Cricket

Rohit Sharma's Availability for Border-Gavaskar Trophy Opener Remains UncertainIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's participation in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth remains in doubt. Rohit himself had expressed uncertainty about his availability due to a "personal reason," but recent reports suggest that he may travel to Australia with the first batch of players on November 10.While Rohit's presence in Australia does not guarantee his participation in the Perth Test, it indicates a potential change in his stance. Rumors have circulated that Rohit and his wife Ritika Sajdeh are expecting their second child, which could be the reason for his initial request for time off.According to India Today, Rohit will fly to Australia with the first group of players on Sunday, while the second batch will depart on Monday. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had to divide the team into two batches due to limited availability on commercial flights.However, Rohit's participation in the opening match is still subject to his personal situation. He could potentially return home before the match begins. Nevertheless, it appears that Rohit is keen on giving himself a chance to play."He is traveling but his participation in the 1st Test is yet not confirmed. Will see what happens next anything in regards to this. His availability is subject to his personal matter," an India Today source said.After the conclusion of the New Zealand Test series, Rohit had expressed uncertainty about his availability for the Perth match. "I am not sure of my availability for the first Test in Perth, Fingers Crossed," he had said.Rohit recently participated in a six-hour meeting with BCCI selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. The meeting covered various topics, including the reasons for India's 0-3 defeat against New Zealand.

Former Australian Test captain Ian Chappell has expressed concerns about the Indian batting lineup ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Chappell believes that if the Indian batters attempt to play over the top of the ball, they will be vulnerable to the extra bounce in Australian conditions.India's recent 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand at home has raised questions about the form of captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli. Chappell believes that the aging duo may be starting to decline, which could put pressure on the younger batters in the squad."India have got some batting problems," Chappell said. "Kohli and Rohit Sharma are both ageing, and you get to that point where people start talking about it and maybe it starts to creep into your head a little bit."However, Chappell also acknowledged that the Indian batters will be playing on good pitches in Australia. He warned that the extra bounce could expose any technical flaws in their batting."The only thing I'd say against that is they're coming to Australia where the pitches are pretty good, but there'll be the extra bounce and if they have gone over the top then the extra bounce will find them out," Chappell said.India has won the past two Test series in Australia, but former Australian skipper Mark Taylor believes that the pressure is now on the younger batters to make big runs."They (India) have moved on Pujara and they've moved on Rahane, and they've left Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, their best two players, but all of a sudden they've had a bit of a rocky period... and that has put pressure now on the younger guys and also their lower-order," Taylor said.The 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will see India and Australia play Test matches in Perth, Adelaide (pink-ball match), Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney from November 22 to January 7, 2025. It will be the first five-match Test series between India and Australia since 1991/92.

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

Ahead of the highly anticipated five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, the Indian men's cricket team management held a crucial meeting with the BCCI hierarchy. Captain Rohit Sharma, selection panel chairman Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir (via teleconferencing), BCCI president Roger Binny, and secretary Jay Shah were present at the meeting held at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai.While the meeting was initially scheduled to take place during the Pune Test, it was postponed due to the BCCI office-bearers' inability to travel. However, the timing of the meeting has raised eyebrows, coming on the heels of India's humiliating 0-3 series whitewash at home against New Zealand. The series loss has also put India's chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship in jeopardy.Sources close to the team management have indicated that the meeting focused primarily on charting out a roadmap for the upcoming tour rather than dwelling on the New Zealand series debacle. With Shah set to take over as the ICC Chair on December 1, this meeting may be his last with the team management in his current capacity.The Indian squad will depart for Perth in two batches, on November 10 and 11. The first Test commences on November 22. The team management is under immense pressure to turn things around after the New Zealand series, which saw India revert to the rank-turner policy. While the policy backfired, it has put additional pressure on Gambhir and Rohit, who have had a forgettable 2024 with the willow in Tests.Despite the recent setbacks, the Indian team remains confident of putting up a strong fight against Australia. The team boasts a wealth of experience and talent, including the likes of Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ravichandran Ashwin. However, they will need to adapt quickly to the Australian conditions and find a way to counter the formidable Australian bowling attack.

As Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma prepare for one of the most significant challenges of their careers in the upcoming Test series in Australia, former India head coach Greg Chappell believes the two stalwarts can rediscover their youthful energy and focus to reclaim their lost glory.Wounded by an unprecedented 0-3 home series defeat to New Zealand, India will look to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the marquee five-match Test series in Australia beginning on November 22. According to Chappell, the ageing Sharma and Kohli must summon the same drive and focus that once marked their prime years if India hopes to reclaim its form on foreign soil.Reflecting on a conversation with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar in 2005, Chappell shared insights into the hurdles players face as they age. Tendulkar had sought Chappell's perspective and asked, "Greg, why does batting become harder as you get older? Surely it should get easier?""I explained to him that the mental demands of batting intensify with age," Chappell wrote in a column for 'Sydney Morning Herald'. "Batting gets harder because you realize how hard it is to make runs at this level and how difficult it is to maintain the mental focus that is required to be successful," the Australian batting legend wrote.He said "it's not the eyesight or the reflexes that drop off" when a player starts ageing but "it's the intense focus that is required that becomes harder to sustain.""When one is younger, the mind is focused on making runs. As you age, the opposition has put work into finding your weaknesses, and you are more aware of the conditions and the situation of the game."As a young player, you don’t worry about the conditions or the situation of the game, you only see the ball and how to make runs," Chappell wrote, describing Rohit, Kohli, and Australian batting stalwart Steve Smith as the "giants" of current times."If you want to play like you did as a younger player, you have to rekindle the attitude and the thought processes that you had as a younger player. That is the greatest challenge for the ageing player,” Chappell had explained to Tendulkar.Chappell said the upcoming five-match Test series in Australia "will be as much a battle of wits and endurance as it will be of skill, with each player needing to summon the drive and adaptability of their younger selves.""This sentiment captures what Sharma, Kohli, and (Steve) Smith will confront this series. They know that opposition teams have scrutinized their techniques, studied their weaknesses, and developed strategies specifically to exploit even minor chinks."Against New Zealand, Kohli endured his lowest-ever aggregate in a home Test series where he batted at least six times, scoring only 93 runs at an average of 15.50, with one half-century. This poor run has lowered his Test average to 47.83 from a peak of 55.10 in October 2019 -- the first time it has dipped below 48 since November 2016. He has dropped out of top-20 batters in ICC Test rankings for the first time in a decade.Kohli dropped eight spots to 22nd in the rankings while Rohit slipped to 26th. "For Kohli, the task is one of rejuvenation. Known for his unmatched intensity, passion, and high standards, Kohli’s recent travails will have annoyed him," Chappell wrote."The aggressive mindset that propelled him to greatness must now coexist with patience and focus. He enters this series hungry to reiterate his authority as India’s most formidable batsman of his generation."For Rohit, according to Chappell, the challenge lies in balancing his aggressive instincts with the calculated caution that Test cricket demands. "As captain, he must maintain his own form while shouldering the pressure of leadership – a delicate balance he’ll need to master if India is to thrive."This Test series, then, is more than just another chapter in cricket; it is a testament to the challenges that father time presents to even the most skilled players." Each player is more than a celebrated cricketer; they are icons of the determination and skill that defines our game. This series will be a defining chapter in their legacies.""For Sharma, Kohli, and (Steve) Smith, the true battle is not against their opponents but against time itself," Chappell wrote.

Rohit Sharma's captaincy has come under scrutiny following India's 3-0 Test series defeat to New Zealand. The loss has raised questions about his tactical acumen, particularly in the face of pressure to perform in the upcoming series against Australia.New Zealand star Will Young has shed light on how he successfully countered Rohit's tactics during the recent Test series. Young revealed that he and his teammates had learned to master their skills on spin-friendly surfaces during their 2021 tour of India.In the 2023 series, Rohit and Ravindra Jadeja attempted to put pressure on Young by blocking the mid-off region. However, Young devised a counter-strategy, targeting full deliveries and hitting them over the top straight."I just felt that if the ball was full enough, I could try to reach it and smother the spin and get it over the top straight," Young explained. "And I had a chat to Daryl Mitchell about it in between overs and he said, 'Yeah, mate, just back yourself.'"Young's success in countering Rohit's tactics forced the Indian captain to change his strategy. The New Zealand batter's adaptability and ability to exploit the opposition's weaknesses highlight the importance of tactical flexibility in modern cricket.As India prepares for the Australia series, Rohit will need to find ways to improve his team's performance and silence the critics. The upcoming tour will be a crucial test of his leadership and tactical acumen.

India's recent humiliating 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand at home has sparked a firestorm of criticism, with fans demanding the retirement of veteran players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja. The team's dismal performance with both bat and ball has put the seniors under intense scrutiny.However, former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has urged fans to exercise patience and not rush to judgment after just one series loss. "What is the hurry boss? One bad series and already calling for the heads. I don't think so," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.Karthik believes that the calls for retirement are premature and that the players deserve a longer leash. "I think, if they don't do well in the next 10 Test matches, then we will come back to this question and then it becomes a fair question, considering its going to be another domestic season. For the moment, I don't think we need to group anyone anywhere," he added.Karthik acknowledged that India's performance against New Zealand was subpar in all departments. "A bit of everything. Our bowling was not up to the mark. Our spinners, especially the experienced ones, didn't gave a great series. Batting, without a doubt, we lack in ability to play spin," he said.The Indian batters have struggled to cope with spin bowling in recent times, a weakness that was ruthlessly exploited by the New Zealanders. "The defence game overall around the world has definitely decreased because of the white-ball formats that goes without saying but the Indian players have struggled to cope against spin," Karthik observed.India's next assignment is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia Down Under, starting on November 22 in Perth. The series will be a stern test for the Indian team, and the performance of the senior players will be under the microscope once again.

Suryakumar Yadav, India's T20I captain, has revealed the invaluable lessons he has learned from his predecessor, Rohit Sharma. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance and composure, Yadav credits Sharma's leadership philosophy for shaping his own approach to captaincy.According to Yadav, Sharma's philosophy revolves around staying grounded and maintaining a level head, even in the face of adversity. He has taught Yadav that life balance is essential for players to handle losses and setbacks without becoming overly emotional.As India's T20I captain, Yadav has adopted Sharma's approach of dedicating substantial time with teammates away from the cricket field. He believes that this enhances their performance during matches by fostering strong interpersonal relationships and camaraderie."Winning and losing is part and parcel of sports," said Yadav. "I have learnt from him (Rohit) that in life, balance is important. After doing well, even if you lose, your character should not change. This is one quality a sportsman should have."Yadav views Sharma as a true leader who goes beyond the role of a captain. He has observed Sharma's calm demeanor, his ability to treat players with respect, and his keen understanding of their mental state."A leader is one who decides how his team plays a particular format," said Yadav. "I have been noticing him for nearly ten years. I know how he treats his players, what he wants from them. That route I have also taken as he has been successful."Yadav has customized Sharma's approach to align with his own leadership style and requirements. He believes that understanding players' mental state and emotional well-being is crucial for maximizing their potential performance."You have to understand what's happening around and what's going on in their minds," said Yadav. "There needs to be a comfort level as they have different types of skill sets. The freedom to express themselves is very important and I am trying to give them that."Yadav's adoption of Sharma's leadership principles has been evident in his own captaincy style. He has fostered a positive and supportive environment within the team, encouraging players to express themselves and perform to the best of their abilities.

India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav remains determined to add to his solitary Test cap, despite his impressive T20I credentials. The 34-year-old has been actively participating in domestic cricket, including the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy, in an effort to earn a Test recall."When the time comes, I will make a Test comeback," Yadav asserted. "I am playing all the domestic tournaments, be it red-ball or white-ball. I don't miss any game. If that [Test comeback] has to happen, it will happen."Yadav also expressed his support for Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma, who has faced criticism following India's 3-0 Test series whitewash at home against New Zealand. "In sports, winning and losing are common. Everyone works hard, everyone wants to win," Yadav said. "For me, the most important thing in life is the balance. Whether he's [Rohit] doing well or not, his character does not change. That is one quality which I feel a sportsman should always have."As T20I captain, Yadav has learned valuable lessons from Rohit, particularly in handling youngsters. "I know how he [Rohit] treats the players, what he wants from them. So that route I have also taken because he's been very successful recently," Yadav explained. "I try to replicate that. When I am on the ground, I keep noticing how his body language is, how calm he is under pressure situations, how he talks to the bowlers, how he treats everyone on the field and off the field."Under Yadav's leadership, India has achieved impressive results in T20Is, winning 11 out of 13 matches. Yadav attributes this success to providing his players with freedom and clarity. "You have to understand what's happening around, what's going on in their [the players'] minds and it is very important to give them that comfort," he said. "Everyone has different skillset, and they also want to come out and express themselves. So that freedom is very important when they get onto the field and that is what I try and give."India's T20I squad for the South Africa series includes several young players, and Yadav believes they have made his job easier. "They have made my job very easy if you've seen the last two to three series," Yadav said. "I have told them to keep the needs of the team in front, and whatever calls they take, we are here to back them."Despite the bouncy nature of South African pitches, Yadav is confident in India's ability to perform well. "We do play on good bouncy pitches back home in India also. There are quite a few, so it's nothing new for us," he said. "And we played here last year. We know what the conditions are and what the ground and wicket have for us. We have our game plan, we'll back that and are very excited for the series ahead."