Author: Debasis Sen

Debasis Sen in Kolkata Abhimanyu Easwaran has been a regular in India’s Test squads in recent years, touring with the team to Australia and England. Despite his strong domestic record — 7,841 runs in 103 first-class matches — the 29-year-old Bengal opener is still waiting for his Test debut. Easwaran had hoped to finally get his chance during the recent series against England, particularly in the fifth and final Test at The Oval. However, the team management opted to bring back Karun Nair instead, leaving Easwaran on the sidelines once again. He must continue his wait for an opportunity to…

Debasis Sen in London Former ISL-winning coach John Gregory is concerned with the recent developments in Indian Super League with clubs like Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC shutting their operations temporarily. Gregory, who coached Chennaiyin in their maiden title-winning year, doesn’t think that there is a quick fix to the solution. The 71-year-old also reflected on his successful stint with Aston Villa and his regrets both as a player and manager. Here are the excerpts: How much of a cultural shock was Indian football for you when you first arrived? John Gregory: It wasn’t too much of a shock, to…

Debasis Sen in London Shubman Gill was in red-hot form with the bat, finishing top of the run-scoring charts in the recently concluded five-match Test series against England. The series, which ended in a draw, showcased Gill’s exceptional ability and leadership, as he notched up four centuries while making 754 runs at an impressive average of 75.40. Despite a rare failure in the final Test at The Oval, where he managed only 21 and 11, his overall performance was nothing short of remarkable. Gill’s batting brilliance was matched by his calm leadership in what was his first major assignment as…

Debasis Sen in London Prasidh Krishna has been a central figure in India’s bowling attack during the gripping fifth Test against England at The Oval, where the outcome still hangs in the balance heading into the final day. The tall and lanky fast bowler from Karnataka reignited India’s hopes late on day four with two wickets in the space of nine balls – including the prized scalp of Joe Root for 106 – as England stumbled in their pursuit of 374. With just 35 runs required and four wickets in hand, Krishna’s breakthroughs came at a crucial juncture, especially with…

Debasis Sen in London Former England fast bowler Devon Malcolm believes that Jasprit Bumrah’s absence is a significant blow to India, especially on a pitch like The Oval. Malcolm, who currently works part-time with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as part of its Diverse Communities team—focusing on African Caribbean engagement—feels strongly that Bumrah will be remembered as one of the game’s all-time great fast bowlers. Now 62, Malcolm was present at The Oval during the first two days of the fifth and final Test of the series. In an exclusive conversation with this correspondent, he shared his thoughts…

Debasis Sen in London England endured a major setback on Day 1 of the fifth Test against India, at The Oval, on Thursday, as Chris Woakes suffered a serious shoulder injury while chasing a ball in the 57th over. The 36-year-old all-rounder left the field clutching his left arm and is set to undergo a scan on Thursday evening. With his participation in the rest of the match now highly doubtful, England face a significant blow, losing their most experienced seamer at a critical juncture. Woakes, who has bowled 181 overs in the series, is one of only two seamers—alongside…

Debasis Sen in London Former England all-rounder Derek Pringle believes that England will keenly feel the absence of Ben Stokes in the fifth and final Test against India, which began at The Oval, on Thursday, July 31. The 66-year-old Kenya-born cricketer-turned-journalist said Stokes has been England’s standout bowler throughout the series. Pringle, fondly remembered for his economical spell of 3 for 22 in the 1992 World Cup final, shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Revsportz. Here are the excerpts from the conversation: Has this Indian team without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma surprised you, especially with Shubman Gill…

Debasis Sen from London With Jasprit Bumrah unlikely to play in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, starting Thursday, the Indian team management is set to bring back a fully fit Akash Deep Singh into the playing XI. The spot for the third pacer remains undecided, with a close contest between Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh. Arshdeep, a left-arm seamer, currently leads the race and is in line to make his Test debut. The 26-year-old has recovered from a hand injury sustained during a fielding mishap that required stitches and kept him out of the Manchester Test. During…

Debasis Sen from London Following the dramatic draw between India and England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, all eyes are now on the fifth and final Test at The Oval, scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 31. While players like captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah will take much of the spotlight, fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been one of the most consistent and hardworking performers for India throughout the series. The Hyderabad pacer has emerged as the workhorse of the Indian bowling unit, having bowled more overs than any other Indian bowler in…

Debasis Sen from Manchester The entire Indian team gathered on the balcony at Old Trafford, applauding as Washington Sundar brought up his maiden Test century on the final day of the fourth Test – a moment that perfectly captured the spirit and resilience of the side. Determined to stay in the fight, the Indian batters, led by a composed Shubman Gill, showcased remarkable grit over the last five sessions to secure a hard-fought draw against England. After a shaky start at 0/2 in their second innings, the visitors displayed unwavering resolve, ending day five at 4/425, having lost just two…