DRS Oct 10: Ishan Kishan is again in whites, Sanju Samson wastes one other probability & India script historical past

India had a rollicking October 9, where both men’s and women’s side demolished their opponents. While Suryakumar Yadav’s team schooled Bangladesh once more to wrap up the T20I series, Harmanpreet Kaur-led side bagged two crucial points in the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. The Men in Blue found a new gem in the form of Nitish Kumar Reddy, who just blew away the Bangladesh bowling attack with a stellar knock of 76. While Nitish starred, a veteran in Sanju Samson once again flopped. Apart from this, Ishan Kishan was in the news as well, with the southpaw getting selected as captain of Jharkhand’s team in the Ranji Trophy.

Ishan Kishan gets a new lease of life

Ishan Kishan, the talented wicket-keeper batter, is set to lead Jharkhand in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, marking his return to the premier domestic event. This appointment presents Kishan with a golden opportunity to stake his claim and find his place on the Indian national team again. Currently, he is not part of any format in the national setup. Following his exclusion from the BCCI central contract and his absence from the Ranji Trophy last season, Kishan has remained focused on his game, impressing with a century in a recent Duleep Trophy match.

Sanju Samson, what have you done?

Sanju Samson’s recent performances in the T20I series against Bangladesh might just shut his Team India doors. Despite his undeniable talent and the support from fans, Samson has struggled to consistently deliver impactful innings. In the absence of other first-choice openers (Gill & Jaiswal), Samson was given the chance to open the batting but failed to make the most of it, scoring just 10 runs in the second T20I. His average of 19.32 in T20Is is also the worst among all batters with at least 25 T20I innings for India.

Nitish star in IND’s series win

India’s dominant performance secured a comprehensive 86-run victory, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20I series. Despite early setbacks, Nitish Reddy and Rinku Singh’s partnership propelled India to a formidable total of 221. Nitish Reddy, in particular, built a masterful knocks and some of his strokes were extremely delightful. Bangladesh’s chase was hindered by regular wickets, and despite Mahmudullah’s spirited effort, they were unable to overcome India’s strong bowling attack. Following the win, Suryakumar Yadav was also mobbed by ball-boys.

Joe Roooooooooot!

Joe Root’s stellar performance on Day 3 of the Multan Test saw him surpass Alastair Cook to become England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer. Root’s 35th Test century, his 15th score of 150 or more, and his 1162 runs scored in 2024 shows his exceptional form and consistency. The former England skipper is still unbeaten at 176, and will look to complete his 200 in the first Test vs Pakistan. Harry Brook also pummeled a century.

Harmanpreet Kaur, you beauty!

Harmanpreet Kaur’s explosive batting prowess were instrumental in India’s dominant victory over Sri Lanka in the Women’s T20 World Cup. Her blistering 27-ball half-century, including a flurry of aggressive shots in the death overs, propelled India to a formidable total. This performance oozed a vigorous sensation from India and positioned them as a formidable contender in the tournament, sending a clear message to their upcoming opponents, Australia.

India & their habit of making records

India’s dominance in the T20I format in recent times is undeniable. Following their T20 World Cup victory, they’ve continued their winning streak, easily dispatching Bangladesh in the first two matches. This series win marks India’s 16th consecutive T20I series victory at home, an impressive feat that began in 2019. Under the leadership of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and now Suryakumar Yadav, India has consistently proven their prowess in the shortest format of the game. This unbeaten T20I bilateral series win at home is easily the longest one. At second is Australia with 8.