SNUBBED OR IGNORED!

Test cricket is the pinnacle form of cricket and true cricket fans always have that knack of watching it with utmost enthusiasm but after a bitter loss in the WTC final against Austraila, its all about moving ahead in the right direction for the next WTC cycle. today we will be talking about some names whose absence is still quite questionable for the selectors.

1) Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz khan is one of the most promising cricketer in the domestic circuit of Indian cricket specially in red ball format, he was born on 22 October 1997 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. he made his debut for Mumbai in 2014-15 Ranji Trophy season and scored 566 runs at an average of 70.33, till now sarfaraz khan have scored 3559 runs at an average of 74.14 in First class cricket, and most importantly he was the youngest player to make a debut in IPL to having second highest batting average in first class cricket history just behind sir Don Bradman, this young lad have seen it all and is just waiting to don the Indian colors.

2) Priyank Panchal

Priyank Panchal is another young talent who is waiting for his opportunity, he was born on 9 April 1990

in Ahmedabad, Gujarat and made his first class debut for Gujarat in 2013 since then he has scored 8035 runs in 113 games  with an  average of 46.71 and 3428 runs in 91 games in List-A cricket with an average of 40.80. his breakthrough season was 2016-17 where he scored 1310 runs for Gujarat in Ranji trophy which includes a triple ton and also made the team win their maiden title. he have been part of India-A teams several times against Australia, South Africa and England and also been selected in the main team but he is still waiting for making a breakthrough in Indian colors.

3) Saurabh Kumar

Saurabh Kumar left arm orthodox Bowler who have impressed everyone in the domestic circuit but still couldn't make it to the final squad. Saurabh Kumar was born on 1st may 1993 Baghpat Uttar Pradesh, but he made his first class debut for the services team in 2014. he moved to Uttar Pradesh in 2015 and became a regular member of their team. He have scored 1894 runs and taken 264 wickets in first class cricket. he have been selected as a net bowler against England  in 2021 and still waiting to make a mark in Indian colors.

4) Abhimanyu Easwaran

Abhimanyu Easwaran is right handed opening batsman who plays for Bengal. he was born on 6 September 1995, he made his first class debut in 2013 and has made 6567 run in 88 matches with an average of 47.24. he also made his debut for Bengal in list A cricket the very next year in which till now he has scored 3575 runs in 84 games with an average of 45.83. he also scored 1000 runs for India A with an average of 42.3. Easwaran was named in India's standby squad for the 2021-22 Test series against England. He was also named in India's squad for the 2023 ICC World Test Championship final and the subsequent Test series against England. However, he did not play in any of the matches. he is still waiting in the sheds to make an impact in Indian jersey.

5)  Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav is one of the most prolific T20 batsman and was included in the longest format of the game because of his terrific performance in first class cricket in which he have scored 5628 runs in 82 games  and 3365 runs in list A cricket in 128 games. the only question that arise from here is the reason for dropping him after making a debut and playing only one test match.

If the players keep on scoring runs in domestic cricket and the selectors keep on ignoring them on the basis of IPL performances will only degrade the trust of the players on Indian domestic cricket system and also will create a lot of confusion for everyone else.

WTC 2023

 

This WTC 2023 final started on a very competitive note on the very first day but the game slipped away from the grasp of India on the very first day of the play, more specifically in the second and third sessions of the day where the bowlers lacked enthusiasm to give Australian batsman any challenge. lets see how The Ultimate Test rolled out!

Cricket fans around the world were treated to an unparalleled spectacle as the highly anticipated 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final took place. The two best teams in the world battled it out for the ultimate victory in the game's longest format, engaging in a riveting rivalry that left fans spellbound. In this blog, we will be looking at the highlights and highlights of the epic clash between the two cricketing giants.

The Indian team won the toss to start of the proceedings and went on with the 4 pace attack which includes Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur, the bowling attack also includes Ravindra Jadeja as the lone spinner which became quite debatable decision to exclude the number 1 test bowler Ravichandran Ashwin.

The thinking process of the team was right because the 4 pace attack under a cloud cover on day 1 of the test could have proved to be a very formidable one and more importantly this pace attack was very threatening against the England cricket team when India last visited Oval. The only difference was the unavailability of Jasprit Bumrah, who was available last time when india played here.

The Australian side was tough to handle for the Indian conglomerates because all their players were right at the top and their was only one player who was in top 10 ICC test rankings for india was not even playing. For Australia all the bases were covered with 4 pace attack that includes Starc, Cummins, Boland and Green and with a formidable spinner in Nathan Lyon.

The biggest strength of the Australian side was their formidable batting lineup, their accuracy in bowling, their unprecedented familiarity with the English conditions and keeping up the reputation of them being an unstoppable force in ICC events.

It wasn't the case that India didn't have the moments of winning the game but the game went to far from their grasp on the very first day's second and third session with the centuries from Steve Smith and Travis Head but they foughtback on Day 2 and major contributions from Ajinkya Rahane, Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja to give them some chance to win.

But after day 3 one thing was clear that we can delay the inevitable but not lose that hope to fight against the uphill task of  chasing down 443 runs, and india did start of  positively but they were not able to capatalise on the longevity of the game and the team faltered despite the contributions from Rohit, Virat and Rahane.

The Indian team lose yet another ICC trophy that's one point of view but have ruled this trophy for 5 years straight that's another point of view, the team did fought well but didn't got that desired result, but that will not stop them from chasing the ultimate glory!

WTC 2023 AND THE PRODIGAL SON OF INDIAN CRICKET

 In the last few months the most emphatic young cricketer who has shown utmost grit and consistency is Shubman Gill.

Cricket is a game that can capture the hearts and minds of millions of fans around the world. It is a sport that thrives on the brilliance and passion of its players. One such player who is making a splash in the cricket world is the talented Indian opener Shubman Gill. From the first cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) to the second, Gill's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, full of growth, promise, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Shubman Gill's journey at WTC began during the first cycle when he made his Test debut against Australia in December 2020. Gill, who hails from Punjab, had already drawn attention for his impressive performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, it was his first Test match series in Australia that highlighted his potential as a future star.

Gill's elegance on the sidelines, impeccable technique and ability to counter-attack against one of the world's most potent bowling attacks amazed cricket pundits and fans. He scored crucial runs, including the match-deciding 91 in the fourth innings of the Brisbane Test, which helped India to a historic victory and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Gill's composure and maturity at such a young age were remarkable and cemented his place as one of India's most promising talents.

Shubman Gill's journey at WTC began during the first cycle when he made his Test match debut against Australia in December 2020. A native of Punjab, Gill had already drawn attention for his impressive performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, it was his first Test match series in Australia that highlighted his potential as a future star.

Gill's elegance on the sidelines, impeccable technique and ability to counter-attack against one of the world's most potent bowling attacks amazed cricket pundits and fans. He scored crucial runs, including the match-deciding 91 in the fourth innings of the Brisbane Test, which helped India to a historic victory and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Gill's composure and maturity at such a young age were remarkable and cemented his place as one of India's most promising talents.

Like any athlete, Shubman Gill faced some challenges during his journey to WTC. Injuries and inconsistent performances tested him, but he showed resilience and determination to emerge stronger. Gill's mental toughness and willingness to learn from his experiences were evident as he adapted his technique and approach to different bowlers and conditions.

As the second cycle of WTC reaches its climax, Shubman Gill's journey continues to evolve. He has established himself as an indispensable member of the Indian Test team, and his performances have been lauded by cricket legends and fans alike. Gill's hunger for success, coupled with his immense talent, makes him an exciting prospect for the future of Indian cricket.

Shubman Gill's journey in the World Test Championship was a testament to his skill, determination and development as a cricketer. From his impressive debut against Australia to his consistent performances against strong opposition, Gill has shown that he has the potential to become a fixture in the Indian Test team in the years to come. As he continues to develop and take on new challenges, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in Shubman Gill's remarkable journey.

This is considered to be the best chance for this young lad to add a Test Championship final win to his name even if the the odds are against him but he will be up against the challenge!

Virat Kohli- the GOAT of modern day cricket

 

Virat Kohli have been around for quite a long period of time their is no format of cricket left he have not played and achieved greater heights today I will be telling you what Virat Kohli achieved in last 11 years and how he was different from other sports persons, we will also be talking about how he have transformed Indian cricket enormously.

 

Virat Kohli became the World Champion at a very young age in 2011 when he was only 23 years old the most charismatic characteristic of him was his never give up attitude it was a transition period for Indian cricket team which comes after every 10 years as it was the last Worldcup of the great Sachin Tendulkar everyone knew the end is near and the team will definitely get a setback after his retirement but they don't know what's coming their way!  

Young Virat Kohli one day wake up and looked at himself in the mirror and said to himself that he cant look like this if he wants to play cricket of the topmost level and then he transformed himself on all fronts from rigorous gym sessions to intense net sessions to a strict balanced diet he mastered it all.

When Virat Kohli took over the Test captaincy in 2014 he have already made his name as talented youngster whom we will talk about a lot in the future and when the reporter asked him about where he see this side in next 5 years, he said he want to take this side to the top and want to play every game for win and not just for draws. When he took the captaincy the test team rankings was 7 and he claimed top spot for 5 long years in which he made his team a dominating force at home and a challenging side overseas also India won almost 40 games out of 60 games he captained. 

Virat Kohli took over the limited overs captaincy in 2017 in which he led the team to the finals of the Champions Trophy and took Indian team to greater heights in the white ball cricket, from being a talented youngster in 2011 Worldcup to becoming one of the most reliable batsman at the top order, scoring fastest 8000, 9000 and 10000 runs in ODI format simply make him one of the greats of the format.

Whenever we talk about legends of our game we generally talk about a player's dominance in Test cricket and ODI cricket but what made Virat Kohli different is his dominance in the shortest format of white ball cricket out of the 4 great batsman which we generally talk about of this era only Virat Kohli have scored 10,000 runs in T20 format 4008 runs in T20 internationals and 6624 in IPL

Virat Kohli have scored 12809 runs in ODI format and simply considered as one of the most dangerous batsman of this format and simply the reason for that is because he have scored fastest 8000, 9000 and 10000 runs in this format, it was not that he was not good in T20 cricket and Test cricket but if we talk about T20 cricket he is the highest run scorer in the whole world and have scored highest amount of runs in T20 Worldcups for India and won man of the series twice and if we come to test cricket he used to have more centuries than half centuries in the format a while ago and have scored 8119 runs in the format, what made him different in this format was his never give up attitude and the fighting spirit till the very end...

Their will never be an all format great  like Virat Kohli the baton of taking this team forward would keep on passing with young energy bringing new aspects to the game but his legacy will not be matched by anyone...

THE YOUNG PLAYERS IN CONTENTION (ROAD TO WORLDCUP 2023) PART-2

 Their is enormous talent hidden in the domestic circuit, here we will be talking about certain players who can make it to the final squad of the 2023 Worldcup because of some unprecedented performances.

Starting With:

Deepak Chahar have been very impressive over the years but injuries have not let him go anywhere, he bowls majorly in powerplays at a decent pace but haven't been part of the mega event once. In the recently concluded T20 Worldcup 2022 he was about to play the mega event but got injured just before the squad announcement. He made his ODI debut against Afghanistan on September 25 2018 and haven't looked back since, he have played 13 ODI'S and took 16 wickets, he even have scored 2 half centuries. its quite unlikely that he will be part of the upcoming ODI Worldcup squad because of the young talent performing well  but his comeback performances could induce selectors to look at him more confidently.

Ruturaj Gaikwad is another promising youngster who might be not in the eyes of the selectors for now but have all the capability to turn it around if he plays really incredible in domestic circuit. he made his ODI debut against South Africa on 6 October 2022. his performance in the recently concluded Vijay Hazare trophy made a lot of noise and made the selectors to include him the ODI squad.

Prasidh Krishna have been in the ODI setup for quite a long period of time but his injury have forced the selectors to look over him as the mega event is near. he might get a chance again as his stats in the longer format of white ball cricket is quite amazing but for that he need to push the doors of the selectors again. he made his ODI debut against England on March 23 2021 and took 25 wickets in just 14 matches.

Prithvi Shaw have been the most aggressive young top order batsman and his skills to dominate bowlers from the starting hasn't gone unnoticed and that's the reason why the selectors might get tempted to add him in the Worldcup squad if he smash the doors of the selectors very hard and also the tournament is happening in India so he might get into the mix. he made his ODI debut against New Zealand on February 5 2020.

Kuldeep Sen have been added into ODI setup recently and bowls at decent pace, he might be new to the format but his inclusion have shown that he is in the eyes of thee selectors so it will not be a surprise that he gets a chance in the Worldcup squad but before that he need to prepare well for his comeback after the injury. he made his ODI debut against Bangladesh on December 4 2022.

Shahbaz Ahmed is another youngster who have got his maiden ODI call up recently, the left armer got into the squad due to injuries of other all rounders although he is in the eyes of the selectors his inclusion in Worldcup squad is quite unlikely and the reason for that is 3 allrounders Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel are already in the hunt for that spot and have much more experience than him. he made his ODI debut against South Africa on October 09 2022.

Their are two other players Rahul Tripathi and Rajat Patidar who might replace any other injured player and might get a chance in the final squad going to the Worldcup.
 

THE YOUNG PLAYERS IN CONTENTION (ROAD TO WORLD CUP 2023) Part-1

 Its been such a long time this indian cricket team have been carried out by its major stakeholders like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah now its time to look at young prodigies who might be seen in this year's World Cup.

Starting With:

Shubman Gill regarded as the prince of Indian cricket have been the most prolific batsman in last two year, the clarity he has as a top order batsman and the authority with which he plays his shots is simply incredible. One of his most valuable innings of 91 came in the longest format of the game against Australia in Brisbane, what's more surprising was he was just 22 years old when he stood up against the likes of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazelwood. He made his ODI debut against New Zealand on 31st Jan 2019 and have scored most amount of runs after 16 innings in this format, the most eye catching skill this lad posses is the timing and placement with which he maneuver his shots.

Mohammed Siraj have been the most impressive speedster in last two years specially in shorter format due to the absence of Jasprit Bumrah because of injuries. he made his ODI debut against Australia on Jan 15 2019 and since then he have never looked back, his career in limited overs cricket didn't started on a high note but his hard work, perseverance and consistency is shown in every game he have played.

Sanju Samson have been with the team for quite a long period of time but its not a wrong saying that he could be considered as the most unlucky wicketkeeper batsman ever because he gets included in the squad due to his good performances in domestic circuit but either he don't get a chance in the playing eleven due to the team combinations or if he gets one he gets injured. He have scored 330 runs in 11 matches at an average of 66, the most astonishing factor of his batting over the last two years have been his ability to control his innings well rather than only playing attacking cricket. 

Arshdeep Singh have impressed all with his swing bowling capabilities in last one year and have been part of T20 World Cup 2022 as a replacement of injured Jasprit Bumrah, he made his ODI debut against New Zealand on 25 November 2022, although he is very new to the longer format of white ball cricket but due to his longer stay in the t20 cricket he was not overlooked by the selection committee for this format.

Ishan Kishan have been the most talented youngster playing the shortest format of the game, although he have been part of the T20 World Cup 2021 but his role in longer format of white ball cricket is three fold that is he could keep wickets, he is a left hander and he could play in the middle as well as can open the innings so he is full package. he made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka on July 18 2021, his recent performance in this format have really glittered everyone's eyes when he scored his 1st double ton against Bangladesh.

Suryakumar Yadav needs no introduction, although his international career started of late as he played almost 170 domestic matches before making it to international cricket at the age of 31. His record in the shortest format of white ball cricket have been terrific  because in just two year he became the vice captain of t20 side and scored 1578 runs with a strike rate of 180 and an average of 46 including 3 centuries, although his start in ODI cricket was not that flamboyant but every knows what he can do if he start playing the longer format of the white ball cricket.

Umran Malik, the Ferrari of Indian cricket have been the most impressive young bowler in last one year and the reason for that is his raw pace its been quite a time that a bowler having such a pace have come to the indian team. it all started two years back in IPL when he replaced injured T. Natarajan another pace men in Sunrisers Hyderabad mid way and in the next edition he impressed everyone with his pace and even taking a fifer with all clean bowled. he made his T20 debut against Ireland on June 26 2022 and made his ODI debut against New Zealand  on November 25 2022.

Washington Sundar have been with the Indian cricket team for a quite long period of time but haven't been part of the mega event for once due to lot of competition in the team his journey started of very young when he made his international debut at the age of 18, he was more of a bowling allrounder but he showed what his bat can do against Australia  if he gets a regular run in the team. he made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka on Dec 13 2017 and one thing is clear he will definitely be part of this ODI World Cup squad if he don't get injured.

Deepak Hooda have grown tremendously in last two years he have been part of recently concluded T20 World Cup 2022 but didn't got much chances to play due to team combinations but due to his All round capabilities he is also in the eyes of the selectors to play the longer format of the white ball cricket, he made his ODI debut against West Indies on Feb 06 2022.

Their are many other players who can come into this side but are injured or may get selected due to unbelievable performances in the domestic circuit we will talk about them later!

One thing is clear that this is the best shot for this Indian cricket team because the team have a great combination of experience and young energy and the foremost reason being the World Cup happening in India so it is the perfect time to stamp the bilateral dominance in the mega event.

 

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