Cricket

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between Australia and India promises to be an enthralling spectacle, with both teams eager to prove their dominance. For the Indian cricketers, the challenge of playing in Australia's demanding conditions looms large.Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar emphasized the significance of the series, stating that it presents the ultimate test for Indian cricketers. India's recent dominance in the series, with four consecutive series wins, has instilled a sense of confidence within the team. However, Nayar cautioned that overcoming the challenges of Australian conditions requires a special mindset."It's one of the toughest challenges for an Indian cricketer, coming here and overcoming it," Nayar said. "I think a lot of the young boys are really keen and raring to go and hopefully make a name for themselves by the end of this tour."The Border-Gavaskar series will commence on November 22 with the first Test at Perth. The second Test, scheduled for December 6-10 at Adelaide Oval, will feature the captivating day-night format. The third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14-18, followed by the traditional Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26-30. The series will culminate with the fifth and final Test at Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3-7.India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Series includes a blend of experienced and promising players. Rohit Sharma will lead the team, with Jasprit Bumrah serving as vice-captain. Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, and Virat Kohli are among the senior players expected to play key roles.The series is poised to be a fierce battle between two of the world's top cricketing nations. India will be determined to extend its winning streak, while Australia will be eager to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on home soil.

India's Test squad remains unchanged ahead of the third and final Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. Despite the series being out of reach for India, the team management has decided against resting pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar confirmed that no additional players have been added to the squad. He also clarified that Bumrah will not be rested, despite concerns about his workload. Nayar explained that Bumrah has not bowled a significant number of overs in the first two Tests, which were both curtailed due to rain."I think in the two Test matches he's (Bumrah) bowled around 20, 25 overs. So he's not bowled a lot," Nayar said. "Yes, there'll always be a thought process about his workload. Also, we played two games where we not at 5k cricket, it's been more three, three-and-a-half days, so he could have rest."Nayar also highlighted the importance of Bumrah to the team, especially considering the upcoming five-Test series against Australia. However, he acknowledged that the team management is aware of Bumrah's workload and will monitor it closely.Another factor influencing the decision to not rest Bumrah is the expected conditions at the Wankhede Stadium. Nayar believes that the pitch will offer assistance to seamers, especially in the early stages of each day."I always believe that Wankhede will always give pace a chance no matter what, especially when Mumbai winter doesn't feel like it," Nayar said. "But in the morning there will be a bit of moisture, there will be a bit of dew around. So you will expect the first sessions to have a bit of swing."Nayar also emphasized the need for self-reflection within the Indian team after losing a home series for the first time in over a decade. He urged the players to assess their game plans and improve their performances."I feel that though the conditions will be different with a red-soil pitch. The last time we played on a red soil, which was in Chennai, a lot of the guys have been a lot of local cricketers and they understand what these conditions are and how the pitch is going to pan out," he said. "I think it's more about, at this level, self reflection for every player to go in and understand their game plans."

India's path to the World Test Championship (WTC) final has become more challenging after consecutive defeats against New Zealand. However, assistant coach Abhishek Nayar remains confident, emphasizing that the team is not dwelling on past results.Despite sitting atop the WTC standings with a 62.82-point percentage, India faces a daunting task. To reach the final in London next year, they must win their remaining six Tests, including five against Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Nayar acknowledged the difficulties ahead but stressed the importance of staying present and taking it one game at a time. "When you put on the Indian jersey, every game is critical," he said. "We have not been narrow-minded about the WTC. Our focus is on the game at Wankhede."If India can secure a victory in the third Test against New Zealand, they will be just three wins away from the final. However, the pathway is not straightforward.India's chances of reaching the final hinge on their ability to maintain their dominance. If they can win four of their remaining six games, they will have a 64.04% point percentage, assuming they avoid any penalties for slow over rates. This would guarantee their place in the final, regardless of other results.Nayar emphasized the team's determination to overcome the challenges ahead. "We need to stay in the present and take it day by day," he said. "If we can do that, we will be one step closer to where this team wants to be."

India's Captaincy Conundrum: Who Will Lead if Rohit Sharma is Unavailable?With the second Test against Bangladesh looming, the question of who will captain India if Rohit Sharma is injured or unavailable remains unanswered. Traditionally, the team's vice-captain would assume the leadership role, but no vice-captain has been named for this series.Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has clarified that the team does not require a designated vice-captain. He highlighted the presence of several players with leadership qualities and captaincy experience at the highest level."We have got a lot of IPL captains in this team," Nayar said. "Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have all led their franchises. I wouldn't look at them as youngsters anymore. They have the leadership qualities that are required."Nayar also emphasized that the team's decision-making regarding the playing XI will be influenced by the pitch conditions and weather forecast."We don't know which surface we are going to play on yet," Nayar said. "Kanpur is often known to have good pitches, but we are not sure about the bounce. The conditions and forecast will be a huge factor in how the pitch plays."All players are currently fit and available for selection, according to Nayar.

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, has refuted rumors that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rejected his requests for coaching staff personnel. In a press conference, Gambhir expressed satisfaction with the BCCI's acceptance of his proposals.Gambhir announced the appointment of Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches. Nayar, who served as assistant coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during their IPL 2024 triumph, will join the Indian team. Ten Doeschate, the former Netherlands international, will serve as fielding coach, a role he also held at KKR.Gambhir emphasized the continuity of the support staff, with T Dilip continuing as fielding coach. He explained that the addition of two assistant coaches will allow for a more comprehensive focus on all three departments of the game."I feel there could be assistant coaches working and focusing on all three departments rather than one specific department," said Gambhir. "That's the reason we now have two assistant coaches. That's the way we will go forward as well."Gambhir confirmed that Nayar, Dilip, and former India leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule will accompany the team to Sri Lanka for the upcoming tour. Ten Doeschate will join the squad directly in Colombo.The head coach stated that the finalization of the entire support staff will occur after the Sri Lanka tour. He highlighted his positive experiences working with Nayar and ten Doeschate during the IPL."We still have one month after the Sri Lanka tour, and we can finalize after the tour," said Gambhir. "Importantly, I've worked with Ryan and Abhishek closely during the IPL. I enjoyed working with them, they are thorough professionals, and there can't be a bigger and better opportunity now."Reports have emerged that Gambhir has also requested the inclusion of South African pacer Morne Morkel in the coaching staff. However, this has not been officially confirmed.

Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, has appointed two new assistants to his coaching staff: Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate. Both individuals were part of Gambhir's successful stint as coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL)."This is going to be the crux of the support staff," Gambhir said. "I have worked with people like Ryan and Abhishek in the last two months in the IPL, enjoyed working with them, thorough professionals. Hopefully we can have a successful tenure as coaches."In addition to Nayar and ten Doeschate, T. Dilip has been reappointed as fielding coach, while Sairaj Bahutule, who was part of the support staff in Zimbabwe, will take over as bowling coach. Barring ten Doeschate, who will join the squad in Pallekele, the others traveled with the team to Colombo on Monday.Dilip is expected to be the lone survivor from Rahul Dravid's coaching staff, while Morne Morkel is the front-runner for the bowling coach's post.Gambhir, who played a key role in India's World T20 and World Cup triumphs in 2007 and 2011 respectively, emphasized the importance of winning and creating a positive team environment."My learning has been simple – it has been all about winning. I don’t deviate from something. We are in a profession where there can be only one winner. We try and play fair, we try and play hard and try and come back in a winning dressing room and a happy dressing room," he said."A happy dressing room is a winning dressing room. Ultimately it is the players’ team, support staff is there to try and get the maximum out of their potential. Some days international cricket can be tough, can be insecure as well because only 15 can keep. It is the job of support staff to keep them happy."

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as the head coach of the Indian men's cricket team has sparked excitement and anticipation among fans and players alike. Joining him as potential assistant coaches are former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar and former Dutch international Ryan ten Doeschate.Gambhir's leadership credentials are well-established. As captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he guided the team to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. His ability to revitalize struggling teams is a testament to his strategic acumen.Gambhir's bond with ten Doeschate dates back to their time at KKR. Ten Doeschate's selfless nature and unwavering commitment to the team left a lasting impression on Gambhir. In a media interaction, Gambhir described ten Doeschate as the "greatest team man" he has ever played with, someone he could "take a bullet for."Ten Doeschate, born in South Africa but representing the Netherlands internationally, is a versatile all-rounder. His impressive statistics include an ODI average of 67 and a T20I strike rate of 132.92. He has played for numerous clubs and franchise teams around the world, including Essex, Western Province, and KKR.Ten Doeschate's character sets him apart. Known for his humility and dedication, he is considered one of the best associate players in non-Test-playing nations. His performance in the 2011 ICC World Cup, where he scored a career-best 119 against England, showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stage.With Gambhir's leadership, Nayar's all-around expertise, and ten Doeschate's selfless spirit, Team India is poised to benefit from a diverse and experienced coaching team. The upcoming tour of Sri Lanka will be a test of their collective abilities and a chance for them to shape the future of Indian cricket.

Abhishek Nayar, a former Indian cricketer and renowned domestic and franchise coach, is poised to join the Indian team in Sri Lanka as an assistant coach for the upcoming white-ball tour. This appointment marks a significant step in the team's new era under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir.Nayar's extensive experience in developing and mentoring players has earned him a reputation as a sharp cricket mind and a skilled motivator. He has played a pivotal role in the success of several Indian stars, including Rohit Sharma, Dinesh Karthik, and Rinku Singh.Nayar's close friendship with Rohit Sharma dates back to their early days in Mumbai cricket. He played a crucial role in helping Rohit overcome a challenging period in his career, guiding him through a rigorous training regimen that transformed his fitness and performance.Nayar also played a significant role in Dinesh Karthik's transformation into a successful finisher in the latter stages of his career. He convinced Karthik to embrace the challenging role and provided him with the necessary guidance and support.Among the younger generation of Indian cricketers, Nayar has a special bond with KKR star Rinku Singh. He recognized Rinku's potential early on and worked closely with him to develop his skills and mindset. Nayar's unwavering belief in Rinku's talent played a key role in his emergence as a match-winning finisher.Nayar's appointment to the Indian team is a testament to his reputation as a highly respected coach and mentor. His expertise in player development, combined with his close relationships with several key players, is expected to make a significant contribution to the team's success in the upcoming tour and beyond.

Gautam Gambhir's Coaching Staff for Sri Lanka Tour Takes ShapeFormer India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar and ex-Dutch international Ryan ten Doeschate are poised to join the Indian cricket team as assistant coaches for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to officially confirm the appointments, but the duo is expected to bolster the support staff of newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir.Nayar and ten Doeschate bring a wealth of experience to the team, having previously worked with Gambhir during his tenure as coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Nayar, a former Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals player, is known for his tactical acumen and leadership skills. Ten Doeschate, a veteran of over 100 international matches for the Netherlands, possesses a deep understanding of the game and has a proven track record of success in various T20 leagues worldwide.T Dilip, who served as fielding coach under Rahul Dravid, will continue in his role. His expertise in fielding drills and team bonding exercises is considered crucial for the team's success in a competitive environment.Discussions are ongoing with former South African pacer Morne Morkel for the position of bowling coach. Morkel, who has collaborated with Gambhir at the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, is a highly respected figure in the cricketing world.The Indian team is scheduled to depart for Colombo on Monday, July 25. The BCCI is expected to formally introduce Gambhir as the new head coach before their departure. A media conference is planned for July 22 in Mumbai, where newly appointed T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav will also be present.