After Vizag fightback, another Bazball test for depleted India
Hindustan Times|February 15, 2024
It's 1-1 in the series, but India haven't quite found all the answers to England's questions going into crucial Rajkot Test 
Rasesh Mandani
After Vizag fightback, another Bazball test for depleted India

Heading into the first Test in Hyderabad, the local association marketed it as a marquee series and gave it a festive feel-chai, cricket and biryani. The preseries predictions were that the hosts would romp home; pundits said 4-1, because England's risk would bring India some reward.

On match eve, Virat Kohli dropped out for personal reasons, England won the opening Test through Ollie Pope's ambush, and even though the series is now level on 1-1, the general feeling is of the hosts having to play catch up.

The swag Indian teams carry at home comes not just from their phenomenal record no Test series lost in 12 years - but also due to the presence of batting heavyweights. Kohli bustling into the training arena, earplugs in place and wearing tattoos.

Cheteshwar Pujara, with no such gait but his powers of concentration would become evident as he settled into a net session. There's no Kohli for the rest of the series, and India have taken a huge call by not sending an SOS to Pujara, who is right here in Rajkot, but getting ready for Saurashtra's next Ranji encounter against Manipur starting on Friday.

Instead, India are set to reward Sarfaraz Khan's domestic exploits with a Test cap on Thursday; also to young Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who has clocked only two first-class seasons. There is nervousness among the decision-makers over whether the young crop will be able to provide adequate cover for seasoned players, especially Kohli and KL Rahul. Of course, India may not admit that.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HINDUSTAN TIMESView all
Backing queer love stories in cinema is liberating: Onir
Hindustan Times

Backing queer love stories in cinema is liberating: Onir

Filmmaker Onir's latest project, We Are Faheem and Karun, is a queer love story set against the backdrop of Gurez, Jammu and Kashmir.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
Terence Lewis reveals why Saroj Khan, Farah Khan were 'more aggressive' than male choreographers
Hindustan Times

Terence Lewis reveals why Saroj Khan, Farah Khan were 'more aggressive' than male choreographers

When it comes to the field of choreography in Bollywood, there have been only a handful of women choreographers. Two names that instantly come to mind are the late choreographer Saroj Khan and choreographer-filmmaker Farah Khan.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
Lucknow kids' reimagine Sabya's bridal collection; earn cheers from B'wood
Hindustan Times

Lucknow kids' reimagine Sabya's bridal collection; earn cheers from B'wood

Underprivileged kids from Lucknow reimagine Sabyasachi's bridal designs

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
Zendaya and Anne Hathaway join Christopher Nolan's next
Hindustan Times

Zendaya and Anne Hathaway join Christopher Nolan's next

Hollywood actors Zendaya and Oscar winner Anne Hathaway are the latest additions to the cast of director Christopher Nolan's upcoming feature film.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
'Comedy is enjoyable but not easy to do'
Hindustan Times

'Comedy is enjoyable but not easy to do'

Actor Aftab Shivdasani has had a good run in comedy films, with notable performances in Hungama (2003), Masti (2004) and Deewane Huye Paagal (2005). So, it's no surprise that he is excited to return to the genre with Welcome To The Jungle.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
ARMAAN MALIK ON HIS THIRD EMA NOD: IT FEELS SURREAL
Hindustan Times

ARMAAN MALIK ON HIS THIRD EMA NOD: IT FEELS SURREAL

Singer-songwriter Armaan Malik is ecstatic that he has received a nomination at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) for his song Always with British singer Calum Scott in the Best India Act category.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
'A crossover between The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives and Real Housewives of NY is in the works'
Hindustan Times

'A crossover between The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives and Real Housewives of NY is in the works'

Reality TV star Jessel Taank, the first Indian to feature in The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY), was in Mumbai recently. Talking about her weeklong visit, she shares, \"India's so exciting-economically and culturally - it's imploding. What drew me to India is the fact that I am labelled as the first Indian on RHONY and that's a big compliment. Yet, I feel a disconnect.\"

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
Ricky Kej beams with joy after fourth Grammy nomination
Hindustan Times

Ricky Kej beams with joy after fourth Grammy nomination

Musician Ricky Kej is thrilled to receive his fourth Grammy nomination. Having won the prestigious award in 2015, 2022 and 2023, his excitement remains as palpable as his first nomination.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
A new innings begins for Athiya and Rahul
Hindustan Times

A new innings begins for Athiya and Rahul

Actor Athiya Shetty and cricketer KL Rahul are set to embrace parenthood in 2025, as they joyfully announced their pregnancy on Friday.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
Sonu Sood is the Brand Ambassador and Tourism Advisor for Thailand
Hindustan Times

Sonu Sood is the Brand Ambassador and Tourism Advisor for Thailand

Sonu Sood, already celebrated as both an actor and philanthropist, has added another prestigious title to his name: Brand Ambassador and Honorary Tourism Advisor for Thailand.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024