Cricket

A verbal clash has erupted between Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir and Australian legend Ricky Ponting, igniting a war of words that has drawn reactions from former cricketers.The controversy began when Ponting criticized Virat Kohli's recent form and questioned his place in the Test team. Gambhir, in a press conference, reacted strongly, urging Ponting to focus on his own team.However, Gambhir's comments have sparked criticism from some former players, including ex-England captain Michael Vaughan. Vaughan, in a podcast discussion, labeled Gambhir as a "spicy" coach and expressed disagreement with his stance on barring foreign pundits from commenting on the Indian team.Vaughan argued that punditry should not be restricted to former players of a particular team. He pointed out that many foreign pundits have valuable insights and perspectives to offer."I don't quite agree with Gautam," Vaughan said. "But I do like a bit of spice and I like the fact that he is going to be very prickly."Vaughan also predicted that Gambhir's prickly nature could lead to challenges for the Indian team as they face setbacks in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.As the series progresses, more verbal battles are expected between Gambhir and retired cricketers working as pundits. The clash highlights the growing tension between coaches and pundits, with coaches seeking to protect their teams from external criticism.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has expressed concerns over India's decision to forgo a warm-up match ahead of the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Vaughan believes that the lack of match practice could hinder India's ability to get into a "competitive mindset" and adapt to the Australian conditions.India has opted to focus on center-wicket training at the WACA in Perth instead of playing an intra-squad game or a match against an Australian domestic side. The Indian think tank believes that the bounce of the WACA center strip closely mirrors that of the Perth Stadium pitch, making it more beneficial for the top-order batters to spend time in the middle.However, Vaughan argues that match practice is essential for players to get into the rhythm of competitive cricket. He points out that Australia has also skipped warm-up matches in recent Test tours, but their players have a different mindset and are accustomed to playing 12 months of the year.Vaughan believes that the modern player may not prioritize tour matches, relying instead on the volume of cricket they play throughout the year. However, he emphasizes the importance of winning and setting a marker in the first match of a series.India's decision to forgo a warm-up match has raised questions about their preparation for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While the Indian think tank believes that center-wicket training is sufficient, Vaughan's concerns highlight the importance of match practice in getting players ready for the rigors of Test cricket.

Virat Kohli, the prolific Indian batsman, stands on the cusp of another significant milestone in his illustrious career. As India prepares to face Australia in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth on November 22, Kohli has the opportunity to surpass Indian batting legend Rahul Dravid in terms of runs scored against the Aussies.Kohli has amassed 2,042 runs against Australia in 25 Tests, averaging 47.48. He requires just 102 more runs to overtake Dravid, who scored 2,143 runs in 32 Tests against the Aussies. Kohli's record against Australia includes eight centuries and five half-centuries, showcasing his dominance against one of the world's top cricketing nations.Currently ranked fifth among Indian batters with the most runs against Australia, Kohli has the potential to move up the ladder and cement his place among the all-time greats. Cheteshwar Pujara, who is not part of India's squad for the upcoming series, occupies the fourth spot with 2,074 runs in 25 Tests.Former star VVS Laxman sits second on the list with 2,434 runs in 29 Tests at an average of 49.67. The legendary Sachin Tendulkar leads the chart with a staggering 3,630 runs in 39 Tests at an average of 55. Tendulkar's record includes 11 centuries and 16 fifties, highlighting his exceptional dominance against Australia.Kohli's pursuit of Dravid's record is a testament to his consistency and longevity at the highest level. The Indian captain has been a cornerstone of the team's success in recent years, and his ability to perform against Australia, one of the most formidable opponents in world cricket, is a testament to his class.As India embarks on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli will be eager to add to his tally against Australia and etch his name further into the annals of Indian cricket history.

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.

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

India's Test Squad Bolstered with Padikkal and Rana for Australia SeriesWith captain Rohit Sharma and opener Shubman Gill unavailable for the first Test against Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has called up Devdutt Padikkal as a batting backup. Padikkal, who was touring with the India A squad, will join the 18-member Test squad for the match at the Opus Stadium in Perth.Padikkal, a left-handed batsman, is expected to fill the No. 3 spot in the batting order. He has experience playing in Australian conditions, having made his Test debut against England at Dharamsala earlier this year.In addition to Padikkal, Delhi and Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Harshit Rana is also likely to make his Test debut in Perth. Rana impressed in the match simulation at Perth, particularly with his bouncers. He has taken 43 wickets in 10 first-class matches and was called up as a net bowler during India's home Test series against New Zealand.Jasprit Bumrah will captain India in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Bumrah previously captained India in the rescheduled 2022 Test against England at Edgbaston, which India lost by 7 wickets.The Indian team is currently in Perth preparing for the first Test, which begins on December 17. The series is crucial for both teams, as it will determine who will qualify for the World Test Championship final.

South African spin wizard Tabraiz Shamsi has unearthed a remarkable coincidence between his T20 International (T20I) statistics and those of Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.Shamsi took to social media to highlight the uncanny similarities, revealing that both bowlers have played an identical number of T20I matches (70), bowled the same number of deliveries (1,509), and claimed an equal tally of wickets (89).While they have shared the same number of matches, Bumrah has featured in one less innings (69) compared to Shamsi's 70.In terms of economy rates, Bumrah boasts a superior 6.27 runs per over, while Shamsi's stands at 7.39. Notably, Shamsi has achieved the rare feat of a five-wicket haul in T20Is, a milestone that Bumrah is yet to accomplish.Neither bowler featured in the recent T20I series between India and South Africa, which India emerged victorious in with a 3-1 scoreline.Meanwhile, Bumrah is currently in Perth, Australia, preparing with the Indian Test team for their upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against the hosts. The five-match Test series will commence on November 22nd in Perth, with subsequent matches scheduled in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.India will be aiming to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and secure their berth in the World Test Championship final.

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.