A statue of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, unveiled with much fanfare last year, has become the subject of unexpected attention due to a concerning issue with its inscription. The statue, which was meant to honour the batting great, now stands with several letters missing from its nameplate. Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Life-size statue of Sachin Tendulkar to be sculpted at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai During the India vs Australia Test match on November 1, Mid-Day photographer Atul Kamble captured an image showing that the letters in Tendulkar’s first, second, and surname had begun to drop off. This was during India's third and final Test against New Zealand, which, despite its early conclusion on Day 3, drew attention not only for the match but also for the condition of the statue. Snippet from our story published on November 2 A week after the Test, another Mid-Day photographer Kirti Surve Parade returned to the statue to find that the missing letters had not been fixed. The damaged inscription now reads as a shadow of the full name it was intended to represent, diminishing the statue’s intended grandeur. While no official statement has been made regarding the issue, the delay in repairs has raised questions about the upkeep of monuments dedicated to national heroes. Also Read: Sunil Gavaskar's masterstroke that led Sachin Tendulkar to Yorkshire for his 1992 County stint The statue, a tribute to Tendulkar's unmatched contribution to Indian cricket, was unveiled with much ceremony. However, the fading letters have prompted some to wonder whether the care given to the statue matches the reverence it was meant to embody. As of now, the statue remains in its incomplete state, leaving fans and observers alike puzzled over why such a minor issue hasn’t been addressed promptly. Last year, before the unveiling of his life-size statue, Tendulkar spoke to reporters following his visit to the Wankhede Stadium. He described the decision to erect a statue in his honor as a 'pleasant surprise' and acknowledged that it was a significant moment in his life. "1998 is when it all started at the Wankhede. The journey started here for me. Played my first Ranji match here. Long ago, Achrekar sir reprimanded me here and from thereon I became a serious cricketer. I played my last match at this very venue. Life has come full circle for me here. I have wonderful memories of this place, some memorable and some not-so-good. It's a big moment for me," he said. He added: "I am still a 25-year-old with 25 years of experience I would say. It's good and I would like to thank the MCA for this really great gesture. It's a very special place for me and a lot of things happened in my career because of the MCA. The amount of time that I have spent here is second to none and I have enjoyed being here and playing here. A special place for me."
08 November,2024 07:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentKL Rahul's horror run with the bat continued as he got out bizarrely to leave India A at a shaky 73 for five on the second day of the second unofficial Test against Australia A on Friday. Seeking to open the batting for India in case skipper Rohit Sharma skips the first Test against Australia in Perth, Rahul endured a disastrous outing in the tune-up to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and managed just 14 runs across two innings, having got out for 10 in India A's second innings. The 32-year-old made a complete hash of the situation, inadvertently directing the ball onto the stumps in an utterly bizarre manner. "Don't know what he was thinking!"Oops... that's an astonishing leave by KL Rahul 😱 #AUSAvINDA pic.twitter.com/e4uDPH1dzz — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 8, 2024 While Rahul's inconsistent form has been a long-standing concern for the Indian team, his commitment and application have also come under intense scrutiny. The Karnataka batsman was dropped in favor of Sarfaraz Khan for both the second and third Tests against New Zealand. Subsequently, the BCCI selection committee opted to include him in the India A squad for their series in Australia, hoping that the exposure would help him rediscover his rhythm and return to peak form. Also Read: Sir Ian Botham saved from death’s door by former rival Merv Hughes Coming back to the match, Abhimanyu Easwaran's struggles against the moving ball also did not help India A's cause as they led by only 11 runs with half the side back in the dressing room in their second innings. After bowling out India A for 161 on the opening day, Australia A managed 223, not a total the home team had hoped for, but it still gave them a substantial first-innings lead of 62 runs. Coming out to bat for the second time in the game, the Indian top-order disappointed again as the Australian bowlers struck some vital blows to help their team inch closer to a series sweep. Australia A won the opening match by seven wickets. Also Read: KL Rahul's form and batting number in focus as India A get the 'G' experience Looking completely out of sorts, Rahul was bowled in a bizarre fashion after facing 44 balls at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Rahul misjudged a tossed up delivery and offered no shot as the ball ricocheted off his pads to hit the stumps, leaving the batter embarrassed while he walked back to the dressing room. Getting bowled between the legs has compounded his woes ahead of the blockbuster series. Abhimanyu, who was picked as a backup opener for the upcoming five-match rubber Down Under, also failed to deliver, following his first-innings duck with a 17 from 31 balls. The Indian top-order struggled against quality spin and pace, leaving them at 56/5 early in the second innings. Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel (19 batting) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (9 batting) ensured there was no further setback by negotiating the remaining overs before the stumps were drawn for the day. Also Read: The future of KL Rahul Earlier, India A's pace attack, spearheaded by Prasidh Krishna's four-wicket burst and Mukesh Kumar's three-wicket haul, dominated the Australian batting, dismissing them for 223 in 62.1 overs. Marcus Harris was the standout batter for Australia A, scoring a gritty 74 off 138 balls, while lower-order batter Rocchiccioli provided late fireworks, hitting 35 off 28 balls, including two sixes and three fours. In response, India A lost openers Abhimanyu and Sai Sudharsan cheaply to disciplined bowling from Nathan McAndrew and Beau Webster. Abhimanyu's misreading of McAndrew's pace led to his dismissal at gully, adding to the team's concerns. Devdutt Padikkal (1) also fell cheaply, as both Webster (2/14) and McAndrew (2/22) tore through India's batting lineup. However, Jurel and Reddy then held firm. Resuming the day on 53/2, Harris translated his overnight score of 26 into a well-constructed innings, showing resilience against a sharp Indian pace attack. (With agency inputs)
08 November,2024 05:46 PM IST | Melbourne | mid-day online correspondentEngland cricket legend Sir Ian Botham found himself in a perilous situation recently when he was rescued by former Australian fast bowler Merv Hughes after falling into a river teeming with sharks and crocodiles. The 68-year-old retired all-rounder was on a leisurely fishing trip near Darwin in northern Australia when disaster struck. Botham, affectionately known as 'Beefy', was crossing from one boat to another on the Moyle River when his flip-flops became ensnared in some roping, causing him to tumble headfirst into the water. "My catch of the day was the barra [fish] while I was nearly catch of the day for all the crocs and bull sharks..."Thanks boys for getting me out," he wrote on Instagram on Friday. View this post on Instagram A post shared by IanBotham (@sirianbotham) The fall was anything but graceful, as Sir Ian collided violently with the side of the boat on his way down, suffering significant bruising to his torso. However, his luck was in, as Hughes and a group of fellow fishermen reacted swiftly, hauling him from the river’s treacherous waters. The Moyle River, infamous for its dangerous wildlife, is home to crocodiles, while a family of bull sharks was also reported to have been circling beneath the boat at the time of the incident. Recalling the harrowing experience with his signature humor, Botham jokingly referenced the iconic Australian film Crocodile Dundee, telling Australia’s Herald Sun newspaper, "At the end of the day, Crocodile Beefy survived." "I was out of the water quicker than I went in it. Quite a few sets of eyes were having a peep at me. Luckily I had no time to think about what was in the water." The cricket commentator added: "The guys were brilliant, it was just one of those accidents. It was all very quick and I'm okay now." Also Read: Kim Hughes, Imran Khan, Ian Botham and the rest in '79-80 Despite the close call, Botham narrowly avoided what could have been a far worse fate. The river’s reputation for harboring some of the country’s most dangerous predators made the situation all the more alarming. The incident took place last week during a four-day fishing expedition to catch barramundi. Botham and Hughes, former rivals on the cricket field during the fierce England-Australia clashes of the 1980s, have since forged a close friendship in retirement. The two were reportedly preparing to commentate together on a series of upcoming cricket matches, including the highly anticipated first Test between Australia and India. Botham, who was knighted in 2020 for his services to cricket and charity, is widely regarded as one of England’s greatest cricketers. Throughout his illustrious career, he amassed over 5,200 runs and claimed 383 wickets in Test matches. His adventurous spirit and ability to survive a brush with danger in the crocodile-infested waters of northern Australia are yet another testament to his indomitable will—both on and off the field.
08 November,2024 05:25 PM IST | London | mid-day online correspondentFormer captain Tim Paine will coach the Australian Prime Minister's XI for the two-day practice match, to be played with the pink ball against India later this month. The 39-year-old Paine was Australia's captain during India's last two tours Down Under in which the visitors recorded identical 2-1 wins in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Also Read: Australia skipper Tim Paine's wife Bonnie calls Rishabh Pant 'best babysitter' Paine, who played 35 Tests, 35 ODIs, and 12 T20Is for Australia, made his last international appearance against India at Brisbane in the final Test of the 2020-21 series in which the hosts were beaten by three wickets at the Gabba. He last played a First-Class game in March 2023 for Tasmania and has also been involved as a coach of Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League. "I think for a young coach like myself, any chance that you get to lead a team is a great opportunity, so I am looking forward to that," Paine was quoted as saying by Cricket ACT. "I'm looking forward to working with some of our most talented young cricketers around Australia as well so, it will be good fun," he added. Also Read: Virat Kohli does not beat Tim Paine when it comes to handling emotions India will play five Tests on this tour for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the two-day tour match will be a training exercise for the pink-ball Test, the second game in the itinerary, to be played at Adelaide from December 6-10. The opening Test will get underway on November 22 in Perth. "Hopefully, they (India) will approach it with some of their best players, and they have got some of the best players in the world. "They had a tough time when they played against the pink ball in the Adelaide Test (2020-21) so hopefully for the game's sake and Canberra cricket fans' sake, that we get to see some of the best players in the world like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, some of their best players will be on display." (With agency inputs)
08 November,2024 04:28 PM IST | Canberra | mid-day online correspondentFormer India cricketer Veda Krishnamurthy on Friday opened up on what could be Mumbai Indians' plans for the WPL 2025 auctions. The list of retained players by all the franchises ahead of the next Women's Premier League (WPL) season was announced on Thursday. Across the five franchises, 71 players, including 25 overseas stars, have been retained, securing each team's core lineup for the upcoming season. The former right-hand batter said that the Mumbai franchise is saving its purse to go behind overseas all-rounders in the WPL 2025 auctions. "MI might be saving a significant portion of their purse to go after an overseas all-rounder, either fast-bowling or spin-bowling. Even in the first edition, they seemed a player short after Amelia Kerr's dismissal. Last year, Humaira was in the eleven but wasn't utilized as a batter, though she contributed with the ball. I feel there's a vacant spot that MI will look to address in this auction. Their mistake in last year's eliminator was failing to finish the game, so I think they'll focus on filling that gap," she said on Jio Cinema. Retained Players: Amandeep Kaur, Amanjot Kaur, Amelia Kerr, Chloe Tryon, Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews, Jintimani Kalita, Keerthana Balakrishnan, Natalie Sciver Brunt, Pooja Vastrakar, S. Sajana, Saika Ishaque, Shabnim Ismail, and Yastika Bhatia. Released Players: Fatima Jaffer, Humairaa Kaazi, Isabelle Wong, and Priyanka Bala. In the last season, the 2023 champions were eliminated by the eventual champions RCB. Also Read: WPL will set a template for other sports, revolutionise way we look at women's cricket: BCCI secretary Jay Shah List of other players retained and released ahead of the WPL 2025 auctions Delhi Capitals (DC) Retained Players: Alice Capsey, Annabel Sutherland, Arundhati Reddy, Jemimah Rodrigues, Jess Jonassen, Marizanne Kapp, Meg Lanning, Minnu Mani, Radha Yadav, Shafali Verma, Shikha Pandey, Sneha Deepthi, Taniyaa Bhatia, and Titas Sadhu. Released Players: Aparna Mondal, Ashwani Kumari, Laura Harris*, and Poonam Yadav. DC reached the finals of the previous season, losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by eight wickets. Gujarat Giants (GG) Retained Players: Ashleigh Gardner*, Beth Mooney*, Bharti Fulmali, Dayalan Hemalatha, Harleen Deol, Kashvee Gautam, Laura Wolvaardt*, Mannat Kashyap, Meghna Singh, Phoebe Litchfield*, Priya Mishra, Sayali Satghare, Shabnam Shakil, and Tanuja Kanwer. Released Players: Kathryn Bryce*, Lauren Cheatle*, Lea Tahuhu*, Sneh Rana, Tarannum Pathan, Trisha Poojitha, and Veda Krishnamurthy. GG finished at the bottom of the points table last season, with two wins and six losses. Also Read: 'WPL is an example for girls in all kinds of sports': MI team owner Nita Ambani Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Retained Players: Asha Shobana, Dani Wyatt, Ekta Bisht, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Wareham, Kanika Ahuja, Kate Cross, Renuka Singh, Richa Ghosh, S. Meghana, Shreyanka Patil, Smriti Mandhana, Sophie Devine, and Sophie Molineux. Released Players: Disha Kasat, Indrani Roy, Shraddha Pokarkar, Shubha Satheesh, and Simran Bahadur. RCB emerged as the champions of the WPL 2024, beating DC by eight wickets in the final. UP Warriorz (UPW) Retained Players: Alyssa Healy, Anjali Sarvani, Chamari Athapaththu, Deepti Sharma, Gouher Sultana, Grace Harris, Kiran Navgire, Poonam Khemnar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Saima Thakor, Shweta Sehrawat, Sophie Ecclestone*, Tahlia McGrath, Uma Chetry, and Vrinda Dinesh. Released Players: Laxmi Yadav, Parshavi Chopra, S. Yashasri, and Lauren Bell*. In the previous season, UP Warriorz missed out on the playoffs, finishing fourth with three wins and five losses. (With agency inputs)
08 November,2024 04:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFormer New Zealand cricket Ian Smith stated the national team to put Will Young in to number three position following his exceptional performance in the recently concluded series. Will Young played a crucial role in New Zealand's Test series whitewash against Team India in India. Featuring in all three matches, he accumulated 244 runs with an average of 48.80 and was also honoured as the "Player of the Series." The three consecutive wins against India have kept New Zealand's hopes held high for next year's World Test Championship final at Lord's. They will now host a three-match series against England at home starting later this month that will be crucial to their hopes. The return of Kane Williamson for that series will put pressure, but Smith wants to see Will Young receiving the opportunity to feature going forward. Also Read: IN PHOTOS: Travis Head and wife Jess welcomes second child "Will Young has to have a place in the top six - probably at No.3. Seldom have I seen a more organised New Zealand batter in those trying conditions. He does not deserve to be left out and neither should he be," Smith said on New Zealand radio station SENZ as quoted by the ICC. While Will Young failed to make a century from his six innings and was perhaps overshadowed by superb individual performances with the ball from Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel, Smith said the 31-year-old was a clear standout when deciding who should be adjudged the Player of the Series. "The TV commentary team I was a part of were given the responsibility of deciding on the match and series awards and I can assure you, Young was a unanimous choice. To leave him out (of the XI against England) would be testament to leaving out someone who's just got 10 wickets in an innings. So, I'm not saying it won't happen. But it shouldn't," Smith revealed. "When India great Sunil Gavaskar says Young is his choice, that's good enough for me. 'That kid looks so organised. I think he's a player for the future.' That'll do me. (Tom) Latham, (Kane) Williamson, Young, (Rachin) Ravindra - they're four of your top six. You can pick the rest. That's the way I see it," Smith added. Smith has only just returned to New Zealand after a stint as commentator during New Zealand's victorious series whitewash against India and the former Black Caps wicket-keeper said it was a great feeling seeing the famous triumph with his own eyes. "There was nothing quite like being on the spot in India to watch that whitewash. Yes, the whitewash. Perhaps the greatest achievement in men's cricket in this country ever, and right up there in all sport. It's such a damn hard thing to do," Smith concluded. (With ANI Inputs)
08 November,2024 02:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAustralis's gritty and swashbuckling batsman Travis Head and his wife Jess have been blessed with a second child. They have named the baby boy as "Harrison George Head." Travis Head took to his official social media to make the announcement of his newborn baby. "Welcome to the world Harrison George Head. 💙", read the post. Taking to Instagram: View this post on Instagram A post shared by JESSICA DAVIES (@jess_head) In the year 2022, the couple was blessed with a baby girl named Milla Paige Head. Also Read: IND vs SA 1st T20I | "Always look forward to series against India": Aiden Markram Travis Head was part of the Australian team which won the ODI World Cup 2023 in India. In the final match held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat, the left-hander played a crucial run in the side's title win. In the run chase of 241 runs, opening the innings Travis Head smashed a match-winning century in 120 balls. His 120-ball knock ended with a score of 137 runs which was laced with 15 fours and 4 sixes. The veteran was also part of the Australian side which defeated Team India in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023. Travis Head played glorious knocks of 163 and 18 runs in both innings, respectively. Following his contribution, he was honoured by the "Player of the Match" award. Travis Head has not participated in the ongoing ODI series between Australia and Pakistan. Currently, the "Aussies" are leading the three-match ODI series by 1-0 against the "Green Shirts." Travis Head's upcoming task will be against Team India yet again as he will be one of the mainstays of the Australian batting lineup for the iconic "Border-Gavaskar Trophy." This time it will be a five-match Test series between the cricketing giants.
08 November,2024 12:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the IND vs SA 1st T20I, South Africa skipper Aiden Markram said that they will look forward to the series against Team India. The IND vs SA 1st T20I will be the first time that the two teams will face each other after the finals of the T20 World Cup 2024. Further, Aiden Markram said that it will be an interesting series as they will be playing in front of their home crowd. He added that the Proteas won't be taking the first T20I game as the rematch of the T20 World Cup 2024 final. Also Read: Mushfiqur Rahim ruled out of Bangladesh's ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan "It's the same countries I guess...but personnel has changed for both teams. It's always an exciting series when you play against India and especially when you play them at home. It's a series we have always looked forward to. We have not addressed anything about it being a rematch or things like that. Obviously, a lot of talk and promotions have happened through that lens, which is completely understandable," Aiden Markram said. The series between India and South Africa begins on November 8 at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban. St George's Park in Gqeberha will host the second T20I on November 10, with the third game scheduled for SuperSport Park in Centurion on November 13. The series concludes with the fourth T20I at Wanderers Stadium on November 15. India's T20I Squad: Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal. South Africa T20I squad: Aiden Markram (C), Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Patrick Kruger, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Mihlali Mpongwana, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla (3rd and 4th T20Is), and Tristan Stubbs. (With ANI Inputs)
08 November,2024 11:48 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTeam India under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav is all set to lock horns with South Africa for the four-match T20I series with the IND vs SA 1st T20I set to be played at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Cricket Stadium. Ahead of the IND vs SA 1st T20I, the "Men in Blue" have included three uncapped players in the squad, Yash Dayal, Vyshak Vijaykumar and Ramandeep Singh. Additionally, throughout the T20I series, the Indian players will eye several records which will be exciting to watch. One of the major records which will be in people's sight will be of Arshdeep Singh. The pacer is quite a few wickets shy from becoming India's leading wicket-taker in the format. On the other hand, all-rounder Mihlali Mpongwana has received his maiden call-up to the South African squad. Along with him uncapped all-rounder Andile Simelane, who was previously a part of the squad that toured the United Arab Emirates in September. Also Read: Banning of cell phones in dressing room may have upset some players, says ex-coach Sandeep Patil in new book With the IND vs SA 1st T20I just a few hours shy, Team India will miss the services of their lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The veteran has been rested as later in the month, the side will travel to Australia for the iconic "Border-Gavaskar Trophy". After suffering a Test series whitewash against New Zealand at home, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir won't be travelling to South Africa. VVS Laxman has been appointed as the stand-in coach for the South Africa tour.Ahead of the T20I series against India, South Africa coach Rob Walter said, "It’s both an exciting and important series for us as we continue to build towards the T20 World Cup in 2026. The squad has a nice mix of youth and experience, and I am looking forward to seeing us deliver some quality performances against a very attacking Indian T20 outfit." Squads: India T20I squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal. South Africa T20I squad: Aiden Markram (c), Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Patrick Kruger, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Mihlali Mpongwana, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton.
08 November,2024 11:15 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBangladesh's veteran Mushfiqur Rahim is set to miss the remainder of the ODI series against Afghanistan as he sustained a finger injury in the opening match. Bangladesh lost the first ODI against Afghanistan by 92 runs as they failed to chase the total of 235 runs posted by the Afghans. Ahead of the second ODI match, Bangladesh's physio Delowar Hossain revealed that Mushfique Rahim fractured his left index finger towards the end of Afghanistan's batting. "Towards the end of Afghanistan's batting innings, Mushfiqur injured the tip of his left Index finger while keeping wickets," team physio Delowar Hossain said in a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) statement. "An X-ray after the match has confirmed a fracture on his left Index near the DIP joint. He is under conservative management and is not available for the second and third ODIs. Further updates on his condition and expected recovery period will be provided in due course," Hossain added. Also Read: Can India’s T20 fringe players step out of the shadows? Mushfiqur Rahim's thumb fracture was the reason for which he was forced to pull out of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in March. With Bangladesh trailing 1-0 in the three-match series, a replacement hasn't been named for the seasoned wicketkeeper. With Litton Das on the sidelines due to fever, Jaker Ali is expected to take the wicketkeeping duties. Mushfiqur Rahim's injury has also put him in doubt for the West Indies series. Once they conclude with the Afghanistan series, the "Bengal Tigers" will lock horns with the Caribbeans for a multi-format series. The multi-format tour, consisting of two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is later this month. With Mushfiqur retired from the T20I format in 2022, his availability in the Test and ODI series remains uncertain. After the ongoing series concludes on November 11, Bangladesh will fly to the Caribbean before the first Test kicking off in North Sound on November 22. Bangladesh are yet to name the squads for the multi-format tour. Before beginning a gruelling tour, Bangladesh will look to level the series in the second ODI, which will be played on Saturday with the Sharjah Cricket Stadium playing host to the enticing match. (With IANS Inputs)
08 November,2024 11:02 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
India's transition phase continues, and with it comes a fresh batch of hopefuls, all scrambling for a piece of the limelight. Their second-string players like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, who have been on the fringes for a while, will now be given their golden opportunity in the South Africa T20I series starting Friday. This will be their chance to shed the label of being mere sidekicks and elevate themselves to the ranks of first-choice players in the Indian T20I setup. Naturally, this will be an important series—though, for the most part, it could feel like a few promising players hoping to make some noise before everyone forgets about them again. Let’s start with Sanju Samson, the man who’s been a part of India’s T20I plans for what feels like an eternity but never truly cemented a permanent spot. The most recent T20I series against Bangladesh was supposed to be a sign of things to come. It was in that series, after a lifetime of false starts, that Samson was allowed to open the batting consistently. And, of course, Samson did what Samson does best—flashes brilliance when it’s most needed. Case in point: a scintillating 111 from 47 balls against Bangladesh, which made everyone sit up and take notice. Now, in the post-Rohit Sharma era, Samson finds himself in a position where he has to prove his worth again. A string of solid performances against South Africa would help him solidify his claim for a permanent opening spot in the T20Is. But then again, we’ve heard this story before. Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma, the explosive left-hander who has made a name for himself in domestic circles, is equally desperate to break free from the ‘promising but inconsistent’ tag. Also Read: Spin curse struck India Sure, he tore into Zimbabwe in July with a sparkling 47-ball century, but let’s not get carried away. His other six international innings—0, 10, 14, 16, 15, and 4—barely inspire confidence. Sharma, who has been inconsistent at best, must now strive to prove that he can do more than just a one-off standout performance. He needs to show that he has the mental fortitude and consistency to be a fixture on the T20I side. It’s not like consistency has ever been the calling card of this team anyway. Perhaps, a few decent runs against South Africa and a more penetrative performance with his left-arm spin might just do the trick. Then, there is Tilak Varma, who had a somewhat promising start to his T20I career but has since faded into the background like a forgotten note in a concert. His early performances against the West Indies last year created a bit of a buzz, but since then, it has been a string of underwhelming outings. After 12 appearances, including one half-century, Varma has barely been able to spark any real momentum. Now, even though he has started to experiment with his off-spin, his place in the T20I squad is as uncertain as ever. This series against South Africa, then, represents a last-chance saloon for him. If he doesn’t make an impression here, we might be looking at another lost talent, languishing in the periphery of Indian cricket. Jitesh Sharma, the wicketkeeper-batter who once seemed to have an outside chance of making it big in the T20I squad, now finds himself several rungs down the pecking order. He has been passed over in favour of others, and the IPL has been no help either. But this series, once again, presents him with the opportunity to make a statement. If he manages to string together a few good performances, he might just find himself back in the selectors' good books. Similarly, Varun Chakravarthy, the mystery spinner who once had the cricketing world on edge with his 'mystical' deliveries, will need to prove that his recent spell against Bangladesh—where he took five wickets—was not just a flash in the pan. Chakravarthy, who has always been known for his enigmatic bowling, will now face a litmus test: Can he back up his occasional brilliance with sustained performances? While the second-stringers are frantically trying to make their mark, the new-look pace attack—featuring Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Vyshak Vijaykumar, and Yash Dayal—will also be under the spotlight. Arshdeep and Avesh have had their moments at the international level, but they have also shown that they are prone to the occasional bout of mediocrity. On the other hand, Vyshak and Dayal are largely unknown quantities at the international level, despite their decent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL. They will now be expected to carry that form forward and prove that they can handle the pressure of the big stage. If they do well, it will be seen as a triumph for Indian fast bowling. And let's not forget Ramandeep Singh, the all-rounder who made waves in IPL 2024 and was promptly retained by Kolkata Knight Riders. He is being billed as someone with multiple skill sets—an aggressive batter, a medium pacer, and a gun outfield fielder. But all he needs now is to prove that he can deliver under pressure. He might look impressive in the domestic circuit, but translating that success to the international stage is a whole different ballgame. Then there are the veterans—Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel—who will be hoping for a strong series after India’s disappointing home defeat to New Zealand. The focus will inevitably be on the emerging players, but these seasoned campaigners know the stakes are high, and a slip-up here would only deepen the wounds from the recent series loss. On a personal level, there are four players—Arshdeep, Avesh, Jitesh, and Vyshak—who will be eyeing big performances here after failing to get retained by their respective IPL franchises ahead of the 2024 mega auction. With the IPL auction just around the corner, these players know that their future in the franchise-based format depends on their international performances. This series, therefore, represents not just an opportunity for national glory, but also a chance to secure lucrative contracts in the upcoming IPL season. The pressure is on, but can they handle it? Or will they crumble under the weight of expectations?
08 November,2024 10:46 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
