Gautam Gambhir has always been against the mega-star culture prevailing in Indian cricket but Mohammed Siraj's Herculean effort throughout the English summer has definitely given the Indian head coach a real shot in the arm.
Not handing the ball to lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah to start the third day's play on a challenging Eden Gardens surface was "questionable", said the legendary Anil Kumble.
The short turnaround time from the high of winning a controversy-marred Asia Cup notwithstanding, Shubman Gill's India will be outright favourites against a struggling and under-strength West Indies when the teams face-off on a green-top in the first Test in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
A record-extending 52nd ODI century by Virat Kohli and a rapid 57 from Rohit Sharma paved the way for India's victory in the series-opener in Ranchi.
Handed the reins of a depleted Indian side in his maiden stint as Test captain, the 24-year-old has been tasked with breaking a 17-year drought without the experience of Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli by his side.
In overcast conditions, the ball swung both ways and after Jasprit Bumrah took out opener Kusal Perera for a duck, it was all Siraj thereafter.
Pat Cummins captured the sentiment perfectly, calling this potentially the 'last chance' for fans Down Under to witness these legends in action. With both stalwarts set to be 39 and 40 respectively by the 2027 World Cup, every appearance carries added significance. Ro-Ko have been the heartbeat of Indian cricket for over 15 years. Their return brings an emotional lift to the team and raises expectations for the series against the world champions.
'He told me to remember all the hard work my father has put in to get me here.'
A large group of players, including Mohammed Siraj, the hero of the victory, boarded an Emirates flight early Tuesday morning, heading to Dubai en route to their respective home cities in India.
The series, to commence on June 20, will be played at Headingley in Leeds, Edgbaston in Birmingham, Lord's and The Oval in London, and Old Trafford in Manchester.
Virat Kohli is yet to arrive in Bengaluru and it is not clear when he will undergo the mandatory fitness test ahead of the new season.
Woakes was stranded on nought as Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna took the remaining 4 wickets in an hour's play to help India register a series-levelling 6-run win.
In a heartwarming gesture, Royal Challengers Bangalore star Virat Kohli and several RCB team-mates visited Mohammed Siraj's new home in Jubilee Hills, Film Nagar, Hyderabad.
Noman collected a 10-wicket haul during Pakistan's 93-run triumph over South Africa in Lahore recently and moved up four places.
Washington Sundar's double strike pegged England back in the afternoon session, leaving them struggling 175/6 at tea on Day 4 of the third Test, at Lord's.
"That is the best five-match Test series I have ever been a part of and witnessed," says England head coach McCullum.
The trio of Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj managed just four runs between them in the two innings of the first Test against England in Headingley.
The Proteas arrive high on confidence, having fought out a hard-earned 1-1 draw in Pakistan last month under challenging conditions.
Shubman Gill lauded fast bowlers Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj for stepping up in the absence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah
Images from Day 5 of the second and final Test between India and South Africa, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, on Wednesday.
A look at India's narrowest victories by run margin -- games that tested nerves, showcased grit, and etched unforgettable drama into Test history.
'The grass has not received water and it has dried up.'
The change in Mohammed Siraj's fortunes has played a critical role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's late surge in IPL 2024, and the pacer's good run might also have put the Indian thinktank at ease ahead of next month's T20 World Cup.
While Arshdeep Singh is still waiting for his big red ball debut, he's already a star in a different arena -- social media. His latest Instagram reel is peak Arshdeep: Full of humour, chaos, and charm.
Team India touched down in Manchester on Sunday ahead of the must-win fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
India's strategy of playing two fast bowlers, one pace bowling all-rounder, and three spinners could possibly come in handy on this surface.
Ranji Trophy: MP enter quarterfinals; Saurashtra on brink of qualification
After India captain Shubman Gill had scored another masterful century at Edgbaston, India fast bowlers Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj blew away England's top order.
Ahead of the mini-auction, scheduled to be held in Doha on December 26, the 10 franchises have released their list of retained and released players.
Mohammed Siraj's sensational six-wicket spell put India in control despite a superb fightback from South Africa with the ball on Day 1 of the second and final Test.
The decision to allow Virat Kohli to complete his fitness in London has sparked a debate within the cricketing circles on whether this was a one-off allowance to a player of his stature.
On this day in 2021, batting maestro Virat Kohli delivered his iconic speech during the team hurdle, "For 60 overs they should feel like hell out there."
Skipper Shubman Gill had a long batting stint while the troika of Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel returned to action for India's final training session here on Wednesday before the first Test against the West Indies.
Ravichandran Ashwin questioned India's team selection for the West Indies Test series, highlighting the curious case of Nitish Reddy's inclusion over proven match-winner Axar Patel.
It was a day where cricket wasn't just about the result, but about character, spirit, and moments that transcend rivalry -- a Lord's classic remembered not just for its edge-of-seat drama, but for its heart.
Here are the crunch moments that were series-defining and the contributions of the players who came of age during the English summer.
It was mind over matter for Mohammed Siraj, as he pushed his physically indisposed self to the limits to earn the 'Player of the Match' award in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's four-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match in Bengaluru on Saturday.
'It was good fun. I was obviously really nervous. Super stoked for the boys to get the win.'
Drama in the most dramatic of series isn't over yet!
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