Sports - NEWS Of KASHMIR

Ranji Trophy Day 2: Jadeja’s 12-Wicket Haul Leads Saurashtra to Victory; Shardul Hits Century

January 24, 2025 by NOK Desk

On the second day of Phase 2 of the Ranji Trophy, the dominance of India’s two experienced all-rounders continued as Ravindra Jadeja took a 12-wicket haul to secure a win for Saurashtra over Delhi while Shardul Thakur hit his second first-class century to secure a massive lead for Mumbai against Jammu and Kashmir.

On the second day, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma also displayed some flashes of his brute hitting while some other biggies failed to make a mark.

Coming to the Delhi-Saurashtra clash at Rajkot, a Group D, clash, Saurashtra secured an easy 10-wicket win over Delhi, with Jadeja taking 5/66 in the first innings and 7/38 in the second innings. Star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant failed to fire for Delhi on Ranji’s return, managing scores of 1 and 17 in both innings.

Delhi won the toss and opted to bat first. Skipper Yash Dhull (60 in 78 balls, with five fours and two sixes) and Yash Dhull (44 in 76 balls, with eight fours) played vital knocks as Delhi could score just 188 in their first innings. Ravindra Jadeja (5/66) and Dharmendrasinh Jadeja (3/63) were the top bowlers for Saurashtra, leading the demolition with their top-class spin.

In Saurashtra’s first innings, Cheteshwar Pujara (6) fell early, but contributions from Harvik Desai (93 in 120 balls, with eight fours), Arpit Vasavada (62 in 130 balls, with four boundaries) and Ravindra (38 in 36 balls, with two fours and three sixes) pushed Saurashtra to 271/10, giving them a lead of 83 runs.

Harsh Tyagi (4/71) and Ayush Badoni (3/22) were the leading bowlers for Delhi.

In their second innings, Delhi was blown away for 94 runs, with Badoni scoring 44 and Pant falling to Jadeja. Jadeja’s seven-wicket haul left Delhi with just 11 run lead and 12 runs were set to the win, which Saurashtra chased easily.

In the Group A clash between Mumbai and Jammu and Kashmir, J-K secured an 84-run lead in the first innings in reply to Mumbai’s 120. J-K scored 206 in their first innings, with Shubham Khajuria (53 in 75 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes) and Abid Mushtaq (44 in 37 balls, with six fours and two sixes) playing standout knocks.

Mohit Avasthi (5/52) was the top bowler for Mumbai, with Shardul and Shams Mulani getting two scalps.

In their second innings, Rohit (28 in 35 balls, with two fours and three sixes) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (26 in 51 balls, with four boundaries) started with a fine 54-run partnership but were soon reduced to 101/7 with skipper Ajinkya Rahane (16), Shreyas Iyer (17) and Shivam Dube (0) continuing their flop show. However, Shardul, who had scored a valiant 51 in the first innings, went a step ahead, scoring 113* in 119 balls, with 17 fours and stitching a massive 173-run partnership with Tanush Kotian (58* in 119 balls, with six fours) to take Mumbai to 274/7, with a lead of 188 runs in their hand.

In the Punjab-Karnataka clash featuring Shubman Gill, at Karnataka’s M Chinnaswammy Stadium, Punjab ended the day at 24/2, with Gill unbeaten at 7*. They trailed by 396 runs after Karnataka had scored 475/10 in their first innings in reply to Punjab’s poor first innings total of 55, securing a 420-run lead. For Karnataka, Smaran Ravichandran scored a remarkable 203 in 277 balls, with 25 fours and three sixes.

For Punjab, Mayank Markande (3/53) and Jassinder Singh (3/66) were top bowlers.

In the Group A clash between Maharashtra and Baroda, Maharashtra skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (66* in 54 balls, with nine fours and two sixes) scored a quickfire fifty to help his team end day two at 123/2, with a lead of 275 runs. Earlier, Baroda had made 145 in their first innings in reply to Maharashtra’s first innings total of 297/10, which was powered by Saurabh Nawale (83 in 152 balls, with 12 fours).Atit Sheth (6/71) was the pick of the bowlers for Baroda. (ANI)

Sports

Jammu and Kashmir Bowl Out Mumbai for 120 in Ranji Trophy Group A Match

January 23, 2025 by NOK Desk

Mumbai team were bundled out for 120 runs by Jammu and Kashmir in their Ranji Trophy Group A match at the Sharad Pawar Academy in BKC, Mumbai on Thursday.

Rohit Sharma had a short stay at the crease, scoring just three runs of 19 balls before being dismissed by Umar Nazir Mir.The rest of Mumbai’s batting order also struggled, leading to a quick collapse. Yashasvi Jaiswal also went out early, scoring 5 runs.

Mumbai opted to bat first but struggled against Jammu and Kashmir’s bowlers.Seamer Umar Nazir Mir bowled a tight spell, dismissing Rohit on the 13th ball he faced after 12 dot balls.Ajinkya Rahane, Hardik Tamore, Shivam Dube, and Shams Mulani followed suit, with Mumbai’s top order quickly reduced to 41/5.

Shreyas Iyer contributed 11 runs, but Mumbai continued to lose wickets. Tanush Kotian and Mohit Avasthi were dismissed shortly after, and only Shardul Thakur, who made 51, was able to offer any resistance. Mumbai were all out for 120 runs in 33.2 overs.

Umar Nazir Mir finished with 2 wickets for 43 runs, and Yudhvir Singh claimed 3 wickets for 31. The remaining bowlers, Auqib Nabi and A. Mushtaq, also contributed to the dismissals.Jammu and Kashmir will now begin their batting with a clear advantage, as Mumbai’s innings ended at 120—(KNO)

Sports

Rohit Sharma Returns to Ranji Trophy for Mumbai Against Jammu and Kashmir

January 22, 2025 by NOK Desk

Team India skipper Rohit Sharma began practice with his domestic side, Mumbai, on Wednesday ahead of their second-round Ranji Trophy fixture against Jammu and Kashmir.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) took to their official social media handle, X and posted a picture of Rohit Sharma with the caption: “The Hitman show”.

India captain Rohit Sharma will feature in the second phase of the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai. The match against Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to take place from January 23 to 26 at the MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy, BKC, Mumbai.

Rohit’s last Ranji Trophy appearance for Mumbai was in November 2015 when he scored a blazing 113 off 140 balls against Uttar Pradesh in a match that ended in a draw.

In Test cricket, Rohit’s recent performances have raised concerns about his form. During India’s tour of Australia, the seasoned opener managed just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests.

The 2024-25 Test season, in particular, was disappointing for Rohit. He accumulated only 164 runs in eight matches and 15 innings at an average of 10.93, with his highest score being 52–a solitary half-century against Bangladesh.

As captain, Rohit faced some significant challenges. Before the Test series against Australia, India suffered their first home Test series defeat in 12 years, losing 0-3 to New Zealand. This was also India’s first-ever whitewash in a home Test series since 2000.

After India’s 295-run victory in the first Test against Australia at Perth under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit rejoined the team following the birth of his second child.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announced the senior selection committee’s decision regarding Rohit’s inclusion on January 20.

Mumbai Squad: Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ayush Mhatre, Shreyas Iyer, Siddhesh Lad, Shivam Dube, Hardik Tamore (WK), Akash Anand (WK), Tanush Kotian, Shams Mulani, Himanshu Singh, Shardul Thakur, Mohit Awasthi, Sylvester Dsouza, Royston Dias, Karsh Kothari. (ANI)

Sports

Epic Ice Hockey Showdown: Historic Championship & Coaching Camp Concludes in Tai-Suru

January 22, 2025 by NOK Desk

The 20-day Second Ice Hockey Coaching Camp 2025 and the highly anticipated First Block-Level Ice Hockey Championship 2025 ended on a high note with an exhilarating closing ceremony held at the Ice Hockey Rink in Tai-Suru on Tuesday.

According to reports, both events were meticulously organized by ZPEO Tai-Suru, with strong backing from Councilor Abdul Hadi, who graced the event as the chief guest. Special guest Tehsildar Abdul Rehman was also present to mark the occasion.

Over the course of the 20-day camp, 180 passionate students participated in rigorous training sessions under the watchful guidance of dedicated Ice Hockey Coach, Mohd Ishaq. The camp proved to be a huge success, sparking a new wave of excitement and interest in the sport.

Meanwhile, the inaugural Block-Level Ice Hockey Championship saw fierce competition among teams from across the region. A total of seven boys’ teams and four girls’ teams battled it out for the coveted title.

The girls’ final match saw an intense clash between the Nun Kun Ice Hockey Team and Suru Valley Ice Hockey Team. Led by Captain Arifa Batool, Nun Kun emerged victorious with a convincing 4-1 win.

On the boys’ side, the grand finale featured a dominating performance by Ice Warriors Taisuru, who triumphed with an impressive 7-0 victory over Suru Valley Titans. Captain Qasim Ali and his team celebrated their remarkable achievement, cementing their legacy in the competition.

As the event concluded, Councilor Taisuru distributed cash prizes to the outstanding maintenance committee members and dedicated staff who ensured the smooth operation of the event. The Councilor, Tehsildar, and other dignitaries awarded medals, mementos, and certificates to the winners, runners-up, and officials, adding a prestigious touch to the occasion. In his speech, Councilor Taisuru reiterated his unwavering support for the development of ice hockey in the region.

ZPEO Tai-Suru, Mohd Ishaq, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the chief guest for his essential contributions, particularly the establishment of the maintenance committee and provision of manpower for the upkeep of the ice hockey rink at Youljuk. He also thanked BMO Taisuru for their first aid services and SHO Panikhar for ensuring the event’s security.

The closing ceremony was a grand affair, bringing together prominent local figures, including Block Development Officer Rukhsar Ahmad, I/C Block Medical Officer Dr. Umar, Headmaster Mohd Hassan, and other distinguished guests.

With an unforgettable ending to the series of events, the community left the ceremony filled with pride, excitement, and a strengthened sense of unity, setting the stage for future ice hockey initiatives.

Sports

Bangladeshi Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Shakib Al Hasan

January 20, 2025 by NOK Desk

A Bangladeshi court issued an arrest warrant on Sunday for cricket star Shakib Al Hasan for bounced cheques totalling more than $300,000, in the latest blow for the ousted lawmaker.

“The court has previously summoned Shakib but he did not appear at the court”, said Mohammed Shahibur Rahman from the IFIC Bank, which filed the case. “Now, the court has issued the warrant,” he said.

Shakib is a former lawmaker from the party of autocratic ex-leader Sheikh Hasina, who was and overthrown by revolution and fled by helicopter to India in August 2024.

His links to Hasina made him a target of public anger and he was among dozens facing murder investigations for a deadly police crackdown on protesters during the uprising.He has not been charged over those allegations.

Shakib was playing in a domestic Twenty20 cricket competition in Canada when Hasina’s government collapsed and has not returned to Bangladesh since.The left-arm all-rounder has played 71 Tests, 247 One-day Internationals and 129 Twenty20s for Bangladesh, taking a combined 712 wickets.

However, he was left out of the 15-man squad for the ODI tournament in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and Dubai next month.Najmul Hossain Shanto will captain the side, with Bangladesh placed in Group ‘A’ alongside India, Pakistan and New Zealand.

Sports

RKFC Triumphs 3-1 Over Sporting Club Bengaluru in I-League Match

January 19, 2025 by NOK Desk

Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) faced off against Sporting Club Bangalore in an exciting I-League match held at the TRC Ground here on Sunday.Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, graced the event as the Chief Guest to encourage the participating players.

While interacting with the players and other officials of both the teams, the DC extended his best wishes to them. He said sport plays a crucial role in development of physical and mental health of the youth, besides inculcating discipline and leadership qualities among them.

During the match, Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Sporting Club Bengaluru in an electrifying I-League match.

On the occasion, RKFC owner Arshad Shawl expressed his gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner for his support, which he said was a significant encouragement for the team.

Brazilian striker Paulo Cezar was the star of the evening, scoring twice (28’, 55’) to give RKFC a solid lead. Senegalese forward Abdou Karim sealed the win with a penalty, while SC Bengaluru’s Henry Kisseka managed a late consolation goal.

The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Lalramsanga’s perfectly timed cross from the left was headed home by Cezar. Although a follow-up goal by Cezar was disallowed soon after, the hosts remained dominant.

In the 55th minute, Cezar struck again, skillfully rounding Bengaluru’s goalkeeper Bishal Lama after receiving a well-placed pass from Karim. The situation worsened for SC Bengaluru in the 70th minute when goalkeeper Lama fouled Karim inside the box, earning a red card. Down to 10 men, Bengaluru conceded the penalty, which Karim converted with ease.

The match’s intensity continued as SC Bengaluru’s captain Carlos Lomba was also sent off in stoppage time, reducing the visitors to nine players. Despite the setbacks, Ugandan striker Kisseka found the net in the dying moments, offering a consolation for Bengaluru.

With this victory, all three of RKFC’s wins this season have come on their home ground, reinforcing their strength at the TRC Football Turf. RKFC is the only team from J&K participating in the I League. The team will play their next home game on January 26.

Sports

J&K Bank Football Club Clinches 18th Christmas Gold Cup with 4-1 Victory Over J&K Police FC

January 17, 2025 by NOK Desk

J&K Bank Football Club clinched their fourth consecutive title in the domestic circuit by defeating J&K Police Football Club 4-1 in the final of the 18th Christmas Gold Cup 2024-25. The match was held at Mini-Stadium Parade Ground in Jammu, marking yet another triumph for J&K Bank in one of the most prestigious tournaments in the region’s football calendar.

The highly anticipated match saw both teams locked at 1-1 by halftime. However, J&K Bank came out strong in the second half, scoring three additional goals. Furqan Nabi showcased his striking prowess with a hat-trick, while Akif Reshi also contributed to the tally.

J&K Bank’s MD & CEO, Amitava Chatterjee, expressed immense pride in the team’s performance, emphasizing their dedication, discipline, and passion. The victory is a testament to the club’s indomitable spirit and commitment to excellence.

The win reinforces J&K Bank’s commitment to supporting sports and providing a platform for talented athletes to shine on a larger stage.

Sports

Parvez Rasool: Pioneering Cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir Who Made National History

February 3, 2025January 15, 2025 by NOK Desk

Parvez Rasool, born on 13 February 1989 in Bijbehara, Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, has become a significant figure in Indian cricket, particularly as the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to represent the national team

Rasool’s cricketing journey began in his hometown, influenced by his father and brother, both state-level cricketers. His talent shone through during his first-class debut for Jammu and Kashmir in the 2008-09 season. However, it was the 2012-13 Ranji Trophy season that marked his breakthrough, becoming the state’s top scorer and leading wicket-taker, with 594 runs at an average of 54 and 33 wickets.

In 2013, Rasool reached a career milestone when he was selected for the Indian squad touring Zimbabwe, making him the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to achieve this honour. His selection was widely celebrated, symbolising hope and inspiration for many in the region.

Throughout his career, Rasool has been recognised for his all-round abilities. He received the Lala Amarnath Award for the best all-rounder in the Ranji Trophy twice, first in the 2013-14 season and again in the 2016-17 season, scoring 629 runs and taking 38 wickets.

Beyond domestic cricket, Rasool has also played in the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing teams such as Pune Warriors India and Sunrisers Hyderabad. His journey from the cricket fields of Bijbehara to international arenas underscores his dedication and the potential of athletes from Jammu and Kashmir.

Rasool’s achievements have not only propelled his career forward but have also inspired many young cricketers in the region, demonstrating that with talent and perseverance, reaching the highest levels of the sport is possible.

Cricket has seen a steady rise in Kashmir over the years. The emergence of young talent and the increasing interest in the sport have contributed to the expansion of the cricket scene in the valley.

Despite the challenges posed by political instability over the past few decades, cricket in Kashmir has steadily gained national and international attention. The development of cricket culture in the region has been primarily supported by its domestic cricket system, which has produced some well-known cricketers.

In this article, we will highlight a few Kashmiri cricketers who have made their mark in domestic cricket.

1. Parvez Rasool

Parvez Rasool is one of Kashmir’s most prominent cricketers, having represented both domestic and international teams. The all-rounder made history as the first cricketer from Kashmir to secure an IPL (Indian Premier League) contract, signing with the Pune Warriors for the 2013 season, where he played 11 matches. Rasool became a fan favourite in subsequent IPL seasons, with many fantasy league players including him in their line-ups on various cricket apps. His all-round performances made him a top pick for cricket enthusiasts, particularly on platforms like the 10CRIC app.

However, Rasool’s true impact was felt in domestic cricket. He has played in 85 First-Class matches, scoring 4,886 runs at an average of 37, and taking 282 wickets at an average of 28.31. He also has 18 five-wicket hauls to his name.

Rasool was outstanding during the 2013–14 Ranji Trophy season, amassing 663 runs with two centuries and three half-centuries at an average of 51. He also took 27 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, in 9 matches. His remarkable performance earned him the Lala Amarnath Award for the best all-rounder in domestic cricket.

Born in Anantnag, Rasool became the first cricketer from Kashmir to be selected for India ‘A’. Since then, he has gone on to become the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to play 100 List-A matches.

His stellar domestic performances earned him his first cap for India on 15 June 2014, when he played an ODI against Bangladesh. This made him the first Kashmiri cricketer to represent India internationally. He also made his T20I debut against England in 2017.

Parvez Rasool’s Stats: Bowling

Format	Matches	Innings	Balls	Runs	Wickets	Best Bowling	Ave	Econ	SR	4-W	5-W	10-W
FC	95	155	19,980	9,578	352	8/85	27.21	2.87	56.7	18	23	5
List A	164	163	8,539	6,096	221	6/45	27.58	4.28	38.6	7	3	0
T20s	71	71	1,539	1,665	60	3/17	27.75	6.49	25.6	0	0	0

Parvez Rasool’s Stats: Batting

Format	Matches	Innings	Runs	HS	Average	Balls	SR	100s	50s	4s	6s
FC	95	161	5,648	182	38.95	8,007	70.5	16	22	696	61
List A	164	144	3,982	118*	33.46	4,719	84.3	1	32	339	85
T20s	71	54	840	59*	19.53	795	105.6	0	2	68	22

2. Ian Dev Singh

Named after cricket legends Ian Botham and Kapil Dev, Ian Dev Singh was always destined for greatness. He chose to leave behind a promising career in a multinational company in Mumbai to play for his state in domestic cricket.

Singh is the highest run-scorer for Jammu and Kashmir in First-Class cricket, with 4,725 runs. He has played the most First-Class matches for the state, featuring in 79 matches.

Singh has also made his mark internationally, playing in Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket league, and he remains Kashmir’s only international First-Class player. Over the years, he has represented various teams, including India Green, the Indian Board President’s XI, Kandy Customs Cricket Club, North Zone, and the Rest of India.

He made his Duleep Trophy debut for North Zone, scoring an impressive 145 in his first match, becoming the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to score a century in the tournament.

Ian Dev Singh’s Stats: Batting

Format	Matches	Innings	NO	Runs	HS	Average	Balls	SR	100s	50s	4s	6s
FC	93	161	13	5,558	170	37.55	10,292	54.00	17	24	692	68
List A	72	70	3	1,627	112	24.28	2,364	68.82	2	9	170	15
T20s	48	48	4	876	75*	19.90	895	97.87	0	2	92	15

3. Shubham Khajuria

Shubham Khajuria made history in October 2024 by becoming the first batter from Jammu and Kashmir to score a double century in the Ranji Trophy in 22 years. He scored 255 runs off 353 balls against Maharashtra in Srinagar, setting the record for the highest score by a J&K batter in the tournament’s history.

A right-handed opener, Khajuria has consistently delivered strong performances in domestic cricket, and he was part of the India Under-19 team in 2013, becoming only the second cricketer from Kashmir to do so.

Khajuria made his First-Class debut at just 16 years old in November 2011. He was the leading run-scorer for Jammu and Kashmir in the 2018–19 Vijay Hazare Trophy, amassing 236 runs in nine matches. With his current form, it is hoped that he will soon make his IPL debut in the upcoming seasons.

Shubham Khajuria’s Stats: Batting

Format	Matches	Innings	Balls	Runs	HS	Average	Balls	SR	100s	50s	4s	6s
FC	70	122	3	3,897	255	32.74	8,332	46.77	7	23	497	74
List A	71	70	0	2,495	159	35.64	2,962	84.23	6	14	267	70
T20s	47	46	5	1,124	85*	27.41	918	122.44	0	7	109	43

These cricketers have not only put Kashmir on the map but have also set a benchmark for aspiring cricketers in the region. With their talent and determination, the future of Kashmiri cricket looks brighter than ever.

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Sports

GR8 Sports of Anantnag: A Startup India Success Story in Global Cricket Equipment

January 15, 2025 by NOK Desk

As the country celebrate the success of StartUp India initiative, GR8 Sports, a pioneering startup based in Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir, has emerged as an example of innovation and resilience in India’s flourishing startup ecosystem.

Renowned for its international-quality Kashmir willow cricket bats, the company has carved a niche for itself on the global stage, showcasing the potential of homegrown talent and resources.

GR8 Sports owes part of its success to the robust support provided by government initiatives such as the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme and Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS). These programs have enabled innovative startups to scale their operations, bolstered further by tax exemptions for recognized startups and platforms like BHASKAR, which simplify access to funding and resources.

With 11 years of intensive global research and collaboration with the International Cricket Council (ICC), cricketers, coaches, umpires, and master craftsmen, the company has redefined the potential of Kashmir willow bats on the global stage. Using cutting-edge AI-based CMC (Computer Monitored Compression) technology as a key differentiator, GR8 Sports India has addressed long-standing challenges related to balance, ping, stroke, sweet spot, and dimensions that had previously limited the international competitiveness of Kashmir willow bats.

Their innovation was spectacularly showcased during the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, where their bat hit the tournament’s biggest six, underscoring its exceptional performance and quality.

Since its inception, GR8 Sports has achieved significant milestones, reflecting not only its commitment to excellence but also the broader achievements of India’s startup landscape. The company’s success story is a testament to the opportunities fostered by the Startup India initiative, which has recognized over 1.54 lakh startups across all states and union territories. Notably, these startups boast a remarkable 48% representation of women in leadership roles and have collectively created over 17 lakh direct jobs.

The StartUps like GR8 Sports which leverage existing industrial structures and exemplifies the spirit of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The company’s achievements highlight how local resources, coupled with visionary leadership and government support, can lead to global recognition. This success story from Anantnag serves as an inspiration for budding entrepreneurs across the nation, proving that with determination and the right ecosystem, even the smallest ideas can create ripples on the world stage.

Sports

Jasprit Bumrah Named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2024

January 14, 2025 by NOK Desk

Talisman India pacer Jasprit Bumrah was crowned as the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2024, announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday.

According to a release from ICC, Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional performances during India’s tour of Australia in December 2024 have earned him the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award, beating off competition from Pat Cummins and Dane Paterson.

Over three Test matches, Bumrah claimed an impressive 22 wickets at an astonishing average of 14.22, single-handedly spearheading India’s bowling attack.

Bumrah’s brilliance was evident from the very start, with a standout performance in Adelaide. His four-wicket haul was instrumental in minimizing Australia’s lead in the first innings, keeping India within striking distance.

He followed this up with a sensational display in Brisbane, where his six wickets in the first innings dismantled Australia’s batting order. Bumrah added three more scalps in the second innings to complete a nine-wicket match haul.

His efforts ensured the rain-affected match ended in a draw, keeping India alive in the series.

The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne saw Bumrah deliver yet another stellar performance. He picked up four wickets in the first innings, providing a rare bright spot in an otherwise lacklustre bowling effort by the Indian team.

He then secured a five-wicket haul in the second innings, bowling Australia out for 234. Despite his heroics, India’s batting faltered, resulting in an 184-run defeat.

In a challenging tour for the Indian team, Bumrah emerged as the lone warrior for India consistently delivering match-defining performances. His exceptional contributions not only earned him the Player of the Series award but also cemented his reputation as one of the finest bowlers in world cricket.

He achieved a significant milestone during the series by taking his 200th Test wicket, becoming the fourth-fastest player to reach this landmark in terms of balls bowled. Remarkably, he also became the first bowler in history to claim 200 Test wickets at an average below 20.

For his game-changing performances, Jasprit Bumrah has been declared the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2024. (ANI)