Cricket

Mohammed Shami's recent return to competitive cricket after a year-long injury layoff has sparked discussions about his potential inclusion in India's Test squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. However, former India opener Aakash Chopra believes that rushing Shami into Test cricket after just one game may be premature.In his Ranji Trophy comeback match for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh, Shami bowled 43.2 overs and claimed a seven-wicket haul. While his performance was encouraging, Chopra feels that Shami still needs more time to regain his full fitness and rhythm."Mohammed Shami has played a match (Ranji). We weren't able to see much of his bowling as it was not being streamed. We did see the wickets he took. I'd say he is undercooked," Chopra said. "Honestly, we want Shami to be there (in Australia) because Bumrah, Shami, Siraj -- there's a different ring to it. In Bumrah, Siraj, Akash Deep combination, we can see a bit of weakness. Lack of experience can be felt."Chopra also expressed concerns about the potential for injury recurrence in Australia's soft grounds. "Secondly, the grounds in Australia are very soft, so there are chances of recurrence of injury. I would say Shami should take more time. We all want Shami to play as soon as possible, but we shouldn't hurry his return," he added.India's pace department for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana. Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Washington Sundar are the three spinners in the squad.The first Test between India and Australia begins on November 22 in Perth.

India's recent 0-3 home defeat to New Zealand has cast a shadow over their upcoming 5-Test series in Australia. However, amidst the gloom, there are reasons for optimism, particularly in the team's pace attack.Led by the formidable Jasprit Bumrah, India's fast bowlers have the potential to trouble the Australian batters on the bouncy surfaces Down Under. Bumrah, with his exceptional skills and experience, is a proven match-winner. Mohammed Siraj, with his pace and accuracy, is another key asset. Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana complete a formidable pace battery.The pitches in Australia will provide a different challenge compared to the spin-friendly conditions in India. The Indian pacers will need to adjust their lengths and exploit the bounce. Bumrah's experience and Siraj's adaptability make them ideal for these conditions.Former India pacer L Balaji believes India should play with only four bowlers in the first Test, including Ravindra Jadeja as the fourth option. He emphasizes the importance of a strong batting lineup, with a minimum of 250 runs required to support the bowlers.While Australia's top order has not been in the best form, they still pose a threat. Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith are experienced campaigners. However, the Indian bowling attack has the ability to restrict them to below 250 runs, especially on helpful surfaces.India's batting, however, remains a concern. Their recent struggles against New Zealand's pacers have raised questions about their ability to handle the Australian conditions. Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill (although injured for the first Test) have the potential to score big, but they need to perform consistently.Despite the challenges, India has a history of fighting back in Australia. They have overcome adversity in the past, and they will need to do so again to succeed in this series. The Australian team knows that India is a formidable opponent, and they will be wary of their potential.

Virat Kohli's 2014-15 Border Gavaskar Trophy heroics against Australia, where he scored four centuries and a fifty, ignited a fierce rivalry with Mitchell Johnson. The former Australian pacer, in a recent column, recalled their intense on-field battles, acknowledging Kohli's unwavering determination and competitive spirit.Johnson's strategy was to unsettle Kohli early in his innings, hoping to provoke a reaction that would disrupt his focus. However, Kohli proved to be a formidable opponent, using Johnson's aggression as fuel to power his performances.One notable incident occurred during the Boxing Day Test, when Johnson's throw at the stumps hit Kohli, sparking a verbal exchange. Kohli's subsequent comments about Johnson's lack of respect further fueled the rivalry.Despite Johnson's attempts to rattle Kohli, the Indian superstar remained unfazed, scoring a brilliant 169 in the first innings of the Melbourne Test. Johnson admitted that getting Kohli out early was crucial, as he could quickly turn the tide of the match.However, Kohli's recent form has been a far cry from his peak. In his last 10 Test innings, he has managed only 99 runs against Bangladesh and 93 against New Zealand. As India prepares for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, Kohli's ability to regain his former dominance will be crucial for their chances of success.The first Test of the five-match series begins on November 22 in Perth, with India needing to win four matches to qualify for the World Test Championship final. Kohli's performance will be under intense scrutiny as he looks to silence his critics and prove that he remains a force to be reckoned with.

Kapil Dev's Advice for Team India Ahead of Border-Gavaskar TrophyFormer Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev has urged the Indian cricket team to approach the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a relaxed mindset and play their natural game."I just want to wish my team all the luck. Don't listen much, go and express yourself. Those who will play well will win. There is no need to take excess pressure," Kapil Dev advised the team.India faces some injury concerns ahead of the first Test against Australia. Captain Rohit Sharma is expected to miss the opening match due to the birth of his second child, while Shubman Gill is doubtful with a left-hand injury.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a highly anticipated series between India and Australia, commences on November 22nd at Perth Stadium. The second Test, a day-night affair, will be played at the Adelaide Oval from December 6th to 10th. The third Test will be held at Brisbane's Gabba from December 14th to 18th, followed by the fourth Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26th to 30th. The series concludes with the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3rd to 7th.The Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy includes:* Rohit Sharma (Captain)* Jasprit Bumrah (Vice-captain)* Ravindra Jadeja* Yashasvi Jaiswal* Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)* Sarfaraz Khan* Virat Kohli* Prasidh Krishna* Ravichandran Ashwin* Mohammed Shami* Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)* KL Rahul* Harshit Rana* Abhimanyu Easwaran* Shubman Gill* Nitish Kumar Reddy* Mohammed Siraj* Washington Sundar

Justin Langer Warns Against Underestimating India in Border-Gavaskar TrophyFormer Australian cricketer and head coach Justin Langer has cautioned against underestimating the Indian team ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, despite their recent series loss to New Zealand. Langer emphasized the strength and resilience of the Indian team, highlighting their past successes in Australia."One thing you never do is write off champions, and that's in every sport, because they are a champion for a reason," Langer told The West Australian. "In India, there are one and a half billion cricket-loving people, and then count all the rest around the world, they expect nothing but excellence, and the team will be under intense pressure, so how they fight back will be important."Langer acknowledged the pressure on the Indian team but expressed his belief in their ability to bounce back. He also highlighted the star power within the Indian lineup, urging fans to savor their presence."And they'll be getting written off for being too old, but people say that all the time, and I just can't wait to see them play. I just hope, if this is the last time (Kohli) is out here, people enjoy it because he is a superstar, so is Rohit Sharma, so is (Ravi) Ashwin, so is (Ravi) Jadeja, so is (Jasprit) Bumrah."Langer drew parallels between the Australian and Indian teams, both boasting experienced bowling attacks, and encouraged fans to appreciate these players while they are still active."It's the same with the Australians; the bowling attack is a very senior attack now... so really enjoy it while you can; they are not going to be around forever,"To secure a spot in the World Test Championship final at Lord's next year, India needs to win at least four matches in the series. Langer believes India's recent loss to New Zealand might fuel their determination, making them a formidable opponent for Australia."India losing to New Zealand is a bit like North Melbourne beating Brisbane in the grand final at the moment. And not for one millisecond is that disrespect for New Zealand, because they are the great overachievers; they are brilliant."He acknowledged New Zealand's achievement in winning the series 3-0, emphasizing the pressure India will face to make amends for their performance."I think they'd won two Test matches (in India), and to win the series 3-0, that's an amazing achievement. They've just been beaten three-nil by New Zealand, so India will be humbled by that and equally determined to remedy it because the pressure on them will be intense."

Steve Smith, the Australian batting maestro, is gearing up for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a renewed determination to conquer the spin wizardry of Ravichandran Ashwin. Smith, who has been dismissed by Ashwin on multiple occasions in recent encounters, is eager to turn the tables in the upcoming series.Ashwin's prowess as an off-spinner is undeniable, particularly on home soil, where he boasts an impressive average of 21.57. However, his record in Australia is significantly different, with an average of 42.15. Smith believes this disparity could work in his favor.To counter Ashwin's spin, Smith plans to adopt a proactive approach, disrupting the bowler's rhythm and preventing him from settling into a comfortable pattern. He aims to take the attack to Ashwin, forcing him to react rather than dictate the terms of engagement."I don't like getting out to off-spin in Australia. But he's also a very good bowler and he came in with some decent plans. There were a couple of occasions where he got on top of me," Smith told the Sydney Morning Herald."But then I got on top of him at the SCG when I was a bit more proactive (Smith made 131 and 81 at Sydney). So, that's key for me. Just be proactive against him and not let him settle and bowl the way he wants to."Ashwin, for his part, is confident in his ability to outsmart Smith. He claims to have "figured out" Smith's batting technique, implying an upper hand in their battles."I think I've kind of figured out what he does or how he bats, I've had an edge over him. I've had the wood over him," Ashwin had told Channel Seven.Smith, however, downplays Ashwin's assertions, emphasizing the extended nature of a five-match series. He believes that even if one player gains an early advantage, the longer format allows for adjustments and shifts in momentum."Ashwin and I have had some good battles over the years. When you have five matches, if someone gets on top of another player, they could have 10 innings against them.""So, you're facing those mental challenges each game, and if it goes one way early, they will feel under pressure against that player. There's nowhere to hide in five games like there are in a two-game series," said the New South Wales man.Smith, who needs just 315 runs to reach the 10,000-run milestone in Test cricket, will return to his preferred batting position at number four. He had experimented with opening the batting in four Tests earlier this year, but the move didn't yield the desired results."It always makes your summer better when you start well. It gives you a lot of confidence. It's about not overthinking things. It's playing each ball as it comes and keeping it simple.""When I'm playing my best, I'm not overthinking and I'm just playing what's in front of me. It's going to be a good battle," he explained.Smith is eager to make a strong start and carry that momentum throughout the series. He believes in keeping his approach simple, trusting his instincts, and playing each ball on its merit. The battle between Smith and Ashwin promises to be an enthralling contest within the larger context of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has come to the defense of India's head coach Gautam Gambhir, urging patience and support ahead of the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.Gambhir's tenure as coach has been met with mixed reactions, particularly after India's recent Test series loss to New Zealand and ODI defeat to Sri Lanka. However, Ganguly believes it's premature to judge Gambhir's performance, given his short time in the role."All I will say is let him be," Ganguly told Revsportz. "I saw some criticism of what he said in the press conference. It is the way he is. Just because he has lost three Test matches and a one-day series against Sri Lanka, the straight talk has not been looked at nicely. But that is the way he is. Let's give Gambhir a chance."Gambhir's outspoken nature has drawn attention, particularly his comments about Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting. Ponting had expressed concerns over Virat Kohli's Test form, prompting Gambhir to suggest that Ponting focus on his own team.Ganguly defended Gambhir's direct approach, arguing that it could be beneficial in the high-stakes series against Australia. "Ultimately, you have to go and play the game hard," he said. "That is the way it is and it has happened for ages against Australian cricket teams. That makes this series even more competitive and more followed by people."India needs a 4-0 series victory to directly qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Ganguly believes that Gambhir's combative style could be an asset in this challenging endeavor."I think he is a good coach," Ganguly said. "He has got a good cricketing brain. He is a fighter. He is a winner. He has got a lot of experience. I think he will do well for India."

India-Australia Rivalry Heats Up Ahead of Border-Gavaskar TrophyAs the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia approaches, the verbal sparring has commenced. Former Australian greats have identified Virat Kohli as India's "key player" and urged the hosts to "go hard" on the emotional Indian captain.Amidst the serious banter, a lighthearted video has emerged featuring current Australian players discussing the upcoming series. Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, and Nathan Lyon engage in a humorous exchange.Marsh recalls India's disastrous 36-all out in the first Test of their 2021 tour of Australia. Khawaja reminds Hazlewood of his impressive 5/8 performance in that match, but Lyon interjects that Australia ultimately lost the series.Marsh attempts to lighten the mood by showing a picture of Rohit Sharma with Lyon and Starc. Starc boasts of dismissing the Indian captain eight times in Tests, but Lyon corrects him, saying, "Actually it's nine, but who's counting?"Khawaja then reveals a card stating that Australia has lost the last four Border-Gavaskar Trophies. Marsh dismisses the card, claiming he has removed all the bad ones from the deck.The first Test of the series begins in Perth on November 22. India must win four Tests in Australia to qualify directly for the World Test Championships final at Lord's in June 2025.

Team India is poised to embark on a challenging tour of Australia, aiming to secure their third consecutive Test series victory on foreign soil. However, the Aussies are determined to halt India's momentum and reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.With captain Rohit Sharma likely to miss the opening Test in Perth, the onus will fall on the rest of the Indian batting lineup to deliver. Virat Kohli, India's batting mainstay, will be under immense pressure to rediscover his form. Despite his impressive record in Australia, Kohli has struggled in recent times, averaging a mere 22.72 in six matches in 2024.Former Australian captain Michael Clarke believes that Kohli and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will play pivotal roles in India's quest for victory. "Virat Kohli's record in Australia is phenomenal," Clarke said. "If India are to win this series, it has to be Virat Kohli leading run scorer with Rishabh Pant just behind."Kohli has played two Tests in Perth, scoring a half-century in each innings in 2012 and a century in 2018. He will be eager to start the series strongly and set the tone for India's batting.Pant, known for his fearless approach, played a match-winning knock in the fourth Test of India's last tour of Australia at the Gabba in 2021. His unbeaten 89 off 138 balls helped India chase down 328 runs on the fifth day, securing a historic victory at a venue where Australia had been undefeated for 32 years.India's ultimate goal is to win four Tests in Australia to qualify directly for the World Test Championships final, scheduled for Lord's in June 2025. The team will need to overcome the challenges of playing in unfamiliar conditions and facing a determined Australian side.