“When you play against some really talented players and you take a look at the names in this tournament… You were at the top of your game back then, playing cricket for the international team.

“You lose these opportunities to perform in front of appreciative audiences and have that experience when you retire from music. It does make you realize how fortunate you were to play professional cricket for such a long time,” he continued.

Dhawan, who announced his retirement in August, said he was still coming to terms of playing again after a layoff and wanted to catch on with the rhythm.

“It was a challenging wicket to bat on, but it felt great to be back on the field.” A day after hitting fifty for Gujarat Greats versus Southern Super Stars, he stated, “It was turning a lot, and it’s nice to middle the ball and score some runs.”

He remarked, “But I felt good and was tired too because I played matches after 4-5 months, which is pretty normal.”

After playing his last international match ten years ago, Abdur Razzak of Bangladesh has been focusing on giving it his all while simultaneously watching the national team’s tour.

“I work as a selector, which is a challenging job that I do full-time,” he remarked.

“There is a lot of people and an amazing atmosphere that they create, so the feelings and atmosphere are pretty similar,” he continued.

The post Ian Bell: LLC Tournaments Shine Light on the Blessings of Playing for Your Country appeared first on Cricket Country.

Before a side strain kept him out of the competition, Mayank had captured the interest of the cricketing world by routinely reaching speeds of over 150 kmph in his first IPL earlier this year.

The 22-year-old has been quickly incorporated into the team because of his unique potential, but typically, one must demonstrate fitness in domestic cricket in order to be considered for national selection.

His temperament and level of fitness will be put to the test in the series against Bangladesh. If he can replicate the precision and composure that he showed in the IPL, that is yet to be seen.

Throughout the course of the series, in addition to Mayank, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and pacer Harshit Rana of Delhi could possibly make their debut for India.

After the T20 World Cup, Nitish was chosen for the Zimbabwe tour, but he was injured, and Harshit was unable to participate in the five-match series in Harare.

Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj, and Axar Patel have been rested from the Twenty20 match against Bangladesh in favour of the Test match against New Zealand.

The two biggest names in the team are Hardik Pandya and skipper Suryakumar Yadav; pacer Arshdeep Singh is the only other member of the World Cup-winning team.

Due to an injury, all-rounder Shivam Dube will not be playing in this series. As per information acquired from sources, it seems Dube was carrying a back injury before he reported for national duty in Gwalior.

Talented southpaw Tilak Varma of the Mumbai Indians has been called up for the series and will report to the team on Sunday, according to a BCCI press release. This is while the big-bodied Mumbaikar gets ready for a rigorous rehabilitation at the NCA.

The break for the regulars would allow players like Abhishek Sharma, who reached the top of the order in Zimbabwe with a hundred, to bolster their resumes. In the first game of the series, Sanju Samson might get to open alongside the southpaw.

Despite having six T20s since July, Riyan Parag has not been able to duplicate his explosive performance from the 2024 IPL. He gets another chance to make a big impression at the games in Bangladesh.

Mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, whose international career ended abruptly after the dismal 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, will make his comeback with the series. Ravi Bishnoi is the other specialist spinner on the team.

As the backup wicketkeeper, Jitesh Sharma hasn’t appeared in a game since the June IPL. In the nine T20 matches he has played in, the Vidarbha cricket player has not accomplished anything to brag about. He’ll be itching for a match.

The three matches are an audition for the four Twenty20 matches that will take place in South Africa next month. The majority of the regular Twenty20 players will not be able to participate because of the Australia Tests, which begin on November 22. In addition, the series will help the IPL franchises make more informed decisions on which Indian players to keep before the big auction.

It is almost impossible to fill the shoes of someone like Shakb Al Hasan but Bangladesh will have to plan life without the champion all-rounder. With Shakib’s recent announcement of his retirement from Test and Twenty20 cricket, the team is severely lacking.

Bangladesh won’t be carrying any baggage into the white-ball stage of the tour despite being outperformed in the previous Test series, as the bulk of the T20 players were not involved in those two matches.

After 14 months, off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been brought back to the side. Mahmud Ullah, a seasoned batter, is at a crossroads in his career. A successful series against the world champions could provide him with more inspiration to go on.

Built on the outskirts of the city, Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Stadium will open for play on Sunday. There are certain difficulties in planning an international match in a smaller city, but the host MPCA is prepared despite a few setbacks.

Due to exceptionally severe rainfall in the area last month, a wall around the stadium collapsed, but it has already been repaired.

Gwalior’s final international match took place in the city’s Captain Roop Singh Stadium in 2010—the same year that Sachin Tendulkar hit the historic double hundred.

Squads:

Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmud Ullah, Litton Kumer Das, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rakibul Hasan.

India’s squad for 3 T20Is against Bangladesh: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Thilak Varma, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav.

The post Mayank Yadav’s Fitness Test Sparks Competition Among Fringe Players appeared first on Cricket Country.

Eyes will be on some of the top Indian players who did not play for the Test team as attention turns to the T20Is. Over the previous few months, captain Suryakumar Yadav has focused mostly on T20I cricket; however, in this series, another famous player, Hardik Pandya, will also don the national jersey once more.

Recent reports of Hardik practicing with a red ball have raised questions about whether he might rejoin the format. Parthiv Patel, a former wicketkeeper-battler for India, asserted that the all-round player was compelled to use the red ball because the white ball was not accessible.

Before the first Twenty20 International match in Gwalior, Hardik participated in a tough training session with the Indian team, when he was observed by bowling coach Morne Morkel, as per an Indian Express article. According to the article, Morkel was reportedly “unhappy” with Hardik’s bowling, which was mostly closer to the stumps, and he would frequently speak with the all-rounder after each ball.

Morkel seemed to have a conversation regarding Hardik’s release point, and the all-rounder took the feedback sportingly, following which Morkel proceeded to the other bowlers in the net session.

Hardik, like Suryakumar, is predominantly a part of the T20I setup. The all-rounder failed not make the squad for the three-match fifty-over series against Sri Lanka in August of this year, despite being a regular for the team in One-Day Internationals. There were rumors that Hardik was invited to compete in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in order to demonstrate his suitability for the ODI format.

The all-rounder’s last ODI was during the World Cup at home last year; he was injured fielding off his own bowling in the match against Bangladesh during the group stage, which ultimately caused him to miss the competition.

The post Morne Morkel Voices Concerns Over Hardik Pandya’s Bowling Technique Ahead of T20I appeared first on Cricket Country.

The directives, which will remain in effect until October 7, follow calls for a “Gwalior bandh” made by the Hindu Mahasabha on the day of the match (October 6) and demonstrations from other groups. The right-wing group protested on Wednesday, calling for the match to be called off due to “atrocities” against Hindus in Bangladesh, which resulted in violent protests, political unrest, and an August government change.

On the Superintendent of Police’s advice, Ruchika Chauhan, the district magistrate and collector, issued the prohibitory orders in July under section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which superseded the British-era Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

The SP observed that various organizations were protesting the match by holding rallies, effigy burnings, and processions.

According to him, offensive statements, images, videos, audios, and other content on social media platforms are inciting religious sentiments and fostering a communal climate that is harmful to societal harmony.

The SP advised installation of prohibitory orders to maintain peace, law and order in the Madhya Pradesh district.

As per the directives, anyone found within the district’s boundaries who uses social media to disturb an international match or stir up religious feelings would be dealt with accordingly. Prohibited items include flags, posters, banners, cutouts, and other items with offensive or divisive words or themes.

The administration has declared that at this time, protests and the burning of effigies in public or private spaces will be prohibited.

It’s forbidden to carry guns, be in groups of five or more, and carry both sharp and blunt weapons like swords and spears. It said that using combustible materials like acid, kerosene, and gasoline within 200 meters of any building is prohibited.

The Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior will host the India-Bangladesh encounter, the first international cricket match to be held there in 14 years.

Approximately 1,600 police officers are on duty to oversee traffic and provide security.

The post Prohibitory Measures in Gwalior as T20 Excitement Builds for India-Bangladesh Match appeared first on Cricket Country.

Pakistan’s captain and player of the match, Fatima Sana, top-scored with 30 runs off of 20 balls, while Udeshika Prabodhani (3/20), Sugandika Kumari (3/19), and Chamari Athapaththu (3/18) split nine wickets between them for Sri Lanka.

Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal led Pakistan in their defence of a modest total, scoring brilliantly with 3/17 in four overs. Omaima Sohail (2/17), Nashra Sandhu (2/15), and captain Sana (2/10) all claimed two wickets apiece.

After winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bat and got off to a terrible start, losing three wickets in the sixth over with only 32 runs scored.

With the loss of their fourth wicket, Omaima Sohail (18 off 19 balls), in the tenth over, Pakistan’s position worsened as Sri Lanka took control of the match.

With the score at a meek 57 for the loss of four wickets midway through their innings, Pakistan was in serious trouble.

During the first part of Pakistan’s innings, left-arm spinner Sugandika Kumari was the main wrecker, taking the wickets of openers Muneeba Ali (11 off 14 balls) and Gull Feroza (2 off 4 balls).

Pakistan, however, ultimately had the last laugh.

Brief scores:

Pakistan: Fatima Sana 30; Chamari Athapaththu 3/18, Sugandika Kumari 3/19, Udeshika Prabodhani 3/20

Sri Lanka: 85/9 in 20 overs (Nilakshi de Silva 22; Sadia Iqbal 3/17).

The post Pakistan’s Bowling Attack Shines in 31-Run Win Against Sri Lanka appeared first on Cricket Country.

Saskia Horley, a right-arm spinner, was the most effective bowler for Scotland, taking three wickets for 13 runs in her two overs.

Additionally, one wicket was taken each by Katherine Fraser (1/23), Olivia Bell (1/23), and Kathryn Bryce (1/23).

Bangladesh won the opening Women’s T20 World Cup match here on Thursday, defeating Scotland by a margin of 16 runs thanks to an outstanding team effort.

Bangladesh chose to bat and amassed 119 for seven thanks to opener Shathi Rani’s 29 and Sobhana Mostary’s 36 off 38 balls.

Leading man Nigar Sultana scored eighteen runs in just five deliveries, and undefeated batsman Fahima Khatun amassed ten off of five.

Saskia Horley, a right-arm spinner, was the most effective bowler for Scotland, taking three wickets for 13 runs in her two overs.

Additionally, one wicket was taken each by Katherine Fraser (1/23), Olivia Bell (1/23), and Kathryn Bryce (1/23).

The post Bangladesh Women Claim 16-Run Victory Over Scotland in T20 World Cup appeared first on Cricket Country.

On the third day of their encounter, Sarfaraz, who is known for scoring large totals, fulfilled his promise with an outstanding 222 to lead Mumbai to a massive 537 all out, even as Musheer recovered from the injury he sustained while traveling to the city for the match with his father Naushad Khan.

“Yes, I’ve had a very emotional week. At the conclusion of the day’s play, Sarfaraz told reporters, “I had promised my family and teammates that if I am set, I will score 200 — a hundred for me and hundred for my brother (Musheer).”

“Abbu (father) would have been more pleased if Musheer had participated in the game. Regretfully, he had an incident. I therefore reasoned that I had to win this match by scoring a double ton.”

The man who is once again pounding on the doors of national selectors has a sibling who is seven years younger than him, according to Sarfaraz, a 26-year-old.

Yes, I did talk to him. “He’s fine, but it will take him two to three months to recover,” stated Sarfaraz, who scored fifty runs in the Dharamsala Test in March against England.

Sarfaraz became the first Mumbai player to score two hundred and fifty in the Irani Cup.

For the remaining eight games of the Test season, his 15th first-class century will undoubtedly remove any doubt about his position as a reserve middle-order hitter.

Asked about his proclivity for making large scores, Sarfaraz stated, “I’m known to play big knocks. I enjoy doing the things I’m recognized for. I needed to bat long for Mumbai too,” he remarked.

“We have a great chance to win the Irani Cup after a lengthy drought. In the back of my mind, I considered playing as long as I could and scoring as many runs as I could to support the team’s victory,” Sarfaraz continued.

On the second day, there was subsurface moisture on the Ekana Stadium track. This dampness caused the ball to seam about at first and gave hitters extra bounce, which made it difficult to hit.

Nothing more needs to be said about Sarfaraz’s brilliant off-side driving or his footwork when facing spinners. He was particularly cruel to left-arm spinner Manav Suthar (0/137 in 37 overs), who appeared to have no idea what to do.

He eventually used the negative leg-stump line, and Sarfaraz would slog sweep it for maximums by either bending down on one knee or slightly inside out.

He continued, “I have played in the Irani Cup earlier and scored a century for the Rest of India,” in reference to his incredible achievement. But because I’m playing for my hometown team, this is a really emotional time for me. I’m working extra hard to help Mumbai win the Cup.

“It’s evident that the weather presented a challenge. Right now, we are playing against some of the top players in India,” he remarked.

“The majority of them are former international cricket players. My goal was to score runs in opposition to them. It was my chance to give it my all. With the time I spent in the middle, I’m happy.

“The whole bunch has put in lot of effort to reach the Irani Cup by winning the Ranji Trophy last season. It’s not like our team can’t win this tournament). In fact, we are one of the best teams in India. So, we hope to do well and win it.”

The post Sarfaraz Celebrates Double Ton: ‘One Hundred for Me, One for My Brother’ appeared first on Cricket Country.

In the presence of Rohit Pawar, president of the Maharashtra Cricket Association, Rohit gave a short speech to a boisterous gathering at the opening of his cricket academy in Rashin, Karjat, in the Ahmednagar district.

After stepping out on stage for a little while and signing autographs, Rohit addressed the audience, saying, “I do not speak Marathi that well but I will try.”

“We had to win the World Cup for three or four months, and that was our top priority. I felt alive again after winning the World Cup,” he remarked.

“We are starting our cricket academy here and I will hope that the next Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah will emerge from here,” he said.

Before the five-match Test series against Australia that begins on November 22, Rohit and a few other key players will take a break from the T20 series. Rohit led India to a convincing 2-0 victory over Bangladesh in the Tests.

The post Rohit Sharma: ‘World Cup Victory Made Me Feel Alive Again’ appeared first on Cricket Country.

Even though the match ended in a dull stalemate due to rain and a wet pitch that caused more than two days of play to be cancelled, the Indian side managed to force a result and finish a 2-0 series sweep of their neighbors.

Haddin showered Rohit with compliments for the way he guided the team to an incredible victory.

“They made it possible for themselves to win the match. It was more important to find enough time to bowl Bangladesh out than it was to score a lot of runs.

They were excellent cricket players, but it all came down to providing them enough time. “I would like to commend Rohit Sharma, the support staff,” Haddin stated on the LiSTNR podcast.

Following their first-inning 233-bowled outing of Bangladesh, the Indian batting team broke the Test cricket records for quickest 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250.

“They started the game at eight overs, but their main strategy was to give themselves ample time to bowl Bangladesh out.

“This is how Rohit Sharma has always been. He thinks victory first and then everything second and what they did with the manner they played, they gave themselves a chance to win a Test match that was going to fizzle out into a draw — I adore the style of cricket.

“They could have easily had a really good net session, got a draw and no one would have said a thing,” Haddin stated.

Haddin did not completely rule out the prospect when asked if India could pull off a similar feat against a very superior Australian squad.

“I do, in fact. Given the outcome, a draw would have been the worse outcome for India. It was impossible for India to lose. Nothing stood in Rohit’s way. How enjoyable it was to watch! It’s a fantastic method to win in Test cricket,” Haddin remarked.

India is hoping to win a hat-trick of series down under after winning their past two Test rubber matches in Australia.

The post Former Keeper Brad Haddin Cites Kanpur as Blueprint for India’s Potential in Australia appeared first on Cricket Country.

As Mukesh had reduced them to 37 for three in his opening stint, Rahane really played second fiddle during his 102-run fourth wicket stand with Iyer.

Sarfaraz and Rahane shared 98 runs for the fifth wicket at stumps, and they planned to build on that total on the second day.

Rahane, who has 40 first-class tons under his belt and 12 Test hundreds, wasn’t exactly a force to be reckoned with at the wicket. So far, he has struck six fours and one six off the bowling of left-arm spinner Manav Suthar over the far off.

He did get a couple of clean boundaries through off-side, but he never appeared to be at the top of the ROI bowling overall.

Suthar actually silenced him with just 22 runs off 58 balls delivered by the Rajasthan spinner, save from that six and a boundary.

He faced 38 balls against Prasidh Krishna, but could muster only seven runs.

While a century wouldn’t hurt Rahane’s standing, he would need to dominate domestic attacks to have any chance of being called up for the national team. Rahane’s outstanding leadership during the historic 2021 series win in Australia is part of Indian cricketing legend.

Iyer actually hit five of the six boundaries he had against the lanky Karnataka speedster by attacking more.

Before Dayal forced him out, the two sixes, one each from off-break bowler Saransh Jain and off-pacer Mukesh, were spectacular to witness.

When Sarfaraz faced Suthar, the left-arm spinner gave up three boundaries.

Brief Scores: Mumbai 1st Innings 237/4 in 68 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 86 batting, Sarfaraz Khan 54 batting, Shreyas Iyer 57, Mukesh Kumar 3/60) vs Rest of India.

The post Ajinkya Rahane’s Resilience: Unbeaten on 86 as Mumbai Reaches 237/4 Against ROI appeared first on Cricket Country.