Cricket

Baba Indrajith's journey to the India A squad has been a testament to perseverance and unwavering determination. After missing out on the U-19 World Cup squad 12 years ago, Indrajith toiled tirelessly in the domestic circuit, amassing runs for Tamil Nadu season after season. Despite consistent performances, the elusive India call-up remained elusive.However, Indrajith's patience and hard work finally paid off when he was named in the India A squad for the tour of Australia. The selection marked a significant milestone in his career, bringing him closer to his ultimate dream of representing India.Reflecting on his long journey, Indrajith acknowledged the desperation he felt to receive the call-up. "I was actually desperate to get this opportunity because being in the domestic circuit for so long, that expectation of getting the break would be there," he said.Indrajith's preparations for the Australia tour have been meticulous. He has sought guidance from his brother, Aparajith, who has extensive experience playing in Australia. Indrajith has also been working on his mental and physical fitness, recognizing the importance of adapting quickly to the different conditions Down Under.The support of his senior state-mates, Dinesh Karthik and R Ashwin, has been invaluable. Karthik has provided guidance on preparation and technique, while Ashwin has shared his vast experience and helped Indrajith develop confidence in facing world-class bowlers.Indrajith's family has also been a source of unwavering support. His parents and brother are overjoyed at his selection and eager for him to succeed. However, they also acknowledge the challenges he faces, having witnessed his struggles over the years.Despite the challenges, Indrajith remains focused on his goal. He understands that the Australia tour is just one step in his journey and that his ultimate dream of playing for India still lies ahead. With his determination and unwavering belief, Indrajith is poised to make the most of this opportunity and take his career to new heights.

Nitish Kumar Reddy's meteoric rise from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the Indian Test squad has been a dream come true for the 21-year-old all-rounder. After making his T20I debut against Bangladesh in October, Reddy has now been selected for the Test squad for the upcoming tour of Australia.Reddy's all-round abilities, including his seam-up bowling and aggressive batting, have impressed the BCCI selectors. He is currently in Australia with the India 'A' side, where he has been showcasing his skills in four-day matches against the Australian 'A' team.Despite his impressive performances, Reddy admits that he was not expecting to be included in the Test squad before his performances for the 'A' side. "I was expecting my name to be announced, but not before India 'A' matches," he said. "I thought it might depend on my performance in these 'A' matches. But it seems I have been able to show some promise to them, so I guess they hope I'll do well."Reddy's debut T20I against Bangladesh was a nervous experience, but he was put at ease by skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who encouraged him to express himself on the field. "I was a bit nervous initially, but Surya bhai gave me a free hand regarding my approach on the field," Reddy said. "Only by scoring runs and taking wickets will you get that confidence, and I've experienced that already."If Reddy gets a chance to play in the five-Test Border Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, he is determined to adapt to the situation and play his role effectively. "I will stick to my role," he said. "I'm just going to respond to the situation. If the situation demands me to play a big shot, I will play it. If the situation demands me to play till stumps, I’ll be ready for that too. I can do both."Reddy's impressive record in first-class cricket, with 708 runs and 55 wickets in 21 matches, is a testament to his all-round abilities. He believes that a tough mindset is essential for success in all forms of cricket. "You need to be tough, that's what I believe," he said. "You have to be very tough in the centre, not just in red-ball, but all forms of cricket. Only those with a tough mindset can survive and deal with whatever situations they face."

Harshit Rana's stellar performance in Delhi's Ranji Trophy victory against Assam has solidified his readiness for the upcoming five-Test tour of Australia. The 22-year-old pacer showcased his all-around abilities, claiming five wickets in the first innings, scoring a crucial half-century at No. 8, and delivering critical breakthroughs in the second essay to secure a 10-wicket win for Delhi.Rana's impressive display comes just days after he was named in India's 18-member squad for the tour of Australia. He is also set to join the India squad for the third Test against New Zealand, which begins in Mumbai on Friday. Rana had previously been with the India contingent as a traveling reserve for the first Test in Bengaluru before being released to gain match experience in Delhi's game.Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh, a former India selector, expressed his confidence in Rana's ability to deliver for the national team. "Rana showed he is totally ready to play Test matches," Singh said. "If India wants him to play (in Mumbai), I would love to see that. If he ends up playing a Test before going to Australia, then it is better for Harshit and India too."Singh's assessment is supported by Rana's consistent performances in domestic cricket. In the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, he has taken 25 wickets in six matches, including two five-wicket hauls. His batting has also been impressive, with an average of 35.25 and a highest score of 85.Rana's versatility and ability to contribute in multiple ways make him a valuable asset to any team. His pace and accuracy with the ball, combined with his solid technique and temperament with the bat, suggest that he has the potential to succeed at the highest level.As India prepares for the challenging tour of Australia, Rana's inclusion in the squad is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His performances in the Ranji Trophy have demonstrated that he is ready to take on the world's best batsmen and make a significant contribution to India's success.

Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper-batter, has been appointed as the new captain of Pakistan's white-ball teams for their upcoming tours of Australia and Zimbabwe. The announcement was made by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday, following the resignation of former captain Babar Azam earlier this month.Rizwan, 32, has previously led Pakistan in two Test matches against New Zealand in 2020 when Azam was injured. However, this will mark his first time leading the team in limited-overs matches.In a video released by the PCB, Rizwan expressed optimism about Pakistan's chances in Australia, especially after their recent Test series victory against England. He acknowledged the team's past challenges in Australia but expressed confidence in the current squad."There's no doubt that we've faced difficulties in Australia," Rizwan said. "But I believe the team going now will meet the nation's expectations."Rizwan also urged fans to support the team, highlighting their recent success in the Test series against England."In the last series we played in Australia, every match was almost ours to win, but we lost very closely," he added. "We have noticed a few things and will work on them when we go there, taking positives from it. Inshallah, we will beat Australia in Australia."Joining Rizwan in the squad are Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who were both included after being dropped from the last two Tests against England. Pakistan recently clinched the Test series against England with a 2-0 victory on Saturday.Rizwan's appointment as captain is seen as a positive step by many cricket experts. He is known for his calm and composed demeanor, as well as his ability to lead by example. Under his leadership, Pakistan will be hoping to improve their record in white-ball cricket and challenge for major titles.

Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan's newly appointed white-ball captain, has emphasized his commitment to serving the team rather than assuming a position of authority. Ahead of Pakistan's upcoming tours of Australia and Zimbabwe, Rizwan expressed his determination to lead by example and inspire his teammates to fight for every victory."As a leader, I am here to serve the 15 men of the team," Rizwan stated. "If I start considering myself a king, everything will fall apart." He acknowledged the support and encouragement from the team's management, who have urged them to display unwavering determination.Rizwan outlined his responsibilities as captain, including attending presentations, handling conferences, and carrying out tasks. He emphasized that all players are leaders in their own right and contribute to the team's success.Pakistan has announced 15-member squads for both tours, with Rizwan available for the Australia matches and Zimbabwe ODIs but not the T20Is. The squads include three debutants: Kamran Ghulam, Omair Bin Yousuf, and Sufyan Moqim.

Pakistan's Exclusion of Fakhar Zaman Sparks ControversyPakistan's decision to exclude Fakhar Zaman from its white-ball squads for the upcoming series against Australia and Zimbabwe has drawn widespread criticism. The omission of the explosive opener has raised questions about the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) selection criteria and sparked outrage among fans and experts.Zaman, a key player in Pakistan's ODI and T20I setup, has been a consistent performer. His absence from these crucial tours has left many baffled. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi attributed the decision to both fitness concerns and Zaman's recent controversial social media activity.Naqvi explained that Zaman failed a fitness test and had not yet resolved a show-cause notice issued to him for criticizing the decision to drop former captain Babar Azam from the Test squad. The PCB has made it clear that public criticism of selection decisions will not be tolerated.Zaman's exclusion has overshadowed the announcement of new central contracts, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan retaining top-tier status and Shaheen Afridi demoted to Category B. The omission of Zaman has triggered outrage on social media, with many questioning the PCB's rationale.Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi expressed his disappointment, saying, "Fakhar Zaman is a match-winner. He should have been in the team." Fans have also taken to social media to voice their displeasure, with many calling for Zaman's reinstatement.The PCB's decision has put the spotlight on the importance of fitness and discipline within the Pakistan team. While Zaman's fitness concerns are understandable, his social media activity has also raised questions about his professionalism.The PCB will need to address these issues and ensure that the team is united and focused on the upcoming challenges. The exclusion of Fakhar Zaman has sent shockwaves through Pakistan cricket and will undoubtedly be a talking point in the lead-up to the Australia and Zimbabwe series.

Mohammed Shami's absence from India's squad for the upcoming Australia tour has raised concerns among experts, with former batter Sanjay Manjrekar expressing doubts about the team's bowling strength.Shami, who has been struggling with a foot injury and Achilles tendon surgery, was not included in the squad, leaving a void in India's pace attack. In his place, youngsters Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana have been called up to join Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep.Manjrekar believes that Shami's absence will be a significant blow to India's chances of success in Australia. "This seam attack, which we are so proud of and have won so many matches on its performances, seems to have a problem," he said. "Bumrah's form has been terrific, but Siraj's form has dipped and there is no Shami. I am sure Australia won't be too nervous seeing this Indian seam attack."Manjrekar also pointed out that the inexperience of Krishna and Rana could be a factor. "Prasidh Krishna can make a surprise cut in the XI for India Down Under," he said. "But Siraj has underperformed. On the last tour, Siraj was at his peak. Yash Dayal came under the radar of Indian selectors but he has now disappeared completely, so that is surprising to me."India will be aiming for a hat-trick of series wins in Australia, having triumphed on the 2020-21 and 2022-23 tours. However, the absence of Shami and the concerns over Siraj's form could make their task more difficult.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia, commencing on November 22 in Perth. The squad features several notable inclusions and exclusions.Inclusions:* Abhimanyu Easwaran: The Bengal opener has been rewarded for his consistent performances in domestic cricket, becoming the third-choice opener behind Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal.* Harshit Rana: The seamer has enjoyed an impressive year, starring in an IPL title and earning a Test call-up after being selected in the white-ball squads.* Nitish Rana: The Andhra Pradesh all-rounder has impressed in the T20 league and made his T20I debut against Bangladesh this month.Exclusions:* Mohammed Shami: The match-changing seamer has been ruled out due to a knee swelling, despite working tirelessly to recover from ankle surgery.* Kuldeep Yadav: The left-arm spinner has been referred to the BCCI Centre of Excellence to address his chronic left groin issue.Other Notable Selections:* Washington Sundar: The spin-bowling all-rounder has been included after taking seven wickets in the first innings against New Zealand in the ongoing second Test in Pune.* Prasidh Krishna: The Karnataka seamer returns to the Test squad after debuting in South Africa and impressing in India A's Duleep Trophy title win.Reserves:* Mukesh Kumar* Navdeep Saini* Khaleel AhmedThe Indian squad will travel with a well-stocked pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Akash Deep has maintained his spot after impressive performances against England and Bangladesh.

India has announced its squad for the upcoming five-Test tour of Australia, which commences on November 22. The squad features three uncapped players: Abhimanyu Easwaran, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.India's tour begins with a warm-up match against India A in Perth from November 15 to 17. The first Test against Australia will be held at Perth Stadium from November 22 to 26. The team will then travel to Canberra for a tour match against the Prime Minister's XI on November 30 and December 1.The second Test, a day-night fixture, will be played in Adelaide from December 6 to 10. The third Test will take place in Brisbane from December 14 to 18, followed by the traditional Boxing Day Test in Melbourne starting December 26. The tour concludes with the New Year's Test in Sydney from January 3.India is the current holder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having won their previous two tours of Australia by a 2-1 margin. The team will be led by Rohit Sharma, with Jasprit Bumrah serving as vice-captain.