'Play Him Exceptionally Well': NZ Great Offers Shocking Tests Stat Of Bumrah

India's squads for the ODI and Test series against New Zealand were announced on Friday. Before those assignments, the two teams will face off in a five-match T20I series, beginning on October 22. For India, the most crucial leg of the tour will be the two-Test series as they continue their push for a place in the World Test Championship 2027 final. New Zealand have enjoyed a significant edge over India in recent Test encounters, winning six of their last eight matches against them.

Jasprit Bumrah has been included in India's Test squad after being rested for the ODI series. The star pacer, who has battled injury concerns in recent years, is expected to be a key weapon for India. However, former New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee offered an interesting perspective on Bumrah's impact.

Southee pointed out that, somewhat surprisingly, Bumrah has never been part of an Indian team that has defeated New Zealand in a Test match. He added that the Kiwis are well aware of how to counter Bumrah's pace and skill.

"I think New Zealand have played Bumrah incredibly well in Test cricket. I don't think Bumrah has played in an Indian team that has beaten New Zealand. So, I think New Zealand play him exceptionally well in Tests," Southee said during a virtual interaction by Sony Sports Network.

So far, Bumrah has played five Tests against New Zealand and claimed nine wickets. India, however, ended up on the losing side in all five matches.

Southee also highlighted Mohammed Siraj as a crucial member of India's bowling attack, praising the pacer for the unique energy and intensity he brings to the field whenever he plays.

"I'm a big fan of Mohammed Siraj and the way he bowls. If he can get his length right in New Zealand, he could be a handful. The energy he brings, the way he runs in all day, the type of bowler he is, there's no reason why he can't have a lot of success in New Zealand conditions. There's a lot to like about him in particular," Southee said.

Following the five-match T20I series, India and New Zealand will meet in a five-match ODI series starting on November 4, before the two-Test series gets underway on November 19.

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31-Test Veteran Emerges As Strong Contender For India Chief Selector's Job

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has applied for the vacant senior national selector's post, putting himself in contention for a position that fell vacant after the BCCI decided against renewing Ajit Agarkar's contract. "Yes, I have applied for the job," Jaffer confirmed to PTI. The 48-year-old Jaffer played 31 Tests for India, scoring close to 2,000 runs, including five centuries. His Test hundreds included a double century against the West Indies and a hundred in South Africa. He also scored a double century against Pakistan in Kolkata.

If selected by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape, Jaffer would have the highest number of Test appearances among the candidates being considered for the chairman's position.

With 31 Tests, he has a better playing record in the longest format than Pragyan Ojha, who represented India in 24 Tests. Under the existing selection process, the member from the zone with the highest number of Test appearances is eligible to head the committee.

However, it is understood that there is strong support within the BCCI for retaining Ojha as chairman, which could influence the composition of the new selection panel.

In that scenario, former India spinner Ramesh Powar, who played two Tests, could also be in contention for a place on the committee, potentially from the West Zone.

The final composition of the selection panel will depend on the CAC's assessment of the applicants and the BCCI's preferences as it looks to fill the vacancy left by Ajit Agarkar.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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PM Modi's 15-Year-Olds Remark, Then An Epic Reaction From Sooryavanshi

India's teenage prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, was in attendance among the country's Asian Games 2026 stars at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in Delhi Thursday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated the contingent. Sooryavanshi was a part of the Indian men's cricket team that won the gold medal in Tokyo. During the ceremony, PM Modi gave a riveting speech that also captured how 15-year-olds are winning medals for the country at grand events such as the Asian Games. The remark drew a smile even on the face of Sooryavanshi.

PM Modi could not stop hailing the Indian athletes during the felicitation ceremony, including the cricketers, hockey teams, and boxers, whilst lauding the records that were broken in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and the historic milestones that were achieved.

As PM Modi continued his speech, he made a special mention of the 15 and 17-year-olds who won medals for India at the Games. Although he did not mention Sooryavanshi by name, the mention did see the camera shift focus to the Indian cricketing prodigy.

"This time in the Asian Games, there were many players on Team India whose age was only 15 to 17 years. At such a young age, these players have enhanced the pride of the country with their spectacular performances. They have won the hearts of the countrymen. This shows that for success, age is not a restriction. In sports, it is the start made at a young age that becomes an added advantage," he said.

As PM Modi said this, Sooryavanshi had a big smile on his face.

"Therefore, it is our effort that in sports, the identification of talent should happen at a young age. For children between 5 and 15 years of age, we are especially focused on identifying sporting talent and its training. In the coming years, thousands of new players will get opportunities to advance through Khelo India and Emerging Khelo India," PM Modi added.

WATCH | "Reel Ke Chakkar Mein Thuk Jaoge": Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Epic Chat With Paps Viral

PM Modi also reserved special praise for the country's female contingent at the Asian Games. He said: "Friends, I would like to especially praise our daughters. Out of the 85 medals won by India, 38 medals were won by our women athletes, and 11 gold medals are included in them. These medals are not just a number. This is a picture of a new India."

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Bigg Boss 20: Nakul Dhull And Gullu's Fight Turns Physical, Mahhi Vij Reacts

Tensions inside the Bigg Boss 20 house appear to be escalating. In the latest episode, a heated confrontation turned physical between wild card contestant Nakul Dhull and Kushal Tanwar, popularly known as Gullu. A clip of the moment has since gone viral, prompting speculation about Nakul's eviction from the house. 

The clash began after Nakul took offence at Qazi Touqeer for making fun of the incident in which the Fame Gurukul winner spat in fellow contestant Scout's ear. Qazi was discussing the episode with housemates, including Gullu and Mahhi Vij, and joking about his own actions when Nakul overheard the conversation. He then informed Scout about it.

Scout, Yung DSA and Nakul then approached Qazi to confront him. However, the situation took an ugly turn when Gullu intervened and made a remark that angered Nakul. Gullu then challenged him, asking, “Bhidna hai kya (Do you want to fight)?” Nakul immediately moved towards him, triggering a physical altercation. Gullu also retaliated and the confrontation soon escalated into a full-blown fight.

Mahhi was later seen losing her temper over the incident. Defending Gullu, she shouted, “You cannot hit my friend?” and “How dare you?” She also questioned Nakul's conduct, asking, “This is what you have come here to do?” before demanding that Bigg Boss evict him from the house. Meanwhile, the other contestants stepped in to calm things down and prevent the situation from escalating further.

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The confrontation comes amid an already strained equation between Nakul and Gullu, who reportedly maintained their distance since Nakul entered the house on Sunday. Nakul joined Bigg Boss 20 as a wildcard contestant alongside television actor Manish Goel.

The next episode promo hinted at Nakul's eviction from the house but the makers had not issued an official confirmation yet. 

Hosted by Salman Khan, Bigg Boss 20 streams daily on JioHotstar at 9 pm. The show is also telecast on Colors TV at 10:30 pm.

Also Read | Bigg Boss 20: Salman Khan Calls Scout OP And Yung DSA 'Bullies'

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