BY SACNILK

Praveen Kumar, one of India's only a few pacers who could swing the ball in both sides, has decided to hang his boot on professional cricket as he has announced his retirement on Saturday, October 20.## "I have decided to retire from cricket. The decision is not taken in haste, I gave a thought over it and I felt it was a right time to say goodbye to the sport which gave me so much. I want to thank my family, BCCI, UPCA, Rajeev (Shukla) sir for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams," Praveen Kumar told to Indian Express.## The 32-year old last seen in international cricket in a T20 match against South Africa The Wanderers Stadium. He had claimed 112 wickets across all three formats. Despite his ability to swing the ball, he didn't get much to play for India in the white jersey. He was India's best bowler on England tour in 2011 but surprisingly, he didn't pick again in Test team.## He played only 6 Tests for India and in those he claimed 27 wickets with a healthy average of 25.81. However, unlike Test matches, he played 68 ODIs and grabbed 77 wickets while in 10 T20Is he picked 8 wickets. He played a vital role and claimed four-wicket hauls in the second final of the 2008 CB Series, bowling India to a rare series win in Australia. His ability t hit the ball hard also made him a valuable player for any side.## However, despite being a regular part of ODI side, his World Cup dream couldn't get wings as he was ruled out from the tournament after dengue illness denied him participation in a tournament that India eventually won. Despite his last appearance in international cricket in 2012, Praveen Kumar continued to play domestic tournaments for Uttar Pradesh whom he made his debut during their Ranji Trophy-winning season of 2005-06. He had been able to attract selectors after he claimed 90 wickets in first two first-class seasons. He played the last of his 66 first-class games in October 2017. He finishes with 267 wickets at an average of 23.61.## Apart from India and Uttar Pradesh, Praveen Kumar has represented Kings XI Punjab, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Lions and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. He was one of only 13 bowlers to take a hat-trick in IPL.## Praveen Kumar has a desire to pursue his career in coaching. He has mentored his state team during the seasons of 2014-16.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

With World Cup around the corner (almost 6 months from now), India will be eying their 3rd title. To which, Hardik Pandya can play a big role who is focusing on his fitness and mental strength. India last won the ICC World Cup in 2011 at home where Yuvraj Singh played a crucial role as an all-rounder. Eventually, he later went on to win the man of the tournament. Hardik Pandya will have to play the same role if India wants to win the title in England and Wales in 2019.## Hardik Pandya who is recovering from an injury has been playing all three format. However, he hasn't been consistent with his performance and therefore, he has faced criticism from some of the greats of the game. In an interview given to TOI, he talked about his role in the team, how Virat Kohli has been a constant support to him, his favorite all-rounder and many more.## Here are some Excerpts from the interview:## When can we see you back on the field?## My recovery is on track. I've been busy with my fitness sessions and physiotherapy. I don't know when (I'll return to action), but right now I'm only focusing on getting fully fit.## It must've been heartbreaking to go down injured against Pakistan?## It wasn't about Pakistan. It was disappointing to get injured like that. You can't control these things. Now I've got the time to get fitter and stronger. I always take things positively. This injury was a blessing in disguise. I got time off from cricket. After this, I won't get much time off.## Changing hairstyles, hair colors, tattoos, earrings, hats, fashionable clothes, there's a perception that Hardik Pandya is more bothered about his style than cricket. Your comments.## In India, you enjoy the freedom of speech. People can say what they want to. I like to carry myself in a stylish manner. And if you can look good, why not? But nothing can come between me and my cricket.## The World Cup obviously is the big goal for you.## My individual, and the team goal, right now is getting the World Cup back. It's my biggest goal. I want to give more than 100% to make sure that we win the World Cup. That's why right now, I'm focusing on improving my skills, fitness, mentally I want to get stronger. Because that 10-15% (extra) would be very critical. I'll give 100%, but if I can give 10-15% more to my game, then it would give me great comfort, and I'd be able to do a lot of things which I'm not able to do now.## You scored a half-century and picked 5-28 to help India win the third Test against England at Nottingham, but do you feel you could've done more in England?## There's always scope for improvement in everything that you do in life. No one is perfect in life. I still remember Sachin (Tendulkar) sir said many times that he was improving and learning cricket. Even if I would've scored 1,000 runs, there would've still been scope for scoring more runs. So, I take it that way. Obviously, I could've done more.## In the first Test in England, we were chasing 194 in the fourth innings. You were the last batsman out for 31, and we lost by 31 runs. Do you think that if you'd taken India home, people would've have spoken positively about your ability?## I don't regret it, but there's still a lot of things where one can say after something happens: 'yeh hot toh maza aata (wish this would've happened). I don't live in an imaginary world. I live in reality. The team and I didn't do it. I'm still there. Nothing has changed. And, as you said, people love to talk. Let them talk, enjoy. They like it. The good thing is that I don't read it.## But does it hurt when greats like Michael Holding and Sunil Gavaskar say that they don't consider you as a Test all-rounder?## No sir. Why would it hurt? They've played so much cricket. Let them say it. It's OK. I've heard them so much. I respect that. I'm worthy enough that they're talking about me. If I wasn't, they wouldn't have said anything about me! I take it in a positive way.## There's a theory doing the rounds that you may be rested from the Tests to keep you fresh for the World Cup. Have you had a word with the team management or the selectors about it?## Not yet (spoken to the team management or the selectors). I'm not thinking about anything. It's completely the (team) management's call. That's how I've played my cricket till now. I do whatever they (captain and the coach) and my team require me to do. If they want me to play any particular format, I'm OK. If they want me to play all three (formats), I'm completely fine.## Post the tours of South Africa and England, do you still enjoy the same kind of faith from the team management and the selectors?## Nothing changes for me. I still have faith in myself, in the team, and they're happy with me.## Do you think that if you improve your batting, it strengthens your case as an all-rounder?## Not only my batting, but I also've to improve my whole game. I want to be 100% in everything. There's nothing called 50% in batting, 100% in bowling or vice versa. So, I want to improve my overall game. Even if I do or don't do well, it doesn't matter. There's always a scope for improvement, and I always look to improve.## Would you like to bowl more in Tests? You were perhaps a bit under-bowled in England.## If my team wants me to bowl more, I'll do it.## How has skipper Virat Kohli's influence been on you?## He's been a great support. He's helped me improve my game, which is a fantastic quality in him. Till now, I've grown with him. My career started under MS, then Virat took over. I've improved under both of them.## Who's the all-rounder you look to emulate?## I love Jacques Kallis. The way he managed his workload, the number of games. He played in all the formats of the game and was still fit. My goal is to be as fit as him.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

Not many would have doubted about taking the result of India and West Indies Test series even before it starts. West Indies with less experience and lack of quality in their batting line-up was never going to challenge India, not in these conditions. The only positive for Windies was Roston Chase is grooming as an all-rounder with every match. Their bowling except skipper Jason Holder looked ordinary too and resulted in, both the matches could last long only 6 days as India completely outplayed Windies to win the series 2-0.## For India, this series might not have ideal for preparing tough Australia tour ahead but they had a chance to test their bench strength. After suffering from poor form, the selectors had dropped Murli Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan and gave a chance to the young sensation Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal for West Indies series. However, Agarwal didn't get any match to play but Shaw grabbed the opportunity thrown to him with both hand.## Prithvi Shaw who slammed a hundred on his debut could not ask for a better start of his career. After pilling mountain of runs in domestic cricket for Mumbai and for India A, Shaw had given the opportunity to showcase his talent on big stage. However, Agarwal too had an excellent domestic season but Shaw was the first choice to open the innings with KL Rahul.## The way Shaw batted in both the matches he never looked as if he was playing for the first time for India. He looked confident while batting and was the aggressor between the two openers. After scoring hundred in his debut innings he followed up with a quick fire 70 off 53 balls in the second match. He ended up series with 237 runs in 3 innings and even won the man of the series award.## The conditions also helped Shaw which hasn't challenged him a lot. But still, he played smart cricket. According to India's head coach Ravi Shastri, Prithvi Shaw is a mixture of the great Sachin Tendulkar, Virendra Sehwag, and Brian Lara,"He (Shaw) is born to play cricket. He's been playing since the age of 8 in the maidans of Mumbai, you can see all that hard work shows. He's a spectator's delight. There's a bit of Sachin there, a bit of Viru in him and when he walks - there's a bit of Lara as well.## However, his comparison wasn't there with these legendary players and it shouldn't be but he has shown enough potential to do wonders for Indian cricket. Shaw came in limelight after he has been created a bit of a stir in the Indian cricketing fraternity with a manic display for batting in Mumbai's Harris Shield as a mere 14-year-old - an unprecedented 546, the highest score in any competitive cricket at the time in more than a century until surpassed by one Pranav Dhanawade in 2016.## These are still early days in Shaw's career but his maturity has amazed everyone. He was the captain of the U-19 team that won the ICC U-19 World Cup earlier this year. Apart from that, he is the only Indian player to score a century on his Ranji debut, Duleep debut, and Test debut. Shaw was the part of the Indian team for last two Test against England in England in September.## "It was a happy moment for me and finishing the game for India means a lot for me. It is my first series, winning 2-0 and winning the Man of the Series makes it all the more special. Everyone is like a family; there is no senior or junior. It is a great journey and I am looking forward to a lot of it. I don't know what is happening next, I just want to enjoy this moment," Shaw said in presentation ceremony while receiving the man of the series.## For more updates and news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

India's dominating display over West Indies continued as they blanked Windies in the second and final Test and beat Windies by 10-wickets at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on Sunday, October 14 and completed a 2-0 whitewash. West Indies couldn't offer much resistance on day three with bat and handed India a convincing win.## West Indies could not challenge India much in this series. They lost both the matches inside 3-days. Like the first Test there batting let them down again in the second match. Roston Chase was the only batsman who could put some show with bat in the both matches.## It was Umesh Yadav who has been the star for India in this match where he claimed his first ever 10-wickets hall in a Test match. He helped India to restrict West Indies on 311 in the first innings with 6 for 88 despite Roston Chase's brilliant 106.## India gave a solid reply with the bat as Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant scored their half centuries. Shaw hit back to back 50+ score and made quick fire 70 off 53 balls while Pant was unlucky to dismissed on 92 in successive innings. Rahane also chipped in with 80 runs innings.## India was eying to a big lead in the first innings but West Indies' skipper Jason Holder bowled a brilliant spell of fast bowling and restricted India on 367 and could take the only 56-runs lead. He troubled Indian batsmen with his line and length and grabbed 5-wickets for 56 along with Shannon Gabriel's 3 for 107.## Unlike first Innings, West Indies could not show resistance with the bat in the second innings and bowled out on only 127. Only Sunil Ambris could put some show as he was the highest scorer for Windies with 38. Umesh Yadav was again brilliant with the ball and took 4 wickets for 45. Ravindra Jadeja supported him with 3 for 12.## West Indies had a chance to take a big lead in the second innings but they wasted their captain's effort with ball and could set only 72 runs target for India to win. The target proved a cake walk for India as they chased this total down without losing a wicket. Both Shaw and KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 33 each.## It was the debut series for the young Prithvi Shaw and he made it memorable as he named Man Of The Series for been leading run scorer in the series with 237 runs with 1 hundred and a fifty in 3 innings. Umesh Yadav too had a brilliant series with ball as he was leading wicket taker with 11 wickets.## Yadav was the only pacer for India in the second match after debutante Shardul Thakur got injured after bowling 1.4 overs and couldn't bowl further in the match. Therefore, Yadav had extra responsibility on his shoulder and he didn't disappoint and won Man Of The Match award.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

After the successful Asia Cup campaign by the senior team, India Under-19 team followed their footsteps to win the ACC U-19 Asia Cup after beating Sri Lanka in the final by 144 runs at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka on Sunday, October 7. India have won this prestigious tournament 6th time out of 7.## India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and it continued in the final as well. In all important final India U-19 stand-in skipper, PrabhSimran Singh had won the toss and had opted to bat first.## India started their innings with a bang as both the openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (85) and Anuj Rawat (57) put on a 121-run stand in 25.1 overs. In this process, both batsmen reached their half-centuries.## However, Yashasvi Jaiswal couldn't reach to his century but his knock set the ton up for skipper PrabhSimran Singh and Ayush Badoni whose unbeaten 110-run stand off 55 balls for the 4th wicket helped India to finish on 304.## India scored 113 runs in last 10 overs and 79 in last 5 overs. PrabhSimran Singh led from the front and score 65* off 37 balls including 3 fours and 4 sixes along with Ayush Badoni 52* off 28 balls with the help off 2 fours and 5 big sixes.## Sri Lanka was needed a solid partnership to chase 305 down but they couldn't do that and lost Nipun Dananjaya on 20 in 7th over. Nishan Madushka (49) and Pasindu Sooriyabandara (31) tried to bring back Sri Lanka in the game but once Pasindu Sooriyabandara got dismiss, Left-arm orthodox spinner Harsh Tyagi ran through Sri Lankan middle order with 6 for 38.## He and Siddharth Desai (2 for 37) never allowed Sri Lanka to take control in the middle overs. Only Navod Paranavithana could show some fight with 48 off 61 balls but lack of support from the other end couldn't help him get going.## Harsh Tyagi awarded Man of the match for his match-winning spell while Yashasvi Jaiswal named Man Of The Series for been leading run scorer with 318 runs in 4 matches.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

After been demolished by England 4-1, India back to winning streak as they beat hapless West Indies at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot on Saturday, October 6. The match could last long only three days as West Indies was clueless against India's spin trio Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav who took 16 out of 20 West Indies wickets to handed India their biggest win of 272-runs in Tests (by an innings).## India continued to dominant West Indies from the day one of the Test after Virat Kohli had elected to bat first on a perfect batting pitch. The 18-year old debutante Prithvi Shaw was the highlight of the day one where he became the youngest Indian to score a century on debut. His 134 along with Cheteshwar Pujara's 86 helped India to take complete control after the end of day one where they finished with 364/4.## West Indies who already was in awe of Shaw's century on day one, day two brought an even bigger challenge for them. Virat Kohli who was unbeaten on 72 completed his 24th Test century and became the second fastest (in terms of innings) after Sir Don Bradman to reach 24 hundred. Kohli was watchful throughout his innings and only hit 10 fours in his 139 runs innings but his overnight partner Rishabh Pant was in the different zone and hit 8 fours and 4 sixes for his 92 off 84 balls. Though he missed out 2nd and back to back hundred.## After the morning session, it was all Ravindra Jadeja who scored his maiden Test hundred. He had a responsibility on his shoulders to take India to a big total and he responded with a sublime hundred. Just after he reached his hundred, India declared their innings on 649 for 9 and left West Indies with a daunting task in front of them.## Windies' bowlers were hapless conceded over 4 runs per over. Devendra Bishoo took 4 wickets but he conceded 217 runs with 4.02 run per over. Shannon Gabriel looked pick of the bowlers who troubled top order batsmen with his pace though he could only take KL Rahul's wickets.## After been hammered for 1 and a half day, West Indies could not show enough fight with bat and bundle out on 181 runs in the first innings. Only Roston Chase (53) and Keemo Paul (47) shown intent to stay at the crease. For India Mohammed Shami was brilliant with the new ball. He dismissed both the openers cheaply before Ashwin came to wrap up things quickly with 4 for 37.## After the first innings of both sides, Windies was trailing by 468 runs and therefore India enforced the follow-on. West Innings came up with slightly different and positive intent in the second innings but it could only add only 15 more runs to their first innings as they bowled out on 196 in the second innings and gave India a massive win. Kieran Powell chipped in with 83 but lack of support from the other end didn't help in Windies' cause.## West Indies' all 10 wickets were taken by the spin trio. Kuldeep Yadav grabbed his maiden 5-wicket haul (5 for 57) while Jadeja and Ashwin took 3 and 2 wickets respectively. The young Prithvi Shaw was the Man Of The Match for his maiden Test century.## With this win, India goes 1-0 up in the 2-match series. The second Test will be played at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad from Friday, October 12.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

Prithvi Shaw, one of the most exciting talent began his international career with a fine century against West Indies and became the youngest Indian to score a hundred on Test debut and second youngest after the great Sachin Tendulkar to score his maiden Test century.## So much so that, comparisons with his fellow Mumbaikar Sachin Tendulkar began to be made after his century. Very much like Sachin Tendulkar, Shaw too had a century on Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy debut. Well at this stage, Shaw has slight advantage over Tendulkar who couldn't score a hundred on Test debut.## Shaw came in the side after scoring a tons of runs in domestic cricket and for India A. His confidence was high and he make most of it. Well After Shaw's debut ton in Rajkot, TOI caught up with Tendulkar, and he didn't hide his emotions to praised Prithvi Shaw and also advised him after analyzing his game.## Excerpts:## Many players begin their careers with a lot of hype. But all don't make their mark with the same confidence as Prithvi## I'm sure it must be extremely relieving that he's been able to get a big score in his first outing. A big question mark always is 'a guy has done well at the domestic level, now will he be able to do the same at the international level?' However talented the guy is, there is always a question mark. And a century kind of seals it. The figure is magical. Everyone starts thinking differently. As far as I am concerned, the first hurdle that he was going to encounter is out of the way now. It cements your spot in the team and help you announce to the world that you belong here.## What stands out for you about Prithvi?## Whatever I have seen of him, he's been a fast learner. To me, being talented is one thing but what you do with that talent becomes more important. If you want to succeed at the international level you've got to be a fast learner. And Prithvi is a very good learner. When somebody has to perform and sustain at this level, and play cricket at different grounds and conditions across the world for a long time to come, adaptability becomes the critical factor. I feel he has the knack to adapt to different situations and conditions. To me, that is Prithvi's biggest strength.## Prithvi was concerned about his back-foot play at one point. He spoke with you. Was he overtly worried?## He discussed it with me some time ago and all I asked him was 'have you been feeling uncomfortable about it?' His answer was 'no'. 'Are the bowlers feeling uncomfortable about it / Is the scoreboard speaking for you?' - Then why change anything unnecessarily. When things are not broken, don't break them so that you can mend them again. If you're being able to adjust, then it's fine. In time, there'll be a lot changes taking place in your game with experience. And you've got to ride that tide.## As a cricketer's career develops, changes do occur. We've seen you making so many changes in your own game as you tried to adapt all the time## Changes will happen as he goes on playing more cricket at this level. It is inevitable. But until then, don't keep finding faults with yourself. Whatever changes he (Prithvi) may need to make, they will happen with time. But right now, everything is fine. So don't go looking out for problems.## What's your earliest impression of Prithvi? When did you first see him bat?## Yes, we had spoken almost 10 years ago. Jagdish Chavan a friend of mine from MIG once asked me to take a look at Prithvi. He said 'there's this young kid who wants to meet you and it would be nice if you could have a look at him'. Prithvi wanted to discuss his game and he was very young at that time. So I had a look at him and at first glance, I told him (Chavan), this boy will end up playing for India. I remember telling him 'you're looking at a future India cricketer'. He said 'are you sure?' I said 'mark my words, this guy will end up playing for India'. So, that was my very first impression of Prithvi.## What was the special thing that you saw?## Just basic things. At that age, the handeye coordination he had, the way he picked up the line and the length. It was really exceptional. At that age, no one can generate power. That comes with age. But technically how many guys are so correct. I could see that he had that natural talent, a gift and I felt not many guys have that.## It must have been special for you to see him not just make his debut, but also score a ton## In fact, Jagdish called me today afternoon and said 'I just couldn't text you on such a special occasion. I had to call'. That's because there were a few things I had shared with him and they've all come true.## When you debut at such a young age, you're in for the long haul. What does it eventually boil down to?## It boils down to adjustment and adaptability. If you're able to make those adjustments in your game from time to time, then you're in for the big haul. At this level, it's not always about being correct all the time. It's about being able to adjust and adapt all the time. So, if you're able to do that consistently, then most of the problems are taken care of. Smartness matters. It's a combination of these things.## Prithvi has just started. He's 18. What should a cricketer keep in mind at this age, knowing he's got to keep doing this for 15-18 years## Just go with the flow. Don't calculate or think too much. Just enjoy your cricket. Every outing is a special outing. Every outing, you go out with a lot of pride. That's what it was for me. I took a lot of pride in walking out on the field - be it for India or Mumbai or any club for that matter. Just give all the possible respect you can to the game.## For more updates and news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

There seems no end to the problems of the selectors after Karun Nair's exclusion from the Test squad for West Indies series. Nair who has played only three Test since his 303 runs innings against England in 2016 and now he has been axed from the Test squad.## Nair's exclusion from the Test squad have raised questions but the chairman of selectors MSK Prasad said on Monday that the player himself has been told the reasons. "I personally spoke to Karun soon after the selection of the Test team against the West Indies and also told the ways to make a comeback. The selection committee is very very clear with regard to the communication process," Prasad told news agency PTI.## Significantly, Nair had said a day before the selection that neither the team management nor the selectors had communicated with him why he has been not picked in playing XI. In the last Test against England, Hanuma Vihari who had yet to make his debut, preferred over Karun Nair. It is widely believed that the Indian team management were not happy with Nair's inclusion in the Test set-up.## However, MSK Prasad explained why the certain decision was taken.## "Communication has always been the strong point of this committee. It's really tough to inform any unpleasant news to any player. You need to have valid reasons to explain them about their exclusion though they may not agree with it.## "Having said that we are very clear and candid in our communication process. My colleague Devang Gandhi spoke to Karun Nair at length in England to keep him motivated and wait for his opportunities," Prasad said.## When he was asked what is the way forward for Karun Nair to make his comeback again, Prasad said,"He will have to keep on piling runs in Ranji Trophy and whatever India A series is there. Karun is very much in the scheme of things for Test cricket. Right now, we have advised him to focus on performing in domestic and India A matches.## Keep in mind, Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal along with Mohammed Siraj and Vihari have been included in the squad for the 2-match home series staring from October 4. Selectors have given rest to some of the senior players to keep them afresh for Australia tour.## For more updates and news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

Mayank Agarwal's stars finally decide to shine as he received his maiden call-up for 2-match Test series against West Indies. After been ignored many times, he has been included in 15-man squad while Mohammed Siraj also rewarded his fine form for the first time in India's Test squad.## The selectors announced the squad on Saturday, September 29. Virat Kohli returned in the squad as captain while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested for the 2-match series to keep them afresh for Australia tour starting this November. Opener Murli Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan haven't been included after their poor run in England.## 27-year old, Karnataka's opener Mayank Agarwal has been in form of his life. He scored 1160 runs in eight Ranji Trophy games last season at an average of 105.45, with five hundred, two fifties and a highest of 304*. He extends his rich form against England Lions as well as against Australia A and South Africa A in August-September. He continued his form into the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy where he was the leading run scorer.## In-form batsman, Prithvi Shaw finds himself retained his spot from the last two Test of England series. He can be the first choice to open with KL Rahul. On the other hand the new member in the Test squad, Siraj has been consistent with his performances for India A in recent months, picking up 40 wickets in his last five first-class games. After a rich haul of 15 wickets in the first-class games in England, he followed it up with 14 wickets in the two four-day games against South Africa A, and 11 against Australia A in one game.## Rishabh Pant who was the part of India's squad against England will be the first choice as wicket-keeper as Dinesh Karthik has been left out from the Windies series. Pant was the chief-architect with KL Rahul of India's fightback with his maiden century in the last Test against England where the duo nearly pulled off a victory.## India will be without the service of their only seam all-rounder Hardik Pandya who got his back injury during the match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Ishant Sharma was also not considered for the series owing to an injury while Kuldeep Yadav back in the team after he's been left from last two England Test. The rest of the squad remained same.## The two-Test series gets underway from October 4 in Rajkot, while the second Test will be played from October 12 in Hyderabad, followed by five ODIs and three T20Is.## India Test squad: Virat Kohli (C), KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

After all the hard work over the last few weeks, the Asia Cup 2018 humdinger came down to the last ball of the tournament which actually decided the winner. One has to say that the best side of this Asia Cup eventually won the title. India who is unbeaten in 12 Asia Cup matches, held their nerve well and won the 7th Asia Cup title after beating Bangladesh by 3-wickets in a thrilling final.## The tournament saw India's dominance in Asia Cup and Afghanistan rise through the ranks. Some brilliant individual performance throughout the tournament made the mark. Shikhar Dhawan's golden runs with the bat in the big tournament continued while Rashid took the batsmen with his mysterious bowling.## Here we are presenting you the team of the tournament that performed exceedingly well throughout the Asia Cup 2018 :## 1. Rohit Sharma - One of the best openers in white-ball format, Rohit Sharma led India from the front in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli. He not only took India to title triumph but also shown his class with the bat. He was the second highest run scorer in this Asia Cup with 317 runs in 5 innings with an outstanding average of 105.67. He also scored 2 half-centuries and a majestic hundred against Pakistan in a Super 4 match.## 2. Shikhar Dhawan - India's go-to man on big occasion, Shikhar Dhawan stood up again and at the conclusion of the Asia Cup went to win Man Of The Tournament. His ability to score runs in a big tournament is remarkable. With 342 runs at an average of 68.40 in 5 innings, He was the leading run-getter in this tournament. He also went on to score two hundred against Hong Kong (127) and Pakistan (114).## 3. Hashmatullah Shahidi - Despite been not made it to finals, Afghanistan showed enough potential to perform at big stage and Hashmatullah Shahidi played a vital role in that. He was Afghanistan's second best batsman after Mohammad Shahzad (268) with 263 runs at an average of 65.75. He scored 3 half-centuries including a 97-run knock against Pakistan in A super 4 match.## 4. Mushfiqur Rahim - Mushfiqur Rahim has been a standout performer for Bangladesh. He played a big role in taking Bangladesh to the final where they lost to India in a close encounter. Though he was 3rd highest run-getter with 302 runs in 5 innings an average of 60.40. He played an innings of the tournament against Sri Lanka where he scored 143 runs.## 5. Shoaib Malik - Though Pakistan's performance has been below average in this Asia Cup, Shoaib Malik was the go-to man for them. The most experienced player in Pakistan squad, Malik scored 211 runs at an average of 70.33. He played a match-winning knock against Afghanistan and took his side single-handedly over the line.## 6. Mohammed Nabi - Afghanistan's most capped player and dangerous batsmen down the order and handy bowler, Mohammed Nabi can be a perfect player at No.6. The all-rounder has scored 134 runs in 5 innings and also took 5 wickets.## 7. Rashid Khan - The No.2 bowler in ODIs pick himself in the squad. The mysterious bowler has been Afghanistan's biggest hope in last few years. In this Asia Cup, he was the joint highest wicket-taker with Kuldeep Yadav and Mustafizur Rahman with 10 wickets in 5 innings. He also can be handy with the bat lower down the order. Against Bangladesh in the group stage, he played a quickfire 57.## 8. Kuldeep Yadav - Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav is one of those players who picks himself in the playing XI. The 23-year old was the joint highest wicket taker with 10 wickets in 6 innings he played.## 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar - Death specialist and one of the best bowlers of the modern era, Bhuvneshwar Kumar had an ordinary start against Hong Kong in the first match but since then he has been accurate with his line and length throughout the tournament. He is very consistent with his yorkers in the death overs. In 5 innings he took 6 wickets.## 10. Jasprit Bumrah - The No.1 bowler in the one-day format, Jasprit Bumrah has been at his best in this Asia Cup. With 8 wickets in 4 innings, he ranked 4th among the top wicket-takers. When it comes to the death overs, he is the best in the world.## 11. Mustafizur Rahman - Mustafizur Rahman has been the best bowler for Bangladesh in last few years. He is very good with his cutters and quick yorkers. He produced a match-winning spell against Pakistan in the virtual semi-final where he picked 4 wickets. In 5 innings he took 10 wickets and was the joint highest wicket-taker with Kuldeep and Rashid.## For more updates and news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

After almost two weeks of action-packed entertainment, the final hurdle came down to the last ball to decide the winner of the Asia Cup 2018. India who remained unbeaten throughout the tournament held their nerve and breeze past Bangladesh's challenge to win their 7th Asia Cup title after beating them by 3 wickets on Friday, 28 September at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.## On the other hand, Bangladesh would be thinking that they missed out the biggest opportunity to win the Asia Cup. They were 120 for 0 at one stage after Rohit Sharma asked them to bat first. They had a chance to score big but India came back strong to bowled out Bangladesh on 222 in 48.3 overs and later on a collective batting display helped them to win the title on the last ball.## In the all-important clash, riding on Liton Das' maiden ton Bangladesh got off to a flier. Both Das and Mehidy Hasan added 120 off 125 balls before Hasan caught out off Kedar Jadhav after scoring 32 off 59 balls. The wicket of Hasan proved to be a blessing in disguise as both the openers were taking the game away from India.## Once the first wicket down it was a matter of time for spinners to run through Bangladesh's middle order. In the middle of falling wickets, Liton Das completed his maiden century off just 87 balls. India kept things tight in the middle overs and conceded only 58 runs between 20 and 40 overs. The pressure of dot balls continuously increasing on Bangladesh and that resulted, they kept losing wickets at the regular intervals.## Liton Das after scoring well made 121 off 117 balls, couldn't read the googly of Kuldeep Yadav and get stumped out by MS Dhoni. Soumya Sarkar tried to take Bangladesh to a respectable total but in trying to take the second run he got run out after scoring 33 off 45 balls. They could not even play 50 overs and bowled out on 222 in 48.3 overs.## India bowled exceedingly well especially in the middle overs. Kuldeep Yadav (3 for 45) and Kedar Jadhav (2 for 41) were the standout bowlers. Yuzvendra Chahal and Jasprit Bumrah also chipped in with a wicket each.## Though the target looked easy they have been made to work for it. India off to a flying start as tournament's leading run-getter Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma added 35 off 38 balls for the opening stand. However, Dhawan could not build his innings and catch out to Nazmul Islam after scoring 15 off 14 balls. Ambati Rayudu also could not carry his form from the previous match and caught behind by Mushfiqur Rahim off Mashrafe Mortaza. He made only 2 off 7 balls.## Skipper Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik were trying to build a partnership and in this process, Rohit was dismissed by Rubel Hossain after well made 48 off 55 balls. When Rohit dismissed, India's score was 83 for 3 in 16.4 overs. Karthik (37 off 61) and Dhoni (36 off 67 balls) put on a 54 run stand for the 4th wicket and brought back India into the game. When things were looking good for India, Mahmudullah deceived Karthik with a flighted delivery.## Bangladesh like India bowled with a tight line a length and kept India in bey all the time. Things became vulnerable to India when Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Dhoni at the score of 160. Kedar Jadhav also suffering from a hamstring injury and eventually got retired hurt. He came back later in the innings and won the match for India on the last ball but before that, Ravindra Jadeja (23 off 33 balls) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (21 off 31 balls) played sensibly and took their team as deep as possible. Although they could not finish the game they played a valuable knock for their team.## Bangladesh bowled superb throughout the innings. Rubel Hossain was the standout bowler for them with the figures of 10-2-26-2. Skipper Mortaza (1 for 35) and Mustafizur (2 for 38) also bowled well and kept the pressure on Indian batting line up.## Liton Das awarded Man Of The Match for his brilliant knock while Shikhar Dhawan received Man Of The Tournament for scoring 342 runs with an average of 68.40 in 5 innings. He had scored two centuries in this Asia Cup and played a vital role in India's 7th title triumph.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

Chasing 253, India was on 127 for 1 after 20 overs and was looking good to chase the total down. Suddenly Rahul played a reverse sweep to a straight ball off Rashid Khan and ball hit on his pad and he was given out. He looked plumb with naked eyes but he infamously took the review after discussing with his partner (Dinesh Karthik). ## Though he knew he was out he still went for review with a ray of hope. But guess what, the umpire's decision remained and Rahul had to take a long walk to the dressing room.## However, even after losing Rahul India was still in a good position to win the match but destiny had some other plans. When MS Dhoni (stand in his 200th ODI as captain) was batting on 8, he takes a dig forward to Javed Ahmadi but the ball missed his bat and hit him on his pad, Ahmadi appealed and the umpire gave Dhoni out. ## Dhoni was shocked by the decision and he was right as the ball was spinning and missing the leg stump. The review could have saved him but it was already wasted by Rahul. Dhoni had no choice but to go back.## After Dhoni, India lost Manish Pandey (caught behind) and Kedar Jadhav (run out) as next two batsmen. When Jadhav got out India was 204 for 5 and needed another 49 more runs to win off 67 balls with 5-wickets in hand. But a run later, Karthik who was batting on 44, given out LBW but he was too disappointed with the decision and he too was right the ball again missed the leg stump. Just like Dhoni, he too had to take a long back to the dressing room. At the end of the innings, India could only manage to deny the loss but they could also not win as the match ended up with tie.## Rahul who took the review which turned out to be the turning point of the match, rues on himself and felt that if he had not taken the review, India could have won the match, "It's very tricky when you have just one review with you. Obviously, looking back at it, I felt like I shouldn't have taken the review but at that time, in the middle, I felt like maybe I was struck outside and I wanted to take that chance," Rahul said at the post-match press conference.## "Sometimes you can sit back here and review the review you took. We learn with it. The shot I played, the review that I took, I'll have to go back and maybe if it happens again I'll be in a better position to know. I don't think we crumbled. When the ball starts slowing and spinning like that, it is hard for middle order batsmen to come in and get the runs going. I think DK (Dinesh Karthik) played really well and in the end, Jadeja and Deepak put up a decent fight," he added.## For Dhoni who was standing his probably the last ODI as captain, could have been a happy ending to captaincy career. However, India rested their regular players before the big final on 28th September (against the winner of Pakistan-Bangladesh match), and gave a chance to their bench strength on perhaps the toughest condition to bat of the tournament.## For Afghanistan, it was a happy ending to their Asia Cup campaign. Though they could not make it to the final they impressed everyone with their performance. If luck had favored them, who knows they might make it the final as well.## For more and latest news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.