September 8, 2024

Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan produce box-office stand to flatten India A bowling attack, fans demand both in Test XI

Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan put up a strong fight for India B during their Duleep Trophy match against India A on Day 3. They scored 72 runs in just 56 balls, providing a much-needed counter-attack after India B’s top order had collapsed to 22/3.

Pant and Sarfaraz aggressively took on the India A bowlers, with Pant scoring a quick 61 off 47 balls, including nine fours and two sixes. Their partnership put pressure on the opposition, but their dismissals allowed India A to regain control. By the end of the day, India B was at 150/6. Pant’s dynamic innings was the standout performance of the day.

India B was in trouble when their top order collapsed against the pace attack of Khaleel Ahmed and Akash Deep. Akash Deep dismissed Abhimanyu Easwaran and Musheer Khan, while Ahmed removed Yashasvi Jaiswal, shifting the momentum in favor of India A.

Wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel took all three catches, leaving India B struggling with a slim lead of just 132 runs. Despite the challenging conditions and disciplined bowling, Pant and Sarfaraz Khan remained aggressive. Sarfaraz’s powerful hitting, including five consecutive boundaries off Akash Deep, demonstrated their intent. Pant also played with flair, expertly guiding Khaleel Ahmed’s deliveries to the boundary with a late cut and a punch through the covers, helping to turn the game around.

Sarfaraz Khan’s innings was thrilling but had its share of drama. After being dropped on 28 by Ahmed, he quickly made an impact by hitting a flat six over cover. However, his innings was ended by Avesh Khan, who got a edge off Sarfaraz’s bat, with Dhruv Jurel taking another catch behind the stumps. Despite his dismissal, Sarfaraz had already made a significant impact.

‘Gautam Gambhir doesn’t do backbiting’: Ex-PAK spinner’s stern advice to PCB to match level with Indian team

Danish Kaneria explained why India has maintained strong performances over the years, while Pakistan’s cricket team has been on the decline.

Pakistan cricket has faced significant challenges in recent years, marked by poor performances across formats. Since their disappointing exit from the ODI World Cup 2023, where they were eliminated after a loss to Afghanistan, things have only worsened. In the T20 World Cup earlier this year, Pakistan was defeated by the USA, a non-Test-playing nation, and failed to advance to the Super 8 stage. Their defeat to Bangladesh in the Test series added to their woes, leading to suggestions from the PCB chairman that major changes in leadership are imminent.

Reports indicate that Babar Azam may be removed as the white-ball captain, and Shan Masood’s role as Test captain is also under review. Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria believes it is time for Pakistan to stabilize their leadership and commit to one captain, given the frequent changes in the captaincy recently.

“Everything is taken for granted; that’s why the downfall of Pakistan cricket has gone through making captains, changing captain. That will not work. Stick to your captain stick with him,” Kaneria told Republic TV.

“Okay, I have made him the captain for one year. I will ask him. I will ask him to give me an answer after one year. Nobody will touch him you have full support from me, but you need to perform. If you don’t perform, you go out, so that’s the thing you have to make tough decisions. Why, if you don’t make tough decisions, things will not work,” he added.

Gautam Gambhir’s Impact on Indian Cricket: Strengths and Early Results

The former spinner also talked about why India has consistently performed well, while Pakistan’s team has struggled. He praised India’s coaches for building belief and confidence within the team. Kaneria specifically commended the current Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir, for his strong attitude and personality, which he feels is a contrast to the recent coaching staff of the Pakistan cricket team.

“Why today other teams are doing so well Why is the Indian team is doing so well? They had a Rahul Dravid who worked with the team very well now they have Gautam Gambhir, a fantastic cricketer and fantastic guy. The way he reacts, he tells on the face. He doesn’t go back and do backbiting; he’s on the face straight away. This is how you have to be. You have to be strong, and like a strong person, you have to make the decision on the face, not at the back,” said Kaneria.

Gautam Gambhir’s coaching start with the Indian team was mixed. He led a young Indian squad to a 3-0 victory over Sri Lanka in the T20I series. However, the more experienced team, captained by Rohit Sharma, lost the ODI series 0-2.