<p>Former Indian cricketer and Punjab Kings' batting consultant Wasim Jaffer is known for sharing rib-tickling memes on Twitter and entertaining his fans. This time the 43-year-old uploaded another post in which he reminded everyone of the infamous incident of Ravichandran Ashwin mankading Jos Buttler. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS|&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ben-stokes-ruled-out-of-ipl-2021-five-players-who-can-replace-him-377609">Ben Stokes ruled out of IPL 2021: Five players who can replace him</a></p>

<p>In the post uploaded by Jaffer, he shared a screenshot of a scene from the Bollywood movie, 'Lagaan'. In the scene, a young boy was mankaded by a British bowler.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After posting the image of the scene, Jaffer wrote in his caption, “Watchout for these two tonight #RRvsDC #IPL2021.”&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/6FhyOYb7NT">pic.twitter.com/6FhyOYb7NT</a></p>
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/1382589686447677447?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Ashwin, who was then leading Kings XI Punjab (Punjab Kings), ran Buttler, who playing a sensational knock for the Royals, out at the non-striker’s end, and the momentum shifted towards the Punjab team and they eventually won that match. Despite his actions were completely fine by the laws, several cricketers and fans criticised his actions.</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS|&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-dhoni-to-kohli-highest-paid-players-with-mind-boggling-salaries-in-ipl-2021-377532" hreflang="en">Dhoni, Kohli: Highest-paid players with mind-boggling salaries in IPL</a></p>

<p>R Ashwin joined the Delhi Capitals and is set to face Buttler again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajasthan Royals took to Twitter and reacted to Jaffer's tweet with another screenshot of the scene from the same movie.&nbsp;</p>


Former Indian cricketer and Punjab Kings' batting consultant Wasim Jaffer is known for sharing rib-tickling memes on Twitter and entertaining his fans. This time the 43-year-old uploaded another post in which he reminded everyone of the infamous incident of Ravichandran Ashwin mankading Jos Buttler.

Former Indian cricketer and Punjab Kings' batting consultant Wasim Jaffer is known for sharing rib-tickling memes on Twitter and entertaining his fans. This time the 43-year-old uploaded another post in which he reminded everyone of the infamous incident of Ravichandran Ashwin mankading Jos Buttler. IN PICS| Ben Stokes ruled out of IPL 2021: Five players who can replace him In the post uploaded by Jaffer, he shared a screenshot of a scene from the Bollywood movie, 'Lagaan'. In the scene, a young boy was mankaded by a British bowler. After posting the image of the scene, Jaffer wrote in his caption, “Watchout for these two tonight #RRvsDC #IPL2021.” pic.twitter.com/6FhyOYb7NT — Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 15, 2021 × Ashwin, who was then leading Kings XI Punjab (Punjab Kings), ran Buttler, who playing a sensational knock for the Royals, out at the non-striker’s end, and the momentum shifted towards the Punjab team and they eventually won that match. Despite his actions were completely fine by the laws, several cricketers and fans criticised his actions. IN PICS| Dhoni, Kohli: Highest-paid players with mind-boggling salaries in IPL R Ashwin joined the Delhi Capitals and is set to face Buttler again. Rajasthan Royals took to Twitter and reacted to Jaffer's tweet with another screenshot of the scene from the same movie.

IPL 2021- Wasim Jaffer uses mankading incident meme ahead of RR vs DC game; Royals respond

<p class="MsoNormal">Delhi Capitals spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said that defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will start as hot favourites in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, set to start on Friday. The Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians are eyeing a hat-trick of IPL wins after winning their fifth trophy in the year 2020. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Analysing Mumbai Indians, Ashwin said that while every team has its area of strength, MI’s experience and power-packed line-up make them stand out from their competitors. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes">&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Every team is strong, and I am not making a diplomatic statement. But I definitely think Mumbai has got a powerful and experienced squad. Mumbai will always start as favourites in this competition. I think Mumbai is the team to beat,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-mumbai-indians-team-preview-a-dream-hat-trick-on-cards-for-rohit-sharma-and-co-375947" hreflang="en">IPL 2021, MI - Team Preview: A dream hat-trick on cards for Rohit and Co.?</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">While lavishing praises on Mumbai Indians, Ashwin also backed his side Delhi Capitals to carry the confidence of last season. The veteran spinner backed DC to perform well in the 14<sup>th</sup> edition of the cash-rich tournament.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Good (On DC’s chances), well-balanced one. Last year, our batting did not come well together. It was understandable due to lockdown and all that. But this year, in the kind of form in which Rishabh is, definitely that (team’s batting) also will get sorted out,” he stated.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“We have a good chance. But if you see the last few years, it is not always about the top two or three sides. Every team picks players judiciously and have good balance and options. The IPL is in a new caravan model, so conditions also will play a part,” Ashwin added.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vvs-laxman-to-wion-delhi-capitals-captaincy-will-help-rishabh-pant-reach-his-potential-376136" hreflang="en">VVS Laxman to WION: DC captaincy will help Rishabh Pant</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The IPL 2021 is set to be kick-started on April 9 with Mumbai Indians locking horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the season opener in Chennai.<o:p></o:p></p>


Delhi Capitals spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said that defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will start as hot favourites in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, set to start on Friday.

Delhi Capitals spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said that defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will start as hot favourites in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, set to start on Friday. The Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians are eyeing a hat-trick of IPL wins after winning their fifth trophy in the year 2020. Analysing Mumbai Indians, Ashwin said that while every team has its area of strength, MI’s experience and power-packed line-up make them stand out from their competitors. “Every team is strong, and I am not making a diplomatic statement. But I definitely think Mumbai has got a powerful and experienced squad. Mumbai will always start as favourites in this competition. I think Mumbai is the team to beat,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. ALSO READ: IPL 2021, MI - Team Preview: A dream hat-trick on cards for Rohit and Co.? While lavishing praises on Mumbai Indians, Ashwin also backed his side Delhi Capitals to carry the confidence of last season. The veteran spinner backed DC to perform well in the 14th edition of the cash-rich tournament. “Good (On DC’s chances), well-balanced one. Last year, our batting did not come well together. It was understandable due to lockdown and all that. But this year, in the kind of form in which Rishabh is, definitely that (team’s batting) also will get sorted out,” he stated. “We have a good chance. But if you see the last few years, it is not always about the top two or three sides. Every team picks players judiciously and have good balance and options. The IPL is in a new caravan model, so conditions also will play a part,” Ashwin added. ALSO READ: VVS Laxman to WION: DC captaincy will help Rishabh Pant The IPL 2021 is set to be kick-started on April 9 with Mumbai Indians locking horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the season opener in Chennai.

Powerful and experienced squad: R Ashwin feels Mumbai Indians are hot favourites in IPL 2021

<p>Former Indian skipper and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar lauded Ravi Ashwin and Axar Patel for their performance in the series against England. As per the cricketing stalwart, both the bowlers have spun a web around the England batters the entire series.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-vs-england-4th-test-virat-and-co-crush-england-to-book-a-berth-in-world-test-championship-finals-368450" hreflang="en">India vs England, 4th Test: Virat and Co. crush visitors to book a berth in World Test Championship finals</a></p>

<p>Speaking on Star Sports during the Tea Break on Day 3, Gavaskar said that England batsmen have not been able to find answers to combat Indian spinners.</p>

<p>"They just have spun a web around the England batsman in the entire series, except maybe for the first time. The ball has spun a little bit and they have made the most use of that," Gavaskar said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-4th-test-india-go-on-top-of-icc-test-rankings-after-innings-win-over-england-368461" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG, 4th Test: India go on top of ICC Test rankings after innings win over England</a></p>

<p>"In fact, there is little more in it for them. They have bowled straight deliveries, the one that bowls with the arm, with Ashwin being such a specialist at it. And then Axar Patel doesn't turn the ball much, but when he lands it in a particular area, it gets a turn, so the batsman does not know what to do," he explained.</p>

<p>"It has been something England batsman have not been able to find answers to combat both these spinners," he signed off.</p>

<p>Both, Ashwin and Axar, picked a fifer as England were bowled out on 135, giving India an innings victory. Virat and Co. won the series 3-1 and will face Kane Williamson's New Zealand in the World Test Championship finals.&nbsp;</p>


Former Indian skipper and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar lauded Ravi Ashwin and Axar Patel for their performance in the series against England. As per the cricketing stalwart, both the bowlers have spun a web around the England batters the entire series.

Former Indian skipper and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar lauded Ravi Ashwin and Axar Patel for their performance in the series against England. As per the cricketing stalwart, both the bowlers have spun a web around the England batters the entire series. IN PICS: India vs England, 4th Test: Virat and Co. crush visitors to book a berth in World Test Championship finals Speaking on Star Sports during the Tea Break on Day 3, Gavaskar said that England batsmen have not been able to find answers to combat Indian spinners. "They just have spun a web around the England batsman in the entire series, except maybe for the first time. The ball has spun a little bit and they have made the most use of that," Gavaskar said. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG, 4th Test: India go on top of ICC Test rankings after innings win over England "In fact, there is little more in it for them. They have bowled straight deliveries, the one that bowls with the arm, with Ashwin being such a specialist at it. And then Axar Patel doesn't turn the ball much, but when he lands it in a particular area, it gets a turn, so the batsman does not know what to do," he explained. "It has been something England batsman have not been able to find answers to combat both these spinners," he signed off. Both, Ashwin and Axar, picked a fifer as England were bowled out on 135, giving India an innings victory. Virat and Co. won the series 3-1 and will face Kane Williamson's New Zealand in the World Test Championship finals.

'They just have spun a web around': Sunil Gavaskar lauds Axar and Ashwin's performance in series

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin on Saturday reacted to pitch criticism after India's 10-wicket win over England and said that these talks are getting out of hand. According to Indian spinner, one should talk about the quality of play rather than the pitch.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-considering-4-5-venues-for-ipl-2021-after-covid-19-surge-in-mumbai-366469" hreflang="en">BCCI considering 4-5 venues for IPL 2021 after COVID-19 surge in Mumbai</a></p>

<p>"I think I have said that in the past as well, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I am not here to say that your opinion is right and it is wrong. The fact remains that the talk about the surface is getting out of hand. Why would you talk about the surface and sell that to us time and time again? Is there any instance where the pitch has been talked about this much when we have played games in other countries," said Ashwin while replying to an ANI query during a virtual press conference on Saturday.</p>

<p>"I somehow find it funny that when they speak about the surface, it immediately gets quoted all over in our press and this is the issue here. There have been instances, we have been to New Zealand, where both the Tests got over in a total of five days. There is a video doing the rounds where Virat Kohli is talking in South Africa and he says I am not here to talk about the pitch. That is how we have been taught to play cricket, that's why I say let them sell thoughts, buying is our choice," he added.</p>

<p>Ashwin further said: "The bowler wins the game, the batsmen need to bat well to score runs. Who defines what a good surface is? Seam on the first day, then bat well in the next couple of days and spin on the last two days, come on, who makes these rules? We need to get over it and if you are asking whether the pitch in the third Test was a good surface, I do not see any players of England coming out and complaining. You should be hoping for a good cricket match, not the surface."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-released-from-indias-squad-ahead-of-fourth-test-bcci-366633" hreflang="en">Jasprit Bumrah released from India's squad ahead of fourth Test: BCCI</a></p>

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently got 400 Test wickets, explained his cryptic tweet that read: "Products are sold using various marketing strategies and that’s an accepted practice! We now live in an era where ideas are also being sold to us and it’s a classic example of “outbound marketing”, however, I would like to add that buying ideas being sold to us is like telling us."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Products are sold using various marketing strategies and that’s an accepted practice! We now live in an era where ideas are also being sold to us and it’s a classic example of “outbound marketing”, however I would like to add that buying ideas being sold to us is like telling us</p>
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1365194203219722240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Ashwin explained his tweet by saying: "I went through my timeline, I saw many retweets and quote tweets, I don't understand if they didn't get it what they were retweeting it about. It is very simple, I have always wanted to talk about it at one stage. With respect to thoughts being put across and planted, I find it extremely hilarious. You have a thought process and you want everybody to follow, with thoughts, what happens is you condition people to believe in a certain manner.</p>

<p>"You watch a match, India wins the game, at most everyone is saying I am happy India won the game. You don't want people going back home and saying India is not winning the game, the pitch is winning the game. I do not want people to do that. I think it's important that people sell things, but we must know what we should buy," he added.</p>


Ravichandran Ashwin on Saturday reacted to pitch criticism after India's 10-wicket win over England and said that these talks are getting out of hand. According to Indian spinner, one should talk about the quality of play rather than the pitch.

Ravichandran Ashwin on Saturday reacted to pitch criticism after India's 10-wicket win over England and said that these talks are getting out of hand. According to Indian spinner, one should talk about the quality of play rather than the pitch. ALSO READ: BCCI considering 4-5 venues for IPL 2021 after COVID-19 surge in Mumbai "I think I have said that in the past as well, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I am not here to say that your opinion is right and it is wrong. The fact remains that the talk about the surface is getting out of hand. Why would you talk about the surface and sell that to us time and time again? Is there any instance where the pitch has been talked about this much when we have played games in other countries," said Ashwin while replying to an ANI query during a virtual press conference on Saturday. "I somehow find it funny that when they speak about the surface, it immediately gets quoted all over in our press and this is the issue here. There have been instances, we have been to New Zealand, where both the Tests got over in a total of five days. There is a video doing the rounds where Virat Kohli is talking in South Africa and he says I am not here to talk about the pitch. That is how we have been taught to play cricket, that's why I say let them sell thoughts, buying is our choice," he added. Ashwin further said: "The bowler wins the game, the batsmen need to bat well to score runs. Who defines what a good surface is? Seam on the first day, then bat well in the next couple of days and spin on the last two days, come on, who makes these rules? We need to get over it and if you are asking whether the pitch in the third Test was a good surface, I do not see any players of England coming out and complaining. You should be hoping for a good cricket match, not the surface." ALSO READ: Jasprit Bumrah released from India's squad ahead of fourth Test: BCCI Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently got 400 Test wickets, explained his cryptic tweet that read: "Products are sold using various marketing strategies and that’s an accepted practice! We now live in an era where ideas are also being sold to us and it’s a classic example of “outbound marketing”, however, I would like to add that buying ideas being sold to us is like telling us." Products are sold using various marketing strategies and that’s an accepted practice! We now live in an era where ideas are also being sold to us and it’s a classic example of “outbound marketing”, however I would like to add that buying ideas being sold to us is like telling us — Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 26, 2021 × Ashwin explained his tweet by saying: "I went through my timeline, I saw many retweets and quote tweets, I don't understand if they didn't get it what they were retweeting it about. It is very simple, I have always wanted to talk about it at one stage. With respect to thoughts being put across and planted, I find it extremely hilarious. You have a thought process and you want everybody to follow, with thoughts, what happens is you condition people to believe in a certain manner. "You watch a match, India wins the game, at most everyone is saying I am happy India won the game. You don't want people going back home and saying India is not winning the game, the pitch is winning the game. I do not want people to do that. I think it's important that people sell things, but we must know what we should buy," he added.

'We must know what we should buy': Ravichandran Ashwin's explosive take on pitch criticism

<p>India seized control of the second test after their spinners wreaked havoc on a dustbowl and skittled out England for 134 at Chennai`s MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-does-the-whistle-podu-to-get-the-chennai-crowd-going-363578" hreflang="en">WATCH: Virat Kohli does the 'whistle podu' to get the Chennai crowd going</a><br />
<br />
The hosts finished day two on 54-1 for an overall lead of 249 runs on a deteriorating track.<br />
<br />
Rohit Sharma, who smashed 161 in the first innings, was batting on 25 with Cheteshwar Pujara on seven at the other end.<br />
<br />
Earlier, Moeen Ali and Olly Stone split the last four Indian wickets as the hosts added 29 runs to their overnight score before being all out for 329 in their first innings.<br />
<br />
Rishabh Pant was left stranded on 58 not out, having hit three sixes in his 77-ball blitz.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fleeting-view-prime-minister-narendra-modi-cheers-for-team-india-from-the-skies-363552" hreflang="en">'Fleeting view': Prime Minister Narendra Modi cheers for Team India from the skies</a></p>

<p>When they returned, India unleashed their three-pronged spin attack as they looked to level the series at 1-1.<br />
<br />
On a pitch where the ball was kicking up dust, England`s reply got off to a woeful start as they lost four wickets before lunch.<br />
<br />
Ishant Sharma trapped Rory Burns lbw for a duck and Dom Sibley fell for 16 after India successfully reviewed a not-out decision.<br />
<br />
Debutant Axar Patel dealt the biggest blow by dismissing Joe Root for six to claim his maiden test wicket.<br />
<br />
The England captain, whose proficiency against spin would have been crucial on this pitch, fluffed his sweep shot offering a top-edge to Ravichandran Ashwin at short fine-leg.<br />
<br />
The touring side`s middle-order caved in after the interval.<br />
<br />
Ashwin claimed the important wicket of Ben Stokes, dismissing the all-rounder bowled for 18.<br />
<br />
India did not feel the need to use second seamer Mohammed Siraj until the 39th over.<br />
<br />
Finally pressed into the attack, Siraj ended Ollie Pope`s promising knock of 22 with his first delivery.<br />
<br />
Ben Foakes, playing his first match of the four-test series, top-scored with an unbeaten 42 as England avoided the follow-on but conceded a first-innings lead of 195 runs.<br />
<br />
Ashwin returned figures of 5-43 while Ishant and Patel claimed two wickets apiece.</p>


India seized control of the second test after their spinners wreaked havoc on a dustbowl and skittled out England for 134 at Chennai`s MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

India seized control of the second test after their spinners wreaked havoc on a dustbowl and skittled out England for 134 at Chennai`s MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. ALSO READ: WATCH: Virat Kohli does the 'whistle podu' to get the Chennai crowd going The hosts finished day two on 54-1 for an overall lead of 249 runs on a deteriorating track. Rohit Sharma, who smashed 161 in the first innings, was batting on 25 with Cheteshwar Pujara on seven at the other end. Earlier, Moeen Ali and Olly Stone split the last four Indian wickets as the hosts added 29 runs to their overnight score before being all out for 329 in their first innings. Rishabh Pant was left stranded on 58 not out, having hit three sixes in his 77-ball blitz. ALSO READ: 'Fleeting view': Prime Minister Narendra Modi cheers for Team India from the skies When they returned, India unleashed their three-pronged spin attack as they looked to level the series at 1-1. On a pitch where the ball was kicking up dust, England`s reply got off to a woeful start as they lost four wickets before lunch. Ishant Sharma trapped Rory Burns lbw for a duck and Dom Sibley fell for 16 after India successfully reviewed a not-out decision. Debutant Axar Patel dealt the biggest blow by dismissing Joe Root for six to claim his maiden test wicket. The England captain, whose proficiency against spin would have been crucial on this pitch, fluffed his sweep shot offering a top-edge to Ravichandran Ashwin at short fine-leg. The touring side`s middle-order caved in after the interval. Ashwin claimed the important wicket of Ben Stokes, dismissing the all-rounder bowled for 18. India did not feel the need to use second seamer Mohammed Siraj until the 39th over. Finally pressed into the attack, Siraj ended Ollie Pope`s promising knock of 22 with his first delivery. Ben Foakes, playing his first match of the four-test series, top-scored with an unbeaten 42 as England avoided the follow-on but conceded a first-innings lead of 195 runs. Ashwin returned figures of 5-43 while Ishant and Patel claimed two wickets apiece.

IND vs ENG, Day 2: India stretch lead after spinners wreck England in Chennai

<p>Indian spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin overtook Harbhajan Singh to become the 2nd highest-wicket wicket-taker in India in Test cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/different-challenges-gambhir-names-2-key-england-batsmen-india-should-watchout-for-363514" hreflang="en">Gambhir names 2 key England batsmen India should watchout for</a></p>

<p>The Chennai-based off-spinner achieved this feat after removing Ben Stokes on the second day of the ongoing Test match at Chepauk Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ball-of-the-century-virat-kohli-left-stunned-by-moeen-ali-ripper-363338" hreflang="en">Watch: Ball of the century? Virat Kohli left stunned by Moeen Ali ripper</a></p>

<p>Ashwin now has 266 wickets to his name and second to Anil Kumble, who has 350 wickets in his tally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin took advantage of the slow pitch and scalped four wickets before Tea on Day 2 of the match. England are down to 106 for 8 as they come to bat in the third session of Day 2, as they trail by 223 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ashwin removed in-form Dominic Sibley, Daniel Lawrence, Ben Stokes and Olly Stone.&nbsp;</p>


Indian spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin overtook Harbhajan Singh to become the 2nd highest-wicket wicket-taker in India in Test cricket. ALSO READ: Gambhir names 2 key England batsmen India should watchout for The Chennai-based off-spinner achieved this feat after removing Ben Stokes on the second day of the ongoing Test match at Chepauk Stadium.

Indian spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin overtook Harbhajan Singh to become the 2nd highest-wicket wicket-taker in India in Test cricket. ALSO READ: Gambhir names 2 key England batsmen India should watchout for The Chennai-based off-spinner achieved this feat after removing Ben Stokes on the second day of the ongoing Test match at Chepauk Stadium. ALSO READ: Watch: Ball of the century? Virat Kohli left stunned by Moeen Ali ripper Ashwin now has 266 wickets to his name and second to Anil Kumble, who has 350 wickets in his tally. Ravichandran Ashwin took advantage of the slow pitch and scalped four wickets before Tea on Day 2 of the match. England are down to 106 for 8 as they come to bat in the third session of Day 2, as they trail by 223 runs. Ashwin removed in-form Dominic Sibley, Daniel Lawrence, Ben Stokes and Olly Stone.

Ravi Ashwin overtakes Harbhajan Singh in elite list after dismissing Ben Stokes

<p>Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been deemed fit to play the second Test match against England, as per news agency PTI's report. The next match will begin on Saturday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vvs-laxman-urges-for-more-commitment-from-ajinkya-rahane-and-rohit-sharma-362800" hreflang="en">VVS Laxman urges for more 'commitment' from Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma</a></p>

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin was hit by Jofra Archer's short ball during the second innings for the first Test and needed immediate medical attention from the physio Nitin Patel. However, the report suggested that the Chennai-based off-spinner is doing fine and did not need to go for precautionary scans.</p>

<p>This news comes as a relief for Virat Kohli as India is set to lock horns with England in the second Test match on Saturday. The match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the previous match, Ashwin was India's best bowling performer in Chennai as he scalped nine wickets in both the innings (three in first and six in second innings).</p>

<p>After a crushing defeat in the first Test, there are some changes expected to take place for the next match. One of them being, all-rounder Axar Patel, who will replace Shabaz Nadeem and debut for India.&nbsp;</p>


Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been deemed fit to play the second Test match against England, as per news agency PTI's report. The next match will begin on Saturday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been deemed fit to play the second Test match against England, as per news agency PTI's report. The next match will begin on Saturday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. ALSO READ: VVS Laxman urges for more 'commitment' from Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma Ravichandran Ashwin was hit by Jofra Archer's short ball during the second innings for the first Test and needed immediate medical attention from the physio Nitin Patel. However, the report suggested that the Chennai-based off-spinner is doing fine and did not need to go for precautionary scans. This news comes as a relief for Virat Kohli as India is set to lock horns with England in the second Test match on Saturday. The match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. In the previous match, Ashwin was India's best bowling performer in Chennai as he scalped nine wickets in both the innings (three in first and six in second innings). After a crushing defeat in the first Test, there are some changes expected to take place for the next match. One of them being, all-rounder Axar Patel, who will replace Shabaz Nadeem and debut for India.

Ravichandran Ashwin fit to play second Test against England: Reports

<p>Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman on Friday was surprised by Team India's tactic of not giving Ashwin the ball for first 20 overs after tea on the Day 1 of the first Test against India.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-1st-test-day-1-root-scores-3rd-consecutive-ton-england-take-upper-hand-361577" hreflang="en">Ind vs Eng 1st Test, Day 1: Root scores 3rd consecutive ton, England take upper hand</a></p>

<p>According to Laxman, the Chennai-based off-spinner should have been given the ball earlier to remove in-form Joe Root.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking to Star Sports Network, Laxman said, “I was a little bit surprised that after Tea for almost 20-21 overs Ashwin did not bowl and that is something which you don't expect when you know Joe Root is their main batsman and you want to get his wicket as soon as possible.”</p>

<p>Laxman even talked about the importance of the new ball and how India can capitalise on Day 2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I think, first use the new ball. This one is just 10 overs old, Bumrah and Ishant will have to be spot-on early on, especially with the new batsman coming in, the first 30-40 minutes will set the tone and then Ashwin has to be your primary bowler who will put pressure on the batsmen,” Laxman added.</p>

<p>"As far as [Shahbaz] Nadeem and Washington Sundar is concerned, even though they are not getting wicket they need to play the restrictive role, not give away easy boundaries because if they leak run, a lot of pressure will come on experienced India bowlers.”</p>

<p>On Day 2, a 92-run stand between skipper Joe Root and Ben Stokes has powered England to 355/3 before lunch. Root looks comfortable on 156, whereas, Stokes' 63 in 98 balls has been troubling the Indian bowlers.&nbsp;</p>


Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman on Friday was surprised by Team India's tactic of not giving Ashwin the ball for first 20 overs after tea on the Day 1 of the first Test against India.

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman on Friday was surprised by Team India's tactic of not giving Ashwin the ball for first 20 overs after tea on the Day 1 of the first Test against India. ALSO READ: Ind vs Eng 1st Test, Day 1: Root scores 3rd consecutive ton, England take upper hand According to Laxman, the Chennai-based off-spinner should have been given the ball earlier to remove in-form Joe Root. While speaking to Star Sports Network, Laxman said, “I was a little bit surprised that after Tea for almost 20-21 overs Ashwin did not bowl and that is something which you don't expect when you know Joe Root is their main batsman and you want to get his wicket as soon as possible.” Laxman even talked about the importance of the new ball and how India can capitalise on Day 2. “I think, first use the new ball. This one is just 10 overs old, Bumrah and Ishant will have to be spot-on early on, especially with the new batsman coming in, the first 30-40 minutes will set the tone and then Ashwin has to be your primary bowler who will put pressure on the batsmen,” Laxman added. "As far as [Shahbaz] Nadeem and Washington Sundar is concerned, even though they are not getting wicket they need to play the restrictive role, not give away easy boundaries because if they leak run, a lot of pressure will come on experienced India bowlers.” On Day 2, a 92-run stand between skipper Joe Root and Ben Stokes has powered England to 355/3 before lunch. Root looks comfortable on 156, whereas, Stokes' 63 in 98 balls has been troubling the Indian bowlers.

'I was a little bit surprised': VVS Laxman on India's tactic after Tea on Day 1

<p>Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin's brave partnership in the third Test against Australia helped India escape the jaws of defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Both batsmen stood their ground and faced the onslaught of Australian bowlers to manage a draw for the visitors.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-the-great-batsman-or-a-mediocre-captain-bishan-singh-bedi-opines-358468" hreflang="en">'Virat Kohli the great batsman or a mediocre captain?': Bishan Singh Bedi opines</a></p>

<p>Vihari revealed the struggles of his partner (R Ashwin) during the match and gave the reason why the Chennai-based did not duck the bouncers bowled by Australia's world-class pace attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an interview with Sports Today, Vihari said: “Funny thing happened, I asked Ashwin if he could flex his knees a little so that he could bend. And he said ‘if I bend my knees, I can’t bat because my back is gone’. That’s why he was standing up to the bouncers.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hanuma-vihari-reveals-rahul-dravids-message-after-sydney-heroics-358303" hreflang="en">Hanuma Vihari reveals Rahul Dravid's message after Sydney heroics</a></p>

<p>“On a serious note, the way he batted out was superb. Because of his spasm, he couldn’t sit down, he stood throughout the innings. While he was starting to bat on Day 5, he was always standing in the dressing room as well. So that was his situation and to bat out for 4 hours is a compliment to his grit and determination,” Hanuma Vihari told Sports Today.</p>

<p>The duo stitched a 62-run partnership in 259 balls despite Vihari sustaining a serious hamstring injury during his innings and Ashwin suffering severe backache.</p>

<p>“The only thing that helped us was they bowled a lot of overs. But I wouldn’t say they were tired. The close-in fielders don’t help as well. You’re always under pressure. Only a small mistake and you’re gone. But like I said, as I was not able to run, I will play as close to the body as possible. I am not looking for runs. So, the basics helped there. The technique which I developed over the years helped me. That defensive technique helped me.</p>

<p>“Ashwin was also communicating in different languages if you could hear. Like he was talking to me in Tamil, Telugu, trying to make sure we survive. It’s important to communicate as well. Sometimes, we are scoring runs, you’ll be in your own zone. But when you’re looking to survive, that’s where the help came. Ash did that brilliantly with all his experience," he said.</p>


Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin's brave partnership in the third Test against Australia helped India escape the jaws of defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin's brave partnership in the third Test against Australia helped India escape the jaws of defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Both batsmen stood their ground and faced the onslaught of Australian bowlers to manage a draw for the visitors. ALSO READ: 'Virat Kohli the great batsman or a mediocre captain?': Bishan Singh Bedi opines Vihari revealed the struggles of his partner (R Ashwin) during the match and gave the reason why the Chennai-based did not duck the bouncers bowled by Australia's world-class pace attack. In an interview with Sports Today, Vihari said: “Funny thing happened, I asked Ashwin if he could flex his knees a little so that he could bend. And he said ‘if I bend my knees, I can’t bat because my back is gone’. That’s why he was standing up to the bouncers. ALSO READ: Hanuma Vihari reveals Rahul Dravid's message after Sydney heroics “On a serious note, the way he batted out was superb. Because of his spasm, he couldn’t sit down, he stood throughout the innings. While he was starting to bat on Day 5, he was always standing in the dressing room as well. So that was his situation and to bat out for 4 hours is a compliment to his grit and determination,” Hanuma Vihari told Sports Today. The duo stitched a 62-run partnership in 259 balls despite Vihari sustaining a serious hamstring injury during his innings and Ashwin suffering severe backache. “The only thing that helped us was they bowled a lot of overs. But I wouldn’t say they were tired. The close-in fielders don’t help as well. You’re always under pressure. Only a small mistake and you’re gone. But like I said, as I was not able to run, I will play as close to the body as possible. I am not looking for runs. So, the basics helped there. The technique which I developed over the years helped me. That defensive technique helped me. “Ashwin was also communicating in different languages if you could hear. Like he was talking to me in Tamil, Telugu, trying to make sure we survive. It’s important to communicate as well. Sometimes, we are scoring runs, you’ll be in your own zone. But when you’re looking to survive, that’s where the help came. Ash did that brilliantly with all his experience," he said.

Hanuma Vihari talks about Ravichandran Ashwin's struggles during the Sydney Test

<p>Sri Lanka's spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan is the only bowler in the history of Test cricket to scalp 800 wickets. Former Lankan legend achieved this feat after dismissing Pragyan Ojha at Galle in 2010, which was also his final Test match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ten years since the record and no bowler has neared the record. However, in the current generation, India's Ravichandran Ashwin and Australia's Nathan Lyon have had a prolific career in Test cricket for their respective countries. When asked on who could break this record, Muralitharan replied that India's R Ashwin has a chance at it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Will anyone reach to 800 wickets? Ashwin has a chance because he is a great bowler," Muralitharan told the Sydney Morning Herald. "Other than that, I don't think any younger bowler coming in will go to 800. Maybe Nathan Lyon is not good enough to reach it. He is close to 400 but he has had to play many, many matches to get there."</p>

<p>Muralitharan went on to explain why there may not be another golden era in spin cricket in Tests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The problem in Test cricket is that Twenty20s and one-day internationals have changed the dynamics. When I played, the batsmen were technically so good and wickets were flat; now, they try to finish matches in three days," the former off-spinner added.</p>

<p>"The bowlers in my day had to do extra work to get spin and do something magic to get results. Nowadays, if you bowl line and length over a period of time, you will get five wickets. It is guaranteed because batsmen cannot stay for long without attacking.</p>

<p>"You have a better chance of taking wickets, which is why spinners only have to set the field properly, bowl line and length and let the pitches and batsmen do the rest. Spinners used to have to work hard for wickets, which is why they worked hard on developing other deliveries. Now they do that in T20 cricket instead. They bowl different variations because batsmen are coming after them. But in Test cricket you don't need to do it."</p>


Sri Lanka's spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan is the only bowler in the history of Test cricket to scalp 800 wickets. Former Lankan legend achieved this feat after dismissing Pragyan Ojha at Galle in 2010, which was also his final Test match.

Sri Lanka's spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan is the only bowler in the history of Test cricket to scalp 800 wickets. Former Lankan legend achieved this feat after dismissing Pragyan Ojha at Galle in 2010, which was also his final Test match. Ten years since the record and no bowler has neared the record. However, in the current generation, India's Ravichandran Ashwin and Australia's Nathan Lyon have had a prolific career in Test cricket for their respective countries. When asked on who could break this record, Muralitharan replied that India's R Ashwin has a chance at it. "Will anyone reach to 800 wickets? Ashwin has a chance because he is a great bowler," Muralitharan told the Sydney Morning Herald. "Other than that, I don't think any younger bowler coming in will go to 800. Maybe Nathan Lyon is not good enough to reach it. He is close to 400 but he has had to play many, many matches to get there." Muralitharan went on to explain why there may not be another golden era in spin cricket in Tests. "The problem in Test cricket is that Twenty20s and one-day internationals have changed the dynamics. When I played, the batsmen were technically so good and wickets were flat; now, they try to finish matches in three days," the former off-spinner added. "The bowlers in my day had to do extra work to get spin and do something magic to get results. Nowadays, if you bowl line and length over a period of time, you will get five wickets. It is guaranteed because batsmen cannot stay for long without attacking. "You have a better chance of taking wickets, which is why spinners only have to set the field properly, bowl line and length and let the pitches and batsmen do the rest. Spinners used to have to work hard for wickets, which is why they worked hard on developing other deliveries. Now they do that in T20 cricket instead. They bowl different variations because batsmen are coming after them. But in Test cricket you don't need to do it."

Will anyone reach to 800 Test wickets? Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan opines

<p>India's stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane heaped praise on team's formidable spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja for their vital contribution in the Boxing Day Test win against Australia. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-fan-who-attended-the-ind-vs-aus-boxing-day-test-at-mcg-tests-positive-for-covid-19-354850" hreflang="en">A fan who attended the IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test at MCG, tests positive for COVID-19</a></p>

<p>Ashwin removed Smith twice and has toyed with the Aussie several times in the ongoing Test series. The Chennai-based bowler is the leading wicket-taker in the on-going series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He [Ashwin] is always looking to learn new things. He has good skills but is always looking to learn new things, and that’s what makes Ashwin great. I hope that he continues for next two Test matches and do the job for us,” said Rahane during a pre-match virtual press conference.</p>

<p>He went on to praise Jadeja for his performance.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-tensions-broil-over-team-india-brisbane-boycott-reports-354805" hreflang="en">AUS vs IND: Tensions broil over Team India Brisbane boycott reports</a></p>

<p>“As a batsman, Ravindra Jadeja has improved a lot and that is a massive point as a team’s perspective. When you know that your number seven can contribute with the bat, that becomes really easy for you to actually get that (decent) total and obviously, in the field, you have seen him taking some brilliant catches,” the stand-in captain said.</p>

<p>“So yes, his addition in the team helped us a lot and he has been really fantastic and it is really great for us,” he further added.</p>

<p>The SCG wicket aids spinners and that’s why Rahane doesn’t want his team to take chances while facing Nathan Lyon.</p>

<p>“Yes, we have good spinners but Nathan Lyon is their quality spinner, who has done well here, so we don’t want to take anybody lightly,” he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;</em></p>


India's stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane heaped praise on team's formidable spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja for their vital contribution in the Boxing Day Test win against Australia.

India's stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane heaped praise on team's formidable spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja for their vital contribution in the Boxing Day Test win against Australia. ALSO READ: A fan who attended the IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test at MCG, tests positive for COVID-19 Ashwin removed Smith twice and has toyed with the Aussie several times in the ongoing Test series. The Chennai-based bowler is the leading wicket-taker in the on-going series. “He [Ashwin] is always looking to learn new things. He has good skills but is always looking to learn new things, and that’s what makes Ashwin great. I hope that he continues for next two Test matches and do the job for us,” said Rahane during a pre-match virtual press conference. He went on to praise Jadeja for his performance. ALSO READ: AUS vs IND: Tensions broil over Team India Brisbane boycott reports “As a batsman, Ravindra Jadeja has improved a lot and that is a massive point as a team’s perspective. When you know that your number seven can contribute with the bat, that becomes really easy for you to actually get that (decent) total and obviously, in the field, you have seen him taking some brilliant catches,” the stand-in captain said. “So yes, his addition in the team helped us a lot and he has been really fantastic and it is really great for us,” he further added. The SCG wicket aids spinners and that’s why Rahane doesn’t want his team to take chances while facing Nathan Lyon. “Yes, we have good spinners but Nathan Lyon is their quality spinner, who has done well here, so we don’t want to take anybody lightly,” he said. (With inputs from PTI)

'It is really great for us': Ajinkya Rahane praises spinner duo of Ashwin and Jadeja

<p>Australian batsman Steve Smith, who was also recently named ICC’s Men’s Test Cricketer of the Decade, talked about his struggles against India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/as-warner-returns-for-australia-will-the-hitman-formula-to-bolster-team-india-353392" hreflang="en">As Warner returns for Australia, will the 'Hitman' formula bolster Team India?</a></p>

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin has been toying with the Aussie and is preventing him to score runs for the hosts. Smith has scored only 10 runs in 4 innings in the series so far while being dismissed by Ashwin two times.</p>

<p>“I probably haven’t played Ashwin as well as I would’ve liked. I probably would’ve liked to have put him under a bit more pressure,” Smith told SEN Radio.</p>

<p>“I’ve sort of let him dictate terms and that’s something I’ve probably never let any spinner do in my career. I’ve sort of taken it to them, been a bit more aggressive and made them change things,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-biggest-reward-for-us-ajinkya-rahane-posts-heartfelt-message-for-fans-after-mcg-triumph-353371" hreflang="en">'The biggest reward for us...' - Ajinkya Rahane posts heartfelt message for fans after MCG triumph</a></p>

<p>“It’s kind of a two-edged sword in a way, but I think I’ve just got to have the confidence to take it on and play my game,” Smith continued.</p>

<p>“At the moment I’m searching for time in the middle; that’s the most important thing for me. When I look at this year, 64 balls is the longest I’ve spent in the middle, during those one-day games.</p>

<p>Ashwin also spoke about Smith and the importance of his dismissal. “Coming down to Australia and if you cannot get Steven Smith out, it is always going to be an uphill task,” he told Channel 7.</p>

<p>“He pretty much holds the batting line-up together.”</p>


Australian batsman Steve Smith, who was also recently named ICC’s Men’s Test Cricketer of the Decade, talked about his struggles against India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series.

Australian batsman Steve Smith, who was also recently named ICC’s Men’s Test Cricketer of the Decade, talked about his struggles against India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series. ALSO READ: As Warner returns for Australia, will the 'Hitman' formula bolster Team India? Ravichandran Ashwin has been toying with the Aussie and is preventing him to score runs for the hosts. Smith has scored only 10 runs in 4 innings in the series so far while being dismissed by Ashwin two times. “I probably haven’t played Ashwin as well as I would’ve liked. I probably would’ve liked to have put him under a bit more pressure,” Smith told SEN Radio. “I’ve sort of let him dictate terms and that’s something I’ve probably never let any spinner do in my career. I’ve sort of taken it to them, been a bit more aggressive and made them change things,” he said. ALSO READ: 'The biggest reward for us...' - Ajinkya Rahane posts heartfelt message for fans after MCG triumph “It’s kind of a two-edged sword in a way, but I think I’ve just got to have the confidence to take it on and play my game,” Smith continued. “At the moment I’m searching for time in the middle; that’s the most important thing for me. When I look at this year, 64 balls is the longest I’ve spent in the middle, during those one-day games. Ashwin also spoke about Smith and the importance of his dismissal. “Coming down to Australia and if you cannot get Steven Smith out, it is always going to be an uphill task,” he told Channel 7. “He pretty much holds the batting line-up together.”

'I’ve let him dictate terms': Steve Smith talks about his trouble in facing Ravichandran Ashwin

<p>Mohammed Siraj made his much-awaited debut in Test cricket after many struggles in domestic cricket and personal life. He was presented with Test cap by R Ashwin, who welcomed the debutant with short and classy speech.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-2nd-test-team-india-end-day-1-on-a-high-note-as-australia-bowled-out-for-195-352533" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS, 2nd Test: Team India end Day 1 on a high note as Australia bowled out for 195</a></p>

<p>“Coming through First-Class grind and India A grind, you have earned this Test cap. You will rally around with the team throughout this Test match,” Ashwin told Siraj before the young man took the cap from him and wore it before the start of the second Test against Australia even as the rest of the Indian players were cheering and clapping.</p>

<p>Siraj replaced injured-Shami, who fractured his wrist in the first Test against Australia. He&nbsp;had a great Day 1 at MCG as he scalped two wickets including the man in form Labuschagne.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BCCI also highlighted how Siraj battled a personal tragedy - he lost his father at the early stages of the Australia tour - and decided to stay on with the team.</p>

<p>The board took to Twitter and said: "He battled personal tragedy, fought adversity and is now rewarded with India’s Test 🧢 no. 298. Congratulations Mohammed Siraj. Go seize the day!"</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He battled personal tragedy, fought adversity and is now rewarded with India's Test 🧢 no. 298. Congratulations Mohammed Siraj. Go seize the day! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/D48TUJ4txp">pic.twitter.com/D48TUJ4txp</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1342610727236849670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Punjab's Shubman Gill was handed the other debut cap. Head coach Ravi Shastri did the honours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The moment when your dreams come true. No better stage than the Boxing Day Test to make your maiden Test appearance. Shubman Gill is now the proud holder of India’s Test cap No. 297,” tweeted BCCI.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The moment when your dreams come true. No better stage than the Boxing Day Test to make your maiden Test appearance. <a href="https://twitter.com/RealShubmanGill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RealShubmanGill</a> is now the proud holder of India's Test cap 🧢 No. 297. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/G0kdE9TgNU">pic.twitter.com/G0kdE9TgNU</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1342609199142858752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Mohammed Siraj made his much-awaited debut in Test cricket after many struggles in domestic cricket and personal life. He was presented with Test cap by R Ashwin, who welcomed the debutant with short and classy speech.

Mohammed Siraj made his much-awaited debut in Test cricket after many struggles in domestic cricket and personal life. He was presented with Test cap by R Ashwin, who welcomed the debutant with short and classy speech. Also read: IND vs AUS, 2nd Test: Team India end Day 1 on a high note as Australia bowled out for 195 “Coming through First-Class grind and India A grind, you have earned this Test cap. You will rally around with the team throughout this Test match,” Ashwin told Siraj before the young man took the cap from him and wore it before the start of the second Test against Australia even as the rest of the Indian players were cheering and clapping. Siraj replaced injured-Shami, who fractured his wrist in the first Test against Australia. He had a great Day 1 at MCG as he scalped two wickets including the man in form Labuschagne. The BCCI also highlighted how Siraj battled a personal tragedy - he lost his father at the early stages of the Australia tour - and decided to stay on with the team. The board took to Twitter and said: "He battled personal tragedy, fought adversity and is now rewarded with India’s Test 🧢 no. 298. Congratulations Mohammed Siraj. Go seize the day!" He battled personal tragedy, fought adversity and is now rewarded with India's Test 🧢 no. 298. Congratulations Mohammed Siraj. Go seize the day! #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/D48TUJ4txp — BCCI (@BCCI) December 25, 2020 × Punjab's Shubman Gill was handed the other debut cap. Head coach Ravi Shastri did the honours. “The moment when your dreams come true. No better stage than the Boxing Day Test to make your maiden Test appearance. Shubman Gill is now the proud holder of India’s Test cap No. 297,” tweeted BCCI. The moment when your dreams come true. No better stage than the Boxing Day Test to make your maiden Test appearance. @RealShubmanGill is now the proud holder of India's Test cap 🧢 No. 297. #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/G0kdE9TgNU — BCCI (@BCCI) December 25, 2020 ×

WATCH- 'You have earned this Test cap': Ashwin's motivating speech as he welcomes Siraj in playing XI

<p>Ravichandra Ashwin was one of the fewest players in Team India who had a successful spell during the first Test against Australia in Adelaide. The spin wizard got some crucial wickets for the hosts including in-form batsman Steve Smith.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Ashwin's position was in doubt if Ravindra Jadeja would have been fit for the match. Ravichandran Ashwin has had prolific spinner for India and has been consistent with his performance when the team tours abroad, but his place in the playing XI has always been in doubt. Former batting great Sunil Gavaskar talked about this and said that Ashwin has been the victim for his ‘forthrightness’ and ‘speaking his mind at meetings’.</p>

<p>“For far too long Ashwin has suffered not for his bowling ability of which only the churlish will have doubts, but for his forthrightness and speaking his mind at meetings where most others just nod even if they don’t agree,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar.</p>

<p>Ashwin has performed well for India in the longest format. The Chennai-based player has performed both with the bat and bowl.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Any other country would welcome a bowler who has more than 350 Test wickets and not to forget four-Test match centuries, too.</p>

<p>“However, if Ashwin doesn’t take heaps of wickets in one game he is invariably sidelined for the next one. That does not happen to established batsmen though. Even if they fail in one game they get another chance and another and another but for Ashwin, the rules seem to be different,” Gavaskar wrote.</p>


Ravichandra Ashwin was one of the fewest players in Team India who had a successful spell during the first Test against Australia in Adelaide. The spin wizard got some crucial wickets for the hosts including in-form batsman Steve Smith.

Ravichandra Ashwin was one of the fewest players in Team India who had a successful spell during the first Test against Australia in Adelaide. The spin wizard got some crucial wickets for the hosts including in-form batsman Steve Smith. However, Ashwin's position was in doubt if Ravindra Jadeja would have been fit for the match. Ravichandran Ashwin has had prolific spinner for India and has been consistent with his performance when the team tours abroad, but his place in the playing XI has always been in doubt. Former batting great Sunil Gavaskar talked about this and said that Ashwin has been the victim for his ‘forthrightness’ and ‘speaking his mind at meetings’. “For far too long Ashwin has suffered not for his bowling ability of which only the churlish will have doubts, but for his forthrightness and speaking his mind at meetings where most others just nod even if they don’t agree,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar. Ashwin has performed well for India in the longest format. The Chennai-based player has performed both with the bat and bowl. “Any other country would welcome a bowler who has more than 350 Test wickets and not to forget four-Test match centuries, too. “However, if Ashwin doesn’t take heaps of wickets in one game he is invariably sidelined for the next one. That does not happen to established batsmen though. Even if they fail in one game they get another chance and another and another but for Ashwin, the rules seem to be different,” Gavaskar wrote.

'Ashwin suffered for his forthrightness and speaking his mind at meetings': Sunil Gavaskar

<p>Team India has arrived in Australia and has been sweating it out in the nets ahead of a full-fledged Tour. Australia will host India for three ODIs, three T20Is and a four-match Test series.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-were-on-top-of-their-game-aussie-coach-justin-langer-on-2018-19-test-series-defeat-343254" hreflang="en">'India were on top of their game', Aussie coach Justin Langer on 2018-19 Test series defeat</a></p>

<p>Last week, Team India arrived in Sydney from Dubai after completing IPL 2020. The Indian team is currently in quarantine in Sydney but the players have been allowed to train outdoors during the quarantine period.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BCCI took to Twitter and shared pictures of the Indian players taking part in the training. Spinning wizard R Ashwin on Sunday shared a video from his first net session from the 'Land Down Under'. In the video, Ashwin was seen bowling alongside Ravindra Jadeja in the nets with Ajinkya Rahane facing both. Ashwin in the caption said: "Right arm over !! Kangaroo land! #backatitagain".&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHmq4EcHCN4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHmq4EcHCN4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHmq4EcHCN4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<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 href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHmq4EcHCN4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Ashwin (@rashwin99)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Test vice-captain Rahane is likely to lead India after Kohli's departure and play a crucial role. Ashwin has had a successful run in Australia and will be vital for India's bowling unit. Jadeja's all-round performance was the highlight of 2018-19 series. &nbsp;</p>


Team India has arrived in Australia and has been sweating it out in the nets ahead of a full-fledged Tour. Australia will host India for three ODIs, three T20Is and a four-match Test series.

Team India has arrived in Australia and has been sweating it out in the nets ahead of a full-fledged Tour. Australia will host India for three ODIs, three T20Is and a four-match Test series. Also read: 'India were on top of their game', Aussie coach Justin Langer on 2018-19 Test series defeat Last week, Team India arrived in Sydney from Dubai after completing IPL 2020. The Indian team is currently in quarantine in Sydney but the players have been allowed to train outdoors during the quarantine period. BCCI took to Twitter and shared pictures of the Indian players taking part in the training. Spinning wizard R Ashwin on Sunday shared a video from his first net session from the 'Land Down Under'. In the video, Ashwin was seen bowling alongside Ravindra Jadeja in the nets with Ajinkya Rahane facing both. Ashwin in the caption said: "Right arm over !! Kangaroo land! #backatitagain". View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ashwin (@rashwin99) × Test vice-captain Rahane is likely to lead India after Kohli's departure and play a crucial role. Ashwin has had a successful run in Australia and will be vital for India's bowling unit. Jadeja's all-round performance was the highlight of 2018-19 series.

WATCH- 'Kangaroo land!': Ajinkya Rahane faces Ashwin and Jadeja in nets

<p>India's legendary playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam passed away at the age of 74 on Friday in a hospital in Chennai after battling coronavirus for more than a month.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/singer-sp-balasubrahmanyam-dies-of-coronavirus-complications-330156" hreflang="en">Singer SP Balasubrahmanyam dies of coronavirus complications</a></p>

<p>Icons from the sporting fraternity paid their tributes to the iconic singer.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One of my favourite artist breathed his last today and that's the best way to describe you SPB sir,(an ARTIST) . You were one of the best and most versatile singers in the history of Indian cinema. That's the world will always remember you.</p>
— DK (@DineshKarthik) <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik/status/1309406523454521346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Omg!! This year just gets worse by the day! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPBalasubramaniam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPBalasubramaniam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIP</a></p>
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1309408972353482753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Saddened to hear the demise of such a legendary singer <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPBalasubramanyam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPBalasubramanyam</a>. Your voice will be an inspiration for the generations to come. Condolences to friends &amp; family. Om Shanti🙏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPSPBalasubramanyam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPSPBalasubramanyam</a> <a href="https://t.co/weNqCthlZe">pic.twitter.com/weNqCthlZe</a></p>
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRaina/status/1309421759888789506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shattered to hear about passing of SPB sir. A Legend of Indian Cinema. His songs will reverberate forever. His friendship, love for the game and our chennai meetings will be cherished forever. My heartfelt condolences to Sudakar, Sailaja, Charan and rest of family and fans. 🙏🏽</p>
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) <a href="https://twitter.com/anilkumble1074/status/1309406057886887936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Extremely saddened to hear about the demise of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPBalasubramanyam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPBalasubramanyam</a> garu. My deepest Condolences to his family. His voice will always remain etched in our hearts. Om Shanti ! <a href="https://t.co/BrqUirT8Kh">pic.twitter.com/BrqUirT8Kh</a></p>
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/1309403225376747522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Really sad to hear about the passing away of such a great yet simple person. He was my first sponsor! He sponsored our team Chennai Colts in the national team championship in 1983. One of the nicest persons I have met. His music gave us such joy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPSPB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPSPB</a></p>
— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) <a href="https://twitter.com/vishy64theking/status/1309404296018931712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sad to hear the Demise of the legendary singer - SPB, his songs will echo through time, condolences to his family and close friends 🙏! Om Shanti</p>
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) <a href="https://twitter.com/KrisSrikkanth/status/1309401519075155968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Will cherish the times you unleashed the song Sankara on demand and effortlessly built up the pitch. The song from Sankarabharanam was tough to render but you made it all seem easy. Never again will I have that experience. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPBalasubrahmanyam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPBalasubrahmanyam</a> Sir. <a href="https://t.co/ATbDL06Yaa">https://t.co/ATbDL06Yaa</a></p>
— W V Raman (@wvraman) <a href="https://twitter.com/wvraman/status/1309418850727804928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Indian Premier League team Chennai Super Kings also paid their tribute to the legendary singer.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="et">Mannin meedhu manidhanukkaasai<br />
Manidhan meedhu mannukkaasai<br />
Mann dhaan kadaisiyil jeikiradhu<br />
Idhai manam dhaan unara marukkiradhu...<br />
<br />
Your songs will live on forever. Rest in peace Legend! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPSPB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPSPB</a> <a href="https://t.co/8r9dnfGfBT">pic.twitter.com/8r9dnfGfBT</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1309402245553766400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In an illustrious career spanning over five decades, SPB had sung more than 40,000 songs. He was undergoing treatment in MGM Healthcare since August 5 when he had first tested positive for coronavirus.</p>

<p>He had been in critical condition the past few weeks, and the last medical update from the hospital had stated that the singer was on life support for the past few days.</p>

<p>The veteran singer had also dabbled in acting and been a part of several blockbuster films.</p>

<p>Awarded with Padma Bhushan SPB delivered blockbuster songs in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and Malayalam. He was also a well-known classical singer and composed music for more than 45 films in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam.</p>


India's legendary playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam passed away at the age of 74 on Friday in a hospital in Chennai after battling coronavirus for more than a month.

India's legendary playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam passed away at the age of 74 on Friday in a hospital in Chennai after battling coronavirus for more than a month. Also read: Singer SP Balasubrahmanyam dies of coronavirus complications Icons from the sporting fraternity paid their tributes to the iconic singer. One of my favourite artist breathed his last today and that's the best way to describe you SPB sir,(an ARTIST) . You were one of the best and most versatile singers in the history of Indian cinema. That's the world will always remember you. — DK (@DineshKarthik) September 25, 2020 × Omg!! This year just gets worse by the day! #SPBalasubramaniam #RIP — Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) September 25, 2020 × Saddened to hear the demise of such a legendary singer #SPBalasubramanyam. Your voice will be an inspiration for the generations to come. Condolences to friends & family. Om Shanti🙏 #RIPSPBalasubramanyam pic.twitter.com/weNqCthlZe — Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) September 25, 2020 × Shattered to hear about passing of SPB sir. A Legend of Indian Cinema. His songs will reverberate forever. His friendship, love for the game and our chennai meetings will be cherished forever. My heartfelt condolences to Sudakar, Sailaja, Charan and rest of family and fans. 🙏🏽 — Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) September 25, 2020 × Extremely saddened to hear about the demise of #SPBalasubramanyam garu. My deepest Condolences to his family. His voice will always remain etched in our hearts. Om Shanti ! pic.twitter.com/BrqUirT8Kh — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) September 25, 2020 × Really sad to hear about the passing away of such a great yet simple person. He was my first sponsor! He sponsored our team Chennai Colts in the national team championship in 1983. One of the nicest persons I have met. His music gave us such joy #RIPSPB — Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) September 25, 2020 × Sad to hear the Demise of the legendary singer - SPB, his songs will echo through time, condolences to his family and close friends 🙏! Om Shanti — Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) September 25, 2020 × Will cherish the times you unleashed the song Sankara on demand and effortlessly built up the pitch. The song from Sankarabharanam was tough to render but you made it all seem easy. Never again will I have that experience. #RIP #SPBalasubrahmanyam Sir. https://t.co/ATbDL06Yaa — W V Raman (@wvraman) September 25, 2020 × Indian Premier League team Chennai Super Kings also paid their tribute to the legendary singer. Mannin meedhu manidhanukkaasai Manidhan meedhu mannukkaasai Mann dhaan kadaisiyil jeikiradhu Idhai manam dhaan unara marukkiradhu... Your songs will live on forever. Rest in peace Legend! #RIPSPB pic.twitter.com/8r9dnfGfBT — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 25, 2020 × In an illustrious career spanning over five decades, SPB had sung more than 40,000 songs. He was undergoing treatment in MGM Healthcare since August 5 when he had first tested positive for coronavirus. He had been in critical condition the past few weeks, and the last medical update from the hospital had stated that the singer was on life support for the past few days. The veteran singer had also dabbled in acting and been a part of several blockbuster films. Awarded with Padma Bhushan SPB delivered blockbuster songs in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and Malayalam. He was also a well-known classical singer and composed music for more than 45 films in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam.

From R Ashwin to Vishwanathan Anand: Sporting fraternity pays tribute to SP Balasubrahmanyam

<p>Injury and poor form made it a forgettable IPL for Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman but the time away from the field was well spent as he picked on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/inability-to-perform-in-powerplays-knocked-punjab-out-says-captain-r-ashwin-215818&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJ-KGfuIniAhUGTo8KHfhECTMQFjAEegQIDBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3zPyEuU-v33_uHVG3Bc_Oi">Punjab </a>skipper Ravichandran Ashwin's brains ahead of the World Cup in England.</p>

<p>A shoulder injury meant that the 18-year-old wasn't at his best during the cash-rich league, getting only three wickets in five games with an expensive economy rate of 10.05 runs per over.</p>

<p>"I have learnt a lot having spent quality time with Ravichandran Ashwin in the Punjab&nbsp;set-up. He has given me a lot of useful tips and I am sure that I will execute those plans in the World Cup. During this edition of IPL, my shoulder injury was an issue. But now I am fully fit for the World Cup," Mujeeb told reporters at a promotional event to announce Amul's association with Afghanistan national team.</p>

<p>While he hasn't played many matches this year, the best part about IPL according to Mujeeb is the opportunity to bowl at some of the prospective World Cup opponents.</p>

<p>"The IPL schedule is so hectic and you are travelling a lot. It's not that you get a lot of chance to talk about the game. But since you get a chance to bowl in matches where there are batsmen who will be there in the World Cup, it helps a lot," said the Afghan teenager.</p>

<p>Asked if he faced the second season blues, something which was evident as he went for 66 runs in his four overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mujeeb attributed it to being part and parcel of cricket.</p>

<p>"You will have a few bad days and it's just that you have to be consistent with your line and length," Mujeeb said.</p>

<p>The youngster is hopeful that along with senior spinners Rashid Khan and Mohammed Nabi, it will be a better World Cup for Afghanistan compared to the 2015 edition where they were making a debut.</p>

<p>"Our aim is to at least qualify for the semi-finals. All three of us have different strengths and the main thing that we discuss on-field is to stick to our respective plans. The basic plan is to consistently bowl good areas and hopefully, we will be able to do that," Mujeeb&nbsp;said.</p>


Injury and poor form made it a forgettable IPL for Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman but the time away from the field was well spent as he picked on Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin's brains ahead of the World Cup in England.

Injury and poor form made it a forgettable IPL for Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman but the time away from the field was well spent as he picked on Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin's brains ahead of the World Cup in England. A shoulder injury meant that the 18-year-old wasn't at his best during the cash-rich league, getting only three wickets in five games with an expensive economy rate of 10.05 runs per over. "I have learnt a lot having spent quality time with Ravichandran Ashwin in the Punjab set-up. He has given me a lot of useful tips and I am sure that I will execute those plans in the World Cup. During this edition of IPL, my shoulder injury was an issue. But now I am fully fit for the World Cup," Mujeeb told reporters at a promotional event to announce Amul's association with Afghanistan national team. While he hasn't played many matches this year, the best part about IPL according to Mujeeb is the opportunity to bowl at some of the prospective World Cup opponents. "The IPL schedule is so hectic and you are travelling a lot. It's not that you get a lot of chance to talk about the game. But since you get a chance to bowl in matches where there are batsmen who will be there in the World Cup, it helps a lot," said the Afghan teenager. Asked if he faced the second season blues, something which was evident as he went for 66 runs in his four overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mujeeb attributed it to being part and parcel of cricket. "You will have a few bad days and it's just that you have to be consistent with your line and length," Mujeeb said. The youngster is hopeful that along with senior spinners Rashid Khan and Mohammed Nabi, it will be a better World Cup for Afghanistan compared to the 2015 edition where they were making a debut. "Our aim is to at least qualify for the semi-finals. All three of us have different strengths and the main thing that we discuss on-field is to stick to our respective plans. The basic plan is to consistently bowl good areas and hopefully, we will be able to do that," Mujeeb said.

Will use Ashwin's tips in the World Cup, says Afghan spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman

<p>The twelfth edition of Indian Premier League has started, the level of madness is at its peak and fans are going crazy to support their favourite teams and players.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When it comes to cricket, Indians let their emotions rule their decisions just like after they blasted Ravichandran Ashwin's 'mankading' of Jos Buttler.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident happened in an IPL match between Punjab and Rajasthan when Ashwin ran out Rajasthan's Jos Buttler, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Buttler's dismissal changed the course of game and Punjab registered a win and earned two crucial points. The stature of a team is analysed on the basis of winning or losing, especially in IPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ashwin saw an opportunity and used it. He does not have to explain why he ran out the Englishman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though he said, "On my part, it was very instinctive and it wasn't planned or anything like that. It's there within the rules of the game."&nbsp;</p>

<p>And he is right, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which is the custodian of cricket laws, had made subtle changes to the rules in 2017 on running out of non-strikers by bowlers in their run-up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The law gives the bowler the right to run out the non-striker when he is about to deliver the ball.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rule clearly states, "If the non-striker is out of his/her ground from the moment the ball comes into play to the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the bowler is permitted to attempt to run him/her out."&nbsp;</p>

<p>If it is legally correct and the decision was made by the third umpire then it is in the spirit of game and debate should have ended on the ground itself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The third umpire had the authority to declare the ball dead but he did not because Ashwin's call was legal. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Imagine what will happen if a wicket-keeper starts giving warnings to the batsmen for being out of the crease just to uphold the spirit of the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>No, that's not possible and will never happen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ashwin has earned his reputation for contribution to Indian national team and he will be remembered for that.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cricket fraternity is, however, divided on the 'mankading' incident. Spin legend Shane Warne even labelled it as "disgraceful" and against the spirit of the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The spectators need to understand that the spirit of the game is compromised over cheating, humiliating sledging, match-fixing, physical assault, etc. not because of playing the game according to the law mandating by the ICC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And when it comes to the spirit of the game, Warne must remember the number of times the Aussies have crossed the red line.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
(<em>Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The twelfth edition of Indian Premier League has started, the level of madness is at its peak and fans are going crazy to support their favourite teams and players.

The twelfth edition of Indian Premier League has started, the level of madness is at its peak and fans are going crazy to support their favourite teams and players. When it comes to cricket, Indians let their emotions rule their decisions just like after they blasted Ravichandran Ashwin's 'mankading' of Jos Buttler. The incident happened in an IPL match between Punjab and Rajasthan when Ashwin ran out Rajasthan's Jos Buttler, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning. Buttler's dismissal changed the course of game and Punjab registered a win and earned two crucial points. The stature of a team is analysed on the basis of winning or losing, especially in IPL. Ashwin saw an opportunity and used it. He does not have to explain why he ran out the Englishman. Though he said, "On my part, it was very instinctive and it wasn't planned or anything like that. It's there within the rules of the game." And he is right, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which is the custodian of cricket laws, had made subtle changes to the rules in 2017 on running out of non-strikers by bowlers in their run-up. The law gives the bowler the right to run out the non-striker when he is about to deliver the ball. The rule clearly states, "If the non-striker is out of his/her ground from the moment the ball comes into play to the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the bowler is permitted to attempt to run him/her out." If it is legally correct and the decision was made by the third umpire then it is in the spirit of game and debate should have ended on the ground itself. The third umpire had the authority to declare the ball dead but he did not because Ashwin's call was legal. Imagine what will happen if a wicket-keeper starts giving warnings to the batsmen for being out of the crease just to uphold the spirit of the game. No, that's not possible and will never happen. Ashwin has earned his reputation for contribution to Indian national team and he will be remembered for that. The cricket fraternity is, however, divided on the 'mankading' incident. Spin legend Shane Warne even labelled it as "disgraceful" and against the spirit of the game. The spectators need to understand that the spirit of the game is compromised over cheating, humiliating sledging, match-fixing, physical assault, etc. not because of playing the game according to the law mandating by the ICC. And when it comes to the spirit of the game, Warne must remember the number of times the Aussies have crossed the red line. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Ashwin's 'Mankading' controversy: If it is legally correct then it should be in the spirit of the game

<p>Jos Buttler's run-out at the non-striker's end during Rajasthan' home game against Punjab on Monday was the first instance of a batsman being <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashwins-mankad-row-no-question-of-lecturing-him-on-spirit-of-the-game-says-bcci-official-205805">'</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashwins-mankad-row-no-question-of-lecturing-him-on-spirit-of-the-game-says-bcci-official-205805">mankaded</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashwins-mankad-row-no-question-of-lecturing-him-on-spirit-of-the-game-says-bcci-official-205805">' in the Indian Premier League (IPL).</a></p>

<p>Buttler was run out at the non-striker's end by Punjab captain R Ashwin after the Rajasthan opener had left his crease before the delivery.The incident took place during the sixth ball of the 13th over of Rajasthan's 185-run chase in Jaipur.</p>

<p>However, not many are aware of what mankaded means and where did the term originate from?</p>

<p>The rule and name 'mankaded' is given after Indian bowler Vinoo Mankad's name.</p>

<p>Mankad was among the earliest bowlers to run a non-striker out. The incident dates back to 13 December 1947 during India's tour to Australia. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In one of the game, Mankad had run out former Australia cricketer Bill Brown, who played 22 Tests between 1934 and 1948, when Brown had left the crease before Mankad delivered the ball.</p>

<p>Back then, Mankad faced a lot of criticism from the Australian media but legendary Australian player and the then captain, Don Bradman had defended the India player.</p>

<p>As per several reports, Bradman had questioned why Mankad's sportsmanship is being questioned as the laws of cricket make it quite clear that the non-striker must keep within his ground until the ball has been delivered.</p>

<p>While there have been many instances of mankading but it was during the 12th edition of the IPL that the rule gained the heat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ashwin, who had mankaded Buttler, immediately appealed for the wicket and the on-field umpire immediately signalled for the decision to be taken by the third umpire, who decided to give Buttler out.</p>

<p>That was the changing point for Rajasthan as the hosts stumbled and kept losing wickets, eventually losing the game to Punjab by 14 runs.&nbsp;</p>


Jos Buttler's run-out at the non-striker's end during Rajasthan' home game against Punjab on Monday was the first instance of a batsman being 'mankaded' in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Jos Buttler's run-out at the non-striker's end during Rajasthan' home game against Punjab on Monday was the first instance of a batsman being 'mankaded' in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Buttler was run out at the non-striker's end by Punjab captain R Ashwin after the Rajasthan opener had left his crease before the delivery. The incident took place during the sixth ball of the 13th over of Rajasthan's 185-run chase in Jaipur. However, not many are aware of what mankaded means and where did the term originate from? The rule and name 'mankaded' is given after Indian bowler Vinoo Mankad's name. Mankad was among the earliest bowlers to run a non-striker out. The incident dates back to 13 December 1947 during India's tour to Australia. In one of the game, Mankad had run out former Australia cricketer Bill Brown, who played 22 Tests between 1934 and 1948, when Brown had left the crease before Mankad delivered the ball. Back then, Mankad faced a lot of criticism from the Australian media but legendary Australian player and the then captain, Don Bradman had defended the India player. As per several reports, Bradman had questioned why Mankad's sportsmanship is being questioned as the laws of cricket make it quite clear that the non-striker must keep within his ground until the ball has been delivered. While there have been many instances of mankading but it was during the 12th edition of the IPL that the rule gained the heat. Ashwin, who had mankaded Buttler, immediately appealed for the wicket and the on-field umpire immediately signalled for the decision to be taken by the third umpire, who decided to give Buttler out. That was the changing point for Rajasthan as the hosts stumbled and kept losing wickets, eventually losing the game to Punjab by 14 runs.

1947: When real Vinoo Mankad 'mankaded' Australian batsman Bill Brown

<p>Rajasthan opener Jos Buttler was mankaded by R Ashwin during the fourth game of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).</p>

<p>The dramatic run-out came at a stage when Rajasthan were going strong and Buttler was the reason behind it. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Buttler smashed his first half-century of this year's IPL and lost his wicket for 69 runs which came in just 43 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Buttler was mankaded, there was a heated argument between him and Ashwin but the umpires intervened to stop the tussle.&nbsp; The decision went to the third umpire which eventually declared Buttler run-out. &nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is how joss butler dismissed<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RRvKXIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RRvKXIP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HallaBol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HallaBol</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ashwin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/buttler?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#buttler</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jossbuttler?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#jossbuttler</a> <a href="https://t.co/tXIt4fuH1g">pic.twitter.com/tXIt4fuH1g</a></p>
— Stud Hun😎 (@Stud_londe) <a href="https://twitter.com/Stud_londe/status/1110232589938249728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Twitter handle of the Rajasthan also started a poll asking whether the decision to give Buttler out is right or wrong.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Was that the right decision? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HallaBol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HallaBol</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RRvKXIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RRvKXIP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RR</a></p>
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/1110230732235042817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meanwhile, some other Twitter users gave a mixed reaction to the dramatic run-out.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Unfair Play award goes to <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> for Mankaded <a href="https://twitter.com/josbuttler?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@josbuttler</a> ☹️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RRvKXIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RRvKXIP</a></p>
— Sarwar Bashir سرور بشیر (@sarwar_Bashir) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarwar_Bashir/status/1110234059966308352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> , what you did was disgraceful and very cheap. It was not in the spirit of the game. You cannot scoop down to any level to make your team win. This is still a gentleman's game. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RRvsKXIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RRvsKXIP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoWarning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoWarning</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JosButtler?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JosButtler</a></p>
— Srivaradhan Alwar (@iamsrivaradhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsrivaradhan/status/1110234030589399040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We all know the rules.. But <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> Dismissing <a href="https://twitter.com/josbuttler?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@josbuttler</a> in that fashion.. Cricket is no longer a gentleman's game.. This is really disappointing..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KXIPvRR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KXIPvRR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2019</a></p>
— Ravi Santhosh (@ravisanthosh90) <a href="https://twitter.com/ravisanthosh90/status/1110234025170329600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a> took a pause and wait for <a href="https://twitter.com/josbuttler?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@josbuttler</a> to move out the crease and then mankad him..<br />
It's unfair...<br />
A small thing to lost all respect..<a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> 👎<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AskStar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StarSportsIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RRvKXIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RRvKXIP</a></p>
— Chowkidar Pankaj Verma (@aspankajverma) <a href="https://twitter.com/aspankajverma/status/1110233973165178880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Punjab had set a target of 185 runs for Rajasthan in their campaign opener. The team managed to defend the total and register their first win of the season by defeating Rajasthan by 14 runs.&nbsp;</p>


Rajasthan opener Jos Buttler was mankaded by R Ashwin during the fourth game of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The dramatic run-out came at a stage when Rajasthan were going strong and Buttler was the reason behind it.

Rajasthan opener Jos Buttler was mankaded by R Ashwin during the fourth game of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The dramatic run-out came at a stage when Rajasthan were going strong and Buttler was the reason behind it. Buttler smashed his first half-century of this year's IPL and lost his wicket for 69 runs which came in just 43 balls. After Buttler was mankaded, there was a heated argument between him and Ashwin but the umpires intervened to stop the tussle. The decision went to the third umpire which eventually declared Buttler run-out. This is how joss butler dismissed#RRvKXIP #HallaBol #RR #ashwin #buttler #jossbuttler pic.twitter.com/tXIt4fuH1g — Stud Hun😎 (@Stud_londe) March 25, 2019 × The Twitter handle of the Rajasthan also started a poll asking whether the decision to give Buttler out is right or wrong. Was that the right decision? #HallaBol #RRvKXIP #RR — Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 25, 2019 × Meanwhile, some other Twitter users gave a mixed reaction to the dramatic run-out. Unfair Play award goes to @ashwinravi99 for Mankaded @josbuttler ☹️ #IPL2019 #RRvKXIP — Sarwar Bashir سرور بشیر (@sarwar_Bashir) March 25, 2019 × @ashwinravi99 , what you did was disgraceful and very cheap. It was not in the spirit of the game. You cannot scoop down to any level to make your team win. This is still a gentleman's game. #RRvsKXIP #IPL19 #NoWarning #JosButtler — Srivaradhan Alwar (@iamsrivaradhan) March 25, 2019 × We all know the rules.. But @ashwinravi99 Dismissing @josbuttler in that fashion.. Cricket is no longer a gentleman's game.. This is really disappointing..#KXIPvRR #IPL2019 — Ravi Santhosh (@ravisanthosh90) March 25, 2019 × #Ashwin took a pause and wait for @josbuttler to move out the crease and then mankad him.. It's unfair... A small thing to lost all respect..@ashwinravi99 👎#AskStar @StarSportsIndia #RRvKXIP — Chowkidar Pankaj Verma (@aspankajverma) March 25, 2019 × Punjab had set a target of 185 runs for Rajasthan in their campaign opener. The team managed to defend the total and register their first win of the season by defeating Rajasthan by 14 runs.

Jos Buttler 'mankaded' by R Ashwin, Twitter slams Punjab captain

<p>The Indian cricket board will not be "lecturing Ravichandran Ashwin on sportsman spirit" despite the furore that has been kicked up by his act of 'Mankading' Jos Buttler in an IPL game, a senior BCCI official said Tuesday.</p>

<p>The seasoned off-spinner, who is the captain of Kings XI Punjab, ran out the Rajasthan opener, who was at the non-striker's end, on his delivery stride in an IPL match in Jaipur on Monday. The act has left the cricket world divided on the 'spirit of the game'.</p>

<p>Ashwin has defended himself stating that what he did was well within the rules of the game. But <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashwins-mankad-row-shane-warne-slams-harsha-bhogle-for-supporting-punjab-captain-calls-him-bias-205793">Rajasthan's Brand Ambassador Shane Warne</a> and coach Paddy Upton have lashed out at the tweaker, questioning his integrity.</p>

<p>However, the Indian cricket board said there is no need for it to step in.</p>

<p>"There is no question of lecturing Ashwin on spirit of the game. He did what is permissible within the rules of the game. The umpires and match referees are there to ensure that players compete as per laws of the game," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.</p>

<p>"So, the BCCI is not getting involved. As far as Shane Warne is concerned, let's not forget he is Rajasthan Royals brand ambassador and not a neutral observer," he added.</p>

<p>IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla's tweet that it was decided in presence of Chennai&nbsp;skipper MS Dhoni and Bangalore captain Virat Kohli that players won't be 'Mankaded' was before the international rules were changed, claimed a former league Governing Council member.</p>

<p>"I am well aware about the meeting Shukla ji is referring to. It was before the new rules came into the effect where bowlers need not warn the batsmen before Mankading. In that meeting, it was decided that bowlers would at least warn the batsmen," the former GC member said.</p>

<p>Asked if Dhoni would have done it, the official said: "MS would have never done it but does that make Ashwin wrong? He is someone who is very thorough with rules and regulations and will always exploit the loopholes. There is nothing that can be done."</p>


The Indian cricket board will not be "lecturing Ravichandran Ashwin on sportsman spirit" despite the furore that has been kicked up by his act of 'Mankading' Jos Buttler in an IPL game, a senior BCCI official said Tuesday.

The Indian cricket board will not be "lecturing Ravichandran Ashwin on sportsman spirit" despite the furore that has been kicked up by his act of 'Mankading' Jos Buttler in an IPL game, a senior BCCI official said Tuesday. The seasoned off-spinner, who is the captain of Kings XI Punjab, ran out the Rajasthan opener, who was at the non-striker's end, on his delivery stride in an IPL match in Jaipur on Monday. The act has left the cricket world divided on the 'spirit of the game'. Ashwin has defended himself stating that what he did was well within the rules of the game. But Rajasthan's Brand Ambassador Shane Warne and coach Paddy Upton have lashed out at the tweaker, questioning his integrity. However, the Indian cricket board said there is no need for it to step in. "There is no question of lecturing Ashwin on spirit of the game. He did what is permissible within the rules of the game. The umpires and match referees are there to ensure that players compete as per laws of the game," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity. "So, the BCCI is not getting involved. As far as Shane Warne is concerned, let's not forget he is Rajasthan Royals brand ambassador and not a neutral observer," he added. IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla's tweet that it was decided in presence of Chennai skipper MS Dhoni and Bangalore captain Virat Kohli that players won't be 'Mankaded' was before the international rules were changed, claimed a former league Governing Council member. "I am well aware about the meeting Shukla ji is referring to. It was before the new rules came into the effect where bowlers need not warn the batsmen before Mankading. In that meeting, it was decided that bowlers would at least warn the batsmen," the former GC member said. Asked if Dhoni would have done it, the official said: "MS would have never done it but does that make Ashwin wrong? He is someone who is very thorough with rules and regulations and will always exploit the loopholes. There is nothing that can be done."

Ashwin's mankad row: 'No question of lecturing him on spirit of the game,' says BCCI official

<p>Steve Smith would still be a bit rusty and Punjab would try to exploit it to their advantage, says skipper Ravichandran Ashwin, who also reckons that it won't be easy comeback journey for the Australian.</p>

<p>The spotlight will be on Smith when Rajasthan&nbsp;clash with Punjab tomorrow.</p>

<p>"We all know he is a quality player and must have worked and prepared hard during the break but comebacks are not easy. He must have put a lot of efforts for a comeback mentally. I am sure he would look to perform and on the other hand we would look to take advantage of his rustiness," said Ashwin.</p>

<p>Ashwin himself is struggling to make a comeback to the Indian side and is likely to miss the World Cup bus with Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja doing a nice job with the white ball.</p>

<p>Asked if he feels, he is still in reckoning for a spot in India's World Cup squad, he was a tad irritated.</p>

<p>"I can't answer the question. Selectors have to answer that. But as far I am concerned I have played two World Cups. If I deserve and I am selected I would love to play," he said.</p>

<p>When pointed out that he was deceptive a few years back but was sorted out and whether Chahal and Kuldeep could also meet the same fate, Ashwin said adaptation is key to remain strong.</p>

<p>"Cricket now a days reveal all. There is lot of analysis and cameras can read out every movement of your fingers. The secret is to adapt to conditions. Look at Virat Kohli, earlier he was very strong on leg side but he adapted and now he is as strong on off side too," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Punjab coach Mike Hesson said big-hitting West Indian that Gayle is huge player for his team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The way he batted in the last series against quality bowlers and took on the spinners shows that he still is a formidable force. He is an asset on the field and in the dressing room where he helps youngsters groom," said Hesson.</p>


Steve Smith would still be a bit rusty and Punjab would try to exploit it to their advantage, says skipper Ravichandran Ashwin, who also reckons that it won't be easy comeback journey for the Australian.

Steve Smith would still be a bit rusty and Punjab would try to exploit it to their advantage, says skipper Ravichandran Ashwin, who also reckons that it won't be easy comeback journey for the Australian. The spotlight will be on Smith when Rajasthan clash with Punjab tomorrow. "We all know he is a quality player and must have worked and prepared hard during the break but comebacks are not easy. He must have put a lot of efforts for a comeback mentally. I am sure he would look to perform and on the other hand we would look to take advantage of his rustiness," said Ashwin. Ashwin himself is struggling to make a comeback to the Indian side and is likely to miss the World Cup bus with Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja doing a nice job with the white ball. Asked if he feels, he is still in reckoning for a spot in India's World Cup squad, he was a tad irritated. "I can't answer the question. Selectors have to answer that. But as far I am concerned I have played two World Cups. If I deserve and I am selected I would love to play," he said. When pointed out that he was deceptive a few years back but was sorted out and whether Chahal and Kuldeep could also meet the same fate, Ashwin said adaptation is key to remain strong. "Cricket now a days reveal all. There is lot of analysis and cameras can read out every movement of your fingers. The secret is to adapt to conditions. Look at Virat Kohli, earlier he was very strong on leg side but he adapted and now he is as strong on off side too," he said. Punjab coach Mike Hesson said big-hitting West Indian that Gayle is huge player for his team. "The way he batted in the last series against quality bowlers and took on the spinners shows that he still is a formidable force. He is an asset on the field and in the dressing room where he helps youngsters groom," said Hesson.

Steve Smith is a quality player but no comeback is easy: Punjab skipper R Ashwin

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin's "similar injuries" on two successive away tours is a cause of concern and the off-spinner should "focus" on course correction, India captain Virat Kohli said Wednesday, drawing parallels with his own injury management.</p>

<p>Ashwin has not taken part in the current series after bowling 86 overs in the first Test in Adelaide and since then has been laid low by left -sided abdominal strain.</p>

<p>While Indian team management kept Ashwin in the final 13 and officially announced that a call will be taken on Thursday morning before the start of the match, Kohli made it clear that all is not well with the burly Tamil Nadu off-spinner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Well, it's unfortunate that Ashwin has had two niggles quite similar in the last couple of away tours (England and now Australia). He, more than anyone else, will be focused to correct this," the skipper said on the eve of the final Test.</p>

<p>"The physio and the trainer have spoken to him in terms of what's required (from him) in order to get over that injury. He is very important for sure. In Test cricket, he is a vital part of this team and we want him to be 100 per cent fit and for a longer period so that he can contribute to us more in the Test format," Kohli in his own way let media know on where he stood on this issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He (Ashwin) is very disappointed with the fact that he has not been able to recover in time, but the things have been laid out to him (as to) what needs to be done to get back to full fitness. Honestly, you can't predict an injury. When it happens, you just manage and doing what you can to get over that injury," the skipper said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From Ashwin's injury, the discussion veered towards back issues that Kohli has had for some time. Kohli was in pain during Melbourne Test and was also seen having a taping on his waist while fielding but he has now learnt to manage it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While there was no reference to Ashwin, Kohli's take on injury management could be a lesson for the spinner also.</p>

<p>"You just have to manage it physically and stay ahead of the injury. I have been able to do it for now and I am sure I will find out more options and more ways to counter that and be at the top of my fitness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's inhuman or impossible to keep going on without niggles and I think it's fine to have a few niggles here and there. You just need to be able to manage it very well," said Kohli.</p>

<p>Kohli revealed that he has had a disc problem since his early days with the Indian team, back in 2011.</p>

<p>"On my personal fitness concern, I have had disc issues since 2011, it's nothing new. I have been able to manage it because of the physical effort I have put in in the last few years. When you have a back, which has disc issues, you can only maintain it that way so I'm not too bothered by it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When the workload gets high, it can get into a spasm. You don't really get serious issues, you get fine in 2-3 days but at that point of time you get into a spasm. That's very easy to heal so I am not too concerned with it."&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Kohli attributes his top level fitness to his routines which has helped him massively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The physical part has definitely helped me massively in the last three years. I feel like I can switch formats easily. And I can be at the top of my energy levels or intensity levels that is required to play international cricket because I work really hard no my fitness. There are many factors involved: the diet, the sleep patterns and all these sort of things are very crucial."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Coming back to Ashwin, Kohli feels that young Hanuma Vihari's part-time off-breaks could come in handy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Ashwin's absence does make you alter plans a little bit throughout the course of a series. But the fact that Hanuma Vihari has bowled beautifully whenever we have given him the ball makes us feel absolutely calm about Ashwin not being able to play," Kohli said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But, if you see the way Vihari has bowled he has looked like picking up a wicket whenever he comes to bowl. He's pitching the ball in the right areas so we are looking at him as a solid bowling option right now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Especially in this Test because he has pace on the ball, he puts in the effort, he's economical and that's all you need from a guy who is coming in to bowl 10-15 overs in a day," the skipper reasoned.&nbsp;</p>


Ravichandran Ashwin's "similar injuries" on two successive away tours is a cause of concern and the off-spinner should "focus" on course correction, India captain Virat Kohli said Wednesday, drawing parallels with his own injury management.

Ravichandran Ashwin's "similar injuries" on two successive away tours is a cause of concern and the off-spinner should "focus" on course correction, India captain Virat Kohli said Wednesday, drawing parallels with his own injury management. Ashwin has not taken part in the current series after bowling 86 overs in the first Test in Adelaide and since then has been laid low by left -sided abdominal strain. While Indian team management kept Ashwin in the final 13 and officially announced that a call will be taken on Thursday morning before the start of the match, Kohli made it clear that all is not well with the burly Tamil Nadu off-spinner. "Well, it's unfortunate that Ashwin has had two niggles quite similar in the last couple of away tours (England and now Australia). He, more than anyone else, will be focused to correct this," the skipper said on the eve of the final Test. "The physio and the trainer have spoken to him in terms of what's required (from him) in order to get over that injury. He is very important for sure. In Test cricket, he is a vital part of this team and we want him to be 100 per cent fit and for a longer period so that he can contribute to us more in the Test format," Kohli in his own way let media know on where he stood on this issue. "He (Ashwin) is very disappointed with the fact that he has not been able to recover in time, but the things have been laid out to him (as to) what needs to be done to get back to full fitness. Honestly, you can't predict an injury. When it happens, you just manage and doing what you can to get over that injury," the skipper said. From Ashwin's injury, the discussion veered towards back issues that Kohli has had for some time. Kohli was in pain during Melbourne Test and was also seen having a taping on his waist while fielding but he has now learnt to manage it. While there was no reference to Ashwin, Kohli's take on injury management could be a lesson for the spinner also. "You just have to manage it physically and stay ahead of the injury. I have been able to do it for now and I am sure I will find out more options and more ways to counter that and be at the top of my fitness. "It's inhuman or impossible to keep going on without niggles and I think it's fine to have a few niggles here and there. You just need to be able to manage it very well," said Kohli. Kohli revealed that he has had a disc problem since his early days with the Indian team, back in 2011. "On my personal fitness concern, I have had disc issues since 2011, it's nothing new. I have been able to manage it because of the physical effort I have put in in the last few years. When you have a back, which has disc issues, you can only maintain it that way so I'm not too bothered by it. "When the workload gets high, it can get into a spasm. You don't really get serious issues, you get fine in 2-3 days but at that point of time you get into a spasm. That's very easy to heal so I am not too concerned with it." However, Kohli attributes his top level fitness to his routines which has helped him massively. "The physical part has definitely helped me massively in the last three years. I feel like I can switch formats easily. And I can be at the top of my energy levels or intensity levels that is required to play international cricket because I work really hard no my fitness. There are many factors involved: the diet, the sleep patterns and all these sort of things are very crucial." Coming back to Ashwin, Kohli feels that young Hanuma Vihari's part-time off-breaks could come in handy. "Ashwin's absence does make you alter plans a little bit throughout the course of a series. But the fact that Hanuma Vihari has bowled beautifully whenever we have given him the ball makes us feel absolutely calm about Ashwin not being able to play," Kohli said. "But, if you see the way Vihari has bowled he has looked like picking up a wicket whenever he comes to bowl. He's pitching the ball in the right areas so we are looking at him as a solid bowling option right now. "Especially in this Test because he has pace on the ball, he puts in the effort, he's economical and that's all you need from a guy who is coming in to bowl 10-15 overs in a day," the skipper reasoned.

Ashwin had similar injuries on two tours, says concerned skipper Kohli

<p>India's unwavering pursuit of history hit a minor glitch in 11th hour injury concerns but Virat Kohli's men will still walk in as overwhelming favourites against a faltering Australia in the fourth and final Test starting Thursday.</p>

<p>Leading 2-1 in the four-match series, India remain firm favourites to make it 3-1 at the Sydney Cricket Ground despite the injury-forced omission of premier spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and senior pacer Ishant Sharma, who has not been named in the 13-member list.</p>

<p>Australia have hosted India since 1947-48, and barring three occasions in 1980-81, 1985-86 and 2003-04 which were drawn the visitors have lost the Test series on seven occasions -- 1967-68, 1977-78, 1991-92, 1999-2000, 2007-08, 2011-12, 2014-15.</p>

<p>Virat Kohli, thus, is in a unique position as the only Indian captain to go into the final Test on the Australian soil with the cushion of a series lead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A series win in Australia will certainly put Kohli on a different pedestal even though the quality of the home team's batting line-up suffered due to the ball-tampering bans on former skipper Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner.</p>

<p>Kohli will also need to fret over his team combination as the skipper revealed that senior off-spinner hasn't adequately recovered from his injury despite being named in the preliminary 13-member squad.</p>

<p>With spin considered a traditional factor in any Sydney Test, India were left fretting over the fitness of off-spinner R Ashwin, who is yet to recover from left abdominal strain that laid him low after the first Test in Adelaide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ishant is out after experiencing discomfort in his left rib cage and the team management didn't want to risk him by playing him in the decider.</p>

<p>While Ashwin had played on in Nottingham and Southampton (despite a groin injury as revealed by the team management only at the Oval), he has already missed two Tests - in Perth and Melbourne - in the on-going series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's unfortunate that he's had two niggles that are quite similar in the last two away tours," said skipper Kohli.</p>

<p>"He's very important for sure. In Test cricket, he's a vital part of this team and we wanted him to be 100 per cent fit for a longer period to that he can come back to us in the Test format. He is very disappointed that he's not able to recover in time," Kohli elaborated.</p>

<p>In a strange u-turn, after he was ruled out at the time of Kohli's pre-match press conference, Ashwin was named in the 13-man shortlist for this fourth Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A final decision on his fitness and availability for the match will be taken at toss-time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, India have included left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav as cover, in case the skipper decides to go in with two spinners.</p>

<p>Umesh Yadav has been included in place of Ishant, along with Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Rohit Sharma's absence, out-of-favour opener KL Rahul could be slated for a comeback after missing out in Melbourne, with Hanuma Vihari slotting down to his number six spot.</p>

<p>This is on assumption that regardless of Ashwin's fitness, India will opt to play four bowlers, whether in two-pacer-two spinners or three-pacers-one-spinner combination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is no option of playing an all-rounder as Hardik Pandya continues to be ignored, despite a hectic pre-match workout in the nets with both bat and ball.<br />
Kohli has described Vihari as an "exciting" spinner and he will be the second spin option, if India retain their bowling combination from the MCG Test.</p>

<p>Additionally, this 13-man shortlist can also be seen as a ploy to keep Australia guessing, for the hosts made a departure from norm and decided not to name their playing eleven for the first time in this series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Skipper Tim Paine said that they would wait to announce the team until the toss, taking into consideration if India opt to play two full-time spinners.</p>

<p>While they need at least a draw in Sydney to win the series outright, India will retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy irrespective of the result. Kohli will join Ganguly as the only Indian captain to have achieved this feat in Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, one more win will take Kohli ahead of Ganguly, who led India to 11 wins in 28 overseas Tests. Kohli has matched that record in 24 away Tests.</p>

<p>For Australia, batsman Peter Handscomb is expected to make a comeback for Mitchell Marsh, who has come under severe criticism after his poor shot selection in Melbourne.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The other toss-up is between opener Aaron Finch and leg-spin all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne. If Finch is left out, Usman Khawaja will open with Marcus Harris, and Labuschagne slotting in the middle-order.</p>

<p>It remains to be seen if this would solve any of Australia's batting problems, with not a single batsman scoring a century so far in this Test series.&nbsp;<br />
Teams:</p>

<p><strong>India (Final 13):</strong> <em>Virat Kohli (capt), Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin.</em></p>

<p><strong>Australia:</strong> <em>Tim Paine (capt &amp; wk), Marcus Harris, Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Peter Handscomb, Peter Siddle.</em></p>


India's unwavering pursuit of history hit a minor glitch in 11th hour injury concerns but Virat Kohli's men will still walk in as overwhelming favourites against a faltering Australia in the fourth and final Test starting Thursday.

India's unwavering pursuit of history hit a minor glitch in 11th hour injury concerns but Virat Kohli's men will still walk in as overwhelming favourites against a faltering Australia in the fourth and final Test starting Thursday. Leading 2-1 in the four-match series, India remain firm favourites to make it 3-1 at the Sydney Cricket Ground despite the injury-forced omission of premier spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and senior pacer Ishant Sharma, who has not been named in the 13-member list. Australia have hosted India since 1947-48, and barring three occasions in 1980-81, 1985-86 and 2003-04 which were drawn the visitors have lost the Test series on seven occasions -- 1967-68, 1977-78, 1991-92, 1999-2000, 2007-08, 2011-12, 2014-15. Virat Kohli, thus, is in a unique position as the only Indian captain to go into the final Test on the Australian soil with the cushion of a series lead. A series win in Australia will certainly put Kohli on a different pedestal even though the quality of the home team's batting line-up suffered due to the ball-tampering bans on former skipper Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner. Kohli will also need to fret over his team combination as the skipper revealed that senior off-spinner hasn't adequately recovered from his injury despite being named in the preliminary 13-member squad. With spin considered a traditional factor in any Sydney Test, India were left fretting over the fitness of off-spinner R Ashwin, who is yet to recover from left abdominal strain that laid him low after the first Test in Adelaide. Ishant is out after experiencing discomfort in his left rib cage and the team management didn't want to risk him by playing him in the decider. While Ashwin had played on in Nottingham and Southampton (despite a groin injury as revealed by the team management only at the Oval), he has already missed two Tests - in Perth and Melbourne - in the on-going series. "It's unfortunate that he's had two niggles that are quite similar in the last two away tours," said skipper Kohli. "He's very important for sure. In Test cricket, he's a vital part of this team and we wanted him to be 100 per cent fit for a longer period to that he can come back to us in the Test format. He is very disappointed that he's not able to recover in time," Kohli elaborated. In a strange u-turn, after he was ruled out at the time of Kohli's pre-match press conference, Ashwin was named in the 13-man shortlist for this fourth Test. A final decision on his fitness and availability for the match will be taken at toss-time. Additionally, India have included left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav as cover, in case the skipper decides to go in with two spinners. Umesh Yadav has been included in place of Ishant, along with Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. In Rohit Sharma's absence, out-of-favour opener KL Rahul could be slated for a comeback after missing out in Melbourne, with Hanuma Vihari slotting down to his number six spot. This is on assumption that regardless of Ashwin's fitness, India will opt to play four bowlers, whether in two-pacer-two spinners or three-pacers-one-spinner combination. There is no option of playing an all-rounder as Hardik Pandya continues to be ignored, despite a hectic pre-match workout in the nets with both bat and ball. Kohli has described Vihari as an "exciting" spinner and he will be the second spin option, if India retain their bowling combination from the MCG Test. Additionally, this 13-man shortlist can also be seen as a ploy to keep Australia guessing, for the hosts made a departure from norm and decided not to name their playing eleven for the first time in this series. Skipper Tim Paine said that they would wait to announce the team until the toss, taking into consideration if India opt to play two full-time spinners. While they need at least a draw in Sydney to win the series outright, India will retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy irrespective of the result. Kohli will join Ganguly as the only Indian captain to have achieved this feat in Australia. Additionally, one more win will take Kohli ahead of Ganguly, who led India to 11 wins in 28 overseas Tests. Kohli has matched that record in 24 away Tests. For Australia, batsman Peter Handscomb is expected to make a comeback for Mitchell Marsh, who has come under severe criticism after his poor shot selection in Melbourne. The other toss-up is between opener Aaron Finch and leg-spin all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne. If Finch is left out, Usman Khawaja will open with Marcus Harris, and Labuschagne slotting in the middle-order. It remains to be seen if this would solve any of Australia's batting problems, with not a single batsman scoring a century so far in this Test series. Teams: India (Final 13): Virat Kohli (capt), Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin. Australia: Tim Paine (capt & wk), Marcus Harris, Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Peter Handscomb, Peter Siddle.

IND vs AUS, 4th Test: Injured Ashwin, Ishant to miss out as India chase history

<p>Racing against time to be fit for the fourth and final Test against Australia starting Thursday, India's ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin underwent a solo indoor bowling session at the SCG on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Ashwin, who was accompanied by physiotherapist Patrick Farhart and another support staff, bowled at the indoor centre facilities of the Sydney Cricket Ground while rest of the India squad took the day off.</p>

<p>The 32-year-old off-spinner missed the second and third Tests because of a side strain he sustained during the first Test win in Adelaide, where he claimed 6 for 149, his best match figures in seven Tests in Australia.</p>

<p>With the SCG pitch expected to be a turner, India are hoping for Ashwin's quick recovery before the final match of the four-Test series.</p>


Racing against time to be fit for the fourth and final Test against Australia starting Thursday, India's ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin underwent a solo indoor bowling session at the SCG on Tuesday.

Racing against time to be fit for the fourth and final Test against Australia starting Thursday, India's ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin underwent a solo indoor bowling session at the SCG on Tuesday. Ashwin, who was accompanied by physiotherapist Patrick Farhart and another support staff, bowled at the indoor centre facilities of the Sydney Cricket Ground while rest of the India squad took the day off. The 32-year-old off-spinner missed the second and third Tests because of a side strain he sustained during the first Test win in Adelaide, where he claimed 6 for 149, his best match figures in seven Tests in Australia. With the SCG pitch expected to be a turner, India are hoping for Ashwin's quick recovery before the final match of the four-Test series.

Ashwin has bowling session ahead of Sydney Test

<p>Virat Kohli opened with wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel and easily took Bangalore to victory side in just 8.1 overs.</p>

<p>Without giving away any wicket, the two achieved the target of 89 runs, with Kohli making unbeaten 48 runs in 28 balls and Patel contributing 22-ball-40. &nbsp &nbsp</p>

<p>The half-century stand between Parthiv and Kohli came in the fifth over.</p>

<p>Kohli smashed a boundary to register their fifth win in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).</p>

<p>After failing in batting department, Punjab bowlers were also depleted by Bangalore as they failed to take any wickets.<br />
&nbsp<br />
Earlier, Bangalore bowled their best of IPL 2018 today to all-out Punjab for a paltry 88 runs at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore.</p>

<p>Umesh Yadav bowled a fantastic spell to dismisses three crucial players of Punjab including both openers Chris Gayle and KL Rahul.</p>

<p>He later dismissed Andrew Tye to take his wicket count to three.</p>

<p>In the fours over bowled, Yadav gave away only 23 runs to put his economy rate at 5.75</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Colin de Grandhomme and Moeen Ali took one wicket apiece.&nbsp</p>

<p>Skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl against &nbspPunjab, at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, on Monday.&nbsp</p>

<p>Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, "No brainer. We will have a bowl first. It is a very difficult ground to defend here. They are also one mystery bowler short and that gives us an advantage to start off anyway. "</p>

<p>"The wicket is pretty hard and there is a nice grass covering, it will be a very tough ground to defend on. Look in every team it would be very tough for all six batsmen to perform in every game, there would be two or three stand out performances throughout the tournament."</p>

<p>In the last match against Delhi, Kohli and AB de Villiers established a 118-run partnership to help Bangalore register their fourth win in this year's IPL.</p>

<p>"Me and AB have tried to take that responsibility but there have been contributions from others as well. KL and Gayle have played well for them. Those guys also get to face the most number of balls as well, so we have to take that into consideration as well. We are playing with the same team. We are going to go out there play fearless cricket," Kohli said.</p>

<p>"Nobody gave us a chance a week back and after the win in the last game, we have some momentum. We will try and not look too ahead of ourselves," he concluded.</p>

<p>When asked Ashwin about Punjab's strategy today, he said, "Obviously, it is a ground where it is very difficult to defend. So, we would have bowled first. But then we chose to bowl first in the last game and our fate was very different. I mean the T20 format is very unforgiving. Having said that, this ground is very small as well. There are no excuses."</p>

<p>"Hopefully, whatever experience we have garnered from the last three games, we will put into use. Unfortunately, we have lost Mujeeb from the last game, who got injured and Marcus Stoinis comes in," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Teams:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Punjab (Playing XI):</strong>&nbspLokesh Rahul(w), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Ankit Rajpoot, Mohit Sharma</p>

<p><strong>Bangalore (Playing XI):</strong>&nbspParthiv Patel(w), Moeen Ali, Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal</p>


This is Bangalore's fifth win in the ongoing IPL.

Virat Kohli opened with wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel and easily took Bangalore to victory side in just 8.1 overs. Without giving away any wicket, the two achieved the target of 89 runs, with Kohli making unbeaten 48 runs in 28 balls and Patel contributing 22-ball-40. The half-century stand between Parthiv and Kohli came in the fifth over. Kohli smashed a boundary to register their fifth win in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). After failing in batting department, Punjab bowlers were also depleted by Bangalore as they failed to take any wickets. Earlier, Bangalore bowled their best of IPL 2018 today to all-out Punjab for a paltry 88 runs at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. Umesh Yadav bowled a fantastic spell to dismisses three crucial players of Punjab including both openers Chris Gayle and KL Rahul. He later dismissed Andrew Tye to take his wicket count to three. In the fours over bowled, Yadav gave away only 23 runs to put his economy rate at 5.75 Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Colin de Grandhomme and Moeen Ali took one wicket apiece. Skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl against &nbspPunjab, at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, on Monday. Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, "No brainer. We will have a bowl first. It is a very difficult ground to defend here. They are also one mystery bowler short and that gives us an advantage to start off anyway. " "The wicket is pretty hard and there is a nice grass covering, it will be a very tough ground to defend on. Look in every team it would be very tough for all six batsmen to perform in every game, there would be two or three stand out performances throughout the tournament." In the last match against Delhi, Kohli and AB de Villiers established a 118-run partnership to help Bangalore register their fourth win in this year's IPL. "Me and AB have tried to take that responsibility but there have been contributions from others as well. KL and Gayle have played well for them. Those guys also get to face the most number of balls as well, so we have to take that into consideration as well. We are playing with the same team. We are going to go out there play fearless cricket," Kohli said. "Nobody gave us a chance a week back and after the win in the last game, we have some momentum. We will try and not look too ahead of ourselves," he concluded. When asked Ashwin about Punjab's strategy today, he said, "Obviously, it is a ground where it is very difficult to defend. So, we would have bowled first. But then we chose to bowl first in the last game and our fate was very different. I mean the T20 format is very unforgiving. Having said that, this ground is very small as well. There are no excuses." "Hopefully, whatever experience we have garnered from the last three games, we will put into use. Unfortunately, we have lost Mujeeb from the last game, who got injured and Marcus Stoinis comes in," he added. Teams: Punjab (Playing XI):&nbspLokesh Rahul(w), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Ankit Rajpoot, Mohit Sharma Bangalore (Playing XI):&nbspParthiv Patel(w), Moeen Ali, Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

IPL 2018: Virat Kohli-led Bangalore beat Punjab by 10 wickets

<p>Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin on Saturday won the toss and opted yo filed against Kolkata at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on Saturday.</p>

<p>Both the sides are coming off a defeat and will be desperate to bring their campaign back on winning ways.</p>

<p>Kolkata were hammered by Mumbai in their last encounter as the Rohit Sharma-led side registered a thumping 102-run victory over them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Punjab too, suffered a narrow 15-run loss to Rajasthan Royals in their last outing.</p>

<p>Talking about their strategy for today, Ashwin said, "We'll bowl first. It's a small ground and difficult to defend, so we'll try to chase it down. It's a day game and it's dried up a bit. Previous games were sticky but this one is expected to stay the same."</p>

<p>"We are sticking to our old combination. We have brought Agarwal in for Nath, Sran for Tiwary and Finch for Stoinis," he added.</p>

<p>When asked about their strategy, skipper Dinesh Karthik said, "One team has to bat first. We'll try to make the most of the opportunity. Just one change for us, Searles comes in for Curran."</p>

<p>"We are sticking to the same team as I am someone who believes to stick to one team and believe in the boys. So we are sticking to the same XI with just one change."</p>

<p>While Punjab acquires third place with 12 points, Kolkata are placed fifth in the league table with 10 points.</p>

<p>Teams:</p>

<p>Punjab (Playing XI): Chris Gayle, Lokesh Rahul(w), Mayank Agarwal, Aaron Finch, Karun Nair, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Mohit Sharma, Barinder Sran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman</p>

<p>Kolkata (Playing XI): Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Andre Russell, Javon Searles, Piyush Chawla, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav</p>


Kolkata were hammered by Mumbai in their last encounter

Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin on Saturday won the toss and opted yo filed against Kolkata at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on Saturday. Both the sides are coming off a defeat and will be desperate to bring their campaign back on winning ways. Kolkata were hammered by Mumbai in their last encounter as the Rohit Sharma-led side registered a thumping 102-run victory over them. Punjab too, suffered a narrow 15-run loss to Rajasthan Royals in their last outing. Talking about their strategy for today, Ashwin said, "We'll bowl first. It's a small ground and difficult to defend, so we'll try to chase it down. It's a day game and it's dried up a bit. Previous games were sticky but this one is expected to stay the same." "We are sticking to our old combination. We have brought Agarwal in for Nath, Sran for Tiwary and Finch for Stoinis," he added. When asked about their strategy, skipper Dinesh Karthik said, "One team has to bat first. We'll try to make the most of the opportunity. Just one change for us, Searles comes in for Curran." "We are sticking to the same team as I am someone who believes to stick to one team and believe in the boys. So we are sticking to the same XI with just one change." While Punjab acquires third place with 12 points, Kolkata are placed fifth in the league table with 10 points. Teams: Punjab (Playing XI): Chris Gayle, Lokesh Rahul(w), Mayank Agarwal, Aaron Finch, Karun Nair, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Mohit Sharma, Barinder Sran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman Kolkata (Playing XI): Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Andre Russell, Javon Searles, Piyush Chawla, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav

IPL 2018: R Ashwin wins toss, opts to bowl against Kolkata

<p>Chris Gayle ended his wait to bat in the 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL) in style as he smashed a 22-ball half-century to give Punjab a rollicking start.</p>

<p>Gayle's 63 off 33 balls helped Punjab set 198 runs target after they were put in to bat by Chennai at home in Mohali.</p>

<p>The Jamaican then unleashed himself against the veteran Indian offspinner Harbhajan Singh's second over in which he hit him for 11 runs in 3 balls, including a four and a six.</p>

<p>In the last Powerplay over bowled by Chahar, Gayle cut loose after his opening partner KL Rahul gave the West Indian strike with a single off the first ball. The next five balls read 6, 4, 4, 1wd, 6, 0.&nbsp</p>

<p>His innings included seven fours and four sixes.&nbsp</p>

<p>To support Gayle was opener KL Rahul, who fashioned victory by smashing fastest ever IPL fifty.</p>

<p>Rahul played a superb 22 ball 37 run knock to give a decent start to the team. &nbsp&nbsp</p>

<p>Other than the two, the middle and lower order batsmen failed to contribute much.</p>

<p>While Yuvraj was sent back to the pavilion after making just 20 runs, Aaron finch again failed to open his account after being LBW by Tahir.</p>

<p>MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to field first against Ashwin-led Punjab.&nbsp</p>

<p>Chennai, on the other hand, have clinched wins from the clutches of their opponents twice now, and they will want to put in a much improved performance.&nbsp</p>

<p>Against Mumbai, Bravo’s end-overs pyrotechnics took them across the line. While against Kolkata, it was Sam Billings who did the rescue job.&nbsp<br />
&nbsp</p>


Chris Gayle's 63 off 33 balls helped Punjab put 197 runs on board.

Chris Gayle ended his wait to bat in the 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL) in style as he smashed a 22-ball half-century to give Punjab a rollicking start. Gayle's 63 off 33 balls helped Punjab set 198 runs target after they were put in to bat by Chennai at home in Mohali. The Jamaican then unleashed himself against the veteran Indian offspinner Harbhajan Singh's second over in which he hit him for 11 runs in 3 balls, including a four and a six. In the last Powerplay over bowled by Chahar, Gayle cut loose after his opening partner KL Rahul gave the West Indian strike with a single off the first ball. The next five balls read 6, 4, 4, 1wd, 6, 0. His innings included seven fours and four sixes. To support Gayle was opener KL Rahul, who fashioned victory by smashing fastest ever IPL fifty. Rahul played a superb 22 ball 37 run knock to give a decent start to the team. Other than the two, the middle and lower order batsmen failed to contribute much. While Yuvraj was sent back to the pavilion after making just 20 runs, Aaron finch again failed to open his account after being LBW by Tahir. MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to field first against Ashwin-led Punjab. Chennai, on the other hand, have clinched wins from the clutches of their opponents twice now, and they will want to put in a much improved performance. Against Mumbai, Bravo’s end-overs pyrotechnics took them across the line. While against Kolkata, it was Sam Billings who did the rescue job.

IPL 2018: Punjab set 198-run target after being put in to bat by Chennai

<p>Delhi skipper Gautam Gambhir on Sunday played a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2018:-punjab-vs-delhi-in-pics---129157">spectacular knock to reach his 36th half-fifty</a> against Punjab in the 2nd match of Indian Premier Legaue (IPL) 2018.</p>

<p>The opener slammed 55 runs off 42 balls to help his franchise set 167 runs target for the opponents.&nbsp</p>

<p>He has now equalled David Warner's record for most IPL fifties.</p>

<p>Apart from Gambhir, no other Delhi batsmen showed character to score big.&nbsp</p>

<p>Rishab Pant, Shreyas Iyer, got starts but failed to convert them into big scores.</p>

<p>Throughout the innings, Gambhir was seen busy building the momentum, which kept falling due to the constant loss of wickets.&nbsp</p>

<p>Pant chipped in a handy 28, while Morris made 27 off 16 balls.&nbsp</p>

<p>For Punjab, Debutant Mujeeb Ur Rahman ended up with two wickets, while Axar Patel went for 35 runs in 3 overs.</p>

<p>Both Delhi and Punjab have never won an IPL trophy.&nbsp</p>


He has now equalled David Warner's record for most IPL fifties

Delhi skipper Gautam Gambhir on Sunday played a spectacular knock to reach his 36th half-fifty against Punjab in the 2nd match of Indian Premier Legaue (IPL) 2018. The opener slammed 55 runs off 42 balls to help his franchise set 167 runs target for the opponents. He has now equalled David Warner's record for most IPL fifties. Apart from Gambhir, no other Delhi batsmen showed character to score big. Rishab Pant, Shreyas Iyer, got starts but failed to convert them into big scores. Throughout the innings, Gambhir was seen busy building the momentum, which kept falling due to the constant loss of wickets. Pant chipped in a handy 28, while Morris made 27 off 16 balls. For Punjab, Debutant Mujeeb Ur Rahman ended up with two wickets, while Axar Patel went for 35 runs in 3 overs. Both Delhi and Punjab have never won an IPL trophy.

IPL 2018: Gambhir's 36th fifty helps Delhi set target of 167 runs for Punjab

<p>Indian cricket team&#39;s ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin Monday was named the skipper of IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab, for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement was made during a Facebook Live session by Virender Sehwag.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mvnNOi054pY" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>During the IPL Auctions in January, Ashwin was bought by the Punjab side for a whopping 7.6 crore, after Chennai Super Kings did not retain the spinner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking on his appointment, Ashwin said, &ldquo;I feel honoured to be trusted with the responsibility of leading such a talented bunch of cricketers.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;I am confident of bringing out the best out of team mates. This is indeed a proud moment for me,&rdquo; he added.</p>

<p>On being asked if he feels any kind of pressure, Ashwin said, &ldquo;There is no additional pressure on me as such. I first led my state side in first class cricket when I was 21. I have done it in the past and I am sure that I will enjoy the challenge.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Ashwin previously played for CSK till 2015, and in the last two years appeared for Rising Pune Supergiant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 111 IPL matches so far, Ashwin has picked 100 wickets at an average of 24.99 and at an economy rate of 6.55.</p>


The announcement was made during a Facebook Live session by Virender Sehwag

Indian cricket team's ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin Monday was named the skipper of IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab, for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament. The announcement was made during a Facebook Live session by Virender Sehwag. × During the IPL Auctions in January, Ashwin was bought by the Punjab side for a whopping 7.6 crore, after Chennai Super Kings did not retain the spinner. Speaking on his appointment, Ashwin said, “I feel honoured to be trusted with the responsibility of leading such a talented bunch of cricketers.” “I am confident of bringing out the best out of team mates. This is indeed a proud moment for me,” he added. On being asked if he feels any kind of pressure, Ashwin said, “There is no additional pressure on me as such. I first led my state side in first class cricket when I was 21. I have done it in the past and I am sure that I will enjoy the challenge.” Ashwin previously played for CSK till 2015, and in the last two years appeared for Rising Pune Supergiant. In 111 IPL matches so far, Ashwin has picked 100 wickets at an average of 24.99 and at an economy rate of 6.55.

IPL 2018: R Ashwin announced captain of Kings XI Punjab

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin struck twice for team India to get rid of both the openers, who played brilliantly to make South Africa have upper hand on the opening day of the second Test match at Centurion on Saturday.</p>

<p>Ashwin, first, dismissed Dean Elgar at 31 after a stupendous effort from Vijay at silly point to take that catch and later went to remove&nbsp;Aiden Markram at 94.</p>

<p>Markram was given caught behind and had to depart just 6 runs short of a century.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from Ashwin, no bowler has been able to take any wicket in the match so far.</p>

<p>South Africa&#39;s score stands at 172/2 after 53 overs with Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers on crease.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Proteas were 78 for no loss at lunch after openers Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar had put on a spirited show.</p>

<p>The hosts, who lead the three-match series 1-0, chose to bat after winning the toss.</p>

<p>&nbsp;For India, the team management replaced wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha and opener Shikhar Dhawan with Parthiv Patel and KL Rahul, after they failed to play along with the bouncers and seaming conditions. &nbsp;</p>


Markram was given caught behind and had to depart just 6 runs short of a century.

Ravichandran Ashwin struck twice for team India to get rid of both the openers, who played brilliantly to make South Africa have upper hand on the opening day of the second Test match at Centurion on Saturday. Ashwin, first, dismissed Dean Elgar at 31 after a stupendous effort from Vijay at silly point to take that catch and later went to remove Aiden Markram at 94. Markram was given caught behind and had to depart just 6 runs short of a century. Apart from Ashwin, no bowler has been able to take any wicket in the match so far. South Africa's score stands at 172/2 after 53 overs with Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers on crease. The Proteas were 78 for no loss at lunch after openers Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar had put on a spirited show. The hosts, who lead the three-match series 1-0, chose to bat after winning the toss. For India, the team management replaced wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha and opener Shikhar Dhawan with Parthiv Patel and KL Rahul, after they failed to play along with the bouncers and seaming conditions.

Ashwin removes Aiden Markram for 94, South Africa 172/2 after 53 overs

r-ashwin

R Ashwin, News on R Ashwin, stories on R Ashwin, articles on R Ashwin, R Ashwin stories at Wion, R Ashwin news, R Ashwin latest news

r ashwin

IPL 2021- Wasim Jaffer uses mankading incident meme ahead of RR vs DC game; Royals respond

Powerful and experienced squad: R Ashwin feels Mumbai Indians are hot favourites in IPL 2021

'They just have spun a web around': Sunil Gavaskar lauds Axar and Ashwin's performance in series

'We must know what we should buy': Ravichandran Ashwin's explosive take on pitch criticism

IND vs ENG, Day 2: India stretch lead after spinners wreck England in Chennai

Ravi Ashwin overtakes Harbhajan Singh in elite list after dismissing Ben Stokes

Ravichandran Ashwin fit to play second Test against England: Reports

'I was a little bit surprised': VVS Laxman on India's tactic after Tea on Day 1

Hanuma Vihari talks about Ravichandran Ashwin's struggles during the Sydney Test

Will anyone reach to 800 Test wickets? Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan opines

'It is really great for us': Ajinkya Rahane praises spinner duo of Ashwin and Jadeja

'I’ve let him dictate terms': Steve Smith talks about his trouble in facing Ravichandran Ashwin

WATCH- 'You have earned this Test cap': Ashwin's motivating speech as he welcomes Siraj in playing XI

WATCH- 'You have earned this Test cap': Ashwin's motivating speech as he welcomes Siraj in playing XI

'Ashwin suffered for his forthrightness and speaking his mind at meetings': Sunil Gavaskar

WATCH- 'Kangaroo land!': Ajinkya Rahane faces Ashwin and Jadeja in nets

From R Ashwin to Vishwanathan Anand: Sporting fraternity pays tribute to SP Balasubrahmanyam

Will use Ashwin's tips in the World Cup, says Afghan spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman

Ashwin's 'Mankading' controversy: If it is legally correct then it should be in the spirit of the game

1947: When real Vinoo Mankad 'mankaded' Australian batsman Bill Brown

Jos Buttler 'mankaded' by R Ashwin, Twitter slams Punjab captain

Ashwin's mankad row: 'No question of lecturing him on spirit of the game,' says BCCI official

Steve Smith is a quality player but no comeback is easy: Punjab skipper R Ashwin

Ashwin had similar injuries on two tours, says concerned skipper Kohli