THE DAY WHITE LOST ITS COLOUR

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney [January 3-5, 2025].

 

On 5th January, 2025, Virat Kohli stepped out for the last time in a test match. India were playing Australia in Sydney. The hosts were leading the series 2-1 and were on the verge of winning the final test as well. The target was not a big one. But the pitch had a lot for the bowlers. Unfortunately, Bumrah suffered an injury due to which we were a bowler short in the most crucial phase of the series. Moreover, Rohit Sharma was also not playing the test, which meant that Virat Kohli was the stand-in captain for Team India.

Interestingly, the visitors started strong and reduced the Aussies to 58/3. At one point everyone felt that India could pull it out in Sydney. However, Usman Khwaja, along with Travis Head, stitched a crucial partnership of 46 runs and took Australia to a dominant position. Even though Khwaja was later dismissed for 41, it was not going to take much time for the in-form hosts, and the duo of Travis Head and Beau Webster made sure that the Aussies chased it down comfortably. Webster hit the winning runs as the Aussies won the match by 6 wickets and thus lifted the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 long years.

The Aussies erupted with joy. After all, they have struggled to beat India on the previous four occasions. Whereas there was sadness around the Indian Camp, who had now suffered two back-to-back test series defeats. Something which they have not experienced for a long time. It was almost certain that the management would take some tough calls. However, back then no one knew that it was the last time we saw Virat Kohli in whites.

Four months later, on 12th May, 2025, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket. The cricketing world was shocked. No one could believe their eyes. The Beloved King has hung his boots from the format he loved the most. It was a heartbreaking moment for everyone who loved Test Cricket.

After all, the biggest ambassador of the sport has just left. However, it is quite interesting to note that the country which saw Kohli's transition from prince to king also saw his end. In 2011, as a 23-year-old youngster, he stepped for the very first time on the Australian shore. Even back then we were undergoing a transition phase, and this is when Kohli peaked. His century in Adelaide was a statement to the cricketing world that the successor of the great Sachin Tendulkar has arrived.

2014-15 saw the transformation of Kohli into a modern-day great. Who could ever forget his historic BGT Down Under. Not only did he score loads of runs [692 to be precise with 4 centuries], but he also became the captain of a young Indian Test team. Sydney was the city, and SCG was the ground where Kohli took over the charge as the Indian Test Captain.

Yes, we lost that series 0-2, and we were ranked 7th in the ICC Test Rankings. But 4 years later things completely changed under Captain Kohli. Not only did we hammer the Aussies 2-1, but we were also the number 1 Test Side of the World. The redemption was well and truly complete.

Six years later things were similar to 2011-12, but this time it was Kohli who was in the final phase of his career. A country which saw his rise also saw his fall. In the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he managed just one good knock in the entire Australian summer. Barring his hundred in Perth, he could not breach the 50-run mark in the remaining innings. Though one cannot deny the fact that apart from Jaiswal, no other batsman performed well in those tough conditions. So it was quite cruel on the part of Kohli to announce his retirement after failing in one cricket season.

He would have definitely performed well in England. But, alas, Kohli decided to retire from Test Cricket. The Whites lost its color as the King bid farewell. 

OUR LITTLE DYNAMO IS BACK

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue – Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy [September 2, 2023]. 

The BCCI has announced the 15-man squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Interestingly, the hosts are also the defending champions, so the stakes are high. As a result, it is important to field the strongest team. One weak player can end our ambitions of lifting the trophy again. Fortunately enough, the team announced by the selectors on 20th December is quite a remarkable team which has the potential to lift the cup once again. The players selected have been consistently performing well in both the domestic and international stages. However, out of 15 players, the name which surprised as well as made people happy was the inclusion of wicketkeeper batsman Ishan Kishan in the squad.

Ishan Kishan has been out of the Indian team for almost 2 years now. What started as a punishment for indiscipline ended up becoming a career-ending move for the young batsman from Bihar. However, his memorable performance in the domestic circuit spoke volumes for him, and the selectors picked him over Rishabh Pant and Jitesh Sharma.

Ishan Kishan's inclusion is a positive move, as in the past he has performed in pressure situations. In this blog post I will be talking about one such match. The Men in Blue were facing their arch-rivals Pakistan in the group stage of the Asia Cup, 2023. Indian Captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to bat first on what looked like a good wicket.

However, the Men in Green pushed the Indians on the back foot as they blew away the Indian top order in no time. The scorecard read 66/4 when Hardik Pandya joined Ishan Kishan in between. One more wicket and the game would have been done and dusted for us. The game was on a knife-edge.

But this is when Ishan played one of his finest ODI knocks, as he scored a magnificent 82 off 81 deliveries. In an innings which lasted for around 2 hours, Kishan hammered 9 boundaries and 2 massive sixes. Along with Hardik, he stitched a partnership of 138 runs and brought Indians back into the game. Interestingly, after Ishan's dismissal, Hardik continued the carnage as he too scored a brilliant 87 off 90 balls. The Men in Blue were eventually bowled out for 266 runs in 48.5 overs, as the Pakistanis required 267 to win the match.

Unfortunately, due to incessant rain, the match could not continue further, and both teams were awarded a point. However, Ishan's performance was praised by all. The skill to bat in tough conditions is what makes batsmen great. It is expected that next month when we take on Pakistan in the 2026 World T20 in Sri Lanka, Ishan and Hardik will continue their same form.

To watch the Highlights of that Match, Click Here.

THE PARADIGM SHIFT

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue – Trent Bridge, Nottingham [August 4-8, 2021].

In the summer of 2021, the Indian cricket team toured England to play 5 test matches. Prior to the Test Series, the visitors were also supposed to take part in the inaugural World Test Championship Final. Hence, it was a big English summer which followed for Team India. Unfortunately the Men in Blue lost the WTC Final to the Kiwis in Southampton. It was a tough defeat against the side who knocked them out in the ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final a couple of years ago in Manchester. So it called out for an introspection. And the change did happen for Team India.

In the first test at Nottingham, the visitors came out with a new game plan. Captain Kohli took a tough call of dropping Ashwin and decided to play 4 fast bowlers. For the spin option, he kept Jadeja, but the focus was to develop a strong pace attack. It was a big gamble, as Ashwin is a proven matchwinner who could win games on his own, but his performance overseas has not been that great in comparison to the subcontinent. So the management decided to take this bold step.

On a gloomy day, English Captain Joe Root won the toss and decided to bat first. The decision turned out to be a horrendous one, as the hosts were bowled out for just 183 runs in their first innings. Apart from Captain Root (64), no other English batsman was able to cross the 50-run mark. For India, Bumrah and Shami picked up 4 and 3 wickets, respectively, as the English struggled before the Indian pace battery.

In response, the visitors scored a formidable 278 in their first innings. KL Rahul (84) and Ravindra Jadeja (56) scored gritty fifties as the Indians took a crucial first-innings lead of 95 runs. For England, Anderson and Robinson picked up 4 and 5 wickets, respectively. However, the moment which grabbed the headlines was those two deliveries which Anderson bowled to Pujara and Kohli on the second day. First he got rid of Pujara, as he nicked one off to Buttler. On the very next delivery, Kohli did the same thing as he was dismissed for a rare first-ball duck. The Anderson-Kohli rivalry has been one of the greatest duels of our times, and this time Jimmy got the better of King Kohli. The atmosphere in the ground was deafening when Kohli walked back to the pavilion.

                                 Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

However, the second innings was no different from the first. Joe Root played a captain's knock of 109 as the English were bowled out for 303 in their second innings. Apart from the skipper, every English batsman struggled before the pace and bounce of the Indian fast bowlers. Thus the plan of playing 4 fast bowlers did work for Captain Kohli in Trent Bridge, and it was now almost certain that this is how Team India would play in this series.

The visitors now required 209 runs to win the test and take a 1-0 lead in the series. However, the rain had some other plans, as no play was possible on day 5 of the match. The Indian scorecard read 52/1 when the match was called to an end. It was quite unfortunate that the Indians could not win the test, but the match will always be remembered for the paradigm shift in Indian mentality. The team, which historically relied upon spinners, was now going with an all-round pace attack. It was truly a new Indian side who just wanted not only to win but also to dominate overseas.  

To watch the highlights of this test, click on the URLs below.

Day 1.

Day 2.

Day 3.

Day 4.

THIS IS TEST CRICKET

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue—Hagley Oval, Christchurch [December 2-6, 2025].

In the summer of 2025, the West Indies Cricket Team toured New Zealand to play 5 T20 Internationals, 3 ODIs, and 3 Test Matches. The hosts won the T20 Series 3-1 and the ODI Series 3-0 as the visitors struggled against a formidable New Zealand side. After facing defeats in white-ball cricket, the tour reached Christchurch for the first test match. The visiting captain, Roston Chase, won the toss and decided to bowl first on what looked like a spicy wicket.

The decision turned out to be a good one, as the hosts were bowled out for just 231 in their first innings. Apart from Williamson, no Kiwi batsman was able to cross the 50-run mark. However, the Kiwis did make a strong comeback in the game as they dismissed the Windies for just 167 in their first innings. Jacob Duffy bowled a remarkable spell of 5-34 as the Black Caps took a crucial 64-run lead in the first innings.

Interestingly, to everyone's surprise, the pitch, which looked bowler-friendly in the first couple of days, turned into a batting paradise for the next 3 days of the game. Captain Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra scored magnificent centuries in the second innings as the Kiwis declared at a massive total of 466/8. Latham scored a gritty 145 off 250 deliveries, whereas Rachin Ravindra played an aggressive knock of 176 in just 185 balls. In an innings that lasted for around 4 hours, Ravindra hit 27 boundaries and one six as the Windies struggled for wickets.

The Visitors were now required to chase down 531 runs in around 164 overs to win the game. A win was almost impossible, and a draw at this stage looked like gold dust. To make matters worse, the Windies top order collapsed in no time as the visitors were reduced to 72/4 in 28.3 overs. This is when Justin Greaves joined Shai Hope in the center. The game was on a knife-edge. One more wicket and the Kiwis would have steamrolled the remaining batsmen.

However, this is when Justin Greaves played the knock of his life. Firstly, he shared a partnership of 196 runs with Shai Hope and brought the Windies back into the game. After Hope was dismissed for a magnificent 140, he stitched an unbeaten partnership of 180 runs with Kemar Roach, which lasted for around 69 overs.

In an innings that lasted for a staggering 564 minutes, Greaves scored an incredible 202* and saved his side from defeat. It was truly a masterclass. Everyone was up on their toes, as what they saw in Christchurch was nothing short of a miracle. However, one must also give credit to Roach, who also batted for around 5 hours and scored an unbeaten 58 in 233 deliveries and took Windies out from the jaws of defeat.

To be honest, at one stage it even appeared that the Windies could chase the total. But eventually it ended in a respectable draw. Unfortunately the visitors failed to maintain the momentum in the next two tests, as the Kiwis won the series 2-0. However, despite the defeat, people will remember the West Indies' resistance in Christchurch for a long time.

To watch the Highlights of the Test Match, Click Here. 

ONCE UPON A TIME IN BANGALORE

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore [December 8-12, 2007].

The Radcliffe Line Rivalry brings in a lot of emotions. After all, an India-Pakistan match is not just about cricket. It is bigger than that. As a result, each and every game goes into the history books. This blog will be talking about one such episode of the India-Pakistan cricket. The year goes back to 2007. Indians were facing Pakistanis in Bengaluru for the third and final test of the series. The hosts were 1-0 up in the series, and a draw would have ensured a series win. For the visitors it was a must-win game in order to level the series.

Legendary Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni were not playing the test. However, the man who came in his place was none other than Yuvraj Singh [Dinesh Karthik was keeping before the wickets in place of MS Dhoni]. So it was still a strong Indian side. Indian Captain Anil Kumble won the toss and decided to bat first on what looked like a batting paradise. However, debutant Yasir Arafat came out strong, and the Indian top order crumbled before him. The scorecard read 61/4 when Yuvraj Singh joined Sourav Ganguly in the center. The match was on a knife-edge. A couple more wickets and the game would be over for us.

This is when Sourav Ganguly (DADA) took charge and led a counter-attack which would be remembered for ages. The duo of Yuvraj and Dada shared a partnership of 300 runs and brought the hosts back into the game. The pair batted for around 65 overs and took the sting out of the Pakistani bowling attack.

Yuvraj Singh, who was making a comeback to the Test side, made a quickfire 169 off 203 deliveries and made a mess of the visitor's bowling line-up. In an innings which lasted for around 4 hours, Yuvraj smashed a total of 28 boundaries and 1 six. Eventually when he was dismissed for 169, there was a delight on the Pakistani faces. But the carnage didn't stop with Yuvraj's dismissal.

Irfan Pathan scored a gritty 102 and stitched another important partnership with Dada. However, it was Sourav Ganguly who played the innings of his life and got all the attention of the audience. Dada scored a monumental 239 off 361 deliveries, which helped India to post a massive total of 626 in the first innings. The knock was a masterclass. An art of genius. The innings, which lasted for 518 minutes, saw Ganguly hit 28 boundaries and 2 sixes. Apart from the boundaries he scored, there were also singles and doubles which constituted a large chunk of runs in the innings. The audience ran out of superlatives while talking about this innings. For the visitors, debutant Yasir Arafat was the leading wicket taker, as he picked up 5 wickets in the first innings.

In response, the visitors scored 537 in their first innings. Misbah-ul-Haq scored an unbeaten 133 as Indians too struggled to pick wickets. Ishant Sharma was the leading wicket taker for the hosts, as he too picked up 5 wickets in the first innings. It appeared that the match would end in an easy draw, but the hosts tried their best to get a result out of the game.

Firstly, they batted at a good pace in the second innings and declared at a total of 284/6. Ganguly once again took the lead as he scored a solid 91. It was quite unfortunate that he missed his hundred. Apart from him, Dinesh Karthik and Rahul Dravid also made some valuable contributions with the bat, as the visitors were now required to chase 374 runs to win the test.

But the Indian bowling attack this time looked inspired and motivated. Captain Kumble led from the front and made a mess of the Pakistani batting line-up. Had it not been for bad lights, the hosts would have registered yet another win upon their arch-rivals.

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

The match eventually ended in a draw, and the Indians won the series 1-0. Sourav Ganguly was awarded both the man of the match and the man of the series awards for his remarkable contribution. Lastly, it turned out to be the last when India and Pakistan faced each other in a test match.

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

To watch the highlights of the test match, Click Here.

To watch the innings of Sourav Ganguly, Click Here.

To watch the innings of Yuvraj Singh, Click Here. 

THE LEGEND OF UNIVERSE BOSS

 

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue – Galle International Stadium, Galle [November 15-19, 2010].

In November 2010, the West Indies Cricket Team toured Sri Lanka to play 3 Tests and 3 ODIs. A tour in Sri Lanka back then was a tough tour for every visiting side. However, the West Indies is one such side that can do anything on the said day. They are known for producing upsets and miracles. They can beat the strongest of teams but can also lose games which no one expected them to lose.

The first test of the series took place in Galle, wherein West Indian skipper Daren Sammy won the toss and decided to bat first. The pitch looked perfect for batting, and the visitors wanted to capitalise upon the same. But what happened next was something truly unbelievable.

Chris Gayle scored a monumental 333 of 447 deliveries and took his team to a commanding total of 580/9. In an innings which lasted for around 11 hours, he smashed 34 boundaries and 9 massive sixes. It was an absolute delight to watch the Universe Boss in full swing. The Lankan bowlers looked helpless in front of the Windies. Apart from Gayle, Adrian Barath, Darren Bravo and Brendan Nash scored their fifties as the hosts struggled to bowl them out.

In response the Lankans were bowled out for 378 runs in their first innings. As a result, the Windies had an option to enforce the follow-on, which they decided to do. The hosts were, however, successful in saving the test match, as they battled for 80 overs in the second innings.

Even though the match ended in a draw, this test will forever be remembered for the heroics of Chris Gayle. On a pitch where no other batsman scored a hundred, Universe Boss came out with 333.

 

To watch the innings of Chris Gayle, Click Here.

THE HAMMERING

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue – Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui [February 4-7, 2024].

In the summer of 2024, the South African cricket team toured New Zealand to play 2 test matches. Unfortunately, the ongoing 2024 SA20 significantly undermined the South African team's strength. Only half of the team's 14 players had ever played a test match at the international level, and none of them were regarded as South Africa's strongest eleven. Hence, the team was made up of second-string and inexperienced players. As a result, the South African Cricket Board faced harsh criticism for its decision to withhold South Africa's top players, which raised questions about the long-term impact on Test cricket's significance.

The first test of the series took place in Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, wherein the Proteas captain Neil Brand won the toss and decided to field first. Interestingly, six Proteas players made their Test debut in this match, including their skipper, Brand. Something which we have not seen before.

The visitors got off to a great start as they dismissed both the openers cheaply. However, the duo of Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson brought the hosts back into the game. Kane Williamson scored a gritty 118 off 289 deliveries and took the sting out of the Proteas attack. However, the man who stole the show was Rachin Ravindra.

Ravindra scored a monumental 240 of 366 deliveries and took his team to a massive total of 511 runs in their first innings. In an innings which lasted for around 9 hours, Ravindra smashed 26 boundaries and 3 massive sixes. For the visitors, Brand was the leading wicket taker, who picked up 6 wickets for 119 runs.

In response, the Proteas were bowled out for just 162 runs in their first innings. Interestingly, no Proteas batsman was able to cross the 50-run mark, whereas we saw the Black Caps mounting loads of runs. To be honest, everyone was expecting that Tim Southee would enforce a follow-on. However, the Kiwis came out to bat again.

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Kane Williamson scored yet another hundred in the match as the hosts declared their innings at a score of 179/4. The visitors needed 529 runs to win the match. It was almost certain that the best thing which the Proteas could do was to save the test. However, the duo of Jamieson and Santner just ripped the South African batting line-up as the Kiwis won the game by a huge margin of 281 runs.

Rachin Ravindra was awarded the man of the match award for his brilliant double hundred, whereas Kane Williamson became the 5th New Zealand batsman to score a Test Ton in both innings.

To watch the highlights of this test, click on the URLs below.

Day 1.

Day 2.

Day 3.

Day 4.

To watch the innings of Rachin Ravindra, Click Here.