Sunit Jangir

Sunit Jangir

9461 Articles

As a Senior Editor at Sacnilk, Sunit Jangir leads our coverage on Indian cinema, box office analytics, and global entertainment trends. Passionate about Cricket, Sunit Jangir is an avid sports lover. He finds inspiration in other people's life stories and try to absorb them. Though introvert by nature, he doesn't feel shy when the topic is cinema and sports, particularly cricket.

Articles Written By Sunit Jangir

India Will Struggle In Australia If The Ball Swings And Seams: Ponting
2820 days ago
Cricket

India Will Struggle In Australia If The Ball Swings And Seams: Ponting

Former Australian captain and one of the greats of the game Ricky Ponting feels Indian batsmen will found it difficult in Australia if the ball starts swinging and seaming as it did in England in recently concluded 5-match Test series where India faced 4-1 lose.## After looking India's performance with the bat in England, Ponting has no doubt in his mind that India's top order will have to face the same difficulty in Australia as well if the conditions start helping the Pacers. Ponting was talking to the Cricket Australia website and said, "If the ball does swing around a lot or seam around a lot then I think India will find it difficult in Australia.## "I think any time we saw India struggle through the England series was when the ball moved. As soon as the ball started to move in the air or seam, the Indian batsmen will always struggle. It's no different to when Australia go to the subcontinent and the ball spins from day one. We always struggle with that as well," Ponting said.## India will be eying their first ever series win down the under. This will be India's best chance to win the series as Australia is not as strong as they were on previous occasions. Also, two of their best players, Steve Smith and David Warner will not be the part of the Australian squad as both the players are facing a one-year ban by CA after found guilty in the recent ball-tampering saga in South Africa.## However, this will not be as easy as India is thinking. Their previous record in Australia is not something that they can proud of. In their last two attempts in Australia, India have failed to win a single match. And therefore, India will be relying on their best player and No.1 Test batsman Virat Kohli once again who enjoyed a fabulous run with the bat in 2014-15. Kohli also was in sublime touch against England in recently concluded Test series and was the top run-getter with 593 runs in 10 innings.## Despite his excellent run with the bat, his captaincy went through under the scanner. Kohli as captain completely failed to read the conditions on two occasions if not many. And therefore, some of the former players raised the questions on his captaincy. However, Ponting rushed to the defence of the Indian captain.## "I've never sat back and tried to analyze what playing captains do as I know when I was captain on the field is about 30 or 40 percent of what you need to be in control of," Ponting said. "The rest of it happens behind closed doors or in the change rooms and quite often back in the hotel when you've got time to yourself.## "Trying to find ways to spend time with your teammates, learn about them inside out and trying to find a way to make them perform better on the field. It's not so much about a bowling change or a field placement as that part of the game is highly overrated as far as I'm concerned. ## The tactical stuff is normally worked out a few days before the game and then you go with your gut instinct about the game out on the ground once the game starts," He said.## India will begin their tour of Australia with a 3-match T20I series from 21 to 25 November before playing the first of the 4-match Test series in Adelaide on December 6. India and Australia are also scheduled to play 3-match ODI series as well.## For more and latest news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

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India Survive Hong Kong Threat
2821 days ago
Cricket

India Survive Hong Kong Threat

India survives. Well, who would have thought that Hong Kong will scare India that much. They did and were on the line to creating history thanks to the 174 runs stand between the two openers but when it came to holding their nerve, they failed to do that and lost the match by just 26-runs on Tuesday 18 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.## On the other hand, it was an eye-opening match for India ahead of their biggest challenge against Pakistan tomorrow. They would have thought that it will be an easy outing for them but Hong Kong made it difficult by playing some excellent cricket. India should thank to both spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav and debutante Khaleel Ahamed who held their nerve well and saved India from a big upset.## Earlier in the day, Hong Kong put India to bat first after winning the toss in a must-win match for them. Stand in captain Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan gave a good start to India by adding 45-runs for the opening stand. Though Rohit could not make it big and got out after scoring 23 off 22 balls to Ehsan Khan.## However, Dhawan took full advantage of weak Hong Kong bowling line up and slammed his 14th ODI century. He added 116 runs with Ambati Rayudu (60 off 70) for the second wicket. When India was heading towards a big score from 240 for 2 after 40.3 overs, lost Dhawan after scoring 127 off 120 balls and from there on they lose the way and could manage only 49 runs in last ten overs and restricted to 285 for 7.## Hong Kong bowled well especially towards the end of the innings. Kinchit Shah was the pick of the bowlers. He took 3 wickets for 39 in 9 overs. Ehsan Khan also took 2 wickets for 65. Though they bowled well 285 was still looking uphill task for them.## To chase this target down, Hong Kong was needed a solid start. Nizakat Khan and skipper Anshuman Rath not only gave solid start but also they nearly took the game away from India. Remained wicketless for 33 overs, India was needed something miracle to happen. And all of sudden, Anshuman Rath (73) went for an expensive drive to Kuldeep but could not hold it to the ground and ball went straight to skipper Rohit's hand at the covers.## Once the first wicket fall, Rohit brought back debutante Khaleel on the attack and he didn't disappoint the skipper and produced a match-changing wicket of Nizakat Khan who batted brilliantly for his 92 runs off 115 balls. Once both the openers dismissed, it became almost impossible for inexperienced Hong Kong batting line up and fell just short of the target and managed only 259 for 8 in 50 overs.## For India, the 20-year old left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers. He bowled under pressure and took 3 important wickets for 48 in 10 overs. The spin duo of Chahal and Yadav was once again brilliant with the ball and took 3 and 2 wickets respectively in 10 overs each.## Shikhar Dhawan awarded Man Of The Match for his brilliant knock. With this win, India enters in super 4 stage along with arch-rivals Pakistan. India will now play against Pakistan in their second match of the group stage on Wednesday 19.## For more and latest news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading [email protected]

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All-Round Afghanistan Knock Sri Lanka Out Of Asia Cup
2822 days ago
Cricket

All-Round Afghanistan Knock Sri Lanka Out Of Asia Cup

Sri Lanka suffered from another similar batting collapse in a must-win match against Afghanistan and knocked themselves out of the Asia Cup 2018 on Monday 17 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi after losing by 91-runs .## The five-time champion lost to Bangladesh in the opening match of this Asia Cup and therefore, this was the must-win match for them to keep their hope alive. But they failed to chase down the target of 250 and bundled out on just 158 in 41.2 over to handed Afghanistan a memorable win.## Afghanistan had won the toss and opted to bat first. Sri Lanka made three changes from their last match and included Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera, and Shehan Jayasuriya in place for Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, and Amila Aponso.## Afghanistan started well as both Mohammed Shahzad (34 off 47) and Ihsanullah (45 off 65) added 57 for the first wicket. Both dismissed to Akila Dananjaya. But their leading run scorer of 2018, Rahmat Shah played a brilliant knock of 72 off 90 balls. His partnership worth 80-runs with Hashmatullah Shahidi (37 off 52) helped Afghanistan to reach 249 in 50 overs. It was a good effort by them knowing that they were 110 for 3 after 26 overs.## Sri Lanka did bowl well and restricted them on that total. Thisara Perera was the pick of the bowlers with 5 for 55 in 9 overs. Akila Dananjaya supported him well with 2 for 39 in 10 overs. Malinga, Chameera, and Jayasuriya all three took a wicket each.## Chasing 250, Sri Lanka were needed a good start but the 17-year old Mujeeb Ur Rahman dismissed Kusal Mendis on the just second ball of the inning without troubling the scorecard. However, Dhananjaya de Silva (23) and Upul Tharanga (36) tried to build a partnership but misunderstanding between the wicket ran de Silva out after adding 54 for the second wicket.## After losing de Silva, Sri Lanka could never build any big partnership further and kept losing a wicket at the regular interval. Kusal Perera (17), skipper Angelo Mathews (22), Jayasuriya (14), Thisara Perera (28) all got the start but could not save Sri Lanka from losing the match.## Afghanistan's bowling once again was brilliant. Mujeeb, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammed Nabi, and Rashid Khan all took two wickets each. Rashid Khan and Nabi were excellent in the middle overs and kept the pressure on Lankans. This was Afghanistan's first win over Sri Lanka in Asia Cup.## Rahmat Shah awarded Man Of The Match for his brilliant knock of 72 runs. After Sri Lanka lost, Bangladesh and Afghanistan became the first two teams to enter in super four.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

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I Can Walk Away With My Head Held High And I Have Always Wanted To Do That
2828 days ago
Cricket

I Can Walk Away With My Head Held High And I Have Always Wanted To Do That

For the one last time, England's fans were seeing their beloved son and one of the greats of the game, Alastair Cook. All the memories were floating in front of their eyes and it should be as after giving so many reasons to cheer, Cook was saying goodbye to International cricket which he lived almost 12 years.## There was always talking about breaking the record of the great Sachin Tendulkar's most runs in Test cricket and without any doubt, Cook was the only cricketer among the current players who could break Sachin's record. The 33-year old had time by his side but he hanged his boots before reaching the milestone. Nevertheless, he still finished his career on high with a century in his last Test innings that turned out to be in fairy-tale.## England's fans were hoping that their greatest batsman will perform well one last time and he did not disappoint them by scoring a half-century and a century in his last match. There is always ups and downs comes in every cricketer's career, Cook also had faced them but he never been out of touch for a long time. Till the last match, he showed same determination, extraordinary patience and skill which he was known for throughout his career.## Even in the presentation ceremony looked had the same determination, self-belief on his face. He never showed that he had been playing his last Test innings for England.## "It has been the most amazing week. One you couldn't be able to script. Got a text from Beefy (Ian Botham) and he said 'Can I have your scriptwriter?' It is great to be contributing to a series win. The game going into the last session with all the three results possible was a great advert for Test cricket. The memories shared with my team is what I'll miss the most. Some very good moments. Today it showed how tough Test cricket can be. I leave with great memories. I have been very privileged to have worn the cap for as long as I have," Cook said.## Cook had played the most part of his career with James Anderson who went past the great Glenn McGrath to become the leading wicket-takers among the pacers. Both had created so many great memories together and when he was asked about Jimmy went past McGrath he said,## "To see Jimmy go past Glenn McGrath was brilliant. He and Broady are the ones that I have played most cricket with. To make the decision that I won't be standing at slips and dropping catches off their bowling has been tough (chuckles). Just has been a privilege to have played with England's greatest cricketer (Anderson). No disrespect to any other cricketer. He (Anderson) almost takes it for granted that he will hit the length from ball one. It is fitting that he got the last wicket, to knock out the middle-stump and win the series for us. The pressure that you go through, I won't miss that. You miss all the highs. I would miss playing for this team".## Although Cook had already taken his decision of retiring from international cricket and denied when he was asked if there was any chance he could make a comeback. "Not a chance, this week can't be beaten. I can walk away with my head held high and I have always wanted to do that".## Cook had a stellar career which saw him score 12,474 runs (Most by any English player) in 161 matches with an average of 45.35. Apart from runs, he is also England's leading century getter (33 Centuries). Though, Cook never had had a second thought about his batting style and his technic. He played with the same determination and patience throughout his career.## After watching him play for such long period (12 years) one can say that well-played chef. It's been a privilege to watching you from other side.## For more updates and news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

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Anderson Go Past McGrath, Cook Received Fairy-tale Farewell
2828 days ago
Cricket

Anderson Go Past McGrath, Cook Received Fairy-tale Farewell

In the historic Test where England's all-time leading run scorer in the longest format of the game, Alastair Cook was retiring from the international cricket, James Anderson went past the great Glenn McGrath's 563 wickets to become the leading wicket-taker among the pacers and overall fourth in the list.## It was an emotional few days for England as two of their greatest players were on the line to create history. One was hoping for the fairy-tale goodbye and the other was in the race to become the greatest pacer ever.## Well maybe the history itself wanted to written in stars as Alastair Cook completed his fairy-tale century and became the only 5th batsman to score a century in both his debut and last match. Cook also went past Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara to become leading run-getter among the left-handers and overall fifth in Test cricket history.## TOP 5 LEADING RUN GETTERS IN TEST :## 1. SACHIN TENDULKAR (IND) - 15,921 Runs## 2. RICKY PONTING (AUS) - 13,378 Runs## 3. JACQUES KALLIS (SA) - 13,289 Runs## 4. RAHUL DRAVID (IND) - 13,288 Runs## 5. ALASTAIR COOK (ENG) - 12,472 Runs## Both the players played a significant role in England's 4-1 win over India. Though, Cook didn't look his usual best but he made it special by completing his 33rd and final Test century. On the other hand, Anderson has been brilliant throughout the series and was the leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets exactly the same were needed to went past McGrath.## TOP 5 LEADING WICKET TAKERS IN TEST :## 1. M MURLITHARAN (SL) - 800 Wickets## 2. SHANE WARNE (AUS) - 708 Wickets## 3. ANIL KUMBLE (IND) - 619 Wickets## 4. J ANDERSON (ENG) - 564 Wickets## 5. G McGRATH (AUS) - 563 Wickets## The 5-match series has been very competitive though, the scoreline is looking one-sided in England's favour (4-1). India had had their moments but they failed to catch them. Virat Kohli has stood out as alone warrior in the whole series and was the highest run scorer of the series with 593 Runs.## It was India's 3rd consecutive series defeat against England in England since they won 1-0 in 2007. India showed good promises but was not good enough to cross the line especially when they had an excellent chance to win the 1st and 4th Test.## For more updates and news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

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Bowlers, Mandhana Shone As India Demolish Sri Lanka
2828 days ago
Cricket

Bowlers, Mandhana Shone As India Demolish Sri Lanka

Smriti Mandhana continued to shine in limited overs as India Women crushed Sri Lanka Women by 9-wickets in the first of the three ODIs at the Galle International Stadium, Galle on Tuesday, September 11. This series is the part of ICC Championship.## It was an easy outing for the Indian Women as they comfortably won the first ODI. The foundation of this win was set up by the bowlers who bowled out Sri Lankan Women on a modest total of 98 in 35.1 overs. ## Right-arm pacer Manshi Joshi was the most successful bowler for India as she took 3 for 16 in 6.1 overs. ## Jhulan Goswami and Poonam Yadav took two wickets each while Deepti Sharma, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Dayalan Hemalatha grabbed a wicket each.## Sri Lanka never looked in the game as the biggest partnership was 29 between the skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Sripali Weerakkody. ## Athapaththu was the highest scorer for her side with 33 off 93 balls while Weerakkody made 26 off 32 balls.## The chase was never going to be trouble Indian Women and openers Smriti Mandhana and Punam Raut made it even more. easier with a 96-run partnership. Raut caught out by Manodara off Ranaweera before 3 runs from reaching the target. ## She made 24 off 41 balls with the help of 2 boundaries. But it was Mandhana who showed her class once again with an unbeaten knock off 73 off 76 balls as India chased down the target in 19.5 overs.## Mandhana has been in sensational form since the South Africa series. She was the top run-getter in recently concluded Women's Kia Super League with 421 runs in 9 innings with a century and two half-centuries. ## She averaging 60.14 with a strike rate of 174.68 in that tournament. She has been India's best player in recent times.## For more and latest news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

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Virat Kohli Surpasses Lara To Become The Quickest To Reach 18,000 International Runs
2830 days ago
Cricket

Virat Kohli Surpasses Lara To Become The Quickest To Reach 18,000 International Runs

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has added another feather to his hat as he became the quickest player to reach 18,000 International runs to left behind legendary Brian Lara on Saturday, September 8.## Virat took only 382 innings to reach the milestone while Lara took 411 innings to get 18,000 runs in international cricket. Legendary Sachin Tendulkar (leading run-getter in international cricket) took 412 innings to do the same.## Virat Kohli is the only fourth Indian after Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly to be included in 18,000 clubs. Since his debut, Virat has scored 6147 runs in Tests, 9779 runs in ODIs, and 2102 runs in T20Is.## Virat has been in the record-breaking spree in ongoing series against England but unfortunately, this could not help India from losing the series. Virat stood out as alone warrior in this series but lack of support from the other end hurts India.## QUICKEST TO REACH 18,000 INTERNATIONAL RUNS :## 1. VIRAT KOHLI (IND) - 382 Innings## 2. BRIAN LARA (WI) - 411 innings## 3. SACHIN TENDULKAR (IND) - 412 Innings## INDIAN PLAYERS WITH 18,000+ RUNS IN INTERNATIONAL CRICKET :## 1. SACHIN TENDULKAR - 34,357 Runs (782 Innings)## 2. RAHUL DRAVID - 24,208 Runs (605 Innings)## 3. SOURAV GANGULY - 18,575 Runs (488 Innings)## 4. VIRAT KOHLI - 18,028 Runs (382 Innings)## For more updates and news about CRICKET, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.##

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Murali Vijay To Play For Essex In Rest Of The County Season
2831 days ago
Cricket

Murali Vijay To Play For Essex In Rest Of The County Season

India's stylish opener Murali Vijay has signed with Essex for the rest of England's County season 2018 on Saturday, September 8. The 34-year-old right-hander will join the defending champion for remaining three matches in County Championship's First Division.## Vijay was the part of Indian side for first three-match but dropped after the second match where he dismissed without scoring a single run at the Lord's. ## But he caught Essex's attention with a half-century against his new club during a tour match in July. He will replace Australia's pacer Peter Siddle.## "I was here with the India side about a month ago and saw first-hand just how good the crowd is. I can't wait to play for Essex and hopefully win some matches," Vijay said after the announcement was made public.## Essex Head Coach Anthony McGrath said he was thrilled to add an opener of Vijay's repute to the side. "We're delighted that Vijay has chosen to come here. He's a great batsman who can score runs at the top of the order.## "Vijay's run-scoring ability means he can be the difference-maker in a game, and that skill is something we were looking to bring in towards the end of the season and something that we're excited about. ## The campaign is coming to an end and we have some really big games over the next month, so getting someone in with the experience and international quality that Vijay possesses could make all the difference for us," he said.## Essex is currently at number 4 in the points table. The side has lost four games, the same number they've won, after the first 11 games of the season.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

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Kohli's Absence Will Allow Dhawan And Rohit To Be Pushed Up In Asia Cup, Feels Brett Lee
2833 days ago
Cricket

Kohli's Absence Will Allow Dhawan And Rohit To Be Pushed Up In Asia Cup, Feels Brett Lee

Former Australia's speedster and one of the legends of the game Brett Lee feels that Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan will be key for India in Asia Cup 2018 starting September 15 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The tournament will kick start with the fixture of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the opening match.## Indian selectors have rested skipper Virat Kohli for this tournament and therefore the pacer believes that Kohli's absence will bring out the best of Rohit and Dhawan. Rohit Sharma has named the captain of the Indian squad for the prestigious tournament.## “Two key batsmen for India in the Asia Cup – Shikhar Dhawan and secondly Rohit Sharma. I believe Rohit will get the best out of himself and also the team because he has been given that extra bit of responsibility to lead the Indian side. With Virat Kohli not playing, Rohit and Dhawan will be the two key men with the bat for India,” the former Australian pacer was quoted as saying by Star Sports.## India is a six-time and defending champion of the Asia Cup. In previous edition (played in T20 format) in 2016, both Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan played a vital role in title triumph. India became champion by defeating Bangladesh in the final.## Lee, who scalped 690 wickets for Australia in an international career that spanned over 13 years, believes that the conditions in the UAE will suit the batting style of the Indian opening pair.## “The great Virat Kohli is being rested for the tournament, so that allows Shikhar and Rohit to be pushed up. There is a lot of talk about how Rohit can’t face left-arm fast bowlers – with the swing and the ball going across him. But I don’t necessarily agree with that. What I can say is that in the UAE it will be a different style he will have to face. Yes, they will bring on the left-arm fast bowlers to target Rohit but I believe on the lower and slower wickets in UAE, Rohit will dominate. I believe the wicket will help him out,” said the 41-year-old.## “Dhawan has come in form during his bout in England but will have to adjust a few things in his techniques to ensure he will be playing on the surfaces that will be conducive to him. He has played on grounds all around India that are low and slow in recent years, and the tracks in UAE will suit him, allowing him to play through the line of the ball.”## India will kick-start their campaign against Hong Kong on September 18 and on next day they will face arch-rivals Pakistan in their second match.## For more updates and news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading

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Batsmen Failed To Support Bowlers, Admits Rahane
2833 days ago
Cricket

Batsmen Failed To Support Bowlers, Admits Rahane

India's vice-captain and one of the strongest pillars of the team Ajinkya Rahane has admitted that it was batsmen's fault that let them down in the ongoing 5-match series against England.## India is 3-1 down with one match to spare. Rahane admitted that despite playing good cricket, batsmen failed to support their bowlers who have been brilliant throughout the series.## "Patience is the key in England, whether you bat or bowl. You got to bowl in the same areas for a longer period of time. Maybe as a batsman, you have to leave the ball for a longer period of time," Rahane said.## "We feel bad as our bowlers bowled so well and we as batting group could not support them when we are an experienced group. I think we as batting group fell short.## "When you are on tour you work so hard and prepare so well and then one department performs well then it is the responsibility of other groups to back them," he added.## However, India's vice-captain hasn't looked in best of his touch even though he scored two half-centuries in last two matches. India needed their best overseas batsman to put his best foot forward but he failed to contribute in crunch moments. When he was asked about his batting, he said,## "I didn't get many runs but I got 50-odd and 80-odd in the last two matches. The way I am batting, I am middling the ball really well. Batting is all about confidence. I would like to contribute a little more to my team.## "During this last match I will definitely give my best and I have prepared myself really well. Preparation from beginning till now is similar, whether you are 3-1 down or up. I am just going to enjoy my batting."## However, Rahane is hopeful to finish the tour on winning note. He believes that his team played good cricket but England was the better side in the series.## "Definitely it is an important Test match. The series stands at 3-1 and we want to give our best and finish on a winning note. Especially since I feel we played some good cricket but England played better than us," said Rahane.## "In Test cricket, you have to give more than 100 percent in each and every session. I felt England particularly won small and important sessions. Their bowling unit bowled really well.## "This is going to be the last Test. We are focused on performing well in this last test and if we can win this test and go back 3-2 then that will be really good," he said.## "Every team plays really well at home nowadays. England has played better cricket than us, especially in their bowling and batsmen in both teams have struggled a lot. Only Virat (Kohli) has batted really well in these conditions," he said.## "But England definitely, in their conditions, are a very good team and very experienced team with James Anderson and Stuart Broad in their attack. Moeen (Ali) bowled really well in the last game. They can do really well abroad as well but at home, every team is really strong."## The fifth and final Test will be played at The Oval, London from Friday, September 7. India's record at The Oval is not something they can proud. In 11 previous outings, India managed to win only one match and that too came 37 years ago.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

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Shastri Feels: No Indian Team In Last 15-20 Years Has Had The Same Run As Current Team
2833 days ago
Cricket

Shastri Feels: No Indian Team In Last 15-20 Years Has Had The Same Run As Current Team

India's head coach Ravi Shastri made a big statement on current Indian Test team and called them the best in last 15-20 years in overseas conditions despite suffering 3-1 (with one more match to play) in the ongoing 5-match series against England. Shastri has always defended his side and this time was no different. He was speaking in the press conference ahead of the fifth and final England-India Test.## Though India haven't been able to cross the line on numerous occasions, Shastri backs his side and called them the best Indian team in last 15-20 years. He has always been said that they want to be the best traveling side in the world. However, India's last series win outside Asia (excluding West Indies) came against New Zealand in 2009, since then they haven't been able to win any series against SENA countries. ## There is no doubt that Virat Kohli led Indian side have competed much better than other teams in overseas conditions but they haven't been able to cross the line on many occasions. Even Kohli had said after 4th Test that, "we can not say every time that we have competed well, crossing the line is something that we need to learn as the team".## They have run both South Africa and England close, but have failed to cross the finish line - something that has left Shastri with a headache. Shastri laid out a number of things that seem to dog India when it came to seizing the initiative.## "I think you have got to get tough mentally. We have run teams close overseas and we have competed. But now it's not about competing. We have to win games from here. Now the endeavor is to understand where you made the mistakes and take it head on and try to correct it. The fact of the matter is you had a chance.## "The scoreline says 3-1 which mean India have lost the series, what the scoreline doesn't say that India could have been 3-1 or it could have been 2-2. And my team knows it. They would have hurt and rightly so after the last game. But this is a team that will not throw in the towel. It will come out there and look to compete and not be on the first flight home, and that's exactly what we will do," Shastri said in press conference.## India have come close to win Edgbaston and Southampton Test but on both occasions, their batsmen let India down. India's top order has failed miserably against the swinging balls. If the swinging balls weren't enough to run through India's batting order, their shot selection wasn't good either. Edgbaston and Southampton's lose showed not only India's struggle in closing out games, but also the number of factors that they needed to get right in order to do so.## "As far as crossing the line goes, you have to give credit to Moeen Ali there on the last day (in Southampton). To be honest, he bowled magnificently. As hard as our guys tried, England was one-up on us there. Nothing to take away (from them). The endeavor of this team is to travel well, compete and win. If you look at the last three years, we have won nine matches overseas and three series.## "I can't see any other Indian team in the last 15-20 years that have had the same run in such a short time, and you have had some great players playing in those series. So the promise is there, it is just about getting tougher mentally, you have got to hurt when you lose matches because that's when you look within and come out with the right kind of answers, to combat such situations and get past the finishing line. One day you will if you believe," He added.## "I think shot selection left a lot to be desired, we blew away a very good position straight away after Tea on day two (in Southampton). That's an area where you can tighten, be aware of what the team needs, being aware of the match situation, that will be a big help. I think that was crucial more than anything else.## "It's being aware of being in a good position and then capitalizing. And not doing something silly to open the door for the opposition, I thought at 180/4, there was a definite chance of a 75-80-run lead, and that would have been crucial. So that hurts."## The fifth and final Test will be played at The Oval, London from Friday, September 7. Though England have already won the series, India will look to win the final match to boost their morale going into Asia Cup.## For more updates and news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

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BCCI Announces Fixtures For Home Series Against West Indies
2835 days ago
Cricket

BCCI Announces Fixtures For Home Series Against West Indies

The Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) has announced the schedule for series against West Indies on Tuesday, September 4. India will play 2 Tests, 5 ODIs and 3 T20Is against the former world champions.## The tour will start from 4th October to 11th November. The two-Test will be played at Rajkot and Hyderabad and Guwahati, Indore, Pune, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram will host 5 ODIs while Kolkata, Lucknow, and Chennai will host T20Is.## Before the series against West Indies, the Indian team will feature in the Asia Cup starting from September 15. India is a defending champion of this prestigious tournament and will start as a favorite.## Schedule Of India-West Indies Series :## TESTs## Match DATE VENUE 1st 4-8 OCT RAJKOT 2nd 12-16 OCT HYDERABAD ## ODIs Match DATE VENUE 1st 21 OCT GUWAHATI 2nd 24 OCT INDORE 3rd 27 OCT PUNE 4th 29 OCT MUMBAI 5th 1 NOV THIRUVANTHAPURAM ## T20Is Match DATE VENUE 1st 4 NOV KOLKATA 2nd 6 NOV LUCKNOW 3rd 11 NOV CHENNAI ## For more updates and news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

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