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    Ajinkya Rahane Opens the Reason for Refusing to Cut the Kangaroo cake

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    Australia series winning skipper Ajinkya Rahane refused to cut a series-winning celebration cake with Kangaroo on it in Mumbai.
    Australia series winning skipper Ajinkya Rahane refused to cut a series-winning celebration cake with Kangaroo on it in Mumbai.

    History created team India’s skipper Ajinkya Rahane breaks silence on the reason for not cutting the “Kangaroo cake”. On his arrival of India, post conquering Australia in Test series his neighbours present him a cake with Kangaroo over it.

    Ajinkya Rahane Refuses to cut the Kangaroo cake

    Rahane in response refused to cut the Kangaroo which placed over the winning celebration cake. In a recent interview with cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle Rahane answers the reason for his move.

    “Kangaroo is their (Australian) national animal and I don’t want to do that. You treat your opposition, you give them respect even if you win, even if you create history. That’s fine. You have to have that respect for the opponents and other countries. That’s why I took that decision not to cut that cake,” Rahane told cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle in an interview.

    Post winning celebrations

    Rahane, who returned to his Dadar home on January 20, was received in his neighborhood with a ‘kangaroo cake’, which he refused to cut. The video of the incident went viral on social media.

    Cricket fans and experts hailed Rahane for his move as the kangaroo is a symbol of Australia, appears on the Australian coat of arms and on some of its currency, and is used as a logo for some of Australia’s most well-known organisations.

    On the question of being in charge of the victorious side for a short span, Rahane said, “That phase is over and I am no longer the captain. I am focusing on the Test match against England now. Whatever happened, that’s history now, that’s gone. So let’s move on and focus on our next assignment.”

    India’s signed Jersey to Nathan Lyon

    Rahane’s leadership was also applauded when he decided to present a signed jersey to veteran Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon completing his 100th Tests at Gabba, Brisbane.

    Two weeks after the match, Nathan Lyon took to Instagram and thanked the Indian team for the gesture, “A massive congratulations to @ajinkyarahane and team India on the series win! Thank you also for your sportsmanship and the incredibly kind gesture of a signed Team India shirt. It will be a great addition to the man cave.”

    Shakib al Hasan Recovered, Fit to Get Part in Test Series vs West Indies

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    Shakib had made a return to international cricket in this series after serving out his ban
    Shakib had made a return to international cricket in this series after serving out his ban

    Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan will be available for the two-match Test series against West Indies starting on February 3, after his scans following a groin injury showed that he was recovering well.

    Shakib al Hasan Injured in West Indies Series

    Shakib returned to international cricket, after a one-year ban for failing to report corruption approaches, with the one-day series against West Indies that ended Monday.

    He scored 113 runs and claimed six wickets to win the Player of the Series award.

    But Shakib limped off the field during Monday’s 120-run win with a groin problem. He was unable to complete his bowling spell. Shakib said he would wait at least a day before making an assessment but admitted: “it doesn’t look very good at the moment”.

    Shakib al Hasan Recovered

    The former Bangladesh skipper left the field immediately which proceeded to put a question mark on his availability for the two-match Test series, starting in Chattogram from February 03.

    “His scan report is absolutely fine and there is no tear. Our physio Julian had seen him in the evening and there is an improvement. We are hopeful that he will return to practice soon,” Manzur Hossain, BCB physician, was quoted as saying by CricBuzz on Thursday.

    “Probably he might have rest for a day or two but at the moment there is no doubt regarding his participation in the first Test considering his scan reports that we have received today,” he added.

    Did Shakib al Hasan break the COVID19 restriction?

    Meanwhile, BCB’s chief physician Debashish Chowdhury told Cricbuzz that Shakib did not break the bio-bubble despite leaving the team hotel for his scans.

    “We have a protocol in place for this series and it is mentioned in the MoU what needs to be done in this kind of situation. The WICB officials are fully aware that we are following the COVID-19 protocols in this case,” Chowdhury said.

    Bangladesh made a 3-0 clean sweep in the ODI series and will look to dominate the visitors in the two tests slated to be played in Chattogram between February 3-7, which will be followed by the Dhaka Test beginning on February 11.

    Bangladesh will take on West Indies in the first Test at Chattogram between February 3-7, before returning to Dhaka for the second Test beginning February 11.

    Also read: Mahmudullah Express his Feeling on Shakib Al Hasan’s Return

    BCCI Likely to Host Vijay Hazare, Senior Women ODI and Vinoo Mankad Trophy

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    BCCI
    BCCI

    After successfully organising the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to host the Vijay Hazare Senior Women ODI Vinoo Mankad Trophy – U19 limited-overs tournament.

    BCCI Likely to host Host Vijay Hazare, Senior Women ODI and Vinoo Mankad Trophy

    “The pandemic has tested each and every one of us and there is no life that has remained untouched by it, and while it has been difficult, your support has meant that we have been able to resume both domestic and international cricket in the men`s category.

    “As you are aware, we have lost a lot of time and consequently, it has been difficult to plan the cricket calendar on account of the precautions that are necessary for the safe conduct of the games.

    “However, it was extremely important for us to ensure that women`s cricket takes place and I am extremely happy to inform you that we are going to conduct the Senior Women`s One-day tournament simultaneously with the Vijay Hazare Trophy and follow it up with Vinoo Mankad Trophy Under 19. This has been decided after having received your feedback on the domestic season 2020-21,” he wrote.

    Speaking to ANI, a woman player welcomed the move and thanked the BCCI. “This is excellent news for women`s cricket. We have been practicing hard but now with the certainty of the tournament, the motivation levels are up,” she said.

    Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
    Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

    Having impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, a cricketer said the Vijay Hazare would give domestic players more time to impress before the IPL. “I hope we can get a couple of games before the IPL auction. This will give a few more players the opportunity to impress a franchise or two,” he told ANI.

    With an eye on the coronavirus pandemic, the BCCI had asked the state associations to give their feedback on how they wish for the rest of the 2020-21 domestic season to play out. And most state bodies called for the 50-over tournament as that would be logistically easier to organise.

    The organisation of the women`s one-dayers and the U-19 tournament for the boys comes as a big boost for domestic players.

    India’s Top Cricketers Investments Including Kohli, Dhoni, Kapil Dev

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    Top Indian cricketers Investments

    Indian Cricketers Investments: Apart from having an outstanding cricket profile, India’s top cricketers shows interest in building a strong portfolio in business Investments. Many cricketers including legendary Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar too made investments in startups and companies.

    India’s Top Cricketers Investments

    Virat Kohli 

    Virat Kohli has shown his preference for start-ups and invested in two companies. Kohli has invested in an insurance tech start-up based in Bengaluru. This start-up is Digit Insurance. Kohli also co-owns the fashion brand Wrogn launched in November 2014 along with Universal Sportsbiz (USPL).

    Virat Kohli
    Virat Kohli

    A year later, the sportsman invested in a chain of gyms and fitness centers called Chisel in association with Franchise India with a 30% stake in the fitness startup. Started in 2015, the startup aimed at establishing more than 75 centers.

    M.S. Dhoni

    The former Indian Captain MS Dhoni has recently started farming at his farmhouse and the vegetables and fruits are grown in there will be exported to Dubai. He has also invested in a Bengaluru-based start-up Khatabook. He is also a brand ambassador of this company.

    Dhoni owns Seven brand
    Dhoni owns Seven brand

    In 2019, MSD invested in online used car marketplace Cars24 as a Series D investor. The funding came in as a result of a strategic partnership between the company and Dhoni. The Indian cricket player came on board as the brand ambassador for Cars24 and owns an equity stake in the company.

    Ajinkya Rahane

    The Vice-Captain of the Indian Cricket Test Team has invested in a Pune-based agritech start-up Merakisan. He had earlier announced his investment in the start-up.

    Gautam Gambhir 

    The cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir has also invested in start-ups this year. The cricketer invested in a health start-up called FYYHealth. The details of his investments in this company are still unknown.

    Kapil Dev 

    The former Team India captain Kapil Dev has invested in many start-ups. As an angel investor, Kapil Dev has invested in online grocery startup PeopleEasy.com. In 2015, the former Indian cricketer turned to a venture investor after picking up a stake in Mumbai-based Samco Ventures.

    Kapil Dev
    Kapil Dev

    In 2018, Dev entered into a partnership with B2B marketplace Pumpkart for brand endorsements. Last year, Delhi-based online market network WizCounsel raised INR 1 Cr in an angel round led by the cricketer among others.

    Kapil Dev has also invested in VAOO, a Mumbai-based cab aggregator which offers free rides to passengers in return for viewing advertisements. The former ace cricketer has invested in 2020 too. He has invested in Harmonizer India. The details of his investments in the company are not known.

    Sourav Ganguly 

    The former captain has invested in edtech start-up Class plus. However, there is no information about the amount of investments in this start-up. Ganguly is also a brand ambassador of this company.

    Sachin Tendulkar

    Sachin Tendulkar
    Sachin Tendulkar

    In 2016, Sachin invested in the Bengaluru-based Internet of Things (IoT) company Smartron India and came on board as the brand ambassador of the company.

    After celebrities such as Hrithik Roshan and Virat Kohli entered the fashion business, in 2016, Sachin too launched a premium menswear brand on Myntra. The Little Master has also backed the sports entertainment company Smaaash.

    Shane Warne Doubts T Natarajan for “Spot-fixing” in the Gabba Test

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    Legendary Shane Warne slammed for levelling allegations of spot fixing against Indian debutant T Natarajan for his no-balls.
    Legendary Shane Warne slammed for levelling allegations of spot fixing against Indian debutant T Natarajan for his no-balls.

    Legendary Shane Warne moves the spotlight of “spot-fixing” over India’s debutant T Natarajan.

    Shane Warne throws spot-fixing over T Natarajan

    The left-arm pacer bowled 6 no-balls during Australia’s first innings and a couple more on Day 4 of the 4th Test match at The Gabba. Shane Warne, on commentary, went on to say that the 5 of those no-balls were off the first delivery of the pacer’s over and suggested something suspicious.

    “Something that’s caught my eye when Natarajan was bowling. He’s bowled 7 no-balls & they’ve all been big ones. 5 of them have been off the first ball & they’re miles over. We’ve all bowled no-balls, but 5 of them off the 1st ball of an over is interesting,” Warne said on air.

    Taking cognisance of Warne’s remarks, fans of the Indian cricket team were quick to lash out at the former Australian spinner for his bizarre observation.

    Bowling no balls or wide in a match is pretty common for bowlers. Well experienced bowlers also use this as a strategy to slow down the player’s aggression while standing in the crease.

    An Indian supporting fan posted a pic of Starc where he bowled 10 balls for an over with nearly 5 wide deliveries.

     

    Talking about Australia’s 2nd innings, Natarajan bowled 14 overs but the pacer went wicketless and leaked 41 runs.

    Virat Kohli Shares Workout Photos, Videos Ahead of Chennai Test

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    Virat Kohli Workout at Chennai Hotel ahead of England series
    Virat Kohli Workout at Chennai Hotel ahead of England series

    The Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Friday shared workout photos on his Instagram stories in which he is seen working out ahead of the Chennai Test match.

    Virat Kohli workout at Chennai Hotel

    Indian captain Virat Kohli landed in Chennai on 27-01-2021 for the series against England. Kohli who had missed the last three Tests in Australia for the birth of his child arrived at around 10 PM on Wednesday and went through mandatory Covid-19 tests.

    The players of the two teams will be staying at Hotel Leela Palace in a bio-bubble as part of quarantine protocols and will undergo testing for COVID-19, the TNCA official said.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)

    India are all set to host England in a 4-Test series, starting February 5 in Chennai. The first 2 Tests will be played in the South Indian city before the action for the last 2 Tests, including a day-night match, shifts to Ahmedabad.

    “PropheC music and gym equipment are all you need during quarantine days. Work can be put in anywhere if you really want to. have a great day everyone,” Kohli captioned the post on Instagram.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)

    While a few Indian players including star batsman Rohit Sharma and Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane arrived on Tuesday night, some others like Cheteshwar Pujara, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rishabh Pant, star of the series-clinching victory in the Brisbane Test, reached on Wednesday morning.

    The first Test will be played at the M A Chidambaram stadium(Behind closed doors) from February 5 and the second from February 13. Chennai had last hosted a Test match in December 2016 against England.

    India’s squad for the first two Tests against England

    Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Wriddhiman Saha, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul (subject to fitness), Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel.

    Rathour Feels Rishabh Pant Might Play an Important role in Future India Squad

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    Rishabh Pant
    Rishabh Pant

    Team India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour says Rishabh Pant might play an important role in future India squad.

    From not being India’s first-choice keeper when the Test series began to one of the heroes of India’s 2-1 series win, Rishabh Pant has come a long way in a matter of three Tests and about four weeks.

    The 23-year-old wicket-keeper batsman has perhaps seen more highs and lows in his short career so far than most other established international cricketers.

    Vikram Rathour Praises Rishabh Pant

    Pant’s batting performance in the Australia series has impressed India batting coach Vikram Rathour. The former India opener said Pant will be an ‘extremely important role’ going ahead for India.

    “His role will be extremely important going ahead. We have always believed that he is one of the exceptional players,” Rathour said in an interview with Hindustan Times.

    Rishabh Pant injured in 3rd Test vs Australia
    Rishabh Pant injured in 3rd Test vs Australia

    The 23-year-old had a tough run at the international level last year and the Delhi-based player worked hard to become a match-winner for India.

    “He had a tough time last year or so. But he has been working hard, training hard. We all believed (that) on his day, he is a match-winner. In the last two games, he proved that. Being a left-hander is definitely an advantage (for the team).

    “As far as his entering the XI (purely) as a batsman, the decision will be taken on that particular day when the question arises,” Rathour said.

    Pant scored an attacking 97 in the third Test in Sydney. His innings had kept India’s hopes alive of a miracle win but unfortunately, it was not possible after he got out and Hanuma Vihari suffered a hamstring injury. India had to be content with a draw.

    Pant finished the job in the fourth Test in Brisbane by remaining unbeaten on 89 as India chased down a record 328 to become the first side to beat Australia in Brisbane in 32 years.

    Cheteshwar Pujara Opens up on the Concluded Australia Tour

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    Pujara and Vihari

    Cheteshwar Pujara names Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as the key players who allowed him to play the game in his way.

    Pujara praises Rohit and Gill

    Despite not being among the highest scorers, Pujara spent a considerable time on the crease as he negated the bowling of Pat Cummins and Co. Pujara’s knock of 56 in the last Test in Brisbane was extremely important for India in their run-chase. He held up one end as other batsmen tried to go for the target at the Gabba.

    Pujara in a recent interview with HT said that having attacking players like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill allows him to play his natural game.

    Pujara
    Pujara

    “Both of them are attacking players. That does help me in some way. If another partner is trying to take the bowler on, it allows me to play my natural game. I have batted with Viru pajji (Sehwag) also, where he would have already put the opposition under pressure with his batting. That’s a great way to build a partnership,” said Pujara.

    Pujara recalls the Injuries 

    Pujara was hit 11 times on the body, including dangerous blows on the helmet on the final day as the Australian pace battery tried its best to remove the biggest thorn in their flash. But Pujara bore it all without giving an inch to the opposition. He dug his heels deep in the crease and played 211 deliveries to blunt the Aussie attack.

    “The first one hit me just below my shoulder. There was one on the ribs. And one more from [Josh] Hazlewood below the shoulder again. That’s when it started hurting a bit more because it was the same place.”

    But the one which made the composed giant fall on his knees came after the 125th ball he faced.

    “The most painful one was the ball that hit my finger, because I had already got hit on that finger during practice in Melbourne and had played the Sydney Test with that little bit of pain. I was a little concerned before the game started in Sydney, but things went really well. But the moment I got hit there again in Brisbane, I was in a lot of pain. I thought I had broken my finger.”

    Even then, the 33-year-old held his ground, scored a remarkable 56 off 211 agonising deliveries, and made sure that Finisher Rishabh Pant was well set to drive the team to victory before he was finally trapped by ‘Man of the Series’ Pat Cummins on an LBW appeal in the 81st over.

    “If I’m a boxer, I want to see how much another player can punch me. Once he is done, that’s when I want to start punching back. That is my game plan. You can punch me as long as you can. Then I’ll show my punches. That is how I planned it,” said the Test veteran.

    India vs England 2021, Indian Cricketers Clears First COVID19 Test

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    India tour of Australia
    Indian Test cricket team

    The Indian cricketers have cleared their first of three mandatory COVID19 tests ahead of the first Test against England starting February 5.

    Indian cricketers cleared the first round of COVID19 Test

    The two teams are in Chennai for the first two Tests of a four-match series scheduled to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Indian players, who are staying at the Leela Palace hotel along with their England counterparts, will have to undergo two more rounds of testing before being allowed to start training from February 2.

    As of now, the players have been asked to do physical exercise in their respective hotel rooms under the supervision of the two strength and conditioning experts’ Nick Webb and Soham Desai.

    “The SOP is same as the IPL bio-bubble during the hard quarantine period,”a BCCI official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

    “We have had one RT-PCR test done already and we would be doing two more before being cleared to train. Right now, the players will have to be confined to their rooms.”

    BCCI allows Indian Cricketers family to stay 

    Meanwhile, the BCCI has also allowed the Indian cricketers to stay with their families during the hard quarantine period.

    “The players have all come back after a grueling tour. The hard quarantine can be extremely difficult and it would only help their well-being that wives and children are around which would help them remain in a good headspace,” the source said.

    The likes of India Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, opening Rohit Sharma and allrounder Hardik Pandya have brought their families to Chennai and been sharing posts on social media.

    The third and fourth Tests of the series will be played at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Patel Stadium followed by five T20Is and three ODIs. The tour will conclude on March 28.

    ECB Suggest England Players to Take Anti-Racism Courses

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    England Against Racism
    England Against Racism

    England cricketers – both men and women – will undergo anti-racism training courses this year after a survey revealed that more than one-third of black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) players have faced prejudice in the game.

    England Cricketers will undergo Anti Racism Courses

    In the survey, done by the Professional Cricketers’ Association, 45 percent of more than 600 respondents claimed that racism had come from a fellow player, 10 percent said it was from a coach, and around 30 percent had experienced it on social media or from fans.

    About 62 percent of the surveyed players agreed with the suggestion, while 70 percent believed specific education on racism and diversity would help improve the situation.

    “Only 173 of professional players replied to the survey which the PCA believes shows the level of work they still have to undertake to ensure cricketers realise the importance of anti-racism education,” the report added.

    BLM moment in England vs West Indies Test match
    BLM moment in England vs West Indies Test match

    Twelve of the 24 black and minority ethnic players to respond to the survey – of which 12 are current professionals, the other 12 are made up of past and academy players – said they had experienced racist abuse, something the PCA says equates to 38% of BAME members.

    In the survey, which was sent to 600 current and former professionals, but received only 173 responses, 11 players who identified as white or caucasian also said they had experienced racism.

    “It would have been far better if the vast majority of players had responded. Why they didn’t is very difficult to speculate,” said Charlie Mulraine, the PCA’s lead personal development manager.

    “Sometimes there is nervousness talking about these issues and some are uncomfortable to express how they feel.”

    ECB introduces anonymous phone line

    The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will introduce an anonymous phone line to report racism, issue guidance on how people can be held to account for breaches and a forum for sharing experiences of racism, the report added.

    “We needed to start somewhere. This gives us a clear direction of travel and it is an ambition to increase engagement with our members on this issue,” said Rob Lynch, the PCA’s chief executive.

    “The option to do nothing was not there so the fact it has led us in this direction is a positive for the game.”

    Also read: Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah Faces Racial Abuse During 3rd Test vs Australia at SCG

    Rory Burns Names Jasprit Bumrah as the Difficult Bowler to Face in India Tour

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    Jasprit Bumrah
    Jasprit Bumrah

    England opener Rory Burns has conceded that Jasprit Bumrah is a difficult bowler to prepare for in the upcoming India vs England series.

    Rory Burns praises Bumrah

    Bumrah, who has been named in the 18-man squad for the England Tests, is likely to get his first opportunity at home in Chennai after having missed India’s historic win at the Gabba, Brisbane against Australia earlier this month.

    “He’s quite a hard man to prepare for, isn’t he? He’s obviously unique in terms of how he comes and bowls. We’ll just be working on those angles, try to work our way on seam and swing and those sort of things and try to replicate that as best as we can,” Burns told the press on Thursday.

    Bumrah
    Bumrah

    “Homework? No, I have watched the India-Australia series, saw the most recent. No, I have played with a few other guys before, not in that respect, but I have played with them,” he added.

    Burns backs Leach and Bess 

    Meanwhile, Burns warned against putting too much pressure on England’s spin duo of Dom Bess and Jack Leach, saying they will be able to adapt to the conditions in India after a successful stint in Sri Lanka.

    Bess and Leach picked up 22 wickets between them in a 2-Test series in Sri Lanka earlier this month as England went on to clean sweep the hosts 2-0. However, Burns feels the surfaces in India might be different from the ones that were on offer in Sri Lanka and it’s important that the two spinners are allowed to get into their grooves.

    “Honestly, I don’t think you need to put too much expectation on them. They will go about their business and they have bowled in Sri Lanka to get into the groove which is important and its about switching their skills onto Indian surfaces,” Burns said.

    “I think they have both been here before on different tours with the Indian Lions, so they have experience of playing here,” Burns said during a virtual media conference on Thursday.

    “But you don’t want to put too much expectation on them without knowing about the surfaces going to be and with Indian seam attack, it might be slightly seamer-friendly, there is a Day/Night Test, so yeah it could be a bit different,” he added.

    Burns missed the 2-Test series against Sri Lanka due to paternity leave and he will be raring to get an opportunity in the much-anticipated Tests in India.

    Rishabh Pant Asks Fans Suggestion to Buy a New House

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    Rishabh Pant
    Rishabh Pant

    Indian Wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant asked suggestions to buy a new house after returning from the Australia tour. Pant, who was India`s highest run-scorer in their 2-1 Test series win over Australia, said that his family has been urging him to buy a new house ever since he returned to India.

    Rishabh Pant Ask suggestion to buy a new house

    “Jabse Australia se aaya hoon gharwale peeche pade hain ki naya ghar le lo ab. Gurgaon sahi rahega? Aur koi option hai toh batao. (Family has been urging me to buy a new house since I returned from Australia. Would Gurgaon be fine? Tell me if there are any other options)” he said in his tweet.

    Replies to Pant’s Post

    Irfan Pathan replies in style 

    Former Indian bowler Irfan Pathan made a cheeky reply to Rishabh Pant’s post. Pathan wrote” How about buying a cricket ground ??”

    Uttarakhand Police suggest him a better place to move

    Official Twitter handle of Uttarakhand Police also made a reply in which they suggest Pant to move to his home town Uttarakhand. They wrote as” भाई अपने उत्तराखंड आओ। जगह भी सबकी पसंदीदा है और यहाँ की पुलिस भी दिलदार है। घर भी और घर के बाहर सुरक्षा भी। आओ अपने प्रदेश पंत जी”(Brother come to your Uttarakhand. The place is also a favorite of all and the police here is also hearty. Home as well as outdoor security. Come, your region, Pant).

    Pant scored 274 runs in five innings, including an unbeaten 89 in the fourth Test at the Gabba in Brisbane in which he led India`s chase of a target of 328 runs on the final day.

    India won the match by three wickets, thus becoming the first team in 32 years to beat Australia at the Gabba in a Test match. It also helped seal a second consecutive 2-1 Test series win for India in Australia.

    Pant also scored 97 in the third Test in Sydney which helped India seal an unlikely draw and kept the series level at 1-1 going into the final Test.