2nd Test: Mehidy Admits To Being Surprised Over India's Attacking Approach

Bangladesh's off-spin all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz said he was taken by surprise over India's attacking approach with the bat on day four of the rain-affected second Test at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur on Monday. Under sunny skies, India's breathtaking approach with the bat saw them set records for the fastest team 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 in men's Tests. On the back of half-centuries scored by Yashasvi Jaiswal and K.L. Rahul, India declared its first innings on 285/9 in just 34.4 overs after bowling out Bangladesh for 233.

With Bangladesh ending a frenetic fourth day at 26/2 in their second innings and trailing India by another 26 runs, the match is undoubtedly headed towards an exciting finish on Tuesday.

"They really advanced with a plan. Yes, I was somewhat surprised. After 2-3 overs, we realized they were following their strategy. We tried to play according to our strengths and aimed to break their innings."

"Test cricket always presents various scenarios. Today's game was quite similar to a T20 match. From their planning, it was clear they came to win. In the end, everyone played to score runs."

"We tried to figure out how to stop the runs. We must give them credit; they are the number one team and are performing well, with many world-class players and plenty of experience," said Mehidy in the post-match press conference.

He also felt Bangladesh are still not out of the match yet and that having an optimistic mindset will be the key. "In Test cricket, anything is possible. We haven't completely lost yet. We've won many matches under similar circumstances before and have done well. There's still an opportunity for us."

"The wicket is good. It will be challenging, but I believe if we can form a solid partnership and bat responsibly for a session, it will be a positive outcome for us. We still have tomorrow. Let's not think negatively just yet."

Mehidy conceded Bangladesh's batter could have given more support to batter Mominul Haque, who remained unbeaten on 107 in Bangladesh's first innings, even as others fell without being able to hang around for a long time.

"The first innings is very important for Tests and Mominul bhai really batted well we could not give him support and if we could give him support in that case the game could have been different and it would have been better for us. He played well, and it's been a while since he had a good innings. His commitment and temperament were excellent, which is why he could score runs."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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RCB "Will Just Retain Virat Kohli, Release Everyone Else": Ex-India Star

The Board of Control for Cricket in India released the IPL auction rules on Sunday. Each franchise can retain upto 6 players with Right To Match (RTM) option included in it. As the teams have started finalizing their picks ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, former India pacer RP Singh has passed a huge verdict on franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He said that the side will only retain Virat Kohli and release everyone else, relying on the RTM. Notably, Kohli is playing for RCB since the inaugural season of IPL.

Kohli is the highest run-getter in IPL history with 8004 to his credit from 252 matches. He has scored 8 centuries, the most by any player in the tournament, and 55 half-centuries.

"I feel they don't have any problem. They will just retain Virat Kohli, release everyone else, and use the RTM," RP Singh said during a discussion on Colors Cineplex.

Given a total of 6 retentions, including RTM, are allowed, the IPL franchise can choose their combination for it. Howver, the 6 retentions/RTM's can have a maximum of 5 capped players (Indian and overseas) and a maximum of 2 uncapped players, informed BCCI in its release.

"If we see the value taking Rajat Patidar as an example, will we get him for more or less than 11 crores at the auction? I feel you will get Rajat Patidar for fewer. So you get him back at the auction. Even if he reaches close to 11 crores, you have the RTM which you can use there," he said.

"Siraj, performance-wise, you will have to again judge whether you will get him close to 11 crores. I don't think Siraj will reach close to 14 crores. They will always have the option that if he reaches there, you can use the RTM," he added.

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Rodrigues' Fifty, Bowlers Set Up India's Win Over WI In Warm-Up Match

Jemimah Rodrigues struck a crucial fifty as India secured a comprehensive 20-run victory against West Indies in a warm-up game ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup on Sunday. Rodrigues anchored India's innings with a steady 40-ball 52, including five boundaries, as they posted 141 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Yastika Bhatia chipped in with a handy 25-ball 24, which featured a four and a six, while opener Smriti Mandhana (14) and Deepti Sharma (13) also made useful contributions. In response, West Indies could manage just 121 for 8 in their stipulated 20 overs, with Chinelle Henry top-scoring with an unbeaten 59 off 48 balls. Shemaine Campbelle (20) and Afy Fletcher (21) tried to stabilize the innings but couldn't see their team through.

India's bowling unit worked in tandem, with Pooja Vastrakar taking three wickets and Deepti Sharma (2/11) grabbing two wickets. Renuka Singh (1/15), Asha Sobhana (1/7), and Radha Yadav (1/24) chipped in with a wicket apiece.

For West Indies, skipper Hayley Matthews was the standout bowler, claiming 4 for 17 in her four overs. Chinelle Henry (1/11) and Ashmini Munisar (1/33) picked up a wicket each.

The T20 World Cup is set to begin on October 3, with India taking on New Zealand in their opening match on October 4.

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Travis Head Stars As Australia Beat England To Seal ODI Series Victory

Travis Head starred with both bat and ball as world champions Australia beat England by 49 runs in a rain-marred fifth and final one-day international on Sunday to complete a 3-2 series win. England were set for a huge total when opener Ben Duckett (107) and in-form captain Harry Brook shared a third-wicket stand of 132 in 98 balls. But from 202-2 slow bowling proved England's undoing as they lost their last eight wickets for 107 runs to be dismissed for 309, with part-time spinner Head taking an ODI best 4-28. Australia made a blistering start to their chase, with openers Matthew Short (58) and Head (31) sharing a stand of 78 in slightly more than seven overs.

And when rain stopped play, Australia were 165-2 off 20.4 overs -- well ahead of the target required under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method for weather-affected white-ball games.

Steven Smith, leading Australia in place of the injured Mitchell Marsh, was 36 not out before the umpires called the game off at 6:00 pm local time (1700 GMT).

Short and Head punished a wayward England attack featuring Olly Stone, in for the rested Jofra Archer. But Brydon Carse struck with his first ball when he had left-hander Head caught at cover.

Matthew Potts, who had already dismissed Australia's Smith twice in the series, almost had the star batsman given out lbw for 10 but a review indicated the ball would have missed leg stump.

Short went to fifty when he pulled Carse for his fourth six in just 23 balls. But he was out when caught behind driving at Potts.

England then missed an opportunity when they didn't appeal after Josh Inglis, on two, got a thin edge off Carse to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.

Earlier, Steve Smith won the toss only for Phil Salt to launch England's innings with a quickfire 45 that featured consecutive sixes off Aaron Hardie.

But Hardie had his revenge when Salt's drive over point was caught by Marnus Labuschagne, before he bowled Will Jacks for a duck with an excellent off-cutter.

Brook came in having struck a maiden and match-winning ODI century at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday that helped reduce England's deficit to 2-1 before his 87 laid the foundation for a colossal 186-run success at Lord's on Friday.

The 25-year-old Yorkshireman audaciously scooped experienced fast bowler Josh Hazlewood for four. 

Duckett, who made 63 at Lord's, completed a 45-ball fifty before Brook reached the landmark in just 39 balls when he drove Hardie over long-on for six.

Brook then struck leg-spinner Adam Zampa for successive sixes at the start of the 25th over.

But Zampa, holding his nerve, deceived Brook four balls later with a slower, flighted delivery the batsman miscued low to Glenn Maxwell at long-off. 

Zampa finished with an expensive 2-74 from his full 10 overs.

Brook's exit sparked an England slump but Duckett, out for 95 in the series opener at Trent Bridge, completed his second career ODI hundred -- both made at Bristol -- in 86 balls including 13 fours and a six. 

The left-hander's first England century in all formats this season, after several close calls in both Tests and ODIs, ended soon afterwards when he holed out off Head.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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From Salary Cap To Retention: All IPL 2025 Auction Rules Explained

The 10 IPL franchises will be allowed to retain a maximum of six players from their previous squads, including usage Right To Match (RTM) card at the auction that will cost Rs 75 crore out of an enhanced team purse of Rs 120 crore, the IPL governing council decided on Saturday. In a significant move, the BCCI also decided that all those India players, who haven't played any international game for at least five calendar years will deemed “uncapped players”, a move being seen to ensure that Chennai Super Kings can retain the peerless Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who last played for the country in the 2019 ODI World Cup semifinal.

It is learnt that for an uncapped player, the retention cost will be Rs 4 crore and hence CSK even if they retain Dhoni, can surely save a lot for the auction.

A team was allowed up to four retentions in the last mega auction held in 2022.

On the day, BCCI secretary Jay Shah also announced a fixed match fee of Rs 7.50 lakh for all players selected to play the league games with an additional 1.05 crore income over and above their salaries.

A fixed salary purse of Rs 12.60 crore in addition to the auction cum retention purse of Rs 120 crore will have to be kept by the franchises for next season.

“The total salary cap will now consist of auction purse, incremental performance pay and match fees. Previously in 2024, the total salary cap (auction purse incremental performance pay) was Rs. 110 Crs which will now be Rs. 146 Crs (2025), Rs. 151 Crs (2026) and Rs. 157 Crs (2027),” the BCCI release stated.

The IPL franchises can now retain 6 players from their existing squad, either via retention or by using the RTM option.

It is the discretion of the franchise to choose its combination for Retentions and RTMs. The 6 retention/RTMs can have a maximum of 5 capped players (Indian & Overseas) and a maximum of 2 uncapped players.

While the retention valuation wasn't given in the BCCI media release, the PTI confirmed it from an IPL GC source.

“The first retention will cost Rs 18 crore followed by second retention of Rs 14 crore and third retention of Rs 11 crore. However, if a franchise opts for fourth and fifth retention, they will again have to pay Rs 18 crore and Rs 14 crore respectively.

“So, any franchise opts for all five retention of capped players, then will have only Rs 45 crore to buy or even use their RTM card to buy another 15 players and prepare a squad. There is no cap on Indian and overseas retention,” a senior BCCI and IPL governing council member told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

It is understood that most of the stronger franchises like Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad were in favour of six to eight retentions as opposed to likes of some other franchises which don't have too much star power.

“We introduced more deductions for retention four and five to ensure a level playing field. You can go ahead and retain five but then you will have less than Rs 50 crore to deal with at the auction table.

“Also if franchises opt for only three retentions, then more star value will be added to auction and some of the teams with lesser strength can set their house in order. The idea is to have a good competition,” the source said.

This is the route possibly BCCI wants to take.

If Mumbai Indians want to retain Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Thilak Varma, Rs 75 crore will be deducted from their purse.

And then with Rs 45 crore at auction, what happens if Ishan Kishan's price skyrockets to Rs 15 crore and they are forced to use a RTM card.

It then effectively boils down to Rs 30 crore to select 14 more players.

One needs to note that retention price is only a deduction from the team purse for the auction but it may or may not be the actual salary of the player which is a player-franchise separate contract.

Meanwhile, Shah took to twitter to announce the per match fee which effectively means that an uncapped Indian player, who can play three games of IPL, stands to earn Rs 22.5 lakh apart from a minimum base price of Rs 20 lakh.

Hence, he can earn 42.5 lakh in a season by playing just three games of three hours whereas if he plays 10 Ranji Trophy games in a season, he stands to earn Rs 24 lakh only.

“In a historic move to celebrate consistency and champion outstanding performances in the IPL, we are thrilled to introduce a match fee of INR 7.5 lakhs per game for our cricketers! “A cricketer playing all league matches in a season will get Rs. 1.05 crores in addition to his contracted amount,” Shah tweeted.

Rules specifically for overseas players

Select English and Australian players have time and again ditched their franchises after getting picked at the auction, often citing fatigue and other priorities.

The BCCI is now planning to impose a 2-year ban on any player who withdraws after being picked at the auction.

Specifically for overseas stars, if they don't register for an auction during a year, they can't participate for another two years.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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IPL Retention Rules: No. Of Players Franchises Can Retain Is Not 5 But...

The Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council on Saturday announced the IPL player regulation 2025-27. Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, the rules hold extra significance. All 10 franchises will be allowed to retain upto six players before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction. The IPL General Council, during its meeting in Bengaluru on Saturday,  decided that among those six retentions, one has to be an uncapped player. The auction purse for the franchises has been set at INR 120 Crore for IPL 2025.

"Following a constructive dialogue with the owners of the 10 franchises in July at the BCCI Headquarters, the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council (GC) met in Bengaluru today to decide the TATA IPL Player Regulations 2025-2027," the BCCI said in a release..

The following decisions were taken in the IPL Governing Council meeting:

1. The IPL franchises can retain a total of 6 players from their existing squad. This can be either via retention or by using the Right to Match (RTM) option.

2. It is at the discretion of the IPL franchise to choose their combination for Retentions and RTMs. The 6 retentions / RTM's can have a maximum of 5 capped players (Indian & Overseas) and a maximum of 2 uncapped players.

3. The auction purse for the franchises has been set at INR 120 Crore for IPL 2025. The total salary cap will now consist of auction purse, incremental performance pay and match fees. Previously in 2024, the total salary cap (auction purse + incremental performance pay) was Rs. 110 Crs which will now be Rs. 146 Crs (2025), Rs. 151 Crs (2026) and Rs. 157 Crs (2027).

4. A match fee has been introduced for the first time in the history of the IPL. Each Playing member (Including the Impact Player) will get a match fee of INR 7.5 Lakhs per match. This will be in addition to his contracted amount. 

5. Any Overseas Player will have to register for the Big Auction. In case the overseas player doesn't register, then he will be ineligible to register in the following year's player auction.

6. Any player who registers in the player auction and after getting picked at the auction, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season, will get banned from participating in the tournament and player auction for 2 Seasons. 

7. A capped Indian player will become uncapped, if the player has in the last five calendar years preceding the year in which the relevant Season is held, not played in the starting XI in International Cricket (Test match, ODI, Twenty20 International) or does not have a Central Contract with BCCI. This will be applicable for Indian Players only.

8. The Impact Player Regulation will continue for the 2025 to 2027 cycle.

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Tamim Questions DRS Decision That Went In IND's Favour. Shastri Responds

Former Bangladesh cricket team captain Tamim Iqbal questioned the DRS decision that led to Shadman Islam's dismissal on Day 1 of the second Test match against India in Kanpur on Friday. The dismissal led to a debate between Tamim and former Indian cricketers Ravi Shastri and Dinesh Karthik. The ball-tracking technology decided that it was a dismissal but Tamim was of the opinion that it was sliding down the leg-side. Akash Deep was convinced that it was a dismissal and after the successful review, even Rohit was left stunned. It was a very important wicket for India in that situation but Tamim was not convinced and he raised questions about the DRS technology used in that particular delivery.

"I thought that was sliding down the leg stump but DRS had other ideas," Tamim said in commentary.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who was in the commentary box with Tamim, disagreed to his statement and said that the camera angles can sometimes create an illusion.

"DK spoke about the camera angles. It's not always absolutely straight, so it can give the impression that it is sliding down. Bounce was never going to be an issue in Kanpur. The Indian team was also surprised. There was only one member who believed it was out and that was Akash Deep," said Shastri.

Akash Deep was impressive in a probing opening spell while Ravichandran Ashwin removed the dangerous Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto before rain halted India's progress in the second Test on the opening day on Friday.

Given the forecast, it was expected to be a weather-hit contest from the beginning. Only 35 overs could be bowled after Rohit Sharma invited Bangladesh to bat in overcast conditions as visitors struggled to 107 for three after a brief resistance through Shanto (31).

Mominul Haque (40 batting) and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim (6) were at the crease when heavens opened up.

Overnight rain had delayed the start of the match by an hour. Heavy overcast conditions influenced India's team selection as the hosts kept all three pacers from the Chennai Test, which meant that local boy Kuldeep Yadav missed out on another Test match. Akash (2/14 in 10 overs), who bowled round the wicket to the left-handers, consistently hit the good length areas and got the ball to either shape away or come in with the angle.

Shanto (57 balls, 4x6), though, batted with positive intent, if not combative, to ensure Bangladesh don't lose way from the start.

(With PTI inputs)

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"Helmet Se Ek LBW Le Sakte Hain" Pant Mocks Bangladesh Star, Video Viral

Rishabh Pant is finally back in the Indian whites with his inclusion in the ongoing Bangladesh Test series. This is the first red-ball series at the highest level for the southpaw ever since he suffered a horrific car crash in December 2022. As Pant is back behind the stumps for India in the longest format of the game, he has already resumed his on-field chatter during wicketkeeping, which also keeps the fans entertained. The first India vs Bangladesh first Test in Chennai witnessed some really funny moments that were caught on stump mic and Pant had a major contribution in it. Of late, Pant's chatter behind the stumps on Day 1 of second Test vs Bangladesh in Kanpur is going viral.

Bangladesh batter Mominul Haque was batting on the opening day of the rain-hit Kanpur Test when Pant poked fun at him. It was Ravichandran Ashwin bowling the 33rd over of the Bangladesh innings when the incident took place.

"Idhar se LBW le sakte hai helmet se. Helmet se ek lbw le sakte hai bhai. (We can get him out LBW even on the helmet)," Pant could be heard saying in a viral video.

Rishabh Pant - Ye acha hai, Helmet se bhi LBW ke skte haipic.twitter.com/bN0I9FpEYz

— PantMP4. (@indianspirit070) September 27, 2024

Heavy showers brought about an early end to play on the opening day of the second Test between India and Bangladesh with the visitors placed at 107 for 3 in their first innings on Friday.

Bangladesh scored 33 runs and lost the wicket of skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (31) in the nine overs that could be bowled after lunch before the players walked off due to bad light.

Mushfiqur Rahim (6) and Mominul Haque (40) were at the crease during the break.

The start of the match was delayed by an hour due to wet outfield following overnight rain.

India had defeated Bangladesh by 280 runs in the opening Test of the two-match series in Chennai.

(With PTI Inputs)

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Sri Lanka To Host West Indies For White-Ball Bilaterals In October

Sri Lanka will host the West Indies for white-ball bilaterals in October, with a three-match T20I and ODI series, according to the ICC. Sri Lanka will seek to take confidence from their positive run in recent months, with an ODI series win over India, a Test match win against England at The Oval, and a brilliant run in the Test series against New Zealand at home. Though the Men in Maroon had their fair share of disappointments in the Test arena, they recently beat South Africa 3-0 in a T20I contest at home.

The T20I series between Sri Lanka and West Indies will begin of October 13. The second and third match of the series will take place on October 15 and 17, respectively. All the matches of the T20I series will take place in Dambulla.

Meanwhile, the ODI series will kick off on October 20. The second and third match of the series will be held on 23 and 26 October. All the 50-over matches will be played in Kandy.

In the ODI arena, the two sides are evenly matched, with 31 wins to the West Indies to Sri Lanka's 30. The Island Nation is just about ahead in the T20Is, with eight wins to their names as against seven for the West Indies.

Earlier, Sri Lanka displayed a stupendous performance against India in the two-match series, Sri Lanka won the series 2-0 against Rohit Sharma's Men in Blue. It was the first time in the past 27 years that Sri Lanka has won an ODI series over India.

The Island country also locked horns against India in a three-match T20I series. Sri Lanka performed a sloppy performance over there and conceded a 3-0 series loss against India.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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India vs Bangladesh Live Streaming 2nd Test Live Telecast

A 2-0 whitewash will be the aim of the Indian cricket team when it takes on Bangladesh in the second and final Test at Green Park in Kanpur on Friday. The Rohit Sharma-led side put a dominating performance in the first game in Chennai and it will try to replicate the show in Kanpur as well. India won the first Test by 280 runs, thanks to Ravichandran Ashwin's all-round show. The star player scored 113 runs in his only innings in the game before returning figures of 6 for 88.

India currently top the World Test Championship table with 71.67 percentage points. They have won 7 of the 10 matches played so far. The side has lost two and drew one game. India are in strong contention to make it to the World Test Championship final and they will aim to keep their hopes strong with yet another victory against Bangladesh.

When will the India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test match start?

The India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test match will start on September 27, 2024.

Where will the India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test match be played?

The India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test match will be played at Green Park, Kanpur.

What time will the India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test match start?

The India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test match will start at 09:30 AM IST. The toss for the game will take place at 9 AM IST.

Which TV channels will live telecast the India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test match?

The India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test match will be telecast live on Sports18 and Colors Cineplex TV channels.

Where to follow the live streaming of the India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test match?

The India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test match will be live streamed on the JioCinema app and website in India.

(All details are as per information provided by the broadcaster)

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Punjab Kings Part Ways With Sanjay Bangar, Trevor Bayliss: Report

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have parted ways with head coach Trevor Bayliss and head of cricket development Sanjay Bangar ahead of the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season, according to ESPNcricinfo. As per the report, the decision was made recently by the franchise board, which includes the four co-owners. This move is part of the franchise's efforts to revamp its coaching staff. Earlier this month, Punjab Kings appointed Ricky Ponting as their new head coach. Bayliss took over as head coach after IPL 2022, while Bangar joined the franchise in December 2023. The Kings, who have yet to win an IPL title, finished eighth in 2023 and ninth the previous season.

Interestingly, Bangar's first association with Punjab Kings was as head coach from 2014 to 2016, after which he became the assistant coach for the Indian national team.

He later joined Royal Challengers Bangalore as a batting consultant in 2021 and was subsequently promoted to head coach. In December 2023, he returned to Punjab Kings.

Bayliss replaced former India captain Anil Kumble, who held the head coach position from 2020 to 2022.

In their quest for a winning formula, Punjab Kings have frequently changed coaches over the past decade. Kumble was the fifth coach to lead the team in just five seasons, following Sanjay Bangar (2014-2016), Virender Sehwag (2017), Brad Hodge (2018), and Mike Hesson (2019).

PBKS have recently signed Australia's World Cup winner Ricky Ponting as their new head coach.

"The biggest thing that I want to do at Punjab Kings is make everyone aware that it's going to be a different place. We are not going to sit back and just accept mediocrity and finish down the bottom and have other people sit back and talk about the way the franchise is going. It is going to be more dynamic. And people are going to be talking about this team and this franchise in a different way than ever before," Ponting said, as per quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"Mohalla Team Better Than PAK": Spin Great Tears Into Babar Azam And Co.

Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria didn't hold back in his scathing criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Pakistan team following their humiliating Test series loss to Bangladesh. It was Pakistan's first-ever Test series defeat to Bangladesh and Kaneria expressed his frustration, even going so far as to say that "a mohalla team is better than them."

The two-match series saw Pakistan dominate the first Test with a resounding 10-wicket victory. However, in a shocking turnaround, Bangladesh chased down 185 runs in the second Test with six wickets in hand, marking the third-highest successful run chase by a visiting team on Pakistani soil. The loss has raised serious concerns about the direction of the team under Babar Azam's leadership.

In an interview with IANS, Kaneria didn't mince words while talking about the Pakistan team's recent performance against Bangladesh.

"The level of the Pakistan cricket team is so low that even a mohalla team is better than them, and all this is because of the PCB. They are to be blamed for such a below-par show from the national side. The luxuries of the captain's ‘kursi' (chair) and the chairmanship at the PCB spoil minds,” he said, highlighting the disconnect between the leadership and the performance on the field.

Kaneria, also pointed out what he sees as a flawed decision by the PCB in replacing former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed with Babar Azam. Sarfaraz, who led Pakistan to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, had been performing well across formats, but Kaneria believes the current leadership cannot handle pressure situations.

"I don't know why Babar Azam was given the leadership responsibility despite Sarfaraz Ahmed's good captaincy. Currently, there is no captain material in the Pakistan team. A captain is someone who takes the pressure on his shoulders and carries the team forward with his performance, which both Babar and Shan Masood have failed to do,” Kaneria lamented. 

"Can't they have scored one century against Bangladesh in their home conditions?"

Kaneria also drew a comparison between Pakistan and their arch-rivals, India, emphasising that Indian players have consistently stepped up to the plate when required, creating a world-class team.

“When you look at the current Indian team, everyone takes responsibility and performs when it is needed. Shubman (Gill), Rishabh (Pant), (Ravichandran) Ashwin — everyone contributes, and that is why they are a world-class team,” he added.

As someone who has closely observed the evolution of Indian cricket, Kaneria had high praise for Rishabh Pant, India's dynamic wicketkeeper-batter. Despite Pant's recent injury struggles, Kaneria suggested that he could be a future leader for India, especially in Test cricket.

“Rishabh Pant can lead India in Tests in the future. He has that caliber. He is performing very well after his injury comeback, and being a wicketkeeper, he keeps himself engaged with the bowlers and fielders always. Indian cricket is going great guns,” Kaneria said.

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" I Didn't Have That Inspiration...": Dhawan Opens Up On Sudden Retirement

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan on Wednesday revealed that he didn't have the "inspiration" left to take the domestic cricket route for a place in the national side and that was the reason why he chose to retire from the game last month. The 38-year-old Dhawan retired from international and domestic cricket late in August after having played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs and 68 T20Is for India between 2013 and 2022. "I didn't want to play domestic cricket, which I started playing at the age of 18 or 19 and I didn't have that inspiration from inside to play that (form of) cricket," Dhawan told PTI in an interview on the sidelines of the Legends League Cricket, an event for retired cricketers that he signed up for after calling it quits from the game internationally.

Dhawan became India's 25th ODI skipper in an ODI against Sri Lanka in June 2021 when he stood in for Rohit Sharma and went on to lead the country in 12 matches, winning seven and losing three.

However, before the ODI World Cup last year, Dhawan had to make way for a younger batter in Shubman Gill. His last international appearance for India was in December 2022.

"If I look back, the last two years of my cricketing career, I wasn't playing much of international cricket and I was playing IPL to IPL, so I wasn't playing much of cricket (overall)," said the big-hitting opener.

He left the arena as a bonafide IPL legend, after appearing in 222 matches, that yielded 6769 runs, including two hundreds and 51 half centuries.

His 768 fours in the tournament are the highest by any batter and he also holds the distinction of being the first to hit consecutive hundreds in the event.

"I thought that, 'alright, I've played enough, and I need to give it a break because I'm not playing that much cricket, so you lose the touch as well," he said as he opened about his mindset before announcing the big decision.

Dhawan, who captained Punjab Kings in a few games last year, said he also realised that practising two-three months for the IPL would not be enough for him to be in contention for a national call-up.

"I thought that continuing IPL and just coming up with two, three months of hard work won't be enough for me to go and play," he said.

Dhawan, who had a terrific average of 65.15 -- highest among all Indian batters ever in ICC limited-overs events -- reiterated that he was content with the way his journey ended.

"So that was the reason for me to just call it off, and yeah, I was very happy and satisfied and content with whatever I achieved in my career, and very, very grateful for everything," he said.

"Of course, we would have loved to win the World Cup," said Dhawan, who played in the 2015 and 2019 iterations of the ODI World Cup and was also a member of India's title-winning side in the 2013 Champions Trophy.

The former India opener Dhawan stands eighth in the overall list of highest partnership runs in career for any wicket with India captain Rohit Sharma, having added 5,193 runs at 45.15 in 117 matches with 18 century and 15 half-centuries stands.

Dhawan said he was pleased to see Rohit's career hitting further highs, the highlight being India's T20 World Cup win under his leadership.

"He's a great captain, and so happy that he led the team and won the World Cup for our nation. We were waiting for that World Cup for a long time. We were very close in (winning) the ODI World Cup as well, and now we achieved that goal in T20Is," Dhawan said.

"He's a very experienced captain, and I'm sure all the boys love him as a leader and he has done a phenomenal job for the Indian team," he added.

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"Getting Rid Of Kohli, Never Won IPL": Vaughan, Gilchrist Play IPL Game

Former Australia great Adam Gilchrist and former England captain Michael Vaughan had their say on a very tricky question. The duo - who appear together on the Club Prairie Fire podcast - were posed a question that is certain to divide the hearts of many fans. Start one, bench one, sell one between Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, for their own hypothetical franchise. Despite being given the Herculean task, Vaughan broke down the situation and gave a rather surprising answer.

"I'm playing MS Dhoni. I don't think anyone's been better," said Michael Vaughan, appearing alongside Gilchrist in an interaction with the cricket.com YouTube channel.

"MS is a captain," he reasoned, as to why he had picked him over Kohli.

"I'm getting rid of Virat. He's never won the IPL. Rohit Sharma is a six-time winner. MS Dhoni is a five-time winner," he said.

Vaughan said that Rohit Sharma would be on the bench for him, as a substitute for MS Dhoni.

Gilchrist added that 'selling' Virat Kohli would also earn their franchise a lot of money.

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"You'll get a good price for Virat," said Gilchrist, to which Vaughan replied, "It's good business".

"I can get a load of cash for him (Virat Kohli). He'll go somewhere else for a huge amount of money," he added.

Surprisingly, Gilchrist agreed with Vaughan's opinion.

"I think that's well thought through. You're splitting hairs, it's a tough call on all, but that's the job of a manager," he said.

With the IPL mega auction for the 2025 season set to happen later this year, a lot of talk has gone regarding the retention rules. Whether MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stick to their franchises is not yet a foregone conclusion. In fact, reports have also stated that Chennai Super Kings' decision on Dhoni rests on how many retentions they are allowed.

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Shaheen Returns To 15-Member Pakistan Squad For First Test Against England

Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi was on Tuesday recalled as the Pakistan selectors named a 15-member squad for the first Test against England beginning on October 7. Afridi, who was dropped for the second and final Test against Bangladesh earlier this month due to poor form, was back in the squad for the first Test in Multan. Seasoned left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who was not considered for the two Tests against Bangladesh, was also named in the squad. Bangladesh had won both the Tests in a big upset. Ali replaced pace bowler Khurrum Shehzad who is yet to recover from a injury he sustained during the home series against Bangladesh.

All-rounder Aamer Jamal, who couldn't play in the series against Bangladesh, was also retained in the squad after coming back from a fitness issue.

The rest of the players were those who were part of the Pakistan squad for the two Tests against Bangladesh.

Pakistan Cricket Board also announced that head coach Jason Gillispie had asked the selected players to be withdrawn from the ongoing Champions Cup ODI event in Faisalabad to give them rest before the series against England.

With the exception of one or two players, all the selected players, including Shan Masood and Babar Azam, were playing in the ongoing play-offs of the Champions Cup.

Pakistan Test squad: Shan Masood (Capt), Saud Shakil (Vice Capt), Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Huraira, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Aamer Jamal, Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Mir Hamza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah. 

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Dravid "Very Regimented, Gambhir Is...": Ashwin Decodes Stark Difference

Gautam Gambhir just tasted his first success in Tests as Indian cricket team coach. After Rahul Dravid guided the team to 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, the onus is now on Gambhir to take the team forward. After the Sri Lanka limited overs tour, the Indian cricket team has now started a long Test season. After the ongoing Bangladesh Test series, India will play New Zealand and Australia. Ravichandran Ashwin will be a crucial cog in India's wheel in that journey. 

Before that, Ashwin described how Gambhir and Dravid are different as coaches.  

"I think he is very relaxed. There is nothing at all. In the morning, in the huddle. 'Are you coming?' Like that. Rahul Bhai is like, we will come. As soon as we come, the bottles should be in a place. He is very regimented. He is like, everything should be in order, according to him. He has a relaxed order. I feel that hr captures the minds of the people. He loves the boys. He is not only relaxed," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin expressed his gratitude towards the crowd for their tremendous support throughout the 1st India vs Bangladesh Test match.

He remarked that this was one of the best Test pitches he has played on in India and urged curators to create similar pitches for Tamil Nadu's Ranji Trophy games.

The enthusiastic support and excellent pitch conditions contributed to a memorable match, highlighting the passionate cricket culture in Chennai.

"The crowd was so passionate about watching the match," Ashwin said.

"Easily one of the best cricket pitches I have played in India for a while. Awesome pitch and I really hope Tamil Nadu play Ranji Trophy on such pitches. The way they have laid the pitch, they should take it to the next level. Outstanding Test match wicket. Earlier, there was a curator named Pacha. He said. 'sir the wicket will be good for the fast bowlers in the morning'. The batting will be easy. Then it will turn and the match will be over'. But like he said, the first day, there will be bounce," he concluded.

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Bangladesh Star's Blunt R Ashwin Comparison With Kohli And Rohit

In his own way, Ravichandran Ashwin continues to create his legacy in Indian cricket. With more than 500 wickets to his name, Ashwin sits second in the list of wicket-takers for the country in Tests. With 6 Test centuries to his name, the veteran cricketer has established his name as a true all-rounder that the team can rely on in every precarious situation. However, it's been tough for Ashwin to gain recognition in a country that is obsessively in love with its batters. However, veteran Bangladesh cricketer Tamim Iqbal feels R Ashwin's importance is as big as batting greats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India.

Tamim, who is working as one of the pundits-cum-commentator for Bangladesh's tour of India, didn't flinch as he put Ashwin in the same bracket as Virat and Rohit.

"That was brilliant what he did, he was batting like a proper batter. I come from a different country. What I always hear is Virat Kohlis and Rohit Sharmas but Ravichandran Ashwin is equally important in my eyes. Because we only talk about when they do well, when they get the hundreds, they get five six wickets. But their contribution to this Indian team is immense. It's as big as Rohit as big as Virat Kohli," said Tamim Iqbal on Jio Cinema.

India captain Rohit was also full of praise for Ashwin in the post-match presentation ceremony, lauding him not just for his bowling but also batting.

"He's next in line to talk to you, he's the right man to answer what he does. Every time we look up to him, he's always there for us whether with the bat or ball. I don't know if I speak here, it'll be enough of what he does for this team. Every time we see him come out and do the job, it's always so brilliant. He's never out of the game. The last competitive cricket he played was IPL and then he had some fun playing TNPL. We watched him bat up the order and that's what helped him as well to bat the way he did," Rohit said in the post-match presentation.

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India's Focus Must Be On Ensuring Fitness Of Bumrah, Pant: Ian Chappell

Former Australian cricketer Ian Chappell said on Sunday that Rohit Sharma-led Team India must focus on ensuring the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant for their upcoming matches. Rohit Sharma-led India clinched a massive 280-run win over Bangladesh in the first Test match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. Currently, India leads the WTC standings . Their upcoming WTC series include New Zealand (three Tests at home), and Australia (five Tests away). In his column for ESPNcricinfo, Chappell said that India's main goal should be to get more players into form.

"India's main goal should be to get as many players into form as possible while avoiding major injuries. However, the focus must be on ensuring the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant," Chappell said.

The former cricketer added that Pant's evolution from a questionable keeper against spinners to a skilled gloveman showed his dedication.

"A keeper who meets these demands not only enhances the team's fielding but also allows slip fielders to spread wider and cover more ground. Before his serious injury, Pant's ability to stand up to the stumps significantly improved after an ultimatum from Shastri. His evolution from a questionable keeper against spinners to a skilled gloveman at the stumps shows his dedication," he added.

In the upcoming days, Australia will take on India in the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The most awaited Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on November 22, with the first Test at Perth.

The second Test, scheduled for December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval, will feature the exciting day-night format under the stadium's lights. After that, fans will turn their attention to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, which will be held from December 14 to 18.

The customary Boxing Day Test, set for December 26 to 30 at Melbourne's storied Melbourne Cricket Ground, will bring the series to its penultimate stage.

The fifth and final Test, to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, will serve as the series climax, promising a dramatic conclusion to an exciting contest.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Shastri Fires Blunt Warning To Rahul. Says India Star "Needs To Realise..."

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes star batter KL Rahul must change his batting temperament to rediscover golden touch. Shastri, while commentating during the ongoing 1st Test against Bangladesh, feels it's high time Rahul pulls up his socks to rediscover his lost mojo. Rahul is going through a dip in form, with his last Test century coming during India's tour of South Africa earlier this year. The players also picked up an injury during the home series against England earlier this year, and was fortunate enough to be in the playing XI against Bangaldesh.

Rahul managed a score of 16 in the first innings against Bangladesh, while he was unbeaten on 22 when India captain Rohit Sharma declared the innings with an overall lead of 514.

While he feels that the player has all the potential in the world, Shastri suggested Rahul must change his mindset as it could transform him into a different player.

"KL Rahul needs to realise that he has got much of talent. The day he realises that and comes out with a mindset and thinking in that fashion. He will be a different player," Shastri said on-air during the match.

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar recently claimed that the issue with Rahul is entirely temperamental.

"This has been the KL Rahul story. It's amazing that he plays a brilliant innings at the Test level and the next two three innings it seems like he has got a pair in the last Test. Even when you saw him bat today, it almost seemed like an innings without purpose. That can happen, it happened to me in the second half of my career where everything was internal," Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.

Manjrekar cited his own example, as he tried to explain the phase Rahul is going through at the moment.

"I went in to bat just thinking about my technique and am I going to play the ball well, imagining a certain kind of delivery coming my way. And I've got to play instead of going to your instinct as a batter which I think all the other Indian batters practice that is about getting runs. Even if you're defending looking for ones and twos," he added.

Despite being a veteran of 50 Test matches, which have seen Rahul produce some fine hundreds, the batter averages just 34, a big concern for Manjrekar.

"That is more a temperamental problem for KL Rahul that has plagued him for 50 Test matches because the number that he has. He's got some brilliant hundreds but an average of 34. He's got hundreds, not one or two, quite a few and in testing conditions but the average of 34 tells you about his temperament and that we got to look at it today as well," he added.

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Average 27, Strike Rate 45: Virat Kohli's Recent Poor Test Form Continues

India's stalwart Virat Kohli's struggle against spinners in Asia since 2021 continued after another dry outing with the bat in the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Chennai. In both innings of the Test, Kohli delivered subpar scores of 6 and 17. While in the first inning, he chased an outside off-stump delivery by Hasan Mahmud. However, in the second inning, Kohli was exposed in front of spinners once again. He fell victim to Mehidy Hasan Miraz and got trapped in front of the stumps.

After his dismissal, in the replay, the Ultraedge showed a spike when the bat made contact with the ball, which would have ruled Virat not out had he opted for a review.

As Kohli did not use the DRS, he had to walk back to the dressing room with a score of 17. The dismissal continued the poor string of results against spinners in Asia.

Since 2021, in the Test format, Kohli has scored 499 runs after facing 1094 balls. During this period, he has been dismissed 18 times. He has averaged 27.72 with a strike rate of 45.61.

Overall, Virat is going through a lean period across all formats this year. In 15 matches and 17 innings in 2024, he has scored just 319 runs at a sub-par average of 18.76, with just one half-century to his name and a best score of 76 made during the T20 World Cup final against South Africa.

In the Test format, Virat's average is at an eight-year low. In 114 Tests, he has scored 8,871 runs in 193 innings at an average of 48.74, with 29 centuries and 30 fifties. The last time his average was lower than this was in November 2016, when he averaged 48.28.

The period of 2020s has not been kind to Virat in white colours. In 30 Tests played since the start of 2020, he has scored just 1,669 runs at an average of just 32.72, with just two centuries and eight fifties in 52 innings. His best score is 186.

In five Tests and eight innings during the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship cycle, Virat has scored 392 runs at an average of 49.00, with a century and two fifties. His best score is 121.

In India's search for their maiden WTC title, India would be keen about Virat once again finding his purple patch in their upcoming series against New Zealand, and Australia.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"Defence Is Attack": Rishabh Pant Compared To This Ex-India Star

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali compared the dynamic wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant to India's iconic opener, Virender Sehwag. After being involved in a life-threatening accident in December 2022, Pant's return to Test format for India has begun on a breathtaking note. After his promising knock ended on 39 in the first inning, he dug deep and raised his bat to celebrate his splendid century in Chennai in the opening Test against Bangladesh.

Basit drew comparisons between Pant and Sehwag after witnessing the southpaw's blitzkrieg against Bangladesh. He pointed out that both batters used attack as a way of defence in the longest format of cricket.

"There are two batters in India. The second is Rishabh Pant. The first one was Virender Sehwag, whose defence was attacking. He used to go after the boundary on the first ball. Rishabh Pant came, whose defence is attack. He plays shots and plays well against Bangladesh. He won hearts," Basit said on his YouTube channel.

On Day 3, Pant heavily relied on his aggressive strokeplay to pile up runs on the board on the benign surface of the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

With Shubman Gill on the other side, the duo forged a 167-run partnership, which propelled India to a mammoth target of 515 runs.

When Pant ran a double and started celebrating his century, India stalwart Virat Kohli stood on his feet and applauded him for his remarkable feat.

Pant forged his 109-run knock by mixing up his front-foot and backfoot play. To deal with the spinners, he mostly relied on his backfoot game, bought himself time, and picked the gaps according to his ease.

On a couple of occasions, he came down the track with aggression and used the surface to his advantage. In the 53rd over, he came down the track and struck a half-volley to clear the boundary rope off Shakib Al Hasan.

His impressive inning laced with 13 fours and four mouthwatering sixes was brought to an end by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. He cushioned it back to the Bangladesh spinner, which brought an end to his sensational display. He walked back with applause from the crowd and blew a kiss towards heaven.

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Alex Carey Sparks Recovery As Australia Thrash England In 2nd ODI

Australia were indebted to Alex Carey as they beat England by 68 runs in the second one-day international at Headingley on Saturday to go 2-0 up in a five-match series. The world champions were in trouble at 221-9 after losing the toss. But Carey made a dashing 74, with the wicketkeeper dominating a last-wicket stand of 49 with Josh Hazlewood that took Australia to 270 all out. That proved more than enough as a new-look England, who collapsed to 65-5, were dismissed for 202 with nearly 10 overs remaining after none of their batsmen made a fifty.

This was Australia's 14th consecutive ODI win, with only the Australia 2003 World Cup-winning side led by Ricky Ponting, enjoying a longer unbeaten run at this level of 21 straight victories.

Mitchell Starc (3-50) and Hazlewood (2-54) struck early in England's reply after the veteran fast bowlers missed Australia's seven-wicket success at Trent Bridge on Thursday with illness.

Jamie Smith's 49 merely delayed the inevitable and when he chipped Hazlewood to midwicket, England were 159-7 in the 31st over.

England's reply was derailed when Hazlewood had opener Phil Salt edging behind, while initially wayward left-armer Starc removed Will Jacks for a golden duck thanks to a fine diving catch at second slip by Matthew Short.

Starc's brilliant inswinging yorker then had England captain Harry Brook lbw for just four on the Yorkshire batsman's home ground.

- Hardie double -England were then in dire straits at 65-5 after paceman Aaron Hardie took two wickets in two balls.

Ben Duckett, who made 95 at Trent Bridge, was deceived on 32 by Hardie's slower ball as the bowler held a fine return catch.

Next ball, Liam Livingstone became the second golden duck of the innings when he was brilliantly caught down the legside by the diving Carey, only recalled this series after Josh Inglis was injured.

Earlier, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh (60) was the only member of the tourists' top order to make more than 29.

But Carey's superb 67-ball innings, including eight fours and three well-struck sixes, took Australia to a competitive total.

England might have feared the worst when Travis Head, fresh from his career-best 154 not out on Thursday, hit sixes off both Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse.

But Head, fell for just 29 when the left-hander flicked Carse straight to deep backward square leg.

Marsh launched Carse out of the ground but Australia were 89-3 in the 14th over when Steve Smith was bowled for just four by a superb Potts late inswinger.

Marnus Labuschagne, 77 not out at Trent Bridge, only managed 19 before mistiming a pull off Jacob Bethell to mid-on.

And 145-4 became 151-5 when 20-year-old left-arm spinner Bethell, in just his second ODI, had Marsh plumb lbw after the batsman missed a sweep to end a 59-ball innings featuring six fours and three sixes.

Australia lost three wickets for five runs in 10 balls to be 221-9.

But Carey went to fifty in style by driving off-spinner Jacks for six before he was last man out.

The series continues at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday.

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First Time In 92 Years: Jaiswal Achieves Another Sensational Feat In Tests

Indian cricket team batter Yashasvi Jaiswal has been extremely impressive in his fairly short Test career and he added a massive feat to his name during Day 2 of the first Test match against Bangladesh in Chennai on Friday. After scoring 56 in the first innings, Jaiswal failed to score big in the second innings as he was dismissed for 10 but that did not stop him from becoming the first Indian batter to achieve a huge milestone. After his first 10 matches, Jaiswal has scored 1094 runs - the most by any Indian batter ever. Jaiswal is the first Indian batter to score more than 1000 runs in the first 10 matches with the record previously belonging to Sunil Gavaskar (978 runs).

Overall, Don Bradman holds the record as he scored 1446 runs in his first 10 matches.

Most runs scored by a batter after first 10 Tests

1446 runs - Don Bradman (Australia)

1125 runs - Everton Weekes (West Indies)

1102 runs - George Headley (West Indies)

1094 runs - Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)

1088 runs - Mark Taylor (Australia)

India reached 81 for three at stumps in second innings to extend their overall lead to 308 runs against Bangladesh on the second day of the opening Test on Friday.

Shubman Gill (33 not out) and Rishabh Pant (12 not out) were at the crease when the stumps were drawn for the day.

Bangladesh were all out for a paltry 149 in their first innings, giving the hosts a massive first-innings lead of 227 runs.

In reply to India's first-innings total of 376, Bangladesh could survive just 47.1 overs.

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah (4/50) was the most successful bowler for India.

Earlier, India resumed the day on 339/6 and lost all four wickets for the addition of just 37 runs.

Ravichandran Ashwin's incredible knock ended on 113, adding 11 runs to his overnight total, while Ravindra Jadeja fell for 86.

For Bangladesh, Hasan Mahmud completed his five-wicket haul (5/83) while Taskin Ahmed chipped in with three scalps.

(With PTI inputs)

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India Have An Advantage At T20 WC Due to UAE's Similar Conditions: Mithali

Former captain Mithali Raj reckons that India will enjoy a significant edge over other teams, as the conditions in the UAE resemble those found on home soil. The women's T20 World Cup is set to be played in the UAE -- Dubai and Sharjah -- from October 3. The ICC moved marquee event from Bangladesh owing to the political unrest in that nation. "The UAE is, again, in very similar conditions, so we can say that, you know, our team has the advantage," Mithali told Star sports.

However, the former batter warned against complacency, emphasising that every team will arrive fully prepared for showpiece event.

"But again, the World Cup means every team comes well prepared," she added.

Despite reaching the finals of ICC events, including a couple of senior World Cups, the Indian women's team is yet to grab its maiden global title.

"The Indian women's team, so far, hasn't won, other than the Under-19 World Cup," Mithali said.

"I think I will definitely want the team to do well because, like everybody else, when we get into the World Cup, we want our team to win." "As a broadcaster, I think I've just done the first stint for women's cricket in the Asia Cup, and India lost the Asia Cup. I don't know whether that's lucky or not in that way!" she added.

India will open their campaign against New Zealand on October 4 in Dubai.

Harmanpreet and Co have been clubbed alongside Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Group A.

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Hardik Pandya May Return For Mushtaq Ali Trophy; Likely To Play Ranji Too

With a big tour of Australia on the horizon, India's white-ball expert Hardik Pandya looks set to return to action after a big break with an appearance in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy to gear up for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The India all-rounder has also expressed a desire to play red-ball cricket of his state in the Ranji Trophy. Although results have gone their way, Real Madrid have ridden their luck in recent matches, with Real Sociedad hitting the post three times against them last week, while in the Champions League, Stuttgart created more chances, before two goalkeeping errors gifted Madrid a 3-1 win.

Asked about his side's lack of balance in midfield and defense ahead of Saturday's match at home to Espanyol, Ancelotti insisted he was more interested in the results, reports Xinhua.

"It doesn't bother me that people say Madrid plays badly because I see our fans delighted with what we're doing," he replied. "I think Real Madrid fans are used to rock and roll football and not to a lot of passes. And above all they like winning more than playing well," commented the coach.

The Italian also rejected claims that his side looks unbalanced, with players such as Jude Bellingham, Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo more attack-minded, while they lack a holding midfielder due to Eduardo Camavinga's ankle injury.

"Balance is collective work that I can do with two forwards or with three. Putting in a new midfielder doesn't mean you have more balance. The debate could be what Bellingham is: Forward or midfielder? We don't know," added Ancelotti.

"I like to see my team defend well, not waste time in possession and be vertical. It is difficult to define what beautiful football is," he concluded.

Ancelotti has both Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni available to face Espanyol, who travel to Madrid in good form after Javi Puado's hat-trick saw them win 3-2 at home to Alaves last weekend.

Espanyol are a team that traditionally does badly in Madrid and anything other than a comfortable home win would be a surprise.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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For Rohit Interview, Gambhir Asks Kohli For 1 Question. Gets Epic Reply

Whatever happens on the field, stays on the field. Don't think there is a better sentence to describe the relationship between India head coach Gautam Gambhir and star batter Virat Kohli. The two share a history when it comes to on-field altercations, having played plenty of cricket together and against each other. The two Delhi boys, in a video shared by the BCCI, sat down to discuss their careers, highs and lows, and the on-field battles in the past.

During the light-hearted chat, Gambhir asked Virat, "So Virat, the next guest is Rohit. What do you want me to ask? What should be the first question?"

Kohli told Gambhir to ask Rohit whether he eats soaked almonds in the morning. 

"I think it is a very simple question to Rohit. Ki subah bheege badam khate ho ki nahi (Do you eat soaked almonds in the morning?)."

This prompted laughter from Gambhir, who replied: "That will help Rohit remember to come in at 11 am, not at night. Ke subah 11 bhaje ke jagah, raat ko 11 bhaje na aa jaye (So that he comes in at 11 am and not 11 pm)."

"So, Rohit, that's the first question for you," Kohli confirmed the query.

The lighthearted conversation was shared by the BCCI on the eve of the start of the 1st Test against Bangladesh.

Gambhir also gave a press conference on Wednesday and underlined the significance for him to build on the existing cordial relationship with the senior players like skipper Rohit Sharma and batting talisman Virat Kohli to take Indian cricket forward.

"It's still early days (for him as coach). But the good part is that I have played with those guys (seniors). At one stage we were sharing the dressing room as players, when they were younger, who have now become experienced guys," Gambhir said in the pre-match press meet here.

"When you have that kind of a relationship, sometimes it gets much easier than building a relationship. Obviously, now the roles are different.

"The relationship we can build over a period of next couple of years. It's going to be very important, and now we should keep taking it a little bit forward because we've got massive challenges coming our way," he added.

(With PTI Inputs)

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"Simple Funda Hai...": Axar Patel Sums Up Rohit Sharma Captaincy Style

India captain Rohit Sharma commands great respect from his peers and has often been described as an easy guy to hangout with. Rohit's on-field communication with players has also given fans a glimpse of they style of his captaincy. Delving deep into the topic, India all-rounder Axar Patel explained how Rohit gives bowlers complete freedom to execute plans, but also likes to do his own homework beforehand, drafting strategies before matches, not just for the opponent teams but individual players as well.

"Simple funda hai unka. He doesn't like to complicate things too much. He comes in after learning his lessons. He knows which bowler will be used in what kind of situation and which one won't and after that he would leave it to the bowlers," Axar said in a chat with Vimal Kumar on YouTube.

"He doesn't interfere much with the bowlers. Yes if I ask that I want this thing and I am planning this, then he will give that without any qualms. But if that didn't work then he would come in and suggest that it might not be working and say I feel something else might be better," he added.

Axar said that he shares a great rapport with Rohit, to the extent that they never had to argue over a decision, even when their decisions differed from each other.

"It has never, at least for me I haven't argued with him, such is the rapport between us that I have never had an argument with him nor have I ever disagreed with him," he added.

"Rohit as a captain does not think that a lefty cannot bowl to a left-arm batter or a righty to a right-arm batter. That is the sign of a captain whether you can recognise the strength of the bowler and know that this person can get you out of a tough situation," he concluded.

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Kohli Opens Up On Dhoni Exit Challenge, Gambhir Gives Priceless Response

In a heart-to-heart conversation, Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir gave fans the memory of a lifetime. Often making news because of the 'masala' in their relationship, Kohli opened his heart in front of Gambhir, the man who recently took up the role of Team India's head coach. As the two discussed their careers, personalities and vision through this journey of Indian cricket, some brilliant tales were narrated.

While discussing the famous Australia series of 2014-15, Virat opened up the on the challenge he found ahead of him as MS Dhoni announced his decision to quit Test captaincy, leaving the responsibility of a young team on Kohli's shoulders.

"The thing that excited me about Test cricket and when I was coming up as captain was the challenge. We were transitioning when you guys had made way for a youngster team and Mahi bhai left Test captaincy. I was 25, so for me it was like 'I am here with a bunch of 24-25 year-old guys. How do we become household names?' We sat down and thought 'I really need to plan this out. This can't happen by chance'," Kohli said during the chat with head coach Gambhir in an interview arranged by the BCCI.

Rather than being bogged down by the weight of the responsibility, Kohli decided to rise to the occasion. The rest, as they say, is history.

"When I started thinking from the point of view where Indian cricket has to be in 7 years' time, the solutions came. We need a group of fast bowlers. We need batters who can bat long. We need to give ownership to five batters and a keeper to get us 350-400. We can't have a seventh option. I remember the challenge excited me. I didn't feel like 'Oh my god! I don't want any part in this'. And that's when I was like I am all in."

Kohli also found comfort in Gambhir's words as the India head coach lauded him for leading the troops valiantly despite being a young 25-year-old batter himself.

"I can understand what you might have gone through. A 24-25 year-old boy taking up Test captaincy and then what you did brilliantly was that you had a really strong bowling unit. Test matches are won by taking 20 wickets. Till the time you don't have a strong bowling line-up, you won't [win]. And that is what made you the most successful Test captain in the country," said Gambhir.

"Credit has to go to you because as a batter it is very easy to have a strong 6-7 batters putting runs on the board but the way you identified and more importantly, the attitude which you brought on the field from fast bowlers. Imagine having people like Shami, Bumrah, Ishant, Umesh and then winning overseas. I remember you playing that knock in Adelaide. We were chasing 400; it was your first game as captain, and you still wanted to win that Test match. That is the mindset, that is the culture we want to bring in," he further asserted.

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Bad News For Shreyas Iyer: BCCI Officials Say "No Room, Won't Go To..."

Star India batter Shreyas Iyer is currently not in the scheme of things, as far as Test cricket is concerned. Iyer, who was not picked by the selectors for the 1st Test against Bangladesh, has endured a torrid run in the ongoing Duleep Trophy scoring just 104 runs in four innings. The batter has fallen behind in the pecking order, with youngsters like Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel impressing in the whites against England earlier this year. With Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul also part of the squad for the series opener, Iyer's form in the Duleep Trophy has further dented his hopes of making a Test comeback any time soon.

Now, a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official has claimed that there's no room for Iyer in the current Test team, raising concerns over his inability to capitalise on batting pitches in the Duleep Trophy.

"At the moment, there's no room for Shreyas to be in the Test team. Who will he replace? Besides, his shot selection has been a concern in Duleep, especially yesterday (Sunday). He was well set and then suddenly played such a shot (off left-arm spinner Shams Mulani). When you are set and then batting on a flat deck, you need to make the best use of that opportunity.," the BCCI official told Telegraph.

Meanwhile, another board official has suggested that Iyer will continue to do the hard yards in the Domestic circuit. it is unlikely that the player will be picked for the five-match Test tour of Australia later this year.

"Shreyas could be there (in the Mumbai squad) for the Irani Cup (beginning on October 1 in Lucknow). Even if he's picked for the Bangladesh T20Is (from October 6), he still might play Irani and then be available from the second T20I onwards," another board official said.

"Now, if he doesn't fire in Irani too, he still has the Ranji Trophy to get runs. It wasn't too many days ago when he was batting so well in last year's ODI World Cup. He suffered an injury too, which needs to be considered. Also, with still one round left in Duleep, you never know he might score a hundred. He needs to regain form. Most likely he won't go to Australia for his problems against the short ball, but one can't just ignore his runs at home," he added.

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Bangladesh Tests 'No Dress Rehearsal', Says India Skipper Rohit Sharma

Captain Rohit Sharma on Tuesday warned his India team there is "no dress rehearsal" in cricket as they face a Bangladesh side fresh from a historic Test series win over Pakistan. India lead the World Test Championship (WTC) standings ahead of Australia, where Rohit's team will tour for a five-match series later in the year. But first they host Bangladesh in a two-Test series, starting with the opener in the northern Indian city of Chennai from Thursday. India are clear favourites but the visitors recently celebrated a landmark 2-0 series sweep in Pakistan. "There is no dress rehearsal kind of stuff happening here," Rohit told reporters, cautioning against minds turning too quickly to Australia.

"Every game is important because of what is at stake -- the WTC table is quite wide open," Rohit added. "We want to win here, and start the season on a high."

The skipper added: "In terms of preparation, in terms of readiness, I feel we are quite ready for this game, and what lies ahead of us."

India's last Test series was at home earlier this year when they beat England 4-1.

India won the T20 World Cup in June, their first International Cricket Council title in 11 years.

But there was "no way" his players would "relax and sit back" as a result, the 37-year-old Rohit said.

"Us cricketers, we have got limited time to play the game, to make an impact in the sport that we play," he said.

India will host New Zealand for three Tests in October and November, before travelling to Australia, the current World Test champions.

"Every team likes to beat India. Let them have fun," said Rohit of a Bangladesh team on a high after their first win over Pakistan.

"We need to win the match and that's what we are here for."

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Watch: Dhoni Spotted At NFL Game In Michigan During Vacation With Friends

Former Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni was spotted in the United States of America as he was on a vacation with some of his close friends. The veteran wicket-keeper batter is widely expected to play for Chennai Super Kings with multiple reports claiming that the franchise will retain him ahead of the 2025 season. There have also been reports that he can be categorised as an "uncapped player" because of his international retirement but the BCCI has not confirmed anything officially. In a video posted by his friend Hitesh Sanghvi on Instagram, Dhoni was seen enjoying with his friends and they also went to a National Football League (NFL) game with his friends in Michigan.

Earlier, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) seamer Tushar Deshpande shared some inspirational words from MS Dhoni that motivated him ahead of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Deshpande, who had initially struggled in the competition, played a crucial role in CSK's fifth title victory, solidifying his position in the bowling unit.

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During the 2023 season, CSK faced a significant injury crisis within their pace bowling department, with Ben Stokes, Deepak Chahar, Sisanda Magala, Simarjeet Singh, and Mukesh Choudhary all sidelined by serious injuries.

In their absence, Deshpande led the attack alongside young talents like Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Matheesha Pathirana, and Akash Singh. Deshpande rose to the challenge, taking 21 wickets in 16 matches with an economy rate of 9.92.

Deshpande recounted a motivating conversation with Dhoni at Chepauk during the IPL 2023 preparation camp.

"You have everything to succeed at international level. But you have to be calm during your run-up. Don't get distracted by the crowd. Just take a deep breath, stay calm and bowl.' If Mahi tells you that you have everything to be successful at international level, boss, that itself is an achievement," Deshpande told ESPNcricinfo.

(With ANI inputs)

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