Cricket

As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia draws near, the Indian team's three-day practice game against India A has provided valuable insights into their preparations.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released snippets from the practice game, which was closed to fans. The footage reveals that Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were in impressive form, troubling the India A batters with their pace and accuracy. Harshit Rana, who is yet to make his India debut, also showcased his bowling prowess.On the batting front, Sarfaraz Khan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad were among those spotted in the video. India's fielding was also sharp, with some fine catches taken in the slips. Gaikwad reportedly impressed with his batting on Day 2 of the practice game.However, the most surprising moment came when opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal was seen bowling leg-spin. With uncertainty surrounding the availability of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja for the opening Test in Perth, Jaiswal's part-time spin bowling could be an option for head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management.India enter the series on the back of a disappointing 0-3 home sweep against New Zealand. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin struggled to perform, leading to a humbling defeat. While Rohit is unlikely to play in the first Test against Australia, India will also miss Shubman Gill, who fractured his thumb during the practice game. KL Rahul, who sustained an elbow injury in the same match, has resumed net practice ahead of the series opener.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), a highly anticipated five-match Test series between India and Australia, is set to commence in Australia. This series holds immense significance as it impacts the qualification for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.India, a consistent performer in the WTC, aims to reach the final for the third consecutive cycle. Australia, the defending champions, currently leads the WTC standings. The series outcome will significantly influence the qualification process.Historically, Australia has dominated the BGT at home, winning 14 of 27 matches. However, India has emerged victorious in four of the last six matches, winning the last two series with a 2-1 margin.As India prepares to play BGT in all five major Test venues in Australia for the first time, let's delve into their past performances at each venue:Adelaide:* Matches: 7* India Wins: 2* Australia Wins: 4* Draws: 1India's first BGT match in Adelaide in 1999 resulted in a defeat. However, they have since registered two victories, in 2003 and 2018, which significantly impacted the series outcomes.Melbourne:* Matches: 7* India Wins: 2* Australia Wins: 4* Draws: 1India initially struggled at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, losing four consecutive matches. However, they have turned it around by winning the last two matches, contributing to their series victories Down Under.Sydney:* Matches: 7* India Wins: 0* Australia Wins: 3* Draws: 4Sydney Cricket Ground remains the only venue where India has yet to win a BGT match. They have suffered their biggest defeat Down Under at SCG, losing by an innings and 141 runs in 2000.Brisbane:* Matches: 3* India Wins: 1* Australia Wins: 1* Draws: 1India's results at The Gabba have been mixed. They drew the first encounter in 2003-04 but lost in 2014-15. However, their memorable three-wicket win in 2021, featuring Rishabh Pant's unbeaten 89, secured the series victory.Perth:* Matches: 3* India Wins: 1* Australia Wins: 2* Draws: 0India won their first BGT match in Perth in 2008. However, they have since suffered two heavy defeats, including an innings and 37 runs loss in 2012.

The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to commence in Perth next week, and former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh believes a strong start is crucial for India's chances of retaining the trophy.Despite a disappointing 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand, Harbhajan remains optimistic about India's batting lineup. He attributes the poor performance against New Zealand to the contrasting home conditions, which will be vastly different from the bouncy pitches in Australia."I am not considering the cricket India played recently because conditions were different," Harbhajan said. "Australia will have good conditions. Pitches will be good."Harbhajan believes India has a 50-50 chance of retaining the trophy, with the batters expected to perform well on the Australian surfaces. He emphasizes the need for a player like Cheteshwar Pujara, who can grind down the opposition bowlers.However, Harbhajan warns that a loss in the series opener could create problems and increase pressure on India. "The first Test will be very important. If India start well in Perth, then the team will give a solid fight in the series. If India doesn't start well, then problems will escalate for India."Harbhajan also backs KL Rahul to shine in Australia, despite his struggles in the home season. "KL Rahul has been criticized so much. He is a class player."After the Perth Test, India will have a 10-day break before the day-night Test in Adelaide. The third Test will be held in Brisbane, followed by the Boxing-Day match in Melbourne. The New Year's Test will start from January 3 in Sydney.

With the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia approaching, Indian cricketer Shardul Thakur has expressed unwavering confidence in Virat Kohli's ability to deliver despite recent struggles. Kohli and Rohit Sharma have faced scrutiny for their inconsistent form during the New Zealand tour, but Thakur believes Kohli's stellar record and experience in Australia will prove invaluable.Thakur acknowledges the immense pressure on Kohli, emphasizing the high expectations surrounding the star batter. "When Virat bats, we tend to expect him to score a century every time. So, even if he scores 70 runs, it feels like he has failed," Thakur said. However, he highlights Kohli's impressive record, noting that he is second only to Sachin Tendulkar in terms of centuries scored worldwide.Thakur also points to Kohli's outstanding performances in Australia, where he has accumulated over 600 runs in 13 Tests at an average exceeding 50. "Everyone knows, deep down, how well Virat plays in Australia. He has everything - whether it's technique or the right approach - to succeed on the Australian tour," Thakur asserted.Reflecting on his own recovery journey, Thakur admits to initial hesitation after surgery. However, he has regained full fitness and is confident in his bowling abilities. "In the past three or four matches, I have been bowling in full rhythm," he said.Despite his impressive domestic performance, Thakur was overlooked for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad. However, he remains optimistic about future opportunities, particularly with a packed schedule ahead. "My fitness is in great shape now, and since the Australia tour is a long one, opportunities can come anytime," he said.Thakur's confidence in Kohli and his own determination to improve highlight the resilience and optimism within the Indian team as they prepare for the challenging series against Australia.

Virat Kohli Urges Fans to Embrace Positivity on Social MediaIn the era of social media, where fame and popularity come at a price, cricketers like Virat Kohli have faced unwarranted criticism and negativity online. However, in a recent video message, Kohli has appealed to fans to use social media for good and maintain a positive mindset."Use all your gadgets and use them positively," Kohli said. "You all have access to social media, use it for good things and keep a good positive mindset. Your gadgets give you access to gather information, but look at the world with a positive mindset. There should be no trolling, no negativity, no making fun of people, don't feed off negative things and if you keep a positive mindset, you will be rewarded accordingly."Kohli's message comes amidst his ongoing struggles with form. The former India captain has averaged a mere 22.72 in six matches in 2024, the lowest in his career. His last Test century came in July 2023 against the West Indies.As India prepares for the first Test against Australia in Perth on November 22, Kohli will be hoping to rediscover his batting prowess. He has played two Tests in Perth, scoring 44 and 75 in 2012 and becoming the first batsman to score a Test hundred at the new Perth stadium in 2018.India needs to win four Tests in Australia to qualify directly for the World Test Championships final scheduled for Lord's in June 2025. Kohli's return to form will be crucial for India's chances of achieving this goal.

Australia, led by Pat Cummins, will face a formidable challenge from India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, as the visitors aim for an unprecedented third consecutive series win on Australian soil. India's quest will be spearheaded by new captain Rohit Sharma, who is eager to etch his name in history.The series opener will commence on November 22 in Perth, marking the beginning of a highly anticipated clash between two cricketing powerhouses. India has enjoyed remarkable success in Australia in recent years, securing back-to-back series victories under Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane.Cummins, however, is confident in his team's ability to halt India's winning streak. "Yes, yes is the answer," he declared when asked about Australia's chances. He acknowledged India's strong organization and planning but expressed confidence in his team's recent successes in the World Test Championship final and ODI World Cup.India's pace attack will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, who has an impressive record in Australia. Cummins identified Bumrah as India's X-factor, highlighting his ability to play a pivotal role in the series.The absence of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane from India's squad has been noted by Cummins. He praised Pujara's resilience and acknowledged the challenge of facing him. "It's going to feel a bit different without him," Cummins said.India's young bowling trio of Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep will be eager to make their mark in the series, while Australia will rely on the experience of Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a captivating contest between two evenly matched teams. India will be determined to continue their dominance in Australia, while Cummins and his team will be equally determined to reclaim the trophy.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, named after Australian cricket legend Allan Border and Indian batting icon Sunil Gavaskar, is set to ignite a fierce rivalry between the two cricketing giants. With less than a week to go before the series opener in Perth, anticipation is reaching fever pitch.India, having triumphed in their last two Test tours of Australia, will be aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive series victory Down Under. This five-Test series marks the first time since 1991-92 that the two nations will face off in a five-match Test series.Ahead of the series, Gavaskar shared a humorous anecdote about his long-standing rivalry with Border. When asked if their intensity had diminished despite their post-retirement friendship, Gavaskar quipped, "Well, because he's got me out, that's the problem. He's got me out. I never got a chance to bowl to him. If I got a chance to bowl to him and get him out, it might have been different."Gavaskar's playful response stems from Border's three career Test wickets against India, one of which was Gavaskar himself. The former Indian captain revealed that Border still teases him about the dismissal, which occurred in 1979."So you know, I am reminded of it every time I bump into him. He comes and says, 'Hello Bunny, how are you?' What do I say to that?" Gavaskar said.As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy gets underway, all eyes will be on Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli, who is currently facing a significant form slump. However, Kohli's impressive record in Australia, with 3,426 runs at an average of 56.16, including 11 centuries and 19 fifties, suggests that he could be a key player for India.The series promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world's top cricketing nations. The rivalry between India and Australia has always been intense, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is sure to add another chapter to this storied history.

India's Test captain Rohit Sharma is facing a race against time to be fit for the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, starting November 22 in Perth. Rohit and his wife Ritika Sajdeh welcomed their second child on Friday, and his availability for the first Test remains uncertain.In Rohit's absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is set to lead the Indian team. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has confirmed that Bumrah will take over the captaincy duties if Rohit is unavailable. Former India player Suresh Raina has endorsed Bumrah's leadership credentials, comparing him to Australia's Pat Cummins, who led the Aussies to victory in the World Test Championship and Cricket World Cup in 2023."For Bumrah, it's going to be a new opportunity. I think he is a good leader and has a good cricketing brain. Even Gauti bhai (coach Gautam Gambhir) said in the media that Jasprit has that astute leadership (quality), and I think he will be different," Raina told Times of India."Like if you see Pat Cummins, he won the World Cup for them (Australia), has done really well as a player and as a captain. I think Bumrah is close to that. If you look at it from the point of an opportunity, it's a gun opportunity for him. If he does well, I think we will have a future leader in Test cricket," he added.Gambhir has confirmed that Bumrah will lead the team in Perth if Rohit is unavailable. However, Rohit has not been officially ruled out of the series opener, and Gambhir has stated that the team will provide an update on his status closer to the start of the series.India's preparations for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have been overshadowed by their recent 3-0 Test series defeat to New Zealand at home. The loss has made their path to the World Test Championship final more challenging. To qualify for the final in London, India must win the series against Australia by 4-0.

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy just a week away, the uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma's availability for the opening Test continues to linger. The Indian captain is expected to miss the first match in Perth, starting November 22, due to the birth of his second child. However, neither Rohit nor head coach Gautam Gambhir have provided a definitive answer, leaving the team in a state of limbo.Former India player Mohammad Kaif has expressed his concern over this situation, stating that it is not ideal for the team in such a crucial series. India needs to win the five-match Test series 4-0 to qualify for the World Test Championship final without relying on external factors. A poor result in Australia could jeopardize their chances of reaching the summit clash."This scenario is completely wrong. You want your best team to play such a big Test match. Rohit Sharma should be there. He will open for India in the series and exactly knows how to lead the team. Rohit has every right to miss a game due to family matter but he should inform early. The suspense is not ideal," said Kaif in a video on his YouTube channel.Kaif believes that Rohit's hesitation to confirm his availability stems from his desire to play. He knows that the team lost 3-0 to New Zealand in their previous Test series and is eager to make amends. "Rohit might not have given confirmation about his availability because he wants to play. He knows the team has lost 3-0 to New Zealand. His wife is pregnant but if things are better at home, he will be there in Australia. That is why he has not announced about his unavailability yet. I think he wholeheartedly wants to go there and play," he added.Earlier this week, Gambhir stated that vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side if Rohit is unavailable. However, Kaif believes that this is not an ideal solution. "No player agrees to captain a side for one game. It is not a good idea as well. It would be much better if Rohit leads India in the opening game," he said.The uncertainty surrounding Rohit's availability has created a sense of unease within the Indian team. With such a crucial series on the horizon, they need clarity and stability in their leadership. The sooner Rohit makes a decision, the better it will be for the team's preparation and morale.