Sri Lanka declared a nationwide <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-imposes-10-day-emergency-in-kandy-due-to-communal-tension-34868">state of emergency</a> for 10 days on Tuesday to stop the spread of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-imposes-10-day-emergency-in-kandy-due-to-communal-tension-34868">communal violence</a>, a government spokesman said, after clashes erupted between majority Buddhists and members of the minority Muslim community.

As a result of growing tension between the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-imposes-10-day-emergency-in-kandy-due-to-communal-tension-34868">two communities</a> in Sri Lanka over the past year, with some hardline Buddhist groups accusing Muslims of forcing people to convert to Islam and vandalising Buddhist archaeological sites.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sri-lanka-t20-preview-rohit-sharmas-young-guns-need-to-fire-34846">first match</a> of&nbsp;&quot;Nidahas Trophy&quot; which is a tri-nation series is scheduled today between<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sri-lanka-t20-preview-rohit-sharmas-young-guns-need-to-fire-34846"> India and Sri Lanka</a> at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Amid political chaos, the officials of Sri Lankan government told&nbsp;a sports-related&nbsp;media venture that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sri-lanka-t20-preview-rohit-sharmas-young-guns-need-to-fire-34846">the match</a> will happen at its scheduled time irrespective of the state of emergency in other Sri Lankan parts.

BCCI has tweeted that, &quot;There have been reports of curfew and an emergency being called in Sri Lanka. The situation is in Kandy, not Colombo. After talking to concerned security personnel, we have understood that situation is completely normal in Colombo: BCCI <a data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSL?src=hash"><s>#</s>INDvSL</a>&quot;

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There have been reports of curfew and an emergency being called in Sri Lanka. The situation is in Kandy, not Colombo. After talking to concerned security personnel, we have understood that situation is completely normal in Colombo: BCCI <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSL</a> <a href="https://t.co/4rTXZ8C8Mb">pic.twitter.com/4rTXZ8C8Mb</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970954015717683200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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BCCI&#39;s acting president C K Khanna told PTI: &quot;The Indian cricket board is in constant touch with the Sri Lankan government authorities. The security is foolproof and we have been assured that there is no threat to the tournament. So the Indian team, as of now, will be playing the tournament.&quot;

The first match of "Nidahas Trophy" which is a tri-nation series is scheduled today between India and Sri Lanka at Colombo

Sri Lanka declared a nationwide state of emergency for 10 days on Tuesday to stop the spread of communal violence, a government spokesman said, after clashes erupted between majority Buddhists and members of the minority Muslim community. As a result of growing tension between the two communities in Sri Lanka over the past year, with some hardline Buddhist groups accusing Muslims of forcing people to convert to Islam and vandalising Buddhist archaeological sites. The first match of "Nidahas Trophy" which is a tri-nation series is scheduled today between India and Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Amid political chaos, the officials of Sri Lankan government told a sports-related media venture that the match will happen at its scheduled time irrespective of the state of emergency in other Sri Lankan parts. BCCI has tweeted that, "There have been reports of curfew and an emergency being called in Sri Lanka. The situation is in Kandy, not Colombo. After talking to concerned security personnel, we have understood that situation is completely normal in Colombo: BCCI #INDvSL" There have been reports of curfew and an emergency being called in Sri Lanka. The situation is in Kandy, not Colombo. After talking to concerned security personnel, we have understood that situation is completely normal in Colombo: BCCI #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/4rTXZ8C8Mb — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2018 × BCCI's acting president C K Khanna told PTI: "The Indian cricket board is in constant touch with the Sri Lankan government authorities. The security is foolproof and we have been assured that there is no threat to the tournament. So the Indian team, as of now, will be playing the tournament."

Emergency won't affect India vs Sri Lanka opening match: BCCI

Sri Lanka is celebrating its 70th year of Independence by organising a&nbsp;cricket tournament named &quot;Nidahas Trophy&quot; which is a tri-nation series. The tournament includes India, Bangladesh and the host country. The first such tournament was played in 1998 marking Sri Lanka&#39;s 50th year of Independence. The word &quot;Nidahas&quot; means independence in Sanskrit.

The Nidahas Trophy Twenty20 International tournament has been scheduled from March 6 to March 18 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The first match will be played between India and Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium on March 6, Tuesday.

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That&#39;s what the three teams are playing for - The Nidahas Trophy which is all set to begin from the 6th of March 2018 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/MO8gGuTdWz">pic.twitter.com/MO8gGuTdWz</a>
&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/970652256478552065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Even with India&#39;s selection having raised eyebrows, India is entering the tournament as a favourite to win the title though some of the star players have been dropped for the series like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav. In the absence of regular captain, Rohit Sharma is leading the squad of young buds.

Rohit Sharma&nbsp;said:

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&quot;We won&#39;t label ourselves as favourites. The T20 format is unpredictable and you got to be on the money at all times. Both our oppositions are strong and we look forward to a good contest&quot; - <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a>
&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/970645809447411712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Sri Lanka&#39;s record against India is woeful but the appointment of new head coach Chandika Hathurusingha has helped spark an upturn in fortunes.

The Lions recently defeated Bangladesh in two Test matches and won the T20 series 2-0, with opening batsman Kusal Mendis a key figure in Sri Lanka&#39;s resurgence.

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And we are all ready to Jet Set Go! ???????? Here we come! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/GI1iczAmNC">pic.twitter.com/GI1iczAmNC</a>
&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/970253003239362560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Squad (TBC)

India: 
Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik(w), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jaydev Unadkat, Rishabh Pant, Vijay Shankar, Mohammed Siraj, Deepak Hooda

Sri Lanka: 
Upul Tharanga, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal(w/c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Jeevan Mendis, Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, Danushka Gunathilaka, Nuwan Pradeep, Amila Aponso, Isuru Udana, Dushmantha Chameera

&nbsp;

Even with India's selection having raised eyebrows, India is entering the tournament as favourites to win the title

Sri Lanka is celebrating its 70th year of Independence by organising a cricket tournament named "Nidahas Trophy" which is a tri-nation series. The tournament includes India, Bangladesh and the host country. The first such tournament was played in 1998 marking Sri Lanka's 50th year of Independence. The word "Nidahas" means independence in Sanskrit. The Nidahas Trophy Twenty20 International tournament has been scheduled from March 6 to March 18 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The first match will be played between India and Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium on March 6, Tuesday. That's what the three teams are playing for - The Nidahas Trophy which is all set to begin from the 6th of March 2018 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/MO8gGuTdWz — BCCI (@BCCI) March 5, 2018 × Even with India's selection having raised eyebrows, India is entering the tournament as a favourite to win the title though some of the star players have been dropped for the series like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav. In the absence of regular captain, Rohit Sharma is leading the squad of young buds. Rohit Sharma said: "We won't label ourselves as favourites. The T20 format is unpredictable and you got to be on the money at all times. Both our oppositions are strong and we look forward to a good contest" - @ImRo45 — BCCI (@BCCI) March 5, 2018 × Sri Lanka's record against India is woeful but the appointment of new head coach Chandika Hathurusingha has helped spark an upturn in fortunes. The Lions recently defeated Bangladesh in two Test matches and won the T20 series 2-0, with opening batsman Kusal Mendis a key figure in Sri Lanka's resurgence. And we are all ready to Jet Set Go! ???????? Here we come! #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/GI1iczAmNC — BCCI (@BCCI) March 4, 2018 × Squad (TBC) India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik(w), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jaydev Unadkat, Rishabh Pant, Vijay Shankar, Mohammed Siraj, Deepak Hooda Sri Lanka: Upul Tharanga, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal(w/c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Jeevan Mendis, Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, Danushka Gunathilaka, Nuwan Pradeep, Amila Aponso, Isuru Udana, Dushmantha Chameera

India vs Sri Lanka T20 preview: Rohit Sharma's young guns need to fire

The Nidahas T20I Tri-Series &ndash; involving hosts Sri Lanka, along with India and Bangladesh &ndash; is going to be interesting for the Indian team. After all, it is after a long time that team India would be without a majority of their star players in an international series. The selectors have rested captain Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav for this series &ndash; all of who have been stars for India in the limited overs format in recent times. It will be intriguing to see how team India does about things without so many of their regular members.

While India, who is ranked No.3 in T20Is, may have fielded their second string unit for this tri-series, it gives a great opportunity for the team management to test their bench strength. All-rounders Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar and Washington Sundar, fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant have all been included in this series. While these players may not have much international exposure, they have done well in the domestic scene and particularly well in the IPL. This series will give us an idea of who among the young Turks have a future for the country and can be seen as a viable option for the ICC World Cup 2019 squad.&nbsp;

Among the new lot, it would be Rishabh Pant who will be in under most focus. He is considered as the next big thing of Indian cricket and with the prolific form he has shown in the domestic arena, he surely deserves chances here. Mohammed Siraj is also an exciting prospect with his ability to bowl fast and accurate produce swinging yorkers at the death.&nbsp;

Another one to watch out would be KL Rahul who returns to the fold after some time. The talented Indian batsman has not got many chances of late as the two Indian openers have been doing really well. But Rahul has shown that he can bat anywhere and in the absence of Kohli, he should get a spot in the middle-order to bolster it. Rahul had smashed 61 and 89 against Sri Lanka in December last year at home in the three-match T20I series and would relish having another go at them.

Stand-in captain Rohit Sharma should be quietly confident even though he is coming off a rather mediocre tour to South Africa. Rohit excels in these conditions and simply loves batting against Sri Lanka. He had slammed that sensational 118 off 43 balls in the T20 series against Sri Lanka in December and has already amassed 278 runs in 11 innings against them at a splendid strike-rate of 146.31.

India begins the tournament by clashing against hosts Sri Lanka and would then go on to play against Bangladesh later. Pitches in Sri Lanka for limited overs cricket tend to be rather flat and favours the batsmen heavily which is good news for the Indian team. With the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina and KL Rahul at the top, and some talented youngsters to follow, India&rsquo;s batting unit looks pretty robust. The only chink in their armour seems to be their bowling which lacks experience. And that is what would present a big challenge for this new-look Indian team. This format is unpredictable and gives the opportunity for some unknown faces to leave a mark. It will hence be exciting to see if India&rsquo;s reserve players can leave any distinct impression in the tri-series.

Rohit Sharma had shown a lot of promise as a captain in the one T20I he led the team against South Africa recently. Will he be able to manage this second string Indian unit efficiently? Will we find some future stars of Indian cricket after the end of this tri-series? Interesting times lie ahead.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Rohit Sharma had shown a lot of promise as a captain in the one T20I he led the team against South Africa recently. The Nidahas T20 Tri series asks for more from the By-stand captain Rohit Sharma in the absence of Virat Kohli.

The Nidahas T20I Tri-Series – involving hosts Sri Lanka, along with India and Bangladesh – is going to be interesting for the Indian team. After all, it is after a long time that team India would be without a majority of their star players in an international series. The selectors have rested captain Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav for this series – all of who have been stars for India in the limited overs format in recent times. It will be intriguing to see how team India does about things without so many of their regular members. While India, who is ranked No.3 in T20Is, may have fielded their second string unit for this tri-series, it gives a great opportunity for the team management to test their bench strength. All-rounders Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar and Washington Sundar, fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant have all been included in this series. While these players may not have much international exposure, they have done well in the domestic scene and particularly well in the IPL. This series will give us an idea of who among the young Turks have a future for the country and can be seen as a viable option for the ICC World Cup 2019 squad. Among the new lot, it would be Rishabh Pant who will be in under most focus. He is considered as the next big thing of Indian cricket and with the prolific form he has shown in the domestic arena, he surely deserves chances here. Mohammed Siraj is also an exciting prospect with his ability to bowl fast and accurate produce swinging yorkers at the death. Another one to watch out would be KL Rahul who returns to the fold after some time. The talented Indian batsman has not got many chances of late as the two Indian openers have been doing really well. But Rahul has shown that he can bat anywhere and in the absence of Kohli, he should get a spot in the middle-order to bolster it. Rahul had smashed 61 and 89 against Sri Lanka in December last year at home in the three-match T20I series and would relish having another go at them. Stand-in captain Rohit Sharma should be quietly confident even though he is coming off a rather mediocre tour to South Africa. Rohit excels in these conditions and simply loves batting against Sri Lanka. He had slammed that sensational 118 off 43 balls in the T20 series against Sri Lanka in December and has already amassed 278 runs in 11 innings against them at a splendid strike-rate of 146.31. India begins the tournament by clashing against hosts Sri Lanka and would then go on to play against Bangladesh later. Pitches in Sri Lanka for limited overs cricket tend to be rather flat and favours the batsmen heavily which is good news for the Indian team. With the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina and KL Rahul at the top, and some talented youngsters to follow, India’s batting unit looks pretty robust. The only chink in their armour seems to be their bowling which lacks experience. And that is what would present a big challenge for this new-look Indian team. This format is unpredictable and gives the opportunity for some unknown faces to leave a mark. It will hence be exciting to see if India’s reserve players can leave any distinct impression in the tri-series. Rohit Sharma had shown a lot of promise as a captain in the one T20I he led the team against South Africa recently. Will he be able to manage this second string Indian unit efficiently? Will we find some future stars of Indian cricket after the end of this tri-series? Interesting times lie ahead. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Rohit Sharma under pressure to pull of Nidahas T20I Tri Series

Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina took hold of the Indian team and&nbsp;set a total of 172 runs for&nbsp;the loss of seven wickets in the 3rd and final T20 against South Africa.&nbsp;

While Dhawan scored 47 runs off 40, Raina played&nbsp;a breezy knock of 43 runs off 27 balls.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Apart from the two, no other player managed to reach the 30-run&nbsp;mark. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MSD) too fell off for 12 runs after playing 11 balls.&nbsp; &nbsp;

India have suffered a big blow in the deciding Twenty20 against South Africa as they lost Virat Kohli due to a stiff back.&nbsp;

Opener Rohit Sharma is&nbsp;leading the side. South Africa won the toss and chose&nbsp;to bowl.&nbsp;

The three-match series is level at 1-1 after the Men in Blue won the first T20 in Johannesburg by 28 runs.&nbsp; The Proteas bounced back in Centurion with a six-wicket win.&nbsp;

India would be eyeing a perfect end to what has been a thoroughly roller-coaster tour.&nbsp;

For India, Dinesh has replaced Virat, Axar is in place of Chahal and Bumrah comes in place of Unadkat.

South Africa have also made two changes as they replaced J.J. Smuts and Dane Patterson with Christiaan Jonker, who will make his debut, and Aaron Phangiso.

The second match saw Manish Pandey come into his own, alongside MS Dhoni. Both the players scored half-centuries each. &nbsp;

Teams

India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur.

South Africa: J.P. Duminy (C), Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Farhaan Behardien, Christiaan Jonker, Andile Phehlukwayo, Aaron Phangiso, Chris Morris, Junior Dala, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina took hold of the Indian team and set a total of 172 runs for the loss of seven wickets in the 3rd and final T20 against South Africa. While Dhawan scored 47 runs off 40, Raina played a breezy knock of 43 runs off 27 balls. Apart from the two, no other player managed to reach the 30-run mark. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MSD) too fell off for 12 runs after playing 11 balls. India have suffered a big blow in the deciding Twenty20 against South Africa as they lost Virat Kohli due to a stiff back. Opener Rohit Sharma is leading the side. South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl. The three-match series is level at 1-1 after the Men in Blue won the first T20 in Johannesburg by 28 runs. The Proteas bounced back in Centurion with a six-wicket win. India would be eyeing a perfect end to what has been a thoroughly roller-coaster tour. For India, Dinesh has replaced Virat, Axar is in place of Chahal and Bumrah comes in place of Unadkat. South Africa have also made two changes as they replaced J.J. Smuts and Dane Patterson with Christiaan Jonker, who will make his debut, and Aaron Phangiso. The second match saw Manish Pandey come into his own, alongside MS Dhoni. Both the players scored half-centuries each. Teams India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur. South Africa: J.P. Duminy (C), Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Farhaan Behardien, Christiaan Jonker, Andile Phehlukwayo, Aaron Phangiso, Chris Morris, Junior Dala, Tabraiz Shamsi.

3rd T20: Dhawan, Raina push India to 172/7 after 20 overs

Indian opener Rohit Sharma returned back to form with a match-winning knock of 115 in the fifth ODI against South Africa on Tuesday, which helped the visitors clinch a historic series win with one game to play.

After that Sharma hit again at his critics within the media in the course of the post-match press briefing.

&ldquo;I got out in three matches only, how can you say form is bad after three matches? You guys put people in good form after one match, and if somebody doesn&rsquo;t have three good matches, you say he is in bad form,&rdquo; Rohit said.

&quot;I admit the first three matches weren&#39;t great but that happens with everybody. But I was in a good frame of mind, I was batting well in the nets and there was no pattern to my dismissals. That happens in every cricketer&#39;s career,&quot; he added.

Rohit stated it was simply not truthful to declare anyone a failure or success on the idea of two or three performances.

Rohit (115) struck a pivotal knock in India&rsquo;s 73-run triumph, which gave the facet an unassailable Four-1 lead within the six-match sequence.

The sixth ODI is scheduled to be held on February 16 in Centurion.&nbsp;

The hundred got here at an important juncture for Rohit, who had drawn flak for his detached run thus far.

(With PTI inputs)&nbsp;

The sixth ODI is scheduled to be held on February 16 in Centurion

Indian opener Rohit Sharma returned back to form with a match-winning knock of 115 in the fifth ODI against South Africa on Tuesday, which helped the visitors clinch a historic series win with one game to play. After that Sharma hit again at his critics within the media in the course of the post-match press briefing. “I got out in three matches only, how can you say form is bad after three matches? You guys put people in good form after one match, and if somebody doesn’t have three good matches, you say he is in bad form,” Rohit said. "I admit the first three matches weren't great but that happens with everybody. But I was in a good frame of mind, I was batting well in the nets and there was no pattern to my dismissals. That happens in every cricketer's career," he added. Rohit stated it was simply not truthful to declare anyone a failure or success on the idea of two or three performances. Rohit (115) struck a pivotal knock in India’s 73-run triumph, which gave the facet an unassailable Four-1 lead within the six-match sequence. The sixth ODI is scheduled to be held on February 16 in Centurion. The hundred got here at an important juncture for Rohit, who had drawn flak for his detached run thus far. (With PTI inputs)

Rohit Sharma hits back at media after match-winning century

India vs South Africa live up to its billing -&nbsp; unpredictable and exciting. Everything in the last four days from the pitch, bowling and Pandya&#39;s batting had all the ingredients of a delicious curry, just that it was enjoyed more by the hosts than the visitors.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/opinion-what-ails-indian-cricket-team-pace-bowling-28969">It was a match full of drama from the first morning</a> when South Africa crashed to 12 for three losing Elgar, Markram and Amla cheaply after choosing to bat on a seaming pitch but they came back magnificently and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-135-all-out-south-africa-wins-1st-test-by-72-runs-28890">won the game. Now they lead the series 1-0.</a>

India was definitely outplayed by the South Africans. Though Indian bowlers started the game quite well but that was not enough. Even after creating pressure on the first half of Day 1, Indian pacers gave away 50-60 extra runs. A fact acknowledged by Bhunveshwar Kumar later.

Counter-attacking batting by De Villiers and Du Plessis enabled South Africa to set up a competitive 286 in their first innings.

The first innings for India was extremely disappointing after the batsmen fell without a fight, except India&#39;s new all-rounder Hardik Pandya who stood tall amid the ruins.

Pandya&#39;s invaluable 93 runs with 14 hits to the boundary and one six - it was was a stand-out performance. However, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn,&nbsp; Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada destroyed India&#39;s pride.

In the second innings too, Indian bowlers did their bit by holding the Proteas to 130 ensuring India had a target of 208 but this time too the batters disappointed and India surrendered the match, losing by 72 runs.

Kohli&#39;s decision of selecting Rohit Sharma ahead of Ajinkya Rahane remains questionable.

No doubt Rohit&#39;s performance in ODI and other limited over format is outstanding, but in South Africa, conditions are totally different where the pitch offers swing and bowlers hold sway.

Rohit has played 27 innings in 14 matches on foreign soil and has scored just 653 runs at an average of 25.12, on the other hand, in the matches played in India, his average is a stupendous 65.17.

Clearly, Rohit along with Virat need to come to the party if India wants to hit back in the next Test at Centurion in Gauteng next week.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

&nbsp;

Rohit has played 27 innings in 14 matches on foreign soil and has scored just 653 runs at an average of 25.12

India vs South Africa live up to its billing - unpredictable and exciting. Everything in the last four days from the pitch, bowling and Pandya's batting had all the ingredients of a delicious curry, just that it was enjoyed more by the hosts than the visitors. It was a match full of drama from the first morning when South Africa crashed to 12 for three losing Elgar, Markram and Amla cheaply after choosing to bat on a seaming pitch but they came back magnificently and won the game. Now they lead the series 1-0. India was definitely outplayed by the South Africans. Though Indian bowlers started the game quite well but that was not enough. Even after creating pressure on the first half of Day 1, Indian pacers gave away 50-60 extra runs. A fact acknowledged by Bhunveshwar Kumar later. Counter-attacking batting by De Villiers and Du Plessis enabled South Africa to set up a competitive 286 in their first innings. The first innings for India was extremely disappointing after the batsmen fell without a fight, except India's new all-rounder Hardik Pandya who stood tall amid the ruins. Pandya's invaluable 93 runs with 14 hits to the boundary and one six - it was was a stand-out performance. However, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada destroyed India's pride. In the second innings too, Indian bowlers did their bit by holding the Proteas to 130 ensuring India had a target of 208 but this time too the batters disappointed and India surrendered the match, losing by 72 runs. Kohli's decision of selecting Rohit Sharma ahead of Ajinkya Rahane remains questionable. No doubt Rohit's performance in ODI and other limited over format is outstanding, but in South Africa, conditions are totally different where the pitch offers swing and bowlers hold sway. Rohit has played 27 innings in 14 matches on foreign soil and has scored just 653 runs at an average of 25.12, on the other hand, in the matches played in India, his average is a stupendous 65.17. Clearly, Rohit along with Virat need to come to the party if India wants to hit back in the next Test at Centurion in Gauteng next week. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Rohit Sharma is rockstar at home, flop star abroad

Virat Kohli-led team India is now on the verge of losing the&nbsp;second Test, after Kagiso Rabada dismissed Rohit Sharma on 47, the sole player on whom hopes were pinned.

The Indian batting line on Wednesday suffered some serious damage after the men in blue lost early four wickets within an hour of the start of day 5 of the&nbsp;second Test match between India and South Africa. &nbsp;

Pujara is India&#39;s fourth casualty and first of today, after he was run out for 19 runs. He is the first Indian batsman to have been run-out twice in a single Test match.

Minutes later, Parthiv Patel also departed for 19 runs off Morne Morkel.

Hardik Pandya and Ravichandran Ashwin too couldn&#39;t manage to score and establish a partnership with Rohit Sharma.

Pandya fell off for 6 while Ashwin gave away his wicket for 3 runs. &nbsp;&nbsp;

with only one wicket remaining, India&#39;s score stands at 147 for the loss of nine&nbsp;wickets after 49 overs. &nbsp;

On day 4, India&#39;s top order again failed to perform as the visitors left battling to save the second Test reduced to 35 for three at stumps.

South African debutant pacer, Lungi Ngidi struck twice to claim KL Rahul and Virat Kohli. Opener Rahul managed just 4 runs and with skipper Virat Kohli out lbw for just 5 runs.

Pujara is India's fourth casualty and first of Day 5

Virat Kohli-led team India is now on the verge of losing the second Test, after Kagiso Rabada dismissed Rohit Sharma on 47, the sole player on whom hopes were pinned. The Indian batting line on Wednesday suffered some serious damage after the men in blue lost early four wickets within an hour of the start of day 5 of the second Test match between India and South Africa. Pujara is India's fourth casualty and first of today, after he was run out for 19 runs. He is the first Indian batsman to have been run-out twice in a single Test match. Minutes later, Parthiv Patel also departed for 19 runs off Morne Morkel. Hardik Pandya and Ravichandran Ashwin too couldn't manage to score and establish a partnership with Rohit Sharma. Pandya fell off for 6 while Ashwin gave away his wicket for 3 runs. with only one wicket remaining, India's score stands at 147 for the loss of nine wickets after 49 overs. On day 4, India's top order again failed to perform as the visitors left battling to save the second Test reduced to 35 for three at stumps. South African debutant pacer, Lungi Ngidi struck twice to claim KL Rahul and Virat Kohli. Opener Rahul managed just 4 runs and with skipper Virat Kohli out lbw for just 5 runs.

India on verge of losing 2nd Test as Rabada dismisses Rohit, are 147/9 after 49 overs

All-rounder Hardik Pandya has once again proved his mettle by scoring a blistering 93 runs in the first innings of the first test match between India and South Africa.

The batsman-bowler contributed with his bat especially at a time when the Indian side was drowning at 92/7 after lunch.&nbsp;

Along with Pandya is bowler Bhubaneshwar Kumar, who is standing shoulder to shoulder with him on the crease.&nbsp;

After India managed to score 76 runs for the loss of four wickets at lunch, hopes were pinned on&nbsp;Cheteshwar Pujara&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ravichandran Ashwin.

The two, who were playing a slow but tough game against the South African seamers&nbsp;threw their wickets for nothing shot.

While Pujara left the ground on the first ball after the lunch, Ashwin too followed after standing on the crease for not over 15 minutes.&nbsp;

Pujara scored 26 off 92 balls and Ashwin managed to make 12 or 31 balls. Both gave away their wicket to Philander.

India batted out the first hour with diligence, but they didn&#39;t add many, with just 48 runs for the loss of a wicket, that of Rohit Sharma at lunch.

South Africa didn&#39;t give them an inch, they were accurate and quick.

The Indian cricket team on Saturday resumed their battle against the South Africa seamers after ending the day 1 of the first test match at 28 for the loss of three wickets.

With South Africa&#39;s bowling being of top quality, Indians have a lot to do but it won&#39;t be an easy task.

Kagiso Rabada has struck for his team and gave them the much-needed breakthrough after sending Rohit Sharma back to the pavilion.

Rohit, who scored 11 runs, even reviewed after discussing it with partner Pujara, but it went in vain.&nbsp;

Now, with loss of four wickets, their task would be to see off the next two hours without any further losses, making sure the scorecard keeps ticking.

Ravichandran Ashwin, who came to the crease, has to support Pujara in order to build a strong partnership.&nbsp;

Yesterday, the South African seamers trashed the top Indian batting order by taking three major wickets including both the openers Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Virat Kohli. 
&nbsp;

The batsman-bowler contributed with his bat when the Indian side was drowning at 92/7 after lunch

All-rounder Hardik Pandya has once again proved his mettle by scoring a blistering 93 runs in the first innings of the first test match between India and South Africa. The batsman-bowler contributed with his bat especially at a time when the Indian side was drowning at 92/7 after lunch. Along with Pandya is bowler Bhubaneshwar Kumar, who is standing shoulder to shoulder with him on the crease. After India managed to score 76 runs for the loss of four wickets at lunch, hopes were pinned on Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravichandran Ashwin. The two, who were playing a slow but tough game against the South African seamers threw their wickets for nothing shot. While Pujara left the ground on the first ball after the lunch, Ashwin too followed after standing on the crease for not over 15 minutes. Pujara scored 26 off 92 balls and Ashwin managed to make 12 or 31 balls. Both gave away their wicket to Philander. India batted out the first hour with diligence, but they didn't add many, with just 48 runs for the loss of a wicket, that of Rohit Sharma at lunch. South Africa didn't give them an inch, they were accurate and quick. The Indian cricket team on Saturday resumed their battle against the South Africa seamers after ending the day 1 of the first test match at 28 for the loss of three wickets. With South Africa's bowling being of top quality, Indians have a lot to do but it won't be an easy task. Kagiso Rabada has struck for his team and gave them the much-needed breakthrough after sending Rohit Sharma back to the pavilion. Rohit, who scored 11 runs, even reviewed after discussing it with partner Pujara, but it went in vain. Now, with loss of four wickets, their task would be to see off the next two hours without any further losses, making sure the scorecard keeps ticking. Ravichandran Ashwin, who came to the crease, has to support Pujara in order to build a strong partnership. Yesterday, the South African seamers trashed the top Indian batting order by taking three major wickets including both the openers Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Virat Kohli.

Hardik Pandya misses century after giving wicket at 93, India 200/9 after 70 overs

After Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri, Indian opener Rohit Sharma backed wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni&rsquo;s presence in the limited-overs cricket.

Rohit, who led the Indian side in the recently concluded limited overs series against Sri Lanka, expressed his shock at the constant questioning of Dhoni&rsquo;s place.

&ldquo;I am shocked that this question is being raised. If you look at the recent performances, I don&rsquo;t understand why people are still talking about it. It is not about whether he will be part of the 2019 World Cup, his recent form has been good,&rdquo; Rohit said to a leading channel.

&ldquo;It (50-over World Cup) is too far and we should focus on what is happening now. He bats at No.6 and does not get to play so many balls as some of us at the top of the order,&rdquo; the Mumbai batsman added.

Under Rohit, Dhoni batted at No. 4 in the first T20I and scored an unbeaten 39.&nbsp;

In Indore, he was called in at No.3 after Rohit and KL Rahul had posted 165 for the first wicket and hit a 28.&nbsp;

In the last match in Mumbai, Dhoni slipped back down the order and made unbeaten 16 runs.

&ldquo;That decision lies with the coach and captain. I have seen him bat from four to six, and even batted at three in the IPL. That wicket in Rajkot (the second T20I vs New Zealand) was tough and we had lost four wickets when he went into bat. People need to look at the game situation before they talk,&rdquo; Rohit said in Dhoni&#39;s defence.

The former Indian skipper received a lot of criticism from former cricketers over his performances in the limited-overs cricket, especially T20. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Rohit said Dhoni's performance in recently concluded series has been good

After Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri, Indian opener Rohit Sharma backed wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s presence in the limited-overs cricket. Rohit, who led the Indian side in the recently concluded limited overs series against Sri Lanka, expressed his shock at the constant questioning of Dhoni’s place. “I am shocked that this question is being raised. If you look at the recent performances, I don’t understand why people are still talking about it. It is not about whether he will be part of the 2019 World Cup, his recent form has been good,” Rohit said to a leading channel. “It (50-over World Cup) is too far and we should focus on what is happening now. He bats at No.6 and does not get to play so many balls as some of us at the top of the order,” the Mumbai batsman added. Under Rohit, Dhoni batted at No. 4 in the first T20I and scored an unbeaten 39. In Indore, he was called in at No.3 after Rohit and KL Rahul had posted 165 for the first wicket and hit a 28. In the last match in Mumbai, Dhoni slipped back down the order and made unbeaten 16 runs. “That decision lies with the coach and captain. I have seen him bat from four to six, and even batted at three in the IPL. That wicket in Rajkot (the second T20I vs New Zealand) was tough and we had lost four wickets when he went into bat. People need to look at the game situation before they talk,” Rohit said in Dhoni's defence. The former Indian skipper received a lot of criticism from former cricketers over his performances in the limited-overs cricket, especially T20.

Rohit Sharma defends MS Dhoni's presence in limited overs cricket

With the T20I series already in their pocket, the Indian cricket team is eyeing a complete whitewash against Sri Lanka in the third and final match at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.&nbsp;

With zero pressure on them, India might consider giving a T20I debut to Tamil Nadu all-rounder Washington Sundar or Baroda all-rounder Deepak Hooda.&nbsp;

So far, the wrist-spinner duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav have managed well to keep the visitors silent on the batting front.

Sri Lanka will not be enjoying the services of Angelo Mathews after he was ruled out of the final match due to a hamstring injury.

Young KL Rahul has also grabbed his opportunity at the top of the other with back-to-back half-centuries in the previous two matches.

Stand-in-skipper Rohit Sharma has played exceptionally well in the series, having hit the fastest T20I century, 118, in Indore.

The 3rd T20I match will be India&#39;s last game of the year before embarking on the tour of South Africa.

The wrist-spinner duo of Chahal and Kuldeep have managed well to keep the visitors silent on the batting front.

With the T20I series already in their pocket, the Indian cricket team is eyeing a complete whitewash against Sri Lanka in the third and final match at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. With zero pressure on them, India might consider giving a T20I debut to Tamil Nadu all-rounder Washington Sundar or Baroda all-rounder Deepak Hooda. So far, the wrist-spinner duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav have managed well to keep the visitors silent on the batting front. Sri Lanka will not be enjoying the services of Angelo Mathews after he was ruled out of the final match due to a hamstring injury. Young KL Rahul has also grabbed his opportunity at the top of the other with back-to-back half-centuries in the previous two matches. Stand-in-skipper Rohit Sharma has played exceptionally well in the series, having hit the fastest T20I century, 118, in Indore. The 3rd T20I match will be India's last game of the year before embarking on the tour of South Africa.

3rd T20I: With series in pocket, India eye whitewash against Sri Lanka

Skipper Rohit Sharma <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-vs-sri-lanka-rohit-sharma-slams-fastest-t20-century-off-35-balls-27485">equalled</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-vs-sri-lanka-rohit-sharma-slams-fastest-t20-century-off-35-balls-27485"> the record for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-vs-sri-lanka-rohit-sharma-slams-fastest-t20-century-off-35-balls-27485">fastest Twenty20 century</a> on Friday to set up India&#39;s 88-run series-clinching win over Sri Lanka in the second match.

Sharma&#39;s 43-ball 118 steered the hosts to 260-5 and then dismissed Sri Lanka for 172 in 17.2 overs, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series in Indore.

Wrist spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav shared seven wickets each as India achieved their 16th series win -- across all three formats -- at home since November 2015.

But it was Sharma&#39;s 100 off 35 deliveries, matching South African David Miller&#39;s century against Bangladesh in October, that stood out. Sharma smashed 12 fours and 10 sixes after India were put into bat.

His explosive 165-run opening stand with Lokesh Rahul, who made 89, took the steam out of the Sri Lankan attack.

India&#39;s 260-5 is their <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/indore-t20-team-india-scores-253-crosses-its-highest-t20-score-27487">highest-ever T20 total</a>, and just three short of the record score in the format -- Australia&#39;s 263-3 against Sri Lanka in Pallekele last year.

Sharma scored his second T20 hundred by mercilessly hitting the Sri Lankan bowlers all over the ground. He got his first 50 in 23 balls, and second in just 12.

He finally fell to fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera, mistiming a slow bouncer to short third man, and walked off to a standing ovation.

Rahul then took over and got his second successive half-century off 35 balls, and put on 78 runs for the second wicket with Mahendra Singh Dhoni (28).

The opener hit five fours and eight sixes in his 49-ball blitz before being caught behind off Nuwan Pradeep.

Sri Lanka responded with a 109-run second wicket partnership between Upul Tharanga, who made 47, and Kusal Perera, who top-scored with 77, but the ever-increasing run-rate proved too much for the chasing side.

Spin twins Chahal and Yadav once again spelt trouble for the visitors as they combined to flatten the opposition batting.

Both Yadav (3-52) and Chahal (4-52) picked three wickets each in the final over of their respective spells to make the islanders slip from 155-2 as wickets fell in a heap.

Angelo Mathews, who suffered a hamstring injury while bowling, did not come out to bat and has been ruled out for the final game in Mumbai on Sunday.

 
&nbsp;

Skipper Rohit Sharma equalled the record for fastest Twenty20 century on Friday to set up India's 88-run series-clinching win over Sri Lanka in the second match

Skipper Rohit Sharma equalled the record for fastest Twenty20 century on Friday to set up India's 88-run series-clinching win over Sri Lanka in the second match. Sharma's 43-ball 118 steered the hosts to 260-5 and then dismissed Sri Lanka for 172 in 17.2 overs, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series in Indore. Wrist spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav shared seven wickets each as India achieved their 16th series win -- across all three formats -- at home since November 2015. But it was Sharma's 100 off 35 deliveries, matching South African David Miller's century against Bangladesh in October, that stood out. Sharma smashed 12 fours and 10 sixes after India were put into bat. His explosive 165-run opening stand with Lokesh Rahul, who made 89, took the steam out of the Sri Lankan attack. India's 260-5 is their highest-ever T20 total, and just three short of the record score in the format -- Australia's 263-3 against Sri Lanka in Pallekele last year. Sharma scored his second T20 hundred by mercilessly hitting the Sri Lankan bowlers all over the ground. He got his first 50 in 23 balls, and second in just 12. He finally fell to fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera, mistiming a slow bouncer to short third man, and walked off to a standing ovation. Rahul then took over and got his second successive half-century off 35 balls, and put on 78 runs for the second wicket with Mahendra Singh Dhoni (28). The opener hit five fours and eight sixes in his 49-ball blitz before being caught behind off Nuwan Pradeep. Sri Lanka responded with a 109-run second wicket partnership between Upul Tharanga, who made 47, and Kusal Perera, who top-scored with 77, but the ever-increasing run-rate proved too much for the chasing side. Spin twins Chahal and Yadav once again spelt trouble for the visitors as they combined to flatten the opposition batting. Both Yadav (3-52) and Chahal (4-52) picked three wickets each in the final over of their respective spells to make the islanders slip from 155-2 as wickets fell in a heap. Angelo Mathews, who suffered a hamstring injury while bowling, did not come out to bat and has been ruled out for the final game in Mumbai on Sunday.

Rohit Sharma's 35-ball ton leads India to series-clinching T20 win

Once again, Rohit Sharma has proved his mettle.

The 30-year-old right-handed batsman scored a magnificent century in just 35 balls slamming the fastest century in the history international cricket and sealing India&#39;s victory in the second T20 against Sri Lanka.

Sharma equalled the fastest century in T20, a&nbsp;record previously&nbsp;achieved by South African cricketer David Miller.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSL</a> 2nd T20i: Rohit Sharma scores a century in 35 balls, fastest century record in T20 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indore</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944212262377611264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Sharma is also the second Indian batsman to score 1,500 runs in the T20 format.&nbsp;

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The joint fastest T20I century! 
 
35 balls 
11 fours 
8 sixes 
 
What an innings! Take a bow Rohit Sharma! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSL</a> <a href="https://t.co/qGiyvuqJXe">pic.twitter.com/qGiyvuqJXe</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/944211973369196544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Stand-in captain, Rohit Sharma, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-hits-double-ton-against-sri-lanka-26642">made headlines earlier for scoring a double century</a>, his third double ton in ODIs, against Sri Lanka in Mohali.&nbsp;

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Everytime you think you have seen it all, you see something incredible. Today, Rohit Sharma has shown us that. I admit I am gasping.
&mdash; Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/944213749086302208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Rohit scored his first ODI double ton against Australia back in November 2013.

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Can Someone Remind Rohit Sharma It&#39;s T20 Not ODI, We Don&#39;t Hit Double Tons In T20s. ?????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndvSL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSL</a>
&mdash; Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) <a href="https://twitter.com/SirJadeja/status/944214521777881088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Twitter didn&#39;t even blink an eye to congratulate Sharma on his magnificent feat.&nbsp;

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Superb knock by rohit Sharma- congrats on the worlds fastest T20 century - well done
&mdash; Gautam Singhania (@SinghaniaGautam) <a href="https://twitter.com/SinghaniaGautam/status/944212382208860161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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What a memorable innings by Rohit Sharma!!! 35-ball century for the Indian captain - 11 fours. 
8 sixes. Now holds the record joint-fastest century in T20Is.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSL</a> <a href="https://t.co/8aVIJZJxI5">pic.twitter.com/8aVIJZJxI5</a>
&mdash; Kaushal K Vidyarthee (@vidyarthee) <a href="https://twitter.com/vidyarthee/status/944213376883769344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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India beat Sri Lanka by 88 runs, taking an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three match series.

&nbsp;

Sharma is also the second Indian batsman to score 1,500 runs in the T20 format

Once again, Rohit Sharma has proved his mettle. The 30-year-old right-handed batsman scored a magnificent century in just 35 balls slamming the fastest century in the history international cricket and sealing India's victory in the second T20 against Sri Lanka. Sharma equalled the fastest century in T20, a record previously achieved by South African cricketer David Miller. #INDvSL 2nd T20i: Rohit Sharma scores a century in 35 balls, fastest century record in T20 #Indore — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × Sharma is also the second Indian batsman to score 1,500 runs in the T20 format. The joint fastest T20I century! 35 balls 11 fours 8 sixes What an innings! Take a bow Rohit Sharma! #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/qGiyvuqJXe — ICC (@ICC) December 22, 2017 × Stand-in captain, Rohit Sharma, made headlines earlier for scoring a double century, his third double ton in ODIs, against Sri Lanka in Mohali. Everytime you think you have seen it all, you see something incredible. Today, Rohit Sharma has shown us that. I admit I am gasping. — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 22, 2017 × Rohit scored his first ODI double ton against Australia back in November 2013. Can Someone Remind Rohit Sharma It's T20 Not ODI, We Don't Hit Double Tons In T20s. ?????? #IndvSL #INDvSL — Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) December 22, 2017 × Twitter didn't even blink an eye to congratulate Sharma on his magnificent feat. Superb knock by rohit Sharma- congrats on the worlds fastest T20 century - well done — Gautam Singhania (@SinghaniaGautam) December 22, 2017 × What a memorable innings by Rohit Sharma!!! 35-ball century for the Indian captain - 11 fours. 8 sixes. Now holds the record joint-fastest century in T20Is.#INDvSL pic.twitter.com/8aVIJZJxI5 — Kaushal K Vidyarthee (@vidyarthee) December 22, 2017 × India beat Sri Lanka by 88 runs, taking an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three match series.

India vs Sri Lanka: Rohit Sharma slams fastest T20 century off 35 balls, clinches win for India

Shortly after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-vs-sri-lanka-rohit-sharma-slams-fastest-t20-century-in-35-balls-27485">Rohit Sharma scored a ton in just 35 balls</a>, India went ahead and&nbsp;surpassed its highest T20 score by hammering 253 runs in 19 overs&nbsp;in the second Twenty20 International in Indore today.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSL</a>: India set a target of 261 for Sri Lanka.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944224975015231488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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India posted a mammoth 260 runs&nbsp;for 5 wickets&nbsp;against Sri Lanka.

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Simply stunning! India smash their highest ever T20I total, as they rack up 260/5 v Sri Lanka in Indore. 
 
SCORECARD: <a href="https://t.co/0bKvyteuvU">https://t.co/0bKvyteuvU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSL</a> <a href="https://t.co/Uzk6LgMi4V">pic.twitter.com/Uzk6LgMi4V</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/944225394823192583?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Rohit Sharma smashed the joint fastest century, in 35 balls, en route to his 43-ball 118, while KL Rahul blasted 89 off 49 balls to anchor the innings. This is the joint second highest total in T20s,&nbsp;a record previously achieved by South African cricketer David Miller.

(With inputs from PTI)

Shortly after Rohit Sharma scored a ton in just 35 balls, India went ahead and surpassed its highest T20 score by hammering 253 runs in 19 overs in the second Twenty20 International in Indore today. #INDvSL: India set a target of 261 for Sri Lanka. — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × India posted a mammoth 260 runs for 5 wickets against Sri Lanka. Simply stunning! India smash their highest ever T20I total, as they rack up 260/5 v Sri Lanka in Indore. SCORECARD: https://t.co/0bKvyteuvU #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/Uzk6LgMi4V — ICC (@ICC) December 22, 2017 × Rohit Sharma smashed the joint fastest century, in 35 balls, en route to his 43-ball 118, while KL Rahul blasted 89 off 49 balls to anchor the innings. This is the joint second highest total in T20s, a record previously achieved by South African cricketer David Miller. (With inputs from PTI)

Team India crosses its highest T20 score

Delhi metro&#39;s driverless train being tested on to be inaugurated Magenta Line crashed through a wall on Monday afternoon.

The metro crash happened at the Kalindi Kunj depot.&nbsp;

Although nobody was reported injured in the crash which allegedly took place because the train&#39;s brakes were disengaged.&nbsp;

However, startling pictures of the train quickly went viral on Twitter where people soon began to turn them into memes.

Joining the league, Indian captain Rohit Sharma also took a dig at the DMRC through his social media account.

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Is that what you mean? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiMetro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiMetro</a> <a href="https://t.co/zPD7cCKFY8">pic.twitter.com/zPD7cCKFY8</a>
&mdash; Rohit Sharma (@imWrong45) <a href="https://twitter.com/imWrong45/status/943122829356048385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The Indian opener tweeted another picture of the crash along with a cheeky joke.

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She : Come over, nobody&#39;s at home 
He :<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/delhimetro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#delhimetro</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y7QFEwu0PS">pic.twitter.com/Y7QFEwu0PS</a>
&mdash; Rohit Sharma (@imWrong45) <a href="https://twitter.com/imWrong45/status/943119282677825536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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However, the Delhi Metro came out with an explanation saying the accident was not in any way a result of the trains being driverless.&nbsp;

The 12.64 km Kalkaji Mandir-Botanical Garden stretch is scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25th.

The metro crash happened at the Kalindi Kunj depot yesterday afternoon.

Delhi metro's driverless train being tested on to be inaugurated Magenta Line crashed through a wall on Monday afternoon. The metro crash happened at the Kalindi Kunj depot. Although nobody was reported injured in the crash which allegedly took place because the train's brakes were disengaged. However, startling pictures of the train quickly went viral on Twitter where people soon began to turn them into memes. Joining the league, Indian captain Rohit Sharma also took a dig at the DMRC through his social media account. Is that what you mean? #DelhiMetro pic.twitter.com/zPD7cCKFY8 — Rohit Sharma (@imWrong45) December 19, 2017 × The Indian opener tweeted another picture of the crash along with a cheeky joke. She : Come over, nobody's at home He :#delhimetro pic.twitter.com/Y7QFEwu0PS — Rohit Sharma (@imWrong45) December 19, 2017 × However, the Delhi Metro came out with an explanation saying the accident was not in any way a result of the trains being driverless. The 12.64 km Kalkaji Mandir-Botanical Garden stretch is scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25th.

Rohit Sharma takes dig at Delhi Metro after driverless train crashes into wall

India&#39;s stand-in captain Rohit Sharma has moved two spots up to grab the fifth position among batsmen in the latest ICC ODI Player Rankings.

The Mumbai batsman moved two places up after he scored his third ODI double-century in the recently concluded three-match series against Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

According to an ICC media release, Rohit&#39;s current tally stands at&nbsp;816, after the splendid knock of 208 (not out) in the second ODI. The Indian opener has crossed the 800-point mark for the first time in his career. &nbsp;

However, it&#39;s not Rohit&#39;s career-best ranking as he held No. 3 position last year in February.&nbsp;

Shikhar Dhawan, who was named player of the series, too gained one slot to reach 14th position after aggregating 168 runs including an unbeaten 100 in the third ODI at Visakhapatnam.&nbsp;

Dhawan had slammed 68 in the second match, figuring in a 115-run opening stand with Sharma.

Skipper Virat Kohli, who rested himself from the series as he recently got married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, still leads the batting chart with 876 points. &nbsp;

For Indian bowlers, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal moved up 23 positions to take 28th place after finishing with six wickets in the series. &nbsp;

Likewise, Kuldeep Yadav has also moved up 16 places to take 56th slot.&nbsp;

All-rounder Hardik Pandya, who replicated Kapil Dev&#39;s 31-year-old feat, has gained 10 slots to reach a career-best 45th position.

Rohit played a splendid knock of 208 (not out) in the second ODI against Sri Lanka

India's stand-in captain Rohit Sharma has moved two spots up to grab the fifth position among batsmen in the latest ICC ODI Player Rankings. The Mumbai batsman moved two places up after he scored his third ODI double-century in the recently concluded three-match series against Sri Lanka. According to an ICC media release, Rohit's current tally stands at 816, after the splendid knock of 208 (not out) in the second ODI. The Indian opener has crossed the 800-point mark for the first time in his career. However, it's not Rohit's career-best ranking as he held No. 3 position last year in February. Shikhar Dhawan, who was named player of the series, too gained one slot to reach 14th position after aggregating 168 runs including an unbeaten 100 in the third ODI at Visakhapatnam. Dhawan had slammed 68 in the second match, figuring in a 115-run opening stand with Sharma. Skipper Virat Kohli, who rested himself from the series as he recently got married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, still leads the batting chart with 876 points. For Indian bowlers, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal moved up 23 positions to take 28th place after finishing with six wickets in the series. Likewise, Kuldeep Yadav has also moved up 16 places to take 56th slot. All-rounder Hardik Pandya, who replicated Kapil Dev's 31-year-old feat, has gained 10 slots to reach a career-best 45th position.

Rohit Sharma grabs 5th position in ICC ODI rankings

Indian Cricket Team skipper Virat Kohli, who recently got married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in a private ceremony, won the internet with his witty reply to stand-in captain Rohit Sharma.

The Mumbai batsman had congratulated the newlywed couple on Twitter and offered to give Virat a husband handbook for a good future.

In his tweet, Rohit also asked Anushka to stay with her actual surname and not change it to Kohli from Sharma. &nbsp;

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Congratulations you two! <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> , I&rsquo;ll share the husband handbook with you. <a href="https://twitter.com/AnushkaSharma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnushkaSharma</a> , keep the surname ??
&mdash; Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/940497404003885056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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However&nbsp;Kohli, who is on his honeymoon with wife Anushka, came up with a witty reply to Rohit&#39;s congratulatory tweet asking the hitman to share his double century-handbook also.&nbsp;

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Haha thanks Rohit, and please do share the Double Hundred Handbook as well. ??
&mdash; Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/942984155372982272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Rohit Sharma played an unbeaten 208 knock in the second One-day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka, becoming the first cricketer to score three double-centuries in ODIs.&nbsp;

Virat married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in a private ceremony in Italy

Indian Cricket Team skipper Virat Kohli, who recently got married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in a private ceremony, won the internet with his witty reply to stand-in captain Rohit Sharma. The Mumbai batsman had congratulated the newlywed couple on Twitter and offered to give Virat a husband handbook for a good future. In his tweet, Rohit also asked Anushka to stay with her actual surname and not change it to Kohli from Sharma. Congratulations you two! @imVkohli , I’ll share the husband handbook with you. @AnushkaSharma , keep the surname ?? — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) December 12, 2017 × However Kohli, who is on his honeymoon with wife Anushka, came up with a witty reply to Rohit's congratulatory tweet asking the hitman to share his double century-handbook also. Haha thanks Rohit, and please do share the Double Hundred Handbook as well. ?? — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 19, 2017 × Rohit Sharma played an unbeaten 208 knock in the second One-day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka, becoming the first cricketer to score three double-centuries in ODIs.

Rohit Sharma offers 'marriage tips' to Virat Kohli, captain asks for 'double-hundred' handbook

Indian cricket team&#39;s stand-in captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl first for the third and final ODI at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.

For India, Kuldeep Yadav replaced Washington Sundar in the playing XI, while Sadeera Samarawickrama replaced Lahiru Thirimanne for Sri Lanka.

In the 2nd ODI, Rohit Sharma&#39;s unbeaten 208 helped the hosts level the series with 1-1, after they put up a total of 392-4, and in turn, restricted Sri Lanka to 251-8 in 50 overs.

India has not lost a series at home since their loss to South Africa in October 2015.

Kuldeep Yadav replaced Washington Sundar in the Indian playing XI

Indian cricket team's stand-in captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl first for the third and final ODI at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. For India, Kuldeep Yadav replaced Washington Sundar in the playing XI, while Sadeera Samarawickrama replaced Lahiru Thirimanne for Sri Lanka. In the 2nd ODI, Rohit Sharma's unbeaten 208 helped the hosts level the series with 1-1, after they put up a total of 392-4, and in turn, restricted Sri Lanka to 251-8 in 50 overs. India has not lost a series at home since their loss to South Africa in October 2015.

3rd ODI: India wins toss, to bowl first in series decider against Sri Lanka

India on Sunday clinched the three-match ODI series by 2-1 against visitors Sri Lanka at Visakhapatnam, after registering a thumping 8 wicket win in the series decider.

After India&#39;s stand-in captain Rohit Sharma&#39;s early departure, batsman Shreyas Iyer and Shikhar Dhawan struck a 135-run partnership to take the game away from Lanka&rsquo;s hands.

Dhawan&#39;s unbeaten 100 off just 85 balls, and Iyer&#39;s 65 off 63 balls turned the game with their majestic partnership.&nbsp;

While, Kuldeep Yadav was declared the man of the match for the three crucial wickets he took today, Shikhar Dhawan was announced as the man of the series. &nbsp;

This is the first bilateral series win for Rohit Sharma as captain of Indian Cricket Team.&nbsp;

India bowled out the visitors for 215 runs as the hosts took the upper hand in the third and final ODI.

India had won the toss and opted to bowl first in the series decider at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. 
&nbsp;

Shreyas Iyer and Shikhar Dhawan struck a 135-run partnership to take the game away from Lanka?s hands.

India on Sunday clinched the three-match ODI series by 2-1 against visitors Sri Lanka at Visakhapatnam, after registering a thumping 8 wicket win in the series decider. After India's stand-in captain Rohit Sharma's early departure, batsman Shreyas Iyer and Shikhar Dhawan struck a 135-run partnership to take the game away from Lanka’s hands. Dhawan's unbeaten 100 off just 85 balls, and Iyer's 65 off 63 balls turned the game with their majestic partnership. While, Kuldeep Yadav was declared the man of the match for the three crucial wickets he took today, Shikhar Dhawan was announced as the man of the series. This is the first bilateral series win for Rohit Sharma as captain of Indian Cricket Team. India bowled out the visitors for 215 runs as the hosts took the upper hand in the third and final ODI. India had won the toss and opted to bowl first in the series decider at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium.

Shikhar Dhawan's century helps India clinch ODI series by 2-1 against Sri Lanka

Stand-in captain Rohit Sharma slammed a double century, his third double ton in ODIs as India rocketed to 392 for four in 50 overs.

Earlier, India&#39;s captain had reached his century in just 115 balls with nine boundaries and a six as India took control of the second one-day international at Mohali on Wednesday.

Rohit&#39;s scintillating double ton was studded with 12 sixes and 13 boundaries in just 153 balls as the Lankan attack wilted at Mohali.

Rohit scored his first ODI double ton against Australia back in November 2, 2013, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium when he hammered 209.

He notched up yet another double ton a year later on November 13, 2014, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata where he notched up 264, which happens to be the highest score in by a batsman in an ODI innings

The right-handed batsman crossed the 100-run mark in ODIs for the sixth time this year and first ever as captain.&nbsp;

Shreyas Iyer, who made 88 off 70 balls in his second ODI, batted well alongside Rohit and came up with the big shots just when his team needed to step on the accelerator.&nbsp;

Rohit, who opened the match along with Shikhar Dhawan got the measure of the pitch in the first Powerplay, where they made just 33 runs but started playing their strokes thereafter to take India to 108 for no loss in 20 overs.&nbsp;

Rohit, who is leading the side in Virat Kohli&#39;s absence, had promised to bounce back after their humiliating loss in the 1st ODI in Dharamsala.

Sri Lanka has fielded an unchanged side, whereas, for India, Tamil Nadu offspin-bowling allrounder Washington Sundar received his maiden ODI cap, replacing Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI.

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Rohit Sharma slammed a century in just 115 balls with nine boundaries and a six as India took control of the second one-day international at Mohali on Wednesday.

Stand-in captain Rohit Sharma slammed a double century, his third double ton in ODIs as India rocketed to 392 for four in 50 overs. Earlier, India's captain had reached his century in just 115 balls with nine boundaries and a six as India took control of the second one-day international at Mohali on Wednesday. Rohit's scintillating double ton was studded with 12 sixes and 13 boundaries in just 153 balls as the Lankan attack wilted at Mohali. Rohit scored his first ODI double ton against Australia back in November 2, 2013, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium when he hammered 209. He notched up yet another double ton a year later on November 13, 2014, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata where he notched up 264, which happens to be the highest score in by a batsman in an ODI innings The right-handed batsman crossed the 100-run mark in ODIs for the sixth time this year and first ever as captain. Shreyas Iyer, who made 88 off 70 balls in his second ODI, batted well alongside Rohit and came up with the big shots just when his team needed to step on the accelerator. Rohit, who opened the match along with Shikhar Dhawan got the measure of the pitch in the first Powerplay, where they made just 33 runs but started playing their strokes thereafter to take India to 108 for no loss in 20 overs. Rohit, who is leading the side in Virat Kohli's absence, had promised to bounce back after their humiliating loss in the 1st ODI in Dharamsala. Sri Lanka has fielded an unchanged side, whereas, for India, Tamil Nadu offspin-bowling allrounder Washington Sundar received his maiden ODI cap, replacing Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. ×

Rohit Sharma hits double ton against Sri Lanka, his third in ODIs

With captain Rohit Sharma&#39;s splendid double-century, &nbsp;India easily managed to clinch the second ODI match by a margin of 141 runs at Mohali on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka, who was chasing a humongous 393 target, could all score 251 runs as they lost wickets at regular intervals.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka had a dismal start to their chase as they lost both the openers Upul Tharanga and Danushka Gunathilaka at the score of 30.

Angelo Mathews was the lone fighter, who scored 111 runs off 122 balls which included nine fours and two sixes, as no other Lankan player gave him the required support he needed in the middle.

For India, Yuzvendra Chahal returned figures of 3/60 while paceman Jasprit Bumrah picked up 2/43 in his 10 overs.

With this win, Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s side levelled the three-match series with 1-1 for now, with the third and final decider ODI to take place at Visakhapatnam this coming Sunday.

A host of records were broken at Mohali today that saw Rohit reaching his 16th ODI hundred en route to a double hundred.&nbsp;

The right-handed batsman&#39;s last double hundred also came against Sri Lanka while the first one was recorded against Australia.

Sri Lanka had a dismal start, losing both openers on 30

With captain Rohit Sharma's splendid double-century, India easily managed to clinch the second ODI match by a margin of 141 runs at Mohali on Wednesday. Sri Lanka, who was chasing a humongous 393 target, could all score 251 runs as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Sri Lanka had a dismal start to their chase as they lost both the openers Upul Tharanga and Danushka Gunathilaka at the score of 30. Angelo Mathews was the lone fighter, who scored 111 runs off 122 balls which included nine fours and two sixes, as no other Lankan player gave him the required support he needed in the middle. For India, Yuzvendra Chahal returned figures of 3/60 while paceman Jasprit Bumrah picked up 2/43 in his 10 overs. With this win, Rohit Sharma’s side levelled the three-match series with 1-1 for now, with the third and final decider ODI to take place at Visakhapatnam this coming Sunday. A host of records were broken at Mohali today that saw Rohit reaching his 16th ODI hundred en route to a double hundred. The right-handed batsman's last double hundred also came against Sri Lanka while the first one was recorded against Australia.

2nd ODI: Rohit Sharma's 208* helps India defeat Sri Lanka by 141 runs, level series 1-1

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The government has pushed back the deadline for the linking of Aadhar to PAN cards to March 31.&nbsp;

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Indian prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that his government was working to end a system where the poor man was always fighting the system and trying to establish one that was transparent and understood the needs of the people.

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India&#39;s National Green Tribunal on Wednesday directed the Amarnath Shrine Board that there should be no chanting of &quot;mantras&quot; or &quot;jaykaras&quot; in the Amarnath cave shrine in Kashmir,

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-hits-double-ton-against-sri-lanka-26642" target="_blank">Rohit Sharma hits double ton against Sri Lanka, his third in ODIs</a>

Stand-in captain Rohit Sharma slammed a double century, his third double ton in ODIs as India rocketed to 392 for four in 50 overs.

Aadhaar-PAN linking: Government extends deadline to March 31 The government has pushed back the deadline for the linking of Aadhar to PAN cards to March 31. Pakistan meddling in Gujarat elections: Pak's Kasuri rejects PM Modi's claims Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Pakistan of conspiring with the Congress to influence the Gujarat election results, former Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri rejected Modi's allegations, saying there was "no basis" to the story. Government working to establish a transparent system: PM Modi Indian prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that his government was working to end a system where the poor man was always fighting the system and trying to establish one that was transparent and understood the needs of the people. No chanting of 'mantras' at Amarnath shrine: NGT India's National Green Tribunal on Wednesday directed the Amarnath Shrine Board that there should be no chanting of "mantras" or "jaykaras" in the Amarnath cave shrine in Kashmir, Rohit Sharma hits double ton against Sri Lanka, his third in ODIs Stand-in captain Rohit Sharma slammed a double century, his third double ton in ODIs as India rocketed to 392 for four in 50 overs.

WION evening news brief, December 13, 2017

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma&#39;s double ton during the second ODI match against Sri Lanka was not less than a festival for the cricketing fans.&nbsp;

The splendid knock of unbeaten 208 runs made him the only cricketer to score three double centuries in ODIs, with two of them &nbsp;coming against the same opponent-Sri Lanka

With many people congratulating him for his accomplishment, the right-handed batsman&#39;s mother Purnima Sharma too expressed her happiness saying her son made the record on the day of his anniversary which doubled her joy.

Satisfied with her son&#39;s performance, Purnima said she feels proud that her son is the captain of Indian cricket team.

Rohit took 153 balls to reach his double century and hit 13 fours and 12 sixes in the inning. 
&nbsp; 
Rohit&rsquo;s first ever double century came in 2013 when he scored 209 against Australia in Bangalore. 
&nbsp;

Rohit is the only cricketer to score three double centuries in ODIs

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma's double ton during the second ODI match against Sri Lanka was not less than a festival for the cricketing fans. The splendid knock of unbeaten 208 runs made him the only cricketer to score three double centuries in ODIs, with two of them coming against the same opponent-Sri Lanka With many people congratulating him for his accomplishment, the right-handed batsman's mother Purnima Sharma too expressed her happiness saying her son made the record on the day of his anniversary which doubled her joy. Satisfied with her son's performance, Purnima said she feels proud that her son is the captain of Indian cricket team. Rohit took 153 balls to reach his double century and hit 13 fours and 12 sixes in the inning. Rohit’s first ever double century came in 2013 when he scored 209 against Australia in Bangalore.

'Really proud of my son,' says Rohit Sharma's mother on his 3rd double ton

The first ODI against Sri Lanka has not begun well for the Indian team.&nbsp;

India&#39;s batting line-up crumbled against the Sri Lankan attack -- with the Indians being bowled out for a measly 112.&nbsp;

The first ODI against Sri Lanka was being played at the picturesque HPCA cricket stadium in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

But the cold and the pitch conditions were too much for the Indians.&nbsp;

Former captain MS Dhoni fought a lone battle, scoring 65.&nbsp;

The rest of the batting lineup struggled to get to two figures.

Stand-in captain Rohit Sharma -- Virat Kohli is being rested -- was caught on 2.&nbsp;

There were four ducks -- Dhawan, Karthik, Kumar, and Bumrah.&nbsp;

Perhaps what summed it up best was the fact that after Dhoni, the second-highest scorer (19) was Kuldeep Yadav -- a bowler.&nbsp;

The only other person who got to two figures (10) was Pandya.&nbsp;

The first ODI against Sri Lanka has not begun well for the Indian team. India's batting line-up crumbled against the Sri Lankan attack -- with the Indians being bowled out for a measly 112. The first ODI against Sri Lanka was being played at the picturesque HPCA cricket stadium in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. But the cold and the pitch conditions were too much for the Indians. Former captain MS Dhoni fought a lone battle, scoring 65. The rest of the batting lineup struggled to get to two figures. Stand-in captain Rohit Sharma -- Virat Kohli is being rested -- was caught on 2. There were four ducks -- Dhawan, Karthik, Kumar, and Bumrah. Perhaps what summed it up best was the fact that after Dhoni, the second-highest scorer (19) was Kuldeep Yadav -- a bowler. The only other person who got to two figures (10) was Pandya.

1st ODI: India crumble, all out for 112 against Sri Lanka

A horribly out-of-form Ajinkya Rahane will be aiming to get his mojo back as India, formidable even without regular skipper Virat Kohli, eye another &#39;Whitewash&#39; against Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series, starting tomorrow.

From the polluted &#39;Gas Chamber&#39; of National Capital, the action has now shifted to the most scenic cricket stadium in the country in the backdrop of the pristine Dhauladhar Range.

The primary objective for chief coach Ravi Shastri and stand-in captain Rohit Sharma will be to look at various combinations in both departments against an out-of-sorts team.

With the match starting at 11:30 am in cooler confines and bouncy conditions, the toss could prove to be a crucial factor during the opening ODI.

Having won five straight bilateral series apart from reaching Champions Trophy final, a 3-0 win will put India on top of ICC ODI rankings, overtaking South Africa.

Even without their inspirational skipper, a batting line-up comprising Rohit, Rahane, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav could prove to be a handful for any opposition.

While the opening slot seems locked with Rohit and Dhawan at the top, Rahane is likely to get a chance at the number three position with Kohli given a much-needed rest.

However, if Dhawan, who was down with a viral fever yesterday, pulls out then Rahane could be seen opening the innings.

The stylish Mumbai batsman had scored three half-centuries and a hundred in the bilaterals against West Indies in June-July, before blasting four successive fifties against Australia at home.

The only ODI game that he played against Sri Lanka this year, Rahane scored just 5 before stumbling upon a rough patch in the Test series against Sri Lanka.

With the South Africa Test series around the corner, the team management would certainly want their favourite &#39;Jinks&#39; to break the jinx.

Dinesh Karthik and Mahendra Singh Dhoni are likely to take the next two slots before Kedar Jadhav comes at the number six.

Karthik had scored a fifty in the two chances that he got in the West Indies series, while against New Zealand the wicket-keeper batsman hit scores of 37, 64 not out and 4 not out in the three games.

Dhoni, on the other hand, had faced criticism when he struggled to get going in the second T20I against New Zealand which the hosts lost by 40 runs and the former skipper will look to silence his detractors.

While Shreyas Iyer and Manish Pandey are also in the team, the duo will get a look-in if both Dhawan and Jadhav, who has a hamstring injury, are ruled out.

Kedar, however, batted with a heavily strapped right thigh while Dhawan also enjoyed a long session after skipping yesterday&#39;s session.

&quot;Shikhar and Kedar have taken the field now and they are pretty much part of the 15 and we will assess how they go about today,&quot; skipper Rohit Sharma said before a training session.

All-rounder Hardik Pandya will continue to be a vital cog in India&#39;s wheel as he completes what has been an exceptional year in international cricket for him.

One among orthodox leg-break bowler Yuzvendra Chahal and chinaman Kuldeep Yadav will be in the playing XI along with Axar Patel, whose primary job is to restrict runs.

Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will spearhead the pace department and the visitors will have a tough time dealing with them in the opening as well as at death overs.

Among others, it will be interesting to see if skipper Rohit decides to give rookie Siddarth Kaul a chance as a third pacer at the HPCA Stadium, which is expected to aid swing bowling.

Sri Lanka has shown the stomach for a fight in the Delhi Test after barely managing to save the first Test in Kolkata and losing the second at Nagpur and they would be eager to erase the ignominy of losing 0-5 at home in September.

The visitors were also humiliated 0-5 by Pakistan in their last bilateral series in October and it will take really a special effort from Thisara Perera&#39;s men to tame India at their own backyard.

Teams:

India: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul.

Sri Lanka: Thisara Perera (capt), Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Angelo Mathews, Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Chaturanga de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachith Pathirana, Kusal Perera.

Match starts at 11:30 am.&nbsp;

The three-match ODI series kicks off Sunday at Dharamsala

A horribly out-of-form Ajinkya Rahane will be aiming to get his mojo back as India, formidable even without regular skipper Virat Kohli, eye another 'Whitewash' against Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series, starting tomorrow. From the polluted 'Gas Chamber' of National Capital, the action has now shifted to the most scenic cricket stadium in the country in the backdrop of the pristine Dhauladhar Range. The primary objective for chief coach Ravi Shastri and stand-in captain Rohit Sharma will be to look at various combinations in both departments against an out-of-sorts team. With the match starting at 11:30 am in cooler confines and bouncy conditions, the toss could prove to be a crucial factor during the opening ODI. Having won five straight bilateral series apart from reaching Champions Trophy final, a 3-0 win will put India on top of ICC ODI rankings, overtaking South Africa. Even without their inspirational skipper, a batting line-up comprising Rohit, Rahane, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav could prove to be a handful for any opposition. While the opening slot seems locked with Rohit and Dhawan at the top, Rahane is likely to get a chance at the number three position with Kohli given a much-needed rest. However, if Dhawan, who was down with a viral fever yesterday, pulls out then Rahane could be seen opening the innings. The stylish Mumbai batsman had scored three half-centuries and a hundred in the bilaterals against West Indies in June-July, before blasting four successive fifties against Australia at home. The only ODI game that he played against Sri Lanka this year, Rahane scored just 5 before stumbling upon a rough patch in the Test series against Sri Lanka. With the South Africa Test series around the corner, the team management would certainly want their favourite 'Jinks' to break the jinx. Dinesh Karthik and Mahendra Singh Dhoni are likely to take the next two slots before Kedar Jadhav comes at the number six. Karthik had scored a fifty in the two chances that he got in the West Indies series, while against New Zealand the wicket-keeper batsman hit scores of 37, 64 not out and 4 not out in the three games. Dhoni, on the other hand, had faced criticism when he struggled to get going in the second T20I against New Zealand which the hosts lost by 40 runs and the former skipper will look to silence his detractors. While Shreyas Iyer and Manish Pandey are also in the team, the duo will get a look-in if both Dhawan and Jadhav, who has a hamstring injury, are ruled out. Kedar, however, batted with a heavily strapped right thigh while Dhawan also enjoyed a long session after skipping yesterday's session. "Shikhar and Kedar have taken the field now and they are pretty much part of the 15 and we will assess how they go about today," skipper Rohit Sharma said before a training session. All-rounder Hardik Pandya will continue to be a vital cog in India's wheel as he completes what has been an exceptional year in international cricket for him. One among orthodox leg-break bowler Yuzvendra Chahal and chinaman Kuldeep Yadav will be in the playing XI along with Axar Patel, whose primary job is to restrict runs. Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will spearhead the pace department and the visitors will have a tough time dealing with them in the opening as well as at death overs. Among others, it will be interesting to see if skipper Rohit decides to give rookie Siddarth Kaul a chance as a third pacer at the HPCA Stadium, which is expected to aid swing bowling. Sri Lanka has shown the stomach for a fight in the Delhi Test after barely managing to save the first Test in Kolkata and losing the second at Nagpur and they would be eager to erase the ignominy of losing 0-5 at home in September. The visitors were also humiliated 0-5 by Pakistan in their last bilateral series in October and it will take really a special effort from Thisara Perera's men to tame India at their own backyard. Teams: India: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul. Sri Lanka: Thisara Perera (capt), Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Angelo Mathews, Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Chaturanga de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachith Pathirana, Kusal Perera. Match starts at 11:30 am.

Rahane form a worry as India aim for another clean sweep of Sri Lanka

Virat Kohli has been rest for the India&#39;s three one-day international against Sri Lanka next month said The Indian cricket board BCCI.

Rohit Sharma will lead the hosts in the absence of their captain Virat Kohli

India is scheduled to travel to South Africa for a full tour immediately after the Sri Lanka series, the tour will start from December 10.

On November 15, Virat Kohli while speaking in Kolkata on the eve of the first test against Sri Lanka said that &quot;he needs a rest, and he&#39;ll ask for it when he wants it&quot; on warnings of burnout.

&quot;Definitely I do need a rest, why don&#39;t I. When I think of the time my body should be rested I will ask for it, why not.<a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/i-too-need-rest-i-am-not-a-robot-kohli-24304" target="_blank"> I&#39;m not a robot</a>, you can slice my skin and check if I still bleed.&quot; PTI reported Kohli as saying.

Kohli leads India in all three formats of the game and he has been in imperious form with his batting.

India has won the second of the three-test series against the Sri Lanka by an innings and 239 runs in Nagpur today.

On Monday the teams will be playing final test in Delhi from Saturday.

Shikhar Dhawan, the opening batsman will return to the team for the final test after he withdrew from the second match for personal reasons.

India will also host Sri Lanka in three Twenty20 matches before embarking on the tour to South Africa.

Rohit Sharma will lead the hosts in the absence of their captain Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has been rest for the India's three one-day international against Sri Lanka next month said The Indian cricket board BCCI. Rohit Sharma will lead the hosts in the absence of their captain Virat Kohli India is scheduled to travel to South Africa for a full tour immediately after the Sri Lanka series, the tour will start from December 10. On November 15, Virat Kohli while speaking in Kolkata on the eve of the first test against Sri Lanka said that "he needs a rest, and he'll ask for it when he wants it" on warnings of burnout. "Definitely I do need a rest, why don't I. When I think of the time my body should be rested I will ask for it, why not. I'm not a robot, you can slice my skin and check if I still bleed." PTI reported Kohli as saying. Kohli leads India in all three formats of the game and he has been in imperious form with his batting. India has won the second of the three-test series against the Sri Lanka by an innings and 239 runs in Nagpur today. On Monday the teams will be playing final test in Delhi from Saturday. Shikhar Dhawan, the opening batsman will return to the team for the final test after he withdrew from the second match for personal reasons. India will also host Sri Lanka in three Twenty20 matches before embarking on the tour to South Africa.

Virat Kohli rested for Sri Lanka One Day Internationals

Flamboyant opener Rohit Sharma, who finished as the leading scorer in the five-match ODI series against Australia which India won 4-1 on Sunday, has moved up four places to reach the fifth position in the ICC ODI Player Rankings.

Sharma&#39;s 296 runs in the series, which included a brilliant 125 in the last match in Nagpur, contributed significantly to India&#39;s convincing victory over the Steve Smith-led side that helped grab the No.1 position in the ICC ODI Team Rankings.

The Mumbaikar is now on a career-best 790 rating points but his highest ranking has been third, which he attained in February 2016.

His opening partner Ajinkya Rahane has moved up four places to reach 24th position while Australia&#39;s opening pair of Aaron Finch and David Warner have proved more prolific and the results show in the latest rankings that also take into account the five-match series in England which the home side won 4-0 against the West Indies.

Finch has gained nine slots to reach 17th position while Warner has closed in on No. 1 ranked Virat Kohli, bridging the pre-series gap of 26 points to just 12 points as he has moved to 865 points.

Other batsmen moving up include Kedhar Jadhav of India (up eight places to a career-best 36th), Marcus Stoinis of Australia (up 74 places to 54th), Jason Roy (up seven places to 30th), Jonny Bairstow (up 48 places to 40th) and Moeen Ali (up 18 places to 56th) of England, and the Windies pair of Jason Holder (up 11 places to 73rd) and Evin Lewis (up 31 places to 78th).

In the rankings for bowlers, South Africa leg-spinner Imran Tahir has regained the top spot after Australia pace bowler Josh Hazlewood missed the India series due to a side strain and lost 18 points in the process. Tahir is now just four points ahead of Hazlewood at 718 points.

In other movements, India&#39;s left-arm spinner Akshar Patel has reached a career-best seventh position after moving up three places while wrist spinners Yuzvendra Chahal (up 24 places to 75th) and Kuldeep Yadav (up nine places to 80th) have also moved northwards.

Other bowlers to move up include Australia&#39;s Nathan Coulter-Nile (up 49 places to a career-best 44th position) and Pat Cummins (up seven places to 21st), and England&#39;s Liam Plunkett (up three places to 10th) and Adil Rashid (up four places to 12th).

In the list of all-rounders led by Bangladesh&#39;s Shakib Al Hasan, England&#39;s Ben Stokes has moved into the top five.

He moved up four places to reach the fifth position in the ICC ODI Player Rankings

Flamboyant opener Rohit Sharma, who finished as the leading scorer in the five-match ODI series against Australia which India won 4-1 on Sunday, has moved up four places to reach the fifth position in the ICC ODI Player Rankings. Sharma's 296 runs in the series, which included a brilliant 125 in the last match in Nagpur, contributed significantly to India's convincing victory over the Steve Smith-led side that helped grab the No.1 position in the ICC ODI Team Rankings. The Mumbaikar is now on a career-best 790 rating points but his highest ranking has been third, which he attained in February 2016. His opening partner Ajinkya Rahane has moved up four places to reach 24th position while Australia's opening pair of Aaron Finch and David Warner have proved more prolific and the results show in the latest rankings that also take into account the five-match series in England which the home side won 4-0 against the West Indies. Finch has gained nine slots to reach 17th position while Warner has closed in on No. 1 ranked Virat Kohli, bridging the pre-series gap of 26 points to just 12 points as he has moved to 865 points. Other batsmen moving up include Kedhar Jadhav of India (up eight places to a career-best 36th), Marcus Stoinis of Australia (up 74 places to 54th), Jason Roy (up seven places to 30th), Jonny Bairstow (up 48 places to 40th) and Moeen Ali (up 18 places to 56th) of England, and the Windies pair of Jason Holder (up 11 places to 73rd) and Evin Lewis (up 31 places to 78th). In the rankings for bowlers, South Africa leg-spinner Imran Tahir has regained the top spot after Australia pace bowler Josh Hazlewood missed the India series due to a side strain and lost 18 points in the process. Tahir is now just four points ahead of Hazlewood at 718 points. In other movements, India's left-arm spinner Akshar Patel has reached a career-best seventh position after moving up three places while wrist spinners Yuzvendra Chahal (up 24 places to 75th) and Kuldeep Yadav (up nine places to 80th) have also moved northwards. Other bowlers to move up include Australia's Nathan Coulter-Nile (up 49 places to a career-best 44th position) and Pat Cummins (up seven places to 21st), and England's Liam Plunkett (up three places to 10th) and Adil Rashid (up four places to 12th). In the list of all-rounders led by Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan, England's Ben Stokes has moved into the top five.

Rohit Sharma now amongst top five ODI batsmen

Skipper Rohit Sharma played a sublime knock to lead Mumbai Indians to a five-wicket win over laggards Royal Challengers Bangalore, ensuring themselves of a berth at the IPL play-offs, here today. 
 
RCB, opting to bat, put up 162 for eight with Ab de Villiers hammering 43 off 27 balls. 
 
It was a rather straightforward chase for Mumbai as the home team reeled off 59 runs in the last six overs, courtesy some crisp hitting from Rohit, who ended with 56 off 37 balls. 
 
Hardik Pandya remained unbeaten with the captain, scoring 14 off nine balls. 
 
With the win at Wankhede, Mumbai moved to the top of the points table with eight wins out of 10 games fetching them 16 points. 
 
On the other hand, it was another disappointing performance from the star-studded RCB, who are very much out of contention for a play-off berth. The loss was their eighth in 11 matches. 
 
Fittingly, Rohit hit the winning runs, a cracking drive past mid-off. It was one of the six boundaries he hit alongside a maximum. 
 
The quick start to the chase was provided by Jos Buttler (33 off 21) and Nitish Rana (27 off 28) after Parthiv Patel was out for a first ball duck. 
 
Earlier, Mitchell McClenaghan claimed three wickets as Mumbai Indians produced a disciplined bowling performance to restrict RCB to a modest total. 
 
Besides McClenaghan (3/34), Krunal Pandya (2/34) took two wickets, while Karn Sharma (1/23) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/33) accounted for wicket apiece. 
 
For RCB, de Villiers emerged as the top-scorer after he blasted three fours and as many sixes during his 27-ball innings, while Pawan Negi (35) and Kedar Jadhav (28) provided the late charge to take the team past the 150-mark. 
 
RCB lost their first wicket in the fourth over when Mandeep Singh (17) went for the slog sweep and was caught by Hardik. 
 
In the sixth over, McClenaghan removed Virat Kohli (20) when the RCB skipper flicked a slower ball straight to short midwicket and Rohit took a simple catch, reducing the visitors slipped to 40 for two. 
 
De Villiers then blasted McClenaghan over backward point for a four before sending him over sweeper cover for a maximum as RCB scored 52-2 in the powerplay overs. 
 
The South African gave Krunal Pandya the same treatment as RCB accumulated 13 runs off the ninth over. 
 
After 10 overs, they were 80 for 2 but Travis Head (12) holed out to Hardik at deep midwicket and RCB slumped to 85-3. 
 
De Villiers brought up the 100 with a six off Krunal over the square leg boundary but was dismissed in the next delivery by the same bowler for the fourth time in as many meetings. 
 
Shane Watson&#39;s poor run continued and he went down cheaply again to leave RCB struggling at 108-5 in 13.4 overs. 
 
Negi and Jadhav then steadied the innings, taking ones and twos to keep the scoreboard ticking. 
 
Negi finally exploded in the 18th over, producing a couple of sixes off Lasith Malinga over extra cover and long- off, before smashing a six over long-on boundary in the next over to bring up the 150. 
 
The final over yielded just five runs as McClenaghan dismissed Negi and Jadhav in successive deliveries, while S Aravind ran himself out while looking for a single.

(PTI)

Rohit Sharma played a captain's knock to chase the target set by Virat Kohli's team

Skipper Rohit Sharma played a sublime knock to lead Mumbai Indians to a five-wicket win over laggards Royal Challengers Bangalore, ensuring themselves of a berth at the IPL play-offs, here today. RCB, opting to bat, put up 162 for eight with Ab de Villiers hammering 43 off 27 balls. It was a rather straightforward chase for Mumbai as the home team reeled off 59 runs in the last six overs, courtesy some crisp hitting from Rohit, who ended with 56 off 37 balls. Hardik Pandya remained unbeaten with the captain, scoring 14 off nine balls. With the win at Wankhede, Mumbai moved to the top of the points table with eight wins out of 10 games fetching them 16 points. On the other hand, it was another disappointing performance from the star-studded RCB, who are very much out of contention for a play-off berth. The loss was their eighth in 11 matches. Fittingly, Rohit hit the winning runs, a cracking drive past mid-off. It was one of the six boundaries he hit alongside a maximum. The quick start to the chase was provided by Jos Buttler (33 off 21) and Nitish Rana (27 off 28) after Parthiv Patel was out for a first ball duck. Earlier, Mitchell McClenaghan claimed three wickets as Mumbai Indians produced a disciplined bowling performance to restrict RCB to a modest total. Besides McClenaghan (3/34), Krunal Pandya (2/34) took two wickets, while Karn Sharma (1/23) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/33) accounted for wicket apiece. For RCB, de Villiers emerged as the top-scorer after he blasted three fours and as many sixes during his 27-ball innings, while Pawan Negi (35) and Kedar Jadhav (28) provided the late charge to take the team past the 150-mark. RCB lost their first wicket in the fourth over when Mandeep Singh (17) went for the slog sweep and was caught by Hardik. In the sixth over, McClenaghan removed Virat Kohli (20) when the RCB skipper flicked a slower ball straight to short midwicket and Rohit took a simple catch, reducing the visitors slipped to 40 for two. De Villiers then blasted McClenaghan over backward point for a four before sending him over sweeper cover for a maximum as RCB scored 52-2 in the powerplay overs. The South African gave Krunal Pandya the same treatment as RCB accumulated 13 runs off the ninth over. After 10 overs, they were 80 for 2 but Travis Head (12) holed out to Hardik at deep midwicket and RCB slumped to 85-3. De Villiers brought up the 100 with a six off Krunal over the square leg boundary but was dismissed in the next delivery by the same bowler for the fourth time in as many meetings. Shane Watson's poor run continued and he went down cheaply again to leave RCB struggling at 108-5 in 13.4 overs. Negi and Jadhav then steadied the innings, taking ones and twos to keep the scoreboard ticking. Negi finally exploded in the 18th over, producing a couple of sixes off Lasith Malinga over extra cover and long- off, before smashing a six over long-on boundary in the next over to bring up the 150. The final over yielded just five runs as McClenaghan dismissed Negi and Jadhav in successive deliveries, while S Aravind ran himself out while looking for a single. (PTI)

IPL: Mumbai seal playoffs spot after win over Bangalore

Rohit Sharma&#39;s masterful 82 and a seventh-wicket stand of 103 runs with Wriddhiman Saha put India firmly in the driver&#39;s seat against New Zealand in the second test on Sunday after the hosts&#39; second innings had got off to a wobbly start.

At stumps on the third day, Saha (39 not out) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (eight) were at the crease for the hosts, who lead the three-match series 1-0 and will reclaim top spot in the test rankings from Pakistan with a win at Eden Gardens.

India reached 227 for eight in their second innings for an overall lead of 339, a tall chase already for the touring side on a deteriorating pitch.

Matt Henry and Trent Boult had seemingly resurrected New Zealand&#39;s hopes in the second session with some inspired fast bowling after India wrapped up the touring side&#39;s first innings for 204 in the morning for a handy lead.

Henry, who picked up three wickets in India&#39;s first innings, added another three to his tally, with Boult picking up two more as India were reduced to 106 for six.

India opener Murali Vijay (seven) fell to Henry in the first over after lunch, while the right-arm fast bowler returned in his next to claim the wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara (four), India&#39;s top scorer in the first innings with 87.

Shikhar Dhawan (17), who survived a brutal opening spell before lunch from Boult when he was twice struck on his left hand, was out leg before to the left-arm paceman.

Fightback

Ajinkya Rahane (one) did not last long either, reducing India to 43-4, and it was left to captain Virat Kohli (45) and Rohit to rescue India with a fifth-wicket stand of 48.

Kohli looked in good touch before he was out leg before to a Boult delivery that stayed low and went under his bat.

Ravichandran Ashwin (five) was also out leg before to left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who later sent back Rohit and Ravindra Jadeja (six) in one over.

Ashwin&#39;s dismissal brought Rohit and Saha together and the duo then batted India into a commanding position.

Earlier, resuming on 128-7, New Zealand&#39;s Jeetan Patel (47) and BJ Watling (25) compiled a fighting eighth-wicket stand of 60 before the former fell trying to slog off-spinner Ashwin&#39;s first ball of the day.

Patel, who had played his last test in January 2013, hit nine fours in his run-a-ball innings and, with wicketkeeper-batsman Watling, kept India at bay for more than an hour in the first session while compiling his best score.

The 36-year-old was given out leg before against Jadeja on 47 but was reprieved after replays showed the left-arm spinner had overstepped.

With his maiden fifty one hit away, Patel, whose 47 was New Zealand&#39;s highest individual score in the innings, decided to go for a boundary on a flighted delivery from Ashwin but only managed a top edge that was caught by Mohammed Shami. 
 
(Reuters)

India reached 227 for eight in their second innings for an overall lead of 339, a tall chase for New Zealand

Rohit Sharma's masterful 82 and a seventh-wicket stand of 103 runs with Wriddhiman Saha put India firmly in the driver's seat against New Zealand in the second test on Sunday after the hosts' second innings had got off to a wobbly start. At stumps on the third day, Saha (39 not out) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (eight) were at the crease for the hosts, who lead the three-match series 1-0 and will reclaim top spot in the test rankings from Pakistan with a win at Eden Gardens. India reached 227 for eight in their second innings for an overall lead of 339, a tall chase already for the touring side on a deteriorating pitch. Matt Henry and Trent Boult had seemingly resurrected New Zealand's hopes in the second session with some inspired fast bowling after India wrapped up the touring side's first innings for 204 in the morning for a handy lead. Henry, who picked up three wickets in India's first innings, added another three to his tally, with Boult picking up two more as India were reduced to 106 for six. India opener Murali Vijay (seven) fell to Henry in the first over after lunch, while the right-arm fast bowler returned in his next to claim the wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara (four), India's top scorer in the first innings with 87. Shikhar Dhawan (17), who survived a brutal opening spell before lunch from Boult when he was twice struck on his left hand, was out leg before to the left-arm paceman. Fightback Ajinkya Rahane (one) did not last long either, reducing India to 43-4, and it was left to captain Virat Kohli (45) and Rohit to rescue India with a fifth-wicket stand of 48. Kohli looked in good touch before he was out leg before to a Boult delivery that stayed low and went under his bat. Ravichandran Ashwin (five) was also out leg before to left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who later sent back Rohit and Ravindra Jadeja (six) in one over. Ashwin's dismissal brought Rohit and Saha together and the duo then batted India into a commanding position. Earlier, resuming on 128-7, New Zealand's Jeetan Patel (47) and BJ Watling (25) compiled a fighting eighth-wicket stand of 60 before the former fell trying to slog off-spinner Ashwin's first ball of the day. Patel, who had played his last test in January 2013, hit nine fours in his run-a-ball innings and, with wicketkeeper-batsman Watling, kept India at bay for more than an hour in the first session while compiling his best score. The 36-year-old was given out leg before against Jadeja on 47 but was reprieved after replays showed the left-arm spinner had overstepped. With his maiden fifty one hit away, Patel, whose 47 was New Zealand's highest individual score in the innings, decided to go for a boundary on a flighted delivery from Ashwin but only managed a top edge that was caught by Mohammed Shami. (Reuters)

India vs NZ, 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma sets up massive lead for India on day 3

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