Team India further cemented their hold on the opening Test against Bangladesh as Jasprit Bumrah wreaked havoc. He bowled with venom and had dished out some great yorkers as well. With this, India recorded a 227-run first-innings lead. While India opted to bat again, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed to put some runs under their belts. Shubman Gill, meanwhile, has looked solid with India currently enjoying a lead of 308. In other news, another international match in Pakistan got revised due to ongoing construction work for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Apart from this, an update also came regarding Hardik Pandya, who seems to eye a comeback in Test cricket.
Why Virat Kohli, Why?
Modern-day great Virat Kohli made a puzzling decision on Day 2 of the Chennai Test. Despite being given LBW by Richard Kettleborough against Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Kohli seemed convinced of his innocence and began walking off the field. However, replays later revealed that he had indeed edged the ball before it hit his pad. The dismissal caused a stir among fans and players alike. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were visibly shocked by the decision, while the umpire couldn’t contain his laughter. Kohli’s dismissal now adds an unnecessary pressure to perform in the next match.
Hardik Pandya Test comeback!
Hardik Pandya’s return to the Indian Test team is looking increasingly likely. After a hiatus from the format since 2018, the all-rounder has been hinting at a potential comeback with red ball posts on social media. Now, a report suggests he’ll play for Baroda in domestic cricket, a crucial step towards a Test recall. The Baroda Cricket Association has confirmed this development. With upcoming Test series against New Zealand and Australia, Pandya’s return could be a X-factor l for the Indian team, who lacks pace-bowling all-rounders in Tests dearly.
Harmanpreet at no. 3 in T20 World Cup?
With the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 approaching, India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur faces a crucial decision: the ideal playing XI. Former captain Anjum Chopra believes India should prioritize six bowlers in their lineup, rather than the usual five. She also suggests that Harmanpreet should bat higher in the order, allowing other key batters like Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma to contribute effectively. Anjum Chopra had an exclusive chat with Insidesport!
ICC Champions Trophy works still going on!
The England cricket team’s tour of Pakistan has been slightly adjusted. The second Test, originally planned in Karachi, has been relocated to Multan due to ongoing renovations for the ICC Champions Trophy. Champions Trophy’s preparation are still going on, with less than 6 months left for the tournament. Multan will now host two Tests, while the third will be played in Rawalpindi. The England team is set to arrive in Multan on October 2.
Rifle in a football game?
A shocking incident occurred during a recent Calcutta Football League match. A spectator at the Naihati Stadium was spotted celebrating a goal with a dummy rifle. While the gun was fake, it raised concerns about stadium security. The spectator was arrested and questioned by police.
New batting coach for Rajasthan Royals!
IPL inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals have hired former Indian opener Vikram Rathour as their new batting coach. He’ll join forces with head coach Rahul Dravid to help the team improve their batting skills for the upcoming IPL season. Both Dravid and Rathour were recently significant pillara behind India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph.