This is crunch time for Rahul Dravid with T20, ODI World Cups coming up: Saba Karim

09.09.2022 - 13:47 timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Rahul Dravid with two big events, T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup coming up in future. Since Dravid took over as the men's head coach after Ravi Shastri left the job, India got huge success in winning bilateral T20I series against New Zealand, West Indies (twice), Sri Lanka, England and drawing against South Africa.

In the Asia Cup 2022, where India entered as defending champions, they won their group matches against Pakistan and Hong Kong.

But losses to Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Super Four meant they missed out on playing the final and signed off from the tournament with a 101-run win over Afghanistan, sparking doubts over India's preparedness ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia in October-November. "Well even Rahul Dravid is aware that the honeymoon period is over, and he is trying his best to be an alchemist but so far, such metals haven't been converted into core.

One would expect him to do that. This is crunch time for Rahul Dravid. "With the World Cup T20 coming up, next year the ODI World Cup coming up.

Sporting Ravi Shastri Australia South Africa New Zealand India Sri Lanka Afghanistan Hong Kong Pakistan

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The first T20I between India and South Africa was a low-scoring thriller with the hosts prevailing by eight wickets in the end. Pace Arshdeep Singh (3/32) and Deepak Chahar (2/24) made the white ball talk with some incisive swing bowling that restricted South Africa to 106/8. However, the chase was not a cakewalk but Kl Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav scored half-centuries to take India over the line in 16.4 overs.

India vs South Africa 1st T20I Highlights: Arshdeep, Chahar set it up as India win low-scoring opener by 8 wickets

Deepak Chahar hit the South Africans hard with some magical swing bowling before Suryakumar Yadav's little gem on a difficult track ensured an easy eight-wicket victory for India in the first T20 International on Wednesday. A target of 107 on a pitch with underlying moisture and more than waist high bounce at times was a struggle before Suryakumar (50 not out in 33 balls) released the pressure created by KL Rahul (51 not out, 56 balls) as India won the game in 16.4 overs to go 1-0 up in three-match series. Scorecard | As it happenedThe pitch that former India head coach Ravi Shastri on air termed "not ideal for T20 cricket" had batters of both teams finding it difficult to cope with both pace and movement. It was Arshdeep (3/32) and Chahar (2/24), who basically clinched the issue for India within the first 15 deliveries of the start after skipper Rohit Sharma called it right at the toss. Once South Africa were reeling at 9/5 in 2.3 overs, the game as a contest was over and 106/8 even on a difficult track was a sub-par score.

Shubman Gill slams maiden ton for Glamorgan against Sussex

Both the 23-year-old’s two sixes – a ramp shot over slips off Pakistan pacer Faheem Ashraf, and a superb pickup shot off pacer Bradley Currie over mid-wicket -were classy shots. It was Gill’s 8th century in his 38th First-Class game. Glamorgan shared a video on twitter of Gill reaching his century, captioning it: “Century!!! Shubman Gill makes a maiden Glamorgan century. 123 balls, 12 fours, 2 sixes. Well batted, Shubman.”

Ravi Shastri Shares Pic Of "Chillax Day In Kovalam" Ahead Of India vs South Africa T20I

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri is completely enjoying his return to media commitments ever since completing his stint with the Indian cricket team. His energy and verve behind the mic has been appreciated by fans who are more than happy to have Shastri back in the commentary box.

2nd T20I, India vs Australia: Sunless wet patch in front of pavilion in Nagpur haunts VCA

Though it did not rain much in the city in the last couple of days, the area was not in a playing condition, raising a few eyebrows over the preparedness of the association. This particular area in the stadium does not receive sunlight throughout the year due to the elongated roof of the top floor of North end. It has proved to be a chronic problem for VCA. The hosts are always caught on the wrong foot when it rains ahead of or during the match.

'Grand Reunion' - Virat Kohli Engrossed In Discussion With Ravi Shastri Ahead Of Second T20I. See Pics

After losing the first T20I against Australia, India face a must-win situation in the second T20I if they are to stay alive in the three-match contest. The series is part of the final few series that India will be playing ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. Before the second T20I in Nagpur, former Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli met with former India coach Ravi Shastri, who is part of the commentary panel for the official broadcasters.