Cricket

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, has been enduring a lean patch in recent times. His batting form has been a cause of concern, with the former Indian captain failing to accumulate 100 runs in six innings during the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand. However, as India embarks on the highly anticipated Test series against Australia, expectations are high that Kohli will rediscover his old self and lead the team to success.Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Kohli's "in-the-face" attitude will be crucial in the upcoming series. Shastri expects Kohli to be fired up and ready to take on the challenge of facing the formidable Australian bowling attack. He drew parallels between Kohli and Australian batter Steve Smith, suggesting that both players possess the ability to dominate a series if they get a couple of good knocks under their belt.Shastri also highlighted the importance of a strong start for Kohli. He believes that if Kohli can get off to a good start in the first two or three innings, he can set the tone for the series and help India gain an early advantage.However, the Indian team has faced criticism for its lack of organized warm-up matches ahead of the series. Shastri admitted that he would have preferred to see India's first XI take on a team in an organized contest. However, he also expressed satisfaction with the intra-squad three-day simulation game that the players were involved in.Despite the challenges, Shastri remains confident in India's chances of success in Australia. He believes that the team has the talent and experience to overcome the odds and emerge victorious.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 22-year-old Indian opener, has made a remarkable start to his Test career with three daddy hundreds in just 14 matches. His impressive double centuries against England at home and a 171 on debut in the West Indies have earned him a reputation as one of the most promising young batters in the world.However, Jaiswal's biggest challenge lies ahead as India prepare to face Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). The challenging conditions Down Under will test his grit, determination, and mental toughness to the limits.Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Jaiswal has the potential to thrive in Australia and emerge as an even better player after the tour. "I think he'll be a better player when he leaves Australian shores. Already, he’s world-class,” Shastri said.Shastri praised Jaiswal's freedom of play and his ability to score freely. He believes that once the youngster settles into the Australian conditions, he will be a force to reckon with. "If he can see that phase through, he will love these pitches. He scores freely and has the temperament to thrive in tough conditions,” Shastri added.Jaiswal will be playing his first-ever match in Australia when the BGT commences in Perth on November 22. He is likely to open the batting alongside KL Rahul in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma.The Indian team has been preparing diligently for the series, with extended net sessions and simulation matches at the WACA stadium in Perth. They had their first training session at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Tuesday, the venue of the first Test.Jaiswal's performance in Australia will be closely watched by fans and experts alike. If he can overcome the challenges posed by the bouncy Australian tracks and the formidable Australian bowling attack, he will cement his status as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has urged Virat Kohli to rediscover his aggressive form during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia. Shastri believes that facing the Aussies on their home turf could reignite Kohli's fire and help him regain his lost touch.Kohli has struggled for consistency in recent years, scoring only two centuries in his last 60 innings. His performances in the recent Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand were particularly disappointing, with the 36-year-old managing just 192 runs in 10 innings.Shastri, who coached India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, believes that Kohli needs to bring back his aggression to succeed Down Under. "You mellow with age, don't you? But I think at the start of the Test series, you might just see (Kohli) firing again. He needs to be, I'd like to see him (like that) again," said Shastri.Shastri also highlighted the importance of Steve Smith for Australia. "In the face, that's Kohli," said Shastri. "Come Australia, he'll get his juices going. It's (about) how he starts off, and for Australia, it's with Steve Smith. These guys, don't write them off – because if they get cracking in the first two or three innings, they'll have a good series."India will defend the BGT in a five-Test series, beginning with the tour opener in Perth on November 22. The series is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams boasting world-class players.

India's recent loss to New Zealand at home has left a bitter taste in their mouths, and former captain and coach Ravi Shastri believes the team needs to start strong in the upcoming Test series against Australia to put that defeat behind them.Shastri pointed out that India was "caught unawares" by New Zealand, who ended India's unbeaten run at home that lasted over 12 years and 18 series. He believes that the team will be hurting after this defeat and will be eager to bounce back."The best way to bounce back from such a series is to start off another series in a good manner, so the first two Test matches become extremely crucial going ahead," Shastri said.He emphasized the importance of the coaching staff, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, in ensuring that the players are in a "good state of mind" going into the five-Test affair starting on November 22 at Optus Stadium in Perth."The most important thing will be to ensure that they start off well; they keep the players in a good state of mind. That will be the most important thing for the coach," he said.Shastri, who was India's head coach during their series wins Down Under in 2018-19 and 2020-21, urged India to draw confidence from those feats."It's playing on their mind, confidence-wise. You can't go to the negatives. Think about the positives," he said."Think about what you did in Australia last time around and take it ahead from there. Put what (has) happened behind you. These are different conditions and some of the tracks in Australia when you get in are probably the best to bat," Shastri said."I think it will be totally different, the conditions when they get out there," he added.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has hailed Rishabh Pant's recovery from a horrific car accident as a "miracle." Shastri visited Pant in the hospital shortly after the incident and was initially uncertain about his cricketing future."Honestly, if you had seen him, you would not have given him a hope in hell to play cricket again," Shastri said. "He was in terrible shape. I went to see him in hospital a month after he was injured. He was battered and bruised, scarred all over."Pant underwent a major operation and had stitches all over his body. Shastri said that from that point, for him to recover and play cricket again was a miracle."To then go on and play in a World Cup-winning team and be a part of the Test team is a truly remarkable achievement," Shastri added.Pant has been in incredible form since his return to the game, averaging 62 on his two tours of Australia. Shastri said that Pant returns to Australia for this tour in form and as a man Australia fears, an unthinkable prospect when he was bailed up in hospital unable to walk."When you speak to him now, the respect he has for the game is even more," Shastri said. "He was nowhere. Suddenly he is back and he values that. But I have seen him work really, really hard over the past few months to get in to the shape he is to play Test cricket."Pant's accident occurred in December 2022 while he was returning to his hometown from New Delhi. He had a narrow escape thanks to some good Samaritans and his own presence of mind, which prompted him to break the windshield of his car."First time in my life I had that feeling of letting it go. I felt my time in this world was over," Pant had said. "When my accident happened, I felt something spiritual saved me. I can't even imagine how much worse it could have been. Doctors even spoke to me about amputation."Pant was later airlifted to Mumbai, where he underwent reconstruction in three knee ligaments."I asked the doctor how long it would take for me to recover. He said it would take 16 to 18 months," Pant said. "I told the doctor that whatever timeline he gave me, I would reduce six months from it."Pant's determination and hard work have paid off, and he is now back playing at the highest level. His recovery is a testament to his resilience and the power of the human spirit.

Ravi Shastri, India's former head coach, has revealed his predicted playing XI for the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia in Perth. With regular captain Rohit Sharma likely to miss the match, Shastri believes Shubman Gill should open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.Shastri also suggested that KL Rahul should bat at No. 3, followed by Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel. Jurel, who impressed in the unofficial Tests against Australia A, could play as a specialist batter, according to Shastri.In the middle order, Shastri believes pushing Gill up the order would allow India to strengthen their batting lineup. He also suggested that Ravindra Jadeja should be preferred over Ravichandran Ashwin as the lone spinner in Perth's bouncy conditions.Shastri further proposed that all-rounder Nitish Reddy could be included as the fourth fast bowler, giving India an additional seam-up option alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj.Shastri emphasized the importance of the opening match in setting the tone for the series, which will be contested over five Tests for the first time. He believes that India should field their strongest possible team to secure a positive start.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has expressed optimism that Virat Kohli can rediscover his form during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Kohli's recent Test performances have been below par, with only one half-century in the five matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand.Shastri believes that composure will be key for Kohli's success in Australia. "Your juices are flowing, you're charged up. It's again a case with Virat. You want to see calmness because at times you are over-eager to get out there and throw the first punch," Shastri said on the ICC Review show.He emphasized the importance of Kohli avoiding rushing his innings. "But I think that calmness in the first half an hour where he gets out to bat or in the first three innings of the series will be extremely important. If he can be calm and play the game at his own pace rather than being in a hurry, I think he'll be fine," Shastri added.Kohli has a strong track record in Australia, with 1352 runs in 13 matches at an average of 54.08. He has also scored six centuries and four fifties in Australia. Shastri expressed confidence in Kohli's ability to perform well in familiar conditions."Well, the King is back in his territory. That's all I will tell them. When you've earned that title after your exploits in Australia, it will be on your (opponent's) mind when you go out to bat," said Shastri.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on November 22nd and will feature five Test matches, marking the first time since 1991/92 that the series will have these many games.

Ravi Shastri Recalls Extravagant Eating and Drinking Habits During Playing DaysFormer India head coach Ravi Shastri has shared some amusing anecdotes from his playing days, revealing the excessive eating and drinking habits he and his teammate Sandeep Patil indulged in during international tours.At the launch event of Patil's autobiography, "Beyond Boundaries," Shastri reminisced about their voracious appetites. "We used to get much more money than any of the Test cricketers get today," he said. "We were one pair (Shastri and Sandip Patil) that never took home any money. We would eat like pigs."Shastri recalled an incident where the room service staff was astonished by the sheer quantity of food they had ordered. "We were never short of liquid as well," he added. "We were thirsty from a very young age. The game used to end at 5.30 and by 6.30 wet wicket would start."Despite their extravagant lifestyle, Shastri and Patil were highly successful cricketers. Shastri played 80 Tests and 150 ODIs for India, scoring close to 7000 runs and taking 280 wickets combined. Patil, known for his aggressive batting, played 25 Tests and 45 ODIs.After retiring from playing, Shastri embarked on a successful career as a commentator and later served as India team director and head coach. Under his leadership, India achieved two historic Test series wins in Australia.Shastri's candid nature and willingness to share his experiences have made him a popular figure in the cricket world. His anecdotes provide a glimpse into the camaraderie and excesses that characterized the golden era of Indian cricket.

India's No-Ball Woes Mar Impressive Start in Mumbai TestThe third and final Test between India and New Zealand in Mumbai got off to a lively start, with the Indian bowlers making early inroads but also struggling with a surprising number of no-balls.Off-spinner Washington Sundar led the Indian attack with two wickets, while Akash Deep claimed the first breakthrough. However, the bowlers' performance was marred by a series of no-ball infractions, with Sundar alone responsible for five. Jadeja and Akash also contributed three no-balls, bringing the total to eight by the middle of the second session.The no-ball problem drew the attention of commentator Ravi Shastri, who quipped that former Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar would have been furious. "Sunil Gavaskar was having lunch. He chucked the plate on the wall," Shastri said. "Thank god he's (Gavaskar) not fielding in the slip otherwise Washington would have been close to Washington DC."Gavaskar, who became the first cricketer to score 10,000 Test runs, has been a vocal critic of no-balls in cricket.Despite the no-ball issues, the Indian bowlers managed to restrict New Zealand to 92 runs for the loss of three wickets at lunch break. The visitors opted to bat first after winning the toss, hoping to sweep the series.The Indian bowlers' struggles with no-balls will be a concern for captain Virat Kohli, who will be keen to avoid a repeat of the second Test in Kanpur, where India conceded 39 no-balls.