Indias coach Anil Kumble has once again thrown his weight firmly behind Cheteshwar Pujara. Speaking strongly two days after Virat Kohli had verified former selector Sandeep Patils revelation that the team management had spoken to Pujara about his strike rate, Kumble said strike rate was relevant for bowlers in Test cricket, not batsmen. He went to the extent of saying he was satisfied with Pujaras performance in the West Indies even though he was dropped for Rohit Sharma in the third Test.On slow pitches against a pretty defensive West Indies attack and field-sets Pujara scored 16 off 67 in Antigua and was run-out for 46 off 159 balls in Kingston before he was dropped. A top-order collapse resulted in his return to the side for the fourth Test, and India have played both Pujara and Rohit in the two Tests since then.Even Im a bit old-fashioned, Kumble said when a journalist asked him about strike rates in Tests. I know there is a lot of strike rate in the last eight years after the advent of T20. As far as I was playing, in Test cricket strike rates were mostly talked about for bowlers and not for batsmen. Thats how I like to look at it. In a team you need different characters, different quality players. Players whose skill sets are suited to different challenges that happen in a Test match. Because weve seen that thats what happens in a Test match. Thats the beauty about Test cricket. From my point of view, as far as I am concerned, strike rates are relevant only for bowlers in Test matches.Kumble complimented Pujara for seeing out a tough period of play in the first session of the series in the West Indies after Shannon Gabriel had removed M Vijay early with a bouncer that also injured his hand. By the time Pujara got out in the 28th over, the sting had been taken out of a limited West Indies attack.I think you need to bat based on situations, Kumble said. Yes, Virat is right that someone like Pujara in the West Indies, probably on one occasion…and he only played two innings. And both those innings were relevant. Even in the first Test match, Vijay got out cheaply and then he and Shikhar [Dhawan] had a good partnership till lunch. That was crucial for the team, because we went into lunch losing only one wicket. And we all know the importance of the first session of a match that is the first Test of a series.So the relevance of Pujara is extreme there. But Im really surprised and a bit disappointed that this talk keeps coming up. As long as someone reads the situation and plays according to the situation, thats what is expected of the team. And he is a very important cog in our team and in our plans. And hes been successful and I know that he will continue to be successful.Even in a different context Kumble continued to defend Pujara. With the inclusion of Gautam Gambhir in the Test squad as back-up opener, Kumble was asked if Pujara could breathe easy and not be asked to open in an emergency scenario. I dont think Pujara has ever breathed easily, from all you guys perspective and some people who are constantly watching him. At least from the team management and the teams perspective, there is absolutely no pressure on Pujara.And weve seen over the years his contribution. Even in the last Test match, we saw the importance of his contribution to the teams cause. So I dont see pressure on anyone in this team. The beauty about this squad is that theres hardly any pressure on anyone, yes there is roles and responsibilities but theres no pressure put on any player.Even after coming back from the West Indies, where Pujara seemed under pressure to keep his place and lost it eventually, Kumble had reassured that Pujara was a vital part of the team. Since then, Pujara has scored a double-century and a century in Duleep Trophy, and two half-centuries on a difficult pitch in the Kanpur Test. Cheap Jerseys For Sale . The Clippers were angry about blowing a big lead; the Kings didnt like being in that kind of hole and nearly digging themselves out only to lose. Wholesale Jerseys Free Shipping . A big centre with all the tools to be an elite player, Johansen paced the Blue Jackets with a standout game Saturday night. He had a goal and two assists for a career-high three points as Columbus beat the New York Islanders 5-2 to snap a five-game losing streak. http://www.cheapjerseyschinafastshipping.com/ . They reached the 100-point plateau for the fourth time in five games, bested the visiting Trail Blazers by 34 in the paint and scored 19 of the final 25 points in regulation. Discount Nike NFL Jerseys . PAUL, Minn. Wholesale Jerseys . The All-Pro lineman got the leg bent under him while trying to make a tackle during the first half of a 22-20 overtime loss at Miami on Thursday night. The medical staff initially thought hed torn the ligament, and the test a day later in Cincinnati confirmed it. A year ago, there was no overwhelming favorite, no powerhouse that tore through everyone. Duke was mediocre, at least by recent Duke standards. Ditto for Kentucky. Villanova wound up cutting down the nets without a surefire NBA player on its roster.This season the blue bloods are back -- and loaded. Look for Duke, Kansas and Kentucky to soak up the wins -- and the majority of the headlines.The day Josh Hart decided to return to school, Villanova became a legit contender to repeat. But no, not the favorite. That honor belongs to the Blue Devils,?who are deep and ultra-talented this season after Mike Krzyzewski found a way to land arguably the top two players in the country in Harry Giles and Jayson Tatum. Oh yeah, Grayson Allen and Amile Jefferson?are also back.The gap from Duke to the next tier isnt significant, especially with Giles history of knee issues.Kentucky brings in a similar level of young talent, but the Wildcats dont have a player of Allens caliber returning. Instead, John Calipari has Isaiah Briscoe and Derek Willis, a couple of nice players. Kansas has an experienced backcourt and added maybe the toughest frosh in the nation in wing Josh Jackson.Duke, Kansas, Kentucky and Villanova. The prohibitive favorites entering the season. On paper. Well see what happens on the court.Here below are ESPN.coms preseason power rankings. This year, it was not a committee, but a committee of one. So dont blame everyone else if you disagree, just blame me.No. 1: Duke Blue DevilsThe Blue Devils are the clear-cut preseason favorite because of talent as well as the blend of youth and experience. When Grayson Allen decided to return to Durham for his junior campaign, that cemented Duke as No. 1. Amile Jefferson is back and healthy -- and Coach K brought in arguably the top freshman class -- which includes Harry Giles, Jayson Tatum and Frank Jackson. The key will be point guard play (whether Jackson can adjust to being more of a facilitator) and the health of Giles, who has battled numerous knee injuries.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 2: Kansas JayhawksThe Jayhawks lost a ton of players from last seasons team but should be better this season. It starts with the veteran backcourt of Frank Mason III and Devonte Graham and continues with tough, physical freshman wing Josh Jackson. Carlton Bragg should slide into Perry Ellis spot, and Landen Lucas is solid up front. Theres also no shortage of quality depth in Lawrence. One concern, though, might be perimeter shooting, where Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk is the teams top perimeter threat.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 3: Kentucky WildcatsYep, theres another crop of heralded and talented freshmen in Lexington -- not exactly breaking news. This group is long and ultra-athletic and should be a ton of fun to watch. Bam Adebayo is capable of a double-double every night, Malik Monk could go for 30, and DeAaron Fox is a ridiculously fast point guard. Toss in holdovers Isaiah Briscoe and Derek Willis, and this team should have a chance to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. The question for John Calipari, though, is perimeter shooting from his guards.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 4: Villanova WildcatsIt wont be easy for Jay Wright to replace Ryan Arcidiacono and Daniel Ochefu -- a pair of team-first guys -- from last years national championship team. But he returns three starters -- Josh Hart, Kris Jenkins and Jalen Brunson -- and three more who played key roles a year ago in Phil Booth, Mikal Bridges and Darryl Reynolds. The loss of freshman big man Omari Spellman, who wasnt cleared to play this season by the NCAA, will have an impact.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 5: Louisville CardinalsRick Pitino lost three starters -- Damion Lee, Trey Lewis and Chinanu Onuaku -- but the Cardinals should be a fixture again in the top 25. Quentin Snider returns at the point, and the wings are talented, with Donovan Mitchell, Deng Adel and freshman V.J. King. Theres no shortage of options up front with guys like Jaylen Johnson, Ray Spalding, Anas Mahmoud and the return of Mangok Mathiang.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 6: North Carolina Tar HeelsThe Tar Heels lost Brice Johnson and Marcus Paige, but return three starters -- Joel Berry II, Justin Jackson and Kennedy Meeks -- from last years team that was within a basket of winning the national title. Roy Williams also brings back key reserves Isaiah Hicks, Theo Pinson (currently injured) and Nate Britt, so UNC should have a chance to compete for another Final Four berth.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 7: Virginia CavaliersTony Bennett. Those two words have given the Cavaliers instant credibility. UVa is 89-19 overall and 45-9 in ACC play over the past three years under him. Sure, Malcolm Brogdon is gone, but Virginia still has senior floor leader London Perrantes. Plus, Bennett will add the services of former Memphis forward Austin Nichols, one of the best frontcourt players in the country.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 8 Xavier MusketeersThe Musketeers wont be able to sneak up on people as they did last season. Coach Chris Mack brings back leading scorer Trevon Bluiett and the starting backcourt of Edmond Sumner and Myles Davis (he is currently suspended indefinitely). Look for Norfolk State transfer RaShid Gaston to step in and ease the loss of James Farr and Jalen Reynolds up front. Xavier should challenge Villanova for Big East supremacy.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 9: Arizona WildcatsSean Millers team could be better than a year ago despite losing three starters, but it hinges on the eligibility concerns regarding Allonzo Trier. The Wildcats brought in a talented freshman class that includes point guard Kobi Simmons, skilled Finnish big man Lauri Markkanen and wing Rawle Alkins. Still, Trier is the teams one proven scorer.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 10: Oregon DucksThis one largely depends on the health of Dillon Brooks, who missed the entire summer after foot surgery. Dana Altman has other quality players: guard Tyler Dorsey, long and athletic shot-blocker Chris Boucher and starting point guard Casey Benson, who had a stellar 5-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio last season.dddddddddddd But if Brooks isnt close to 100 percent, the Ducks arent close to the same team.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 11: UConn HuskiesGuards win in college basketball, and Kevin Ollie will have a pair of point guards who can play in sophomore Jalen Adams and freshman Alterique Gilbert. Talented VCU transfer Terry Larrier is eligible and has pro potential. Plus, Rodney Purvis is back. The key is up front where the Huskies could use someone who can be a factor on the offensive end.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 12: Wisconsin BadgersThe Badgers return everyone of note from last years Sweet 16 team. The trio of Bronson Koenig, Nigel Hayes and Ethan Happ does the bulk of the scoring, and Vitto Brown and Zak Showalter are vital to the success. These guys were playing to help get then-interim coach Greg Gard the permanent gig a year ago, and it worked.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 13: Michigan State SpartansDenzel Valentine is gone. So are Bryn Forbes, Matt Costello and even Deyonta Davis. Tom Izzo will reload, and do it with the help of a talented freshman class that features combo forward Miles Bridges. However, there are questions: Will fellow frosh Cassius Winston be able to step in immediately and run the team? Does Izzo have enough up front after a couple of injuries to Ben Carter and Gavin Schilling? Will Eron Harris be reliable as a go-to guy? My money is on Izzo figuring it all out.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 14: Indiana HoosiersThe Yogi Ferrell era is over, and now itll be up to Tom Crean to find a point guard situation that works in Bloomington. The Hoosiers have plenty of offense still with James Blackmon Jr. and Robert Johnson on the perimeter and Thomas Bryant in the post. OG Anunoby could have a breakout season and gives IU that defensive toughness.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 15: NC State WolfpackMark Gottfried will have his most talented team since arriving in Raleigh. Hell have stud freshman point guard Dennis Smith Jr., plenty of wings with Maverick Rowan, Terry Henderson and Torin Dorn and no shortage of quality bigs with Omer Yurtseven, Abdul-Malik Abu and BeeJay Anya.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 16: San Diego State AztecsThe Aztecs won 28 games a season ago, but found themselves in the NIT for the first time in seven years. Steve Fishers team should get back to the NCAA tournament with a core that includes guards Trey Kell and Jeremy Hemsley, talented wing Malik Pope and enough up front with guys like Zylan Cheatham and transfers Max Hoetzel and Valentine Izundu.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 17: Gonzaga BulldogsThe question wont be whether Mark Fews team can put up points, but whether it will defend. Few will likely start a trio of transfers: Nigel Williams-Goss (Washington) at the point, Jordan Mathews (Cal) on the wing and Johnathan Williams III (Missouri) on the front line. Big man Przemek Karnowski is back, and if hes healthy, the Zags are the favorite to win the WCC.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 18: Syracuse OrangeJim Boeheim lost three starters, but returns Tyler Lydon, and adds a few key transfers in Andrew White (Nebraska), John Gillon (Colorado State) and Paschal Chukwu (Providence) as well as some talented frosh who could help immediately. He also brings back Tyler Roberson, veteran big man DaJuan Coleman and sophomore guard Frank Howard, who should battle Gillon for point guard duties.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 19: Saint Marys GaelsRandy Bennett and the Gaels return everything of note from last seasons team that nearly made the NCAA tournament. Bennett has his usual Aussie flavor, led by underrated point guard Emmett Naar. This team was a surprise a season ago, but wont sneak up on anyone this time, especially with a group loaded with upperclassmen.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 20: Florida GatorsIts not easy to figure out who the second-best team in the SEC is, but it looks like its going to be the Gators. Kasey Hill hasnt lived up to expectations, but hes a senior point guard, and theres enough around him, with wings KeVaughn Allen, transfers Canyon Barry and John Egbunu, and Devin Robinson on the frontline.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 21: Purdue BoilermakersMatt Painter lost A.J. Hammons, but the frontcourt wont be much of an issue with center Isaac Haas and Caleb Swanigan swallowing up most of the minutes. Vince Edwards is also back, so it comes down to guard play in West Lafayette. The duo of P.J. Thompson and Michigan transfer Spike Albrecht will be the key at the point.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 22: Dayton FlyersMost people are picking Rhode Island to win the A-10, but dont count out the Flyers. Why? Archie Millers program is 27-9 in the league the past two seasons and made an Elite Eight appearance three years ago. Miller still has Scoochie Smith, Kendall Pollard, Charles Cooke and Kyle Davis. And remember: All four are seniors.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 23: West Virginia MountaineersBob Huggins lost some guys, but the Mountaineers success is largely predicated on their coach and his system. Itll again be a somewhat anonymous group of guards that includes guys such as Daxter Miles Jr., Jevon Carter and Tarik Phillip, who will wreak havoc on opponents.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 24: UCLA BruinsThe Bruins were 15-17 last season, but they added two talented freshmen in pass-first point guard Lonzo Ball and skilled forward T.J. Leaf. Throw them in with Bryce Alford, Isaac Hamilton and Thomas Welsh, and theres no reason Steve Alford shouldnt have this program back in the NCAA tournament.FULL TEAM REPORTNo. 25: Baylor BearsScott Drew and the Bears have gone to the NCAA tournament four of the past five years and have been at least .500 in the Big 12 in each of the past six seasons. Miami transfer Manu Lecomte will run the show, and hell have Johnathan Motley up front and veterans in Al Freeman and Ishmail Wainright.FULL TEAM REPORT Cheap Throwback Baseball Detroit Tigers Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Colorado Rockies Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Houston Astros Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Kansas City Royals Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Los Angeles Angels Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Miami Marlins Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Milwaukee Brewers Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Minnesota Twins Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball New York Mets Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball New York Yankees Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Oakland Athletics Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Philadelphia Phillies Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Pittsburgh Pirates Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball San Diego Padres Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball San Francisco Giants Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Seattle Mariners Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball St. Louis Cardinals Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Tampa Bay Rays Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Texas Rangers Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Toronto Blue Jays Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Washington Nationals Jerseys ' ' '