Latest news with #No.4
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Crown passed on as Shubman Gill inherits India's no. 4 spot
India's Shubman Gill (AP Photo/Manish Swarup, File) Wanderers, 2013: All eyes were on the Indian dressing room as Cheteshwar Pujara and M Vijay were battling it out against Dale Steyn and Co. This was the first Test after Sachin Tendulkar had retired and the talk in the leadup had been all about his replacement at No. 4. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were padded up but when the latter walked in to bat at the fall of Vijay's wicket, we all knew who would be the new king of Indian cricket . This time around, vice-captain Rishabh Pant has poured cold water on all the speculation by announcing that new captain Shubman Gill will be the heir apparent to the recentlyretired Kohli at No. 4. It is clear indication that the team management now considers Gill as their most valuable batter. 'Once Virat retired, coach Gambhir and I had a discussion and he wanted me to bat at No. 4, an idea that I endorsed as well,' Gill said in Leeds on Thursday. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Tendulkar and Kohli turned No. 4 into a glamour slot with the 13,492 and 7564 runs they scored batting at that position, but both also got oneslot promotions when they first took up the role. Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar , meanwhile, came down from No. 3 to No. 4, just like Gill, when he made that slot his own back in the 1980s. 'I was batting at No. 3 before but when Vishy (GR Viswanath) retired, I was asked to come down at No. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo 4. It was slightly easier to bat at No. 4 than No. 3, because by the time I came in to bat, the ball often got slightly older,' Vengsarkar told TOI. Shubman's Big Test Begins! India's Probable XI & Stokes' Mind Games | ENG vs IND 1st Test Preview It was the Mumbai right-hander's brilliant run with the bat at No. 4, when he got two centuries and a halfcentury, that helped India win a Test series in England in 1986. 'That was one series where I wasn't always getting the cushion of playing against the older ball. Our top three wasn't in the best of touch and I was often batting pretty early on. But at the end of the day, it's a game of confidence,' Vengsarkar said. Quiz: Who's that IPL player? In the second innings of the second Test, when the master right-hander scored a 102 not out to seal the series, he had come out with the score reading 9-2. While Vengsarkar went into that England series having scored runs in that part of the world before, Gill hasn't had a very good run in England. In the three Tests in England prior to this, the new captain aggregates a paltry 88. He needs to turn that record around pretty fast. The ball swinging in has been a cause of worry for the 25-year-old, and the new skipper has in the past often found his stumps rattled. 'The one suggestion I can give Gill is that he should try to get his bat down a little straighter instead of it coming down from gully, like it is right now. The right forearm should touch his waist as he looks to play the ball. That will allow him to play straighter,' Vengsarkar said. The dual job of captaincy and batting at No. 4 is another aspect that the Mumbai man had handled pretty well during his playing days. Gill will have to do the same again in challenging conditions. The fact that there is a bit of inexperience around him may make this slightly difficult. But Vengsarkar believes Gill has the ability to deal with the pressure, given his natural talent. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
The Hindu
a day ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
India tour of England 2025: KL Rahul hopes to play with childhood buddy Karun Nair for a long time
Senior batter KL Rahul is quite excited about Karun Nair's return to India's Test fold in the five-match series against England starting on Friday as he believes that his childhood teammate has displayed commendable resolve while dealing with the hardships of being left out in the past. Nair and Rahul, both 33, have played age-group cricket together since their childhood and are close friends. While Rahul has been a part of the Indian set-up, Nair endured a prolonged eight-year snub despite a good Test beginning, including a triple hundred against England. ALSO READ | Sink or soar? India's fresh-look Test team set for England showdown 'We started playing cricket as 11-year-old boys together and we have been on this journey ever since. Both of us have had our ups and downs. He got his opportunity, scored a triple hundred, faced a bit of tough time after that for a lot of reasons,' Rahul told Indian Premier League (IPL) side Delhi Capitals' media team after the season that concluded earlier this month. 'But what has stood out is the way he has performed in the last 2-3 years,' he added, referring to Nair's stellar run for Vidarbha in the domestic circuit. Rahul said Nair relied on going 'back to basics' during his time away from international cricket. 'We have spoken about his time in the UK and him having played County cricket, and the difficulties and the challenges that he faced. To have that drive to make a comeback to the Indian team despite all the hardships is commendable. I hope both of us can play for a very long time for the Indian team,' he said. ALSO READ | Shubman Gill to bat at No. 4, confirms Rishabh Pant Rahul, who had a stellar IPL season with the bat, backed Nair to do well in his comeback series. Talking about his own preparations for the series, the right-handed batter said he began right after the IPL. 'I spoke to my coach as well to get prepared for this assignment. It's always a challenge coming to England as they are a pretty good side, especially when they play at home. It's going to be a challenge for all of us as we are a comparatively young team,' he said. Kohli, Rohit will be missed Rahul reiterated that the dressing room would miss Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom retired from Tests last month. 'Virat and Rohit have been the pillars of Indian cricket for the last decade or so, and not having them around will be a huge miss. In my whole career so far, I have never walked into a team where there is no Virat or Rohit,' he said. 'The 50-odd Test matches that I have played, either Virat or Rohit or both of them have been there. To walk into that dressing room feels a bit strange. But of course, you have to respect their decision. They have given absolutely everything for the country and they will remain legends of Indian cricket. But it's time for the rest of us to step up,' he concluded.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Gill, the new No 4 for India
CHENNAI: The No. 4 position in Test cricket is the format's holy grail. Sure, there were a few great pre-War No. 4s (Denis Compton and Wally Hammond) but the idea of a No. 4 being one of the side's best bats was a more modern phenomenon with its roots around the late 1980s. Sachin Tendulkar is of course the gold standard. He scored 13,492 runs in that position, almost 4000 clear of Mahela Jayawardene another giant who had made the No. 4 his postcode for 15 years. Out of the top 13 run-scorers in the format's history, seven have had an extended run in that position. From an Indian perspective, the No. 4 has played a big role in multiple ways. Batsmanship, leadership, charismatic figures, the biggest egos in the room as well as tasked with the role of selling all kinds of consumer goods to the hoi polloi. Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Gundappa Viswanath, Dilip Vengsarkar... India's batting royalty have all featured in this position. In fact, in India's maiden Test back in 1932, the captain was somebody who came out to bat at No. 4. CK Nayudu, an Indian cricketing aristocrat who wore several hats. This crash course in the history of the No. 4 is a roundabout way of saying why Shubman Gill is the next cab of the No. 4 rank. "I think there's still a discussion going on for No. 3," vice-captain Rishabh Pant said in a press conference two days before the beginning of the five-match Test series against England on Friday. "But No. 4 and No. 5 are fixed. Shubman is going to bat at No. 4, and I'm going to stay at No. 5 as of now." There is one big difference, though, between Shubman and almost everybody who made the No. 4 their own. Most of the others weren't in leadership roles when they assumed the No. 4. They were all fairly early into their careers. They didn't have the pressure of expectation on their shoulders when they were asked to walk out at No. 4.
Irish Independent
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Globally-acclaimed musician hits Limerick with ‘spellbinding' show
Kristian Bezuidenhout, a South African-Australian pianist will perform two of Beethoven's most famous piano concertos; No. 2 and No. 4. The concerts will be held in Limerick at the University Concert Hall on June 19, Siamsa Tíre in Tralee June 20 and The Whyte Recital Hall in Dublin on June 21. Concerto No 2 is full of energy and shows Beethoven's early talent. Concerto No. 4 is more emotional and deep, written during a difficult time in the composer's life. Bezuidenhout is known for making this music feel fresh and powerful, just like it might have sounded in Beethoven's own time. This is Kristian's second time performing Beethoven with the Irish Chamber Orchestra. He will return next year to play Beethoven's big final concerto, No. 5. The Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO), based at the University of Limerick, is known for its bold and creative performances. They work with dancers, DJs, actors, and artists from all kinds of backgrounds, mixing classical music with new ideas. A spokesperson said: 'Don't miss this spellbinding journey through Beethoven's genius with Kristian Bezuidenhout and ICO.' The concerts are supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.
The Advertiser
09-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
No more 'opening-itis': Next man up for Aust at Lord's
Eighteen months after joking Marnus Labuschagne had "opening-itis", Usman Khawaja believes his Queensland teammate can fill the role for Australia's World Test Championship final. Khawaja is almost certain to have another new opening partner for the decider against South Africa at Lord's, starting on Wednesday. Since David Warner retired from Tests in January 2024, Steve Smith, Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas, and Travis Head have all joined Khawaja at the top of the order. Smith is locked in to bat at No.4, Konstas is unlikely to play, and Head will come in at No.5 as Australia gun for back-to-back WTC titles. Khawaja on Monday still joked Labuschagne wasn't over the "opening-itis" that eventually led to Smith being promoted to open for four Tests, but declared every Australian would do what was best for the team. "Beggars can't be choosers," Khawaja said at Lord's on Monday at a launch for Prime Video's exclusive Australian coverage of the WTC final. "So you just be humble that you're playing for Australia, and then you take what you get and you make the best out of it. "At the end of the day, it's a team game. "I know the best place for me to bat for the team is to open. "So I'm very happy to open and do my role for the team. "I'm sure if it's the same for Marnus, 100 per cent I know he'll take that." The opening dilemma comes at a flashpoint in Labuschagne's career. The 30-year-old hasn't scored a Test century since his 111 against England at Manchester in July 2023. Labuschagne made some important contributions as Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar trophy last summer, without converting an innings into three figures. He is undoubtedly the batter under the most pressure in Australia's top-six. "He's opened before. He started off for Queensland opening," Khawaja said. "You bat three, I think opening is an easier transition. "Marnus is a terrific player, so if he gets an opportunity, I'm sure he'll be fine." This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final. Eighteen months after joking Marnus Labuschagne had "opening-itis", Usman Khawaja believes his Queensland teammate can fill the role for Australia's World Test Championship final. Khawaja is almost certain to have another new opening partner for the decider against South Africa at Lord's, starting on Wednesday. Since David Warner retired from Tests in January 2024, Steve Smith, Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas, and Travis Head have all joined Khawaja at the top of the order. Smith is locked in to bat at No.4, Konstas is unlikely to play, and Head will come in at No.5 as Australia gun for back-to-back WTC titles. Khawaja on Monday still joked Labuschagne wasn't over the "opening-itis" that eventually led to Smith being promoted to open for four Tests, but declared every Australian would do what was best for the team. "Beggars can't be choosers," Khawaja said at Lord's on Monday at a launch for Prime Video's exclusive Australian coverage of the WTC final. "So you just be humble that you're playing for Australia, and then you take what you get and you make the best out of it. "At the end of the day, it's a team game. "I know the best place for me to bat for the team is to open. "So I'm very happy to open and do my role for the team. "I'm sure if it's the same for Marnus, 100 per cent I know he'll take that." The opening dilemma comes at a flashpoint in Labuschagne's career. The 30-year-old hasn't scored a Test century since his 111 against England at Manchester in July 2023. Labuschagne made some important contributions as Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar trophy last summer, without converting an innings into three figures. He is undoubtedly the batter under the most pressure in Australia's top-six. "He's opened before. He started off for Queensland opening," Khawaja said. "You bat three, I think opening is an easier transition. "Marnus is a terrific player, so if he gets an opportunity, I'm sure he'll be fine." This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final. Eighteen months after joking Marnus Labuschagne had "opening-itis", Usman Khawaja believes his Queensland teammate can fill the role for Australia's World Test Championship final. Khawaja is almost certain to have another new opening partner for the decider against South Africa at Lord's, starting on Wednesday. Since David Warner retired from Tests in January 2024, Steve Smith, Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas, and Travis Head have all joined Khawaja at the top of the order. Smith is locked in to bat at No.4, Konstas is unlikely to play, and Head will come in at No.5 as Australia gun for back-to-back WTC titles. Khawaja on Monday still joked Labuschagne wasn't over the "opening-itis" that eventually led to Smith being promoted to open for four Tests, but declared every Australian would do what was best for the team. "Beggars can't be choosers," Khawaja said at Lord's on Monday at a launch for Prime Video's exclusive Australian coverage of the WTC final. "So you just be humble that you're playing for Australia, and then you take what you get and you make the best out of it. "At the end of the day, it's a team game. "I know the best place for me to bat for the team is to open. "So I'm very happy to open and do my role for the team. "I'm sure if it's the same for Marnus, 100 per cent I know he'll take that." The opening dilemma comes at a flashpoint in Labuschagne's career. The 30-year-old hasn't scored a Test century since his 111 against England at Manchester in July 2023. Labuschagne made some important contributions as Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar trophy last summer, without converting an innings into three figures. He is undoubtedly the batter under the most pressure in Australia's top-six. "He's opened before. He started off for Queensland opening," Khawaja said. "You bat three, I think opening is an easier transition. "Marnus is a terrific player, so if he gets an opportunity, I'm sure he'll be fine." This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final.
