Gambhir's 'Bangladesh' Reminder During Discussion On Kohli's Resurrection

India's talismanic batter Virat Kohli couldn't get a hat-trick of ODI hundreds, having been dismissed for just 4 runs of 9 balls in the 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka. In his last two one-day matches -- against Sri Lanka in the first ODI and Bangladesh in the 3rd ODI -- the batter had brought up successive centuries. However, luck didn't favour him in Kolkata. Ahead of the start of India's batting, however, former India opener Gautam Gambhir urged the team to re-align its focus and think about the ODI series they lost in Bangladesh and not put too much focus on individual achievements.

During the mid-innings break, Gambhir said that although individual achievements are very important, the focus should be on doing well collectively.

“We should not forget that India lost their last series in Bangladesh. We have forgotten about it. Yes, individual brilliance are very important, very crucial, and individual hundreds are very important. It looks very nice when it comes to your record, that you've gotten 50 hundreds or 100 hundreds. But, we should never forget what has happened in Bangladesh because that is got to be a huge learning. 

“India's full strength side losing to Bangladesh in Bangladesh, I think we should grow from there rather than thinking and focusing on this series as what has happened in the past shouldn't be forgotten,” Gambhir said on Star Sports during the discussion.

After the first ODI against Sri Lanka, Kohli had also opened up on his struggles before the Asia Cup 2022. But, the 33-year-old scored his 71st international ton during the tournament, against Bangladesh, and has since gone on to score a couple of more hundreds in one-day cricket.

“When I came back relaxed for the Asia Cup, I started enjoying practice. I started enjoying training again. Which is how I have always played my cricket. What I will say is that if you feel a little bit of desperation, always take two steps back, rather than pushing more and more. Because then things will start to go away from you,"  Kohli had said in a chat with Suryakumar Yadav.

With 20 'home' ODI hundreds to his name, Kohli would be chasing Sachin Tendulkar's record as he takes the field in the 3rd and final ODI against Sri Lanka on Sunday.

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Glenn Phillips Fires New Zealand To ODI Series Win Over Pakistan

Glenn Phillips smashed an unbeaten half-century as New Zealand secured a series victory over Pakistan with a two-wicket win in the third and final one-day international in Karachi on Friday. Phillips scored 63 off 42 balls, hitting four sixes and as many fours, to rescue New Zealand from a precarious 181-5 in their pursuit of a 281-run target. His knock overshadowed Fakhar Zaman's 101 as Pakistan made 280-9 in their 50 overs. Walking in to bat with New Zealand needing 100 off 87 balls, Phillips added 64 for the seventh wicket with Mitchell Santner, who scored 17 in a match-turning stand.

Skipper Kane Williamson contributed with 53 and Devon Conway struck an equally steady 52 before Phillips finished off the chase with 11 balls to spare.

Phillips completed his first ODI fifty off just 28 balls, but he was dropped the following delivery when wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan failed to hold a catch off spinner Usama Mir.

New Zealand's win sealed their first ODI series victory in Pakistan in six attempts and kept them top of the one-day rankings.

"He (Phillips) wasn't feeling great but he came out and played with a lot of freedom," said Williamson whose team have now won seven of their last eight ODI series.

"I thought we were in the game at the halfway stage but made a few errors. For Glenn to play that knock, and credit to Pakistan as well. It was a hard-fought series."

Pakistan captain Babar Azam said: "When Rizwan and Fakhar played it looked like we'd touch 300 but when wickets fall, it is difficult for new batters.

"We couldn't quite execute in the last 10 overs with the ball."

Williamson steadied the innings during his stands of 65 with Conway for the second wicket and then another 52 with Daryl Mitchell (31) for the next, but New Zealand lost four wickets in the space of 45 runs.

Off-spinner Agha Salman (2-42) dismissed Conway and then had Mitchell caught off a miscued reverse sweep to break the two partnerships. Williamson was run out for the fourth wicket.

Opener Zaman laid the foundations for a good Pakistan total.

The left-hander hit 10 fours and a six after Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first.

Zaman lifted Pakistan from 21-2 during a third-wicket stand of 154 with Rizwan, who made a polished 77 featuring six boundaries.

Pakistan made a poor start as they lost Shan Masood without scoring and Azam, the world's top-ranked ODI batsman, for just four.

Azam, who had two half-centuries in the first two matches, was stumped by Tom Latham off spinner Michael Bracewell in the seventh over.

It was left to Zaman to rebuild the innings and he took a sharp single to reach his eighth hundred, his first three-figure ODI score in Pakistan.

Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi broke the stand by bowling Rizwan, while Zaman was run out as he tried to steal a quick single.

Salman gave the innings some late impetus by hitting 45 off 43 balls, while New Zealand seamer Tim Southee finished with 3-56.

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"Hasn't Lived Up To His Expectations": Ex-India Batter's Take On KL Rahul

India batter KL Rahul seems to be regaining his magic touch. Rahul, who has been under the scanner for his performance throughout the course of 2022, scored a quickfire 39 in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, following it up with a match-winning 64 not out in the second match of the series on Thursday. However, former India batter Wasim Jaffer reckons that Rahul's performance will remain under scrutiny every time he goes out to bat, especially when an in-form player like Suryakumar Yadav is out of the playing XI.

"When you don't perform with the bat, you are going to catch the eye. He (Rahul) hasn't been in great form recently, so every innings of his is going to be scrutinized since Suryakumar Yadav is sitting out. Rishabh Pant is out; Sanju Samson is on his back. It's understandable that every innings is going to be very critical for him," Jaffer said during a chat on ESPNcricinfo.

Despite calling Rahul a class player, Jaffer pointed out the fact that the batter hasn't performed well against big teams.

"It's nice for him to get some winning runs and get into form. His consistency has been an issue even though he is a class player; there is no doubt about it. But on bigger occasions, he hasn't lived up to his expectations. People do talk about it that when he plays against stronger oppositions, KL doesn't turn up. But he's a class player. I hope he remains in this kind of form because he is such a fine player," he added.

India took an unassailable 2-0 in the three-match series against Sri Lanka. 

The third and final ODI will be played on Sunday in Thiruvanathapuram.

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Hardik To Lead In NZ T20Is; Suryakumar, Kishan Get Maiden Test Call Ups

The BCCI on Friday announced Team India's squads for the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand, as well as the first Two Tests against Australia. Hardik Pandya will lead the team in the T20I series against New Zealand, while Rohit Sharma will take charge of the team for the ODIs against the Blackcaps, as well as the four-match Test sereies against Australia. Prithvi Shaw, following his excellent run with the bat in the domestic circuit, was recalled to the side for the New Zealand T20Is, while Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan received maiden Test call ups.

The BCCI also announced that KL Rahul & Axar Patel will miss the New Zealand series due to family commitments, while Ravindra Jadeja, who is recuperating from knee surgery, has been included in the Test squad subject to his fitness.

"The All-India Senior Selection Committee has picked India's squads for the upcoming Mastercard New Zealand Tour of India that comprises three ODIs and as many T20Is," the BCCI said in a statement.

Also, Jasprit Bumrah will miss the first two Tests. The first Test will be played in Nagpur from February 9.

India squads for New Zealand series

India's ODI squad against New Zealand: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (wk), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, KS Bharat (wk), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik.

India's T20I squad against New Zealand: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Suryakumar Yadav (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Prithvi Shaw, Mukesh Kumar.

India squad for first two Tests vs Australia

Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R. Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Suryakumar Yadav.

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Injured Peter Handscomb In Race Against Clock To Be Fit For India Tour

Australia batter Peter Handscomb will be racing against time to recover for next month's India tour after suffering a hip injury. The 31-year-old sustained the injury while attempting to play a pull shot in club cricket in Victoria on Tuesday night and left the field retired hurt after collapsing in pain three balls later following another pull shot. "Scans have since confirmed soft-tissue damage in his right hip," a report in cricket.com.au said on Friday.

"Officials are confident Handscomb will be fit to leave with the Australian team later this month for the Qantas tour of India." Australia will play Test matches in Nagpur (February 9-13), New Delhi (February 17-21), Dharamsala (March 1-5) and Ahmedabad (March 9-13).

However, Australia, who haven't won a Test series in India since 2004, are battling a string of injuries issues with their key players Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green both recovering from finger injuries.

Starc will miss the Nagpur Test but is likely to join his teammates for the rest of the series, while Green is hopeful of playing in the series opener.

Handscomb, who was part of the team that toured India in 2017, was named as batting backup in Australia's squad for the India series. He last played a Test in 2019.

"Peter Handscomb deserves his place back in the squad. His domestic form has been strong recently and Pete has proven he can perform at the Test level," former skipper and current chief selector George Bailey had said in a statement.

"His experience against spin on the subcontinent is valuable and he is also an exceptionally good close to the wicket catcher."

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"Whatever Opportunities I Get...": Kuldeep Opens Up After 2nd ODI Heroics

Following his side's four-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second ODI, Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav said he focuses on delivering his best performances whenever he gets a chance and does not think about being on the bench too much since the team combinations are important. KL Rahul scored an unbeaten half-century in his 50th ODI to help India claim a four-wicket victory in the second ODI against Sri Lanka here at the Eden Gardens on Thursday. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav also shined in the match with a brilliant three-for that brought back India into the game.

"I am happy with my performance. Whatever opportunities I get, I try to do my best and back my abilities. When you play, you have to be focused while you can be relaxed when you are not in the 11. At the moment, I am really enjoying my bowling. However, team combinations are important, I do not think too much about it, just focused on doing my best when the chances come. You need to keep innovating, you cannot keep bowling at the same pace," said Kuldeep in a post-match presentation.

The bowler said that he has worked on his batting.

"I keep my focus on that whenever I do not get a game. In the last one year, I have worked a lot also on my fitness, all credit to the NCA coaches. It has helped me get into a rhythm and be more aggressive. Yuzi (Yuzvendra Chahal) has always supported me, obviously he knew how the batters play having played the earlier games so he keeps advising me," concluded Kuldeep.

Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka was bundled out for 215 after electing to bat first.

Debutant Nuwanidu Fernando impressed, scoring a fine knock of 50 off 63 balls. Kusal Mendis (34) and Dunith Wellalage (32) also played some solid knocks for the visitors, but not really enough to get them to a powerful total.

Kuldeep Yadav was impressive, taking 3/51 in his 10 overs. Mohammed Siraj took 3/30, while Umran Malik ended with figures of 2/48. Axar Patel also took a wicket.

Chasing 216, India was struggling at 86/4, but a 75-run stand between KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya (36 off 53 balls) pulled back India into the game. Axar Patel (21) and Shreyas Iyer (28) played some valuable knocks as well. Rahul guided India to a four-wicket win, finishing at an unbeaten 64 off 103 balls with six fours. India finished at 219/6, with 40 balls to spare.

Lahiru Kumara and Chamika Karunaratne took two wickets while Dhananjaya de Silva took a wicket.

India has won the series 2-0, with one match to spare.

Kuldeep Yadav was adjudged as 'Man of the Match' for his fine bowling spell.

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HCLTech Down 2.6% After Lowering Revenue Outlook

Shares of IT major HCLTech fell as much as 2.6% on Friday after lowering its revenue growth outlook for this fiscal year and flagging delays in decision-making by its European clients.

The Noida-based company on Thursday lowered its revenue growth projection for the fiscal year ending March 31 to 13.5-14% from 13.5% to 14.5% previously.

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"Only Comes In As Replacement...": Ex-Ind Star On Kuldeep Being Overlooked

Kuldeep Yadav was the star on Thursday as India defeated Sri Lanka by 4 wickets in the second ODI to seal the three-match series 2-0. The match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata saw guest skipper Dasun Shanaka winning the toss and opting to bat first. Three wickets each from Kuldeep and Mohammed Siraj helped India bundle out Sri Lanka for 215 runs. Kuldeep's figures read 3 for 51 after the completion of his 10-over quota. KL Rahul's unbeaten half-century then guided the hosts to victory, but it was Kuldeep, who won the Man of the Match award.

Former India batter Wasim Jaffer praised the chinaman bowler for his wicket-taking ability and highlighted that he is generally overlooked for a place in the team.

"This wicket taking ability in the middle overs is exactly why I'd pick @imkuldeep18 in every Indian white ball XI. But unfortunately he's the first one to sit out, and then only comes in as replacement if needed, yet performs well in limited chances he gets. #INDvSL," said Jaffer.

This wicket taking ability in the middle overs is exactly why I'd pick @imkuldeep18 in every Indian white ball XI. But unfortunately he's the first one to sit out, and then only comes in as replacement if needed, yet performs well in limited chances he gets. #INDvSL

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 12, 2023

On the other hand, a contented Kuldeep Yadav said that he tries to do his best and back his abilities whenever he gets a chance.

"I'm happy with my performance. Whatever opportunities I get, I try to do my best and back my abilities. When you play, you have to be focused while you can be relaxed when you aren't in the XI," said Kuldeep after the match.

"At the moment, I'm really enjoying my bowling. However, team combinations are important, I don't think too much about it, just focused on doing my best when the chances come.

"You need to keep innovating, you can't keep bowling at the same pace. I've worked on my batting, I keep my focus on that whenever I don't get a game. In the last one year, I've worked a lot also on my fitness, all credit to the NCA coaches. It has helped me get into a rhythm and be more aggressive."

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"Ahead of Ashwin, Axar": Gambhir Names X-factor Bowler For Australia Tests

After the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, Team India will be facing a big task against Australia in a four-match Test series starting next month. Any contest between the two sides currently holds the top two spots in the World Test Championship table is always a highly-anticipated affair. As Team India slowly builds up for that series, there is huge anticipation over the squad that will be picked by the Indian selectors. Spin has always been a major factor while deciding the course of a series in India, and Gautam Gambhir feels that Kuldeep Yadav is going to be the 'x-factor' for India ahead of veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and left-arm spinner Axar Patel.

On Thursday in the second ODI against Sri Lanka, Kuldeep, snubbed time and again by the Indian think-tank, proved his mettle yet another time as he formed a lovely bowling alliance with pacer Mohammed Siraj (3/30) to demolish Sri Lanka for 215 inside 40 overs after they opted to bat. Kuldeep returned with figures of 3/51 in 10 overs and won the 'Man of the Match' award. India won the match by four wickets with KL Rahul staying unbeaten on 64. Courtesy of Kuldeep and Rahul's performance, India took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

"He was always there. It's just about his confidence. Whatever we have seen of Rohit Sharma he has that ability to give that confidence to young bowlers. Now it's time that they should persist with Kuldeep Yadav. His bowing a lot in international cricket will be crucial in the Australia Test series. If you keep him in the sheds and don't make him play one-day format and you suddenly bring him for the Test series, there's going to be less bowling under his belt," Gautam Gambhir said on Star Sports after the second ODI.

"I feel that he should be playing every 50-over format game till the Australia Test series because he is going to be very important factor in that series. For me, he is going to be the x-factor ahead of R Ashwin, Axar Patel."

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Babar Azam's All-Format Captaincy To Face Scrutiny In PCB Review: Report

After a dismal home season, Pakistan cricket is preparing for a thorough evaluation of its squad structures, which may lead to changes in the captaincy. Senior staff members in the new management structure for the board have expressed a desire to let players and coaches know that they are committed to challenging the status quo if required as per ESPNcricinfo. It has not been ruled out that such a challenge may fragment the Pakistan captaincy across formats, depriving Babar Azam of some of the authority he presently has as an all-format captain.

The interim selection committee was established by the present PCB administration, which is itself a provisional arrangement. Saqlain Mushtaq, the head coach of the national men's team, is expected to resign after his contract expires in February.

After the PSL comes to an end in March, the board intends to do its evaluation and make modifications. Just three weeks ago, Najam Sethi's administration took over from Ramiz Raja, and since then, they have been aggressively examining Pakistan's recent results and organisational structures.

One of their first actions was to replace the Mohammad Wasim-led selection committee with Shahid Afridi in order to name the ODI squad for the current series against New Zealand.

However, it appears that the side itself is where the main commotion is happening. Shadab Khan, Babar's regular deputy who is sidelined with a finger injury, was replaced as vice-captain of the ODI team by Shan Masood, who was appointed by Sethi.

Masood hadn't really been in the debate since his final ODI in 2019, so his recall came as a surprise. Haris Sohail was also unexpectedly invited back into the lineup after being absent for some time on the grounds that previous selectors had treated him unfairly.

However, some have interpreted Masood's abrupt promotion to vice-captain as a challenge to both his and Babar's leadership, which is thought to have produced instability and animosity within the core of the national team, most of whom are devoted to Babar.

Masood hasn't featured in either of the first two games, as Babar had attempted to downplay the vice-captaincy on the eve of the ODI series against New Zealand by stressing that the appointment didn't guarantee he would automatically make the XI. Despite the fact that Pakistan's top four players are currently largely established, ESPNcricinfo understands Sethi has expressed a clear interest in Shan's inclusion in the XI.

The nomination of Masood serves as an example of how this administration wants to transform the current quo. The just-finished Test home season, in which Pakistan lost three of five Tests and won none, has raised questions about Babar's leadership despite the fact that he still controls his side and is a highly effective batter.

Strangely, this shake-up is occurring in the 50-over game, the format in which this team seems to be most familiar and at ease. Babar has recently guided Pakistan to the semi-final and final of two consecutive T20 World Cups, as well as the final of the Asia Cup, despite concerns about his leadership in T20 International matches.

Mickey Arthur, the previous head coach, was intended to be brought back by Sethi, who has exhibited a personal interest in creating a new coaching setup.

Although both parties attempted to negotiate a part-time consulting position for Arthur, the PCB stated that it was "difficult to materialise for various reasons on both sides" because of his long-term contract with Derbyshire, which prevented him from accepting a full-time head coaching position with Pakistan.

But Sethi wants Arthur on his team, giving him cricket-related advice. It is believed that Sethi and Arthur had a casual conversation in which they suggested Masood be promoted. Masood played for Derbyshire last summer under Arthur.

He amassed 1832 runs throughout all games, but he was unable to carry his form into Pakistan's domestic season. He had a top score of 35 and an average of 20.33 over six Test innings.

The newly-elected administration wants to go back to the way things were in 2018, when Sethi resigned after former Pakistan captain Imran Khan was elected Prime Minister. Sethi has already broken down the domestic framework that was put in place after Imran's election four years ago and brought it back to the one that was in existence till 2018, bringing back departmental and regional cricket.

Mark Coles, the former head coach of the women's team, was also reinstated by the PCB on a one-year contract; his initial tenure had come to an end when he left in 2019 claiming family commitments.

Ramiz and his board were replaced by a 14-member management committee headed by Sethi last month by PCB patron-in-chief and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The committee has 120 days to amend the PCB's constitution, restoring the 2014 version that was changed in 2019.

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"MS Dhoni Was..." Gautam Gambhir Shares 'Unheard Tale' From 2011 WC Final

India will host the ODI World Cup later this year, more than 12 years after beating Sri Lanka in the final on home soil to win their second title. Over the years, stories of India's famous triumph have been told and re-told innumerable times. Now, former India batter Gautam Gambhir has shed light on yet another interesting anecdote from that famous night at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. He revealed how former India captain MS Dhoni had encouraged him to take his time and complete his century. Notably, Gambhir was clean bowled on 97 by Thisara Perera.

"MS Dhoni was very supportive because he wanted me to get a 100. He always wanted me to get a hundred. He told me between overs as well that 'get your hundred, take your time and don't rush into it. I can accelerate if there is any need to'," Gambhir said on Star Sports, after India defeated Sri Lanka in the 1st ODI in Guwahati on Tuesday.

In the final, Sri Lanka, after electing to bat first, had set India a target of 275 runs.

In reply, Lasith Malinga had struck twice early to dismiss both Virender Sehwag (0) and Sachin Tendulkar (18).

However, Gambhir and a young Virat Kohli brought India back into the game, having added 83 runs for the third wicket.

After Kohli was dismissed on 35 by Tillakaratne Dilshan, Dhoni, surprisingly, joined Gambhir in the middle, instead of Yuvraj Singh.

Gambhir and Dhoni then put on a match-winning partnership, adding 109 runs for the fourth wicket, before the former was dismissed on 97.

Yuvraj, who was eventually named 'Player of the series', and Dhoni stitched an unbeaten 54-run stand to take across the finishing line.

Dhoni hit the winning hit, a six over long-on to finish things off. He remained unbeaten on 91, while Yuvraj was 21 not out off 24 balls.

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Rupee Rises To 81.54 Against US Dollar On Firm Trend In Indian Equities

The rupee gained 14 paise to 81.54 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday supported by broad dollar weakness and a firm trend in domestic equities.

Forex traders said sustained foreign fund outflows weighed on investor sentiments and restricted the appreciation bias.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened at 81.54 against the dollar, registering a rise of 14 paise over its previous close.

In initial trade, the local unit also touched an early low of 81.66 against US dollar.

On Wednesday, the rupee settled at 81.68 against the US dollar.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, fell 0.10 per cent to 103.08.

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.06 per cent to USD 82.72 per barrel.

In the domestic equity market, the 30-share BSE Sensex was trading 117.7 points or 0.20 per cent higher at 60,223.20. The broader NSE Nifty advanced 33.25 points or 0.19 per cent to 17,928.95.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital market on Wednesday as they offloaded shares worth Rs 3,208.15 crore, according to exchange data.

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Oil Rises On China Demand Optimism, Russian Supply Concerns Amid Sanctions

Oil prices rose in early trade on Thursday, building on gains in the previous session as China's demand outlook improves and concerns rise over the impact of sanctions on Russian supply.

Brent crude rose 50 cents, or 0.6%, to $83.17 per barrel by 0135 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude also rose 50 cents, or 0.7%, to $77.91 per barrel.

Both benchmarks rose 3% in Wednesday's session, settling at the highest levels since December 30. [O/R]

Top oil importer China is reopening its economy after the end of strict COVID-19 curbs, boosting optimism that demand for fuel will grow in 2023.

China's industrial output is expected to have grown by 3.6% in 2022 from the previous year, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said, despite production and logistics disruptions from COVID-19 curbs.

The market is bracing for additional curbs aimed at Russian fuel products sales set to come into force in February as the European Union (EU) keeps working on more sanctions against Moscow over the invasion of Ukraine.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration said the upcoming EU ban on seaborne imports of petroleum products from Russia on Feb. 5 could be more disruptive than the EU ban on seaborne imports of crude oil from Russia implemented in December 2022.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the country's oil producers have had no difficulties in securing export deals despite Western sanctions and price caps.

An international price cap imposed on sales of Russian crude took effect on Dec. 5.

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