Cricket

West Indies tour of India 2022

Deepak Chahar has been ruled out of the upcoming three-T20I series against Sri Lanka. The fast-bowling all-rounder suffered a grade 2 tear on his right thigh during the third T20I clash against West Indies on February 20.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chahar has left the bio-bubble and will undergo rehabilitation at National Cricket Academy (NCA), Bengaluru for five to six weeks. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce his replacement for the series which will begin on February 24.&nbsp;The incident took place in the third over of West Indies' run chase. Chahar pulled off from his delivery stride and clutched his hamstring. The physio was quick to respond and examined Chahar's injury as he was visibly in pain. In the end, he had to walk off the field as Venkatesh Iyer completed his over.&nbsp;The 29-year-old did not take further part in the T20I and Venkatesh completed his quota. While Chahar took got rid of West Indies openers Kyle Mayers and Shai Hope with the new ball, Venkatesh was handy in the middle overs as he took the wickets of skipper Kieron Pollard and Jason Holder. The two all-rounders registered single-digit scores and did not provide any support to in-form Nicholas Pooran as West Indies lost the match by 17 runs.&nbsp;The first T20I of the Sri Lanka series will be played at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on February 24 followed by T20Is at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala on February 26 and 27.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Chahar's absence, India will miss the services of a bowling all-rounder down the order because Shardul Thakur has been rested for the T20I series. With Jasprit Bumrah back in the squad, he will open the bowling alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who found his form against West Indies.&nbsp;Chahar had recently bagged a whopping Rs 14 crore deal with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction. He became the most expensive Indian bowler in the history of IPL auction.&nbsp;India's T20I squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Bumrah (vc), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Sanju Samson (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Avesh Khan

west-indies-tour-of-india-6-feb-2022

Deepak Chahar ruled of T20I series against Sri Lanka due to injury

Rohit Sharma-led India won the second ODI match against West Indies by 44-runs and the young pacer Prasidh Krishna remained the cornerstone of the victory which spurred India take an unassailable 2-0 in the three match series.&nbsp;Captain Rohit Sharma was fulsome in his praise for Prasidh, who bowled a magnificent spell of 4/12 in nine overs. He termed Prasidh’s spell as one of the best he has seen in recent times.&nbsp;“That was something flattering for me because he (Rohit) has been playing cricket for lot of time. (Praise) Coming from him, I am very happy. Personally, like I said, I have been putting in yards and trying to do this for quite some time now, so I am glad it happened today,” Prasidh said in the post match presentation.&nbsp;Talking further about his own game, Prasidh said: "It has been almost one year since I made my debut for India. I have been striving to get more consistent since then. When I started off, I was more excited. We have had our plans, very clear on what I wanted to work on and I am glad it came out well today."&nbsp;"As a cricketer, you want to be playing whenever the opportunity presents itself. Rohit and I had discussions before the match as well, there was nothing specific advice from him. As I said, we have been working on consistency within the team. We have good bowlers in the team and we are helping out each other," the Man of the Match added. Earlier, Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul might have played knocks of 64 and 49 but the hosts kept on losing wickets at regular intervals, and in the end, West Indies restricted India to 237/9 in the allotted fifty overs. For the West Indies, Alzarri Joseph and Odean Smith scalped two wickets each.&nbsp;"I think the timing of Suryakumar Yadav's innings was crucial as we had lost early wickets and credit to the West Indies bowlers, they were bowling on good line and length. Surya's innings was very important. The initial plan was to keep it tight and put pressure on the batters. It was about reacting to the situation. Credit goes to everybody," he further added.

'Have been putting in hard yards, I'm glad it happened today': Prasidh Krishna after match-winning show in India's 2nd ODI victory

Deepak Hooda had made his debut for the Indian team in the first ODI against West Indies, in Ahmedabad, on February 6. And now the 26-year-old all-rounder has opened up on his feelings when he received the India cap from former India skipper Virat Kohli.&nbsp;According to the Rohtak-born all-rounder, it was his “childhood dream to get cap from either MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli” and now it feels “amazing” to him after he got the cap from Kohli in the first ODI match of the series.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hooda speaks“I made my debut in the first ODI, it was an amazing feeling. You always work hard for that, before the match I spoke to you (Suryakumar Yadav). I feel blessed to be a part of the side.&nbsp;“It was my childhood dream to get cap from either MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli. Getting the cap from Kohli was an amazing feeling. I worked on side lining the distraction and work on my process,” said Hooda in a video released on BCCI.tv.&nbsp;In the first ODI of the series, Hooda scored an unbeaten 26 off 32 balls to help his side successfully chase the target of 177 runs.&nbsp;Eventually the hosts reached the required total with 132 balls remaining and losing 4 wickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;Special momentWhile talking about his debut, Hood said it was “a very special and dream come true moment” for him to receive the cap from Kohli.&nbsp;“Truly honoured and blessed on getting the opportunity to represent my country. A very special and dream come true moment for me to receive the cap from Virat Kohli bhaiya. Thank you to each and everyone involved in this wonderful journey,” Hooda said in a tweet.&nbsp;In the second ODI of the series, he produced another significant all-round display after he scored 29 runs off 25 balls and later picked up the crucial wicket of Shamarh Brooks (44 runs off 64 balls).&nbsp;&nbsp;Batting first, India had registered a total of 237 runs losing 9 wickets in 50 overs. In reply, the visitors could only reach a total of 193 runs. The hosts won back-to-back two matches to clinch the ODI series.&nbsp;

'Getting the cap from Kohli was an amazing feeling,' Deepak Hooda recalls a special moment

Indian cricket team might have done well in the ongoing the three-match ODI series against West Indies, in Ahmedabad, after the hosts managed to win two back-to-back ODIs and eventually win the ODI series. But problems in Indian team are not over yet, as team India are yet struggling to find a prolific all-rounder who can replace Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja.&nbsp;It is important to mention here, both Jadeja and Pandya were ruled out of the West Indies due to injury. In the recent ODI series defeat against South Africa this problem was felt severely by the Indian team management. Jadeja is currently in his recovery after he suffered a knee injury.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Probable selectionIn a situation like this, former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja has opened up on the issue. According to him, India’s limited-overs skipper Rohit Sharma will choose Ravindra Jadeja as “the lone all-rounder.”&nbsp;"I've seen Rohit's captaincy and he's got a pure mindset. He would like to have five pure bowlers on his side. And five pure batters as well. He will then try to squeeze out a few additional overs from someone. Someone like Hooda won't be in the team only for his off-spin bowling... he's there in the squad for his batting. Similarly, Chahar won't be in the team as a pure bowler. He won't replace Bumrah or Shami in the bowling line-up. According to me, Rohit will pick Jadeja as the lone all-rounder. He will put five batters to Jadeja's right and five bowlers to his left," said Ajay Jadeja while talking to Cricbuzz.&nbsp;"India doesn't need any other all-rounder. They have got Hardik, Pant, Ishan, Suryakumar, Rohit, Kohli and Rahul. Do you think the team needs better options? Yes, they can try Venkatesh Iyer and Ruturaj Gaikwad but they already have Rohit-Rahul pair. India has got a set team and Jadeja is the only option. He can be considered as a pure batter and pure bowler as well," he explained.&nbsp;&nbsp;After winning the first two ODIs, Indian team will play the third and final ODI of the series on February 11. After the completion of the ODI series, the two teams will face each other in a three-match T20I series, which will entirely take place in Kolkata. &nbsp;

'He will put five batters to Jadeja's right and five bowlers to his left,' former Indian cricketer praises star India all-rounder 

Rohit Sharma-led India will have a chance to create history at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. A win in third ODI will make Rohit the first Indian captain to clean sweep West Indies in an ODI series with three or more games. In the second ODI, Rohit and the team management showed that they are not afraid to experiment when Rishabh Pant walked out to open the innings. With Shikhar Dhawan set to return for the final ODI, we may see a few changes in middle-order and bowling department.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shardul Thakur was preferred over Deepak Chahar despite the latter’s performance with both bat and ball against South Africa in a losing cause. However, there is one fast bowler who has been anxiously waiting for a chance to make his international debut despite travelling with the team on several tours. It should not be a surprise if we see Avesh Khan being handed his debut cap. It can also mark the return of Kuldeep Yadav in the team or a debut for young leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rohit may not like to make too many changes in the middle order. KL Rahul made a fruitful return to the middle-order with a valuable 49 in second ODI whereas Suryakumar Yadav showed that he can curb his natural instinct and play according to the situation with a gritty fifty to get India out of trouble.&nbsp;&nbsp;On the other hand, West Indies batting lineup has let them down so far. Their first priority will be to play out the full 50 overs. In the first ODI, they over-attacked and lost too many wickets whereas in the second game they were outclassed by a rampant Prasidh Krishna. West Indies’ inability to build big partnerships has prevented them from controlling the game.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kieron Pollard, who missed the second ODI due to a niggle, will be returning to the side. Stand-in skipper Nicholas Pooran did a good job in the first innings but failed to shine with the bat when his side needed someone to stay at the crease and rebuild the innings. West Indies may make a change or two in the middle order whereas the bowling department does not require any tinkering. Odean Smith, Alzarri Joseph and Kemar Roach have been impressive in the series so far.&nbsp;Squads:India: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna, Shahrukh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Deepak Chahar, Ishan Kishan, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav&nbsp;West Indies: Shai Hope (wk), Brandon King, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Nicholas Pooran(c), Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Fabian Allen, Odean Smith, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Hayden Walsh, Romario Shepherd, Nkrumah Bonner, Kieron Pollard

Not a dead rubber for India as bench eager to show some strength in third ODI

Indian team, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, are currently playing in the first ODI of the three-match ODI series against West Indies, in Ahmedabad. It is important to mention that this is Indian team’s 1000th ODI match and it also marks the start of Rohit Sharma’s stint as the permanent captain of the ODI team.&nbsp;Black armbandIn another significant development, Indian cricket players were seen wearing black armbands during the game and the reason was revealed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).&nbsp;The players were seen wearing black armbands in order to “pay their respects to Bharat Ratna Smt. Lata Mangeshkar Ji,” the BCCI said on Twitter.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The Indian Cricket Team is wearing black armbands today to pay their respects to Bharat Ratna Smt. Lata Mangeshkar Ji who left for her heavenly abode on Sunday morning. The queen of melody, Lata didi loved cricket, always supported the game, and backed Team India,” tweeted BCCI.&nbsp;&nbsp;Legendary Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar died in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Sunday (February 6) at the age of 92. Lata Mangeshkar, a recipient of Bharat Ratna was taken to intensive care unit last month after being tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.&nbsp;&nbsp;Indian team bowl firstIn the match, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bowl first in the first ODI against West Indies. Deepak Hooda became the 243rd ODI player for India as he made his debut in this format of the game.&nbsp;&nbsp;Indian team would be eager to forget the painful 3-0 loss against South Africa in the last ODI series and start the West Indies series on a positive note.&nbsp;&nbsp;A lot of speculations had taken place regarding the opening position’s slot as Shikhar Dhawan and Ruturaj Gaikwad were tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. The situation became a little tricky as KL Rahul was unavailable for the second ODI due to his personal reasons. Mayank Agarwal was added to the squad but due to his quarantine he was unavailable as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking in a press conference, skipper Rohit revealed that Ishan Kishan will open the Indian batting along with him in the first ODI of the series. &nbsp;

Why Indian players are wearing black armbands in first ODI against West Indies

The Decision Review System (DRS) has always been a hit and miss for Team India especially after MS Dhoni retired from international cricket. While the South Africa tour saw the technology go against India on numerous occasions, it was a different ball game against West Indies at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad as three decisions were successfully challenged by Rohit Sharma. After the success with technology, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, lamented the DRS as 'Rohit’s System' while freshening the memories of Dhoni, who was a master in using the DRS. &nbsp;“When Dhoni was there I used to call it the Dhoni Referral System. And I mentioned it in commentary that you can now call it the Rohit system because he is getting it absolutely right so far,” Gavaskar said in the innings break show on Star Sports. The first incident took place in the 12th over when Darren Bravo was adjudged not out by the on-field umpire but was successfully challenged by India. The next incident was a milestone moment for India bowler Yuzvendra Chahal, as he challenged the decision against Nicholas Pooran in the 20th over to earn his 100th ODI wicket. Finally, in the 22nd over, former captain Virat Kohli urged Rohit to take the review as he thought the ball had brushed Shamarh Brooks' bat on its way to the wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. While Gavaskar was full of praise for Rohit, he also highlighted the importance of Pant in the process and stated they play an important role in challenging the call. The former India captain drafted a reputation of making successful use of the technology, while the DRS abbreviation was read as ‘Dhoni Review System’. “There will be situations where you will be getting it wrong but it is the wicketkeeper who plays the crucial role here because he is going to guide you here as to where the ball was pitched. If the ball hits the pads, below the knee roll or above then the bowler comes in. Otherwise, it is the wicketkeeper who plays a crucial role,” the 72-year-old asserted. It turned out to be a successful outing for Rohit and co. in the first ODI as they ran out winners by six wickets. This also marked a successful start of Rohit's reign as permanent ODI captain, after he missed the South Africa series and ended up scoring 60 runs off 51 deliveries which compromised 10 fours and one six at a strike rate of 117. For the visitors though, it was back to the drawing boards as they focus on the second ODI in three days.

‘You can now call it Rohit system’: Sunil Gavaskar praises Rohit Sharma after hat-trick of successful DRS 

Rohit and Co. thrashed West Indies by six wickets in the first ODI as Yuzvendra Chahal displayed a match winning show to put the Caribbean batters in all sorts of bother. On top of it, Chahal also became the second-fastest Indian spinner to claim 100 ODI wickets and the fifth-fastest Indian bowler to achieve this terrific achievement.&nbsp;After being adjudged the 'Player of the match' award in the post match presentation, Chahal said that he felt good after bowling a superb spell of 4/49.&nbsp;"Felt good. Washi struck twice in an over so we knew pressure was on them. My job was to sustain that pressure. Got the feeling watching Washi bowl that the ball was gripping," Chahal said after the match.&nbsp;The 31-year-old leg-spinner further added that he had a chat with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and they told him that the pace is important. He also mentioned that he looked back at the footage from the three-match ODI series against South Africa to make the necessary amends in his bowling.&nbsp;"I had a chat with Rohit, Virat, they said the pace is important. My thought was that if it's turning at pace, keep doing it. Threw in a slower one here and there as a variation. I looked back at the footage from the South Africa series to see where I can improve," Chahal added.&nbsp;Ahead of Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav remains as the fastest (58 matches) Indian spinner to scalp 100 ODI wickets. Former Indian veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh was sitting at the second spot in the list as he achieved the feat in 76 matches but in India's 1000th ODI, Chahal left behind Harbhajan and claimed the second spot as he needed 60 matches to claim the feat.&nbsp;Chasing a lowly target of 177, Rohit &nbsp;top-scored with 60 after sharing an 84-run opening stand with Ishan as India cruised home in the 28th over.&nbsp;Earlier, former skipper Jason Holder’s 57 off 71 was the only saving grace for the Windies as spin duo of Washington Sundar (3/30) and Yuzvendra Chahal (4/49) shared seven wickets between them to bowl out the visitors for 176 in 43.5 overs. Prasidh Krishna (2/29) and Mohammed Siraj (1/26) also got wickets.

'I looked back at footage from the SA series to see where I can improve': Chahal after winning 'Player of the match' in 1st ODI vs WI

After suffering from a finger injury last year, India spinner Washington Sundar made his international return on a brilliant note. While Rohit-led-India routed West Indies by six wickets in the first ODI series opener on Sunday (February 6). Washington returned with an impressive spell in which he scalped three wickets while conceding 30 runs and played an instrumental role in India's comprehensive victory.&nbsp;In the post match presentation, Washington talked about the challenges he faced and all he wanted to to do was improve himself as a cricketer. "There were a lot of challenges but I just wanted to do what I could do to improve myself as a cricketer. That's all that's in my control and I was only focusing on that," Washington said.&nbsp;He missed out on the T20 World Cup but Ravichandran Ashwin's no so good show in white-ball games and subsequent ouster brought him back in the mix as he made his international return with 3/30 against West Indies in first ODI.&nbsp;While talking about the match, Washington said that he was happy that he could bowl to his strengths.&nbsp;"I was just bowling to my strength and of course we had some plans for their batsmen. We just wanted to execute the plans and it was heartening to get off. I am happy that I could bowl to my strengths," Washington said.&nbsp;Washington did a fantastic job while bowling early in the power-play, however, he also admitted that the experience of the Vijay Hazare Trophy helped him a lot.“That’s something I have been doing for the last few years. I enjoy bowling in the Powerplay now. Even the fact that I played Vijay Hazare, that helped me bowl in different situations of the game. Even there, I bowled a lot with the new ball. All those experiences have definitely helped,” he said.&nbsp;Washington missed out on the T20 World Cup but Ravichandran Ashwin's underwhelming show in white-ball games and subsequent ouster brought him back in the mix as he made his international return with 3/30 against West Indies in first ODI."There were a lot of challenges but I just wanted to do what I could do to improve myself as a cricketer. That's all that's in my control and I was only focussing on that," Washington said at post-match press conference," he added.&nbsp;The 22-year-old has understood in past two years that there would be challenged now and then but he will have to carve out his own mechanism to counter the issues. He first missed the T20 World Cup in UAE where he was a sure-shot starter and then Covid-19 played truant when he was about to board the flight to South Africa.&nbsp;"Yes, there will always be challenges, that's something that I have realised especially in the last couple of years."But what matters is how I push myself, keep getting better at the aspects that I want to and keep improving myself. I’ve tried to focus on it," he further added.&nbsp;Washington also said that he has his eyes set on the two upcoming World Cups, T20 later this year &amp; ODI World Cup next year."It was very very disappointing to have lost out on a chance to play the World Cup. But yes, there are two World Cups in the next 15-16 months, so that should be my focus," he said.&nbsp;"More than anything, I have always wanted to be in the present and keep getting better as a cricketer."If I do that, there would be a lot of opportunities and also the fact that I would be able to perform a lot better. I have loved to stay in the present and enjoy the game," he further added.

'There were challenges but my only aim was to improve as a player': Washington Sundar

Wednesday (February 2) evening brought bad news for Team India as there was a spanner in the work ahead of the ODI series against West Indies with Shikhar Dhawan testing positive for Covid-19. The Indian star is one of few players who have contracted the ungodly virus and will now miss the first ODI on Sunday. However, the player isn't sitting back as he took to Instagram to give his medical update and stated that he is 'doing fine'. Dhawan will be a key member of the team who will miss the opening encounter as KL Rahul is also absent. “Thank you everyone for your wishes. I’m doing fine and humbled by all the love that’s come my way,” Dhawan wrote in the Instagram post, where he was seen wearing a red shirt. As the latest protocols go, the Delhi-based batter will now serve time-out and will be isolated until he tests negative for Covid-19. Dhawan's absence though has opened the doors for the rest of the squad, while Ruturaj Gaikwad will feel hard done by as he also tested positive for Covid-19. The likes of Ishan Kishan and Deepak Hooda are likely to fill in the absence of Dhawan and Rahul.&nbsp;&nbsp;Interestingly, despite being part of the team on several occasions Hooda is yet to make his debut for the national side. He has already stated that he will bat at whichever position he is asked, in order to make his international debut. Despite the pandemic outbreak, the BCCI has stated that there will be no effect on the schedule and released a statement where they have stated the latest outbreak will have bearing on the series. “The All-India Senior Selection Committee has added Mayank Agarwal to India's ODI squad after seven members, including three players of Team India (Senior Men) tested positive for COVID-19 following three rounds of RT-PCR testing. "The members were asked to report in Ahmedabad on 31st January 2022 for the upcoming Paytm three-match ODI and T20I series against the West Indies. Every member was also asked to undergo an RT-PCR test at home before embarking on their journey to Ahmedabad and the travel was undertaken only after testing negative,” the board statement read. India play West Indies in a three-match ODI series at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad while they host the Caribbean team at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata for a three-match T20I series.

‘I’m doing fine’: Dhawan gives health update after testing positive for Covid-19

Indian batters Shreyas Iyer, Shikhar Dhawan and Ruturaj Gaikwad have tested positive for Covid-19 head of limited-overs series against West Indies, a source confirmed to Sports Tak. A mix of support staff and players have contracted the virus.&nbsp;&nbsp;While only three cases have been confirmed now, the team is currently in quarantine in Ahmedabad just days before the first ODI of the series.&nbsp;&nbsp;Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to conduct a fresh round of Covid testing on Thursday (February 3) before deciding on the next course of action.&nbsp;&nbsp;India are to play three ODIs at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad from February 6 to February 11 followed by the three-T20I series at Eden Gardens, Kolkata to be played between February 16 and February 20.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier in the day, West Indies squad arrived in Ahmedabad for the limited-overs tour. The Covid-19 outbreak in the Indian camp may lead to a few changes in the schedule if there are more positive cases. &nbsp;&nbsp;It will be Rohit Sharma's first ODI series as permanent captain as he was ruled out of South Africa tour after getting injured. In his absence, vice captain KL Rahul led the team against the Proteas which lost by 0-3.&nbsp;If the three players do not recover in time for the first ODI, standby players Shahrukh Khan, Rishi Dhawan and R Sai Kishore may get drafted in the squad. Rishi led Himachal Pradesh to Vijay Hazare Trophy title last year whereas Shahrukh and Kishore were clinical in Tamil Nadu's title win in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021.&nbsp;India ODI squad: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul (vc), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wk), Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan

Iyer, Dhawan and Gaikwad test positive for Covid-19 ahead of West Indies series

Mayank Agarwal has been added into India’s ODI squad after four Indian players including standby player tested positive for Covid-19. Apart from Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer, standby player Navdeep Saini too tested positive for Covid-19.&nbsp;&nbsp;While Dhawan and Saini’s results returned positive on Monday (January 31), Gaikwad and Iyer tested positive on Tuesday (February 1) and Wednesday (February 2) respectively. India’s fielding coach T. Dilip, security liaison officer B. Lokesh and massage therapist Rajeev Kumar also contracted the virus and are currently in isolation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Agarwal has not played a single ODI in over 14 months. The 30-year-old played his last ODI against Australia in November 2020 and scored 28 runs while opening the innings in the run chase. Till now, he has played five ODIs and scored 86 runs at an unimpressive average of 17.20.&nbsp;&nbsp;India are scheduled to play West Indies in the first ODI on February 6. It is unlikely that the infected Indian batters will recover in time for the series opener against Kieron Pollard’s side. In openers Dhawan and Gaikwad’s absence, skipper Rohit Sharma may open alongside KL Rahul or Agarwal. However, India may play Rahul in middle order as India struggled in middle overs against South Africa which led to a 0-3 defeat.&nbsp;On the other hand, in the middle order, Iyer’s absence may lead to a promotion for an unorthodox Suryakumar Yadav. Also, Deepak Hooda may get to make his ODI debut at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;India ODI squad: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul (vc), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wk), Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan

Agarwal makes a comeback into ODI squad as 7 members including 4 players of Indian camp test positive for Covid-19

The Tamil Nadu phenom and a hard-hitting batter Shahrukh Khan along with the young southpaw Ishan Kishan were added to the Indian squad for the first ODI against West Indies to be played on Sunday (February 5).&nbsp;“The All-India Senior Selection Committee has added Ishan Kishan and Shahrukh Khan to India's squad for the first ODI against the West Indies to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in a media release.&nbsp;India will be in focus as they face the West Indies in their landmark 1000th One-day International in the form of a series opener at the Narendra Modi Stadium. After being blanked 3-0 by South Africa in the ODI series in January, India would be back to playing in the comfort and familiarity of home conditions as they seek to shape their template in the format.&nbsp;India’s way of working in the ODIs has been the top-order getting the bulk of runs and then expecting the middle-order to cash on it. But in the series against South Africa, neither of them worked with the middle-order becoming a glaring point of weakness. Skipper Rohit Sharma, in a virtual press conference on Saturday, said he doesn’t think that the template will undergo drastic changes due to the loss in South Africa.&nbsp;The 26-year-old Chennai-born Shahrukh, known for his abilities to finish games, is a right-handed batter. He has played 33 ‘List A' games from which he has scored 737 runs.&nbsp;During a virtual media interaction with ESPNcricinfo last week, Shahrukh said he would want to play a similar style of cricket if picked for India during the series.&nbsp;“Playing for India is a huge responsibility in itself, and brings with it its own pressure,” Shahrukh said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“There are some massive names in this team, and I have grown up watching them on TV. My aim – if I get the chance – would be to simply go with an open mind and enjoy my cricket, just the way I do for Tamil Nadu," he added.&nbsp;“If I overthink this, then I would just create more pressure on myself and stray from my natural game. My aim in every game is to go out to the middle and play freely, without worrying too much about the results and focusing on the process instead,” Shahrukh further added.&nbsp;Earlier on Saturday (February 5), Rohit Sharma said that Ishan will be accompanying him as an opener.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ishan Kishan is the only option we have and he will open with me," Rohit said on the eve of the series-opener.&nbsp;“Mayank was added to the squad and he is still in isolation. He came (joined) late and we have some rules in place. If someone is travelling, we have to put them in (mandatory 3-day) quarantine. He has still not finished his quarantine, so Ishan will open the innings,” he added.&nbsp;India's squad for the 1st ODI vs West Indies: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, Ishan Kishan, Shahrukh Khan.

Shahrukh Khan, Ishan Kishan added to India squad for first ODI against West Indies

Rohit Sharma will start his stint as the permanent captain of the Indian team in ODIs against West Indies on February 6 (Sunday), in Ahmedabad as Indian team are set to play three ODIs and three T20Is against West Indies.&nbsp;&nbsp;Previously, Rohit started his tenure as the permanent captain of the T20I team against New Zealand in India, as the hosts had secured the series pretty comfortably with a 3-0 victory, back in November, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;Patel speaksIn a situation like this Indian pacer Harshal Pates has opened up on the leadership qualities of Rohit. It is important to mention that, Harshal had made his T20I debut against New Zealand under the captaincy of Rohit and the 31-year-old pacer is now also a part of the Indian side that will take on West Indies in the upcoming series. &nbsp;&nbsp;According to Harshal, if skipper Rohit trusts a bowler then he will just give the ball to him and will not tell the bowler about what has to be done. Harshal also pointed out that he enjoys “playing under those kinds of captains.”&nbsp;“He [Rohit Sharma] will basically give you the ball and if he has confidence in you, he will not tell you about what to do. ‘You know what to do, just go and do it’. So, he is that kind of a captain and I really enjoy playing under those kinds of captains,” said Harshal Patel while talking on Star Sports.&nbsp;'Relaxed’ skipper“I have my plans- Plan A, B, C so even when I get hit, I know what to do. I don’t like a lot of outside input and he fits exactly into that kind of personality as a captain. He is very relaxed and he gives you the freedom”, the Gujarat-born cricketer added.&nbsp;While talking about coach, Rahul Dravid, the right-arm pacer disclosed one particular suggestion that he had got from coach Dravid.&nbsp;“He told me, ‘We know that you are a very confident bowler. We know that what you want to do, what you can do and cannot do. I just want you to go out there, express yourself and enjoy the moment and we are going to back you, no matter what,'" Harshal recalled.&nbsp;

'He is very relaxed and he gives you the freedom,' Indian pacer talks about skipper Rohit Sharma's leadership qualities

Team India came out of the Covid-19 jolt and had their first extensive training session ahead of the three-game ODI series against the Caribbeans on Friday (February 4). The previous day, the team had a light session where the players were accompanied by coaches.&nbsp; On Friday however, barring the troika of Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer, all players and support staff were present for training after testing negative for Covid-19. The players trained under the spotlight and it was a session in its own right. It was also learned that head coach Rahul Dravid introduced young leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi to the players. Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and others batted in the nets while the returning spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal bowled. Fast bowler Mohammad Siraj and all-rounder Shardul Thakur also bowled in the nets. Opener Mayank Agarwal is in isolation for three days and will be a substitute for the opening match in case Lokesh Rahul is not available. Wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan has also been included in the ODI squad and can open the innings.&nbsp;On Wednesday, three prominent players of the Indian cricket team – senior opener Dhawan, reserve opener Gaikwad and middle-order batsman Iyer – tested positive for Covid-19 during mandatory isolation before the start of the West Indies series. Four other people also came positive in the Covid-19 test, including net bowler Navdeep Saini. Saini is also on the standby list.&nbsp;The other three members who tested positive for COVID-19 are fielding coach T Dileep, security liaison officer B Lokesh and masseur Rajiv Kumar. The Indian team had gathered in Ahmedabad on January 31 for the upcoming white-ball series against the West Indies. The series will start from February 6 in Ahmedabad which will be India’s 1000th ODI match. But it is now certain that the trio of Dhawan, Ruturaj and Iyer will not be able to play in the series as they will have to stay in isolation for a week and then come back negative twice in the RT-PCR test.&nbsp;Mayank Agarwal, who was called up on Wednesday (February 2), had joined the squad. But he will only be available on the match day as his mandatory three-day quarantine has started. It is believed that the team management has kept Ishan Kishan in scheme of things for the ODIs.&nbsp;India ODI squad: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan.&nbsp;West Indies ODI squad: Kieron Pollard (c), Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Brandon King, Fabian Allen, Nkrumah Bonner, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh.&nbsp;India T20I squad: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Surya Kumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Mohd. Siraj, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel.&nbsp;West Indies T20I squad: Kieron Pollard (c), Fabian Allen, Nkrumah Bonner, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Kemar Roach, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh.

Team India hits the nets in Ahmedabad ahead of 1st ODI against West Indies

Today Sudhir Gautam is known as the biggest fan of Sachin Tendulkar all over the world and in each and every stadium Sudhir is seen supporting the Indian cricket team. A three-match T20 series is scheduled to be played between India and West Indies at the Eden Gardens ground, in Kolkata.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a situation like this, Sports Tak exclusively spoke to Sudhir where he spoke about his experience and the first match and how he became the biggest fan of Sachin Tendulkar.&nbsp;Sudhir speaks"Eden is the ground where I saw my first match and that is where I became Sachin Tendulkar's fan. It was in 2001, India vs England" said Goutam to Sports Tak.&nbsp;"In 2003, after World Cup, I went to Mumbai on a cycle from Muzzaffarpur, Bihar, that is where we met. My dream was fullfilled. Since then he gave me passes" said the man who paints himself in Tricolour whenever the Indian cricket team take on the opponent teams on the cricketing field,” he further added.&nbsp;A dream for SudhirWhile recollecting memories from the past he shared an anecdote when his “dream was fulfilled” when he met Sachin Tendulkar after he went to Lahore on a cycle to support the Indian team. He claimed that the series where India won the series by 4-1 in Pakistan, was only possible for him to watch, due to Tendulkar.&nbsp;"Thanks to my God, Tendulkar, I was able to go abroad, that too Pakistan, on a cycle." expressed Sudheer while blowing his iconic conch.&nbsp;ODI series against West IndiesThe Indian team recently defeated West Indies in the recently concluded three-match ODI series 3-0, played in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;In the first match of the series, the hosts had secured a convincing 6-wicket victory. In the second match of the ODI series the visitors suffered a 44-run defeat and in the final match of the series Indian team won the match by 96 runs and as a result they successfully whitewashed the West Indies team.&nbsp;In the three-match T20I series, the Rohit Sharma-led side will look to keep the winning momentum alive. The T20I series will start on February 16 and the final match of the series will take place on February 20.

Exclusive: How 21 years ago Sudhir became a fan of Sachin Tendulkar at Eden Gardens

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to allow spectators to watch the third T20I match between India and West Indies which will be played at the Eden Gardens stadium on February 20. Owing to the pandemic, the entry of fans were restricted forcing the matches to be played behind closed doors.&nbsp;"As discussed with other office bearers, as per your request, you can open up for the last T20 match against West Indies at Eden," BCCI president Sourav Ganguly wrote in an e-mail to CAB chief Avishek Dalmiya.&nbsp;With this only the complimentary tickets will be issued by CAB to its members and affiliated units."We are extremely thankful to BCCI for their kind consideration. This consent of the Board would help CAB meet its obligations to Life Associate, Annual and honorary members for the 20th February match," Dalmiya said. For the first two T20Is on Wednesday and Friday, around 2000 plus fans have been allowed in the corporate boxes and the upper tier of Dr BC Roy Club House.&nbsp;The match passes for first two games are exclusively for sponsors' representatives. The preceding three-match ODI series in Ahmedabad was played in an open stadium.&nbsp;India's next series against Sri Lanka beginning in Lucknow with the first T20I on February 24 will be held in an open stadium as of now. But it remains to be seen if the Board allows spectators after it opens up the gates at Eden Gardens for the third T20I against the Windies.&nbsp;CAB president Dalmia and secretary Snehasish Ganguly on Tuesday confirmed that the state body has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow spectators to watch the finale of the T20I series between India and West Indies from the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.&nbsp;Dalmiya, speaking to India Today, had said that the first two matches of the 3-match T20I series will be played without spectators at the iconic venue, adding that the BCCI took the call, keeping in mind the Covid-19 situation.&nbsp;"We all want spectators to come and watch the cricket. We all want it to be normal again, like how we were used to in our childhood. But unfortunately, because of the Covid situation, BCCI wants to focus on the safety of the cricketers and that's why they have taken this decision to keep these matches spectator-free," Avishek had said.&nbsp;Earlier in February, the West Bengal government allowed 75 percent capacity for indoor and outdoor sports activities. However, after hosting the ODI series in Ahmedabad in front of empty stands, the BCCI has gone ahead with the decision to not have spectators at Eden Garden as well.

BCCI to allow spectators at Eden Gardens for final T20I between India and WI

The Rohit Sharma template has largely been a success for Team India. In the first T20I against the West Indies, Rohit’s decision to include a sixth bowling option in the form of Venkatesh Iyer did raise a few eyebrows, especially when somebody like Shreyas Iyer wasn’t a part of the playing XI. Yet, Rohit was clear with his views, with what he wanted from his team.&nbsp;“Very hard on him (Shreyas Iyer) not making it to playing eleven, but we needed someone to bowl in the middle which is why we couldn't get him in. We were very clear with Shreyas and we told him we want that option going into the World Cup. All these guys are professionals and they do understand that team comes first,” the Indian limited-overs captain said in his post-match remarks.&nbsp;The fact that the demands of the team outweigh individual names surely bodes well for Team India. The Rohit Sharma era is off to a great start, and India are yet to lose a game under his tenure as the full-time limited-overs skipper. India were only recently thrashed 3-0 by South Africa in the ODIs, but Rohit’s men have given a good account of themselves in the four games so far, even if the West Indies have lacked the quality &amp; competitiveness you expect from the top sides in world cricket.&nbsp;Ravi Bishnoi’s selection in the side also baffled many when the teams were announced in the first T20I. With Yuzvendra Chahal already in the side, many believed India should not have opted for a right-arm leg-spinner. However, the young leggie had the Indian captain’s backing and Bishnoi repaid the faith in the best way possible. West Indies crumbled under the trial by spin, with Bishnoi returning figures of 2/17, picking up the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his incredible display. It was his spell that put a leash on the scoring rate, helping India restrict the visitors to just 157.&nbsp;The Indian captain was full of praise for his debutant. “He (Bishnoi) has got a lot of variations and skill-set with him. He can bowl at any stage and it gives us a lot of options to rotate the other bowlers. Very happy with his first game for India and he's got a bright future and it's just about us now on how we use him,” Rohit had said after the first T20I.&nbsp;While India’s plans have all worked well till now, they’d be hoping both Virat Kohli &amp; Ishan Kishan can find form in the next game. Kohli has only scored 43 runs in his last 4 innings and even though Rohit requested for Kohli to be left alone ahead of the first T20I, his lack of runs are definitely becoming a cause of concern. Kishan too hasn’t looked like himself in the past few games. He did score 35 runs in the first game, but he took 42 balls for it, an anomaly for an explosive batsman who just fetched the highest price at this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction.&nbsp;India though are unlikely to tinker with their playing XI for the first T20I.&nbsp;For the West Indies, it’s now or never. A loss now would mean another series loss. They have lost four games in a row on the tour, and they desperately need a win to stay in the series. In the first T20I, they only scored 46 runs in overs 6-15 with the Indian spinners putting on a stranglehold. While Pooran &amp; Pollard showed fight in the last overs, for them to mount a challenge for this Indian side, they need to find ways to score runs in the middle overs.&nbsp;Kieron Pollard’s men though will also receive a boost with the return of Jason Holder. The all-rounder, who missed the first T20I after being hit on the chest during a practice session, is expected to be fit for the second match. Fabian Allen might make way for Holder in the XI.

IND vs WI 2nd T20I Preview: Another test for Pollard's men against the Rohit Sharma template

Indian team had secured a victory in the recently-concluded three-match ODI series against West Indies pretty comfortably and now Rohit Sharma’s men will want to register another whitewash in the ongoing three-match T20I series, as both the teams are scheduled to play in the final T20I match of the series on February 20 (Sunday), at Eden Gardens, in Kolkata.&nbsp;In a situation like this, Indian team management had earlier decided to give rest to Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant and now it is expected that Shreyas Iyer and Ruturaj Gaikwad might get a chance to take part in the final T20I of the series.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gavaskar speaksWhile talking about the possible new inclusions, former India batsman Sunil Gavaskar said that keeping long-term goals in mind, a team will “want to try and see as many players as possible” but he also said that “just one game is not enough” to be a concluding factor.&nbsp;“Certainly hope they give him an opportunity because that is what you want now. If you are building up for Melbourne, you want to try and see as many players as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;“But mind you, just one game is not enough to decide or get an indication that they need to be in the team but the fact that they will get to play in the same kind of condition as the other two matches then that is good,” Gavaskar said while talking to the host broadcaster.&nbsp;Possible inclusionThe legendary batsman also expressed his desire to see players like Avesh Khan and Mohammed Siraj in action.&nbsp;“I would like to see someone like Avesh Khan and Mohammed Siraj. But most team managements don't make 3-4 changes, probably 1-2 odd changes,” Gavaskar further added.&nbsp;In the first T20I of the series, the hosts had secured a convincing victory by six wickets. In the penultimate of the series, the results were not much different as the visitors had to suffer a defeat by 8 runs in a closely-contested fixture.&nbsp;&nbsp;Previously, in the three-match ODI series, West Indies failed to do anything fruitful in terms of results, as they lost all the three matches in the ODI series.&nbsp;

'I would like to see someone like Avesh Khan and Mohammed Siraj,' Sunil Gavaskar talks about Indian team's final T20I match against West Indies

Indian team will take on West Indies in the third and final T20I of the series at Eden Gardens, in Kolkata, on February 20 (Sunday). &nbsp;After winning the first two T20I matches, Indian team under the leadership of Rohit Sharma will be hoping to register another whitewash after successfully decimating West Indies 3-0 in the recently-concluded ODI series.&nbsp;&nbsp;A massive recordBut amid all these, one player will be looking forward to achieve a stupendous T20I record. India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is just one wicket away from overtaking pacer Jasprit Bumrah as team India’s highest wicket-taker in the shortest format of the game.&nbsp;Jasprit Bumrah currently has 66 wickets in T20Is. He has till now played 55 matches in this format. Indian spinner Chahal, on the other hand, also has 66 wickets, playing 52 matches in this format.&nbsp;In the second T20I of the series, Chahal picked up one wicket. In the first match of the three-match T20I series, the 31-year-old spinner scalped picked up a wicket as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the recently-concluded three-match ODI series against West Indies, Chahal bagged five wickets in two matches.&nbsp;T20I series victoryIndian team under the leadership of Rohit Sharma won the first T20I of the series by 6 wickets and in the second match of the series the hosts clinched a close victory by 8 runs.&nbsp;Indian team’s victory in the second T20I match, turned out to be Indian team’s 100th victory in the shortest format of the game. Their arch-rivals Pakistan have 120 victories after playing 189 matches. Indian team claimed their 100th win after playing 155 T20I matches.&nbsp;The victory in the second T20I match turned out to be India’s eighth consecutive victory in T20I cricket and they surpassed their previous best of seven consecutive wins.&nbsp;After the successful completion of the T20I series, Indian team will take on Sri Lanka.&nbsp;&nbsp;Indian team and Sri Lanka will take on each other in three T20Is and two Tests. The first T20I of the series will take place on February 24, in Lucknow.&nbsp;&nbsp;On the other hand, the Test series is scheduled to commence on March 4, in Mohali. &nbsp;&nbsp;

IND vs WI: Yuzvendra Chahal just one wicket short of surpassing Jasprit Bumrah to register T20I record

Get the latest West Indies tour of India live score, West Indies tour of India schedule and West Indies tour of India latest news only on thesportstak

Get the Latest News on West Indies tour of India - thesportstak

India vs South Africa 2nd ODI

Dynamic Banner

South Africa tour of India, 2025

Ranji Trophy, 2025/26

England tour of Australia, 2025/26

DP World Asia Cup Rising Stars, 2025

Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan, 2025

Ireland tour of Bangladesh, 2025

West Indies tour of New Zealand, 2025

Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe tour of Pakistan, 2025

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, 2025

Vijay Hazare Trophy, 2025/26

ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2026

Sri Lanka Women tour of India, 2025

Featured League

Insights

Editor's Choice

The BCCI discussed the possibility of using the Decision Review System (DRS) more widely in domestic cricket. However, the final decision on this is yet to be taken.

BCCI discussed the possibility of using DRS in domestic cricket. 

IIT are working on a more affordable DRS alternative.

BCCI Logo

BCCI discusses expanding DRS use in Indian domestic cricket

Basketball

The Mavericks and the Trail Blazers are set to play each other in the upcoming NBA 2025-26 season game. Here is everything you need to know about the schedule, date, time, live stream, and more. 

Mavericks are 12th in the Western Conference. Their win and loss record ahead of the encounter against the Trail Blazers is a struggling 12-21

Trail Blazers are 10th in the Western Conference with a 13-19 record

Deni Avdija, Cooper Flagg

Mavericks vs Trail Blazers 2025-26 schedule: Date, time, live stream, and more

Ashes 2025-26

The England all-rounder believes that he has got a lot more to do before he can become the team's regular No.3 batter in Test cricket

Jacob Bethell opened up on his batting role in Tests

Bethell played a key role in England's victory over Australia in Melbourne

Jacob Bethell of England bats during day two of the Fourth Test in the 2025/26 Ashes Series between Australia and England at Melbourne Cricket Ground (via Getty)

'Still got a lot...': Bethell opens up on his batting role for ENG in Tests

The Knicks and the Pelicans are set to play each other in the upcoming NBA 2025-26 season game. Here is everything you need to know about the schedule, date, time, live stream, and more. 

Knicks currently stand 2nd in the Eastern Conference while their win and loss record is 22-9

Pelicans are 15th in the Western Conference with a disappointing 8-25 record

Karl Anthony Towns, Zion Williamson

Knicks vs Pelicans 2025-26 schedule: Date, time, live stream, and more

IPL 2026

The former Chennai Super Kings spinner feels that Nathan Ellis will play a massive role for the team in IPL 2026 especially in the death overs

Ravichandran Ashwin feels Nathan Ellis will play big role for CSK in death overs

Ellis was retained by CSK for IPL 2026

Chennai Super Kings' Nathan Ellis throws the ball during the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (via Getty)