Rohit Sharma-led team India is set to give a tough fight to their arch-rivals Pakistan in the&nbsp;Super Fours clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

Previously, India produced a stunning show&nbsp;to defeat Pakistan by eight wickets in the Group match of the same tournament.

After the India-Pak clash, India produced another clinical performance against Bangladesh and marked an easy victory in the opening Super Four match.

India will look to maintain the same momentum while Pakistan will be looking to improve their game after a massive scare against Afghanistan in their previous match which they won in the a last over finish.

The batting line-up of Pakistan especially the opening batsmen have been struggling so far in the series, however, the veteran Shoaib Malik has proved his mettle by playing responsible innings in previous crucial matches. He scored 43 against India and an unbeaten 51 against Afghanistan.

For India, both bowling and batting departments have chipped&nbsp;in to guide the team towards the victory. Special mention to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who made a comeback to the team, also dished out a splendid performance to rip through Bangladesh's batting line-up with a four-wicket haul.

Pakistan will be looking to put aside their disappointing performance against India in the last match and giving the Men in Blue a tough competition.

Here is the playing XI (TBC):&nbsp;

India:&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah.

Pakistan:&nbsp;Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Sarfraz Ahmed (c and wk), Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Usman Khan.

Rohit Sharma-led team India is set to give a tough fight to their arch-rivals Pakistan in the Super Fours clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Previously, India produced a stunning show to defeat Pakistan by eight wickets in the Group match of the same tournament.

Rohit Sharma-led team India is set to give a tough fight to their arch-rivals Pakistan in the Super Fours clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Previously, India produced a stunning show to defeat Pakistan by eight wickets in the Group match of the same tournament. After the India-Pak clash, India produced another clinical performance against Bangladesh and marked an easy victory in the opening Super Four match. India will look to maintain the same momentum while Pakistan will be looking to improve their game after a massive scare against Afghanistan in their previous match which they won in the a last over finish. The batting line-up of Pakistan especially the opening batsmen have been struggling so far in the series, however, the veteran Shoaib Malik has proved his mettle by playing responsible innings in previous crucial matches. He scored 43 against India and an unbeaten 51 against Afghanistan. For India, both bowling and batting departments have chipped in to guide the team towards the victory. Special mention to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who made a comeback to the team, also dished out a splendid performance to rip through Bangladesh's batting line-up with a four-wicket haul. Pakistan will be looking to put aside their disappointing performance against India in the last match and giving the Men in Blue a tough competition. Here is the playing XI (TBC): India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah. Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Sarfraz Ahmed (c and wk), Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Usman Khan.

Who will win? It's India vs Pakistan once again at Asia Cup 2018

India left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja could not have envisaged a better comeback on his return to international limited-overs cricket, shrugging off a 14-month absence by taking four wickets against Bangladesh in an Asia Cup triumph on Friday.

The 29-year-old is a regular in the Test side, particularly on home soil, but last played a one-dayer against West Indies in July 2017 and had been overlooked for white-ball cricket since.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who topped the world rankings for Test bowlers alongside Jadeja last year, has suffered a similar fate in short-form cricket due to the success of wrist-spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav.

"During my earlier comebacks the gap was never so long. I will always remember this comeback because I returned to the team after a gap of almost 480 days," Jadeja said after being named man of the match following his 4-29 display.

"I was playing only Tests but the last two-three series were away and I was not getting many opportunities. I was telling myself that my job is to perform whenever I get an opportunity.

"That's what is in my control and that's how I was motivating myself. I was thinking how I can improve my game in away conditions."

Jadeja's heroics with the ball helped India restrict Bangladesh to 173 and they chased down the target with 82 balls and seven wickets to spare with stand-in captain Rohit Sharma remaining unbeaten on 83.

With India on a run of overseas Tests in which they generally employ a lone spinner, opportunities had dried up for Jadeja, who is also a brilliant fielder and more-than-capable lower-order batsman.

Late call-up

He was a non-playing member of the touring party for three Tests in South Africa in January, waiting until Afghanistan's inaugural Test against India in June for his next appearance.

Jadeja also warmed the bench in England for the first four Tests before being included in the fifth and final match earlier this month. He made an unbeaten 86 in the first innings and took seven wickets as India lost by 118 runs in a 4-1 series defeat.

He was then a late call-up to the Asia Cup squad after all-rounder Hardik Pandya was injured against Pakistan and left-arm spinner Axar Patel hurt his finger during practice.

"I got confidence from the last Test against England," Jadeja said. "I was playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy (domestic 50-over competition) in Delhi and got a call for the one-dayers.

"I didn't know what was going on here. I was very happy to get a call from the selectors, who asked me to be ready to go to Dubai."

The 50-over World Cup is barely nine months away but Jadeja is not ready to look that far ahead.

"I am not thinking about the World Cup yet. We are going to play a lot of matches before that," he said. "I have to perform the way I did today whenever I get an opportunity."

India left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja could not have envisaged a better comeback on his return to international limited-overs cricket, shrugging off a 14-month absence by taking four wickets against Bangladesh in an Asia Cup triumph on Friday.

India left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja could not have envisaged a better comeback on his return to international limited-overs cricket, shrugging off a 14-month absence by taking four wickets against Bangladesh in an Asia Cup triumph on Friday. The 29-year-old is a regular in the Test side, particularly on home soil, but last played a one-dayer against West Indies in July 2017 and had been overlooked for white-ball cricket since. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who topped the world rankings for Test bowlers alongside Jadeja last year, has suffered a similar fate in short-form cricket due to the success of wrist-spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. "During my earlier comebacks the gap was never so long. I will always remember this comeback because I returned to the team after a gap of almost 480 days," Jadeja said after being named man of the match following his 4-29 display. "I was playing only Tests but the last two-three series were away and I was not getting many opportunities. I was telling myself that my job is to perform whenever I get an opportunity. "That's what is in my control and that's how I was motivating myself. I was thinking how I can improve my game in away conditions." Jadeja's heroics with the ball helped India restrict Bangladesh to 173 and they chased down the target with 82 balls and seven wickets to spare with stand-in captain Rohit Sharma remaining unbeaten on 83. With India on a run of overseas Tests in which they generally employ a lone spinner, opportunities had dried up for Jadeja, who is also a brilliant fielder and more-than-capable lower-order batsman. Late call-up He was a non-playing member of the touring party for three Tests in South Africa in January, waiting until Afghanistan's inaugural Test against India in June for his next appearance. Jadeja also warmed the bench in England for the first four Tests before being included in the fifth and final match earlier this month. He made an unbeaten 86 in the first innings and took seven wickets as India lost by 118 runs in a 4-1 series defeat. He was then a late call-up to the Asia Cup squad after all-rounder Hardik Pandya was injured against Pakistan and left-arm spinner Axar Patel hurt his finger during practice. "I got confidence from the last Test against England," Jadeja said. "I was playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy (domestic 50-over competition) in Delhi and got a call for the one-dayers. "I didn't know what was going on here. I was very happy to get a call from the selectors, who asked me to be ready to go to Dubai." The 50-over World Cup is barely nine months away but Jadeja is not ready to look that far ahead. "I am not thinking about the World Cup yet. We are going to play a lot of matches before that," he said. "I have to perform the way I did today whenever I get an opportunity."

'I got confidence from the last Test against England,' says Ravindra Jadeja

Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl against Bangladesh in the Super Four, Match 1 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Friday.&nbsp;

For India, Ravindra Jadeja has been added in the squad as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-pakistan-hardik-pandya-stretchered-off-after-sustaining-injury-166688">Hardik Pandya suffered an injury</a> and was stretchered off while playing against Pakistan on Wednesday.

Rohit Sharma took the advantage of knowing the pitch conditions by sending Bangladesh to bat first, also, it chasing is India's strength. The 31-year-old said that the pitch is quite similar Indian pitches, however, Dubai's pitches are drier.

Bangladesh brought back Mushfiqur Rahim and Mustafizur Rahman in place of Mominul Haque and Abu Hider.

Playing XI:

Bangladesh: Liton Das(w), Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman.&nbsp;

India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl against Bangladesh in the Super Four, Match 1 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Friday. For India, Ravindra Jadeja has been added in the squad as Hardik Pandya suffered an injury and was stretchered off while playing against Pakistan on Wednesday.

Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl against Bangladesh in the Super Four, Match 1 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Friday. For India, Ravindra Jadeja has been added in the squad as Hardik Pandya suffered an injury and was stretchered off while playing against Pakistan on Wednesday. Rohit Sharma took the advantage of knowing the pitch conditions by sending Bangladesh to bat first, also, it chasing is India's strength. The 31-year-old said that the pitch is quite similar Indian pitches, however, Dubai's pitches are drier. Bangladesh brought back Mushfiqur Rahim and Mustafizur Rahman in place of Mominul Haque and Abu Hider. Playing XI: Bangladesh: Liton Das(w), Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman. India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Asia Cup 2018: Rohit Sharma opts to field against Bangladesh in Super Four, Match 1

Rahul Dravid, the last captain to lead India to a series win in England, says the current side faced unusually tough conditions in the recently concluded five-match rubber and the batsmen must prepare better before embarking on the next English tour.&nbsp;

"Let's just be honest first. The conditions in England were not easy for batting. I think batsmen of both teams struggled. If you take out Virat Kohli from the equation, it was not an easy series for the batsmen. I have played in England quite a bit, the conditions can be tough but it is rare to find five Test matches which had conditions as tough as the one they found," Dravid said in response to a PTI query here on Friday.&nbsp;

"As I said, we need to look ahead. The next time we go there, we have to be better prepared for these kind of conditions and try and replicate conditions as best as we possibly we can. It was tough out there. Lets face it," said the Indian batting great at the launch of Manipal Hospitals' first branch in the national capital.&nbsp;

After guiding India to their first series win in England since 1986, Dravid stood out amongst the Indian batsmen on the tour four years later in 2011, scoring three hundreds even though the side was handed a 0-4 hammering by the hosts.&nbsp;

The most recent 1-4 series loss in England was India's third in a row with batsmen letting the team down innings after innings.&nbsp;

The performance left the Indian fans seething, and coach Ravi Shastri added fuel to the fire by calling the current team the best travelling side of the last 15-20 years, even though the results painted a different picture. India's lack of preparation ahead of the series was also heavily criticised.&nbsp;

Dravid, however, did not read much into Shastri's remark.&nbsp;

"I think the whole thing was a little bit blown out of proportion. I am not really interested in commenting on what Mr Shastri feels or he doesn't feel. For me the main thing is what have we learnt from this series?&nbsp;

"What are the lessons that we need to take forward next time we go there? It doesn't matter whether we are the best or not. These are irrelevant things for me," said the 45-year-old, who has 13,288 Test runs to his name.&nbsp;

"Tours like England happens once in three or four years and players who have been part of the series and even the coaching staff, they will be disappointed after losing because you never know what happens in four years time. We really had a good team this time, the bowling was exceptional but it still did not work out," said Dravid, who is now coaching India U-19 and A team.&nbsp;

He said India losing 1-4 was a case of missed opportunity.&nbsp;

"India surely had their moments. They played some very good cricket in what I thought were pretty difficult conditions, especially for the batsmen. They were competitive for the most part of the series but I am sure the team looks at it as an opportunity missed. They would feel, having played so well in certain parts of Test matches, they were not able to finish off games.&nbsp;

"Still there are some positives to take from the series. Our bowling and fielding, especially catching, went on very good but like I said the team would feel it had its chances and unfortunately it did not work out."

Talking about the ongoing Asia Cup in UAE, Dravid said India need to focus on all teams and not just Pakistan.&nbsp;

"Afghanistan is doing well, I don't know why we are only focusing on Pakistan. Bangladesh too are doing well. Afghanistan also are a force to reckon with. If I was in the team I would not just be focusing on Pakistan. We are playing very good white ball cricket but we have to be careful of other teams too," Dravid concluded.

Rahul Dravid, the last captain to lead India to a series win in England, says the current side faced unusually tough conditions in the recently concluded five-match rubber and the batsmen must prepare better before embarking on the next English tour.

Rahul Dravid, the last captain to lead India to a series win in England, says the current side faced unusually tough conditions in the recently concluded five-match rubber and the batsmen must prepare better before embarking on the next English tour. "Let's just be honest first. The conditions in England were not easy for batting. I think batsmen of both teams struggled. If you take out Virat Kohli from the equation, it was not an easy series for the batsmen. I have played in England quite a bit, the conditions can be tough but it is rare to find five Test matches which had conditions as tough as the one they found," Dravid said in response to a PTI query here on Friday. "As I said, we need to look ahead. The next time we go there, we have to be better prepared for these kind of conditions and try and replicate conditions as best as we possibly we can. It was tough out there. Lets face it," said the Indian batting great at the launch of Manipal Hospitals' first branch in the national capital. After guiding India to their first series win in England since 1986, Dravid stood out amongst the Indian batsmen on the tour four years later in 2011, scoring three hundreds even though the side was handed a 0-4 hammering by the hosts. The most recent 1-4 series loss in England was India's third in a row with batsmen letting the team down innings after innings. The performance left the Indian fans seething, and coach Ravi Shastri added fuel to the fire by calling the current team the best travelling side of the last 15-20 years, even though the results painted a different picture. India's lack of preparation ahead of the series was also heavily criticised. Dravid, however, did not read much into Shastri's remark. "I think the whole thing was a little bit blown out of proportion. I am not really interested in commenting on what Mr Shastri feels or he doesn't feel. For me the main thing is what have we learnt from this series? "What are the lessons that we need to take forward next time we go there? It doesn't matter whether we are the best or not. These are irrelevant things for me," said the 45-year-old, who has 13,288 Test runs to his name. "Tours like England happens once in three or four years and players who have been part of the series and even the coaching staff, they will be disappointed after losing because you never know what happens in four years time. We really had a good team this time, the bowling was exceptional but it still did not work out," said Dravid, who is now coaching India U-19 and A team. He said India losing 1-4 was a case of missed opportunity. "India surely had their moments. They played some very good cricket in what I thought were pretty difficult conditions, especially for the batsmen. They were competitive for the most part of the series but I am sure the team looks at it as an opportunity missed. They would feel, having played so well in certain parts of Test matches, they were not able to finish off games. "Still there are some positives to take from the series. Our bowling and fielding, especially catching, went on very good but like I said the team would feel it had its chances and unfortunately it did not work out." Talking about the ongoing Asia Cup in UAE, Dravid said India need to focus on all teams and not just Pakistan. "Afghanistan is doing well, I don't know why we are only focusing on Pakistan. Bangladesh too are doing well. Afghanistan also are a force to reckon with. If I was in the team I would not just be focusing on Pakistan. We are playing very good white ball cricket but we have to be careful of other teams too," Dravid concluded.

Batsmen have to be better prepared when they go to England next time: Rahul Dravid

Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl against Bangladesh in the Super Four, Match 1 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Friday.&nbsp;

For India, Ravindra Jadeja has been added in the squad as Hardik Pandya suffered an injury and was stretchered off while playing against Pakistan on Wednessday.

Rohit Sharma took the advantage of knowing the pitch conditions by sending Bangladesh to bat first, also, it chasing is India's strength. The 31-year-old said that the pitch is quite similar Indian pitches, however, Dubai's pitches are drier.

Playing XI:

Bangladesh: Liton Das(w), Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman.&nbsp;

India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl against Bangladesh in the Super Four, Match 1 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Friday. For India, Ravindra Jadeja has been added in the squad as Hardik Pandya suffered an injury and was stretchered off while playing against Pakistan on Wednessday.

Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl against Bangladesh in the Super Four, Match 1 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Friday. For India, Ravindra Jadeja has been added in the squad as Hardik Pandya suffered an injury and was stretchered off while playing against Pakistan on Wednessday. Rohit Sharma took the advantage of knowing the pitch conditions by sending Bangladesh to bat first, also, it chasing is India's strength. The 31-year-old said that the pitch is quite similar Indian pitches, however, Dubai's pitches are drier. Playing XI: Bangladesh: Liton Das(w), Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman. India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal.

If there’s one celebrity couple in India that doesn’t shy from professing their fondness and love for one another in public then its Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma.&nbsp;

Caught training together, Virat posted a fun video of himself and pretty wife Anushka as she was seen giving her all on the treadmill. Virat introduced Anushka to the frame as his gym buddy and complimented her on having more stamina than him -- in terms of doing cardio. Anushka meanwhile kept her speed on the treadmill and smiled for the camera.&nbsp;

Virat on the video said, “Training together makes it even better. So guys doing another session of strength and mobility and look who I have with me. Working out like a boss. Having fun in the gym and she’s killing it- going on and on and on. She can do more cardio than me.” To this Anushka blushed and said, “Rubbish.”

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjr8XOfnbPo/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Training together makes it even better! ♥️♥️♥️ @anushkasharma</a>

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Virat was busy with the Indian Premier League matches for the whole month. Anushka was spotted on several occasions, motivating him from the stands.&nbsp;

Anushka returned just yesterday from the&nbsp;USA as she was busy shooting for Shah Rukh Khan’s Zero.&nbsp;

The couple tied the knot in December last year.

If there’s one celebrity couple in India that doesn’t shy from professing their fondness and love for one another in public then its Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. Caught training together, Virat posted a fun video of himself and pretty wife Anushka as she was seen giving her all on the treadmill. Virat introduced Anushka to the frame as his gym buddy and complimented her on having more stamina than him -- in terms of doing cardio. Anushka meanwhile kept her speed on the treadmill and smiled for the camera. Virat on the video said, “Training together makes it even better. So guys doing another session of strength and mobility and look who I have with me. Working out like a boss. Having fun in the gym and she’s killing it- going on and on and on. She can do more cardio than me.” To this Anushka blushed and said, “Rubbish.” Watch the video here: Training together makes it even better! ♥️♥️♥️ @anushkasharma A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) on Jun 6, 2018 at 7:35am PDT × Virat was busy with the Indian Premier League matches for the whole month. Anushka was spotted on several occasions, motivating him from the stands. Anushka returned just yesterday from the USA as she was busy shooting for Shah Rukh Khan’s Zero.

Watch: Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma train hard as they make for perfect workout buddies

Twenty third March 2007 is one of the most forgettable days for the Indian Cricket. On this day India lost out to Sri Lanka in 2007 World Cup and crashed out of tournament even before going into last eight.

But I always remember this day in regard to MS Dhoni. Dejected and down, I was discussing the match with my cricket freak friend.

"Will we ever see another 25th June 1983 in our lifetime?" I asked. My friend quipped, out of nowhere "Rest assured, Dhoni will bring many such moments for you in days to come."

No doubt that even by March 2007, MSD had proved his credentials but still comment of my friend was bit intriguing because during that match against Sri Lanka, Dhoni was out for a first ball duck and was at the centre of anger of fans.

Dhoni took just six months to vindicate my friend when under his captaincy India won T-20 World Cup in September 2007. The same Ranchi crowd who pelted his house six months back after the World Cup debacle was garlanding him.

In next six years, Dhoni achieved everything which he could have dreamt – ICC Cricket World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy and top ICC Test ranking.

Now, let's switch over the discussion to the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League. After half the tournament is over, what are the key takeaways?

The first takeaway is that Gambhir, Yuvraj and Raina now don't have anything to offer and their prospects for national duty are now zilch.&nbsp

Second is that Ambati Rayadu can be a suitable option for number four position in India's One Day International squad.

The third is that youngsters like Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill are good future prospects.

But the most important takeaway from IPL-2018 so far is that MS Dhoni is still a force to reckon with.

Those who were sceptical about credentials and about his place in the Indian playing eleven must have changed their opinion.

Over the past 12-13 years, apart from being a mercurial captain, Dhoni has been one of the finest finishers of the game of all times.&nbsp

During an outstanding career, Dhoni created a sort of cult around him. His memorable six over the long-on that finished the final of 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup remains one of the defining moments of Indian cricket.

MSD is a man of strong conviction. When he announced his retirement from Test in early 2015, it was surprising. When India crashed out of 2015 Cricket World Cup, many believe that it is perhaps the end of Dhoni as well. But Dhoni had other ideas. He very well knows his strengths.

Of late during the past couple of years, fraternity started believing that Dhoni magic was waning. His finishing touch had lost and he was taking so many balls to get off the block. This is typical Dhoni's template.

He would cautiously take the innings to the end and then he would provide the massive final blow to seal things. In recent months though, this style of Dhoni failed at few occasions and fans were frowning.

But this IPL, it is a rejuvenated Dhoni. The typical Mahi mojo is back, with a bang. He is finishing the match for his side and the main difference is that he has seemed to have regained the knack of getting off the block without wasting many deliveries.

As ICC World Cup is around 13 months away, the new Dhoni is refreshing news for Indian cricket and he can again play a role of wonderful finisher down the order to the batting line-up, which has likes of Kohli and Rohit Sharma at the top.

Dhoni still has the lot to deliver for Indian cricket. Come 2019, maybe Dhoni will once again prove my friend correct and he play a vital role in bringing yet another proud moment for the Indian fans.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

As ICC World Cup is around 13 months away, the new Dhoni is refreshing news for Indian cricket and he can again play a role of wonderful finisher down the order to the batting line-up

Twenty third March 2007 is one of the most forgettable days for the Indian Cricket. On this day India lost out to Sri Lanka in 2007 World Cup and crashed out of tournament even before going into last eight. But I always remember this day in regard to MS Dhoni. Dejected and down, I was discussing the match with my cricket freak friend. "Will we ever see another 25th June 1983 in our lifetime?" I asked. My friend quipped, out of nowhere "Rest assured, Dhoni will bring many such moments for you in days to come." No doubt that even by March 2007, MSD had proved his credentials but still comment of my friend was bit intriguing because during that match against Sri Lanka, Dhoni was out for a first ball duck and was at the centre of anger of fans. Dhoni took just six months to vindicate my friend when under his captaincy India won T-20 World Cup in September 2007. The same Ranchi crowd who pelted his house six months back after the World Cup debacle was garlanding him. In next six years, Dhoni achieved everything which he could have dreamt – ICC Cricket World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy and top ICC Test ranking. Now, let's switch over the discussion to the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League. After half the tournament is over, what are the key takeaways? The first takeaway is that Gambhir, Yuvraj and Raina now don't have anything to offer and their prospects for national duty are now zilch. Second is that Ambati Rayadu can be a suitable option for number four position in India's One Day International squad. The third is that youngsters like Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill are good future prospects. But the most important takeaway from IPL-2018 so far is that MS Dhoni is still a force to reckon with. Those who were sceptical about credentials and about his place in the Indian playing eleven must have changed their opinion. Over the past 12-13 years, apart from being a mercurial captain, Dhoni has been one of the finest finishers of the game of all times. During an outstanding career, Dhoni created a sort of cult around him. His memorable six over the long-on that finished the final of 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup remains one of the defining moments of Indian cricket. MSD is a man of strong conviction. When he announced his retirement from Test in early 2015, it was surprising. When India crashed out of 2015 Cricket World Cup, many believe that it is perhaps the end of Dhoni as well. But Dhoni had other ideas. He very well knows his strengths. Of late during the past couple of years, fraternity started believing that Dhoni magic was waning. His finishing touch had lost and he was taking so many balls to get off the block. This is typical Dhoni's template. He would cautiously take the innings to the end and then he would provide the massive final blow to seal things. In recent months though, this style of Dhoni failed at few occasions and fans were frowning. But this IPL, it is a rejuvenated Dhoni. The typical Mahi mojo is back, with a bang. He is finishing the match for his side and the main difference is that he has seemed to have regained the knack of getting off the block without wasting many deliveries. As ICC World Cup is around 13 months away, the new Dhoni is refreshing news for Indian cricket and he can again play a role of wonderful finisher down the order to the batting line-up, which has likes of Kohli and Rohit Sharma at the top. Dhoni still has the lot to deliver for Indian cricket. Come 2019, maybe Dhoni will once again prove my friend correct and he play a vital role in bringing yet another proud moment for the Indian fans. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: MS Dhoni's return to form is major takeaway from IPL 2018

As Virat Kohli and company is gearing up for the all-important tour to England for the Test series post IPL, Kohli is a relieved man for the time being. After all he was able to salvage some pride in recent Test series in South Africa.

Last month, when India lost the second Test match at the Centurion against South Africa, Kohli must have told himself &#39;come what may, the series scoreline will not be 3-0&#39;. After all, the last Test of the series was slated at Johannesburg, the place which has that special bonhomie with Team India for many years. The record remained intact; India not only avoided a defeat but won the Test.

India has never lost a Test here, not even in 1992-93 and 1996-97 when otherwise there was complete decimation. At this ground, Rahul Dravid scored an epic 148 in 1996-97. But above all it&#39;s here in 2007 that India won inaugural T-20 World Cup and MS Dhoni embarked upon a journey to superstardom.

But this is not new, in cricket special relationships between teams/players and grounds have been around since ages, albeit most of the time they are inexplicable.

Have a look at few of such unique relationships.

During Sunil Gavaskar&#39;s debut series in 1971-72, India played two Test matches at Port of Spain. In four innings, Gavaskar scored one double century, one century and two half-centuries. Five years later at the same venue, India played two Test matches and Gavaskar scored two more centuries. So whenever there used to a Test at Port of Spain, bowlers of West Indies knew that little master would come with something special.

But even more interesting is the camaraderie between Mohd Azharuddin and Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Azhar made his debut at Kolkata in 1984-75 and scored a century on debut and his special performance at Kolkata continued after that as well. Overall, Azhar played seven Test matches at this ground and scored five centuries. Eden Gardens played a role of saviour for him. In 1993, when Azhar was under heavy scrutiny, both for his batting and captaincy, he scored a massive run-a-ball 182 in opening Test of the series with England. India won the Test as well. In 1996, Azhar scored a Test century here against South Africa in just 74 balls. The crowd went berserk when Azhar struck five boundaries in a single over of Lance Klusener.

Little do we realise that Dilip Vengsarkar has a unique record under his belt. He was first non-English batsman to score three Test centuries at the iconic Lord&#39;s. During his first three Test matches at the &#39;Mecca of Cricket&#39;, Vengsarkar scored centuries in each of them. He played his fourth and last Test at this venue in 1990 and scored a half-century.

VVS Laxman&#39;s love affair with Sydney Cricket Ground started in 1999-2000 when he played a magnum knock of 167 in a series where Indian batsmen simply capitulated against Australian pace attack. He scored centuries on his next two Test outings at this ground in 2004 and 2008.

Like Johannesburg, Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Australia has been very special for Team India. At SCG, India scored a mammoth 600 for 4 during 1985-86 and Australia somehow saved the innings defeat on last day. India was so dominating that after first day&#39;s play, India&#39;s score was 334 for 1 and first three batsmen scored centuries. In 1991-92 India lost five Test series in Australia by 4-0. The only Test they could save was the one played at Sydney. Ravi Shastri scored a double century and Sachin Tendulkar scored a century. At SCG only in 2003-04, India scored 700 plus, riding on a double century by Tendulkar and century by Laxman. It was last Test match of legendary Steve Waugh and India almost defeated Australia in this Test.

I wrap up this discussion with something very interesting. Some relationships thrive spontaneously and some don&#39;t click even after someone vies for them desperately.

Sunil Gavaskar&#39;s wife belongs to Kanpur. Gavaskar always wanted to score a Test century at Kanpur in front of his in-laws. Ironically he failed in his first eight Test outings there. It was in his ninth Test at Kanpur in 1986-87 during fag end of this career, Gavaskar could score a century there. He was a relieved man.

These tales of typical relationships are beyond explanation but they are immensely interesting. As interesting and alluring as the game of cricket itself is.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

In cricket, special relationships between teams/players and grounds have been around since ages, albeit most of the time they are inexplicable.

As Virat Kohli and company is gearing up for the all-important tour to England for the Test series post IPL, Kohli is a relieved man for the time being. After all he was able to salvage some pride in recent Test series in South Africa. Last month, when India lost the second Test match at the Centurion against South Africa, Kohli must have told himself 'come what may, the series scoreline will not be 3-0'. After all, the last Test of the series was slated at Johannesburg, the place which has that special bonhomie with Team India for many years. The record remained intact; India not only avoided a defeat but won the Test. India has never lost a Test here, not even in 1992-93 and 1996-97 when otherwise there was complete decimation. At this ground, Rahul Dravid scored an epic 148 in 1996-97. But above all it's here in 2007 that India won inaugural T-20 World Cup and MS Dhoni embarked upon a journey to superstardom. But this is not new, in cricket special relationships between teams/players and grounds have been around since ages, albeit most of the time they are inexplicable. Have a look at few of such unique relationships. During Sunil Gavaskar's debut series in 1971-72, India played two Test matches at Port of Spain. In four innings, Gavaskar scored one double century, one century and two half-centuries. Five years later at the same venue, India played two Test matches and Gavaskar scored two more centuries. So whenever there used to a Test at Port of Spain, bowlers of West Indies knew that little master would come with something special. But even more interesting is the camaraderie between Mohd Azharuddin and Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Azhar made his debut at Kolkata in 1984-75 and scored a century on debut and his special performance at Kolkata continued after that as well. Overall, Azhar played seven Test matches at this ground and scored five centuries. Eden Gardens played a role of saviour for him. In 1993, when Azhar was under heavy scrutiny, both for his batting and captaincy, he scored a massive run-a-ball 182 in opening Test of the series with England. India won the Test as well. In 1996, Azhar scored a Test century here against South Africa in just 74 balls. The crowd went berserk when Azhar struck five boundaries in a single over of Lance Klusener. Little do we realise that Dilip Vengsarkar has a unique record under his belt. He was first non-English batsman to score three Test centuries at the iconic Lord's. During his first three Test matches at the 'Mecca of Cricket', Vengsarkar scored centuries in each of them. He played his fourth and last Test at this venue in 1990 and scored a half-century. VVS Laxman's love affair with Sydney Cricket Ground started in 1999-2000 when he played a magnum knock of 167 in a series where Indian batsmen simply capitulated against Australian pace attack. He scored centuries on his next two Test outings at this ground in 2004 and 2008. Like Johannesburg, Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Australia has been very special for Team India. At SCG, India scored a mammoth 600 for 4 during 1985-86 and Australia somehow saved the innings defeat on last day. India was so dominating that after first day's play, India's score was 334 for 1 and first three batsmen scored centuries. In 1991-92 India lost five Test series in Australia by 4-0. The only Test they could save was the one played at Sydney. Ravi Shastri scored a double century and Sachin Tendulkar scored a century. At SCG only in 2003-04, India scored 700 plus, riding on a double century by Tendulkar and century by Laxman. It was last Test match of legendary Steve Waugh and India almost defeated Australia in this Test. I wrap up this discussion with something very interesting. Some relationships thrive spontaneously and some don't click even after someone vies for them desperately. Sunil Gavaskar's wife belongs to Kanpur. Gavaskar always wanted to score a Test century at Kanpur in front of his in-laws. Ironically he failed in his first eight Test outings there. It was in his ninth Test at Kanpur in 1986-87 during fag end of this career, Gavaskar could score a century there. He was a relieved man. These tales of typical relationships are beyond explanation but they are immensely interesting. As interesting and alluring as the game of cricket itself is. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: The special bonds between cricket players, grounds and teams

Former Indian cricketer, Venkatesh Prasad has stepped down as the Chairman of the Indian Cricket team&#39;s junior selection committee. The Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI) announced the same on Friday.

Acting BCCI President CK Khanna also confirmed his resignation. Prasad&#39;s resignation comes within a month of the Indian Under-19 team lifting the World Cup.&nbsp;

The reason behind Prasad&#39;s resignation is not yet clear and has not been officially communicated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

The reason behind Prasad's resignation is not yet clear and has not been officially communicated

Former Indian cricketer, Venkatesh Prasad has stepped down as the Chairman of the Indian Cricket team's junior selection committee. The Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI) announced the same on Friday. Acting BCCI President CK Khanna also confirmed his resignation. Prasad's resignation comes within a month of the Indian Under-19 team lifting the World Cup. The reason behind Prasad's resignation is not yet clear and has not been officially communicated. (With inputs from ANI)

Venkatesh Prasad steps down as Chairman of U-19 selection committee

Newly-married couple Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma can&#39;t seem to get enough of each other.&nbsp;

The Indian cricket team captain Kohli took to Instagram on&nbsp;February 20 to share an adorable photo of himself with his loved one. Posing in front of a wall with a graffiti of a couple kissing each other, Kohli seems to be busy doing the same.&nbsp;

He captioned the post:&nbsp; &quot;My one and only.&quot;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BfaVLXNAXeq/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">My one and only! &hearts;️????&hearts;️</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/virat.kohli/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Virat Kohli</a> (@virat.kohli) on <time datetime="2018-02-20T08:14:46+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 20, 2018 at 12:14am PST</time>
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Anushka Sharma is currently busy shooting for Sui Dhagga - Made in India with Varun Dhawan in an unusual pairing.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Kohli is flying high on the success of India vs South Africa match series. During a match when Kohli was unstoppable, Sharma posted a couple of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-in-photos-anushka-sharma-cant-get-over-husband-virat-kohlis-33rd-odi-century-31589" target="_blank">Instagram stories</a> professing her love for her husband.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-gives-credit-to-wife-anushka-for-his-performance-33118" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;Virat Kohli gives credit to wife Anushka for his performance</a> 
&nbsp; 
The two tied the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-watch-timeline-of-virat-and-anushkas-love-story-26531" target="_blank"> knot </a>in Tuscany, Italy on December 11, 2017.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Virat Kohli got married to Anushka Sharma in a private ceremony in Tuscany, Italy last year

Newly-married couple Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma can't seem to get enough of each other. The Indian cricket team captain Kohli took to Instagram on February 20 to share an adorable photo of himself with his loved one. Posing in front of a wall with a graffiti of a couple kissing each other, Kohli seems to be busy doing the same. He captioned the post: "My one and only." My one and only! ♥️????♥️ A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) on Feb 20, 2018 at 12:14am PST × Anushka Sharma is currently busy shooting for Sui Dhagga - Made in India with Varun Dhawan in an unusual pairing. Meanwhile, Kohli is flying high on the success of India vs South Africa match series. During a match when Kohli was unstoppable, Sharma posted a couple of Instagram stories professing her love for her husband. Also Read: Virat Kohli gives credit to wife Anushka for his performance The two tied the knot in Tuscany, Italy on December 11, 2017.

In Photo: Virat Kohli shares a passionate kiss with his one and only!

How would you rate the performance of a team who has defeated the number two ODI team in ICC ranking, in back to back matches by the massive margins of 9 wickets and 124 runs?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

I can only describe it as insane.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

But this is what men in blue have just done during the 2nd&nbsp;and 3rd&nbsp;ODIs of the current ODI series.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Once Pakistan&rsquo;s Cricket legend Imran Khan said that captain should rely on strong points of his side with conviction and should go for full throttle attack.

&nbsp;

So when Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal were running through the South African batting line-up during the second and third ODIs against South Africa, what Imran said was simply holding true. Both of these spinners claimed sixteen wickets between them during these two matches and India simply decimated the 2nd&nbsp;ranked team South Africa in back to back matches. India&rsquo;s proven strength in spin bowling played its part to perfection yet again and Kohli simple unleashed them to hunt South Africans.

&nbsp;

After the 2nd&nbsp;ODI, Indian Captain Virat Kohli himself came up with the rave compliment for the performance of the Indian spinners. According to Kohli, Chahal and Kuldeep can generate a turn on any surface. If Kohli thinks so, then the moot question here is why spinners were not in much of action during the Test series, notwithstanding that series was played on pacer-friendly tracks.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There is a specific case here for Kuldeep Yadav. People was bit surprised when Kuldeep was not selected for the Test series against South Africa. So, Kohli&rsquo;s statement endorses the fact that Kuldeep deserved a place in Test playing eleven. Being a left-arm chinaman bowler, Kuldeep brings a certain x-factor and surprise element on the table. He had a wonderful Test debut last year. Before the Test squad for the series against South Africa was selected, Rahul Dravid opined that India should use unorthodox style embedded in Kuldeep&#39;s&nbsp;bowling to its advantage.

&nbsp;

But let&rsquo;s park Kuldeep&#39;s exclusion from the Test squad for the time being; the performance of Chahal and Kuldeep suggests that perhaps Kohli missed the trick in utilising available spinners during the last two Test matches. Particularly, Kohli erred in leaving Jadeja out from playing eleven during the second Test. Kohli even overlooked the fact that during the last tour in 2014, Jadeja had a six wickets haul in a Test in South Africa.&nbsp;In the last Test match as well, Kohli went for five fast bowlers and one of them (Hardik) hardly bowled.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Chahal has been consistently&nbsp;performing&nbsp;well in the ODIs. He struck to fame with his&nbsp;very successful stint with the RCB in the IPL.&nbsp;Chahal has been proving his credentials in the ODI and the T-20 time and again. Last year in a T-20 match, Chahal claimed an amazing six wickets haul. His 38 wickets in 20 ODIs with an economy rate of 4.58 speaks about Chahal&rsquo;s ability to claim wickets and at the same time keeping the run-scoring in control. He doesn&rsquo;t give much air and bowls rather flat but he is spot on with his length and line and generate good turn.

&nbsp;

Kuldeep Yadav has earned his place in the national side with his hard work. So far in ODI series, he has bowled beautifully, gave nice flight to balls, pitched them right and moreover disguised his wrong ones (googlies) quite impeccably.

&nbsp;

With such form of the Indian team, Kuldeep and Chahal in particular, and with a depleted South African side (ABD, du Plessis and de Kock are out due to injuries), India stands a clear chance of sweeping the ODI series with a huge margin. Not be surprised if the ODI series ends up with a scoreline of 6-0.

&nbsp;

The narrative which India has reversed after losing first two Tests reached its zenith by this 3rd&nbsp;ODI and Chahal and Kuldeep are the men of the moment.

&nbsp;

In all probability, Chahal and Kuldeep are set to play a big role for their side in the World Cup next year. Being wrist spinners, both of them have displayed an uncanny ability to bowl effectively on tracks, which are not necessarily spinner&rsquo;s friendly. Both of them would be players to watch in England during ICC World Cup 2019.

&nbsp;

And yes, how interesting it is, India has two world-class finger spinners in form of Ashwin and Jadeja for the Test matches and two demolition men, two wrist spinners Chahal and Kuldeep to unleash havoc in ODIs.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India’s proven strength in spin bowling played its part to perfection yet again and Kohli simple unleashed them to hunt South Africans.

How would you rate the performance of a team who has defeated the number two ODI team in ICC ranking, in back to back matches by the massive margins of 9 wickets and 124 runs? I can only describe it as insane. But this is what men in blue have just done during the 2nd and 3rd ODIs of the current ODI series. Once Pakistan’s Cricket legend Imran Khan said that captain should rely on strong points of his side with conviction and should go for full throttle attack. So when Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal were running through the South African batting line-up during the second and third ODIs against South Africa, what Imran said was simply holding true. Both of these spinners claimed sixteen wickets between them during these two matches and India simply decimated the 2nd ranked team South Africa in back to back matches. India’s proven strength in spin bowling played its part to perfection yet again and Kohli simple unleashed them to hunt South Africans. After the 2nd ODI, Indian Captain Virat Kohli himself came up with the rave compliment for the performance of the Indian spinners. According to Kohli, Chahal and Kuldeep can generate a turn on any surface. If Kohli thinks so, then the moot question here is why spinners were not in much of action during the Test series, notwithstanding that series was played on pacer-friendly tracks. There is a specific case here for Kuldeep Yadav. People was bit surprised when Kuldeep was not selected for the Test series against South Africa. So, Kohli’s statement endorses the fact that Kuldeep deserved a place in Test playing eleven. Being a left-arm chinaman bowler, Kuldeep brings a certain x-factor and surprise element on the table. He had a wonderful Test debut last year. Before the Test squad for the series against South Africa was selected, Rahul Dravid opined that India should use unorthodox style embedded in Kuldeep's bowling to its advantage. But let’s park Kuldeep's exclusion from the Test squad for the time being; the performance of Chahal and Kuldeep suggests that perhaps Kohli missed the trick in utilising available spinners during the last two Test matches. Particularly, Kohli erred in leaving Jadeja out from playing eleven during the second Test. Kohli even overlooked the fact that during the last tour in 2014, Jadeja had a six wickets haul in a Test in South Africa. In the last Test match as well, Kohli went for five fast bowlers and one of them (Hardik) hardly bowled. Chahal has been consistently performing well in the ODIs. He struck to fame with his very successful stint with the RCB in the IPL. Chahal has been proving his credentials in the ODI and the T-20 time and again. Last year in a T-20 match, Chahal claimed an amazing six wickets haul. His 38 wickets in 20 ODIs with an economy rate of 4.58 speaks about Chahal’s ability to claim wickets and at the same time keeping the run-scoring in control. He doesn’t give much air and bowls rather flat but he is spot on with his length and line and generate good turn. Kuldeep Yadav has earned his place in the national side with his hard work. So far in ODI series, he has bowled beautifully, gave nice flight to balls, pitched them right and moreover disguised his wrong ones (googlies) quite impeccably. With such form of the Indian team, Kuldeep and Chahal in particular, and with a depleted South African side (ABD, du Plessis and de Kock are out due to injuries), India stands a clear chance of sweeping the ODI series with a huge margin. Not be surprised if the ODI series ends up with a scoreline of 6-0. The narrative which India has reversed after losing first two Tests reached its zenith by this 3rd ODI and Chahal and Kuldeep are the men of the moment. In all probability, Chahal and Kuldeep are set to play a big role for their side in the World Cup next year. Being wrist spinners, both of them have displayed an uncanny ability to bowl effectively on tracks, which are not necessarily spinner’s friendly. Both of them would be players to watch in England during ICC World Cup 2019. And yes, how interesting it is, India has two world-class finger spinners in form of Ashwin and Jadeja for the Test matches and two demolition men, two wrist spinners Chahal and Kuldeep to unleash havoc in ODIs. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav are demolition men of Indian cricket

It was quarter-final match between India and Pakistan at Bangalore during 1996 World Cup. The atmosphere was charged up and spectators were on the ground with all sorts of banners to cheer their side. However, one banner was conspicuous with its presence and it said: &ldquo;Where is Dravid&rdquo;.&nbsp; It manifests that how dominating Rahul Dravid was in domestic Cricket by the year 1996 and his inclusion in Indian playing eleven had become so much imminent.

&nbsp;

Twenty-two years down the line when the great wall of India Rahul Dravid turns 45, I fondly recall this incident. During this time period, Dravid had not only arrived but had become one of the brightest stars and a great ambassador of the game in the whole annals of Indian Cricket.

&nbsp;

Statistics has its own tales to narrate about Rahul Dravid &ndash; that Rahul Dravid scored more than thirteen thousand Test runs &ndash; that he is highest run getter in Test Cricket for India after Sachin Tendulkar &ndash; that Dravid holds the world record of maximum nos. of catches in Test matches &ndash; that he scored with an average of fifty plus and has scored thirty-six Test Centuries &ndash; that Dravid scored Test century in each Test playing nation &ndash; that Dravid scored two Test centuries in a single Test on two different occasions &ndash; that Dravid scored four Test centuries in four consecutive innings in 2002, and many many others.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The list is long but sorry to say all these statistics are insignificant. Rahul Dravid is the bloke, whose worth and greatness cannot be gauged by these number; its way beyond.

&nbsp;

Indian Cricket can broadly be divided into two time zones, before the year 2000 and post 2000. The huge turn around in Indian Cricket started in 2000 when Sourav Ganguly took over the rein. During 2000-2005, Indian Cricket evolved to a different level altogether and one man who undisputedly and unequivocally deserves most of the credit for this process of revamping was Rahul Dravid.

&nbsp;

Dravid made his Test debut in England during the summer of 1996 (three months later his ardent followers flashed that banner at Bangalore) but the inning which showed the world what actually Dravid was, came a few months later in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was a well-crafted 148 by him against blazing Allan Donald and company. He arrived with a huge thud.

&nbsp;

Coming back to the resurgence of Indian Cricket during 2000-2005; Indian side moved up the ladder, notch by notch, step by step and Dravid played his part to perfection, propelling his side, pushing his side at each step relentlessly and with mercurial consistency.

&nbsp;

Let&rsquo;s have a quick reap of that special upward journey.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It all started in a very emphatic way by India&rsquo;s epic victory against Australia in Kolkata in March 2001. He along with Laxman built that immortal partnership which gave India one of its most famous Test victories.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Next step up the ladder was India&rsquo;s tour to England in 2002; Dravid was in the form of his life. He scored more than 600 runs in four Test matches and India won the Test in England after 16 years. Dravid scored three centuries (one of them was double).&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Next step up the ladder (or I can say a leap) was India&rsquo;s tour down under in 2003-04. At Adelaide, Dravid architected undisputedly the most famous and glorious Test victory for India. He played knocks of 233 and 72 not out. India won the Test from a situation of 85 for 4 in first innings in reply of 550 plus by Australia; a Test victory in Australia after more than two decades.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

That series was the farewell series of legendary Steve Waugh. After India&rsquo;s heroic at Adelaide, one meme went viral in email (it was not WhatsApp/facebook era). In this meme, dejected Steve Waugh and Rahul Dravid were shown together post-match, and the caption was &ldquo;Mate, you have just spoiled my retirement&rdquo;.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Next step up in ladder was India&rsquo;s tour to Pakistan in 2004.&nbsp; At Rawalpindi, Dravid scored 270 and India won the Test by a huge margin. India created history by winning Test series in Pakistan. I remember that how that Test series defeat was deeply mourned in Pakistan. The day India won Rawalpindi Test riding on a double century of Dravid, the Cricket fraternity in Pakistan tipped it as the blackest day of Pakistan&rsquo;s Cricket.

&nbsp;

To leave you spellbound, here is one data - Dravid scored more than 20% of the total run scored by India, in all Test victories under Sourav Ganguly during 2000-2005. Truly Incredible.

&nbsp;

For those who don&rsquo;t rate his ODI credentials high, India &ndash; Sri Lanka encounter in 1999 World Cup is there to rebut. The match was played at Taunton, England.&nbsp; Dravid and Sourav Ganguly built a record partnership of 318 runs for the second wicket. Dravid scored 145.&nbsp; Though in the end, Sourav with the knock of 183 took the majority of applause but this is a fact that it was Dravid who started showing aggression during the partnership and set the tone for such mammoth partnership.

&nbsp;

Taunton is home ground for Somerset County. There was a time when legendary Viv Richards and Ian Botham used to play for Somerset and this ground witnessed some superb attacking batting by them. After this India &ndash; Sri Lanka match, next day many newspapers in England wrote that the partnership between Sourav-Dravid was reminiscent of those good old days of the supremacy of Richards-Botham at this ground. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Dravid was the man of all season. Give him the task and he would be up for the grab. He kept wickets in 2003 World Cup which allow the team to include one extra batsman in the lineup. He had to open with Sehwag in Test in Pakistan in 2006, he returned with a partnership of 410 runs for the opening wicket.

&nbsp;

Somehow, I found that Dravid was on the same template as that of great Pakistani batsman Zaheer Abbas and our very own Dileep Vengsarkar - away from galore and controversies and silently doing his job determinedly.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

If going gets tough and tough gets going, the great wall of India would come to rescue. During 2007-08 India&rsquo;s tour to Australia, India was 2-0 down when they went to Perth for the last Test. It was a series which was mired in various controversies. Indians were desperate to make a statement. Dravid played a well-crafted knock of 93 and India registered yet another famous victory in Australia.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

He scored three centuries during the Test series in England in 2011, though Indians were subjected to whitewash with a score line of 4-0. He has one bad series down under in Australia and he called it a day in 2011-12. An era had come to an end. He timed his retirement pretty well (the way he used to time his shots).

&nbsp;

Apart from the awards and statistics, Rahul Dravid is remembered as the true gentleman of the game. One, who is admired by almost every Cricket fan across the globe.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Happy Birthday Rahul Dravid &ndash; History of Indian Cricket in this millennium would have been different, had you been a different player than what you were.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Happy Birthday Rahul Dravid – History of Indian Cricket in this millennium would have been different, had you been a different player than what you were.

It was quarter-final match between India and Pakistan at Bangalore during 1996 World Cup. The atmosphere was charged up and spectators were on the ground with all sorts of banners to cheer their side. However, one banner was conspicuous with its presence and it said: “Where is Dravid”. It manifests that how dominating Rahul Dravid was in domestic Cricket by the year 1996 and his inclusion in Indian playing eleven had become so much imminent. Twenty-two years down the line when the great wall of India Rahul Dravid turns 45, I fondly recall this incident. During this time period, Dravid had not only arrived but had become one of the brightest stars and a great ambassador of the game in the whole annals of Indian Cricket. Statistics has its own tales to narrate about Rahul Dravid – that Rahul Dravid scored more than thirteen thousand Test runs – that he is highest run getter in Test Cricket for India after Sachin Tendulkar – that Dravid holds the world record of maximum nos. of catches in Test matches – that he scored with an average of fifty plus and has scored thirty-six Test Centuries – that Dravid scored Test century in each Test playing nation – that Dravid scored two Test centuries in a single Test on two different occasions – that Dravid scored four Test centuries in four consecutive innings in 2002, and many many others. The list is long but sorry to say all these statistics are insignificant. Rahul Dravid is the bloke, whose worth and greatness cannot be gauged by these number; its way beyond. Indian Cricket can broadly be divided into two time zones, before the year 2000 and post 2000. The huge turn around in Indian Cricket started in 2000 when Sourav Ganguly took over the rein. During 2000-2005, Indian Cricket evolved to a different level altogether and one man who undisputedly and unequivocally deserves most of the credit for this process of revamping was Rahul Dravid. Dravid made his Test debut in England during the summer of 1996 (three months later his ardent followers flashed that banner at Bangalore) but the inning which showed the world what actually Dravid was, came a few months later in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was a well-crafted 148 by him against blazing Allan Donald and company. He arrived with a huge thud. Coming back to the resurgence of Indian Cricket during 2000-2005; Indian side moved up the ladder, notch by notch, step by step and Dravid played his part to perfection, propelling his side, pushing his side at each step relentlessly and with mercurial consistency. Let’s have a quick reap of that special upward journey. It all started in a very emphatic way by India’s epic victory against Australia in Kolkata in March 2001. He along with Laxman built that immortal partnership which gave India one of its most famous Test victories. Next step up the ladder was India’s tour to England in 2002; Dravid was in the form of his life. He scored more than 600 runs in four Test matches and India won the Test in England after 16 years. Dravid scored three centuries (one of them was double). Next step up the ladder (or I can say a leap) was India’s tour down under in 2003-04. At Adelaide, Dravid architected undisputedly the most famous and glorious Test victory for India. He played knocks of 233 and 72 not out. India won the Test from a situation of 85 for 4 in first innings in reply of 550 plus by Australia; a Test victory in Australia after more than two decades. That series was the farewell series of legendary Steve Waugh. After India’s heroic at Adelaide, one meme went viral in email (it was not WhatsApp/facebook era). In this meme, dejected Steve Waugh and Rahul Dravid were shown together post-match, and the caption was “Mate, you have just spoiled my retirement”. Next step up in ladder was India’s tour to Pakistan in 2004. At Rawalpindi, Dravid scored 270 and India won the Test by a huge margin. India created history by winning Test series in Pakistan. I remember that how that Test series defeat was deeply mourned in Pakistan. The day India won Rawalpindi Test riding on a double century of Dravid, the Cricket fraternity in Pakistan tipped it as the blackest day of Pakistan’s Cricket. To leave you spellbound, here is one data - Dravid scored more than 20% of the total run scored by India, in all Test victories under Sourav Ganguly during 2000-2005. Truly Incredible. For those who don’t rate his ODI credentials high, India – Sri Lanka encounter in 1999 World Cup is there to rebut. The match was played at Taunton, England. Dravid and Sourav Ganguly built a record partnership of 318 runs for the second wicket. Dravid scored 145. Though in the end, Sourav with the knock of 183 took the majority of applause but this is a fact that it was Dravid who started showing aggression during the partnership and set the tone for such mammoth partnership. Taunton is home ground for Somerset County. There was a time when legendary Viv Richards and Ian Botham used to play for Somerset and this ground witnessed some superb attacking batting by them. After this India – Sri Lanka match, next day many newspapers in England wrote that the partnership between Sourav-Dravid was reminiscent of those good old days of the supremacy of Richards-Botham at this ground. Dravid was the man of all season. Give him the task and he would be up for the grab. He kept wickets in 2003 World Cup which allow the team to include one extra batsman in the lineup. He had to open with Sehwag in Test in Pakistan in 2006, he returned with a partnership of 410 runs for the opening wicket. Somehow, I found that Dravid was on the same template as that of great Pakistani batsman Zaheer Abbas and our very own Dileep Vengsarkar - away from galore and controversies and silently doing his job determinedly. If going gets tough and tough gets going, the great wall of India would come to rescue. During 2007-08 India’s tour to Australia, India was 2-0 down when they went to Perth for the last Test. It was a series which was mired in various controversies. Indians were desperate to make a statement. Dravid played a well-crafted knock of 93 and India registered yet another famous victory in Australia. He scored three centuries during the Test series in England in 2011, though Indians were subjected to whitewash with a score line of 4-0. He has one bad series down under in Australia and he called it a day in 2011-12. An era had come to an end. He timed his retirement pretty well (the way he used to time his shots). Apart from the awards and statistics, Rahul Dravid is remembered as the true gentleman of the game. One, who is admired by almost every Cricket fan across the globe. Happy Birthday Rahul Dravid – History of Indian Cricket in this millennium would have been different, had you been a different player than what you were. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: How Rahul Dravid changed Indian cricket

Samit Dravid, son of Rahul Dravid, follows in his father&#39;s footsteps, as he slammed a terrific match-winning century and guided his team Mallya Aditi International School to a huge 412-run win over Vivekananda School.

His spectacular performance shows that he is training hard for the Karnataka State Cricket Association&#39;s (KSCA) BTR Cup Under-14 tournament.

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Like father like son: Samit follows in Rahul Dravid&#39;s footsteps, scores match-winning century<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulDravid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulDravid</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SamitDravid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SamitDravid</a> <a href="https://t.co/DTypYWSfug">pic.twitter.com/DTypYWSfug</a>
&mdash; Rahul Dravid FanClub (@DravidFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/DravidFC/status/951092320924921857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The century came just a day before his father&#39;s birthday. Rahul Dravid is currently in New Zealand coaching and guiding Under-19 team for the World Cup.&nbsp;Rahul Dravid is the former captain of Indian cricket team and has made many records for team India.

Not only Samit, another super kid, Aryan Joshi, son of former India cricketer Sunil Joshi, scored a ton and contributed 154 runs for Mallya Aditi International School.

Samit&#39;s team gave a target of 500 runs to the Vivekananda School but the opponents failed to perform.

The young batsmen did their bit by setting a mammoth target and also the bowlers were in form.

These magnificent knocks show that future of Indian cricket is in good hands, these kids will carry the legacy of Indian cricket forward.

&nbsp;

Samit Dravid has slammed a terrific match-winning century and guided Mallya Aditi International School to a 412-run win over Vivekananda School

Samit Dravid, son of Rahul Dravid, follows in his father's footsteps, as he slammed a terrific match-winning century and guided his team Mallya Aditi International School to a huge 412-run win over Vivekananda School. His spectacular performance shows that he is training hard for the Karnataka State Cricket Association's (KSCA) BTR Cup Under-14 tournament. Like father like son: Samit follows in Rahul Dravid's footsteps, scores match-winning century#RahulDravid #SamitDravid pic.twitter.com/DTypYWSfug — Rahul Dravid FanClub (@DravidFC) January 10, 2018 × The century came just a day before his father's birthday. Rahul Dravid is currently in New Zealand coaching and guiding Under-19 team for the World Cup. Rahul Dravid is the former captain of Indian cricket team and has made many records for team India. Not only Samit, another super kid, Aryan Joshi, son of former India cricketer Sunil Joshi, scored a ton and contributed 154 runs for Mallya Aditi International School. Samit's team gave a target of 500 runs to the Vivekananda School but the opponents failed to perform. The young batsmen did their bit by setting a mammoth target and also the bowlers were in form. These magnificent knocks show that future of Indian cricket is in good hands, these kids will carry the legacy of Indian cricket forward.

Samit Dravid imitates his father Rahul Dravid

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli who recently got married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma is ready for the upcoming South African tour.&nbsp;

After hosting a lavish <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/virat-kohli-and-anushka-sharma-look-regal-at-their-mumbai-reception-27793" target="_blank">wedding reception part</a>y for the who&#39;s who of the Indian celebrity circle in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/first-pictures-from-virushkas-reception-620" target="_blank">Delhi</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures-virat-kohli-and-anushka-sharmas-mumbai-reception-624" target="_blank">Mumbai</a>, Virat on Wednesday spoke about his preparations for the South African series which includes three Tests, six One-Day&nbsp;Internationals (ODI) and three Twenty20 Internationals.&nbsp;

Speaking to the media, Virat said, &quot;You need to play cricket for a long period of time to win abroad. The hunger this time is the same. We want to do what we couldn&rsquo;t the last time around,&rdquo; said Kohli, hours before the team&rsquo;s flight to South Africa.

&ldquo;Cricket is played with bat and ball. Conditions don&rsquo;t matter. I have no doubt in the ability of the team. We are on the right track&quot;, he added.&nbsp;

When asked how difficult it would be for him to return to cricket post-marriage, Virat replied, &quot;Not difficult at all, I was away for something (marriage) which is much more important. That is a period that will always remain special for both of us.&quot;

Before dropping out of limited-overs series against Sri Lanka to get married to longtime-girlfriend Anushka Sharma on December 11 in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-virushka-from-the-wedding-ceremony-26503" target="_blank">private ceremony</a> in Tuscany, Italy, Virat was seen&nbsp;playing in his top form. He scored&nbsp;610 runs in the three-Test series against Sri Lanka before leaving for wedding break.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-watch-timeline-of-virat-and-anushkas-love-story-26531" target="_blank">Also Watch: Timeline of Virat and Anushka&#39;s love story</a>

He added,&nbsp;&quot;Switching back to cricket is not difficult at all because it is in my blood like it is for every other team member and the team management as well, so getting back to professional front is not difficult at all.&quot;

Virat also spoke about his focus on cricket even though he was busy with wedding celebrations. He said,&nbsp;&quot;I haven&#39;t done anything in the past three weeks. I have been training to get back to play in South Africa. Somewhere in your head you are always thinking about you have something important coming up, so subconsciously you are looking forward to it (South Africa tour). So, mentally I am very well prepared.&quot;

While Virat was on a break, Rohit Sharma led the team and led India to win both&nbsp;ODIs and T20s against Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Virat with his bride Anushka is now headed to South Africa&nbsp;for a tough tour where India plays three Tests starting January 5.

&nbsp;

The Indian cricket captain had opted out of the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka to get married to longtime-girlfriend Anushka Sharma

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli who recently got married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma is ready for the upcoming South African tour. After hosting a lavish wedding reception party for the who's who of the Indian celebrity circle in Delhi and Mumbai, Virat on Wednesday spoke about his preparations for the South African series which includes three Tests, six One-Day Internationals (ODI) and three Twenty20 Internationals. Speaking to the media, Virat said, "You need to play cricket for a long period of time to win abroad. The hunger this time is the same. We want to do what we couldn’t the last time around,” said Kohli, hours before the team’s flight to South Africa. “Cricket is played with bat and ball. Conditions don’t matter. I have no doubt in the ability of the team. We are on the right track", he added. When asked how difficult it would be for him to return to cricket post-marriage, Virat replied, "Not difficult at all, I was away for something (marriage) which is much more important. That is a period that will always remain special for both of us." Before dropping out of limited-overs series against Sri Lanka to get married to longtime-girlfriend Anushka Sharma on December 11 in a private ceremony in Tuscany, Italy, Virat was seen playing in his top form. He scored 610 runs in the three-Test series against Sri Lanka before leaving for wedding break. Also Watch: Timeline of Virat and Anushka's love story He added, "Switching back to cricket is not difficult at all because it is in my blood like it is for every other team member and the team management as well, so getting back to professional front is not difficult at all." Virat also spoke about his focus on cricket even though he was busy with wedding celebrations. He said, "I haven't done anything in the past three weeks. I have been training to get back to play in South Africa. Somewhere in your head you are always thinking about you have something important coming up, so subconsciously you are looking forward to it (South Africa tour). So, mentally I am very well prepared." While Virat was on a break, Rohit Sharma led the team and led India to win both ODIs and T20s against Sri Lanka. Virat with his bride Anushka is now headed to South Africa for a tough tour where India plays three Tests starting January 5.

Virat Kohli: Getting married was much more important (than cricket)

Amitabh Bachchan was last seen attending the most high-profile Indian wedding of 2017, Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli with actress Anushka Sharma.&nbsp;

The veteran actor came to attend the star couple&#39;s wedding reception in Mumbai on December 26 with son Abhishek, daughter-in-law Aishwarya and daughter Shweta. While the actor gave memorable&nbsp;photo-ops for the paparazzi present, his right hand was carefully placed in a sling.

Confirming our doubts on his injury, the 75-year-old iconic actor wrote a blog post on his old injury aggravating.

He wrote:&nbsp;&ldquo;An old injury to the left shoulder has through time and activity and age been giving nagging pain&hellip; That has recently got aggravated due to some strong usage on set. Though the pain became unbearable, the medication and the Tunnel visit has shown that it is an extra tear on the rotor cup, but that it is (has) not reached an alarming stage.&rdquo;

He added,&nbsp;&ldquo;The medication, the ice compresses and the sling and ice wrap are under constant follow&hellip; They say it should be in a better heal soon.&rdquo;

Comforting his fans, the beloved actor also said that his pain is &quot;not as bad as it looks&quot;.&nbsp;

At the wedding reception of Anushka and Virat, Amitabh Bachchan could be seen interacting with his industry colleagues and fans among the Indian cricket team who were there to attend their captain&#39;s wedding bash.&nbsp;

The actor will next be seen in &quot;Thugs Of Hindostan&quot;&nbsp;alongside Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh of the fame &quot;Dangal&quot;.

The superstar wrote about his old injury aggravating in his blog on Wednesday

Amitabh Bachchan was last seen attending the most high-profile Indian wedding of 2017, Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli with actress Anushka Sharma. The veteran actor came to attend the star couple's wedding reception in Mumbai on December 26 with son Abhishek, daughter-in-law Aishwarya and daughter Shweta. While the actor gave memorable photo-ops for the paparazzi present, his right hand was carefully placed in a sling. Confirming our doubts on his injury, the 75-year-old iconic actor wrote a blog post on his old injury aggravating. He wrote: “An old injury to the left shoulder has through time and activity and age been giving nagging pain… That has recently got aggravated due to some strong usage on set. Though the pain became unbearable, the medication and the Tunnel visit has shown that it is an extra tear on the rotor cup, but that it is (has) not reached an alarming stage.” He added, “The medication, the ice compresses and the sling and ice wrap are under constant follow… They say it should be in a better heal soon.” Comforting his fans, the beloved actor also said that his pain is "not as bad as it looks". At the wedding reception of Anushka and Virat, Amitabh Bachchan could be seen interacting with his industry colleagues and fans among the Indian cricket team who were there to attend their captain's wedding bash. The actor will next be seen in "Thugs Of Hindostan" alongside Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh of the fame "Dangal".

Amitabh Bachchan in 'unbearable pain', wears sling at Virat, Anushka's wedding reception

MS Dhoni, former Indian cricket captain liked a tweet on Tuesday&nbsp;after three years and it&#39;s not your average kind.&nbsp;

He liked a tweet from a Hindi news website which ran a story in Hindi that translates to: &quot;CONFIRMED: the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup will be won by Virat Kohli&#39;s team&quot;&nbsp;followed by the words &quot;Match Fixed&quot;.

The tweet has the accounts of Kohli, Dhoni, Ravi Shastri, the BCCI, Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Mohammad Azharuddin, Anurag Thakur, Rajiv Shukla, Sharad Pawar, Gautam Gambhir and Ajay Jadeja tagged.

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CONFIRMED: 2019 ?? ?????? ??????? ?????? ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViratKohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViratKohli</a> ?? ??? ?????? ??? ??? ?? Match Fixed <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RaviShastriOfc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RaviShastriOfc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SGanguly99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SGanguly99</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachin_rt</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/therealkapildev?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@therealkapildev</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/azharflicks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@azharflicks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ianuragthakur</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ShuklaRajiv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShuklaRajiv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PawarSpeaks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PawarSpeaks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GautamGambhir</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/imjadeja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imjadeja</a> <a href="https://t.co/QpyiTCTIQt">https://t.co/QpyiTCTIQt</a>
&mdash; InKhabar (@Inkhabar) <a href="https://twitter.com/Inkhabar/status/940580721931849728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The tweet claims that 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup is match-fixed and will be won by Virat Kohli&rsquo;s team. (Twitter)
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The last time Dhoni hit &#39;like&#39; for a tweet was December 31, 2014 for a tweet from the BCCI account for a Ranji Trophy match between Hyderabad and Services.

His only other &#39;like&#39; is a tweet from journalist and TV anchor Rajdeep Sardesai, on March 10, 2013.

MS Dhoni has a massive following of 6.7m on Twitter and has only tweeted 45 times.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The tweet by a Hindi news website said 'CONFIRMED: the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup will be won by Virat Kohli's team' followed by the words 'Match Fixed'

MS Dhoni, former Indian cricket captain liked a tweet on Tuesday after three years and it's not your average kind. He liked a tweet from a Hindi news website which ran a story in Hindi that translates to: "CONFIRMED: the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup will be won by Virat Kohli's team" followed by the words "Match Fixed". The tweet has the accounts of Kohli, Dhoni, Ravi Shastri, the BCCI, Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Mohammad Azharuddin, Anurag Thakur, Rajiv Shukla, Sharad Pawar, Gautam Gambhir and Ajay Jadeja tagged. CONFIRMED: 2019 ?? ?????? ??????? ?????? ?? #ViratKohli ?? ??? ?????? ??? ??? ?? Match Fixed @imVkohli @msdhoni @RaviShastriOfc @BCCI @SGanguly99 @sachin_rt @therealkapildev @azharflicks @ianuragthakur @ShuklaRajiv @PawarSpeaks @GautamGambhir @imjadeja https://t.co/QpyiTCTIQt — InKhabar (@Inkhabar) December 12, 2017 × The tweet claims that 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup is match-fixed and will be won by Virat Kohli’s team. (Twitter) × The last time Dhoni hit 'like' for a tweet was December 31, 2014 for a tweet from the BCCI account for a Ranji Trophy match between Hyderabad and Services. His only other 'like' is a tweet from journalist and TV anchor Rajdeep Sardesai, on March 10, 2013. MS Dhoni has a massive following of 6.7m on Twitter and has only tweeted 45 times.

Dhoni likes tweet saying World Cup 2019 will be fixed

The newly-weds Sagarika Ghatge and&nbsp;Zaheer Khan can be seen having the time of their life throwing lavish parties to friends and family since they got married on November 23 in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-just-in-zaheer-khan-sagarika-ghatge-get-married-see-pics-24901" target="_blank">court</a>.&nbsp;

While their <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/zaheer-khan-sagarika-ghatges-wedding-was-a-private-intimate-ceremony-heres-proof-24944" target="_blank">wedding was a low-key affair</a>, the actor-cricketer couple compensated for all the glamour in the following functions.&nbsp;

On Sunday, they threw a grand Mehendi party where&nbsp;Bollywood celebs and Indian cricket team members could be seen shaking a leg.

The &quot;Chak De! India&quot;&nbsp;actress chose to wear a mint green lehenga with a backless choli of the label Anita Dongre, while cricketer Zaheer Khan picked a bright blue kurta for the function.&nbsp;

Pictures from the Mehendi party:&nbsp;

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After a small wedding ceremony at the registrar&#39;s office on November 23, the couple also hosted a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-zaheer-khan-sagarika-ghatges-cocktail-party-had-cricketers-and-actors-in-attendance-see-pics-25023" target="_blank">cocktail party</a>. The party was attended by cricketers like&nbsp;Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh and Ajit Agarkar. Film industry celebs included&nbsp;Sagarika&rsquo;s &quot;Chak De! India&quot;&nbsp;co-star Vidya Malvade, actor Hazel Keech -- also the wife of cricketer Yuvraj Singh, and others.&nbsp;

Pictures from the cocktail party:

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The couple threw another party for friends after their civil marriage:&nbsp;

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For the wedding, both bride and groom chose simple, traditional outfits. While Zaheer wore a light pink kurta and white pyjamas, his bride Sagarika wore a red Sabyasachi Mukherjee saree.&nbsp;

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Running in its last leg of festivities, the newly-weds are now to throw a grand wedding reception on November 27 at&nbsp;Taj Mahal Palace and Tower in Mumbai. Earlier, close friend Vidya Malvade shared&nbsp;pictures of the couple&#39;s invitation card-- a white and gold piece.&nbsp;The wedding invite comes with a box of chocolates in a customized wrapper bearing a logo made from their initials embossed on it.&nbsp;

Sagarika Ghatge is best known for her role in Chak De! India but she has also featured in films like Rush and Irada. Sagarika has also starred in a Marathi film called Premachi Goshta and Punjabi Dildariyaan. Her next film is a bilingual titled Haadsa.

On Sunday, the newlyweds hosted a lavish Mehendi ceremony for friends and family

The newly-weds Sagarika Ghatge and Zaheer Khan can be seen having the time of their life throwing lavish parties to friends and family since they got married on November 23 in court. While their wedding was a low-key affair, the actor-cricketer couple compensated for all the glamour in the following functions. On Sunday, they threw a grand Mehendi party where Bollywood celebs and Indian cricket team members could be seen shaking a leg. The "Chak De! India" actress chose to wear a mint green lehenga with a backless choli of the label Anita Dongre, while cricketer Zaheer Khan picked a bright blue kurta for the function. Pictures from the Mehendi party: × × × × After a small wedding ceremony at the registrar's office on November 23, the couple also hosted a cocktail party. The party was attended by cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh and Ajit Agarkar. Film industry celebs included Sagarika’s "Chak De! India" co-star Vidya Malvade, actor Hazel Keech -- also the wife of cricketer Yuvraj Singh, and others. Pictures from the cocktail party: × × × × × The couple threw another party for friends after their civil marriage: × × × × For the wedding, both bride and groom chose simple, traditional outfits. While Zaheer wore a light pink kurta and white pyjamas, his bride Sagarika wore a red Sabyasachi Mukherjee saree. × Running in its last leg of festivities, the newly-weds are now to throw a grand wedding reception on November 27 at Taj Mahal Palace and Tower in Mumbai. Earlier, close friend Vidya Malvade shared pictures of the couple's invitation card-- a white and gold piece. The wedding invite comes with a box of chocolates in a customized wrapper bearing a logo made from their initials embossed on it. Sagarika Ghatge is best known for her role in Chak De! India but she has also featured in films like Rush and Irada. Sagarika has also starred in a Marathi film called Premachi Goshta and Punjabi Dildariyaan. Her next film is a bilingual titled Haadsa.

In pictures: Sagarika Ghatge and Zaheer Khan wedding party continues

With Anil Kumble having stepped down as coach of the Indian cricket team, captain Virat Kohli has said he has &quot;total respect for Kumble...&quot;&nbsp;

What was interesting was that he said he had total respect for him as a cricketer.&nbsp;

Kohli left out what he thought of Kumble as a coach.&nbsp;

Kumble stepped down as coach because of differences with Kohli.&nbsp;

ANI reported Kohli as saying on the eve of the first ODI against the West Indies: &quot;It&#39;s his opinion, which I respect. I have total respect for him as a cricketer and what he has achieved [for the] nation. All the years that he has played. There&#39;s no taking away that aspect of him at all. And we all respect him totally.&quot;&nbsp;

Kohli added: &quot;It&#39;s (Kumble&#39;s resignation) something that has happened right after the (Champions Trophy) tournament. One thing for sure is that I have had 11 press conferences that have happened during the Champions Trophy. We have created a culture over the last three-four years that whatever happens in the change room, we&#39;ve tried to maintain the sanctity of the change room throughout.

&quot;That is what the whole team believes in. For us that is paramount. I&#39;ve always respected that and we have continued to maintain that as well.&quot;&nbsp;

ANI said Kohli did not say anything more, saying the &quot;sanctity of the dressing room&quot; had to be maintained.&nbsp;

Kumble however had said a certain amount -- in a most dignified manner -- earlier.&nbsp;

He posted this letter (below) on his Twitter account on June 20.&nbsp;

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Thank you! <a href="https://t.co/eF5qVzdBRj">pic.twitter.com/eF5qVzdBRj</a>
&mdash; Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) <a href="https://twitter.com/anilkumble1074/status/877218428318351361">June 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The Indian cricket captain however did not say what he thought of as Kumble as a coach

With Anil Kumble having stepped down as coach of the Indian cricket team, captain Virat Kohli has said he has "total respect for Kumble..." What was interesting was that he said he had total respect for him as a cricketer. Kohli left out what he thought of Kumble as a coach. Kumble stepped down as coach because of differences with Kohli. ANI reported Kohli as saying on the eve of the first ODI against the West Indies: "It's his opinion, which I respect. I have total respect for him as a cricketer and what he has achieved [for the] nation. All the years that he has played. There's no taking away that aspect of him at all. And we all respect him totally." Kohli added: "It's (Kumble's resignation) something that has happened right after the (Champions Trophy) tournament. One thing for sure is that I have had 11 press conferences that have happened during the Champions Trophy. We have created a culture over the last three-four years that whatever happens in the change room, we've tried to maintain the sanctity of the change room throughout. "That is what the whole team believes in. For us that is paramount. I've always respected that and we have continued to maintain that as well." ANI said Kohli did not say anything more, saying the "sanctity of the dressing room" had to be maintained. Kumble however had said a certain amount -- in a most dignified manner -- earlier. He posted this letter (below) on his Twitter account on June 20. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/eF5qVzdBRj — Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) June 20, 2017 ×

Kohli: Have total respect for Kumble

The game that always &#39;stops two nations&#39; comes again to a third when title-holders India face Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final at London&#39;s Oval ground on Sunday.

And the question millions of cricket fans around the world, possibly even a billion, are all asking is &quot;which Pakistan will turn up?&quot;.

Will it be the team of their opening group match at Edgbaston on June 4, a 124-run thrashing by arch-rivals India, where their inept bowling and batting were outdone only by woeful fielding in what Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur labelled a &quot;shambolic&quot; display?

Or will it be the slick, skilled side who hammered England by eight wickets in the semi-finals, with Hasan Ali, the competition&#39;s leading wicket-taker, spearheading a brilliant bowling effort as the previously unbeaten tournament hosts were dismissed for just 211 before the likes of Azhar Ali and Fakhar Zaman helped knock off the runs in dashing style?

Arthur is confident the India &quot;aberration&quot; is now behind Pakistan, who&#39;ve also lost all three of their previous knockout matches at International Cricket Council tournaments against their fiercest foes.

&quot;What we&#39;ve produced after that doesn&#39;t come as any surprise, because that&#39;s how we trained, and that&#39;s what we worked at,&quot; Arthur told reporters at The Oval on Saturday. &quot;It was very disappointing to see that go wrong in the Indian game...That was an aberration. We&#39;re now moving forward.&quot;

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<h5>&#39;At the same time, neither are we too intimidated nor are we too arrogant about what we are doing&#39;, said Kohli</h5>
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&nbsp;

&#39;History can change&#39;&nbsp;

The South African&#39;s comments echoed those of Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, who insisted: &quot;History can change, and I hope we can (change it).&quot;

The Oval was where, in 1882, England&#39;s defeat by Australia led to a mock obituary in a newspaper referring to the &quot;ashes&quot; of English cricket and hence the name for all future Anglo-Australian Test series.&nbsp;

But few would dispute that India-Pakistan is now the world game&#39;s premier contest -- certainly not the ICC who, by their own admission, now fix the draw at their events to ensure the Asian giants meet in the group phase.

&quot;It is massive,&quot; insisted Azhar. &quot;It is bigger than the Ashes -- and expectation is high from both nations, crazy about cricket.&quot;

Arthur confirmed Saturday that Mohammad Amir, who missed the semi-final with a back spasm, would return against India. &quot;He&#39;s fit to play, and he will play,&quot; said Arthur in answer to a question from AFP.

Amir&#39;s replacement left-arm quick Rumman Raees, who marked his ODI debut with two wickets against England, may now miss out. But &nbsp;Pakistan could also find a place for Amir by leaving out a spinner in either Shadab Khan or Imad Wasim.

India, whose skipper Virat Kohli heads the tournament batting averages with a stratospheric 253, are a formidable outfit. As well as Kohli, their top order boasts the likes of dynamic opening pair of Rohit Sharma, fresh from a hundred in a nine-wicket semi-final rout of Bangladesh, and Shikhar Dhawan.

But their middle-order has rarely been tested and Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed believed his bowlers could pose problems for India, even late in the innings.

&quot;After the India game we have bowled with an attacking mindset and that is why we have taken wickets,&quot; he said. &quot;The final overs usually involve a lot of pressure and especially if you are playing against India.&quot;

But Sarfraz, who has had a fine tournament in his triple role of captain, wicket-keeper and batsman added: &quot;You saw how well we bowled in the &#39;death overs&#39; against South Africa and also Sri Lanka&quot;.

India too have a well-balanced attack, with the new-ball duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah supported by contrasting spinners in Ravichandran Ashwin and left-armer Ravindra Jadeja.

Ashwin is expected to be fit despite suffering a blow to his right knee from a wayward throw in during fielding practice at The Oval on Saturday.

Meanwhile Kohli too insisted the group clash was no longer of any relevance.&nbsp;

&quot;On their day they can beat any side in the world,&quot; the India captain said of Pakistan. &quot;That&#39;s the kind of players they have, we&#39;re quite aware of that.&quot;

Kohli, however, added: &quot;At the same time, neither are we too intimidated nor are we too arrogant about what we are doing.&quot;

Pakistan are thought of as 'unpredictable', there are days when they are spectacular and other days when they are shambolic

The game that always 'stops two nations' comes again to a third when title-holders India face Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final at London's Oval ground on Sunday. And the question millions of cricket fans around the world, possibly even a billion, are all asking is "which Pakistan will turn up?". Will it be the team of their opening group match at Edgbaston on June 4, a 124-run thrashing by arch-rivals India, where their inept bowling and batting were outdone only by woeful fielding in what Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur labelled a "shambolic" display? Or will it be the slick, skilled side who hammered England by eight wickets in the semi-finals, with Hasan Ali, the competition's leading wicket-taker, spearheading a brilliant bowling effort as the previously unbeaten tournament hosts were dismissed for just 211 before the likes of Azhar Ali and Fakhar Zaman helped knock off the runs in dashing style? Arthur is confident the India "aberration" is now behind Pakistan, who've also lost all three of their previous knockout matches at International Cricket Council tournaments against their fiercest foes. "What we've produced after that doesn't come as any surprise, because that's how we trained, and that's what we worked at," Arthur told reporters at The Oval on Saturday. "It was very disappointing to see that go wrong in the Indian game...That was an aberration. We're now moving forward." 'At the same time, neither are we too intimidated nor are we too arrogant about what we are doing', said Kohli × 'History can change' The South African's comments echoed those of Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, who insisted: "History can change, and I hope we can (change it)." The Oval was where, in 1882, England's defeat by Australia led to a mock obituary in a newspaper referring to the "ashes" of English cricket and hence the name for all future Anglo-Australian Test series. But few would dispute that India-Pakistan is now the world game's premier contest -- certainly not the ICC who, by their own admission, now fix the draw at their events to ensure the Asian giants meet in the group phase. "It is massive," insisted Azhar. "It is bigger than the Ashes -- and expectation is high from both nations, crazy about cricket." Arthur confirmed Saturday that Mohammad Amir, who missed the semi-final with a back spasm, would return against India. "He's fit to play, and he will play," said Arthur in answer to a question from AFP. Amir's replacement left-arm quick Rumman Raees, who marked his ODI debut with two wickets against England, may now miss out. But Pakistan could also find a place for Amir by leaving out a spinner in either Shadab Khan or Imad Wasim. India, whose skipper Virat Kohli heads the tournament batting averages with a stratospheric 253, are a formidable outfit. As well as Kohli, their top order boasts the likes of dynamic opening pair of Rohit Sharma, fresh from a hundred in a nine-wicket semi-final rout of Bangladesh, and Shikhar Dhawan. But their middle-order has rarely been tested and Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed believed his bowlers could pose problems for India, even late in the innings. "After the India game we have bowled with an attacking mindset and that is why we have taken wickets," he said. "The final overs usually involve a lot of pressure and especially if you are playing against India." But Sarfraz, who has had a fine tournament in his triple role of captain, wicket-keeper and batsman added: "You saw how well we bowled in the 'death overs' against South Africa and also Sri Lanka". India too have a well-balanced attack, with the new-ball duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah supported by contrasting spinners in Ravichandran Ashwin and left-armer Ravindra Jadeja. Ashwin is expected to be fit despite suffering a blow to his right knee from a wayward throw in during fielding practice at The Oval on Saturday. Meanwhile Kohli too insisted the group clash was no longer of any relevance. "On their day they can beat any side in the world," the India captain said of Pakistan. "That's the kind of players they have, we're quite aware of that." Kohli, however, added: "At the same time, neither are we too intimidated nor are we too arrogant about what we are doing."

Champions Trophy final: Which Pakistan will turn up against India?

India must tighten up their fielding and be &quot;ruthless&quot; when they face Sri Lanka in the Champions Trophy at the Oval on Thursday, skipper Virat Kohli said.

The defending champions opened their Group B account with an emphatic 124-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, but drew criticism for their lacklustre fielding performance.

&quot;Sometimes, starting with the tournament, creating momentum as a team, you can misfield, you can get overexcited,&quot; Kohli told a news conference on Wednesday.

&quot;There can be lapses as well, especially when the team is seven or eight down and you know that the game is going to end soon. We have addressed the guys and have asked them to be ruthless and finish games off.&quot;

Kohli also told his teammates not to get carried away by the praise that has come their way since they beat Pakistan. Despite the occasional fielding error, India dominated the rain-shortened match.

&quot;I don&#39;t think when you are playing good cricket, you should look too much into the praise factor,&quot; he added.

&quot;As a team, we really don&#39;t focus on these things and we try to maintain the same kind of intensity and momentum regardless of how we are playing.

&quot;At this moment we are playing some good cricket but that doesn&#39;t mean that we play with arrogance... In this sport, anyone can upset anyone on their given day... you certainly cannot even think of taking anyone lightly.&quot;

Both India and South Africa have two points apiece having won their opening encounters, but India top the group thanks to their superior run rate.

(Reuters)

Kohli also told his teammates not to get carried away by the praise that has come their way since they beat Pakistan

India must tighten up their fielding and be "ruthless" when they face Sri Lanka in the Champions Trophy at the Oval on Thursday, skipper Virat Kohli said. The defending champions opened their Group B account with an emphatic 124-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, but drew criticism for their lacklustre fielding performance. "Sometimes, starting with the tournament, creating momentum as a team, you can misfield, you can get overexcited," Kohli told a news conference on Wednesday. "There can be lapses as well, especially when the team is seven or eight down and you know that the game is going to end soon. We have addressed the guys and have asked them to be ruthless and finish games off." Kohli also told his teammates not to get carried away by the praise that has come their way since they beat Pakistan. Despite the occasional fielding error, India dominated the rain-shortened match. "I don't think when you are playing good cricket, you should look too much into the praise factor," he added. "As a team, we really don't focus on these things and we try to maintain the same kind of intensity and momentum regardless of how we are playing. "At this moment we are playing some good cricket but that doesn't mean that we play with arrogance... In this sport, anyone can upset anyone on their given day... you certainly cannot even think of taking anyone lightly." Both India and South Africa have two points apiece having won their opening encounters, but India top the group thanks to their superior run rate. (Reuters)

Virat Kohli: India must be ruthless in finishing games off

Mumbai Indians&#39; bowlers rose to the occasion after team&#39;s tough time with the bat as the hosts recorded their sixth win on the trot with a comfortable 14-run victory over Delhi Daredevils in an IPL match, here tonight.

Daredevils, believed to have one of the best attacks, restricted the hosts to 142 for eight but were terrible in run chase, managing only 128 for seven.

The visitors were gasping at 24 for six at one stage before a 91-run stand between South African pair of debutant Kagiso Rabada (44) and Chris Morris (52) raised their hopes. However, it only reduced the margin of defeat.

Kiwi paceman Mitchell McClenaghan (3/24) scalped three batsmen to rock the Delhi top and middle order and Jasprit Bumrah (2/21) broke the seventh-wicket stand between the South Africans to shape his side&#39;s win.

Delhi needed 30 runs off the final 12 balls but Bumrah and Hardik Pandya denied the rivals a memorable win after they made remarkable recovery through Rabada and Morris.

Leg-spinner Amit Mishra returned exceptional figures 4-0-18-2 while Australian paceman Pat Cummins (2/20) also chipped in with two wickets in Daredevils&#39; good bowling show.

It was a collective bowling effort from Daredevils with Rabada (1/30) and skipper Zaheer Khan also contributing in choking the Mumbai line-up which is full of devastating batsmen.

However, the batsmen could not complement the good work done by the bowlers and suffered their fourth loss in six matches. 
Mumbai Indians on the other hand consolidated their position at the top with sixth win in a row.

Earlier, It was Hardik Pandya&#39;s 24 off 23 balls and West Indian Kieron Pollard&#39;s 26 off 29 balls that helped the home side to go beyond the 140 run mark after being 84/5 at one stage.

Mumbai managed to score only 32 runs in the last five overs as Daredevils skipper Zaheer made some good bowling changes. 
Daredevils were also brilliant in the field as they managed to run out three Mumbai batsman including Hardik. For the visitors,

Australian paceman Pat Cummins (2/20), South African Kagiso Rabada (1/30), who made his IPL debut, were impressive.

Openers Parthiv Patel and Jos Buttler stitched 37 for the first wicket in four overs. Buttler made his intentions clear as he hit a six off Chris Morris in the second over, followed by a boundary.

Buttler, the star of Mumbai&#39;s game against Kings XI Punjab, got a life on 11 after being dropped by wicket-keeper Rishab Pant on the last ball of the second over.

The Englishman then hammered Rabada for a maximum over the mid-wicket fence. However, in the same over, Rabada, clinched his first IPL wicket as he cleaned up Parthiv (8).

Buttler struck Zaheer for two boundaries in the fifth over. But Buttler?s stay at the crease was cut short by a brilliant throw by Sanju Samson, who came from short cover to hit the stumps as Mumbai slumped to 47/2.

Buttler made 28 off 18 balls, hitting two sixes and three fours.

In the eight over, Cummins removed in-form Nitish Rana (8) as he gave a sitter to Corey Anderson at deep mid-wicket.

In the very next over, skipper Rohit Sharma (5) again fell to a leg spinner, this time Mishra as he was caught by Cummins at deep backward square leg.

In the 13th over, Mishra claimed his second wicket as he sent back Krunal Pandya for 17 as he edge to stumper Pant. Half of the Mumbai side was back to the pavilion on 84.

(PTI)

The Daredevils, believed to have one of the best attacks, restricted the hosts to 142 for 8 but managed only 128 for 7 in the run chase

Mumbai Indians' bowlers rose to the occasion after team's tough time with the bat as the hosts recorded their sixth win on the trot with a comfortable 14-run victory over Delhi Daredevils in an IPL match, here tonight. Daredevils, believed to have one of the best attacks, restricted the hosts to 142 for eight but were terrible in run chase, managing only 128 for seven. The visitors were gasping at 24 for six at one stage before a 91-run stand between South African pair of debutant Kagiso Rabada (44) and Chris Morris (52) raised their hopes. However, it only reduced the margin of defeat. Kiwi paceman Mitchell McClenaghan (3/24) scalped three batsmen to rock the Delhi top and middle order and Jasprit Bumrah (2/21) broke the seventh-wicket stand between the South Africans to shape his side's win. Delhi needed 30 runs off the final 12 balls but Bumrah and Hardik Pandya denied the rivals a memorable win after they made remarkable recovery through Rabada and Morris. Leg-spinner Amit Mishra returned exceptional figures 4-0-18-2 while Australian paceman Pat Cummins (2/20) also chipped in with two wickets in Daredevils' good bowling show. It was a collective bowling effort from Daredevils with Rabada (1/30) and skipper Zaheer Khan also contributing in choking the Mumbai line-up which is full of devastating batsmen. However, the batsmen could not complement the good work done by the bowlers and suffered their fourth loss in six matches. Mumbai Indians on the other hand consolidated their position at the top with sixth win in a row. Earlier, It was Hardik Pandya's 24 off 23 balls and West Indian Kieron Pollard's 26 off 29 balls that helped the home side to go beyond the 140 run mark after being 84/5 at one stage. Mumbai managed to score only 32 runs in the last five overs as Daredevils skipper Zaheer made some good bowling changes. Daredevils were also brilliant in the field as they managed to run out three Mumbai batsman including Hardik. For the visitors, Australian paceman Pat Cummins (2/20), South African Kagiso Rabada (1/30), who made his IPL debut, were impressive. Openers Parthiv Patel and Jos Buttler stitched 37 for the first wicket in four overs. Buttler made his intentions clear as he hit a six off Chris Morris in the second over, followed by a boundary. Buttler, the star of Mumbai's game against Kings XI Punjab, got a life on 11 after being dropped by wicket-keeper Rishab Pant on the last ball of the second over. The Englishman then hammered Rabada for a maximum over the mid-wicket fence. However, in the same over, Rabada, clinched his first IPL wicket as he cleaned up Parthiv (8). Buttler struck Zaheer for two boundaries in the fifth over. But Buttler?s stay at the crease was cut short by a brilliant throw by Sanju Samson, who came from short cover to hit the stumps as Mumbai slumped to 47/2. Buttler made 28 off 18 balls, hitting two sixes and three fours. In the eight over, Cummins removed in-form Nitish Rana (8) as he gave a sitter to Corey Anderson at deep mid-wicket. In the very next over, skipper Rohit Sharma (5) again fell to a leg spinner, this time Mishra as he was caught by Cummins at deep backward square leg. In the 13th over, Mishra claimed his second wicket as he sent back Krunal Pandya for 17 as he edge to stumper Pant. Half of the Mumbai side was back to the pavilion on 84. (PTI)

IPL: Mumbai Indians out-bowl Delhi Dardevils, win by 14 runs

India captain Virat Kohli has recovered from his shoulder injury and is fit to play in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, the country&#39;s cricket board (BCCI) said on Thursday.

Kohli missed the franchise&#39;s first three matches as he underwent rehabilitation after injuring his right shoulder while fielding during the third test against Australia at Ranchi.

The injury forced him to miss India&#39;s series-sealing final test win over Australia in Dharamsala but the BCCI said on Thursday the 28-year-old has regained match fitness.

&quot;He will now be available for RCB&#39;s next match against Mumbai Indians on April 14 in Bengaluru,&quot; the board said in a statement.

&quot;The Indian captain had undergone rehabilitation after sustaining an injury to his right shoulder and has now recovered to be able to participate in IPL 2017.&quot;

Kohli&#39;s side, who have lost Australia paceman Mitchell Starc and India opener Lokesh Rahul to injuries, have lost two of their three matches in the April 5-May 21 tournament.

(Reuters)

The Indian captain is back after recovering from a shoulder injury that kept him from playing in the final Test series against Australia

India captain Virat Kohli has recovered from his shoulder injury and is fit to play in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, the country's cricket board (BCCI) said on Thursday. Kohli missed the franchise's first three matches as he underwent rehabilitation after injuring his right shoulder while fielding during the third test against Australia at Ranchi. The injury forced him to miss India's series-sealing final test win over Australia in Dharamsala but the BCCI said on Thursday the 28-year-old has regained match fitness. "He will now be available for RCB's next match against Mumbai Indians on April 14 in Bengaluru," the board said in a statement. "The Indian captain had undergone rehabilitation after sustaining an injury to his right shoulder and has now recovered to be able to participate in IPL 2017." Kohli's side, who have lost Australia paceman Mitchell Starc and India opener Lokesh Rahul to injuries, have lost two of their three matches in the April 5-May 21 tournament. (Reuters)

India captain Kohli fit to play IPL

India captain Virat Kohli has been named as the Leading Cricketer in the World in the 2017 edition of the respected Wisden Cricketers&#39; Almanack, -- &quot;cricket&#39;s bible&quot;&nbsp;-- published this week.

Meanwhile Pakistan&#39;s Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan were named as two of Wisden&#39;s Five Cricketers of the Year.&nbsp;

According to editor Lawrence Booth, Kohli had &quot;the year of his dreams&quot; in 2016, &quot;averaging more with the bat in each of the three formats than anyone: 75 in Tests, 92 in one-day internationals and 106 in Twenty20 internationals&quot;.

Under Kohli, India won series trophies in all three formats against England in 2016/17.

Booth said the star batsman&#39;s 235 in the fourth Test against England at Mumbai confirmed him as the &quot;spiritual successor to Sachin Tendulkar&quot;.

Kohli is the third Indian to win an award that has only been in existence since 2003 and is designed to recognise achievement in all forms of the international game in the previous calendar year.

Dynamic opener Virender Sehwag won twice, in 2008 and 2009, with Tendulkar himself awarded the title in 2010.&nbsp;

The 2017 women&#39;s award was won by Australia&#39;s Ellyse Perry.

While the Leading Cricketer of the Year award is a relatively new concept by the standards of Wisden -- a British-based publication which has appeared every year since 1864, with not even the First and Second World Wars halting its print run -- the Five Cricketers of the Year is a tradition that dates back 128 years.

The usual criteria for inclusion in that award, which can only be won once in a player&#39;s career, is the impact a player had on the preceding English season.

&nbsp;

&#39;Riveting&#39; England-Pakistan series

Veteran batsmen Misbah and Younis were both honoured in the context of their performances during Pakistan&#39;s 2-2 Test series draw in England -- a result that saw Pakistan, under Misbah&#39;s captaincy, briefly rise to number one in the world Test rankings.

&quot;Misbah-ul-Haq was central to one of the most riveting series in England for years,&quot; wrote Booth.&nbsp;

&quot;His century in the First Test at Lord&#39;s set a benchmark for his team-mates, while his celebratory press-ups became one of the motifs of the year.&nbsp;

&quot;Against the odds, he led Pakistan, without a home Test since 2009, to the top of the rankings -- and all at the age of 42.&quot;

Turning to Younis, he added: &quot;With the pressure on, Younis Khan delivered. His classy 218 in the final Test of the summer, at The Oval, helped Pakistan square the series after successive defeats had left them in danger of squandering their win at Lord&#39;s.&nbsp;

&quot;It was his 32nd Test hundred -- and a reminder that his struggles earlier in the series had been a blip rather than part of a decline.&quot;

England all-rounder Chris Woakes, who enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2016 that included 26 wickets at 16 apiece in four Tests against Pakistan, was also one of Wisden&#39;s Five Cricketers of the Year.

Middlesex&#39;s Toby Roland-Jones, whose hat-trick against Yorkshire at Lord&#39;s sealed the County Championship title for the London club, and Northamptonshire batsman Ben Duckett, who scored 2,706 runs in all formats during a prolific season, completed the quintet.

Reflecting on other topics, Booth said Alastair Cook had chosen &quot;the right time to go&quot; in resigning as England&#39;s Test captain following the 4-0 series loss in India.

However, he added: &quot;That his team lost only four of his 17 Test series in charge was testament to a very English grit: understated, occasionally self-conscious, always bloody-minded. It proved an exhausting combination.&quot;

(AFP)

Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan were named as two of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year

India captain Virat Kohli has been named as the Leading Cricketer in the World in the 2017 edition of the respected Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, -- "cricket's bible" -- published this week. Meanwhile Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan were named as two of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year. According to editor Lawrence Booth, Kohli had "the year of his dreams" in 2016, "averaging more with the bat in each of the three formats than anyone: 75 in Tests, 92 in one-day internationals and 106 in Twenty20 internationals". Under Kohli, India won series trophies in all three formats against England in 2016/17. Booth said the star batsman's 235 in the fourth Test against England at Mumbai confirmed him as the "spiritual successor to Sachin Tendulkar". Kohli is the third Indian to win an award that has only been in existence since 2003 and is designed to recognise achievement in all forms of the international game in the previous calendar year. Dynamic opener Virender Sehwag won twice, in 2008 and 2009, with Tendulkar himself awarded the title in 2010. The 2017 women's award was won by Australia's Ellyse Perry. While the Leading Cricketer of the Year award is a relatively new concept by the standards of Wisden -- a British-based publication which has appeared every year since 1864, with not even the First and Second World Wars halting its print run -- the Five Cricketers of the Year is a tradition that dates back 128 years. The usual criteria for inclusion in that award, which can only be won once in a player's career, is the impact a player had on the preceding English season. 'Riveting' England-Pakistan series Veteran batsmen Misbah and Younis were both honoured in the context of their performances during Pakistan's 2-2 Test series draw in England -- a result that saw Pakistan, under Misbah's captaincy, briefly rise to number one in the world Test rankings. "Misbah-ul-Haq was central to one of the most riveting series in England for years," wrote Booth. "His century in the First Test at Lord's set a benchmark for his team-mates, while his celebratory press-ups became one of the motifs of the year. "Against the odds, he led Pakistan, without a home Test since 2009, to the top of the rankings -- and all at the age of 42." Turning to Younis, he added: "With the pressure on, Younis Khan delivered. His classy 218 in the final Test of the summer, at The Oval, helped Pakistan square the series after successive defeats had left them in danger of squandering their win at Lord's. "It was his 32nd Test hundred -- and a reminder that his struggles earlier in the series had been a blip rather than part of a decline." England all-rounder Chris Woakes, who enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2016 that included 26 wickets at 16 apiece in four Tests against Pakistan, was also one of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year. Middlesex's Toby Roland-Jones, whose hat-trick against Yorkshire at Lord's sealed the County Championship title for the London club, and Northamptonshire batsman Ben Duckett, who scored 2,706 runs in all formats during a prolific season, completed the quintet. Reflecting on other topics, Booth said Alastair Cook had chosen "the right time to go" in resigning as England's Test captain following the 4-0 series loss in India. However, he added: "That his team lost only four of his 17 Test series in charge was testament to a very English grit: understated, occasionally self-conscious, always bloody-minded. It proved an exhausting combination." (AFP)

Virat Kohli is Wisden's leading cricketer for 'the year of his dreams'

Indian captain Virat Kohli today described the 2-1 triumph over Australia as his side&#39;s best series win so far, saying his highly motivated teammates give it right back when poked.

&quot;Regardless of whether we are on top or not, we speak, if something pokes us we speak and give it right back. All people don&#39;t digest it well but we take it very well and we give it back even better,&quot; Kohli told &#39;Star Sports&#39; after the fourth Test here, which he missed owing to a shoulder injury.

The feisty batsman was in the Australian media&#39;s line of fire after stopping just short of calling rival captain Steve Smith a cheat for his infamous DRS &#39;Brain Fade&#39;. Brushing the criticism aside, Kohli said he hardly cares for what was spoken or written about him Down Under.

&quot;Some people want to create some spice sitting at some part of the world. They don&#39;t confront such situations themselves. The easiest thing to do is to just sit at home and write a blog or speak on Mic but to go out there and bowl and bat is different,&quot; he said.

Kohli said he was thoroughly enjoying the responsibility of leading a motivated side.

&quot;I like taking responsibility, every game that I play for India is an opportunity to do something special with my skills. I like getting involved in the game. The workload is something that needs to be kept in mind in future but right now when the body is responding well I am fine,&quot; he said.

&quot;It&#39;s been unbelievable. This is our best series win so far. The way we bounced back from World number&nbsp;7 to number&nbsp;1 has been outstanding achievement and I am proud as a captain.

&quot;I thought (the series against) England was intense, but the way Australia gave us a fight it was amazing on their part but our guys kept bouncing back. We showed true character and maturity. The guys handled themselves well,&quot; he added.

He lauded stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane for the dominating eight-wicket win in the fourth Test, which concluded on the fourth day today.

&quot;Ajinkya led the team really well. It was very pleasing to see that from the outside.&quot;

Kohli said the fact his team&#39;s improved fitness helped has in taking the rigours of a long home season, which included series against South Africa, New Zealand and England.

&quot;The changes we made in our fitness regimen have paid off. Guys have been able to sustain the performance throughout the season,&quot; he said.

&quot;In the past, we have had sessions where we have given away the game easily. Not this season. It has been a team season. Not one or two individuals who have stood out.

Heaping praise on the pacers, Kohli said: &quot;Unbelievable, the kind of fitness and desire the fast bowlers have shown, it has been game-changing.&quot;

Speaking about his recovery from the shoulder niggle, Kohli said he will be back to full fitness in a few weeks. 
&quot;It&#39;s still a few weeks to go till I can be 100 per cent on the field. You have to take it in your stride and move forward,&quot; he said.

Rahane, on the other hand, credited the all-round team effort for the victory.

&quot;Really enjoyed the win. Credit to all the boys. Not only this series, but to whoever has played this season. I am really happy as a captain. I thought our bowlers, batsmen and fielders, they all did well,&quot; Rahane said.

An aggressive Rahane was on display today as he blasted two consecutive sixes off Pat Cummins even though India was chasing a paltry score of 106.

Asked about the sixes, Rahane said: &quot;In low-scoring games, you just need 30-40 quick runs in the middle. I was thinking of the Galle defeat when we got into our shell.&quot;

Adjudged Man of Match and Man of the series, Ravindra Jadeja was on cloud nine.

&quot;It really feels great to be the number&nbsp;1 Test bowler and being part of this champion Test side,&quot; he said.

&quot;When I batted, I was thinking to take my time and then Matthew Wade chirped from behind. That motivated me. If I can respond to him with runs, it will be great.&quot;

Jadeja also credited his coaches and captain for his performance and said he is happy to have answered his critics.

&quot;Coaches and captain have been telling me, I have the skill to bat long. I developed as a player overall. Some time ago people didn&#39;t consider me a Test bowler. This season is a good response to them,&quot; he said.

Talking about his combination with Ravichandran Ashwin, Jadeja said: &quot;Ashwin and I maintain pressure from both ends. The variation of off-spinner and left-arm spinner also works well. It is difficult for any team to play such a combination.

&quot;Hopefully we can continue this outside India too.&quot;

Known for his sword-wielding celebration, Jadeja said: &quot;I will try to get to a hundred next time, and celebrate with two bats as swords.&quot;

(PTI)

The feisty batsman was in the Australian media's line of fire after stopping just short of calling rival captain Steve Smith a cheat

Indian captain Virat Kohli today described the 2-1 triumph over Australia as his side's best series win so far, saying his highly motivated teammates give it right back when poked. "Regardless of whether we are on top or not, we speak, if something pokes us we speak and give it right back. All people don't digest it well but we take it very well and we give it back even better," Kohli told 'Star Sports' after the fourth Test here, which he missed owing to a shoulder injury. The feisty batsman was in the Australian media's line of fire after stopping just short of calling rival captain Steve Smith a cheat for his infamous DRS 'Brain Fade'. Brushing the criticism aside, Kohli said he hardly cares for what was spoken or written about him Down Under. "Some people want to create some spice sitting at some part of the world. They don't confront such situations themselves. The easiest thing to do is to just sit at home and write a blog or speak on Mic but to go out there and bowl and bat is different," he said. Kohli said he was thoroughly enjoying the responsibility of leading a motivated side. "I like taking responsibility, every game that I play for India is an opportunity to do something special with my skills. I like getting involved in the game. The workload is something that needs to be kept in mind in future but right now when the body is responding well I am fine," he said. "It's been unbelievable. This is our best series win so far. The way we bounced back from World number 7 to number 1 has been outstanding achievement and I am proud as a captain. "I thought (the series against) England was intense, but the way Australia gave us a fight it was amazing on their part but our guys kept bouncing back. We showed true character and maturity. The guys handled themselves well," he added. He lauded stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane for the dominating eight-wicket win in the fourth Test, which concluded on the fourth day today. "Ajinkya led the team really well. It was very pleasing to see that from the outside." Kohli said the fact his team's improved fitness helped has in taking the rigours of a long home season, which included series against South Africa, New Zealand and England. "The changes we made in our fitness regimen have paid off. Guys have been able to sustain the performance throughout the season," he said. "In the past, we have had sessions where we have given away the game easily. Not this season. It has been a team season. Not one or two individuals who have stood out. Heaping praise on the pacers, Kohli said: "Unbelievable, the kind of fitness and desire the fast bowlers have shown, it has been game-changing." Speaking about his recovery from the shoulder niggle, Kohli said he will be back to full fitness in a few weeks. "It's still a few weeks to go till I can be 100 per cent on the field. You have to take it in your stride and move forward," he said. Rahane, on the other hand, credited the all-round team effort for the victory. "Really enjoyed the win. Credit to all the boys. Not only this series, but to whoever has played this season. I am really happy as a captain. I thought our bowlers, batsmen and fielders, they all did well," Rahane said. An aggressive Rahane was on display today as he blasted two consecutive sixes off Pat Cummins even though India was chasing a paltry score of 106. Asked about the sixes, Rahane said: "In low-scoring games, you just need 30-40 quick runs in the middle. I was thinking of the Galle defeat when we got into our shell." Adjudged Man of Match and Man of the series, Ravindra Jadeja was on cloud nine. "It really feels great to be the number 1 Test bowler and being part of this champion Test side," he said. "When I batted, I was thinking to take my time and then Matthew Wade chirped from behind. That motivated me. If I can respond to him with runs, it will be great." Jadeja also credited his coaches and captain for his performance and said he is happy to have answered his critics. "Coaches and captain have been telling me, I have the skill to bat long. I developed as a player overall. Some time ago people didn't consider me a Test bowler. This season is a good response to them," he said. Talking about his combination with Ravichandran Ashwin, Jadeja said: "Ashwin and I maintain pressure from both ends. The variation of off-spinner and left-arm spinner also works well. It is difficult for any team to play such a combination. "Hopefully we can continue this outside India too." Known for his sword-wielding celebration, Jadeja said: "I will try to get to a hundred next time, and celebrate with two bats as swords." (PTI)

If something pokes us we speak and give it right back: Kohli

Cheteshwar Pujara compiled an epic double century which Wriddhiman Saha complimented with a career-best 117 to deflate Australia and put India in a strong position on the fourth day of the third test on Sunday.

After India declared their first innings on 603 for nine, Ravindra Jadeja bowled David Warner and nightwatchman Nathan Lyon cheaply in successive overs to reduce Australia to 23-2.

Matt Renshaw was batting on seven at stumps with Australia still 129 runs behind and under considerable pressure to save the match.

Earlier, Pujara became the first Indian batsman to face 500 deliveries in a test innings, spending more than 11 hours at the crease for his marathon 202 on the penultimate day of the contest.

Resuming the day with India 91 runs behind Australia&#39;s first innings total of 451, Pujara and Saha frustrated the tourists and batted through the first two sessions to forge a 199-run seventh wicket partnership.

Both fell in the final session trying to accelerate with Australia looking pretty jaded by then.

Pujara faced 525 balls in his tireless knock, capitalising on the exceptionally fast outfield to score 21 boundaries at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium, which is hosting its first test.

Pujara was given out lbw to a sharply turning Nathan Lyon delivery when on 157 but he managed to prolong Australia&#39;s misery by using review to get the decision overturned.

The 29-year-old took a single off Lyon to bring up his third double century before falling to the off-spinner.

Saha matched Pujara&#39;s doggedness at the other end after surviving a couple of reviews earlier in the day.

Playing his second test more than five years after his first, Australia paceman Pat Cummins (4-106) nearly completed a five-wicket haul when Saha was given out leg-before.

The batsman immediately reviewed and replays suggested the ball would have missed the stumps.

Saha also got a reprieve on 51 when his fellow wicketkeeper Matthew Wade spilled an edge.

The stumper-batsman ducked well under the bouncers from Cummins and took a single off Glenn Maxwell to complete his century which drew his team mates in the dressing room on their feet.

Once past his hundred, he too went for quick runs and fell to Steve O&#39;Keefe who bowled a staggering 77 overs for his three wickets as Australia endured a tough day on the field.

Down the order, Jadeja clobbered a couple of sixes in his brisk unbeaten 54 to rub salt to Australia&#39;s injuries, celebrating his fifty by twirling his bat like a sword.

Home skipper Virat Kohli called his batsmen in as soon as they crossed the 600-run mark and unleashed his spinners on Australia to drive home the advantage.

The four-test series is tied 1-1 with Dharamsala hosting the final match from Saturday.

(Reuters)

Cheteshwar Pujara compiled an epic double century which Wriddhiman Saha complimented with a career-best 117 to deflate Australia

Cheteshwar Pujara compiled an epic double century which Wriddhiman Saha complimented with a career-best 117 to deflate Australia and put India in a strong position on the fourth day of the third test on Sunday. After India declared their first innings on 603 for nine, Ravindra Jadeja bowled David Warner and nightwatchman Nathan Lyon cheaply in successive overs to reduce Australia to 23-2. Matt Renshaw was batting on seven at stumps with Australia still 129 runs behind and under considerable pressure to save the match. Earlier, Pujara became the first Indian batsman to face 500 deliveries in a test innings, spending more than 11 hours at the crease for his marathon 202 on the penultimate day of the contest. Resuming the day with India 91 runs behind Australia's first innings total of 451, Pujara and Saha frustrated the tourists and batted through the first two sessions to forge a 199-run seventh wicket partnership. Both fell in the final session trying to accelerate with Australia looking pretty jaded by then. Pujara faced 525 balls in his tireless knock, capitalising on the exceptionally fast outfield to score 21 boundaries at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium, which is hosting its first test. Pujara was given out lbw to a sharply turning Nathan Lyon delivery when on 157 but he managed to prolong Australia's misery by using review to get the decision overturned. The 29-year-old took a single off Lyon to bring up his third double century before falling to the off-spinner. Saha matched Pujara's doggedness at the other end after surviving a couple of reviews earlier in the day. Playing his second test more than five years after his first, Australia paceman Pat Cummins (4-106) nearly completed a five-wicket haul when Saha was given out leg-before. The batsman immediately reviewed and replays suggested the ball would have missed the stumps. Saha also got a reprieve on 51 when his fellow wicketkeeper Matthew Wade spilled an edge. The stumper-batsman ducked well under the bouncers from Cummins and took a single off Glenn Maxwell to complete his century which drew his team mates in the dressing room on their feet. Once past his hundred, he too went for quick runs and fell to Steve O'Keefe who bowled a staggering 77 overs for his three wickets as Australia endured a tough day on the field. Down the order, Jadeja clobbered a couple of sixes in his brisk unbeaten 54 to rub salt to Australia's injuries, celebrating his fifty by twirling his bat like a sword. Home skipper Virat Kohli called his batsmen in as soon as they crossed the 600-run mark and unleashed his spinners on Australia to drive home the advantage. The four-test series is tied 1-1 with Dharamsala hosting the final match from Saturday. (Reuters)

Jadeja strikes after Pujara and Saha deflate Australia

&nbsp;Australia paceman Mitchell Starc ripped the heart out of India&#39;s top order with two wickets in three balls to help reduce the hosts to 70 for three at lunch on the second day of the opening test on Friday.

Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed for six, while India captain and batting mainstay Virat Kohli was despatched for a two-ball duck as the touring side fought back strongly in the first of the four-match series between the world&#39;s top two sides.

Replying to their opponent&#39;s first innings total of 260 on a wicket favouring both pace and spin, assured opener Lokesh Rahul was unbeaten on 47 with Ajinkya Rahane six not out at the break.

Following Kohli&#39;s lead, Australia skipper Steve Smith used one of his spinners as early as the second over on the dry pitch at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in the Western Indian city of Pune, a venue making its debut as a test centre.

Left-armer Steve O&#39;Keefe was largely ineffective, however, before right-arm paceman Josh Hazlewood came on to break India&#39;s opening stand in his first over when he induced Murali Vijay into edging a catch behind for 10.

Starc was Australia&#39;s new ball pace option but the left-armer was unable to find much success with the new cherry as Rahul settled in quickly to hit him for a few crisply driven boundaries.

Widely considered the world&#39;s leading test paceman, Starc would not be denied and he returned to see off Pujara with a rising delivery that brushed the batsman&#39;s glove and sailed through to wicketkeeper Matthew Wade.

The sparse crowd appeared indifferent to Pujara&#39;s dismissal as they anticipated the arrival of fan-favourite Kohli, who recently became the first batsman to hit four double-centuries in as many consecutive series.

However, their boisterous enthusiasm was replaced by stunned silence just two balls later when the right-hander chased a full and wide delivery from Starc to offer up a routine slip catch.

Rahul and Rahane negotiated the remaining overs through to lunch, though the latter almost perished to off-spin when he edged a Nathan Lyon delivery just wide of a leg slip.

Earlier, Australia&#39;s final-wicket pairing lasted less than an over in the morning session with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissing Starc for an eventful knock of 61.

(Reuters)

Virat Kohli was despatched for a two-ball duck as the touring side fought back strongly in the first of the four-match series

Australia paceman Mitchell Starc ripped the heart out of India's top order with two wickets in three balls to help reduce the hosts to 70 for three at lunch on the second day of the opening test on Friday. Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed for six, while India captain and batting mainstay Virat Kohli was despatched for a two-ball duck as the touring side fought back strongly in the first of the four-match series between the world's top two sides. Replying to their opponent's first innings total of 260 on a wicket favouring both pace and spin, assured opener Lokesh Rahul was unbeaten on 47 with Ajinkya Rahane six not out at the break. Following Kohli's lead, Australia skipper Steve Smith used one of his spinners as early as the second over on the dry pitch at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in the Western Indian city of Pune, a venue making its debut as a test centre. Left-armer Steve O'Keefe was largely ineffective, however, before right-arm paceman Josh Hazlewood came on to break India's opening stand in his first over when he induced Murali Vijay into edging a catch behind for 10. Starc was Australia's new ball pace option but the left-armer was unable to find much success with the new cherry as Rahul settled in quickly to hit him for a few crisply driven boundaries. Widely considered the world's leading test paceman, Starc would not be denied and he returned to see off Pujara with a rising delivery that brushed the batsman's glove and sailed through to wicketkeeper Matthew Wade. The sparse crowd appeared indifferent to Pujara's dismissal as they anticipated the arrival of fan-favourite Kohli, who recently became the first batsman to hit four double-centuries in as many consecutive series. However, their boisterous enthusiasm was replaced by stunned silence just two balls later when the right-hander chased a full and wide delivery from Starc to offer up a routine slip catch. Rahul and Rahane negotiated the remaining overs through to lunch, though the latter almost perished to off-spin when he edged a Nathan Lyon delivery just wide of a leg slip. Earlier, Australia's final-wicket pairing lasted less than an over in the morning session with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissing Starc for an eventful knock of 61. (Reuters)

Starc strikes twice to leave India down and out before lunch

In a surprise move, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has stepped down as limited overs captain of the Indian cricket team, thereby drawing the curtains to his glorious leadership career.

The BCCI today said in a statement that Dhoni has informed the Board that he wishes to step down as the captain of the Indian cricket team from the One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals.

While expressing his desire to quit captaincy, Dhoni however conveyed to the selection committee that he will be available for selection for the three ODIs and as many T20s against England starting January 15.

Commenting on Dhoni&#39;s sudden announcement, Rahul Johri, Chief Executive Officer of the BCCI said, &quot;On the behalf of every Indian cricket fan and the BCCI, I would like to thank MS Dhoni for his outstanding contribution as the captain of the Indian team across all formats. Under his leadership, the Indian team has touched new heights and his achievements will remain etched forever in the annals of Indian cricket.&quot;

Dhoni, 35, had earlier suddenly quit Test captaincy during the Australia tour in 2014 in Melbourne.

Dhoni has been India&#39;s most successful captain. Under his leadership India have won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the ICC ODI World Cup in 2011, ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 and also reached the top of the Test rankings in 2009.

India&#39;s Test skipper Virat Kohli is likely to take over captaincy of the limited overs team following Dhoni&#39;s decision.

(PTI)

India's Test skipper Virat Kohli, already a legend in his own time, is likely to take over the captaincy

In a surprise move, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has stepped down as limited overs captain of the Indian cricket team, thereby drawing the curtains to his glorious leadership career. The BCCI today said in a statement that Dhoni has informed the Board that he wishes to step down as the captain of the Indian cricket team from the One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals. While expressing his desire to quit captaincy, Dhoni however conveyed to the selection committee that he will be available for selection for the three ODIs and as many T20s against England starting January 15. Commenting on Dhoni's sudden announcement, Rahul Johri, Chief Executive Officer of the BCCI said, "On the behalf of every Indian cricket fan and the BCCI, I would like to thank MS Dhoni for his outstanding contribution as the captain of the Indian team across all formats. Under his leadership, the Indian team has touched new heights and his achievements will remain etched forever in the annals of Indian cricket." Dhoni, 35, had earlier suddenly quit Test captaincy during the Australia tour in 2014 in Melbourne. Dhoni has been India's most successful captain. Under his leadership India have won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the ICC ODI World Cup in 2011, ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 and also reached the top of the Test rankings in 2009. India's Test skipper Virat Kohli is likely to take over captaincy of the limited overs team following Dhoni's decision. (PTI)

MS Dhoni steps down as India's limited overs captain

India&#39;s makeshift opening pair of Lokesh Rahul and Parthiv Patel struck fifties to lead the hosts&#39; strong reply to England&#39;s first innings total of 477 on day three of the fifth and final test on Sunday.

On a track getting increasingly easier to bat on, Rahul and Patel combined to forge India&#39;s first century-plus opening stand in 32 innings to help the hosts reach 173 for one at lunch.

Rahul braved a knee injury to remain unbeaten on 89 as the openers scored briskly against the English bowlers at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Cheteshwar Pujara was batting on 11 at the other end, with India, who have taken an unassailable 3-0 lead, still 304 runs behind.

Resuming on 60 for no loss, Rahul and Patel negotiated the English attack with consummate ease.

Replacing injured regular keeper Wriddhiman Saha after the second test, Patel kept wickets for over 157 overs and then returned to partner Rahul after opener Murali Vijay sustained a shoulder injury which prompted him to bat lower.

Rahul was particularly harsh on debutant Liam Dawson, twice stepping out against the left-arm spinner to hit him for sixes.

Rahul took two runs off Stuart Broad to bring up his second fifty and the opener with an excellent fifty-to-hundred conversion rate remained on course for his fourth test century.

Patel pulled paceman Jake Ball and ran two to register his sixth test half-century, second of the series.

The southpaw stepped out to hit Moeen Ali for his seventh boundary but fell for 71 two balls later, trying to repeat the risky shot against the turn. Jos Buttler caught the leading edge at cover.

(PTI)

Rahul and Patel combined to forge India's first century-plus opening stand in 32 innings to help the hosts reach 173 for one at lunch

India's makeshift opening pair of Lokesh Rahul and Parthiv Patel struck fifties to lead the hosts' strong reply to England's first innings total of 477 on day three of the fifth and final test on Sunday. On a track getting increasingly easier to bat on, Rahul and Patel combined to forge India's first century-plus opening stand in 32 innings to help the hosts reach 173 for one at lunch. Rahul braved a knee injury to remain unbeaten on 89 as the openers scored briskly against the English bowlers at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Cheteshwar Pujara was batting on 11 at the other end, with India, who have taken an unassailable 3-0 lead, still 304 runs behind. Resuming on 60 for no loss, Rahul and Patel negotiated the English attack with consummate ease. Replacing injured regular keeper Wriddhiman Saha after the second test, Patel kept wickets for over 157 overs and then returned to partner Rahul after opener Murali Vijay sustained a shoulder injury which prompted him to bat lower. Rahul was particularly harsh on debutant Liam Dawson, twice stepping out against the left-arm spinner to hit him for sixes. Rahul took two runs off Stuart Broad to bring up his second fifty and the opener with an excellent fifty-to-hundred conversion rate remained on course for his fourth test century. Patel pulled paceman Jake Ball and ran two to register his sixth test half-century, second of the series. The southpaw stepped out to hit Moeen Ali for his seventh boundary but fell for 71 two balls later, trying to repeat the risky shot against the turn. Jos Buttler caught the leading edge at cover. (PTI)

Rahul, Patel give India solid start in Chennai

Indian captain Virat Kohli climbed to the second spot in the ICC Test Rankings for batsmen on Tuesday. The middle-order batsman has been prolific in the on-going Test series against England, amassing 640 runs in the first four Tests.

Kohli will now have his eyes set on his Australian counterpart Steve Smith, the leader of the rankings for batsman. Both the captains are part of the &#39;Fab Four&#39; club of batsman in world cricket.

The 28-year-old Kohli, who hit 235 in India&#39;s only innings in Mumbai in the fourth Test, his highest score in the longest format, has earned him 53 points (for an aggregate of 886 rating points) which has lifted him by one position to a career-best second rank.

He is now is in line to top the rankings in all three forms of the game at some point in time. Kohli, who is currently ranked second in ODI Player Rankings among batsmen and first in Twenty20 Internationals, is just 11 points behind Australia captain Steve Smith, who will get a chance to maintain his top ranking in an upcoming three-Test series against Pakistan.

Ravichandran Ashwin, on the other hand, continued at his top spot in ICC Player Rankings for Test Bowlers after his match haul of 12/167 in the fourth Test against England in Mumbai that helped the home side score an innings and 36 runs victory for a winning 3-0 lead in the five-match series.Ashwin, who had touched the coveted 900-point mark for the first time in October when he had reclaimed the top ranking, has reached 904 points to run up a 37-point lead over second-placed Rangana Herath of Sri Lanka.

Ashwin&#39;s rating is the second best-ever by an off-spinner after Muttiah Muralidaran (920), fifth best among spinners after Tony Lock (912), Derek Underwood (907) and Shane Warne (905), and the 18th in the overall list. Ashwin, who grabbed six wickets each in the two innings in Mumbai, had finished the 2015 year-end rankings as the number-one bowler and was also at the top briefly in July this year. He is also the top-ranked all-rounder at 483 points and enjoys a healthy lead over Bangladesh&#39;s Shakib Al Hasan, who is on 405 points with England&#39;s Ben Stokes third with 341 points.

Ashwin&#39;s spin partner Ravindra Jadeja has bridged the gap with Stokes to just one point in the all-rounders&#39; list after taking six wickets in Mumbai. Jadeja&#39;s continued success has also helped him reach a career-best ranking of sixth among bowlers. Other India players to make upward movements among batsmen are opener Murali Vijay and all-rounder Jayant Yadav. Vijay has moved up five places to 24th position after his knock of 136 while Yadav&#39;s 104 runs at number nine position, has pushed him up 31 slots to 56th rank.

In the ICC Test Team Rankings, India continued to lead the chart with 115 points, followed by England (105), Australia (105), Pakistan (102), South Africa (102), New Zealand (96), Sri Lanka (96), West Indies (69), Bangladesh (65) and Zimbabwe (5). Australia and Pakistan will go head to head in a three-Test series starting in Brisbane on Thursday, with both the sides aiming for an upward movement. However, this position will potentially change when the ICC Test Team Rankings are updated following the Chennai Test between India and England. If second-ranked England wins the Test, then it will finish on 103 points, but it will end on 101 points if India wins the series 4-0.

(PTI)

The 28-year-old Kohli has earned 53 points which has lifted him by one position to a career-best second rank

Indian captain Virat Kohli climbed to the second spot in the ICC Test Rankings for batsmen on Tuesday. The middle-order batsman has been prolific in the on-going Test series against England, amassing 640 runs in the first four Tests. Kohli will now have his eyes set on his Australian counterpart Steve Smith, the leader of the rankings for batsman. Both the captains are part of the 'Fab Four' club of batsman in world cricket. The 28-year-old Kohli, who hit 235 in India's only innings in Mumbai in the fourth Test, his highest score in the longest format, has earned him 53 points (for an aggregate of 886 rating points) which has lifted him by one position to a career-best second rank. He is now is in line to top the rankings in all three forms of the game at some point in time. Kohli, who is currently ranked second in ODI Player Rankings among batsmen and first in Twenty20 Internationals, is just 11 points behind Australia captain Steve Smith, who will get a chance to maintain his top ranking in an upcoming three-Test series against Pakistan. Ravichandran Ashwin, on the other hand, continued at his top spot in ICC Player Rankings for Test Bowlers after his match haul of 12/167 in the fourth Test against England in Mumbai that helped the home side score an innings and 36 runs victory for a winning 3-0 lead in the five-match series.Ashwin, who had touched the coveted 900-point mark for the first time in October when he had reclaimed the top ranking, has reached 904 points to run up a 37-point lead over second-placed Rangana Herath of Sri Lanka. Ashwin's rating is the second best-ever by an off-spinner after Muttiah Muralidaran (920), fifth best among spinners after Tony Lock (912), Derek Underwood (907) and Shane Warne (905), and the 18th in the overall list. Ashwin, who grabbed six wickets each in the two innings in Mumbai, had finished the 2015 year-end rankings as the number-one bowler and was also at the top briefly in July this year. He is also the top-ranked all-rounder at 483 points and enjoys a healthy lead over Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan, who is on 405 points with England's Ben Stokes third with 341 points. Ashwin's spin partner Ravindra Jadeja has bridged the gap with Stokes to just one point in the all-rounders' list after taking six wickets in Mumbai. Jadeja's continued success has also helped him reach a career-best ranking of sixth among bowlers. Other India players to make upward movements among batsmen are opener Murali Vijay and all-rounder Jayant Yadav. Vijay has moved up five places to 24th position after his knock of 136 while Yadav's 104 runs at number nine position, has pushed him up 31 slots to 56th rank. In the ICC Test Team Rankings, India continued to lead the chart with 115 points, followed by England (105), Australia (105), Pakistan (102), South Africa (102), New Zealand (96), Sri Lanka (96), West Indies (69), Bangladesh (65) and Zimbabwe (5). Australia and Pakistan will go head to head in a three-Test series starting in Brisbane on Thursday, with both the sides aiming for an upward movement. However, this position will potentially change when the ICC Test Team Rankings are updated following the Chennai Test between India and England. If second-ranked England wins the Test, then it will finish on 103 points, but it will end on 101 points if India wins the series 4-0. (PTI)

Cricket: Kohli climbs to 2nd spot in ICC Test Rankings for batsmen

Star batsman Virat Kohli smashed a massive double century before England slumped to 182-6 at stumps on day four as India closed in on victory in the fourth Test Sunday.

Captain Kohli struck 235 runs for his third double ton of the year and Jayant Yadav scored a maiden Test century to fire India to a huge first innings score of 631.

England, trailing by 231 runs, and already facing a mountain to climb to win the Test and salvage the series, then endured a nightmare start to their second innings in Mumbai.

The visitors lost a trio of quick wickets in just 13.2 overs to sit at 49-3 at tea as they started to stare defeat in the face at the Wankhede Stadium.

Keaton Jennings, who scored a century on his Test debut in the first innings, went for a golden duck, out lbw off Indian medium pace bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Captain Alastair Cook walked next, out lbw to left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja for just 18 runs.

Moeen Ali then lasted only three balls without score as Jadeja grabbed a second quick wicket thanks to the safe hands of Murali Vijay.

Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow did their best to make a contest of it by putting on a fourth wicket partnership of 92 before the former was bowled lbw by Yadav for 77 runs.

Ben Stokes came and went for 18 while Bairstow was unbeaten on 50 at stumps.

India&#39;s talismanic Kohli had earlier blasted a double century that included 25 fours and one six during his 340-ball stay.

It marked his third double century of 2016 in what has been a sensational and record-breaking year for the Indian skipper.

The 28-year-old put on a massive 241-run partnership with Yadav as England failed to take any wickets during the morning session.

Kohli removed his helmet and raised his bat to the adoring crowd as he brought up his double ton with a single off his 302nd ball of the match.&nbsp;

The right-hander has been the standout batsman of the year, scoring a double century against the West Indies in July before repeating the feat against New Zealand in October.

He was eventually caught out by James Anderson from Chris Woakes.

England, who scored 400 in their first innings, must win to keep the series alive going into the fifth Test in Chennai, a feat that now looks all but impossible.

(PTI)

Captain Kohli struck 235 runs for his third double ton of the year, as India closed in on victory in the fourth Test Sunday

Star batsman Virat Kohli smashed a massive double century before England slumped to 182-6 at stumps on day four as India closed in on victory in the fourth Test Sunday. Captain Kohli struck 235 runs for his third double ton of the year and Jayant Yadav scored a maiden Test century to fire India to a huge first innings score of 631. England, trailing by 231 runs, and already facing a mountain to climb to win the Test and salvage the series, then endured a nightmare start to their second innings in Mumbai. The visitors lost a trio of quick wickets in just 13.2 overs to sit at 49-3 at tea as they started to stare defeat in the face at the Wankhede Stadium. Keaton Jennings, who scored a century on his Test debut in the first innings, went for a golden duck, out lbw off Indian medium pace bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Captain Alastair Cook walked next, out lbw to left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja for just 18 runs. Moeen Ali then lasted only three balls without score as Jadeja grabbed a second quick wicket thanks to the safe hands of Murali Vijay. Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow did their best to make a contest of it by putting on a fourth wicket partnership of 92 before the former was bowled lbw by Yadav for 77 runs. Ben Stokes came and went for 18 while Bairstow was unbeaten on 50 at stumps. India's talismanic Kohli had earlier blasted a double century that included 25 fours and one six during his 340-ball stay. It marked his third double century of 2016 in what has been a sensational and record-breaking year for the Indian skipper. The 28-year-old put on a massive 241-run partnership with Yadav as England failed to take any wickets during the morning session. Kohli removed his helmet and raised his bat to the adoring crowd as he brought up his double ton with a single off his 302nd ball of the match. The right-hander has been the standout batsman of the year, scoring a double century against the West Indies in July before repeating the feat against New Zealand in October. He was eventually caught out by James Anderson from Chris Woakes. England, who scored 400 in their first innings, must win to keep the series alive going into the fifth Test in Chennai, a feat that now looks all but impossible. (PTI)

Kohli hits double century as England slumps

Alastair Cook led England&#39;s dogged resistance with a diligent fifty before falling to the final delivery of the day as India stayed on course for victory in the second test on Sunday.

Trapped in front by a Ravindra Jadeja delivery, Cook reviewed but could not get the lbw decision overturned in what was a massive blow to England ahead of an intriguing fifth day`s play on Monday.

Joe Root was batting on five with the tourists on 87-2, still needing 318 runs for an improbable victory on a track offering significant turn and uneven bounce.

Chasing a daunting 405 on a deteriorating wicket, Cook and Haseem Hameed initially defied the Indian bowlers, who could not separate the openers in the afternoon session.

Hameed lived up to his &quot;Baby Boycott&quot;&nbsp;moniker, frustrating the home bowlers with his solid defence, even if the 19-year-old took a couple of painful blows to his body during his three-hour spell at the crease.

In desperation for a breakthrough, India captain Virat Kohli wasted both reviews on Cook in successive overs, trying to get his counterpart leg-before.

After India spent 50 overs toiling without success, Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Hameed leg-before with a delivery which kept low.

Cook brought up his 53rd test fifty in 171 balls but his late dismissal for 54 was a disappointing end to a day England had begun well by bowling India out for 204 in their second innings.

England paceman Stuart Broad (4-33) was exceptional despite physical discomfort as he and leg-spinner Adil Rashid (4-82) claimed six of the last seven India wickets after the hosts had resumed on 98 for three.

Broad is nursing a foot injury and will be assessed after the test but there was no let up in hostility from the bowler who troubled the Indian batsmen with his probing cutters.

Ajinkya Rahane was out on 26 when he surrendered to one such leg-cutter and, surprised by the extra bounce, gloved it to Cook at slip.

Broad then got Ashwin caught behind to peg back India before Rashid took over.

The 28-year-old dismissed Wriddhiman Saha and then struck a body blow, tempting Virat Kohli into a wild drive only for the edge to fly to slip where an airborne Ben Stokes took a spectacular one-handed catch.

Debutant Jayant Yadav made 27 not out as he and Mohammed Shami added 42 for the final wicket in the first ever test match in the port city of Visakhapatnam.

(Reuters)

Cook brought up his 53rd test fifty in 171 balls, but his late dismissal for 54 was disappointing for England

Alastair Cook led England's dogged resistance with a diligent fifty before falling to the final delivery of the day as India stayed on course for victory in the second test on Sunday. Trapped in front by a Ravindra Jadeja delivery, Cook reviewed but could not get the lbw decision overturned in what was a massive blow to England ahead of an intriguing fifth day`s play on Monday. Joe Root was batting on five with the tourists on 87-2, still needing 318 runs for an improbable victory on a track offering significant turn and uneven bounce. Chasing a daunting 405 on a deteriorating wicket, Cook and Haseem Hameed initially defied the Indian bowlers, who could not separate the openers in the afternoon session. Hameed lived up to his "Baby Boycott" moniker, frustrating the home bowlers with his solid defence, even if the 19-year-old took a couple of painful blows to his body during his three-hour spell at the crease. In desperation for a breakthrough, India captain Virat Kohli wasted both reviews on Cook in successive overs, trying to get his counterpart leg-before. After India spent 50 overs toiling without success, Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Hameed leg-before with a delivery which kept low. Cook brought up his 53rd test fifty in 171 balls but his late dismissal for 54 was a disappointing end to a day England had begun well by bowling India out for 204 in their second innings. England paceman Stuart Broad (4-33) was exceptional despite physical discomfort as he and leg-spinner Adil Rashid (4-82) claimed six of the last seven India wickets after the hosts had resumed on 98 for three. Broad is nursing a foot injury and will be assessed after the test but there was no let up in hostility from the bowler who troubled the Indian batsmen with his probing cutters. Ajinkya Rahane was out on 26 when he surrendered to one such leg-cutter and, surprised by the extra bounce, gloved it to Cook at slip. Broad then got Ashwin caught behind to peg back India before Rashid took over. The 28-year-old dismissed Wriddhiman Saha and then struck a body blow, tempting Virat Kohli into a wild drive only for the edge to fly to slip where an airborne Ben Stokes took a spectacular one-handed catch. Debutant Jayant Yadav made 27 not out as he and Mohammed Shami added 42 for the final wicket in the first ever test match in the port city of Visakhapatnam. (Reuters)

Vizag, 2nd Test: India stay on top after England skipper Cook's dismissal

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