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Kedar’s Homecoming

Published

9 years ago

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WHAT A KNOCK! Kedar Jadhav plays a shot during the India v/s England First One Day International match, Pune, Reuters/UNI

Ably led by Kohli, the Pune boy overcame agony to hit ton that transformed the match and made short work of the humongous target

By Sujit Bhar

India winning a One Day International (ODI) versus England isn’t news. But when it wins chasing a massive 350 for seven, England’s highest versus India, then it is. Moreover, if it happens to be the first captaincy effort by Virat Kohli, after Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who had just given up his, leaves with six for six, pulling India down to 63 for four, then it surely is. And that’s what happened in Pune on January 15, in the first ODI of the series.

But that’s not the end. England managed a steady run-rate, reaching the score without a century contribution. That meant that, with four down and not much on the board, India needed to speed up things. Eyes turned to Kohli, of course, the man for a chase. He did not disappoint, scoring a strong 122 off 105 deliveries, with eight hits to the fence and four over.

India won by three wickets with 11 deliveries to spare. This was India’s third successful chase of 350-plus totals.

That was great play, no doubt. But the day belonged to a 32-year-old local lad, Kedar Jadhav. The attacking middle-order bat (also an occasional off-break bowler) hit a whirlwind 120 in 76 deliveries, assisted by 12 boundaries and four sixes.

It was a great start for India’s home series, keeping India’s record of not losing a home ODI intact, and, even in losing, England surely can’t complain. They had started the series tentatively, with former BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke’s letter warning them of a possible lack of facilities, now that board president Anurag Thakur and he had been sacked by the Supreme Court. Facilities were up to the mark, they found, only the Indian team was too hot to handle.

The match itself has been analysed enough, but the incredible thing is India’s throwing up great batting talent on a regular basis. Just the other day Jodhpur-born 25-year-old Karun Nair had become only the second Indian after Virender Sehwag to hit a triple century, and on Sunday Jadhav came in from the cold, so to say, lifting India out of the woods.

Jadhav isn’t a newcomer, this being his 13th ODI, neither is he new to a chase. Four months back, in a chase, India were down to 73 for four, when he combined with then skipper Dhoni for a 66-run partnership that saved the day. On Sunday, fighting cramps (Kohli had cramps too), Jadhav provided ample support to his new captain to be named Man of the Match.

The attacking stance is Jadhav’s default setting. He broke into the big boys’ league with a half-century off 29 deliveries on his IPL debut for Delhi Daredevils. He carried with him the experience of six half centuries and a century in first class cricket and for Maharashtra he has displayed excellent offensive tactics.

Also confidence, oodles of it.

It was clear from what Kohli said after the match. He has been quoted as saying: “I think it was outstanding. Just to have another guy that was willing to believe we can win from any situation was such a boost for me as well. The way he came out—and knew exactly how to bat at this wicket—was tremendous.”

Following Dhoni, Kohli has gained similar leadership qualities. Of Jadhav he said: “He was disappointed in the last series against New Zealand when he couldn’t get us across the line. In New Delhi he was playing really well. We told him that the best place you can learn is out there in the middle. No point sitting outside and thinking what you could have done.”

Kohli has welcomed Jadhav into his world, into his own way of thinking, and for a virtual greenhorn to have his captain put a great deal of confidence in him is great news. Jadhav made the best use of it.

And quite like any top level motivator from the world of hard-core professionals, when Jadhav was facing a hurdle through painful cramps, Kohli just told him to rise above it, play for the team. These are the small things that make a complete human being; someone who is willing to see beyond that threshold of pain, into the world of accomplishment.

If we look back, perhaps, this is the level of optimism that the Supreme Court wanted to bring back to the game. The apex court possibly saw beyond the politicking and wheeling dealings into a world where the game of cricket is supreme. That remains beyond that threshold of temporary pain.

That was what Kohli and Jadhav showed.

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Ravi Shastri warns critics against messing around with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Ravi Shastri has cautioned critics and certain individuals against creating hurdles for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, calling them “ODI giants” who deserve unwavering backing from selectors and management.

Published

18 hours ago

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December 4, 2025

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Ravi Shashtri

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has issued a strong and direct warning to those questioning or undermining the roles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India’s ODI setup. His remarks come amid growing scrutiny over the duo’s future, especially regarding the 2027 ODI World Cup plans.

Shastri, who shares a long professional and personal equation with both stalwarts, made his views clear during an interview, saying that critics and certain individuals should refrain from creating unnecessary trouble around two of India’s most accomplished white-ball players.

‘Don’t mess around with Kohli and Rohit’: Shastri

Shastri emphasised that Kohli and Rohit remain giants of ODI cricket and deserve respect, not interference. Without naming anyone, he hinted at individuals who are allegedly trying to complicate things for the pair.

He said the two senior batters have earned their stature over years of consistency and match-winning performances, and warned that if they decide to “switch on” completely, those attempting to disrupt their journey would be sidelined swiftly.

Debate over 2027 ODI World Cup participation

Shastri’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about whether both players should continue in the ODI format. Critics argue that their time away from domestic cricket could affect their World Cup chances.

Rohit Sharma has agreed to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to stay in rhythm as per BCCI guidelines. Virat Kohli initially declined a return to domestic one-day cricket but eventually reconsidered after persuasion from selectors.

A message for selectors and team management

Shastri’s comments are widely seen as a firm reminder to the current selection committee and team management to support proven performers instead of adding pressure. His warning, delivered in his typical candid style, signals his unwavering backing for the senior pros.

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Virat Kohli hits record 53rd ODI century as India build big total in Raipur

Virat Kohli’s superb 53rd ODI century and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 105 powered India past 280 in the second ODI against South Africa after a strong 195-run stand.

Published

2 days ago

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December 3, 2025

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virat kohli

India put up a commanding batting display in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur, with Virat Kohli smashing a record-extending 53rd ODI century and Ruturaj Gaikwad delivering a superb hundred to push the hosts near the 300-run mark.

Kohli anchors India’s recovery after early wickets

After being asked to bat first, India stumbled early with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal departing at a score of 62. The situation changed once Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad joined forces for the third wicket.

The pair stitched a formidable 195-run partnership, stabilising the innings and then accelerating with precision. Kohli, who had already hit a century in the previous ODI, continued his rich form by reaching his 53rd ODI ton—also his 84th international century.

Gaikwad strikes his first ODI hundred

Ruturaj Gaikwad took time to settle but shifted gears beautifully, bringing up his maiden ODI century with a boundary. His 105 off 83 balls included strong strokes, including a six and four in a single over off Keshav Maharaj. He eventually fell to Marco Jansen while attempting to clear the boundary.

India surge past 280

Kohli remained firm at the crease, striking timely boundaries and even surviving a close chance off Corbin Bosch. KL Rahul supported him at the other end as India crossed 280 in the 39th over, building momentum for a possible 350-plus total.

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Gautam Gambhir says BCCI will decide his future after 2-0 test series defeat

Gautam Gambhir has left his future as India’s Test coach to the BCCI after a 2-0 series loss to South Africa, saying the blame begins with him and calling for stronger focus on Test cricket.

Published

1 week ago

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November 26, 2025

By

Gautam Gambhir

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has put the responsibility of deciding his future on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), following the team’s 2-0 Test series loss to South Africa. India’s defeat in Guwahati, their heaviest in terms of runs, has intensified scrutiny over the team’s performance under Gambhir’s leadership.

Gambhir leaves decision to BCCI

After India’s 408-run defeat, Gambhir made it clear during the press conference that he would not ask for more chances.
He said the BCCI would decide whether he should continue as Test coach.

“Indian cricket is important, I am not. It is for the BCCI to decide,” Gambhir stated, adding that he has always maintained this stance. He also reminded that he had previously delivered results in major tournaments like the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup.

“Blame starts with me,” says Gambhir

Gambhir accepted full responsibility for the series loss, acknowledging that every member of the team shares the blame.

He pointed to India’s collapse from 95/1 to 122/7 as a turning point that cannot be justified.

“You don’t blame individuals. Blame lies with everyone, and it starts with me,” he said.

Criticism over team changes and approach

Under Gambhir, India have lost 10 of 18 Tests, with consecutive whitewash defeats—first against New Zealand last year and now South Africa. Despite team overhauls and new faces, results have remained unchanged.

He has faced criticism for frequent experimentation, especially his preference for all-rounders over specialist players in the traditional format.

Responding to queries on what kind of players succeed in Tests, Gambhir said the format demands resilience.

“You don’t need the most flamboyant and talented cricketers. You need tough characters with limited skills,” he said.

“Prioritise Test cricket,” Gambhir urges

Gambhir stressed that reviving India’s Test performance requires a collective effort and a renewed focus on red-ball cricket.

“If you are serious about Test cricket in India, start prioritising it. You cannot blame only players or a certain individual,” he emphasised.

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