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Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Rahul, Karun and India seeking a batting high in England
Mumbai: Going into the England Test series starting at Leeds on June 20, India's biggest concern will be over how the Shubman Gill-led side will cope after the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Who will step up in the batting line-up? It's a place which demands a lot of acclimatisation by the batters. When the sun plays hide-and-seek, on most days in England one is facing the moving ball in the cold and gloom. The two India A unofficial Tests against England Lions would have helped ease some nerves in the Indian camp. After Karun Nair's double century in the first game, KL Rahul hit a stylish century on Day 1 of the second game in Northampton on Friday. Dilip Vengsarkar knows what it takes to do well in England, having scored three centuries at Lord's, cricket's spiritual home. 'The fact is you have to get acclimatised to the conditions quickly,' says Vengsarkar. 'We were fortunate that we got to play a lot of County games ahead of the series and also in between Tests. It was good practice – moving ball, seaming conditions, cold and gloomy weather of England. Once you get acclimatised and have runs behind you, then it is a beautiful place to bat. They are excellent wickets to bat on,' says the former India captain who played 116 Tests and toured England four times (1979, '82, '86 and '90). In a country where many sub-continent batters have struggled, Vengsarkar piled up 960 runs in 13 Tests, with four hundreds and four half-centuries at an average of 48. The high point was his two match-winning hundreds in India's 2-0 series win in 1986. The key for him was using the side games to get into rhythm. While India's main squad landed in England on June 6, Rahul made the effort to reach in time to play in the second India A game. The Karnataka batter benefitted. On his first day in the English summer, he crafted 116 while opening the batting. It was a satisfying effort on a green Chester-Le-Street pitch against a quality attack led by Test pacers Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue. Though he got a hundred, there was an important lesson for him in the end – you are never set in England. His first lapse in concentration ended his 273-minute vigil when he played away from the body to a good-length delivery from seamer George Hill to be caught at second slip. The ball was 61 overs old, but Hill's delivery swung to take the edge. Vengsakar's advice? 'You have to adapt to conditions quickly, because even after 80 overs the ball keeps swinging in the air and off the wicket. So, you have to be careful not to play big shots because invariably the ball moves (and) then you are gone in the slips, or caught behind. You have to push the ball for ones, twos and threes. 'It's important to stay side-on and not play big drives.' While Rahul has cemented the opener's spot, the team management is undecided on the No.4 slot. Karun batted at No.3 in the first India A game in Canterbury, strengthening his case with a classy 204. Given the No.4 slot at Northampton, he scored 40 during an 84-run partnership with Rahul. It means he is seen as a possible candidate for the crucial middle-order spot. Experience matters For a team in transition, the experience of the two former Karnataka teammates could be vital. Rahul and Nair are both 33, but Nair is hoping to make a Test comeback after eight years, having played the last of his six Tests in 2017. On the last tour to England (2021-22), Rahul was part of a strong line-up of Kohli, Rohit, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. For a smooth transition, India need Rahul in the lead role this time. For a batter of his quality, an average of 33.58 in 58 Tests doesn't do justice. Being the most experienced batter in the side, the young team will look up to him. Those who have watched him from close say Rahul is extra-focussed now. He made an effort to stay in the zone in IPL, producing consistent scores (539 runs, avg 53.90). That focus was evident during Fiday's knock. The lesson for him from the last England tour is that when in form, make it count. In 2021, he made a difference in the first two Tests, but then his form tapered off. He started with 84, 26 and 129, but his scores in the remainder of the series were 5, 0, 8, 17 and 46. The first Test is at Headingley, where the ball swings. The high point of any series is Lord's, venue of the third Test. Not everyone has tasted success here, including Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar and Ricky Ponting. Rahul has. On India's last Test there, Rahul struck a majestic 129 to set up a memorable win. 'When you play at Lord's and it is a full house, the atmosphere is electrifying. It could unnerve the best players while it could bring the best out in some who can hold their nerves,' sums up Vengsarkar.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'It will largely determine...': Dilip Vengsarkar on what India need to do to play well in England
Former Indian cricketer expressed his views on India's upcoming five-match Test series against England starting June 20, emphasizing the importance of the first two Tests while also commenting on India U19 squad selections and IPL 2025 prospects. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Vengsarkar remains optimistic about India's chances in England despite the recent Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The 69-year-old veteran, who has scored 6,868 runs in 116 Tests, believes the team has strong potential. "We have a very good and capable team. India also have a good chance and the first two Tests will be crucial - it will largely determine how the team performs in the remaining matches of the five-Test series. I believe new players may emerge during this series, and I am hopeful that India will perform well," Vengsarkar told IANS. The Indian cricket team is going through a period of transition, with the two main pillars in the batting department gone and a captain for the England Test series yet to be announced. Everything is special about Vaibhav Suryavanshi: Vikram Rathour The former batter also praised IPL 2025 breakout stars Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre, along with Mumbai wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu, for their selection in the India U-19 squad for the England tour. "It is very good that Ayush Mhatre, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Abhigyan Kundu have been named in the India U19 squad for England tour. I've seen Kundu, who is from Mumbai, playing; he is a very good player, a good keeper and a good thinker also. I have high hopes for him to perform well on the England tour. They have the platform to showcase their worth," Vengsarkar said. Poll Do you think India should rely on young players or call upon veterans in the absence Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli? Youngsters Veterans Whichever works for the team "The exposure of IPL is very big and it is a great opportunity for them to score runs and win matches for their teams," he added. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Regarding IPL 2025, Vengsarkar backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru or Punjab Kings to secure their first championship title. "RCB and Punjab have been trying to lift the title for many years. I hope that one of these teams wins the IPL this time - it would be great for the team, franchise and owners," Vengsarkar stated.
News18
23-05-2025
- Sport
- News18
Vengsarkar Warns India Ahead Of England Tour: 'First Two Tests Will Be Crucial'
Last Updated: Dilip Vengsarkar warned the Indian cricket team that the first two Tests on the tour of England will be crucial. Former India batter Dilip Vengsarkar believes that the first two Tests of the upcoming five-match series against England will be crucial for the visiting side. The series begins on June 20. Despite the recent red-ball retirements of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the 69-year-old veteran supports the Indian team for the tour. Vengsarkar, who played 116 Tests and scored 6,868 runs, is optimistic about the young talents performing well. 'We have a very good and capable team. India has a good chance, and the first two Tests will be crucial – they will largely determine how the team performs in the remaining matches of the five-Test series. I believe new players may emerge during this series, and I am hopeful that India will perform well," Vengsarkar shared in an exclusive interview with IANS. The former batter praised IPL 2025 breakout stars Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre, along with Mumbai wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu, for being named in the India U19 squad for the England tour. Mhatre will lead the side on the tour that comprises a 50-over warm-up match, followed by a five-match Youth One-Day series and two Multi-Day matches against England U19 from June 24 to July 23. Kundu has been appointed as Mhatre's deputy. Kundu has been appointed as Mhatre's deputy. 'It is very good that Ayush Mhatre, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, and Abhigyan Kundu have been named in the India U19 squad for the England tour. I've seen Kundu play; he is a very good player, a good keeper, and a good thinker. I have high hopes for him to perform well on the England tour. They have the platform to showcase their worth," Vengsarkar said. 'The exposure of IPL is very significant and offers them a great opportunity to score runs and win matches for their teams," he added. When asked about the potential winner of IPL 2025, Vengsarkar named Royal Challengers Bangalore or Punjab Kings to secure their maiden title in the tournament. 'RCB and Punjab have been striving to lift the title for many years. I hope that one of these teams wins the IPL this time – it would be great for the team, franchise, and owners," Vengsarkar concluded. First Published:
Hans India
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
First two Tests against England crucial for India in the five-match series: Dilip Vengsarkar
Mumbai: Former India batter Dilip Vengsarkar feels that the first two Tests of the five-match series against England will be crucial for the visiting side on the challenging tour, starting on June 20. The 69-year-old veteran backed the Indian team for the tour despite the red-ball retirements of senior pros Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli earlier this month. Vengsarkar, who has played 11 Tests and scored 6,868 runs, is hopeful of young talents performing well on the tour. "We have a very good and capable team. India also have a good chance and the first two Tests will be crucial - it will largely determine how the team performs in the remaining matches of the five-Test series. I believe new players may emerge during this series, and I am hopeful that India will perform well," Vengsarkar told IANS in an exclusive interview. The veteran batter lauded the IPL 2025 breakout stars Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre and Mumbai wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu for being named in the India U19 squad for the England tour. Mhatre will lead the side on the tour that comprises a 50-over warm-up match, followed by a five-match Youth One-Day series and two Multi-Day matches against England U19 from June 24 to July 23. Kundu has been appointed as Mhatre's deputy. "It is very good that Ayush Mhatre, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Abhigyan Kundu have been named in the India U19 squad for England tour. I've seen Kundu, who is from Mumbai, playing; he is a very good player, a good keeper and a good thinker also. I have high hopes for him to perform well on the England tour. They have the platform to showcase their worth," Vengsarkar said. "The exposure of IPL is very big and it is a great opportunity for them to score runs and win matches for their teams," he added. Asked about who might win the IPL 2025, Vengsarkar backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru or Punjab Kings to lift their maiden title in the tournament. "RCB and Punjab have been trying to lift the title for many years. I hope that one of these teams wins the IPL this time - it would be great for the team, franchise and owners," Vengsarkar replied.
NDTV
14-05-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
India Great Rues Virat Kohli's Untimely Test Retirement: 'Could've Called It A Day...'
Former India selector Dilip Vengsarkar has reacted to Virat Kohli 's shock Test retirement decision. Vengsarkar, who picked Kohli into the Test side during his time as selector, spoke on the star batter's ability to win matches on his own. Kohli's decision to hang his test boots marked an end to an illustrious 14-year-old career which saw him dominate the format, both as a batter and captain. Speaking to The Indian Express, Vengsarkar suggested that Kohli should've retired after the upcoming tour of England, but admitted it's the former India captain's call at the end of the day. "I'm surprised with the decision of Virat Kohli to retire especially because the big England tour is coming up in June. I think he (Virat) should have played against England. It's a five-match Test series in their backyard, a big series. He could have played the entire series and then called it a day. But he decided not to - and it's his call," said Vengsarkar. "He had a great, outstanding innings. He evolved as a player after each series and each year, a true match-winner." Vengsarkar also touched upon India captain Rohit Sharma 's retirement as well, saying that the BCCI selectors will find it hard to find their replacements despite a talented pool of batters. "Rohit Sharma and Virat will leave a big void. I'm sure there are players in the team who would like to grab the opportunity in the England tour now because I believe there is quality in the squad. The flip side of the retirements by these two players is that others will get the opportunity to establish themselves. The contribution of Virat and Rohit towards Indian cricket is huge and will remembered for a long time. "Now with two modern greats retired, it's a good chance for those on the bench. India's bench strength is strong with a good domestic structure but it will be tough call for selectors to find the men who can fill the shoes of Virat and Rohit.," he added.
