few minutes earlier.
With the hosts trailing by 495 runs, India are now in control of the Test.
Jurel was involved in two vital partnerships, adding 112 for the seventh wicket with Pant, which lifted India from 307 for six, and 39 for the eighth with Manav Suthar. During his stand with Pant, Jurel played the ideal foil, reaching a patient fifty off 97 ******* .
Like Devdutt Padikkal, Jurel has enjoyed a breakout series. Having arrived in Sri Lanka without a fifty in eight innings and under pressure from Sarfaraz Khan for the No. 6 spot, he made a crucial 51 in the first Test and now has 173 runs in two Tests at 86.50.
Rishabh Pant, meanwhile, struck his 21st Test half-century and became India's leading run-scorer in World Test Championship history, surpassing Shubman Gill. Pant now has 2,948 runs in 42 WTC Tests, ahead of Gill's 2,917.
Earlier, India resumed on 300 for five and lost debutant Saransh Jain early for six.
#jurel
The ball travelled quickly to the fielder after bouncing. But luck smiled on the 25-year-old batter. The fielder missed the direct hit and Jurel dived to complete the run and his century, which came off 171 ******* and had the entire Indian dressing room applauding as they shared the tension. Mohammed Siraj celebrated wildly, giving Jurel a bear hug.
Powered by Jurel's composed and flawless unbeaten 115 off 177 ******* , with nine fours and two sixes, and Rishabh Pant's entertaining 63 off 89 ******* , with six fours and two sixes, India declared at 503 for nine. Then, they reduced Sri Lanka to 8/2 on Day Two of the second and final Test in Colombo on Monday.
The hosts were clearly unhappy about being asked to bat in fading light. Yashasvi Jaiswal pulled off a brilliant diving catch at gully to send back Lahiru Udara for one off Prasidh Krishna in the second over.
In the third over, the hosts suffered another blow when nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya was trapped LBW for two by a fast, full delivery from Manav Suthar. Jayasuriya's agitated reaction after being dismissed reflected Sri Lanka's unhappiness at being asked to bat so late in the evening.
Kamil Mishara was batting on five when stumps were drawn at 5:51pm after an extended session. Shubman Gill and Co. deserve credit for their bowlers' early blows, as they did not leave the field even when the covers were being brought on because of the dark, wet conditions a few minutes earlier.
With the hosts trailing by 495 runs, India are now in control of the Test.
Jurel was involved in two vital partnerships, adding 112 for the seventh wicket with Pant, which lifted India from 307 for six, and 39 for the eighth with Manav Suthar. During his stand with Pant, Jurel played the ideal foil, reaching a patient fifty off 97 ******* .
Like Devdutt Padikkal, Jurel has enjoyed a breakout series. Having arrived in Sri Lanka without a fifty in eight innings and under pressure from Sarfaraz Khan for the No. 6 spot, he made a crucial 51 in the first Test and now has 173 runs in two Tests at 86.50.
Rishabh Pant, meanwhile, struck his 21st Test half-century and became India's leading run-scorer in World Test Championship history, surpassing Shubman Gill. Pant now has 2,948 runs in 42 WTC Tests, ahead of Gill's 2,917.
Earlier, India resumed on 300 for five and lost debutant Saransh Jain early for six.
#jurel
3 months ago
NEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant continued his remarkable rise through India's Test record books on Monday, surpassing captain Shubman Gill to become the country's highest run-scorer in ICC World Test Championship history. Pant was unbeaten on 63 at lunch on the second day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo as India reached 419/6.
Pant now has 2,948 runs from 42 Tests in the World Test Championship, moving ahead of Gill's 2,917 from the same number of matches. Rohit Sharma is third among Indian batters with 2,716 runs from 40 Tests, followed by Ravindra Jadeja (2,675 from 50) and Virat Kohli (2,617 from 46). Among current Indian players, Yashasvi Jaiswal is next with 2,588 runs from 30 Tests.
The latest milestone came during a crucial partnership with Dhruv Jurel, who also reached his half-century. The pair had added an unbeaten 112 runs for the seventh wicket by lunch, helping India build a commanding first-innings total after losing six wickets.
Pant's latest achievement came on the back of another significant milestone earlier in the innings. The wicketkeeper-batter also moved past MS Dhoni to become India's highest run-scorer as a designated wicketkeeper in away or neutral Tests.
Pant crossed 2,500 runs in the category, edging beyond Dhoni's 2,496. He has done so at an average of almost 42, compared with Dhoni's 32.84.
Farokh Engineer is third on the list with 1,209 runs at an average of 32.67, while Syed Kirmani has 1,109 at 21.74 and Kiran More 901 at 29.06.
Pant's latest landmarks have come despite an injury scare on the opening day. He had retired hurt after being struck on the left arm by a short delivery from Sri Lanka pacer Lahiru ***** ara, having scored only three runs.
Pant returned on Day 2 after Sri Lanka dismissed debutant Saransh Jain for six and immediately helped India regain control alongside Jurel. The pair negotiated Sri Lanka's pace attack and took India beyond 400 before the lunch interval.
The total of 419/6 is only the 11th time a team has posted 400 or more in the first innings of a Test at this venue. Six of the previous 10 instances resulted in victories, while four ended in draws.
The century partnership between Pant and Jurel is also only the second time India have registered a 100-plus stand for the seventh wicket or lower in a Test in Sri Lanka. The previous instance came at the same venue in 2015, when Cheteshwar Pujara and Amit Mishra added 104.
#tests #latest
Pant now has 2,948 runs from 42 Tests in the World Test Championship, moving ahead of Gill's 2,917 from the same number of matches. Rohit Sharma is third among Indian batters with 2,716 runs from 40 Tests, followed by Ravindra Jadeja (2,675 from 50) and Virat Kohli (2,617 from 46). Among current Indian players, Yashasvi Jaiswal is next with 2,588 runs from 30 Tests.
The latest milestone came during a crucial partnership with Dhruv Jurel, who also reached his half-century. The pair had added an unbeaten 112 runs for the seventh wicket by lunch, helping India build a commanding first-innings total after losing six wickets.
Pant's latest achievement came on the back of another significant milestone earlier in the innings. The wicketkeeper-batter also moved past MS Dhoni to become India's highest run-scorer as a designated wicketkeeper in away or neutral Tests.
Pant crossed 2,500 runs in the category, edging beyond Dhoni's 2,496. He has done so at an average of almost 42, compared with Dhoni's 32.84.
Farokh Engineer is third on the list with 1,209 runs at an average of 32.67, while Syed Kirmani has 1,109 at 21.74 and Kiran More 901 at 29.06.
Pant's latest landmarks have come despite an injury scare on the opening day. He had retired hurt after being struck on the left arm by a short delivery from Sri Lanka pacer Lahiru ***** ara, having scored only three runs.
Pant returned on Day 2 after Sri Lanka dismissed debutant Saransh Jain for six and immediately helped India regain control alongside Jurel. The pair negotiated Sri Lanka's pace attack and took India beyond 400 before the lunch interval.
The total of 419/6 is only the 11th time a team has posted 400 or more in the first innings of a Test at this venue. Six of the previous 10 instances resulted in victories, while four ended in draws.
The century partnership between Pant and Jurel is also only the second time India have registered a 100-plus stand for the seventh wicket or lower in a Test in Sri Lanka. The previous instance came at the same venue in 2015, when Cheteshwar Pujara and Amit Mishra added 104.
#tests #latest
3 months ago
NEW DELHI: Yashasvi Jaiswal has broken his silence on his heated confrontation with Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando, making a surprise comment on a social media video discussing their on-field spat during the opening day of the second Test in Colombo.
Jaiswal responded to a Cricbuzz video featuring cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle, ***** led 'Did Jaiswal cross the line?', urging people not to judge the incident without knowing what had been said between the two players.
"If you don't know what he said then please don't make your judgment if anyone cross the line we need to let them know this India will fight and reply," Yashasvi Jaiswal commented on the video.
The comment quickly went viral, adding another layer to an incident that had already attracted considerable attention after Jaiswal and Fernando were involved in a heated exchange immediately after the India opener was dismissed.
Jaiswal was dismissed for 45 by Fernando in the first session at the SSC ground after hitting the pacer for three boundaries in the over. Fernando gave the Indian opener a send-off as he walked towards the pavilion, prompting Jaiswal to turn back and confront him.
The two players exchanged words before coming face-to-face. Jaiswal's helmet made contact with Fernando's forehead during the confrontation, and there was also physical contact before Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and other players intervened to separate them.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also acknowledged that Jaiswal should not have moved so close to Fernando, although he suggested the confrontation may have resulted from emotions running high.
"I think the bowler must have made some comment, and it was probably said in the heat of the moment. Obviously, I don't think Jaiswal should have gone that close, but these things happen in the heat of the moment," Kotak said.
Kotak offered a similar ***** sment during his post-day press conference.
"I think they must have said something to him and it might have happened in the heat of the moment. Obviously, Jaiswal, I don't think he should have been so close (to Fernando), but that happens when you are in the heat of the moment," Kotak said.
#moment
Jaiswal responded to a Cricbuzz video featuring cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle, ***** led 'Did Jaiswal cross the line?', urging people not to judge the incident without knowing what had been said between the two players.
"If you don't know what he said then please don't make your judgment if anyone cross the line we need to let them know this India will fight and reply," Yashasvi Jaiswal commented on the video.
The comment quickly went viral, adding another layer to an incident that had already attracted considerable attention after Jaiswal and Fernando were involved in a heated exchange immediately after the India opener was dismissed.
Jaiswal was dismissed for 45 by Fernando in the first session at the SSC ground after hitting the pacer for three boundaries in the over. Fernando gave the Indian opener a send-off as he walked towards the pavilion, prompting Jaiswal to turn back and confront him.
The two players exchanged words before coming face-to-face. Jaiswal's helmet made contact with Fernando's forehead during the confrontation, and there was also physical contact before Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and other players intervened to separate them.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also acknowledged that Jaiswal should not have moved so close to Fernando, although he suggested the confrontation may have resulted from emotions running high.
"I think the bowler must have made some comment, and it was probably said in the heat of the moment. Obviously, I don't think Jaiswal should have gone that close, but these things happen in the heat of the moment," Kotak said.
Kotak offered a similar ***** sment during his post-day press conference.
"I think they must have said something to him and it might have happened in the heat of the moment. Obviously, Jaiswal, I don't think he should have been so close (to Fernando), but that happens when you are in the heat of the moment," Kotak said.
#moment
3 months ago
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak firmly dismissed speculation surrounding Kuldeep Yadav's absence from the Colombo Test, insisting the left-arm wrist spinner was genuinely down with viral fever and there was "no need to fake" an illness to leave him out of the XI.
"If the team needs a spinner and then he doesn't play, there is no need to fake that he wasn't keeping well," Kotak said, stressing that Kuldeep was unfit to take the field.
Kotak also provided a positive update on Rishabh Pant, who retired hurt on two after being struck on the left wrist by a Lahiru ****** ara bouncer shortly after tea on Day 1. The wicketkeeper-batter received treatment before leaving the field, but Kotak said he was expected to resume his innings on Monday.
India ended the day on 300/5 with Dhruv Jurel and Saransh Jain unbeaten, while hoping Pant's return can help push the total higher.
The opening day also saw tempers flare when Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando exchanged words following the opener's dismissal. Kotak termed it a "heat of the moment" incident, though he felt Jaiswal should not have approached the bowler. Sri Lanka fast bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk called the confrontation an "overflow of emotion", leaving any disciplinary action in the hands of match referee Andy Pycroft.
#kotak #India #jaiswal #spinner
"If the team needs a spinner and then he doesn't play, there is no need to fake that he wasn't keeping well," Kotak said, stressing that Kuldeep was unfit to take the field.
Kotak also provided a positive update on Rishabh Pant, who retired hurt on two after being struck on the left wrist by a Lahiru ****** ara bouncer shortly after tea on Day 1. The wicketkeeper-batter received treatment before leaving the field, but Kotak said he was expected to resume his innings on Monday.
India ended the day on 300/5 with Dhruv Jurel and Saransh Jain unbeaten, while hoping Pant's return can help push the total higher.
The opening day also saw tempers flare when Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando exchanged words following the opener's dismissal. Kotak termed it a "heat of the moment" incident, though he felt Jaiswal should not have approached the bowler. Sri Lanka fast bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk called the confrontation an "overflow of emotion", leaving any disciplinary action in the hands of match referee Andy Pycroft.
#kotak #India #jaiswal #spinner
3 months ago
NEW DELHI: Yashasvi Jaiswal's heated on-field confrontation with Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando on the opening day of the second Test in Colombo drew criticism from former India all-rounder Ajay Jadeja, who warned the young opener that physical contact crosses a dangerous line.
Jaiswal was dismissed for 45 by Fernando in the first session at the SSC ground after the Sri Lankan pacer had conceded three boundaries to the left-hander in the over. Fernando responded with a send-off as Jaiswal began walking back to the pavilion, prompting the India opener to turn around and confront the bowler.
The exchange quickly escalated, with the two players trading words before coming face-to-face. Jaiswal's helmet made contact with Fernando's forehead, and there was also a push before Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and other players intervened to separate them.
Jadeja, speaking on Sony Sports, criticised Jaiswal for taking the confrontation too far and drew a comparison with an earlier incident involving the Indian opener and Sri Lanka's Niroshan **** wella.
"It is dangerous territory. There is no doubt about that. Physical contact is a different thing. In the last match, Jaiswal was on the other side. He was fielding, and he said things to Niroshan **** wella, and we said that banter is nice as long as there is nothing wrong with your language," Jadeja said on Sony Sports.
He then stressed that players who engage in banter must also be prepared to receive it.
"The same thing happened, but if someone cannot laugh at himself, he shouldn't laugh at others. If you can't take it back, don't say it to others either while standing on the ground," he added.
Jadeja's comments came after Jaiswal's confrontation with Fernando turned physical, putting the India batter under the scrutiny of match officials and potentially the ICC Code of Conduct.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also acknowledged that Jaiswal should not have moved so close to Fernando, although he suggested the exchange was the result of emotions running high.
"I think the bowler must have made some comment, and it was probably said in the heat of the moment. Obviously, I don't think Jaiswal should have gone that close, but these things happen in the heat of the moment," Kotak said.
Kotak reiterated his **** sment in the post-day press conference, saying the exchange could have been triggered by something Fernando said.
"I think they must have said something to him and it might have happened in the heat of the moment. Obviously, Jaiswal, I don't think he should have been so close (to Fernando), but that happens when you are in the heat of the moment," Kotak said.
Sri Lanka fast bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk declined to comment on any possible punishment and left the matter to match referee Andy Pycroft.
"The verbals are probably an overflow of emotion. I'll leave that to the match referee to deal with," he said.
Pycroft could examine the incident under Article
Jaiswal was dismissed for 45 by Fernando in the first session at the SSC ground after the Sri Lankan pacer had conceded three boundaries to the left-hander in the over. Fernando responded with a send-off as Jaiswal began walking back to the pavilion, prompting the India opener to turn around and confront the bowler.
The exchange quickly escalated, with the two players trading words before coming face-to-face. Jaiswal's helmet made contact with Fernando's forehead, and there was also a push before Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and other players intervened to separate them.
Jadeja, speaking on Sony Sports, criticised Jaiswal for taking the confrontation too far and drew a comparison with an earlier incident involving the Indian opener and Sri Lanka's Niroshan **** wella.
"It is dangerous territory. There is no doubt about that. Physical contact is a different thing. In the last match, Jaiswal was on the other side. He was fielding, and he said things to Niroshan **** wella, and we said that banter is nice as long as there is nothing wrong with your language," Jadeja said on Sony Sports.
He then stressed that players who engage in banter must also be prepared to receive it.
"The same thing happened, but if someone cannot laugh at himself, he shouldn't laugh at others. If you can't take it back, don't say it to others either while standing on the ground," he added.
Jadeja's comments came after Jaiswal's confrontation with Fernando turned physical, putting the India batter under the scrutiny of match officials and potentially the ICC Code of Conduct.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also acknowledged that Jaiswal should not have moved so close to Fernando, although he suggested the exchange was the result of emotions running high.
"I think the bowler must have made some comment, and it was probably said in the heat of the moment. Obviously, I don't think Jaiswal should have gone that close, but these things happen in the heat of the moment," Kotak said.
Kotak reiterated his **** sment in the post-day press conference, saying the exchange could have been triggered by something Fernando said.
"I think they must have said something to him and it might have happened in the heat of the moment. Obviously, Jaiswal, I don't think he should have been so close (to Fernando), but that happens when you are in the heat of the moment," Kotak said.
Sri Lanka fast bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk declined to comment on any possible punishment and left the matter to match referee Andy Pycroft.
"The verbals are probably an overflow of emotion. I'll leave that to the match referee to deal with," he said.
Pycroft could examine the incident under Article
3 months ago
'Please don't make your judgment': Yashasvi Jaiswal hits back after Harsha Bhogle weighs in on Asitha Fernando clash originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Yashasvi Jaiswal responded publicly after Harsha Bhogle commented on his clash with Asitha Fernando.
The India opener said critics did not know what was said to him on the field.
Jaiswal made helmet contact with the Sri Lanka bowler after being dismissed for 45 in Colombo.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has broken his silence on the confrontation that overshadowed the opening session in Colombo, and he has done so by pushing back directly at those criticising him. The India opener responded in the comments of an Instagram post after Harsha Bhogle offered his view on the incident.
#asitha
Yashasvi Jaiswal responded publicly after Harsha Bhogle commented on his clash with Asitha Fernando.
The India opener said critics did not know what was said to him on the field.
Jaiswal made helmet contact with the Sri Lanka bowler after being dismissed for 45 in Colombo.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has broken his silence on the confrontation that overshadowed the opening session in Colombo, and he has done so by pushing back directly at those criticising him. The India opener responded in the comments of an Instagram post after Harsha Bhogle offered his view on the incident.
#asitha
3 months ago
NEW DELHI: India made one change to their playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Sunday, with Kuldeep Yadav missing out after failing to fully recover from a viral infection and Saransh Jain making his Test debut.
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first, with the hosts also handing Test debuts to Kamil Mishara and Pasindu Sooriyabandara.
India entered the second Test with an unassailable 1-0 lead after their 165-run victory in the series opener at Galle. However, Kuldeep's absence meant India had to alter their combination, with Jain coming into the XI as the spin-bowling allrounder.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Kuldeep remains unavailable for selection but could still be used in a specific situation.
"Mr Kuldeep Yadav has not fully recovered from his viral illness. He was unavailable for selection in the Playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka. However, he can take the field as a concussion substitute, if required," the BCCI said.
Gill also addressed Kuldeep's absence after winning the toss, confirming that an infection had ruled out the left-arm wristspinner.
"[Playing XI] Kuldeep, unfortunately, had some infections, so he misses out, and Saransh makes his debut for India," Gill said.
With Kuldeep unavailable, Jain received his first opportunity at Test level. The 33-year-old was presented his India cap by Ravindra Jadeja during the team's huddle before the start of play.
Jain becomes the first India player to make his international debut after turning 33 since Robin Singh in 1998.
Gill opted to bat after ******* sing the Colombo surface and felt it offered better batting conditions than the pitch in Galle.
"Batting first, yes. [On the pitch] It looks like a much harder, much better surface compared to Galle. Galle was also a very good wicket, but I think as the game went on, it got a little bit slower and the ball started to turn. We're expecting the same, but I think for the first two or three days, I think it'll be a really good wicket to bat on," Gill said.
Reflecting on India's dominant win in the first Test, Gill rated the team's performance highly but admitted there was still room for improvement.
"[How he would rate the Galle win] I would say probably a nine, because there's always room for improvement, and I think we played a pretty good match, a decent match. And obviously there were some areas where we could have got a little bit better, but, you know, this is Test cricket. It's very, very difficult to be able to have a near-perfect game because you're playing for five days, and to play that dominant and consistent cricket, especially in Test, is hard. But I think overall we had a pretty good match," Gill said.
India Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Saransh Jain, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Sri Lanka P
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first, with the hosts also handing Test debuts to Kamil Mishara and Pasindu Sooriyabandara.
India entered the second Test with an unassailable 1-0 lead after their 165-run victory in the series opener at Galle. However, Kuldeep's absence meant India had to alter their combination, with Jain coming into the XI as the spin-bowling allrounder.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Kuldeep remains unavailable for selection but could still be used in a specific situation.
"Mr Kuldeep Yadav has not fully recovered from his viral illness. He was unavailable for selection in the Playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka. However, he can take the field as a concussion substitute, if required," the BCCI said.
Gill also addressed Kuldeep's absence after winning the toss, confirming that an infection had ruled out the left-arm wristspinner.
"[Playing XI] Kuldeep, unfortunately, had some infections, so he misses out, and Saransh makes his debut for India," Gill said.
With Kuldeep unavailable, Jain received his first opportunity at Test level. The 33-year-old was presented his India cap by Ravindra Jadeja during the team's huddle before the start of play.
Jain becomes the first India player to make his international debut after turning 33 since Robin Singh in 1998.
Gill opted to bat after ******* sing the Colombo surface and felt it offered better batting conditions than the pitch in Galle.
"Batting first, yes. [On the pitch] It looks like a much harder, much better surface compared to Galle. Galle was also a very good wicket, but I think as the game went on, it got a little bit slower and the ball started to turn. We're expecting the same, but I think for the first two or three days, I think it'll be a really good wicket to bat on," Gill said.
Reflecting on India's dominant win in the first Test, Gill rated the team's performance highly but admitted there was still room for improvement.
"[How he would rate the Galle win] I would say probably a nine, because there's always room for improvement, and I think we played a pretty good match, a decent match. And obviously there were some areas where we could have got a little bit better, but, you know, this is Test cricket. It's very, very difficult to be able to have a near-perfect game because you're playing for five days, and to play that dominant and consistent cricket, especially in Test, is hard. But I think overall we had a pretty good match," Gill said.
India Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Saransh Jain, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Sri Lanka P
3 months ago
NEW DELHI: The last time Qamran Iqbal played competitive cricket, it took him nearly 2,800 kms and a frantic 15 hours to get there. Called up at short notice, the 24-year-old endured a chaotic journey that has stayed with him ever since. This time, though, there is no last-minute scramble. Iqbal arrived at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) four days before the Duleep Trophy, giving himself time to settle in and prepare for the challenge ahead.
READ ALSO: EXCLUSIVE | 'Redemption? No. It was a responsibility': BCCI president Mithun Manhas opens up on J&K's rise
Iqbal is one of six members of Jammu & Kashmir's Ranji Trophy-winning side picked for North Zone, and they will open their campaign against West Zone from Sunday. "My last Bengaluru trip was something else," Iqbal tells TimesofIndia.com.
Six months ago, on February 23, a day before the Ranji Trophy final, Qamran Iqbal was relaxing at his home in Srinagar when, around 3 pm, his phone rang. Jammu and Kashmir needed him in Hubballi, nearly 2,800 kms away, after opener Shubham Khajuria was ruled out with an injury.
The 24-year-old immediately embarked on a cross-country journey, arriving at the venue barely an hour before the toss. Less than 24 hours after receiving the call-up, Qamran produced the innings of his life, scoring an unbeaten 160 in the second innings to steer Jammu and Kashmir to their maiden Ranji Trophy ******* le, defeating Karnataka on the basis of the first-innings lead.
"Everything happened suddenly," he says.
"I left Srinagar that same night. I took a late-night flight and travelled through Delhi and Mumbai before reaching Hubballi. I arrived around 8 in the morning on match day and went almost straight to the ground. A day earlier, I was somewhere else and suddenly I was playing a Ranji Trophy final. It felt a little strange.
"I wasn't feeling pressure as such, but there was some travel fatigue. Still, it was fine because everyone in the team contributed. It was truly a team effort, and that's why we won. It was a dream come true for the entire team. Winning the Ranji Trophy was a special feeling for everyone ******* ociated with Jammu and Kashmir cricket. It felt really good," he continues.
The youngster, who once opened the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal for India Under-19, cherishes the Ranji Trophy triumph but insists it is only the beginning. Having been named in North Zone's 15-member Duleep Trophy squad, he is determined to achieve bigger things.
"I want to achieve a lot more in my cricket career. Winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time made me very proud, and I was happy that I could contribute to the team's success. But this is only the beginning. I want to achieve much more," he says.
Earlier this year, Aqib Nabi, in an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, spoke about how the arrival of P. Krishnakumar as bowling coach helped transform his bowling. Qamran also credits the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket ******* ociation management,
READ ALSO: EXCLUSIVE | 'Redemption? No. It was a responsibility': BCCI president Mithun Manhas opens up on J&K's rise
Iqbal is one of six members of Jammu & Kashmir's Ranji Trophy-winning side picked for North Zone, and they will open their campaign against West Zone from Sunday. "My last Bengaluru trip was something else," Iqbal tells TimesofIndia.com.
Six months ago, on February 23, a day before the Ranji Trophy final, Qamran Iqbal was relaxing at his home in Srinagar when, around 3 pm, his phone rang. Jammu and Kashmir needed him in Hubballi, nearly 2,800 kms away, after opener Shubham Khajuria was ruled out with an injury.
The 24-year-old immediately embarked on a cross-country journey, arriving at the venue barely an hour before the toss. Less than 24 hours after receiving the call-up, Qamran produced the innings of his life, scoring an unbeaten 160 in the second innings to steer Jammu and Kashmir to their maiden Ranji Trophy ******* le, defeating Karnataka on the basis of the first-innings lead.
"Everything happened suddenly," he says.
"I left Srinagar that same night. I took a late-night flight and travelled through Delhi and Mumbai before reaching Hubballi. I arrived around 8 in the morning on match day and went almost straight to the ground. A day earlier, I was somewhere else and suddenly I was playing a Ranji Trophy final. It felt a little strange.
"I wasn't feeling pressure as such, but there was some travel fatigue. Still, it was fine because everyone in the team contributed. It was truly a team effort, and that's why we won. It was a dream come true for the entire team. Winning the Ranji Trophy was a special feeling for everyone ******* ociated with Jammu and Kashmir cricket. It felt really good," he continues.
The youngster, who once opened the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal for India Under-19, cherishes the Ranji Trophy triumph but insists it is only the beginning. Having been named in North Zone's 15-member Duleep Trophy squad, he is determined to achieve bigger things.
"I want to achieve a lot more in my cricket career. Winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time made me very proud, and I was happy that I could contribute to the team's success. But this is only the beginning. I want to achieve much more," he says.
Earlier this year, Aqib Nabi, in an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, spoke about how the arrival of P. Krishnakumar as bowling coach helped transform his bowling. Qamran also credits the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket ******* ociation management,
3 months ago
Talk about arriving in Test cricket with a bang. Just minutes after Manav Suthar bowled debutant Keshara Nuwantha to seal India's emphatic 165-run win over Sri Lanka in the first Test at the Galle International Cricket Stadium, heavy rain lashed the venue.
By then, however, the damage had been done, with the young left-arm spinner delivering a performance for the ages.
Suthar ripped through Sri Lanka's lower order in a sensational spell. In the 76th over, he bowled a three-wicket maiden, dismissing the resolute Sonal Dinusha (84; 128b, 8x4, 1x6), who was caught at leg slip by Dhruv Jurel, before removing Prabhat Jayasuriya for a duck off the very next ball. Though he missed out on a hat-trick, Suthar completed his second five-wicket haul in Test cricket by having Lahiru ****** ara caught behind.
His late burst earned him figures of 6-55 in 23.4 overs as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 206 in 77.4 overs while chasing an improbable 372. The 24-year-old finished with match figures of 10/131 in 45.2 overs after taking 4-76 in the first innings, making him the undisputed architect of India's victory and making the team's 600th Test memorable.
The victory also kept India firmly in contention for a place in the 2027 World Test Championship final. They remain fifth in the standings but improved their points percentage to 53.33 while Sri Lanka stayed sixth on 33.33. Australia currently lead the table, followed by South Africa. With one match left in the series, Sri Lanka can no longer win it but will aim to deny India a series victory in the second Test beginning on Sunday.
Chasing what would have been the highest successful fourth-innings total in Galle, Sri Lanka never threatened after beginning the final day at 84-4. While Suthar dominated proceedings, pacer Prasidh Krishna also played a key role, producing a fiery spell to finish with 2-16 from 10 overs.
Prasidh's second wicket came after an intriguing exchange involving Niroshan ****** wella. Amid constant chatter from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who challenged him to play the hook shot and jokingly suggested he could recommend him to his IPL coach ****** ar Sangakkara, ****** wella appeared distracted.
Attempting an ambitious stroke after backing away from the stumps, the left-hander top-edged to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and departed for 10.
Kuldeep Yadav, meanwhile, looked off-colour, returning figures of 1/38 from 11 overs, which could prompt discussions about giving rookie off-spinner Saransh Jain an opportunity in Colombo.
#suthar #Cricket #left #victory
By then, however, the damage had been done, with the young left-arm spinner delivering a performance for the ages.
Suthar ripped through Sri Lanka's lower order in a sensational spell. In the 76th over, he bowled a three-wicket maiden, dismissing the resolute Sonal Dinusha (84; 128b, 8x4, 1x6), who was caught at leg slip by Dhruv Jurel, before removing Prabhat Jayasuriya for a duck off the very next ball. Though he missed out on a hat-trick, Suthar completed his second five-wicket haul in Test cricket by having Lahiru ****** ara caught behind.
His late burst earned him figures of 6-55 in 23.4 overs as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 206 in 77.4 overs while chasing an improbable 372. The 24-year-old finished with match figures of 10/131 in 45.2 overs after taking 4-76 in the first innings, making him the undisputed architect of India's victory and making the team's 600th Test memorable.
The victory also kept India firmly in contention for a place in the 2027 World Test Championship final. They remain fifth in the standings but improved their points percentage to 53.33 while Sri Lanka stayed sixth on 33.33. Australia currently lead the table, followed by South Africa. With one match left in the series, Sri Lanka can no longer win it but will aim to deny India a series victory in the second Test beginning on Sunday.
Chasing what would have been the highest successful fourth-innings total in Galle, Sri Lanka never threatened after beginning the final day at 84-4. While Suthar dominated proceedings, pacer Prasidh Krishna also played a key role, producing a fiery spell to finish with 2-16 from 10 overs.
Prasidh's second wicket came after an intriguing exchange involving Niroshan ****** wella. Amid constant chatter from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who challenged him to play the hook shot and jokingly suggested he could recommend him to his IPL coach ****** ar Sangakkara, ****** wella appeared distracted.
Attempting an ambitious stroke after backing away from the stumps, the left-hander top-edged to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and departed for 10.
Kuldeep Yadav, meanwhile, looked off-colour, returning figures of 1/38 from 11 overs, which could prompt discussions about giving rookie off-spinner Saransh Jain an opportunity in Colombo.
#suthar #Cricket #left #victory
3 months ago
Sri Lanka batter Dinesh Chandimal was taken to hospital for precautionary scans after suffering an awkward fall while attempting to save a boundary during India's second innings on Day 4 of the first Test at the Galle International Stadium on Tuesday. The incident occurred during the fourth over of India's second innings when Chandimal sprinted from deep midwicket towards deep square leg to stop a shot from KL Rahul.
Chandimal managed to save two runs but tumbled awkwardly after crossing the boundary. His body twisted over his upper body during the fall, leaving him in visible discomfort.
The Sri Lankan batter was seen clutching his right shoulder, head and neck immediately after the incident. He was ******* sed on the field by the Sri Lankan team doctor and physiotherapist before gingerly walking off the ground. He was subsequently taken to hospital for precautionary scans. Further updates on his condition are awaited.
Meanwhile, Pasindu Sooriyabandara will replace Dinesh Chandimal as the concussion replacement. The match referee has approved the concussion replacement.
Meanwhile, India strengthened their position in the Test during the opening session on Day 4. After bowling Sri Lanka out for 284 on Day 3, India took a 174-run first-innings lead and reached 116/4 at lunch, extending their overall advantage to 294 runs.
India suffered an early blow when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck by Asitha Fernando off the third ball of the opening over.
KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal then steadied the innings, putting together a 64-run partnership for the second wicket. Rahul scored 35 before Prabath Jayasuriya dismissed him, while Jayasuriya also removed India captain Shubman Gill for 8.
Padikkal continued to counter the Sri Lankan bowlers and made 44 before being trapped lbw shortly before lunch. Rishabh Pant was unbeaten on 21 at the interval.
India in commanding position
At lunch, India were 116/4 in 29 overs, with a commanding overall lead of 294 runs.
Brief scores: India 462 & 116/4 (Rishabh Pant 21*, Devdutt Padikkal 44; Prabath Jayasuriya 2/42) lead Sri Lanka 284 by 294 runs.
#India #chandimal #jayasuriya #second
Chandimal managed to save two runs but tumbled awkwardly after crossing the boundary. His body twisted over his upper body during the fall, leaving him in visible discomfort.
The Sri Lankan batter was seen clutching his right shoulder, head and neck immediately after the incident. He was ******* sed on the field by the Sri Lankan team doctor and physiotherapist before gingerly walking off the ground. He was subsequently taken to hospital for precautionary scans. Further updates on his condition are awaited.
Meanwhile, Pasindu Sooriyabandara will replace Dinesh Chandimal as the concussion replacement. The match referee has approved the concussion replacement.
Meanwhile, India strengthened their position in the Test during the opening session on Day 4. After bowling Sri Lanka out for 284 on Day 3, India took a 174-run first-innings lead and reached 116/4 at lunch, extending their overall advantage to 294 runs.
India suffered an early blow when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck by Asitha Fernando off the third ball of the opening over.
KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal then steadied the innings, putting together a 64-run partnership for the second wicket. Rahul scored 35 before Prabath Jayasuriya dismissed him, while Jayasuriya also removed India captain Shubman Gill for 8.
Padikkal continued to counter the Sri Lankan bowlers and made 44 before being trapped lbw shortly before lunch. Rishabh Pant was unbeaten on 21 at the interval.
India in commanding position
At lunch, India were 116/4 in 29 overs, with a commanding overall lead of 294 runs.
Brief scores: India 462 & 116/4 (Rishabh Pant 21*, Devdutt Padikkal 44; Prabath Jayasuriya 2/42) lead Sri Lanka 284 by 294 runs.
#India #chandimal #jayasuriya #second
3 months ago
NEW DELHI: Devdutt Padikkal's alertness gave KL Rahul a second chance during India's second innings in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Tuesday. India had lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early, with Asitha Fernando getting him caught behind with the third ball of the first over. But Rahul and Padikkal then steadied the innings and added 59 runs to take India's lead to 237.
KL Rahul looked set to walk back when Prabath Jayasuriya trapped him on the back pad in the 11th over. The ball came in with the arm and KL Rahul was beaten on the inside edge before being hit on the back pad. The decision looked plumb to the naked eye.
KL Rahul was not confident about taking the review and was almost walking back. But Padikkal quickly asked him to review the decision.
It turned out to be a crucial call.
The replays showed there was no bat involved and the impact was in line. However, the ball was going over the stumps, meaning the on-field decision was overturned.
KL Rahul looked relieved and gave Padikkal a big hug, thanking his partner for convincing him to take the review.
The pair had already put together a 50-plus partnership in the innings, adding to a rare list of Indian opening and top-order pairs who have managed 50-plus stands in both innings of a Test in Sri Lanka.
Sadagoppan Ramesh and Shiv Sunder Das did it in Colombo in 2001, while Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir achieved the feat in Galle and Colombo in 2008. VVS Laxman and Suresh Raina also did it in Colombo in 2010.
Rahul and Padikkal became the latest Indian pair to join the list in Galle in 2026.
#innings #decision
KL Rahul looked set to walk back when Prabath Jayasuriya trapped him on the back pad in the 11th over. The ball came in with the arm and KL Rahul was beaten on the inside edge before being hit on the back pad. The decision looked plumb to the naked eye.
KL Rahul was not confident about taking the review and was almost walking back. But Padikkal quickly asked him to review the decision.
It turned out to be a crucial call.
The replays showed there was no bat involved and the impact was in line. However, the ball was going over the stumps, meaning the on-field decision was overturned.
KL Rahul looked relieved and gave Padikkal a big hug, thanking his partner for convincing him to take the review.
The pair had already put together a 50-plus partnership in the innings, adding to a rare list of Indian opening and top-order pairs who have managed 50-plus stands in both innings of a Test in Sri Lanka.
Sadagoppan Ramesh and Shiv Sunder Das did it in Colombo in 2001, while Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir achieved the feat in Galle and Colombo in 2008. VVS Laxman and Suresh Raina also did it in Colombo in 2010.
Rahul and Padikkal became the latest Indian pair to join the list in Galle in 2026.
#innings #decision
3 months ago
Devdutt Padikkal's long wait for a breakthrough in Test cricket has finally turned into a statement innings, and KL Rahul believes the left-hander's success in Galle is the reward for years of quiet work behind the scenes. Padikkal produced a magnificent 167 in the first Test against Sri Lanka, his maiden Test century, as India posted 462 all out in their first innings on Day 3. The left-hander's marathon knock, his third Test appearance, stood out as India built a commanding total despite rain interruptions and a late fightback from Sri Lanka's spinners.
Speaking in a video posted by the BCCI, Rahul revealed that Padikkal had spent the last couple of years patiently waiting for his opportunity while working on his game.
"In the last couple of years he's been waiting for his opportunity and quietly toiling in the nets and trying to get better at some aspects of his batting," Rahul said.
Padikkal's preparation for the Sri Lanka tour began well before the first Test. He had represented India A in Sri Lanka and also scored a century in the warm-up game, giving him valuable exposure to the conditions. Rahul said those experiences, combined with their conversations, helped Padikkal understand what would be required once he got his chance at the highest level.
"He's someone who's come here before, scored some runs in India A as well. So just getting used to the condition, he scored 100 in the warm-up game as well. He's been amongst runs, he's someone who loves batting and scoring big runs," Rahul added.
Padikkal walked in after India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early and gradually took control of the innings. He combined patience with elegant strokeplay, eventually reaching his maiden Test hundred and continuing all the way to 167, his highest score in the format. His innings included 15 fours and a six.
For Rahul, the significance of Padikkal's hundred goes beyond the numbers. He believes getting a first Test century early in a career can remove a major psychological barrier and allow a batter to play with greater freedom.
"I'm really happy that he could get the first hundred and that's really special for everybody and very important to get that early in your career so you can get that out of the way and then start enjoying your cricket and start enjoying your batting and take your batting to the next level," Rahul said.
"I think he's at a stage where he understands his batting really well and he's scoring lots of runs so I think he'll make that move into scoring bigger knocks for India and being more consistent," Rahul added.
India eventually finished on 462 in 116.4 overs, taking a substantial advantage into Sri Lanka's first innings. Padikkal was the star with 167, while Rahul contributed 82 and Dhruv Jurel added a valuable 51. Rishabh Pant made 39, while the lower order ensured India crossed the 450-mark despite Sri Lanka's late fightback.
Sri Lanka's spinners eventually made inroads, with Prabath Jayasuriya taking 4/109 and debu
Speaking in a video posted by the BCCI, Rahul revealed that Padikkal had spent the last couple of years patiently waiting for his opportunity while working on his game.
"In the last couple of years he's been waiting for his opportunity and quietly toiling in the nets and trying to get better at some aspects of his batting," Rahul said.
Padikkal's preparation for the Sri Lanka tour began well before the first Test. He had represented India A in Sri Lanka and also scored a century in the warm-up game, giving him valuable exposure to the conditions. Rahul said those experiences, combined with their conversations, helped Padikkal understand what would be required once he got his chance at the highest level.
"He's someone who's come here before, scored some runs in India A as well. So just getting used to the condition, he scored 100 in the warm-up game as well. He's been amongst runs, he's someone who loves batting and scoring big runs," Rahul added.
Padikkal walked in after India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early and gradually took control of the innings. He combined patience with elegant strokeplay, eventually reaching his maiden Test hundred and continuing all the way to 167, his highest score in the format. His innings included 15 fours and a six.
For Rahul, the significance of Padikkal's hundred goes beyond the numbers. He believes getting a first Test century early in a career can remove a major psychological barrier and allow a batter to play with greater freedom.
"I'm really happy that he could get the first hundred and that's really special for everybody and very important to get that early in your career so you can get that out of the way and then start enjoying your cricket and start enjoying your batting and take your batting to the next level," Rahul said.
"I think he's at a stage where he understands his batting really well and he's scoring lots of runs so I think he'll make that move into scoring bigger knocks for India and being more consistent," Rahul added.
India eventually finished on 462 in 116.4 overs, taking a substantial advantage into Sri Lanka's first innings. Padikkal was the star with 167, while Rahul contributed 82 and Dhruv Jurel added a valuable 51. Rishabh Pant made 39, while the lower order ensured India crossed the 450-mark despite Sri Lanka's late fightback.
Sri Lanka's spinners eventually made inroads, with Prabath Jayasuriya taking 4/109 and debu
3 months ago
Timesofindia.com in Galle: Quick single, a punch in the air followed by a jubilant jump before unleashing another punch. The helmet came off in a flash, and his arms spread wide to acknowledge the applause from the dressing room and the spectators braving the heat on the grass banks. It was a memorable moment for Devdutt Padikkal, who notched up his maiden Test hundred, and it couldn't have come at a better time, both for him and the country.
Playing a Test for the country after 632 days, he walked into bat after a moment of chaos between Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, who were involved in a terrible mix-up, but took the mantle seamlessly from the opener. Devdutt got off the mark with a boundary, danced down the track to launch Prabath Jayasuriya for a maximum early in the innings and showcased excellent footwork against both spin and pace. There wasn't much happening off the surface in the first session, but the odd delivery did surprise the batters, mostly because of the drift caused by the crosswinds.
Off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha, introduced in the ninth over on his debut, got one to drift in and hold its line after pitching, but the bounce saved Devdutt, who wore a look of disbelief. No one expected that kind of ***** istance from the surface that early in the contest, and the remainder of the day showed that what happened in the 13th over was an anomaly. Except for the occasional delivery with more drift than usual, there wasn't much turn on offer, and Devdutt remained very busy and breezy in his approach, outscoring his senior partner, Rahul, with ease.
Like the spinners, pacers Lahiru ***** ara and Asitha Fernando also found little ***** istance. The two had their moments, but their effort wasn't consistent enough to challenge the visitors in the beautiful batting conditions. After the first rain break, Asitha bowled a testing spell to both Rahul and Devdutt, but both were seasoned enough to navigate the period, when moisture might have seeped into the surface because of the strong shower, and then feasted on some ordinary bowling.
While Rahul was happy to switch to blockathon mode, Devdutt kept the board moving at a fair clip. The Karnataka batters, who spend a lot of time off the field bonding over their mutual love for coffee, complemented each other really well. Rahul, who unfortunately retired hurt due to cramps, enjoys batting with Devdutt as the left-hander's positive approach allows him to switch to zen mode.
Devdutt remained in the driving seat of the 150-run stand, which put India in a dominant position on the opening day, maximizing the crucial toss Shubman Gill had won earlier. With the pitch expected to deteriorate in the coming days, India's best shot at winning the Test is to bat once and bat big, and both Devdutt and Rahul laid a solid foundation for that.
A couple of weeks ago, Devdutt was nowhere close to the playing XI, but an ill-timed injury to Sai Sudharsan opened up the No. 3 slot. The management, not
Playing a Test for the country after 632 days, he walked into bat after a moment of chaos between Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, who were involved in a terrible mix-up, but took the mantle seamlessly from the opener. Devdutt got off the mark with a boundary, danced down the track to launch Prabath Jayasuriya for a maximum early in the innings and showcased excellent footwork against both spin and pace. There wasn't much happening off the surface in the first session, but the odd delivery did surprise the batters, mostly because of the drift caused by the crosswinds.
Off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha, introduced in the ninth over on his debut, got one to drift in and hold its line after pitching, but the bounce saved Devdutt, who wore a look of disbelief. No one expected that kind of ***** istance from the surface that early in the contest, and the remainder of the day showed that what happened in the 13th over was an anomaly. Except for the occasional delivery with more drift than usual, there wasn't much turn on offer, and Devdutt remained very busy and breezy in his approach, outscoring his senior partner, Rahul, with ease.
Like the spinners, pacers Lahiru ***** ara and Asitha Fernando also found little ***** istance. The two had their moments, but their effort wasn't consistent enough to challenge the visitors in the beautiful batting conditions. After the first rain break, Asitha bowled a testing spell to both Rahul and Devdutt, but both were seasoned enough to navigate the period, when moisture might have seeped into the surface because of the strong shower, and then feasted on some ordinary bowling.
While Rahul was happy to switch to blockathon mode, Devdutt kept the board moving at a fair clip. The Karnataka batters, who spend a lot of time off the field bonding over their mutual love for coffee, complemented each other really well. Rahul, who unfortunately retired hurt due to cramps, enjoys batting with Devdutt as the left-hander's positive approach allows him to switch to zen mode.
Devdutt remained in the driving seat of the 150-run stand, which put India in a dominant position on the opening day, maximizing the crucial toss Shubman Gill had won earlier. With the pitch expected to deteriorate in the coming days, India's best shot at winning the Test is to bat once and bat big, and both Devdutt and Rahul laid a solid foundation for that.
A couple of weeks ago, Devdutt was nowhere close to the playing XI, but an ill-timed injury to Sai Sudharsan opened up the No. 3 slot. The management, not
3 months ago
When Yashasvi Jaiswal walked out to bat in Galle for the first Test against Sri Lanka, he was playing the 30th Test of his career. The milestone came with an unusual record - Jaiswal has played each of his first 30 Tests at a different venue.
The India opener has never played a Test at the same ground twice.
His journey began in Roseau in July 2023 and, after stops across the Caribbean, South Africa, India, England and Australia, he reached his 30th Test in Galle on Saturday.
Jaiswal has made a strong start to his Test career. In 30 matches, he has scored 2,567 runs in 55 innings, including seven centuries and 13 fifties. His highest score is an unbeaten 214, while his batting average stands at 48.43.
Jaiswal's unique record also puts him in the company of two former India batters.
Sanjay Manjrekar played his first 33 Tests at 33 different venues, while Sachin Tendulkar appeared at 32 different venues in his first 32 Tests.
However, the landmark Test ended on a disappointing note for Jaiswal as he was run out for 32.
Jaiswal had looked comfortable during his 37-ball stay and was helping India make a steady start in Galle. But an unfortunate mix-up with KL Rahul brought his innings to an early end.
Jaiswal lost his balance after a collision with the bowler, and confusion followed between the two batters. Both Jaiswal and Rahul ended up at the non-striker's end, leaving Jaiswal stranded and forcing him to walk back.
Test
#jaiswal #test #tests #played
The India opener has never played a Test at the same ground twice.
His journey began in Roseau in July 2023 and, after stops across the Caribbean, South Africa, India, England and Australia, he reached his 30th Test in Galle on Saturday.
Jaiswal has made a strong start to his Test career. In 30 matches, he has scored 2,567 runs in 55 innings, including seven centuries and 13 fifties. His highest score is an unbeaten 214, while his batting average stands at 48.43.
Jaiswal's unique record also puts him in the company of two former India batters.
Sanjay Manjrekar played his first 33 Tests at 33 different venues, while Sachin Tendulkar appeared at 32 different venues in his first 32 Tests.
However, the landmark Test ended on a disappointing note for Jaiswal as he was run out for 32.
Jaiswal had looked comfortable during his 37-ball stay and was helping India make a steady start in Galle. But an unfortunate mix-up with KL Rahul brought his innings to an early end.
Jaiswal lost his balance after a collision with the bowler, and confusion followed between the two batters. Both Jaiswal and Rahul ended up at the non-striker's end, leaving Jaiswal stranded and forcing him to walk back.
Test
#jaiswal #test #tests #played
3 months ago
TimesofIndia.com in Galle: India's road to the World Test Championship (WTC) final enters the home stretch from the historic city of Galle, and captain Shubman Gill has an uphill task over the next few months. The WTC final is mathematically still within India's reach but would need a performance for the ages in the next few months, starting with the series opener in Galle on August 15.
The scenario is simple: win seven out of the next nine Test matches to secure the final berth. Even though the immediate challenge involves Galle, crosswinds and frequent rain interruptions, Gill and Co. have their eyes locked on the target, the "main goal".
"The main goal is to play the WTC final, which is next year. And we have got about nine Tests and I think we have to win around six or seven to be able to have a good chance at qualifying. So in terms of that, I think it's a very important series for us," said Gill at the pre-match press conference.
Gill is taking giant strides forward as a leader, which is reflected in how the team has prepared for the series. The captain has vocally criticised the packed scheduling and how it has robbed the side of ideal preparation before an important series in the past. Sri Lanka, on that front, has come as a breath of fresh air, as the team has been camped in Colombo since August 4, where they trained hard at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) Ground, played a warm-up fixture and squeezed in two quality sessions in Galle.
"If we do have an opportunity and if the scheduling allows us to have at least a week or 10 days before the Test match starts, it obviously helps with the preparation. Even last year we had quite a busy schedule in terms of, you know, travelling, playing in England and playing the Asia Cup, then playing the Test match in India, going to Australia.
"And then playing the Test match within four days after returning from Australia. So it's never easy for the players to be able to adapt. And most of the players in this team, I think, require a bit of time to be able to adjust to the conditions. And it's not like a lot of the players have a lot of matches or a lot of experience under their belts. So the extra time in preparation definitely helps," added Gill.
Every player in the squad relies on high-volume preparation. The optional nets remained busy on the eve of the match as the likes of Gill, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Gurnoor Brar, Manav Suthar and others applied the finishing touches hours before taking the field in very hot and humid conditions. India's squad, hit by injury concerns, is far from the first choice, but there is no dearth of quality in the 15 ***** embled by the men's senior selection committee.
Chairman Ajit Agarkar has been with the side in Galle, and there have been long chats involving the selector, coach and captain. For a team that has relied heavily on all-rounders to fill crucial slots, the first Test will be a rare occasion featuring
The scenario is simple: win seven out of the next nine Test matches to secure the final berth. Even though the immediate challenge involves Galle, crosswinds and frequent rain interruptions, Gill and Co. have their eyes locked on the target, the "main goal".
"The main goal is to play the WTC final, which is next year. And we have got about nine Tests and I think we have to win around six or seven to be able to have a good chance at qualifying. So in terms of that, I think it's a very important series for us," said Gill at the pre-match press conference.
Gill is taking giant strides forward as a leader, which is reflected in how the team has prepared for the series. The captain has vocally criticised the packed scheduling and how it has robbed the side of ideal preparation before an important series in the past. Sri Lanka, on that front, has come as a breath of fresh air, as the team has been camped in Colombo since August 4, where they trained hard at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) Ground, played a warm-up fixture and squeezed in two quality sessions in Galle.
"If we do have an opportunity and if the scheduling allows us to have at least a week or 10 days before the Test match starts, it obviously helps with the preparation. Even last year we had quite a busy schedule in terms of, you know, travelling, playing in England and playing the Asia Cup, then playing the Test match in India, going to Australia.
"And then playing the Test match within four days after returning from Australia. So it's never easy for the players to be able to adapt. And most of the players in this team, I think, require a bit of time to be able to adjust to the conditions. And it's not like a lot of the players have a lot of matches or a lot of experience under their belts. So the extra time in preparation definitely helps," added Gill.
Every player in the squad relies on high-volume preparation. The optional nets remained busy on the eve of the match as the likes of Gill, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Gurnoor Brar, Manav Suthar and others applied the finishing touches hours before taking the field in very hot and humid conditions. India's squad, hit by injury concerns, is far from the first choice, but there is no dearth of quality in the 15 ***** embled by the men's senior selection committee.
Chairman Ajit Agarkar has been with the side in Galle, and there have been long chats involving the selector, coach and captain. For a team that has relied heavily on all-rounders to fill crucial slots, the first Test will be a rare occasion featuring
3 months ago
India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal looked back at a memorable moment involving former captain Rohit Sharma as the team prepared for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.
Jaiswal shared a set of pictures from India's training session as preparations began for the two-Test series. However, it was his caption that caught the attention of fans.
The left-handed batter referred to one of Rohit's well-known on-field instructions from India's tour of Australia.
"Because once a legend said 'jab tak khelega nahi, tab tak uthneka nahi'," Jaiswal wrote on Instagram.
The caption was a reference to an incident during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Jaiswal was fielding at forward silly point when he briefly stood up before Steve Smith had completed his shot.
Rohit, who was captaining India at the time, noticed it immediately and reminded Jaiswal to stay low until the ball had been played.
"Ae Jaisu, gully cricket khel raha hai kya? Neeche baith ke rah ("Are you playing gully cricket? Stay down. Don't get up until the ball has been played!)" Rohit was heard saying on the stump microphone.
The exchange quickly went viral and became one of the lighter moments of India's tour of Australia.
Jaiswal's Instagram post brought back memories of that moment as India prepare for the Sri Lanka series.
The Shubman Gill-led team has started training in Colombo ahead of the two-match Test series. Jaiswal is expected to open the batting with KL Rahul when India face Sri Lanka in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium on August 15.
#jaiswal #lanka #stay
Jaiswal shared a set of pictures from India's training session as preparations began for the two-Test series. However, it was his caption that caught the attention of fans.
The left-handed batter referred to one of Rohit's well-known on-field instructions from India's tour of Australia.
"Because once a legend said 'jab tak khelega nahi, tab tak uthneka nahi'," Jaiswal wrote on Instagram.
The caption was a reference to an incident during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Jaiswal was fielding at forward silly point when he briefly stood up before Steve Smith had completed his shot.
Rohit, who was captaining India at the time, noticed it immediately and reminded Jaiswal to stay low until the ball had been played.
"Ae Jaisu, gully cricket khel raha hai kya? Neeche baith ke rah ("Are you playing gully cricket? Stay down. Don't get up until the ball has been played!)" Rohit was heard saying on the stump microphone.
The exchange quickly went viral and became one of the lighter moments of India's tour of Australia.
Jaiswal's Instagram post brought back memories of that moment as India prepare for the Sri Lanka series.
The Shubman Gill-led team has started training in Colombo ahead of the two-match Test series. Jaiswal is expected to open the batting with KL Rahul when India face Sri Lanka in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium on August 15.
#jaiswal #lanka #stay
3 months ago
Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif believes Rohit Sharma has made up his mind not to retire from ODI cricket on his own and will instead leave it to the selectors to decide when his journey with the national team should end.
Rohit's future has been under intense scrutiny since India's ODI series against England. Reports ahead of the tour claimed that the senior selection committee had informed the veteran opener he was not part of India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with the selectors keen to invest in younger opening options, including Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The speculation gathered further pace after Rohit managed a slow-paced 26 off 47 ******* in the second ODI at Cardiff. Questions over his future intensified, with reports suggesting the series decider at Lord's on July 19 could be his final ODI appearance for India.
However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed those claims before the match, stating that no decision had been taken to make the Lord's fixture Rohit's farewell game. While the clarification ended immediate speculation, it did not confirm whether Rohit remained part of India's long-term plans leading up to the 2027 World Cup.
The veteran opener responded in style, smashing 138 from just 110 deliveries during India's chase of 388 at Lord's. His innings, featuring 17 fours and five sixes, made him the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at the iconic venue, although India eventually fell 27 runs short and lost the series 2-1.
Following the match, captain Shubman Gill said Rohit had not informed the team about any retirement plans, while Rohit himself insisted his only focus was on scoring runs for India.
Sharing his views on the situation, Kaif said Rohit's recent actions suggest he has no intention of stepping away voluntarily.
"Yes, one thing has become clear," Kaif said during a discussion. "Rohit Sharma is effectively saying, 'If I am not playing well, you take the call yourselves. Drop me.'
"The fact that he has not stepped away or announced his retirement, the enthusiasm he is showing, the way he is approaching his batting and the hundred he scored at Lord's — all of this shows that he is now focused entirely on playing. Whatever the selectors want to do after that is up to them. Perhaps earlier there was an attempt to convince him about certain things internally. The problem at the moment is that it is difficult to understand who stands where. There is a lot of confusion," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
Kaif also questioned the lack of clarity from the team management regarding Rohit's long-term future. While coaches have repeatedly backed the opener to play with freedom, the former India batter believes the management should clearly state whether Rohit remains part of its World Cup plans.
"At times, members of the coaching staff come out and say, 'We have given Rohit Sharma complete freedom to play his natural game.' But ******* ody has yet made a clear statement saying, 'Ro
Rohit's future has been under intense scrutiny since India's ODI series against England. Reports ahead of the tour claimed that the senior selection committee had informed the veteran opener he was not part of India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with the selectors keen to invest in younger opening options, including Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The speculation gathered further pace after Rohit managed a slow-paced 26 off 47 ******* in the second ODI at Cardiff. Questions over his future intensified, with reports suggesting the series decider at Lord's on July 19 could be his final ODI appearance for India.
However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed those claims before the match, stating that no decision had been taken to make the Lord's fixture Rohit's farewell game. While the clarification ended immediate speculation, it did not confirm whether Rohit remained part of India's long-term plans leading up to the 2027 World Cup.
The veteran opener responded in style, smashing 138 from just 110 deliveries during India's chase of 388 at Lord's. His innings, featuring 17 fours and five sixes, made him the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at the iconic venue, although India eventually fell 27 runs short and lost the series 2-1.
Following the match, captain Shubman Gill said Rohit had not informed the team about any retirement plans, while Rohit himself insisted his only focus was on scoring runs for India.
Sharing his views on the situation, Kaif said Rohit's recent actions suggest he has no intention of stepping away voluntarily.
"Yes, one thing has become clear," Kaif said during a discussion. "Rohit Sharma is effectively saying, 'If I am not playing well, you take the call yourselves. Drop me.'
"The fact that he has not stepped away or announced his retirement, the enthusiasm he is showing, the way he is approaching his batting and the hundred he scored at Lord's — all of this shows that he is now focused entirely on playing. Whatever the selectors want to do after that is up to them. Perhaps earlier there was an attempt to convince him about certain things internally. The problem at the moment is that it is difficult to understand who stands where. There is a lot of confusion," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
Kaif also questioned the lack of clarity from the team management regarding Rohit's long-term future. While coaches have repeatedly backed the opener to play with freedom, the former India batter believes the management should clearly state whether Rohit remains part of its World Cup plans.
"At times, members of the coaching staff come out and say, 'We have given Rohit Sharma complete freedom to play his natural game.' But ******* ody has yet made a clear statement saying, 'Ro
3 months ago
NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi earned his maiden call-up to the Indian team after senior pacer Jasprit ******* rah was ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. TimesofIndia.com had earlier reported that the J & K pacer was the frontrunner to replace the 32-year-old in the squad, who has not yet fully recovered from the left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England.
"The Men's Selection Committee has named Auqib Nabi as ******* rah's replacement. The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler earns his maiden call-up to the senior national team," A BCCI release said.
Nabi claimed 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in the 2025-26 campaign, playing a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.
He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two first-class matches.
The first Test will be played in Galle from August 15 to 19, while the second Test will be held in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
The series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
132822556
Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi.
*Subject to fitness clearance
#nabi #test #jammu #maiden
"The Men's Selection Committee has named Auqib Nabi as ******* rah's replacement. The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler earns his maiden call-up to the senior national team," A BCCI release said.
Nabi claimed 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in the 2025-26 campaign, playing a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.
He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two first-class matches.
The first Test will be played in Galle from August 15 to 19, while the second Test will be held in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
The series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
132822556
Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi.
*Subject to fitness clearance
#nabi #test #jammu #maiden
4 months ago
The debate surrounding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's ODI future refuses to die down despite both continuing to deliver for India. While neither head coach Gautam Gambhir nor chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar has publicly committed to their participation in the 2027 World Cup, keeping the speculation around their future alive.
India's recent 1-2 ODI series defeat against England only added fuel to the conversation. Rohit silenced critics with a match-winning century in the series finale, registering his 34th ODI hundred amid speculation that the Lord's fixture could be his final international appearance. Kohli, meanwhile, chipped in with two half-centuries during the series after both senior batters struggled in the opening match.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta believes there is no need to question Rohit and Kohli's places in the side, but stressed that both must make an immediate impact whenever a series begins instead of taking time to settle.
"That has to be a conversation with everyone, not just them (Kohli and Rohit), that they have to start the series well and hit the ground running. That is a challenge. You can't take one or two games to get into the groove. But that's where the support staff comes in and has conversations with the players by creating an environment to get the best out of everyone," Deep Dasgupta said on his YouTube channel.
Dasgupta insisted that the standards applied to the two stalwarts should remain unchanged despite the increasing scrutiny around their careers.
"There is no conversation needed with them about their places in the team. Four years back, it wasn't like they had to be reminded before every series that they would be in the team. They knew they would be in the team based on their performances. So how does that change now? It does not and should not change," he added.
Questions over the future of Rohit and Kohli have surfaced repeatedly since both retired from Test cricket last year, leaving ODIs as their only international format. Before the Lord's ODI against England, reports suggested that the selection committee was considering moving on from Rohit ahead of the 2027 World Cup to create an opening for Yashasvi Jaiswal.
However, the BCCI leadership dismissed reports that the Lord's encounter would be Rohit's final international appearance.
Dasgupta believes the constant speculation is largely because the pair now feature in only one international format, making every ODI performance subject to greater scrutiny.
132677492
"This discussion about their future is getting exaggerated because they play only one format. When you play multiple formats, if you fail in one but score in the other, the failure is forgotten. So that's a challenge for these two that can't be denied. People will remember what they last did in this format because they play only one format. But the conversation with them should be the same as it was three years ago," he added.
#dasgupta #intern
India's recent 1-2 ODI series defeat against England only added fuel to the conversation. Rohit silenced critics with a match-winning century in the series finale, registering his 34th ODI hundred amid speculation that the Lord's fixture could be his final international appearance. Kohli, meanwhile, chipped in with two half-centuries during the series after both senior batters struggled in the opening match.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta believes there is no need to question Rohit and Kohli's places in the side, but stressed that both must make an immediate impact whenever a series begins instead of taking time to settle.
"That has to be a conversation with everyone, not just them (Kohli and Rohit), that they have to start the series well and hit the ground running. That is a challenge. You can't take one or two games to get into the groove. But that's where the support staff comes in and has conversations with the players by creating an environment to get the best out of everyone," Deep Dasgupta said on his YouTube channel.
Dasgupta insisted that the standards applied to the two stalwarts should remain unchanged despite the increasing scrutiny around their careers.
"There is no conversation needed with them about their places in the team. Four years back, it wasn't like they had to be reminded before every series that they would be in the team. They knew they would be in the team based on their performances. So how does that change now? It does not and should not change," he added.
Questions over the future of Rohit and Kohli have surfaced repeatedly since both retired from Test cricket last year, leaving ODIs as their only international format. Before the Lord's ODI against England, reports suggested that the selection committee was considering moving on from Rohit ahead of the 2027 World Cup to create an opening for Yashasvi Jaiswal.
However, the BCCI leadership dismissed reports that the Lord's encounter would be Rohit's final international appearance.
Dasgupta believes the constant speculation is largely because the pair now feature in only one international format, making every ODI performance subject to greater scrutiny.
132677492
"This discussion about their future is getting exaggerated because they play only one format. When you play multiple formats, if you fail in one but score in the other, the failure is forgotten. So that's a challenge for these two that can't be denied. People will remember what they last did in this format because they play only one format. But the conversation with them should be the same as it was three years ago," he added.
#dasgupta #intern
4 months ago
NEW DELHI: Amid the rising football fever during the ongoing FIFA season, India cricketer Yashasvi Jaiswal was spotted enjoying the France vs Sweden Round of 32 match at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.
The Instagram reel was captioned "Bucket List", highlighting the cricketer's long-standing desire to watch a FIFA fixture and his interest in football.
Even though France and Sweden were playing, Jaiswal showed where his loyalties lay by wearing Lionel Messi's Argentina No. 10 jersey to the match, reflecting his admiration for the football icon while soaking up the competition's atmosphere.
Watch:
Away from the Indian squad, Jaiswal appeared to be making the most of his time off.
The opener was left out of the squad following the inclusion of veteran batter Rohit Sharma, giving rise to much speculation, as Rohit has been under scrutiny for a long period.
A day after scoring an unbeaten 110 against Afghanistan in Chennai, the 24-year-old found himself dropped from India's ODI squad for the series against England.
Since then, Jaiswal has been away from competitive action.
Being one of only six batters to score a century in all three formats for the Men in Blue, Jaiswal enjoyed another successful phase with the bat.
Jaiswal is expected to return to action in India's upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand in November.
132132861
The Instagram reel was captioned "Bucket List", highlighting the cricketer's long-standing desire to watch a FIFA fixture and his interest in football.
Even though France and Sweden were playing, Jaiswal showed where his loyalties lay by wearing Lionel Messi's Argentina No. 10 jersey to the match, reflecting his admiration for the football icon while soaking up the competition's atmosphere.
Watch:
Away from the Indian squad, Jaiswal appeared to be making the most of his time off.
The opener was left out of the squad following the inclusion of veteran batter Rohit Sharma, giving rise to much speculation, as Rohit has been under scrutiny for a long period.
A day after scoring an unbeaten 110 against Afghanistan in Chennai, the 24-year-old found himself dropped from India's ODI squad for the series against England.
Since then, Jaiswal has been away from competitive action.
Being one of only six batters to score a century in all three formats for the Men in Blue, Jaiswal enjoyed another successful phase with the bat.
Jaiswal is expected to return to action in India's upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand in November.
132132861
4 months ago
Bucket list checked: Yashasvi Jaiswal dons Messi shirt to watch France vs Sweden 2026 FIFA World Cup game in New Jersey originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
India's Yashasvi Jaiswal attended the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash between France and Sweden in New Jersey.
He posted an Instagram Reel wearing the Argentina jersey of the Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, calling it a "bucket list" moment.
Although Messi's Argentina were not in action, Jaiswal soaked in the atmosphere from the stands.
MORE:Ashwin joins Dravid-owned Dublin Guardians in ETPL
India's Yashasvi Jaiswal attended the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash between France and Sweden in New Jersey.
He posted an Instagram Reel wearing the Argentina jersey of the Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, calling it a "bucket list" moment.
Although Messi's Argentina were not in action, Jaiswal soaked in the atmosphere from the stands.
MORE:Ashwin joins Dravid-owned Dublin Guardians in ETPL
5 months ago
Ishan Kishan has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence over the past year. His rich vein of form began after leading Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) ***** le and continued with impressive performances in the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the IPL 2026, and the ODI series against Afghanistan, earning him another call-up to India's squad.
The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter marked his return to ODI cricket in style, scoring 34 in the first ODI at Dharamshala before smashing a brilliant 125 in Lucknow. With Virat Kohli sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Kishan, ODI captain Shubman Gill, and T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer each occupied the No. 3 position during the series.
Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes Kishan's long-term future lies at No. 4, especially after Kohli returns to the playing XI.
"When it comes to Ishan Kishan, it is great that he is part of the ODI setup. Being a left-hander, he'll add a lot of value. I see him eventually batting at No. 4. That is the ideal position for him. He plays spin exceptionally well and is equally comfortable against pace," Rayudu said while responding to a question from IANS during a virtual media interaction facilitated by Sony Sports Network.
"He and Shreyas Iyer can form a formidable No. 4 and No. 5 combination for India going forward," he added.
With Virat Kohli unavailable due to injury, India fielded the following XI:
Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav
India will next travel to England for a white-ball series scheduled from July 1 to July 19, 2026. The tour comprises five T20 Internationals followed by three One-Day Internationals, where Kishan will look to cement his place in India's ODI middle order.
Match
Date
The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter marked his return to ODI cricket in style, scoring 34 in the first ODI at Dharamshala before smashing a brilliant 125 in Lucknow. With Virat Kohli sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Kishan, ODI captain Shubman Gill, and T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer each occupied the No. 3 position during the series.
Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes Kishan's long-term future lies at No. 4, especially after Kohli returns to the playing XI.
"When it comes to Ishan Kishan, it is great that he is part of the ODI setup. Being a left-hander, he'll add a lot of value. I see him eventually batting at No. 4. That is the ideal position for him. He plays spin exceptionally well and is equally comfortable against pace," Rayudu said while responding to a question from IANS during a virtual media interaction facilitated by Sony Sports Network.
"He and Shreyas Iyer can form a formidable No. 4 and No. 5 combination for India going forward," he added.
With Virat Kohli unavailable due to injury, India fielded the following XI:
Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav
India will next travel to England for a white-ball series scheduled from July 1 to July 19, 2026. The tour comprises five T20 Internationals followed by three One-Day Internationals, where Kishan will look to cement his place in India's ODI middle order.
Match
Date
5 months ago
Former India and Karnataka fast bowler Dodda Ganesh has criticised the Indian team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, for resting KL Rahul during the third and final ODI against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Rahul, who featured in the first two matches of the three-game series, was left out of the playing XI for the final ODI despite having spent very little time in the middle. The wicketkeeper-batter faced 19 ******* in the series opener, remaining unbeaten on 39 as India secured a seven-wicket win in a rain-curtailed contest. He was then dismissed for a first-ball duck in the second ODI in Lucknow.
With Rahul rested, Ishan Kishan took over wicketkeeping duties in Chennai. However, Kishan did not get an opportunity to bat as India comfortably chased down Afghanistan's total to seal a 3-0 series sweep.
Ganesh questioned the logic behind the decision and took to X to express his frustration.
“KL Rahul didn’t need this rest. He’s played only 20 ******* in the series. Absolutely makes zero sense,” Ganesh wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
India, however, continued their dominant run in the series. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna starred with a maiden five-wicket haul, returning figures of 5-23 in nine overs, as Afghanistan were bowled out for 218 in 44.2 overs despite captain Hashmatullah Shahidi scoring a fighting 102.
Chasing 219, India made light work of the target through a commanding opening stand between Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The duo added 170 runs for the first wicket, with Rohit scoring 79 before falling to Mohammad Nabi.
Jaiswal carried on and produced a superb unbeaten 110 off 86 ******* , his second ODI century in just three innings. Shreyas Iyer provided support at the other end as India completed the chase with 128 ******* to spare and secured a nine-wicket victory.
The result also handed India their first ODI series win under captain Shubman Gill, who led from the front in the field with two direct-hit run-outs during Afghanistan's innings.
Rahul, who featured in the first two matches of the three-game series, was left out of the playing XI for the final ODI despite having spent very little time in the middle. The wicketkeeper-batter faced 19 ******* in the series opener, remaining unbeaten on 39 as India secured a seven-wicket win in a rain-curtailed contest. He was then dismissed for a first-ball duck in the second ODI in Lucknow.
With Rahul rested, Ishan Kishan took over wicketkeeping duties in Chennai. However, Kishan did not get an opportunity to bat as India comfortably chased down Afghanistan's total to seal a 3-0 series sweep.
Ganesh questioned the logic behind the decision and took to X to express his frustration.
“KL Rahul didn’t need this rest. He’s played only 20 ******* in the series. Absolutely makes zero sense,” Ganesh wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
India, however, continued their dominant run in the series. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna starred with a maiden five-wicket haul, returning figures of 5-23 in nine overs, as Afghanistan were bowled out for 218 in 44.2 overs despite captain Hashmatullah Shahidi scoring a fighting 102.
Chasing 219, India made light work of the target through a commanding opening stand between Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The duo added 170 runs for the first wicket, with Rohit scoring 79 before falling to Mohammad Nabi.
Jaiswal carried on and produced a superb unbeaten 110 off 86 ******* , his second ODI century in just three innings. Shreyas Iyer provided support at the other end as India completed the chase with 128 ******* to spare and secured a nine-wicket victory.
The result also handed India their first ODI series win under captain Shubman Gill, who led from the front in the field with two direct-hit run-outs during Afghanistan's innings.
5 months ago
India will lock horns with Afghanistan for the final time in the bilateral series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday afternoon.
With the hosts having already sealed the series with an unbeatable 2-0 cushion, Rohit Sharma will be keen to sign off on a strong note after failing to get big scores in the first two ODIs.
His case was made easier after stand-in opener Yashasvi Jaiswal managed just four runs in that game.
Harshit Rana, freshly back in the mix, is tipped to feature against Afghanistan, while the team management may rest KL Rahul and hand Ishan Kishan a turn behind the stumps. All-rounder Nitish Reddy is also fit and ready, and ***** istant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed on Friday that he will play.
With the hosts having already sealed the series with an unbeatable 2-0 cushion, Rohit Sharma will be keen to sign off on a strong note after failing to get big scores in the first two ODIs.
His case was made easier after stand-in opener Yashasvi Jaiswal managed just four runs in that game.
Harshit Rana, freshly back in the mix, is tipped to feature against Afghanistan, while the team management may rest KL Rahul and hand Ishan Kishan a turn behind the stumps. All-rounder Nitish Reddy is also fit and ready, and ***** istant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed on Friday that he will play.
5 months ago
TimesofIndia.com in Chennai: India may have already sealed the ODI series against Afghanistan, but the final game in Chennai is far from a dead rubber. For the team management, it is another opportunity to tick boxes on the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup, test combinations and, most importantly, ensure that every player in the squad gets a meaningful opportunity.
One of those players is opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The left-hander endured a disappointing outing in the previous ODI, but India's ******* istant coach Ryan ten Doeschate made it clear that one failure would not cost him his place. Jaiswal is set for another opportunity, a reflection of the management's commitment to giving fringe players a proper run rather than judging them on a single innings.
"We also want another look at Yashasvi Jaiswal. He didn't get runs in the last game, so he'll get another opportunity," ten Doeschate said on the eve of the third ODI.
The message from the Indian camp has been consistent. Winning remains the first priority, but so does building depth. That balancing act is evident in the likely changes for Friday's game.
Fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, who has impressed in the first two matches, is likely to be rested as part of workload management. The batting order, too, will undergo a reshuffle, with the top three set to remain the same. Between Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer one will miss out as both all-rounders Washington Sundar and Nitish ******* ar Reddy are set to feature in the playing XI.
"We will be making a few changes from the first two games. Part of the brief coming into the series was that we wanted to try a few different combinations and give everyone a fair share of games. Someone like Arshdeep has bowled very well in the first two games; he can probably take a rest tomorrow, and the same goes for one of the batters. We'll swap them out and go back to playing a slightly different side," he added.
That flexibility has become one of India's biggest strengths in white-ball cricket. Several batters are capable of occupying multiple positions, allowing the management to experiment without significantly weakening the side. The same philosophy extends to the all-rounders, where Nitish ******* ar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube are all being ******* sed for different roles.
According to ten Doeschate, Nitish remains an important long-term investment.
"Nitish has shown over the last 18 months how important he can become for this team. His body is getting stronger, and we see him as the natural backup to Hardik."
Yet the spotlight remains firmly on Jaiswal.
Few players in Indian cricket have had to deal with such fierce competition for a place at the top of the order. With Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, opportunities have been limited for the southpaw.
Ten Doeschate acknowledged the challenge of managing a squad overflowing with batting talent.
"In a series like this against Afghanis
One of those players is opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The left-hander endured a disappointing outing in the previous ODI, but India's ******* istant coach Ryan ten Doeschate made it clear that one failure would not cost him his place. Jaiswal is set for another opportunity, a reflection of the management's commitment to giving fringe players a proper run rather than judging them on a single innings.
"We also want another look at Yashasvi Jaiswal. He didn't get runs in the last game, so he'll get another opportunity," ten Doeschate said on the eve of the third ODI.
The message from the Indian camp has been consistent. Winning remains the first priority, but so does building depth. That balancing act is evident in the likely changes for Friday's game.
Fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, who has impressed in the first two matches, is likely to be rested as part of workload management. The batting order, too, will undergo a reshuffle, with the top three set to remain the same. Between Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer one will miss out as both all-rounders Washington Sundar and Nitish ******* ar Reddy are set to feature in the playing XI.
"We will be making a few changes from the first two games. Part of the brief coming into the series was that we wanted to try a few different combinations and give everyone a fair share of games. Someone like Arshdeep has bowled very well in the first two games; he can probably take a rest tomorrow, and the same goes for one of the batters. We'll swap them out and go back to playing a slightly different side," he added.
That flexibility has become one of India's biggest strengths in white-ball cricket. Several batters are capable of occupying multiple positions, allowing the management to experiment without significantly weakening the side. The same philosophy extends to the all-rounders, where Nitish ******* ar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube are all being ******* sed for different roles.
According to ten Doeschate, Nitish remains an important long-term investment.
"Nitish has shown over the last 18 months how important he can become for this team. His body is getting stronger, and we see him as the natural backup to Hardik."
Yet the spotlight remains firmly on Jaiswal.
Few players in Indian cricket have had to deal with such fierce competition for a place at the top of the order. With Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, opportunities have been limited for the southpaw.
Ten Doeschate acknowledged the challenge of managing a squad overflowing with batting talent.
"In a series like this against Afghanis
