<p>India captain Rohit Sharma is keen on picking those players for the Test team who are willing to grind in all conditions, challenging themselves to succeed in cricket's toughest format than those who don’t have that burning desire to play Tests in the first place. Amid reports of BCCI urging centrally contracted players, not picked to play for any Indian team at the moment, to appear for their state sides in the Ranji Trophy, Rohit, without naming anyone, made his intentions clear.</p>

<p>With young Dhruv Jurel making the right noises with his match-winning performance in both innings against England in the Ranchi Test, Rohit complimented him, explaining why such players tend to make it bigger in Tests than those who shy away from committing to this format.</p>

<p>“We will give opportunities to only those who are hungry,” said Rohit after India won the fourth Test in Ranchi. “There's a point in playing those who don't have hunger.”</p>

<p>"I don't see anyone in the team here who is not hungry. All the boys who are here and also those who are not, they all want to play. But the thing with Test cricket is that you get very few opportunities. If you don't utilise them, they go away," Rohit further asserted.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ranji-trophy-hanuma-vihari-blames-political-interference-as-reason-behind-leaving-andhras-captaincy-694062">Ranji Trophy: Hanuma Vihari blames political interference as reason behind leaving Andhra’s captaincy</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Rohit’s remarks have come at a time in Indian cricket when several centrally contracted players – fit and available for selection, opted against featuring for their respective state teams in the Ranji Trophy, with their inclination being towards keeping themselves fit for the Indian Premier League (IPL), whose latest edition begins on March 22 in Chennai.</p>

<p>Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer are two names making headlines for the wrong reasons lately, mainly for disobeying clear directives from the BCCI to play the Ranji Trophy for their respective states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While both continued to remain silent and overlook BCCI’s warnings, they, alongside Hardik Pandya - another ace India cricketer who has been away from Tests since last playing in this format in 2018, are featuring in a local tournament (DY Patil T20 Cup) in Navi Mumbai ahead of the IPL 2024.</p>

<h2>IPL is good, but Tests are toughest</h2>

<p>Having succeeded at IPL and Test cricket, Rohit knows what Tests do to a cricketer and how tough a format it is.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking on their comparison, Rohit said IPL is a great product for fun and entertainment, but Tests is the format that brings the best out of a player.</p>

<p>"IPL is a very good format for us, but this is the toughest format and difficult to excel. You have to work hard to win...the last three wins didn't come easy, bowlers had to do long spells, batsmen had to grind it out. It's tough," Rohit said of IPL.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Rohit is no longer the captain of Mumbai Indians as the franchise has picked Hardik Pandya in his place ahead of the upcoming season.&nbsp;</p>


India captain Rohit Sharma is keen on picking those players for the Test team who are willing to grind in all conditions, challenging themselves to succeed in cricket's toughest format than those who don’t have that burning desire to play Tests in the first place.

India captain Rohit Sharma is keen on picking those players for the Test team who are willing to grind in all conditions, challenging themselves to succeed in cricket's toughest format than those who don’t have that burning desire to play Tests in the first place. Amid reports of BCCI urging centrally contracted players, not picked to play for any Indian team at the moment, to appear for their state sides in the Ranji Trophy, Rohit, without naming anyone, made his intentions clear. With young Dhruv Jurel making the right noises with his match-winning performance in both innings against England in the Ranchi Test, Rohit complimented him, explaining why such players tend to make it bigger in Tests than those who shy away from committing to this format. “We will give opportunities to only those who are hungry,” said Rohit after India won the fourth Test in Ranchi. “There's a point in playing those who don't have hunger.” "I don't see anyone in the team here who is not hungry. All the boys who are here and also those who are not, they all want to play. But the thing with Test cricket is that you get very few opportunities. If you don't utilise them, they go away," Rohit further asserted. ALSO READ: Ranji Trophy: Hanuma Vihari blames political interference as reason behind leaving Andhra’s captaincy Meanwhile, Rohit’s remarks have come at a time in Indian cricket when several centrally contracted players – fit and available for selection, opted against featuring for their respective state teams in the Ranji Trophy, with their inclination being towards keeping themselves fit for the Indian Premier League (IPL), whose latest edition begins on March 22 in Chennai. Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer are two names making headlines for the wrong reasons lately, mainly for disobeying clear directives from the BCCI to play the Ranji Trophy for their respective states. While both continued to remain silent and overlook BCCI’s warnings, they, alongside Hardik Pandya - another ace India cricketer who has been away from Tests since last playing in this format in 2018, are featuring in a local tournament (DY Patil T20 Cup) in Navi Mumbai ahead of the IPL 2024. IPL is good, but Tests are toughest Having succeeded at IPL and Test cricket, Rohit knows what Tests do to a cricketer and how tough a format it is. Speaking on their comparison, Rohit said IPL is a great product for fun and entertainment, but Tests is the format that brings the best out of a player. "IPL is a very good format for us, but this is the toughest format and difficult to excel. You have to work hard to win...the last three wins didn't come easy, bowlers had to do long spells, batsmen had to grind it out. It's tough," Rohit said of IPL. Meanwhile, Rohit is no longer the captain of Mumbai Indians as the franchise has picked Hardik Pandya in his place ahead of the upcoming season.

IND v ENG: There’s no point in playing those who are not hungry to succeed in Tests, says Rohit Sharma

<p>India's ace spinner Ravi Ashwin broke a plethora of records on day 3 (Feb 25) of the ongoing fourth Test against England in Ranchi. First and foremost, he overtook former India skipper Anil Kumble for most Test wickets at home for India. Ashwin now has 354 Test wickets at home, four more than Kumble's 350. Ashwin finished with a five-for in England's second innings - his 35th five-wicket haul in Tests - joint-most with Kumble for India.</p>

<p>Overall, only Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (67), Australia's Shane Warne (37) and New Zealand's Richard Hadlee (36) have more five-for than Ashwin in Tests. At home, Ashwin is third in terms of five-for with 27 five-wicket hauls to his name, behind only Sri Lankans Muralitharan (45) and Rangana Herath (27).</p>

<p>In terms of wickets at home, only Muralitharan (493) has more than Ashwin among spinners while England's James Anderson (434) and Stuart Broad (398) lead him in overall list as well.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-4th-test-ravi-ashwin-reveals-key-to-his-five-wicket-haul-on-day-3-in-ranchi-693730">IND vs ENG, 4th Test: Ravi Ashwin reveals key to his five-wicket haul on day 3 in Ranchi</a></p>

<p>Apart from Ashwin, India skipper Rohit Sharma also had record day&nbsp;as he&nbsp;reached 4,000 Test runs - becoming only the fourth active India batter to achieve the milestone. Rohit reached the 4K-run mark during his unbeaten innings of 24 in India's second innings.</p>

<p>He now has 4,003&nbsp;runs and counting behind Virat Kohli (8,848 runs), Cheteshwar Pujara (7,195 runs) and Ajinkya Rahane (5,077 runs) among active Indian Test batters.</p>

<p>As for the match, Ashwin (5/51) and Kuldeep Yadav (4/22) shared nine English wickets between them on day 3 to ensure India chase less than 200 to win the match and the series. Thanks to the spinners, England were bowled out for a paltry 145 runs in their second innings, setting India a target of 192 to take a 3-1 lead in the ongoing five-Test series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In their second innings, Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal (16 not out) wiped off almost one fourth runs of the target in the eight overs bowled after England's second innings. The hosts ended the day at 40/0 and require 152 more runs to win with two days left in the match.</p>


India's ace spinner Ravi Ashwin broke a plethora of records on day 3 (Feb 25) of the ongoing fourth Test against England in Ranchi. First and foremost, he overtook former India skipper Anil Kumble for most Test wickets at home for India.

India's ace spinner Ravi Ashwin broke a plethora of records on day 3 (Feb 25) of the ongoing fourth Test against England in Ranchi. First and foremost, he overtook former India skipper Anil Kumble for most Test wickets at home for India. Ashwin now has 354 Test wickets at home, four more than Kumble's 350. Ashwin finished with a five-for in England's second innings - his 35th five-wicket haul in Tests - joint-most with Kumble for India. Overall, only Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (67), Australia's Shane Warne (37) and New Zealand's Richard Hadlee (36) have more five-for than Ashwin in Tests. At home, Ashwin is third in terms of five-for with 27 five-wicket hauls to his name, behind only Sri Lankans Muralitharan (45) and Rangana Herath (27). In terms of wickets at home, only Muralitharan (493) has more than Ashwin among spinners while England's James Anderson (434) and Stuart Broad (398) lead him in overall list as well. Also Read: IND vs ENG, 4th Test: Ravi Ashwin reveals key to his five-wicket haul on day 3 in Ranchi Apart from Ashwin, India skipper Rohit Sharma also had record day as he reached 4,000 Test runs - becoming only the fourth active India batter to achieve the milestone. Rohit reached the 4K-run mark during his unbeaten innings of 24 in India's second innings. He now has 4,003 runs and counting behind Virat Kohli (8,848 runs), Cheteshwar Pujara (7,195 runs) and Ajinkya Rahane (5,077 runs) among active Indian Test batters. As for the match, Ashwin (5/51) and Kuldeep Yadav (4/22) shared nine English wickets between them on day 3 to ensure India chase less than 200 to win the match and the series. Thanks to the spinners, England were bowled out for a paltry 145 runs in their second innings, setting India a target of 192 to take a 3-1 lead in the ongoing five-Test series. In their second innings, Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal (16 not out) wiped off almost one fourth runs of the target in the eight overs bowled after England's second innings. The hosts ended the day at 40/0 and require 152 more runs to win with two days left in the match.

IND vs ENG, 4th Test Day 3: India's Ravi Ashwin, Rohit Sharma break multiple records in Ranchi

<p>Bengal pacer Akash Deep debuts for India as the Rohit Sharma-led hosts lock horns with England on Day 1 of the fourth and penultimate Test in Ranchi on Friday (Feb 23). The speedster replaces Jasprit Bumrah -- who is the leading wicket-taker of the series with 17 scalps -- in the playing XI after the senior pro was rested for the Ranchi encounter. England have opted to bat first, in Jharkhand's capital city,&nbsp;as India lead the series 2-1.</p>

<p>Akash&nbsp;impressed the Rohit-led Indian team management with his bowling during India A versus England Lions matches. During the series,&nbsp;he accounted&nbsp;for&nbsp;10 wickets in two red-ball games held in Ahmedabad. While India&nbsp;also had the option to play&nbsp;Mukesh Kumar, who was part of the Visakhapatnam Test, they&nbsp;went ahead with the debutant as Mukesh proved expensive in&nbsp;Vizag.</p>

<p>Notably, 27-year-old Akash has&nbsp;partnered with Mukesh&nbsp;for Bengal in red-ball cricket. He&nbsp;has scalped 104 wickets from 30 first-class games, at an average of 23.58.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-rishabh-pant-will-lead-delhi-capitals-to-play-as-pure-batter-during-1st-half-confirms-co-owner-692955">IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant will lead Delhi Capitals, to play as pure batter during 1st half, confirms co-owner</a></strong></p>

<p>After losing the toss in Ranchi, the Indian captain told the broadcasters on Friday morning, "We would have batted first as well. Looks a bit dry and has some cracks, but that's the nature of the pitch here. The last two games were good for us and we'll have to play in the same way. Proud of a lot of young guys in the squad, they've taken the responsibility and have taken the challenge head-on. They are confident in their skills, moving forward it's a good thing. One change with Akash Deep making his debut."</p>

<p>India have gone ahead with three spinners and two pacers whereas England, who named their XI on Thursday (Feb 22), have recalled Shoaib Bashir -- with Rehan Ahmed out of the tour -- whereas pacer Ollie Robinson has replaced Mark Wood in their line-up.</p>

<p><strong>Playing XIs:</strong></p>

<p><b>India</b>: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj</p>

<p><b>England</b>: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes(c), Ben Foakes(w), Tom Hartley, Ollie Robinson, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson</p>


Bengal pacer Akash Deep debuts for India as the Rohit Sharma-led hosts lock horns with England on Day 1 of the fourth and penultimate Test in Ranchi on Friday (Feb 23).

Bengal pacer Akash Deep debuts for India as the Rohit Sharma-led hosts lock horns with England on Day 1 of the fourth and penultimate Test in Ranchi on Friday (Feb 23). The speedster replaces Jasprit Bumrah -- who is the leading wicket-taker of the series with 17 scalps -- in the playing XI after the senior pro was rested for the Ranchi encounter. England have opted to bat first, in Jharkhand's capital city, as India lead the series 2-1. Akash impressed the Rohit-led Indian team management with his bowling during India A versus England Lions matches. During the series, he accounted for 10 wickets in two red-ball games held in Ahmedabad. While India also had the option to play Mukesh Kumar, who was part of the Visakhapatnam Test, they went ahead with the debutant as Mukesh proved expensive in Vizag. Notably, 27-year-old Akash has partnered with Mukesh for Bengal in red-ball cricket. He has scalped 104 wickets from 30 first-class games, at an average of 23.58. Also read: IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant will lead Delhi Capitals, to play as pure batter during 1st half, confirms co-owner After losing the toss in Ranchi, the Indian captain told the broadcasters on Friday morning, "We would have batted first as well. Looks a bit dry and has some cracks, but that's the nature of the pitch here. The last two games were good for us and we'll have to play in the same way. Proud of a lot of young guys in the squad, they've taken the responsibility and have taken the challenge head-on. They are confident in their skills, moving forward it's a good thing. One change with Akash Deep making his debut." India have gone ahead with three spinners and two pacers whereas England, who named their XI on Thursday (Feb 22), have recalled Shoaib Bashir -- with Rehan Ahmed out of the tour -- whereas pacer Ollie Robinson has replaced Mark Wood in their line-up. Playing XIs: India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes(c), Ben Foakes(w), Tom Hartley, Ollie Robinson, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson

IND v ENG: Pacer Akash Deep debuts for India as England bat first in Ranchi Test

<p>Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly feels the right choice has been made with Rohit Sharma to lead India in the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2024 edition&nbsp;in West Indies and USA. The upcoming ICC event kicks off in early June with India placed in Group A with Ireland, USA, Canada and arch-rivals Pakistan. India will start their campaign on June 5, versus Ireland.</p>

<p>Speaking to Mid Day, Ganguly -- who also served as the BCCI chief -- said, "Rohit Sharma is the right choice as India captain for the T20 World Cup. The way he led the Indian team and won 10 matches in the 50-over World Cup is still fresh in our memory. So, Rohit was the best choice."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/want-to-ask-him-why-i-was-dropped-just-retired-manoj-tiwary-questions-ms-dhoni-for-team-india-snub-691908">Want to ask him why was I dropped: Manoj Tiwary questions MS Dhoni on Team India snub</a></strong></p>

<p>Ahead of the recently-concluded Rajkot Test between India and England, in the ongoing five-match series, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah had confirmed that Rohit will lead the national side in the next edition of the T20 WC. There were speculations of Hardik Pandya to lead India in the mega event with Rohit, as well as Virat Kohli, being away from India's T20I setup for 14 months since the 2022 T20 WC semifinal defeat (to eventual winners England). However, Rohit returned to the shortest format early this year during India's T20I series win over Afghanistan. With him, Kohli also made a T20I comeback.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, Hardik -- who has replaced Rohit as Mumbai Indians (MI) captain ahead of IPL 2024 -- is recovering from an ankle injury, which he suffered during India's ODI WC campaign last year. He will serve as Rohit's deputy in the T20 WC if deemed fully fit by then.</p>


Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly feels the right choice has been made with Rohit Sharma to lead India in the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2024 edition in West Indies and USA.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly feels the right choice has been made with Rohit Sharma to lead India in the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2024 edition in West Indies and USA. The upcoming ICC event kicks off in early June with India placed in Group A with Ireland, USA, Canada and arch-rivals Pakistan. India will start their campaign on June 5, versus Ireland. Speaking to Mid Day, Ganguly -- who also served as the BCCI chief -- said, "Rohit Sharma is the right choice as India captain for the T20 World Cup. The way he led the Indian team and won 10 matches in the 50-over World Cup is still fresh in our memory. So, Rohit was the best choice." Also read: Want to ask him why was I dropped: Manoj Tiwary questions MS Dhoni on Team India snub Ahead of the recently-concluded Rajkot Test between India and England, in the ongoing five-match series, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah had confirmed that Rohit will lead the national side in the next edition of the T20 WC. There were speculations of Hardik Pandya to lead India in the mega event with Rohit, as well as Virat Kohli, being away from India's T20I setup for 14 months since the 2022 T20 WC semifinal defeat (to eventual winners England). However, Rohit returned to the shortest format early this year during India's T20I series win over Afghanistan. With him, Kohli also made a T20I comeback. Moreover, Hardik -- who has replaced Rohit as Mumbai Indians (MI) captain ahead of IPL 2024 -- is recovering from an ankle injury, which he suffered during India's ODI WC campaign last year. He will serve as Rohit's deputy in the T20 WC if deemed fully fit by then.

Rohit Sharma right choice to lead India in 2024 T20 World Cup: Former captain Sourav Ganguly

<p>India thrashed England by 434 runs on Day 4 of the third Test, in Rajkot, on Sunday (Feb 18). Batting first, India were tottering at 33-3 on the opening day before centuries from skipper Rohit Sharma (131) and Ravindra Jadeja (112) propelled India to 445. In reply, Ben Duckett's 153 stood out for England as they folded for 319 before India set a whopping 557-run target for the visitors, riding on Yashasvi Jaiswal's 214. Eventually, Jadeja's 5-fer enabled India's big win as England got dismissed for a paltry 122.</p>

<p>After India's thumping victory, their biggest Test win in terms of runs, veteran stumper Dinesh Karthik made a big claim. He feels the Rajkot Test is a statement win for captain Rohit, who has been under fire as a red-ball leader of late. Former England batter Kevin Pietersen had recently hit out at Hitman&nbsp;during the first Test in Hyderabad (which the hosts lost by 28 runs)&nbsp;for his relaxed on-field attitude&nbsp;and overall tactics.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I would say that this is a statement victory for Rohit Sharma. They did not have Ashwin when they bowled in the first innings of the Test match. That is a big miss in India. In spite of that, he has made this Test match happen. There were few murmurs in the last two Tests that he had not led the team well and at times he let the game drift," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.</p>

<p>"He made a strong comeback in Vizag. In Rajkot Ben Duckett made it really hard for him in the first innings, but he still found a way to comeback. Now add the others, the Rahuls, the Kohlis, the Shamis, the Pantsl; Rohit has led this team very well and he has found answers to questions that Bazball raised in the first Test match in Vizag," he further added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/a-wake-up-call-former-skipper-michael-vaughan-lashes-out-at-bazball-after-englands-drubbing-in-rajkot-691559">A wake up call: Former skipper Michael Vaughan lashes out at Bazball after England's drubbing in Rajkot</a></strong></p>

<p>After the massive win in Rajkot, Rohit said at the post-match presentation, "When you&nbsp;are playing Test cricket, it is not played over 2-3 days. We do understand the importance of playing over 5 days. They played well and put us under pressure. We have got class in our&nbsp;bowling, the message was to stay calm and I'm really proud of how we came back the next day. When those things happen, it's a delight."</p>

<p>India's win in Rajkot is being appreciated more because they were without Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, both out of action due to injury concerns, whereas Virat Kohli has not taken part in the series yet due to personal reasons. Moreover, R Ashwin had to withdraw from the Test match after the end of&nbsp;second day's play, due to a family emergency. While he had returned to Rajkot on the fourth day, Jaiswal and Jadeja (ending with match figures of 7 for 92)&nbsp;ensured India did not require his services as they thumped England without dropping much sweat.</p>


India thrashed England by 434 runs on Day 4 of the third Test, in Rajkot, on Sunday (Feb 18). Batting first, India were tottering at 33-3 on the opening day before centuries from skipper Rohit Sharma (131) and Ravindra Jadeja (112) propelled India to 445.

India thrashed England by 434 runs on Day 4 of the third Test, in Rajkot, on Sunday (Feb 18). Batting first, India were tottering at 33-3 on the opening day before centuries from skipper Rohit Sharma (131) and Ravindra Jadeja (112) propelled India to 445. In reply, Ben Duckett's 153 stood out for England as they folded for 319 before India set a whopping 557-run target for the visitors, riding on Yashasvi Jaiswal's 214. Eventually, Jadeja's 5-fer enabled India's big win as England got dismissed for a paltry 122. After India's thumping victory, their biggest Test win in terms of runs, veteran stumper Dinesh Karthik made a big claim. He feels the Rajkot Test is a statement win for captain Rohit, who has been under fire as a red-ball leader of late. Former England batter Kevin Pietersen had recently hit out at Hitman during the first Test in Hyderabad (which the hosts lost by 28 runs) for his relaxed on-field attitude and overall tactics. "I would say that this is a statement victory for Rohit Sharma. They did not have Ashwin when they bowled in the first innings of the Test match. That is a big miss in India. In spite of that, he has made this Test match happen. There were few murmurs in the last two Tests that he had not led the team well and at times he let the game drift," Karthik said on Cricbuzz. "He made a strong comeback in Vizag. In Rajkot Ben Duckett made it really hard for him in the first innings, but he still found a way to comeback. Now add the others, the Rahuls, the Kohlis, the Shamis, the Pantsl; Rohit has led this team very well and he has found answers to questions that Bazball raised in the first Test match in Vizag," he further added. Also read: A wake up call: Former skipper Michael Vaughan lashes out at Bazball after England's drubbing in Rajkot After the massive win in Rajkot, Rohit said at the post-match presentation, "When you are playing Test cricket, it is not played over 2-3 days. We do understand the importance of playing over 5 days. They played well and put us under pressure. We have got class in our bowling, the message was to stay calm and I'm really proud of how we came back the next day. When those things happen, it's a delight." India's win in Rajkot is being appreciated more because they were without Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, both out of action due to injury concerns, whereas Virat Kohli has not taken part in the series yet due to personal reasons. Moreover, R Ashwin had to withdraw from the Test match after the end of second day's play, due to a family emergency. While he had returned to Rajkot on the fourth day, Jaiswal and Jadeja (ending with match figures of 7 for 92) ensured India did not require his services as they thumped England without dropping much sweat.

Ind vs Eng: Rajkot Test is a statement win for 'under-fire' Rohit Sharma, feels veteran stumper Dinesh Karthik

<p>Former India skipper Anil Kumble wants Yahsasvi Jaiswal to continue with leg spin along side his batting. Kumble made the suggestion to Jaiswal after India's 434-run win in Rajkot on Sunday, Feb 18. Jaiswal had scored a sensational 214 not out in India's second innings before&nbsp;skipper Rohit Sharma declared the innings on 430/4 to set England a target of 557 to win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Well done on your batting. But one thing that I have seen which I want you to continue as well is that you have a natural leg spin. Yes, and action. So don't give up on that. Because you never know when that will come in handy. I know you've had a back spasm, but when you're working so much on it, go tell the skipper to give a few overs," Kumble told Jaiswal during an interaction on Jio Cinemas.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-v-eng-we-can-still-win-this-series-3-2-ben-stokes-after-rajkot-test-loss-691481">IND v ENG - We can still win this series 3-2: Ben Stokes after Rajkot Test loss</a></p>

<p>"I'm always going and bowling, bowling and bowling. He (Rohit) told me to be ready, and I said yes I am ready," Jaiswal responded.</p>

<p>Thanks to Ravindra Jadeja's five-for after Jaiswal's unbeaten double ton, India now lead the five-match series 2-1.</p>

<p><strong>Stokes wants DRS scraped</strong></p>

<p>England captain Ben <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/drama-over-drs-ben-stokes-calls-for-umpires-call-scrapping-following-crawleys-second-inning-dismissal-691506">Stokes has asked for DRS to scrap</a> the umpire’s call over Zak Crawley’s dismissal in the second innings. During the ninth over of the second innings, Jasprit Bumrah trapped Crawley in front, only for the England opener to take a review immediately and lose it. Following the replays that showed the ball clip the top of the leg stump, resulting in him getting out since the umpire had adjudged it out with the naked eye, Crawley walked away in disbelief while the Indian team celebrated.</p>

<p>While Stokes admitted that such calls are not the reason behind them losing two back-to-back Tests, he said something needs to be changed in the technology, starting from the umpire’s call rule.</p>


Former India skipper Anil Kumble wants Yahsasvi Jaiswal to continue with leg spin along side his batting. Kumble made the suggestion to Jaiswal after India's 434-run win in Rajkot on Sunday, Feb 18.

Former India skipper Anil Kumble wants Yahsasvi Jaiswal to continue with leg spin along side his batting. Kumble made the suggestion to Jaiswal after India's 434-run win in Rajkot on Sunday, Feb 18. Jaiswal had scored a sensational 214 not out in India's second innings before skipper Rohit Sharma declared the innings on 430/4 to set England a target of 557 to win. "Well done on your batting. But one thing that I have seen which I want you to continue as well is that you have a natural leg spin. Yes, and action. So don't give up on that. Because you never know when that will come in handy. I know you've had a back spasm, but when you're working so much on it, go tell the skipper to give a few overs," Kumble told Jaiswal during an interaction on Jio Cinemas. Also Read: IND v ENG - We can still win this series 3-2: Ben Stokes after Rajkot Test loss "I'm always going and bowling, bowling and bowling. He (Rohit) told me to be ready, and I said yes I am ready," Jaiswal responded. Thanks to Ravindra Jadeja's five-for after Jaiswal's unbeaten double ton, India now lead the five-match series 2-1. Stokes wants DRS scraped England captain Ben Stokes has asked for DRS to scrap the umpire’s call over Zak Crawley’s dismissal in the second innings. During the ninth over of the second innings, Jasprit Bumrah trapped Crawley in front, only for the England opener to take a review immediately and lose it. Following the replays that showed the ball clip the top of the leg stump, resulting in him getting out since the umpire had adjudged it out with the naked eye, Crawley walked away in disbelief while the Indian team celebrated. While Stokes admitted that such calls are not the reason behind them losing two back-to-back Tests, he said something needs to be changed in the technology, starting from the umpire’s call rule.

IND vs ENG: 'Go tell skipper...,' Anil Kumble's suggestion to Yashasvi Jaiswal after India's win in Rajkot

<p>Star of the third Test in Rajkot, Yashasvi Jaiswal admits taking inspiration from first-inning centurions Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja for how they played session by session on day one. Jaiswal slammed his second double-century of the series, hitting an incredible 214* in the second innings, helping India post a mammoth total and eventually win the game by 434 runs.</p>

<p>Jaiswal broke several records on his way to completing his second double ton in Tests. While he surpassed Navjot Singh Sidhu on the list of Indian batters with the most sixes in a single Test, Jaiswal equalled Wasim Akram’s unique tally of smashing 12 sixes in a Test innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the highlight of his innings was the three massive sixes he hit off James Anderson on back-to-back balls, becoming the first batter to do it against the England great.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to the broadcaster after the game, which India won by a daunting margin, their biggest in Test history, Jaiswal said he is happy to contribute towards his team’s success. The young left-handed batter said he aims to make it big whenever he is set at the crease, and in this case, despite retiring hurt after completing his hundred, Jaiswal returned to smash the record books.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stoinis-replacement-aaron-hardie-ruled-out-of-new-zealand-t20is-spencer-johnson-added-to-squad-691432">Stoinis' replacement Aaron Hardie ruled out of New Zealand T20Is, Spencer Johnson added to squad</a></strong></p>

<p>“I’m just trying to make it big whenever I’m set,” Jaiswal said.</p>

<p>“In Test cricket, you never know, I try to make sure I play as long as I can when I’m set. It was pretty difficult initially, I was not getting runs, so I had to play the session and play the bowler. Then when I got set, I could score the runs,” he added.</p>

<p>On his injury, Jaiswal said, “I had my plans about where I could play my shots and get runs. After some time, my back was not good. I didn’t want to go out, but I had to go out because it was too much. When I came back, I tried to give myself time and take it as deep as I can,” Jaiswal noted.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>‘Rohit and Jadeja’s knocks inspired me’&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In the first innings, Captain Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja were among the runs for India, hitting 131 and 112, respectively. Taking a leaf out of their books on how to make your chance count, Jaiswal said,</p>

<p>“As all my seniors have said, when you are set, make it big and make it count. The way Rohit (Sharma) bhai and Jaddu (Jadeja) bhai played in the first innings really inspired me. The way they played session by session was incredible, the way they put effort motivated all of us,” he concluded.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, with this win, India took a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.</p>

<p>Ranchi will host the fourth Test starting February 23.&nbsp;</p>


Star of the third Test in Rajkot, Yashasvi Jaiswal admits taking inspiration from first-inning centurions Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja for how they played session by session on day one.

Star of the third Test in Rajkot, Yashasvi Jaiswal admits taking inspiration from first-inning centurions Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja for how they played session by session on day one. Jaiswal slammed his second double-century of the series, hitting an incredible 214* in the second innings, helping India post a mammoth total and eventually win the game by 434 runs. Jaiswal broke several records on his way to completing his second double ton in Tests. While he surpassed Navjot Singh Sidhu on the list of Indian batters with the most sixes in a single Test, Jaiswal equalled Wasim Akram’s unique tally of smashing 12 sixes in a Test innings. However, the highlight of his innings was the three massive sixes he hit off James Anderson on back-to-back balls, becoming the first batter to do it against the England great. Speaking to the broadcaster after the game, which India won by a daunting margin, their biggest in Test history, Jaiswal said he is happy to contribute towards his team’s success. The young left-handed batter said he aims to make it big whenever he is set at the crease, and in this case, despite retiring hurt after completing his hundred, Jaiswal returned to smash the record books. ALSO READ: Stoinis' replacement Aaron Hardie ruled out of New Zealand T20Is, Spencer Johnson added to squad “I’m just trying to make it big whenever I’m set,” Jaiswal said. “In Test cricket, you never know, I try to make sure I play as long as I can when I’m set. It was pretty difficult initially, I was not getting runs, so I had to play the session and play the bowler. Then when I got set, I could score the runs,” he added. On his injury, Jaiswal said, “I had my plans about where I could play my shots and get runs. After some time, my back was not good. I didn’t want to go out, but I had to go out because it was too much. When I came back, I tried to give myself time and take it as deep as I can,” Jaiswal noted. ‘Rohit and Jadeja’s knocks inspired me’ In the first innings, Captain Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja were among the runs for India, hitting 131 and 112, respectively. Taking a leaf out of their books on how to make your chance count, Jaiswal said, “As all my seniors have said, when you are set, make it big and make it count. The way Rohit (Sharma) bhai and Jaddu (Jadeja) bhai played in the first innings really inspired me. The way they played session by session was incredible, the way they put effort motivated all of us,” he concluded. Meanwhile, with this win, India took a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Ranchi will host the fourth Test starting February 23.

IND v ENG: Rohit and Jadeja’s first inning knocks inspired me, says Rajkot Test hero Yashasvi Jaiswal

<p>Former two-time IPL winner with Kolkata Knight Riders, Gautam Gambhir, picks Rohit Sharma as the player to give him sleepless nights in the tournament. Playing under and against a few top captains during his IPL tenure, Gautam has picked ex-MI captain Rohit to trouble him the most, pushing Gambhir to have more than one plan against him every time.</p>

<p>Speaking to Star Sports ahead of the 17th season of the Indian Premier League that begins in mid-March, Gautam opened up on his on-field battles against the current India captain.</p>

<p>Though Gautam has found success against some of the mentally toughest and most strategic players and captains in the cash-rich league, planning on removing Rohit as a batter kept him on his toes at all times.</p>

<p>"Rohit Sharma is the only player who has given me sleepless nights. No Chris Gayle, no AB de Villiers, no one. Only Rohit Sharma because I knew I had to have Plan A, Plan B and probably Plan C as well because if Rohit is in, I don't think anyone can control him. The only batsman I feared in the IPL was Rohit. I have never planned for any other batter in the IPL except Rohit Sharma,” Gautam said while speaking highly of Rohit.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/mohammad-hafeez-ex-pakistan-team-director-promises-to-reveal-facts-behind-his-sacking-691383">Mohammad Hafeez, ex-Pakistan team director, promises to reveal 'facts' behind his sacking</a></strong></p>

<p>Admitting to worrying about dismissing Rohit cheaply despite having some of the best names in T20 cricket in his ranks, Gautam said if a night before the game he had thought of Plan A, Rohit would better that the next day, leaving Gautam and everyone clueless on how to get him out.</p>

<p>"There have been times where I have seen the visuals; I would say fair enough, Plan A is fine, but with Rohit Sharma, probably one night before, I used to think, if this doesn't work, I have to get this, if this doesn't work, I have to get the other plan. If Sunil (Narine) bowls his four overs, who gonna bowl the next 16, and if I finish off Sunil early and Rohit is there, he can get 30 off one over as well," Gambhir said on Star Sports.</p>

<h2>Tides changed with time</h2>

<p>Although at one point in time Rohit came across as a destructive top-order batter, scoring heaps of runs at will, the veteran cricketer hasn’t performed enough with bat in the previous two seasons for any captain to feel worried about his presence at the crease.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While in IPL 2022, he scored just 268 runs at 19.14, Rohit hit just 332 runs in the following season at a shallow average of 20.75.</p>

<p>Moreover, Mumbai Indians have replaced Rohit with Hardik Pandya as the new captain ahead of IPL 2024.&nbsp;</p>


Former two-time IPL winner with Kolkata Knight Riders, Gautam Gambhir, picks Rohit Sharma as the player to give him sleepless nights in the tournament. Playing under and against a few top captains during his IPL tenure, Gautam has picked ex-MI captain Rohit to trouble him the most, pushing Gambhir to have more than one plan against him every time.

Former two-time IPL winner with Kolkata Knight Riders, Gautam Gambhir, picks Rohit Sharma as the player to give him sleepless nights in the tournament. Playing under and against a few top captains during his IPL tenure, Gautam has picked ex-MI captain Rohit to trouble him the most, pushing Gambhir to have more than one plan against him every time. Speaking to Star Sports ahead of the 17th season of the Indian Premier League that begins in mid-March, Gautam opened up on his on-field battles against the current India captain. Though Gautam has found success against some of the mentally toughest and most strategic players and captains in the cash-rich league, planning on removing Rohit as a batter kept him on his toes at all times. "Rohit Sharma is the only player who has given me sleepless nights. No Chris Gayle, no AB de Villiers, no one. Only Rohit Sharma because I knew I had to have Plan A, Plan B and probably Plan C as well because if Rohit is in, I don't think anyone can control him. The only batsman I feared in the IPL was Rohit. I have never planned for any other batter in the IPL except Rohit Sharma,” Gautam said while speaking highly of Rohit. ALSO READ: Mohammad Hafeez, ex-Pakistan team director, promises to reveal 'facts' behind his sacking Admitting to worrying about dismissing Rohit cheaply despite having some of the best names in T20 cricket in his ranks, Gautam said if a night before the game he had thought of Plan A, Rohit would better that the next day, leaving Gautam and everyone clueless on how to get him out. "There have been times where I have seen the visuals; I would say fair enough, Plan A is fine, but with Rohit Sharma, probably one night before, I used to think, if this doesn't work, I have to get this, if this doesn't work, I have to get the other plan. If Sunil (Narine) bowls his four overs, who gonna bowl the next 16, and if I finish off Sunil early and Rohit is there, he can get 30 off one over as well," Gambhir said on Star Sports. Tides changed with time Although at one point in time Rohit came across as a destructive top-order batter, scoring heaps of runs at will, the veteran cricketer hasn’t performed enough with bat in the previous two seasons for any captain to feel worried about his presence at the crease. While in IPL 2022, he scored just 268 runs at 19.14, Rohit hit just 332 runs in the following season at a shallow average of 20.75. Moreover, Mumbai Indians have replaced Rohit with Hardik Pandya as the new captain ahead of IPL 2024.

‘I feared him, he gave me sleepless nights’: Gautam Gambhir on facing Rohit Sharma in IPL

<p>India’s latest rising star Sarfaraz Khan&nbsp;got his maiden opportunity in the Playing XI on Thursday (Feb 15) against England in the Rajkot Test. Sarfaraz, who had been knocking on the doors of the Test team for over a year was handed his debut cap by Anil Kumble before the match. However, his dream debut was followed by an unfortunate runout which had reactions all around the ground including skipper Rohit Sharma who was sitting in the pavilion.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SarfarazKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SarfarazKhan</a> brings up a 48-ball half century on Test debut. He probably would have scored a hundred on his debut but that unfortunate runout. It was Jadeja's mistake. Rohit Sharma loses cool on Ravindra Jadeja and throws his cap in anger.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsENGTest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsENGTest</a> <a href="https://t.co/eJxMtALlwv">pic.twitter.com/eJxMtALlwv</a></p>
— Alka Awasthi (@alkaawasthi01) <a href="https://twitter.com/alkaawasthi01/status/1758104819506573526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Rohit bursts into anger</strong></h2>

<p>On the fifth ball of the 82nd over Ravindra Jadeja’s shot traveled to the mid-on fielder with Sarfaraz, batting at non-striker end trying to snatch a run. While the run was never on and bowler James Anderson was not at the non-striking end stumps, Sarfaraz and Jadeja made a small attempt to snatch the run. However, fielder Mark Wood’s presence made Jadeja uncomfortable and he sent Sarfaraz back to the non-striker end.</p>

<p>By the time Sarfaraz could reach back to the crease, Mark Wood’s direct hit saw England produce a valuable breakthrough. On his way back to the pavilion, the Mumbai batter looked disappointed, but it was Rohit Sharma who showed his anger. The Indian skipper sitting in the pavilion, pulled off his cap and threw it in anger to show his disappointment.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-uniteds-2022-2023-squad-the-most-expensive-ever-assembled-in-europe-uefa-report-690504">Manchester United's 2022-2023 squad the most expensive ever assembled in Europe: UEFA report</a></p>

<h2><strong>What happened in the match?</strong></h2>

<p>It was a wonderful opening day for Team India in the Rajkot Test after Rohit and Jadeja were at their fluent best with the bat having scored centuries&nbsp;at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Riding on Rohit’s 131 and Jadeja’s unbeaten 110, the hosts ended Day 1 on 326/5 with Sarfaraz Khan also scoring 62 in his debut innings.</p>

<p>India handed debuts to Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz while keeping the rest of the pack unchanged after the win in Vizag. However, it was the English change that made the headlines after Mark Wood, coming in place of Shoaib Bashir, scalped three wickets in the opening session. India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal (10), Shubman Gill (0) and Rajat Patidar (5) in quick succession and were 33/3 in the opening session.</p>

<p>However, the hosts then fought back with skipper Rohit and Jadeja steadying the ship with a&nbsp;204 run partnership&nbsp;for the fourth wicket. Despite a great start with the ball, England failed to consolidate as the duo&nbsp; helped India&nbsp;dominate the rest of the day. Rohit was dismissed on 131, having scored his 11th Test ton, but held his bat high having gone through a tough start on Day 1.</p>


India’s latest rising star Sarfaraz Khan got his maiden opportunity in the Playing XI on Thursday (Feb 15) against England in the Rajkot Test. Sarfaraz, who had been knocking on the doors of the Test team for over a year was handed his debut cap by Anil Kumble before the match.

India’s latest rising star Sarfaraz Khan got his maiden opportunity in the Playing XI on Thursday (Feb 15) against England in the Rajkot Test. Sarfaraz, who had been knocking on the doors of the Test team for over a year was handed his debut cap by Anil Kumble before the match. However, his dream debut was followed by an unfortunate runout which had reactions all around the ground including skipper Rohit Sharma who was sitting in the pavilion. #SarfarazKhan brings up a 48-ball half century on Test debut. He probably would have scored a hundred on his debut but that unfortunate runout. It was Jadeja's mistake. Rohit Sharma loses cool on Ravindra Jadeja and throws his cap in anger.#INDvsENGTest pic.twitter.com/eJxMtALlwv — Alka Awasthi (@alkaawasthi01) February 15, 2024 × Rohit bursts into anger On the fifth ball of the 82nd over Ravindra Jadeja’s shot traveled to the mid-on fielder with Sarfaraz, batting at non-striker end trying to snatch a run. While the run was never on and bowler James Anderson was not at the non-striking end stumps, Sarfaraz and Jadeja made a small attempt to snatch the run. However, fielder Mark Wood’s presence made Jadeja uncomfortable and he sent Sarfaraz back to the non-striker end. By the time Sarfaraz could reach back to the crease, Mark Wood’s direct hit saw England produce a valuable breakthrough. On his way back to the pavilion, the Mumbai batter looked disappointed, but it was Rohit Sharma who showed his anger. The Indian skipper sitting in the pavilion, pulled off his cap and threw it in anger to show his disappointment. ALSO READ | Manchester United's 2022-2023 squad the most expensive ever assembled in Europe: UEFA report What happened in the match? It was a wonderful opening day for Team India in the Rajkot Test after Rohit and Jadeja were at their fluent best with the bat having scored centuries at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Riding on Rohit’s 131 and Jadeja’s unbeaten 110, the hosts ended Day 1 on 326/5 with Sarfaraz Khan also scoring 62 in his debut innings. India handed debuts to Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz while keeping the rest of the pack unchanged after the win in Vizag. However, it was the English change that made the headlines after Mark Wood, coming in place of Shoaib Bashir, scalped three wickets in the opening session. India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal (10), Shubman Gill (0) and Rajat Patidar (5) in quick succession and were 33/3 in the opening session. However, the hosts then fought back with skipper Rohit and Jadeja steadying the ship with a 204 run partnership for the fourth wicket. Despite a great start with the ball, England failed to consolidate as the duo helped India dominate the rest of the day. Rohit was dismissed on 131, having scored his 11th Test ton, but held his bat high having gone through a tough start on Day 1.

IND vs ENG: Rohit Sharma bursts into anger in dressing room after Sarfaraz runout - WATCH

<p>It was a wonderful opening day for Team India in the Rajkot Test as Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja were at their fluent best with the bat. Both&nbsp;scored impressive&nbsp;tons at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. India and England meeting for the third time in the five-match Test series were out to stamp their authority on the contest but it was the hosts that dominated the day. Riding on Rohit’s 131 and Jadeja’s unbeaten 110, the hosts ended Day 1 on 326/5 with Sarfaraz Khan also scoring 62 in his debut innings.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Centuries from Jadeja (110*) and Rohit Sharma (131) guide <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> to 326/5 at Stumps on Day 1 of the 3rd Test.<br />
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Scorecard - <a href="https://t.co/eYpzVPnUf8">https://t.co/eYpzVPnUf8</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a><a href="https://twitter.com/IDFCFIRSTBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDFCFIRSTBank</a> <a href="https://t.co/KVSDlNKmQG">pic.twitter.com/KVSDlNKmQG</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1758095025940935096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>India of to poor start on Day 1</strong></h2>

<p>Having won the toss, India opted to bat first, a decision which proved to be wrong after a poor start to the innings. India handed debuts to Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz while keeping the rest of the pack unchanged after the win in Vizag. However, it was the English change that made the headlines after Mark Wood, coming in place of Shoaib Bashir, scalped three wickets in the opening session.</p>

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<p>However, the hosts then fought back with skipper Rohit and Jadeja&nbsp;steadying&nbsp;the ship with a 204 run&nbsp;partnership&nbsp;for the fourth wicket. Despite a great start with the ball, England failed to consolidate as the duo helped India dominate the rest of the day. Rohit was dismissed on 131, having scored his 11th Test ton, but held his bat high having gone through a tough start on Day 1.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-uniteds-2022-2023-squad-the-most-expensive-ever-assembled-in-europe-uefa-report-690504">Manchester United's 2022-2023 squad the most expensive ever assembled in Europe: UEFA report</a></p>

<p>India then had another brilliant partnership as Jadeja and Sarfaraz put together 77 runs for the fifth wicket. Sarfaraz was aggressive between the two and scored 62 in just 66 deliveries and helped India reach 300 in the final session. However, his innings came to an end after a brilliant run out from Mark Wood.</p>

<p>At Stumps on Day 1 India were 326/5 with Jadeja batting on 110 and Kuldeep Yadav unbeaten on 1. Wood was the most efficient bowler with three wickets and a run out during the day while Tom Hartley scalped one wicket.</p>


It was a wonderful opening day for Team India in the Rajkot Test as Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja were at their fluent best with the bat. Both scored impressive tons at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.

It was a wonderful opening day for Team India in the Rajkot Test as Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja were at their fluent best with the bat. Both scored impressive tons at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. India and England meeting for the third time in the five-match Test series were out to stamp their authority on the contest but it was the hosts that dominated the day. Riding on Rohit’s 131 and Jadeja’s unbeaten 110, the hosts ended Day 1 on 326/5 with Sarfaraz Khan also scoring 62 in his debut innings. Centuries from Jadeja (110*) and Rohit Sharma (131) guide #TeamIndia to 326/5 at Stumps on Day 1 of the 3rd Test. Scorecard - https://t.co/eYpzVPnUf8 #INDvENG@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/KVSDlNKmQG — BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2024 × India of to poor start on Day 1 Having won the toss, India opted to bat first, a decision which proved to be wrong after a poor start to the innings. India handed debuts to Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz while keeping the rest of the pack unchanged after the win in Vizag. However, it was the English change that made the headlines after Mark Wood, coming in place of Shoaib Bashir, scalped three wickets in the opening session. × However, the hosts then fought back with skipper Rohit and Jadeja steadying the ship with a 204 run partnership for the fourth wicket. Despite a great start with the ball, England failed to consolidate as the duo helped India dominate the rest of the day. Rohit was dismissed on 131, having scored his 11th Test ton, but held his bat high having gone through a tough start on Day 1. ALSO READ | Manchester United's 2022-2023 squad the most expensive ever assembled in Europe: UEFA report India then had another brilliant partnership as Jadeja and Sarfaraz put together 77 runs for the fifth wicket. Sarfaraz was aggressive between the two and scored 62 in just 66 deliveries and helped India reach 300 in the final session. However, his innings came to an end after a brilliant run out from Mark Wood. At Stumps on Day 1 India were 326/5 with Jadeja batting on 110 and Kuldeep Yadav unbeaten on 1. Wood was the most efficient bowler with three wickets and a run out during the day while Tom Hartley scalped one wicket.

IND vs ENG Rajkot Test: Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja's tons highlight of Day 1; Sarfaraz scores 62 on debut

<p>Rohit Sharma scored an impressive 131 on the opening day of the third Test between India and England on Thursday (Feb 15). After hosts decided to bat first, Rohit-led India were tottering at 33 for 3 before Rohit and Ravindra Jadeja (110 not out) resurrected the Indian innings, with a 204-run fourth-wicket stand, as hosts ended day's play at 326 for 5.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit, who looked in control, played a cautious and mature knock after India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Rajat Patidar for cheap. He reached his 11th Test ton, third versus England, and equalled Kapil Dev in an elite list for Indian captains. Rohit is now equal with Kapil (3) in terms of most hundreds by Indian captain in Tests. Virat Kohli leads the list with 20 hundreds as India captain in whites. The list also features some big names such as Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, Md Azharuddin, etc.</p>

<p><strong>MOST HUNDREDS AS INDIAN TEST&nbsp;CAPTAIN</strong><br />
Virat Kohli - 20<br />
Sunil Gavaskar - 11<br />
Mohammad Azharuddin - 9<br />
Sachin Tendulkar - 7<br />
MS Dhoni - 5<br />
Sourav Ganguly - 5<br />
MAK Pataudi - 5<br />
Rahul Dravid - 4<br />
Kapil Dev - 3<br />
<strong>Rohit Sharma - 3*</strong></p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anil-kumble-not-surprised-with-rohit-sharma-confirmed-to-lead-india-in-t20-world-cup-heres-why-690489">Anil Kumble not 'surprised' with Rohit Sharma confirmed to lead India in T20 World Cup! Here's why -</a></strong></p>

<p>In addition, Rohit, at 36 years and 291 days, became the oldest Indian captain to hit an international hundred, breaking Vijay Hazare's feat attained in 1951.</p>

<p>After Rohit fell for 131, in the final session, Jadeja and debutant Sarfaraz Khan added another 77 runs, for the fifth wicket, before the latter fell for an attacking 62-ball 66. At the end of day's play, Jadeja remains not out -- along with Kuldeep Yadav -- and will be eager to carry on and get a big score for India to cross the 450-run mark.&nbsp;</p>


Rohit Sharma scored an impressive 131 on the opening day of the third Test between India and England on Thursday (Feb 15). After hosts decided to bat first, Rohit-led India were tottering at 33 for 3 before Rohit and Ravindra Jadeja (110 not out) resurrected the Indian innings, with a 204-run fourth-wicket stand, as hosts ended day's play at 326 for 5.

Rohit Sharma scored an impressive 131 on the opening day of the third Test between India and England on Thursday (Feb 15). After hosts decided to bat first, Rohit-led India were tottering at 33 for 3 before Rohit and Ravindra Jadeja (110 not out) resurrected the Indian innings, with a 204-run fourth-wicket stand, as hosts ended day's play at 326 for 5. Rohit, who looked in control, played a cautious and mature knock after India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Rajat Patidar for cheap. He reached his 11th Test ton, third versus England, and equalled Kapil Dev in an elite list for Indian captains. Rohit is now equal with Kapil (3) in terms of most hundreds by Indian captain in Tests. Virat Kohli leads the list with 20 hundreds as India captain in whites. The list also features some big names such as Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, Md Azharuddin, etc. MOST HUNDREDS AS INDIAN TEST CAPTAIN Virat Kohli - 20 Sunil Gavaskar - 11 Mohammad Azharuddin - 9 Sachin Tendulkar - 7 MS Dhoni - 5 Sourav Ganguly - 5 MAK Pataudi - 5 Rahul Dravid - 4 Kapil Dev - 3 Rohit Sharma - 3* Also read: Anil Kumble not 'surprised' with Rohit Sharma confirmed to lead India in T20 World Cup! Here's why - In addition, Rohit, at 36 years and 291 days, became the oldest Indian captain to hit an international hundred, breaking Vijay Hazare's feat attained in 1951. After Rohit fell for 131, in the final session, Jadeja and debutant Sarfaraz Khan added another 77 runs, for the fifth wicket, before the latter fell for an attacking 62-ball 66. At the end of day's play, Jadeja remains not out -- along with Kuldeep Yadav -- and will be eager to carry on and get a big score for India to cross the 450-run mark.

Rajkot Test: Rohit Sharma emulates Kapil Dev in elite list for Indian captains during 131-run knock

<p>On the eve of the Rajkot Test between India and England, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that Rohit Sharma will captain India in the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2024 edition, to be held in West Indies and USA. At an event in the Rajkot, which saw the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium being renamed to Niranjan Shah Stadium on Wednesday (Feb 14), Shah confirmed that Hitman will lead the Men in Blue in the mega event which starts in early June. India are placed in Group A with Pakistan, USA, Canada and Ireland.</p>

<p>After the announcement from Shah, former Indian spinner Anil Kumble said that he isn't surprised with the call. Speaking to Sports18, Kumble pointed out, "The Rohit Sharma announcement, I don't think was a surprise because I certainly believe that we need that stability, especially at the top. Rohit is someone who has done exceptionally well as India's captain."</p>

<p>Kumble added, "His T20 form in the IPL hasn't been special in the last couple of years but he's a quality player. We saw against Afghanistan, when the team was struggling a bit he came and scored that wonderful hundred. It's important you have that kind of stability going into the T20 World Cup."</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-will-lead-india-in-2024-t20-world-cup-hardik-to-be-his-deputy-jay-shah-690429">Rohit Sharma will lead India in 2024 T20 World Cup, Hardik to be his deputy: Jay Shah</a></strong></p>

<p>On Wednesday, Shah said in the event in Rajkot, "We may have lost the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. But we won hearts there by winning 10 matches in a row. I am confident that India will lift the 2024 T20 World Cup under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy at Barbados."</p>

<p>Rohit -- a white-ball legend -- had not featured in India's T20I setup since their 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal loss&nbsp;to eventual winners England in Adelaide. He returned to the shortest format after 14 months during India's three T20Is versus Afghanistan, at home, early this year. The series also saw Virat Kohli's return to the format, after an equal number of months. Shah also opined on Kohli's spot with regard to the T20 WC. He said, "We will talk about him [soon]."</p>

<p>Kohli is currently on a break from international cricket due to personal reasons and has not featured in India's ongoing home Tests versus England. On Thursday (Feb 15), India and England locked horns on Day 1 of the third Test in Rajkot. Opting to bat first, India went to lunch at 93/3 with captain Rohit surpassing the 50-run mark for the first time in the series. The five-match series is currently level&nbsp;at 1-1.</p>


On the eve of the Rajkot Test between India and England, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that Rohit Sharma will captain India in the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2024 edition, to be held in West Indies and USA.

On the eve of the Rajkot Test between India and England, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that Rohit Sharma will captain India in the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2024 edition, to be held in West Indies and USA. At an event in the Rajkot, which saw the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium being renamed to Niranjan Shah Stadium on Wednesday (Feb 14), Shah confirmed that Hitman will lead the Men in Blue in the mega event which starts in early June. India are placed in Group A with Pakistan, USA, Canada and Ireland. After the announcement from Shah, former Indian spinner Anil Kumble said that he isn't surprised with the call. Speaking to Sports18, Kumble pointed out, "The Rohit Sharma announcement, I don't think was a surprise because I certainly believe that we need that stability, especially at the top. Rohit is someone who has done exceptionally well as India's captain." Kumble added, "His T20 form in the IPL hasn't been special in the last couple of years but he's a quality player. We saw against Afghanistan, when the team was struggling a bit he came and scored that wonderful hundred. It's important you have that kind of stability going into the T20 World Cup." Also read: Rohit Sharma will lead India in 2024 T20 World Cup, Hardik to be his deputy: Jay Shah On Wednesday, Shah said in the event in Rajkot, "We may have lost the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. But we won hearts there by winning 10 matches in a row. I am confident that India will lift the 2024 T20 World Cup under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy at Barbados." Rohit -- a white-ball legend -- had not featured in India's T20I setup since their 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal loss to eventual winners England in Adelaide. He returned to the shortest format after 14 months during India's three T20Is versus Afghanistan, at home, early this year. The series also saw Virat Kohli's return to the format, after an equal number of months. Shah also opined on Kohli's spot with regard to the T20 WC. He said, "We will talk about him [soon]." Kohli is currently on a break from international cricket due to personal reasons and has not featured in India's ongoing home Tests versus England. On Thursday (Feb 15), India and England locked horns on Day 1 of the third Test in Rajkot. Opting to bat first, India went to lunch at 93/3 with captain Rohit surpassing the 50-run mark for the first time in the series. The five-match series is currently level at 1-1.

Anil Kumble not 'surprised' with Rohit Sharma confirmed to lead India in T20 World Cup! Here's why -

<p>Rohit Sharma will continue to lead India at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA (in June), BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed on the eve of the third India-England Test in Rajkot. Shah said Rohit has everyone's backing within the dressing room and the board, adding future captain Hardik Pandya will be his deputy in this tournament.</p>

<p>After replacing Virat Kohli as the all-format skipper in late 2021, Rohit captained Team India at the 2022 T20 WC in Australia, where they lost to England by ten wickets in the semis. Under his leadership, India played the World Test Championship (WTC) and the 2023 World Cup final (at home), losing to Australia on both occasions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit remained unavailable for selection in the T20Is since the Adelaide semis loss, only to return during the Afghanistan T20Is earlier this year. Rohit’s selection in that series indicated who will lead India in the marquee event later in the year.</p>

<p>"The fact that he was returning after a year to lead in the Afghanistan series recently meant he was obviously going to [lead in the T20 World Cup]," Shah said during an event in Rajkot on Wednesday (Feb 14).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sarfaraz-khan-dhruv-jurel-debut-for-india-as-hosts-bat-first-against-england-in-rajkot-690402">Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel debut for India as hosts bat first against England in Rajkot</a></strong></p>

<p>While backing Rohit to break the ice (of India winning an ICC tournament), Shah confirmed Pandya’s role in the team for the T20 World Cup.</p>

<p><br />
"In T20s, Hardik will be the captain for certain [in the future],” Shah said.</p>

<p>"Rohit has the ability, we know. As he showed in the ODI World Cup, where we won 10 matches in a row until the final. I am confident that India will lift the 2024 T20 World Cup under Rohit Sharma's captaincy in Barbados,” the BCCI&nbsp;secretary added.</p>

<h2>Shah opens on Virat Kohli’s T20I future</h2>

<p>Jay Shah also commented on the noise around Virat Kohli for a) the reason behind missing the England Tests, and b) will he play the T20 World Cup?</p>

<p>On Virat missing the home series against England, Shah said that a man who is the first to raise his hand whenever the team needs him should be left alone if he’s asked for some space (probably for the first time in his career).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If a person, for the first time in a 15-year career, asks for personal leave, it's his right. Virat is not a player who will ask for leave for no reason. We need to trust our player and back him,” Shah said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, on Virat Kohli’s T20I future, Shah said, "We will talk about him [soon]."</p>


Rohit Sharma will continue to lead India at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA (in June), BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed on the eve of the third India-England Test in Rajkot.

Rohit Sharma will continue to lead India at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA (in June), BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed on the eve of the third India-England Test in Rajkot. Shah said Rohit has everyone's backing within the dressing room and the board, adding future captain Hardik Pandya will be his deputy in this tournament. After replacing Virat Kohli as the all-format skipper in late 2021, Rohit captained Team India at the 2022 T20 WC in Australia, where they lost to England by ten wickets in the semis. Under his leadership, India played the World Test Championship (WTC) and the 2023 World Cup final (at home), losing to Australia on both occasions. Rohit remained unavailable for selection in the T20Is since the Adelaide semis loss, only to return during the Afghanistan T20Is earlier this year. Rohit’s selection in that series indicated who will lead India in the marquee event later in the year. "The fact that he was returning after a year to lead in the Afghanistan series recently meant he was obviously going to [lead in the T20 World Cup]," Shah said during an event in Rajkot on Wednesday (Feb 14). ALSO READ: Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel debut for India as hosts bat first against England in Rajkot While backing Rohit to break the ice (of India winning an ICC tournament), Shah confirmed Pandya’s role in the team for the T20 World Cup. "In T20s, Hardik will be the captain for certain [in the future],” Shah said. "Rohit has the ability, we know. As he showed in the ODI World Cup, where we won 10 matches in a row until the final. I am confident that India will lift the 2024 T20 World Cup under Rohit Sharma's captaincy in Barbados,” the BCCI secretary added. Shah opens on Virat Kohli’s T20I future Jay Shah also commented on the noise around Virat Kohli for a) the reason behind missing the England Tests, and b) will he play the T20 World Cup? On Virat missing the home series against England, Shah said that a man who is the first to raise his hand whenever the team needs him should be left alone if he’s asked for some space (probably for the first time in his career). "If a person, for the first time in a 15-year career, asks for personal leave, it's his right. Virat is not a player who will ask for leave for no reason. We need to trust our player and back him,” Shah said. Meanwhile, on Virat Kohli’s T20I future, Shah said, "We will talk about him [soon]."

Rohit Sharma will lead India in 2024 T20 World Cup, Hardik to be his deputy: BCCI chief Jay Shah

<p>In Dec 2023, Mumbai Indians (MI) dropped a bombshell by announcing Hardik Pandya as the skipper, putting an end to Rohit Sharma's glorious run as Mumbai captain from 2013-2023. Hardik moved back to the MI camp on the retention deadline day, leaving a huge void on Gujarat Titans (GT). The move of Pandya replacing Rohit as the MI captain&nbsp;met with mixed responses. Now, former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has reacted to MI's move and said 'Hardik's captaincy is only going to benefit' the franchise.</p>

<p>Talking to Star Sports, Gavaskar opined, "Look they have always thought about the future of the franchise. Rohit Sharma is already 36 years old and also faces immense pressure being the captain of India for all three formats. They have tried to reduce some of that burden and given that responsibility on the young shoulders of Hardik Pandya."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-mark-wood-returns-as-england-name-playing-xi-for-rajkot-test-vs-india-690153">Ind vs Eng: Mark Wood returns as England name playing XI for Rajkot Test vs India</a></strong></p>

<p>Gavaskar added, "Handing Hardik the captaincy is only going to benefit the Mumbai Indians. They have now given the freedom to Rohit to go and express himself freely at the top of the order. Hardik can then come at No. 3 or No. 5 and help them post totals of 200-plus consistently."</p>

<p>Under Rohit, MI had a dream run from 2013-2023; winning the IPL championship on five occasions. However, Hitman's batting has gone down&nbsp;in the last few seasons. In 2023, he had an ordinary run with 332 runs at 132.80. Since 2019, he has crossed the 400-run mark in a season only once and failed to even touch the 300-run mark in 2022. Hence, with no additional responsibility, Rohit can shine and regain his lost mojo in IPL 2024.</p>

<p>Hardik has led GT to the title in their maiden season in 2022 and the franchise ended second last year. Thus, he has captaincy experience in the IPL and will be confident enough to take over from Rohit in the upcoming season.</p>

<p><strong>MI squad for IPL 2024</strong></p>

<p>Ishan Kishan, Vishnu Vinod, Rohit Sharma, Tim David, Suryakumar Yadav, N. Tilak Varma, Dewald Brevis, Hardik Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Nehal Wadhera, Shams Mulani, Gerald Coetzee, Mohammad Nabi, Shivalik Sharma, Naman Dhir, Jasprit Bumrah, Jason Behrendorff, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Arjun Tendulkar, Piyush Chawla, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara, Anshul Kamboj, Shreyas Gopal</p>


In Dec 2023, Mumbai Indians (MI) dropped a bombshell by announcing Hardik Pandya as the skipper, putting an end to Rohit Sharma's glorious run as Mumbai captain from 2013-2023.

In Dec 2023, Mumbai Indians (MI) dropped a bombshell by announcing Hardik Pandya as the skipper, putting an end to Rohit Sharma's glorious run as Mumbai captain from 2013-2023. Hardik moved back to the MI camp on the retention deadline day, leaving a huge void on Gujarat Titans (GT). The move of Pandya replacing Rohit as the MI captain met with mixed responses. Now, former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has reacted to MI's move and said 'Hardik's captaincy is only going to benefit' the franchise. Talking to Star Sports, Gavaskar opined, "Look they have always thought about the future of the franchise. Rohit Sharma is already 36 years old and also faces immense pressure being the captain of India for all three formats. They have tried to reduce some of that burden and given that responsibility on the young shoulders of Hardik Pandya." Also read: Ind vs Eng: Mark Wood returns as England name playing XI for Rajkot Test vs India Gavaskar added, "Handing Hardik the captaincy is only going to benefit the Mumbai Indians. They have now given the freedom to Rohit to go and express himself freely at the top of the order. Hardik can then come at No. 3 or No. 5 and help them post totals of 200-plus consistently." Under Rohit, MI had a dream run from 2013-2023; winning the IPL championship on five occasions. However, Hitman's batting has gone down in the last few seasons. In 2023, he had an ordinary run with 332 runs at 132.80. Since 2019, he has crossed the 400-run mark in a season only once and failed to even touch the 300-run mark in 2022. Hence, with no additional responsibility, Rohit can shine and regain his lost mojo in IPL 2024. Hardik has led GT to the title in their maiden season in 2022 and the franchise ended second last year. Thus, he has captaincy experience in the IPL and will be confident enough to take over from Rohit in the upcoming season. MI squad for IPL 2024 Ishan Kishan, Vishnu Vinod, Rohit Sharma, Tim David, Suryakumar Yadav, N. Tilak Varma, Dewald Brevis, Hardik Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Nehal Wadhera, Shams Mulani, Gerald Coetzee, Mohammad Nabi, Shivalik Sharma, Naman Dhir, Jasprit Bumrah, Jason Behrendorff, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Arjun Tendulkar, Piyush Chawla, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara, Anshul Kamboj, Shreyas Gopal

'Rohit Sharma is already 36': Gavaskar shares his take on Hardik Pandya becoming MI captain for IPL 2024

<p>Ahead of the third Test versus England, in Rajkot, Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja feels Ben Stokes &amp; Co. are not 'one of the most difficult teams'. England have given a good account of themselves in the opening two Tests versus hosts India. They won the series opener, in Hyderabad, by 28 runs despite conceding a whopping 190-run lead and gave a tough fight in their chase of 399 in the second Test in Visakhapatnam before losing by 106 runs. The series is currently levelled at 1-1 with the final three Tests expected to be close affairs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a pre-match presser, Jadeja spoke at length on England and said had India not committed 'small mistakes' in the Hyderabad Test, the scoreline could have been 2-0 in hosts' favour. "I won’t term England as one of the most difficult teams. It hasn't been easy for other teams to come to India and play. If it wasn't for small mistakes in second innings of first&nbsp;Test, we wouldn't have lost."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-mark-wood-returns-as-england-name-playing-xi-for-rajkot-test-vs-india-690153">Ind vs Eng: Mark Wood returns as England name playing XI for Rajkot Test vs India</a></strong></p>

<p>Jadeja will be the local boy in the upcoming Rajkot Test. His experience will come in handy for India. Speaking about the pitch and conditions, the veteran all-rounder said, "Here the wicket is flat and hard, but it depends on what they have prepared. Sometimes you get 37 wickets in three matches (days), but this wicket looks good." He added, "The wicket behaves differently in every game. Sometimes it stays flat, sometimes it turns, sometimes it plays well for two days and then turns. I believe it will play well first and then slowly it will break and the ball will turn."</p>

<p>England have already announced their playing XI for the Rajkot Test, with Mark Wood returning in place of Shoaib Bashir. Meanwhile, India will be without the injured duo of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul whereas Virat Kohli remains out of action as well, citing personal reasons, thus, the home side have a task in hand to remain ahead in the five-match series.&nbsp;</p>


Ahead of the third Test versus England, in Rajkot, Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja feels Ben Stokes & Co. are not 'one of the most difficult teams'. England have given a good account of themselves in the opening two Tests versus hosts India.

Ahead of the third Test versus England, in Rajkot, Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja feels Ben Stokes & Co. are not 'one of the most difficult teams'. England have given a good account of themselves in the opening two Tests versus hosts India. They won the series opener, in Hyderabad, by 28 runs despite conceding a whopping 190-run lead and gave a tough fight in their chase of 399 in the second Test in Visakhapatnam before losing by 106 runs. The series is currently levelled at 1-1 with the final three Tests expected to be close affairs. In a pre-match presser, Jadeja spoke at length on England and said had India not committed 'small mistakes' in the Hyderabad Test, the scoreline could have been 2-0 in hosts' favour. "I won’t term England as one of the most difficult teams. It hasn't been easy for other teams to come to India and play. If it wasn't for small mistakes in second innings of first Test, we wouldn't have lost." Also read: Ind vs Eng: Mark Wood returns as England name playing XI for Rajkot Test vs India Jadeja will be the local boy in the upcoming Rajkot Test. His experience will come in handy for India. Speaking about the pitch and conditions, the veteran all-rounder said, "Here the wicket is flat and hard, but it depends on what they have prepared. Sometimes you get 37 wickets in three matches (days), but this wicket looks good." He added, "The wicket behaves differently in every game. Sometimes it stays flat, sometimes it turns, sometimes it plays well for two days and then turns. I believe it will play well first and then slowly it will break and the ball will turn." England have already announced their playing XI for the Rajkot Test, with Mark Wood returning in place of Shoaib Bashir. Meanwhile, India will be without the injured duo of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul whereas Virat Kohli remains out of action as well, citing personal reasons, thus, the home side have a task in hand to remain ahead in the five-match series.

Rajkot Test: Won’t term England as one of the most difficult teams, says India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja

<p>Ahead of the third Test versus England, former Indian pacer RP Singh opened up on captain Rohit Sharma's form struggles. In the first two Tests, Rohit failed to get a big score and could not even cross the 50-run mark in four outings. After the opening two games, he has scores of 24, 39, 14 and 13. Thus, Singh opined on Rohit's struggles and feels the Indian captain is 'overthinking' and being 'over cautious'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking on Cricbuzz, Singh stated, "Rohit Sharma is overthinking. He's thinking about playing a big knock, build at least two-three partnerships in the absence of other main players to take the innings forward. He's being over-cautious in trying to do that. He's not that kind of a player. His style is different. He is a free-flowing batter and that is missing. He can play his shots. An over-cautious Rohit is not good both as a batter and as a person."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-england-to-recall-mark-wood-in-playing-xi-for-rajkot-test-shoaib-bashir-likely-to-miss-out-690077">IND vs ENG: England to recall Mark Wood in Playing XI for Rajkot Test; Shoaib Bashir likely to miss out</a></strong></p>

<p>Rohit has not looked very sure in the middle. He has got starts in every outing but failed to make the most of them, falling to both spin and pace. In the second Test in Visakhapatnam, he looked very timid and cautious in the middle, leading to his dismissal. It will be interesting to see how he approaches the rest of the series given India are already without Virat Kohli (due to personal reasons) whereas there are several injury woes in the batting department (with KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer currently ruled out). Thus, India need Rohit to fire on all cylinders with the series interestingly poised at 1-1 with three games to go.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>India’s squad for the final three England Tests&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, Rajat Patidar, Ravindra Jadeja, Devdutt Padikkal KS Bharat (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep</p>


Ahead of the third Test versus England, former Indian pacer RP Singh opened up on captain Rohit Sharma's form struggles. In the first two Tests, Rohit failed to get a big score and could not even cross the 50-run mark in four outings.

Ahead of the third Test versus England, former Indian pacer RP Singh opened up on captain Rohit Sharma's form struggles. In the first two Tests, Rohit failed to get a big score and could not even cross the 50-run mark in four outings. After the opening two games, he has scores of 24, 39, 14 and 13. Thus, Singh opined on Rohit's struggles and feels the Indian captain is 'overthinking' and being 'over cautious'. Talking on Cricbuzz, Singh stated, "Rohit Sharma is overthinking. He's thinking about playing a big knock, build at least two-three partnerships in the absence of other main players to take the innings forward. He's being over-cautious in trying to do that. He's not that kind of a player. His style is different. He is a free-flowing batter and that is missing. He can play his shots. An over-cautious Rohit is not good both as a batter and as a person." Also read: IND vs ENG: England to recall Mark Wood in Playing XI for Rajkot Test; Shoaib Bashir likely to miss out Rohit has not looked very sure in the middle. He has got starts in every outing but failed to make the most of them, falling to both spin and pace. In the second Test in Visakhapatnam, he looked very timid and cautious in the middle, leading to his dismissal. It will be interesting to see how he approaches the rest of the series given India are already without Virat Kohli (due to personal reasons) whereas there are several injury woes in the batting department (with KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer currently ruled out). Thus, India need Rohit to fire on all cylinders with the series interestingly poised at 1-1 with three games to go. India’s squad for the final three England Tests Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, Rajat Patidar, Ravindra Jadeja, Devdutt Padikkal KS Bharat (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep

Ind vs Eng: He is overthinking, being over-cautious - Former Indian pacer on Rohit Sharma's form struggles

<p>One doesn't have to be larger than life to be a successful leader; sometimes good thoughts, trusting your teammates and injecting confidence in them do&nbsp;the job. India’s all-format captain, Rohit Sharma, thinks and operates on the same line. Speaking at an event in Mumbai ahead of the Rajkot Test against England, Rohit opened up on the leadership mantra that saw him succeed across all facets of the game.</p>

<p>For the record, Rohit is a five-time IPL-winning captain with Mumbai Indians, while for India, he led them to the Nidahas Trophy in 2018. Under his leadership, India also won the 2023 Asia Cup, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and Pakistan, beating the Island Nation in the most one-sided finals in the tournament's history.</p>

<p>“As a leader, it's crucial to instil confidence in players and make them feel valued regardless of their role in the team,” Rohit said during the Leo1, Mastercard &amp; NSDL event in Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Each player's contribution is essential to the team's success, whether they play ten balls at No. 6 or 7,” the India captain added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-virat-to-miss-remainder-of-series-due-to-personal-reasons-jadeja-rahul-await-fitness-clearance-688860">IND vs ENG: Virat to miss remainder of series due to personal reason; Jadeja, Rahul await fitness clearance</a></strong></p>

<p>Having a reputation of being an understanding captain, with several national and IPL teammates praising him for being all ears throughout, Rohit said he ensures of instilling confidence into the players and backing them irrespective of their role and contribution to the team and its success.</p>

<p>Much like how the former India captain and perhaps the greatest in the country’s white-ball history, MS Dhoni, used to use his players to the team’s advantage, Rohit somewhat does the same, but in his own way.</p>

<p>"I make it a point to interact with players individually, understand their concerns, and provide reassurance. Building trust and confidence is paramount, especially in challenging situations,” Rohit added.</p>

<h2>Extensive training boosts my confidence</h2>

<p>Rohit also reflected on his role as an opener across all formats, saying he relies on extensive training to boost his confidence heading into the match.</p>

<p>"Confidence stems from rigorous preparation and mastering skills. I thrive on the challenge of starting innings in adverse conditions and rely on extensive training to bolster my self-belief,” Rohit remarked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Rohit-led Team India won the second Test against England in Vizag, levelling the five-match series 1-1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the BCCI announcing the squad for the remaining three Tests, the home side will hope to continue with the winning momentum.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Team India’s squad for final three Tests –</h3>

<p>Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rajat Patidar, Ravindra Jadeja, KS Bharat (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep</p>


One doesn't have to be larger than life to be a successful leader; sometimes good thoughts, trusting your teammates and injecting confidence in them do the job. India’s all-format captain, Rohit Sharma, thinks and operates on the same line.

One doesn't have to be larger than life to be a successful leader; sometimes good thoughts, trusting your teammates and injecting confidence in them do the job. India’s all-format captain, Rohit Sharma, thinks and operates on the same line. Speaking at an event in Mumbai ahead of the Rajkot Test against England, Rohit opened up on the leadership mantra that saw him succeed across all facets of the game. For the record, Rohit is a five-time IPL-winning captain with Mumbai Indians, while for India, he led them to the Nidahas Trophy in 2018. Under his leadership, India also won the 2023 Asia Cup, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and Pakistan, beating the Island Nation in the most one-sided finals in the tournament's history. “As a leader, it's crucial to instil confidence in players and make them feel valued regardless of their role in the team,” Rohit said during the Leo1, Mastercard & NSDL event in Mumbai. “Each player's contribution is essential to the team's success, whether they play ten balls at No. 6 or 7,” the India captain added. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: Virat to miss remainder of series due to personal reason; Jadeja, Rahul await fitness clearance Having a reputation of being an understanding captain, with several national and IPL teammates praising him for being all ears throughout, Rohit said he ensures of instilling confidence into the players and backing them irrespective of their role and contribution to the team and its success. Much like how the former India captain and perhaps the greatest in the country’s white-ball history, MS Dhoni, used to use his players to the team’s advantage, Rohit somewhat does the same, but in his own way. "I make it a point to interact with players individually, understand their concerns, and provide reassurance. Building trust and confidence is paramount, especially in challenging situations,” Rohit added. Extensive training boosts my confidence Rohit also reflected on his role as an opener across all formats, saying he relies on extensive training to boost his confidence heading into the match. "Confidence stems from rigorous preparation and mastering skills. I thrive on the challenge of starting innings in adverse conditions and rely on extensive training to bolster my self-belief,” Rohit remarked. Meanwhile, Rohit-led Team India won the second Test against England in Vizag, levelling the five-match series 1-1. With the BCCI announcing the squad for the remaining three Tests, the home side will hope to continue with the winning momentum. Team India’s squad for final three Tests – Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rajat Patidar, Ravindra Jadeja, KS Bharat (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep

Building trust and confidence is paramount: Rohit Sharma on his success mantra as captain

<p>Former England Test captain Joe Root lauded Indian superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, heaping praise on the duo's experience and hopes the visitors can keep them quiet in the series. Root feels Rohit and Kohli have a big role to play within the current Indian setup and pointed out how the two can score big, hence, England need to get rid of them as early as possible. So far, Rohit has managed just 90 runs in four innings, with a best of 39, whereas Kohli missed the first two games and is expected to feature in the remainder of the series.</p>

<p>While speaking to JioCinema and Sports18, Root stated, "You mentioned two of the greats of the modern era. Of course, there’s going to be focus. We know how good they are and they are also very senior within this current Indian batting lineup. So clearly they’ve got a big role to play within this Test team. You want to make sure that you try and get on top of them early. They’ve got the ability to get big scores and we’ve been on the wrong end of that a few times, so it would be nice to try and keep them as quiet as we can throughout the series."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/we-dont-do-team-meeting-anymore-reveals-former-england-skipper-joe-root-687789">'We don't do team meeting anymore,' reveals former England skipper Joe Root</a></strong></p>

<p>Rohit-led India drew the five-match series with a 106-run win over England in the second Test in Visakhapatnam on Monday (Feb 5). Both sides have several days off before they lock horns for the third Test, in Rajkot, which gets underway on Feb 15. India's squad for the remainder of the series is expected to be out soon and there is a lot of hype around it, with the likely return of Kohli. Kohli missed the first two Tests due to personal reasons and there have been no updates regarding his availability for the final three games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Root has blown hot and cold with the bat in the ongoing series. He has managed scores of 29, 2, 5 and 16 in four outings but accounted for five dismissals. He will look to go big in the third Test with the series tantalisingly poised at 1-1.</p>


Former England Test captain Joe Root lauded Indian superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, heaping praise on the duo's experience and hopes the visitors can keep them quiet in the series.

Former England Test captain Joe Root lauded Indian superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, heaping praise on the duo's experience and hopes the visitors can keep them quiet in the series. Root feels Rohit and Kohli have a big role to play within the current Indian setup and pointed out how the two can score big, hence, England need to get rid of them as early as possible. So far, Rohit has managed just 90 runs in four innings, with a best of 39, whereas Kohli missed the first two games and is expected to feature in the remainder of the series. While speaking to JioCinema and Sports18, Root stated, "You mentioned two of the greats of the modern era. Of course, there’s going to be focus. We know how good they are and they are also very senior within this current Indian batting lineup. So clearly they’ve got a big role to play within this Test team. You want to make sure that you try and get on top of them early. They’ve got the ability to get big scores and we’ve been on the wrong end of that a few times, so it would be nice to try and keep them as quiet as we can throughout the series." Also read: 'We don't do team meeting anymore,' reveals former England skipper Joe Root Rohit-led India drew the five-match series with a 106-run win over England in the second Test in Visakhapatnam on Monday (Feb 5). Both sides have several days off before they lock horns for the third Test, in Rajkot, which gets underway on Feb 15. India's squad for the remainder of the series is expected to be out soon and there is a lot of hype around it, with the likely return of Kohli. Kohli missed the first two Tests due to personal reasons and there have been no updates regarding his availability for the final three games. Meanwhile, Root has blown hot and cold with the bat in the ongoing series. He has managed scores of 29, 2, 5 and 16 in four outings but accounted for five dismissals. He will look to go big in the third Test with the series tantalisingly poised at 1-1.

Ind vs Eng: Root lauds Rohit and Kohli, says visitors eager to keep them quiet in the series

<p>Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan lauded India for being aggressive and having the self-belief to level the five-match Test series, versus England,&nbsp;in the second Test in Visakhapatnam. Rohit Sharma-led India, who entered the second Test without the likes of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, were trailing 0-1 after the loss in Hyderabad. However, they rode on Jasprit Bumrah's nine-wicket match haul, Yashasvi Jaiswal's 209 and Shubman Gill's 104 to win by 106 runs on Day 4 on Monday (Feb 5).</p>

<h2><strong>'Batting is something that they will be talking about'</strong></h2>

<p>After the Test match, Zaheer lauded Rohit &amp; Co. for having the belief to level the series but also cautioned them going ahead, highlighting their areas of concern.&nbsp;Speaking to JioCinema, Zak said, "If you are one down in the series, you need that aggression, fight and belief to make sure that it is 1-1 after the end of the game. And I think Rohit was able to bring out those individual performances from the players. There are a few concerns when you look at the team - batting is something that they will be talking about because under these conditions, on this sort of a surface, we have seen India do better."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-havent-gotten-rid-of-bazball-former-indian-stumper-cautions-rohit-sharma-co-despite-vizag-win-687493">India haven’t gotten rid of Bazball: Former Indian stumper cautions Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. despite Vizag win</a></strong></p>

<p>He further opined, "You look at England's second innings, there is only one half-century and they still managed to get close to 300. That is what collective effort can do. We have seen two brilliant innings - Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, but with the bat, there is a lot of work to be done."</p>

<p>Zak added, "On the bowling front as well, you had the brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah. On this kind of surface, you feel that your spinners were at times under pressure, and because of that they needed the help from the batters. So, to control all these factors - this is where the captain needs to come into play, and Rohit has been superb when it comes to all these factors and situations."</p>

<p>The third Test will kick off on Feb 15 in Rajkot with the series interestingly poised at 1-1. India expect the return of Kohli and Rahul for the remainder of the series whereas Jadeja and Mohammed Shami are likely to miss the entire series due to injury concerns. India's squad for the final three Tests is expected to be out soon.</p>


Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan lauded India for being aggressive and having the self-belief to level the five-match Test series, versus England, in the second Test in Visakhapatnam.

Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan lauded India for being aggressive and having the self-belief to level the five-match Test series, versus England, in the second Test in Visakhapatnam. Rohit Sharma-led India, who entered the second Test without the likes of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, were trailing 0-1 after the loss in Hyderabad. However, they rode on Jasprit Bumrah's nine-wicket match haul, Yashasvi Jaiswal's 209 and Shubman Gill's 104 to win by 106 runs on Day 4 on Monday (Feb 5). 'Batting is something that they will be talking about' After the Test match, Zaheer lauded Rohit & Co. for having the belief to level the series but also cautioned them going ahead, highlighting their areas of concern. Speaking to JioCinema, Zak said, "If you are one down in the series, you need that aggression, fight and belief to make sure that it is 1-1 after the end of the game. And I think Rohit was able to bring out those individual performances from the players. There are a few concerns when you look at the team - batting is something that they will be talking about because under these conditions, on this sort of a surface, we have seen India do better." Also read: India haven’t gotten rid of Bazball: Former Indian stumper cautions Rohit Sharma & Co. despite Vizag win He further opined, "You look at England's second innings, there is only one half-century and they still managed to get close to 300. That is what collective effort can do. We have seen two brilliant innings - Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, but with the bat, there is a lot of work to be done." Zak added, "On the bowling front as well, you had the brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah. On this kind of surface, you feel that your spinners were at times under pressure, and because of that they needed the help from the batters. So, to control all these factors - this is where the captain needs to come into play, and Rohit has been superb when it comes to all these factors and situations." The third Test will kick off on Feb 15 in Rajkot with the series interestingly poised at 1-1. India expect the return of Kohli and Rahul for the remainder of the series whereas Jadeja and Mohammed Shami are likely to miss the entire series due to injury concerns. India's squad for the final three Tests is expected to be out soon.

Ind vs Eng: ‘There are a few concerns’ - Zaheer Khan shares advice for Team India despite Vizag Test win

<p>India beat England by 106 runs on Day 4 of the second Test in Visakhapatnam on Monday (Feb 5). Opting to bat first, India rode on Yashasvi Jaiswal's double century (209) but only managed 396 overall in the first innings. In reply, England got dismissed for 253 to handover a vital 143-run lead as Shubman Gill's 104 and Axar Patel's 45 enabled India to set a challenging 399-run target.</p>

<p>England started Day 4 resuming at 67 for 1 and were going for the run-chase, backing their much-talked about and successful Bazball approach. However, they fell for 292 to lose by 106 runs as the series is now levelled at 1-1. With three more Tests to go&nbsp;in the five-match series, former Indian stumper-turned-commentator Parthiv Patel has warned Rohit Sharma &amp; Co.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking on Colors Cineplex, Parthiv said, "We definitely cannot say that we have gotten rid of Bazball because when India had set a nearly 400-run target in the fourth innings, we were still thinking that they might be able to chase it."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/joe-root-is-selling-himself-really-short-former-indian-opener-unimpressed-with-englishman-after-2nd-test-687477">Joe Root is selling himself really short: Former Indian opener unimpressed with Englishman after 2nd Test</a></strong></p>

<p>"332 runs were required on the fourth morning and yet it seemed like that. 106 runs were left when they got all out. If Joe Root hadn't played that shot and Ben Stokes hadn't gone for a walk in the park, if that run-out dismissal hadn't happened, it might have been difficult," he added.</p>

<p>In England's final innings, Zak Crawley top scored with a fine 73 whereas many others got starts but failed to convert them into big scores. Had anyone else stuck around for a bit more, the chase could have gone in England's favour. From India's perspective, despite tons from Jaiswal and Gill, it was vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah's match figures of 9 for 91 which propelled India to a much-needed win.</p>

<p>The series is now&nbsp;interestingly poised at 1-1 with the third Test to kick off on Feb 15 in Rajkot.&nbsp;</p>


India beat England by 106 runs on Day 4 of the second Test in Visakhapatnam on Monday (Feb 5). Opting to bat first, India rode on Yashasvi Jaiswal's double century (209) but only managed 396 overall in the first innings.

India beat England by 106 runs on Day 4 of the second Test in Visakhapatnam on Monday (Feb 5). Opting to bat first, India rode on Yashasvi Jaiswal's double century (209) but only managed 396 overall in the first innings. In reply, England got dismissed for 253 to handover a vital 143-run lead as Shubman Gill's 104 and Axar Patel's 45 enabled India to set a challenging 399-run target. England started Day 4 resuming at 67 for 1 and were going for the run-chase, backing their much-talked about and successful Bazball approach. However, they fell for 292 to lose by 106 runs as the series is now levelled at 1-1. With three more Tests to go in the five-match series, former Indian stumper-turned-commentator Parthiv Patel has warned Rohit Sharma & Co. Speaking on Colors Cineplex, Parthiv said, "We definitely cannot say that we have gotten rid of Bazball because when India had set a nearly 400-run target in the fourth innings, we were still thinking that they might be able to chase it." Also read: Joe Root is selling himself really short: Former Indian opener unimpressed with Englishman after 2nd Test "332 runs were required on the fourth morning and yet it seemed like that. 106 runs were left when they got all out. If Joe Root hadn't played that shot and Ben Stokes hadn't gone for a walk in the park, if that run-out dismissal hadn't happened, it might have been difficult," he added. In England's final innings, Zak Crawley top scored with a fine 73 whereas many others got starts but failed to convert them into big scores. Had anyone else stuck around for a bit more, the chase could have gone in England's favour. From India's perspective, despite tons from Jaiswal and Gill, it was vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah's match figures of 9 for 91 which propelled India to a much-needed win. The series is now interestingly poised at 1-1 with the third Test to kick off on Feb 15 in Rajkot.

India haven’t gotten rid of Bazball: Former Indian stumper cautions Rohit Sharma & Co. despite Vizag win

<p>Before the end of 2023, the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise dropped a bomb by announcing Hardik Pandya as the captain, ending&nbsp;Rohit Sharma's glorious captaincy era. Hardik was brought back by the MI franchise, from Gujarat Titans (GT), in a mega trade ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. With him replacing Rohit, the move met with mixed reactions.</p>

<p>Two months since Hardik's appointment, MI head coach Mark Boucher opined on the team management's decision regarding the big call. Boucher stated that 'it was a purely cricketing decision' and lesser responsibilities will help Rohit enjoy as a player,&nbsp;following some ordinary run&nbsp;with the bat in the recent IPL seasons.</p>

<p>Speaking on Smash Sports Podcast, Boucher said, "I think it was purely a cricketing decision. We saw the window period to get Hardik back as a player. For me it's a transition phase. A lot of people don't understand in India, people get quite emotional, but you know you take the emotions away from it. I think it's just more of a cricketing decision that was made and I do think it is going to bring the best out of Rohit as a person as a player. Just let him go out and enjoy and score some good runs."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-2nd-test-shubman-gill-lauds-support-from-rohit-sharma-coaching-staff-after-century-on-day-3-687049">IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: Shubman Gill lauds support from Rohit Sharma, coaching staff after century on day 3</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>'This is an&nbsp;opportunity for him to step as a player'</strong></h2>

<p>The South African further opined, "One thing I did pick up with Ro (Rohit) is that he is a fantastic guy. I mean he's been captaining for ages and he's done really well for Mumbai Indians. Now he also leads India as well. It is that he walks into a place and there's just cameras in it and he's so busy and he hasn't had probably the best couple of seasons of late with the bat but he's done well as a captain.</p>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>"And I just thought you know when we're speaking with the whole Mumbai Indians group, we thought that maybe this is the opportunity for him to step as a player. We believe he got some great value to add and just go out there and actually enjoy it without the hype of being a captain."</p>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>He added, "He is still going to captain India so that hype's going be there but when he steps into the IPL maybe just taking that extra bit of pressure off him as a captain an maybe we get the best out of Rohit Sharma. We want to see him playing with a smile on his face, spending a bit of time with his beautiful family."</p>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>On Hardik filling the big shoes of Rohit -- under whom MI have won five IPL titles (joint-most along with Chennai Super Kings) -- Boucher said, "He is a Mumbai Indians boy. He went to other franchise, won the title in first year, ended up runner-up in his second year. So there's obviously some very good leadership skills as well."</p>

<p>With the likes of Rohit, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, etc., Hardik will enjoy a lot of support when he steps on the field as the MI captain in the forthcoming IPL season.</p>

<p>It will be interesting to see how he responds to the challenge of replacing Rohit as the captain of a&nbsp;high-profile franchise. He has tasted success as GT skipper, leading them to the IPL title in their maiden season in 2022, however, captaining Mumbai will be a different experience altogether.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>MI squad for IPL 2024:</strong> Ishan Kishan, Vishnu Vinod,&nbsp;Rohit Sharma, Tim David, Suryakumar Yadav, N. Tilak Varma, Dewald Brevis, Hardik Pandya (c), Romario Shepherd, Nehal Wadhera, Shams Mulani, Gerald Coetzee, Mohammad Nabi, Shivalik Sharma, Naman Dhir, Jasprit Bumrah, Jason Behrendorff, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Arjun Tendulkar, Piyush Chawla, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara, Anshul Kamboj, Shreyas Gopal.</p>
</section>
</section>


Before the end of 2023, the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise dropped a bomb by announcing Hardik Pandya as the captain, ending Rohit Sharma's glorious captaincy era.

Before the end of 2023, the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise dropped a bomb by announcing Hardik Pandya as the captain, ending Rohit Sharma's glorious captaincy era. Hardik was brought back by the MI franchise, from Gujarat Titans (GT), in a mega trade ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. With him replacing Rohit, the move met with mixed reactions. Two months since Hardik's appointment, MI head coach Mark Boucher opined on the team management's decision regarding the big call. Boucher stated that 'it was a purely cricketing decision' and lesser responsibilities will help Rohit enjoy as a player, following some ordinary run with the bat in the recent IPL seasons. Speaking on Smash Sports Podcast, Boucher said, "I think it was purely a cricketing decision. We saw the window period to get Hardik back as a player. For me it's a transition phase. A lot of people don't understand in India, people get quite emotional, but you know you take the emotions away from it. I think it's just more of a cricketing decision that was made and I do think it is going to bring the best out of Rohit as a person as a player. Just let him go out and enjoy and score some good runs." Also read: IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: Shubman Gill lauds support from Rohit Sharma, coaching staff after century on day 3 'This is an opportunity for him to step as a player' The South African further opined, "One thing I did pick up with Ro (Rohit) is that he is a fantastic guy. I mean he's been captaining for ages and he's done really well for Mumbai Indians. Now he also leads India as well. It is that he walks into a place and there's just cameras in it and he's so busy and he hasn't had probably the best couple of seasons of late with the bat but he's done well as a captain. "And I just thought you know when we're speaking with the whole Mumbai Indians group, we thought that maybe this is the opportunity for him to step as a player. We believe he got some great value to add and just go out there and actually enjoy it without the hype of being a captain." He added, "He is still going to captain India so that hype's going be there but when he steps into the IPL maybe just taking that extra bit of pressure off him as a captain an maybe we get the best out of Rohit Sharma. We want to see him playing with a smile on his face, spending a bit of time with his beautiful family." On Hardik filling the big shoes of Rohit -- under whom MI have won five IPL titles (joint-most along with Chennai Super Kings) -- Boucher said, "He is a Mumbai Indians boy. He went to other franchise, won the title in first year, ended up runner-up in his second year. So there's obviously some very good leadership skills as well." With the likes of Rohit, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, etc., Hardik will enjoy a lot of support when he steps on the field as the MI captain in the forthcoming IPL season. It will be interesting to see how he responds to the challenge of replacing Rohit as the captain of a high-profile franchise. He has tasted success as GT skipper, leading them to the IPL title in their maiden season in 2022, however, captaining Mumbai will be a different experience altogether. MI squad for IPL 2024: Ishan Kishan, Vishnu Vinod, Rohit Sharma, Tim David, Suryakumar Yadav, N. Tilak Varma, Dewald Brevis, Hardik Pandya (c), Romario Shepherd, Nehal Wadhera, Shams Mulani, Gerald Coetzee, Mohammad Nabi, Shivalik Sharma, Naman Dhir, Jasprit Bumrah, Jason Behrendorff, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Arjun Tendulkar, Piyush Chawla, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara, Anshul Kamboj, Shreyas Gopal.

People in India get emotional but...: MI coach on Hardik replacing Rohit as captain ahead of IPL 2024

<p>India captain Rohit Sharma is very proud of his team for winning the second Test against England in Vizag and levelling the five-match series 1-1. The thumping 106-run victory came on the back of star performances mainly from three individuals – Yashasvi Jaiswal (209 in the first innings), Bumrah (nine&nbsp;wickets in the match) and Shubman Gill (104 in the second innings), and Rohit feels other batters need to step up in the remainder of the series.</p>

<p>While praising the wicket for being fair and batting-friendly, the India captain admitted that batters failed to convert those starts. He said the squad at the helm is young and will learn with time.</p>

<p>The opener added this win will boost the side’s confidence as they chase another series win at home in this format.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-2nd-test-india-beat-england-by-106-runs-in-vizag-equal-series-1-1-687125">IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: India beat England by 106 runs in Vizag, level series 1-1</a></strong></p>

<p>"The wicket was really good to bat on. That's where, if I have to point anything, a lot of the batters got the start, but didn't convert into a big score, and [that's] something that we really need to look into," Rohit said at the post-match ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But, again, having said that, I do understand they're very young, [and] they're very new to this form of the game. So obviously, it will take some time for us. It's important from our side to give them confidence, and this win, obviously, will give them a lot of confidence, and [tell them] just to go out there and play freely,” the India captain added.</p>

<h2>‘Proud of this team’</h2>

<p>Bazball is all over everyone and vowed to punish India in their conditions. Having won the first Test in Hyderabad from a losing position, England showed what their newest brand of cricket can do. Even in the recently-concluded second Test, England remained calm during the 399-run chase.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India didn’t allow them to build pressure on them, and courtesy of handy performances from Bumrah and Ashwin, they won this tie. Rohit acknowledged his team’s performance, saying,&nbsp; "Very, very proud of such a young squad in terms of the Test matches that they've played. To come up against a team like that, [who] won the first Test match, and then to come out and play like that for us, [it's] very, very positive."</p>

<p>"Like I said, a lot of the guys are quite young in terms of playing this form of the game for us. So it'll take some time, obviously, to be absolutely spot on, but you've got to give it to them. [They need] a little more time, a little more freedom as well. And that is something that we are constantly talking in the changing room that we want these guys to have some time in the middle, go and play freely without any pressure,” the India skipper added.</p>

<p>Rajkot will host the third Test starting February 15.&nbsp;</p>


India captain Rohit Sharma is very proud of his team for winning the second Test against England in Vizag and levelling the five-match series 1-1. The thumping 106-run victory came on the back of star performances mainly from three individuals – Yashasvi Jaiswal (209 in the first innings), Bumrah (nine wickets in the match) and Shubman Gill (104 in the second innings), and Rohit feels other batters need to step up in the remainder of the series.

India captain Rohit Sharma is very proud of his team for winning the second Test against England in Vizag and levelling the five-match series 1-1. The thumping 106-run victory came on the back of star performances mainly from three individuals – Yashasvi Jaiswal (209 in the first innings), Bumrah (nine wickets in the match) and Shubman Gill (104 in the second innings), and Rohit feels other batters need to step up in the remainder of the series. While praising the wicket for being fair and batting-friendly, the India captain admitted that batters failed to convert those starts. He said the squad at the helm is young and will learn with time. The opener added this win will boost the side’s confidence as they chase another series win at home in this format. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: India beat England by 106 runs in Vizag, level series 1-1 "The wicket was really good to bat on. That's where, if I have to point anything, a lot of the batters got the start, but didn't convert into a big score, and [that's] something that we really need to look into," Rohit said at the post-match ceremony. "But, again, having said that, I do understand they're very young, [and] they're very new to this form of the game. So obviously, it will take some time for us. It's important from our side to give them confidence, and this win, obviously, will give them a lot of confidence, and [tell them] just to go out there and play freely,” the India captain added. ‘Proud of this team’ Bazball is all over everyone and vowed to punish India in their conditions. Having won the first Test in Hyderabad from a losing position, England showed what their newest brand of cricket can do. Even in the recently-concluded second Test, England remained calm during the 399-run chase. India didn’t allow them to build pressure on them, and courtesy of handy performances from Bumrah and Ashwin, they won this tie. Rohit acknowledged his team’s performance, saying, "Very, very proud of such a young squad in terms of the Test matches that they've played. To come up against a team like that, [who] won the first Test match, and then to come out and play like that for us, [it's] very, very positive." "Like I said, a lot of the guys are quite young in terms of playing this form of the game for us. So it'll take some time, obviously, to be absolutely spot on, but you've got to give it to them. [They need] a little more time, a little more freedom as well. And that is something that we are constantly talking in the changing room that we want these guys to have some time in the middle, go and play freely without any pressure,” the India skipper added. Rajkot will host the third Test starting February 15.

IND vs ENG: ‘Proud’ Rohit lauds young squad but wants more from batters after Vizag Test win

<p>India beat England by 106&nbsp;runs on day 4 (Feb 5) of the second Test in Vizag to equal the five-match series 1-1. Chasing 399, England were bowled out for 292&nbsp;runs in their second innings after the hosts took five of the nine remaining wickets in the first session only. For India, Jasprit Bumrah took three wickets in the second innings as did spinner Ravi Ashwin, who finished the Test with 499 career wickets to his name.</p>

<p>England started well from their overnight score of 67/1 before Axar Patel sent back 'nighthawk' Rehan Ahmed for a team score of 95. The off spinner again struck shortly after to dismiss first Test's hero Ollie Pope and Joe Root as England found themselves at 154/4 shortly before lunch on day 4.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/former-england-batter-alastair-cook-lauds-young-shubman-gill-for-carrying-pressure-of-india-on-shoulders-687097">Former England batter Alastair Cook lauds young Shubman Gill for 'carrying pressure of India on shoulders'</a></p>

<p>Kuldeep Yadav then dismissed Zak Crawley, who scored a magnificent 73 in addition to his 76 in the first innings. Jasprit Bumrah, who took a six-fer in the first innings, then joined the party and sent back Jonny Bairstow. Bumrah's wicket effectively tilted game in India's favour as the teams went to lunch with the hosts just four wickets away from the win.</p>

<p>In the second session, Skipper Ben Stokes was found short by Shreyas Iyer while trying to sneak a quick single as all of England's hope to win the match became futile. Ben Foakes and Tom Hartley did put up a bit of resistance with a 55-run partnership for the eighth wicket before Bumrah sent back Foakes with a return catch off his own bowling.</p>

<p>England's last two wickets fell cheaply&nbsp;as India&nbsp;completed a much-needed turn around after losing the first Test by 28 runs in Hyderabad. Bumrah was named Player of the Match for his 9-wicket haul including a six-fer in the first innings.</p>

<p>The third Test of the series will be played from February 15-19 in Rajkot.</p>


India beat England by 106 runs on day 4 (Feb 5) of the second Test in Vizag to equal the five-match series 1-1. Chasing 399, England were bowled out for 292 runs in their second innings after the hosts took five of the nine remaining wickets in the first session only.

India beat England by 106 runs on day 4 (Feb 5) of the second Test in Vizag to equal the five-match series 1-1. Chasing 399, England were bowled out for 292 runs in their second innings after the hosts took five of the nine remaining wickets in the first session only. For India, Jasprit Bumrah took three wickets in the second innings as did spinner Ravi Ashwin, who finished the Test with 499 career wickets to his name. England started well from their overnight score of 67/1 before Axar Patel sent back 'nighthawk' Rehan Ahmed for a team score of 95. The off spinner again struck shortly after to dismiss first Test's hero Ollie Pope and Joe Root as England found themselves at 154/4 shortly before lunch on day 4. Also Read: Former England batter Alastair Cook lauds young Shubman Gill for 'carrying pressure of India on shoulders' Kuldeep Yadav then dismissed Zak Crawley, who scored a magnificent 73 in addition to his 76 in the first innings. Jasprit Bumrah, who took a six-fer in the first innings, then joined the party and sent back Jonny Bairstow. Bumrah's wicket effectively tilted game in India's favour as the teams went to lunch with the hosts just four wickets away from the win. In the second session, Skipper Ben Stokes was found short by Shreyas Iyer while trying to sneak a quick single as all of England's hope to win the match became futile. Ben Foakes and Tom Hartley did put up a bit of resistance with a 55-run partnership for the eighth wicket before Bumrah sent back Foakes with a return catch off his own bowling. England's last two wickets fell cheaply as India completed a much-needed turn around after losing the first Test by 28 runs in Hyderabad. Bumrah was named Player of the Match for his 9-wicket haul including a six-fer in the first innings. The third Test of the series will be played from February 15-19 in Rajkot.

IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: India beat England by 106 runs in Vizag, level series 1-1

<p>The 41-year-old James Anderson backs England to complete the run-chase inside 70 overs on day four of the ongoing Vizag Test against India. England is 67 for one, with opener Zak Crawley (29*) and nightwatchman Rehan Ahmed (9*) at the crease. Anderson sounded confident in England’s chances of taking a 2-0 lead in this five-match series while commenting on India’s ‘cautious approach’ despite grand lead.</p>

<p>After wrapping up England inside three sessions on day two, India scored only 255 in their second innings, giving the visitors a mega target of 399. Anderson said India didn’t play freely, as they didn’t know what total was good enough target.</p>

<p>Revealing the dressing room chat with the coach, Brendon McCullum, a night before, Anderson said the boss asked them to chase even 600 in the fourth innings.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vizag-test-joe-roots-finger-not-great-but-he-can-bat-in-4th-innings-reveals-james-anderson-686927">Vizag Test: Joe Root's finger 'not great' but he can bat in 4th innings, reveals James Anderson</a></strong></p>

<p>"I think the nerves were there to see today, the way they batted, I think they didn't know how many was enough," Anderson said after stumps on day three. "They were quite cautious, even when they had a big lead. The chat last night from the coach was that if they get 600, we were going to go for it."</p>

<h2>Will wrap the match inside 70 overs</h2>

<p>With over 300 runs needed inside 180 overs and nine wickets remaining, England has ample time to chase this total and create history. However, Anderson feels the job will be done inside three sessions or within 60-70 overs on day four.</p>

<p>"It makes it very clear to everyone that we will try to do it tomorrow. I know there are 180 overs left in the game, but we will try to do it in 60 or 70,” Anderson said.</p>

<p>Backing England to deploy the same approach that got them this far in world cricket since Stokes and McCullum took over, Anderson said England will do no different than what they have done so far, irrespective of the result.</p>

<p>“That's the way we play, and we saw that tonight with Rehan [Ahmed] going out and playing his shots. He wanted to get out there and chase those runs down, even tonight. We have set our stall out, tomorrow will be no different, we will play the same way we have the last two years.</p>

<p>Whether we win or lose, it's not irrelevant because we are extremely competitive and want to win every game we play, but we want to play in a certain way. I think we will be doing that tomorrow,” Anderson added.</p>


The 41-year-old James Anderson backs England to complete the run-chase inside 70 overs on day four of the ongoing Vizag Test against India. England is 67 for one, with opener Zak Crawley (29*) and nightwatchman Rehan Ahmed (9*) at the crease.

The 41-year-old James Anderson backs England to complete the run-chase inside 70 overs on day four of the ongoing Vizag Test against India. England is 67 for one, with opener Zak Crawley (29*) and nightwatchman Rehan Ahmed (9*) at the crease. Anderson sounded confident in England’s chances of taking a 2-0 lead in this five-match series while commenting on India’s ‘cautious approach’ despite grand lead. After wrapping up England inside three sessions on day two, India scored only 255 in their second innings, giving the visitors a mega target of 399. Anderson said India didn’t play freely, as they didn’t know what total was good enough target. Revealing the dressing room chat with the coach, Brendon McCullum, a night before, Anderson said the boss asked them to chase even 600 in the fourth innings. ALSO READ: Vizag Test: Joe Root's finger 'not great' but he can bat in 4th innings, reveals James Anderson "I think the nerves were there to see today, the way they batted, I think they didn't know how many was enough," Anderson said after stumps on day three. "They were quite cautious, even when they had a big lead. The chat last night from the coach was that if they get 600, we were going to go for it." Will wrap the match inside 70 overs With over 300 runs needed inside 180 overs and nine wickets remaining, England has ample time to chase this total and create history. However, Anderson feels the job will be done inside three sessions or within 60-70 overs on day four. "It makes it very clear to everyone that we will try to do it tomorrow. I know there are 180 overs left in the game, but we will try to do it in 60 or 70,” Anderson said. Backing England to deploy the same approach that got them this far in world cricket since Stokes and McCullum took over, Anderson said England will do no different than what they have done so far, irrespective of the result. “That's the way we play, and we saw that tonight with Rehan [Ahmed] going out and playing his shots. He wanted to get out there and chase those runs down, even tonight. We have set our stall out, tomorrow will be no different, we will play the same way we have the last two years. Whether we win or lose, it's not irrelevant because we are extremely competitive and want to win every game we play, but we want to play in a certain way. I think we will be doing that tomorrow,” Anderson added.

Vizag Test, Day 3: India looked nervous, they didn’t know how many runs were enough, says Anderson

<p>India captain Rohit Sharma hilariously reacted to a caught-behind appeal by Kuldeep Yadav during day three of the Vizag Test against England. In a video clip going viral on social media, Rohit made all kinds of expressions to Kuldeep’s appeal against Zak Crawley after the replays showed a daylight difference between bat and ball.</p>

<p>The India captain is known to be vocal with his words and expressions on the field; after how Kuldeep tried convincing Rohit to take a DRS call for that appeal, the India veteran reacted hilariously.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-2nd-test-england-stay-alive-in-chase-after-gills-heroics-on-day-3-686894">IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: England stay alive in chase after Gill’s heroics on day 3</a></strong></p>

<p>Facing Bumrah off the new ball, Crawley escaped close calls on few&nbsp;occasions before this one, which missed the bat and went ahead with the seam, going away from the batter. While the whole team appeared interested, Kuldeep sounded super excited, going the extra mile trying to convince his captain to go for the review.</p>

<h2>You can watch the video here –&nbsp;</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thanks but no thanks Kuldeep 😜<br />
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Skipper Rohit Sharma is glad to have not taken the review for that one 😂 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BazBowled?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BazBowled</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IDFCFirstBankTestsSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IDFCFirstBankTestsSeries</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JioCinemaSports?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JioCinemaSports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RohitSharma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RohitSharma</a> <a href="https://t.co/hnc7iSXlo3">pic.twitter.com/hnc7iSXlo3</a></p>
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) <a href="https://twitter.com/JioCinema/status/1754096595485028437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>England hoping for Bazball miracle</strong></p>

<p>Chasing a whopping 399 in Vizag, England stand tall thus far in the chase with 67 for one at stumps after the third day’s play. The openers – Crawley and Ben Duckett, added 50 for the first wicket, but Ashwin broke the stand with the left-hander’s wicket in his first over.</p>

<p>Having won the previous game miraculously despite trailing by 190 runs in the first innings, England will hope for Bazball to come good in this Test too.</p>

<p>Considering Captain Ben Stokes hasn't lost a Test series since taking over the role in September 2022, winning this match will keep his and his team’s record intact.</p>

<p>With two days remaining in the Test, England has nine wickets in hand, needing 332 runs to win the match and make it 2-0.</p>

<h3>Gill shines in Vizag</h3>

<p>After failing to own the number three spot since the West Indies tour last year, Shubman Gill finally came good in the second innings, scoring his third Test hundred – first against England at home this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Courtesy of his handsome knock, India scored 255 in the second innings, giving England a massive target of 399 runs.&nbsp;</p>


India captain Rohit Sharma hilariously reacted to a caught-behind appeal by Kuldeep Yadav during day three of the Vizag Test against England. In a video clip going viral on social media, Rohit made all kinds of expressions to Kuldeep’s appeal against Zak Crawley after the replays showed a daylight difference between bat and ball.

India captain Rohit Sharma hilariously reacted to a caught-behind appeal by Kuldeep Yadav during day three of the Vizag Test against England. In a video clip going viral on social media, Rohit made all kinds of expressions to Kuldeep’s appeal against Zak Crawley after the replays showed a daylight difference between bat and ball. The India captain is known to be vocal with his words and expressions on the field; after how Kuldeep tried convincing Rohit to take a DRS call for that appeal, the India veteran reacted hilariously. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: England stay alive in chase after Gill’s heroics on day 3 Facing Bumrah off the new ball, Crawley escaped close calls on few occasions before this one, which missed the bat and went ahead with the seam, going away from the batter. While the whole team appeared interested, Kuldeep sounded super excited, going the extra mile trying to convince his captain to go for the review. You can watch the video here – Thanks but no thanks Kuldeep 😜 Skipper Rohit Sharma is glad to have not taken the review for that one 😂 #INDvENG #BazBowled #IDFCFirstBankTestsSeries #JioCinemaSports #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/hnc7iSXlo3 — JioCinema (@JioCinema) February 4, 2024 × England hoping for Bazball miracle Chasing a whopping 399 in Vizag, England stand tall thus far in the chase with 67 for one at stumps after the third day’s play. The openers – Crawley and Ben Duckett, added 50 for the first wicket, but Ashwin broke the stand with the left-hander’s wicket in his first over. Having won the previous game miraculously despite trailing by 190 runs in the first innings, England will hope for Bazball to come good in this Test too. Considering Captain Ben Stokes hasn't lost a Test series since taking over the role in September 2022, winning this match will keep his and his team’s record intact. With two days remaining in the Test, England has nine wickets in hand, needing 332 runs to win the match and make it 2-0. Gill shines in Vizag After failing to own the number three spot since the West Indies tour last year, Shubman Gill finally came good in the second innings, scoring his third Test hundred – first against England at home this year. Courtesy of his handsome knock, India scored 255 in the second innings, giving England a massive target of 399 runs.

Entertainment on cricket field – Watch Rohit’s hilarious reaction to Kuldeep’s caught-behind appeal

<p>England veteran Geoffrey Boycott has hit back at Rohit Sharma fans for being delusional about the India batter not being ‘past his prime’ yet, saying they should avoid defending something that’s not defensible. Boycott earlier made headlines for his remarks on Rohit, 36 now, saying the batting veteran is not at his best anymore and has to use his experience to combat his age.</p>

<p>The right-handed batter endured a tough time in the middle during the first innings of the ongoing Test against England.&nbsp;Alongside young Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored his maiden double hundred (209), Rohit could contribute little for the first wicket stand before falling prey to debutant Shoaib Bashir on just 14.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Replying to a post on X (previously known as Twitter), Boycott said he appreciates Rohit for the batter that he had been, but, like how after a certain age (36 here), most sportspersons with their diminishing reflexes get slow, Rohit appears to have reached that space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although he backed the India captain to contribute with the bat, Boycott feels he still has to use the experience to compensate for his age.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-v-eng-we-believe-we-can-chase-anything-crawley-on-englands-chances-in-vizag-686743">IND v ENG: ‘We believe we can chase anything’ – Crawley on England’s chances in Vizag</a></strong></p>

<p>He wrote, “Supporters of Rohit stop defending the indefensible he’s been a super batsman &amp; still good, but nobody gets better after age 36, we all decline in fitness reactions speed of thought endurance etc. doesn’t mean he can’t make runs but has to use all his experience to combat his age.”</p>

<p>Writing for The Telegraph, Boycott said, “Their captain Rohit Sharma is nearly 37 and past his best. He makes pretty cameos but has scored only two Test hundreds at home in four years.”</p>

<p>With India missing star batter Virat Kohli (away due to personal reasons) alongside senior players KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja because of injuries, Rohit had to step up to the occasion and deliver but hasn’t done it yet. With him batting alongside Jaiswal (first innings double centurion) in the second innings, India would back Rohit to hit it big and put India in the winning position.</p>

<h2>Bumrah starred on day 2</h2>

<p>Jasprit Bumrah was at his brutal best against England on day two of the second Test in Vizag. With six wickets to his name, including picking all big names like Root, Stokes, Pope and Bairstow, Bumrah entered record books.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Returning Kuldeep Yadav also picked three wickets, helping India dismiss England on 253.</p>


England veteran Geoffrey Boycott has hit back at Rohit Sharma fans for being delusional about the India batter not being ‘past his prime’ yet, saying they should avoid defending something that’s not defensible.

England veteran Geoffrey Boycott has hit back at Rohit Sharma fans for being delusional about the India batter not being ‘past his prime’ yet, saying they should avoid defending something that’s not defensible. Boycott earlier made headlines for his remarks on Rohit, 36 now, saying the batting veteran is not at his best anymore and has to use his experience to combat his age. The right-handed batter endured a tough time in the middle during the first innings of the ongoing Test against England. Alongside young Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored his maiden double hundred (209), Rohit could contribute little for the first wicket stand before falling prey to debutant Shoaib Bashir on just 14. Replying to a post on X (previously known as Twitter), Boycott said he appreciates Rohit for the batter that he had been, but, like how after a certain age (36 here), most sportspersons with their diminishing reflexes get slow, Rohit appears to have reached that space. Although he backed the India captain to contribute with the bat, Boycott feels he still has to use the experience to compensate for his age. ALSO READ: IND v ENG: ‘We believe we can chase anything’ – Crawley on England’s chances in Vizag He wrote, “Supporters of Rohit stop defending the indefensible he’s been a super batsman & still good, but nobody gets better after age 36, we all decline in fitness reactions speed of thought endurance etc. doesn’t mean he can’t make runs but has to use all his experience to combat his age.” Writing for The Telegraph, Boycott said, “Their captain Rohit Sharma is nearly 37 and past his best. He makes pretty cameos but has scored only two Test hundreds at home in four years.” With India missing star batter Virat Kohli (away due to personal reasons) alongside senior players KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja because of injuries, Rohit had to step up to the occasion and deliver but hasn’t done it yet. With him batting alongside Jaiswal (first innings double centurion) in the second innings, India would back Rohit to hit it big and put India in the winning position. Bumrah starred on day 2 Jasprit Bumrah was at his brutal best against England on day two of the second Test in Vizag. With six wickets to his name, including picking all big names like Root, Stokes, Pope and Bairstow, Bumrah entered record books. Returning Kuldeep Yadav also picked three wickets, helping India dismiss England on 253.

Geoffrey Boycott hits back at Rohit's fans, says stop defending the indefensible over ‘past his best’ remarks

<p>Former England captain Michael Atherton has backed Ben Stokes-led England to win the five-match Test series in India after their terrific win in the series opener in Hyderabad. Stokes &amp; Co. produced a remarkable comeback in the first Test, after conceding a 190-run lead, to win the game by 28 runs courtesy of Ollie Pope's 196 and debutant spinner Tom Hartley's 7 for 62.</p>

<p>Ahead of India-England's second Test in Visakhapatnam, which got underway on Friday (Feb 2), Atherton feels it will be disappointing if England do not end up winning the series after the kind of start they had in Hyderabad.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'England have an excellent chance of building on their lead'</strong></h2>

<p>In his column in The Times, Atherton said, "England have moved from heavy second favourites to a situation where it would be a disappointment now if they did not win the series. Such an outcome, so unexpected and so unbelievable given where both teams were in the first innings, must have a huge psychological impact, especially given the quick turnaround and the injuries to two of India’s key players, Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul. England have an excellent chance of building on their lead."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/relaxed-india-did-not-panic-after-hyderabad-loss-bharat-says-batters-to-play-with-freedom-in-2nd-test-685927">Indian team ‘not demoralised’ after Hyderabad loss: Bharat says batters to 'play with freedom' in 2nd Test</a></strong></p>

<p>Atherton also opined on Virat Kohli's absence and how it was dearly missed in his side's shocking loss in Hyderabad. In this regard, he stated, "How significant Kohli’s absence was became apparent during the first Test, given how badly they missed his appetite for big runs, his safe catching at slip, his ability to withstand pressure and his passionate attitude in the field."</p>

<p>He added, "Rohit Sharma is a captain in a very different mould from his predecessor [Kohli] — at once more laid-back, albeit not quite so passive as MS Dhoni. As England began to get ahead in Hyderabad, Kohli’s electric presence in the field, as much as anything, was missed. It would not have been hard to imagine the way he would have tried to whip up the crowd and the way his energy would have been transmitted to others."</p>

<p>Kohli is out of action till the second Test due to personal reasons. However, nothing is officially known about him returning for the Third Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Rohit-led India won the toss and opted to bat first in the Vizag Test on Friday morning. They are behind 0-1 and will be desperate to level the five-match series.</p>


Former England captain Michael Atherton has backed Ben Stokes-led England to win the five-match Test series in India after their terrific win in the series opener in Hyderabad.

Former England captain Michael Atherton has backed Ben Stokes-led England to win the five-match Test series in India after their terrific win in the series opener in Hyderabad. Stokes & Co. produced a remarkable comeback in the first Test, after conceding a 190-run lead, to win the game by 28 runs courtesy of Ollie Pope's 196 and debutant spinner Tom Hartley's 7 for 62. Ahead of India-England's second Test in Visakhapatnam, which got underway on Friday (Feb 2), Atherton feels it will be disappointing if England do not end up winning the series after the kind of start they had in Hyderabad. 'England have an excellent chance of building on their lead' In his column in The Times, Atherton said, "England have moved from heavy second favourites to a situation where it would be a disappointment now if they did not win the series. Such an outcome, so unexpected and so unbelievable given where both teams were in the first innings, must have a huge psychological impact, especially given the quick turnaround and the injuries to two of India’s key players, Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul. England have an excellent chance of building on their lead." Also read: Indian team ‘not demoralised’ after Hyderabad loss: Bharat says batters to 'play with freedom' in 2nd Test Atherton also opined on Virat Kohli's absence and how it was dearly missed in his side's shocking loss in Hyderabad. In this regard, he stated, "How significant Kohli’s absence was became apparent during the first Test, given how badly they missed his appetite for big runs, his safe catching at slip, his ability to withstand pressure and his passionate attitude in the field." He added, "Rohit Sharma is a captain in a very different mould from his predecessor [Kohli] — at once more laid-back, albeit not quite so passive as MS Dhoni. As England began to get ahead in Hyderabad, Kohli’s electric presence in the field, as much as anything, was missed. It would not have been hard to imagine the way he would have tried to whip up the crowd and the way his energy would have been transmitted to others." Kohli is out of action till the second Test due to personal reasons. However, nothing is officially known about him returning for the Third Test. Meanwhile, Rohit-led India won the toss and opted to bat first in the Vizag Test on Friday morning. They are behind 0-1 and will be desperate to level the five-match series.

Ind vs Eng: Would be disappointing if England don't win series, says Atherton after visitors' bright start

<p>India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal slammed his second Test hundred, the first at home during day one of the ongoing second Test against England in Vizag. The left-handed batter looked in his element as he whacked English bowlers left, right and centre, completing his three-digit score in 151 balls. Fans on social media, including legends like Sachin Tendulkar, hailed him for channelling his talent and temperament in the right direction.</p>

<p>Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India got off to a cautious start, scoring 40 inside 18 overs, before debutant Shoaib Bashir removed Captain Rohit Sharma on 14.</p>

<p>Jaiswal upped the ante and, alongside Shubman Gill, who got out on 34 to returning James Anderson, took the attack to the opposition, completing his fifty in the meantime.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-ravi-shastri-takes-dig-at-indias-team-selection-in-vizag-questions-mukesh-kumars-inclusion-686289">IND vs ENG: Ravi Shastri takes dig at India's team selection in Vizag, questions Mukesh Kumar's inclusion</a></strong></p>

<p>Stitching a stand with Shreyas Iyer later, Jaiswal looked in sublime touch, approaching his maiden Test hundred at home. With the wicket favouring both batters and bowlers in the first two sessions on day one, Jaiswal grabbed the chance with&nbsp;both hands and smashed a six off Tom Hartley to complete a century.</p>

<p>As the dressing room got up and acknowledged his magnificent effort, those watching it on screen took to social media to congratulate him. From fans to former cricketers, everyone took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to hail the upcoming superstar.</p>

<h2>Here are some of the posts -</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="mr">।।यशस्वी भव:।।<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/Nv1SMUbMHT">pic.twitter.com/Nv1SMUbMHT</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1753337229857206711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Such a confident young man Yashasvi Jaiswal <a href="https://twitter.com/ybj_19?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ybj_19</a> is. And a quick learner. Didn’t throw away the start this time. Brilliant young star.<br />
But should Shubman Gill be repenting giving up on his opening slot?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndvsEng?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndvsEng</a></p>
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) <a href="https://twitter.com/vikrantgupta73/status/1753325401546375450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yashasvi Jaiswal's century against England is a testament to his remarkable talent. A promising young player making a significant impact on the cricketing stage! 🏏.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianCricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianCricket</a></p>
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamamirofficial/status/1753337594421694728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">JAIS-BALL! 💥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YashasviJaiswal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YashasviJaiswal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatArmy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COTI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COTI</a>🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/W8nriNP1aw">pic.twitter.com/W8nriNP1aw</a></p>
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/thebharatarmy/status/1753335441993175116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indian openers to score multiple Test centuries at age of 22 or less:<br />
<br />
4 - Sunil Gavaskar<br />
2 - Yashasvi Jaiswal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsENGTest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsENGTest</a> <a href="https://t.co/6T51UteKh8">pic.twitter.com/6T51UteKh8</a></p>
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeerviBharath/status/1753328052342591558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He’s got the game and he’s got all the gears … Can kill you in T20s and can grill you in whites .. Jaiswal’s showing how the young modern day attacking batters CAN find the balance in test cricket. Assured, composed yet dominant. Top knock youngster <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndvEng?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndvEng</a></p>
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) <a href="https://twitter.com/jatinsapru/status/1753341222222242266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So far all the Indian batters have got in but Jaiswal has stayed in . Guy has proven he can go big before <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a></p>
— John Wright (@johnwright15) <a href="https://twitter.com/johnwright15/status/1753336425947214321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yashasvi Jaiswal with first Test ton at home, many more to come 💯<br />
Jaisball is here to stay.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsENGTest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsENGTest</a></p>
— Manoj Dimri (@manoj_dimri) <a href="https://twitter.com/manoj_dimri/status/1753325209267097935?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Remember the day I was convinced Yashasvi Jaiswal was made for the big league. When he hit me for a massive six, using the extra pace of course, with a whip over long-leg &amp; the railway tracks at Police Gymkhana in Mumbai. So what if he was only 14 then <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndvEng?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndvEng</a></p>
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) <a href="https://twitter.com/beastieboy07/status/1753322710904803530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Jaiswal scored his first Test hundred in his debut game against West Indies last year.&nbsp;</p>


India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal slammed his second Test hundred, the first at home during day one of the ongoing second Test against England in Vizag. The left-handed batter looked in his element as he whacked English bowlers left, right and centre, completing his three-digit score in 151 balls.

India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal slammed his second Test hundred, the first at home during day one of the ongoing second Test against England in Vizag. The left-handed batter looked in his element as he whacked English bowlers left, right and centre, completing his three-digit score in 151 balls. Fans on social media, including legends like Sachin Tendulkar, hailed him for channelling his talent and temperament in the right direction. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India got off to a cautious start, scoring 40 inside 18 overs, before debutant Shoaib Bashir removed Captain Rohit Sharma on 14. Jaiswal upped the ante and, alongside Shubman Gill, who got out on 34 to returning James Anderson, took the attack to the opposition, completing his fifty in the meantime. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: Ravi Shastri takes dig at India's team selection in Vizag, questions Mukesh Kumar's inclusion Stitching a stand with Shreyas Iyer later, Jaiswal looked in sublime touch, approaching his maiden Test hundred at home. With the wicket favouring both batters and bowlers in the first two sessions on day one, Jaiswal grabbed the chance with both hands and smashed a six off Tom Hartley to complete a century. As the dressing room got up and acknowledged his magnificent effort, those watching it on screen took to social media to congratulate him. From fans to former cricketers, everyone took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to hail the upcoming superstar. Here are some of the posts - ।।यशस्वी भव:।।#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/Nv1SMUbMHT — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 2, 2024 × Such a confident young man Yashasvi Jaiswal @ybj_19 is. And a quick learner. Didn’t throw away the start this time. Brilliant young star. But should Shubman Gill be repenting giving up on his opening slot?#IndvsEng — Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) February 2, 2024 × Yashasvi Jaiswal's century against England is a testament to his remarkable talent. A promising young player making a significant impact on the cricketing stage! 🏏.#IndianCricket — Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) February 2, 2024 × JAIS-BALL! 💥#YashasviJaiswal #INDvENG #INDvsENG #TeamIndia #BharatArmy #COTI🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/W8nriNP1aw — The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) February 2, 2024 × Indian openers to score multiple Test centuries at age of 22 or less: 4 - Sunil Gavaskar 2 - Yashasvi Jaiswal #INDvsENGTest pic.twitter.com/6T51UteKh8 — Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) February 2, 2024 × He’s got the game and he’s got all the gears … Can kill you in T20s and can grill you in whites .. Jaiswal’s showing how the young modern day attacking batters CAN find the balance in test cricket. Assured, composed yet dominant. Top knock youngster #IndvEng — Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) February 2, 2024 × So far all the Indian batters have got in but Jaiswal has stayed in . Guy has proven he can go big before #INDvENG — John Wright (@johnwright15) February 2, 2024 × Yashasvi Jaiswal with first Test ton at home, many more to come 💯 Jaisball is here to stay.#INDvENG #INDvsENGTest — Manoj Dimri (@manoj_dimri) February 2, 2024 × Remember the day I was convinced Yashasvi Jaiswal was made for the big league. When he hit me for a massive six, using the extra pace of course, with a whip over long-leg & the railway tracks at Police Gymkhana in Mumbai. So what if he was only 14 then #IndvEng — Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) February 2, 2024 × Meanwhile, Jaiswal scored his first Test hundred in his debut game against West Indies last year.

IND v ENG: Fans hail Yashasvi Jaiswal's 2nd Test ton, call him 'Mixture of right temperament and talent'

<p>Former England captain Michael Vaughan has made a bold claim. Ahead of the second Test between India and England, which gets underway on Friday (Feb 2) in Visakhapatnam, Vaughan stated that India missed Virat Kohli's presence in the series opener, in Hyderabad, and would not have lost the Test under his captaincy. Rohit Sharma-led India lost the Hyderabad Test by 28 runs, failing to chase down 231, despite taking a whopping 190-run lead. Ben Stokes &amp; Co. rode on Ollie Pope's 196 in their second essay and debutant Tom Hartley's 7 for 62 in India's run-chase to win the game.</p>

<p>Vaughan opened up on the Hyderabad&nbsp;loss for India on the Club Prairie Fire show. He stated, "They miss Virat Kohli's captaincy massively in Test cricket. Under Virat's captaincy that week, India wouldn't have lost the game." He added, "Rohit is a legend and a great player. But I felt he just switched off completely."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-is-past-his-best-india-are-due-a-series-defeat-at-home-england-great-geoffrey-boycott-685175">Rohit Sharma is past his best, India are due a series defeat at home: England great Geoffrey Boycott</a></strong></p>

<p>It is to be noted that this was the first time that India lost a Test match at home after taking a 100-plus lead in the first innings. Talking about Kohli's captaincy, no opposition team scored more than 400 runs in their second innings in a Test in India during his tenure. When Kohli was the Indian Test captain, India only lost two out of 31 Tests at home. On the other hand,&nbsp;Rohit has already lost two out of the seven Tests as captain at home. In addition, India are winless at home in three&nbsp;Tests&nbsp;at a stretch for the first time in 12 Tests.</p>

<p>Thus, Rohit's Test captaincy is under the scanner at the moment. He is not going to have it easy in the ongoing five Tests versus England, who are all charged up after the Hyderabad win. Ahead of the second Test, India were dealt&nbsp;twin blows as Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul were ruled out with injury concerns. Moreover, Kohli will only return in the third Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trailing 0-1, India have their task cut out in the upcoming Vizag Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>India squad for 2nd Test vs England</strong></p>

<p>Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar, Sourabh Kumar.</p>


Former England captain Michael Vaughan has made a bold claim. Ahead of the second Test between India and England, which gets underway on Friday (Feb 2) in Visakhapatnam, Vaughan stated that India missed Virat Kohli's presence in the series opener, in Hyderabad, and would not have lost the Test under his captaincy.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has made a bold claim. Ahead of the second Test between India and England, which gets underway on Friday (Feb 2) in Visakhapatnam, Vaughan stated that India missed Virat Kohli's presence in the series opener, in Hyderabad, and would not have lost the Test under his captaincy. Rohit Sharma-led India lost the Hyderabad Test by 28 runs, failing to chase down 231, despite taking a whopping 190-run lead. Ben Stokes & Co. rode on Ollie Pope's 196 in their second essay and debutant Tom Hartley's 7 for 62 in India's run-chase to win the game. Vaughan opened up on the Hyderabad loss for India on the Club Prairie Fire show. He stated, "They miss Virat Kohli's captaincy massively in Test cricket. Under Virat's captaincy that week, India wouldn't have lost the game." He added, "Rohit is a legend and a great player. But I felt he just switched off completely." Also read: Rohit Sharma is past his best, India are due a series defeat at home: England great Geoffrey Boycott It is to be noted that this was the first time that India lost a Test match at home after taking a 100-plus lead in the first innings. Talking about Kohli's captaincy, no opposition team scored more than 400 runs in their second innings in a Test in India during his tenure. When Kohli was the Indian Test captain, India only lost two out of 31 Tests at home. On the other hand, Rohit has already lost two out of the seven Tests as captain at home. In addition, India are winless at home in three Tests at a stretch for the first time in 12 Tests. Thus, Rohit's Test captaincy is under the scanner at the moment. He is not going to have it easy in the ongoing five Tests versus England, who are all charged up after the Hyderabad win. Ahead of the second Test, India were dealt twin blows as Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul were ruled out with injury concerns. Moreover, Kohli will only return in the third Test. Trailing 0-1, India have their task cut out in the upcoming Vizag Test. India squad for 2nd Test vs England Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar, Sourabh Kumar.

Under Virat Kohli's captaincy, India would not have lost Hyderabad Test to England - Vaughan's BOLD claim

<p>Rohit Sharma-led India lost the five-match Test series opener&nbsp;in Hyderabad&nbsp;to England by 28 runs on Sunday (Jan 28). Despite gaining a whopping 190-run lead, the hosts could not emerge on top. They had England reeling at 163 for 5 in their second innings but Ollie Pope's 196 propelled the visitors to 420, setting a 231-run target for the home side. In reply, India were dismissed for 202 with debutant spinner Tom Hartley returning with 7 for 62. Ahead of the second Test, England's former cricketer Geoffrey Boycott has made a bold claim.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India are without their experienced campaigners.&nbsp;Virat Kohli is out of action till the second Test due to personal reasons whereas all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul joined the injury list and will miss the next Test match. Ahead of the second Test, in Visakhapatnam, Boycott predicted that Indian captain Rohit Sharma is well past his prime and India are due a series defeat at home in the purest format. India's last Test series defeat came versus England in 2012/13, when the Alastair Cook-led English side won a four-match series 2-1 over MS Dhoni &amp; Co.</p>

<p>Boycott wrote in his column for The Telegraph, "India badly miss Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja has a hamstring injury and will not play the second Test. Their captain Rohit Sharma is nearly 37 and past his best. He makes pretty cameos but has scored only two Test hundreds at home in four years."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/r-ashwin-is-indias-second-highest-run-scorer-harbhajan-singh-on-hosts-inexperienced-squad-for-2nd-test-685139">R Ashwin is India's second highest run-scorer: Harbhajan Singh on hosts' inexperienced squad for 2nd Test</a></strong></p>

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<h2><strong>'Once in a while a team is in the right place at the right time to clinch a big series win and England could...'</strong></h2>

<p>Boycott opined, "Jadeja is a huge blow. He is a great all-rounder, top bowler, brilliant fielder and was their best batsman in the first Test. Kohli is their talisman. He is a magnificent batsman who averages 60 on Indian pitches but he also gives them great energy in the field. He is a big loss and England must make the most of it before he comes back for the third Test."</p>

<p>"Once in a while a team are in the right place at the right time to clinch a big series win and England could be in that position right now in India. India are due a defeat at home, the signs are good as they have lost Kohli, Jadeja, Mohammed Shami and Rishabh Pant and are playing opponents full of confidence after a remarkable win. England must take this rare opportunity," he added.</p>

<p>India have an inexperienced squad for the second Test versus England, which gets underway on Friday (Feb 2) in Vizag. They have their back against the wall to stage a comeback after a shocking defeat in the Hyderabad Test.&nbsp;</p>


Rohit Sharma-led India lost the five-match Test series opener in Hyderabad to England by 28 runs on Sunday (Jan 28). Despite gaining a whopping 190-run lead, the hosts could not emerge on top.

Rohit Sharma-led India lost the five-match Test series opener in Hyderabad to England by 28 runs on Sunday (Jan 28). Despite gaining a whopping 190-run lead, the hosts could not emerge on top. They had England reeling at 163 for 5 in their second innings but Ollie Pope's 196 propelled the visitors to 420, setting a 231-run target for the home side. In reply, India were dismissed for 202 with debutant spinner Tom Hartley returning with 7 for 62. Ahead of the second Test, England's former cricketer Geoffrey Boycott has made a bold claim. India are without their experienced campaigners. Virat Kohli is out of action till the second Test due to personal reasons whereas all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul joined the injury list and will miss the next Test match. Ahead of the second Test, in Visakhapatnam, Boycott predicted that Indian captain Rohit Sharma is well past his prime and India are due a series defeat at home in the purest format. India's last Test series defeat came versus England in 2012/13, when the Alastair Cook-led English side won a four-match series 2-1 over MS Dhoni & Co. Boycott wrote in his column for The Telegraph, "India badly miss Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja has a hamstring injury and will not play the second Test. Their captain Rohit Sharma is nearly 37 and past his best. He makes pretty cameos but has scored only two Test hundreds at home in four years." Also read: R Ashwin is India's second highest run-scorer: Harbhajan Singh on hosts' inexperienced squad for 2nd Test × × 'Once in a while a team is in the right place at the right time to clinch a big series win and England could...' Boycott opined, "Jadeja is a huge blow. He is a great all-rounder, top bowler, brilliant fielder and was their best batsman in the first Test. Kohli is their talisman. He is a magnificent batsman who averages 60 on Indian pitches but he also gives them great energy in the field. He is a big loss and England must make the most of it before he comes back for the third Test." "Once in a while a team are in the right place at the right time to clinch a big series win and England could be in that position right now in India. India are due a defeat at home, the signs are good as they have lost Kohli, Jadeja, Mohammed Shami and Rishabh Pant and are playing opponents full of confidence after a remarkable win. England must take this rare opportunity," he added. India have an inexperienced squad for the second Test versus England, which gets underway on Friday (Feb 2) in Vizag. They have their back against the wall to stage a comeback after a shocking defeat in the Hyderabad Test.

Rohit Sharma is past his best, India are due a series defeat at home: England great Geoffrey Boycott

<p>On Monday (Jan 29), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and versatile batter KL Rahul have been ruled out of the second Test versus England, Visakhapatnam, due to injury concerns. Thus, the board named three players as replacements including spinner Sourabh Kumar, batter Sarfaraz Khan and spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar. Thus, India's revamped squad for the Vizag Test is quite an inexperienced one and former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh raised his concerns on the injury-hit unit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan raised concerns on India's inexperience and pointed out that frontline spinner R Ashwin is the second-highest run-getter in India's updated squad for the upcoming Test in Visakhapatnam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The team looks decent, but lacks experience. Yes, there is Rohit Sharma, but the next best run-scorer is Ashwin. In terms of batting, the line-up looks weak. And if they play on a turning track, which I feel they will because they have added Washington Sundar while having Kuldeep Yadav, Ashwin and Axar Patel,” Harbhajan said after the squad announcement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;I<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-foakes-stumping-attempt-to-dismiss-bumrah-in-hyderabad-test-raises-eyebrows-on-x-watch-685103">nd vs Eng: Foakes' stumping attempt to dismiss Bumrah in Hyderabad Test raises eyebrows on X - Watch</a></strong></p>

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<p>India are without experienced names such as Virat Kohli, Jadeja, Rahul, etc. for the second Test. Having already conceded 1-0 lead in the first Test in Hyderabad, Rohit-led India have their back against the wall to level the series in Vizag with an inexperienced squad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about the first Test, India conceded the momentum after taking a 190-run lead. England rode on Ollie Pope's 196 in their second essay to setup a tricky 231-run target for the home side. In reply, the hosts got dismissed for 202 to lose by 28 runs as debutant spinner Tom Hartley ended with a seven-fer.</p>

<p><strong>India squad for 2nd Test vs England</strong></p>

<p>Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar, Sourabh Kumar.</p>


On Monday (Jan 29), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and versatile batter KL Rahul have been ruled out of the second Test versus England, Visakhapatnam, due to injury concerns.

On Monday (Jan 29), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and versatile batter KL Rahul have been ruled out of the second Test versus England, Visakhapatnam, due to injury concerns. Thus, the board named three players as replacements including spinner Sourabh Kumar, batter Sarfaraz Khan and spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar. Thus, India's revamped squad for the Vizag Test is quite an inexperienced one and former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh raised his concerns on the injury-hit unit. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan raised concerns on India's inexperience and pointed out that frontline spinner R Ashwin is the second-highest run-getter in India's updated squad for the upcoming Test in Visakhapatnam. “The team looks decent, but lacks experience. Yes, there is Rohit Sharma, but the next best run-scorer is Ashwin. In terms of batting, the line-up looks weak. And if they play on a turning track, which I feel they will because they have added Washington Sundar while having Kuldeep Yadav, Ashwin and Axar Patel,” Harbhajan said after the squad announcement. Also read: Ind vs Eng: Foakes' stumping attempt to dismiss Bumrah in Hyderabad Test raises eyebrows on X - Watch × × India are without experienced names such as Virat Kohli, Jadeja, Rahul, etc. for the second Test. Having already conceded 1-0 lead in the first Test in Hyderabad, Rohit-led India have their back against the wall to level the series in Vizag with an inexperienced squad. Talking about the first Test, India conceded the momentum after taking a 190-run lead. England rode on Ollie Pope's 196 in their second essay to setup a tricky 231-run target for the home side. In reply, the hosts got dismissed for 202 to lose by 28 runs as debutant spinner Tom Hartley ended with a seven-fer. India squad for 2nd Test vs England Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar, Sourabh Kumar.

R Ashwin is India's second highest run-scorer: Harbhajan Singh on hosts' inexperienced squad for 2nd Test

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