BY SUNIT JANGIR

If someone asks Ajinkya Rahane which was your favourite Test knock, he will probably choose 48 runs that he had scored against South Africa in 3rd Test at the tough wicket of Wanders, Johannesburg. India had lost that series but won the 3rd test.## Ajinkya Rahane who will lead India in one-off Test against Afghanistan in the absence of the regular captain Virat Kohli talked about fitness, Johannesburg innings, Afghanistan Test and upcoming overseas challenge with TOI on Saturday, June 2.## Here are some excerpts from his interview given to TOI:## The last time you led India, it was an impressive outing. There's another opportunity coming up against Afghanistan## I'm looking forward to it. After the IPL, it's almost like a start of a season, so there is so much to look forward to. There are processes to be put in place on the personal front, responsibilities to be carried out (as captain in the one-off game)## That 48 you scored in Johannesburg (3rd Test), worth its weight in gold?## Two matches down in a three-match series and you get a wicket like that, you're up against the wall and the only way out is a fightback, it's how you react to the situation. Absolute positive intent alone begins to matter and that's exactly what helped us pull off that win. On a personal front, it was immensely satisfying.## That was quite a wicket## We knew the wicket wasn't an easy one but it was equal for both teams. If the wicket was going to make life difficult for us, then it going to do the same to South Africa. It was an equal opportunity contest and I thought we were phenomenal.## Tell us about that innings## It's great that I got an opportunity on a wicket like that one. I knew I was batting really well in the nets. I could feel it. Normally you do have an idea about your game but on a wicket like that, it's your guts that count. When the ball goes from right next to your helmet or even if you're sitting in the dressing room and watching your teammates bat in similar conditions, it's very easy for someone to start thinking a bit negatively. But in that Test, on that wicket, every batsman in the team was like 'ok, right now I want to go out there on that wicket in this kind of a situation'. That's exactly how even my mind was thinking too. Even a century in a different scenario would probably not give me the kind of joy that 48 did.## So, now it's all about carrying the Johannesburg mindset to England## Oh yes, it's the same intent, aggression and attitude that we'll be carrying to England. When you play overseas, it's that attitude which matters, more than your skills. Skill-wise, most cricketers are more or less similar. What probably adds notches to a team's overall performance is the intent with which you approach a game.## And a five-Test series gives more time in the overall contest## It gives you an opportunity to come back into the contest. South Africa is a classic example. The contest would've been completely a different one moving forward from the Wanderers Test. But a five-Test series has other challenges too. For example, it is important to remain fresh throughout the series. The start is always important but carrying that momentum till the very end is equally crucial. The mind should not get tired. That's the key.## Essentially, it's fitness that it all boils down to## That's paramount. As a professional athlete, you have to push yourself. Sometimes, your body says you're tired but your mind tells you something different. Then it's all about following your mind, talking to yourself, letting your mind tell your body to keep going. For the amount of cricket we play throughout the year, training sessions are vital. It's part of your life - you eat, drink, sleep, play, train. You can skip a practice session on an odd day but a training session is what you just can't miss.## And it has to be fun## The trick is to understand your body and in turn, it's about enjoying and having fun. Just the other day I did my yoyo and I was pretty happy with myself. But the challenge is in maintaining that and raising the bar.## Keep in mind, Ajinkya Rahane had captained India against Australia in Mohali Last year. And now he got another opportunity to lead his side as Virat Kohli ruled out from this match after got his neck injured.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading

BY SACNILK TEAM

Veere Di Wedding is doing exceptional box office collection at the India Cinema. This movie stars Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar, Shikha Talsania and Sumeet Vyas in key roles and directed by Shashanka Ghosh. ## This movie got good critics reviews and a great response from the audience. ## Here is it's day wise collection. ## Day 1 (1st Friday) ₹ 10.7 Cr ## Day 2 (1st Saturday) ₹ 12.25 Cr ## Day 3 (1st Sunday) ₹ 13.57 Cr ## Day 4 (1st Monday) ₹ 6.04 Cr## Day 5 (1st Tuesday) ₹ 5.47 Cr## Day 6 (1st Wednesday) ₹ 4.87 Cr## Day 7 (1st Thursday) ₹ 4.06 Cr ## Week 1 Collection ₹ 56.96 Cr## Day 8 (2nd Friday) ₹ 3.37 Cr ## Day 9 (2nd Saturday) ₹ 4.51 Cr ## Day 10 (2nd Sunday) ₹ 4.84 Cr ## Day 11 (2nd Monday) ₹ 2.03 Cr ## Day 12 (2nd Tuesday) ₹ 1.97 Cr ## Day 13 (2nd Wednesday) ₹ 1.85 Cr ## Day 14 (2nd Thursday) ₹ 1.60 Cr ## Week 2 Collection ₹ 20.17 Cr## Day 15 (3rd Friday) ₹ 0.70 Cr ## Day 16 (3rd Saturday) ₹ 1.10 Cr ## Day 17 (3rd Sunday) ₹ 1.30 Cr ## Day 18-21 (3rd Mon-Thu) ₹ 0.90 Cr ## Week 3 Collection ₹ 4.00 Cr## Week 4 Collection ₹ 0.20 Cr ## Week 5 Collection ₹ 0.04 Cr ## Week 6 Collection ₹ 0.02 Cr ## India Net Collection ₹ 81.39 Cr ## Worldwide Collection ₹ 140 Cr ## Overseas Collection ₹ 35.00 Cr ## India Gross Collection ₹ 105 Cr ## Movie Budget: ₹ 30 Cr ## Movie Verdict: Superhit ## Movie Screen Count: 2647 (India: 2177 and Overseas: 470) ## Records: ## - Veere Di Wedding is the 5th highest opening day collection movie for Bollywood in 2018. ## - Veere Di Wedding is the 6th highest opening weekend collection movie for Bollywood in 2018. ## - Veere Di Wedding is the 10th highest collection movie for Bollywood in 2018. ## ------ ## VEERE DI Wedding is a high spirited and upbeat coming of age story revolving around the lives of four childhood friends Kalindi (Kareena Kapoor), Avni (Sonam Kapoor), Meera (Shikha Talsania) and Sakshi (Swara Bhaskar). ## After ten years, these four best friends reunite, they don't realize how much life has changed from what they expected. This film is set against the backdrop of Delhi, where the girls are born and brought up, their trials and tribulations in the modern day world, regarding family acceptance, marriage, and societal perceptions. ## Release Date: 1st June 2018. ## For more and latest news about Bollywood Box Office Collection, Stay tuned to us. ## Thanks for Reading.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Dinesh Karthik is all set to make his comeback in Test cricket after almost eight years. The regular wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha has been ruled out for the Afghanistan Test after he got injured in recently concluded IPL. ## BCCI confirmed on Saturday, June 2.## Keep in mind, Saha got injured against Kolkata Knight Riders in the second qualifier at Eden Gardens on 25th May. Since then he was closely monitoring by BCCI's medical team. ## But now he is advised to take rest ahead of crucial England tour where India have to play five test match series.## On the other hand, Dinesh Karthik rewarded his recently concluded IPL form where he had scored 498 runs in 16 matches for KKR. He last played a test match in 2010 against Bangladesh. ## He made his Test debut in 2004 against Australia at Wankhede Stadium. Since then he has played 23 Test and scored 1000 runs with one hundred and 7 half centuries.## Parthiv Patel was also in the race of Saha's replacement. He replaced Saha for the last two Test against South Africa earlier this year. But he could manage only 56 runs in those matches. His IPL form wasn't also up to the mark and resulted in, he failed to gain selectors trust.## Wriddhiman Saha becomes the second regular batsman after Virat Kohli who will miss Afghanistan Test. However, Kohli had already opted out himself from this match before he got his neck injury in IPL. ## He was keen to play in county cricket for Surrey that period but his injury forced him to miss county cricket as well as Afghanistan Test.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Wriddhiman Saha, who got injured while playing in the second qualifier, doesn't seem to be an optimist about his selection in a one-off Test match against Afghanistan. ## However, the BCCI hasn't named his replacement yet that means they wanted to give him enough time to recover before the match. The BCCI is keeping a close watch on Wriddhiman Saha's injury.## "The BCCI is keeping a track of my injury on a day-to-day basis. The decision lies with them," Saha said. To be honest, I might not be fit for that game. It's not in my hands," Saha said.## However, Saha is not clear about the situation whether he will be playing or not. "I don't know the exact situation, so I cannot comment on whether I would be taking part in the Afghanistan Test," he said on Thursday. "The BCCI doctor will have the final say," he added. ## The concerned doctor will examine afresh X-ray plate of the injured thumb before deciding whether Saha needs to undergo a surgery. "The doctor will take a call next week," he stated.## Keep in mind, Wriddhiman Saha got his thumb injured while batting in the second qualifier against Kolkata Knight Riders. However, he kept playing further but didn't look comfortable in his whole innings. He also seemed to be in trouble while keeping.## Saha had a forgettable season of Indian Premier League. In the injury mered season, the right-hand wicketkeeper-batsman could score only 122 runs in 11 matches. But he believes that his T20 form will not affect his Test match form.## "I couldn't bat the way I wanted to in the IPL. But Test and T20 are different ball games. I hope to do well in the longer version," he remarked. ## "Every match is difficult. When you play at home, there is actually more pressure. Nobody expects us to lose a Test match at home," he said.## For more and latest news about Cricket, Stay tuned to us. ## Thanks for Reading!

BY SUNIT JANGIR

India, the number two ODI team after England, has always been lack of consistency at number 4 in the batting order. Despite being ruthless in ODIs, India will want to fill the number four slot before the World Cup. KL Rahul could be the one. Even though his place in ODI side has been uncertain but He is hopeful that his recently concluded IPL form, will help him cement his place in ODI side.## "My childhood dream is to play the World Cup and if the team management wants me to bat No 4, I am ready to do it because nothing is bigger than playing for India. I hope to continue with my recent form in ODIs too," Rahul told TOI on the sidelines of an event in Chandigarh.## Rahul, who had scored 659 runs in 14 matches in IPL 2018, said that he is ready for every challenge thrown to him. He is even ready to sacrifice his opening slot to give some solidity at number 4.## "Right now my aim is to score runs for my country and it doesn't matter if it is coming as an opener or in the middle order. As long as I am performing these things don't matter but the final decision is taken by the team management. If they want me to bat at No 4, then I am up for the challenge," said Rahul.## Mind you, India had tried as many 10 players at number 4 since 2015 world cup. But none of them could hold his place for the longer period.## KL Rahul is preparing for the one-off Test against Afghanistan. It will be a historic Test for Afghanistan as they will be playing their first ever Test match starting June 14. Afghanistan has included five spinners in their squad to challenge batting heavyweight India. When Rahul was asked about Afghanistan's spin-heavy squad, he said,## "No doubt they are a very talented squad with some really good spinners. That's their strength but we will play to our strength."## However, Rahul will have extra responsibility on his shoulders to provide a good start to India as Virat Kohli has opted out himself from this match.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Kings XI Punjab had an odd-even season of Indian premier league. They started the season with a bang and won 5 out of first 7 matches. But the later half of the season didn't go in their way as they could manage to win only 1 out of next 7 matches. And resulted in they failed to make it to the playoffs.## Lack of consistency and too much dependency on KL Rahul and Chris Gayle also hurt KXIP. Apart from this, many questions were raised on Ashwin's captaincy that he did allow too many changes in playing XI which was not required at that point. However, KL Rahul think completely opposite this.## "Obviously, it was a bit up and down because of the results but, we had a good time together. The first half was obviously a great way to start the tournament. And unfortunate for us and the captain that the second half did not go our way. But, yeah it was a great learning and I am sure it was a great experience for him (Ashwin) as a captain," Rahul told kxip.in.## "Handling a young team is never easy, but, I think he did a great job. He's given a lot of feedback to the players, what he thinks about where they can improve so these boys will definitely come back stronger, and his leadership would have helped a lot of players, a lot of bowlers, especially," the dashing opener said.## KL Rahul was among the top run-getters in this IPL. With 659 runs in 14 matches in an impressive average of 54.91, was also the top scorer for the KXIP. He scored fastest fifty of this season (14-balls) against Delhi Daredevils and rated it his favourite moment of this IPL.## "I think it's the first game when I got a 14-ball 50. It was absolutely unbelievable! I completely outdid myself there.## "I still am amazed that I got the fastest fifty in the IPL ever and it kind of set the tone for the reason of the season as well. I am grateful for a lot of things this season. I have made great friends along the way, great memories, there has been a lot of learning," he said.## It was a shame that KXIP couldn't qualify for the playoffs despite they were on the top of the points table in first half. Also, it was the first instance when the purple cap holder team (Andrew Tye- 24 wickets) couldn't make it to the playoffs.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK TEAM

On the trailer launch, Everybody said something about Sanjay Dutt. The movie Sanju will release on 29th June 2018 directed by Rajkumar Hirani. ## Vidhu Vinod Chopra:- ## When Sanju fist time went to jail, I didn't know him. So if you could remember from that time, he was blacklisted by the film industry. I didn't know Sanju and made a film with him So I also was blacklisted by the industry. ## So We announced that film and when Sanju came from the jail then he called me, "I will make a film with you." ## I said, "I don't have any film." ## He said, "You announced a film for me." ## I said, "I took a stand because till you proved guilty, you are innocent." ## He understood a little bit. When he came home that was the first time a met him. He said, "We will work together". ## Then I said, "Not right now, It was just a stand that I took." ## Then I worked him many films like Mission Kashmir, Eklvya, Munna Bhai. ## So Sanju is like a part of our life. But the important thing I want to tell you is that when I heard the story of this film by Abhijat Joshi and Raju then that Sanju I had known for years, I really don't know him. ## Because this true story is beyond what I knew about Sanju. ## It's unbelievable. ## That is what I have to say about Sanju. ## Dia Mirza:- ## I call him "Sanju Sir". ## I have worked with him in many films. ## While interacting with him, I felt that he had been extremely warm, affectionate, kind and generous. When I heard the script of this film then it just blew my mind. ## I couldn't believe that how layered and how detailed this narrative was and When you are a part of this film industry then you hear things about people but when I heard the script then I heard things that I never heard before and that was just remarkable about it. ## And for some reason, I felt like I am now closer to him than I ever did before. I feel more connected with him than ever before and We all love him. ## Manisha Koirala:- ## Baba that I know is all heart. ## I did 3-4 films with him. He has always been like a prankster, happy, all heart kind of a person. ## I really looking forward to seeing this film because there are many aspects of his life that I didn't know. So I am keen to watch this movie. ## Paresh Rawal:- ## I got SMS from Akshay Khanna on 5 or 6 January 2017. the SMS was, "The Script coming to your ways, it has a spiritual writing that I have never seen before." After that, I met Raju then I read the script. Akshay Khanna was right about the script that that much spiritual writing not done in Hindi Cinema. ## It was a fantastic script. ## And I also got to work with Raju Hirani and my favourite actor Ranbir Kapoor. It was a win-win situation for me. ## Vinod will agree that I didn't talk about money too. ## I am very lucky that I am in this film and I got a role of that person (Sunil Dutt ) whom I respect by heart. That could be too much but I had never seen Madar Teresa but I had seen Dutt Sahab that type of person he was. ## Rajkumar Hirani:- ## As a filmmaker, We are very greedy for engaging and entertaining content which makes people laugh and cry. ## So when I heard Sanju's story by him then I got to know that One type of story about Sanju, everybody knows. Press wrote many things about him. ## But what story I heard, was about a father-son story and a story of friendship. ## So essentially, these are those chapters that you had not read anywhere. ## We told the story with honesty. Wrong is wrong and Right is right. ## For me, it was greed to get a great story. ## Sonam Kapoor:- ## I just want to work with Raju sir So I said "Yes" to the film. ## It was as easy as that. I want to be a part of Vinod uncle's any film that he makes. ## I just wanted to part of his production and whatever film he is going to offer to me, I will always say "Yes". I am happy to work with Ranbir after 10 years. ## Ranbir Kapoor:- ## I said it before because of last one year I am talking about Sanju sir. ## When I was a child then his poster used to hang in my cupboard. ## Now today, In front of all of you, I am in his shoes for trying to represent him. ## I think in my life, I really want Sanju sir to like me. ## I know that I will never be the man he is. ## I can never be the person he is, in every which way in that, I go about him, as a career or as a person. ## Through this film I really want Sanju sir to like me because I feel that he is a man that I respect a lot, I really look up to him and I really hope that he feels that I have represented his life in a very honest and proved it. ## Vicky Kaushal:- ## Like all of you, I also grew up by watching his films. ## I still remember that in our house we have a picture which my papa has the same costume as Sanju sir because he was body doubled of Sanju sir in a film. ## Now after so many years, I get a chance to play an important role in his life. I feel truly blessed that I got a change. Thank you Raju sir and Vinod sir for giving me a chance. ## ---- ## Anushka Sharma and Boman Irani were not presented at the trailer launch. ## For more and latest news about Bollywood, Stay tuned to us. ## Thanks for Reading.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Since AB de Villiers has retired from International cricket it's been an emotional few days for his fans as well as former players. South Africa's former skipper Graeme Smith said that AB's retirement came as a big blow to South Africa. He compared AB's retirement with India's superstar Virat Kohli and said that losing AB is like Virat Kohli quitting Indian team.## "To lose a player like AB, he's irreplaceable. There are also quality players there but it's like taking Virat Kohli out of the Indian team. SA lose an X-factor player, who can single-handedly win you a game," Smith stated.## "Ultimately people will be very disappointed because they are going to miss him, just because he was that brilliant. They wanted to see him play more," Smith added.## Keep in mind, AB de Villiers announced his retirement on 23 May. His decision came out as a shock to the many players as he was expected to play in 2019 world cup. Especially after knowing that de Villiers was in excellent form. He had very good home series against Australia and also was in top form in recently concluded Indian Premier League.## "I thought definitely he would retire after the 2019 World Cup. But when he made his comeback and did so well in the home summer in South Africa, had a really good IPL, I didn't even think about it," Smith added.## However, Smith also believes that responsibility of his family and constant traveling might have played a big role in his decision. Perhaps the pressure of international cricket has made de Villiers really tired.## "There are not many players who have played for 14-15 years that can travel nine, 10, 11 months a year, deal with the pressures, plus the family pressures, it's very, very difficult. ## "The guy has played international cricket for around 15 years. More than anything he has the right to decide when he's had enough. He will have his own reasons for that, you got to respect that," Smith noted.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK TEAM

One of the most awaited trailers of this year, Superb Trailer of Movie Sanju is here. This movie stars Ranbir Kapoor in a lead role and directed by famous director Rajkumar Hirani. ## Watch the trailer below. ## Fox Star Studios also launched Trailer On Hotstar. ## This movie shows the real story about Sanjay Dutt. Not hiding anything about him whether he did anything wrong or right. This film will tell you everything about him. ## Sanju Trailer encapsulates the highs and lows, the sunshine and darkness, the bouquets and brickbats that were part of Sanju’s life. This seems like an emotional rollercoaster ride for all of us. ## By Watching Trailer, you will only intensify your curiosity for the film. ## This movie also stars Paresh Rawal as Sunil Dutt, Sanju's father, Manisha Koirala as Nargis, Sanju's mother, Dia Mirza as Manyata Dutt, Sanju's wife, Anushka Sharma as a American Biographer, Sonam Kapoor as Tina Munim, Karishma Tanna as Madhuri Dixit, Jim Sarbh as Salman Khan, Tabu in a cameo appearance as herself, Vicky Kaushal as Kumar Gaurav, Sanju's brother in law. ## The movie has two taglines, "A true story you won't believe." and "One Man, Many Lives". ## Release Date: 29th June 2018 ## For more and latest news about Bollywood Trailers, Stay tuned to us. ## Thanks for reading.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

India's wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha is doubtful for Afghanistan Test after he got injured while batting in the second qualifier against KKR on May 25. The 33-year-old will be closely monitored by the BCCI's Medical Team in the lead up to the one-off Test against Afghanistan.## The BCCI Media Release said: "Mr. Wriddhiman Saha suffered an injury to his right thumb while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the VIVO IPL Qualifier 2 against Kolkata Knight Riders on 25th May 2018 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. He has been advised rest for 5-6 weeks and he can play only after this period"## "To determine the future course of injury management, Mr. Saha will see a specialist and the BCCI Medical Team will continue to monitor his progress".## Shah has been India's regular wicketkeeper since MS Dhoni retired from the Test cricket. This is the second time in this year when Saha got injured. ## He had missed out the second and third test match against South Africa and Parthiv Patel then took his position in both matches.## Even in this year IPL, he missed out five matches due to injury before playing in the second qualifier. But it was his bad luck that he got injured again and missed out the final. ## Shreevats Goswami replaced him in the final. However, he had a miserable season with the bat as he had scored only 122 runs in 11 matches.## BCCI likely to announce the replacement soon as India is scheduled to play in Afghanistan's first ever Test starting from June 14. ## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us. ## Thanks for the reading.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Shikhar Dhawan had a wonderful season of Indian Premier League with the bat. He scored 497 runs for Sunrisers Hyderabad and was among the top ten batsmen in leading run-getter. But unfortunately, Sunrisers lost in the final against Chennai Super Kings and missed to win the title for the second time.## The 32-year old swashbuckling left-hander was participating in Ceat Cricket Rating Award on Monday 28th May where he awarded Ceat international batsman of the year. In an exclusive interview to TOI, Dhawan said that he is ready for the upcoming overseas challenge. And also talked about India-Afghanistan's historic Test and challenges playing against Rashid Khan.## Here is an interview was given by him to TOI:## How would you sum up the Sunrisers' IPL campaign this time?## It was good. We lost our captain (David Warner) before the tournament began. Then Kane Williamson came along and he had a wonderful season. He's a good captain. I had a good season too. We played in the final, though the result didn't go our way. Overall, we played good cricket and enjoyed the season.## How much of a setback was losing Warner before ball one this season? When he was ruled out, did you expect to be given the captaincy?## Of course, it was a huge setback to lose Warner. He's such a big player. My name was being discussed by people about captaincy, but the (SRH) management thought that Kane was the right choice. That's normal. Williamson is an experienced captain. He's calm, and took the team along, like a family. He's amazing, and he led from the front.## You must have played a lot of Rashid Khan in the Sunrisers nets. How do you see the threat in the Test match against Afghanistan?## Of course. When I played him for the first time, I found him tough to deal with. However, now I'm used to playing him. If I play (in the XI), it'll be a good challenge to play against him. I'll look forward to scoring runs off him!## With Murali Vijay and KL Rahul around, you're never sure of your place in the Test side. How difficult is it to compete with such quality batsmen for a spot in the side?## There's always pressure. There's pressure to retain your spot in every team. It's a good thing for Indian cricket that there's so much competition (for the opening slot). All three of us are experienced. Rahul has done so well in the IPL, and in the (Test) series against Australia before that.## You have a decent pace attack now. Do you think that you'll do well in England this time? Yes, our team is experienced. Our bowlers are fit. Bhuvneshwar (Kumar) has been rested for the Test against Afghanistan, so he'll be fresh for England. We have other quality bowlers too. So, our bowling and batting both are good. Of course, the English wickets offer a different challenge. The faster we adapt to English conditions, the better it will be. We have to be good in all the departments, and that includes slip catching as well. England is a formidable side at home. We've to play exceptional cricket to beat them.## Your last tour to England (in 2014) wasn't great. You were dropped after failing in the first two Tests. Are you looking to set the record straight this time?## Absolutely. That tour wasn't great, but I learned a lot from that. Now, I'm going to play in England after four years. I've gained a lot of experience in this period. I'm a better player than what I was the first time. I'm confident that this time, I'll do well by the grace of God. Hopefully, things will go my way.## Are you hopeful that your captain, Virat Kohli, too will do well in England, unlike the last time?## Of course. The good thing is that all our batsmen are technically sound. They all have a burning desire (to do well). Sab like dil she khelte hain (everyone plays with a passion). Everyone tries to do well. I don't think anyone wouldn't want to do well. Everyone wants to be a hero of a match, and God willing, that will happen.## In South Africa, you were dropped after failing in the first Test. How frustrating was that?## That's part of the game. The (team) management would have felt that KL was a better option than me at that moment. Of course, it was hard (on me) at that point, but you have to take it in your stride and keep working. So, when I was dropped, I was working on my fitness and in the nets. When I got a chance in the ODIs, I did well. I was happy at the end of the day.## You have a fantastic One-day record, but do you think you can do better in Test cricket?## Of course. It's not that my Test record is bad presently. I have an average of 42, and I've played Tests consistently for the last four-five years. I hope in my journey ahead from here, I improve my Test record. According to me, an average of 42 is also good. Maybe, it isn't for you! In the ODIs, my average is 44-45, so 42 is good. Till now, I have played only 20-30 Tests, so it takes time. Everything takes time. Of course, I could have done well. I did my best. Sometimes it worked for me, sometimes it didn't. Now with more experience, I am sure that things are going to go my way more.## How do you manage to raise your game and deliver so consistently in the big tournaments, be it World Cup or the Champions Trophy?## See, I am a big believer in process. I have the same attitude even if I play here, or in an ICC tournament. Naturally, my records have been good in ICC events, but it's not like that I play there with a different attitude. I play with the same attitude, the same way, whether I play in the IPL or the Ranji Trophy or for the Indian team.## You wife wasn't keeping too well in recent times? How tough has this phase been for you in that sense?## I knew that she was to be operated, so I wanted to be there (last year). And I was there for her. At that particular moment, I felt that was more important than cricket. It's not like I don't value cricket, but at that moment it was necessary for me to be there for my wife, so I chose to do that. Of course, I missed playing then, but then when I came back, I started playing again.## Who's your favourite batsman in international cricket?## AB de Villiers. He's a great batsman and more than that he's a gem of a person too. A great leader. I have learned a lot of things by just watching him. I'm happy that I played against him.## Any targets that you have set for yourself?## Nothing as such. There's a lot of cricket left in me now. I want to do better and better for me, and for the country. I want to keep playing for as long as I can because I made it to the Indian team late in my career. I still have that passion within me. I know I can achieve a lot more. I want to make up for that lost time. Meri book Abhi baaki hai (I'm still hungry for more success).## With the packed overseas season for the next one year, Team India will be hoping that Shikhar Dhawan keeps continuing his fine form. Before going to England, India will play against Afghanistan's first ever Test match, starting from June 14. After that India will play 3 T20s against Ireland in Ireland before heading to Englan for 3 T20s, 3 ODIs, and 5 Tests## Thanks for the reading.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Rashid Khan had a wonderful season of IPL this Year. The number one T20I bowler was among the top wicket-takers in this IPL with 21 wickets in 16 matches. He also played some handy knocks with the bat too. His knock against Kolkata Knight Riders in the second qualifier was among the top knocks of this IPL.## Rashid Khan simply was the top performer in IPL which concluded on Sunday. Sachin Tendulkar, the batting maestro was full of praise of Rashid Khan after his performance against KKR in the second qualifier on May 25. He tweeted,## Always felt @rashidkhan_19 was a good spinner but now I wouldn’t hesitate in saying he is the best spinner in the world in this format. Mind you, he’s got some batting skills as well. Great guy.— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) 25 May 2018 ## However, Rashid Khan got to know about this tweet when he boarded to team bus post-match.## "When I got into the bus, a friend sent me a screenshot of the tweet and I was shocked to see it. I was thinking for like 1-2 hours before I could eventually reply. I really didn't know what to write, but finally, I replied," Rashid told TOI on Monday.## "The whole of Afghanistan seemed to have seen that tweet. Tendulkar is very, very famous there and everyone was surprised that he had such high praise for me. Statements like these motivate young players and infuse positive energy," he added.## Here is the tweet what he replied, Thanks a trillion Sachin sir, your words give me great persuations 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙏— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) 25 May 2018 ## Rashid Khan adjudged the best T20 bowler at the Ceat awards on Monday night. Going further, Rashid will join ICC World XI team who play against West Indies on 31st May at Lords Cricket ground. And later he will be the part of Afghanistan's historic first ever Test match against India in India.## Thanks for the reading.