Gambhir smashes 72-ball 104, Shastri picks between Pant and Saha for Australia tour, and more - Cricket News Today, October 14, 2018

Welcome to Sportskeeda's Cricket News Today for October 14, 2018.

The Indian cricket team thrashed West Indies by 10 wickets in the second and final Test held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad to win the series 2-0. It was a dominant performance throughout the match and KL Rahul and Prithvi Shaw saw India home in the end, with a 75 run partnership for the first wicket, while chasing 72 for victory.

Umesh Yadav was the man of the match for his 10 wicket haul in the match while Shaw was named the man of the series for his performances with the bat.

Apart from this Test, the Vijay Hazare Trophy quarter-finals took place as well.

So, let's take a look at the trending news from the day:

#1 Ravi Shastri speaks about Rishabh Pant's future

As India defeated the Windies in the second Test, coach Ravi Shastri was elated. Speaking to Sanjay Manjrekar after the match, he spoke about his team's performances and praised the youngsters as well.

When asked about who would play once Wridhhiman Saha makes a return from injury, Shastri made it quite clear that Pant would be the one to stay in the team. He did not name Pant over Saha, however, his words gave a clear indication of who would be selected for the upcoming tour to Australia.

"Pant is another such youngster. He's such a good batsman and is good with the gloves as well. We have to go on according to the present form for team selection in Australia," said Shastri after the match.

Pant has been in great form in the last 3 innings he has played. After a blazing century against England in the final Test, he scored 95 and 92 against the Windies.

#2 Shakib al Hasan aims for quick return

Shakib al Hasan

Bangladesh's star all-rounder, Shakib al Hasan, recently underwent a surgery on his finger, which he had injured during the Asia Cup.

A few days ago, he had said that the finger might not ever be the same again. However, he aims to make a quick return to the field and help his side.

"The infection is under control now. But, we need to test blood every week to see if any other problem arises. The good news is the injury can be healed without undergoing surgery. If I need any, that is not possible in 6 to 12 months. So, we have to wait and see what happens," he said after returning from Australia.

There is no time-frame to get out of this kind of injury. We have to be patient. Now, there is no pain in my hand, and I am feeling good. So, maybe I can play next month, or it might take a few months as well. The fact is that a deadline for my return is very uncertain. But, I am hoping that I can play next month," Shakib said.

#3 Gautam Gambhir scores century on birthday

Gautam Gambhir

It was a day to remember for Gautam Gambhir. As he turned 37, he celebrated in style, taking Delhi to a comprehensive victory over Haryana in the quarter-finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

He smashed the bowlers all around the park and scored a swashbuckling century. He ended with 104 off just 72 balls and helped his side chase down the 230 run target with ease.

Delhi will now take on Mumbai in the first semifinal which will be held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 17.

#4 Prithvi Shaw and Umesh Yadav break records en-route victory

Prithvi Shaw

As India achieved an easy victory over Windies in the second and final Test held in Hyderabad, Prithvi Shaw and Umesh Yadav were the star performers with bat and ball respectively.

At the age of 18, Shaw became the youngest ever to score the winning runs for India. He also joined an elite list of players, who won the man of the series award on their debut.

On the other hand, Umesh Yadav picked up his career-best figures, with 10 wickets to his name in the entire match. By doing so, became the third Indian pacer after Javagal Srinath and Kapil Dev to pick up a 10 wicket haul at home.