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Time of India
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
IND vs ENG: 'You just let Rishabh Pant be Rishabh Pant' - KL Rahul hails star batter after twin tons as India set England 371-run target
KL Rahul (Pic credit: Sahil Malhotra/ in Leeds: 'You just let Rishabh Pant be Rishabh Pant. Stand out there and admire.' KL Rahul 's words summed up the essence of day four at Headingley, where the Indian duo of Rahul and Pant unleashed twin centuries to propel India to 364 all out in their second innings, setting England a steep 371-run target. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! By stumps, England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett had reached 21 without loss. The series opener remains delicately poised with 350 more needed by the hosts and one full day to go. Pant, who made 134 in the first innings, completed his second century of the match with a thrilling 118 off 140 balls - becoming the first Indian to hit twin tons in a Test against England and only the second wicketkeeper in history to achieve the feat. Greenstone Lobo predicts winner of IND vs ENG series | Who Has the Astrological Edge? KL Rahul, anchoring the innings with a composed 137 off 247 balls, was at his vintage best. 'Was happy with the way I was batting in Australia… Unfortunately couldn't get big runs. I learnt there that once I get starts, I'll convert into big ones,' he said after the day's play. On his ever-evolving role in the batting order, he admitted: 'Last couple of years I have forgotten what position I am comfortable in. I am ready for whatever has been given to me. I have enjoyed my role as an opener the last couple of series.' Rahul also spoke about helping younger players adjust to English conditions. 'Everyone wants to learn, get better at their game. Whoever has come and spoken to me, we've had lengthy conversations. It was something that used to happen earlier also.' Despite India losing their last six wickets for 31 runs, they had done enough damage. England pacer Josh Tongue, who triggered India's late collapse, said: 'It's a shame I couldn't get the hat-trick… but the dressing room is very positive. We have a very good batting order.' Day five promises fireworks - or a fight for survival. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'Respect the conditions' - Sachin Tendulkar's advice to Shubman Gill-led young Indian team
Sachin Tendulkar has shared his advice for skipper Shubman Gill ahead of the five-match Test series (Image via X/@ShubmanGill & mufaddal_vohra) in Leeds : The five-match Test series between India and England is set to commence on June 20. With the series opener in Headingley, the series is set to play out between the two sides till early August. One of cricket's most competitive modern rivalry has been given a historic new identity. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) jointly announced the launch of the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, a prestigious honour that will now be awarded to the winner of every Test series between these two sides. Speaking exclusively to , Sachin Tendulkar touched on the importance of patience when playing in England and support for the team's leadership with Shubman Gill the new skipper. He emphasised that while there will always be opinions about how the captain should approach the game - whether too attacking or too defensive - the focus must remain on the team's plan and decisions made within the dressing room. Ultimately, what matters most is that the captain acts in the team's best interest, regardless of outside criticism. Sharing the name with James Anderson - a player you have had memorable on field contests with makes it all the more special? With Jimmy (James Anderson), the first time I heard about him was from Nasser Hussain. Jimmy had just started playing for England and Nasir spoke very highly about him. He said that he is a bowler to watch out for. But I don't think at that point of time in 2003, even Nasser thought that Jimmy would get 700 wickets for England. It's a remarkable career. I have always believed that one can play for a short span with a lot of talent. But to last for two decades, over two decades, as a fast bowler requires a lot of focus, a lot of discipline, concentration, dedication, grit. There have been so many challenging moments in his life as far as injuries are concerned. There are aches and pains. A fast bowler, you're obviously going to get injured. There are aches and pains, but you wake up in the morning and start a new day with as much zeal and commitment. It takes a lot. The way he's been able to overcome all the challenges and deliver year after year, season after season, has been remarkable. What I found special about him was his wrist position and the subtleness in his variation. A batter is constantly observing a bowler and trying to pick those signals. Every bowler will give you some signal. That's when you kind of come to know whether it's going to be an out-swinger or an in-swinger or a bouncer or a slow bowler. With those small signals, his variation was so subtle. Nick Knight EXCLUSIVE: On Shubman Gill and absence of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in England A number of times, batters were not able to pick. He was quite good at doing reverse swing and hiding the shine. Those kind of elements in your action. He adapted his action to that. If you see his action early on in 2003-2004 and then towards the second half of his career, it had changed. He adapted. He continued evolving. That is the key ingredient to being a successful athlete. You have to constantly rediscover yourself and introduce new things. That is what we all batters experience at the opposite end, 22 yards out. England continues to be a special place for you as you spent a lot of time here during your playing days as well. My first tour of England was in 1990 with the Indian team, before that I came here with the Star Cricket team in 1988, and then a number of things have happened, like I scored 100-100s, but the first one you'll always remember, you know, there is something special about it. It happened on an important day, on 14th of August, or 15th of August, the headline was something in there, which 15th of August means a lot to all of us, and we were able to keep the series alive at that time, and then in 1992, I became the first non-European Yorkshire wicket to play for the county, that was again a big move, a bold move from the county, and I enjoyed my season there, people were extremely nice to me, the county was nice to me, and overall, when I look back, I felt it played an integral part in shaping me as a cricketer, where, you know, playing in conditions one is not so familiar with, I got to learn a lot about cricket during my stint with Yorkshire. IND vs ENG: Rishabh Pant opens up on chemistry with Shubman Gill and England challenge India came close last time they toured England, how optimistic are you on their chances? I think overall, if we are able to put runs on the board, we will do something special. Our bowling attack, other than Mohammed Shami, of course, Ashwin, who has also retired. I think the bowling attack, a lot will depend on Bumrah and how the other guys support him. Bumrah, without any doubt, is going to be our strike bowler. Along with that, how the rest of the guys that I have experienced, Prasidh (Krishna) has been in good form. Arshdeep (Singh) , Shardul (Thakur), Nitish (Kumar Reddy) would be a supporting bowler. Harshit (Rana), I might be missing out a few names, Jadeja, Kuldeep (Yadav.) But overall, I feel the attack is a balanced attack. And I am hopeful that we will do something nice. For the last 33 years, India's No.4 was a secure spot with you and then Virat Kohli. It could be Shubman Gill next. How important is that number in Test cricket? Playing for India itself is a responsibility. So when you get selected to represent the country, it's a responsibility. And it could be batting at any number. Ground Zero: reporter Sahil Malhotra heads to Leeds for India vs England Test series Even if you go out to bat at number 6 or number 7, whatever, those runs are invaluable. Number 11 also is fulfilling his responsibility in a different capacity. So it is good that people believe that he is capable of fulfilling that responsibility, the expectations that people have from him. It's a positive sign according to me. What would be your one piece of advice to young Shubman on what has historically been a tough tour for the Indian cricket team? The conditions, you need to respect conditions and bat accordingly, because when you respect conditions, you have that flexibility in your thought process, in your head, you know, you can't, it cannot be one-way traffic, that my game is like this and I am going to play like this only. One has to be slightly flexible in adapting the approach, the plan, according to the conditions. And if we respect that, then a lot of things can fall into place. But if one is adamant and doesn't believe in changing too many things, irrespective of conditions, then sometimes you end up paying a heavy price for that. So, my message would be to respect conditions at play, so you know when to attack and when to defend. Poll Who do you think will win the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy in the upcoming Test series? India England Draw Thoughts on Shubman Gill the new Test captain? He is just 25 but you also led the team when you were just 23. I think he has to be given time, he has to be supported, and I feel there are going to be a lot of opinions that you know, he should do this and he should do that and all those kind of things will come into play, but what he should be focused on is what is the team's plan, what was the discussion in the dressing room and is it going according to that and all the decisions that are being made are being made in the interest of the team or not is what he should be thinking of and not the outside world where someone feels that he is being too attacking or he is being too defensive and all that, those are opinions and people will give opinions, eventually what happens in the dressing room and what he is doing in the interest of the team is going to matter and that is what should count, nothing else. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Shashank Singh Exclusive: From being a mistaken buy at IPL auction to Punjab Kings' mainstay
Shashank Singh scored 284 runs in the IPL 2025 league stage. (PTI) in Chandigarh: Shashank Singh has spent his cricket career playing for different teams, often with faint praise. He moved from Madhya Pradesh to Mumbai to Chhattisgarh to get more game time and prolong his first-class career. Shashank has been a journeyman in a true sense, even getting his IPL contract due to a goof-up. There was drama during the 2024 auction, leaving many under the impression that Punjab Kings didn't want him, having mistaken him for another player. But when he got the opportunity, he seized it with both hands, finishing the IPL 2024 season with 354 runs at a strike rate of 164.65. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Punjab Kings retained him ahead of the IPL mega auction, and he has now not only become one of the mainstays of the Mohali-based franchise but also Shreyas Iyer 's deputy. He has done the heavy lifting batting at number six and seven for Punjab. His numbers - 284 runs in 14 matches - may not be glittering, but his cameos, backed by a couple of half-centuries, have proven to be knockout punches to the opposition. Surprisingly, he hardly bats in the nets during the IPL. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo RCB vs PBKS, IPL Qualifier 1: Quick Singles from Mullanpur | Indian Premier League "If you ever have a chance to talk to Ricky Ponting , he'll tell you that I don't bat in (the) nets at all," Shashank told "During the IPL, I hardly batted twice or thrice in the nets. There was a time when Ricky sir told me to bat in the nets. I feel that, like in my game, I'm more of a player who likes to watch the ball and just react to it, rather than playing for hours and hours. I'm someone who overthinks at times, so I don't want to bat in the nets for hours and hours, and then once you get out, you think, 'How did I get out? Is there some technical issue in my batting?' All those sorts of things. " At the start of the season, Shashank was struggling. He was doubting his abilities and was scared that, like many, he might end up becoming a one-season wonder in the IPL. 'We manifested and then we worked hard': Shashank Singh after Punjab Kings seal top-two finish "Last season went well for me. But again, I have always felt that it is important to make sure that you are consistent with your seasons. Because in IPL, I have seen extremely talented players, good players, who have one good season, then they have a slump. I took some pressure as well because for me, I was desperate to have a good season again," he revealed. "I don't want to be a person whom people call a one-season wonder. I never wanted to be that player. And to be honest, when the season started, I wasn't batting at the best of my abilities, because in the practice games, I didn't score many runs. In the nets also, I couldn't bat well." It took Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting, captain Shreyas Iyer, and coaching staff Brad Haddin and James Hopes to remind Shashank of what he had done well in the previous season. "Major credit goes to Ricky and Shreyas. I mean, the way they have handled me, the way they have given me the freedom to express myself, the way they have helped me out on the technical parts as well. When I was doubting myself, they made sure that I again got that self-belief. Because I am a player who feels that I am mentally strong and I can play in crunch situations. But sometimes, as a human, you doubt yourself. So I was doubting myself," he said. Ponting even gave daily homework to Shashank to battle his fear of failing. "Ricky sir told me this year to make a to-do list. Do those things. When you go to the net, make sure that all those points are being ticked. These are minute points, there's no big technical difference, but it really helped," he said. When coaxed if the price tag played a role, the swashbuckling batter said: "I never had the pressure of the price tag. I was desperate to have a good season. I wasn't thinking about the process, I was thinking about the outcome." "I mean, I get the question, 'You were worth 20 lakhs, now you are worth a certain amount, so what do you think?' So I didn't feel that, but there was a lot of desperateness." At 32, an Indian cricketer generally does not aim to represent the country. Shashank is on the wrong side of his 30s, but the confidence of doing well in the IPL has helped him dare to dream about a national call. He seeks inspiration from his former DY Patil teammate Pravin Tambe. More Than a Team: The Rise of CSK & the Whistle Podu Army "I am a firm believer in destiny. I always feel that if I am working hard, if I am following my process, good things will happen. I am only 32. When I see Praveen Tambe, I take him as an example because of the way he has worked hard. At 41, he got his first IPL cap. At 42, he made his first-class debut. So, I mean, all those things I take into consideration. And I am a firm believer in destiny." "If things are meant to happen, they will happen. So, I think all those things matter a lot, regardless of age. I mean, if you are meant to play for the country, you will. And I am a firm believer that yes, I have everything in me to play for the country and perform for the country," said Shashank. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli gave India 33 years of unbelievable stability at No. 4. Who next?
Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar New Delhi: In 1992, Sachin Tendulkar moved up to No. 4 in India's batting order in Test cricket. When he retired in 2013, Virat Kohli took over the spot. For almost 33 years, India never had to worry about India's No. 4 in Test cricket. The transition from Tendulkar to Kohli was smooth. For three decades, there was unbelievable stability, but with Kohli's retirement, the baton for the next No. 4 has not been passed. At No. 4, Tendulkar played 177 Tests, scoring 13,492 runs at an average of 54.40, including 44 centuries and 58 half-centuries. Kohli scored a total of 7,564 runs in 160 innings at an average of 50.09, including 26 centuries and 21 half-centuries. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "It's a big question, a massive void," Krishnamachari Srikkanth, former India captain and chairman of selectors, under whose reign Virat made his Test debut, told "Virat was the torch-bearer of Test cricket. He played the game with passion and aggression, and that was the greatness of Virat. Frankly, the selectors should have given him the captaincy, and he should have played for the next two to three years. But now we can only wish him well." Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket after 14 years Srikkanth believes KL Rahul is suitable to take over. He has the right technique and is the most experienced batter in the current Indian setup. "Coming to the question about India's next No. 4 in Test cricket, for me, KL Rahul should be given that position. He can be India's lynchpin going forward in Test cricket. He has got the right technique, and the management should give him that fixed role," said Srikkanth. Former India opener Wasim Jaffer echoes Srikkanth's sentiments about Virat's retirement and picked Shubman Gill , who is tipped as the next India captain, as his next No. 4 for India. "I guess Shubman could be the guy. He opens in white-ball cricket, but in Test cricket, he needs to move down to 4. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal have done well as openers in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. I feel KL should continue to open. Why change something that is not broken? Sai Sudharsan looks assured, and he should be given a longer rope at No. 3," said Jaffer. Srikkanth also feels Shubman is not a guaranteed starter in India's playing XI, and the captaincy should be given to someone else. "He is not even a certainty in Test cricket. The captaincy should be given to Jasprit Bumrah, and if he is not fit or available for any match, then KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant should lead India," said Srikkanth. Former South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher , whom Virat Kohli had credited with helping him in his early career, stated that there is no dearth of talent in India and they should not worry about 'who next?' "Before you had Tendulkar, I don't think you'd ever have expected a Tendulkar to come along. Before you had Kohli, I don't think you'd ever have expected a Virat Kohli to come," Boucher said. "I think Indian cricket is blessed with talent. The only way you're going to find out if someone can get to some sort of a level that's going to compete with those guys, which is going to be another extraordinary cricketer, is by just putting a guy in there who technically is strong enough and mentally has that hardness and toughness to go out there and really dominate attacks. I think there are a couple of names that might stand out. They might not be batting in those positions now, but certainly, I think that if they get put in that No. 4 role, they could stand up to that position." We Didn't Know: Kohli's Last Red-Ball Nets Before Test Retirement 💔 Boucher, like Srikkanth, has put his weight behind KL Rahul to replace Virat Kohli at No. 4. "KL Rahul is one of the guys who might not be the youngster anymore, but he could fulfill the role. Technically, he's good. I think he can bat both ways, which I think a No. 4 has to be able to do. He needs to have a strong technique in case you lose one or two quick wickets. Then he needs to be able to step on the gas with regard to the run rate, which I think he can do as well," he said. KP Bhaskar, a stalwart of Delhi cricket in the 1980s who was never played for India despite remaining on the periphery for years, is optimistic that India will find a suitable cricketer for the sacred No. 4 position in Test cricket. Virat Kohli's Last Test Tour – We Didn't Know It Was Goodbye 🇮🇳💔 "Sachin and Virat were godsent. They are undoubtedly two of the most complete cricketers India has produced. If Sachin is the greatest, Virat is next in line. Both of them had hunger, the appetite to score runs. They were never satisfied with their performance; they were a rare breed. And I am sure someone will come through the ranks and will make that position his own. Talent can never stay hidden; forget about a forgotten few, but I am sure someone will turn up and will fill those big shoes," said Bhaskar, who was Delhi's selector, when Virat played the Ranji Trophy after a gap of 12 years.
