The cricketing world is currently buzzing with speculation and debate following the exclusion of Umesh Yadav from the Indian squad for the upcoming three Tests against England. Despite a stellar performance in the domestic circuit, Umesh finds himself on the sidelines, prompting fans and experts to question the selectors’ decision-making process.
Umesh Yadav’s Test journey
Umesh has been a stalwart in the Indian Test squad for quite some time, having represented the country in the 2021 and 2023 editions of the World Test Championship Final. However, his journey hit a roadblock after a disappointing performance in the WTC Final against Australia in 2023. Despite being an integral part of the team, Umesh found himself sidelined by the management soon after.
Ranji Trophy redemption
Undeterred by the setback, Umesh recently roared back into contention with a remarkable performance in the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 tournament. Representing Vidarbha, the fiery pacer claimed an impressive 18 wickets in just three matches, showcasing his skill and determination. This stellar domestic run seemed like a strong case for his inclusion in the national squad for the remaining England Tests.
BCCI’s decision raises eyebrows
However, much to the surprise of fans and cricket enthusiasts, Umesh’s name was missing from the 17-member squad announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The decision to retain Mukesh Kumar, despite a below-par outing in the second game of the five-match series, only added fuel to the fire of speculation and debate.
Expressing his disappointment and possibly taking an indirect dig at the selectors, Umesh took to Instagram after the squad announcement. In a story post, he wrote, “Kitaabon par dhool jamne se, kahaaniyan khatm nahi hoti (Stories don’t get over with dust accumulating on book)”
The cryptic message from the India pacer hinted at his determination to continue the cricketing journey despite the setbacks he has faced.
The highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction is set to unfold at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on December 19. A total of 333 cricketers, including 214 Indians, 119 overseas players, and two from associate nations, will be up for grabs.
Among them, 116 are capped players, and 215 are uncapped, vying for a maximum of 77 slots, with 30 allocated for overseas players. The player list features 23 with a base price of INR 2 crore and 13 with a base price of INR 1.5 crore. Gujarat Titans (GT), the 2022 champions, lead the purse race with INR 38.15 crore, while Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have the smallest purse at INR 13.15 crore.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s predictions unveiled
In a unique approach, India’s veteran cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, through a video on Instagram, provided his predictions for the potential price ranges of notable players in the upcoming IPL auction. Utilizing cricketing shots as metaphors, he creatively envisioned the likely auction prices for these star players. His distinctive insights into the IPL auction scenario have captured attention, especially with his forecasts for key players, generating anticipation and interest ahead of the auction.
Ashwin’s price range according to shots:
Defense: 2 -4 crores
Drive: 4 to 7 crores
Pull: 7 to 10 crores
Slog: 10-14 crores
Helicopter shot: 14+ crores
Shahrukh Khan and Rachin Ravindra in the limelight
The anticipated highlights of Ashwin’s IPL auction predictions feature Tamil Nadu batter Shahrukh Khan, foreseen to attract bids within the range of 10 to 14 crores. Additionally, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, symbolized by the metaphorical ‘cover drive,’ is expected to secure bids in the range of 4 to 7 crores.
Bowlers in the spotlight alongside Travis Head
Ashwin delved into the fortunes of bowlers, foreseeing Harshal Patel commanding a price between 7 to 10 crores. Rovman Powell and Gerald Coetzee found themselves in the 4 to 7 and 7 to 10 crore brackets, respectively. Notable surprises in Ashwin’s predictions featured Australian star Travis Head, likely to secure bids within the 2 to 4 crore range, and Indian pacer Umesh Yadav, projected to go for 4 to 7 crores. The 37-year-old off spinner further used ‘slog’ to represent Wanindu Hasaranga‘s price to be around 10-14 crores.
Ashwin’s crystal ball reserved the spotlight for Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Drawing parallels with the ‘Helicopter shot,’ Ashwin anticipated these elite bowlers commanding bids surpassing the staggering 14-crore mark, signaling potential big-money purchases.
Ashwin’s milestone and upcoming Test against South Africa
On a different front, Ashwin himself is on the brink of a significant milestone, approaching 500 wickets in Tests. The Indian stalwart will aim to achieve this feat during the upcoming two Tests in South Africa, where the action kicks off in Centurion on December 26, followed by the second Test in Cape Town from January 3 to 7.
As the cricketing world gears up for the much-anticipated 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, all eyes are on Dubai, where the bidding war is set to unfold on December 19th.
Race for pace: Frantic bidding expected for speedsters
In this edition, franchises are poised for a fierce competition, and the battleground is the quest for pace. With many teams eyeing fast-bowling firepower to bolster their arsenals, a bidding war over speedsters is on the horizon. The stakes are high as teams strategically vie for the crucial asset that can potentially tilt the balance in their favor in the fast-paced drama of T20 cricket.
5 Pacers who could spark a bidding war in the IPL 2024 Auction
Josh Hazlewood, the Australian speedster, brings a lethal combination of accuracy and pace to the bowling attack. With a remarkable control over the ball and the ability to generate consistent bounce, Hazlewood is a genuine wicket-taker. Franchises seeking a reliable new-ball bowler with the knack of breaking partnerships could find Hazlewood an invaluable asset. His experience and control make him a potent force in all formats, providing the team with a genuine strike bowler.
2. Alzarri Joseph: The West Indies firebrand ( Base Price: INR 1 crore)
Alzaari Joseph (Image Source: Twitter)
Alzarri Joseph, hailing from the West Indies, is a firebrand pacer known for his express pace and ability to surprise batters with steep bounce. Having gained valuable experience in T20 leagues worldwide, Joseph is a hot commodity in the fast-bowling department. His knack for picking crucial wickets in the powerplay and death overs makes him an attractive option for franchises looking to bolster their pace arsenal.
Mitchell Starc, the left-arm thunderbolt from Australia, is a proven match-winner with the ability to swing the new ball and unleash deadly yorkers at the death. Starc’s presence in a franchise adds a genuine X-factor, capable of turning the tide with early breakthroughs and finishing skills. His track record in T20 cricket, coupled with World Cup-winning experience, makes him an enticing prospect for teams in need of a premium fast bowler.
4. Lockie Ferguson: The express New Zealand speedster (Base Price: INR 2 crore)
Lockie Ferguson (Image Source: Twitter)
Lockie Ferguson, the express Kiwi pacer, is synonymous with raw pace and hostility. Known for consistently breaching the 150 km/h mark, Ferguson brings an intimidating factor to the bowling attack. His ability to deliver yorkers at high speed and generate steep bounce makes him a nightmare for batters. Franchises aiming to inject sheer pace and aggression into their pace battery could find Ferguson an ideal candidate.
5. Umesh Yadav: The Indian fast bowling workhorse (Base Price: INR 2 crore)
Umesh Yadav (Image Source: Twitter)
Umesh Yadav, the Indian fast bowling workhorse, combines raw pace with the ability to extract bounce on subcontinent pitches. With a wealth of experience in domestic and international cricket, Yadav brings a homegrown element to any IPL franchise. His knack for providing breakthroughs in crucial junctures and maintaining pressure on the opposition makes him an appealing choice for teams aiming to strengthen their Indian fast bowling contingent.
The stage is set for the much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction, scheduled to take place in Dubai on December 19. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finalized the roster after narrowing down the initial list of 1166 players to 333. As franchises gear up for the bidding war, they face the challenge of selecting the players that best fit their strategies.
IPL 2024 Auction: Anticipation builds as 333 players vie for coveted spots
In this high-stakes auction, where only 77 slots are available for the 10 franchises combined, including 30 overseas slots, teams will aim to secure the most promising talent to build competitive squads. The auction pool comprises 214 Indian players and 119 overseas players, setting the stage for intense competition as teams vie for the best players in the business.
With each franchise looking to craft a winning combination, the auction promises to be a battleground where strategies, calculations, and quick decisions will shape the destiny of teams in the upcoming IPL season
7 Indian players poised for big bucks in IPL 2024 Auction
1. Shardul Thakur (Base Price – Rs 2 crores)
Shardul Thakur (Image Source: Twitter)
Shardul Thakur, the dynamic right-arm fast bowler, enters the IPL 2024 auction after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Known for his ability to generate both pace and movement, Thakur has been a consistent performer in domestic and international cricket. His knack for picking up crucial wickets and delivering in pressure situations makes him a valuable asset for any franchise. Thakur’s aggressive style with the ball and his capability to contribute with the bat down the order add to his allure as a versatile T20 player. As he enters the auction, Thakur brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record, making him an intriguing prospect for teams aiming to strengthen their fast bowling department.
2. Shivam Mavi (Base Price – 50 Lakhs)
Shivam Mavi (Image Source: Twitter)
Shivam Mavi, the talented fast bowler, is likely to garner significant interest in the auction. With a knack for generating pace and bounce, Mavi has the potential to trouble batters with his lively pace. His performances in the domestic circuit and past editions of the IPL have highlighted his ability to thrive in T20 cricket, making him an exciting prospect for franchises looking to bolster their fast bowling department.
3. Harshal Patel (Base Price – Rs 2 crores)
Harshal Patel (Image Source: Twitter)
Harshal Patel, the crafty right-arm fast-medium bowler, is poised to attract significant attention in the IPL 2024 auction. Patel’s ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs and his astute variations in the death overs make him a sought-after asset. Moreover, Patel has showcased his utility as a handy lower-order batter, adding to his allure in the T20 format. Throughout his stint from 2021 to 2023 with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), he showcased his prowess by bagging an impressive tally of 63 wickets in just 43 matches.
4. Umesh Yadav (Base Price – Rs 2 crores)
Umesh Yadav (Image Source: Twitter)
Umesh Yadav, a seasoned campaigner in Indian cricket, is expected to command attention in the upcoming auction. Known for his express pace and the knack for picking up early wickets, Yadav’s experience and skill make him a valuable addition to any franchise. His ability to generate bounce and seam movement provides a potent weapon in the fast bowling department, making him a potential big-money player.
Shahrukh Khan, the hard-hitting all-rounder, is likely to be in high demand in the auction. With a reputation for aggressive batting and the capability to clear boundaries effortlessly, Khan has the potential to be a game-changer in the middle order. Additionally, his handy off-spin adds versatility to his skill set, making him an attractive prospect for franchises looking for a dynamic T20 performer.
6. Manish Pandey (Base Price – Rs 50 lakhs)
Manish Pandey (Image Source: Twitter)
Manish Pandey‘s recent IPL journey has been marked by transitions between teams, moving from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to Delhi Capitals (DC). However with a wealth of experience in both domestic and international cricket, Manish Pandey brings stability to the batting lineup. His composed approach and ability to anchor the innings make him a valuable asset, particularly in the T20 format where stability amid quick runs is crucial. He has successfully played roles from opening the innings to providing stability in the middle order. Franchises looking for a batter capable of adapting to different situations will find Pandey’s flexibility appealing.
7. Chetan Sakariya ( Base Price – Rs 50 lakhs)
Chetan Sakariya (Image Source: Twitter)
Chetan Sakariya, the left-arm seamer, is set to be a hot commodity in the auction. Known for his deceptive variations and ability to swing the ball, Sakariya made a mark in his debut IPL season. His performances in domestic cricket and the IPL have showcased his potential to be a wicket-taking bowler, and franchises may vie for his services to bolster their pace attack.
Jaydev Unadkat has been ruled out of the Indian Premier League 2023. The revelation follows reports that KL Rahul decided to rule himself out of the ongoing IPL and the World Test Championship (WTC) final. On the other hand, Unadkat is still in contention for the WTC final (June 7-12) at the Oval in London.
Rahul walked off the pitch during Lucknow Super Giants’ match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, clutching his leg and refusing to be stretchered off.
According to Cricbuzz, Jaydev left the franchise camp and is presently receiving treatment at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Although he is in a race against time, but is healing for the WTC showdown and is expected to be fit before the event.
Jaydev, 31, has been out with a shoulder injury suffered this past week at an LSG net session. However, The national team administration and selectors are expected to await information and are yet to take a call on Unadkat. It is to be noted that he is the lone left-arm bowler on India’s 15-man for the final.
Notably, Jaydev played two Tests, seven ODIs, and ten Twenty20 Internationals in December 2022. His domestic consistency won him a recall to the Indian team, where he won his maiden cap back in 2010.
On the other hand, doubts have also been raised over the physical condition of two other WTC final squad members, namely Shardul Thakur and Umesh Yadav. While Shardul was injured and skipped several IPL games for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Umesh had a strain on his hamstring and missed a few games. Despite this, they both are said to be alright presently, Shardul even was seen playing for his team in Hyderabad on Thursday night. At the same time, Umesh is said to be recuperating from his injury.
Team India pacer Umesh Yadav exhibited top-quality fast bowling on Day 2 of the ongoing third Test against Australia at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.
Umesh dismantled the lower order of Australia by picking three wickets for just 12 runs in five overs. Umesh hit Cameron Green on the back foot to claim an LBW decision. This was followed by a demolition job of the tail with the right-arm pacer sending the stumps flying to send back Todd Murphy and Mitchell Starc.
Out of the three scalps, Umesh’s act of removing Starc captured the maximum attention. It all happened during the 74th over of the Australian innings when Umesh came round the stumps and bowled an absolute peach of a delivery which angled in and beat the outside edge before the ball crashed into the top of the off-stump as it went for a walk.
Notably, with the wicket of Starc, Umesh also achieved a special feat and joined an elite list of Indian pacers who have taken 100 wickets at home in the longest format. The Nagpur-born took his tally to 101, becoming only the 5th Indian paceman to accomplish the 100-wicket milestone at home in Test cricket.
Most Test wickets for India at home (Pacers):
Kapil Dev – 219 wickets in 65 matches
Javagal Srinath – 108 wickets in 32 matches
Zaheer Khan – 104 wickets in 38 Test matches
Ishant Sharma – 104 wickets in 42 Test matches
Umesh Yadav – 101 wickets in 31 matches*
The tourists went from 186/4 to 197-all out as they suffered a massive collapse to settle for a lead of 88 runs. In response, India have managed to reach 25/1 after 12 overs in their second innings. The hosts have lost one wicket in the form of opening batter Shubman Gill, who was dismissed by Nathan Lyon in the fifth over when the batter went for a glory shot but missed it completely to get cleaned up.
Team India posted a big total of 404 runs in their first innings of the ongoing opening Test against Bangladesh at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.
The tourists lost set batter, Shreyas Iyer (86), early on Day 2, but the pair of Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav took charge and kept the pressure on Bangladesh bowlers. The duo took the total close to 400, and then came Umesh Yadav, who smashed 15 off 10, including two massive sixes to take the team’s total go past the mark of 400.
Yadav showed his intentions right from the word go as he slammed Mehidy Hasan Miraz for a humungous 100-metre six on the second delivery he faced. Mehidy bowled a flighted delivery, and Yadav cleared his front leg and smashed the red leather over mid-wicket for a gigantic six.
Mehidy, however, had a great day with the ball as he claimed four wickets for 112 after left-arm spinner Taijul Islam took four scalps while conceding 133. India were eventually bowled out in the second session of the second day, having added 126 runs to their overnight 278/6.
Ashwin continued to impress with his all-round abilities as he scored 58, the third half-century in the India innings after Cheteshwar Pujara (90) and Iyer. Ashwin was well supported by Kuldeep, who made 40 as the duo added 92 runs for the eighth wicket.
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