Dravid to mentor India in England

Former India captain Rahul Dravid has been appointed in a mentoring role to the team in the run-up to their five-Test series in England. Dravid will have a few sessions with the players before the series begins on July 9. He is expected to join the team latest by Monday.

The move was initiated by the team management, according to BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel. "It was the coach (Duncan Fletcher) who approached us on behalf of the team and said it would be good to have Rahul with his vast experience spend some time with the boys ahead of the series," Patel told ESPNcricinfo. "We immediately requested Rahul and he readily agreed."

This will be the first time Dravid, who has been mentoring IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals after retiring from international cricket in 2012, will be associated in such a capacity with the national team.

In March this year, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar had said that Dravid should take over as India coach, but the latter had declined the suggestion citing lack of time.

"Rahul Dravid is one man who is enormously respected and was a successful captain, having won series in West Indies and England," Gavaskar had said. "When he speaks, the Indian players, some of whom are superstars, listen to him as they know how much preparation went into his game."

"I am happy that he (Gavaskar) said I am capable of doing the job," Dravid had said. "But the job requires a lot of time, almost 11 months a year. I have just retired and at the moment because of time constraints, I have to decline."

Dravid was India's best batsman on their previous tour of England in 2011, his three centuries the only bright spot in a 0-4 rout. In all, six of Dravid's 36 Test hundreds came in England, where he made 1376 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 68.80. He also had a successful stint with county side Kent in 2000, scoring 1221 runs in 16 matches at 55.50 with two centuries.

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21:28

Zaheer Khan returns to Indian team for South Africa tour

Vadodara, Nov 25: Left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan was on Monday recalled to the Indian Test team for next month's South Africa tour. 

The Indian selectors announced a 17-member Test and 16-man One Day International squads. The Test squad also features uncapped Ambati Rayudu. Openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir have been ignored.

The 35-year-old Zaheeer, who has played 88 Tests, has not been in the Indian team since December, 2012. He is five short of completing 300 Test wickets.

Bengal's Wriddhiman Saha has been chosen as reserve wicketkepeer in Tests.

Despite poor form in recent times, fast bowler Ishant Sharma has been included along with Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami. 

R Ashwin, Pragyan Ojha and Ravindra Jadeja are the spinners in the squad.

India will play three One Day Internationals and two Tests next month in South Africa.

This will be the first Test series for India after the retirement of Sachin Tendulkar. 

The ODI series begins in Johannesburg on December 5. The first Test is also in Johannesburg from December 18. 

India ODI squad

MS Dhoni (captain and wicketkeeper), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Amit Mishra, Ambati Rayudu, Mohit Sharma, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav. 

India Test squad

MS Dhoni (captain and wicketkeeper), Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Ambati Rayudu, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Wriddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper), Zaheer Khan, Mohammed Shami, Pragyan Ojha and Ishant Sharma.

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04:25

MS Dhoni becomes first wicketkeeper to captain in 150 ODIs

MS Dhoni reached a special landmark in Vizag on Sunday, becoming the first wicketkeeper in the history of one-day internationals (ODI) to captain a side in 150 matches.

Dhoni, who celebrated the landmark with his customary blitzkrieg in a 40-ball 51*, would have loved to celebrate his achievement with a win against West Indies in the second ODI but the visitors held their nerves to level the series at 1-1 with a nailbiting two-wicket victory.

The current Indian skipper is also the only captain in the game's history to win all three ICC events - Twenty20 World Cup, ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy. Dhoni is now only 25 matches from breaking Mohammad Azharuddin's record of leading India in 174 ODIs.

Azhar also holds the distinction of being the most successful ODI captain for India, winning 90 matches. He is followed by Dhoni, who has won 87 and lost 51 matches, and Ganguly, who led India to victory in 66 of the 147 ODIs he captained.

Dhoni, who became India captain in 2007, and Azharuddin are the only two captains to lead India in 150 ODIs. The all-time record for most matches as ODI captain is in the name of Ricky Ponting, who led Australia in 230 ODIs.

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04:10

Virat Kohli & Vivian Richards: A Statistical Comparison at 5000 ODI Runs

Kohli equalled Richards' record of reaching the landmark in the least number of innings.

By The Stat Guy | Yahoo Cricket – 1 hour 36 minutes ago

Virat Kohli and Vivian Richards played in vastly different eras. Back then, the bats were lighter, the boundaries bigger, bowling attacks menacing, protective equipment scant, and scoring runs much tougher. It was a mind-boggling feat then for Richards to average in the 50s in both formats of the game. But if there's anything that ties Sir Viv with Virat, it's the love of scoring big runs while dominating their opponents.

We compared their careers at the point each crossed 5000 ODI runs. Richards did it back in 1987 when there were just four-odd years left in his career. Limited overs cricket hadn't yet proliferated and it took a full career to achieve those many runs. In fact, Richards was the first man to pass 3000, 4000, 5000 and 6000 ODI runs. His final tally of 6721 runs was a record later overtaken by team-mate Desmond Haynes.

In Kohli's case, 5000 runs may constitute a fraction of what is turning out to be a great career. He's only 25. Who knows where he might finish?

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01:36

Young turks give India the advantage

Pujara, Rohit slam tons on the second day at Wankhede.

MUMBAI: It was almost as if two matches were being played in one. The morning began with the ground abuzz, a billion TV sets tuned in and Sachin Tendulkar in the middle. Once Tendulkar was out for 74, after adding 36 to his overnight score, a strange silence engulfed the stadium – the people’s match had ended, and a routine second Test of a one-sided series had resumed. 

It mattered very little to the adulatory masses that India, thanks to Cheteshwar Pujara’s almost unnoticed fifth century and Rohit Sharma’s second consecutive ton (made largely in the company of last man Mohammad Shami) had gone from strength to strength and now held the game in a vice-like grip. 

Having piled on 495 in reply to the West Indies’ first innings 182 – for a lead of 313 – India had the visitors staring squarely at another innings defeat at close. Darren Sammy’s team were tottering on 43/3 in the 12-odd overs they had to contend with late in the evening, with the spinners R. Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha accounting for all three wickets to fall. The West Indies trail by 270 runs.

Big innings player

India took things ahead from 157/2, with Tendulkar overshadowing everything else in the first session. Pujara, however, pleased with his aggressive streak and kept ticking along at a steady pace. His only moment of concern turned out to be a gift: the Saurashtra batsman was fortuitously adjudged ‘not out’ on 76 by the third umpire after Kieran Powell appeared in replays to have had his fingers under the ball at short-leg.

Rohit Sharma

 Of the eighth instances that he has crossed fifty, Pujara has now converted five into triple-figure knocks, a clear indication of his penchant for playing long innings. Soon after reaching the landmark, he offered a return-catch off the leading edge to Shane Shillingford, a bowler against whom he hadn’t quite been on top. In came Virat Kohli, who will now be staking a claim on the permanent occupancy of the No.4 spot, after Tendulkar’s retirement.

Kohli began briskly – the only way he knows to bat – and raced to his half-century in quick time. The Delhi batsman was also looking good for a ton when he too fell to Shillingford: a straightforward catch that Sammy gobbled up at slip. Skipper MS Dhoni became a victim to the second new ball, as R. Ashwin joined Rohit and compiled a solid 30.

Lumbar support

Rohit had not yet reached his half-century when India lost Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ojha for the addition of six runs, and settled down on 415/9, with the last man Mohammad Shami making his way into the middle. This meant that Rohit would need some decent support from the fast bowler if he were to get a second century in as many matches. Shami obliged willingly.

Playing the role of a sleeping partner to perfection, hung around for 29 balls and 15 runs, as the pair added 80 for the last wicket. This was time enough for Rohit to get to his century, but not before (when he was on 85) his mow over cow corner was taken intelligently at the boundary. Luckily for the batsman, replays showed that the bowler, Shillingford, had overstepped by a mile. Mr. Sharma did not need further invitation. He biffed Best for boundaries, before a lofted six off Marlon Samuels over long-on gave him his second Test century.

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04:47

Sachin Tendulkar 10 most memorable shots

Sachin Tendulkar had every shot in the book being the complete batsman he was. Although, he could essay any stroke from the coaching manual, there were a few instances where a particular shot defined him as a batsman. These strokes are proof of his mastery, craft and sheer class. To pick a few great shots from a 24-year long career was like searching for a needle in a haystack, but there was something about them that made them stand out from the rest.

Here are some of the most memorable shots Tendulkar played during his career:

1. Shoaib Akhtar upper-cut for six, India vs Pakistan, 2003 World Cup

The stage was set for the master to dazzle. India were meeting their arch-rivals after almost three years and that too in the world cup. Having confessed to spending sleepless nights in the lead-up to the game, Tendulkar was charged up for the contest. In the second over of the match, the fast Akhtar ran in to deliver the usual thunderbolt. However, he bowled it short and wide out-side the off-stump. Tendulkar was on his toes and reached for it with the horizontal bat. The ball hit the middle and sailed over third-man into the crowd. That shot signaled his intentions and altered the balance of things. In a high-voltage encounter, it lit up the stage and had a psychological impact on the opponents.

2. Andrew Caddick pulled for a massive six, India vs England, 2003 World Cup

The 2003 World Cup saw a determined Tendulkar walk out to bat. England’s senior bowler, Caddick had famously said that Tendulkar, “is only human.”  If you get on his wrong side, Tendulkar sets off on a mission. As Virender Sehwag and Tendulkar gave India a good start, the latter picked Caddick for some treatment. When the right-armer pitched a ball short, Tendulkar was already in position having walked across his stumps. He then murderously pulled high over square-leg as it left the Kingsmead arena. Caddick was made to eat his words!

3. Helicopter shot, India vs England, Natwest Series 2002

The famous Helicopter Shot is attributed to Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Long before the powerful Dhoni burst on to the scene, Tendulkar had essayed that trademark shot during a Natwest Series encounter against England in 2002. Tendulkar moved back to a fast-bowler, got his front-foot out of the way and wafted the bat as the ball sped away to the mid-wicket boundary. He played a similar shot during his only T20 hundred while playing for Mumbai Indians.

4. Paddle-sweep off Graeme Swann, India vs England, 1st Test, Chennai, 2008

Tendulkar has played this shot innumerable times, but the moment is what makes it significant. The country was mourning the horrifying terror attacks in Mumbai, when Kevin Pietersen led England into India for a two-match Test series. Chasing 387 in the final innings, India were put on course by a Virender Sehwag’s pyrotechnics. But, when Tendulkar entered, he still had a job at hand. His calm century in the company of Yuvraj Singh took India to victory. With four needed for a win and Tendulkar on 99, he moved across the stumps and paddle swept it fine for four. The arms went up in the air and the emotions were felt. That special knock was dedicated by the master to his city.

5. Brett Lee treated to a destructive straight drive, Australia vs India, Melbourne 2008.

Tendulkar’s straight drive was all about touch and finesse. He would merely dab it and the ball would race down the ground to the ropes. However, on this day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, he was in a different mood. A chipped cover-drive went for four first and Lee was hardly impressed. The next ball, Lee pitched it full and a little outside the off-stump. Tendulkar’s bat came down in a flash and absolutely bludgeoned it back past Lee into the boundary ropes. The fielder inside the 30-yard circle had hardly moved when the ball was near the fence; such was the power in that single stroke. To put a cherry on top of the cake, Tendulkar followed it up with that perfect push for four.

6. Glenn McGrath pulled for six, India vs Australia, ICC Knockout, Nairobi 2000

When two fierce competitors and adversaries clash, sparks are bound to fly. Tendulkar is usually quiet, but this time, he chose to have a go at McGrath and told him, “I’ll hit you out of the ground.” Initially, Tendulkar edged one and it flew over third-man for six. McGrath pitched it short later on and Tendulkar swiveled to pull him behind square for a massive six.  “Let me tell you who is boss,” said Tendulkar’s bat. McGrath could do nothing but walk back to his mark.

7. Michael Kasprowicz carted at Sharjah, India vs Australia, Coca Cola Cup, Sharjah 1998

The year 1998 was about Tendulkar vs Australia. This particular shot came during the famous sandstorm innings when India needed to reach a certain score during their run-chase to secure a berth in the final. After a quite start, Tendulkar unleashed his fury. He danced down the track to Kasprowicz even as the bowled pitched it short. But, Tendulkar was seeing it like a football that year and carted it into the mid-wicket stands. No wonder, Shane Warne had those nightmares! Such was Tendulkar’s form. Top add to Kasprowicz’s agony, he pulled the next one for another six; although he waited at the crease to pull it.

8. Shane Warne smashed out of the rough, India vs Australia,  Coca Cola Cup, Sharjah 1998

Tendulkar had dominated Warne in 1998. The leggie was trying to attack Tendulkar by coming from around the wicket and exploiting the rough. At the other end, Tendulkar did everything — slog sweeping over mid-wicket, waiting on the crease to hit it through the off-side. However, one shot that stood out was when he charged down the wicket to Warne at Sharjah and lofted him for six over long-on. Tendulkar reached to the pitch of the ball and got underneath it perfectly. Warne looked stunned and just waved his hands in frustration.

9. Glide over third-man off Brett Lee, Australia vs India, Perth 2008

When you are up against one of the fastest bowlers in the world on the quickest surface, the chances are that you would be defensive. However, Tendulkar impressed at Perth in 1992 as an 18-year old and was ready to take the challenge when he returned as a veteran in 2008. Some said his reflexes were slowing down; not until they saw this display. Lee pitched it short and Tendulkar moved away as if he was letting it go. All of a sudden, he poked at it with the full face of the bat, giving it a ramp over third-man to collect four. If you bowl fast, I’ll use your pace!

10. Backfoot cover-drives, England vs India, Manchester, 1990

Tendulkar’s first Test hundred came in trying circumstances as India were trying to save the game at Manchester. The 17-year-old batted with great maturity and also showed his fearless side. Throughout the innings, there was one shot he kept playing and mesmerised the crowds with that display. If the England bowlers pitched it on a good-length just outside the off-stump, Tendulkar rocked back and pushed it through the covers. It was about balance, technique, class and timing.

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04:02

Aamir Khan, Brain Lara, extend best wishes to Tendulkar

West Indian cricket icon Brian Lara and Bollywood star Aamir Khan extended their best wishes to ‘Master Blaster’ Sachin Tendulkar, as he wears the ‘National Blue’ for the last time for his 200th Test match on home turf.

Lara said: "I want Sachin to get a lot of runs in this match. But I would also like to see West Indies victory. I would also like to congratulate and (wish) good luck to Shivnarain Chanderpaul (West Indies cricketer) for his 150th Test match. It is a wonderful occasion, a momentous occasion, and I am happy to be here.”

Aamir Khan said: “It is the most exciting day for all of us. India will not be batting today, so everyone is a bit disappointed. But, we will be able to see Sachin play tomorrow. I will definitely be coming tomorrow to see Sachin play. I will not miss it for anything.”

Among thousands of Tendulkar fans, Mumbai''s famed ‘Dabbawalla’s said that the country is proud to have a cricket star like Tendulkar, and as a token of love, our association wants to present him with a Gandhi cap and special lunch box.

Former Indian cricketer, Kirti Azad said: “We have seen him (Sachin Tendulkar) for the past 25 years, and after he retires, it will be very painful for all of us, as he has made us proud many a times. I hope he makes us proud again and scores a double century in his 200th Test match.”

Tendulkar is finishing a glittering 24-year career at his home ground, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Emotions are running high among cricket fans across India, and many are celebrating his farewell to cricket in their own unique way.

Tendulkar made his debut for India against Pakistan in Karachi in 1989 as a curly-haired 16-year-old. He has scored the most runs in Tests and one-day cricket and his 51 Test centuries and 49 ODI hundreds are also records.

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03:32