Cricket

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has shed light on the selection of uncapped players Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.Gambhir praised Rana's bowling prowess, stating that he has bowled extensively and is ready to face the Aussies with fresh legs. He also highlighted Reddy's potential, expressing confidence that he can contribute significantly if given the opportunity.Gambhir hinted at a shift in the team's composition, suggesting that certain players may not be part of the future plans. However, he did not explicitly mention Shardul Thakur, who was surprisingly omitted from the squad."It's about moving forward, and we believe this is the best set of players to represent the country," Gambhir said.Rana and Reddy have earned their selections based on impressive performances in the domestic circuit. Their inclusion comes after India's disappointing home series loss to New Zealand, which has made their path to the World Test Championship (WTC) final more challenging.To qualify for the WTC final, India must win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by 4-0. The series opener will be played in Perth, followed by a day-night Test in Adelaide, a match at The Gabba in Brisbane, the traditional Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, and the final Test in Sydney.India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Series:* Rohit Sharma (c)* Jasprit Bumrah (vc)* Ravichandran Ashwin* Mohammad Shami* Abhimanyu Easwaran* Shubman Gill* Ravindra Jadeja* Yashasvi Jaiswal* Dhruv Jurel (wk)* Sarfaraz Khan* Virat Kohli* Prasidh Krishna* Rishabh Pant (wk)* KL Rahul* Harshit Rana* Nitish Kumar Reddy* Mohammed Siraj* Washington SundarAustralia's squad for the first Test:* Pat Cummins (c)* Scott Boland* Alex Carey* Josh Hazlewood* Travis Head* Josh Inglis* Usman Khawaja* Marnus Labuschagne* Nathan Lyon* Mitch Marsh* Nathan McSweeney* Steve Smith* Mitchell Starc

Varun Chakravarthy's mesmerizing performance in the second T20I against South Africa has reignited calls for his inclusion in India's squad for next year's ICC Champions Trophy. The mystery spinner bamboozled the Proteas batters, claiming 5 of the 7 wickets that fell in the match.Chakravarthy's magical spell kept India in the hunt for a win despite defending a paltry score of 124. His former Kolkata Knight Riders teammate Dinesh Karthik took to social media to advocate for the spinner's selection, stating that "India would be making a grave error" if they overlooked him for the Champions Trophy.India captain Suryakumar Yadav also heaped praise on Chakravarthy, calling his performance "incredible" and "brilliant." However, the selection committee faces a dilemma as Chakravarthy has yet to make his ODI debut. Throwing an uncapped bowler into a tournament as prestigious as the Champions Trophy may not be the most prudent decision.Despite his lack of ODI experience, Chakravarthy's exceptional skills in the shortest format cannot be ignored. His ability to deceive batters with his variations and control makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket.If India decides to take a risk and include Chakravarthy in their Champions Trophy squad, they will have a potent weapon at their disposal. His ability to bowl economically and take wickets at crucial moments could prove invaluable in the high-pressure environment of the tournament.However, the selection committee must carefully weigh the pros and cons of selecting an uncapped player for such a significant event. They will need to consider Chakravarthy's ability to adapt to the longer format and the potential impact of the pressure on his performance.Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include Chakravarthy in the Champions Trophy squad will rest with the selectors. But if his performance in the T20I series against South Africa is any indication, he has the potential to be a game-changer for India in the upcoming tournament.

India's star batter Jemimah Rodrigues has acknowledged the team's subpar performance at the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE. India's campaign ended in the group stage, with a tough loss to New Zealand, followed by victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, a nine-run defeat to Australia and Pakistan's subsequent loss to New Zealand dashed India's hopes of advancing.Rodrigues expressed disappointment with the team's performance, stating that they "didn't play the best cricket that we should have played as an Indian team." She emphasized that each player is aware of their shortcomings and is determined to improve.With the ODI World Cup scheduled for next year in India, Rodrigues expressed confidence that the hosts will learn from their mistakes and prepare well for the 50-over tournament. She stressed the importance of individual accountability and teamwork in achieving success.Rodrigues also highlighted the benefits of playing in global leagues like the WPL, WBBL, CPL, and The Hundred for Indian cricketers. She believes that these leagues provide opportunities to play against the best in the world and adapt to different conditions."Playing these foreign leagues and playing in WPL does help because you play against the best in the world in all these leagues. And at the same time, you get to play in different conditions," Rodrigues said.She added, "In India, we play in different conditions. Over here, every ground is too different to the other. I think that is one of the best parts of playing franchise cricket—that you get used to playing in different conditions."Rodrigues' insights underscore the importance of international exposure and the need for Indian cricketers to embrace global opportunities to enhance their skills and prepare for major tournaments.

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.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its unwillingness to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March 2025.The PCB received an email from the ICC stating that the BCCI had communicated its decision not to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. The PCB has forwarded the email to the Government of Pakistan for advice and guidance.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had previously stated that Pakistan would unveil its policy once it received something in writing from the ICC. The BCCI had earlier intimated the ICC about India's inability to travel to Pakistan, leaving the PCB with no option but to organize the Champions Trophy in a 'Hybrid Model.' However, Naqvi had also said that the 'Hybrid Model' was unacceptable to Pakistan.India has not sent its cricket team to Pakistan since 2008 when they last participated in the Asia Cup under Mahendra Singh Dhoni's captaincy. Pakistan has toured India for a bilateral white-ball series in 2012-13, the T20 World Cup in 2016, and the 50-over World Cup last year.As reported earlier, India will play all its matches in Dubai, and the high-profile India vs. Pakistan tie will also be held in the UAE. A BCCI source had earlier stated that the ICC would inform the host nation about the development and then finalize the tournament schedule.Dubai is the preferred location for India's matches due to its high stadium capacity and well-established infrastructure, as demonstrated during the recent Women's T20 World Cup. Last year, the Asia Cup, hosted by Pakistan, had to be held in a 'Hybrid Model' after India refused to tour the country.

Pakistan is considering legal action against India's refusal to participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy on Pakistani soil. Sources indicate that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may approach the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to resolve the dispute.The issue stems from India's long-standing refusal to play bilateral cricket series with Pakistan due to political tensions. While Pakistan traveled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy remains uncertain.Media reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has proposed a "hybrid" solution, where India would play its matches in Dubai. However, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has denied any such communication and insists that all matches must be held in Pakistan.The BCCI has reportedly informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. The ICC is expected to inform Pakistan about this development and finalize the tournament schedule accordingly.Naqvi has stated that if India does not participate in Pakistan, he will consult with the government for further instructions. Dubai is considered a suitable alternative venue for India's matches due to its large stadium capacity and recent hosting of the Women's T20 World Cup.The PCB's stance is supported by the fact that Pakistan has successfully hosted international cricket matches in recent years, including the 2022 Pakistan Super League final and the 2023 PSL matches in Karachi and Lahore.The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for the future of cricket between India and Pakistan. If CAS rules in favor of Pakistan, it could force India to reconsider its stance on bilateral series. Conversely, if CAS dismisses Pakistan's case, it could further strain relations between the two cricket boards.

India's upcoming T20I match against South Africa in Gqeberha has sparked speculation about potential changes to the playing XI. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra suggests that leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi may be dropped in favor of a two-spinner strategy.Chopra believes that Axar Patel's all-round abilities and Varun Chakaravarthy's recent performances make them indispensable. Chakaravarthy's ability to take key wickets, as evidenced in the first match, gives him an edge over Bishnoi.If India opts for two spinners, Chopra predicts that Chakaravarthy and Patel will be the chosen duo. However, the Gqeberha surface may favor a seam-bowling option, potentially opening the door for all-rounder Ramandeep Singh to make his debut.India's squad for the match includes:* Suryakumar Yadav (c)* Abhishek Sharma* Sanju Samson (wk)* Rinku Singh* Tilak Varma* Jitesh Sharma (wk)* Hardik Pandya* Axar Patel* Ramandeep Singh* Varun Chakravarthy* Ravi Bishnoi* Arshdeep Singh* Vijaykumar Vyshak* Avesh Khan* Yash Dayal

With India's upcoming five-match Test series against Australia looming, the form of star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has become a major talking point. The duo's recent struggles have raised concerns after India's embarrassing 0-3 whitewash at home to New Zealand.Rohit managed a mere 91 runs in six innings, while Kohli fared slightly better with 93 runs as India suffered a humiliating defeat. These poor performances have sparked calls for the duo to be dropped from the Test squad.However, former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes Rohit and Kohli's recent slump is primarily due to mental fatigue, evident in their shot selection."Take nothing away from New Zealand, but it tells me India are so fatigued. Some of their shot selection, the use of bowlers, and even Rohit coming out and saying he wasn't at his best - I just think it was mental fatigue. They've played so much cricket without a break, but it'll be a little kick up the backside for them," Clarke said on ESPN's Around the Wicket Podcast.Clarke expressed confidence that Rohit and Kohli can regain their form if they arrive in Australia refreshed."They know they've played well out here in Australia, and they'll still come here with plenty of talent and that self-belief, but hopefully fresh. That's the key for the Indian players. Virat Kohli - you can't be that good for such a long period of time and just turn the tap off. So once he freshens up, and Rohit Sharma the same, you'll see the best of them," he added.Meanwhile, India captain Rohit is likely to miss the first Test against Australia, scheduled to be played in Perth from November 22.India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy:* Rohit Sharma (C)* Jasprit Bumrah (VC)* Yashasvi Jaiswal* Abhimanyu Easwaran* Shubman Gill* Virat Kohli* KL Rahul* Rishabh Pant (WK)* Sarfaraz Khan* Dhruv Jurel (WK)* R Ashwin* R Jadeja* Mohd. Siraj* Akash Deep* Prasidh Krishna* Harshit Rana* Nitish Kumar Reddy* Washington SundarReserves:* Mukesh Kumar* Navdeep Saini* Khaleel Ahmed

India's upcoming tour of Australia poses significant challenges for the team, particularly in the batting department. Former batter Robin Uthappa believes that the squad needs players who can play a conventional style of cricket, emphasizing the importance of defense and patience.Uthappa suggests that KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are the most suitable candidates for this role. He notes that both players possess the ability to anchor the innings and provide stability to the batting lineup. Despite the team's preference for aggressive stroke-makers, Uthappa argues that a defensive approach is crucial in the challenging conditions of Australia.While Cheteshwar Pujara has been a key figure in India's previous Test victories Down Under, Uthappa believes there is still a place for him in the team. Pujara's experience and ability to grind out runs can be invaluable in the face of Australia's formidable bowling attack.Uthappa also discusses India's upcoming T20I series against South Africa. He highlights the importance of this series for Sanju Samson, who has been in impressive form recently. Uthappa believes that Samson has the potential to solidify his position in the team with a strong performance in this series.Additionally, Uthappa advocates for the inclusion of Ramandeep Singh and Yash Dayal in the T20I squad. He praises Singh's all-round abilities and Dayal's resilience and character. Uthappa believes that both players have the potential to make significant contributions to the team.