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Ashwin says Rishabh Pant must convert hundreds to double centuries

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Rishabh Pant 123

After India’s five-wicket loss to England in the first Test at Leeds, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dissected the defeat and outlined a roadmap for recovery in a candid discussion on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat.

Emphasizing the need for strategic adjustments, Ashwin stressed that batting for time, not just runs, is critical against England’s aggressive chasing mentality.

“India’s batsmen must focus on occupying the crease to wear down England’s bowlers and keep them out there longer,” Ashwin said. “It’s not just about scoring big—it’s about exhausting their attack.”

Despite India’s impressive feat of five centuries across both innings, England chased down 371—a target second only to their highest successful Test pursuit—securing a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Ashwin pinpointed India’s failure to extend their second innings into the fifth day as the turning point. “England’s mindset is to chase any total. To outsmart them, we need to set a steeper target, around 450 if conditions permit, while giving them less time,” he explained.

Urging calm, Ashwin cautioned against drastic changes. “There’s no need for panic or wholesale reshuffles. India can level the series, but we must adapt tactically, or it could slip away quickly.”

Ashwin lauded Rishabh Pant’s twin centuries, describing them as exceptional, but dismissed comparisons with MS Dhoni. “Pant bats at No. 5, unlike Dhoni in Tests. He’s a frontline batter, more akin to Virat Kohli,” he said, likening Pant’s quick reflexes and pitch-reading ability to Pakistan great Inzamam-ul-Haq. “He’s among the rare few with such sharp ball recognition.”

Advising Pant to convert big scores into monumental ones, Ashwin added, “When you’re on 130, push for 200. Your runs at that stage outweigh any tail-end contribution.” In a lighter vein, he urged Pant to ditch his acrobatic front flips in Tests. “This isn’t the IPL with 50–60 balls. Test cricket is gruelling, and as a top-order batter, you’ve nothing left to prove.”

Ashwin strongly advocated for wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion in the second Test at Edgbaston, highlighting his potential to unsettle England’s line-up. “Kuldeep can be a game-changer. Even if he takes three wickets for 100 and keeps England to 350, that could give us a vital edge,” he said.

Defending young Yashasvi Jaiswal, who dropped catches in the slips, Ashwin attributed the errors to the challenges of fielding with the Dukes ball under crowd pressure. “Jaiswal has improved significantly as a slip fielder. The Dukes ball feels heavier, and the hostile crowd adds pressure,” he noted.

Ashwin also rued a tactical oversight in not creating rough patches on the pitch to aid India’s spinners. “Had England bowled last, the pitch would’ve had more wear. Generating rough is crucial in Test cricket, and we missed that chance at Leeds.”

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Who is Sahil Parakh? Teenager makes IPL debut for Delhi Capitals vs RCB

Sahil Parakh, an 18-year-old batter from Maharashtra, made his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals against RCB in IPL 2026.

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Sahil Parakh, an emerging batter from Maharashtra, made his Indian Premier League debut for Delhi Capitals during their 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

The 18-year-old was handed his maiden cap as the franchise made changes to its playing XI, looking to test fresh talent in a crucial stage of the tournament.

Opens innings alongside KL Rahul

Parakh was included as an opening batter and partnered experienced wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul at the top. The move reflected Delhi Capitals’ intent to experiment with their batting combination and give exposure to young players in high-pressure games.

Short stay at the crease

The debut outing did not last long for the youngster, as he was dismissed early in the innings. Despite the brief appearance, the opportunity marked an important milestone in his career.

Promising name from domestic circuit

Parakh is a left-handed batter who has impressed in age-group and domestic cricket, earning attention for his performances at the state level. His selection in the Delhi Capitals squad for IPL 2026 underlines the franchise’s focus on nurturing young talent for the future.

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Who is Praful Hinge? Young pacer who made instant impact with match-turning IPL debut spell

Praful Hinge grabbed attention with a three-wicket over on his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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Praful Hinge bowling for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL

Praful Hinge is an emerging Indian fast bowler who grabbed attention after a remarkable debut in the Indian Premier League. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, the young pacer made headlines by taking three wickets in a single over, a rare and impactful feat in T20 cricket.

His performance came against Rajasthan Royals, where he turned the game with a decisive spell, announcing his arrival on the big stage.

Domestic cricket background

Hinge hails from Nagpur and has been associated with the Vidarbha cricket team in domestic cricket. Like many cricketers rising through India’s competitive system, his progress at the domestic level paved the way for his IPL opportunity.

While detailed statistics from his domestic career remain limited in public reports, his selection in the IPL reflects recognition of his potential and performances.

Bowling style and strengths

Praful Hinge is a right-arm fast bowler known for:

  • Maintaining a disciplined line and length
  • Ability to generate movement off the pitch
  • Effectiveness in short, impactful spells

His debut spell highlighted composure under pressure, especially in a high-intensity league like the IPL.

Breakthrough IPL moment

Making an immediate impact in the IPL is never easy, but Hinge’s three-wicket over on debut stands out as a defining moment. Performances like these often play a key role in shaping a young cricketer’s early career and gaining attention from teams and selectors.

A promising start

Praful Hinge’s debut has positioned him as a young fast bowler to watch. While it is still early in his career, such impactful performances suggest potential for further opportunities in domestic and franchise cricket.

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At 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes India debut, could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may soon make his India debut after a standout IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals.

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Rising cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is reportedly on the verge of earning his first senior India call-up following an impressive run in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batter has been shortlisted for the upcoming India tour of Ireland, according to multiple reports.

The young Rajasthan Royals player has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about talents this season, delivering impactful performances that have caught the attention of selectors.

Strong performances boost selection chances

Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting in IPL 2026 has played a key role in pushing his case for national selection. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenager has consistently taken on top bowlers with confidence, showcasing both aggressive stroke play and maturity beyond his age.

Reports suggest he is among several young players being monitored for India’s Ireland tour, with selectors looking to test emerging talent in a relatively shorter series.

Could become youngest India debutant

If selected and given an opportunity, Sooryavanshi could script history by becoming one of the youngest players to represent India at the international level. At just 15, he would surpass long-standing age records set by former greats like Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16.

The potential milestone has added further excitement around the youngster, whose rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket has been closely followed by fans and experts alike.

Future tours also on radar

Apart from the Ireland series, reports indicate that Sooryavanshi could also be considered for other upcoming assignments later in 2026, including a possible tour of Zimbabwe. His consistent performances and fearless approach have made him a strong contender for continued inclusion in India’s plans.

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