Cricket

Team India's head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, shedding light on various topics. Despite facing critical questions, Gambhir remained composed and provided insights into the team's plans for the Australia tour.Regarding Rohit Sharma's availability for the opening Test in Perth, Gambhir remained non-committal. However, he confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah would lead the team if Sharma missed out. "We will let you know exactly what the situation will be. Hopefully, he is going to be available," Gambhir said.Gambhir also discussed the opening partnership, stating that KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran were the top candidates to partner Yashasvi Jaiswal if Sharma was unavailable. He emphasized the importance of a strong opening partnership in setting the tone for the innings.Gambhir defended his players, particularly senior players who have faced criticism for their recent form. He expressed confidence in their abilities and highlighted the need for support and encouragement.However, former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his disapproval of Gambhir's press conference performance. Manjrekar suggested that Gambhir lacked the appropriate demeanor and communication skills for such interactions. He recommended that the BCCI consider keeping Gambhir away from press conferences and allowing him to focus on his behind-the-scenes role.Despite Manjrekar's criticism, Gambhir remained focused on the task at hand. He outlined the team's plans for the Australia tour, emphasizing the importance of preparation and adaptability. He expressed optimism about the team's chances of success and urged fans to support the players.

Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, has faced criticism on social media following the team's recent series loss to New Zealand. However, Gambhir remains unfazed, emphasizing the prestigious nature of his position and the need for honesty.Ahead of the team's departure to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Gambhir addressed the criticism during a press conference in Mumbai. "Social media makes no difference in my life or anyone's life," he stated. "When I took up this job, I knew it would be challenging and prestigious. I don't feel the heat because my job is to be absolutely honest."Gambhir highlighted the resilience and commitment of the Indian players. "There are incredibly tough people in that dressing room who have achieved great things for the country and will continue to do so," he said. "It's an absolute honor to coach them and coach India."Despite the recent setbacks, Gambhir remains focused on leading the team through challenges and achieving success on the global stage. India needs to win four Tests in Australia to qualify directly for the World Test Championships final at Lord's in June 2025.Gambhir's unwavering determination and emphasis on honesty reflect his commitment to the team's growth and success. As the Indian team embarks on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Gambhir's leadership and the players' resilience will be crucial in overcoming challenges and achieving their goals.

Virat Kohli, the star Indian batsman, has arrived in Perth, Australia, more than 10 days ahead of the first Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Kohli is the first player from the visiting team to land Down Under, with some of his teammates still in transit and others departing with coach Gautam Gambhir on Monday.India and Australia will face off in a five-Test series, with India being the current title-holders of the prestigious BGT. The Aussies, on the other hand, are eager to reclaim the trophy they haven't won since 2014.According to a report in 'The West Australian,' Kohli reached Perth on Sunday evening. The Indian squad is expected to begin training at the WACA Ground from Tuesday in preparation for the first Test. However, the venue is under lockdown to keep the Indian camp strictly behind closed doors.Kohli, 36, has been facing criticism for his prolonged poor form. He has had a forgettable 2024 so far, with only two international fifties to his name and a disappointing home Test season leading up to the Australia tour.His struggles against spinners have been evident in the 10 Test innings he played against Bangladesh and New Zealand. While India swept Bangladesh 2-0 in the Test series, Kohli could only manage 99 runs at an average of 33.00, with a highest score of 47.The New Zealand series was a disaster for India, as they suffered a 0-3 whitewash at home for the first time in a three-Test series. In his six innings against the Kiwis, Kohli's bat failed to make an impression, except for one innings where he scored 70. He could only accumulate 23 runs in the other five knocks, aggregating a mere 93 runs at an average of 15.50.While some have speculated that the Australia tour could be Kohli's last appearance in Tests, the batting icon will be determined to rediscover his form in red-ball cricket during the BGT, which begins on November 22 in Perth.

Team India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has cast doubt over captain Rohit Sharma's availability for the first Test against Australia in Perth, starting November 22. Addressing the media in Mumbai, Gambhir stated that there was no confirmation on Rohit's participation and that a decision would be made before the series.In the event of Rohit's absence, Gambhir indicated that Abhimanyu Easwaran or KL Rahul would be considered for the opening slot. Rohit's potential absence would be a significant blow to India, as his presence as captain and top-order batsman has been crucial in recent years.Rohit's recent form has been a cause for concern, with the 37-year-old averaging just 10.50 in the two Tests against Bangladesh and 15.16 in the three Tests against New Zealand. His poor run has also impacted his captaincy, as he admitted to not being at his best as a skipper.India's tour of Australia is crucial, as they need to win four Tests to qualify directly for the World Test Championships final in June 2025. In Rohit's absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is expected to lead the team in the first Test.Gambhir emphasized that the team would select the best XI for the first Test and that a decision on Rohit's availability would be made before the match. India's hopes of a successful tour will hinge on the fitness and form of their key players, including Rohit Sharma.

India Embarks on Historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy Quest in AustraliaThe Indian cricket team has set sail for Australia, embarking on a pivotal five-Test series that will shape their World Test Championship aspirations. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, commencing on November 22, 2024, holds immense significance for India, who seek redemption after a recent series loss.With a points percentage of 58.33%, India trails Australia in the World Test Championship standings. To remain in contention for the championship, they must emerge victorious in at least four of the five Tests. This series marks a historic milestone, as it will be the first time India and Australia will engage in a five-Test series on Australian soil since the inception of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Rohit Sharma will lead the Indian charge, with Jasprit Bumrah serving as his deputy. The squad boasts a formidable lineup, including Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Abhimanyu Easwaran. Rishabh Pant returns as wicketkeeper, joined by newcomer Dhruv Jurel. The spin attack features the experienced trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. The pace attack comprises Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana.The first Test will commence on November 22 in Perth, followed by Adelaide on December 6, Brisbane on December 14, Melbourne on December 26, and Sydney on January 3, 2025. India faces a daunting task, but they possess the talent and determination to overcome the challenges and emerge victorious.

Team India Prepares for Border-Gavaskar Trophy with Pre-Departure Press ConferenceAhead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir will address the media in a pre-departure press conference on Monday at 9:00 AM at Ballroom 4, ITC Maratha in Mumbai.The press conference will provide an opportunity for Gambhir to discuss the team's preparations, strategies, and expectations for the challenging Test series. The Indian contingent will depart for Australia in two batches on November 10 and 11, with the first Test scheduled to begin in Perth on November 22.The tour will feature a highlight in the form of the pink-ball, day-night Test at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The third Test will take place at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18, followed by the traditional Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The fifth and final Test is slated for January 3 in Sydney.India has enjoyed consecutive Test series wins in Australia, first under Virat Kohli's leadership in 2018-19 and then under Ajinkya Rahane in 2020-21. With Rohit Sharma now at the helm, the team will be aiming for a historic third straight series win on Australian soil.The press conference will provide insights into the team's mindset, preparations, and expectations for the upcoming series. Gambhir is expected to discuss the team's strengths, weaknesses, and strategies for countering the formidable Australian team.

Jasprit Bumrah's leadership potential has been endorsed by former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who believes the Indian pacer has the qualities to effectively lead the team in Rohit Sharma's absence.With Rohit Sharma's availability for the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Perth uncertain due to personal reasons, Bumrah emerges as a strong candidate to captain India. Ponting, who has witnessed Bumrah's leadership skills firsthand during the rescheduled fifth Test against England at Edgbaston, acknowledges the challenges of captaincy, especially for a bowler.However, Ponting draws parallels to Pat Cummins, the Australian Test captain, who has successfully balanced his bowling responsibilities with leadership duties. He emphasizes that experienced players like Bumrah understand when to bowl and when to rest, and often thrive under pressure and responsibility."Guys like that tend to thrive on the extra pressure and the responsibility," Ponting said. "He's always been the leader of the attack for a long time anyway. Whether that's red ball, T20, or ODIs, he's the main man."Ponting also highlights the presence of senior players like Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rishabh Pant in the Indian team, who can provide valuable guidance to Bumrah."In that Indian team, there's a lot of experience around him," Ponting said. "And it's really important, I think, that you use the experience around you even when you are the captain, and just ask the appropriate questions at the right time."Ponting shares his own experience as Australia's Test captain, emphasizing the importance of seeking advice from experienced teammates. He credits Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, and Justin Langer as valuable sources of guidance during his captaincy."I liked to ask the questions of Gilchrist, Hayden, and Langer," Ponting said. "Ask them where they thought the game was, and what we needed to do. At the end of the day, as a captain, you're the one that's making that final decision, but whatever advice you can get along the way can only be good."With his experience, leadership qualities, and the support of senior players, Jasprit Bumrah is well-positioned to lead the Indian cricket team in Rohit Sharma's absence.

Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey has raised concerns over the decision to field Nathan McSweeney as an opener in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. McSweeney, a South Australian batter, was selected based on his impressive performances in the Sheffield Shield and recent knocks against India A. However, Hussey believes that the management should have opted for a specialist opener, given the challenges of facing India's potent seam attack in the high-stakes series.Speaking on Fox Cricket during Australia's third ODI against Pakistan, Hussey said, "I think it's a tough ask to ask him to play his first Test match as an opening batsman against India in a huge series when he hasn't opened before in first-class cricket apart from last week in the India A clash."Hussey emphasized that while some past Australian players like Simon Katich and Shane Watson successfully transitioned from the middle-order to opening, they did so after playing numerous Test matches. "It's not easy at all. I know people will say Simon Katich and Shane Watson have done it in the past. They moved from the middle-order up to the top order, but they played 20-30 Test matches before they made the move. It's a tough ask and, personally, I would (prefer a specialist opener), but I think the Australian selectors' philosophy is picking the best six batters in the country, and then we'll figure the order out after that," Hussey added.Australia's chief selector George Bailey defended McSweeney's inclusion, insisting that the batter has significant experience facing the new ball, even though he primarily bats at number three for South Australia. "I don't think it's a huge adjustment to go from three to opening. I think in the 15 or so games that he's been batting at three for South Australia, I think he's been in before the 10th over about 20 times. He's had plenty of experience. I think his game and the way he plays, I don't think the adjustment will be too much," Bailey explained.The Border-Gavaskar series, which will begin on November 22 in Perth, is highly anticipated, with Australia looking to regain the trophy from India. The series is expected to be fiercely contested, with both teams boasting strong lineups.

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has vehemently dismissed rumors suggesting that head coach Gautam Gambhir could be ousted if the team fails to perform in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. These rumors emerged after India's humiliating whitewash at home by New Zealand, marking their first Test series loss on home soil in nearly 12 years.A report in Dainik Jagran had claimed that Gambhir could be removed from his role in Test cricket if India fails to impress in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins on November 22. The report also speculated that former India batter and current National Cricket Academy (NCA) chief VVS Laxman could be asked to take over.However, Chopra has strongly refuted this narrative, labeling it as "malicious intent." He emphasized that it is premature to consider such drastic measures after Gambhir's recent appointment as head coach."I feel it is an absolute rumor. This news seems absolutely baseless that if Team India doesn't perform well in Border-Gavaskar Trophy, then change the coach. Have different coaches for different formats. I'd say it's a little too soon. I see this rumor being floated around with malicious intent. Gambhir has just been made the head coach. It does not happen like this that if players are not performing, fire the coach. This is not the way. I do not agree with this thinking at all. I am discarding this kind of report," Chopra stated in a video on his YouTube channel.Nevertheless, Chopra acknowledged that Gambhir should be held accountable for the team's recent performance, given that the BCCI had granted all his requests, including the appointment of his own coaching staff."Whatever Gautam asked for, the BCCI gave him. Publicly, Gautam had said in the past that Team India should have Indian coaches but when he asked for Ryan ten Doeschate and Morne Morkel, the board agreed. When Gautam asked for senior players in Sri Lanka, the board said yes to it. Liberty was given in making pitches as well. When so much happens, then accountability is obvious," he added.India's tour of Australia will commence with the first Test in Perth on November 22. The team will be eager to redeem themselves after their disappointing home series against New Zealand.