Team India sets a challenging target of 534 runs for Australia in the first Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Spinners Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar will play a crucial role in the remaining five Tests over 45 days. The team management's decision to add three spinners to the squad seems strategic, with the sudden preference for all-rounder Washington Sundar, who impressed both legendary Wasim Akram and head coach Ravi Shastri. India's dominant performance in the first innings, led by Yashasvi Jaiswal (161), Virat Kohli (100), and KL Rahul (77), gives them a good start in the tournament.
Washington Sundar: India's Spin-bowling All-Rounder
Washington Sundar has emerged as one of the key players in India's Test squad following his impressive performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Here's a closer look at his background and his role in the team:
Background
Born on October 5, 1999, in Chennai, Sundar is a left-handed batsman and right-arm off-spinner. He started playing cricket at a young age and made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in 2016-17. Sundar's exceptional bowling skills and ability to bat lower down the order have made him a valuable asset for his team.
Role in Team India
Sundar made his Test debut for India against Australia in 2021. Since then, he has played several crucial innings and taken key wickets, cementing his place in the team's spin-bowling department. Sundar's ability to provide control and variation with the ball and contribute with useful runs makes him a complete all-rounder.
In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Sundar has been one of India's standout performers. He has picked up multiple wickets and played a handy hand with the bat, helping India dominate the first Test. His partnership with senior spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been a potent weapon for the team.
Top 5 FAQs
Q: What are Washington Sundar's batting and bowling statistics? A: As of March 10, 2023, Sundar has played 12 Tests, scoring 593 runs at an average of 33.41 with two centuries and three half-centuries. He has also taken 36 wickets at an average of 30.44 with best figures of 8/106.
Q: How has Sundar performed in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy? A: In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Sundar has played three matches and taken 14 wickets at an average of 25.71 with best figures of 5/125. He has also scored 96 runs at an average of 24.00.
Q: What are Sundar's strengths as a cricketer? A: Sundar's primary strength is his ability to bowl accurate and economical off-spin. He has a good flight and can generate turn and bounce. He is also a useful lower-order batsman, capable of playing responsible innings and contributing to the team's total.
Q: What are some memorable performances by Sundar in Test cricket? A: Sundar has played several impactful innings and taken crucial wickets for India in Test cricket. Some of his memorable performances include his 62 and 8/106 against Australia in 2021 and his 96 and 4/121 against Sri Lanka in 2023.
Q: What is Sundar's future in the Indian team? A: With his impressive performances, Sundar has established himself as a key member of India's Test squad. He is expected to continue playing a significant role in the team's spin-bowling attack and contribute with useful runs in the lower order.
Chelsea falls to Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener, with Harry Kane scoring twice in a 3-1 win for the German champions. Despite an impressive finish from Cole Palmer, the Blues couldn't overcome an early own goal from Trevoh Chalobah and another goal from Kane. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will provide his thoughts in a post-match press conference as the team looks to regroup after this defeat.
The highly-anticipated Champions League match between Bayern Munich and Chelsea lived up to its hype as Bayern secured a dominating 3-1 victory. Despite Chelsea's strong start, Bayern's Michael Olise and Harry Kane showcased their skills, with Olise setting up Bayern's first two goals and Kane adding a third with his signature penalty kick. Despite a late attempt by Chelsea's Cole Palmer, Bayern's early lead proved to be insurmountable, solidifying their place at the top of the table.
In their highly anticipated Champions League opener at the Allianz Arena, Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory against Bayern Munich. The match was off to a thrilling start with a goal from Harry Kane, but Chelsea quickly equalized with a goal from Cole Palmer just a minute later. Despite a late goal from Bayern Munich, Chelsea held on to secure the win. This was just the boost Chelsea needed in their campaign for the Champions League title.
Liverpool's summer signing, striker Hugo Ekitike, faces tough competition with fellow new recruit Alexander Isak for a spot in the starting line-up. Despite a promising start with two goals and an assist in the Premier League, Ekitike was dropped in favor of Isak for Liverpool's Champions League game. The decision by Reds manager Arne Slot sparked controversy, with experts like French journalist Julien Laurens questioning Ekitike's transfer to the club. Is Ekitike's position in the team already in jeopardy?
In a turn of events, Chelsea's newest signing Facundo Buonanotte will now be included in the club's Champions League squad. This comes after an injury to another player, Daniel Essugo, during international duty. The news has drawn a reaction from Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo, who expressed his excitement on social media. After a disappointing draw in their last game, Chelsea will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming Champions League match against Bayern Munich.
Enzo Maresca, the manager of Chelsea, opens up about the departure of Nicolas Jackson, stating that he was content with letting the striker go to Bayern Munich on loan with an obligation to buy. While the move raised some eyebrows, Maresca explains how it was the best decision for both the player and the club. With the potential for a permanent switch to the German giants, Jackson's exit could prove to be a profitable move for Chelsea.
Bayern Munich have revealed their asking price for Michael Olise to Liverpool, reported to be £100 million. Olise, who has been impressive in his first season at the German club, is highly sought after by the Reds as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah. Liverpool are looking to sign a left-footed winger who can cut in from the right, and Olise fits the bill perfectly. With Salah's potential departure in 2027, the Frenchman could be the ideal replacement for the Egyptian King.
In a thrilling match-up, Bayern Munich and Chelsea take the field in the Champions League Final, with both teams vying for the coveted title. Meanwhile, in other games, Atletico Madrid manages to secure a goal against Liverpool, while newcomer Isak makes his debut for the Reds. And in a fierce match between Kane and Chelsea, Bayern Munich takes the lead by 3-1. Additionally, defending champions PSG dominate with a 3-0 lead against Atalanta. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights on this exciting day of football.
Despite being touted as a dangerous player in T20Is, Pakistan's Saim Ayub has registered back-to-back golden ducks in the Asia Cup, adding to his previous failure in the series opener. With India's Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah dismissing Ayub and Mohammad Haris, there is concern among the selectors and team management about the duo's strike rate. India, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on the early breakouts and secure a win.
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