IND vs ENG: 'Straight ball hai, theke?'; Rishabh Pant’s self-check moment and twin tons light up Headingley - Watch | Cricket News

IND vs ENG: ‘Straight ball hai, theke?’; Rishabh Pant’s self-check moment and twin tons light up Headingley – Watch | Cricket News

India’s Rishabh Pant (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) India vice-captain Rishabh Pant yet again proved why he is one of the most entertaining characters in world cricket, both with his audacious shots and with the conversations he has with himself in the middle. On Day 4 of the first Test against England at Headingley, Pant added another gem to his growing collection of iconic knocks overseas. After scoring a masterful 134 in the first innings, he stitched a momentum-shifting 195-run partnership with KL Rahul in the second innings and brought up his second century of the match, becoming the first Indian to score twin tons in a Test in England. While Pant’s flamboyance is well-known, what caught the stump mic and the cameras was his candid reminder to himself during one of his adventurous attempts against Shoaib Bashir. Eyeing another innovative stroke, Pant muttered, “Straight ball hai, Rishabh aise yeh jaroori nahi hai theke? Marna hai to seedha lag jayega na iss ball pe zabardasti with the wind try kare jaa raha hai.”This self-advice came as he was trying to reverse scoop a delivery that did not warrant such a shot. Moments later, Pant calmed himself down and returned to a more traditional approach, eventually steering India towards a massive lead. KL Rahul press conference: On his role, being elder brother in team, role clarity and match Pant’s 118 off 140 balls in the second innings secured his place in an elite club. He became only the second designated wicketkeeper after Andy Flower to notch hundreds in both innings of a Test. He also matched the record for the most sixes in a Test innings in England, hitting nine maximums, a feat previously achieved by Andrew Flintoff and Ben Stokes.Quiz: Who’s that IPL player? His innings pushed his tally in England to 808 runs from 10 Tests at an impressive average above 42. His match total of 252 runs is now the highest for a wicketkeeper in a Test in England, surpassing Alec Stewart’s 204 against South Africa in 1998. After reaching his milestone, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar asked Pant to celebrate with a somersault. Pant, however, gave his trademark grin and saved the flip for another day. He instead continued his charge, smacking Joe Root for a mix of unconventional sweeps and classical lofted drives before falling for 118, caught by Zak Crawley. While India’s lower order folded quickly, Pant and Rahul’s fireworks gave India a massive cushion, leaving England to chase 371 on a wearing Headingley surface. Fans will remember this innings not just for the runs but also for Pant’s honest, almost comic self-talk that reflects the genius and unpredictability that define him.

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I’ve enjoyed the opener’s role: Rahul

I’ve enjoyed the opener’s role: Rahul

Eight of Rahul’s nine Test hundreds have come at the top of the order. | Photo Credit: ANI In the last 18 months, K.L. Rahul has batted at four different positions in Tests. Perhaps, being an immensely talented batter in a line-up filled with legends and stalwarts has this outcome, for that is probably the only way to shoe-horn you in. But Rahul is at his best as an opener, a position where eight of his nine centuries have come, including the 137 (247b, 18×4) against England at Headingley on Monday. “In the last couple of years, I have forgotten what my position is,” Rahul said after the day’s play. “But I am happy to be given the responsibility [of batting at different positions]. It makes the game exciting and I can challenge myself. “The last couple of series, I have opened and I have enjoyed that. All of my early years I have been an opener and I am happy to be back.” In the 2024-25 Australia tour, the 33-year-old got five decent starts across 10 innings, but couldn’t score big. The second-innings century in Leeds, after the 42 in the first essay, would have come as a relief. “I was happy with the way I was batting in Australia but unhappy that I couldn’t convert. But that’s how the game goes. I learnt and made sure that once I get a start, I make it count.” Rahul said that he was also enjoying the role of being the seniormost batter in the current set-up. “Even with Virat [Kohli] and Rohit [Sharma], there was a culture where everyone helped each other. I have been in those situations myself where I have spoke to Virat ahead of series in England and Australia. “So the atmosphere in the dressing room is relaxing. And there are conversations like what to expect in Leeds, Lord’s… and we try and use that information.” Looking ahead to Tuesday, Rahul stated that he would have been happier with “40 to 50 runs more” but expressed hope that 370 runs will be enough. “There is definitely a result. England have said that openly. That gives us the opportunity to take wickets. It is a tricky pitch. I didn’t feel set at all while batting. It has taken a beating and it may break even more”. Published – June 24, 2025 12:48 am IST

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Former India spinner Dilip Doshi dies at the age of 77

Former India spinner Dilip Doshi dies at the age of 77

Former India spinner Dilip Doshi has passed away at the age of 77 on Monday, June 23. A close family friend of the former left-arm spinner said that Doshi died in London on Monday. Doshi represented India in 33 Tests and 15 ODIs. The former left-arm spinner is survived by a son and a daughter. Doshi was a late bloomer in international cricket and played for India from 1979-83, making his debut at the age of 32. In 33 Tests, Doshi picked up 114 wickets with six five-wicket hauls to his name. He picked up 22 wickets in the 15 ODIs he played. Making his debut in the domestic circuit in the 1968-69 season, Doshi played 238 first-class matches until his retirement in 1986, and took 898 wickets. He represented Bengal and Saurashtra during this time. Cheteshwar Pujara paid his tribute to Doshi after the end of day’s play on Monday in the Leeds Test. Pujara said that Doshi was a gem of a person and also revealed the interactions he had with the former spinner when he was playing county cricket for Sussex. The BCCI mourns the sad demise of former India spinner, Dilip Doshi, who has unfortunately passed away in London. May his soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/odvkxV2s9a— BCCI (@BCCI) June 23, 2025 Pujara remembered how Doshi would text him when he did well for the Indian team as he had a soft corner for Saurashtra players. I’ve met him many times, a great person, gem of a person, very soft spoken. He lived here, so whenever I was playing county cricket for Sussex, I met him many times, even in London. A great personality and my condolences to his family because he will be missed. He had a soft corner for Sausrashtra players. And, whenever Sausrashtra did well, he always texted me. He always texted me when I did well for the Indian team. But yeah, I always loved interacting with him. Other reactions to Doshi’s death Former BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah commented on the news and said it was an extremely painful and personal loss for him. “It is an extremely painful and personal loss for me. Dilip was not only one of the legendary cricketers, but also one of the finest human beings I have ever known. His noble heart, integrity, and priceless dedication to the game made him truly special,” said Shah. Jaydev Shah, president of Saurashtra Cricket Association, said that Doshi was like an uncle to him. “His passing is an irreparable loss to the cricketing fraternity, and to all of us who had the honour of knowing him. His legacy, both as a player and a person, will continue to live in our hearts and in the history of cricket. This is an incredibly painful and personal loss for me. He was not just a legendary cricketer- he was my uncle, my mentor, and someone I looked up to throughout my life,” said Jaydev Shah. – Ends Published On: Jun 24, 2025

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'Two good': Sanjiv Goenka lauds Rishabh Pant's aggression, gives special mention to KL Rahul | Cricket News

‘Two good’: Sanjiv Goenka lauds Rishabh Pant’s aggression, gives special mention to KL Rahul | Cricket News

Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul (Getty Images) NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka took to social media to celebrate as Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul slammed centuries in India’s second innings against England during the first Test at Headingley Cricket Stadium in Leeds on Monday, June 23. Pant created history by becoming only the second wicketkeeper-batsman to score centuries in both innings of a Test and the first Indian to do so in England.Pant, who currently captains the Lucknow franchise in the IPL, smashed 118 off 140 balls in the second innings. Rahul, the franchise’s first captain from 2022 to 2024, scored a patient 137 off 247 deliveries.“Two good! Back-to-back centuries for @RishabhPant17. Aggressive, audacious, brilliant. Only the second wicketkeeper in history to score a century in both innings of a Test. Congratulations also to @klrahul for his hundred,” Goenka posted on X.The duo stitched together a vital 195-run stand for the fifth wicket after India lost skipper Shubman Gill early on Day 3 for just 8. Their partnership powered India to set a target of over 350 for England.In the first innings, Pant had scored 134 in India’s total of 477. Rahul, who now holds the record for the most centuries by an Asian opener in England, made 42 after England opted to bowl first. Greenstone Lobo predicts winner of IND vs ENG series | Who Has the Astrological Edge? The Lucknow Super Giants franchise, owned by Goenka, was formed in 2022. Rahul led the team for three seasons before Pant took over the captaincy.The Rahul-Pant partnership played a crucial role in India’s dominance in the match, helping the visitors recover from an early setback and firmly take control.

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IND vs ENG: 'You just let Rishabh Pant be Rishabh Pant' - KL Rahul hails star batter after twin tons as India set England 371-run target | Cricket News

IND vs ENG: ‘You just let Rishabh Pant be Rishabh Pant’ – KL Rahul hails star batter after twin tons as India set England 371-run target | Cricket News

KL Rahul (Pic credit: Sahil Malhotra/TimesofIndia.com) Timesofindia.com in Leeds: ‘You just let Rishabh Pant be Rishabh Pant. Stand out there and admire.’ KL Rahul’s words summed up the essence of day four at Headingley, where the Indian duo of Rahul and Pant unleashed twin centuries to propel India to 364 all out in their second innings, setting England a steep 371-run target.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!By stumps, England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett had reached 21 without loss. The series opener remains delicately poised with 350 more needed by the hosts and one full day to go.Pant, who made 134 in the first innings, completed his second century of the match with a thrilling 118 off 140 balls – becoming the first Indian to hit twin tons in a Test against England and only the second wicketkeeper in history to achieve the feat. Greenstone Lobo predicts winner of IND vs ENG series | Who Has the Astrological Edge? KL Rahul, anchoring the innings with a composed 137 off 247 balls, was at his vintage best. “Was happy with the way I was batting in Australia… Unfortunately couldn’t get big runs. I learnt there that once I get starts, I’ll convert into big ones,” he said after the day’s play.On his ever-evolving role in the batting order, he admitted: “Last couple of years I have forgotten what position I am comfortable in. I am ready for whatever has been given to me. I have enjoyed my role as an opener the last couple of series.”Rahul also spoke about helping younger players adjust to English conditions. “Everyone wants to learn, get better at their game. Whoever has come and spoken to me, we’ve had lengthy conversations. It was something that used to happen earlier also.”Despite India losing their last six wickets for 31 runs, they had done enough damage. England pacer Josh Tongue, who triggered India’s late collapse, said: “It’s a shame I couldn’t get the hat-trick… but the dressing room is very positive. We have a very good batting order.”Day five promises fireworks – or a fight for survival.

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IND vs ENG Test: KL Rahul didn't just bat with Rishabh Pant — he watched over him, like an elder brother would | Cricket News

IND vs ENG Test: KL Rahul didn’t just bat with Rishabh Pant — he watched over him, like an elder brother would | Cricket News

KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant (Getty Images) TimesofIndia.com in Leeds: Early in their partnership, the stump mic picked up a heartwarming conversation between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant where the former was urging his younger teammate to watch the ball closely. Pant heard him and responded, “hanji… aise nahi hai aise hi ghuma du… ball acche se dekhta hu.” (yes, it’s not that I swing wildly, I watch it nicely). From the outside, it may feel like a normal conversation between two batters looking to bail the side out of trouble after the early hiccup – Shubman Gill’s wicket – but it meant much more. It felt much more.There is a six-year age gap between KL Rahul and Pant, and while it’s not the ideal difference between siblings of an average Indian family, the camaraderie in the middle certainly felt like one. Without being authoritative, Rahul was putting the point across to Pant with an unsaid sense of assurance in his tone. The young batter was all ears and the “hanji” – hindi word for yes used while addressing someone senior to you – said and conveyed a lot more.This is an Indian dressing room undergoing transition and Rahul, as far as batting is concerned, is the only link between the past and the future. Since making his debut in 2014, the right-hander has played with the former greats, seen plenty come in and out of the side and is now witnessing the youngsters – who made their debuts in front of him – take the next step in their Test careers. Rahul, however, hasn’t turned that guiding angel for the young batters overnight.It was visible during the numerous net sessions in Australia where he would guide Yashasvi Jaiswal, speak to him constantly and maintain the chatter even when the two opened the innings together. It was a much star-studded dressing room back then but things have changed now. He is the senior pro who has taken the responsibility of making the youngsters comfortable.And he was doing just that when Pant walked out to bat under an overcast sky, windy conditions and against a bowling attack which was asking a lot of questions in the first hour of day’s play. Pant and Rahul together wasn’t going to be similar music from both ends and it was a throwback to the 90s where the audio cassettes were dominated by 2-in-1 collections. One side would have music completely different from the other. Vengaboys on one side and a Yash Chopra classic on the other meant there was something for everyone.With their own means and ways, the two drove India into a position of control. Rahul continued to be patient, calm and left the ball as well as anyone has in this part of the world. Pant, meanwhile, entered a period of self-talking where he calmed himself to weather the early storm and then returned to maverick ways before making timely returns to sensibility.Rahul faced 143 deliveries during the partnership, Pant faced 140 and the two contributed 66 and 118 runs, respectively. The contributions, however, weren’t of importance here but the manner in which they complimented each other, in spite of the different approaches, was. The elder brother in Rahul didn’t miss an opportunity to walk up to his teammate when he would sense him getting edgy – which happened far too often.With Pant, every delivery becomes an event but Rahul, having played so much cricket with the explosive left-hander, timed his chats to perfection and didn’t come across as the overbearing senior instructing from the other end. When he was leaving consecutive deliveries in the 90s, Rahul let him be. Even when he went big off Shoaib Bashir, Rahul let him be. And when the hundred finally came, the long warm hug showed how much it meant to Pant, and Rahul, as together the two batted India into a very good position in the opening Test against England. Greenstone Lobo predicts winner of IND vs ENG series | Who Has the Astrological Edge? It was shortly after that Rahul got the chance to kiss the crest on his helmet but this partnership was more than about the individual tons. Many moons ago, the two had put on a show at The Oval in 2018 when they hit hundreds vs Joe Root & Co. but it came for a side littered with superstars, led by one of the modern day-greats, Virat Kohli.The superstars have now walked into the sunset, the greats have called it a day but Rahul, who has had a ringside view to the movements and transitions, has moved up the hierarchy. He opted for Tamil when Sai Sudharsan was in the middle, Hindi for Pant and switched to Kannada for Karun Nair. The language changed but the intention remained the same.The soft-spoken tattooed youngster is now the elder brother in a very young dressing room led by a 25-year-old captain.

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Dilip Doshi, former India spinner, dies at 77 after suffering cardiac arrest

Dilip Doshi, former India spinner, dies at 77 after suffering cardiac arrest

Dilip Doshi, the former India left-arm spinner, has died at the age of 77, the BCCI confirmed on Monday. Doshi, who played 33 Tests and 15 ODIs during a four-year-long career between 1979 and 1983, breathed his last in London, where he had been residing for several decades. A cardiac arrest took his life. Doshi is survived by his wife, Kalindi, and son, Nayan. Dilip Doshi breathed his last in London(AFP) “The BCCI mourns the sad demise of former India spinner, Dilip Doshi, who has unfortunately passed away in London. May his soul rest in peace,” the board posted on X. Doshi picked 114 Test wickets and 22 in ODIs. A late bloomer, Doshi remains one of the few cricketers to take 100 wickets after making his debut at 30. In fact, in his Test debut itself, Doshi registered figures of 6/103, drawing the match against a star-studded Australian team in 1979. In the same series, he grabbed a match-haul of 8/103, spinning India to a famous innings win. Earlier this month, Doshi attended the BCCI awards function and the World Test Championship final at Lord’s. SCA pays tribute “The SCA is deeply pained and very sad at the passing away of Dilip Doshi, a revered, distinguished, and prominent figure in the world of cricket. He left for his heavenly abode today in London. He has left behind a rich legacy of sportsmanship, commitment, and excellence. The legendary left-arm spinner was a stalwart of Indian cricket, renowned for his unparalleled skill and dedication to the game,” the Saurashtra Cricket Board said in a statement. “Doshi was a true and spirited Saurashtrian and a legendary left-arm leg-spinner in the cricket world. Despite his late India debut, he achieved many remarkable milestones and was a pure match-winner.” Doshi followed in the footsteps of India’s famous spin quartet of Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan and Bishan Singh Bedi. A true master of his craft, Doshi picked up 898 First-Class wickets and besides representing Saurashtra and Bengal in the Indian domestic circuit, he even played for Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire. “It is an extremely painful and personal loss for me. Dilip was not only one of the legendary cricketers, but also one of the finest human beings I have ever known. His noble heart, integrity, and priceless dedication to the game made him truly special,” Niranjan Shah, the former BCCI secretary said.

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