Jasprit Bumrah Age, Biography, career, stats, networth, Ranking & News

Jasprit Bumrah

Cricket South Africa Image Source: TWITTER/CSAOFFICIAL
Cricket South Africa Image Source: TWITTER/CSAOFFICIAL
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Amid Omicron Scare BCCI Puts Team Selection For South Africa Tour On Hold – Reports

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BCCI has put a hold on the selection meeting for the upcoming all-format tour of South Africa. It is learned that BCCI is awaiting clearance from the government before going ahead with the tour. South Africa has been identified as an ‘at-risk country’ after the emergence of the new Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus.

The selection meeting was planned for just after the first Test against New Zealand in Kanpur. The players who have been rested for the ongoing home series against New Zealand were supposed to undergo a five-day quarantine before entering the bubble for South Africa on the night of December 8. The players have not been intimated yet about the exact itinerary.

BCCI (File Photo| PTI)
BCCI (File Photo| PTI)

BCCI Puts Team Selection Meeting For South Africa Tour On Hold

Players like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Shami, KL Rahul, and Shardul Thakur are waiting for clear communication from BCCI about joining the bubble. After the end of the T20I series, they were informed they would have to be in quarantine in Mumbai by December 3.

KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma---Image: Twitter
KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma—Image: Twitter

Any bio-bubble is only as effective as those inside it make it. During the England tour this year, the bio-bubble was breached for which better discipline should be maintained this time around.  In September, there was a minor outbreak in the Indian camp when the team was touring England for a 5-match Test series. As a result, the fifth Test had to be cancelled and rescheduled for the next year.

The Indian cricket team is scheduled to play three Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is in South Africa from December 17 to January 26. For now, CSA continues to build a strict bio-bubble for the tour and has proper protocols in place. India will play three ODIs in South Africa for the first time since their 5-1 series win in 2017-18.

Historically, India didn’t have a great record in bilateral series in that part of the world. However, they did qualify for the final when the World Cup was played in 2003.

South Africa Assured The Touring Indian Team Will Be Kept In The Best Of BioSecure Bubbles

The latest development comes on the day South Africa’s ministry of international relations and cooperation issued a statement thanking BCCI for letting the India ‘A’ team stay back to complete the series in Bloemfontein. In the statement, the ministry also assured that the Indian team will be kept in the best of bio-secure bubbles.

“South Africa will take all precautions necessary to ensure the health and safety of the Indian teams. A full bio-secure environment will be established around both the South African and Indian ‘A’ teams as well as the two national teams,” the statement read.

India's Tour Of South Africa : India is supposed to tour South Africa in December 2021 © Getty
India’s Tour Of South Africa: India is supposed to tour South Africa in December 2021 © Getty

However, BCCI isn’t committing anything yet.

“Cricket South Africa and their government are doing everything to ensure the tour goes on. But BCCI is awaiting a nod from the central government. Things will be clear in a couple of days. The players too need to be assured of the arrangements. The board doesn’t want a repeat of what happened in Manchester when an outbreak within the camp got the players traveling with their families jittery,” a top BCCI official said.

Former India batter VVS Laxman will do the formalities to join the NCA as cricket head only after the Test series against New Zealand. VVS Laxman is currently completing his broadcast commitments.

India, A tour of South Africa, will continue, the detection of a new Covid-19 variant in the country notwithstanding. The visiting team, currently based in Bloemfontein, has had a series of meetings with the Cricket South Africa (CSA) officials and the local medical team and has decided to complete the three-match series.

The Indian A team is presently in South Africa for three unofficial Tests. With one of the Tests being completed, the team is still in the country, and the unofficial Tests will continue. The ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe was cancelled, and South Africa’s ODI series against the Netherlands has been postponed.

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IPL Trophy. (BCCI/IPL Photo)
IPL Trophy. (BCCI/IPL Photo)
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IPL 2022: Lucknow And Ahmedabad To Sign 3 Players Before Mega Auction

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IPL 2022 is set to witness the introduction of two new teams, Lucknow and Ahmedabad, who will now look to sign three players before the auction. The much-awaited list of retained players was unveiled on November 30 (Tuesday) ahead of the mega auction of the IPL 2022. The existing eight teams had to make some tough decisions and leave out some of their key players to abide by the rules in place.

All the released players from the existing eight teams now have a chance to play for Lucknow and Ahmedabad in the IPL 2022. However, the two franchises won’t be able to pick more than three players before IPL 2022 mega auctions. They can only sign a maximum of two Indian players and one foreign player.

IPL Trophy
IPL Trophy (Image Credit: Twitter)

IPL 2022 Will Witness Lucknow And Ahmedabad To Sign 3 Players Before Auctions

The BCCI had set a price slab for the existing eight teams to retain their players. In a similar way, the two new teams featuring in IPL 2022 will have only Rs 33 crore to spend from their 90 crore purse to sign three players. The break up for the same is – Rs 15 crore, Rs 11 crore, and Rs 7 crore for the first, second, and third player respectively.

“If a player is negotiating with a new franchise, he can do it according to the purse allocation. If someone is in line to become the captain of a new team, then obviously he will be joining for Rs 15 crore,” said a CEO of one of the franchises.

Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina (Image Credit: Twitter)

Ahmedabad would be really interested in gaining the services of Hardik and Krunal Pandya, who Mumbai Indians have not retained, so is Ishan Kishan. Suresh Raina, another IPL stalwart, has been released from his franchise, Chennai Super Kings. Shreyas Iyer, who led Delhi Capitals to the 2020 IPL final, has also parted ways with the franchise, who decided to continue with Rishabh Pant as the captain.

KL Rahul To Be Assigned Skipper For Lucknow In IPL 2022: Reports

Reports have already suggested that KL Rahul will be playing for Lucknow next season, with the negotiations starting long back. However, Punjab Kings head coach Anil Kumble confirmed that the opening batter decided to go into the auction and hence the franchise had to release him. Something similar might happen with Rashid Khan, who opted to leave Sunrisers Hyderabad and could end up playing for one of the two new teams.

KL Rahul
KL Rahul (Image Credit: Twitter)

The deadline for the new teams to sign three players is December 25, and then the mega auction is expected to happen. The date for the mega auction isn’t officially announced yet, but it could happen in January 2022.

Many of the big-ticket players, including MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Glenn Maxwell, were retained. But the list of players released and going back into the auction pool is a long one.

Likes of Rashid Khan, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Shikhar Dhawan, Ravichandran Ashwin, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Deepak Chahar were released by their respective franchises.

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KL Rahul
KL Rahul (Image Credit: Twitter)
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KL Rahul Could Be Made Skipper Of New Lucknow Franchise And Rashid Khan May Be Included But The Duo Can Be Banned For 1 Year

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KL Rahul has been in ominous form with the bat, especially in the T20 format. Now, with KL Rahul parting ways with Punjab Kings, as per a report, new franchise Lucknow is set to lap him up. Reports claim Lucknow has offered him Rs 20 Cr. If that happens, he would become the most expensive player in the history of the league.

Even otherwise, KL Rahul at Rs 17 Cr (2018-2021) is still the most expensive player. If Lucknow ropes him in, then he could very well be made the captain of the side. Thus far, KL Rahul has played 94 matches in IPL and has amassed 3273 runs at an average of over 41.

KL Rahul
KL Rahul (Image Credit: Twitter)

KL Rahul Could Be Made Skipper Of New Lucknow Franchise Which Reportedly Has Offered INR 20 Crores Making Him The Most Expensive Player In IPL History

In the 2021 IPL, KL Rahul smashed 626 runs in 13 matches and was the third-highest run-getter in IPL 2021, but unfortunately, failed to inspire the side to a title. KL Rahul has been the best opener in IPL since 2018 and scored 659, 593, 670, and 626 runs in the past four seasons, respectively.

The Lucknow franchise has zeroed in on KL Rahul to be their next captain, and negotiations are learnt to be on with the opening batsman. If it goes ahead, the development will leave seven franchises – including SRH, if they want an Indian to replace Kane Williamson as captain and the new Ahmedabad franchise – looking for a new skipper. The BCCI will come out with its new media-rights tender after the mega-auction gets over.

Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan. Image Credits: Twitter

Some reports also suggest that the new franchise is in talks with Rashid Khan. Lucknow is interested in getting the services of the Afghan star. Rashid Khan is apparently not happy with Hyderabad’s offer. He wants to be the first-choice at the Retention, but the franchise reckons Kane Williamson is the one for that.

The existing eight franchises of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have reached the deadline to submit their respective lists for player retention. The BCCI will make the names of retained players public on Tuesday afternoon and pave the way for the two new teams to start signing players ahead of the mega-auction.

The retention rules are as follows: A franchise can retain a maximum of a) three Indians and one overseas player; b) two Indians and two overseas players.

It has been learnt that RPSG owned Lucknow based new IPL franchise is willing to offer INR 20 Crores salary to KL Rahul to leave PBKS while Rashid Khan will be getting INR 16 Crores for his services in the coming season.

Chennai Super Kings Have Retained MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Moeen Ali, While Mumbai Indians Have Retained Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan and Kieron Pollard

Bearing these set of rules in mind, IPL 2021 defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have retained MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Moeen Ali.

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians are holding back captain Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan and Kieron Pollard. However, it is learnt that MI have, until the last moment, been deliberating over all-rounder Hardik Pandya who played as a specialist batter in the last 2 IPLs but whether the Baroda cricketer will be fit to bowl or not starting next season remains the key.

MS Dhoni (BCCI/IPL)
MS Dhoni (BCCI/IPL)

Here are the details from the remaining franchises:

Delhi Capitals: Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, Axar Patel, Anrich Nortje. The franchise has decided to let go of former skipper Shreyas Iyer and their leading batsman Shikhar Dhawan.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Varun Chakravarthy and Andre Russell. Late until Monday evening, there was no confirmation if Shubhman Gill would remain part of the Knight Riders’ plans.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli, Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell. The franchise wanted to retain Yuzuvendra Chahal, but it is learnt that both sides couldn’t reach an understanding.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: The beleaguered franchise may just retain New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. Afghanistan leg spinner Rashid Khan is learnt to be negotiating with one of the new franchises.

Punjab Kings: Mayank Agarwal and two uncapped players Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh, are what Punjab is looking to retain.

Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson, Jos Butler and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

This list of retention is based on sources in the IPL, but final confirmation of the same can only be expected on Tuesday. Once the BCCI ratifies these retentions, the two new franchises – Lucknow and Ahmedabad – will be asked to identify players – a maximum of three Indians and one overseas player or two Indians and two overseas players – by mid-December and the remaining players will go into the mega-auction being planned either towards the end of December or January first week.

Last mega auction

This will be the last mega-auction that the IPL intends to hold and most stakeholders in the league, including the majority of franchises, are in line with the proposal.

“We genuinely hope this is the last mega-auction because the trend has clearly gone past its sell-by date. This, in turn, will also put pressure on franchisees to pick well at this mega-auction because they’ll be building their future teams around these set of players,” said sources privy to developments.

Amidst all the retention process going on with the eight Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could hand-over one year ban to Indian star batsman KL Rahul and Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan for breaching the IPL code of conduct.

A verbal complaint has been raised by Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against Lucknow based new IPL franchise for ‘pursuing & poaching’ Rashid Khan and KL Rahul to leave their respective franchise in the coming season.

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Krunal Pandya. (Photo: Twitter)
Krunal Pandya. (Photo: Twitter)
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Krunal Pandya Decides To Step Down As Baroda Skipper After Team Won Only 1 Match In SMAT

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Krunal Pandya has decided to step down as Baroda team captain from the forthcoming domestic season.

The 30-year-old spin all-rounder informed the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) president Pranav Amin through email on Friday evening. Under the senior Pandya’s captaincy, the team had an underwhelming run in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where they finished last in Group B.

Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya (Instagram)

Krunal Pandya Steps Down As Skipper Of Baroda After Poor Run In Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Where They Finished Last

The team managed to win just one game in five matches and failed to qualify for the knock-outs for the domestic T20 tournament. Under Krunal Pandya’s captaincy, the team had an underwhelming run in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where they finished last in Group B.

In his email, Krunal Pandya wrote, “This is to put on record that I will be unavailable to lead Baroda in the current domestic season. However, I will be available for selection to play for the team. I will offer my best as a team member and player to Baroda cricket. My support and contribution will always be in the best interest of the team.”

Krunal Pandya Of Mumbai Indians- [File photo]
Krunal Pandya Of Mumbai Indians- [File photo]
In the five games, Krunal Pandya scored 87 runs with one half-century and took five wickets at an economy rate of 5.94. This came under the charge of new Baroda coach Dav Whatmore, whose tenure at the team got off to a disappointing start.

It is understood that BCA will now appoint veteran Kedar Devdhar as captain while left-arm spinner Bhargav Bhatt is likely to be appointed vice-captain of the team for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, which is scheduled to be played next month. Kedar Devdhar had previously captained the team to the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last year.

Krunal Pandya Was Accused Of Using Abusive Language Towards Deepak Hooda

Krunal Pandya took over as skipper two seasons ago, but his time as captain was marred by a few controversies. Last year, Deepak Hooda, who later moved to Rajasthan, had written an email to BCA where he had made a series of allegations about the skipper, the senior Pandya after he had spat with the Mumbai Indians player.

“At this moment, I am demoralized, depressed, and under pressure. For the past few days, my team captain Mr. Krunal Pandya is using abusive language towards me in front of my teammates and also other state teams who have come for participation at Reliance Stadium Vadodara,” Hooda, who represented Kings XI Punjab in the IPL, wrote.

Deepak Hooda screengrab
Deepak Hooda screengrab

Deepak Hooda later decided to move on from BCA and represented Rajasthan this season.

Krunal Pandya has so far scored 1143 runs in 84 matches where he also picked 51 wickets averaging 34.76 whereas his batting average is 22.86. His best bowling figure is 3/14 in 2017. His highest score is 86 in 2016, and it is his only half-century in IPL.

Krunal Pandya has played 19 T20Is where he picked 15 wickets averaging 36.93 and scored 124 runs averaging 24.8. He debuted against West Indies in 2018 and played his last T20I against Sri Lanka in 2021 after which he was hit with Covid-19. He has picked up 1 four-wicket haul in T20I as his career-best bowling figure is 4/36.  He has also played 5 ODIs amassing 130 runs averaging 65 and taken 2 scalps, playing all his matches in 2021.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians are all but set to part ways with Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya as none of them is on the five-time champions’ retention list. The reports have suggested that Mumbai Indians will go with Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard, and Ishan Kishan as their four retentions for IPL 2022 in all likeliness.

Hardik Pandya played 12 games in the 2021 season but scored just 127 runs at an average of 14.11 and hasn’t bowled a single ball in the last two seasons. Krunal Pandya too struggled, scoring just 143 runs in 13 matches at an average of 14.3 while taking just five wickets in the 2021 season.

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MS Dhoni (BCCI/IPL)
MS Dhoni (BCCI/IPL)
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Chennai Super Kings Likely To Retain MS Dhoni For Next 3 IPL Seasons As Franchises Decide On Player Retentions For IPL 2022

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Chennai Super Kings are likely to retain their longstanding captain MS Dhoni for the next three Indian Premier League seasons. Apart from MS Dhoni, the franchise Chennai Super Kings is set to retain all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, and opener Ruturaj Gaikwad-the top run-getter in IPL 2021, who played crucial roles as Chennai Super Kings won the 2021 IPL title.

As per BCCI rules, each team is allowed to retain a maximum of four players. Chennai Super Kings is also in talks with England all-rounder Moeen Ali to come on board. As BCCI secretary Jay Shah had stated that the next season of IPL 2022 will be played in India, CSK feels Moeen Ali could be a handy player on the slow, turning Chennai wicket.

Chennai Super Kings' Ravindra Jadeja With MS Dhoni CSK Twitter Handle
Chennai Super Kings’ Ravindra Jadeja With MS Dhoni CSK Twitter Handle

Chennai Super Kings Likely To Retain MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad And Moeen Ali Or Sam Curran

If Moeen Ali doesn’t agree to stay, Chennai Super Kings will have left-arm medium-pacer Sam Curran as their fourth retained player. The franchises have to submit their lists of retained players by November 30 and the IPL 2022 will have its mega auction next month.

Chennai Super Kings retaining MS Dhoni wouldn’t come as a surprise, especially with the brand value he brings to the team. At a recent Chennai Super Kings event, MS Dhoni had confirmed that his last T20 game will be in Chennai, putting his IPL retirement speculations to bed.

“I have always planned my cricket. My last ODI in India was in Ranchi. Hopefully, my last T20 will be in Chennai. Whether it’s next year or in five years’ time, I don’t know,” Dhoni had said.

Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant | BCCI/IPL
Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant | BCCI/IPL

Chennai Super Kings are also likely not to retain Suresh Raina for the first time. The former India batsman has been out of touch and didn’t play crucial knockout IPL games. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals are set to retain wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, all-rounder Axar Patel, Prithvi Shaw and pacer Anrich Nortje. Shreyas Iyer was released since he wanted to lead Delhi Capitals, but the franchise was keen to have Rishabh Pant as their leader going ahead.

However, most franchises will be following the tactic of not retaining four players as this could lead to stress on their purse during the auction. It is understood that Mumbai Indians will retain Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah. While negotiations with their West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard are still on, the franchise wants to buy Suryakumar Yadav from the auction pool and chances of Ishan Kishan being retained are also bright.

KL Rahul Has Parted Ways With Punjab Kings And Will Likely Lead Lucknow Franchise

Two new teams Sanjiv Goenka’s RPSG group and CVC Capitals (though they haven’t been given the green signal yet from the board), have begun approaching a few top Indian players. India opener KL Rahul is likely to lead Sanjeev Goenka’s new Lucknow team. KL Rahul, who was signed by PBKS for Rs 11 crore at the IPL 2018 auction, will reportedly spearhead the new Lucknow franchise in the IPL 2022.

It is learnt KL Rahul has parted ways with Punjab Kings and has accepted Sanjeev Goenka’s offer. It is also learnt that Suryakumar Yadav was approached by the new franchise, but the batsman hasn’t responded yet.

KL Rahul
KL Rahul (Image Credit: Twitter)

Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders are likely to retain their two all-rounders, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, while they want to keep Varun Chakravarty too. However, it is learnt that KKR is still deciding on whether to retain Shubman Gill or Venkatesh Iyer.

Meanwhile, Aakash Chopra opined that RCB will retain Virat Kohli, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj, and Devdutt Padikkal. However, he excluded pacer Harshal Patel, who was the Purple Cap winner in IPL 2021 and inconsistent big-hitting batsman Glenn Maxwell.

Players Likely To Be Retained:

CSK: MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali/ Sam Curran , Ruturaj Gaikwad

KKR: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Shubman Gill/Venkatesh Iyer, Varun Chakravarthy

RCB: Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Yuzvendra Chahal

DC: Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, Anrich Nortje, Avesh Khan/Axar Patel

RR: Ben Stokes, Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler

SRH: Rashid Khan, Jonny Bairstow/Kane Williamson

MI: Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard

PBKS: KL Rahul (if he agrees to stay), Mayank Agarwal, Ravi Bishnoi

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Salman Butt. Image-Twitter
Salman Butt. Image-Twitter
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Salman Butt Hails Rahul Dravid’s Approach As Team India’s Head Coach

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Salman Butt, the former tainted ex-skipper of Pakistan, was absolutely impressed with Rahul Dravid’s approach in his maiden stint as India’s head coach, saying that it only highlights his humility.

India registered a whitewash against 2021 T20 World Cup finalists New Zealand, winning the series 3-0 in convincing fashion, but newly-appointed head coach Rahul Dravid cautioned the team, advising them to be more “realistic” with India eyeing the big prize a year from now – the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.

India Won Bilateral T20I Series 3-0 Against NZ (TWITTER/BCCI)
India Won Bilateral T20I Series 3-0 Against NZ (TWITTER/BCCI)

Rahul Dravid: Indian Cricketers Have To Keep Feet Grounded And Be Realistic Keeping In Mind 2022 T20I World Cup

Rohit Sharma and Axar Patel shone for the hosts in the inconsequential 3rd T20I as India thrashed New Zealand in 3rd T20I to sweep the series. India beat New Zealand by 73 runs in the final T20I to win the three-match series 3-0. Skipper Rohit Sharma produced sublime knocks scoring 56 off 31 balls in India’s 184/7.
His imperious form was on full display as he led the way with five fours and three sixes while the likes of Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, and Venkatesh Iyer all got starts but couldn’t quite capitalize.
Rohit Sharma smashed 159 runs at an excellent strike rate of 154.36 in the three T20Is against New Zealand. He was duly chosen as the Player of the Series for his exploits with the bat. Rohit Sharma’s sequence of scores in the last six T20 Internationals is 74, 30, 56, 48, 55, and 56, and captaincy hasn’t changed his style of play one bit.

“We have to keep our feet on the ground and be realistic, especially with bigger things down the line in the next 12 months,” Dravid told host broadcaster Star Sports after the third T20I in Kolkata.

“It’s not easy for New Zealand to play a World Cup final, turn up three days later, and play three games in six days. We knew it was never going to be easy on them.”

Rahul Dravid Photo Credit: PTI
Rahul Dravid Photo Credit: PTI

New Zealand began the series three nights after their World Cup final loss to Australia in Dubai and played the three matches in the space of five days in the absence of Kane Williamson, and Kyle Jamieson, while a few others were rotated to keep the workload in balance with the two-Test series coming up.

India, too missed the services of Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja for the T20I series and rather focussed on testing their bench strength to keep options in hand for the Australia T20 World Cup. Salman Butt admitted these points but pointed out that it was a lot to ask from New Zealand to mentally prepare for an international series in such a short space.

Salman Butt: The Actual Target Is The Next 10 Months Is Winning The 2022 T20I World Cup In Australia

The veteran cricketer Salman Butt hence felt that Rahul Dravid kept these points in mind while making that statement, saying that ultimately it is the world title that matters.

“It only reflects utmost clarity and humility. And very realistic and professional talk because India did win but the other team just came from a World Cup final and hence it is not easy to mentally prepare for another international series so fast. They (New Zealand) also lost the toss. When you play so much international cricket, there is a difference in intensity as well.

“So he did take all these factors into account when making that statement. India tested their bench strength, there was a new captain, new coach and they managed to win. But he is keeping them in line for the hunt.

“The actual target is the next target which will be in the next 10 months. So this is absolutely the correct and needed approach,” Salman Butt said on his YouTube channel.

Controversial Pakistan batsman Salman Butt
Controversial Pakistan batsman Salman Butt (File Photo | AFP)

Rahul Dravid praised the newest acquisitions who got the opportunity to play in the bilateral series. Harshal Patel, who made his debut in the second game, was adjudged the Man of the Match in the same game for picking 2 vital scalps.

Axar Patel was the Player of the Match with his economical three-wicket haul in the final tie. Venkatesh Iyer, too finally got his opportunity to bowl in the series and even picked his maiden international wicket.

“It’s been great to see the younger guys come through, we’ve given the opportunity to some of the guys who haven’t played too much cricket in the last few months with the seniors taking rest.

“The greatest takeaway for us is to see the skills available to us. We need to continue developing those skills,” Dravid further said.

Analyzing Rahul Dravid’s first assignment as the head coach of Team India, ex-Pakistan captain Salman Butt showered praise on the batting great, saying he has nailed his approach so far.

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Ravichandran Ashwin of India. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Ravichandran Ashwin of India. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
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Comeback Man Ravichandran Ashwin Is An Attacking Option For A Captain, Says Rohit Sharma

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Rohit Sharma, the new India skipper, said seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has proved himself over the years and is now a key cog in the bowling wheel of the side in the shortest format. Rohit Sharma’s 56-run knock followed by Axar Patel’s three-wicket haul helped India defeat New Zealand by 73 runs in the third and final T20I at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.

Rohit Sharma lavished praise on Ravichandran Ashwin and said the off-spinner is an attacking option for the side, whenever the team is looking for quick wickets in the middle overs.

Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma
Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma: It Has Been A Great Comeback For Ravichandran Ashwin In T20Is

Ravichandran Ashwin has played 5 T20Is since his comeback in the limited-overs format after a gap of 4 years. He has picked 9 scalps at an average of 11.66 and an economy rate of 5.25, and a strike rate of 13.3. However, he was rested for the 3rd inconsequential T20I with Yuzvendra Chahal replacing him.

“I think it has been a great comeback for him. Ever since he (R Ashwin) played in Dubai until now. We all know he is a quality bowler, he has proved himself with the red-ball and even with the white-ball his record isn’t bad,” said Rohit in the post-match press conference after India’s series win.

Ravichandran Ashwin & Yuzvendra Chahal  |  Photo Credit: AP
Ravichandran Ashwin & Yuzvendra Chahal  |  Photo Credit: AP
“And now he has made a comeback and bowled in Dubai and two games here, it shows the quality he has. He has always been an attacking option for a captain.
“When you have someone like Ashwin in the squad it always gives you an opportunity to take wickets in the middle overs and we understand how important that middle phase is. Axar-Ashwin are wicket-taking options for us in the middle,” he added.

The 35-year old spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made noteworthy outings in the opening two games against New Zealand, where he returned with figures 4-0-23-2 and 4-0-19-1, but he was rested for the final 3rd T20I as Yuzvendra Chahal was picked instead.

The spin prodigy Ravichandran Ashwin was impressive in the UAE during the recently-concluded T20I World Cup. In the three outings, he scalped six wickets and maintained an economy of 5.25. The 35-year old made similar noteworthy outings in the opening two games against New Zealand.

Before the 2021 T20I World cup and subsequent T20Is versus New Zealand, Ravichandran Ashwin played white-ball cricket for India in 2017 before being sidelined from one-day cricket following the Champions Trophy debacle.  Ravichandran Ashwin has last featured in an ODI and T20I in 2017 in June-July against West Indies, before earning a recall to the Indian squad for the T20I World Cup after Washington Sundar was ruled out.

Rohit Sharma Urges Bowlers To Pick Wickets As It’s Never About Surviving

The India skipper pointed out that it is never about bowling your full quota in the shortest format, and the bowlers must go for wickets during the middle-over phase.

Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma | AFP

“It’s never about surviving, it is always about how can we get the batter out and how can we put the pressure back on the batter,” said Rohit.

With this win, India won the three-match series 3-0, and now both teams will square off in the two-match Test series, beginning Thursday in Kanpur.  Rohit Sharma’s sequence of scores in the last six T20 Internationals is 74, 30, 56, 48, 55, and 56, and captaincy hasn’t changed his style of play one bit.

Meanwhile, the 31-year-old Mumbai batter Suryakumar Yadav, who was part of the Indian team for the home T20I series against New Zealand, will be joining the Test squad, which will be led by Ajinkya Rahane. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested, keeping in mind the workload management.

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Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra. (Photo Source: Twitter)
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Aakash Chopra Picked 3 Major Takeaways From India-New Zealand Bilateral T20I Series

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Aakash Chopra picked three major takeaways from the recently-concluded three-match T20I series between India and New Zealand, where the Rohit Sharma-led home side registered a 3-0 whitewash with a 73-run win at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Rohit Sharma and his Team India side may have thumped New Zealand 3-0 to register yet another T20I series whitewash. However, they still have a couple of areas to sort, according to former cricketer Aakash Chopra.

Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Aakash Chopra: Rohit Sharma And KL Rahul Must Always Open And Finger Spin Can Work In T20s

His first major takeaway was that India should retain their opening pair of KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma, who scored a half-century stand in the opener in Jaipur before smashing a record 117-run stand in the second game. India, however, rested KL Rahul for the final inconsequential tie in Kolkata, picking Ishan Kishan as the opener, but Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan once again added a 69 run stand for the first wicket.

KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma---Image: Twitter
KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma—Image: Twitter

Aakash Chopra advised India to neither think of left-right combinations nor think about match-ups, as they did in the game against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final, which they lost.

Aakash Chopra opined, “Rohit-Rahul must always open. Don’t think of left-right or match-ups.”

 

Aakash Chopra then opined, “Finger spin can work in T20s. Ashwin-Axar-Santner. And it’s okay for LAS to bowl to LHB.”

Axar Patel picked four wickets in three games at an economy rate of just 6, while Ravichandran Ashwin, who was rested for the final game, picked three wickets in two matches at an economy rate of just 5.25. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner, picked as many wickets as Axar Patel, conceding at 6.58 runs per over. However, Aakash Chopra said that it’s completely fine for a left-arm spinner to bowl to the left-handed batsman.

Aakash Chopra: India’s Middle Order Far From Being Sorted

In his final takeaway, the veteran former cricketer admitted that India still needs to work on their middle-order (No.4 to 7), who scored only 51 runs off 45 balls, laced with three boundaries and one six, in the third T20I with Rishabh Pant scoring a mere 4 off 6.

Aakash Chopra said,” India’s Middle Order far from sorted. Will take time.” 

Aakash Chopra feels that it will take time for India to sort it out. India will still have a lot of T20I series to work out their best XI, with star players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah yet to join.

In Virat Kohli’s absence, Suryakumar Yadav batted at number 3 on a couple of occasions and shared success and failure on respective occasions(63 runs average 21 in 3 games). Rishabh Pant also failed to deliver on a couple of occasions(33 runs average 33 in 3 games).

Venkatesh Iyer was tested as the finisher, but he failed to live up to the hype on his debut series( 36 runs average 18 in 3 games). Moreover, Shreyas Iyer didn’t bat at his ideal position throughout the series(30 runs in 2 innings average 15). Aakash Chopra said fixing the middle-order will take time.

Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer – Getty Images

On his first assignment as Team India’s permanent head coach, Rahul Dravid guided his team to a 3-0 clean sweep over the 2021 T20 World Cup finalist. India played dominant cricket throughout the series as Kane Williamson-less New Zealand failed to give a tough challenge to the hosts.

India beat New Zealand by 73 runs in the 3rd inconsequential T20I to complete the whitewash in a comprehensive fashion. The team management gave a chance to a couple of young players in the series as the seniors like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja were rested to manage their workload.

India 184 for 7 (Rohit 56, Kishan 29, Chahar 21*, Santner 3-27) beat New Zealand 111 (Guptill 51, Axar 3-9, Harshal 2-23) by 73 runs

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Harshal Patel picked up the key wickets of Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips BCCI.
Harshal Patel picked up the key wickets of Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips BCCI.
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Harshal Patel Will Fight For The Death Bowling Spot With Veteran Jasprit Bumrah, Says Robin Uthappa

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Robin Uthappa, the wicket-keeper batsman, praised RCB pacer IPL 2021 purple cap holder Harshal Patel’s performance on his debut for Team India against New Zealand in Ranchi. The seamer claimed figures of 2-25 and was one of the pick of the bowlers in his very first outing.

Robin Uthappa named Harshal Patel on par with Jasprit Bumrah when it came to bowling in the death overs. The seamer was given a specific role by the Royal Challengers Bangalore management as a death-over specialist. He did justice to the role by picking up 32 wickets in the campaign.

Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel (Image Credit: Twitter)

Robin Uthappa: Harshal Patel Will Fight For The Death Bowling Spot With Veteran Jasprit Bumrah; Daniel Vettori: India Will Be More Formidable With The New Duo

The Purple Cap holder in IPL 2021 was not considered for the T20 World Cup 2021. However, he managed to earn a maiden call-up to the national team, with primary seamers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami being rested for the T20I series against New Zealand. An injury to Mohammad Siraj in the first T20I meant that he availed the opportunity to feature in blue.

Robin Uthappa said: “If you would consider just a death bowling spot, then Harshal Patel is right up there for me along with Bumrah. The kind of skills he possesses and the way he is executing those skills, not just possession of skills but the way you execute those skills also matter, especially under pressure. Incredible how he came back in his last over, that just shows he’s got the stuff.”

Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa (Image Credit: Twitter)

Daniel Vettori claimed that if a death bowling duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel can be forged, then it could make Team India even more formidable. He believes this option will help the team plan out their bowling strategy over the course of the innings. Moreover, it will make things a lot easier with clear roles being assigned.

Vettori said: “The ability to set up your back overs is so important in T20 Cricket. If Harshal Patel has the skillset and we obviously know that Bumrah does, so that brings a whole new dynamic to how you map out your 20 overs. Bowlers can be more attacking in the powerplay because they know you have those overs locked away at the back end.”

He added: “There are very few bowlers who can do that, and if India have two of them in Bumrah and Harshal Patel that sets them up for being a formidable team.”

Harshal Patel’s spell helped India restrict New Zealand to 153-6. The Blackcaps were looking to score in excess of 180, based on the start they got, courtesy of their openers. However, the RCB seamer’s overs in the death bowlers played a vital hand and did not allow New Zealand to accelerate.

Robin Uthappa Concerned With Harshal Payel’s Tendency To Bowl Waist High No Balls

Robin Uthappa felt that Harshal Patel’s tendency to bowl waist-high no-balls was a slight concern and urged the pacer to work on it. However, Robin Uthappa added that such a delivery could prove costly in a high-pressure encounter. With Dew being a prominent presence right from the word go in Ranchi, Harshal Patel bowled a waist-high no-ball. But he made amends with a strong comeback on the resulting free hit.

“The waist-high no balls have been something we have noticed with him over the last 12 months or so and it is something he would want to work on and improve. Because in high-pressure games you don’t want to give away a ball like that.” Uthappa explained.

Ravindra Jadeja, CSK
Ravindra Jadeja. Image Credits: Twitter

Harshal Patel had bowled a waist-high no-ball in his infamous final over against CSK in the first leg of the IPL as well. The over eventually resulted in 37 runs, with Ravindra Jadeja scripting his name in history.

Harshal Patel can bowl from close to the stumps or wide of the crease, over and around the wicket. In his game-turning 4-0-25-2 in the second T20I against New Zealand, each of his two wickets was ratified only after the umpires checked for a back-foot no-ball – so wide of the crease was Harshal Patel going. Both times, he was completely safe.

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Harshal Patel picked up the key wickets of Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips BCCI.
Harshal Patel picked up the key wickets of Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips BCCI.
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Harshal Patel Can Form A Formidable Partnership With Jasprit Bumrah: Daniel Vettori

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Harshal Patel won player of the match for his figures of 2/25, besides giving away just 16 runs in his last two overs in the 17th and 19th and taking the wicket of the dangerous Glenn Phillips in that period as India beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the second T20I.

India can become a formidable T20 unit if Harshal Patel is able to form a partnership with Jasprit Bumrah, former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has said. Harshal Patel won player of the match on his international debut, giving away just 16 runs in his last two overs, which put the breaks on the New Zealand innings.

Harshal Patel ended the match with figures of 2/25.
Harshal Patel ended the match with figures of 2/25. (AP Photo)

Harshal Patel’s Probable Ability To Set Up The Back Overs Brings A Whole New Dynamic To India’s Plan In Death Overs: Daniel Vettori

Man of the Match Harshal Patel’s slower ball, meanwhile, proved just as effective on international debut as it had done through his record-breaking 2021 IPL season where he took the maximum of 32 scalps, in conjunction with the long boundaries at the JSCA Stadium. He conceded just 25 in his four overs and took the wickets of Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, both caught in the deep.

“The ability to set up the back overs is so important in T20 cricket. If Harshal Patel has that ability, we obviously know that Bumrah does, it brings a whole new dynamic to how you map out your 20 overs,” Vettori said.

India's Jasprit Bumrah reacts during their ICC T20 World Cup match against Scotland in Dubai, UAE on November 5, 2021. | AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi
India’s Jasprit Bumrah reacts during their ICC T20 World Cup match against Scotland in Dubai, UAE, on November 5, 2021. | AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi

Debutant Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar combined to give just 25 runs in the last four overs of the New Zealand innings.

Jasprit Bumrah took 7 wickets with an economy of 5.08 in the Super 12s stage of the 2021 T20I World Cup tournament and was rested for the New Zealand T20I series. As a result, India will be without Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami when they take the field for the first Test against New Zealand in Kanpur from November 25 to 29. All five have presumably been rested.

Harshal Patel With Jasprit Bumrah In Death Overs Can Make India A Formidable T20 Team: Daniel Vettori

Harshal Patel has just come off a season where he topped the wicket charts(winning Purple Cap for most-32 scalps) in IPL 2021 and won the Most Valuable Player award, then rocked up to his first international outing by becoming the eighth player to win the Player of the Match award on his T20I debut for India.

“Your first six overs can be more attacking, you may have a specialist at the top because you know you have got those overs locked away at the back. There are not many bowlers who can do it and if India has two of Bumrah and Harshal, it sets them up for being such a formidable team,” said Vettori.

Daniel Vettori is New Zealand’s record wicket-taker.© Twitter
Daniel Vettori is New Zealand’s record wicket-taker.© Twitter

New Zealand ended their innings on 153/6. In reply, captain Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul’s opening partnership of 117 runs all but ended the match. While New Zealand skipper Tim Southee dismissed Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav in consecutive overs, it was not enough to stop India from strolling to a seven-wicket win. However, it helped India seal a series win with one match left to play.

India 155 for 3 (Rahul 65, Rohit 55, Southee 3-16) beat New Zealand 153 for 6 (Phillips 34, Mitchell 31, Harshal 2-25, Ashwin 1-19) by seven wickets

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