Team India locked horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series opener at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Friday (March 04). Former captain Virat Kohli headlined the day's proceedings as he featured&nbsp;in his 100th game in whites and, thus, joined an elite list of Indian cricketers to have done the same, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, Kapil Dev, Virender Sehwag, etc.

Coming out to bat, after India won the toss and were 80/2, Kohli joined forces with No. 3 batter Hanuma Vihari and stitched an impressive 90-run stand for the third-wicket before falling for a good-looking 45 (76). On the other hand, the likes of captain Rohit Sharma (29), Mayank Agarwal (33), Vihari (58) and Shreyas Iyer (27) also got starts but were all back in the pavillion by the end of second session.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/because-of-his-stature-no-one-ex-selector-slams-bcci-chief-sourav-ganguly-for-attending-team-meetings-458929">'Because of his stature, no one...': Ex-selector slams BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly for attending team meetings</a>

Speaking on the post-Tea show on Star Sports on Day 1 of the first Test, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir shared a word of advice for&nbsp;the Indian batters following their dismissals.&nbsp;

“One of the major concerns is that the bat is in the line of pads. When that happens, it is difficult to play deliveries that turn away as well as those that don't turn,” Gambhir noted.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gautam-gambhir-names-two-batters-who-can-replace-axed-duo-pujara-and-rahane-for-india-in-tests-458901">Gautam Gambhir names two batters who can replace axed duo Pujara and Rahane for India in Tests</a>

Reflecting on Kohli and Mayank's dismissals, Gambhir said, "If you keep your bat ahead of your pad, you will be beaten only on one edge. When you look at Mayank Agarwal's dismissal, he was beaten on the inside edge. In Virat Kohli's case, he was beaten on the outside edge. So, it is very important to have your bat ahead of your pad.”

“This is usually taught in formative years. Nowadays, you play so much limited-overs cricket that you lose your basics, the good habits die down. You've concentrated significantly on fast bowling, so I believe Indian batters have a scope for improvement in tackling spin,” added Gambhir.

Riding on Rishabh Pant's 96 and Ravindra Jadeja's 45 not out India reached 357-6 at stumps on Day 1 in Mohali. They will like to stretch the total beyond the 450-run mark on Day 2.

Team India locked horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series opener at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Friday (March 04). Former captain Virat Kohli headlined the day's proceedings as he featured in his 100th game in whites and, thus, joined an elite list of Indian cricketers to have done the same, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, Kapil Dev, Virender Sehwag, etc.

Team India locked horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series opener at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Friday (March 04). Former captain Virat Kohli headlined the day's proceedings as he featured in his 100th game in whites and, thus, joined an elite list of Indian cricketers to have done the same, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, Kapil Dev, Virender Sehwag, etc. Coming out to bat, after India won the toss and were 80/2, Kohli joined forces with No. 3 batter Hanuma Vihari and stitched an impressive 90-run stand for the third-wicket before falling for a good-looking 45 (76). On the other hand, the likes of captain Rohit Sharma (29), Mayank Agarwal (33), Vihari (58) and Shreyas Iyer (27) also got starts but were all back in the pavillion by the end of second session. ALSO READ | 'Because of his stature, no one...': Ex-selector slams BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly for attending team meetings Speaking on the post-Tea show on Star Sports on Day 1 of the first Test, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir shared a word of advice for the Indian batters following their dismissals. “One of the major concerns is that the bat is in the line of pads. When that happens, it is difficult to play deliveries that turn away as well as those that don't turn,” Gambhir noted. ALSO READ | Gautam Gambhir names two batters who can replace axed duo Pujara and Rahane for India in Tests Reflecting on Kohli and Mayank's dismissals, Gambhir said, "If you keep your bat ahead of your pad, you will be beaten only on one edge. When you look at Mayank Agarwal's dismissal, he was beaten on the inside edge. In Virat Kohli's case, he was beaten on the outside edge. So, it is very important to have your bat ahead of your pad.” “This is usually taught in formative years. Nowadays, you play so much limited-overs cricket that you lose your basics, the good habits die down. You've concentrated significantly on fast bowling, so I believe Indian batters have a scope for improvement in tackling spin,” added Gambhir. Riding on Rishabh Pant's 96 and Ravindra Jadeja's 45 not out India reached 357-6 at stumps on Day 1 in Mohali. They will like to stretch the total beyond the 450-run mark on Day 2.

Indian batters have a scope for improvement in tackling spin: Gambhir on Kohli, Mayank's dismissal

A former BCCI selector has dropped a bomb regarding the Indian cricket board's President Sourav Ganguly. Some time back, reports were flowing in that Ganguly often takes part in team selection meetings, contrary to the constitution of the BCCI (which doesn't allow the board's chief's presence). Thus, a couple of ex-selectors have&nbsp;now opened up in this regard and stated that the former Indian captain's presence in team meetings have been a cause of concern.

As per a report carried out by the Indian Express, on Friday (March 04), a&nbsp;couple of former members of the selection committee have come forward and claimed&nbsp;that the 49-year-old Ganguly&nbsp;is indeed present during the Indian team selection meetings.&nbsp;

"Because of his stature and position, no one could object. It made many committee members uncomfortable and guarded in expressing their opinion," one of the former selectors&nbsp;told IE on the condition of anonymity.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/great-moment-for-indian-cricket-ganguly-shares-special-message-for-kohli-ahead-of-his-100th-test-watch-458617">Great moment for Indian cricket: Ganguly shares special message for Kohli ahead of his 100th Test - WATCH</a>

Earlier, a lot was said and written about Ganguly's presence in team meetings during the&nbsp;Virat Kohli-Sourav Ganguly saga that transpired in December 2021. Back then, a picture had also gone viral on social media platforms comprising Ganguly, Rohit Sharma, Kohli and&nbsp;several members of the selection committee sitting together, in 2019, in the BCCI office. Thus, eyebrows were raised as it implied that Ganguly does remain a part of such&nbsp;meetings.&nbsp;

In this regard, Ganguly had clarified and told PTI, "I don't think I need to answer anybody, anything (on this) and dignify any of these baseless accusations. I am the president of the BCCI and I do the job of what the president of the BCCI should be doing. (I have played) 424 international matches for India. Not a bad idea at times to remind people about it, isn't it?"

It will be interesting to see how the former captain responds to the accusations made by a couple of ex-selectors.

A former BCCI selector has dropped a bomb regarding the Indian cricket board's President Sourav Ganguly. Some time back, reports were flowing in that Ganguly often takes part in team selection meetings, contrary to the constitution of the BCCI (which doesn't allow the board's chief's presence).

A former BCCI selector has dropped a bomb regarding the Indian cricket board's President Sourav Ganguly. Some time back, reports were flowing in that Ganguly often takes part in team selection meetings, contrary to the constitution of the BCCI (which doesn't allow the board's chief's presence). Thus, a couple of ex-selectors have now opened up in this regard and stated that the former Indian captain's presence in team meetings have been a cause of concern. As per a report carried out by the Indian Express, on Friday (March 04), a couple of former members of the selection committee have come forward and claimed that the 49-year-old Ganguly is indeed present during the Indian team selection meetings. "Because of his stature and position, no one could object. It made many committee members uncomfortable and guarded in expressing their opinion," one of the former selectors told IE on the condition of anonymity. ALSO READ | Great moment for Indian cricket: Ganguly shares special message for Kohli ahead of his 100th Test - WATCH Earlier, a lot was said and written about Ganguly's presence in team meetings during the Virat Kohli-Sourav Ganguly saga that transpired in December 2021. Back then, a picture had also gone viral on social media platforms comprising Ganguly, Rohit Sharma, Kohli and several members of the selection committee sitting together, in 2019, in the BCCI office. Thus, eyebrows were raised as it implied that Ganguly does remain a part of such meetings. In this regard, Ganguly had clarified and told PTI, "I don't think I need to answer anybody, anything (on this) and dignify any of these baseless accusations. I am the president of the BCCI and I do the job of what the president of the BCCI should be doing. (I have played) 424 international matches for India. Not a bad idea at times to remind people about it, isn't it?" It will be interesting to see how the former captain responds to the accusations made by a couple of ex-selectors.

'Because of his stature, no one...': Ex-selector slams BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly for attending team meetings

Team India is set to be back in action in the 22-yard cricket strip as they host Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series opener, which gets underway on Friday (March 04). India, thus, return to the red-ball format after a disappointing series in South Africa early this year, where the Dean Elgar-led Proteas beat the Indian team 2-1. With a plethora of series lined-up at home, Rohit Sharma-led India will aim to climb up the ladder in the points table of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) second cycle, wiht the finale to be held next year.

The series opener will see the commencement of Rohit's captaincy tenure in whites. On the other hand, the opening Test will be Virat Kohli's 100th appearance in whites and, thus, all focus will be on him. Apart from Kohli, ardent Indian cricket fans will also be eager to see how the middle-order performs sans axed duo Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. For Dimuth Karunaratne-led Islanders, it will be a huge challenge to upset the daunting hosts as they remain a solid force at home. In SL's last Test series on Indian soil, they did put up a good fight but lost 1-0.&nbsp;

Here is everything you need to know about the match - date, IST, streaming details, etc.&nbsp;

When is India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match taking place?

The India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match is scheduled to take place on March 04, 2022.&nbsp;

Where is India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match taking place?

India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match will take place at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali in India.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/great-moment-for-indian-cricket-ganguly-shares-special-message-for-kohli-ahead-of-his-100th-test-watch-458617">Great moment for Indian cricket: Ganguly shares special message for Kohli ahead of his 100th Test - WATCH</a>

At what time India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match taking place?

India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match will kick off at 9:30am IST.

How to watch India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match live on TV?

India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD, Star Sports 1 Tamil, Star Sports 1 Telugu, and Star Sports 1 Kannada.&nbsp;

How to watch India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match live streaming?

India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match will be available to watch online/streaming on the Disney+ Hotstar App and the website.&nbsp;

Team India is set to be back in action in the 22-yard cricket strip as they host Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series opener, which gets underway on Friday (March 04).

Team India is set to be back in action in the 22-yard cricket strip as they host Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series opener, which gets underway on Friday (March 04). India, thus, return to the red-ball format after a disappointing series in South Africa early this year, where the Dean Elgar-led Proteas beat the Indian team 2-1. With a plethora of series lined-up at home, Rohit Sharma-led India will aim to climb up the ladder in the points table of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) second cycle, wiht the finale to be held next year. The series opener will see the commencement of Rohit's captaincy tenure in whites. On the other hand, the opening Test will be Virat Kohli's 100th appearance in whites and, thus, all focus will be on him. Apart from Kohli, ardent Indian cricket fans will also be eager to see how the middle-order performs sans axed duo Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. For Dimuth Karunaratne-led Islanders, it will be a huge challenge to upset the daunting hosts as they remain a solid force at home. In SL's last Test series on Indian soil, they did put up a good fight but lost 1-0. Here is everything you need to know about the match - date, IST, streaming details, etc. When is India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match taking place? The India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match is scheduled to take place on March 04, 2022. Where is India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match taking place? India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match will take place at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali in India. ALSO READ | Great moment for Indian cricket: Ganguly shares special message for Kohli ahead of his 100th Test - WATCH At what time India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match taking place? India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match will kick off at 9:30am IST. How to watch India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match live on TV? India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD, Star Sports 1 Tamil, Star Sports 1 Telugu, and Star Sports 1 Kannada. How to watch India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match live streaming? India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match will be available to watch online/streaming on the Disney+ Hotstar App and the website.

INDvsSL: When and where to watch India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match - IST time and streaming details

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir believes it won't be too difficult for Rohit Sharma to succeed as captain for India in Tests. Rohit is leading India in his first Test series as the captain of the side, against Sri Lanka in Mohali. After a dream start to his stint as India's full-time captain in limited-overs cricket, Rohit will be hoping to get off to a winning start in Tests.

While Rohit has already established his credentials as an exceptional captain in white-ball cricket, the Hitman is yet to prove his mettle as captain in the longest format. However, Gambhir believes Rohit won't find it tough to succeed in Tests given the kind of bowling strength India developed during Virat Kohli's tenure as captain of the Test team.

Kohli, who stepped down as the Test captain of the Indian team in January this year, is often credited to have nurtured India's current world-class pace attack consisting of the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Ishan Sharma among others.

Though Ishant is not part of the ongoing two-match series against Sri Lanka, he was instrumental in India's success in Tests under Kohli's captaincy. Gambhir also believes India have ideal replacements for the axed duo of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in the form of Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-adds-another-feather-in-illustrious-hat-during-100th-test-becomes-6th-indian-to-enter-8000-run-club-458868">Kohli adds another feather in illustrious hat during 100th Test, becomes 6th Indian to enter 8,000-run club</a>

Both Pujara and Rahane were dropped from the Test squad for the ongoing series against Sri Lanka. Gambhir believes India can replace the senior batters with Iyer and Vihari, who have significant experience behind them in international and domestic cricket.&nbsp;

“I don’t think so. Because it won’t be a big challenge for Rohit Sharma in red-ball cricket. If you talk about Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinka Rahane, you have experienced players like Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer who can replace them. Iyer had made a bright start to Test cricket,” Gambhir said on Star Sports.

“When you have Ashwin, Jadeja, Shami, Bumrah, then it doesn’t get (difficult). Bowlers win you matches, batters only set the match up. Virat Kohli has developed India’s bowling strength, so I don’t think it should be difficult for Rohit Sharma in red-ball cricket,” he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-rohit-joins-kohli-dhoni-dravid-to-become-35th-cricketer-to-captain-team-india-in-tests-458892">Rohit joins Kohli, Dhoni, Dravid to become 35th cricketer to captain Team India in Tests</a>

While Vihari has been a part of India's Test plans for a while now having already played 13 Tests so far in his career, Iyer made his debut in the longest format during the New Zealand series at home in November last year. Both the batters have done well in the limited opportunities they have got so far and will be eager to cement their spots in the Test side.

&nbsp;

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir believes it won't be too difficult for Rohit Sharma to succeed as captain for India in Tests. Rohit is leading India in his first Test series as the captain of the side, against Sri Lanka in Mohali.

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir believes it won't be too difficult for Rohit Sharma to succeed as captain for India in Tests. Rohit is leading India in his first Test series as the captain of the side, against Sri Lanka in Mohali. After a dream start to his stint as India's full-time captain in limited-overs cricket, Rohit will be hoping to get off to a winning start in Tests. While Rohit has already established his credentials as an exceptional captain in white-ball cricket, the Hitman is yet to prove his mettle as captain in the longest format. However, Gambhir believes Rohit won't find it tough to succeed in Tests given the kind of bowling strength India developed during Virat Kohli's tenure as captain of the Test team. Kohli, who stepped down as the Test captain of the Indian team in January this year, is often credited to have nurtured India's current world-class pace attack consisting of the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Ishan Sharma among others. Though Ishant is not part of the ongoing two-match series against Sri Lanka, he was instrumental in India's success in Tests under Kohli's captaincy. Gambhir also believes India have ideal replacements for the axed duo of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in the form of Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer. Also Read: Kohli adds another feather in illustrious hat during 100th Test, becomes 6th Indian to enter 8,000-run club Both Pujara and Rahane were dropped from the Test squad for the ongoing series against Sri Lanka. Gambhir believes India can replace the senior batters with Iyer and Vihari, who have significant experience behind them in international and domestic cricket. “I don’t think so. Because it won’t be a big challenge for Rohit Sharma in red-ball cricket. If you talk about Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinka Rahane, you have experienced players like Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer who can replace them. Iyer had made a bright start to Test cricket,” Gambhir said on Star Sports. “When you have Ashwin, Jadeja, Shami, Bumrah, then it doesn’t get (difficult). Bowlers win you matches, batters only set the match up. Virat Kohli has developed India’s bowling strength, so I don’t think it should be difficult for Rohit Sharma in red-ball cricket,” he added. Also Read: Rohit joins Kohli, Dhoni, Dravid to become 35th cricketer to captain Team India in Tests While Vihari has been a part of India's Test plans for a while now having already played 13 Tests so far in his career, Iyer made his debut in the longest format during the New Zealand series at home in November last year. Both the batters have done well in the limited opportunities they have got so far and will be eager to cement their spots in the Test side.

Gautam Gambhir names two batters who can replace axed duo Pujara and Rahane for India in Tests

Rohit Sharma started his Test captaincy tenure as India locked horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener at the IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Friday (March 04). The 34-year-old was appointed as the full-time Indian skipper after the national selectors named him as Virat Kohli's successor in whites last month.&nbsp;

With the commencement of his Test captaincy tenure, Rohit became the 35th Indian cricketer to lead the men's side in the purest format. He joined the elite list of legendary captains -- comprising Kohli, MS Dhoni, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Md Azharuddin, Ajit Wadekar, MK Pataudi, Sunil Gavaskar, etc. -- with his Test captaincy debut.

Talking about the same at the coin toss, Rohit said, "It is a huge honour to be captaining India and be part of the list. It is something I never dreamt of." Hitman won the toss in his historic Test match as India opted to bat first versus the Dimuth Karunaratne-led Islanders.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-adds-another-feather-in-illustrious-hat-during-100th-test-becomes-6th-indian-to-enter-8000-run-club-458868">Kohli adds another feather in illustrious hat during 100th Test, becomes 6th Indian to enter 8,000-run club</a>

After a good start, Rohit fell for 29 on Day 1 of the series opener in Mohali. His opening partner Mayank Agarwal (33) also followed suit soon after his dismissal as India have crossed the 250-run mark with the loss of five wickets and will look to take the score past the 350-run mark.

The first Test is also Kohli's 100th appearance in whites. On his special Test, the 33-year-old returned for a 76-ball 45 and also completed 8,000 runs in the format; sixth Indian to do so.

Rohit Sharma started his Test captaincy tenure as India locked horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener at the IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Friday (March 04).

Rohit Sharma started his Test captaincy tenure as India locked horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener at the IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Friday (March 04). The 34-year-old was appointed as the full-time Indian skipper after the national selectors named him as Virat Kohli's successor in whites last month. With the commencement of his Test captaincy tenure, Rohit became the 35th Indian cricketer to lead the men's side in the purest format. He joined the elite list of legendary captains -- comprising Kohli, MS Dhoni, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Md Azharuddin, Ajit Wadekar, MK Pataudi, Sunil Gavaskar, etc. -- with his Test captaincy debut. Talking about the same at the coin toss, Rohit said, "It is a huge honour to be captaining India and be part of the list. It is something I never dreamt of." Hitman won the toss in his historic Test match as India opted to bat first versus the Dimuth Karunaratne-led Islanders. ALSO READ | Kohli adds another feather in illustrious hat during 100th Test, becomes 6th Indian to enter 8,000-run club After a good start, Rohit fell for 29 on Day 1 of the series opener in Mohali. His opening partner Mayank Agarwal (33) also followed suit soon after his dismissal as India have crossed the 250-run mark with the loss of five wickets and will look to take the score past the 350-run mark. The first Test is also Kohli's 100th appearance in whites. On his special Test, the 33-year-old returned for a 76-ball 45 and also completed 8,000 runs in the format; sixth Indian to do so.

Ind vs SL: Rohit joins Kohli, Dhoni, Dravid to become 35th cricketer to captain Team India in Tests

Virat Kohli, on Friday (March 04), became the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. locked horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener, in Mohali. Coming out to bat at No. 4, Kohli made his 100th Test more special by becoming the sixth Indian to enter the 8,000-run club in the purest format of the game (32nd overall).

The 33-year-old former captain Kohli&nbsp;joined the likes of&nbsp;Sachin Tendulkar&nbsp;(15921),&nbsp;Rahul Dravid&nbsp;(13265), Sunil Gavaskar (10122), VVS Laxman (8781) and Virender Sehwag (8503) in the elite list. Moreover, he is also the fifth-fastest to the milestone among Indian batsmen.

Fastest Indian players to 8000 Test runs - by innings: 

154 - Sachin Tendulkar

158 - Rahul Dravid

160 - Virender Sehwag

166 - Sunil Gavaskar

169 - Virat Kohli*

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-100th-test-rahul-dravid-felicitates-ex-captain-ahead-of-series-opener-vs-sri-lanka-watch-458817">Virat Kohli's 100th Test: Rahul Dravid felicitates ex-captain ahead of series opener vs Sri Lanka - WATCH</a>

Kohli came out to bat when India were 80-2, after opting to bat first, and stitched a handy 90-run partnership for the third wicket with Hanuma Vihari (58). Eventually, the right-hander fell for 45 and once again failed to end his century-drought at the highest level (since late 2019).&nbsp;

Before the start of the&nbsp;Test series opener, head coach Rahul Dravid felicitated Kohli ahead of his 100th Test appearance in Mohali. In a video shared by BCCI, Dravid told, "When you started out as a kid you must have wanted to play one Test for India, you stand here on the cusp of your 100th. It’s a testament to everything that is great in our sport... sweat, discipline, courage, skill, determination, desire, focus, you had it all. You had a great journey. You can be very proud of not only playing the 100th Test match but also for the great journey that you have navigated through."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gavaskar-lauds-virat-kohli-for-entering-100-test-club-compares-him-with-pakistans-iconic-player-watch-458831">Gavaskar lauds Virat Kohli for entering 100-Test club, compares him with Pakistan's iconic player - WATCH</a>

“Congratulations to you and your family on this fantastic achievement. It is well deserved, it is well earned… hopefully it is just the start of many more bigger things to come and as we say in the dressing room, ‘double it up’," he added.

Virat Kohli, on Friday (March 04), became the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when Rohit Sharma & Co. locked horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener, in Mohali.

Virat Kohli, on Friday (March 04), became the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when Rohit Sharma & Co. locked horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener, in Mohali. Coming out to bat at No. 4, Kohli made his 100th Test more special by becoming the sixth Indian to enter the 8,000-run club in the purest format of the game (32nd overall). The 33-year-old former captain Kohli joined the likes of Sachin Tendulkar (15921), Rahul Dravid (13265), Sunil Gavaskar (10122), VVS Laxman (8781) and Virender Sehwag (8503) in the elite list. Moreover, he is also the fifth-fastest to the milestone among Indian batsmen. Fastest Indian players to 8000 Test runs - by innings: 154 - Sachin Tendulkar 158 - Rahul Dravid 160 - Virender Sehwag 166 - Sunil Gavaskar 169 - Virat Kohli* ALSO READ | Virat Kohli's 100th Test: Rahul Dravid felicitates ex-captain ahead of series opener vs Sri Lanka - WATCH Kohli came out to bat when India were 80-2, after opting to bat first, and stitched a handy 90-run partnership for the third wicket with Hanuma Vihari (58). Eventually, the right-hander fell for 45 and once again failed to end his century-drought at the highest level (since late 2019). Before the start of the Test series opener, head coach Rahul Dravid felicitated Kohli ahead of his 100th Test appearance in Mohali. In a video shared by BCCI, Dravid told, "When you started out as a kid you must have wanted to play one Test for India, you stand here on the cusp of your 100th. It’s a testament to everything that is great in our sport... sweat, discipline, courage, skill, determination, desire, focus, you had it all. You had a great journey. You can be very proud of not only playing the 100th Test match but also for the great journey that you have navigated through." ALSO READ | Gavaskar lauds Virat Kohli for entering 100-Test club, compares him with Pakistan's iconic player - WATCH “Congratulations to you and your family on this fantastic achievement. It is well deserved, it is well earned… hopefully it is just the start of many more bigger things to come and as we say in the dressing room, ‘double it up’," he added.

Kohli adds another feather in illustrious hat during 100th Test, becomes 6th Indian to enter 8,000-run club

On Friday (March 04), Virat Kohli added another feather to his illustrious hat by entering the elite 100-Test club as India took on Sri Lanka on Day 1 of the first Test. Among Indians, the 33-year-old ex-captain has become the 12th Test player to enter the elusive club. The right-hander, thus, joined a special list of Indians, comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, VVS Laxman, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma to have played 100, or more, matches in whites.

Ahead of Kohli's special feat, Little Master Gavaskar lavished huge praise on the former skipper&nbsp;for his achievements and compared him with an iconic Pakistani cricketer.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-100th-test-rahul-dravid-felicitates-ex-captain-ahead-of-1st-test-vs-sri-lanka-watch-458817">Virat Kohli's 100th Test: Rahul Dravid felicitates ex-captain ahead of series opener vs Sri Lanka - WATCH</a>

Talking to&nbsp;BCCI.TV, Gavaskar said, "Playing 100 Tests for your country is an incredible feeling, all of us when we were kids playing in the compounds of our house, we dream of playing for India. After playing for the country and you come to your 100th Test, it is an incredible feeling. Reaching the 100th Test means you have played for the country very successfully. No career will be smooth, there will be highs and lows."

"To provoke a fast bowler takes something else. Kohli is one of the rare batters who likes to sledge bowlers. He has been different, he likes to get under their skin. He is like Javed Miandad in that sense. His progress has been phenomenal, the consistency with which he has played, the 100th Test and beyond should be more of the same," pointed out the&nbsp;ex-Indian skipper.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/virat-kohli-set-to-play-100th-test-reliving-former-indian-captains-impressive-run-in-whites-458253">Virat Kohli set to play 100th Test: Reliving former Indian captain's impressive run in whites</a>

Kohli has had a memorable run in the purest format of the game. He averages over 50 and has scored 27 hundreds and 28 half-centuries. He has also completed 8,000 Test runs during his 100th outing in the ongoing two-match series opener versus Sri Lanka, being held in Mohali. Needless to say, Kohli will like to make the most of his special Test with a big score and end his century-drought with the bat.

On Friday (March 04), Virat Kohli added another feather to his illustrious hat by entering the elite 100-Test club as India took on Sri Lanka on Day 1 of the first Test.

On Friday (March 04), Virat Kohli added another feather to his illustrious hat by entering the elite 100-Test club as India took on Sri Lanka on Day 1 of the first Test. Among Indians, the 33-year-old ex-captain has become the 12th Test player to enter the elusive club. The right-hander, thus, joined a special list of Indians, comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, VVS Laxman, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma to have played 100, or more, matches in whites. Ahead of Kohli's special feat, Little Master Gavaskar lavished huge praise on the former skipper for his achievements and compared him with an iconic Pakistani cricketer. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli's 100th Test: Rahul Dravid felicitates ex-captain ahead of series opener vs Sri Lanka - WATCH Talking to BCCI.TV, Gavaskar said, "Playing 100 Tests for your country is an incredible feeling, all of us when we were kids playing in the compounds of our house, we dream of playing for India. After playing for the country and you come to your 100th Test, it is an incredible feeling. Reaching the 100th Test means you have played for the country very successfully. No career will be smooth, there will be highs and lows." "To provoke a fast bowler takes something else. Kohli is one of the rare batters who likes to sledge bowlers. He has been different, he likes to get under their skin. He is like Javed Miandad in that sense. His progress has been phenomenal, the consistency with which he has played, the 100th Test and beyond should be more of the same," pointed out the ex-Indian skipper. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli set to play 100th Test: Reliving former Indian captain's impressive run in whites Kohli has had a memorable run in the purest format of the game. He averages over 50 and has scored 27 hundreds and 28 half-centuries. He has also completed 8,000 Test runs during his 100th outing in the ongoing two-match series opener versus Sri Lanka, being held in Mohali. Needless to say, Kohli will like to make the most of his special Test with a big score and end his century-drought with the bat.

Gavaskar lauds Virat Kohli for entering 100-Test club, compares him with Pakistan's iconic player - WATCH

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan on Thursday congratulated Virat Kohli ahead of his 100th test appearance, saying that he made everyone fall in love with the longest format all over again.

"Test cricket was limping and that's when it found a magical physio in Virat Kohli. He came, He conquered and He made everyone love test cricket all over again! Congratulations @imVkohlion your remarkable achievement," tweeted Irfan.

Kohli's 100th Test match will not be played behind closed doors.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sri-lanka-virat-kohli-reflects-on-his-journey-ahead-of-historic-100th-test-watch-458601">India vs Sri Lanka: Virat Kohli reflects on his journey ahead of historic 100th Test - WATCH</a>

India will play the first of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in Mohali.

The second Test match will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The former India skipper will now join the company of legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar etc who represented the country in 100 Tests or more.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahane-and-pujara-played-a-huge-part-in-india-becoming-no-1-in-tests-says-captain-rohit-sharma-458590">Rahane and Pujara played a huge part in India becoming No. 1 in Tests, says captain Rohit Sharma</a>

Kohli will be playing his 100th Test match under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma who will be leading India for the first time in Test matches.

Kohli has amassed 7,962 runs in 99 Tests at an average of 50.39 with 27 tons to his name.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan on Thursday congratulated Virat Kohli ahead of his 100th test appearance, saying that he made everyone fall in love with the longest format all over again.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan on Thursday congratulated Virat Kohli ahead of his 100th test appearance, saying that he made everyone fall in love with the longest format all over again. "Test cricket was limping and that's when it found a magical physio in Virat Kohli. He came, He conquered and He made everyone love test cricket all over again! Congratulations @imVkohlion your remarkable achievement," tweeted Irfan. Kohli's 100th Test match will not be played behind closed doors. ALSO READ: India vs Sri Lanka: Virat Kohli reflects on his journey ahead of historic 100th Test - WATCH India will play the first of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in Mohali. The second Test match will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The former India skipper will now join the company of legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar etc who represented the country in 100 Tests or more. ALSO READ: Rahane and Pujara played a huge part in India becoming No. 1 in Tests, says captain Rohit Sharma Kohli will be playing his 100th Test match under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma who will be leading India for the first time in Test matches. Kohli has amassed 7,962 runs in 99 Tests at an average of 50.39 with 27 tons to his name.

'He made everyone love Test cricket': Irfan Pathan on Virat Kohli ahead of his historic outing in whites

Virat Kohli will become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when he takes on the field during the national side's first Test versus Sri Lanka, in Mohali, on March 04. The 33-year-old will join an elite list of Indians, spearheaded by Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, by featuring in his 100th outing in whites.

Kohli will join Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, VVS Laxman, Dilip Vengsarkar, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma in the 100-Test club. So far, he has amassed 7,962 runs in 99 games -- at an average of over 50 -- with 27 hundreds and 28 half-centuries.

Along with his splendid run with the bat, Kohli is also India's most successful Test captain. He signed off as the Test captain recently, resigning from the post earlier this year, with 40 wins from 68 encounters. Ahead of his landmark Test match, BCCI chief Ganguly heaped praise on Kohli and shared a special message for him.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sri-lanka-virat-kohli-reflects-on-his-journey-ahead-of-historic-100th-test-watch-458601">India vs Sri Lanka: Virat Kohli reflects on his journey ahead of historic 100th Test - WATCH</a>

&nbsp;

"It is a huge landmark in any cricketer’s career. Playing a hundred Test matches is something you dream of when you start playing for the country. It’s a great moment for Virat, it’s a great moment for Indian cricket. I have personally been in this situation and realized how humongous and momentous this is personally for any cricketer," stated the former cricketer.

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"Virat’s had a great journey. Starting 10-11 years ago and getting to where he has reached today is an exceptional achievement. On behalf of BCCI and also a former captain and player who has played 100 Test matches and more, I wish him all the very best," Ganguly added. "He has had a fantastic career and he is still got some time left to achieve the greater milestone and I hope he continues doing that. Congratulations to him, his family, his coach and all those who were involved in his cricketing career," he concluded.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-100th-test-rohit-sharma-shares-his-best-memory-of-former-indian-captain-in-whites-458539">Virat Kohli 100th Test: Rohit Sharma shares his best memory of former Indian captain in whites</a>

Kohli also reacted to his historic feat. In a video posted by the BCCI, on Thursday (March 03), he said, "I honestly never thought I would play 100 Test matches. It has been a long journey. We played a lot of cricket over the course of playing those 100 Test matches. A lot of international cricket. I am just grateful that I've been able to make it to 100. God has been kind. I have worked really hard for my fitness. It's a big moment for me, for my family, for my coach, who is also very happy and very proud of this Test match as long as I am concerned."

"I never grew up thinking that I have to score small runs, the idea was to score big runs. I scored a lot of double hundreds in junior cricket. My idea was to bat long and I enjoyed doing that. These things took a lot out of you and it revealed your true character. Test cricket needed to stay alive, for me, this is real cricket," he added.

Virat Kohli will become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when he takes on the field during the national side's first Test versus Sri Lanka, in Mohali, on March 04.

Virat Kohli will become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when he takes on the field during the national side's first Test versus Sri Lanka, in Mohali, on March 04. The 33-year-old will join an elite list of Indians, spearheaded by Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, by featuring in his 100th outing in whites. Kohli will join Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, VVS Laxman, Dilip Vengsarkar, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma in the 100-Test club. So far, he has amassed 7,962 runs in 99 games -- at an average of over 50 -- with 27 hundreds and 28 half-centuries. Along with his splendid run with the bat, Kohli is also India's most successful Test captain. He signed off as the Test captain recently, resigning from the post earlier this year, with 40 wins from 68 encounters. Ahead of his landmark Test match, BCCI chief Ganguly heaped praise on Kohli and shared a special message for him. ALSO READ | India vs Sri Lanka: Virat Kohli reflects on his journey ahead of historic 100th Test - WATCH "It is a huge landmark in any cricketer’s career. Playing a hundred Test matches is something you dream of when you start playing for the country. It’s a great moment for Virat, it’s a great moment for Indian cricket. I have personally been in this situation and realized how humongous and momentous this is personally for any cricketer," stated the former cricketer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Team India (@indiancricketteam) × "Virat’s had a great journey. Starting 10-11 years ago and getting to where he has reached today is an exceptional achievement. On behalf of BCCI and also a former captain and player who has played 100 Test matches and more, I wish him all the very best," Ganguly added. "He has had a fantastic career and he is still got some time left to achieve the greater milestone and I hope he continues doing that. Congratulations to him, his family, his coach and all those who were involved in his cricketing career," he concluded. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli 100th Test: Rohit Sharma shares his best memory of former Indian captain in whites Kohli also reacted to his historic feat. In a video posted by the BCCI, on Thursday (March 03), he said, "I honestly never thought I would play 100 Test matches. It has been a long journey. We played a lot of cricket over the course of playing those 100 Test matches. A lot of international cricket. I am just grateful that I've been able to make it to 100. God has been kind. I have worked really hard for my fitness. It's a big moment for me, for my family, for my coach, who is also very happy and very proud of this Test match as long as I am concerned." "I never grew up thinking that I have to score small runs, the idea was to score big runs. I scored a lot of double hundreds in junior cricket. My idea was to bat long and I enjoyed doing that. These things took a lot out of you and it revealed your true character. Test cricket needed to stay alive, for me, this is real cricket," he added.

Great moment for Indian cricket: Ganguly shares special message for Kohli ahead of his 100th Test - WATCH

Virat Kohli is set to become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when India lock horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener in Mohali on March 04 (Friday). Thus, Kohli will add another feather to his illustrious hat by joining some big Indian names in the elite club.

Among Indians, Kohli will join the list spearheaded by Sachin Tendulkar. It also comprises Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Dilip Vengsarkar, Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma.

Ahead of his historic Test match, the 33-year-old former Indian captain Kohli reflected on his memorable journey. "I honestly never thought I would play 100 Test matches. It has been a long journey. We played a lot of cricket over the course of playing those 100 Test matches. A lot of international cricket. I am just grateful that I've been able to make it to 100. God has been kind. I have worked really hard for my fitness. It's a big moment for me, for my family, for my coach, who is also very happy and very proud of this Test match as long as I am concerned,"&nbsp;Kohli said in a video posted by BCCI.

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'I never thought i'll play 100 Test matches. It has been a long journey. Grateful that i've been able to make it to 100' - <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> on his landmark Test. 
 
Full interview coming up on <a href="https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZ">https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZ</a>. Stay tuned! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VK100?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VK100</a> <a href="https://t.co/SFehIolPwb">pic.twitter.com/SFehIolPwb</a>
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"I never grew up thinking that I have to score small runs, the idea was to score big runs. I scored a lot of double hundreds in junior cricket. My idea was to bat long and I enjoyed doing that. These things took a lot out of you and it revealed your true character. Test cricket needed to stay alive, for me, this is real cricket," he added.

In 99 Tests, Kohli has amassed 7,962 runs at an average of&nbsp;50.39 with 27 hundreds and 28 half-centuries. He is the sixth-highest run-getter among Indians and has fourth-most centuries&nbsp;among his countrymen. The right-hander also ended a glorious run as Test captain, resigning earlier this year, with most wins as an Indian skipper (40 in 68 games).

Virat Kohli is set to become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when India lock horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener in Mohali on March 04 (Friday).

Virat Kohli is set to become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club when India lock horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match series opener in Mohali on March 04 (Friday). Thus, Kohli will add another feather to his illustrious hat by joining some big Indian names in the elite club. Among Indians, Kohli will join the list spearheaded by Sachin Tendulkar. It also comprises Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Dilip Vengsarkar, Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma. Ahead of his historic Test match, the 33-year-old former Indian captain Kohli reflected on his memorable journey. "I honestly never thought I would play 100 Test matches. It has been a long journey. We played a lot of cricket over the course of playing those 100 Test matches. A lot of international cricket. I am just grateful that I've been able to make it to 100. God has been kind. I have worked really hard for my fitness. It's a big moment for me, for my family, for my coach, who is also very happy and very proud of this Test match as long as I am concerned," Kohli said in a video posted by BCCI. 'I never thought i'll play 100 Test matches. It has been a long journey. Grateful that i've been able to make it to 100' - @imVkohli on his landmark Test. Full interview coming up on https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZ. Stay tuned! #VK100 pic.twitter.com/SFehIolPwb — BCCI (@BCCI) March 3, 2022 × "I never grew up thinking that I have to score small runs, the idea was to score big runs. I scored a lot of double hundreds in junior cricket. My idea was to bat long and I enjoyed doing that. These things took a lot out of you and it revealed your true character. Test cricket needed to stay alive, for me, this is real cricket," he added. In 99 Tests, Kohli has amassed 7,962 runs at an average of 50.39 with 27 hundreds and 28 half-centuries. He is the sixth-highest run-getter among Indians and has fourth-most centuries among his countrymen. The right-hander also ended a glorious run as Test captain, resigning earlier this year, with most wins as an Indian skipper (40 in 68 games).

India vs Sri Lanka: Virat Kohli reflects on his journey ahead of historic 100th Test - WATCH

Team India is entering a new phase in Test cricket with the commencement of the two-match home series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04 in Mohali. While it will see the beginning of Rohit Sharma's Test captaincy era, the national side will also see a transition phase taking place after seniors such as Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ishant Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha got dropped prior to the series opener.

Talking about Rahane and Pujara, the duo had an ordinary run for quite some time and paid the price eventually. While the former est vice-captain Rahane didn't score a hundred since his MCG ton in late 2020, Pujara's last triple-figure knock came in early 2019. Since then, the senior pros got a long rope but couldn't do anything significant to be dropped before the SL home series.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lot-of-credit-for-indias-success-goes-to-virat-kohli-says-rohit-sharma-ahead-of-ex-captains-100th-test-458561">Lot of credit for India's success goes to Virat Kohli, says Rohit Sharma ahead of ex-captain's 100th Test</a>

Speaking ahead of the first Test in Mohali, during the press conference, captain Rohit spoke on the duo's absence and said, "Never easy to fill in big shoes of Rahane and Pujara. You can't put it in words what they have done for the team."

Revealing that both Pujara and Rahane can still make a comeback into the Test line-up, Rohit added, "Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane played big part in India becoming No.1 in Tests. It's just for now, we didn't consider them."

At present, India is at the No. 2 spot in ICC Test Rankings, behind top-ranked Pat Cummins-led Australia. However, the Indian team enjoyed considerable success in whites, topping the ICC Test rankings in the recent past, and Rohit acknowledged Pujara-Rahane's contributions to the side's success.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-100th-test-rohit-sharma-shares-his-best-memory-of-former-indian-captain-in-whites-458539">Virat Kohli 100th Test: Rohit Sharma shares his best memory of former Indian captain in whites</a>

India's Test squad for Sri Lanka series:&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Sourabh Kumar

Team India is entering a new phase in Test cricket with the commencement of the two-match home series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04 in Mohali.

Team India is entering a new phase in Test cricket with the commencement of the two-match home series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04 in Mohali. While it will see the beginning of Rohit Sharma's Test captaincy era, the national side will also see a transition phase taking place after seniors such as Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ishant Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha got dropped prior to the series opener. Talking about Rahane and Pujara, the duo had an ordinary run for quite some time and paid the price eventually. While the former est vice-captain Rahane didn't score a hundred since his MCG ton in late 2020, Pujara's last triple-figure knock came in early 2019. Since then, the senior pros got a long rope but couldn't do anything significant to be dropped before the SL home series. ALSO READ | Lot of credit for India's success goes to Virat Kohli, says Rohit Sharma ahead of ex-captain's 100th Test Speaking ahead of the first Test in Mohali, during the press conference, captain Rohit spoke on the duo's absence and said, "Never easy to fill in big shoes of Rahane and Pujara. You can't put it in words what they have done for the team." Revealing that both Pujara and Rahane can still make a comeback into the Test line-up, Rohit added, "Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane played big part in India becoming No.1 in Tests. It's just for now, we didn't consider them." At present, India is at the No. 2 spot in ICC Test Rankings, behind top-ranked Pat Cummins-led Australia. However, the Indian team enjoyed considerable success in whites, topping the ICC Test rankings in the recent past, and Rohit acknowledged Pujara-Rahane's contributions to the side's success. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli 100th Test: Rohit Sharma shares his best memory of former Indian captain in whites India's Test squad for Sri Lanka series: Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Sourabh Kumar

Rahane and Pujara played a huge part in India becoming No. 1 in Tests, says captain Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is set to begin his Test captaincy era as India face Sri Lanka in the series opener in Mohali on March 04 (Friday). Rohit was appointed as India's full-time captain after Virat Kohli stepped down as the Test skipper post the India-South Africa series, in the African nation, held early this year.

While Rohit's credentials as a white-ball skipper is already known to the world, given his splendid record as IPL captain and magnificent start as full-time limited-overs captain, it will be the first time that Hitman will lead India in whites during the SL home series. The 34-year-old has a stiff job in hand to take Indian cricket forward in whites after his predecessor Kohli's flawless run as the leader in the red-ball format.

Kohli took over as India's captain after MS Dhoni's Test retirement and led the national side for seven years. Under him, India won their first-ever Test series on Australian soil, have an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom (held last year), dominated at home and also ended as the top-ranked side in ICC Test Rankings for five successive years. Thus, Rohit has big shoes to fill and has his task cut out.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-100th-test-rohit-sharma-shares-his-best-memory-of-former-indian-captain-in-whites-458539">Virat Kohli 100th Test: Rohit Sharma shares his best memory of former Indian captain in whites</a>

Ahead of the SL series, Rohit opined on his new role as the Test captain and said at a virtual presser, "Honestly, I just want to win matches. I want to do the right things with the squad we have. We are in a good position and over the last five years have done well. A lot of credit for that goes to Virat Kohli."

Rohit further lauded Kohli -- who is set to play his 100th Test in the series opener -- and said, "It has been a long journey for him and it has been a wonderful one. He has done exceedingly well in this format, he has changed so many things in the way the team is moving forward. It has been one hell of a ride for him and it will continue to be in the coming years."

Rohit Sharma is set to begin his Test captaincy era as India face Sri Lanka in the series opener in Mohali on March 04 (Friday). Rohit was appointed as India's full-time captain after Virat Kohli stepped down as the Test skipper post the India-South Africa series, in the African nation, held early this year.

Rohit Sharma is set to begin his Test captaincy era as India face Sri Lanka in the series opener in Mohali on March 04 (Friday). Rohit was appointed as India's full-time captain after Virat Kohli stepped down as the Test skipper post the India-South Africa series, in the African nation, held early this year. While Rohit's credentials as a white-ball skipper is already known to the world, given his splendid record as IPL captain and magnificent start as full-time limited-overs captain, it will be the first time that Hitman will lead India in whites during the SL home series. The 34-year-old has a stiff job in hand to take Indian cricket forward in whites after his predecessor Kohli's flawless run as the leader in the red-ball format. Kohli took over as India's captain after MS Dhoni's Test retirement and led the national side for seven years. Under him, India won their first-ever Test series on Australian soil, have an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom (held last year), dominated at home and also ended as the top-ranked side in ICC Test Rankings for five successive years. Thus, Rohit has big shoes to fill and has his task cut out. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli 100th Test: Rohit Sharma shares his best memory of former Indian captain in whites Ahead of the SL series, Rohit opined on his new role as the Test captain and said at a virtual presser, "Honestly, I just want to win matches. I want to do the right things with the squad we have. We are in a good position and over the last five years have done well. A lot of credit for that goes to Virat Kohli." Rohit further lauded Kohli -- who is set to play his 100th Test in the series opener -- and said, "It has been a long journey for him and it has been a wonderful one. He has done exceedingly well in this format, he has changed so many things in the way the team is moving forward. It has been one hell of a ride for him and it will continue to be in the coming years."

Lot of credit for India's success goes to Virat Kohli, says Rohit Sharma ahead of ex-captain's 100th Test

India are gearing up to face Sri Lanka in the series opener of the two-match Test series, which gets underway in Mohali on March 04. India's opening Test will also be former captain Virat Kohli's 100th outing in whites. Kohli will become only the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club.

Kohli has had a wonderful run in the purest format for Team India. The 33-year-old has so far scored 7,962 runs in 99 Tests with 27 hundreds and&nbsp;28 half-centuries in whites. Ahead of his landmark outing in the red-ball format, new full-time captain Rohit Sharma lavished praise on his predecessor and shared his best memory of Kohli in Test cricket.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/virat-kohli-set-to-play-100th-test-reliving-former-indian-captains-impressive-run-in-whites-458253#virat-kohli-joins-big-indian-names-in-100-test-club-458214">Virat Kohli set to play 100th Test: Reliving former Indian captain's impressive run in whites</a>

Ahead of the SL Test series, Rohit told at the virtual&nbsp;press conference, on Thursday (March 03), "The best memory of Virat Kohli the Test captain will be winning the Test series in Australia in 2018." He also revealed the Test knock of Kohli he rates the best and said, "Lot of guys were playing in South Africa for the first time (in 2013-14 tour), to face the likes of Morkel, Steyn, it was never going to be easy but the way Virat batted in the first innings and second, it was one of the best knocks of his that I clearly remember. This beats his knock in Perth (2018)," explained Rohit.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bccis-new-central-contracts-kohli-rohit-bumrah-top-earners-rahane-pujara-hardik-demoted-report-458501">BCCI's new central contracts: Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah top earners, Rahane, Pujara &amp; Hardik demoted - Report</a>

Rohit added, "It has been a long journey for him and it has been a wonderful one. He has done exceedingly well in this format, he has changed so many things in the way the team is moving forward. It has been one hell of a ride for him and it will continue to be in the coming years."

Indian team will surely be eager to make Kohli's 100th Test a memorable affair with a win in the series opener versus Dimuth Karunaratne-led Islanders.

India are gearing up to face Sri Lanka in the series opener of the two-match Test series, which gets underway in Mohali on March 04. India's opening Test will also be former captain Virat Kohli's 100th outing in whites.

India are gearing up to face Sri Lanka in the series opener of the two-match Test series, which gets underway in Mohali on March 04. India's opening Test will also be former captain Virat Kohli's 100th outing in whites. Kohli will become only the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club. Kohli has had a wonderful run in the purest format for Team India. The 33-year-old has so far scored 7,962 runs in 99 Tests with 27 hundreds and 28 half-centuries in whites. Ahead of his landmark outing in the red-ball format, new full-time captain Rohit Sharma lavished praise on his predecessor and shared his best memory of Kohli in Test cricket. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli set to play 100th Test: Reliving former Indian captain's impressive run in whites Ahead of the SL Test series, Rohit told at the virtual press conference, on Thursday (March 03), "The best memory of Virat Kohli the Test captain will be winning the Test series in Australia in 2018." He also revealed the Test knock of Kohli he rates the best and said, "Lot of guys were playing in South Africa for the first time (in 2013-14 tour), to face the likes of Morkel, Steyn, it was never going to be easy but the way Virat batted in the first innings and second, it was one of the best knocks of his that I clearly remember. This beats his knock in Perth (2018)," explained Rohit. ALSO READ | BCCI's new central contracts: Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah top earners, Rahane, Pujara & Hardik demoted - Report Rohit added, "It has been a long journey for him and it has been a wonderful one. He has done exceedingly well in this format, he has changed so many things in the way the team is moving forward. It has been one hell of a ride for him and it will continue to be in the coming years." Indian team will surely be eager to make Kohli's 100th Test a memorable affair with a win in the series opener versus Dimuth Karunaratne-led Islanders.

Virat Kohli 100th Test: Rohit Sharma shares his best memory of former Indian captain in whites

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce the new central contracts for the 2022-23 season. As per various reports, the former Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane and No. 3 batter Cheteshwar Pujara are all set to be demoted by the Indian cricket board following their lean phase in the longest format. The duo have been dropped from the Test squad ahead of the home series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04 in Mohali.

On the other hand, all-rounder Hardik Pandya is also set to be demoted to the Grade C category in the new contracts. For the unversed, the 28-year-old all-rounder Hardik remains out of action from international cricket and last represented Team India in the 2021 T20 World Cup, held in the UAE. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah are, meanwhile, retained in the top bracket, i.e. Grade A+ category.

Among other notable changes, the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Wriddhiman Saha are also set to face demotion. As per reports, Saha has been dropped to Grade C whereas Bhuvi also finds himself in the same category. Suryakumar Yadav marked his debut in the central contracts (Grade C) whereas the likes of Axar Patel, Md Siraj and Shreyas Iyer have moved up in the pay&nbsp;bracket.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/virat-kohli-set-to-play-100th-test-reliving-former-indian-captains-impressive-run-in-whites-458253">Virat Kohli set to play 100th Test: Reliving former Indian captain's impressive run in whites</a>

New BCCI annual contract list as per reports

Grade A+ (INR 70 million or INR 7 crore): Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah.

Grade A (INR 50 million or INR 5 crore): Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami and Rishabh Pant.

Grade B (INR 30 million or INR 3 crore): Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj and Ishant Sharma.

Grade C (INR 10 million or INR 1 crore): Shikhar Dhawan, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill, Hanuma Vihari, Yuzvendra Chahal, Suryakumar Yadav, Wriddhiman Saha, Mayank Agarwal and Deepak Chahar.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce the new central contracts for the 2022-23 season. As per various reports, the former Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane and No.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce the new central contracts for the 2022-23 season. As per various reports, the former Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane and No. 3 batter Cheteshwar Pujara are all set to be demoted by the Indian cricket board following their lean phase in the longest format. The duo have been dropped from the Test squad ahead of the home series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04 in Mohali. On the other hand, all-rounder Hardik Pandya is also set to be demoted to the Grade C category in the new contracts. For the unversed, the 28-year-old all-rounder Hardik remains out of action from international cricket and last represented Team India in the 2021 T20 World Cup, held in the UAE. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah are, meanwhile, retained in the top bracket, i.e. Grade A+ category. Among other notable changes, the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Wriddhiman Saha are also set to face demotion. As per reports, Saha has been dropped to Grade C whereas Bhuvi also finds himself in the same category. Suryakumar Yadav marked his debut in the central contracts (Grade C) whereas the likes of Axar Patel, Md Siraj and Shreyas Iyer have moved up in the pay bracket. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli set to play 100th Test: Reliving former Indian captain's impressive run in whites New BCCI annual contract list as per reports Grade A+ (INR 70 million or INR 7 crore): Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah. Grade A (INR 50 million or INR 5 crore): Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami and Rishabh Pant. Grade B (INR 30 million or INR 3 crore): Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj and Ishant Sharma. Grade C (INR 10 million or INR 1 crore): Shikhar Dhawan, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill, Hanuma Vihari, Yuzvendra Chahal, Suryakumar Yadav, Wriddhiman Saha, Mayank Agarwal and Deepak Chahar.

BCCI's new central contracts: Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah top earners, Rahane, Pujara & Hardik demoted - Report

Virat Kohli set to play 100th Test: Reliving former Indian captain's impressive run in whites

Hardik Pandya has been out of action since the 2021 T20 World Cup, held in the UAE. Since then, the 28-year-old all-rounder is out of contention and is striving hard to regain full fitness to reclaim the all-rounder's slot in Team India setup across formats.

Hardik will next be seen in action during the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 edition, where he will represent the Gujarat Titans (GT). The swashbuckling all-rounder will represent his home franchise as the captain. Along with showcasing his skills as captain, Hardik will be eager to don the all-rounder's role and perform with aplomb for a comeback into the national side. For now, he was been replaced by Venkatesh Iyer in the white-ball formats. Iyer has also grown as a T20I player over the past month and is doing the right things so far to make it to the 2022 T20 WC squad.

Nonetheless, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra feels Hardik still has the upper hand and will pip Venky Iyer for the fast-bowling all-rounder's slot, for the T20 WC, once he starts bowling and regains full fitness.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/big-blow-to-ms-dhonis-csk-as-deepak-chahar-set-to-miss-majority-of-ipl-2022-edition-reports-458194">Big blow to MS Dhoni's CSK as Deepak Chahar set to miss majority of IPL 2022 edition - Reports</a>

“It may look like Venkatesh Iyer is ahead in the race, but I won't be surprised if Hardik Pandya wins it. Ravindra Jadeja will be the spin all-rounder and Pandya will be the fast-bowling all-rounder,” Aakash said on his official YouTube channel.

“Iyer is present for now but the day Hardik starts bowling, he will pip Venkatesh Iyer for the role. It is also worth remembering that it is not a bilateral series where you can take 18-20 players at once according to your convenience. This is an ICC event where you can select only a 15-member squad," the ex-cricketer pointed out.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-t20i-rankings-shreyas-iyer-achieves-huge-jump-after-sl-series-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-out-of-top-10-458106">ICC T20I Rankings: Shreyas Iyer achieves huge jump after SL series; Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma out of top 10</a>

The former India batter further stated that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opener Venky Iyer will only have an outside chance if Hardik doesn't regain full fitness.

“So, when you only have 15 places, you cannot take everything with you. So, you will only have two options for the all-rounder position and for me, they would be Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya. Venkatesh Iyer may have a chance if Pandya isn't fit -- that can also happen but hopefully it doesn't,” said Aakash.

Hardik Pandya has been out of action since the 2021 T20 World Cup, held in the UAE. Since then, the 28-year-old all-rounder is out of contention and is striving hard to regain full fitness to reclaim the all-rounder's slot in Team India setup across formats.

Hardik Pandya has been out of action since the 2021 T20 World Cup, held in the UAE. Since then, the 28-year-old all-rounder is out of contention and is striving hard to regain full fitness to reclaim the all-rounder's slot in Team India setup across formats. Hardik will next be seen in action during the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 edition, where he will represent the Gujarat Titans (GT). The swashbuckling all-rounder will represent his home franchise as the captain. Along with showcasing his skills as captain, Hardik will be eager to don the all-rounder's role and perform with aplomb for a comeback into the national side. For now, he was been replaced by Venkatesh Iyer in the white-ball formats. Iyer has also grown as a T20I player over the past month and is doing the right things so far to make it to the 2022 T20 WC squad. Nonetheless, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra feels Hardik still has the upper hand and will pip Venky Iyer for the fast-bowling all-rounder's slot, for the T20 WC, once he starts bowling and regains full fitness. ALSO READ | Big blow to MS Dhoni's CSK as Deepak Chahar set to miss majority of IPL 2022 edition - Reports “It may look like Venkatesh Iyer is ahead in the race, but I won't be surprised if Hardik Pandya wins it. Ravindra Jadeja will be the spin all-rounder and Pandya will be the fast-bowling all-rounder,” Aakash said on his official YouTube channel. “Iyer is present for now but the day Hardik starts bowling, he will pip Venkatesh Iyer for the role. It is also worth remembering that it is not a bilateral series where you can take 18-20 players at once according to your convenience. This is an ICC event where you can select only a 15-member squad," the ex-cricketer pointed out. ALSO READ | ICC T20I Rankings: Shreyas Iyer achieves huge jump after SL series; Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma out of top 10 The former India batter further stated that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opener Venky Iyer will only have an outside chance if Hardik doesn't regain full fitness. “So, when you only have 15 places, you cannot take everything with you. So, you will only have two options for the all-rounder position and for me, they would be Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya. Venkatesh Iyer may have a chance if Pandya isn't fit -- that can also happen but hopefully it doesn't,” said Aakash.

The day Hardik starts bowling, he'll pip Iyer for the all-rounder's slot for T20 World Cup: Aakash Chopra

It wasn't quite a smooth transition in Indian cricket when Virat Kohli-Ravi Shastri-era came to an end, slowly making&nbsp;way for the Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid's alliance. When Kohli resigned as the T20I captain and Rohit was named his successor, the Indian cricket fans were in for a rollercoaster ride as many changed followed suit.&nbsp;

In late 2021, BCCI removed Kohli as the ODI captain, making Rohit the&nbsp;white-ball skipper. While it opened a pandora of box -- with the Kohli vs BCCI row gaining much limelight -- the dust seems to have settled down on the&nbsp;communication mishap between BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly-selection committee and the former captain. The changes in the leadership group, however, continued&nbsp;as Kohli also resigned as the Test captain in mid-January 2022.&nbsp;

At present, Rohit has&nbsp;become&nbsp;the all-format skipper with Dravid being in his shadow as the head coach. Amid the unnecessary chaos and negativity, India have been on a roll at home with a forgettable&nbsp;South Africa tour the only blip in between. However, things are now slowly starting to shape up and falling into places within the national team.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-would-give-me-important-overs-jasprit-bumrah-reveals-how-rohit-sharma-helped-in-his-growth-456807">He would give me important overs: Jasprit Bumrah reveals how Rohit Sharma helped in his growth</a>

After their SA annihilation, Team India has been on a roll -- although in home conditions. Rohit-led India whitewashed West Indies in the home white-ball series and the hosts have already gained an unassailable lead in the ongoing three T20Is versus Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

With the SL series also in their grasp, Rohit-Dravid is yet to lose an international game as&nbsp;captain-coach. In fact, India are currently enjoying their longest unbeaten streak in the shortest format&nbsp;(11).&nbsp;

Thus, what is the duo doing right despite much chaos in their brief partnership? (If&nbsp;the BCCI vs Kohli row is now on the backburner, out-of-favour Wriddiman Saha's revelations on his communication with Dravid, Ganguly, etc. have also made a lot of noise)&nbsp;

Role clarity, focus on flexibility and plugging small holes

In the recent past, Rohit-Dravid have spoken a lot on giving bio-bubble breaks to the players (currently enjoyed by&nbsp;Kohli, Md Shami, Rishabh Pant),&nbsp;role clarity and redeveloping a proper communication process&nbsp;(It is to be noted that despite the success enjoyed by Shastri-Kohli, their partnership highlighted communication gap between players and team management on several occasions:&nbsp;during M Vijay, Ambati Rayudu, Ajinkya Rahane's respective omissions, etc.).&nbsp;

Backing even a non-regular like Sanju Samson

Ahead of the SL T20Is, captain Rohit talked about being the team's plans of being flexible by relentlessly backing even their non-regular players&nbsp;ahead of&nbsp;the 2022 T20 World Cup. Rohit opined on Sanju Samson and told the reporters, "That guy has got talent, man. Whenever I have seen him bat in IPL and all of that, he has just produced an innings where everyone goes over the moon watching it. So he has got the skill set to succeed. That is the whole point about the sport. A lot of people have skill set, lot of people have talent but how you utilise them is the most critical par."

"His back-foot play is superb, some of the shots you must have seen during the IPL, the pick-up pull, the cut shots, standing and delivering over bowler’s head. Those kinds of shots are not easy to play and I believe when we go to Australia, you need those kind of shot-making ability and Samson does has it in him. I just hope that he utilises his potential to the maximum,” added Rohit.

(Sanju repaid the faith with a blistering 25-ball 39 in the second and penultimate encounter versus the Islanders).

Dropped but no way out of reckoning...

With Shreyas Iyer not making it to the playing XI in India's 1st T20I versus West Indies, Rohit made it clear that the batter remains a vital cog in the setup. "Someone like Shreyas Iyer&nbsp;is sitting out, very hard on him not making it to playing eleven, but we needed someone to bowl in the middle which is why we couldn't get him in. It's always nice with that kind of competition going around and a lot of the guys are missing out as well. I'm happy to have that kind of challenges rather than not having players available and not in form," he had told at the post-match presentation.

(Iyer is in rollicking form&nbsp;with two electrifying half-centuries&nbsp;in the SL T20Is).

Dravid on Saha's omission&nbsp;

Dravid welcomed the big question on Saha's Test omission -- without losing his cool&nbsp;-- and told the reporters after the WI T20Is, "I’m actually not hurt at all, because I have deep respect for Wridhhiman Saha and his achievements, his contribution to Indian cricket. My conversation with him actually came from that place. I think he deserved honesty and he deserved clarity. These are conversations I constantly have with players. I don’t expect players to always like messages or to agree with everything that I have to say about them. That’s not how it works."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/theyre-taking-team-india-in-a-fabulous-direction-dinesh-karthik-lauds-rahul-dravid-rohit-sharma-456046">They're taking Team India in a fabulous direction: Dinesh Karthik lauds Rahul Dravid-Rohit Sharma</a>

Thus, the team is now slowly plugging the gaps which were previously present in the Indian team, under Kohli-Shastri.&nbsp;

Highlighting the same, Dinesh Karthik recently&nbsp;told the ICC, "The new captain and there's a new coach, I think they are taking the team in a fabulous direction. They've plugged small holes, which were probably there previously, and that has been the beautiful part about it. And along the way, in the journey, they've managed to become No.1."

Time and again, Rohit-Dravid have not shied away from stressing that&nbsp;they are preparing the team for the 2022 T20 WC, albeit with some tinkering in team combination and roles&nbsp;(In the previous captain-coach pairing,&nbsp;one eye was on the future but never openly declared in public; showcasing a rather confused mindset).

The current Indian team is slowly picking the lying pieces and moving ahead. The Men in Blue are trying to experiment with their template (which resulted in their first-round exit in the 2021 T20 WC), trying to balance out between youth and experienced campaigners,&nbsp;identifying new leaders, tinkering roles of different individuals to not increase their options but&nbsp;to broaden the horizons of the resources available.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/they-were-standing-there-for-me-ishan-kishan-credits-rohit-dravid-for-backing-him-despite-poor-form-456502">They were standing there for me: Ishan Kishan credits Rohit, Dravid for backing him despite poor form</a>

After the WI home series, coach Dravid confirmed that the team management 'don't want to cast their net too wide'; to avoid confusion and irregularity in team selection.&nbsp;"There is no set time frame to freeze on a team. We don’t want to cast our net too wide but we also don’t want to just restrict ourselves to 15 players. By the time we get to the [T20] World Cup, we need to have a bunch of guys who have at least played 10-20 games," the former captain stated.

Surely, Dravid-Rohit pairing is off to a flier. The real test is still miles away but they are not backing out from&nbsp;acknowledging&nbsp;the past mistakes and are boldly&nbsp;setting up new ways going forward.&nbsp;Sit back and relax guys...The road will clearly have more hurdles and speed-breakers but the Rohit-Dravid&nbsp;looks more suited to handle it all with a pragmatic and practical approach.

It wasn't quite a smooth transition in Indian cricket when Virat Kohli-Ravi Shastri-era came to an end, slowly making way for the Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid's alliance.

It wasn't quite a smooth transition in Indian cricket when Virat Kohli-Ravi Shastri-era came to an end, slowly making way for the Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid's alliance. When Kohli resigned as the T20I captain and Rohit was named his successor, the Indian cricket fans were in for a rollercoaster ride as many changed followed suit. In late 2021, BCCI removed Kohli as the ODI captain, making Rohit the white-ball skipper. While it opened a pandora of box -- with the Kohli vs BCCI row gaining much limelight -- the dust seems to have settled down on the communication mishap between BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly-selection committee and the former captain. The changes in the leadership group, however, continued as Kohli also resigned as the Test captain in mid-January 2022. At present, Rohit has become the all-format skipper with Dravid being in his shadow as the head coach. Amid the unnecessary chaos and negativity, India have been on a roll at home with a forgettable South Africa tour the only blip in between. However, things are now slowly starting to shape up and falling into places within the national team. ALSO READ | He would give me important overs: Jasprit Bumrah reveals how Rohit Sharma helped in his growth After their SA annihilation, Team India has been on a roll -- although in home conditions. Rohit-led India whitewashed West Indies in the home white-ball series and the hosts have already gained an unassailable lead in the ongoing three T20Is versus Sri Lanka. With the SL series also in their grasp, Rohit-Dravid is yet to lose an international game as captain-coach. In fact, India are currently enjoying their longest unbeaten streak in the shortest format (11). Thus, what is the duo doing right despite much chaos in their brief partnership? (If the BCCI vs Kohli row is now on the backburner, out-of-favour Wriddiman Saha's revelations on his communication with Dravid, Ganguly, etc. have also made a lot of noise) Role clarity, focus on flexibility and plugging small holes In the recent past, Rohit-Dravid have spoken a lot on giving bio-bubble breaks to the players (currently enjoyed by Kohli, Md Shami, Rishabh Pant), role clarity and redeveloping a proper communication process (It is to be noted that despite the success enjoyed by Shastri-Kohli, their partnership highlighted communication gap between players and team management on several occasions: during M Vijay, Ambati Rayudu, Ajinkya Rahane's respective omissions, etc.). Backing even a non-regular like Sanju Samson Ahead of the SL T20Is, captain Rohit talked about being the team's plans of being flexible by relentlessly backing even their non-regular players ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup. Rohit opined on Sanju Samson and told the reporters, "That guy has got talent, man. Whenever I have seen him bat in IPL and all of that, he has just produced an innings where everyone goes over the moon watching it. So he has got the skill set to succeed. That is the whole point about the sport. A lot of people have skill set, lot of people have talent but how you utilise them is the most critical par." "His back-foot play is superb, some of the shots you must have seen during the IPL, the pick-up pull, the cut shots, standing and delivering over bowler’s head. Those kinds of shots are not easy to play and I believe when we go to Australia, you need those kind of shot-making ability and Samson does has it in him. I just hope that he utilises his potential to the maximum,” added Rohit. (Sanju repaid the faith with a blistering 25-ball 39 in the second and penultimate encounter versus the Islanders). Dropped but no way out of reckoning... With Shreyas Iyer not making it to the playing XI in India's 1st T20I versus West Indies, Rohit made it clear that the batter remains a vital cog in the setup. "Someone like Shreyas Iyer is sitting out, very hard on him not making it to playing eleven, but we needed someone to bowl in the middle which is why we couldn't get him in. It's always nice with that kind of competition going around and a lot of the guys are missing out as well. I'm happy to have that kind of challenges rather than not having players available and not in form," he had told at the post-match presentation. (Iyer is in rollicking form with two electrifying half-centuries in the SL T20Is). Dravid on Saha's omission Dravid welcomed the big question on Saha's Test omission -- without losing his cool -- and told the reporters after the WI T20Is, "I’m actually not hurt at all, because I have deep respect for Wridhhiman Saha and his achievements, his contribution to Indian cricket. My conversation with him actually came from that place. I think he deserved honesty and he deserved clarity. These are conversations I constantly have with players. I don’t expect players to always like messages or to agree with everything that I have to say about them. That’s not how it works." ALSO READ | They're taking Team India in a fabulous direction: Dinesh Karthik lauds Rahul Dravid-Rohit Sharma Thus, the team is now slowly plugging the gaps which were previously present in the Indian team, under Kohli-Shastri. Highlighting the same, Dinesh Karthik recently told the ICC, "The new captain and there's a new coach, I think they are taking the team in a fabulous direction. They've plugged small holes, which were probably there previously, and that has been the beautiful part about it. And along the way, in the journey, they've managed to become No.1." Time and again, Rohit-Dravid have not shied away from stressing that they are preparing the team for the 2022 T20 WC, albeit with some tinkering in team combination and roles (In the previous captain-coach pairing, one eye was on the future but never openly declared in public; showcasing a rather confused mindset). The current Indian team is slowly picking the lying pieces and moving ahead. The Men in Blue are trying to experiment with their template (which resulted in their first-round exit in the 2021 T20 WC), trying to balance out between youth and experienced campaigners, identifying new leaders, tinkering roles of different individuals to not increase their options but to broaden the horizons of the resources available. ALSO READ | They were standing there for me: Ishan Kishan credits Rohit, Dravid for backing him despite poor form After the WI home series, coach Dravid confirmed that the team management 'don't want to cast their net too wide'; to avoid confusion and irregularity in team selection. "There is no set time frame to freeze on a team. We don’t want to cast our net too wide but we also don’t want to just restrict ourselves to 15 players. By the time we get to the [T20] World Cup, we need to have a bunch of guys who have at least played 10-20 games," the former captain stated. Surely, Dravid-Rohit pairing is off to a flier. The real test is still miles away but they are not backing out from acknowledging the past mistakes and are boldly setting up new ways going forward. Sit back and relax guys...The road will clearly have more hurdles and speed-breakers but the Rohit-Dravid looks more suited to handle it all with a pragmatic and practical approach.

Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid partnership: A promising alliance focused on role clarity & plugging small holes

BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has lauded Virat Kohli as the former captain is set to play his 100th Test during the forthcoming India-Sri Lanka series opener in Mohali, which gets underway on&nbsp;March 4 (Friday). Ahead of the Test series, which also marks the captaincy debut of Rohit Sharma in whites, Ganguly heaped praise on Kohli.&nbsp;

“To begin with, you need to be a very good player to get there,” Ganguly said while on a holiday with his family in London. “Very few people in Indian cricket have played 100 Test matches. It’s a fantastic landmark. Virat is a great player and deserves every bit of it.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-on-cusp-of-joining-sachin-tendulkar-rahul-dravid-co-in-elite-list-in-historic-100th-test-458045">Virat Kohli on cusp of joining Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid &amp; Co. in elite list in historic 100th Test</a>

The former Indian captain Ganguly asserted, “I haven’t played with him. But I have always followed his game. Having been involved in different capacities, I have always tracked his cricket. I have seen his career from when it started and how it took a different turn after a few years and it has now gone to greatness."

Kohli has often been compared with Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. Having played along with Tendulkar, Ganguly brushed aside all comparisons and said, "Expectations will always be there when you play at this level. I don’t compare different generations. But whatever number he has batted, whether it is No.4 in Test matches or No.3 in limited-overs cricket, he has batted marvelously."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-showed-no-signs-of-captaincy-burden-when-he-was-team-india-skipper-sunil-gavaskar-458085">Virat Kohli showed no signs of captaincy burden when he was Team India skipper: Sunil Gavaskar</a>

He added, "His technique, his positivity, his footwork, his balance…I like all of that. Above all, the way Virat changed his game after 2014 in England when he was struggling. I saw that Test series because I was working as a commentator there. And he had a remarkable five years after that. That’s what normally happens. I saw that with Rahul Dravid between 2002 to 2005. You see great players having these phases where they are at their peak. Sachin had many.”

Interestingly, Kohli's 100th Test will also be his first as a player after seven long years of his captaincy tenure in whites. In this regard, Ganguly said, "It does require some adjustments. But I don’t think it’s very difficult. He will come back and get hundreds. I know about all this talk, with him not getting a hundred for over two years. But he is too good a player to consistently go through this. He will get past this phase too. He knows how to get hundreds otherwise he would not have got 70 of them. As a former player, I know he will start scoring them again. He has enormous ability, so it’s a matter of time."

Kohli will become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club. He will, thus, join the likes of&nbsp;Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Ishant Sharma, Dilip Vengsarkar and Anil Kumble.&nbsp;

India will, thus, look to give Kohli a perfect present on his landmark Test with a thumping win in the series opener versus the Islanders. The second and final Test will be held in Bengaluru, from March 12-16.

BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has lauded Virat Kohli as the former captain is set to play his 100th Test during the forthcoming India-Sri Lanka series opener in Mohali, which gets underway on March 4 (Friday).

BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has lauded Virat Kohli as the former captain is set to play his 100th Test during the forthcoming India-Sri Lanka series opener in Mohali, which gets underway on March 4 (Friday). Ahead of the Test series, which also marks the captaincy debut of Rohit Sharma in whites, Ganguly heaped praise on Kohli. “To begin with, you need to be a very good player to get there,” Ganguly said while on a holiday with his family in London. “Very few people in Indian cricket have played 100 Test matches. It’s a fantastic landmark. Virat is a great player and deserves every bit of it.” ALSO READ | Virat Kohli on cusp of joining Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid & Co. in elite list in historic 100th Test The former Indian captain Ganguly asserted, “I haven’t played with him. But I have always followed his game. Having been involved in different capacities, I have always tracked his cricket. I have seen his career from when it started and how it took a different turn after a few years and it has now gone to greatness." Kohli has often been compared with Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. Having played along with Tendulkar, Ganguly brushed aside all comparisons and said, "Expectations will always be there when you play at this level. I don’t compare different generations. But whatever number he has batted, whether it is No.4 in Test matches or No.3 in limited-overs cricket, he has batted marvelously." ALSO READ | Virat Kohli showed no signs of captaincy burden when he was Team India skipper: Sunil Gavaskar He added, "His technique, his positivity, his footwork, his balance…I like all of that. Above all, the way Virat changed his game after 2014 in England when he was struggling. I saw that Test series because I was working as a commentator there. And he had a remarkable five years after that. That’s what normally happens. I saw that with Rahul Dravid between 2002 to 2005. You see great players having these phases where they are at their peak. Sachin had many.” Interestingly, Kohli's 100th Test will also be his first as a player after seven long years of his captaincy tenure in whites. In this regard, Ganguly said, "It does require some adjustments. But I don’t think it’s very difficult. He will come back and get hundreds. I know about all this talk, with him not getting a hundred for over two years. But he is too good a player to consistently go through this. He will get past this phase too. He knows how to get hundreds otherwise he would not have got 70 of them. As a former player, I know he will start scoring them again. He has enormous ability, so it’s a matter of time." Kohli will become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club. He will, thus, join the likes of Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Ishant Sharma, Dilip Vengsarkar and Anil Kumble. India will, thus, look to give Kohli a perfect present on his landmark Test with a thumping win in the series opener versus the Islanders. The second and final Test will be held in Bengaluru, from March 12-16.

Sourav Ganguly lauds Virat Kohli as former captain set to play 100th Test during SL series opener

R Ashwin is gearing up for the commencement of the two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04 in Mohali. Ashwin was last seen in action on the 22-yard cricket strip during India's tour of South Africa. Regarded as one of the greats in Test cricket, the 35-year-old wily spinner is on the cusp of attaining a huge feat in the SL Test series opener in Mohali.

Currently, Ashwin has accounted for 430 wickets in whites, in 84 games, and is at the third spot in the list for most Test scalps among Indians. Anil Kumble (619) spearheads the list whereas 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev follows suit with 434 wickets. Thus, Ashwin needs five more wickets to go past Kapil in the elite list and occupy the second position.&nbsp;

Most wickets for India in Tests

Anil Kumble - 619

Kapil Dev - 434

R Ashwin - 430*

Harbhajan Singh - 417

Ishant Sharma - 311

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-on-cusp-of-joining-sachin-tendulkar-rahul-dravid-co-in-elite-list-in-historic-100th-test-458045">Virat Kohli on cusp of joining Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid &amp; Co. in elite list in historic 100th Test</a>

In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, No. 1 ranked Test batsman Marnus Labuschagne lauded Ashwin and said, "The reason Ashwin's record is so good is because he's a tremendous thinker of the game. So, he's always thinking about how he can get you out. About what you are doing. And so what he's doing to counter that? And then he seems to go, "Ok now I'm going to change, so that you're going to do this." That's what makes him really good. Now, not all bowlers are like that."

The forthcoming series opener will also see former captain Virat Kohli become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club.&nbsp;&nbsp;

R Ashwin is gearing up for the commencement of the two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04 in Mohali. Ashwin was last seen in action on the 22-yard cricket strip during India's tour of South Africa.

R Ashwin is gearing up for the commencement of the two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04 in Mohali. Ashwin was last seen in action on the 22-yard cricket strip during India's tour of South Africa. Regarded as one of the greats in Test cricket, the 35-year-old wily spinner is on the cusp of attaining a huge feat in the SL Test series opener in Mohali. Currently, Ashwin has accounted for 430 wickets in whites, in 84 games, and is at the third spot in the list for most Test scalps among Indians. Anil Kumble (619) spearheads the list whereas 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev follows suit with 434 wickets. Thus, Ashwin needs five more wickets to go past Kapil in the elite list and occupy the second position. Most wickets for India in Tests Anil Kumble - 619 Kapil Dev - 434 R Ashwin - 430* Harbhajan Singh - 417 Ishant Sharma - 311 ALSO READ | Virat Kohli on cusp of joining Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid & Co. in elite list in historic 100th Test In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, No. 1 ranked Test batsman Marnus Labuschagne lauded Ashwin and said, "The reason Ashwin's record is so good is because he's a tremendous thinker of the game. So, he's always thinking about how he can get you out. About what you are doing. And so what he's doing to counter that? And then he seems to go, "Ok now I'm going to change, so that you're going to do this." That's what makes him really good. Now, not all bowlers are like that." The forthcoming series opener will also see former captain Virat Kohli become the 12th Indian to enter the 100-Test club.

India vs SL: R Ashwin on verge of going past Kapil Dev in elite list during series opener in Mohali

Rohit Sharma-led India thrashed Sri Lanka in the recently-concluded three T20Is at home. With this, India remain unbeaten in 12 successive games in the shortest format and are yet to concede a single match under Rohit's captaincy.&nbsp;

As the action now shifts to the India-Sri Lanka Tests, Shreyas Iyer has achieved a massive jump in the latest ICC T20I Rankings post the memorable run versus the Islanders. Iyer remained unbeaten throughout the course of the series and ended with scores of 57* (28),&nbsp;74* (44) and 73* (45) to win the Player-of-the-Series award. With this, he has jumped 27 spots to enter the top 20. Meanwhile, former captain Virat Kohli and current skipper Rohit are out of the top ten.

Rohit had an ordinary run versus the Sri Lankans, amassing only 50 runs in 3 T20Is, whereas Kohli was rested for the SL series. KL Rahul, thus, remains the only Indian in the top ten. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan continue to hold the top two spots, respectively.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-on-cusp-of-joining-sachin-tendulkar-rahul-dravid-co-in-elite-list-in-historic-100th-test-458045">Virat Kohli on cusp of joining Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid &amp; Co. in elite list in historic 100th Test</a>

ICC T20I Rankings - India batters in top 10

KL Rahul - 10

Rohit Sharma - 13

Virat Kohli -15

Shreyas Iyer - 18

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-cant-be-replaced-gavaskar-on-in-form-shreyas-iyers-batting-position-for-team-india-in-t20is-457412">Virat Kohli can't be replaced: Gavaskar on in-form Shreyas Iyer's batting position for Team India in T20Is</a>

Among bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar jumped up by three places to occupy the 17th position. He remains the only Indian in the top 20, with Jasprit Bumrah now slipping to the 28th spot.&nbsp;

In then ICC Test rankings, Kagiso Rabada has moved up by three spots to hold the sixth position in the list spearheaded by Australia captain Pat Cummins. On the other hand,&nbsp;Marnus Labuschagne remains the top-ranked batter in the purest format ahead of Aussies' three-match Test series versus hosts Pakistan.

Rohit Sharma-led India thrashed Sri Lanka in the recently-concluded three T20Is at home. With this, India remain unbeaten in 12 successive games in the shortest format and are yet to concede a single match under Rohit's captaincy.

Rohit Sharma-led India thrashed Sri Lanka in the recently-concluded three T20Is at home. With this, India remain unbeaten in 12 successive games in the shortest format and are yet to concede a single match under Rohit's captaincy. As the action now shifts to the India-Sri Lanka Tests, Shreyas Iyer has achieved a massive jump in the latest ICC T20I Rankings post the memorable run versus the Islanders. Iyer remained unbeaten throughout the course of the series and ended with scores of 57* (28), 74* (44) and 73* (45) to win the Player-of-the-Series award. With this, he has jumped 27 spots to enter the top 20. Meanwhile, former captain Virat Kohli and current skipper Rohit are out of the top ten. Rohit had an ordinary run versus the Sri Lankans, amassing only 50 runs in 3 T20Is, whereas Kohli was rested for the SL series. KL Rahul, thus, remains the only Indian in the top ten. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan continue to hold the top two spots, respectively. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli on cusp of joining Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid & Co. in elite list in historic 100th Test ICC T20I Rankings - India batters in top 10 KL Rahul - 10 Rohit Sharma - 13 Virat Kohli -15 Shreyas Iyer - 18 ALSO READ | Virat Kohli can't be replaced: Gavaskar on in-form Shreyas Iyer's batting position for Team India in T20Is Among bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar jumped up by three places to occupy the 17th position. He remains the only Indian in the top 20, with Jasprit Bumrah now slipping to the 28th spot. In then ICC Test rankings, Kagiso Rabada has moved up by three spots to hold the sixth position in the list spearheaded by Australia captain Pat Cummins. On the other hand, Marnus Labuschagne remains the top-ranked batter in the purest format ahead of Aussies' three-match Test series versus hosts Pakistan.

ICC T20I Rankings: Shreyas Iyer achieves huge jump after SL series; Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma out of top 10

Veteran India wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik has shared his two cents on Wriddhiman Saha's axing from India's Test squad. Saha was dropped from India's squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at home along with other senior players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Ishant Sharma.

Saha later went on to reveal that he was told by head coach Rahul Dravid and chief selector Chetan Sharma that he is not in the Indian team's plans anymore as far as the longest format is concerned. Saha was asked to move on as the Indian team management wants to groom young wicket-keeper batter KS Bharat, who has replaced Saha in the squad.

Karthik sympathised with Saha after he was dropped and said it is a hard pill to swallow for any cricketer to be told that he is no more in the team's plans moving forward. Saha, who played majorly as a back-up keeper at the time of MS Dhoni, was once called the best wicket-keeper in the world by former India skipper Virat Kohli.

However, with Rishabh Pant's remarkable rise, Saha failed to cement his spot in the Test team even after Dhoni's retirement but managed to play 40 Tests for the Indian side.

"I'm pretty sure from wherever I've seen with Wriddhiman's interviews, he understands where this decision is coming from. I know no cricketer is going to accept that when you're being told to move on. It is a very hard one because this is what they've been doing day in and day out," Karthik told ICC.

"All of us want to represent the country and that is the burning desire for everybody. So when somebody comes in says, 'I think your time is done,' it can be a hard one to swallow. But it is understandable and you have to understand where the selectors, the coach and the captain are coming from," he added.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/test-axe-to-shocking-threat-from-a-journalist-the-wriddhiman-saha-saga-455443">&nbsp;Test axe to shocking threat from a journalist - The Wriddhiman Saha saga</a>

Karthik lauded Saha for being a great servant for Indian cricket and praised him for doing well while going about his business silently. In 40 Tests, Saha amassed 1353 runs, took 92 catches and effected 12 stumpings for India.

"Kudos to Wriddhiman Saha. I think he has been one of those brilliant, quiet servants of Indian cricket who has done so well over a period of years," said Karthik.

Veteran India wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik has shared his two cents on Wriddhiman Saha's axing from India's Test squad. Saha was dropped from India's squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at home along with other senior players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Ishant Sharma.

Veteran India wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik has shared his two cents on Wriddhiman Saha's axing from India's Test squad. Saha was dropped from India's squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at home along with other senior players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Ishant Sharma. Saha later went on to reveal that he was told by head coach Rahul Dravid and chief selector Chetan Sharma that he is not in the Indian team's plans anymore as far as the longest format is concerned. Saha was asked to move on as the Indian team management wants to groom young wicket-keeper batter KS Bharat, who has replaced Saha in the squad. Karthik sympathised with Saha after he was dropped and said it is a hard pill to swallow for any cricketer to be told that he is no more in the team's plans moving forward. Saha, who played majorly as a back-up keeper at the time of MS Dhoni, was once called the best wicket-keeper in the world by former India skipper Virat Kohli. However, with Rishabh Pant's remarkable rise, Saha failed to cement his spot in the Test team even after Dhoni's retirement but managed to play 40 Tests for the Indian side. "I'm pretty sure from wherever I've seen with Wriddhiman's interviews, he understands where this decision is coming from. I know no cricketer is going to accept that when you're being told to move on. It is a very hard one because this is what they've been doing day in and day out," Karthik told ICC. "All of us want to represent the country and that is the burning desire for everybody. So when somebody comes in says, 'I think your time is done,' it can be a hard one to swallow. But it is understandable and you have to understand where the selectors, the coach and the captain are coming from," he added. Also Read: Test axe to shocking threat from a journalist - The Wriddhiman Saha saga Karthik lauded Saha for being a great servant for Indian cricket and praised him for doing well while going about his business silently. In 40 Tests, Saha amassed 1353 runs, took 92 catches and effected 12 stumpings for India. "Kudos to Wriddhiman Saha. I think he has been one of those brilliant, quiet servants of Indian cricket who has done so well over a period of years," said Karthik.

'It can be a hard one to swallow': Dinesh Karthik on Wriddhiman Saha getting dropped from India's Test squad

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes there remain question marks over the future of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara in Test cricket after the senior batters were dropped from India's Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Pujara and Rahane were among four senior players who were dropped from the Test squad for the two-match series.

Rahane and Pujara were dropped after enduring a rough patch in Test cricket. The duo was struggling to score runs consistently and had numerous average outings in India's last few series which resulted in both the senior batters getting dropped from the Test side.

Along with them wicket-keeper batter Wriddhiman Saha and senior fast bowler Ishant Sharma were also left out of the Test squad for the Sri Lanka series. While Bangar raised doubts over their future in Test cricket, the former India batting coach backed them to make a comeback in the longest format.

"Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ishant Sharma - they have served Indian cricket brilliantly for many years. There are question marks raised on their future when such experienced players are dropped or when they are not selected," Bangar said on Star Sports.

"But Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara are still quite young, even Ishant Sharma is quite young. So they should not lose hope, they have to go back and continue playing domestic cricket," he added.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-in-our-hands-jasprit-bumrah-reacts-to-virat-kohlis-100th-test-being-played-behind-closed-doors-457824">&nbsp;'Not in our hands': Jasprit Bumrah reacts to Virat Kohli's 100th Test being played behind closed doors</a>

Both Rahane and Pujara are currently playing for their respective state teams in the ongoing Ranji Trophy and have managed to regain some form. The senior batters have been instrumental in India's success in Tests over the last few years and will be looking to make their comeback on the back of a strong run in the domestic circuit.

Bangar also believes that the duo can be back in the reckoning for a spot in the Test side if they can maintain consistency in the domestic circuit.

"Maybe Ajinkya and Cheteshwar can think of going and playing even in county cricket because that's where they will get the opportunity to play cricket year around. Taking into account the international schedule and calendar, if there are openings at certain points in time, I am pretty sure they will try and force their way back into the Indian team," said Bangar.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes there remain question marks over the future of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara in Test cricket after the senior batters were dropped from India's Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes there remain question marks over the future of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara in Test cricket after the senior batters were dropped from India's Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Pujara and Rahane were among four senior players who were dropped from the Test squad for the two-match series. Rahane and Pujara were dropped after enduring a rough patch in Test cricket. The duo was struggling to score runs consistently and had numerous average outings in India's last few series which resulted in both the senior batters getting dropped from the Test side. Along with them wicket-keeper batter Wriddhiman Saha and senior fast bowler Ishant Sharma were also left out of the Test squad for the Sri Lanka series. While Bangar raised doubts over their future in Test cricket, the former India batting coach backed them to make a comeback in the longest format. "Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ishant Sharma - they have served Indian cricket brilliantly for many years. There are question marks raised on their future when such experienced players are dropped or when they are not selected," Bangar said on Star Sports. "But Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara are still quite young, even Ishant Sharma is quite young. So they should not lose hope, they have to go back and continue playing domestic cricket," he added. Also Read: 'Not in our hands': Jasprit Bumrah reacts to Virat Kohli's 100th Test being played behind closed doors Both Rahane and Pujara are currently playing for their respective state teams in the ongoing Ranji Trophy and have managed to regain some form. The senior batters have been instrumental in India's success in Tests over the last few years and will be looking to make their comeback on the back of a strong run in the domestic circuit. Bangar also believes that the duo can be back in the reckoning for a spot in the Test side if they can maintain consistency in the domestic circuit. "Maybe Ajinkya and Cheteshwar can think of going and playing even in county cricket because that's where they will get the opportunity to play cricket year around. Taking into account the international schedule and calendar, if there are openings at certain points in time, I am pretty sure they will try and force their way back into the Indian team," said Bangar.

Question marks over their future: Ex-India batting coach on Pujara, Rahane being dropped from Test team

After being dropped from India's Test squad, Wriddhiman Saha made heads turn courtesy his stunning revelation. Saha, who has represented India in 40 Tests, revealed that he is being threatened by a 'respected journalist' after he didn't respond&nbsp;to his interview request.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, Saha shared a screenshot of the conversation with the journalist and wrote, "After all of my contributions to Indian cricket..this is what I face from a so-called “Respected” journalist! This is where the journalism has gone."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
After all of my contributions to Indian cricket..this is what I face from a so called “Respected” journalist! This is where the journalism has gone. <a href="https://t.co/woVyq1sOZX">pic.twitter.com/woVyq1sOZX</a>
— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wriddhipops/status/1495076230713917441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tactics-will-be-different-approach-will-be-different-sunil-gavaskar-on-rohit-sharmas-test-captaincy-debut-457797">Tactics will be different, approach will be different: Sunil Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's Test captaincy debut</a>

Following the recent turn of events, ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri opened up on the Saha row. He dwelled on the relationship between players and journalists in the current era. Speaking during the launch of veteran journalist Khalid A-H Ansari's memoir, 'It's a Wonderful World', Shastri said, “It's changed from the time we played."

"The equation we had with journalists was far, far better than the equation you see with the boys today. I was part of the dressing room for the past seven years. And I don’t blame (the players). The spotlight that is there on today’s players is nowhere like what it was on us. We (only) had the print media… there was TV that had just started," he stated.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shouldnt-be-different-selection-criteria-for-different-people-wriddhiman-sahas-coach-on-dravids-remark-455114">Shouldn't be different selection criteria for different people: Wriddhiman Saha's coach on Dravid's remark</a>

Revealing how he asked the Indian players to deal with the press during his coaching tenure, Shastri&nbsp;asserted, "We've tried to discuss it with them. Speak as much as you can to the media but make sure it's a proper kind of press conference, take everyone's questions at one go, because what happens is a lot of things are taken out of context these days. I'm being honest about it. Because of the competition that exists (between media organisations).

"As a result, the player has no choice but to go into a shell. He says, 'I'd rather look within, focus on the game, let my cricket do the talking, and once I'm done and dusted, I can speak to whoever I want to,'" added the former Indian all-rounder.

After being dropped from India's Test squad, Wriddhiman Saha made heads turn courtesy his stunning revelation. Saha, who has represented India in 40 Tests, revealed that he is being threatened by a 'respected journalist' after he didn't respond to his interview request.

After being dropped from India's Test squad, Wriddhiman Saha made heads turn courtesy his stunning revelation. Saha, who has represented India in 40 Tests, revealed that he is being threatened by a 'respected journalist' after he didn't respond to his interview request. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Saha shared a screenshot of the conversation with the journalist and wrote, "After all of my contributions to Indian cricket..this is what I face from a so-called “Respected” journalist! This is where the journalism has gone." After all of my contributions to Indian cricket..this is what I face from a so called “Respected” journalist! This is where the journalism has gone. pic.twitter.com/woVyq1sOZX — Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) February 19, 2022 × ALSO READ | Tactics will be different, approach will be different: Sunil Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's Test captaincy debut Following the recent turn of events, ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri opened up on the Saha row. He dwelled on the relationship between players and journalists in the current era. Speaking during the launch of veteran journalist Khalid A-H Ansari's memoir, 'It's a Wonderful World', Shastri said, “It's changed from the time we played." "The equation we had with journalists was far, far better than the equation you see with the boys today. I was part of the dressing room for the past seven years. And I don’t blame (the players). The spotlight that is there on today’s players is nowhere like what it was on us. We (only) had the print media… there was TV that had just started," he stated. ALSO READ | Shouldn't be different selection criteria for different people: Wriddhiman Saha's coach on Dravid's remark Revealing how he asked the Indian players to deal with the press during his coaching tenure, Shastri asserted, "We've tried to discuss it with them. Speak as much as you can to the media but make sure it's a proper kind of press conference, take everyone's questions at one go, because what happens is a lot of things are taken out of context these days. I'm being honest about it. Because of the competition that exists (between media organisations). "As a result, the player has no choice but to go into a shell. He says, 'I'd rather look within, focus on the game, let my cricket do the talking, and once I'm done and dusted, I can speak to whoever I want to,'" added the former Indian all-rounder.

Wriddhiman Saha row: Former India coach Ravi Shastri opines on relationship between players and media

Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah have been one of the most dependable bowlers for&nbsp;India across formats. While Shami was missed&nbsp;a lot of white-ball series for Team India in recent times,&nbsp;being rested, he remains a regular in Tests and forms a strong bowling pair with Bumrah.

For the unversed, Bumrah made his international debut in early 2016 -- three years after Shami -- and featured in the longest format of the game in January 2018. Since then, both Bumrah and Shami have gone from strength to strength as a daunting fast-bowling pair. Talking to the Indian Express, Shami recently stated that he felt 'a bit strange' seeing Bumrah because of his bowling action.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-cant-be-replaced-gavaskar-on-in-form-shreyas-iyers-batting-position-for-team-india-in-t20is-457412">Virat Kohli can't be replaced: Gavaskar on in-form Shreyas Iyer's batting position for Team India in T20Is</a>

“The first time I saw him was during the IPL. It felt a bit strange seeing him because of his bowling action. I wondered how someone could bowl so fast with that action and where he got the power from. When he got drafted in the Indian team, I knew him better. He performed and became part of the Test team. Today, you see a different Jasprit Bumrah. He has such control, he has everything,” Shami told the&nbsp;Indian Express.

Revealing what he will like to take from Bumrah, Shami said, "The one thing I would love to have from him is his yorker. Such a lovely ball. It’s fun to bowl together. With the kind of Test match bowling we have now, I don’t think we ever had such a period in our cricketing history. If you look at our graph for the last five years, I feel it is the highest. I enjoy bowling with Jassi, Umesh, Ishant and all of them." He added, "We know each other’s ability. The best quality of this bowling unit is that whenever someone is down, we lift each other up and give confidence. These are the things one remembers in life. We walk together through thick and thin."

<section>
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-rahul-or-kishan-ex-australia-spinner-names-batter-who-should-open-with-rohit-for-india-in-t20is-457411">Not Rahul or Kishan! Ex-Australia spinner names batter who should open with Rohit for India in T20Is</a>

Both Bumrah and Shami were among wickets in the India-South Africa Test series, held early this year in the African nation. However, they couldn't take the side to their maiden Test series win in South Africa. They are now gearing up to spearhead the pace unit in India's forthcoming home Test series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04.

India's Test squad for Sri Lanka series:&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Sourabh Kumar
</section>

Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah have been one of the most dependable bowlers for India across formats. While Shami was missed a lot of white-ball series for Team India in recent times, being rested, he remains a regular in Tests and forms a strong bowling pair with Bumrah.

Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah have been one of the most dependable bowlers for India across formats. While Shami was missed a lot of white-ball series for Team India in recent times, being rested, he remains a regular in Tests and forms a strong bowling pair with Bumrah. For the unversed, Bumrah made his international debut in early 2016 -- three years after Shami -- and featured in the longest format of the game in January 2018. Since then, both Bumrah and Shami have gone from strength to strength as a daunting fast-bowling pair. Talking to the Indian Express, Shami recently stated that he felt 'a bit strange' seeing Bumrah because of his bowling action. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli can't be replaced: Gavaskar on in-form Shreyas Iyer's batting position for Team India in T20Is “The first time I saw him was during the IPL. It felt a bit strange seeing him because of his bowling action. I wondered how someone could bowl so fast with that action and where he got the power from. When he got drafted in the Indian team, I knew him better. He performed and became part of the Test team. Today, you see a different Jasprit Bumrah. He has such control, he has everything,” Shami told the Indian Express. Revealing what he will like to take from Bumrah, Shami said, "The one thing I would love to have from him is his yorker. Such a lovely ball. It’s fun to bowl together. With the kind of Test match bowling we have now, I don’t think we ever had such a period in our cricketing history. If you look at our graph for the last five years, I feel it is the highest. I enjoy bowling with Jassi, Umesh, Ishant and all of them." He added, "We know each other’s ability. The best quality of this bowling unit is that whenever someone is down, we lift each other up and give confidence. These are the things one remembers in life. We walk together through thick and thin." ALSO READ | Not Rahul or Kishan! Ex-Australia spinner names batter who should open with Rohit for India in T20Is Both Bumrah and Shami were among wickets in the India-South Africa Test series, held early this year in the African nation. However, they couldn't take the side to their maiden Test series win in South Africa. They are now gearing up to spearhead the pace unit in India's forthcoming home Test series versus Sri Lanka, which gets underway on March 04. India's Test squad for Sri Lanka series: Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Sourabh Kumar

'I wondered how someone could...': Md Shami shares his first reaction on seeing pacer Jasprit Bumrah

Mohammed Shami is gearing up to represent India in the forthcoming two-match Test series versus Sri Lanka at home. While he remains an integral part of Team India across formats, he plays Tests more regularly than the white-ball formats and has accounted for 209 scalps in 57 matches in whites.

Ahead of India's red-ball assignment versus the Dimuth Karunaratne-led Islanders, Shami revealed the Indian batter who loves batting at the nets. Shami named Cheteshwar Pujara in this regard, who according to the pacer irritates the bowlers by making them bowl at least 100-200 deliveries.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tactics-will-be-different-approach-will-be-different-sunil-gavaskar-on-rohit-sharmas-test-captaincy-debut-457797">Tactics will be different, approach will be different: Sunil Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's Test captaincy debut</a>

“We are professionals, it’s never a case of likes. The BCCI pays us so well to do what we like, so one enjoys bowling (laughs). But no one can irritate you like Cheteshwar Pujara. As everyone knows, unless he hits 100 to 200 balls, he doesn’t get sleep,”&nbsp;Shami told when he turned up as&nbsp;a guest at&nbsp;The Indian Express' Idea Exchange.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hope-virat-kohli-celebrates-his-100th-test-milestone-with-a-century-against-sri-lanka-sunil-gavaskar-457781">Hope Virat Kohli celebrates his 100th Test milestone with a century against Sri Lanka: Sunil Gavaskar</a>

Currently, Pujara is representing the Saurashtra side in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2021/22 edition after being dropped from the Test line-up. The right-hander's century-drought continues in the purest format since early 2019 and paid the price for being overlooked for the SL home series.

India's squad for the SL series:

Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Sourabh Kumar

Mohammed Shami is gearing up to represent India in the forthcoming two-match Test series versus Sri Lanka at home. While he remains an integral part of Team India across formats, he plays Tests more regularly than the white-ball formats and has accounted for 209 scalps in 57 matches in whites.

Mohammed Shami is gearing up to represent India in the forthcoming two-match Test series versus Sri Lanka at home. While he remains an integral part of Team India across formats, he plays Tests more regularly than the white-ball formats and has accounted for 209 scalps in 57 matches in whites. Ahead of India's red-ball assignment versus the Dimuth Karunaratne-led Islanders, Shami revealed the Indian batter who loves batting at the nets. Shami named Cheteshwar Pujara in this regard, who according to the pacer irritates the bowlers by making them bowl at least 100-200 deliveries. ALSO READ | Tactics will be different, approach will be different: Sunil Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's Test captaincy debut “We are professionals, it’s never a case of likes. The BCCI pays us so well to do what we like, so one enjoys bowling (laughs). But no one can irritate you like Cheteshwar Pujara. As everyone knows, unless he hits 100 to 200 balls, he doesn’t get sleep,” Shami told when he turned up as a guest at The Indian Express' Idea Exchange. ALSO READ | Hope Virat Kohli celebrates his 100th Test milestone with a century against Sri Lanka: Sunil Gavaskar Currently, Pujara is representing the Saurashtra side in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2021/22 edition after being dropped from the Test line-up. The right-hander's century-drought continues in the purest format since early 2019 and paid the price for being overlooked for the SL home series. India's squad for the SL series: Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Sourabh Kumar

'Unless he hits 100 to 200 balls, he doesn’t...' - Md Shami names India player who loves batting at the nets

Indian cricket team's vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah on Tuesday (March 01) reacted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s decision to conduct Virat Kohli's 100th Test for India behind closed doors. The first Test of the upcoming three-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, Punjab will mark Kohli's 100th appearance in the longest format for the national side.

Bumrah said the team is not thinking about the match being played without any crowd at the stadium and that they will be focused on winning the game. It will be a memorable day for Kohli, who will walk out in his 100th Test on Friday and many believe the former Indian captain deserved to play the milestone game in front of fans.

However, the BCCI and the Punjab Cricket Association has decided to not have any crowd for the game due to COVID-19. The Punjab Cricket Association had confirmed the game will be played behind closed doors. When asked about the same, Bumrah said to have crowd&nbsp;or not was in the hands of the players and the team is focused on winning the game.

"Right now we're focussed on what we can control. Of course, if there's a crowd it's great since they bring energy. &nbsp;It's a big match for Virat Kohli obviously, but that's something which is out of our control. We don't decide the rules," said Bumrah, who will be skipper Rohit Sharma's deputy for the series.

Kohli will become the 11th Indian player after the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Kapil Dev among others to reach the milestone of 100 Test matches for the country. He has been one of India's best batters in the longest format over the years and is also India's most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 Test matches as skipper.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hope-virat-kohli-celebrates-his-100th-test-milestone-with-a-century-against-sri-lanka-sunil-gavaskar-457781">Hope Virat Kohli celebrates his 100th Test milestone with a century against Sri Lanka: Sunil Gavaskar</a>

Bumrah lauded Kohli for the brilliant milestone and said it's another feather to the illustrious cap of the former Indian skipper. The premier pacer also lauded Kohli for contributing a lot to the Indian team's success in Tests over the last few years.

"It is always a special achievement for a player to play 100 Tests. Virat has contributed a lot to this team and will continue to do so. It is another feather on his cap and I would like to congratulate Kohli. It is a testimony of his hard work," said Bumrah.

The first Test between India and Sri Lanka will get underway in Mohali from Friday. 
&nbsp;

Indian cricket team's vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah on Tuesday (March 01) reacted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s decision to conduct Virat Kohli's 100th Test for India behind closed doors.

Indian cricket team's vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah on Tuesday (March 01) reacted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s decision to conduct Virat Kohli's 100th Test for India behind closed doors. The first Test of the upcoming three-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, Punjab will mark Kohli's 100th appearance in the longest format for the national side. Bumrah said the team is not thinking about the match being played without any crowd at the stadium and that they will be focused on winning the game. It will be a memorable day for Kohli, who will walk out in his 100th Test on Friday and many believe the former Indian captain deserved to play the milestone game in front of fans. However, the BCCI and the Punjab Cricket Association has decided to not have any crowd for the game due to COVID-19. The Punjab Cricket Association had confirmed the game will be played behind closed doors. When asked about the same, Bumrah said to have crowd or not was in the hands of the players and the team is focused on winning the game. "Right now we're focussed on what we can control. Of course, if there's a crowd it's great since they bring energy. It's a big match for Virat Kohli obviously, but that's something which is out of our control. We don't decide the rules," said Bumrah, who will be skipper Rohit Sharma's deputy for the series. Kohli will become the 11th Indian player after the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Kapil Dev among others to reach the milestone of 100 Test matches for the country. He has been one of India's best batters in the longest format over the years and is also India's most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 Test matches as skipper. Also Read: Hope Virat Kohli celebrates his 100th Test milestone with a century against Sri Lanka: Sunil Gavaskar Bumrah lauded Kohli for the brilliant milestone and said it's another feather to the illustrious cap of the former Indian skipper. The premier pacer also lauded Kohli for contributing a lot to the Indian team's success in Tests over the last few years. "It is always a special achievement for a player to play 100 Tests. Virat has contributed a lot to this team and will continue to do so. It is another feather on his cap and I would like to congratulate Kohli. It is a testimony of his hard work," said Bumrah. The first Test between India and Sri Lanka will get underway in Mohali from Friday.

'Not in our hands': Jasprit Bumrah reacts to Virat Kohli's 100th Test being played behind closed doors

Rohit Sharma is set to start his captaincy tenure in the red-ball format as India is set to take on Sri Lanka in the first of the two-match Test series, starting on March 04 (Friday) in Mohali. So far, Rohit has got off to a flying start as the white-ball captain but it will be the first time that he will lead the national side in whites.

For the unversed, Rohit had&nbsp;led India on numerous occasions in white-ball formats before being the full-time limited-overs skipper, however, he never led in Test matches. He could've led India in the South Africa Tests, held early this year in the African nation, as then captain Virat Kohli had missed a game due to injury. During the SA tour, Hitman was named the vice-captain in whites.&nbsp;However, since he missed the whole tour due to injury, he couldn't lead in whites. Thus, the stage is finally set for the 34-year-old's debut as Test captain with the commencement of the SL series at home.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hope-virat-kohli-celebrates-his-100th-test-milestone-with-a-century-against-sri-lanka-sunil-gavaskar-457781">Hope Virat Kohli celebrates his 100th Test milestone with a century against Sri Lanka: Sunil Gavaskar</a>

Ahead of the series opener, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar has backed Rohit to deliver even as the red-ball captain due to his experience. "With the experience that he has had over the years of captaining various teams, that should not be too much of an issue. Yes, this is the longer format, so the tactics will be different, the approach will be different. But he has got the experience, so don't really foresee anything majorly difficult for the captain," Gavaskar told Star Sports ahead of India's meeting with Sri Lanka at Mohali.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/captaincy-an-added-responsibility-rohit-sharma-should-not-lose-focus-on-his-batting-ex-india-selector-457483">Captaincy an added responsibility, Rohit Sharma should not lose focus on his batting: Ex-India selector</a>

Rohit was appointed India's full-time captain after Kohli resigned as the Test skipper post the SA series, which ended during mid-January 2022. It will be interesting to see how he takes the team forward in the purest format after the national side's highly-successful run under Kohli.&nbsp;

India's squad for SL Test series:

Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Sourabh Kumar

Rohit Sharma is set to start his captaincy tenure in the red-ball format as India is set to take on Sri Lanka in the first of the two-match Test series, starting on March 04 (Friday) in Mohali.

Rohit Sharma is set to start his captaincy tenure in the red-ball format as India is set to take on Sri Lanka in the first of the two-match Test series, starting on March 04 (Friday) in Mohali. So far, Rohit has got off to a flying start as the white-ball captain but it will be the first time that he will lead the national side in whites. For the unversed, Rohit had led India on numerous occasions in white-ball formats before being the full-time limited-overs skipper, however, he never led in Test matches. He could've led India in the South Africa Tests, held early this year in the African nation, as then captain Virat Kohli had missed a game due to injury. During the SA tour, Hitman was named the vice-captain in whites. However, since he missed the whole tour due to injury, he couldn't lead in whites. Thus, the stage is finally set for the 34-year-old's debut as Test captain with the commencement of the SL series at home. ALSO READ | Hope Virat Kohli celebrates his 100th Test milestone with a century against Sri Lanka: Sunil Gavaskar Ahead of the series opener, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar has backed Rohit to deliver even as the red-ball captain due to his experience. "With the experience that he has had over the years of captaining various teams, that should not be too much of an issue. Yes, this is the longer format, so the tactics will be different, the approach will be different. But he has got the experience, so don't really foresee anything majorly difficult for the captain," Gavaskar told Star Sports ahead of India's meeting with Sri Lanka at Mohali. ALSO READ | Captaincy an added responsibility, Rohit Sharma should not lose focus on his batting: Ex-India selector Rohit was appointed India's full-time captain after Kohli resigned as the Test skipper post the SA series, which ended during mid-January 2022. It will be interesting to see how he takes the team forward in the purest format after the national side's highly-successful run under Kohli. India's squad for SL Test series: Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Sourabh Kumar

Tactics will be different, approach will be different: Sunil Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's Test captaincy debut

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar said he wishes to see former India captain Virat Kohli get a century in his 100th Test appearance for the Indian cricket team this week. Kohli will take the field in his 100th Test for the country when India will lock horns with Sri Lanka in the first Test of the upcoming two-match Test series that gets underway from March 04 (Friday).

Kohli will be playing his 100th Test behind closed doors at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been facing flak from cricket fans for not allowing fans for Kohli's 100th Test. Nonetheless, it will be a monumental achievement for Kohli, who is regarded as one of the best batters in the world at present.

Gavaskar, who is the first Indian to have played 100&nbsp;Tests for the country, said he hopes Kohli celebrates the occasion with a hundred. Kohli has not scored a hundred across any formats in international cricket since November 2019. Kohli will become the 11th Indian to play 100 Tests after the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and Kapil Dev among others.

However, he will be the first Indian to score a century in his 100th Test if he manages to achieve the feat in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Mohali. Overall, only nine batters in the world have managed to score a century in their 100th Test appearance.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/disappointing-that-virat-kohlis-100th-test-will-be-played-behind-closed-doors-sunil-gavaskar-457538">Disappointing that Virat Kohli's 100th Test will be played behind closed doors: Sunil Gavaskar</a>

"I hope he celebrates his 100th Test with a 100. Not many batsmen have done that. I know Colin Cowdrey, who was probably the first to play 100 Test matches, scored a hundred in his 100th Test. I know Javed Miandad has done it. Alex Stewart has done it," Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

The batting legend also recalled his 100th Test as a player and revealed how he could only manage to get 48 runs in the game before clipping a half volley to square leg to be dismissed.

"Lots of batsman have played 100 Tests but did not get a hundred in that Test match. I clipped a half volley to square leg when I was batting on 48. Can you believe it, on 48? Simple catch that was," Gavaskar recalled.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/captaincy-an-added-responsibility-rohit-sharma-should-not-lose-focus-on-his-batting-ex-india-selector-457483">Captaincy an added responsibility, Rohit Sharma should not lose focus on his batting: Ex-India selector</a>

Gavaskar also shared his experience of playing 100 Tests for India and said it gives the player a sense of achievement as this is a moment they have dreamt of since they started playing cricket at a very young age. Gavaskar also lauded Kohli for his achievements across all formats of the game.

"Well, I can only say that it is going to be a sense of achievement. When you start playing cricket as a school kid, you want to play for India and hoping that you play for India for a certain while and suddenly you know, success comes to you and then you go on from year to year and then the 100th Test comes to you," said the legendary cricketer.

"It's a very special feeling. And look at what he has achieved in all formats of the game, not just Test cricket, where he has been fabulous," he added.

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar said he wishes to see former India captain Virat Kohli get a century in his 100th Test appearance for the Indian cricket team this week.

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar said he wishes to see former India captain Virat Kohli get a century in his 100th Test appearance for the Indian cricket team this week. Kohli will take the field in his 100th Test for the country when India will lock horns with Sri Lanka in the first Test of the upcoming two-match Test series that gets underway from March 04 (Friday). Kohli will be playing his 100th Test behind closed doors at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been facing flak from cricket fans for not allowing fans for Kohli's 100th Test. Nonetheless, it will be a monumental achievement for Kohli, who is regarded as one of the best batters in the world at present. Gavaskar, who is the first Indian to have played 100 Tests for the country, said he hopes Kohli celebrates the occasion with a hundred. Kohli has not scored a hundred across any formats in international cricket since November 2019. Kohli will become the 11th Indian to play 100 Tests after the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and Kapil Dev among others. However, he will be the first Indian to score a century in his 100th Test if he manages to achieve the feat in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Mohali. Overall, only nine batters in the world have managed to score a century in their 100th Test appearance. Also Read: Disappointing that Virat Kohli's 100th Test will be played behind closed doors: Sunil Gavaskar "I hope he celebrates his 100th Test with a 100. Not many batsmen have done that. I know Colin Cowdrey, who was probably the first to play 100 Test matches, scored a hundred in his 100th Test. I know Javed Miandad has done it. Alex Stewart has done it," Gavaskar said on Star Sports. The batting legend also recalled his 100th Test as a player and revealed how he could only manage to get 48 runs in the game before clipping a half volley to square leg to be dismissed. "Lots of batsman have played 100 Tests but did not get a hundred in that Test match. I clipped a half volley to square leg when I was batting on 48. Can you believe it, on 48? Simple catch that was," Gavaskar recalled. Also Read: Captaincy an added responsibility, Rohit Sharma should not lose focus on his batting: Ex-India selector Gavaskar also shared his experience of playing 100 Tests for India and said it gives the player a sense of achievement as this is a moment they have dreamt of since they started playing cricket at a very young age. Gavaskar also lauded Kohli for his achievements across all formats of the game. "Well, I can only say that it is going to be a sense of achievement. When you start playing cricket as a school kid, you want to play for India and hoping that you play for India for a certain while and suddenly you know, success comes to you and then you go on from year to year and then the 100th Test comes to you," said the legendary cricketer. "It's a very special feeling. And look at what he has achieved in all formats of the game, not just Test cricket, where he has been fabulous," he added.

Hope Virat Kohli celebrates his 100th Test milestone with a century against Sri Lanka: Sunil Gavaskar

Shreyas Iyer had a dream run in the just-concluded India-Sri Lanka T20Is at home. The right-hander stood tall against the Sri Lankans in all three games and ended the series with scores of 57* (28), 74* (44) and 73* (45) to remain unbeaten throughout the three-match series and walk away with the Player-of-the-Match and the Player-of-the-Series award.&nbsp;

In a modest 147-run chase in the third and final encounter, Iyer came out in the middle at 6-1 and remained unbeaten on 73, studded with 9 fours and a six at a strike rate of 162.22. Courtesy his memorable run versus the Islanders, Iyer joined Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul in an elite feat. He is&nbsp;now one of the four Indian batters to score 3 consecutive half-centuries in the shortest format.

The former captain Kohli was&nbsp;the first Indian to achieve this milestone. He had first hit 3 back-to-back fifty-plus scores in 2012 and replicated the same in 2014 and 2018. Rohit achieved the elusive feat in 2018 as well whereas current white-ball vice-captain&nbsp;Rahul has attained&nbsp;the&nbsp;milestone twice - in 2020 and 2021. For the unversed, Iyer and Kohli are the only 2 Indian batsmen to score 3 back-to-back half-centuries in a series.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-beat-sri-lanka-in-3rd-t20i-to-clinch-series-3-0-equal-record-for-most-t20i-wins-on-the-trot-457228">India beat Sri Lanka in 3rd T20I to clinch series 3-0, equal record for most T20I wins on the trot</a>

After the series, Iyer said at the post-match presentation, "All three knocks were special, but yesterday's - coming in at a crucial moment, I'd pick that. Only require one ball to get into form as long as you're keeping your eyes on the ball and playing it on its merit. The wicket was little two paced today compared to yesterday. Was playing on the merit. Outfield is so fast, just had to hit gaps. Been a rollercoster journey after my injury. Real test of you is during rehab sessions."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mayank-agarwal-wins-captaincy-race-to-be-named-punjab-kings-skipper-ahead-of-ipl-2022-457319">Mayank Agarwal wins captaincy race to be named Punjab Kings' skipper ahead of IPL 2022</a>

The focus will now shift to the India-Sri Lanka two-match Test series, which will get underway on March 04. The first Test will be held in Mohali, behind closed doors, whereas Bengaluru will host the second and final encounter -- with 50% crowd -- from March 12-16.

Shreyas Iyer had a dream run in the just-concluded India-Sri Lanka T20Is at home. The right-hander stood tall against the Sri Lankans in all three games and ended the series with scores of 57* (28), 74* (44) and 73* (45) to remain unbeaten throughout the three-match series and walk away with the Player-of-the-Match and the Player-of-the-Series award.

Shreyas Iyer had a dream run in the just-concluded India-Sri Lanka T20Is at home. The right-hander stood tall against the Sri Lankans in all three games and ended the series with scores of 57* (28), 74* (44) and 73* (45) to remain unbeaten throughout the three-match series and walk away with the Player-of-the-Match and the Player-of-the-Series award. In a modest 147-run chase in the third and final encounter, Iyer came out in the middle at 6-1 and remained unbeaten on 73, studded with 9 fours and a six at a strike rate of 162.22. Courtesy his memorable run versus the Islanders, Iyer joined Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul in an elite feat. He is now one of the four Indian batters to score 3 consecutive half-centuries in the shortest format. The former captain Kohli was the first Indian to achieve this milestone. He had first hit 3 back-to-back fifty-plus scores in 2012 and replicated the same in 2014 and 2018. Rohit achieved the elusive feat in 2018 as well whereas current white-ball vice-captain Rahul has attained the milestone twice - in 2020 and 2021. For the unversed, Iyer and Kohli are the only 2 Indian batsmen to score 3 back-to-back half-centuries in a series. ALSO READ | India beat Sri Lanka in 3rd T20I to clinch series 3-0, equal record for most T20I wins on the trot After the series, Iyer said at the post-match presentation, "All three knocks were special, but yesterday's - coming in at a crucial moment, I'd pick that. Only require one ball to get into form as long as you're keeping your eyes on the ball and playing it on its merit. The wicket was little two paced today compared to yesterday. Was playing on the merit. Outfield is so fast, just had to hit gaps. Been a rollercoster journey after my injury. Real test of you is during rehab sessions." ALSO READ | Mayank Agarwal wins captaincy race to be named Punjab Kings' skipper ahead of IPL 2022 The focus will now shift to the India-Sri Lanka two-match Test series, which will get underway on March 04. The first Test will be held in Mohali, behind closed doors, whereas Bengaluru will host the second and final encounter -- with 50% crowd -- from March 12-16.

Shreyas Iyer joins Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul in elite list after dream run in Sri Lanka T20Is

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has reacted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s decision to conduct Virat Kohli's 100th Test match for India behind closed doors in Mohali. The first Test of the upcoming two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka in Mohali will be Kohli's 100th for the national side.

The first Test between the two sides is scheduled to get underway from March 04. While it will be a special occasion for Kohli, who is regarded as one of the best batters of the present era, BCCI's decision to not allow fans for the game has invited criticism from fans, who believe Kohli deserved to play his 100th Test in front of a crowd in Mohali.

Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) treasurer RP Singla on Saturday confirmed that fans will not be allowed inside the stadium for Kohli's milestone Test appearance. He informed that the decision was taken after a directive from the BCCI. While fans had expected better arrangements for Kohli's 100th Test, the former India captain will now make his 100th appearance in whites behind closed doors.

Gavaskar said it was disappointing to not have fans in the stadium for Kohli's 100th Test for India but insisted that the decision by the BCCI was taken in greater interest considering the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in and around the city.

"Any game that you play, you want the crowd to be there. India has played without any crowds in recent times. Any performer, be it an actor, be it a cricketer, wants to play in front of the crowd. The 100th Test is very very special. Disappointing that there is going to be no crowd, but I think the decision has been taken in the greater interest. The cases have increased in and around Mohali, where the match is going to be played," Sunil Gavaskar told Sports Today.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/trolls-are-not-real-indians-mohammed-shami-on-facing-online-abuse-after-defeat-against-pakistan-in-t20-wc-457514">Trolls are not real Indians: Md. Shami on facing online abuse after defeat against Pakistan in T20 WC</a>

While a number of series and matches have been played behind closed doors in the last couple of years, BCCI's decision of conducting Kohli's 100th Test without fans has not gone down well with the BCCI as the recently-concluded T20I series between India and Sri Lanka was played in front of fans in Lucknow and Dharamshala.

Fans were also allowed inside the stadium during the T20I series between India and West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 
&nbsp;

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has reacted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s decision to conduct Virat Kohli's 100th Test match for India behind closed doors in Mohali.

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has reacted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s decision to conduct Virat Kohli's 100th Test match for India behind closed doors in Mohali. The first Test of the upcoming two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka in Mohali will be Kohli's 100th for the national side. The first Test between the two sides is scheduled to get underway from March 04. While it will be a special occasion for Kohli, who is regarded as one of the best batters of the present era, BCCI's decision to not allow fans for the game has invited criticism from fans, who believe Kohli deserved to play his 100th Test in front of a crowd in Mohali. Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) treasurer RP Singla on Saturday confirmed that fans will not be allowed inside the stadium for Kohli's milestone Test appearance. He informed that the decision was taken after a directive from the BCCI. While fans had expected better arrangements for Kohli's 100th Test, the former India captain will now make his 100th appearance in whites behind closed doors. Gavaskar said it was disappointing to not have fans in the stadium for Kohli's 100th Test for India but insisted that the decision by the BCCI was taken in greater interest considering the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in and around the city. "Any game that you play, you want the crowd to be there. India has played without any crowds in recent times. Any performer, be it an actor, be it a cricketer, wants to play in front of the crowd. The 100th Test is very very special. Disappointing that there is going to be no crowd, but I think the decision has been taken in the greater interest. The cases have increased in and around Mohali, where the match is going to be played," Sunil Gavaskar told Sports Today. Also Read: Trolls are not real Indians: Md. Shami on facing online abuse after defeat against Pakistan in T20 WC While a number of series and matches have been played behind closed doors in the last couple of years, BCCI's decision of conducting Kohli's 100th Test without fans has not gone down well with the BCCI as the recently-concluded T20I series between India and Sri Lanka was played in front of fans in Lucknow and Dharamshala. Fans were also allowed inside the stadium during the T20I series between India and West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Disappointing that Virat Kohli's 100th Test will be played behind closed doors: Sunil Gavaskar

After the three T20Is, India is set to lock horns with Sri Lanka in the forthcoming two-match Test series, which gets underway on March 04. Before the commencement of the Test series, ex-Indian selector&nbsp;Devang Gandhi feels Indian cricket fans will see more of Hanuma Vihari in the playing XI with no Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.

Ahead of the series, the national selectors had dropped senior pros Pujara and Rahane along with Ishant Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha. With room in the middle and lower order, Gandhi feels Vihari 'deserves a fair run'. Gandhi also shared his batting order, which doesn't comprise in-form Shreyas Iyer.

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"Firstly, Vihari has played only one Test at home and he, above everyone, else deserves a fair run. Secondly, if you see for India and India A, he has batted at No.5 abroad but in India, he can come in at No.6 when spinners will be in operation and the 'SG Test' ball becomes relatively old." He asserted, "Vihari has a fantastic record against spinners in Ranji Trophy and that's something the team management can exploit."

“If you see our top-order, Mayank, Rohit, Shubman and Virat are all right-handers. It's better if at No.5 we have a left-hander to get the left-right combination going followed by Vihari at No.6 and Ravindra Jadeja, again a left-hander at No.7. It could be the way forward," added Gandhi.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-wondered-how-someone-could-md-shami-shares-his-first-reaction-on-seeing-pacer-jasprit-bumrah-457450">'I wondered how someone could...': Md Shami shares his first reaction on seeing pacer Jasprit Bumrah</a>

In his brief Test career, playing 13 games so far, Vihari has done reasonably well by playing some important and valuable knocks with the willow. He has also chipped in with few handy wickets and his off-spin might be a key factor in the Rohit Sharma-led Team India preferring him in the playing XI.

However, it will be very difficult for the team management to look beyond Iyer, who was the Player-of-the-Series in the SL T20Is and second highest-run getter in the India-NZ Tests last year (his maiden series in whites).

The first Test will be held behind closed doors in Mohali whereas Bengaluru will host the second and final Test with a 50% crowd capacity.

After the three T20Is, India is set to lock horns with Sri Lanka in the forthcoming two-match Test series, which gets underway on March 04. Before the commencement of the Test series, ex-Indian selector Devang Gandhi feels Indian cricket fans will see more of Hanuma Vihari in the playing XI with no Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.

After the three T20Is, India is set to lock horns with Sri Lanka in the forthcoming two-match Test series, which gets underway on March 04. Before the commencement of the Test series, ex-Indian selector Devang Gandhi feels Indian cricket fans will see more of Hanuma Vihari in the playing XI with no Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. Ahead of the series, the national selectors had dropped senior pros Pujara and Rahane along with Ishant Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha. With room in the middle and lower order, Gandhi feels Vihari 'deserves a fair run'. Gandhi also shared his batting order, which doesn't comprise in-form Shreyas Iyer. ALSO READ | Captaincy an added responsibility, Rohit Sharma should not lose focus on his batting: Ex-India selector "Firstly, Vihari has played only one Test at home and he, above everyone, else deserves a fair run. Secondly, if you see for India and India A, he has batted at No.5 abroad but in India, he can come in at No.6 when spinners will be in operation and the 'SG Test' ball becomes relatively old." He asserted, "Vihari has a fantastic record against spinners in Ranji Trophy and that's something the team management can exploit." “If you see our top-order, Mayank, Rohit, Shubman and Virat are all right-handers. It's better if at No.5 we have a left-hander to get the left-right combination going followed by Vihari at No.6 and Ravindra Jadeja, again a left-hander at No.7. It could be the way forward," added Gandhi. ALSO READ | 'I wondered how someone could...': Md Shami shares his first reaction on seeing pacer Jasprit Bumrah In his brief Test career, playing 13 games so far, Vihari has done reasonably well by playing some important and valuable knocks with the willow. He has also chipped in with few handy wickets and his off-spin might be a key factor in the Rohit Sharma-led Team India preferring him in the playing XI. However, it will be very difficult for the team management to look beyond Iyer, who was the Player-of-the-Series in the SL T20Is and second highest-run getter in the India-NZ Tests last year (his maiden series in whites). The first Test will be held behind closed doors in Mohali whereas Bengaluru will host the second and final Test with a 50% crowd capacity.

Ex-Indian selector explains why Hanuma Vihari deserves a fair run in Tests after Pujara, Rahane snub