Yuvraj Singh, the former Indian cricketer and World Cup hero, praised Rinku Singh for his outstanding performances in T20 cricket. Yuvraj considers Rinku Singh as the top left-handed batter in India right now, comparing his playing style to his own. In the recent T20Is, India has experimented with various left-handed batsmen, including Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube. In the first T20I against Afghanistan on January 11 in Mohali, these players featured in India’s top six, contributing to a six-wicket victory.

Rinku Singh has continued his excellent form from the IPL 2023 season to international cricket. With a stunning strike rate of 180.52 and an outstanding average of 69.50, he has scored 278 runs in nine innings.

Yuvraj Singh Commends Rinku Singh’s Excellent Performances

Yuvraj Singh emphasized Rinku Singh’s capacity for critical decision-making under duress in a recent interview. Yuvraj is confident in Rinku’s potential as a match-winner and reliable finisher, especially at the No. 5 or 6 positions.

“He’s probably the best left-hander in the Indian squad right now. He reminds me of myself – he knows when to attack when to rotate strike, and he’s incredibly smart under pressure,”

He added: “He can win us matches. I don’t want to put pressure on him, but I truly believe he has the skill to do what I used to – to be the finisher who delivers at No.5 or 6,”

Yuvraj Singh, with almost 12,000 international runs and 17 centuries in his impressive career, played a key role in India’s successful 2011 ODI World Cup campaign, earning him the Player of the Tournament award.He also played a significant role in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup triumph.

Now, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricket team is aiming for a series victory as they take on Afghanistan in the second T20I match at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 14.

Cricket pitches can be rated as very good, good, average, below average, poor, or unfit. Ratings in the last two categories may result in demerit points, ranging from one to five, and possible suspension. Very good, good, and average ratings are acceptable, while below average may lead to a milder penalty. A poor or unfit rating is expected in this case. Match referee Chris Broad’s rating will determine the pitch sanctions. The global cricket governing body, based in Dubai, releases its decision after evaluating the match referee’s rating. The final decision is likely to be announced on Monday, January 8. The pitch for the first Test at Centurion, which ended within three days, is also being examined.

Here are the five shortest matches in the 147-year history of Test cricket:
India vs. South Africa, 2024 (642 balls):

The match at Newlands became the shortest Test in history. South Africa batted first but were dismissed for just 55 runs before lunch. India, in their turn, scored 153, losing their last six wickets for zero runs. Aiden Markram’s century in the second innings wasn’t enough, and India won by seven wickets in just 107 overs

Australia vs. South Africa, 1935 (656 balls):
South Africa set a record at the Melbourne Cricket Ground by scoring a combined total of 81 in two innings. Bert Ironmonger’s exceptional performance, with figures of 5 wickets for 6 runs, led Australia to an innings victory by 72 runs.
West Indies vs. England, 1935 (672 balls):

In a unique match in Bridgetown, England secured a four-wicket win. Both teams made tactical declarations to maximize the bowler-friendly conditions. England bowled out the West Indies for 102, declared at 81-7, and the West Indies declared at 51-6, setting England a target of 75. Wally Hammond’s unbeaten 29 guided England to victory.
England vs. Australia, 1888 (788 balls):

WG Grace’s top score of 38 led England to an innings victory at Old Trafford. After England’s sensible first day with 172 runs, Bobby Peel’s exceptional bowling (7-31 and 4-37) caused Australia to collapse twice, scoring 81 and 70.
England vs. Australia, 1888 (792 balls):

Just six weeks earlier, Australia beat England by 61 runs at Lord’s. A record 27 wickets fell on the second day. Australia, with a first-innings score of 116, bowled out England for 53. Although Australia only managed 60 in their second innings, England fell short of the 124-run target, and Charlie Turner’s five-wicket haul led to England’s dismissal for 62 in 47.4 overs

Two cricket players from India and Australia have been nominated for the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year 2023.

Travis Head (Australia):
Runs: 1698 in 31 matches

Notable Achievements: A key member of the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2022, Travis Head overcame a fractured hand to contribute significantly to Australia’s success.Australia’s win in the World Cup was largely due to his outstanding performances, which included centuries in important matches. Head had a significant influence on Test cricket as well, as Australia won the 2023 ICC World Test Championship with his support.

Virat Kohli (India):
Runs: 2048 in 35 matches

Notable Achievements: Virat Kohli’s consistent form in both Test and ODI formats marked a remarkable comeback. Notable innings include a crucial 44 against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Series and a majestic 186 in the final Test. His most memorable moment was at the Wankhede Stadium during the World Cup semi-final, when he achieved his 50th ODI century.

Ravindra Jadeja (India):
Runs: 613, Wickets: 66 in 35 matches

Notable Achievements: Ravindra Jadeja returned from a knee injury with a stellar performance.With both bat and ball, he was instrumental in India’s triumph in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
In Test cricket, Jadeja showcased his batting skills and joined forces with Ravichandran Ashwin to create a strong bowling duo. Additionally, he stood out in white-ball cricket by taking 16 wickets in the World Cup.

Pat Cummins (Australia):
Runs: 422, Wickets: 59 in 24 matches

Notable Achievements: Pat Cummins had a standout year, both as a player and captain. Despite early setbacks, Cummins led Australia to victories in the WTC final, a successful Ashes defense, and a remarkable comeback to win the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup for a record sixth time.Australia’s win was greatly influenced by his valuable contributions with both bat and ball.

Under the radiant sunshine at Newlands, South Africa’s captain, Dean Elgar, won the toss and chose to bat in the second and conclusive Test against India. The home team aims for a series sweep against the top-ranked side in the world.

South Africa have implemented three changes to their victorious squad from the first Test in Pretoria, where they dominated on a lively pitch, winning by an innings and 32 runs.

Making his debut in the middle order, Tristan Stubbs steps in for the injured regular captain, Temba Bavuma. Spinner Keshav Maharaj celebrates his 50th cap, taking the place of the injured Gerald Coetzee, and seamer Lungi Ngidi replaces Keegan Petersen as the hosts opt for an additional bowler.

Expressing his thoughts on the wicket, Elgar remarked:

“It looks like an interesting wicket, a few snakes in it; hopefully it comes to the fore when we bowl. It is a big hurdle for us and a big test; this is our marquee game of the season. We have to start well.”

India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, admitted that he would have chosen to bat first had he won the toss, as the visitors also made two changes. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja, recovered from back spasms, replaces Ravichandran Ashwin, while seamer Mukesh Kumar steps in for Shardul Thakur to play his second Test.

Rohit shared his perspective, saying:

“There will be enough on the pitch for the seamers, so hopefully we can cash in on it. It is important for us to forget what has happened in the past; it is about the present.”

The match marks the final appearance of Elgar’s illustrious 12-year Test career, as he announced his retirement ahead of the series.

South Africa XI:

– Dean Elgar (capt.)

– Aiden Markram

– Tony de Zorzi

– Tristan Stubbs

– David Bedingham

– Kyle Verreynne

– Marco Jansen

– Keshav Maharaj

– Kagiso Rabada

– Nandre Burger

– Lungi Ngidi

India XI:

– Rohit Sharma (capt.)

– Yashasvi Jaiswal

– Shubman Gill

– Virat Kohli

– Shreyas Iyer

– KL Rahul

– Ravindra Jadeja

– Jasprit Bumrah

– Mohammed Siraj

– Prasidh Krishna

– Mukesh Kumar.

India’s hopes for their inaugural series triumph in South Africa suffered a significant setback with a comprehensive loss in the first Test. As they gear up for the next match, South Africa is determined to bid farewell to Elgar on a winning note. Elgar, captaining in place of the injured Bavuma, is in excellent form after scoring an impressive 185 in the previous Test. India, looking to revamp their bowling attack, is expected to bring back Jadeja for Ashwin. Additionally, changes in the bowling lineup are likely, with Avesh Khan or Mukesh Kumar in contention. The Indian batsmen, apart from Kohli and Rahul, struggled against South Africa’s pace attack in the previous Test. Conditions at Newlands may offer some assistance to the bowlers, despite being less favorable to fast bowling than Centurion. South Africa faces selection challenges, with Bavuma and Coetzee ruled out, and decisions to be made regarding Maharaj, Hamza, and Stubbs. Ngidi is expected to be fit, providing a boost to the host team. The squads for both teams and the match officials are as follows:

South Africa:

Dean Elgar (capt), Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Keegan Petersen, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Zubayr Hamza, Kyle Verreynne (wkt), Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger.
India:

Rohit Sharma (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wkt), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, KS Bharat (wkt), Abhimanyu Easwaran.
Match Officials:

Umpires: Ahsan Raza (PAK), Langton Rusere (ZIM)
TV umpire: Paul Reiffel (AUS)
Match referee: Chris Broad (ENG)

India Penalized and Drops in Standings
Fined 10% of Match Fee:
India faced a 10% match fee fine, imposed by Chris Broad of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.

Test Series Opener Loss:
After a disappointing defeat in the opening Test of the two-match series by an innings and 32 runs, India found themselves at No. 5 with 16 points from three Tests and a points percentage of 44.44.

Slip in Standings:
However, the deduction of points for a slow-over rate further weakened India’s position, causing them to slip below Australia to No. 6. They now have 14 points and a points percentage of 38.89.

In his second one-day international, Burger bowled impressively, taking three wickets for 30 runs. Despite half-centuries from Sai Sudharsan (62) and captain KL Rahul (56), India were all out for 211. South Africa’s De Zorzi, playing in his fourth match, scored an unbeaten 119, marking his first international century. South Africa won with 7.3 overs to spare, setting up a series decider in Paarl on Thursday, following India’s eight-wicket victory in the first match in Johannesburg on Sunday. Burger, taking advantage of the well-grassed St George’s Park pitch, played a key role after South African captain Aiden Markram chose to bowl first.

“It was a tough wicket to bat on,” said Rahul. “But a couple of us got set. If one of us could have gone on to make a big hundred and control the innings we could have got 60 runs extra.”

Burger consistently bowled at a steady pace with occasional steep bounces. His fastest delivery reached a speed of 147 km/h.

Openers Sudharsan and Rahul showed sensible batting in a third-wicket partnership of 68. Sudharsan got caught behind by Lizaad Williams on a sharply-lifting ball when the total reached 114.

No other batsman managed to score over 20 runs.

Mukesh Kumar and Arshdeep Singh caused trouble for South Africa’s opening pair, Hendricks and De Zorzi. Hendricks got a lifeline when he was dropped at second slip by Ruturaj Gaikwad off Kumar, but he capitalized on it, scoring 52 in an opening stand of 130 with De Zorzi, significantly contributing to the home team’s victory.

“It was a much better all-round performance,” said Markram. “It was still quite a tough wicket when the openers walked out. To put on a hundred partnership to set the game up was great.”

De Zorzi, the Man of the Match, played aggressively, hitting powerful shots to score runs. He faced 122 balls, striking nine fours and six sixes.

India batted first and scored 180 for seven before rain stopped play with three balls remaining in their 20 overs. After a nearly one-hour delay, South Africa needed to make 152 runs in 15 overs. Reeza Hendricks’ impressive 49 off 27 balls led South Africa to victory with seven balls to spare. With this win, they took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, following a rain-affected first match in Durban. South African captain Aiden Markram acknowledged that the weather conditions favored his team, with rain affecting both the lead-up to the match and the end of the Indian innings.

“The second bit of rain helped us. The ball skidded on a bit and also affected the outfield,” said Markram.

Suryakumar, the Indian captain, scored 56 runs off 36 balls, entering the game with the team at 6 for 2 after two overs, following the dismissals of openers Yashavi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, both without scoring. Despite the early setbacks, Suryakumar and Tilak Varma (29) went on the offensive against some inconsistent bowling, contributing 49 runs off 25 balls. Later, Suryakumar and Singh combined for a partnership of 70 runs off 49 balls.

“That’s the brand of cricket we want to play, whatever the situation,” said Suryakumar.

Markram explained that due to the aggressive Indian batting, he had to employ a strategic approach in managing the bowlers. Tabraiz Shamsi, named the player of the match, bowled his left-arm wrist spin in three spells, securing figures of one for 18, which were the most economical in the entire match.

“Shammy bowled incredibly well,” said Markham.

Gerald Coetzee claimed three wickets for 32 runs, dismissing batsmen with the final two balls of the Indian innings. Just as Mohammed Siraj was about to face the hat-trick delivery, the umpires halted play and took the players off the field.

Maxwell is focused on winning a second T20 World Cup for Australia in the upcoming tournament in the United States and the West Indies. After a week of rest from India, he is ready to lead the Melbourne Stars in the opening match of the Big Bash League against Brisbane at the Gabba on Thursday night. At 35 years old, Maxwell, set to rejoin the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the next IPL season, aims to share IPL experience with more Australians. He hopes this exposure will benefit the national team as they get ready for the T20 World Cup in June.

“The IPL will probably be the last tournament I ever play, as I will play the IPL until I can’t walk anymore,” Maxwell said at Melbourne Airport on Wednesday.

“I was talking about how good the IPL has been to me throughout my career; the people I’ve met, the coaches I have played under, the international players that you get to rub shoulders with, how beneficial to my whole career that tournament has been,”

“You’re rubbing shoulders with AB [de Villiers] and Virat [Kohli] for two months, talking to them while watching other games. It’s just the greatest learning experience that any player could ask for. Hopefully a lot of our Australian players can get over to the IPL and get to work in slightly similar conditions to the West Indies, where it is a little bit drier, it will spin” he added.