Cricket

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed concerns over KL Rahul's form as an opener ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Manjrekar believes Rahul's recent performances lack confidence and suggests he would be better suited in the middle order.Rahul's form has been inconsistent, with Manjrekar noting that he is "not setting the stage on fire" as an opening option. He attributes this to a lack of confidence, which is evident in Rahul's body language and shot selection.Manjrekar proposes that Rahul would be more effective in the middle order, citing his successful performance as No. 6 during India's tour of South Africa. He believes Rahul's ability to handle the softer Kookaburra ball and bat with the tailenders would make him a valuable asset in that position.Rahul's availability for the first Test is also in question after he was hit on the elbow during a practice match simulation. While he resumed practice on Sunday, his batting appeared slightly off. This injury, coupled with Shubman Gill's thumb injury, has raised concerns about India's opening options.Manjrekar's analysis highlights the importance of form and confidence in the opening position. Rahul's struggles have put pressure on the Indian team to find a reliable opener who can set the tempo for the innings. With the first Test just days away, Rahul's fitness and form will be closely monitored as India seeks to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India's Test XI for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth is shaping up to prioritize pace and bounce, given the conditions at Optus Stadium. With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill unavailable, KL Rahul is likely to return to the top of the order, while Devdutt Padikkal is expected at No. 3.Dhruv Jurel is a strong contender for the No. 6 spot, having impressed with his fielding and batting in the nets. Sarfaraz Khan, another contender, had a less impressive day.Nitish Kumar Reddy is being considered as a bowling all-rounder, capable of extending India's batting depth to No. 8. Ravindra Jadeja is likely to take the spin bowling spot, given Australia's left-handed batting lineup.The pace attack is still uncertain, with Harshit Rana gaining momentum after his performance in match simulations. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep are also in contention, while Prasidh Krishna has shown promise in the nets.India's XI is likely to be inexperienced, with Jurel, Reddy, Rana, Prasidh, and Padikkal having played only seven Tests combined. However, the team is banking on their potential to adapt to the challenging conditions in Perth.

Indian Cricket Team's Lighthearted Photoshoot Highlights Camaraderie Ahead of Border-Gavaskar TrophyAs the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, the Indian cricket team has engaged in a lighthearted and memorable photoshoot, offering fans a glimpse into their camaraderie and the playful banter that characterizes their interactions.Among the participants were Sarfaraz Khan, Mohammed Siraj, and the ever-charismatic Virat Kohli. In a moment captured by the BCCI's social media team, Sarfaraz and Siraj were heard calling Kohli a "legend" as he wrapped up his segment.Despite his ongoing struggles with consistency in all formats of the game, Kohli's stature as a global cricket icon continues to inspire those around him. In another playful interaction, KL Rahul was asked to name the most famous contact on his phone. Without hesitation, Rahul responded, "Virat Kohli," showcasing the batting maestro's unparalleled status both on and off the field.Beyond the lighthearted moments, the team's preparations for the series have been meticulous. Match simulations have been taking place to prepare Team India for one of the biggest challenges of the year. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting November 22 at Perth's Optus Stadium, promises to be a thrilling showdown between two cricketing giants, India and Australia.With five intense Test matches on the cards, the series holds immense significance as both teams vie for supremacy in the longest format. India, led by Jasprit Bumrah in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, will look to build on their historic success in Australia during their last two visits. Meanwhile, Australia, buoyed by home advantage and a formidable squad, will aim to reclaim their lost legacy against India.The Indian team's camaraderie and lighthearted interactions, as captured in the photoshoot, serve as a reminder of the team's unity and determination as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will feature a star-studded list of 574 players, including Indian stalwarts Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Arshdeep Singh.Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, is expected to command the highest bid, with teams like Punjab Kings eager to secure his services. Other top-tier Indian players include Iyer, the IPL-winning captain; Arshdeep, India's leading T20I bowler; Rahul, the stylish opener; Mohammed Shami, the experienced pacer; Mohammed Siraj, the rising star; Yuzvendra Chahal, the wily leg-spinner; and Avesh Khan, the promising fast bowler.The auction will also see a strong contingent of overseas players, with 81 in the top base price bracket of Rs 2 crore. England's Jos Buttler, Harry Brook, and Jonny Bairstow are among the most sought-after, while South Africa's Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, Australia's Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, and Mitchell Starc are also highly rated.Notably, retired England pacer James Anderson has made the cut despite T20 not being his forte. Other notable overseas players include Marco Jansen and Rachin Ravindra, both priced at Rs 1.25 crore.The auction will also feature 48 capped Indians and 193 capped overseas players. Former India U-19 World Cup-winning captain Unmukt Chand, now an Associate member nation player, has made the cut, while Saurabh Nethravalkar, who impressed during the T20 World Cup, was not shortlisted.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Auction is poised to be a grand spectacle, set to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This mega auction will witness a pool of 574 players, including 366 Indians and 208 overseas players, vying for the attention of the 10 IPL franchises.Among the marquee players set to go under the hammer are Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, and Mohammed Siraj. These star performers have proven their mettle in both domestic and international cricket, making them highly sought-after commodities.The auction will be conducted by Mallika Sagar, who has successfully handled the Women's Premier League (WPL) auction and the IPL 2024 auction. The bidding war is expected to be intense, with franchises eager to secure the services of these exceptional players.Wicketkeeper-batters are likely to be in high demand, and KL Rahul stands out as a prime candidate. His consistent performances and captaincy experience make him a valuable asset for any team. Rishabh Pant, known for his explosive batting and leadership abilities, is another player who is expected to fetch a hefty sum.Ishan Kishan, another explosive wicketkeeper-batter, has also proven his worth in the IPL and on the international stage. His ability to score runs quickly and his wicketkeeping skills make him a highly desirable player.Other players who are expected to attract significant interest include Shreyas Iyer, a talented batter and former captain, and Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm pacer who has impressed with his performances in the IPL and for India.The IPL 2025 Auction promises to be a thrilling event, with franchises vying to build their squads for the upcoming season. The presence of marquee players and the intense bidding war will undoubtedly make this auction one of the most memorable in IPL history.

KL Rahul's poor form in Test cricket has raised concerns ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. However, Dhruv Jurel has emerged as a strong contender for a spot in the playing XI after his impressive performances for India A in the unofficial Test series against Australia A.Rahul, who was sent to Australia early to gain some match practice, failed to impress in the second match, scoring only 4 and 10. In contrast, Jurel grabbed his opportunities with both hands, scoring 80 and 68 in the two innings. He was India A's top-scoring batter in both innings, making a strong case for his inclusion in the senior team.Jurel's batting was not the only aspect that impressed. He also showed good skills behind the gloves, taking a remarkable catch of Jimmy Peirson off the bowling of Prasidh Krishna. However, it is unlikely that he will replace Rishabh Pant as the wicket-keeper for the first Test in Perth.Jurel is expected to play as a pure batter in the first Test. His temperament and ability to perform under pressure, especially in his first time playing in Australia, have earned him praise from experts.Prasidh Krishna was another standout performer for India A. He claimed 2 and 4 wickets in the two innings respectively and also contributed with the bat, scoring 14 and 29. His all-round performance has also put him in contention for a spot in the Perth Test playing XI.Overall, the second unofficial Test against Australia A has provided some positive signs for India. Jurel and Krishna have shown that they are capable of performing at the highest level, and they will be hoping to continue their good form in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

KL Rahul's struggles with form continued during India A's second unofficial Test against Australia A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the Indian opener drawing sharp criticism following a bizarre dismissal. With just weeks left before the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rahul's failure to capitalize on a key opportunity has ignited a flurry of reactions on social media.Drafted into the India A side to regain form ahead of the series, Rahul had an underwhelming outing in both innings. After scoring just 4 in the first innings as part of India A's early collapse, he had a chance to redeem himself in the second innings. However, his dismissal in a peculiar fashion left fans and critics stunned.Facing spinner Corey Rocchiccioli in the 18th over, Rahul, who had already played 43 deliveries, chose not to offer a shot to a tossed-up delivery that turned to the middle stump. He padded the ball away, but it deflected off his pad and onto the stumps, resulting in his dismissal for 10 off 44 balls.Rahul appeared to misjudge the ball's trajectory, expecting it to spin down the leg side, only for it to sneak through his legs and dislodge the bails. Shaking his head in frustration, Rahul walked back to the pavilion, his dismissal leaving fans speechless.The uncharacteristic dismissal has further amplified concerns over Rahul's form ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Social media exploded with reactions, with many fans expressing frustration at the batter's continued vulnerability to spin and his lack of confidence.Some users sarcastically commented, "Even your haters are feeling sad for you now," while others described it an "innovates new ways to throw wicket."Rahul, who has faced intense scrutiny over his performances in recent months, was hoping to use the unofficial Test series as a platform to regain form. However, this latest setback has sparked doubts about his readiness for the upcoming Test series against Australia.

India A's hopes of a Test recall for KL Rahul and other candidates suffered a setback as Australia A's Michael Neser wreaked havoc on their batting lineup on the opening day of their four-day clash at the MCG.Sent in on a green, bouncy pitch, India A collapsed to 65 for 5 at lunch, with Neser claiming 4 for 16 from eight overs. The damage began in the opening over when Neser dismissed Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sai Sudharsan in consecutive deliveries.Rahul, who was hoping to impress as an opener, was caught behind for four by Scott Boland. Ruturaj Gaikwad also fell cheaply, edging Neser to second slip.Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel steadied the innings with a 43-run partnership, but Neser broke the stand with a superb delivery that induced Padikkal to slice a catch to gully.Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney rotated his bowlers effectively, with Nathan McAndrew, Beau Webster, and Corey Rocchiccioli providing support to Neser and Boland.India A's batting woes continued after lunch, with Jurel (24*) and Sarfaraz Khan (12*) holding on amidst the carnage. However, the visitors still face an uphill battle to recover from their disastrous start.

India's Test team has come under intense scrutiny following their disappointing loss to New Zealand in the recently concluded home series. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia looming, the team management has taken a bold decision to send star batters KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel to Australia early.The move has raised eyebrows, as it suggests a lack of confidence in the current batting lineup. Former India opener Aakash Chopra expressed his concerns, stating that the decision to send Rahul and Jurel early indicates "a lot of concern over India's batting."Chopra questioned the timing of the team selection, suggesting that it may have been premature to name the squad before the New Zealand series. He pointed out that Sai Sudharsan, who impressed in Australia with his batting, could have been included in the team.However, Chopra acknowledged that Rahul and Jurel have not had enough game time in India and that sending them to Australia could provide them with an opportunity to find form and score runs. He also expressed his preference for Rahul over Sarfaraz Khan, despite Khan's impressive century against New Zealand."If you ask me to choose between Rahul and Sarfaraz for the Australia tour, I will pick the former though the latter has scored 150 against New Zealand," Chopra said. "And even between Jurel and Sarfaraz, I might still be tempted with the former."India's tour of Australia will begin on November 22 with a five-match Test series. The team will be desperate to win at least four matches to qualify for the World Test Championship final next year. The early arrival of Rahul and Jurel is a sign of the team's determination to address their batting concerns and put up a strong challenge in Australia.