Cricket

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, named after Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar and Australian icon Allan Border, has become a defining rivalry in Test cricket. Since its inception in 1996, the series has witnessed epic battles and shaped the careers of countless cricketers.One of the most memorable moments in the series was the 2001 Kolkata Test, where VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid rescued India from the brink of defeat with a record-breaking partnership. Virat Kohli has also etched his name in the annals of the rivalry with his heroic performances on Australian soil.India has emerged victorious in the last two Test series in Australia, and they are now eyeing a historic third consecutive win Down Under. The rivalry between Gavaskar and Border has added an extra layer of intrigue to the series. Despite their close friendship, Gavaskar humorously recalls how Border's dismissal of him still haunts him.Border, who became the second batsman after Gavaskar to reach 10,000 Test runs, has always been a thorn in India's side. In 20 Test matches against India, he claimed four wickets, including Gavaskar's.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has not only produced thrilling cricket but has also fostered a deep respect between the two cricketing nations. It remains one of the most anticipated and fiercely contested series in the world, promising more unforgettable moments in the years to come.

Virat Kohli, India's batting mainstay, faces immense pressure as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches. The five-Test series, the first of its kind since 1991-92, will be a crucial test for Kohli, who has struggled for form in recent times.Kohli's average of 22.72 in six matches in 2024 is the lowest of his career. He has managed just one fifty this year, a 70 against New Zealand in the second innings of the first Test at Bengaluru. His last Test century came in July 2023 against the West Indies.Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes the Australians will target Kohli's weakness outside the off-stump. "They'll obviously start with that line outside the off-stump and gauge what his mood is," Manjrekar said. "Generally these days he looks to leave balls outside the off-stump and if they have anything that's pitched right up, he'll look to drive."Manjrekar also expects the Aussies to cramp Kohli for room and attack his body. "Nowadays, they are also trying to cramp him for room and attack his body because he loves to get forward so much," Manjrekar said. "So that is something New Zealand tried, which is very smart. And then if he is so focused outside off, that typical one of landing a ball on middle stump which Josh Hazlewood would try. So all those methods will be tried by the Australians and Virat Kohli is aware of that."Kohli's poor form in the recent Test series against New Zealand, where he scored just 93 runs in three matches, will be a concern for India. The Aussies will be looking to exploit his vulnerability and keep his poor form going.Kohli has played two Tests in Perth, scoring 44 and 75 in the two innings in January 2012 and scoring a century in 2018. India need to win four Tests in Australia to directly qualify for the World Test Championships final, which will be held at Lord's in June 2025.

Jasprit Bumrah to Lead India's Pace Attack in Absence of Mohammed ShamiWith the absence of Mohammed Shami due to injury, the onus of leading India's pace attack in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia falls on Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah, India's vice-captain, played a pivotal role in India's historic Test series triumph in Australia in 2018-19, taking 21 wickets at an average of 17.00.Bumrah's impressive record in Australia, where he has taken 32 wickets in 7 Tests, makes him a key player for India. In the lead-up to the series, Bumrah has been working on his bouncer delivery, which is expected to be a potent weapon against the Australian batters.In a recent practice session at the WACA, Bumrah bowled bouncers at his Indian teammates, giving them a taste of the "chin music" they can expect in Australia. The Indian batters were peppered with short-pitched deliveries, providing them with valuable experience ahead of the series.Bumrah's ability to generate pace and swing, combined with his accuracy, makes him a formidable bowler. He will be crucial to India's chances of winning their third consecutive Test series in Australia.

The Indian cricket team has commenced its rigorous training in Australia in preparation for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against the hosts. The five-match series, starting on November 22, holds immense significance as a 4-0 victory would automatically qualify India for the World Test Championship final.However, the absence of captain Rohit Sharma has raised concerns. While there has been no official communication regarding the reason for his absence, coach Rahul Dravid has expressed hope that Sharma will join the team soon.Meanwhile, a photo posted by Rohit Sharma's PR team on Wednesday showed the Indian team training in Mumbai. The image has sparked speculation about Sharma's availability for the first Test.According to a report in the Times of India, Sharma is currently prioritizing his family as his wife is expecting their second child. "He is doing what any father would at this stage, which is to stay with his wife and family," a source was quoted as saying.Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has suggested that Jasprit Bumrah, the designated vice-captain, should lead the team if Sharma misses the first Test. However, former Australian captain Aaron Finch has disagreed with Gavaskar's statement, emphasizing the importance of supporting Sharma during this personal time.The Indian team's preparations have been hampered by injuries to key players. Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami are all recovering from injuries and their availability for the series remains uncertain.Despite these challenges, India will be determined to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which they won in 2020-21. The team boasts a strong batting lineup led by Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Rishabh Pant. The bowling attack, if fit, will be spearheaded by Bumrah, Shami, and Jadeja.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of the most prestigious rivalries in Test cricket. India has won the last three series against Australia, including a 2-1 victory in Australia in 2018-19.

Team India Arrives in Australia for Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Eyes Historic VictoryNEW DELHI: The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy is just around the corner, set to kick off in Perth on November 22. The five-match Test series between India and Australia is one of the most prestigious encounters in international cricket, and the excitement is building as Team India has officially arrived Down Under to begin their preparations.On Thursday, the Indian team took to Instagram to announce their arrival in Australia, sharing a video that showcased both the coaching staff and the players gearing up for the tough series ahead. The video, featuring visuals of India's intense net session, carried a voice-over stating, "There's pace. There's bounce. And there's the age-old rivalry. Australia, we have arrived!"In the clip, India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, bowling coach Morne Morkel, and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate were seen discussing the significance of the series. Nayar remarked on the challenges that Indian cricketers face when touring Australia, calling it "one of the toughest" assignments.Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel described the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as a "showpiece on the international cricket calendar," emphasizing the fierce competition. "It’s going to be teams that won’t give anybody an inch or sniff. It’s going to be hard-fought sessions," Morkel noted.Nayar also revealed that head coach Gautam Gambhir, along with senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, took the time to chat with the younger members of the squad. The discussion focused on the challenges of playing in Australia and how these experiences have shaped the careers of previous Indian players."Gauti bhai had a chat with the boys just before we started, and some of the senior boys too. Rohit, Virat, Ash all having a chat with the guys - how first they came here as a youngster with a lot of seniors around. And how they sort of felt that once you finish the Australia series, you go back a better cricketer," Nayar shared.Ryan ten Doeschate, proud of India's recent success Down Under, said, "It becomes a big part of Indian cricket to come here and do well. It’s a very proud moment that India won twice in the last two series here."The coaching staff expressed their optimism, with Morkel adding, "I am hopeful for the next five Test matches is hard. During the five days of cricket matches we sit after the day's play and you take off your shoes and say that I have given it all."With preparations in full swing, all eyes are now on Perth as India look to continue their winning legacy in Australia. The upcoming series promises to deliver high-intensity cricket as both teams battle for supremacy in one of the sport’s most celebrated rivalries.

Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has reignited his feud with India head coach Gautam Gambhir, taking a fresh dig at Gambhir's comments on Ponting's assessment of Virat Kohli's recent form.Ponting had expressed concern over Kohli's batting struggles ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, prompting Gambhir to advise Ponting to focus on Australian cricket. Ponting responded by calling Gambhir a "prickly character," and now he has suggested that Gambhir's reaction was influenced by India's recent Test series loss to New Zealand.Speaking on the podcast show "The Run Home with Joel & Fletch," Ponting clarified his remarks about Kohli but couldn't resist taking another jab at Gambhir."I'm not sure if I mentioned a couple of them, but I reckon he's just throwing me in the deep end, trying to find their two most experienced and make sure when they come out, they put that back on me," Ponting said.Ponting maintained that his comments were not presented in their entirety and believes Gambhir misinterpreted them, reacting after the loss against New Zealand."I was asked the other night if I was concerned about Virat Kohli's form. A day before, I had read his stats from the last five years, so it was clear in my mind. I think he made only two (three) centuries in the last five years. His average in India is now down to 30 from 90, during this period. So yes, I would be concerned. And I said if you ask him about his form, he would be concerned because it is nowhere near what it used to be. But then I said since he loves playing in Australia and has a great record here, so if there ever was a tour where he could turn things around, it would be this.""But they never talked about the second part. Then Gambhir went and faced the press having just lost against New Zealand. The hair on the back of his neck is already standing up. We got a bit of history as well, but he took a chance to fire back at me," he added.Ponting's comments have further escalated the ongoing feud between the two former cricketers, adding another layer to the rivalry between Australia and India.

Former Indian cricketer WV Raman has sparked a debate within the cricket community by suggesting that legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar be appointed as a batting consultant for Team India ahead of the 2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Raman believes that Tendulkar's expertise could prove invaluable in helping India prepare for the crucial series against Australia.With the second Test of the BGT still several months away, Raman argues that there is ample time for Tendulkar to make a significant impact. He points out that the involvement of consultants has become increasingly common in modern cricket, and that Tendulkar's experience and knowledge would be a valuable asset to the Indian team.The BGT holds immense significance for India, as it falls at a pivotal moment in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 cycle. Australia and India currently occupy the top two spots in the WTC standings, but India's recent 3-0 loss to New Zealand has dented their chances of reaching the finals. A strong showing against Australia could reignite their WTC campaign.For veteran batter Virat Kohli, the BGT represents a critical juncture. Kohli's recent performances have been under scrutiny, particularly his struggles with spin in the New Zealand series and his absence from the domestic Duleep Trophy. The series could offer him a chance to silence critics, and the support of Tendulkar might help both Kohli and other players refine their batting approaches against Australia's formidable bowling lineup.The Indian team has already begun training at the WACA in Perth, under heavy security and privacy measures, to ensure a focused practice environment. If Tendulkar joins as a consultant, it could serve as a significant morale boost for the squad, given his extensive experience in Australian conditions.Raman's suggestion has generated mixed reactions from the cricket fraternity. Some experts believe that Tendulkar's involvement could be beneficial, while others argue that the team should focus on developing its own coaching staff. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to appoint Tendulkar as a consultant rests with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia approaches, experts and fans alike are eagerly anticipating the performances of key players who could potentially shape the outcome of the series. Both teams boast an array of match-winners, promising an enthralling spectacle that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.The Australian media has already begun its psychological warfare, heaping praise on Indian superstars while simultaneously engaging in mind games. A recent front-page article in The Daily Telegraph featured Virat Kohli with the Hindi headline "Fight for the Ages," while Yashasvi Jaiswal graced the back page with the Punjabi title "The New King." The newspaper's sports section not only chronicled Jaiswal's journey but also hailed him as India's next superstar, suggesting that he is poised to succeed Kohli.In a viral video, former cricketers Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan discussed the upcoming series. When asked about the Indian player he was most eager to watch, Vaughan singled out Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant. "Yashasvi Jaiswal would be one, but Rishabh Pant, I think he is absolutely box-office," Vaughan said. "He makes batting look more like he's just playing in the backyard. For India to be really competitive, this man on screen Rishabh is gonna have to play a blinder once again."Pant's heroics in the fourth and final Test of India's last tour of Australia at the Gabba in January 2021 remain etched in the annals of Test cricket history. Facing a daunting target of 328 runs on the fifth day, Pant played a fearless, match-winning knock, scoring an unbeaten 89 off 138 balls. His aggressive mindset and clever shot selection helped India pull off one of the greatest chases in Test cricket, breaking Australia's 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba.Pant's fearless approach and unyielding belief, even under immense pressure, have made him a vital cog in India's batting lineup. His attacking play style and ability to turn games on their head have earned him a reputation as a big-match player. As India gears up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pant will undoubtedly be one of the key players to watch, as his performances could prove pivotal in determining the outcome of the series.

India's upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) tour of Australia has become a crucial test for the team, according to former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali. After a disappointing 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand, India faces immense pressure to perform well in Australia.Basit believes that the Indian team must focus on silencing their critics with strong performances. He warns that if they fail to do so, several players, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, could face the axe after the Champions Trophy."India needs to shut everyone up with their performance," Basit said in a YouTube video. "If they can't do that, I think three or four players will be dropped after the Champions Trophy, including Gautam Gambhir."India's batting lineup has been a major concern, with star players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma struggling for form. Basit emphasizes that the team must address these issues and find a way to perform consistently."India's batting has been a big problem," Basit said. "They need to find a way to score runs and put pressure on the Australian bowlers."India's chances of winning the BGT have been boosted by the absence of Australia's star batsman David Warner, who is serving a one-year ban for his role in the ball-tampering scandal. However, Basit warns that India cannot afford to take Australia lightly."Australia is still a strong team, even without Warner," Basit said. "India will need to play their best to win the series."India will begin their BGT campaign with the first Test in Perth on November 22. They will need to win four of the five Tests to qualify for the World Test Championship final.