John Campbell, the West Indies opener, has etched his name in the history books as the first Caribbean opener to score a Test hundred in India in 23 years. The knock was particularly critical as the West Indies sought to redeem themselves from a disappointing start to the series. Keeping his cool and playing with stroke play and temperament, Campbell negotiated the Indian bowlers with calmness and poise and proved his worth on one of the most challenging pitches for any visiting batsmen. 

Campbell’s innings was filled with elegant drives, quick singles, and laser-like focus. He crafted solid partnerships that gave the West Indies innings some much-needed stability in its foundations. His ability to read spin and match the pace of Indian conditions spoke to the vast improvement of his model as a Test player. The last West Indies opener to achieve this benchmark in India was Sherwin Campbell back in 2002, so undoubtedly, this performance would invoke a considerable reaction from the Caribbean cricket fans on a day when the universe seemed outside of his orbit. 

The century not only represented individual brilliance from John Campbell, but it also symbolizes hope for West Indies cricket. For the longest time, the region's openers have struggled playing in subcontinent conditions, but Campbell's hundred showed that the new generation is willing to put their hand up. His innings may encourage many young West Indian players to believe it is possible to find success through consistent hard work, even if it is in unfamiliar territory.

🚨 JOHN CAMPBELL - FIRST WEST INDIES OPENER IN 23 YEARS TO SCORE A TEST HUNDRED IN INDIA. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/vrgU0QB1rX

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 13, 2025

Also Read: ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: SA-W vs BAN-W Today Match Prediction– 14th Match, Who will win today?

A Moment to Remember 

John Campbell's century was not only about runs but also about character and confidence; facing world-class bowlers, he looked completely unfazed. With each shot played, he provided control and intent and assisted the team towards early momentum, with jubilant celebrations when noticing the three-figure mark. 

This innings will be remembered for more than just breaking a 23-year-long record, but for what belief, grit, and determination of the human spirit can achieve. Campbell's knock reminded the cricketing world that the Caribbean still has fire and fight left in a resurgent batting lineup, and the Caribbean spirit in Test cricket is indeed very much alive.

Mohammed Siraj has improved a lot since the days when he struggled with his bowling. Now, he is one of India’s top bowlers and helps the team win matches. In the recent five-match Test series against England, he took 23 wickets and played an important role in India drawing the series 2-2.

Mohammed Siraj’s Journey from Struggles to Success

But there was a time when things were tough for him. He used to leak runs and faced criticism and trolling on social media. “I was trolled when I didn’t bowl well in the IPL. If I performed, people praised me. If I didn’t, they would say, ‘Go ride the auto with your father,’” Siraj said.

Mohammed Siraj said, "when I joined the team, MS Dhoni told me, 'Don’t pay attention to what others say. When you are performing well the fans and the world will be with you and say there is no bowler like Siraj. In the next game, if you don’t perform, they will say go, ride the… pic.twitter.com/cQSKgDCB7U

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 6, 2025

He says MS Dhoni helped him deal with the pressure. “When I joined the Indian team, Dhoni told me not to worry about what people say. If you do well, everyone supports you. If you fail, some will abuse you,” he recalled. Dhoni’s advice stayed with him. “I realized that I don’t need outside praise. What matters are the opinions of my teammates and family.”

ALSO READ: AUS vs IND 2025: Fans rush as MCG T20I tickets sold out weeks before match day

Siraj’s journey is even more inspiring considering his family background. His father was an auto-rickshaw driver, and his mother worked hard to make ends meet. “I never thought I would play for India. We didn’t have much money. I used to give the money I earned from tennis-ball cricket to my parents,” he shared. Today, he credits his success to hard work, God, and the blessings of his parents.

Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has criticized star batsman Shreyas Iyer for taking a six-month break from red-ball cricket. Vengsarkar was shocked when Iyer quoted fitness concerns for red-ball cricket but being perfectly fit for white-ball cricket. The 30-year-old Iyer has played 14 Tests for India, making 811 runs with an average of 36.86, including one century and five half-centuries.

Iyer played his last Test in February 2024 before being dropped on grounds of form and fitness issues. He has since played numerous red-ball games in domestic cricket. He was recently appointed captain of India A for the four-day series against Australia A but left the second game after participating in the first.

He was also expected to feature in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup and was in line for a potential return to the Indian Test team for the home series against the West Indies. However, Iyer requested a six-month break from red-ball cricket due to back concerns, which the BCCI approved. Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the period would allow Iyer to build endurance and work on fitness levels.

Vengsarkar Questions Red-Ball Break

Despite the BCCI’s approval, Vengsarkar is unhappy with Iyer’s decision. Speaking to Mid-day, he said, “To be honest, it’s a dilemma for me, because he [Iyer] says that he is unfit for red-ball cricket but is fit for the white-ball cricket. I don’t understand the difference between red-ball cricket and white-ball cricket. I feel that if you are fit for white-ball cricket, you are obviously fit for red-ball cricket too. Choosing red-ball or white-ball and such things are beyond my comprehension.”

See Also: PCB considers Babar Azam recall amid doubts over Salman Ali Agha’s T20I form

Meanwhile, with Rohit Sharma recently sacked as India’s ODI captain, Shubman Gill was elevated to captain for the Australia tour, and Iyer was named his deputy. Legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh praised Iyer’s return to a leadership role, calling him an impact player. “I’m very happy for Shreyas Iyer. He’s one of those guys who hardly gets the credit he deserves. We talk about that World Cup in India, he scored back-to-back centuries, and with what pace! He’s an impact player; when he gets going, he makes things easy for the dressing room and the other batters. I’m happy he’s back in the scheme of things, not just as a player but with a bigger responsibility as vice-captain. I’m looking forward to seeing what he brings to the table in terms of ideas and how he and Shubman Gill take this team forward,” he added.

Ravindrasinh Jadeja, or fondly called 'Sir Jadeja', is a rare breed in the sport of cricket. Consistent, utility, and charismatic players like him seldom go unnoticed, bringing a great deal to the table by contributing immensely and efficiently. An all-rounder by nature, his bowling and batting skills are impeccable and immaculate. His energetic and rock-solid presence in the middle has often drained the opposition, effectively resulting in calmness amid chaos. While batting, his tenacious ability to hold one end and anchor the innings adds another element to his armoury that is unique to proper batters. A straight addition to any side in world cricket, the Gujarati player, also counted as one of the fittest players ever to grace the game, is three-dimensional, and his fielding prowess is second to none. Winning people over with his noble deeds, he now sits as one of the better players, if not the best, in the Indian cricketing fraternity. And the circuit needs a regular influx of more such characters who are synonymous with effervescence and full of class. 

With a sharp and elite mentality, supreme talent, stringent hard work, and precision skill-training, over the years, Jadeja has outstandingly nourished and championed his skills to perfection. Always invested in improvements, he has brought about an evolution in his test batting and developed the elegant art of patience. The southpaw's game awareness, leadership skills, temperament, and transactional style of play have transformed him into an assured batter who loves his profession as much as anything. Mastering the game magnificently and exceptionally has fetched him several team and personal accolades. Besides all recognition, the 2019 Arjun Award, India's second-highest sporting honour, etched his name as one of the greats, and currently, with glorious strides, he is building an inspiring legacy of his own. Moreover, presently, the left-hander deservedly holds the number one rank in the ICC test all-rounders' rankings. 

See Also: 4 Records Made by India on Day 3 of IND vs WI 2025 1st Test ft. Shubman Gill

Ravindra Jadeja's Test Batting Evolution

A player who has had a stellar 2025, so far, with the bat in his hands, Jadeja's sublime performances have consolidated the balance of the Indian side. With the recent retirements of some of the seniors, his stay at the crease has acted as a glue between the top and the lower order. His middle-order batting has eased the transition process, further allowing the youngsters to settle into the dynamics of the longest and toughest format of the game. Additionally, he has also acted as a bridge between the incumbents and the newcomers, making them feel adept around him. Having finished the England tour on a high as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the five-match test rubber, with an incredible average of 86 across 10 innings, and with some series-defining performances, he continued from where he left off. Scoring an unbeaten 104 runs and coupled with 4 wickets in the second innings of the first test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, against the West Indies, the Indian all-rounder, bagging the man of the match title, had a stupendous start to the home season. On the way to the 6th ton of his test career, Jadeja reached a few milestones. His promising innings included 5 sixes, and that makes him the fourth-ranked Indian player for smashing the most sixes in test cricket. With a tally of 80 sixes in 86 matches, he now just trails Virender Sehwag, Rishabh Pant, and Rohit Sharma. He also possesses the most fifty-plus scores (7 in 7 games) in the format in the current year, yet.

HUNDRED BY THE VICE CAPTAIN. 🇮🇳

- A spectacular century by Sir Ravindra Jadeja. He’s having an unbelievable run in Test cricket. What a cricketer! 💯 pic.twitter.com/bCsp1p2yuq

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 3, 2025

When asked about his batting display during the post-match presentation, Jadeja had a few things to say - "Yeah, I have been working hard with my batting. We had a two-month off, there was no Test cricket or ODIs. I was working on my fitness, and I went to the Centre of Excellence in Bangalore, worked on my skills and fitness. Yeah, absolutely (on his recent batting form). I had been batting at number 8 and 9 a few years ago, but now I have my place at 6. I have time to prepare myself, and I can pace my innings. I don't need to hurry; I don't need to rush unnecessarily. I can go out there, take my time and just pace my innings. I always love playing on red soil pitches. It's fun because, as a spinner, you get more turns and bounce. So, always as a spinner, you want that. I think I was enjoying it, and as I got to know that we are playing on red soil, I thought it would be okay for batting and bowling as well. If the wicket is flat, you can score runs. If the ball is turning, then you can enjoy bowling on the red soil. Obviously, I would like to thank the coach, captain and management and selectors because, being the vice-captain, you are always there as a team's special member, and that honour always pleased me. And yeah, whenever the team requires, whatever suggestion or regarding anything, I am always there and happy to do it. No, I am still not there (on being asked if he was the leader of the spin bowling department). Ash was there. I am not the captain. Kuldeep has also played many games for India. Washi (Sundar) has also played many games. So I think all in all, everyone is experienced enough, and there's no need to give unnecessary suggestions to anyone. So everybody is working hard. Everyone is positive. That's good to see."

Ravindra Jadeja's Test Batting Stats

Since 2021, across 36 tests, the Indian maverick has been the leading scorer (2064 runs) and wicket-taker (118 wickets) among the top all-rounders.

Jadeja attributes his batting evolution, the richness in form, the decisiveness towards calculated risks, and the consequent recent purple patch to clarity and stability. A fixed batting position, instead of being fluid, has allowed him to train specifically and against certain challenges thrown by red-ball cricket. The quality of batting longer than usual and with more responsibility is courtesy of intense training and seniority in the team, respectively. The recurring practice sessions, hitting and middling ball after ball, visualising opponent field positions, hunting gaps, and simulating match scenarios, have all strengthened his anatomy while improving his cricketing mettle. Sustaining such intended routines can only make him and the Indian cricket team progress leaps and bounds. If so, fans would get to witness the Saurashtra player's sword-show celebration match after match.

Like any player, Jadeja has had his ups and downs, but he never quit. There was a time in the first half of his international career when his place in the Indian team was unsecured, and he was even dropped. However, his resilience and determination kept him going through serious injuries and lean phases. Nothing deterred him, and all those hardships have culminated in one of the most decorated and successful cricketers of all time, in Ravindra Jadeja, or aptly known as 'Sir Jadeja'. 

Team India batter Shreyas Iyer has apparently decided to take a break from red-ball cricket due to ongoing workload and injury issues. The 29-year-old has been having problems with recurring back injuries and has made known his decision to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), meaning he is now almost certain to miss the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies.

Iyer's injury issues are well-known, as his back problem required surgery in 2023, but he has returned to regular cricket since the Asia Cup that same year. However, given the demand red-ball cricket puts on an athlete's body, questions will remain over his long-term future in red-ball cricket. A BCCI source explained, "He has let us know he will take a break from red-ball cricket. The selectors are now clearer regarding his future, and he will look at how his body reacts with the assistance of trainers and physiotherapists."

For Iyer, the move makes sense for several reasons:

1. Safeguarding his white-ball future

Iyer continues to be India's preferred No.4 in ODIs and is on the cusp of returning to T20Is. With two white-ball tournaments on the horizon, including the T20 World Cup, Iyer can prioritize the white-ball formats where he is now able to remain a crucial part of the team, and thus, hopefully, he will not have to take a longer injury break.

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] 'Out of natural position...'- Aakash Chopra gives advice to struggling Sanju Samson during Asia Cup 2025

2. Avoiding further injury setbacks

Recruitment has shown that Iyer's back issues are aggravated by Test cricket. Being reminded of the red-ball injuries that led him to miss the 2023 IPL is a cautionary tale to consider. By withdrawing from the Tests, Iyer is better able to manage his workload and to be available for the formats where India really needs him.

3. A positive result for both player and selectors

Iyer's leaving out of the selection debate for the Tests only strengthens the debate, as there is rich bench strength in India's middle-order. For Iyer, it gives a no-excuses closure, and he can fully focus on limited-overs cricket with no red-ball constraints. Ultimately, Iyer's departure does not feel like a step back but a necessary move towards a longer playing career. With a narrower focus on ODIs and T20S, we can expect to see a sharper and more decisive version of Iyer when India approaches the important white-ball phase.

England has officially announced its 16-player squad for the Ashes 2025-26 series against Australia later this year, captained by Ben Stokes and hoping to end a long wait as the first England side to win an Ashes series on Australian soil since 2010-11.

The squad features several familiar names but also a pair of surprises. Stokes, Mark Wood, and Shoaib Bashir are fit again after injury, bolstering the batting and bowling departments in particular. The biggest change is Harry Brook being named vice-captain ahead of Ollie Pope. Pope stepped in as skipper in place of Stokes during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy when Stokes was injured, but has not retained the deputy position. Instead, he is likely to fight Jacob Bethell for the significant No. 3 batting position.

England announce strong 16-member squad for Ashes 2025-26

Will Jacks, the unexpected addition to the squad, is regarded as a smart tactical option, possibly in the role that Liam Dawson filled against India when Bashir was unavailable. That said, it also raises the question of whether England will be selective about Bashir, given the specialist spinning role in Australian conditions. 

ALSO SEE: Top 3 reasons why Sri Lanka lost to Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match 3

In terms of bowling, England is loaded with pace bowlers. Mark Wood returns to offer real pace, and alongside him are Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, and Josh Tongue. This body of pace attack seems to have performed well in the series against India, but importantly, they will have to adapt to the pitches of Australia. Matthew Potts, also a member of the squad, offers England more options in seamers.

Batting remains sound with Joe Root, Zak Crawley, and Ben Duckett as the nucleus of the top order, with Jamie Smith also an option as a keeper and batsman. Furthermore, with Ben Stokes at the helm, England will certainly be seeking to turn history on its head and retain the urn.

England squad for Ashes 2025-26:

Ben Stokes (captain), Harry Brook (vice-captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood

Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most dependable batters, officially announced his retirement from all formats of Indian cricket on Sunday, August 24. He made the decision public through social media, marking the end of a celebrated career.

Pujara last represented India in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. Since then, he had been away from the Test setup, watching younger players take up key roles in the batting lineup.

His exclusion from the squad for the five-match Test series in England was seen as a strong indication of the transition. Accepting the reality, Pujara decided to step aside, leaving behind an inspiring legacy built on resilience, patience, and consistency in red-ball cricket.

See Also: ‘Fingers crossed, feeling really well….’- Suryakumar Yadav shares major fitness update before Asia Cup

Cheteshwar Pujara vs Sourav Ganguly: A Statistical Showdown:

Cheteshwar Pujara made his Test debut against Australia in Bengaluru in October 2010 and immediately left his mark with a composed 72 off 89 balls in the second innings, helping India secure a seven-wicket victory. After Rahul Dravid’s retirement in 2012, Pujara seamlessly stepped into the crucial No. 3 role in India’s batting order.

One of his finest moments came during the 2018-19 series in Australia, where he scored an impressive 521 runs in four Tests, playing a vital role in India’s historic first-ever series win Down Under. He again proved his value in the 2020-21 series against Australia, absorbing immense pressure and standing firm as a key contributor to another memorable Indian triumph overseas.

Pujara wrapped up his illustrious journey after playing 103 Test matches for India. With his retirement, it becomes interesting to draw a comparison between his numbers and those of former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, who had reached the same milestone during his cricketing career.

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Sourav Ganguly – Who Leads in Runs After 103 Tests?

Cheteshwar Pujara finished his career with 7,195 runs in 103 Test matches at an average of 43.60. Against Australia, he enjoyed tremendous success, scoring 2,074 runs in 25 matches at an impressive average of 49.38. He also performed strongly against England, accumulating 1,778 runs in 27 Tests at 39.51.

The veteran batter added 867 runs from 12 Tests against New Zealand at 39.40 and scored 882 runs in 17 appearances versus South Africa at 30.41. Pujara’s most dominant run came against Sri Lanka, where he notched up 743 runs in just seven matches, averaging a remarkable 74.30.

At the 103-Test mark, Sourav Ganguly had scored 6,581 runs at an average of 42.45. Against Australia, he managed 1,079 runs in 20 matches at 31.73. His best numbers came versus England, where he amassed 983 runs in 12 Tests at an excellent average of 57.82. He also scored 968 runs against Sri Lanka in 11 matches at 56.94.

Ganguly’s record included 902 runs in 12 Tests against Pakistan at 47.47 and 736 runs in 14 matches versus South Africa, averaging 30.66. Additionally, he registered 563 runs from eight Tests against New Zealand, averaging a solid 46.91 with the bat.

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Sourav Ganguly – Who Has More Centuries After 103 Tests?

Cheteshwar Pujara had a highly successful Test career, registering 19 centuries along with 35 fifties. He proved his consistency against top teams, scoring five centuries each against Australia and England. He also dominated Sri Lanka with four hundreds to his name, showcasing his ability to perform across conditions.

In addition, Pujara recorded two centuries against New Zealand and one each versus South Africa, West Indies, and Bangladesh. His finest Test knock came in 2012 at Ahmedabad, where he remained unbeaten on 206 against England. This innings highlighted not only his patience and grit but also his ability to anchor long partnerships.

At the 103-Test mark, Sourav Ganguly had scored 15 centuries and 32 fifties, with his highest being 239 against Pakistan in Bengaluru in December 2007. Out of his 15 tons, three each were struck against England, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. He also recorded two centuries apiece versus Pakistan and Zimbabwe, while adding one each against Australia and Bangladesh to his tally.

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Sourav Ganguly – Whose SENA record shines brighter after 103 Tests?

Cheteshwar Pujara featured in 41 Test matches across SENA countries, where he accumulated 2,558 runs at an average of 32.79. During this phase, he registered five centuries and 14 fifties, with his highest score of 193 coming at the Sydney Test in 2019, a memorable knock that highlighted his resilience.

Breaking down his SENA record, Pujara was most successful in Australia, averaging 47.28 in 11 Tests, where he struck three centuries. In England, he managed 29 runs per innings from 16 matches, while in South Africa, he averaged 28.15 in 10 games, including one century. His least returns came in New Zealand, averaging 20 across four Tests.

After 103 Tests, Sourav Ganguly had played 32 matches in SENA nations, amassing 2,311 runs from 59 innings at an average of 42.01, showcasing his consistency in challenging conditions. He registered five centuries and 13 half-centuries during this phase, with his highest score of 144 coming in the Brisbane Test of 2003, a memorable knock against Australia.

Looking at his performances individually, Ganguly averaged 34.80 in 11 Tests played in Australia and an impressive 65.35 from nine matches in England, where he struck three centuries. In New Zealand, he scored at an average of 27.71 across four games, including a hundred, while in South Africa, he averaged 36.14 over eight Tests. 

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Sourav Ganguly – Who Contributed More to Wins After 103 Tests?

Cheteshwar Pujara proved to be a strong performer whenever India secured victories. Out of his 103 Tests, he played in 58 wins, contributing 4,408 runs from 96 innings at an excellent average of 50.66. In these winning causes, the dependable batter struck 13 centuries and 23 half-centuries. Interestingly, two of his tons came in defeats while four were scored in drawn games.

On the other hand, Sourav Ganguly’s impact in victories was relatively smaller. After 103 Tests, he featured in 33 wins, scoring 1,954 runs from 50 innings at an average of 46.52. He registered three centuries and 12 fifties in winning causes. Notably, 12 of his 15 Test hundreds at that stage came in drawn encounters.

Veteran Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from all formats of Indian cricket on Sunday, August 24. The 37-year-old played a significant role in the longest format, representing India in 103 Test matches and scoring 7,195 runs at a solid average of 43.60. Known for his patience and technique, he became a vital figure in India’s batting lineup for over a decade.

Cheteshwar Pujara began his Test journey against Australia in October 2010 and fittingly ended it facing the same opponent in June 2023 at The Oval during the World Test Championship final. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation as one of the most dependable No. 3 batters in world cricket.

Pujara’s standout moment was the 2018-19 Australia series, amassing 521 runs across four Tests. His gritty performances helped India achieve their first-ever Test series win Down Under, cementing his legacy as Rahul Dravid’s worthy successor.

See Also: “As you bid goodbye to your first love….”- Wife Puja shares emotional tribute with memorable moments after Pujara’s retirement

Cheteshwar Pujara vs Rohit Sharma: A Statistical Showdown:

Following Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement from Test cricket, a comparison of his numbers with Rohit Sharma’s at a similar stage offers an interesting perspective. While Rohit featured in 67 Test matches during his career, Pujara’s record at that point highlights the contrast in their roles and consistency. 

Looking at their performances side by side provides deeper insight into how both batters shaped India’s middle-order stability and overall contribution in the longest format.

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Rohit Sharma – Comparing Runs Scored After 67 Test Matches:

By the time he completed 67 Tests, Cheteshwar Pujara had scored 5,233 runs at an impressive average of 49.83. A large portion of his success came against top opponents, reflecting his consistency.

Against Australia, he piled up 1,429 runs in 15 matches at 54.96, while he managed 1,339 runs in 18 Tests against England, averaging 44.63. Pujara also added 649 runs in seven Tests versus New Zealand at 54.08 and 613 runs in 11 matches against South Africa at 32.26.

Rohit Sharma concluded his Test career with 4,301 runs in 67 matches, maintaining an average of 40.57. His performances varied across opponents, with some standout series along the way.

He scored 1,147 runs in 14 Tests against England at an average of 47.79. Against Australia, Rohit made 739 runs in 15 matches at 28.42, while versus South Africa, he collected 738 runs in 11 Tests at 38.84. Additionally, he registered 515 runs in nine encounters with New Zealand, averaging 36.78.

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Rohit Sharma – Comparing Test Centuries After 67 Matches:

At the 67-Test mark, Cheteshwar Pujara had built a strong record with 17 centuries and 20 half-centuries, averaging 49.8. His highest score in this phase was an unbeaten 206 against England in Ahmedabad in 2012.

Breaking down his hundreds, Pujara struck five against England, while Australia and Sri Lanka witnessed four each. He also registered two tons versus New Zealand and one each against South Africa and the West Indies, highlighting his ability to perform consistently against quality opposition across conditions.

Rohit Sharma concluded his Test career with 12 centuries and 18 fifties, showcasing his flair as a top-order batter. His highest score was a brilliant 212 against South Africa in Ranchi during October 2019. Out of his 12 hundreds, four came against England, while he struck three each against South Africa and West Indies, along with one apiece versus Australia and Sri Lanka, reflecting his versatility against varied opponents.

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Rohit Sharma – Whose SENA record shines after 67 Tests? 

In his first 67 Tests, Cheteshwar Pujara featured in 24 matches across SENA nations, scoring 1,500 runs in 47 innings at an average of 32.60. During this phase, he registered four centuries and six half-centuries. Two of those tons came in Australia, while he scored one each in England and South Africa. His highest SENA score in that period was 153 at Johannesburg in December 2013.

Across his first 67 Tests, Rohit Sharma played 25 matches in SENA nations, amassing 1,268 runs from 49 innings at an average of 28.17. During this period, he recorded one century and six fifties. His lone hundred in these conditions came against England at The Oval in September 2021, where he struck 127. Earlier in the same series, he also played a crucial knock of 83 at Lord’s.

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Rohit Sharma – Who excels more in winning causes?

In his first 67 Test appearances, Cheteshwar Pujara played a role in 38 of India’s victories. Across 63 innings in those matches, he accumulated 3,506 runs at an impressive average of 62.60. His consistency was highlighted by 12 centuries and 16 fifties, making him one of India’s most reliable batters. Interestingly, two of his hundreds came in games India lost, while three arrived in drawn encounters.

Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, featured in 36 Test wins for India. In 59 innings during those matches, he scored 2,985 runs at an average of 57.40. All 12 of his Test centuries and nine of his 18 fifties contributed to team victories, underlining his impact in crucial games. However, in 20 Tests that India lost, Rohit managed only 744 runs at a modest average of 18.60, including three half-centuries.

The recently concluded 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy witnessed some outstanding batting performances, with Indian Test captain Shubman Gill and England’s seasoned batter Joe Root leading the charts. Both players displayed remarkable consistency and skill throughout the five-match series, which ended in an exciting 2-2 draw.

Gill, who has been in excellent form, finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer. The young skipper piled up 754 runs in 10 innings at an impressive average of 75.40, showcasing his class with both patience and aggression when required. His ability to anchor the innings as well as accelerate under pressure stood out as a key factor in India’s performances.

Meanwhile, Root reaffirmed his status as England’s most reliable and dependable batter in Test cricket. The experienced batter collected 537 runs from nine innings at a solid average of 67.12. His calm presence and ability to play long innings ensured England stayed competitive throughout the series.

See Also: "Who knows what is going on....”- AB de Villiers’ strong reaction to India omitting star player from 2025 Asia Cup squad

Shubman Gill vs Joe Root: A Statistical Showdown:

In his very first series as India’s Test captain, Shubman Gill produced a remarkable run of form, scoring four centuries. He began the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy with a composed 147 in Leeds before lighting up Birmingham with knocks of 269 and 161. After a brief dip, he returned strongly with a fighting 103 in the drawn Manchester Test.

England’s Joe Root also enjoyed an excellent series, compiling three centuries and a fifty. The veteran struggled for consistency early on but came alive in the later matches, striking 104 at Lord’s, a majestic 150 in Manchester, and another hundred, 105, at The Oval.

So far, Gill has represented India in 37 Tests. Following his stellar showing in England, it becomes interesting to compare his numbers with Root’s statistics at a similar stage in his career.

• Shubman Gill vs Joe Root – Comparing Runs and Batting Averages After Playing 37 Test Matches:

Shubman Gill has scored 2,647 runs from 37 Tests and 69 innings, holding a respectable batting average of 41.35. Notably, his numbers received a major boost after the recent tour of England, as his average had previously hovered in the mid-30s. Against England alone, Gill has been outstanding, scoring 1,346 runs in 15 Tests at a healthy average of 51.76.

His record against other teams, however, has been mixed. Gill has scored 537 runs in nine Test matches against Australia, averaging a modest 35.80 overall. In five matches against New Zealand, he scored 324 runs at 32.40, while his four Tests against Bangladesh yielded 321 runs at 45.85. Facing South Africa, Gill has struggled, producing only 74 runs in two Tests at 18.50.

At the end of 37 Tests and 68 innings, Joe Root had already established himself as one of England’s finest batters, amassing 3,196 runs at a remarkable average of 54.16. A large portion of his success came against Australia, scoring 991 runs in 14 Ashes Tests at 41.29. His dominance against India stood out even more, with 611 runs in just six matches at a phenomenal average of 101.83.

Root’s performances against other teams were equally impressive. Root scored 514 runs in seven Tests against New Zealand at 39.53 and added 358 runs in three matches versus West Indies, averaging an impressive 89.50. Against Pakistan, he managed 287 runs in three Tests at 57.40, while two games against Sri Lanka brought 259 runs at 86.33, underlining his consistency across conditions and opponents.

• Shubman Gill vs Joe Root – Test Centuries Compared After First 37 Matches:

Shubman Gill has registered nine centuries and seven fifties in his Test career so far. Remarkably, six of those hundreds have come against England, including four during the 2025 England tour and two in India earlier in 2024. Among his remaining three tons, two were scored against Bangladesh, while one came against Australia, showcasing his ability to deliver match-defining knocks across different opponents and conditions.

By the time Joe Root completed 37 Test matches, he had scored eight centuries and 18 fifties. Out of those hundreds, three were registered against Australia, two versus India, and one each against New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and West Indies. His highest Test score at that stage was an unbeaten 200, achieved against Sri Lanka at Lord’s in 2014, underlining his ability to play big innings.

• Shubman Gill vs Joe Root – Comparing Their Overseas Test Records After Playing 37 Matches Each: 

Shubman Gill has played 18 Test matches away from home, scoring 1,403 runs in 34 innings at an average of 43.84. His overseas record includes five centuries and two half-centuries, highlighting his ability to perform in challenging conditions. Additionally, Gill has featured in two Tests at neutral venues, where he managed 67 runs at an average of 16.75, showing room for improvement outside familiar and traditional environments.

In his first 37 Tests, Joe Root played 13 matches away from home, scoring 907 runs in 24 innings at an average of 43.19, which included one century and six fifties. He also featured in three neutral venue Tests, where he performed impressively, amassing 287 runs at 57.40 with the help of three half-centuries, underlining his consistency and adaptability in different playing conditions.

• Shubman Gill vs Joe Root – Comparing Match-Winning Test Records After 37 Games:

Across his first 37 Tests, Shubman Gill played in 18 Indian wins, where he scored 1,573 runs from 33 innings at a superb 54.24 average, with six hundreds and three fifties. However, in 13 defeats, his numbers dipped, managing 657 runs at an average of 25.26 with just one century and two half-centuries, highlighting a sharp contrast between his performances in winning and losing causes.

After 37 Tests, Joe Root was part of 14 England wins, scoring 1,653 runs in 24 innings at a brilliant 78.71 average, with six centuries and eight half-centuries. In contrast, across 12 defeats, Root managed 554 runs at 24.08, registering four half-centuries. His record clearly reflects how impactful he was in England’s wins compared to their losses during that period.

Test cricket, also known as the longest format of the game, is meant to last for a maximum of five days. Played across five long days, each of which comprises three two-hour-long sessions, this format can be a real test of resilience and character for the players involved. While most Tests traditionally ended within 3-4 days, some see a far more premature ending. Not to mention, the despair that engulfs the fans as they have their tickets booked for the latter stages of the game, only for it to end within a short span of 1-2 days. 

While it is not always a good thing for the Tests to get over this early, here are the four shortest Tests that have lasted fewer than 900 balls in the 21st century.

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India vs South Africa 2024, Cape Town (642 balls)

This Test match holds the record for being the shortest Test match in the history of the game. This game lasted only a meager 642 balls and was over in just a little over a day. On a difficult, seam-friendly deck, South Africa were decimated in their first innings for just 55 as Mohammed Siraj ran riot with the ball, picking up impressive figures of 6-15. On the contrary, India made a much better start with the bat and seemed to be cruising along nicely at 153-4. But then, an expected collapse ensued, which no one would have hardly expected in their wildest dreams.

India went on to lose six wickets without a run and went from 153-4 to 153-10 in almost the blink of an eye. By stumps on day one, South Africa were reduced to 62-3 and still trailed by 36 runs. Aiden Markram slammed a valiant century to take South Africa's score to 176 on day two. But his effort proved to be insufficient as South Africa were only able to set a modest target of 79. India chased down the target relatively quickly inside 12 overs and went on to register a series-levelling win. In the aftermath of the game, ICC rated the Newlands pitch as "unsatisfactory".

India vs England 2021, Ahmedabad (842 balls)

This day/night Test match was played in the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad which had just been renovated ahead of this marquee clash. This was also the first D/N Test between the two sides as well. Unfortunately, this historic Test match did not pan out as planned. Batters from both teams struggled to operate on the rank turner. England's first innings saw a momentary resistance from Zak Crawley, who smashed a breezy 53 (84). But the introduction of spinners triggered an imminent collapse. Axar Patel emerged as the chief destroyer for India, bagging figures of 6-38 while Ravi Ashwin also played his part, picking 3-26 to sink England for 112.

India responded patiently with the bat and ended day one on a high by posting 99 for the loss of only three wickets. Before the start of day two, the home side was poised to achieve a massive first innings lead. But then is when things took a turn for the worse. Joe Root surprisingly went on to register his maiden Test five-fer, and with added support from Jack Leach, England were able to bounce back and restrict India to 145 just before Tea. However, England couldn't take inspiration from Root's magnificent exploits with the ball and were bundled out for just 81 in the second innings. The target was chased down in less than eight overs, and the entire test match came to a close in a little over 1.5 days with 842 deliveries bowled. Despite heightened criticism from the cricket pundits regarding the state of the pitch, the ICC came to the rescue of the home side and deemed the pitch "satisfactory".

Australia vs South Africa 2022, Brisbane (866 balls)    

The Brisbane Test between Australia and South Africa ended on a one-sided note with the home side wrapping things up in just a matter of two days. The Test lasted only 866 balls, making it the second-shortest Test ever to be played on Australian soil. On a pitch that produced an awkward bounce, a staggering 15 wickets fell on day one as South Africa were bowled out for 152. In response, Australia lost half their side for just 145 before the call of stumps on day one. Then on day two, Australia were able to get past South Africa's 152 and secure a vital lead of 66 runs before getting bundled out for 215. 

But the problems for batters from either side existed. South Africa hardly got going with the bat in the second innings as Pat Cummins troubled the Proteas batters immensely with his variable bounce and registered a magnificent Test five-fer to skittle the visitors cheaply for 99. Tasked with chasing a paltry score of 34, Australia went on to lose four wickets, and the game was wrapped up during the dying minutes of day two's play. Following the conclusion of the game, the ICC slammed the Gabba pitch and deemed it to be too unsafe for play. As a consequence, the Gabba pitch received a "below average" rating, while Richie Richardson, who was in charge as a match referee for that game, felt that the pitch was too much in favour of the bowlers. 

Pakistan vs Australia 2002, Sharjah (893 balls)  

A Test that was played in the scorching Sharjah heat, Pakistan were blown away cheaply in what turned out to be one of the quickest finishes of the early 2000s. The Test match lasted only 893 balls as Australia flexed their muscles to punish Pakistan mercilessly for two straight days. They ran Pakistan ragged on the field in both innings combined. Pakistan were a no-show with the bat in the first innings and were floored for a shocking 59, with Shane Warner emerging as the destroyer-in-chief with figures of 4-11 in his 11-over spell. In response, Matthew Hayden led the way for Australia with a magnificent ton (119). But Saqlain Mushtaq was able to get the better of the Aussies eventually and restricted them to 310.

Wiping out a deficit of 251 runs was always going to be a challenge. But only a select few expected Pakistan to surrender cheaply in the second innings. Their fortunes did not change much in the second innings as they were bundled out for 53. Warne once again went rampant with the ball and registered a four-fer to hand Australia a massive win by an innings and 198 runs. Imran Nazir and Misbah ul Haq were the only two Pakistani batters to make it to double figures in that innings. As records would have it, this is currently Pakistan's second-lowest score in Test cricket.