BY SACNILK

Wicketkeeping is one of the hardest skills in cricket. It takes a lot of physical as well as mental strength. It is not easy for any wicketkeeper to stay behind the wickets for 90 overs in a day in a Test match but still, they give their 100% for their team to win the match.## There have been wicket keepers who have more than 300 dismissals behind the wickets in Test cricket. South Africa's Mark Boucher has the most number of dismissals in Test matches with 555 dismissals in 147 matches. His record is looking unbreakable in the near future as there is not a single wicketkeeper even close to him. West Indies' Denesh Ramdin has the highest number of dismissals (217) among the current wicket keepers who is far behind Mark Boucher.## India has produced some great wicketkeepers and Mahendra Singh Dhoni is arguably the greatest of them. He hardly misses behind the stumps and his stumping skill has been the best over the years. He once took just.09 seconds to disclosed the stumps in a match that shows his lighting fast hands while wicketkeeping. Current India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant who broke into top 10 Indian wicketkeepers after claiming 11 catches against Australia in the Adelaide Test recently, has looked promising so far in his short career but need to work a lot as he seems vulnerable at the same time.## Here is the list of the TOP 10 India wicketkeepers with most dismissals in Tests## 1. MS Dhoni (294) - Mahendra Singh Dhoni is at number five in all-time wicket keepers list and number one for India with 294 dismissals in 90 Tests. He has been the first choice for India in the time period from 2005-2014. There hardly had any wicketkeeper skilful more than him at international level. In 294 dismissals, 256 were catches and 38 were stumping.## 2. Syed Kirmani (198) - Syed Kirmani was India's best wicketkeeper in the '90s. He played for India 10 years from 1976 to 1986 and dismissed 198 behind the wickets. He replaced the flamboyant Farokh Engineer behind the stumps for India and went on to become one of the greatest wicketkeepers for the country. He played a crucial role in India's triumph in the 1983 World Cup both with gloves and bat.## 3. Kiran More (130) - Kiran More was one of those gutsy little keepers who always relished a challenge, even thrived under it. Even though he could play only 49 Tests for India but had done effectively well as he claimed 130 dismissals behind the wickets that were 110 catches and 20 stumpings. He is infamously known for dropping Graham Gooch on 36 and later he went on to score 333 at Lord's in 1990.## 4. Nayan Mongia (107) - Nayan Mongia has been one of those wicket keepers who always remained cheerful, friendly, modest behind the wickets but very serious about his game. His career has been very much similar to Kiran More. Just like More, he too played 7 years for India and five fewer matches than him. In 44 matches he claimed 107 dismissals including 99 catches and 8 stumpings.## 5. Wriddhiman Saha (85) - Wriddhiman Saha is regarded as India's best wicketkeeper at present. Despite been talented, he couldn't get an opportunity as there was the great MS Dhoni as a regular wicket keeper. His time came when Dhoni took retirement from Test cricket in 2014 and he grabbed this opportunity with both hands. However, he has been In and Out from the team because of irrelevant injuries. He has played 32 matches so far and grabbed 85 dismissals including 75 catches and 10 stumpings.## 6. Farokh Engineer (82) - Farokh Engineer was a flamboyant batsman and equally good wicket keeper that made him one of the best wicketkeepers at that time. Even though he could play only 46 matches in which he claimed 82 dismissals including 66 catches and 16 stumpings, he was the first-choice keeper for the Rest of the World XI series in England and Australia in the early 1970s.## 7. Parthiv Patel (72) - Another wicket-keeper batsman who couldn't grab the opportunity. He debuted before MS Dhoni but lack of keeping skills he couldn't hold his place as a regular wicket keeper. After debuting at the age of 17 in 2002, he has played 25 Tests so far in which he grabbed 72 dismissals including 62 catches and 10 stumpings.## 8. Dinesh Karthik (63) - Very similar to Patel, Dinesh Karthik too made his test debut before MS Dhoni but he failed to retain his spot due to poor keeping. Only played 26 Tests so far in 14 years of career and grabbed 63 dismissals including 57 catches and 6 stumpings.## 9. Naren Tamhane (51) - Naren Tamhane played 21 matches for India during the period of 1955-61 and claimed 51 dismissals behind the wickets. He died in 2002 at the age of 71 in Mumbai.## 10. Rishabh Pant (39) - Rishabh Pant is new India wicketkeeper who likes to sledge opposition batsmen while doing wicketkeeping. He started his test career in 2018 against England and has played 7 matches so far. He got this opportunity after Wriddhiman Saha gets injured in South Africa earlier this year. In the first Test of ongoing series against Australia, he took 11 catches and equal the record of most dismissals in a Test match. So far he has grabbed 39 dismissals behind the wickets including 37 catches and 2 stumpings.## Follow for more...

BY SACNILK

Another year of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and it found another million dollar baby. Jaydev Unadkat who was the highest bid getter last time (11.5 Crore) again came in the auction and became highest bid getter this time as well with whopping INR 8.4 Crore from the same franchise (Rajasthan Royals). It might not surprise anyone as his T20 record is good enough to get him that sum, also his medium pace with deceiving slower balls makes him smart bowler in this format of the game.## Varun Chakravarthy, the mystery spinner of Tamil Nadu who yet to make his first-class debut, was the most discussed topic in this year auction. He became the joint most bid getter (with Unadkat) and will see playing for Kings XI Punjab in the 12th edition of the world's biggest T20 league. Apart from Varun, some of the highest bid getters were uncapped players who have impressed everyone with their talent whatever they have shown while playing.## Here is the list of the Uncapped Indian players who got big bid in this year auction## 1. Varun Chakravarthy (INR 8.4 Crore to KXIP) - Varun Chakravarthy remained the hottest topic of the auction and few franchises were fighting for getting him in their team and in the end Kings XI Punjab got success with INR 8.4 Crore. Varun can bowl with Seven types of variations and that helped him to rose as one of the stars in Tamil Nadu Premier League for Madurai Panthers. TNPL experience helped him become the highest wicket-taker with 22 wickets in the group stage of Vijay Hazare Trophy.## Varun will share a dressing room with one of the best spinners at present, Ravichandran Ashwin who captained KXIP in the previous edition of IPL. former India spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that selectors should keep their eye on Varun who is another mystery spinner.## 2. Shivam Dubey (INR 5 Crore to RCB) - Shivam Dubey is an all-rounder from Mumbai who grabbed by Royal Challengers Bangalore in INR 5 Crore. It is going to be a great experience for him as he will share a dressing room with two of the greatest batsmen Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.## Shivam is a right-arm bowler and a left-handed batter. Tall and strong, he gave his reputation a massive uplift in the last one year with some big hitting in the Mumbai T20 league wherein a match he hit 5 sixes in an over. He has also been in red-hot form in this year Ranji Trophy with both bat and ball. In 9 innings so far, he has scored 489 runs and taken 17 wickets. He can be a trump card for Virat led RCB.## 3. Prabhsimran Singh (INR 4.8 Crore to KXIP) - Prabhsimran Singh is a wicketkeeper-batsman from Punjab. Prabhsimran Singh whose idol is Virendra Sehwag, came in the spotlight after hitting 298 off 302 balls in an Under-23 District Cricket Tournament. He is also one of only 5 U-19 wicketkeepers in the country who selected for National Cricket Academy's wicketkeeping camp in Bangalore. He is surely going to be one of India's future cricket stars.## 4. Prayas Ray Barman (1.5 Crore to RCB) - Another teenager who stole the show in the auction, Prayas Ray Barman is a legspinner from Bengal. He was one of the stars for Bengal in Vijay Hazare Trophy this year where he made his debut and took 11 wickets in 9 matches with the economy rate of 4.5 per over.## 5. Akshdeep Nath (INR 3.60 Crore to RCB) - Akshdeep Nath is a right-hand batting all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh. Nath was the vice-captain of India Under-19 team that lifted the World Cup in 2012 in Australia. Currently he is captaining Uttar Pradesh in Ranji Trophy 2018-19 and has scored 488 runs in 7 innings. Akshdeep Nath has an IPL experience of 6 matches. He made his IPL debut in 2016 for Gujrat Lions against Rising Pune Supergiant but didn't get a chance to bat.## Other uncapped stars## Riyan Parag (20 lakh to RR), Manan Vohra (20 lakh to RR), Shrikant Mundhe (20 lakh to KKR), Bandaru Ayyappa (20 lakh to DCS), Shubham Ranjane (20 lakh to RR), Ruturaj Gaikwad (20 lakh to CSK), Murugan Ashwin (20 lakh to KXIP), Jalaj Saxena (20 lakh to DCS), Harpreet Brar (20 lakh to KXIP), Agnivesh Ayachi (20 lakh to KXIP), Yarra Prithviraj (20 lakh to KKR), Rasikh Salam (20 lakh to MI), Shashank Singh (30 lakh to RR), Darshan Nalkande (30 lakh to KXIP), Milind Kumar (20 lakh to RCB), Pankaj Jaiswal (20 lakh to MI), Arshdeep Singh (20 lakh to KXIP), Nikhil Naik (20 lakh to KKR), Himmat Singh (65 lakh to RCB), Nathu Singh (20 lakh to DCS), Ankush Bains (20 lakh to DCS), Sarfaraz Khan (20 lakh to KXIP), Anmolpreet Singh (80 lakh to MI), Devdutt Padikkal (20 lakh to RCB)## Follow for more...

BY SACNILK

On the opening day of the VIVO IPL 2019 auction, as many as 139 players went under the hammer and only 60 players sold to the respective franchise. With Jaydev Unadkat and uncapped mystery spinner from Tamil Nadu, Varun Chakravarthy got the highest bid, some of the big names remained unsold at the end of the day.## Yuvraj Singh gets another life as he has been sold to Mumbai Indian in INR 1.00 Crore after remained unsold in the first round. Ishant Sharma also got buyer this time as Delhi Capitals snatched him in INR 1.10 Crore.## Here is the list of the players who sold on an opening day :## 1. Hanuma Vihari 2 crore (DCS)## 2. Shimron Hetmyer 4.2 cr (RCB)## 3. Carlos Brathwaite 5 crore (KKR)## 4. Gurkeerat Mann Singh 50 lakh (RCB)## 5. Moises Henriques 1 crore (KXIP)## 6. Axar Patel 5 crore (DCS)## 7. Jonny Bairstow 2.2 cr (SRH)## 8. Nicholas Pooran 4.2 cr (KXIP)## 9. Wriddhiman Saha 1.2 cr (SRH)## 10. Jaydev Unadkat 8.4 cr (RR)## 11. Ishant Sharma 1.1 cr (DCS)## 12. Lasith Malinga 2 crore (MI)## 13. Mohammed Shami 4.8 cr (KXIP)## 14. Varun Aaron 2.4 cr (RR)## 15. Mohit Sharma 5 crore (CSK)## 16. Devdutt Padikkal 20 lakh (RCB)## 17. Anmolpreet Singh 20 lakh (MI)## 18. Sarfaraz Khan 25 lakh (KXIP)## 19. Shivam Dube 5 crore (RCB)## 20. Varun Chakaravarthy 8.4 cr (KXIP)## 21. Ankush Bains 20 lakh (DCS)## 22. Nathu Singh 20 lakh (DCS)## 23. Colin Ingram 6.4 cr (DCS)## 24. Sam Curran 7.2 cr (KXIP)## 25. Heinrich Klaasen 50 lakh (RCB)## 26. Barinder Sran 3.4 cr (MI)## 27. Lockie Ferguson 1.6 cr (KKR)## 28. Sherfane Rutherford 2 crore (DCS)## 29. Anrich Nortje 20 lakh (KKR)## 30. Oshane Thomas 1.1 cr (RR)## 31. Hardus Viljoen 75 lakh (KXIP)## 32. Himmat Singh 65 lakh (RCB)## 33. Nikhil Naik 20 lakh (KKR)## 34. Arshdeep Singh 20 lakh (KXIP)## 35. Harry Gurney 75 lakh (KKR)## 36. Pankaj Jaswal 20 lakh (MI)## 37. Milind Kumar 20 lakh (RCB)## 38. Darshan Nalkande 30 lakh (KXIP)## 39. Shashank Singh 30 lakh (RR)## 40. Prabhsimran Singh 4.8 cr (KXIP)## 41. Rasikh Dar 20 lakh (MI)## 42. Prithvi Raj Yarra 20 lakh (KKR)## 43. Liam Livingstone 50 lakh (RR)## 44. Keemo Paul 50 lakh (DCS)## 45. Prayas Ray Barman 1.5 cr (RCB)## 46. Agnivesh Ayachi 20 lakh (KXIP)## 47. Harpreet Brar 20 lakh (KXIP)## 48. Martin Guptill 1 crore (SRH)## 49. Yuvraj Singh 1 crore (MI)## 50. Akshdeep Nath 3.6 cr (RCB)## 51. Jalaj Saxena 20 lakh (DCS)## 52. Murugan Ashwin 20 lakh (KXIP)## 53. Ruturaj Gaikwad 20 lakh (CSK)## 54. Shubham Ranjane 20 lakh (RR)## 55. Joe Denly 1 crore (KKR)## 56. Bandaru Ayyappa 20 lakh (DCS)## 57. Shrikant Mundhe 20 lakh (KKR)## 58. Manan Vohra 20 lakh (RR)## 59. Ashton Turner 50 lakh (RR)## 60. Riyan Parag 20 lakh (RR)## Follow for more...

BY SACNILK

2011, World Cup hero and one of the most iconic faces of Indian Premier League (IPL), Yuvraj Singh who couldn't impress any franchise and remained unsold in the first round of IPL 2019 Auction has been grabbed by Mumbai Indian in INR 1.00 Crore while Jaydev Unadkat and the mystery spinner from Tamil Nadu earned biggest bids (8.4 Crore) on the opening day (December 18) of the auction.## Yuvraj Singh who played for the Kings XI Punjab in the previous season of the Indian Premier League underperformed and could score only 65 runs in 8 matches. He later was released by the franchise a few days before the auction. Same happened with Jaydev Unadkat who got highest bid (Indian player) of 11.5 Crore in the previous auction, couldn't justify his role as he took only 11 wickets in 15 matches with the economy rate of over 9 per over. He too was released before the auction but Rajasthan Royals show faith in him and bought back in 8.4 Crore.## Mumbai's uncapped all-rounder Shivam Dube also got big bids and has been snapped by Royal Challengers Bangalore in INR 5 Crore. Shimron Hetmyer who has been the star of Caribbean Premier League (CPL) also snapped by the RCB in INR 4.2 Crore while Afghanistan's Hazratullah Zazai who came in limelight after hitting six sixes in recently concluded Afghanistan Premier League (APL) surprisingly remained unsold in the first round.## Another star of Caribbean Premier League wicketkeeper-batsman Nicholas Pooran has been sold to Kings XI Punjab in INR 4.2 Crore while his teammate right-arm pacer who impressed everyone with his serious pace and bounce, Oshane Thomas has been grabbed by Rajasthan Royals in INR 1.10 Crore. Windies' T20 World Cup 2016 hero Carlos Brathwaite got 6.5-time bid of his base price and has been snapped by Kolkata Knight Riders in INR 5 Crore.## Hero of the recently concluded England-India Test series, Sam Curran who played some handy knocks down the order and also provided crucial breakthroughs, impressed some franchise and in the end was snapped by Kings XI Punjab in big sum of INR 7.2 Crore while his teammate Jonny Bairstow grabbed by Sunrisers Hyderabad in INR 2.20 Crore and will feature in the IPL for the first time.## South Africa's star and one of the best bowlers at present, Dale Steyn couldn't attract any buyer and went unsold in the first round along with Hashim Amla. Colin Ingram another South African star will see playing for Delhi Capitals who snapped him in INR 6.40 Crore. India's uncapped batsman Milind Kumar who is the highest run-getter in this year Ranji Trophy so far has been sold to RCB in INR 20 Lakhs while Punjab's wicketkeeper-batsman Prabhsimran Singh got big bid of 4.8 Crore and will play for Kings XI Punjab. Nathu Singh, Ankush Bains also able to attract franchise and has been sold on base price.## Some of the biggest names as Alex Hales, Brendon McCullum, Chris Woakes, Shaun Marsh, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera, Morne Morkel remained unsold on the opening day of the auction. But Lasith Malinga who went unsold last time has been brought back by Mumbai Indians in INR 2 Crore.## Follow for more...

BY SACNILK

India captain Virat Kohli is reducing the gap between him and Sachin Tendulkar pretty quickly in terms of scoring centuries at an international level. After scoring his 27th Test hundred in the historic pink ball test against Bangladesh, he now has 70 centuries in all three formats which are 1 short from Ricky Ponting who has 71 centuries. Sachin Tendulkar has scored 100 centuries and he is at number 1 position.## Here is the list of players with most international centuries## 1. Sachin Tendulkar (IND, 100 Centuries) - If there will be talked about records in cricket, Sachin Tendulkar will always be remembered. The legend of the game and arguably the greatest batsmen of all time, Tendulkar has created numerous records and scoring 100 international centuries is one of them. In 664 matches across all three formats (Test, ODI, T20), Tendulkar has scored 100 hundred (51 Tests, 49 ODIs). Apart from centuries, he has scored 34,357 runs (highest by any player) in this period.## The former Indian captain has retired from the international cricket in 2013 when he played his 200th Test against West Indies at Wankhede Stadium. It became one of the most memorable farewells as the whole stadium were chanting Sachiiiin, Sachin which actually brought tears in Tendulkar's eyes.## 2. Ricky Ponting (AUS, 71 Centuries) - There has always been a debate between Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting that who is the better batsman. Both have done wonders for their respective teams. Even though there is a big difference between the numbers of the two greats, Ponting has scored 71 centuries (40 Tests, 31 ODIs) in 560 matches and also scored 26,825.## Not only Ponting was a great batsman, he equally was a great captain as well who led Australia to win two World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007. He bid goodbye from international cricket against India at the Gabba in 2012.## 3. Virat Kohli (IND, 70 Centuries) - Among the top 5 international centurions, Virat Kohli is the only active player. He is by far the best batsman of the modern era. In his 10 years of career, he has done wonders across all three formats. There is the talk among the greats of the game that if anyone can break Sachin Tendulkar's record, Virat Kohli is that one player. The Indian captain has already scored 70 centuries (27 Tests, 43 ODIs) in just 437 innings and scored 21,036 runs.## 4. Kumar Sangakkara (SL, 63 Centuries) - Kumar Sangakkara is arguably the greatest batsman that Sri Lanka has ever produced. The left-hand wicketkeeper-batsman has scored 63 international centuries (38 Tests, 25 ODIs) in 594 matches and scored 28,016 runs. Even though he couldn't win 50 over World Cup for his side but he played a major role in 2007 and 2011 World Cup in which Sri Lanka was the finalists.## He helped Sri Lanka to win World T20 title in 2014 in their own backyard where they beat India in the final and Sangakkara played a match-winning knock. He retired after playing his last Test against India at P Sara Oval, 2015.## 5. Jacques Kallis (SA, 62 Centuries) - Former South African captain Jacques Kallis is one of the greatest all-rounders who has played cricket. He was so close to breaking Sachin Tendulkar's 51 Test centuries record before he announced his retirement in 2014. He has scored 62 centuries (45 Tests, 17 ODIs) and scored 25534 runs in 519 matches.## Apart from his batting records, Jacques Kallis has taken 577 wickets (292 Tests, 273 ODIs, 12 T20Is). He is the only player to score 25,000 runs and take 500 wickets at international level.## *Stats on 23 November 2019.## Follow for more...

BY SACNILK

Since the introduction of T20 format, batsmen have changed their viewpoint in two of the oldest format (ODI and Test) of the game and like to score at a rapid pace. There was a time when scoring a century was always a hard nut to crack as the batsman had to work hard to get a three-figure mark in the longest format of the game. However, there have been players who used to be aggressive and play freely in the past.## Scoring a century has always been pleasing for any batsman but when it comes in Test format it gives immense pleasure to any batsman. There are players at present time as well as in the past who like to be ahead by the time and play with an aggressive approach. India has produced and kept producing such players who could destroy any opposition on any given day. Here we take a look at some of the fastest Test centuries made by an Indian batsman.## Here is the list of the fastest centuries by Indian batsmen in Tests (Top 5)## 1. Kapil Dev (74 balls, 1986, Kanpur) - Kapil Dev has been one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of Test. He holds the record of the fastest century in Test cricket by Indian batsman that he scored against Sri Lanka at the Green Park Stadium, Kanpur in 1986. Kapil Dev was the captain of the Indian team at that time and led India to win the series 2-0.## He scored 163 runs off 165 balls with the strike rate of 98.78 including 19 fours and a six. The former Indian all-rounder and legend scored 5248 runs in 131 matches in his career. Apart from runs, he took 434 wickets.## 2. Mohammad Azharuddin (74 balls, 1997, Cape Town) - The former Indian captain who is mostly known for his stylish batting, the joint fastest centurion for India in the longest format of the game. Against South Africa in 1997 at Cape Town, the right-hander scored 115 off 110 balls with the strike rate 104.54 including 19 fours and 1 six. In the same match, Sachin Tendulkar who was the captain at that time, made 169 runs off 354 balls.## Mohammad Azharuddin had played 99 Tests for India in which he scored 6215 runs with an average of 45.03. He has also scored 22 centuries along with 21 half-centuries in his long career.## 3. Virendra Sehwag (78 balls, 2006, St Lucia) - When it comes to scoring quick runs, Virendra Sehwag is one who has done it many times in his career. He is the only batsman in the world who has scored 5 Test centuries with more than 100 strike rate. Against West Indies in Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia, 2006, he registered his fastest century in Test cricket.## He scored 180 runs off 190 balls with the strike rate of 94.74 including 20 fours and 2 sixes. The former Indian captain has played 104 matches and scored 8586 runs with the strike rate of 82.23 including 23 centuries (5th most by Indian players).## 4. Shikhar Dhawan (85 balls, 2013, Mohali) - There is Proverb in cricket that whenever 'opportunity strikes, grab it with both hands', and Shikhar Dhawan did excelity same against Australia in Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, 2013. He was lucky to get a chance to play as Virendra Sehwag was injured and he didn't waste it and scored the fastest century on Test debut.## He hammered Australian attack and went on to score 187 off 174 balls including 33 fours and 2 sixes. His strike rate in that innings was 107.47. The second Test before Mohali Test was the last match for Virendra Sehwag at international level.## 5. Kapil Dev (86 balls, 1981, Kanpur) - Against England in 1981 at Kanpur Kapil Dev turmoil England's attack with a quick fire 116 off 98 balls. His strike rate during the innings was 118.36 with 16 fours and 2 sixes.## Former Indian skipper, Kapil Dev, popularly known as ‘Haryana Hurricane’ for his aggressive style of batting and bowling has produced some great innings in his career and it was one of them when he hammered English bowlers all around the park.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

Karun Nair is one of only two Indian players who have a triple century to his name in the longest format of the game. On December 2016, Nair became the only second Indian and 30th overall to listed his name among the greats of the game when he hammered 303* against England at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.## The best part of his innings was that he scored 232 runs in a single day that saw his phenomenal fitness. Apart from that, he took only 381 balls to reach his triple century which is the 4th fastest in terms of balls. Despite his great knock, he has always been sidelined from the playing XI and didn't get many chances to prove his worth after that knock.## Karun Nair is celebrating his 26th birthday on 6 December and here we are presenting you some of the fastest triple centuries in which Nair also featured.## Here is the list of top 5 fastest triple hundred in test cricket history ## 1. Virendra Sehwag (278 balls, 2008, Chennai) - Virendra Sehwag is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen that cricket has ever seen. It has always been his motto to see the ball, hit the ball that makes him one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world.## In 2008, against South Africa against the bowlers like Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini, Morne Morkel and Jacques Kallis, Sehwag registered fastest triple ton in Test cricket by any player. He turmoil South African attack and went on to score 319 runs off just 304 balls with the strike rate of 104.93. During his inning, he hit 42 fours and 5 sixes. His ability to hit the ball from very first over has always been the hallmark of his career.## 2. Matthew Hayden (362 balls, 2003, Perth) - Australia's legend and one of the best openers in the world, Matthew Hayden played the knock of his life against helpless Zimbabwe in 2003 in Perth. During his 380 runs knock off 437 balls, he broke Brian Lara's highest individual score (375) record that was broken later by Lara himself when he made highest individual score ever of 400* against England.## Hayden, during his knock, hit 38 fours and 11 big sixes that saw Australia piled on a colossal 735 for 6 in the first innings. It was the fastest triple ton at that time before Sehwag broke it by a country mile.His mammoth knock ended up with the strike rate of 86.95.## 3. Virendra Sehwag (364 balls, 2004, Multan) - There have been only four batsmen who have scored 2 triple centuries in Tests and Sehwag is one from them. Don Bradman, Chris Gayle and Brian Lara are other three batsmen. Sehwag had a chance to become the first player to score three triple tons but missed by just 7 runs when he scored 293 runs against Sri Lanka at Mumbai on December 2009.## In 2004, against Pakistan in Multan, Sehwag scored his first triple hundred. After that knock, his nicknamed 'The Sultan Of Multan'. The Multan match is infamous for Dravid’s declaration when Sachin was on 194*. Sehwag who made 309 runs reached his triple century with a six. His knock was filled up with 39 fours and 6 sixes with the strike rate of 82.40.## Note: Accurate information is not available about the balls required to reach a triple-hundred in earlier matches. It is estimated that Wally Hammond took around 355 balls against New Zealand in 1932-33.## 4. Karun Nair (381 balls, 2016, Chennai) - In December 2016, Karun Nair became the only second Indian batsman to score a triple century in Tests. It was his first score of a three-figure mark which turned out to be in memorable one. Surprisingly, He didn't get enough chances after that famous triple century knock.## Nair scored 303* off 381 balls including 32 fours and 4 sixes with the strike rate of 79.52. Interestingly, his last 102 runs came off just 76 balls. In the same match, KL Rahul missed out his double century as he caught on 199.## 5. Chris Gayle (393 balls, 2010, Galle) - West Indies' left-hander, Chris Gayle is known for his big hitting sixes ability. He is among the only 4 players who have scored more than one triple century in Tests. In Galle against Sri Lanka, he turmoil Lankan's attack and made 333 off 437 balls which later became his jersey number.## He scored those runs with the strike rate of 76.20. He hit 34 fours and 9 sixes in that innings. His knock is the fifth highest away from home.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

After the Mithali Raj and head coach Ramesh Powar's controversy, India's T20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her deputy Smriti Mandhana came in support of Ramesh Powar who was ready to axed from head coach role and want him continue as coach as both the players feel that India improved a lot under the coaching of former Indian all-rounder.## Significantly, India's ODI captain Mithali Raj surprisingly was benched in the semi-final of the World T20 a few days ago against England and it cost India's exit from the tournament. However, Raj blamed coach Powar for her exclusion and wrote a letter to BCCI and made serious allegations on him saying he was out there to "humiliate and destroy" her.## After the incident, Powar didn't receive an extension of his contract with the BCCI sending out an invitation for fresh applications for the position. However, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana came out in support of him and writing to the BCCI about his positive contributions as head coach of the team and said Raj's exclusion from the playing XI was purely team management's decision (confirmed by CRICBUZZ).## "I am writing to bring it under your notice that how tremendously our team has gone under positive changes in the past few months and has set a benchmark in the world's top teams. Our defeat in the semi-finals was very disheartening and it brings us all to feel more miserable to see how the controversies have stained our image and questioned the entire cricket fraternity," wrote Harmanpreet in an email published by Hindustan Times.## "(sic) Ramesh Powar not only improved us as players but did motivate us to set targets and challenge our own limits. He has changed the faced (sic) of Indian women's cricket team both technically and strategically. He has inculcated in us the sense of winning."## "The decision was entirely based on the cricketing logic and observations from the past. Keeping in mind the need of the hour, me, Smriti, selector Sudha Shah and the coach together in the presence of our manager felt that we should go ahead with the winning combination," the letter further added before urging the BCCI to allow Powar to continue as coach.## "Cutting the conversation short, I, as the T20 captain and ODI vice-captain is appealing before you to allow Powar to further continue as our team coach. There are hardly 15 months for the next T20 World Cup and a month to go for the New Zealand tour. The way he has transformed us into a team, I feel no reason to replace him."## Mandhana added, "It is important for Indian cricket's growth that everybody is on the same page and I believe that any difference can be amicably resolved via discussion."## Ramesh Powar hit back on Raj saying she "blackmailing and pressurising coaches and puts her selfish interests ahead of the team." after she accused him of humiliating and destroy her. The support of Kaur and Mandhana came out as a boost for him as he could reapply for the post.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

The much-awaited series of the year between Australia and India is set to begin from December 6 in Adelaide. The series promises to be a cracker as India is much stronger than they were before while Australia may not have the strongest side in the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner but in their own conditions, they have been ruthless against any side in the world.## On the other hand, India will be hoping to win their first ever Test series down under. Looking at both sides, India clearly has an upper hand and will start the series with favourites tag. On the other hand, Australia probably is the weakest team who has failed to make their mark since the ban imposed on Smith and Warner after found their involvement in ball-tampering scandal earlier this year in South Africa.## However, despite been two different sides, both teams have players who can be trump-card for their sides. Here, we have chosen 6 players (3 from each side) who can change the game for their side.## INDIA## 1. KL Rahul - This could be the deciding series for KL Rahul who hasn't been consistent since the home season in 2016-17. Despite few knocks, he has failed to provide a solid start in Tests. However, on his previous Australia's tour scored a century in first innings of Sydney Test and smashed 110. In India's recent tour of England, he went on to score a sizzling hundred in the last test after been failed in first four matches. Captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri have shown full faith in Rahul despite lack of consistency in his form.## 2. Rishabh Pant - Rishabh Pant is one of the most exciting talents who is known for his hard-hitting ability. The left-hand wicketkeeper-batsman is still new in international cricket but has shown enough potential at this level. After pilling mountains of runs, he debuted against England and performed well including a brilliant century in the last Test. In 8 innings of 5 matches so far, Pant has scored 346 runs with a century and 2 half-centuries. He is one of the players who can change the game on his own terms and will be key for India to provide solidity in the middle order.## 3. Kuldeep Yadav - Much like Pant, Kuldeep Yadav is also new in Test cricket. However, he has performed exceptionally well in limited overs format. He has the ability to deceive batsmen on googly which could be the turning point against Australian players as they are not good against spinners and always found difficult to tackle them.## AUSTRALIA## 1. Aaron Finch - After the ban imposed on Warner along with Smith, Australia has struggled to find the right combination up the batting order. Aaron Finch, after established himself in limited overs format, could solve Australia's opening problems. He debuted against Pakistan in recently concluded series in Abu Dhabi and has batted brilliantly against the turning balls. He one of only a few Australians who is equally good against spinners as well as the pacers.## 2. Usman Khawaja - Usman Khawaja is the most experienced batsman in the current Australian batting line-up. He is the one along with Finch who has done exceptionally well against the spinners as well as pacers. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes that Khawaja will be the key for Australia to do well in the 4-match Test series. His record in Test suggests that he has done well for Australia in last few years and scored 2455 runs in 35 matches with an average of 43.84.## 3. Nathan Lyon - Nathan Lyon is arguably the greatest spinner after the great Shane Warne that Australia has ever produced. He has been consistent since his debut in 2011. His record against India also suggests that he has troubled Indian batsmen with his line and length which is his great strength. Against India, Lyon has claimed 64 wickets in 14 matches. He will be the biggest trump-card for Tim Paine led Australia side.## For more updates and news, stay tuned with us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

South Africa's former captain AB de Villiers was one of the most attacking batsmen game has ever had. He played some of the memorable ODI knocks over the years. He holds the record of the fastest century in this format of the game when he magnified 149 off 44 balls against West Indies.## Apart from Ab de Villiers, there are some players who are equally lethal as de Villiers. Some of them has retired from international cricket but they will always be remembered as greats of the game. Pakistan's Shahid Afridi was the one who holds the record of fastest century for 18 long years untill Anderson broke that.## Here is the list of fastest centuries in the one-day format. ## 1. AB de Villiers (31 balls) - AB de Villiers holds the record of the fastest century in one-day cricket. Former South Africa's captain became the fastest centurion after breaking New Zealand's Corey Anderson's record when he hammered 149 off just 44 balls including 9 fours and 16 sixes against West Indies at Johannesburg in 2015. Recently retired and one of the greatest players, AB de Villiers considered the best batsman of modern era.## 2. Corey Anderson (36 balls) - New Zealand's Corey Anderson is one of the most attacking batsmen at present. He broke Shahid Afridi's long 18 years old record when he hammered 131 off 47 balls against West Indies in Queenstown in 2014. He hit 6 fours and 14 sixes in his record-breaking innings.## 3. Shahid Afridi (37 balls) - Pakistan's Shahid Afridi was one of the players who changed the definition of playing cricket with his hard hitting ability. In 1996, 16-year old Shahid Afridi dismantled Sri Lanka in Nairobi in four teams tournament. He made 102 off 40 balls including 6 fours and 11 sixes. Shahid Afridi has retired from international cricket last year.## 4. Mark Boucher (44 balls) - South Africa's wicketkeeper-batsman Mark Boucher is one of the most successful wicketkeepers in all three formats. His inning of 147* off 68 balls against Zimbabwe in 2006. Mark Boucher had to retire from professional cricket after a tragic incident behind the stump when stump bells damaged his eye.## 5. Brian Lara/Shahid Afridi (45 balls) - Former West Indies' captain and arguably one of the greatest batsmen of all time, Brian Lara found himself among the top ten fastest centurions. He played a 117-runs knock off 62 balls including 18 fours and 4 sixes against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 1999 while Shahid Afridi is the only batsman till date who featured twice in top ten lists. He scored 102 off 46 balls against India in Kanpur in 2005.## 6. Jesse Ryder/Jos Buttler (46 balls) - New Zealand's Jesse Ryder and England's wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler are among the fastest centurion in ODIs. Ryder played a 104 runs knock off 51 balls against West Indies while Buttler 116* off 62 balls against Pakistan in Dubai.## 7. Sanath Jayasuriya (48 balls) - Sri Lanka's former captain and legend of the game, Sanath Jayasuriya played one of the fastest ODI knocks against Pakistan in Singapore in 1996 when he hammered 134 off 65 balls including 11 fours and 11 sixes.## 8. Kevin O'Brien (50 balls) - Ireland's Kevin O'Brien played a knock of his life when he helped his side to chase down 328 against England in a group match of World Cup 2011. He scored 113 off 63 balls including 13 fours and 6 sixes in Bengaluru and upset strong England side.## 9. Glenn Maxwell (51 balls) - Australia's Glenn Maxwell is known for his hard hitting ability. He featured among the fastest centurion when he smashed 102 off 53 balls including 10 fours and 4 sixes against Sri Lanka in Sydney in 2015.## 10. Virat Kohli (52 balls) - Indian captain and arguably the best batsman of the modern era, Virat Kohli is the last batsman who featured in top ten lists. He is the fastest Indian to score a century in an ODI. He played one of the most memorable ODI knocks against Australia in Jaipur when he helped India to chase down 360. He remained unbeaten on 100* off 52 balls along with Rohit Sharma's 141* off 123 balls.## *Stats last updated till 28th November, 2018.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

2018 has been a great year for batsmen in white ball cricket. In this year Indian captain Virat Kohli became the quickest to reach 10 thousand runs in ODI cricket while Pakistan's young sensation Babar Azam has seen new heights in the limited overs format as he became the fastest to reach 1000 runs in T20Is.## However, it has been the year of Shikhar Dhawan. After been dropped from test team, the stylish left-hander has dominated in T20 format along with his partner Rohit Sharma. Resulted in, India has been the most successful T20 team of this year.## Here is the list of the batsmen with most T20I runs in 2018## 1. Shikhar Dhawan (IND, R-689, I-17) - The attacking left-hand opener from India has risen in 2018 in T20 format. He has hammered 689 runs in 17 innings of 18 matches with the strike rate of 147.22 and 6 half-centuries. His highest score of 92 came against West Indies. Apart from leading run scorer in 2018, Dhawan also becomes the highest run-getter in T20Is in a calendar year surpassed Virat Kohli.## 2. Rohit Sharma (IND, R-590, I-18) - The Indian opener has captained India this year in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli and led the team by example. He has scored 590 runs in 18 innings with a strike rate of 147.50. He has hammered 2 centuries and 3 half-centuries with the highest score of 111* which came against West Indies. Under his captaincy, he led India to win Nidahas Trophy featuring Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Sri Lanka.## 3. Fakhar Zaman (PAK, R-576, I-17) - Fakhar Zaman has announced his arrival in international cricket with a bang. After becoming quickest to 1000 ODI runs, he found himself among the top run-getters in T20Is as well. In 17 innings for Pakistan, he has scored 576 runs with the strike rate of 148.83 and 4 half-centuries. His highest score this has been 91 which came against Australia.## 4. Babar Azam (PAK, R-563, I-12) - The new rank 1 and one of the best batsmen in T20Is, Babar Azam has played a huge role in Pakistan's success in the shortest format of the game. This year he became the fastest to 1000 T20Is runs after surpassing Virat Kohli. In 12 innings Babar has scored 563 runs with an astonishing average of 62.55 and strike rate of 126.51 along with 6 half-centuries.## 5. Aaron Finch (AUS, R-531, I-17) - Aaron Finch is the new captain for Australia in T20 format. However, this hasn't been a great year for Australia but Finch has been consistent with his form. In 17 innings Finch has scored 531 runs with an excellent strike rate of 176.41. He also registered the highest score of this format after hammering 172 against Zimbabwe in Harare.## 6. D'Arcy Short (AUS, R-515, I-18) - Australia's D'Arcy Short has looked promising batsman. He has been consistent in T20s this year with his form. In 18 innings, the left-hander has scored 515 runs with the strike rate 121.17. He also registered 4 half-centuries.## 7. Glenn Maxwell (AUS, R-506, I-18) - Another Australian found himself among the leading run-getters in T20Is. Maxwell has been in-out from the Australian team for a long time but he has shown growth in the shortest format of the game. He has scored 506 runs in 18 innings with an outstanding strike rate of 143.75. He has also scored a century and 2 half-centuries and his highest score has been 103* this year.## 8. Colin Munro (NZ, R-500, I-12) - The left-hander from New Zealand is one of the most dangerous batsmen in T20 format. He has the second most centuries (3) in T20Is after Rohit Sharma (4). This year, he has scored 500 runs in 12 innings with the blitzing strike rate of 178.57 and has the second-best average (45.45) among the top ten batsmen. He also hammered a century and 4 half-centuries.## 9. Martin Guptill (NZ, R-410, I-10) - Another New Zealander and leading run scorer in T20Is, Martin Guptill featured among the top run-getters of the year. The right-hand opener has scored 410 runs in 10 innings with an outstanding strike rate of 146.95 and also has scored a century and 4 half-centuries.## 10. Mushfiqur Rahim (BAN, R-390, I-13) - Mushfiqur Rahim is arguably one of the best batsmen Bangladesh has ever produced. He has been one of the pillars of the team over the years. He is only Bangladesh's batsman who featured among the top ten leading run scorer in T20Is this year. In 13 innings, the wicketkeeper-batsman has scored 390 runs with the strike rate of 134.94 and 4 half-centuries.## *Stats last updated till 25 November 2018.## Thanks for the reaading.

BY SACNILK

West Indies's Chris Gayle and the United Arab Emirates' Waseem Muhammad equaled the record of the fastest fifty in the Abu Dhabi T10 league. Both the batsmen scored 12-balls fifty for their respective teams and joins the elite club of the shortest format of the game. ## Here is the list of the top 5 fastest fifties in the Abu Dhabi T10 league:## 1. Chris Gayle (12 balls) - Equally the record of the fastest fifty in this format, West Indies' hard-hitting striker, Chris Gayle made a mockery of Maratha Arabians' total of 97 runs. Playing for Team Abu Dhabi, Gayle stormed unbeaten 84 off just 22 balls and chased down the target of 98 in just 5.3 overs to give a thumping 9 wickets win to his team.## 2. Waseem Muhammad (12 balls) - A very fine and talented batsman from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Waseem Muhammad joins the elite club of the shortest format. Joining Gayle and Mohammad Shahzad, Waseem's 12-ball fifty (56* off 13) helped Northern Warriors to chase down Pune Devils 98 in just 4.3 overs. ## 3. Mohammad Shahzad (12 balls) - Afghanistan's wicketkeeper and one of the most dangerous modern-day batsmen, Mohammad Shahzad started the season with a bang and smashed a 12-ball fifty against Sindhis. Playing for Rajputs he helped his side to chase down 94, set by Sindhis in just 4 over. Shahzad remained unbeaten on 74 off just 16 balls.## 4. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (14 balls) - Afghanistan player, Rahmanullah Gurbaz smashed the fastest fifty of the season 2021-22. Playing for Delhi Bulls, the swashbukling right-hander blasted a 14-ball half-cenntury against the Chennai Braves. It is the second fastest fifty in the history of Abu Dhabi T10 league. His fellow countryman, Mohammad Shahzad is the jointly fastest to hit fifty in the tournament in just 12 balls.## 5. Nicholas Pooran (16 balls) - West Indies' left-hand batsman Nicholas Pooran smashed the second-fastest fifty of the tournament. His 77 off 25 balls helped Northern Warriors to post the highest total of the tournament of 183 for 2 against Punjabi Legends. Punjabi Legends surrendered to the huge total and handed the biggest win of 99-runs to the Warriors.## 6. Moeen Ali (16 balls) - England's all-rounder Moeen Ali smashed joint 4th fastest fifty in Abu Dhabi T10 league. Playing for Northern Warriors, the attacking left-hander blasted his half-century in just 16 balls (77 runs from 23 balls) against Team Abu Dhabi on November 27 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium. This is also the fastest fifty of the season 2021 of the tournament. ## 7. Nicholas Pooran (17 balls) - In the 2021 edition, Pooran hammered Bangla Tigers for his 17-ball fifty. His 89 off 26 balls knock with 12 sixes and 3 fours, Northern Warriors put 162 runs in 10 overs and stopped Tigers on 132 to win the match 30 runs. ## *Stats last updated on 2 December 2021## Stay tuned...