Recent Match Highlights
As the Indian cricket team gears up for a crucial home series, a look back at the last Test match played at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata reminds fans of India's dominance on home soil. In November 2019, India played its first-ever pink-ball, day-night Test match against Bangladesh. The hosts put on a commanding performance, winning the match by an innings and 46 runs within just three days. Ishant Sharma was the star with the ball, taking five wickets in the first innings, while Virat Kohli scored a magnificent century (136). That historic victory remains the last Test hosted at the venue, adding to the anticipation for the upcoming fixture.
Upcoming Fixtures
All eyes are on the much-anticipated two-match Test series between India and South Africa, set to kick off this week. This series is a part of the World Test Championship cycle, adding significant weight to the contest. The first Test is scheduled to begin on November 14 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The second Test will be held in Guwahati from November 22-26. Following the Test series, the two teams will compete in a three-match ODI series starting November 30.
However, the build-up to the first Test has been dominated by discussions around the pitch. Reports suggest that the Indian team management, including head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill, are reportedly not pleased with the surface prepared at Eden Gardens after their initial inspection. The team began their optional practice sessions in Kolkata, with key players like Gill and Jasprit Bumrah fine-tuning their skills ahead of the clash.
In other cricketing news, Anvay Dravid, son of Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid, has been selected to represent the India U-19 B squad in an upcoming tri-series, a significant step in the young wicketkeeper-batter's career.
Other Indian Sports News
Football: ISL in Crisis as Players Plead for Action
The future of the Indian Super League (ISL) is under a dark cloud. The start of the 2025-26 season has been indefinitely delayed due to unresolved contractual issues and the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) failure to secure a new commercial partner. This impasse has led to widespread frustration among players and clubs. In a united front, top Indian footballers, including national team captain Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Sandesh Jhingan, have issued a public plea to the AIFF to resolve the situation and get the season underway. The players expressed their desperation to return to the field, with several clubs having already suspended training and operations due to the uncertainty.
Hockey: Celebrating a Century of Excellence
Hockey India recently kicked off its centenary celebrations, marking 100 years of the sport in the nation with events across the country. In a move to promote inclusivity, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has also welcomed India into the global Para Hockey family, focusing on athletes with intellectual disabilities. On the field, a young Indian squad, with several senior players rested, is preparing for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, which begins on November 23.
