Latest news with #IndianXI
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First Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- First Post
Four years after Gabba heroics, Washington Sundar grabs opportunity with both hands in England
After small but crucial contributions at Edgbaston and a four-fer at Lord's, Washington Sundar brought up his maiden international century in the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, where he was part of a dramatic rescue act for the visitors. read more There has been a lot of discussion over India's team selection in the ongoing Test series against England, from the absence of Kuldeep Yadav in the first four Tests despite several icons of the game calling for his inclusion to the drama surrounding Karun Nair and B Sai Sudharsan and the No 3 spot, which had previously belonged to the skipper and current No 4 Shubman Gill. Spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar was among the three changes in India's lineup for the second Test at Edgbaston after India failed to defend a target of 371 in the series opener at Headingley. He has remained a constant presence in the Indian XI since then, even as some, on social media or even on the official broadcasts, questioned the need for captain Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir to have two spin-bowling all-rounders in the XI, the other being Ravindra Jadeja. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Tamil Nadu and Gujarat Titans cricketer, however, has proved his worth in the opportunities that he has got so far and highlighted why he's here to stay as far as the five-day format is concerned. A maiden Test century after heroic four-fer Sundar had made an instant impact following his inclusion in Birmingham – his 42 with the bat allowing India to inch closer to the 600-mark and his dismissal of England captain Ben Stokes at the stroke of lunch on the final day playing a small, but important, part in the series-leveling 336-run victory. At Lord's, Sundar ran through the English batting order like a hot knife through butter, collecting 4/22 as England were bundled out for 192 – the first sub-200 score of what has been a high-scoring series so far. And at Manchester's Old Trafford, Sundar made perhaps his most telling contribution – certainly in the ongoing series, and among his finest performances in either capacity so far in his 12-Test career that began in the famous triumph at Gabba in January 2021. Walking in to bat after Stokes had removed KL Rahul on Sunday morning to break the 188-run third-wicket stand, Sundar had a huge responsibility on his shoulders – that of providing enough support to Gill, Jadeja and the rest of the batting order that followed, especially due to uncertainty over Rishabh Pant's ability to make a match-winning/saving contribution with the bat after his foot fracture. And the pressure was higher than ever after Gill fell to Jofra Archer's bowling shortly before lunch on the final day, departing shortly after completing his fourth century of the ongoing series and going past 700 runs. Sundar and Jadeja, however, would end up producing one of India's finest rearguard efforts ever as they batted their way through the next two sessions, grinding England's hopes of returning to London with the series already in the bag to dust. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also Read | Steely determination of Indian batting lineup runs England ragged at Old Trafford, keeps Test series alive At the same venue where India had lost their last six wickets for less than 100 on Day 2, . England had begun the afternoon session smelling the possibility of the proverbial floodgates being opened after getting rid of both overnight batters. Grateful for the people, and forever grateful to you, God🤍🧿 — Washington Sundar (@Sundarwashi5) July 27, 2025 By the time the game had come down to the final hour of the final day, captain Stokes and his teammates had had enough, and the two spin-bowling all-rounders were still going strong. Stokes had even walked up to Jadeja offering a draw, and got all riled up when the Indians refused, given they were a couple of hits away from their centuries. It was only after they reached three figures that the match finally came to a close. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Standing out as a successor to Ashwin and Jadeja Jadeja has been there and done that when it comes to delivering with bat as well as with ball, and he has been delivering and winning matches for the country for a decade and a half. And then there's Sundar, the off-spinner yet to establish himself as a permanent fixture in the XI four years into his Test career, primarily due to Jadeja and R Ashwin ruling Indian cricket as the primary spin pair with Kuldeep and Axar Patel in the reserves. His 11-fer against New Zealand in October brought Sundar back into the limelight, and there was hope of him establishing himself in the lineup following Ashwin's abrupt retirement in December during the tour of Australia. His efforts in the last two Tests, especially his maiden international century at the same venue where one Sachin Tendulkar had achieved the same feat 35 years ago, should mark the beginning of an extended run in the team, taking conditions and team requirements into account, that is. More importantly, his efforts at Lord's and Old Trafford highlight that it's not just Axar who's seen as the next long-term spin-bowling all-rounder after Ashwin and Jadeja – the latter already 36 years of age and in the twilight of his career. Sundar and Axar are even somewhat identical to the Ash-Jaddu pair in terms of their roles and impact, with the sole exception of the former being a left-handed batter, unlike Ashwin. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Axar, however, might have to wait a while longer before he finally gets an extended run. Sundar, meanwhile, will be hungrier than ever for runs and wickets following his recent success, and will be hoping for another match-winning effort in the series finale against Stokes and his men at The Oval starting Thursday.
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First Post
6 days ago
- Sport
- First Post
Trott, experts slam Gill and Gambhir over Kuldeep's exclusion as Indians struggle in Manchester: 'I find it astounding...'
Senior left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav remained relegated to the sidelines despite legends of the game such as Sunil Gavaskar and Anil Kumble calling for his inclusion from the outset of the five-match Test series in England. read more Jonathan Trott joins the long list of former cricketers calling for left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion in the Indian XI in the ongoing Test series in England. Reuters India find themselves struggling in what is a must-win fourth Test against England in Manchester, if they are to fly out of the United Kingdom with the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in their check-in luggage. Not only were they bowled out for 358 after England captain Ben Stokes won a fourth consecutive toss and opted to field, they find themselves facing the prospect of starting their second innings with a massive deficit, with the hosts on the verge of eclipsing their total with plenty of wickets in hand. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD England's domination of the Indian bowling unit over the course of the last 24 hours has put the spotlight on the absence of a certain individual – Kuldeep Yadav. There have been plenty of calls for the inclusion of the left-arm wrist spinner since the outset of the five-Test series, from batting icon Sunil Gavaskar to spin legends Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Kuldeep, however, has remained sidelined throughout the tour, with India captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir preferring all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in order to lengthen the batting lineup rather than a frontline spinner in Kuldeep. Trott slams absence of frontline spinner in Kuldeep And on , with England having cruised to 332/2 at lunch with the Indian pacers hardly making an impact on a wicket where Stokes and Jofra Archer shared eight wickets between them, former England batter Jonathan Trott renewed discussion on Kuldeep's continued exclusion from the Indian XI. 'I find it astounding that they don't have the exact bowling lineup that can get them 20 wickets in the much…it makes Jasprit Bumrah's job that much harder, without a frontline spinner,' Trott said on JioHotstar during the lunch interval. The South African-born former England batter wasn't alone in criticising the Indian team management's treatment of Kuldeep as several experts and fans pointed out the same on social media. Here are select reactions: By the time india realise the importance of Kuldeep Yadav rather than strengthening their batting , unfortunately series will be over. — Prasanna (@prasannalara) July 25, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 66 overs into England's innings and Shardul and Washington (despite his performance at Lord's) have bowled six overs between them. India's conservative team selection - over-valuing lower order runs, and ignoring Kuldeep Yadav as a result - has really helped England. — Tim Wigmore (@timwig) July 25, 2025 Hard to be sure, but I think England might be happy Kamboj is playing and Kuldeep isn't — Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) July 25, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indian test cricket is becoming joke with weird selections. Kuldeep Yadav is sitting outside, Arshdeep didn't play in Australia n England, Shami is missing. How can you expect to win with part time bowlers? Someone's ego is destroying this team #INDvsEND — CA Anurag Sharma (@caanuragwriter) July 25, 2025
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First Post
24-07-2025
- Sport
- First Post
Anshul Kamboj shakes off poor start at Old Trafford, announces himself with maiden international wicket
Anshul Kamboj, replacing Akash Deep in the Indian XI in the fourth Test at Manchester, was off to a poor start on Day 2 but managed to end the day with a smile by dismissing Ben Duckett, which gave him his maiden international wicket. read more It turned out to be a mixed day for young Anshul Kamboj . A day after he received his maiden Test cap from former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta, replacing the injured Akash Deep in the Indian XI, the Haryana and Chennai Super Kings pacer was caught-behind for a three-ball duck off Ben Stokes' bowling. And when it came to performing in his primary role, Kamboj was off to an expensive start after sharing the new ball with Jasprit Bumrah ahead of Mohammed Siraj, conceding three boundaries in his very first over of the day and eventually being taken off after going at nearly six-an-over in his first five overs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Kamboj makes his mark at Old Trafford The 24-year-old, however, ensured the day did not end entirely on a gloomy note as he got set English opener Ben Duckett caught-behind on 94 to collect his maiden international wicket. Kamboj struck shortly after left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja broke the marathon opening partnership by having Zak Crawley (84) caught-behind right after drinks. Kamboj and Jadeja's strikes brought India back into the contest after Duckett and Crawley's dominant opening partnership, giving the visitors an opening with two relatively new batters in Ollie Pope and Joe Root at the crease. Pope and Root, however, remained unbeaten on 20 and 11 respectively, forging a steady third-wicket partnership worth 28 to steer England to 225/2 at the close of play, trailing India by 133 runs. England had earlier bowled India out for 358, with skipper Ben Stokes collecting 5/72 after opting to field under overcast skies in Manchester on Wednesday. B Sai Sudharsan, replacing Karun Nair in the XI, top-scored for Shubman Gill and Co with a knock of 61 while Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and Rishabh Pant (54) also chipped in with half-centuries. Pant stood out particularly for his and complete his half-century despite suffering a fracture on his toe while batting on 37 on the previous day.
Hindustan Times
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
‘I won't even consider Kuldeep Yadav in India's XI…': Lord's brings a complete U-turn as Gill, Gambhir get new message
There was a lot of hue and cry from cricket experts across the globe when India did not include Kuldeep Yadav in their XI for the second Test against England at Edgbaston, especially after they had decided to rest their No. 1 bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, due to workload management. But the same emotion is unlikely to be repeated in the third Test at Lord's if Kuldeep doesn't make it to the Indian XI again. India's Shubman Gill and Kuldeep Yadav (R)(AFP) There are two reasons for that. Firstly, despite a truckload of criticism from a host of former cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Mike Atherton, Dale Steyn and Tom Moody, for their choice of XI, India won at Edgbaston and that too by 336 runs. Secondly, the pitch at Lord's generally suits fast bowlers and it is unlikely to be anything different as England head coach Brendon McCullum has already asked for more spice from the curator. Former India cricketers Varun Aaron, Parthiv Patel and Deep Dasgupta shared contrasting views on Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion in the Indian XI for the third Test. 'Won't consider Kuldeep Yadav at Lord's' Varun Aaron said he would not even consider Kuldeep at Lord's because the venue suits fast bowlers more. "Not at all, I wouldn't consider an extra spinner at Lord's. We all know. The numbers say it all. Mostly fast bowlers take wickets at Lord's," Aaron said on JioHotstar. Over the years, only four spinners have taken more than 30 wickets at Lord's, while as many as 16 pacers have done that at this venue. Fast bowlers average 28.83 in 148 Tests at Lord's for their 3229 wickets. Spinners, on the other hand, have not even taken one-third of the wickets taken by pacers. Among visiting pacers, Glenn McGrath and Richard Hadlee have taken 26 wickets each in just three and four Tests, respectively. The last two times that India won at Lord's, it was pacers Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah doing all the damage. Former India keeper-batter Parthiv Patel said he would keep Kuldeep, who went wicketless in nine overs in his only Test in England at Lord's in 2018, in the XI. "It will depend upon the conditions, but I would definitely like to see Kuldeep Yadav in this Indian Playing XI. Bumrah and Kuldeep would be outstanding additions to this Indian unit," Parthiv said. Deep Dasgupta sat on the fence when he was asked whether he would include Kuldeep in India's XI. "Yes, Kuldeep can come into the XI. That's what you can hope for but it looks very difficult. I would definitely keep him in my XI, but I think it is difficult to fit him in because of what happened at Edgbaston. If Karun Nair had scored runs at No.3 or Nitish Reddy at No.6, then the think tank could have gotten the confidence to drop a batter to play an extra spinner. So yeah, as much as I'd want him in my side, it looks difficult," he said.
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First Post
06-07-2025
- Sport
- First Post
Akash Deep's dream delivery to get rid of Joe Root at Edgbaston courts controversy; here's why
Akash Deep had castled star batter Joe Root with an outstanding delivery amid a superb spell on Saturday evening, reducing England to 50/3 in their chase of the mammoth 608-run target. Some, however, feel the delivery should have been deemed illegal in the first place. Here's why. read more India pacer Akash Deep celebrates after dismissing English batting star Joe Root on Day 4 of the second Test at Edgbaston. Reuters India find themselves needing another four wickets to seal a memorable triumph in the second Test against England at Edgbaston on Sunday. And while captain Shubman Gill has been the standout performer in Birmingham, the pacers deserve their fair share of credit, including Akash Deep. Akash, who replaced Jasprit Bumrah in the Indian XI after the latter was rested due to his workload management, did an excellent job in supporting Mohammed Siraj in the first innings, helping India collect a 180-run first innings lead. And the Bengal pacer played a key role in helping Gill and Co after setting them a mammoth 608-run target. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why some are critical of Akash's dismissal of Root Standing out among his four wickets in the English chase is his dismissal of Joe Root, with the pacer castling the batting great with a beautiful delivery that got enough late movement after pitching along full length to beat his outside edge but crash into the stumps at the same time. Unfortunately for the bowler, the dismissal has also become the subject of controversy, with some suggesting the delivery should have actually been deemed illegal. Akash, after all, had used the width of the crease to create the kind of angle that would boost his chances of catching the star batter off guard with late movement. And while Akash's foot had landed within the popping crease, which is the horizontal line behind which the front foot must land, a part of his back foot appeared to have landed outside the landing crease during his delivery stride. 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 🥶#AkashDeep uproots #JoeRoot with a searing in-swinger, his second wicket puts England firmly on the back foot 🤩#ENGvIND 👉 2nd TEST, Day 4 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar ➡ — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 5, 2025 BBC commentator Allison Mitchell was among those who kept an eye on Akash's back foot and remarked about the possibility of a no-ball. 'The delivery from Akash Deep - which we said was wide off the crease - his foot on the back crease is out. Looks like by about two inches. Maybe a little bit more. But comfortably. So his back foot, which needs to land within the line, just taps about two inches over the line. Not picked up!' Mitchell said on air. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Former India all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri, however, added that his back foot was within the return crease upon first contact with the ground, and thus was legal. Here's what the Marylebone Cricket Club's law 21.5.1 states on the matter: 'For a delivery to be fair in respect of the feet, in the delivery stride (21.5.1) the bowler's back foot must land within and not touch the return crease appertaining to his/her stated mode of delivery. (21.5.2) the bowler's front foot must land with some part of the foot, whether grounded or raised - on the same side of the imaginary line joining the two middle stumps as the return crease described in 21.5.1, and - behind the popping crease.' Akash would castle opener Ben Duckett – who had starred in England's five-wicket victory in the series opener at Leeds' – as well as Root in quick succession on Saturday evening after Siraj drew first blood by dismissing Zak Crawley. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The pacer from Bihar would then get rid of Ollie Pope and Harry Brook early on the final day to reduce England to 83/5, at which point even the possibility of a draw appeared a Herculean task for the hosts.
