Sports

Bench Test: Trial Against Spin

Published

3 months ago

March 2, 2025

India and New Zealand have secured their spots in the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy following dominant wins in their first two Group Stage matches. They are set to clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday in a game that has little bearing on the tournament.

With this in mind, both teams are likely to rotate their squads, giving second-string players a chance to showcase their skills against quality spin bowling. While a win will see India finish at the top of Group A, its significance appears minimal, as they are poised to face either Australia or South Africa in the semifinals—both teams known for their formidable spin attacks.

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Despite their two successes so far, the Indian batters have shown discomfort against spin. New Zealand’s spin bowlers, including Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, and part-time off-spinner Glenn Phillips, may pose a tough challenge.

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The key Indian batsmen have been cautious against the spinners, focusing on containment rather than taking risks. This strategy worked against Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain, as well as against Pakistan’s leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed.

Memories of their 0-3 Test series loss at home to New Zealand last year might linger, but the top order—featuring Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul—will be expected to handle spin effectively, especially since they are familiar with the conditions.

Having hosted the ILT20 recently, the pitches in Dubai have become worn, often favoring spin bowlers, which was evident during India’s matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The decision to select five spinners—Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Washington Sundar—raised eyebrows in the lead-up to the tournament, but has proven prudent given the pitch conditions.

So far, Jadeja, Axar, and Kuldeep have effectively kept opposition batters at bay in the middle overs, maintaining an economy rate of less than five runs per over during this event. Against Pakistan, although Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel managed a 100-run partnership, they struggled to accelerate due to the Indian spinners’ tight bowling.

However, the scenario might be different against New Zealand, as their batters—such as Kane Williamson, Will Young, Tom Latham, Devon Conway, and Rachin Ravindra—are adept against spin.

Possible Rest for Rohit and Shami?

With no significant impact on the tournament from this match, India may consider resting captain Rohit Sharma and fast bowler Mohammed Shami to ensure they reach peak form for the semifinals.

Rohit had experienced some discomfort during the match against Pakistan but managed to bat without apparent issues. Meanwhile, Shami could be rested due to calf concerns from the previous match, allowing him extra recovery time ahead of the semifinals on March 4.

If Rohit does not participate, vice-captain Shubman Gill will lead the team in an ODI for the first time. Rishabh Pant may also get his first match of the tournament, while Arshdeep Singh could replace Shami, and the in-form Chakravarthy may come in for Kuldeep, who is also returning from injury.

Squads:

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy

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Sports

Jatinder Singh Excels in Super Over as Oman Narrowly Defeats USA in Exciting League 2 Showdown

Published

6 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Namma Kudla Editorial

Oman triumphed over the United States in an electrifying Super Over match on Wednesday at Lauderhill, as reported on the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) official website. Captain Jatinder Singh was instrumental in securing the victory.

Jatinder played a pivotal role by scoring a century, bringing Oman to a total of 266, a score that the USA managed to match. He returned for the extra over to deliver the crucial hit that secured Oman third place in the League 2 rankings.

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The experienced right-hander led Oman’s innings after the USA skipper, Monank Patel, elected to bowl first. Jatinder scored 100 runs off 101 balls before being dismissed in the 41st over. Despite Oman appearing to have set a defendable target, Jasdeep Singh’s late effort of 17 runs from the final six balls forced a Super Over.

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In the Super Over, Jatinder hit 12 runs off the first three balls, leading Oman to victory, while the USA, represented by Harmeet Singh and Andries Gous, scored only 13 runs.

With this win, the USA remains in second place in the League 2 rankings, while Oman moves ahead of Scotland to secure third place.

Oman will next face Canada on Friday at the same venue in Lauderhill.

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Sports

Woakes Returns as Rocky Flintoff Joins 14-Member England Lions Squad to Challenge India A

Published

8 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Namma Kudla Editorial

The England Lions have unveiled a robust 14-member squad for their two upcoming four-day matches against India A, commencing May 30 in Canterbury. The selection boasts a blend of seasoned players, promising youth, and some intriguing picks.

Leading the announcement is the return of veteran pacer Chris Woakes and the maiden call-up for Rocky Flintoff, son of former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff.

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Woakes, 36, who missed the one-off Test against Zimbabwe due to an ankle injury, aims to use the Lions fixtures to showcase his fitness and form ahead of the senior team’s Test series against India in June.

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Having excelled in last summer’s Ashes series with 19 wickets at an impressive average of 18.15—securing the Compton-Miller Medal—Woakes is a pivotal player under English conditions. However, with younger seamers like Essex’s Sam Cook making a push for selection, these matches could be essential for him to maintain his place in the senior team.

The Lions will be captained by Somerset’s James Rew, who is also part of the senior squad for the Zimbabwe Test starting May 22. Rew will lead a vibrant group, which includes legspinner Rehan Ahmed—available only for the first match before joining the T20I squad for the West Indies—and talented top-order batter Dan Mousley.

One of the standout selections is Rocky Flintoff, the son of Ashes 2005 hero Andrew Flintoff. The squad also features left-arm fast bowler Josh Hull, who made his England debut last summer against Sri Lanka, and opener Ben McKinney, a former England U-19 player looking to climb higher.

Another notable inclusion is Farhan Ahmed, younger brother of Rehan, who has earned his place thanks to impressive performances for Nottinghamshire with his off-spin bowling.

Jordan Cox is expected to return for the second match in Northampton after being sidelined for the Zimbabwe Test due to injury, while Jofra Archer will not be participating. Initially considered for the second match at Wantage Road, Archer is out due to a right-thumb injury sustained during the IPL.

England Lions Squad: James Rew (Captain), Farhan Ahmed, Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Jordan Cox, Rocky Flintoff, Emilio Gay, Tom Haines, George Hill, Josh Hull, Eddie Jack, Ben McKinney, Dan Mousley, Ajeet Singh Dale, Chris Woakes.

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Sports

Mukesh Kumar of DC Fined for Violating IPL Code of Conduct

Published

8 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Namma Kudla Editorial

Mukesh Kumar, a pace bowler for the Delhi Capitals, was fined 10% of his match earnings following his team’s loss to the Mumbai Indians, which officially ended their hopes of advancing to the IPL 2025 playoffs, according to ESPNcricinfo.

He was found guilty of a Level 1 breach under Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct, relating to the improper handling of cricketing equipment during the match. Kumar accepted the penalty imposed by match referee Daniel Manohar and acknowledged the charge.

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In Wednesday’s match, Kumar struggled with his bowling, giving away 48 runs in his four overs, which included three sixes and five boundaries. Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dhir scored a staggering 27 runs in his 19th over, playing a crucial role in setting Mumbai’s total to a strong 180. Kumar’s figures ended at 2/48, with that over going for 6, 1, 4, 6, 6, and 4.

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The Delhi batting lineup faltered, managing just 121 runs after Kumar was substituted for KL Rahul as the impact player during the chase. Only two uncapped players, Vipraj Nigam (20) and Sameer Rizvi (39), managed to cross the 20-run mark. Mumbai’s bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Santner, were impressive, combining to take three wickets while conceding just 23 runs in 44 deliveries.

Season-wise, Kumar has played in 11 of DC’s 13 matches, claiming 11 wickets. However, his performance has been costly, with an economy rate of 10.11 and an average of 32.63 runs. Following Mumbai’s victory, the playoff spots are locked in for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, and Punjab Kings, leaving the rankings of these four teams to be determined in their final group stage matches.

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