Lessons from the first Test

Ab jo ho gaya, so ho gaya. But it's time to reflect and ensure we identify and learn from our mistakes from this Test to come up with a better result next time.

The first Test between India and England in the Tendulkar–Anderson Trophy offered more than just a contest between bat and ball; it was a lesson-rich chapter for Team India. As the series progresses, let's look at the key takeaways from this match which can be very important for crafting a successful campaign.

1. The Importance of Mental Resilience

One of the biggest takeaways is the significance of mental fortitude. The match illustrated how quickly momentum can shift in Test cricket. England's comeback from a challenging position in the second innings underscored the necessity for India to maintain focus and composure across all sessions.

2. Understanding Conditions Better

While the pitch offered balanced conditions for both batters and bowlers, adapting quickly was key. In the first Test, Joe Root and England's tail adjusted to the pitch by relying more on sweeps and counter-attacks, putting pressure on India's bowlers. The lesson here is for India to read the surface and weather dynamics more astutely and adjust strategies accordingly.

3. Bowling in Partnerships

Effective bowling in partnerships can apply more pressure and create more opportunities. The first Test witnessed moments where India's bowlers, despite starting strong, failed to maintain pressure from both ends. This allowed England's batters like Ollie Pope to settle and build match-defining innings. Building a collaborative approach within the bowling unit can turn the tide in long matches.

4. The Role of Tailenders

With the tail becoming increasingly valuable, ensuring lower-order contributions can no longer be overlooked. In this match, England's tail wagged effectively, adding valuable runs that bolstered their total. Team India needs to focus more on tail-end batting preparation and adopt strategies that enable lower-order resilience.

5. Seizing Opportunities

Dropping crucial catches or failing to utilize moments of vulnerability can prove costly. The match emphasized the necessity of sharp fielding and clinical execution when opportunities arise, as evidenced by a crucial dropped chance that allowed England's batters to extend their innings significantly.

Conclusion

The first Test of the Tendulkar–Anderson Trophy was a reminder that victories are built upon countless moments of discipline, resilience, and teamwork. By focusing on these learnings, Team India can approach the rest of the series with a more robust and refined mindset, ready to rise to the challenge posed by a formidable England side.
Jai Ho!

Thank you, champions: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

This month witnessed the end of an era in India's rich history of Test cricket as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirements from the format. These two stalwarts, who have been the bedrock of India's batting lineup for over a decade, leave behind a legacy that transcends mere statistics. Their contributions have not only shaped the course of Indian cricket but have also inspired a generation of cricketers to embrace the challenges of the longest format with zeal and commitment.

Rohit Sharma: The Elegant Enforcer

Early Promise and Challenges

Rohit Sharma's journey in Test cricket is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Making his debut in 2013 against the West Indies, he announced his arrival with a majestic 177 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. However, despite this promising start, consistency eluded him in the initial years, leading to intermittent appearances in the Test squad.

Reinvention as an Opener

The turning point in Rohit's Test career came in 2019 when he was promoted to open the innings. This strategic move unlocked a new dimension in his batting. In his first series as an opener against South Africa, he amassed 529 runs, including twin centuries in Visakhapatnam and a career-best 212 in Ranchi. His ability to seamlessly blend aggression with technique redefined the role of an opener in modern Test cricket.

Memorable Innings

• 127 vs England, The Oval (2021): Rohit's maiden overseas century was a masterclass in patience and shot selection, playing a pivotal role in India's victory.

• 161 vs England, Chennai (2021): On a challenging pitch, his aggressive yet calculated innings set the tone for India's resurgence in the series.

• 120 vs Australia, Nagpur (2023): Leading from the front, Rohit's century on a spin-friendly surface showcased his adaptability and leadership.

Leadership and Legacy

Appointed as India's Test captain in 2022, Rohit led the team through a transitional phase, emphasizing team cohesion and strategic acumen. Under his leadership, India maintained a formidable home record and remained competitive abroad. His calm demeanor and tactical nous were instrumental in nurturing young talents and maintaining team morale.

Rohit's Test career, spanning 67 matches with 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, is a narrative of resilience and reinvention. His journey from a middle-order batsman to a successful opener and leader serves as an inspiration for adaptability and perseverance.

Virat Kohli: The Passionate Protagonist

Rise to Prominence

Virat Kohli's ascent in Test cricket was marked by an insatiable hunger for runs and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Making his debut in 2011, he quickly established himself as a mainstay in the Indian batting lineup. His aggressive approach and emphasis on fitness set new benchmarks, transforming the team's ethos.

Captaincy and Cultural Shift

Taking over the reins from MS Dhoni in 2014, Kohli instilled a culture of aggression and self-belief. Under his leadership, India achieved the No.1 Test ranking and secured a historic series win in Australia (2018–19), their first on Australian soil. His tenure as captain was characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and an emphasis on fast bowling, redefining India's approach to Test cricket.

Iconic Performances

• 141 vs Australia, Adelaide (2014): Leading from the front in his first Test as captain, Kohli's twin centuries exemplified his fearless approach.

• 254 vs South Africa, Pune (2019):* His career-best score was a testament to his ability to dominate bowling attacks with precision and patience.

• 123 vs Australia, Perth (2018): In challenging conditions, Kohli's century stood out for its technical brilliance and mental fortitude.

Enduring Impact

Kohli's Test career, comprising 123 matches with 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, is adorned with 30 centuries. Beyond the numbers, his legacy lies in the transformation he brought to Indian cricket's mindset. His emphasis on fitness, aggression, and a winning mentality has left an indelible mark on the team's culture.

A Dual Legacy: Inspiring Future Generations

The simultaneous retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket signifies the end of a golden chapter. Their contrasting styles—Rohit's elegant stroke play and Kohli's aggressive dominance—offered a comprehensive batting paradigm.

Their leadership transformed India's Test team into a global powerhouse, instilling belief and competitiveness. As mentors, their influence will continue to shape the next generation, ensuring that the values they championed endure.

As we bid farewell to these stalwarts in the longest format, their contributions will resonate beyond the boundary. Their careers remind us that cricket is not just a game of numbers but a tapestry woven with passion, perseverance, and pride.

Fare thee well, champions and thanks a lot, for so many golden memories. Jai Ho!

BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25: Grades, Performances, and Future Impacts

The BCCI’s central contracts have long been seen as a mirror of the Board’s faith in players—not just rewarding past performances, but shaping future opportunities. With the 2024-25 annual retainership list announced, fans and pundits alike are dissecting every inclusion, exclusion, and reshuffle.

This time, the chatter isn’t just about who got promoted or dropped—it’s about who’s missing entirely and what that says about India’s cricketing direction.

The Structure: BCCI’s Grading System Decoded

Let’s break down the four categories that make up the BCCI’s annual central contracts:

• Grade A+ (₹7 crore): Elite match-winners who play all three formats regularly.

• Grade A (₹5 crore): Regulars across two or more formats.

• Grade B (₹3 crore): Important contributors, albeit format-limited or inconsistent.

• Grade C (₹1 crore): Emerging or role-specific players with sporadic appearances.

For 2024-25, 30 players have been included in the list. But it’s the names that didn’t feature—and the rearrangements—that are getting the most attention.

Who’s In: Reflecting Performance and Promise

Grade A+:

• Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja: No surprises here. Despite intermittent T20 absences, their sheer weight of performances in Tests and ODIs ensures their place.

Grade A:

• KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya

  • Siraj, Rahul, Pandya, and Gill have been consistent while KL’s comeback as a wicketkeeper-batter and Shami’s ODI World Cup brilliance earned him his spot.

  • Pant’s promotion is especially heartening, showing the board’s faith in his recovery and utility.

Grade B:

• Surya Kumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer

  • Ashwin has now retired from all forms of international cricket and has not been retained in the 2024-25 contract list despite previous appearances. A fitting farewell to a legend who consistently delivered for India in Tests.

  • Surya's T20 exploits and Kuldeep’s ODI resurgence make their positions justified. Gill and Yashasvi are seen as the face of India’s batting future.

  • Iyer was bound to make a thoroughly well-deserved comeback after his tremendous and impactful improvement following his controversial previous omission.

Grade C:

• Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Mukesh Kumar, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Rajat Patidar, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Akash Deep, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana

  • This grade reflects a balance of India’s current white-ball focus and future grooming.

  • Debuts and consistency in white-ball formats (especially T20Is) were the key selection criteria.

Who’s Out: Notable Omissions and Possible Misfits

Ravichandran Ashwin – Not retained due to his international retirement. A legend whose exit leaves a void in India’s red-ball legacy.

Jitesh Sharma – Having featured in multiple T20Is with decent showings as a finisher-wicketkeeper, his exclusion from even Grade C feels harsh. In my view, he has done more than enough to warrant retention and is still in contention for India’s T20 World Cup squad. A puzzling drop.

Shardul Thakur – While his bowling form may have wavered, his all-round abilities, match-winning cameos, and Test contributions make his complete omission questionable. He was pivotal in overseas wins and should at least have found a place in Grade C.

Avesh Khan – Another surprise. Though not a first-choice pacer, Avesh has put in solid performances in limited-overs cricket and was part of India’s T20I squad recently. A player still on the fringes, his complete omission hints at tough competition but possibly also a harsh call.

Sai Sudharsan – One of India’s most consistent young performers in the domestic circuit and IPL. So why is he not in the contract list? Here's the catch: Only players who have represented India in at least one international match (Test/ODI/T20I) are eligible for a central contract. Sai is yet to debut, so ineligible for now—but certainly deserves his cap soon. He's very much on the selectors' radar.

Pattern Watch: What Does the Grading Say?

The current list reveals three major strategic directions:

1. T20 World Cup Focus: Many inclusions in Grade C (Rinku, Tilak, Dube, Jurel) reflect India’s prep for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Performances in T20Is are clearly weighed heavily.

2. Reward for Red-Ball Excellence: Siraj, Jadeja, and even Jurel have been boosted based on Test consistency and grit. The selectors haven’t overlooked the importance of the longest format.

3. Wicketkeeper-Batter Transition: With Pant returning, KL playing as keeper in ODIs, and Sanju, Jitesh, and Dhruv competing in T20s, this area remains in flux. The contracts indicate no clear No. 1 yet, but plenty of contenders.

Question Marks & Criticisms

• Sanju Samson in, Jitesh out? Based purely on T20I form, Jitesh had a better strike rate and arguably more impactful innings. Sanju’s ODI century in South Africa might have tipped the scale, but the consistency question remains.

• Washington Sundar over Shardul or Avesh? Sundar hasn’t played consistently due to injury. Thakur and Avesh have at least been available and used across formats. One wonders if Sundar’s all-round skill set is being backed as future-proof.

• Rajat Patidar’s inclusion: After just a handful of international games, his inclusion signals a strong backing. It may raise eyebrows when compared to the omission of more seasoned names.

Impact on Future Performances

The Financial Boost

Central contracts are significant: not just symbolically, but financially. A Grade C contract at ₹1 crore can be life-changing for fringe players. Players outside the list rely on match fees alone.

Expect increased competition and hunger among players to break into or move up the contract hierarchy.

Motivation for Comebacks

Players dropped this year—like Shardul, Avesh, or Jitesh—won’t take this lightly. Expect renewed efforts in IPL, domestic tournaments, and whenever chances arise.

The contract list now becomes a motivational scoreboard for Indian players.

Impact on Uncapped Players

As seen with Sudharsan’s case, the bar is clear—you play for India, you become eligible. This transparent benchmark can motivate domestic talents like Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, or Harshit Rana to push harder.

International debuts are the doors to central contracts. It’s a two-step process for financial and professional elevation.

What the Future Holds

With a new selection committee and transition period in full swing, the central contracts for 2024-25 serve as a statement:

• Youth is being groomed.
• T20I specialists are being recognized.
• Test stalwarts are still valued.
• Loyalty alone doesn’t guarantee a contract.

Final Thoughts

The BCCI’s grading system isn’t perfect—but it reflects where Indian cricket is headed. While the omission of players like Jitesh Sharma, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, and Sai Sudharsan (due to technicality) raises eyebrows, the overall structure rewards performance, potential, and fitness.

In the end, central contracts are more than just paychecks—they're performance report cards and selectors’ vision boards rolled into one.

So here’s hoping that some of those left out come roaring back—and some of the young guns grab their moment under the sun.

Jai Ho!

Welcome home, Champions Trophy!!!

Yes, it's here!! The Champions Trophy 2025 is rightfully in the cabinet of the best team of the tournament. India's triumphant campaign in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has not only reaffirmed its dominance in international cricket but also set the stage for a promising future. This victory, achieved through strategic brilliance, individual excellence, and cohesive teamwork, offers valuable insights into the immediate and long-term prospects of Indian cricket.

Strategic Mastery and Adaptability

Throughout the tournament, India's strategic decisions showcased a deep understanding of the game and adaptability to varying conditions. The team's management of playing all their matches in Dubai, due to geopolitical reasons, turned a potential logistical challenge into a strategic advantage. The spin-friendly pitches of Dubai were expertly utilized, with the inclusion of spinners like Varun Chakravarthy proving pivotal. Chakravarthy's five-wicket haul against New Zealand highlighted India's ability to exploit conditions effectively.

The absence of key pacer Jasprit Bumrah due to injury was a significant setback. However, the team showcased depth and resilience, with Mohammed Shami stepping up as the spearhead of the bowling attack. Shami's performance, including a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh, underscored India's bench strength and the effectiveness of their player rotation policy.

Batting Prowess and Individual Milestones

India's batting lineup demonstrated both stability and explosiveness. Shubman Gill's unbeaten century against Bangladesh exemplified the emerging talent's readiness to shoulder responsibility. His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed adds a new dimension to India's top order.

Virat Kohli's masterclass century against Pakistan was a testament to his enduring class and experience. Surpassing 14,000 ODI runs faster than any other player, Kohli's innings not only secured victory but also inspired the team, reinforcing his role as a pivotal figure in Indian cricket.

Leadership and Team Dynamics

Skipper Rohit Sharma's leadership was instrumental in navigating the team through the tournament's challenges. His ability to maintain composure and make astute on-field decisions contributed significantly to India's success. Addressing retirement rumors post-victory, Rohit emphasized his continued commitment to the 50-over format, providing stability and experience as the team transitions and integrates new talent.

Implications for the Immediate Future

The Champions Trophy victory has several immediate implications for Indian cricket:

1. Enhanced Confidence: Winning consecutive global titles boosts the team's morale, fostering a winning culture that can positively influence upcoming series and tournaments.

2. Player Development: The emergence of players like Shubman Gill and the resurgence of Mohammed Shami highlight the effectiveness of India's domestic structure and talent nurturing systems. This success encourages the management to continue investing in young talent, ensuring a seamless transition as senior players retire.

3. Strategic Depth: The team's adaptability to different conditions and the successful execution of strategies, such as leveraging spin-friendly pitches, demonstrate a matured approach to game planning. This strategic depth will be crucial in future tournaments, especially in diverse playing conditions.

Long-Term Prospects

Looking ahead, India's Champions Trophy triumph sets the foundation for sustained success:

1. Global Dominance: Consistent performances in ICC events position India as a formidable force in world cricket. Maintaining this dominance requires continuous evolution in tactics, fitness standards, and skill development.

2. Infrastructure and Grassroots Development: The victory underscores the importance of robust domestic circuits. Investing in infrastructure, coaching, and scouting at the grassroots level will ensure a steady pipeline of talent, securing India's cricketing future.

3. Commercial Growth: Success on the field enhances the sport's popularity, attracting sponsorships and investments. This financial influx can be channeled into developing the sport further, from grassroots initiatives to international ventures.

Conclusion

India's 2025 Champions Trophy victory is more than just a tournament win; it's a reflection of the country's cricketing ethos, strategic acumen, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. By building on this success, addressing emerging challenges, and nurturing the next generation of cricketers, India is poised to sustain its legacy and continue its ascent in the annals of cricketing history.

Jai Ho!