Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is looking forward to playing alongside Virat Kohli in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, terming the Indian skipper “the pinnacle of the game” for his sheer dominance across formats. Maxwell was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore for a whopping INR 14.25 crore despite a&nbsp;below-average outing in IPL 2020 with Kings XI Punjab, now Punjab Kings.&nbsp;

Maxwell said the RCB stint is going to be next level as the Aussie heaped praise on Kohli for his ability to adapt to different formats and deal with the pressure of being the captain of the Indian team and the best player.&nbsp;

"It's (RCB stint) going to be next level," Maxwell told Australian Associated Press (AAP).&nbsp;&nbsp;

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-signed-bats-to-historic-photos-inside-the-hall-of-fame-zone-narendra-modi-stadium-365726" hreflang="en">From signed bats to historic photos: Inside the 'Hall of Fame' zone Narendra Modi Stadium</a>

"He's (Kohli) been the pinnacle of the game for a while as a multi-format player from Tests all the way to T20s. He's been able to adapt his game, dominate for a long period of time and deal with the Indian pressure of being their captain and their best player," Maxwell added.&nbsp;

IPL 2021 is likely to commence in the second week of April and Maxwell is hoping to grasp leadership qualities from Kohli.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I'm looking forward to watching him go about his work, not just in games but in training, and hopefully tapping into some of the leadership stuff and try and learn off him."&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/4th-test-india-pushing-conditions-to-extremities-ball-will-turn-from-ball-one-ben-foakes-366877" hreflang="en">4th Test: India pushing conditions to extremities, ball will turn from ball one - Ben Foakes</a>

"He's been a solid backer of my stance," Maxwell said.&nbsp;

"In a way, he probably understood a lot of the things that I was going through. A lot of expectation and pressure, which I'm sure he can relate to."&nbsp;

Recently, Kohli opened up his battle with depression during India’s tour of England in 2014 while lauding Maxwell’s decision to take a break from the game.&nbsp;

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is looking forward to playing alongside Virat Kohli in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, terming the Indian skipper “the pinnacle of the game” for his sheer dominance across formats.

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is looking forward to playing alongside Virat Kohli in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, terming the Indian skipper “the pinnacle of the game” for his sheer dominance across formats. Maxwell was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore for a whopping INR 14.25 crore despite a below-average outing in IPL 2020 with Kings XI Punjab, now Punjab Kings. Maxwell said the RCB stint is going to be next level as the Aussie heaped praise on Kohli for his ability to adapt to different formats and deal with the pressure of being the captain of the Indian team and the best player. "It's (RCB stint) going to be next level," Maxwell told Australian Associated Press (AAP). IN PICS: From signed bats to historic photos: Inside the 'Hall of Fame' zone Narendra Modi Stadium "He's (Kohli) been the pinnacle of the game for a while as a multi-format player from Tests all the way to T20s. He's been able to adapt his game, dominate for a long period of time and deal with the Indian pressure of being their captain and their best player," Maxwell added. IPL 2021 is likely to commence in the second week of April and Maxwell is hoping to grasp leadership qualities from Kohli. "I'm looking forward to watching him go about his work, not just in games but in training, and hopefully tapping into some of the leadership stuff and try and learn off him." ALSO READ: 4th Test: India pushing conditions to extremities, ball will turn from ball one - Ben Foakes "He's been a solid backer of my stance," Maxwell said. "In a way, he probably understood a lot of the things that I was going through. A lot of expectation and pressure, which I'm sure he can relate to." Recently, Kohli opened up his battle with depression during India’s tour of England in 2014 while lauding Maxwell’s decision to take a break from the game.

IPL 2021: Glenn Maxwell eager to learn from 'pinnacle of the game' Virat Kohli at RCB

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has defended the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as he said that opener Rohit Sharma showed the way to bat on the strip&nbsp;where England lost 20 wickets within two days to trail the four-Test series 2-1.&nbsp;

Rohit was the pick of the batsman for the hosts as the ‘Hitman’ scored 66 and 25 not-out with England’s Zak Crawley being the only other half-centurion in the third Ahmedabad Test.&nbsp;

Former England cricketers Alastair Cook, Andrew Strauss and Michael Vaughan among others&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;the pitch after the visitors lost the match by 10 wickets. However, Gavaskar has said that the Ahmedabad pitch was&nbsp;not "treacherously challenging" and&nbsp;pointed fingers towards the batsmen for their poor technique against spin bowling.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It was not a pitch where the ball was misbehaving constantly. Nothing was kicking up alarmingly. Neither was there any great invariable bounce that the ball would shoot. Here, the bounce was actually true, almost.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/4th-test-india-pushing-conditions-to-extremities-ball-will-turn-from-ball-one-ben-foakes-366877" hreflang="en">4th Test: India pushing conditions to extremities, ball will turn from ball one - Ben Foakes</a>

"Yes, there was spin but Test match batsmen should be able to handle the turn or the straighter ones. Challenging, but not treacherously challenging. If you look at the dismissals, the batsmen have contributed to their own downfall.&nbsp;

"More than the pitch, it was about the mindset which did them in. Rohit Sharma’s batting in both innings showed you could score runs on this pitch," Gavaskar told Indian Express&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/poor-pitch-in-ahmedabad-or-abysmal-batting-performance-366843" hreflang="en">Poor pitch in Ahmedabad or abysmal batting performance?</a>

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is also set to host the fourth and final Test from March 4 and will go on to stage the five-match T20I series against England as well.&nbsp;

When it comes to the ICC World Test Championship scenario, India need either a win or a draw to secure a berth in the summit clash against New Zealand.&nbsp;

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has defended the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as he said that opener Rohit Sharma showed the way to bat on the strip where England lost 20 wickets within two days to trail the four-Test series 2-1.

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has defended the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as he said that opener Rohit Sharma showed the way to bat on the strip where England lost 20 wickets within two days to trail the four-Test series 2-1. Rohit was the pick of the batsman for the hosts as the ‘Hitman’ scored 66 and 25 not-out with England’s Zak Crawley being the only other half-centurion in the third Ahmedabad Test. Former England cricketers Alastair Cook, Andrew Strauss and Michael Vaughan among others criticised the pitch after the visitors lost the match by 10 wickets. However, Gavaskar has said that the Ahmedabad pitch was not "treacherously challenging" and pointed fingers towards the batsmen for their poor technique against spin bowling. "It was not a pitch where the ball was misbehaving constantly. Nothing was kicking up alarmingly. Neither was there any great invariable bounce that the ball would shoot. Here, the bounce was actually true, almost. ALSO READ: 4th Test: India pushing conditions to extremities, ball will turn from ball one - Ben Foakes "Yes, there was spin but Test match batsmen should be able to handle the turn or the straighter ones. Challenging, but not treacherously challenging. If you look at the dismissals, the batsmen have contributed to their own downfall. "More than the pitch, it was about the mindset which did them in. Rohit Sharma’s batting in both innings showed you could score runs on this pitch," Gavaskar told Indian Express ALSO READ: Poor pitch in Ahmedabad or abysmal batting performance? The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is also set to host the fourth and final Test from March 4 and will go on to stage the five-match T20I series against England as well. When it comes to the ICC World Test Championship scenario, India need either a win or a draw to secure a berth in the summit clash against New Zealand.

'There was spin but...': Sunil Gavaskar opines on the Ahmedabad pitch in IND vs ENG series

The mini-auction&nbsp;for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, which was held in Chennai on February 18,&nbsp;lived up to the expectations of the fans as an action-packed event enthralled the fans with&nbsp;surprises and excitement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Punjab franchise went into the mini-auction&nbsp;not only with the biggest purse but&nbsp;with a revamped brand identity&nbsp;as well. A new name and logo to freshen up things&nbsp;as Kings XI Punjab was renamed to Punjab Kings&nbsp;as the franchise commences a new journey in the world of IPL.&nbsp;

With a purse of INR 53.1 crore in the auction, Punjab Kings were expected to sign some big-name players and the franchise lived up to the expectations. Not only did Punjab Kings sign&nbsp;the world’s number one T20I player, but they also signed&nbsp;two&nbsp;of the brightest Australian talents when it comes to the shortest format of the game.&nbsp;On top of that, Punjab Kings roped in&nbsp;a couple of domestic talents who are known for their exploits in T20 cricket.&nbsp;

As the 14th&nbsp;edition of the Indian Premier League approaches after the completion of mini-auction, Punjab Kings CEO, Satish Menon, exclusively spoke to WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty&nbsp;as he discussed the rebranding of the Punjab franchise,&nbsp;the big-name signings in the auction, growth of Punjab Kings since the inaugural edition of IPL, and much more.&nbsp;

<img alt="Punjab Kings" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="65c59ede-2a80-4f4a-b5cf-64e4715bdd30" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/PK.JPG" />

Below are the excerpts:

Subhayan Chakraborty: What made the franchise go ahead with a new logo and name, and what was the idea behind it?&nbsp;

Satish Menon: The new name and logo were in process for some time. It is not something we changed overnight. We felt it was the right time to refresh things up and give fans something new. Initially, our idea&nbsp;was to revamp the Punjab franchise’s branding in 2022 but with new franchises likely to join from next season onwards, we felt this season was the best time to make the most out of it as the new franchises would naturally be promoting themselves when they are launched. We are delighted with the response to the&nbsp;new name and logo from everyone.

Punjab Kings is a more evolved brand name along with our new logo. We wanted to focus on the core brand. Having said that, the change in logo and name is not about shifting our focus&nbsp;from our ethos. It is more about celebrating unity as a family. The new logo has modern elements in it.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Nave andaaz hor wakhre josh de naal 🎺 
swagat karo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunjabKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunjabKings</a> da 💥👑🤩<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaddaPunjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaddaPunjab</a> <a href="https://t.co/IVvmsx56Qb">pic.twitter.com/IVvmsx56Qb</a>
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL/status/1362069301117607939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

SC: How do you look at Punjab Kings’ growth as a franchise in the last decade?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Satish Menon: It has grown massively. When the IPL was introduced to this country and the cricket community, we were entering unknown territory. India is a cricket crazy&nbsp;nation;&nbsp;people love the sport. As a brand, we have seen tremendous growth in terms of the number of followers not only in India but worldwide. The love and passion for our franchise have just grown despite us not winning silverware, which reflects the loyalty of our fanbase.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
“I am pretty sure the new name will bring us good fortune this year!” 💥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CaptainPunjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CaptainPunjab</a>, we are pretty much sure, too! 🥰<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaddaPunjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaddaPunjab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunjabKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunjabKings</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/klrahul11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@klrahul11</a> <a href="https://t.co/edIJyFNmv1">pic.twitter.com/edIJyFNmv1</a>
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL/status/1362242938353446914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

SC: Punjab Kings have played some good cricket over the years but one thing which is missing is silverware. What do you make of the team's failure to win titles despite trying so many team combinations in the past and&nbsp;now?

Satish Menon: Winning and losing are part and parcel of cricket or any other sport. As you said, we have played some good cricket but we have always been looking to improve and take that next step forward. IPL is top quality and there is only one winner.&nbsp;We obviously want to lift the trophy but at the same time, we want our fans and viewers to enjoy good cricket. Punjab as a team has come close to&nbsp;be in the final stages&nbsp;of the tournament or even win the IPL but it is the failure in the last phases that have hurt us as a team. We are confident in our team, players and everyone associated with it and hope to break the deadlock.&nbsp;

SC: Punjab Kings made some big-name buys in&nbsp;Jhye&nbsp;Richardson, Riley Meredith, Moises Henriques, Dawid Malan - How content&nbsp;are&nbsp;you with how the auction went for Punjab?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Satish Menon: Really content. We almost got everyone we wanted. In mini-auctions or auctions, there will be cases where you miss a key target or two but in hindsight, we are really happy with the players we bought during the auction. The players we bought have&nbsp;a good blend of youth and experience. The staff and team management are happy with the outcome of the auction.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Presenting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaddaSquad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaddaSquad</a> for the season! 🦁👑 
 
Khush ho tussi❓🥰<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaddaPunjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaddaPunjab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunjabKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunjabKings</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLAuction2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLAuction2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/9sxgNsq0zu">pic.twitter.com/9sxgNsq0zu</a>
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL/status/1362452243832659968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

SC: How challenging is it to go into the auction without a confirmed venue for the tournament?&nbsp;

Satish Menon: It is obviously challenging but we can’t complain in today’s world.&nbsp;We are thankful to be able to get a tournament like IPL going. The&nbsp;BCCI and all the franchises gave their best shot for the last edition&nbsp;amid the pandemic&nbsp;and&nbsp;we all&nbsp;are&nbsp;glad to pull it off. Credit to everyone involved.&nbsp;Coming to the auction, we have built our team keeping every challenge in mind. The players will be ready for it so will be everyone associated with Punjab Kings.&nbsp;

SC: What was the thought process behind buying&nbsp;Jhye Richardson for INR 14 crore?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Satish Menon: Jhye&nbsp;was always on our list. He is one of the finest components with the ball in white-ball cricket.&nbsp;We stretched ourselves for Chris Morris but Rajasthan Royals got&nbsp;hold of him.&nbsp;Jhye’s&nbsp;ability to bowl at any stage of the match gives&nbsp;us the flexibility we were looking for. And obviously, he is a very handy player with the bat as well. We are really excited to witness&nbsp;Jhye&nbsp;in Punjab Kings jersey in IPL.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Say Hi to Jhye! 🙋‍♂️ 
 
Who takes wickets for fun, our newly recruited Richardson! 🥰<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaddaPunjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaddaPunjab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunjabKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunjabKings</a> <a href="https://t.co/Hi7xpHLp8F">pic.twitter.com/Hi7xpHLp8F</a>
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL/status/1362718513425604615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

SC:&nbsp;Punjab Kings got Dawid Malan for just INR 1.5 crore. Did you expect him to go for just&nbsp;INR 1.5 crore given he is the no. 1 T20I batsman?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Satish Menon: We were actually pretty surprised to get Dawid so early. Maybe the combination of other teams played a role.&nbsp;Sometimes&nbsp;when your name pops up in the auction play a role too.&nbsp;He is a quality player and someone who will give us the quality and solidity in the middle order, which we felt was missing. His numbers speak for&nbsp;himself;&nbsp;he has been&nbsp;a top player when it comes to T20 cricket for a while.&nbsp;We have no doubts about the quality Dawid will bring to Punjab Kings.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
✨ 𝐍𝐨. 𝟏 𝐓𝟐𝟎𝐈 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧 - 𝐃𝐚𝐰𝐢𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧✨ 
 
Can’t wait to watch him smash them 🔥 biggies this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> 🍿<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaddaPunjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaddaPunjab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunjabKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunjabKings</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/dmalan29?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dmalan29</a> <a href="https://t.co/BWh4fzeyTl">pic.twitter.com/BWh4fzeyTl</a>
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL/status/1365534627507527681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

SC: What are your thoughts on a highly-rated talent in Shahrukh Khan?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Satish Menon: Shahrukh Khan is a really exciting talent. A player we had a good look at from domestic tournaments. The way he recently played in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was a glimpse of what he is capable of and we are confident that he is someone who will be there for us for a long. Shahrukh has the ability to finish games and we were looking at someone with similar traits.&nbsp;Really happy to get him.&nbsp;

SC:&nbsp;As a CEO, how involved are you when it comes to locking on players and staff?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Satish Menon: The maximum work is done by the analysts. We have a good set of analysts who work really hard in shortlisting the names of players.&nbsp;Every area is looked at thoroughly, the traits, qualities, current form, and many such things. We are not that involved in that part but yes, as a CEO my&nbsp;work is to look at what the team management is looking for, what the analysts&nbsp;are working at – this is just for the player shortlisting part before the auction.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<img alt="Punjab Kings" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e45747d8-ff4d-4776-9073-2c098d6ba1da" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EuhodjkUYAAlDR-_0.jpg" />

SC: BCCI is considering hosting IPL in India with fans. After playing in the UAE, behind closed doors, how big would it be for Punjab Kings and other franchises to host fans again?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Satish Menon: As I said earlier, we&nbsp;can’t complain. If IPL takes place in India and with fans, then we would be more than delighted&nbsp;about it. We missed fans last season but with the safety of everyone the paramount, we want to make sure&nbsp;the tournament is held safely. But if fans are allowed in the&nbsp;stands,&nbsp;then we will make sure that&nbsp;everyone enjoys the games and tournament safely. &nbsp;

The mini-auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, which was held in Chennai on February 18, lived up to the expectations of the fans as an action-packed event enthralled the fans with surprises and excitement.

The mini-auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, which was held in Chennai on February 18, lived up to the expectations of the fans as an action-packed event enthralled the fans with surprises and excitement. The Punjab franchise went into the mini-auction not only with the biggest purse but with a revamped brand identity as well. A new name and logo to freshen up things as Kings XI Punjab was renamed to Punjab Kings as the franchise commences a new journey in the world of IPL. With a purse of INR 53.1 crore in the auction, Punjab Kings were expected to sign some big-name players and the franchise lived up to the expectations. Not only did Punjab Kings sign the world’s number one T20I player, but they also signed two of the brightest Australian talents when it comes to the shortest format of the game. On top of that, Punjab Kings roped in a couple of domestic talents who are known for their exploits in T20 cricket. As the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League approaches after the completion of mini-auction, Punjab Kings CEO, Satish Menon, exclusively spoke to WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty as he discussed the rebranding of the Punjab franchise, the big-name signings in the auction, growth of Punjab Kings since the inaugural edition of IPL, and much more. Below are the excerpts: Subhayan Chakraborty: What made the franchise go ahead with a new logo and name, and what was the idea behind it? Satish Menon: The new name and logo were in process for some time. It is not something we changed overnight. We felt it was the right time to refresh things up and give fans something new. Initially, our idea was to revamp the Punjab franchise’s branding in 2022 but with new franchises likely to join from next season onwards, we felt this season was the best time to make the most out of it as the new franchises would naturally be promoting themselves when they are launched. We are delighted with the response to the new name and logo from everyone. Punjab Kings is a more evolved brand name along with our new logo. We wanted to focus on the core brand. Having said that, the change in logo and name is not about shifting our focus from our ethos. It is more about celebrating unity as a family. The new logo has modern elements in it. Nave andaaz hor wakhre josh de naal 🎺 swagat karo #PunjabKings da 💥👑🤩#SaddaPunjab pic.twitter.com/IVvmsx56Qb — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) February 17, 2021 × SC: How do you look at Punjab Kings’ growth as a franchise in the last decade? Satish Menon: It has grown massively. When the IPL was introduced to this country and the cricket community, we were entering unknown territory. India is a cricket crazy nation; people love the sport. As a brand, we have seen tremendous growth in terms of the number of followers not only in India but worldwide. The love and passion for our franchise have just grown despite us not winning silverware, which reflects the loyalty of our fanbase. “I am pretty sure the new name will bring us good fortune this year!” 💥#CaptainPunjab, we are pretty much sure, too! 🥰#SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings @klrahul11 pic.twitter.com/edIJyFNmv1 — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) February 18, 2021 × SC: Punjab Kings have played some good cricket over the years but one thing which is missing is silverware. What do you make of the team's failure to win titles despite trying so many team combinations in the past and now? Satish Menon: Winning and losing are part and parcel of cricket or any other sport. As you said, we have played some good cricket but we have always been looking to improve and take that next step forward. IPL is top quality and there is only one winner. We obviously want to lift the trophy but at the same time, we want our fans and viewers to enjoy good cricket. Punjab as a team has come close to be in the final stages of the tournament or even win the IPL but it is the failure in the last phases that have hurt us as a team. We are confident in our team, players and everyone associated with it and hope to break the deadlock. SC: Punjab Kings made some big-name buys in Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, Moises Henriques, Dawid Malan - How content are you with how the auction went for Punjab? Satish Menon: Really content. We almost got everyone we wanted. In mini-auctions or auctions, there will be cases where you miss a key target or two but in hindsight, we are really happy with the players we bought during the auction. The players we bought have a good blend of youth and experience. The staff and team management are happy with the outcome of the auction. Presenting #SaddaSquad for the season! 🦁👑 Khush ho tussi❓🥰#SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #IPLAuction2021 pic.twitter.com/9sxgNsq0zu — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) February 18, 2021 × SC: How challenging is it to go into the auction without a confirmed venue for the tournament? Satish Menon: It is obviously challenging but we can’t complain in today’s world. We are thankful to be able to get a tournament like IPL going. The BCCI and all the franchises gave their best shot for the last edition amid the pandemic and we all are glad to pull it off. Credit to everyone involved. Coming to the auction, we have built our team keeping every challenge in mind. The players will be ready for it so will be everyone associated with Punjab Kings. SC: What was the thought process behind buying Jhye Richardson for INR 14 crore? Satish Menon: Jhye was always on our list. He is one of the finest components with the ball in white-ball cricket. We stretched ourselves for Chris Morris but Rajasthan Royals got hold of him. Jhye’s ability to bowl at any stage of the match gives us the flexibility we were looking for. And obviously, he is a very handy player with the bat as well. We are really excited to witness Jhye in Punjab Kings jersey in IPL. Say Hi to Jhye! 🙋‍♂️ Who takes wickets for fun, our newly recruited Richardson! 🥰#SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/Hi7xpHLp8F — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) February 19, 2021 × SC: Punjab Kings got Dawid Malan for just INR 1.5 crore. Did you expect him to go for just INR 1.5 crore given he is the no. 1 T20I batsman? Satish Menon: We were actually pretty surprised to get Dawid so early. Maybe the combination of other teams played a role. Sometimes when your name pops up in the auction play a role too. He is a quality player and someone who will give us the quality and solidity in the middle order, which we felt was missing. His numbers speak for himself; he has been a top player when it comes to T20 cricket for a while. We have no doubts about the quality Dawid will bring to Punjab Kings. ✨ 𝐍𝐨. 𝟏 𝐓𝟐𝟎𝐈 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧 - 𝐃𝐚𝐰𝐢𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧✨ Can’t wait to watch him smash them 🔥 biggies this #IPL2021 🍿#SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings @dmalan29 pic.twitter.com/BWh4fzeyTl — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) February 27, 2021 × SC: What are your thoughts on a highly-rated talent in Shahrukh Khan? Satish Menon: Shahrukh Khan is a really exciting talent. A player we had a good look at from domestic tournaments. The way he recently played in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was a glimpse of what he is capable of and we are confident that he is someone who will be there for us for a long. Shahrukh has the ability to finish games and we were looking at someone with similar traits. Really happy to get him. SC: As a CEO, how involved are you when it comes to locking on players and staff? Satish Menon: The maximum work is done by the analysts. We have a good set of analysts who work really hard in shortlisting the names of players. Every area is looked at thoroughly, the traits, qualities, current form, and many such things. We are not that involved in that part but yes, as a CEO my work is to look at what the team management is looking for, what the analysts are working at – this is just for the player shortlisting part before the auction. SC: BCCI is considering hosting IPL in India with fans. After playing in the UAE, behind closed doors, how big would it be for Punjab Kings and other franchises to host fans again? Satish Menon: As I said earlier, we can’t complain. If IPL takes place in India and with fans, then we would be more than delighted about it. We missed fans last season but with the safety of everyone the paramount, we want to make sure the tournament is held safely. But if fans are allowed in the stands, then we will make sure that everyone enjoys the games and tournament safely.

Exclusive: Punjab Kings squad built keeping every challenge in mind: CEO Satish Menon to WION

The pitch of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the pink-ball Test between India and England have been central to widespread debate over the few days.&nbsp;The third Test was over within two days with India outplaying the visitors and winning the match by a comfortable 10-wicket margin.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While the likes of Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan among other prominent former cricketers have&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;the Ahmedabad strip, Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has come to the support of the pitch as he said "everyone in the world seems to starts&nbsp;crying" as&nbsp;soon&nbsp;as the ball starts spinning.&nbsp;

England are even considering whether to lodge a formal complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC) about the Ahmedabad pitch for the third Test.&nbsp;

Lyon, meanwhile, has said that the best thing about the pink-ball Test was that England opted with four seamers&nbsp;suggesting&nbsp;that the visitors read the conditions wrong.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The best thing about this Test match that just passed is that England went in with four seamers," Lyon&nbsp;was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-must-know-what-we-should-buy-ravichandran-ashwins-explosive-take-on-pitch-criticism-366671" hreflang="en">'We must know what we should buy': Ravichandran Ashwin's explosive take on pitch criticism</a>

"That will do me. I don't need to say any more."&nbsp;

Notably, Lyon had worked as a curator before embarking on his 100-Test journey which is still continuing. The veteran Aussie was gripped by the dominance of Ravichandran Ashwin and&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel.&nbsp;

"I was up all night watching it," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/guilty-of-thinking-too-far-ahead-ian-bell-on-englands-rotation-policy-366699" hreflang="en">'Guilty of thinking too far ahead': Ian Bell on England's rotation policy</a>

"It was absolutely brilliant. I'm thinking about bringing that curator out to the SCG.&nbsp;We play on seaming wickets around the world and get bowled out for 47, 60. Nobody ever says a thing (about the pitch).&nbsp;But as soon as it starts spinning, everyone in the world seems to start crying about it.&nbsp;I don't get it. I'm all for it, it was entertaining."&nbsp;

Earlier on Saturday, Ravichandran Ashwin hit back at the pitch critics as he said:&nbsp; "I think I have said that in the past as well, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I am not here to say that your opinion is right and it is wrong. The fact remains that the talk about the surface is getting out of hand. Why would you talk about the surface and sell that to us time and time again? Is there any instance where the pitch has been talked about this much when we have played games in other countries," said Ashwin while replying to an ANI query during a virtual press conference on Saturday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/looking-after-the-groundsmen-andrew-strauss-slams-indian-captain-virat-kohli-366686" hreflang="en">'Looking after the groundsmen': Andrew Strauss slams Indian captain Virat Kohli</a>

"I somehow find it funny that when they speak about the surface, it immediately gets quoted all over in our press and this is the issue here. There have been instances, we have been to New Zealand, where both the Tests got over in a total of five days. There is a video doing the rounds where Virat Kohli is talking in South Africa and he says I am not here to talk about the pitch. That is how we have been taught to play cricket, that's why I say let them sell thoughts, buying is our choice," he added.

Meanwhile, for Australia's contention to be in the ICC World Test Championship final, England need to find the fourth Test against India, scheduled to be played at the same venue on Thursday.&nbsp;The result was a major blow to Australia's hopes of sneaking into the Test championship final.&nbsp;However, a win or a draw for India will ensure Virat Kohli &amp; Co's spot in the summit clash against New Zealand in England later in the year.&nbsp;

The pitch of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the pink-ball Test between India and England have been central to widespread debate over the few days. The third Test was over within two days with India outplaying the visitors and winning the match by a comfortable 10-wicket margin.

The pitch of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the pink-ball Test between India and England have been central to widespread debate over the few days. The third Test was over within two days with India outplaying the visitors and winning the match by a comfortable 10-wicket margin. While the likes of Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan among other prominent former cricketers have criticised the Ahmedabad strip, Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has come to the support of the pitch as he said "everyone in the world seems to starts crying" as soon as the ball starts spinning. England are even considering whether to lodge a formal complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC) about the Ahmedabad pitch for the third Test. Lyon, meanwhile, has said that the best thing about the pink-ball Test was that England opted with four seamers suggesting that the visitors read the conditions wrong. "The best thing about this Test match that just passed is that England went in with four seamers," Lyon was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au. ALSO READ: 'We must know what we should buy': Ravichandran Ashwin's explosive take on pitch criticism "That will do me. I don't need to say any more." Notably, Lyon had worked as a curator before embarking on his 100-Test journey which is still continuing. The veteran Aussie was gripped by the dominance of Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel. "I was up all night watching it," he said. ALSO READ: 'Guilty of thinking too far ahead': Ian Bell on England's rotation policy "It was absolutely brilliant. I'm thinking about bringing that curator out to the SCG. We play on seaming wickets around the world and get bowled out for 47, 60. Nobody ever says a thing (about the pitch). But as soon as it starts spinning, everyone in the world seems to start crying about it. I don't get it. I'm all for it, it was entertaining." Earlier on Saturday, Ravichandran Ashwin hit back at the pitch critics as he said: "I think I have said that in the past as well, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I am not here to say that your opinion is right and it is wrong. The fact remains that the talk about the surface is getting out of hand. Why would you talk about the surface and sell that to us time and time again? Is there any instance where the pitch has been talked about this much when we have played games in other countries," said Ashwin while replying to an ANI query during a virtual press conference on Saturday. ALSO READ: 'Looking after the groundsmen': Andrew Strauss slams Indian captain Virat Kohli "I somehow find it funny that when they speak about the surface, it immediately gets quoted all over in our press and this is the issue here. There have been instances, we have been to New Zealand, where both the Tests got over in a total of five days. There is a video doing the rounds where Virat Kohli is talking in South Africa and he says I am not here to talk about the pitch. That is how we have been taught to play cricket, that's why I say let them sell thoughts, buying is our choice," he added. Meanwhile, for Australia's contention to be in the ICC World Test Championship final, England need to find the fourth Test against India, scheduled to be played at the same venue on Thursday. The result was a major blow to Australia's hopes of sneaking into the Test championship final. However, a win or a draw for India will ensure Virat Kohli & Co's spot in the summit clash against New Zealand in England later in the year.

'Everyone in the world starts crying': Nathan Lyon gives his verdict on Ahmedabad pitch

Wicket-keeper Ben Foakes on Sunday said that England are expecting a turning pitch for the fourth Test against India, scheduled to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from March 4. India&nbsp;lead&nbsp;the four-Test series 2-1 after winning&nbsp;the last two matches by 317 runs and 10 wickets respectively.&nbsp;

The pink-ball Test turned up to be controversial with many former England cricketers and pundits&nbsp;criticising&nbsp;the pitch, which, according to them, turned from the first day. Ahead of the series decider&nbsp;between India and England, Foakes was pretty much clear in regards to what to expect from the pitch as the youngster said that the players know what they are going to get in Ahmedabad while adding that India are "pushing their conditions to the&nbsp;extremities.”&nbsp;

Foakes further said that England expect the ball to spin for the first delivery suggesting it is going to be another turner at the Narendra Modi Stadium.&nbsp;

"We know what we are going&nbsp;to&nbsp;get. They are pushing their conditions to the extremities. We know it's going to spin quite considerably from ball 1.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;it will&nbsp;be about trying&nbsp;and play well in those conditions,” Foakes said during a virtual press conference on Sunday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/poor-pitch-in-ahmedabad-or-abysmal-batting-performance-366843" hreflang="en">Poor pitch in Ahmedabad or abysmal batting performance?</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It’s time for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pitchwatch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pitchwatch</a> again ahead of the fourth <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> Test in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ahmedabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ahmedabad</a>... <a href="https://t.co/rvczZyGbVX">pic.twitter.com/rvczZyGbVX</a>
— Brian Murgatroyd (@murgersb) <a href="https://twitter.com/murgersb/status/1365891760157679617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

When asked about his experience of wicket-keeping in Indian conditions, Foakes said he has never witnessed pitches like in the last two Test matches while saying they were the toughest&nbsp;games,&nbsp;he has kept wickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Last two matches have been the toughest I have kept at ever. With the ball skidding and spinning in the third Test, it was quite challenging,” Foakes quipped.&nbsp;

With India leading the series 2-1, Virat Kohli &amp; Co will push for a win to take the&nbsp;series 3-1. Foakes said if England can conclude the series at 2-2 then it will be a&nbsp;monumental achievement for the visitors.&nbsp;

"We are still in the series and if we can get a 2-2 result from here, In India, that will be an incredible&nbsp;achievement,” Foakes said.&nbsp;

Wicket-keeper Ben Foakes on Sunday said that England are expecting a turning pitch for the fourth Test against India, scheduled to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from March 4.

Wicket-keeper Ben Foakes on Sunday said that England are expecting a turning pitch for the fourth Test against India, scheduled to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from March 4. India lead the four-Test series 2-1 after winning the last two matches by 317 runs and 10 wickets respectively. The pink-ball Test turned up to be controversial with many former England cricketers and pundits criticising the pitch, which, according to them, turned from the first day. Ahead of the series decider between India and England, Foakes was pretty much clear in regards to what to expect from the pitch as the youngster said that the players know what they are going to get in Ahmedabad while adding that India are "pushing their conditions to the extremities.” Foakes further said that England expect the ball to spin for the first delivery suggesting it is going to be another turner at the Narendra Modi Stadium. "We know what we are going to get. They are pushing their conditions to the extremities. We know it's going to spin quite considerably from ball 1. So, it will be about trying and play well in those conditions,” Foakes said during a virtual press conference on Sunday. ALSO READ: Poor pitch in Ahmedabad or abysmal batting performance? It’s time for #pitchwatch again ahead of the fourth #INDvENG Test in #Ahmedabad... pic.twitter.com/rvczZyGbVX — Brian Murgatroyd (@murgersb) February 28, 2021 × When asked about his experience of wicket-keeping in Indian conditions, Foakes said he has never witnessed pitches like in the last two Test matches while saying they were the toughest games, he has kept wickets. "Last two matches have been the toughest I have kept at ever. With the ball skidding and spinning in the third Test, it was quite challenging,” Foakes quipped. With India leading the series 2-1, Virat Kohli & Co will push for a win to take the series 3-1. Foakes said if England can conclude the series at 2-2 then it will be a monumental achievement for the visitors. "We are still in the series and if we can get a 2-2 result from here, In India, that will be an incredible achievement,” Foakes said.

4th Test: India pushing conditions to extremities, ball will turn from ball one - Ben Foakes

England started the four-Test series against India with a thumping 227-run win in Chennai&nbsp;and the&nbsp;visitors including former English cricketers&nbsp;were&nbsp;ecstatic&nbsp;over the accomplishments achieved by the Joe Root-led outfit in Asian conditions.&nbsp;However, things changed&nbsp;drastically&nbsp;as India reverted to their preferred choice of pitches. Praises turned into criticism&nbsp;but interestingly,&nbsp;the critics have been more interested in the pitch while ignoring the poor batting on display – mainly by the England batsmen.&nbsp;In the second Test in Chennai, England suffered a thrashing of 317 runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While voices started to echo about the ‘rank turner and 'dustbowl’,&nbsp;they mostly remained&nbsp;suppressed&nbsp;due to the fact that&nbsp;two Indian batsmen (Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin) scored a century each while three (Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli) ended up bagging half-centuries in the match.&nbsp;Compare that with England's performance, their highest scorers over the second Chennai Test were Moeen Ali (43) and Ben Foakes (42). England's struggle against spin was evident at the MA Chidambaram Stadium as it was exploited by the likes of&nbsp;Lasith&nbsp;Embuldeniya&nbsp;in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The focus shifted to the world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad, which just before hosting its first-ever Test match after being refurbished completely&nbsp;was named after India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As the grandeur of the 1.32 lakh capacity Narendra Modi Stadium set in on a hot afternoon in Ahmedabad for the pink-ball Test, England skipper Joe Root&nbsp;quickly opted to bat first after winning the coin flip.&nbsp;

What followed was sheer domination by Indian spinners&nbsp;–&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin&nbsp;-&nbsp;as the duo scalped 18 out of the 20 England wickets to wrap up the game in just two days.&nbsp;While critics, mostly non-Indians were quick to point all their fingers towards the pitch of the Narendra Modi Stadium, it seemed like there was a sense of sheer ignorance&nbsp;over England's abysmal batting performance&nbsp;or over the fact that there have been only 16 Day/Night Tests so far in international cricket and the chances are likely,&nbsp;that due to lack of matches in pink-ball under the lights,&nbsp;players can end up struggling.&nbsp;

It was clear with the way both India and England lined up for the match. While England went with three pacers excluding Ben Stokes, India went with three spin options with Ashwin,&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;and Washington Sundar at the helm. One could say, England&nbsp;failed to read the conditions like many other teams have done over the past when playing matches in England, Australia, South Africa or any other country and went on to lose the game. But the critics chose to blame the pitch, urging ICC to dock points&nbsp;for India, even when there was no drastic turn on offer&nbsp;on&nbsp;the Ahmedabad strip.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The likes of&nbsp;Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan,&nbsp;Monty Panesar, David Llyod among other notable voices in cricket fraternity chose to lambast India's&nbsp;choice of pitches when it comes to playing Test matches&nbsp;but interestingly, none of them had&nbsp;an issue when the ball was seaming around for four days during the West Indies’ tour of England in the year 2020.&nbsp;But the outcry isn't surprising, remember the reactions when Ashwin decided to run-out (Mankad) England batsman Jos Buttler in IPL? One could understand what Ashwin meant with the series of tweets he put out recently.

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/team-india-beat-england-in-pink-ball-test-at-worlds-largest-cricket-stadium-366282" hreflang="en">Team India beat England in pink-ball Test at world's largest cricket stadium</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Products are sold using various marketing strategies and that’s an accepted practice! We now live in an era where ideas are also being sold to us and it’s a classic example of “outbound marketing”, however I would like to add that buying ideas being sold to us is like telling us
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1365194203219722240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Finally. We can always have and stand by our opinions even if it’s against the majority as long as we know that it is our own and not the one thats been sold to us! 
 
“The choice is always ours”
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1365194208059879427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

More interestingly, no one had&nbsp;an issue&nbsp;when New Zealand prepared&nbsp;'green mambas’&nbsp;when they hosted the likes of India (in February 2020), West Indies (in December 2020) and recently Pakistan (in December-January 2020-21).&nbsp;The argument came, the live grass was "deceptive" in nature.&nbsp;While the visiting teams struggled,&nbsp;New Zealand&nbsp;were sublime in their home conditions and bagged results that ensured a spot in the final of the ICC World Test Championship. It seems like everyone loves a packed slip cordon when Tests are being played in England and Australia but get frustrated to see close-in fielders coming in early in India.

Critics came out from their caves on the top of their voices as soon as Indian spinners started to bamboozle England batsmen.&nbsp;What should have been a good debate, turned out to be an outcry. So much so,&nbsp;that veteran spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Nathan Lyon came out to express their views on the matter.&nbsp;Ashwin came out all guns blazing in a press conference, dated February 27, two days after the third Ahmedabad Test was wrapped up.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/everyone-in-the-world-starts-crying-nathan-lyon-gives-his-verdict-on-ahmedabad-pitch-366756" hreflang="en">'Everyone in the world starts crying': Nathan Lyon gives his verdict on Ahmedabad pitch</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Entertaining .. YES .. but this is a awful pitch for Test cricket .. !!!! Complete lottery on day 2 !! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1364916182588010496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I have said that in the past as well, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I am not here to say that your opinion is right and it is wrong. The fact remains that the talk about the surface is getting out of hand. Why would you talk about the surface and sell that to us time and time again? Is there any instance where the pitch has been talked about this much when we have played games in other countries," Ashwin addressed the virtual press conference&nbsp;attended by both UK and Indian&nbsp;media.&nbsp;

"I somehow find it funny that when they speak about the surface, it immediately gets quoted all over in our press and this is the issue here. There have been instances, we have been to New Zealand, where both the Tests got over in a total of five days. There is a video doing the rounds where Virat Kohli is talking in South Africa and he says I am not here to talk about the pitch. That is how we have been taught to play cricket, that's why I say let them sell thoughts, buying is our choice.&nbsp;

"The bowler wins the&nbsp;game,&nbsp;the batsmen need to bat well to score runs. Who defines what a good surface is? Seam on the first day, then bat well in the next couple of days and spin on the last two days, come on, who makes these rules? We need to get over it and if you are asking whether the pitch in the third Test was a good surface, I do not see any players of England coming out and complaining. You should be hoping for a good cricket match, not the surface."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🗣️ 🗣️ "We have never complained about the pitch in the past."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>'s ace spinner <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> sets the record straight.<a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/K2V4OvBQDn">pic.twitter.com/K2V4OvBQDn</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1365658192554852353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

India planned well,&nbsp;utilised&nbsp;their resources to perfection, brought&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel into the action&nbsp;with the ball, in the sixth over of the match,&nbsp;in a bid to trouble the England batsmen with that extra lacquer on the pink-ball. The plan&nbsp;should have been branded a "masterpiece"&nbsp;but then&nbsp;a terrific performance was diverted by the pundits towards the pitch, which they termed&nbsp;"lacklustre"&nbsp;and&nbsp;"poor advertisement"&nbsp;for Test cricket.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But they should, at the same time, look at the batting display by the England batsmen as well. Even Indian batsmen were poor with their footwork and shot selection in the third Test, which was pointed out by Virat Kohli during the post-match presentation. But&nbsp;the likes of Andrew Strauss thought the Indian skipper was defending the pitch as if it is a BCCI style.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“To be honest, I don't think the quality of batting was up to standards. We were 100 for 3 and then got bowled out for less than 150. It was just the oddball turning and it was a good wicket to bat in the first innings. It was&nbsp;bizarre&nbsp;that 21 of the 30 wickets fell to straight balls, Test cricket is about trusting your&nbsp;defence. Lack of application ensured it was a quick finish,” the Indian skipper had said.&nbsp;

Kohli was&nbsp;correct to some extent. Experienced English batsman Jonny Bairstow missed straight deliveries in both innings by&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel to bag a pair.&nbsp;

Half of the Englishmen were anticipating spin as they&nbsp;threw their wickets away to&nbsp;Axar, who was simply relentless with his line and length after getting a hang of the wicket&nbsp;quickly&nbsp;on his local ground. He didn't spin the ball much or neither did the pitch assist him in getting&nbsp;big turns.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<img alt="India vs England, 3rd Test (Photo: BCCI)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e0f7b783-4d84-41b1-a7cc-9a50b6e141cc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IND-ENG-1.JPG" />
And for Bairstow's technique in the second innings, the gap between the pad and bat was wider than&nbsp;road twists at Monaco Grand Prix. Like Bairstow, every England batters’ technique was flawed as they pressed&nbsp;forward and anticipated spin despite the ball skidding on. Poor cricket? Yes.&nbsp;

It was just the case of extra lacquer of the pink-ball or 'glare' as&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;said in a post-day press conference, helping the ball skid and rush the batters. For the visitors, they kept on missing the line of the stumps. The&nbsp;much-talked-about&nbsp;umpires’ call did help the Indians get some of those wickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Even the Indian batsmen missed deliveries by Jack Leach which didn't spin much. The case of inexperience in the pink-ball Test comes into play here and not only for India but for England as well.&nbsp;But the critics chose to blame the curator, the BCCI for “not ready for Test cricket” pitch.&nbsp;&nbsp;

And for those&nbsp;urging ICC to rate the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium as ‘poor' or 'below average’, they must read the rating rules put in place by the ICC.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For a pitch to&nbsp;be rated as 'poor',&nbsp;it needs to offer excessive spin movement early in the match or excessive unevenness of bounce. For a pitch to be rated as ‘below average', the strip needs to offer either very little carry/or bounce or&nbsp;occasional&nbsp;variable&nbsp;bounce/carry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Was there an excessive spin on offer on Day 1 and Day 2 of the pitch? No. Only Joe Root, with his sidearm action, zipped through and got a few deliveries to spin. Ashwin,&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;and Leach&nbsp;occasionally&nbsp;bowled some deliveries that spun sharply. But it was inconsistent and something for which one can't rate the pitch as poor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One could understand the frustration of broadcasters who shell out a heavy sum&nbsp;and expect full five days of Test cricket. But teams play to win and it is not the players’ fault if the opposition batsmen are missing straight deliveries and displaying a poor sense of cricketing technique.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dom Sibley's dismissal in the second innings sums up how the Englishmen applied themselves. To try and play against the line of the ball with little or no technique – against a bowler who picked up six wickets in the first innings&nbsp;–&nbsp;is super ambitious. Is that acceptable? Maybe a few former English cricketers could&nbsp;analyse&nbsp;and answer that.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Test cricket is regarded as the toughest format of the game. When Asian teams visit countries like England, Australia, South Africa – it is built up as a test of their temperament and technique.&nbsp;The same is said when SENA teams visit Asian conditions but following some poor performances, the focus doesn't remain on&nbsp;cricket,&nbsp;it gets diverted towards the pitch and conditions.&nbsp;

Maybe it is time when some critics start following what a great man once said, "focus on cricket, not on pitches”.

&nbsp;

England started the four-Test series against India with a thumping 227-run win in Chennai and the visitors including former English cricketers were ecstatic over the accomplishments achieved by the Joe Root-led outfit in Asian conditions.

England started the four-Test series against India with a thumping 227-run win in Chennai and the visitors including former English cricketers were ecstatic over the accomplishments achieved by the Joe Root-led outfit in Asian conditions. However, things changed drastically as India reverted to their preferred choice of pitches. Praises turned into criticism but interestingly, the critics have been more interested in the pitch while ignoring the poor batting on display – mainly by the England batsmen. In the second Test in Chennai, England suffered a thrashing of 317 runs. While voices started to echo about the ‘rank turner and 'dustbowl’, they mostly remained suppressed due to the fact that two Indian batsmen (Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin) scored a century each while three (Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli) ended up bagging half-centuries in the match. Compare that with England's performance, their highest scorers over the second Chennai Test were Moeen Ali (43) and Ben Foakes (42). England's struggle against spin was evident at the MA Chidambaram Stadium as it was exploited by the likes of Lasith Embuldeniya in Sri Lanka. The focus shifted to the world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad, which just before hosting its first-ever Test match after being refurbished completely was named after India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the grandeur of the 1.32 lakh capacity Narendra Modi Stadium set in on a hot afternoon in Ahmedabad for the pink-ball Test, England skipper Joe Root quickly opted to bat first after winning the coin flip. What followed was sheer domination by Indian spinners – Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin - as the duo scalped 18 out of the 20 England wickets to wrap up the game in just two days. While critics, mostly non-Indians were quick to point all their fingers towards the pitch of the Narendra Modi Stadium, it seemed like there was a sense of sheer ignorance over England's abysmal batting performance or over the fact that there have been only 16 Day/Night Tests so far in international cricket and the chances are likely, that due to lack of matches in pink-ball under the lights, players can end up struggling. It was clear with the way both India and England lined up for the match. While England went with three pacers excluding Ben Stokes, India went with three spin options with Ashwin, Axar and Washington Sundar at the helm. One could say, England failed to read the conditions like many other teams have done over the past when playing matches in England, Australia, South Africa or any other country and went on to lose the game. But the critics chose to blame the pitch, urging ICC to dock points for India, even when there was no drastic turn on offer on the Ahmedabad strip. The likes of Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan, Monty Panesar, David Llyod among other notable voices in cricket fraternity chose to lambast India's choice of pitches when it comes to playing Test matches but interestingly, none of them had an issue when the ball was seaming around for four days during the West Indies’ tour of England in the year 2020. But the outcry isn't surprising, remember the reactions when Ashwin decided to run-out (Mankad) England batsman Jos Buttler in IPL? One could understand what Ashwin meant with the series of tweets he put out recently. IN PICS: Team India beat England in pink-ball Test at world's largest cricket stadium Products are sold using various marketing strategies and that’s an accepted practice! We now live in an era where ideas are also being sold to us and it’s a classic example of “outbound marketing”, however I would like to add that buying ideas being sold to us is like telling us — Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 26, 2021 × Finally. We can always have and stand by our opinions even if it’s against the majority as long as we know that it is our own and not the one thats been sold to us! “The choice is always ours” — Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 26, 2021 × More interestingly, no one had an issue when New Zealand prepared 'green mambas’ when they hosted the likes of India (in February 2020), West Indies (in December 2020) and recently Pakistan (in December-January 2020-21). The argument came, the live grass was "deceptive" in nature. While the visiting teams struggled, New Zealand were sublime in their home conditions and bagged results that ensured a spot in the final of the ICC World Test Championship. It seems like everyone loves a packed slip cordon when Tests are being played in England and Australia but get frustrated to see close-in fielders coming in early in India. Critics came out from their caves on the top of their voices as soon as Indian spinners started to bamboozle England batsmen. What should have been a good debate, turned out to be an outcry. So much so, that veteran spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Nathan Lyon came out to express their views on the matter. Ashwin came out all guns blazing in a press conference, dated February 27, two days after the third Ahmedabad Test was wrapped up. ALSO READ: 'Everyone in the world starts crying': Nathan Lyon gives his verdict on Ahmedabad pitch Entertaining .. YES .. but this is a awful pitch for Test cricket .. !!!! Complete lottery on day 2 !! #INDvENG — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 25, 2021 × "I have said that in the past as well, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I am not here to say that your opinion is right and it is wrong. The fact remains that the talk about the surface is getting out of hand. Why would you talk about the surface and sell that to us time and time again? Is there any instance where the pitch has been talked about this much when we have played games in other countries," Ashwin addressed the virtual press conference attended by both UK and Indian media. "I somehow find it funny that when they speak about the surface, it immediately gets quoted all over in our press and this is the issue here. There have been instances, we have been to New Zealand, where both the Tests got over in a total of five days. There is a video doing the rounds where Virat Kohli is talking in South Africa and he says I am not here to talk about the pitch. That is how we have been taught to play cricket, that's why I say let them sell thoughts, buying is our choice. "The bowler wins the game, the batsmen need to bat well to score runs. Who defines what a good surface is? Seam on the first day, then bat well in the next couple of days and spin on the last two days, come on, who makes these rules? We need to get over it and if you are asking whether the pitch in the third Test was a good surface, I do not see any players of England coming out and complaining. You should be hoping for a good cricket match, not the surface." 🗣️ 🗣️ "We have never complained about the pitch in the past."#TeamIndia's ace spinner @ashwinravi99 sets the record straight.@Paytm #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/K2V4OvBQDn — BCCI (@BCCI) February 27, 2021 × India planned well, utilised their resources to perfection, brought Axar Patel into the action with the ball, in the sixth over of the match, in a bid to trouble the England batsmen with that extra lacquer on the pink-ball. The plan should have been branded a "masterpiece" but then a terrific performance was diverted by the pundits towards the pitch, which they termed "lacklustre" and "poor advertisement" for Test cricket. But they should, at the same time, look at the batting display by the England batsmen as well. Even Indian batsmen were poor with their footwork and shot selection in the third Test, which was pointed out by Virat Kohli during the post-match presentation. But the likes of Andrew Strauss thought the Indian skipper was defending the pitch as if it is a BCCI style. “To be honest, I don't think the quality of batting was up to standards. We were 100 for 3 and then got bowled out for less than 150. It was just the oddball turning and it was a good wicket to bat in the first innings. It was bizarre that 21 of the 30 wickets fell to straight balls, Test cricket is about trusting your defence. Lack of application ensured it was a quick finish,” the Indian skipper had said. Kohli was correct to some extent. Experienced English batsman Jonny Bairstow missed straight deliveries in both innings by Axar Patel to bag a pair. Half of the Englishmen were anticipating spin as they threw their wickets away to Axar, who was simply relentless with his line and length after getting a hang of the wicket quickly on his local ground. He didn't spin the ball much or neither did the pitch assist him in getting big turns. And for Bairstow's technique in the second innings, the gap between the pad and bat was wider than road twists at Monaco Grand Prix. Like Bairstow, every England batters’ technique was flawed as they pressed forward and anticipated spin despite the ball skidding on. Poor cricket? Yes. It was just the case of extra lacquer of the pink-ball or 'glare' as Axar said in a post-day press conference, helping the ball skid and rush the batters. For the visitors, they kept on missing the line of the stumps. The much-talked-about umpires’ call did help the Indians get some of those wickets. Even the Indian batsmen missed deliveries by Jack Leach which didn't spin much. The case of inexperience in the pink-ball Test comes into play here and not only for India but for England as well. But the critics chose to blame the curator, the BCCI for “not ready for Test cricket” pitch. And for those urging ICC to rate the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium as ‘poor' or 'below average’, they must read the rating rules put in place by the ICC. For a pitch to be rated as 'poor', it needs to offer excessive spin movement early in the match or excessive unevenness of bounce. For a pitch to be rated as ‘below average', the strip needs to offer either very little carry/or bounce or occasional variable bounce/carry. Was there an excessive spin on offer on Day 1 and Day 2 of the pitch? No. Only Joe Root, with his sidearm action, zipped through and got a few deliveries to spin. Ashwin, Axar and Leach occasionally bowled some deliveries that spun sharply. But it was inconsistent and something for which one can't rate the pitch as poor. One could understand the frustration of broadcasters who shell out a heavy sum and expect full five days of Test cricket. But teams play to win and it is not the players’ fault if the opposition batsmen are missing straight deliveries and displaying a poor sense of cricketing technique. Dom Sibley's dismissal in the second innings sums up how the Englishmen applied themselves. To try and play against the line of the ball with little or no technique – against a bowler who picked up six wickets in the first innings – is super ambitious. Is that acceptable? Maybe a few former English cricketers could analyse and answer that. Test cricket is regarded as the toughest format of the game. When Asian teams visit countries like England, Australia, South Africa – it is built up as a test of their temperament and technique. The same is said when SENA teams visit Asian conditions but following some poor performances, the focus doesn't remain on cricket, it gets diverted towards the pitch and conditions. Maybe it is time when some critics start following what a great man once said, "focus on cricket, not on pitches”.

Poor pitch in Ahmedabad or abysmal batting performance?

India opener Rohit Sharma has progressed six places to a career-best eighth position in the&nbsp;ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings&nbsp;after a fine performance in the low-scoring third Test against England in Ahmedabad that the home side won by 10 wickets to take a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.

Rohit top-scored in the first innings with 66 and remained unbeaten on 25 in the second to move ahead of compatriot Cheteshwar Pujara among others. His rating points aggregate is 742, 20 more than his best of 722 in October 2019 when he was ranked 10th.

Player of the match Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin have also made solid gains after helping carve out a crucial win that helped India remain in contention for the ICC World Test Championship final. Left-arm spinner Patel’s 11-wicket match haul has helped him gain 30 slots to reach 38th position while off-spinner Ashwin’s seven wickets have lifted him four places to third position.

England spinner Jack Leach has entered the top 30 for the first time, moving up three places to 28th after taking four wickets. Captain Joe Root’s maiden five-wicket haul has lifted him 16 places to 72nd among bowlers while he is now joint-13th among all-rounders.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-2021-to-be-postponed-uae-alternate-venue-for-t20-world-cup-pcb-chairman-eshan-mani-366796" hreflang="en">Asia Cup 2021 to be postponed, UAE alternate venue for T20 World Cup: PCB Chairman Eshan Mani</a>

Opener Zak Crawley’s knock of 53 in the first innings has helped him advance 15 places to 46th in what was the only notable gain for any of their batsmen.

Meanwhile, the&nbsp;ICC Player Rankings&nbsp;move to a weekly updating system from March 2021.

The women’s player rankings will be updated at 08h00 GMT&nbsp;each Tuesday, which will include performances in all ODI and T20I matches completed till the previous day.&nbsp;

Similarly, the men’s player rankings will be updated at 08h00 GMT&nbsp;on Wednesdays across all three formats and will include performances in matches completed by the previous day.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/everyone-in-the-world-starts-crying-nathan-lyon-gives-his-verdict-on-ahmedabad-pitch-366756" hreflang="en">'Everyone in the world starts crying': Nathan Lyon gives his verdict on Ahmedabad pitch</a>

So, the first update under the weekly system will be on Tuesday, 2 March for women and Wednesday, 3 March for men.

The change will not impact the way the rankings are calculated but what it means is that instead of rankings being updated at the end of a series (in ODIs and T20Is) or a Test match, they may be updated while a series or match is ongoing without performances in those matches being considered.

The change is being brought about to bring regularity to the ranking updates for both men and women, ensuring that fans know when to expect the latest updates.

India opener Rohit Sharma has progressed six places to a career-best eighth position in the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings after a fine performance in the low-scoring third Test against England in Ahmedabad that the home side won by 10 wickets to take a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.

India opener Rohit Sharma has progressed six places to a career-best eighth position in the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings after a fine performance in the low-scoring third Test against England in Ahmedabad that the home side won by 10 wickets to take a 2-1 lead in the four-match series. Rohit top-scored in the first innings with 66 and remained unbeaten on 25 in the second to move ahead of compatriot Cheteshwar Pujara among others. His rating points aggregate is 742, 20 more than his best of 722 in October 2019 when he was ranked 10th. Player of the match Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin have also made solid gains after helping carve out a crucial win that helped India remain in contention for the ICC World Test Championship final. Left-arm spinner Patel’s 11-wicket match haul has helped him gain 30 slots to reach 38th position while off-spinner Ashwin’s seven wickets have lifted him four places to third position. England spinner Jack Leach has entered the top 30 for the first time, moving up three places to 28th after taking four wickets. Captain Joe Root’s maiden five-wicket haul has lifted him 16 places to 72nd among bowlers while he is now joint-13th among all-rounders. ALSO READ: Asia Cup 2021 to be postponed, UAE alternate venue for T20 World Cup: PCB Chairman Eshan Mani Opener Zak Crawley’s knock of 53 in the first innings has helped him advance 15 places to 46th in what was the only notable gain for any of their batsmen. Meanwhile, the ICC Player Rankings move to a weekly updating system from March 2021. The women’s player rankings will be updated at 08h00 GMT each Tuesday, which will include performances in all ODI and T20I matches completed till the previous day. Similarly, the men’s player rankings will be updated at 08h00 GMT on Wednesdays across all three formats and will include performances in matches completed by the previous day. ALSO READ: 'Everyone in the world starts crying': Nathan Lyon gives his verdict on Ahmedabad pitch So, the first update under the weekly system will be on Tuesday, 2 March for women and Wednesday, 3 March for men. The change will not impact the way the rankings are calculated but what it means is that instead of rankings being updated at the end of a series (in ODIs and T20Is) or a Test match, they may be updated while a series or match is ongoing without performances in those matches being considered. The change is being brought about to bring regularity to the ranking updates for both men and women, ensuring that fans know when to expect the latest updates.

Rohit attains career-best 8th position in ICC Men's Test player rankings, Ashwin jumps to 3rd

The Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani on Sunday said that the Asia Cup&nbsp;2021, which is scheduled to be held in the month of June according to the FTP, is likely to be postponed till 2023 if Team India goes on to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship final, which is also slated to be held during that period in England.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The PCB chairman revealed the details of the Asia Cup 2021 while addressing a press conference on Sunday in Karachi. Eshan Mani further said that a letter has been addressed to the International Cricket Council&nbsp;(ICC) in a bid to provide details about the issuance of visas from India for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held later in the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

PCB has asked for visa assurances from India for their players, support staff, fans&nbsp;and media. Ehsan Mani revealed that if India is unable to issue visas for the World Cup, then ICC has already decided that the&nbsp;T20 World Cup would be shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) while adding that the governing body wants to come to a decision by March 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/everyone-in-the-world-starts-crying-nathan-lyon-gives-his-verdict-on-ahmedabad-pitch-366756" hreflang="en">'Everyone in the world starts crying': Nathan Lyon gives his verdict on Ahmedabad pitch</a>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2569898e-3160-4b47-bbae-16e6e363432e}{166}" paraid="1138507067" >Watch - PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani's press conference in full:</h2>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="720" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4j88iuCfuMM" width="1280"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Mani went on to say that India has a few problems related to COVID-19 cases, tax&nbsp;exemption&nbsp;issues with the&nbsp;ICC for the World Cup&nbsp;besides the visa issues for the Pakistan contingent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/guilty-of-thinking-too-far-ahead-ian-bell-on-englands-rotation-policy-366699" hreflang="en">'Guilty of thinking too far ahead': Ian Bell on England's rotation policy</a>

Interestingly, the BCCI officials, reportedly, have always maintained that necessary&nbsp;paperwork&nbsp;and visas won't be an issue when it comes to a global event like the World Cup. The Indian cricket board's take on tax exemption has been clear as well and earlier reports suggest that the board will be content if the ICC deducts the tax money from India's revenue in&nbsp;case,&nbsp;they are unable to get tax exemption from the government.&nbsp;

However, it will be interesting to see how the BCCI responds to Mani's statement on the T20 World Cup being shifted away from India under mentioned circumstances.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani on Sunday said that the Asia Cup 2021, which is scheduled to be held in the month of June according to the FTP, is likely to be postponed till 2023 if Team India goes on to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship final, which is also slated to be held during that period in England.

The Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani on Sunday said that the Asia Cup 2021, which is scheduled to be held in the month of June according to the FTP, is likely to be postponed till 2023 if Team India goes on to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship final, which is also slated to be held during that period in England. The PCB chairman revealed the details of the Asia Cup 2021 while addressing a press conference on Sunday in Karachi. Eshan Mani further said that a letter has been addressed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) in a bid to provide details about the issuance of visas from India for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held later in the year. PCB has asked for visa assurances from India for their players, support staff, fans and media. Ehsan Mani revealed that if India is unable to issue visas for the World Cup, then ICC has already decided that the T20 World Cup would be shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) while adding that the governing body wants to come to a decision by March 31. ALSO READ: 'Everyone in the world starts crying': Nathan Lyon gives his verdict on Ahmedabad pitch Watch - PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani's press conference in full: × Mani went on to say that India has a few problems related to COVID-19 cases, tax exemption issues with the ICC for the World Cup besides the visa issues for the Pakistan contingent. ALSO READ: 'Guilty of thinking too far ahead': Ian Bell on England's rotation policy Interestingly, the BCCI officials, reportedly, have always maintained that necessary paperwork and visas won't be an issue when it comes to a global event like the World Cup. The Indian cricket board's take on tax exemption has been clear as well and earlier reports suggest that the board will be content if the ICC deducts the tax money from India's revenue in case, they are unable to get tax exemption from the government. However, it will be interesting to see how the BCCI responds to Mani's statement on the T20 World Cup being shifted away from India under mentioned circumstances.

Asia Cup 2021 to be postponed, UAE alternate venue for T20 World Cup: PCB Chairman Eshan Mani

India on Thursday took a 2-1 lead in the four-test series after defeating England by 10 wickets at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. <o:p></o:p>

England looked clueless against Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel as the spin duo picked up a combined 18 wickets in both innings to bundle England out for 112 and 82 respectively.<o:p></o:p>

While Ashwin went on to achieve the monumental feat of 400 Test wickets – becoming only the third Indian to touch the landmark – local boy Axar Patel, playing just his second Test, registered his maiden 10-wicket-haul in Test cricket. <o:p></o:p>

The two teams went with contrasting decisions in terms of team selection. England picked up three pacers in their playing XI whereas India went with three spinners – suggesting both the captains read the pitch differently.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravichandran-ashwin-becomes-second-fastest-to-400-test-wickets-only-fourth-indian-to-achieve-milestone-366225" hreflang="en">Ravichandran Ashwin becomes second-fastest to 400 Test wickets, only fourth Indian to achieve milestone</a><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Having won the toss, England opted to bat first and India’s decision to play three spinners came to fruition as captain Virat Kohli handed the ball to Axar in the sixth over of Day 1. While Axar and Ashwin spun the web around the English batters, the crowd inside the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium went abuzz. <o:p></o:p>

Zak Crawley was the only batsman to achieve a half-century in the first innings, with the second-highest being 17 by Joe Root as England finished the innings with just 112 on board. Axar picked up six, Ashwin three and Ishant – playing his 100th Test – one. <o:p></o:p>

With India’s innings starting during the twilight phase, England persisted with their three seamers. While the troika did trouble the Indian openers early on, Rohit Sharma went on to get his half-century. India’s batting line-up did suffer a collapse on Day 2, courtesy some fine bowling by Jack Leach and Joe Root – who picked up his first five-for in Test cricket – as India were bundled out for 145 runs, taking a 33 run lead. <o:p></o:p>

With the sun out in Ahmedabad on Day 2 of the pink-ball Test, Ashwin and Axar bowled 30 overs in tandem and picked up nine wickets. Washington Sundar was given his first over of the match and the youngster scalped a wicket in his fourth delivery to bundle out England for just 81. <o:p></o:p>

With a target of 49 on board, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill played their strokes and finished the match in the third innings of Day 2. <o:p></o:p>

India, with the thumping win, take a 2-1 lead into the four-Test series and will be looking to wrap up the series and a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final when they take the field for the fourth Test at the same venue, starting from March 4. <o:p></o:p>

India on Thursday took a 2-1 lead in the four-test series after defeating England by 10 wickets at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. England looked clueless against Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel as the spin duo picked up a combined 18 wickets in both innings to bundle England out for 112 and 82 respectively.

India on Thursday took a 2-1 lead in the four-test series after defeating England by 10 wickets at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. England looked clueless against Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel as the spin duo picked up a combined 18 wickets in both innings to bundle England out for 112 and 82 respectively. While Ashwin went on to achieve the monumental feat of 400 Test wickets – becoming only the third Indian to touch the landmark – local boy Axar Patel, playing just his second Test, registered his maiden 10-wicket-haul in Test cricket. The two teams went with contrasting decisions in terms of team selection. England picked up three pacers in their playing XI whereas India went with three spinners – suggesting both the captains read the pitch differently. ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin becomes second-fastest to 400 Test wickets, only fourth Indian to achieve milestone Having won the toss, England opted to bat first and India’s decision to play three spinners came to fruition as captain Virat Kohli handed the ball to Axar in the sixth over of Day 1. While Axar and Ashwin spun the web around the English batters, the crowd inside the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium went abuzz. Zak Crawley was the only batsman to achieve a half-century in the first innings, with the second-highest being 17 by Joe Root as England finished the innings with just 112 on board. Axar picked up six, Ashwin three and Ishant – playing his 100th Test – one. With India’s innings starting during the twilight phase, England persisted with their three seamers. While the troika did trouble the Indian openers early on, Rohit Sharma went on to get his half-century. India’s batting line-up did suffer a collapse on Day 2, courtesy some fine bowling by Jack Leach and Joe Root – who picked up his first five-for in Test cricket – as India were bundled out for 145 runs, taking a 33 run lead. With the sun out in Ahmedabad on Day 2 of the pink-ball Test, Ashwin and Axar bowled 30 overs in tandem and picked up nine wickets. Washington Sundar was given his first over of the match and the youngster scalped a wicket in his fourth delivery to bundle out England for just 81. With a target of 49 on board, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill played their strokes and finished the match in the third innings of Day 2. India, with the thumping win, take a 2-1 lead into the four-Test series and will be looking to wrap up the series and a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final when they take the field for the fourth Test at the same venue, starting from March 4.

Axar-Ashwin bamboozle England as India win pink-ball Test by 10 wickets, take 2-1 lead in the series

Ravichandran Ashwin on Thursday entered the elusive 400-Test-wicket club after dismissing England’s Jofra Archer in the second innings of the pink-ball Test against England at the Narendra Modi&nbsp;Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Ashwin, with his 400th&nbsp;scalp, became the fourth Indian bowler and third Indian spinner to pick up 400 wickets in Test cricket while also becoming the 16th&nbsp;bowler overall to achieve the monumental feat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ashwin also became the second-quickest&nbsp;bowler to have scalped 400 Test wickets after Sri Lanka spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-3rd-test-out-or-not-out-third-umpire-reverses-joe-roots-lbw-decision-as-netizens-fume-366216" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG 3rd Test: Out or not-out? Third umpire reverses Joe Root's LBW decision as netizens fume</a>

While Ashwin achieved the feat in his 77th&nbsp;Test match, Muralitharan completed the landmark in 72 Tests. He also became only the sixth spinner overall, after Muralitharan, Shane Warne, Anil Kumble, Rangana Herath and Harbhajan Singh to scalp 400 Test wickets.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Ashwin went past Zaheer Khan's tally of 597 international wickets to climb to the fourth spot on the list of Indian bowlers with the most wickets in international cricket. Ashwin had dismissed Ollie Pope in the 28th over to overtake Zaheer's tally at the Narendra Modi Stadium.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/prithvi-shaw-shatters-record-books-with-blistering-double-century-366164" hreflang="en">Prithvi Shaw shatters record books with blistering double century</a>

Meanwhile, India&nbsp;continue&nbsp;to dominate the proceedings in the ongoing pink-ball Test. Spinners&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel and Ashwin troubled the English batters as they did in the second Test in Chennai.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ravichandran Ashwin on Thursday entered the elusive 400-Test-wicket club after dismissing England’s Jofra Archer in the second innings of the pink-ball Test against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Ravichandran Ashwin on Thursday entered the elusive 400-Test-wicket club after dismissing England’s Jofra Archer in the second innings of the pink-ball Test against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Ashwin, with his 400th scalp, became the fourth Indian bowler and third Indian spinner to pick up 400 wickets in Test cricket while also becoming the 16th bowler overall to achieve the monumental feat. Ashwin also became the second-quickest bowler to have scalped 400 Test wickets after Sri Lanka spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG 3rd Test: Out or not-out? Third umpire reverses Joe Root's LBW decision as netizens fume While Ashwin achieved the feat in his 77th Test match, Muralitharan completed the landmark in 72 Tests. He also became only the sixth spinner overall, after Muralitharan, Shane Warne, Anil Kumble, Rangana Herath and Harbhajan Singh to scalp 400 Test wickets. On Wednesday, Ashwin went past Zaheer Khan's tally of 597 international wickets to climb to the fourth spot on the list of Indian bowlers with the most wickets in international cricket. Ashwin had dismissed Ollie Pope in the 28th over to overtake Zaheer's tally at the Narendra Modi Stadium. ALSO READ: Prithvi Shaw shatters record books with blistering double century Meanwhile, India continue to dominate the proceedings in the ongoing pink-ball Test. Spinners Axar Patel and Ashwin troubled the English batters as they did in the second Test in Chennai.

Ravichandran Ashwin becomes second-fastest to 400 Test wickets, only fourth Indian to achieve milestone

Joe Root on Thursday spun a web around India’s batting line-up as the England skipper picked up his first-ever Test five-for to bundle out India for 145 on Day 2 of the ongoing pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

With his five-for, Root became the first England skipper since Bob Willis to scalp a Test five-for with the latter achieving the feat in 1982. Root’s heroics was the second-ever cheapest five-wicket-haul after Arthur Gilligan's 6 for 7 against South Africa in the year 1924.

On a dry track in Ahmedabad, left-arm spinner Jack Leach started Day 2 with a bang as he dismissed Ajinkya Rahane for 7 after the Indian batsman failed to connect the straighter one and was trapped plumb.

Leach soon dismissed well-settled Rohit Sharma for 66 after the Indian opener missed his sweep shot and was adjudged LBW.

After the twin scalps by Leach, Root came into action and was quick wreak havoc after bowling three maiden overs as the ball gripped and spun sharply on a hot afternoon in Ahmedabad. Root dismissed the in-form Rishabh Pant for 1. The likes of Washington Sundar and Axar Patel quickly fell prey to Root’s brilliance.

WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/axar-patel-6-for-hero-talks-about-bowling-with-pink-ball-at-narendra-modi-stadium-in-ahmedabad-366175" hreflang="en">Axar Patel, 6-for hero, talks about bowling with pink-ball at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad</a>

While Ravichandran Ashwin and Ishant Sharma hung around for a bit with the latter smashing his first-ever international six in his 100th Test match but Root got the better of Ashwin. Bumrah was the last player to become Root’s victim as the English skipper completed a brilliant day with the ball.

With a 33-run lead in the first innings, Axar Patel picked up two quick wickets in the very first over of the second innings to send Zak Crawley and Jonny Bairstow out for duck.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/prithvi-shaw-shatters-record-books-with-blistering-double-century-366164" hreflang="en">Prithvi Shaw shatters record books with blistering double century</a>

Fall of wickets: 33-1 (Shubman Gill, 14.6), 34-2 (Cheteshwar Pujara, 15.5), 98-3 (Virat Kohli, 32.2), 114-4 (Ajinkya Rahane, 38.2), 115-5 (Rohit Sharma, 40.1), 117-6 (Rishabh Pant, 41.1), 125-7 (Washington Sundar, 45.1), 125-8 (Axar Patel, 45.3), 134-9 (Ravichandran Ashwin, 49.2), 145-10 (Jasprit Bumrah, 53.2)

Joe Root on Thursday spun a web around India’s batting line-up as the England skipper picked up his first-ever Test five-for to bundle out India for 145 on Day 2 of the ongoing pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Joe Root on Thursday spun a web around India’s batting line-up as the England skipper picked up his first-ever Test five-for to bundle out India for 145 on Day 2 of the ongoing pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With his five-for, Root became the first England skipper since Bob Willis to scalp a Test five-for with the latter achieving the feat in 1982. Root’s heroics was the second-ever cheapest five-wicket-haul after Arthur Gilligan's 6 for 7 against South Africa in the year 1924. On a dry track in Ahmedabad, left-arm spinner Jack Leach started Day 2 with a bang as he dismissed Ajinkya Rahane for 7 after the Indian batsman failed to connect the straighter one and was trapped plumb. Leach soon dismissed well-settled Rohit Sharma for 66 after the Indian opener missed his sweep shot and was adjudged LBW. After the twin scalps by Leach, Root came into action and was quick wreak havoc after bowling three maiden overs as the ball gripped and spun sharply on a hot afternoon in Ahmedabad. Root dismissed the in-form Rishabh Pant for 1. The likes of Washington Sundar and Axar Patel quickly fell prey to Root’s brilliance. WATCH: Axar Patel, 6-for hero, talks about bowling with pink-ball at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad While Ravichandran Ashwin and Ishant Sharma hung around for a bit with the latter smashing his first-ever international six in his 100th Test match but Root got the better of Ashwin. Bumrah was the last player to become Root’s victim as the English skipper completed a brilliant day with the ball. With a 33-run lead in the first innings, Axar Patel picked up two quick wickets in the very first over of the second innings to send Zak Crawley and Jonny Bairstow out for duck. ALSO READ: Prithvi Shaw shatters record books with blistering double century Fall of wickets: 33-1 (Shubman Gill, 14.6), 34-2 (Cheteshwar Pujara, 15.5), 98-3 (Virat Kohli, 32.2), 114-4 (Ajinkya Rahane, 38.2), 115-5 (Rohit Sharma, 40.1), 117-6 (Rishabh Pant, 41.1), 125-7 (Washington Sundar, 45.1), 125-8 (Axar Patel, 45.3), 134-9 (Ravichandran Ashwin, 49.2), 145-10 (Jasprit Bumrah, 53.2)

Joe Root enters record books with maiden five-for but Axar Patel gives India crucial breakthroughs

India and Mumbai batsman opener Prithvi Shaw on Thursday scripted history as he broke a couple of records following his whirlwind knock of 227 not-out against Puducherry at the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy in Jaipur.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shaw, who was dropped from the Indian Test team owing to poor form, has been in cracking form in the 50-over domestic tournament and bagged his maiden double century in List-A cricket.

Moreover, Shaw’s 227-run knock is the highest-ever score in the history of Vijay Hazare Trophy with the 21-year-old also shattering the record of the highest individual score as a captain in men’s List-A match (worldwide), surpassing Graeme Pollock’s 222-run record in 1974.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/umpire-sanitises-pink-ball-after-ben-stokes-applies-saliva-during-3rd-test-vs-india-366009" hreflang="en">Umpire sanitises pink-ball after Ben Stokes applies saliva during 3rd Test vs India</a>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f65fc51f-10d6-4f20-87bf-5e0f04ac2485}{47}" paraid="1774136246" >Highest scores as captain in men's List A:&nbsp;</h2>

227* - Prithvi Shaw vs Puducherry, Jaipur, Today&nbsp;

222* - Graeme Pollock vs Border, East London, 1974&nbsp;

219 - Virender Sehwag vs WI, Indore, 2011&nbsp;

208* - Rohit Sharma vs SL, Mohali, 2017&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-3rd-test-fan-breaches-security-and-runs-onto-ground-during-pink-ball-test-366006" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG, 3rd Test: Fan breaches security and runs onto ground during pink ball Test</a>

Shaw became the eighth Indian batsman to score a double century in List A cricket as he joined an elusive club featuring the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma, Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shikhar Dhawan, and Karn Kaushal.&nbsp;

Leading the Mumbai team for the first time in his young career, Shaw hammered the Puducherry bowlers from the word go. He completed his half-century in just 27 deliveries before bringing up his ton before the end of 20th&nbsp;over. He finished at 227 not-out off just 152 deliveries as Mumbai posted a mammoth total of 457 runs in 50 overs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shaw, with his current form where he has smashed 105*, 34 and 227* in Vijay Hazare Trophy, may have put his name in contention for the three-match ODI series against England.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India and Mumbai batsman opener Prithvi Shaw on Thursday scripted history as he broke a couple of records following his whirlwind knock of 227 not-out against Puducherry at the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy in Jaipur.

India and Mumbai batsman opener Prithvi Shaw on Thursday scripted history as he broke a couple of records following his whirlwind knock of 227 not-out against Puducherry at the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy in Jaipur. Shaw, who was dropped from the Indian Test team owing to poor form, has been in cracking form in the 50-over domestic tournament and bagged his maiden double century in List-A cricket. Moreover, Shaw’s 227-run knock is the highest-ever score in the history of Vijay Hazare Trophy with the 21-year-old also shattering the record of the highest individual score as a captain in men’s List-A match (worldwide), surpassing Graeme Pollock’s 222-run record in 1974. ALSO READ: Umpire sanitises pink-ball after Ben Stokes applies saliva during 3rd Test vs India Highest scores as captain in men's List A: 227* - Prithvi Shaw vs Puducherry, Jaipur, Today 222* - Graeme Pollock vs Border, East London, 1974 219 - Virender Sehwag vs WI, Indore, 2011 208* - Rohit Sharma vs SL, Mohali, 2017 ALSO READ: IND vs ENG, 3rd Test: Fan breaches security and runs onto ground during pink ball Test Shaw became the eighth Indian batsman to score a double century in List A cricket as he joined an elusive club featuring the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma, Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shikhar Dhawan, and Karn Kaushal. Leading the Mumbai team for the first time in his young career, Shaw hammered the Puducherry bowlers from the word go. He completed his half-century in just 27 deliveries before bringing up his ton before the end of 20th over. He finished at 227 not-out off just 152 deliveries as Mumbai posted a mammoth total of 457 runs in 50 overs. Shaw, with his current form where he has smashed 105*, 34 and 227* in Vijay Hazare Trophy, may have put his name in contention for the three-match ODI series against England.

Prithvi Shaw shatters record books with blistering double century

India completed an eventful Day 1 of the pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad with the hosts finishing the day at 99/3 after bundling England out for a paltry 112. <o:p></o:p>

Having opted to bat first after winning the toss, England lost opener, Dom Sibley, for a duck as Ishant Sharma, playing his 100th Test match, drew the first blood for India. Jonny Bairstow, who came into the playing XI after missing the first two Tests, had a nightmare start as local boy Axar Patel trapped him plumb, ending his nine-delivery stay at the crease. <o:p></o:p>

While Crawley and Joe Root looked like stitching a partnership for the visitors, veteran Ravichandran Ashwin got the better of the English skipper and sent him packing for a 37-ball 17. Axar, who was playing his second Test, then dismissed Crawley for 53 before dismissing Ben Stokes for six.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/umpire-sanitises-pink-ball-after-ben-stokes-applies-saliva-during-3rd-test-vs-india-366009" hreflang="en">Umpire sanitises pink-ball after Ben Stokes applies saliva during 3rd Test vs India</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The lights are ON &amp; what a spectacle the Narendra Modi Stadium is 👌🏻😍.<a href="https://twitter.com/GCAMotera?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GCAMotera</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PinkBallTest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PinkBallTest</a> <a href="https://t.co/4rYT7ujOIh">pic.twitter.com/4rYT7ujOIh</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1364577761533157382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Ashwin and Axar bowling in tandem was too much to handle for England on a hot day in Ahmedabad as the spin duo kept on chipping with wickets and wrapped up the visitors within the first two sessions of Day 1. England could manage just 112 runs in what could be termed as an unforgettable day for them.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-3rd-test-fan-breaches-security-and-runs-onto-ground-during-pink-ball-test-366006" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG, 3rd Test: Fan breaches security and runs onto ground during pink ball Test</a>

<o:p></o:p>

Just before the sunset, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill walked out to bat for India. With the experience of James Anderson and Stuart Broad into the play in the twilight phase, both Rohit and Gill started their inning on a cautious note. With Anderson swinging the new ball, Gill struggled to get on with his innings and was dismissed for 11 by Jofra Archer. Cheteshwar Pujara was trapped LBW by Jack Leach as the left-arm spinner got into the groove under the lights. <o:p></o:p>

While Virat Kohli looked settled, he was dismissed for 27 by Leach following a poor shot. Rohit Sharma completed his half-century with Ajinkya Rahane also unbeaten at one at the end of Day 1’s play.<o:p></o:p>

India Fall of wickets: 33-1 (Shubman Gill, 14.6), 34-2 (Cheteshwar Pujara, 15.5), 98-3 (Virat Kohli, 32.2)<o:p></o:p>

England Fall of Wickets: 2-1 (D Sibley, 2.3), 27-2 (Bairstow, 6.1), 74-3 (Root, 21.5), 80-4 (Zak Crawley, 24.4), 81-5 (Ollie Pope, 27.4), 81-6 (Stokes, 28.5), 93-7 (Jofra Archer, 34.2), 98-8 (Jack Leach, 37.3), 105-9 (Broad, 46.3), 112-10 (Foakes, 48.4)<o:p></o:p>

India completed an eventful Day 1 of the pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad with the hosts finishing the day at 99/3 after bundling England out for a paltry 112.

India completed an eventful Day 1 of the pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad with the hosts finishing the day at 99/3 after bundling England out for a paltry 112. Having opted to bat first after winning the toss, England lost opener, Dom Sibley, for a duck as Ishant Sharma, playing his 100th Test match, drew the first blood for India. Jonny Bairstow, who came into the playing XI after missing the first two Tests, had a nightmare start as local boy Axar Patel trapped him plumb, ending his nine-delivery stay at the crease. While Crawley and Joe Root looked like stitching a partnership for the visitors, veteran Ravichandran Ashwin got the better of the English skipper and sent him packing for a 37-ball 17. Axar, who was playing his second Test, then dismissed Crawley for 53 before dismissing Ben Stokes for six. ALSO READ: Umpire sanitises pink-ball after Ben Stokes applies saliva during 3rd Test vs India The lights are ON & what a spectacle the Narendra Modi Stadium is 👌🏻😍.@GCAMotera @Paytm #INDvENG #TeamIndia #PinkBallTest pic.twitter.com/4rYT7ujOIh — BCCI (@BCCI) February 24, 2021 × Ashwin and Axar bowling in tandem was too much to handle for England on a hot day in Ahmedabad as the spin duo kept on chipping with wickets and wrapped up the visitors within the first two sessions of Day 1. England could manage just 112 runs in what could be termed as an unforgettable day for them. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG, 3rd Test: Fan breaches security and runs onto ground during pink ball Test Just before the sunset, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill walked out to bat for India. With the experience of James Anderson and Stuart Broad into the play in the twilight phase, both Rohit and Gill started their inning on a cautious note. With Anderson swinging the new ball, Gill struggled to get on with his innings and was dismissed for 11 by Jofra Archer. Cheteshwar Pujara was trapped LBW by Jack Leach as the left-arm spinner got into the groove under the lights. While Virat Kohli looked settled, he was dismissed for 27 by Leach following a poor shot. Rohit Sharma completed his half-century with Ajinkya Rahane also unbeaten at one at the end of Day 1’s play. India Fall of wickets: 33-1 (Shubman Gill, 14.6), 34-2 (Cheteshwar Pujara, 15.5), 98-3 (Virat Kohli, 32.2) England Fall of Wickets: 2-1 (D Sibley, 2.3), 27-2 (Bairstow, 6.1), 74-3 (Root, 21.5), 80-4 (Zak Crawley, 24.4), 81-5 (Ollie Pope, 27.4), 81-6 (Stokes, 28.5), 93-7 (Jofra Archer, 34.2), 98-8 (Jack Leach, 37.3), 105-9 (Broad, 46.3), 112-10 (Foakes, 48.4)

Axar Patel, Rohit Sharma help India take advantage in pink-ball Test vs England

England all-rounder Ben Stokes on Wednesday applied saliva on the ball mistakenly during the ongoing pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With strict COVID-19 restrictions in place, players are barred from applying saliva on the ball and are only allowed to use sweat to shine the ball. However, after the completion of the 12th over of the India innings, Stokes was spotted applying saliva.<o:p></o:p>

The mistake by the England all-rounder was seen by the umpire and the ball was sanitized properly before the next delivery was bowled. According to the ICC rules on ban of saliva, a team can be given two warnings per innings for the use of saliva and repeated breach of rules would result in a five-run penalty

Meanwhile, at the end of 22 overs, India were 67/2 with Rohit Sharma (41*) and Virat Kohli (13*) at the crease for the hosts.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-watch-virat-kohli-loses-cool-over-ben-stokes-during-pink-ball-test-365975" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG- WATCH: Virat Kohli loses cool over Ben Stokes during pink ball Test</a>

Earlier, India lost opener Shubman Gill as Jofra Archer sent him back for 11 off 51. Whereas Cheteshwar Pujara was sent packing for a duck by spinner Jack Leach. Jack Leach has now dismissed Cheteshwar Pujara three times in this series. No spinner has ever dismissed Pujara four times in a home series.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/scars-from-the-2nd-test-michael-vaughan-left-unimpressed-by-poor-batting-show-by-england-365945" hreflang="en">'Scars from the 2nd Test...': Michael Vaughan left unimpressed by poor batting show by England</a><o:p></o:p>

On Day 1, England were bundled out for a paltry 112 with Axar Patel, playing his second Test, picking up six wickets – his second five-fer in Test cricket. Whereas Ravichandran Ashwin ended with three scalps and Ishant with one. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

England all-rounder Ben Stokes on Wednesday applied saliva on the ball mistakenly during the ongoing pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With strict COVID-19 restrictions in place, players are barred from applying saliva on the ball and are only allowed to use sweat to shine the ball.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes on Wednesday applied saliva on the ball mistakenly during the ongoing pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With strict COVID-19 restrictions in place, players are barred from applying saliva on the ball and are only allowed to use sweat to shine the ball. However, after the completion of the 12th over of the India innings, Stokes was spotted applying saliva. The mistake by the England all-rounder was seen by the umpire and the ball was sanitized properly before the next delivery was bowled. According to the ICC rules on ban of saliva, a team can be given two warnings per innings for the use of saliva and repeated breach of rules would result in a five-run penalty Meanwhile, at the end of 22 overs, India were 67/2 with Rohit Sharma (41*) and Virat Kohli (13*) at the crease for the hosts. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG- WATCH: Virat Kohli loses cool over Ben Stokes during pink ball Test Earlier, India lost opener Shubman Gill as Jofra Archer sent him back for 11 off 51. Whereas Cheteshwar Pujara was sent packing for a duck by spinner Jack Leach. Jack Leach has now dismissed Cheteshwar Pujara three times in this series. No spinner has ever dismissed Pujara four times in a home series. ALSO READ: 'Scars from the 2nd Test...': Michael Vaughan left unimpressed by poor batting show by England On Day 1, England were bundled out for a paltry 112 with Axar Patel, playing his second Test, picking up six wickets – his second five-fer in Test cricket. Whereas Ravichandran Ashwin ended with three scalps and Ishant with one.

Umpire sanitises pink-ball after Ben Stokes applies saliva during 3rd Test vs India

Indian spinners Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin wreaked havoc against England on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test. While Axar, the local boy, scalped six wickets, Ashwin returned with three wickets to restrict England for a mere 112 in the first innings. Former England captain Michael Vaughan took to social media platform Twitter as he lamented on visitors’ poor batting performance in the third Test.<o:p></o:p>

Talking to the micro-blogging platform, Vaughan said that the non-spinning deliveries by Ashwin and Axar hurt Engladn the most while adding the visitors just don’t have enough skilled players to play in Indian conditions. He further said that the scars from the second Test in Chennai are still haunting England.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-explains-the-reason-behind-dropping-kuldeep-yadav-from-pink-ball-test-vs-england-365932" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli explains the reason behind dropping Kuldeep Yadav from pink-ball Test vs England</a>

Best figures by a spinner in D/N Tests<br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;
text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:
0px" />
<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;
text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;float:none;
word-spacing:0px">8/49 Devendra Bishoo v Pak Dubai 2016/17<br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;
text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:
0px" />
<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;
font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px">6/38 AXAR PATEL v Eng Ahmedabad 2020/21 *<br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;
text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:
0px" />
<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;
font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px">6/184 Yasir Shah v SL Dubai 2017/18<o:p></o:p>

“It’s the non-spinning deliveries that England haven’t been able to play ... Scars from the 2nd Test me thinks ... England just don’t have enough skilled players in these conditions ... #INDvENG,” Vaughan tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It’s the non spinning deliveries that England haven’t been able to play ... Scars from the 2nd Test me thinks ... England just don’t have enough skilled players in these conditions ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1364556199463632896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

England were mediocre at best against India’s spin duo with opener Zak Crawley being the highest-run scorer for the visitors (53). Apart from Crawley, none of the England batters could even cross the 20-run mark as they bundled out for 112 runs.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-has-calm-demeanor-as-captain-excited-to-play-for-punjab-kings-jalaj-saxena-365908" hreflang="en">KL Rahul has calm demeanor as captain, excited to play for Punjab Kings: Jalaj Saxena</a>

<o:p></o:p>

Lowest totals for England vs India<br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;
text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:
0px" />
<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;
text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;float:none;
word-spacing:0px">101 The Oval 1971<br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;
font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
word-spacing:0px" />
<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;
font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px">102 Mumbai WS 1979/80<br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;
text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:
0px" />
<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;
font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px">102 Leeds 1986<br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;
font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
word-spacing:0px" />
<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;
font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px">112 Ahmedabad 2020/21 *<br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;
text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:
0px" />
<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;
font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px">128 Leeds 1986

<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;
font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px">India will now look to play the twilight phase with cautiousness and get a good total on board. With the series locked at 1-1, India would be itching to take a series lead heading into the final Test, which will be played at the same venue – Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Indian spinners Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin wreaked havoc against England on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test. While Axar, the local boy, scalped six wickets, Ashwin returned with three wickets to restrict England for a mere 112 in the first innings.

Indian spinners Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin wreaked havoc against England on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test. While Axar, the local boy, scalped six wickets, Ashwin returned with three wickets to restrict England for a mere 112 in the first innings. Former England captain Michael Vaughan took to social media platform Twitter as he lamented on visitors’ poor batting performance in the third Test. Talking to the micro-blogging platform, Vaughan said that the non-spinning deliveries by Ashwin and Axar hurt Engladn the most while adding the visitors just don’t have enough skilled players to play in Indian conditions. He further said that the scars from the second Test in Chennai are still haunting England. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli explains the reason behind dropping Kuldeep Yadav from pink-ball Test vs England Best figures by a spinner in D/N Tests 8/49 Devendra Bishoo v Pak Dubai 2016/17 6/38 AXAR PATEL v Eng Ahmedabad 2020/21 * 6/184 Yasir Shah v SL Dubai 2017/18 “It’s the non-spinning deliveries that England haven’t been able to play ... Scars from the 2nd Test me thinks ... England just don’t have enough skilled players in these conditions ... #INDvENG,” Vaughan tweeted. It’s the non spinning deliveries that England haven’t been able to play ... Scars from the 2nd Test me thinks ... England just don’t have enough skilled players in these conditions ... #INDvENG — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 24, 2021 × England were mediocre at best against India’s spin duo with opener Zak Crawley being the highest-run scorer for the visitors (53). Apart from Crawley, none of the England batters could even cross the 20-run mark as they bundled out for 112 runs. ALSO READ: KL Rahul has calm demeanor as captain, excited to play for Punjab Kings: Jalaj Saxena Lowest totals for England vs India 101 The Oval 1971 102 Mumbai WS 1979/80 102 Leeds 1986 112 Ahmedabad 2020/21 * 128 Leeds 1986 India will now look to play the twilight phase with cautiousness and get a good total on board. With the series locked at 1-1, India would be itching to take a series lead heading into the final Test, which will be played at the same venue – Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

'Scars from the 2nd Test...': Michael Vaughan left unimpressed by poor batting show by England

Team India on Wednesday two changes into the playing XI as Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar replaced Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj for the pink-ball Test against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While fans were delighted to see Bumrah coming back into the playing XI, some fans on social media were worried about Kuldeep Yadav’s omission. <o:p></o:p>

Kuldeep was part of the Indian playing XI, after a gap of two years, in the second Test in Chennai which India won by a whopping 317-run margin. However, the chinaman bowler was again dropped from the playing XI. Skipper Virat Kohli revealed the reason behind dropping the 26-year-old from the XI. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>

Kohli, during the toss said, that Washington Sundar replaced Kuldeep as the former provides extra rope with the bat. With India batting second in the pink-ball Test, Kohli reckoned Washington’s ability with the willow could provide an extra cushion in case India needs it while chasing a total.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-has-calm-demeanor-as-captain-excited-to-play-for-punjab-kings-jalaj-saxena-365908" hreflang="en">KL Rahul has calm demeanor as captain, excited to play for Punjab Kings: Jalaj Saxena</a>

"Bumrah comes in for Siraj and Washington Sundar comes in for Kuldeep Yadav. We wanted to have a spinning option and Washi provides a lot with the bat as well. And having a cushion with the bat helps especially in this situation when we bat second as the game could be evened out after the first innings," Kohli said at the toss, explaining India's team selection.<o:p></o:p>

After opting to bat first after winning the toss, England suffered a collapse and found them 100/8 at one stage. With Ben Foakes and Stuart Broad at the crease, England would be hoping the duo is able to stitch a decent partnership or else the match could be over early like the second Test in Chennai.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-ishant-sharma-becomes-2nd-pacer-after-kapil-dev-to-feature-in-100-tests-365871" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: Ishant Sharma becomes 2nd pacer after Kapil Dev to feature in 100 Tests</a>

The four-Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 with both England and India trying to take the lead in the serie<o:p></o:p>

Team India on Wednesday two changes into the playing XI as Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar replaced Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj for the pink-ball Test against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Team India on Wednesday two changes into the playing XI as Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar replaced Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj for the pink-ball Test against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While fans were delighted to see Bumrah coming back into the playing XI, some fans on social media were worried about Kuldeep Yadav’s omission. Kuldeep was part of the Indian playing XI, after a gap of two years, in the second Test in Chennai which India won by a whopping 317-run margin. However, the chinaman bowler was again dropped from the playing XI. Skipper Virat Kohli revealed the reason behind dropping the 26-year-old from the XI. Kohli, during the toss said, that Washington Sundar replaced Kuldeep as the former provides extra rope with the bat. With India batting second in the pink-ball Test, Kohli reckoned Washington’s ability with the willow could provide an extra cushion in case India needs it while chasing a total. ALSO READ: KL Rahul has calm demeanor as captain, excited to play for Punjab Kings: Jalaj Saxena "Bumrah comes in for Siraj and Washington Sundar comes in for Kuldeep Yadav. We wanted to have a spinning option and Washi provides a lot with the bat as well. And having a cushion with the bat helps especially in this situation when we bat second as the game could be evened out after the first innings," Kohli said at the toss, explaining India's team selection. After opting to bat first after winning the toss, England suffered a collapse and found them 100/8 at one stage. With Ben Foakes and Stuart Broad at the crease, England would be hoping the duo is able to stitch a decent partnership or else the match could be over early like the second Test in Chennai. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: Ishant Sharma becomes 2nd pacer after Kapil Dev to feature in 100 Tests The four-Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 with both England and India trying to take the lead in the serie

Virat Kohli explains the reason behind dropping Kuldeep Yadav from pink-ball Test vs England

Cricket pundits and fans often talk about players who deserve to play for their country - due to their talent, skills, form and consistency. While there have been several players who may have all the talent in the world but can’t crack it on the big stage, Indian all-rounder Jalaj Saxena has been picking wickets for fun while also contributing with the bat on a consistent note in the domestic circuit but one thing keeps on evading him - the elusive Indian cap.&nbsp;

Jalaj, after finding no bids in IPL 2019 despite impressive numbers in domestic T20 cricket, was signed up by Punjab Kings for his base price of INR 30 lac. However, it is not the first time the veteran all-rounder has been picked by an IPL franchise. He was earlier part of Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals but didn’t make his IPL debut. Interestingly, he is only among three Indian players, who have featured in the now-defunct Champions League T20 but never made their IPL debuts.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Welcoming the veteran 🇮🇳 all-rounder Jalaj Saxena! 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaddaPunjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaddaPunjab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLAuction2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLAuction2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunjabKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunjabKings</a> <a href="https://t.co/AvIM3MrA9j">pic.twitter.com/AvIM3MrA9j</a>
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL/status/1362404768509960195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Jalaj may think he has been sort of unfortunate when it comes to getting that dream Team India call-up. Among 19 cricketers to have scored more than 6000 runs and picked up more than 300 wickets in the history of First-Class cricket in India, Jalaj Saxena is the only player yet to represent the country.&nbsp;

“I never think about selection. It is not in my hands. Obviously, to do well season after season in domestic cricket is very satisfying but I don’t think about selection as it is not in my hands. And talking about bringing my experience, I would love to do that and hopefully help Punjab win the trophy. They have played good cricket in the past but have missed the final push. Hopefully, I can provide that factor,” Jalaj told WION in an interview.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-auction-complete-list-of-sold-and-unsold-players-364604" hreflang="en">IPL 2021 Auction: Complete list of sold and unsold players</a>

A three-time winner of the Lala Amarnath award for the best all-rounder in the country, Jalaj was equally impressive in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he picked up 10 wickets in five matches at an economy of 6.26. 
His performance was rewarded as Punjab Kings waited for his name to come up in the IPL auction and got the paddle up.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"Hopefully we'll lift the trophy this year!" 😍 
 
Jalaj Saxena aiming for a big one already 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaddaPunjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaddaPunjab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLAuction2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLAuction2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunjabKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunjabKings</a> <a href="https://t.co/DO8iKIzWxM">pic.twitter.com/DO8iKIzWxM</a>
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL/status/1362444767498407938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After coming back to the IPL scene, Jalaj said he is looking forward to training under the likes of Anil Kumble, Wasim Jaffer among other iconic names in the support staff.&nbsp;

“Pretty excited to work under legends like Anil sir and Wasim sir. It is a great opportunity to learn from the greats of the game and I am sure by training under them, my game will only improve. It is a great opportunity to play for Punjab Kings and in the IPL. Hopefully, I would be able to use my skills and help them win matches,” Jalaj said.&nbsp;

Punjab Kings - previously Kings XI Punjab - had a topsy turvy run in IPL 2020 and went on to finish sixth in the table. The final standings may not be reflective of their performance on the field with a couple of Super Overs, umpire calls going against their way in the T20 tournament - which was held in the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;

The Punjab outfit went with a hefty purse in the auction as they shelled out money for players with good reputation in the shortest format of the game. While the likes of Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, Dawid Malan, Shahrukh Khan made the pundits huff and puff, Jalaj’s buy made the Punjab Kings fans happy on social media with the verdict coming that the veteran all-rounder can bring the much-needed balance to the team.

Under KL Rahul’s captaincy, Jalaj hopes to bring that missing X-factor in the team and help the squad break the title jinx in IPL 2021.&nbsp;

<img alt="Jalaj" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d2268ee6-eabd-4806-8793-8daf73d49f9f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SMAT2021_Match5_Kerala-Vs-Puduchrry_Jalaj-Saxena_bowler-packag3.jpg" />

“I loved the way KL Rahul led the team in IPL 2020. His calm demeanour even under high-pressure situations was a delight to watch. He is one of the leading international batsmen and I am pretty excited to share the dressing room with him. Punjab Kings have a good squad and hopefully, I will be that X-factor and help the team lift the trophy,” said Jalaj.

Can a good outing in IPL 2021 help Jalaj get into the eyes of national selectors?&nbsp;

“I can only perform to the best of my abilities and I believe my performances have been good and consistent over the years. What selectors think is not in my hands so I don’t bother. I can only focus on playing good cricket and trust the process. Having played cricket for so many years, I think to focus on the process is important. Everyone wants to play for the country,” Jalaj signed off.

Cricket pundits and fans often talk about players who deserve to play for their country - due to their talent, skills, form and consistency. While there have been several players who may have all the talent in the world but can’t crack it on the big stage, Indian all-rounder Jalaj Saxena has been picking wickets for fun while also contributing with the bat on a consistent note in the domestic circuit but one thing keeps on evading him - the elusive Indian cap.

Cricket pundits and fans often talk about players who deserve to play for their country - due to their talent, skills, form and consistency. While there have been several players who may have all the talent in the world but can’t crack it on the big stage, Indian all-rounder Jalaj Saxena has been picking wickets for fun while also contributing with the bat on a consistent note in the domestic circuit but one thing keeps on evading him - the elusive Indian cap. Jalaj, after finding no bids in IPL 2019 despite impressive numbers in domestic T20 cricket, was signed up by Punjab Kings for his base price of INR 30 lac. However, it is not the first time the veteran all-rounder has been picked by an IPL franchise. He was earlier part of Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals but didn’t make his IPL debut. Interestingly, he is only among three Indian players, who have featured in the now-defunct Champions League T20 but never made their IPL debuts. Welcoming the veteran 🇮🇳 all-rounder Jalaj Saxena! 💪#SaddaPunjab #IPLAuction2021 #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/AvIM3MrA9j — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) February 18, 2021 × Jalaj may think he has been sort of unfortunate when it comes to getting that dream Team India call-up. Among 19 cricketers to have scored more than 6000 runs and picked up more than 300 wickets in the history of First-Class cricket in India, Jalaj Saxena is the only player yet to represent the country. “I never think about selection. It is not in my hands. Obviously, to do well season after season in domestic cricket is very satisfying but I don’t think about selection as it is not in my hands. And talking about bringing my experience, I would love to do that and hopefully help Punjab win the trophy. They have played good cricket in the past but have missed the final push. Hopefully, I can provide that factor,” Jalaj told WION in an interview. ALSO READ: IPL 2021 Auction: Complete list of sold and unsold players A three-time winner of the Lala Amarnath award for the best all-rounder in the country, Jalaj was equally impressive in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he picked up 10 wickets in five matches at an economy of 6.26. His performance was rewarded as Punjab Kings waited for his name to come up in the IPL auction and got the paddle up. "Hopefully we'll lift the trophy this year!" 😍 Jalaj Saxena aiming for a big one already 🏆#SaddaPunjab #IPLAuction2021 #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/DO8iKIzWxM — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) February 18, 2021 × After coming back to the IPL scene, Jalaj said he is looking forward to training under the likes of Anil Kumble, Wasim Jaffer among other iconic names in the support staff. “Pretty excited to work under legends like Anil sir and Wasim sir. It is a great opportunity to learn from the greats of the game and I am sure by training under them, my game will only improve. It is a great opportunity to play for Punjab Kings and in the IPL. Hopefully, I would be able to use my skills and help them win matches,” Jalaj said. Punjab Kings - previously Kings XI Punjab - had a topsy turvy run in IPL 2020 and went on to finish sixth in the table. The final standings may not be reflective of their performance on the field with a couple of Super Overs, umpire calls going against their way in the T20 tournament - which was held in the United Arab Emirates. The Punjab outfit went with a hefty purse in the auction as they shelled out money for players with good reputation in the shortest format of the game. While the likes of Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, Dawid Malan, Shahrukh Khan made the pundits huff and puff, Jalaj’s buy made the Punjab Kings fans happy on social media with the verdict coming that the veteran all-rounder can bring the much-needed balance to the team. Under KL Rahul’s captaincy, Jalaj hopes to bring that missing X-factor in the team and help the squad break the title jinx in IPL 2021. “I loved the way KL Rahul led the team in IPL 2020. His calm demeanour even under high-pressure situations was a delight to watch. He is one of the leading international batsmen and I am pretty excited to share the dressing room with him. Punjab Kings have a good squad and hopefully, I will be that X-factor and help the team lift the trophy,” said Jalaj. Can a good outing in IPL 2021 help Jalaj get into the eyes of national selectors? “I can only perform to the best of my abilities and I believe my performances have been good and consistent over the years. What selectors think is not in my hands so I don’t bother. I can only focus on playing good cricket and trust the process. Having played cricket for so many years, I think to focus on the process is important. Everyone wants to play for the country,” Jalaj signed off.

KL Rahul has calm demeanor as captain, excited to play for Punjab Kings: Jalaj Saxena

Devon Conway on Monday stole the show in the first T20I of the five-match series against Australia at the Hagley Oval as he smashed an unbeaten 99 off just 59 deliveries to help New Zealand post a massive total of 184 runs. Conway, who has been hammering runs in the shortest format of the game consistently, was recently overlooked in the IPL 2021 Auction with no franchise picking up the Kiwi batsman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Following, Conway’s blistering knock, India’s Ravichandran Ashwin took to Twitter as he wrote that his knock came just four days late. Former New Zealand cricketer turned commentator Simon Doull and former England batsman Kevin Pietersen also jumped into the conversation.&nbsp;

While Doull said that New Zealand players have been constantly overlooked for “second rate” Australian cricketers whereas Pietersen said whether Conway is of South African heritage or not. Notably, Pietersen, who played international cricket for England, is of South African heritage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-james-anderson-gives-his-verdict-on-motera-stadiums-pitch-ahead-of-pink-ball-test-365455" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: James Anderson gives his verdict on Motera Stadium's pitch ahead of pink-ball Test</a>

Conway made his T20I debut vs West Indies in November 2020. While the 29-year-old fell just short of his maiden T20I century, his last five innings have 50+ scores in the shortest format of the game. He has scored&nbsp;99*, 93*, 91*, 69* and 50 in his past five innings.&nbsp;

Ashwin wrote:&nbsp;&nbsp;"Devon Conway is just 4 days late, but what a knock."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Devon Conway is just 4 days late, but what a knock 👏👏👏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvNZ</a>
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1363755742247804930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Is Devon South African?
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1363832069030350848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

However, Conway can still be picked by an IPL franchise if they decide to buy a replacement player.&nbsp;

Devon Conway on Monday stole the show in the first T20I of the five-match series against Australia at the Hagley Oval as he smashed an unbeaten 99 off just 59 deliveries to help New Zealand post a massive total of 184 runs.

Devon Conway on Monday stole the show in the first T20I of the five-match series against Australia at the Hagley Oval as he smashed an unbeaten 99 off just 59 deliveries to help New Zealand post a massive total of 184 runs. Conway, who has been hammering runs in the shortest format of the game consistently, was recently overlooked in the IPL 2021 Auction with no franchise picking up the Kiwi batsman. Following, Conway’s blistering knock, India’s Ravichandran Ashwin took to Twitter as he wrote that his knock came just four days late. Former New Zealand cricketer turned commentator Simon Doull and former England batsman Kevin Pietersen also jumped into the conversation. While Doull said that New Zealand players have been constantly overlooked for “second rate” Australian cricketers whereas Pietersen said whether Conway is of South African heritage or not. Notably, Pietersen, who played international cricket for England, is of South African heritage. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: James Anderson gives his verdict on Motera Stadium's pitch ahead of pink-ball Test Conway made his T20I debut vs West Indies in November 2020. While the 29-year-old fell just short of his maiden T20I century, his last five innings have 50+ scores in the shortest format of the game. He has scored 99*, 93*, 91*, 69* and 50 in his past five innings. Ashwin wrote: "Devon Conway is just 4 days late, but what a knock." Devon Conway is just 4 days late, but what a knock 👏👏👏 #AUSvNZ — Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 22, 2021 × Is Devon South African? — Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) February 22, 2021 × However, Conway can still be picked by an IPL franchise if they decide to buy a replacement player.

R Ashwin, Simon Doull, Kevin Pietersen react after Devon Conway's 99-run knock

England pacer James Anderson on Monday gave his verdict on the pitch at the&nbsp;Motera&nbsp;Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;Anderson, ahead of the pink-ball Test, said that while the pitch still has a bit of grass on it, he is expecting it to be trimmed off when they turn up on match-day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, Anderson said as pace bowlers, they have to be prepared to bowl in any conditions and still have a job to do if the ball doesn’t swing. The pitch for the second Test in Chennai was subjected to plenty of criticism from overseas pundits as the likes of Michael Vaughan and Mark Waugh&nbsp;slammed it for being a turner from Day 1.&nbsp;

“The pitch, it has got grass on it but I am pretty sure it’s not going to be there when we turn up on the match day,” Anderson said with a wry smile during a virtual conference on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pitchwatch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pitchwatch</a> two days out from the third <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> Test in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ahmedabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ahmedabad</a>... <a href="https://t.co/YhMojQOCy7">pic.twitter.com/YhMojQOCy7</a>
— Brian Murgatroyd (@murgersb) <a href="https://twitter.com/murgersb/status/1363781524965875717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

“So&nbsp;we have to wait and watch. As seam bowlers, we have to be prepared to bowl as best we can in any given condition. If it swings, it’s great and if it does not, we still have a job to do,” Anderson said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-test-championship-is-like-a-world-cup-for-me-ishant-sharma-ahead-of-his-100th-test-match-for-india-365448" hreflang="en">World Test Championship is like a 'World Cup' for me: Ishant Sharma ahead of his 100th Test match for India</a>

Anderson said that the pink SG Test ball, in the nets, swung more than the red ball but added that as it will be the first day-night Test in India in the month of February, they don’t know what to expect from the conditions.&nbsp;

“Look this is the second pink Test in India and first in February so we don’t know how it would behave.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anderson, 38, was rested from the second Test&nbsp;against&nbsp;India despite picking up five wickets in the first Test. But the veteran urged everyone to see the bigger picture given the hectic schedule England have in the year&nbsp;2021.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/olympic-size-swimming-pool-dressing-room-with-gyms-11-centre-pitches-complete-guide-to-worlds-largest-cricket-stadium-in-ahmedabad-365397" hreflang="en">Olympic size swimming pool, dressing room with gyms, 11 centre pitches: Complete guide to world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad</a>

“I am feeling good and fresh and ready to go again if called upon. It’s frustrating to an extent but I can see the bigger picture with the amount of cricket that we have got.”&nbsp;

“It’s the same for all bowlers, not just me. We’ve got 17 Test matches this year and the best way of getting your best players firing for as many of those as possible is to take little rests every now and then.&nbsp;

“It’s not a case of shielding, it’s just a case of trying to make sure you’re not wearing someone out until they completely break in half.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;

England pacer James Anderson on Monday gave his verdict on the pitch at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. Anderson, ahead of the pink-ball Test, said that while the pitch still has a bit of grass on it, he is expecting it to be trimmed off when they turn up on match-day.

England pacer James Anderson on Monday gave his verdict on the pitch at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. Anderson, ahead of the pink-ball Test, said that while the pitch still has a bit of grass on it, he is expecting it to be trimmed off when they turn up on match-day. However, Anderson said as pace bowlers, they have to be prepared to bowl in any conditions and still have a job to do if the ball doesn’t swing. The pitch for the second Test in Chennai was subjected to plenty of criticism from overseas pundits as the likes of Michael Vaughan and Mark Waugh slammed it for being a turner from Day 1. “The pitch, it has got grass on it but I am pretty sure it’s not going to be there when we turn up on the match day,” Anderson said with a wry smile during a virtual conference on Sunday. #pitchwatch two days out from the third #INDvENG Test in #Ahmedabad... pic.twitter.com/YhMojQOCy7 — Brian Murgatroyd (@murgersb) February 22, 2021 × “So we have to wait and watch. As seam bowlers, we have to be prepared to bowl as best we can in any given condition. If it swings, it’s great and if it does not, we still have a job to do,” Anderson said. ALSO READ: World Test Championship is like a 'World Cup' for me: Ishant Sharma ahead of his 100th Test match for India Anderson said that the pink SG Test ball, in the nets, swung more than the red ball but added that as it will be the first day-night Test in India in the month of February, they don’t know what to expect from the conditions. “Look this is the second pink Test in India and first in February so we don’t know how it would behave.” Anderson, 38, was rested from the second Test against India despite picking up five wickets in the first Test. But the veteran urged everyone to see the bigger picture given the hectic schedule England have in the year 2021. IN PICS | Olympic size swimming pool, dressing room with gyms, 11 centre pitches: Complete guide to world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad “I am feeling good and fresh and ready to go again if called upon. It’s frustrating to an extent but I can see the bigger picture with the amount of cricket that we have got.” “It’s the same for all bowlers, not just me. We’ve got 17 Test matches this year and the best way of getting your best players firing for as many of those as possible is to take little rests every now and then. “It’s not a case of shielding, it’s just a case of trying to make sure you’re not wearing someone out until they completely break in half.”

IND vs ENG: James Anderson gives his verdict on Motera Stadium's pitch ahead of pink-ball Test

Ishant Sharma is on the cusp of scripting history as he will become the second Indian pacer, after Kapil Dev, to play 100 Test matches if he starts in the pink-ball Test against England, starting from February 24 at the world’s largest cricket stadium – Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ishant, who only plays Test cricket for India now, has said that the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) is like a World Cup to him while adding he wants Team India to play the finals against New Zealand scheduled to be held later in 2021 in England.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While the third Test against England will be Ishant’s 100th&nbsp;Test for India, the veteran pacer had earlier become the third Indian speedster to have scalped 300 wickets in the longest format of the game.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/umesh-yadav-clears-fitness-test-in-contention-to-play-pink-ball-test-vs-england-365432" hreflang="en">Umesh Yadav clears fitness test, in contention to play pink-ball Test vs England</a>

"I would have loved to go to Australia to achieve the 100 Tests milestone.&nbsp;But,&nbsp;some things do not go as per plan. I couldn't go to Australia, as soon as you move over certain things, life can become simpler. I have learnt that you cannot stay stuck regarding one thing in your career, it is important to move ahead. 131 Tests landmark of Kapil Dev is too far away, I am just focusing on the upcoming Test," said Ishant during a virtual press conference on Monday.&nbsp;

"I am just focused on how to win this series and qualify for the finals of the WTC. I just play one format, WTC is like a World Cup for me, if we play the finals and then we go on to win, the feeling would be the same as winning the World Cup or the Champions Trophy," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/on-the-cusp-of-100th-test-delhis-lambu-stands-tall-365174" hreflang="en">On the cusp of 100th Test, Delhi's 'lambu' stands tall</a>

Ishan recalled his debut Test match for India as he said it was the then team manager and now head coach&nbsp;Ravi Shastri who gave him the news that he would play. However, the lanky pacer said that 100 Tests is just a number for him and he would like to continue as long as he keeps up his intensity and aggression on the field.&nbsp;

"When I made my debut, Ravi sir was the manager and he is our coach now. He only told me then that I would play. I was really nervous during my debut match. As a youngster, when you enter the dressing room and then you see the stars that you would play with. 100 Tests is just a number to me, I am taking it one game at a time, as long as the intent and aggression shows in my bowling, I would like to continue."&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ishant Sharma is on the cusp of scripting history as he will become the second Indian pacer, after Kapil Dev, to play 100 Test matches if he starts in the pink-ball Test against England, starting from February 24 at the world’s largest cricket stadium – Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Ishant Sharma is on the cusp of scripting history as he will become the second Indian pacer, after Kapil Dev, to play 100 Test matches if he starts in the pink-ball Test against England, starting from February 24 at the world’s largest cricket stadium – Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. Ishant, who only plays Test cricket for India now, has said that the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) is like a World Cup to him while adding he wants Team India to play the finals against New Zealand scheduled to be held later in 2021 in England. While the third Test against England will be Ishant’s 100th Test for India, the veteran pacer had earlier become the third Indian speedster to have scalped 300 wickets in the longest format of the game. ALSO READ: Umesh Yadav clears fitness test, in contention to play pink-ball Test vs England "I would have loved to go to Australia to achieve the 100 Tests milestone. But, some things do not go as per plan. I couldn't go to Australia, as soon as you move over certain things, life can become simpler. I have learnt that you cannot stay stuck regarding one thing in your career, it is important to move ahead. 131 Tests landmark of Kapil Dev is too far away, I am just focusing on the upcoming Test," said Ishant during a virtual press conference on Monday. "I am just focused on how to win this series and qualify for the finals of the WTC. I just play one format, WTC is like a World Cup for me, if we play the finals and then we go on to win, the feeling would be the same as winning the World Cup or the Champions Trophy," he added. ALSO READ: On the cusp of 100th Test, Delhi's 'lambu' stands tall Ishan recalled his debut Test match for India as he said it was the then team manager and now head coach Ravi Shastri who gave him the news that he would play. However, the lanky pacer said that 100 Tests is just a number for him and he would like to continue as long as he keeps up his intensity and aggression on the field. "When I made my debut, Ravi sir was the manager and he is our coach now. He only told me then that I would play. I was really nervous during my debut match. As a youngster, when you enter the dressing room and then you see the stars that you would play with. 100 Tests is just a number to me, I am taking it one game at a time, as long as the intent and aggression shows in my bowling, I would like to continue."

World Test Championship is like a 'World Cup' for me: Ishant Sharma ahead of his 100th Test match for India

Umesh Yadav has cleared the necessary fitness Tests and is in contention to play in the pink-ball Test against England, starting February 24 at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;As a consequence, pacer Shardul Thakur has been released from the Indian squad and will now join his state side Mumbai for the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shardul, in a bid to be available for Mumbai’s next match on Tuesday, decided to travel by car instead of taking a flight as it would have forced him to undergo a mandatory three-day quarantine period.&nbsp;Sharul was released by Team India late on Sunday and the pacer will now travel from Ahmedabad to Jaipur to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“He (Umesh Yadav) has cleared the fitness test as per new guidelines for the Indian players," a source was quoted as saying by&nbsp;Cricbuzz.&nbsp;

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/olympic-size-swimming-pool-dressing-room-with-gyms-11-centre-pitches-complete-guide-to-worlds-largest-cricket-stadium-in-ahmedabad-365397" hreflang="en">Olympic size swimming pool, dressing room with gyms, 11 centre pitches: Complete guide to world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad</a>

A Team India pacer needs to clock 17.1 in a Yo-Yo Test or run two km in eight-minute and 30 seconds to be eligible to play for India. However, the&nbsp;Cricbuzz&nbsp;report didn’t reveal which&nbsp;of the tests Umesh took.&nbsp;

With Umesh cleared to join the squad, the Indian team management is thinking about three-spinners tactics that came into the play in the first two Tests.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-get-to-learn-from-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-suryakumar-yadav-on-maiden-india-call-up-365363" hreflang="en">'Will get to learn from Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma': Suryakumar Yadav on maiden India call-up</a>

"We are exploring different scenarios about the Test and the main concern is neither twilight nor the pink ball. It is the dew factor that is a worry and we are thinking how to handle the situation. There is a lot of dew in the evenings and we want to make sure it does not become a major disadvantage," the source said&nbsp;as quoted in the report.&nbsp;

As things stand, Ishant Sharma and Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah&nbsp;along with Ravichandran Ashwin are set to start in the pink-ball Test with the likes of Umesh Yadav, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj,&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel, Kuldeep Yadav&nbsp;other bowlers in contention to play the third Test.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Umesh Yadav has cleared the necessary fitness Tests and is in contention to play in the pink-ball Test against England, starting February 24 at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Umesh Yadav has cleared the necessary fitness Tests and is in contention to play in the pink-ball Test against England, starting February 24 at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. As a consequence, pacer Shardul Thakur has been released from the Indian squad and will now join his state side Mumbai for the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Shardul, in a bid to be available for Mumbai’s next match on Tuesday, decided to travel by car instead of taking a flight as it would have forced him to undergo a mandatory three-day quarantine period. Sharul was released by Team India late on Sunday and the pacer will now travel from Ahmedabad to Jaipur to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. “He (Umesh Yadav) has cleared the fitness test as per new guidelines for the Indian players," a source was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. IN PICS: Olympic size swimming pool, dressing room with gyms, 11 centre pitches: Complete guide to world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad A Team India pacer needs to clock 17.1 in a Yo-Yo Test or run two km in eight-minute and 30 seconds to be eligible to play for India. However, the Cricbuzz report didn’t reveal which of the tests Umesh took. With Umesh cleared to join the squad, the Indian team management is thinking about three-spinners tactics that came into the play in the first two Tests. ALSO READ: 'Will get to learn from Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma': Suryakumar Yadav on maiden India call-up "We are exploring different scenarios about the Test and the main concern is neither twilight nor the pink ball. It is the dew factor that is a worry and we are thinking how to handle the situation. There is a lot of dew in the evenings and we want to make sure it does not become a major disadvantage," the source said as quoted in the report. As things stand, Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah along with Ravichandran Ashwin are set to start in the pink-ball Test with the likes of Umesh Yadav, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav other bowlers in contention to play the third Test.

Umesh Yadav clears fitness test, in contention to play pink-ball Test vs England

Devon Conway inspired New Zealand to a 53-run win over Australia in the opening Twenty20 international in Christchurch on Monday.

Conway smashed an unbeaten 99 off 59 balls as the Black Caps overcame a shaky start to finish on 184 for five after losing the toss and being put in to bat.

In reply, Australia were all out for 131 after 17.3 overs, with Black Caps spinner Ish Sodhi taking four wickets for 28&nbsp;

Jhye Richardson, fresh from signing a multi-million dollar Indian Premier League contract, was the pick of the Australian bowlers, taking two for 31.

But the tourists could not dislodge Conway, whose 59-ball knock included 10 fours and three sixes, helping the Black Caps bounce back from 19 for three.

Australia suffered a horror show early in their innings, as seamers Tim Southee and Trent Boult tore through the top order.&nbsp;

Luckless debutant Josh Philippe departed for two after sending a top-edge skyward.&nbsp;

But old campaigners such as skipper Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell also failed to deal with the swinging ball and the tourists were soon four for 19.

Mitch Marsh top-scored with 45 and Ashton Agar contributed 23 a string of batting failures gave New Zealand a comfortable win.

Devon Conway inspired New Zealand to a 53-run win over Australia in the opening Twenty20 international in Christchurch on Monday. Conway smashed an unbeaten 99 off 59 balls as the Black Caps overcame a shaky start to finish on 184 for five after losing the toss and being put in to bat.

Devon Conway inspired New Zealand to a 53-run win over Australia in the opening Twenty20 international in Christchurch on Monday. Conway smashed an unbeaten 99 off 59 balls as the Black Caps overcame a shaky start to finish on 184 for five after losing the toss and being put in to bat. In reply, Australia were all out for 131 after 17.3 overs, with Black Caps spinner Ish Sodhi taking four wickets for 28 Jhye Richardson, fresh from signing a multi-million dollar Indian Premier League contract, was the pick of the Australian bowlers, taking two for 31. But the tourists could not dislodge Conway, whose 59-ball knock included 10 fours and three sixes, helping the Black Caps bounce back from 19 for three. Australia suffered a horror show early in their innings, as seamers Tim Southee and Trent Boult tore through the top order. Luckless debutant Josh Philippe departed for two after sending a top-edge skyward. But old campaigners such as skipper Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell also failed to deal with the swinging ball and the tourists were soon four for 19. Mitch Marsh top-scored with 45 and Ashton Agar contributed 23 a string of batting failures gave New Zealand a comfortable win.

Devon Conway stars as New Zealand beat Australia by 53 runs in first T20

Olympic size swimming pool, dressing room with gyms, 11 centre pitches: Complete guide to world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad

There were some new faces in the Indian squad&nbsp;for the five-match T20I series against England, starting from March 12 in Ahmedabad. Suryakumar Yadav, who has been piling runs in the domestic circuit and IPL, was one of&nbsp;the names who got his maiden Team India call-up for the series. After earning his Team India call-up, Suryakumar Yadav has said that he can’t wait to&nbsp;learn from Indian skipper Virat Kohli and other players from the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Suryakumar has been scoring runs for fun in the domestic arena and had amassed 480 runs for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2020. While fans were left disappointed to not see his name for&nbsp;the Australian tour, the Indian selectors rewarded him&nbsp;with a call-up for the England series.&nbsp;

"I have already started thinking about how I am going to spend time with all the greats over there,” Suryakumar&nbsp;told Sports Today.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/graeme-swann-names-key-player-for-england-in-the-pink-ball-test-365265" hreflang="en">Graeme Swann names key player for England in the pink-ball Test</a>

"I will get to learn so much from our captain Virat Kohli and then there is Rohit Sharma, everyone, A-Z all the players. I am really looking forward to spend quality time, grasp as much as I can," Suryakumar&nbsp;added.&nbsp;

SKY is one of the three maiden call-up earners in the Indian squad along with Mumbai Indians team-mate and Haryana all-rounder Rahul&nbsp;Tewatia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"There were a few instances during the IPL where I used to dream about winning games for India and I think the opportunity for me has come at the right time. It's on me how I take it and how I make full use of it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/focus-on-cricket-not-on-pitch-rohit-sharmas-message-to-experts-365259" hreflang="en">Focus on cricket, not on pitch: Rohit Sharma's message to experts</a>

"Not thinking about too much, I would say, I would go one step at a time, take one game at a time. I have a few&nbsp;plan. Obviously, I would love to go ahead and explore in this series," Surya said.&nbsp;

All five matches of the T20I series against England in Ahmedabad will be hosted by world’s largest stadium – Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There were some new faces in the Indian squad for the five-match T20I series against England, starting from March 12 in Ahmedabad. Suryakumar Yadav, who has been piling runs in the domestic circuit and IPL, was one of the names who got his maiden Team India call-up for the series.

There were some new faces in the Indian squad for the five-match T20I series against England, starting from March 12 in Ahmedabad. Suryakumar Yadav, who has been piling runs in the domestic circuit and IPL, was one of the names who got his maiden Team India call-up for the series. After earning his Team India call-up, Suryakumar Yadav has said that he can’t wait to learn from Indian skipper Virat Kohli and other players from the team. Suryakumar has been scoring runs for fun in the domestic arena and had amassed 480 runs for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2020. While fans were left disappointed to not see his name for the Australian tour, the Indian selectors rewarded him with a call-up for the England series. "I have already started thinking about how I am going to spend time with all the greats over there,” Suryakumar told Sports Today. ALSO READ: Graeme Swann names key player for England in the pink-ball Test "I will get to learn so much from our captain Virat Kohli and then there is Rohit Sharma, everyone, A-Z all the players. I am really looking forward to spend quality time, grasp as much as I can," Suryakumar added. SKY is one of the three maiden call-up earners in the Indian squad along with Mumbai Indians team-mate and Haryana all-rounder Rahul Tewatia. "There were a few instances during the IPL where I used to dream about winning games for India and I think the opportunity for me has come at the right time. It's on me how I take it and how I make full use of it. ALSO READ: Focus on cricket, not on pitch: Rohit Sharma's message to experts "Not thinking about too much, I would say, I would go one step at a time, take one game at a time. I have a few plan. Obviously, I would love to go ahead and explore in this series," Surya said. All five matches of the T20I series against England in Ahmedabad will be hosted by world’s largest stadium – Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad.

'Will get to learn from Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma': Suryakumar Yadav on maiden India call-up

New Zealand and Australia go into a five-match Twenty20 series in Christchurch on Monday with one eye on winning the series and one on the World Cup in India later this year.

Rival captains Kane Williamson and Aaron Finch said Sunday the series offered a chance to look at the potential balance of their squads ahead of the championship eight months away.&nbsp;

"The first aim to is to win the series but there's also a bit of information grabbing throughout the series with guys in some different roles, potentially," Australia captain Finch said.&nbsp;

Neither captain was prepared to name their line up for game one although Finch indicated he would join Matthew Wade and the uncapped Josh Philippe at the top of the order with Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis rounding out the top five.

The Black Caps confirmed hard-hitting opener Martin Guptill, who had been under an injury cloud, had passed a fitness test and would open -- leaving no room for the uncapped Finn Allen who was the form player in New Zealand's domestic T20 series.

Guptill had averaged a low 11.5 before being injured in the home series while the 21-year-old Allen blazed away with 512 runs at an impressive 56.88.&nbsp;

"Every series you play is an opportunity to grow as a side and we have the World Twenty20s which are in the back of your mind," Williamson said.

"There's a lot of players around who are playing really, really well."

Preparation has not been ideal for Australia, who were scheduled to end their 14 days in managed isolation as part of New Zealand's strict Covid-19 regulations on Sunday -- 24 hours ahead of the first match.

But Williamson did not expect Australia to be rusty.

"Whatever Australian team is put out is strong. They do have the majority of their consistent Twenty20 side there, with also the opportunity of bringing in a lot of talented youngsters they do have," he said.

Game one takes place on the 10th anniversary of a destructive 6.3-magnitude earthquake that claimed 185 lives in Christchurch. Williamson and Finch will lay a wreath at the anniversary memorial service hours before the cricket starts.

New Zealand and Australia go into a five-match Twenty20 series in Christchurch on Monday with one eye on winning the series and one on the World Cup in India later this year.

New Zealand and Australia go into a five-match Twenty20 series in Christchurch on Monday with one eye on winning the series and one on the World Cup in India later this year. Rival captains Kane Williamson and Aaron Finch said Sunday the series offered a chance to look at the potential balance of their squads ahead of the championship eight months away. "The first aim to is to win the series but there's also a bit of information grabbing throughout the series with guys in some different roles, potentially," Australia captain Finch said. Neither captain was prepared to name their line up for game one although Finch indicated he would join Matthew Wade and the uncapped Josh Philippe at the top of the order with Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis rounding out the top five. The Black Caps confirmed hard-hitting opener Martin Guptill, who had been under an injury cloud, had passed a fitness test and would open -- leaving no room for the uncapped Finn Allen who was the form player in New Zealand's domestic T20 series. Guptill had averaged a low 11.5 before being injured in the home series while the 21-year-old Allen blazed away with 512 runs at an impressive 56.88. "Every series you play is an opportunity to grow as a side and we have the World Twenty20s which are in the back of your mind," Williamson said. "There's a lot of players around who are playing really, really well." Preparation has not been ideal for Australia, who were scheduled to end their 14 days in managed isolation as part of New Zealand's strict Covid-19 regulations on Sunday -- 24 hours ahead of the first match. But Williamson did not expect Australia to be rusty. "Whatever Australian team is put out is strong. They do have the majority of their consistent Twenty20 side there, with also the opportunity of bringing in a lot of talented youngsters they do have," he said. Game one takes place on the 10th anniversary of a destructive 6.3-magnitude earthquake that claimed 185 lives in Christchurch. Williamson and Finch will lay a wreath at the anniversary memorial service hours before the cricket starts.

World Cup options on show in New Zealand-Australia T20 series

Former England spinner Graeme Swann reckons veteran pacer James Anderson can swing the ongoing four-Test series in&nbsp;favour&nbsp;of England. The much-talked-about Test series between India and England is locked at 1-1 following the first two Tests with the next match – pink-ball Test – scheduled to be played at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad from February 24.&nbsp;

Swann, who has shared the dressing room with Anderson&nbsp;during his 60-Test career, was however baffled with&nbsp;England's decision to rest the paceman in the second Test, which the visitors lost by 317 runs.&nbsp;

“I believe this series is absolutely on a knife-edge,” said Swann&nbsp;as quoted by Mirror.&nbsp;“It is a brilliant place for England to be, and they've got a great chance to go ahead once more.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/focus-on-cricket-not-on-pitch-rohit-sharmas-message-to-experts-365259" hreflang="en">Focus on cricket, not on pitch: Rohit Sharma's message to experts</a>

“I'm full of optimism going into this game, mainly due to Jimmy coming back. He was irrepressible in the first match, and he just keeps defying the odds and gets better and better.&nbsp;

“I do wonder&nbsp;though,&nbsp;Jimmy is coming to the back end of his career and he is bowling better than ever before. What are we shielding him for?&nbsp;

Swann, lavishing high praise on Anderson, said he is the kingpin of the England pace attack and the line-up should be built around him while adding Anderson should be the first name in the England Test team&nbsp;during the Ashes.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/on-the-cusp-of-100th-test-delhis-lambu-stands-tall-365174" hreflang="en">On the cusp of 100th Test, Delhi's 'lambu' stands tall</a>

“Jimmy doesn't get fatigued when he's bowling like this. He is the kingpin of the attack. You build an attack around him. I can't wait to see him go again&nbsp;

“What his plan is for the Ashes later in the year I don't know, but I can't see any reason why you wouldn't have him first name on the team sheet, before Joe Root.”&nbsp;

Former England spinner Graeme Swann reckons veteran pacer James Anderson can swing the ongoing four-Test series in favour of England. The much-talked-about Test series between India and England is locked at 1-1 following the first two Tests with the next match – pink-ball Test – scheduled to be played at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad from February 24.

Former England spinner Graeme Swann reckons veteran pacer James Anderson can swing the ongoing four-Test series in favour of England. The much-talked-about Test series between India and England is locked at 1-1 following the first two Tests with the next match – pink-ball Test – scheduled to be played at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad from February 24. Swann, who has shared the dressing room with Anderson during his 60-Test career, was however baffled with England's decision to rest the paceman in the second Test, which the visitors lost by 317 runs. “I believe this series is absolutely on a knife-edge,” said Swann as quoted by Mirror. “It is a brilliant place for England to be, and they've got a great chance to go ahead once more. ALSO READ: Focus on cricket, not on pitch: Rohit Sharma's message to experts “I'm full of optimism going into this game, mainly due to Jimmy coming back. He was irrepressible in the first match, and he just keeps defying the odds and gets better and better. “I do wonder though, Jimmy is coming to the back end of his career and he is bowling better than ever before. What are we shielding him for? Swann, lavishing high praise on Anderson, said he is the kingpin of the England pace attack and the line-up should be built around him while adding Anderson should be the first name in the England Test team during the Ashes. ALSO READ: On the cusp of 100th Test, Delhi's 'lambu' stands tall “Jimmy doesn't get fatigued when he's bowling like this. He is the kingpin of the attack. You build an attack around him. I can't wait to see him go again “What his plan is for the Ashes later in the year I don't know, but I can't see any reason why you wouldn't have him first name on the team sheet, before Joe Root.”

Graeme Swann names key player for England in the pink-ball Test

Rohit Sharma on Sunday responded to the criticism around Indian pitches after a number of former England and Australian cricketers and experts termed the&nbsp;pitch in Chennai for the second Test as "sub-standard". Rohit, ahead of the much-awaited pink-ball Test against England in Ahmedabad, said that home teams are bound to take advantage of their conditions while adding that the Indian team never complains about conditions when they tour overseas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rohit had a clear message for experts as he said that they should focus on cricket and not the pitches as it is the same for both teams.&nbsp;The limited-overs vice-captain further said that players need to adapt to different conditions and that is the beauty of cricket in the home and away series.&nbsp;

"The pitch is the same for both teams. I don't know why there's so much talk about the pitch. People say that the pitch shouldn't be a certain type of way, but they have been like this in India for years. Every team plays to their strengths at home, and similarly, we do what our team prefers in India,” Rohit said in the virtual press conference.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We need to go with our team's preference. That's the meaning of home advantage. Else, just take it away. The ICC should come up with a uniform rule everywhere for pitches in India and outside India. When we go abroad, people make our life difficult. I don't think pitchers should be debated at all. Debates can be held on players, their performances, and how they are batting or bowling, but don't debate pitches. Both teams play on the same pitch and whoever plays better wins."

"As batsmen, we never think about the pitch. We only think about our plans. If it's a turning pitch, whether we have to play the sweep or come down the track. If it's a seaming pitch, whether we have to leave balls, stand outside the crease or play defensively.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/can-ashwin-make-a-comeback-in-indias-limited-overs-team-sunil-gavaskar-opines-365187" hreflang="en">Can Ashwin make a comeback in India's limited overs team? Sunil Gavaskar opines</a>

"We need to prepare our mind according to the pitch. You are at this level playing for India because you know how to adjust to the conditions. In these challenging conditions, you need to prove that. Team India loves playing in challenging conditions, where things are against you,” Rohit, who slammed a classic 161 in the second Test against England in Chennai.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🗣️🗣️ Every team has the right to home advantage, reckons <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZbF7ufj01M">pic.twitter.com/ZbF7ufj01M</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1363474667152015361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

However, the Indian opener gave a slight hint on what to expect from the pitch in Ahmedabad as he said that it is going to be on similar lines to what the cricket world witnessed in Chennai.&nbsp;

"Still, early days to talk about the pitch, I do not see anything changing in the pitch, what we played in the second Test, it is going to be more or less the same, it is going to turn a little, we are preparing according to that, when the day comes, we still need to assess the conditions, it has been a while since a last international game was played here," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-would-have-played-t20-world-cup-in-2020-says-former-team-india-selector-365171" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni would have played T20 World Cup in 2020, says former Team India selector</a>

The third match, the pink-ball Test, is set to played at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad – the world's largest stadium. While both England and Indian players have been lavishly praising the facilities in&nbsp;Motera&nbsp;Stadium, Rohit said he cannot wait to see the spectators flocking into&nbsp;the stadium.&nbsp;

"It is the largest stadium in the world, we were all excited to come down to the ground and see the outfield, we had a couple of good sessions, the facility looks quite good. We have got a gym inside the&nbsp;ground,&nbsp;it looks a pretty good stadium and I cannot wait to see the spectators coming around and seeing the pink-ball Test."&nbsp;&nbsp;

With the series firmly locked at 1-1, the Virat Kohli-led side would be looking to take the lead in the four-Test series when they take the field in Ahmedabad on February 24.&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma on Sunday responded to the criticism around Indian pitches after a number of former England and Australian cricketers and experts termed the pitch in Chennai for the second Test as "sub-standard".

Rohit Sharma on Sunday responded to the criticism around Indian pitches after a number of former England and Australian cricketers and experts termed the pitch in Chennai for the second Test as "sub-standard". Rohit, ahead of the much-awaited pink-ball Test against England in Ahmedabad, said that home teams are bound to take advantage of their conditions while adding that the Indian team never complains about conditions when they tour overseas. Rohit had a clear message for experts as he said that they should focus on cricket and not the pitches as it is the same for both teams. The limited-overs vice-captain further said that players need to adapt to different conditions and that is the beauty of cricket in the home and away series. "The pitch is the same for both teams. I don't know why there's so much talk about the pitch. People say that the pitch shouldn't be a certain type of way, but they have been like this in India for years. Every team plays to their strengths at home, and similarly, we do what our team prefers in India,” Rohit said in the virtual press conference. "We need to go with our team's preference. That's the meaning of home advantage. Else, just take it away. The ICC should come up with a uniform rule everywhere for pitches in India and outside India. When we go abroad, people make our life difficult. I don't think pitchers should be debated at all. Debates can be held on players, their performances, and how they are batting or bowling, but don't debate pitches. Both teams play on the same pitch and whoever plays better wins." "As batsmen, we never think about the pitch. We only think about our plans. If it's a turning pitch, whether we have to play the sweep or come down the track. If it's a seaming pitch, whether we have to leave balls, stand outside the crease or play defensively. ALSO READ: Can Ashwin make a comeback in India's limited overs team? Sunil Gavaskar opines "We need to prepare our mind according to the pitch. You are at this level playing for India because you know how to adjust to the conditions. In these challenging conditions, you need to prove that. Team India loves playing in challenging conditions, where things are against you,” Rohit, who slammed a classic 161 in the second Test against England in Chennai. 🗣️🗣️ Every team has the right to home advantage, reckons @ImRo45. @Paytm #INDvENG #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/ZbF7ufj01M — BCCI (@BCCI) February 21, 2021 × However, the Indian opener gave a slight hint on what to expect from the pitch in Ahmedabad as he said that it is going to be on similar lines to what the cricket world witnessed in Chennai. "Still, early days to talk about the pitch, I do not see anything changing in the pitch, what we played in the second Test, it is going to be more or less the same, it is going to turn a little, we are preparing according to that, when the day comes, we still need to assess the conditions, it has been a while since a last international game was played here," he added. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni would have played T20 World Cup in 2020, says former Team India selector The third match, the pink-ball Test, is set to played at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad – the world's largest stadium. While both England and Indian players have been lavishly praising the facilities in Motera Stadium, Rohit said he cannot wait to see the spectators flocking into the stadium. "It is the largest stadium in the world, we were all excited to come down to the ground and see the outfield, we had a couple of good sessions, the facility looks quite good. We have got a gym inside the ground, it looks a pretty good stadium and I cannot wait to see the spectators coming around and seeing the pink-ball Test." With the series firmly locked at 1-1, the Virat Kohli-led side would be looking to take the lead in the four-Test series when they take the field in Ahmedabad on February 24.

Focus on cricket, not on pitch: Rohit Sharma's message to experts

Ravichandran Ashwin has been India's one of the biggest match-winners in the longest format of the game. While Ashwin continues to impress in the Indian Premier League and domestic tournaments when it comes to white-ball cricket, the veteran&nbsp;hasn't been able to make a comeback in the Indian squad in the shorter formats of the game.&nbsp;

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has weighed in his opinion on Ashwin as he made a bold claim on his future in white-ball cricket for India.&nbsp;Gavaskar has said that there is no place for Ashwin in India's limited-overs squad. However, the Indian legend said that Ashwin will represent India in Test cricket for half a dozen years more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Citing Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya's place in India's limited-overs squad, Gavaskar said Ashwin doesn't fit in the squad due to the current team balance.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-would-have-played-t20-world-cup-in-2020-says-former-team-india-selector-365171" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni would have played T20 World Cup in 2020, says former Team India selector</a>

“I somehow don’t think he will now make a comeback in the Indian limited-overs team because India have found in Hardik Pandya the all-rounder at No.7, there is Ravindra Jadeja and then they will have three seamers or maybe one spinner and two-seamers,” Sunil Gavaskar told Star&nbsp;Sports.&nbsp;

“I don’t think he will fit into the squad at the moment and therefore, he will be a Test match player for the next half a dozen years at least,” he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/on-the-cusp-of-100th-test-delhis-lambu-stands-tall-365174" hreflang="en">On the cusp of 100th Test, Delhi's 'lambu' stands tall</a>

Meanwhile, Ashwin continues to shatter record books in Test cricket. In 76 Test matches, Ashwin has scalped 394 wickets while also accumulating 2626 runs at an average of 28.2. With two more Test matches remaining in the series against England, Ashwin is eyeing&nbsp;400 Test wickets to add another feather to his illustrious cap.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India will next face England in the third match, which will be a pink-ball Test, starting from February 24 in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

Ravichandran Ashwin has been India's one of the biggest match-winners in the longest format of the game. While Ashwin continues to impress in the Indian Premier League and domestic tournaments when it comes to white-ball cricket, the veteran hasn't been able to make a comeback in the Indian squad in the shorter formats of the game.

Ravichandran Ashwin has been India's one of the biggest match-winners in the longest format of the game. While Ashwin continues to impress in the Indian Premier League and domestic tournaments when it comes to white-ball cricket, the veteran hasn't been able to make a comeback in the Indian squad in the shorter formats of the game. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has weighed in his opinion on Ashwin as he made a bold claim on his future in white-ball cricket for India. Gavaskar has said that there is no place for Ashwin in India's limited-overs squad. However, the Indian legend said that Ashwin will represent India in Test cricket for half a dozen years more. Citing Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya's place in India's limited-overs squad, Gavaskar said Ashwin doesn't fit in the squad due to the current team balance. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni would have played T20 World Cup in 2020, says former Team India selector “I somehow don’t think he will now make a comeback in the Indian limited-overs team because India have found in Hardik Pandya the all-rounder at No.7, there is Ravindra Jadeja and then they will have three seamers or maybe one spinner and two-seamers,” Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports. “I don’t think he will fit into the squad at the moment and therefore, he will be a Test match player for the next half a dozen years at least,” he added. ALSO READ: On the cusp of 100th Test, Delhi's 'lambu' stands tall Meanwhile, Ashwin continues to shatter record books in Test cricket. In 76 Test matches, Ashwin has scalped 394 wickets while also accumulating 2626 runs at an average of 28.2. With two more Test matches remaining in the series against England, Ashwin is eyeing 400 Test wickets to add another feather to his illustrious cap. India will next face England in the third match, which will be a pink-ball Test, starting from February 24 in Ahmedabad.

Can Ashwin make a comeback in India's limited overs team? Sunil Gavaskar opines

On the sidelines of a Ranji Trophy game in 2019, Ishant Sharma had called himself 'the last flicker in a lamp' while politely making his reluctance known to three scribes, who had approached the self-effacing beanpole for an interaction.

Ishant was then standing at 96 Tests. Nearly 14 months later, during which he missed five Tests due to an injury, Indian cricket's most adorable 'lambu' is shining bright.

He is on course to become only the second Indian fast bowler, after the great Kapil Dev, to complete 100 Tests for the country.

'Arre yaar mera interview karke kya karogey? Main toh bujhta huya diya hoon (Why do you want to interview me? I am like the last flicker in a lamp),' Ishant had said at the Kotla.

In terms of sheer talent and craft, Ishant wouldn't be in the same league as Zaheer Khan, Mohammed Shami or Javagal Srinath but with his longevity, he has proved that 'workhorse' isn't exactly an abused word, which is used to sum up the veteran pacer.

'I think I will say this with certainty...,' former India wicketkeeper and Ishant's ex-Delhi teammate and coach Vijay Dahiya said.

'Ishant will be the last Indian fast bowler to play 100 Test matches. I don't see anyone playing 100 Tests. With majority of the fast bowlers preserving themselves for IPL and white ball games, it will be increasingly difficult to play 100 Tests for India,' Dahiya made a statement.

Ishant's mate for the last 16 years, current Delhi captain Pradeep Sangwan felt that even when Virat Kohli and Ishant attended Delhi's U-17 trials, he looked a class apart.

'He was so tall and that long flowing mane of his, we used to pull his leg and tease him, 'dekh le bhai, lamba Shah Rukh aa gaya (watch out brothers, the tall Shah Rukh has come (referring to the actor),' Sangwan said.

'But then even during those U-17 days, he was so tall and generated so much pace, you knew that he was special. And if you see when Virat was leading us at the 2008 U-19 World Cup, Ishant was already a Test player by then and didn't need to play that tournament.' His first 79 Test matches yielded 226 wickets and the last 20 fetched him 76 scalps, which shows how the man from West Delhi's Patel Nagar moulded himself according to the team's needs.

Ishant, as well as the current crop of Indian fast bowling line-up's most memorable three years, started in 2018 in South Africa with the introduction of Jasprit Bumrah in the Test arena.

'MS used him as a defensive bowler who would hold one end up. Ishant was his man to do the job. You know why he has lasted this long: because it's very important to know what your leader wants and deliver accordingly,' Dahiya said.

'He wasn't the wicket-taking bowler but kudos to him, he did the job of bowling 20 plus overs a day with elan, which primarily the spinners do in Tests,' he added.

It's his hardwork and ability to maintain fitness standards that allows him to bowl those 8 to 9 over spells Test after Test.

'He was bowling those 8 to 9 overs spells at 18 years at a pace of 140 plus. Today he is nearing 33 and he is still bowling those long spells consistently in late 130 kmph and cranking it up to 140 kmph at times,' said Sangwan.

First-class cricket has its own set of benefits but there are a few pitfalls, too, and often the example of former England batsman Graeme Hick is cited. Hick played seven years of county cricket before international level and by then, according to experts, the 'bad habits of domestic cricket had crept into his system'.

'Best part about Ishant was that he escaped that grind of first-class cricket and was fast-tracked pretty early.

'The moment a fast bowler is stuck for three plus years in Ranji Trophy, he can stagnate, compromise for pace and also lack quality from the other end. Ishant didn't have to endure that,' said Dahiya, who was also the pacer's senior team coach.

Ishant is probably someone who doesn't feel the need to be funny, interjected Sangwan, narrating an incident during their U-19 days.

'It was Delhi U-19 trials and as you know in DDCA, one approach-wala chap (a typical Delhi term used for back-door entry of boys with influential parents) was thrust upon the sports committee for trials.

'Sunil Dev, who was then the sports secretary, was so angry that he came up to us and told Ishant and myself 'if that fellow scores 20, you two will be out of the team'.

'Ishant was like 'sir, humari kya galti hai ki, isko trials pe bulaya (sir, what is our fault that he has ben called for trials)'.' Dev was unyielding but then, Ishant and Sangwan got him out four or five times and also embarrassed him with a barrage of short balls, which hit him on the ribs. Recalling that story, Sangwan chuckled.

While former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie sorted his wrist position at Sussex, Ishant remains a nightmare for keepers even after playing so many matches. Ask Wriddhiman Saha, who finds Ishant the most difficult to keep as the seam wobbles.

Dahiya, who is known for his self-deprecating humour, hit the parting shot.

'I still tell Ishant that it was his late movement that led to my early retirement as he was young and I was ageing. I tell him tune mere budhaape mein maze le liye (You enjoyed at the expense of my old age).'

On the sidelines of a Ranji Trophy game in 2019, Ishant Sharma had called himself 'the last flicker in a lamp' while politely making his reluctance known to three scribes, who had approached the self-effacing beanpole for an interaction.

On the sidelines of a Ranji Trophy game in 2019, Ishant Sharma had called himself 'the last flicker in a lamp' while politely making his reluctance known to three scribes, who had approached the self-effacing beanpole for an interaction. Ishant was then standing at 96 Tests. Nearly 14 months later, during which he missed five Tests due to an injury, Indian cricket's most adorable 'lambu' is shining bright. He is on course to become only the second Indian fast bowler, after the great Kapil Dev, to complete 100 Tests for the country. 'Arre yaar mera interview karke kya karogey? Main toh bujhta huya diya hoon (Why do you want to interview me? I am like the last flicker in a lamp),' Ishant had said at the Kotla. In terms of sheer talent and craft, Ishant wouldn't be in the same league as Zaheer Khan, Mohammed Shami or Javagal Srinath but with his longevity, he has proved that 'workhorse' isn't exactly an abused word, which is used to sum up the veteran pacer. 'I think I will say this with certainty...,' former India wicketkeeper and Ishant's ex-Delhi teammate and coach Vijay Dahiya said. 'Ishant will be the last Indian fast bowler to play 100 Test matches. I don't see anyone playing 100 Tests. With majority of the fast bowlers preserving themselves for IPL and white ball games, it will be increasingly difficult to play 100 Tests for India,' Dahiya made a statement. Ishant's mate for the last 16 years, current Delhi captain Pradeep Sangwan felt that even when Virat Kohli and Ishant attended Delhi's U-17 trials, he looked a class apart. 'He was so tall and that long flowing mane of his, we used to pull his leg and tease him, 'dekh le bhai, lamba Shah Rukh aa gaya (watch out brothers, the tall Shah Rukh has come (referring to the actor),' Sangwan said. 'But then even during those U-17 days, he was so tall and generated so much pace, you knew that he was special. And if you see when Virat was leading us at the 2008 U-19 World Cup, Ishant was already a Test player by then and didn't need to play that tournament.' His first 79 Test matches yielded 226 wickets and the last 20 fetched him 76 scalps, which shows how the man from West Delhi's Patel Nagar moulded himself according to the team's needs. Ishant, as well as the current crop of Indian fast bowling line-up's most memorable three years, started in 2018 in South Africa with the introduction of Jasprit Bumrah in the Test arena. 'MS used him as a defensive bowler who would hold one end up. Ishant was his man to do the job. You know why he has lasted this long: because it's very important to know what your leader wants and deliver accordingly,' Dahiya said. 'He wasn't the wicket-taking bowler but kudos to him, he did the job of bowling 20 plus overs a day with elan, which primarily the spinners do in Tests,' he added. It's his hardwork and ability to maintain fitness standards that allows him to bowl those 8 to 9 over spells Test after Test. 'He was bowling those 8 to 9 overs spells at 18 years at a pace of 140 plus. Today he is nearing 33 and he is still bowling those long spells consistently in late 130 kmph and cranking it up to 140 kmph at times,' said Sangwan. First-class cricket has its own set of benefits but there are a few pitfalls, too, and often the example of former England batsman Graeme Hick is cited. Hick played seven years of county cricket before international level and by then, according to experts, the 'bad habits of domestic cricket had crept into his system'. 'Best part about Ishant was that he escaped that grind of first-class cricket and was fast-tracked pretty early. 'The moment a fast bowler is stuck for three plus years in Ranji Trophy, he can stagnate, compromise for pace and also lack quality from the other end. Ishant didn't have to endure that,' said Dahiya, who was also the pacer's senior team coach. Ishant is probably someone who doesn't feel the need to be funny, interjected Sangwan, narrating an incident during their U-19 days. 'It was Delhi U-19 trials and as you know in DDCA, one approach-wala chap (a typical Delhi term used for back-door entry of boys with influential parents) was thrust upon the sports committee for trials. 'Sunil Dev, who was then the sports secretary, was so angry that he came up to us and told Ishant and myself 'if that fellow scores 20, you two will be out of the team'. 'Ishant was like 'sir, humari kya galti hai ki, isko trials pe bulaya (sir, what is our fault that he has ben called for trials)'.' Dev was unyielding but then, Ishant and Sangwan got him out four or five times and also embarrassed him with a barrage of short balls, which hit him on the ribs. Recalling that story, Sangwan chuckled. While former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie sorted his wrist position at Sussex, Ishant remains a nightmare for keepers even after playing so many matches. Ask Wriddhiman Saha, who finds Ishant the most difficult to keep as the seam wobbles. Dahiya, who is known for his self-deprecating humour, hit the parting shot. 'I still tell Ishant that it was his late movement that led to my early retirement as he was young and I was ageing. I tell him tune mere budhaape mein maze le liye (You enjoyed at the expense of my old age).'

On the cusp of 100th Test, Delhi's 'lambu' stands tall

Mahendra Singh Dhoni was all set to play in the T20 World Cup for India in the year 2020 had the marquee event not been postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic, former Team India selector Sarandeep Singh has said.&nbsp;With cricket, like other sports, coming&nbsp;to a screeching halt due to the pandemic, all the series and major events were either cancelled or postponed. Dhoni went on to announce his international retirement on August 15, 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dhoni last played for India in the semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2019 versus New Zealand and then opted for a sabbatical from the game.&nbsp;Sarandeep has now said that Dhoni was one of the fittest players in the Indian dressing room while revealing the former India skipper was in contention to play the T20 World Cup which could have been his last major tournament for India.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cant-wait-to-share-dressing-room-with-the-likes-of-kohli-says-rahul-tewatia-365097" hreflang="en">Can't wait to share dressing room with the likes of Kohli, says Rahul Tewatia</a>

“Definitely, he would have played (had COVID-19 not interrupted). We were also thinking that he should have definitely played the World T20. He was fit. There was no reason for him to not play. We always see the fitness of the players first to see how long they can play. And Mahi was the fittest. He never took a break from practice. Even in optional practice, Mahi was there. And you see it never happened that he missed a game because of injury. That’s why he got so much respect from everyone,” Sarandeep, former India selector,&nbsp;told&nbsp;Sportskeeda.&nbsp;

The former India selector went on to add that all the members of the selection committee thought that Dhoni deserved to play the T20 World Cup for what he has achieved for the Men in Blue.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-take-a-call-on-county-stint-after-ipl-says-csks-latest-recruit-cheteshwar-pujara-365075" hreflang="en">Will take a call on county stint after IPL, says CSK's latest recruit Cheteshwar Pujara</a>

“We always felt that a player who played so much for India and won so many trophies – there’s not a single trophy he hasn’t won – deserved that chance. It was my personal opinion and opinion of everyone in the selection committee that MS Dhoni should have played the World T20,” said Sarandeep.&nbsp;

Dhoni continues to be a part of the Indian Premier League for Chennai Super Kings and will be seen in the 14 edition of the cash-rich tournament.&nbsp;

Mahendra Singh Dhoni was all set to play in the T20 World Cup for India in the year 2020 had the marquee event not been postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic, former Team India selector Sarandeep Singh has said.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni was all set to play in the T20 World Cup for India in the year 2020 had the marquee event not been postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic, former Team India selector Sarandeep Singh has said. With cricket, like other sports, coming to a screeching halt due to the pandemic, all the series and major events were either cancelled or postponed. Dhoni went on to announce his international retirement on August 15, 2020. Dhoni last played for India in the semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2019 versus New Zealand and then opted for a sabbatical from the game. Sarandeep has now said that Dhoni was one of the fittest players in the Indian dressing room while revealing the former India skipper was in contention to play the T20 World Cup which could have been his last major tournament for India. ALSO READ: Can't wait to share dressing room with the likes of Kohli, says Rahul Tewatia “Definitely, he would have played (had COVID-19 not interrupted). We were also thinking that he should have definitely played the World T20. He was fit. There was no reason for him to not play. We always see the fitness of the players first to see how long they can play. And Mahi was the fittest. He never took a break from practice. Even in optional practice, Mahi was there. And you see it never happened that he missed a game because of injury. That’s why he got so much respect from everyone,” Sarandeep, former India selector, told Sportskeeda. The former India selector went on to add that all the members of the selection committee thought that Dhoni deserved to play the T20 World Cup for what he has achieved for the Men in Blue. ALSO READ: Will take a call on county stint after IPL, says CSK's latest recruit Cheteshwar Pujara “We always felt that a player who played so much for India and won so many trophies – there’s not a single trophy he hasn’t won – deserved that chance. It was my personal opinion and opinion of everyone in the selection committee that MS Dhoni should have played the World T20,” said Sarandeep. Dhoni continues to be a part of the Indian Premier League for Chennai Super Kings and will be seen in the 14 edition of the cash-rich tournament.

MS Dhoni would have played T20 World Cup in 2020, says former Team India selector

Consistent showing for Haryana in domestic cricket and a brilliant IPL has seen all-rounder Rahul Tewatia break into the national team as the BCCI announced the Indian squad for the T20I matches against England on Saturday.

Tewatia might have stolen hearts with his showing in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League, but the spin-bowling all-rounder believes it is the challenge he faced while playing for Haryana that has made him a better cricketer.

Speaking to ANI moments after being named in the Indian team, Tewatia said that breaking into the Haryana squad and cementing a place in the XI in the presence of quality performers made him mentally strong and helped his game.

“Imagine fighting it out for a place in the team which has legends like Amit Mishra bhai. Then you had Jayant Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal has also represented the state team whenever he hasn’t been busy playing for India. The level of competition for spinners in the Haryana team is one of the toughest I would say. Finding a place and performing for Haryana not only gave me confidence but also helped me back my skills,” he explained.

Asked how he would react to days when he didn’t perform considering the level of competition in the state team, Tewatia said that the support of the Haryana Cricket Association and former BCCI Treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry has helped him face all challenges.

“Yes, it can get tough some times when you have a bad game here and there, but there has been immense support from HCA. Not to forget how Anirudh sir has always instilled confidence in me. He was always a call away and ensured that I only looked at the positive side and backed my game,” he pointed.

Tewatia is also excited about sharing the dressing room with some of the biggest names in international cricket.

“So far, I played against Virat Kohli in the IPL. Now I will play with him and share the dressing room with him. Can’t wait to share the dressing room with him and some of the best cricketers in world cricket. It will be all about learning from them and understanding how they compete against the best in the business and succeed,” he smiled.

Tewatia also believes that a successful IPL was a big blessing. “You do know that the best in the world come over to play in the IPL. If you perform against them, it also helps build your confidence. I am glad that I could play match-winning knocks for Rajasthan Royals this season,” he signed off.&nbsp;

Consistent showing for Haryana in domestic cricket and a brilliant IPL has seen all-rounder Rahul Tewatia break into the national team as the BCCI announced the Indian squad for the T20I matches against England on Saturday.

Consistent showing for Haryana in domestic cricket and a brilliant IPL has seen all-rounder Rahul Tewatia break into the national team as the BCCI announced the Indian squad for the T20I matches against England on Saturday. Tewatia might have stolen hearts with his showing in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League, but the spin-bowling all-rounder believes it is the challenge he faced while playing for Haryana that has made him a better cricketer. Speaking to ANI moments after being named in the Indian team, Tewatia said that breaking into the Haryana squad and cementing a place in the XI in the presence of quality performers made him mentally strong and helped his game. “Imagine fighting it out for a place in the team which has legends like Amit Mishra bhai. Then you had Jayant Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal has also represented the state team whenever he hasn’t been busy playing for India. The level of competition for spinners in the Haryana team is one of the toughest I would say. Finding a place and performing for Haryana not only gave me confidence but also helped me back my skills,” he explained. Asked how he would react to days when he didn’t perform considering the level of competition in the state team, Tewatia said that the support of the Haryana Cricket Association and former BCCI Treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry has helped him face all challenges. “Yes, it can get tough some times when you have a bad game here and there, but there has been immense support from HCA. Not to forget how Anirudh sir has always instilled confidence in me. He was always a call away and ensured that I only looked at the positive side and backed my game,” he pointed. Tewatia is also excited about sharing the dressing room with some of the biggest names in international cricket. “So far, I played against Virat Kohli in the IPL. Now I will play with him and share the dressing room with him. Can’t wait to share the dressing room with him and some of the best cricketers in world cricket. It will be all about learning from them and understanding how they compete against the best in the business and succeed,” he smiled. Tewatia also believes that a successful IPL was a big blessing. “You do know that the best in the world come over to play in the IPL. If you perform against them, it also helps build your confidence. I am glad that I could play match-winning knocks for Rajasthan Royals this season,” he signed off.

Can't wait to share dressing room with the likes of Kohli, says Rahul Tewatia

cricket-news

Cricket News, News on Cricket News, stories on Cricket News, articles on Cricket News, Cricket News stories at Wion, Cricket News news, Cricket News latest news

cricket news