In form captain Joe Root edged out players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Alastair Cook to become the batsman with the most hundreds in the India vs England Test after scoring the eighth century in the Test against Virat Kohli side during the second match of the series in Leeds on Thursday. Root tops the list of most number of hundred in India vs England Tests with 8 centuries in 41 innings, while Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and Alastair Cook are the second seven-ton sets in bilateral series between the two countries. Root also became the first player to score hundreds in 3 consecutive tests twice in the same year. Root hit hundred in each of the last two tests in Nottingham and London. Root also became the player to score more than fifty plus as captain during England vs India in England. Root smashed six fifties while playing against India in England, he equalled MS Dhoni's record.Also Read- India vs England: Wounds of 2014 hurt Virat Kohli again Root scored 139-run in 189-ball with Malan (70 of 128) before the southpaw picked up edge while trying to flick Mohamed Siraj ball. Indian pacers, who wrote a memorable script for the Lords victory, bowled too many boundary balls and the English duo were quick to pick them. The pitch appears to have loosened considerably for the batsman after India collapsed to 78 on the first day. Indian bowlers have not been able to send Root back to the pavilion easily in the series and the skipper scored runs whenever he want to. He seems to be in form and reached his 51 fifty of 57 balls with a impressive back foot punch through the covers.Also Read- IPL 2021: Pandya brothers Kunal and Hardik join Mumbai Indian camp in Abu Dhabi
India coach Rahul Dravid has said he expects Virat Kohli to return for the third and final Test against South Africa to be played in Cape Town from January 11-15. Dravid's comments came after India lost the second Test to South Africa by seven in the Wanderers, Johannesburg. Virat Kohli missed Test 2 due to a back spasm and was replaced by KL Rahul to lead the team."Virat Kohli should be fine by all accounts, he should be fine. He has a chance to run a little, he has a chance to test him a little. I hope, with some network sessions in Cape Town, he has to go," Dravid said during a virtual press conference, whatever. It was what I was listening to and reacting to, it should be ready in four days.When asked about India's batsman performance so far in the series, Dravid said: "The terrain has been tough for both teams, South Africa's fourth inning was probably the best with the bats. Yes, as a hitting unit. We can see. To grab some crucial moments and when we have them. Partnerships, we can try to extend it. It was a challenge in the first rounds, but we could have scored another 55-60, which is a lot. It could have made a huge difference.”“We would definitely like to do a little better. Maybe the players who start can turn them into 100. That was the difference in the first game, we scored a century for Rahul and ended up winning. Dean Elgar scored 96 points in this event and South Africa went on to win.Dean Elgar played captain with 96 unbeaten as he tied in a 3-match series against India in a 1-1 draw to help the hosts win seven wickets.After the rain broke, play finally resumed on the final day of the test match, with South Africa resuming the day with a score of 118/2. South Africa's Elgar and Pafuma came home in utter comfort with their victory as the hosts tied the 3-match Test series 1-1.""Hanuma Vihari played very well in both rounds. He hit really well in the second half, Shreyas Iyer has done really well for us in the past. People have to cheer that they are doing well when the opportunity arises." It happens, it's the nature of the game and we can trust the way Harry played in this match.""I wouldn't say we feel good in this match, we were in this match. We thought it wouldn't be easy to defend 240 in the final rounds, but hopefully, we'll have a better chance. It's kind of like an area we can strive to improve, but I wouldn't let it feel complacent.”Also, Read - Australia bars Novak Djokovic cancels entry visa
Becoming the Best cricketer in the world in 2020 is a more difficult challenge than in the history of the game. Proving mastery of a title like this isn't enough, nor can core ball specialists claim enough.To be considered the best cricketer in the world, success in all three formats is a must.The cricket factor is important for betting on T20, 50 over and Tests and this was the main factor when creating this list.Top 10 Best Cricketers in the World:1-Kapil Dev - Best Cricketer in the WorldKapil Dev has played over 130 Tests for India and was considered the best cricketer in the world during his long career.Dev has a good record roster, including being the only player to score 4,000 test runs and take 400 test wickets.Along with Ian Botham, Ben Stokes, Richard Hadley, and Jack Callis, Dave is in solid talks as the second-best player in an overall test (after the Garfield Supers).A brilliant captain, talented batsman, and competent pitcher, Dev beat Gavaskar and Tendulkar for first place.2 - Sunil Gavaskar - Best Cricketer in the WorldNot only was Sunil Gavaskar a prolific running player and arguably the greatest player of all time, but he also set standards for Indian cricketers, taking the team to new levels of professionalism and introducing a work ethic never seen before.Gavaskar drove from the front in more ways than one. He was a handsome shooter when needed and his extensive defensive technique, combined with his steely mindset, made him a very difficult person to write off.3 - Sachin Tendulkar - Best Cricketer in the WorldSachin Tendulkar's net worth is believed to be over $100 million, making him the richest player in India. The teacher is seen in all audiences, loved more than anyone else in the country.Tendulkar was a technical perfection. Viv Richards hits the pillow and Ricky Ponting carefully draws his straight line.He has made many astonishing records in both Test and ODI. Tendulkar may have to be content with the third place in this list, but there is no doubt that he is number one in the eyes of the Indian public.4 - Virat Kohli - Best Cricketer in the WorldPlaying in the IPL era, the era of celebrity makes Virat Kohli's net worth an unimaginable figure for cricketers over the past few decades.Kohli is still at his peak but has already established himself as one of the best cricketers India has ever produced. Some say the quarter is generous, though Kohli's influence as a hitter and captain is enormous. India is by far the most powerful country.Historically prolific in all three forms, Kohli could end his career as the greatest hitter of the 21st century.5 - Anil Kumble - Best Cricketer in the WorldIt is only 619 proof wickets for Anil Kumble. Patience, determination, and clever variations propelled Kumble to pursue a career beyond his natural talent.The player who broke his leg was not just a football player, but changed his pace quite well, making most of his throws faster than regular bowling. The lateral movement was never great, but it did enough to engage the hitters.There are more talented Indian spinners than Kumble, but no one can match his demand. He has created magic on more than one occasion in front of the biggest cricket grounds in the world...6 - Raul Dravid - Best Cricketer in the WorldWhile Sehwag was explosive, Rahul Dravid was a traditional cricketer's dream come true. With high elbows, a straight face, and good leg speed, The Wall is the fourth-highest Test scorer of all time.Though considered a Test specialist, Dravid has developed his game throughout his career to become an effective ball hitter. He was the fifth Indian cricketer to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.7 - Varinder Sehwag - Best Cricketer in the WorldVirender Sehwag was not the editor of the textbook. His technique didn't come from a training manual, but he was as entertaining as any Test player and was arguably the most destructive player in the game.Sehwag made a triple horn in running with the ball and played two horns at the same pace. The bowling attack was wiped out an hour after Sehwag crashed: hitting him consistently to the limit was exciting and effective.8 - MS Dhoni - Best Cricketer in the WorldA World Cup winner and one of the best goalkeepers in the history of the game, MS Dhoni is the epitome of the modern game, a true 3D phenomenon.Dhoni is known for his white-ball sensation, and rightly so, with an ODI average of over 50 and countless heroic chases, but he was also an elite Test player. He was selected thrice in the ICC Test XI and has a career average of 38.Wicketkeeping skills should also not be overlooked. Donnie could whip Bell faster than he could have imagined. The guy who brought us the picture of the helicopter was locked in the top ten.|9 - Javagal Srinath - Best Cricketer in the WorldJavagal Srinath is one of the lowest-rated Indian cricketers. When spin was the name of the game in the 90s, Srinath, an aggressive fast-paced high-voltage shooter, used to charge on the wrong courts.If needed, Srinath could have released it in the mid-90s. Like many intercontinental pace bowlers, he can spin up, making him an effective player at any time.At the time of his retirement in 2002, only one fast Indian player (Kapil Dev) had more than 236 wickets in Srinath.10 - Bishan Bedi - Best Cricketer in the WorldOutspoken and often controversial, Bishan Bedi has had a tough time with Indian cricket. Gaining a foothold as a test country during the 1960s and 1970s, it is far from being a global power today.Pedi was the star of the time. He completed his Test run at the age of 29 with 266 wickets, his effective control of left-arm rotation leaving batsmen stuck at one end.Bedi is second in every ancient tour test, and though it is not just a spinning ball, its graceful versatility of flight throws batsmen out of balance.More Read - Who is the IPL God of 2020?
Five IPL titles, record of improving players and creating a healthy team environment impresses board bigwigs, but hectic schedule may dissuade Kiwi stalwart.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating the possibility of former New Zealand captain and current Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming as a prospective successor to Rahul Dravid. However, with the BCCI's stipulation that the new head coach will oversee all three formats, it remains uncertain whether Fleming will indeed pursue the role, which would entail a commitment of 10 months per year with the team.The BCCI officially initiated the process to appoint a new head coach for the Indian men's team following the T20 World Cup. According to reliable sources within the board, Fleming, who has been at the helm of CSK since 2009, is being viewed as a suitable candidate to take over from Dravid. India is expected to undergo a period of transition across all formats in the coming years, and Fleming's adeptness in man-management, his knack for fostering a positive environment to bring out the best in players, and his commendable success rate with CSK are seen as significant assets.Informal discussions have reportedly occurred during the course of the IPL. Currently, the 51-year-old has not indicated any desire to depart from CSK, with whom the management prefers him to extend his tenure.Since assuming the role of head coach at CSK in 2009, Fleming has become a widely sought-after T20 coach across the globe. He has coached the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League for four years and is also the head coach of Joburg Super Kings in SA20 and Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket—both affiliated with CSK. Additionally, he serves as the head coach of Southern Brave in The Hundred. Fleming is expected to have a hectic schedule in July, with MLC and The Hundred coinciding for a week.The BCCI's consideration of Fleming comes as no surprise, given the widespread admiration for his contributions. Internally, there is a high regard for Fleming, who has played a pivotal role in CSK's success story. As the longest-serving coach in the IPL, he has guided CSK to five titles and two Champions League trophies. His ability to bring out the best in players, exemplified by instances like Shivam Dube's development, is noteworthy. Moreover, his leadership program has proven beneficial for numerous Indian domestic players.It is understood that India’s senior players also prefer having a coach with such pedigree and strong technical knowledge, as it would help the next generation of players who are expected to form the core of the team over the next three years.If the BCCI is not able to lure Fleming, it would be interesting to see where it goes next. Despite England, Pakistan and South Africa splitting their coaching roles between red-ball and white-ball cricket, the BCCI is still hesitant to go for a similar approach as India doesn’t have two different sets of players for Tests and limited-overs formats.The Indian Express understands that apart from Fleming, other overseas coaches involved with IPL teams are also reluctant to take up the India job as it demands them to be on road for 10 months in a year. Even Dravid has been granted breaks from time and time, with the former India captain often skipping some white-ball series.Dravid, who was given a six-month extension post the 50-over World Cup in October-November, has his contract expiring after the T20 World Cup next month. The former India captain has the option of re-applying for the post.Key parametersThe Coach will be responsible for developing a world-class cricket team which delivers sustained success in all conditions and formats, inspiring current and future generations of cricketers and stakeholders with their approach to the game.The Head Coach will have overall responsibility for the performance and management of the India Men’s team in all three formats of the game.The Head Coach will lead a team of specialist coaches and support staff and will be responsible for defining their roles, performance and ongoing development.Also Read: 6 Teams For 3 Spots: Complete IPL 2024 Playoffs Scenario Explained
Gautam Gambhir and the BCCI are in the final stages of negotiating his salary. Once his remuneration is settled, the BCCI will officially announce him as India's next head coach. Following Rahul Dravid's departure after leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup, Gambhir emerged as the leading candidate for the position. He was among the two applicants, along with WV Raman, who underwent interviews conducted by the Cricket Advisory Committee consisting of Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape, and Sulakshana Naik. Numerous reports strongly indicate that Gambhir is set to assume the role.Recently, Gambhir was seen filming a farewell video at Eden Gardens, marking the end of his tenure with the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he played a pivotal role in their IPL championship after a decade. Despite Gambhir's apparent candidacy, the delay in the announcement primarily stems from ongoing negotiations over his salary. According to reports from The Indian Express, these negotiations are nearing conclusion.The BCCI had advertised the position with negotiable remuneration based on experience. Gambhir is expected to command a higher salary than his predecessor, Rahul Dravid, who earned approximately 12 crore annually.This will mark Gambhir's first national-level coaching assignment, having previously served as mentor for teams in the IPL. Currently, India's team in Zimbabwe is under the guidance of NCA head VVS Laxman. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has confirmed India's upcoming white-ball series in Sri Lanka will have a new head coach in charge.Additionally, the BCCI plans to invite applications for the team’s support staff following the end of tenures for batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip post-T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies. Gambhir is expected to have autonomy in selecting his support staff once the application process is completed.
Dravid was offered the bonus amount following the national team's success but he was happy to settle for the due amount – 2.5 crore – similar to other coaching staffFormer India head coach Rahul Dravid has refused to take the bonus amount of 2.5 crore offered to him by the BCCI following the recent T-20 World Cup triumph in the Americas.Dravid was offered the bonus amount following the national team's success but he was happy to settle for the due amount – 2.5 crore – similar to other coaching staff.The BCCI wanted to repay Dravid for guiding India to the trophy in Barbados by hiking his reward to 5 crore, which is at par with the players, PTI has learnt that the 51-year-old was happy with an equal pay check as other coaching staff.It was more of a goodwill gesture than any official call as Dravid's tenure as India coach had originally ended after last year's 50-over World Cup at home.However, skipper Rohit Sharma and the governing body were successful in convincing Dravid to stay till the T20 World Cup as they then had felt that time was too short for a new coach to take up the high-pressure job.Dravid went on to end his India coaching stint as a World Cup winner, and talks have been swirling around him joining an IPL franchise as mentor.But at this point, the Bengaluru man seems to be keen to take a step back and relax after a hectic over two years tenure as the India head coach, before taking the next career move.Meanwhile, the BCCI on Tuesday appointed former India opener Gautam Gambhir as Dravid's successor for the next three years.Under Gambhir's coaching, the Kolkata Knight Riders won their third IPL trophy earlier this year.Also Read: Virat Kohli becomes first cricketer to hit 100 million followers on Instagram
