Cricket

Tours to Australia have consistently been a crucible for Indian cricketers, forging new heroes who rise to the challenge of world-class opposition, unforgiving pitches, and relentless scrutiny. Here are some of the most notable players who have emerged from the fire of Australian tours:Sachin Tendulkar & Javagal Srinath (1991-92):Despite India's 4-0 thrashing, this tour marked the arrival of two legends. Sachin Tendulkar, an 18-year-old prodigy, announced his presence with an unbeaten 148 in Sydney and a brave 114 in Perth. Javagal Srinath, with his pace and bounce, showed the promise that would make him India's pace spearhead.VVS Laxman (1999-2000):Amidst a disappointing series, VVS Laxman crafted one of his finest knocks. His scintillating 167 at the SCG showcased his elegance and dominance against a formidable Australian attack. It was a counter-attacking masterpiece that earned him respect from fans and foes alike.Irfan Pathan (2003-04):At just 19, Irfan Pathan made his debut in Adelaide, dismissing legends like Steve Waugh and Adam Gilchrist with his reverse swing and precision. Despite modest returns, he hinted at his immense potential.Virender Sehwag (2003-04):Known for his audacious strokeplay, Sehwag lit up the MCG with a swashbuckling 195. Though he missed a double ton, his knock left an indelible mark, cementing his reputation as a fearless opener.Ishant Sharma (2007-08):At 19, Ishant Sharma produced a memorable spell at the WACA, tormenting Ricky Ponting with pace, bounce, and accuracy. His fiery spell not only helped India win the Test but also changed his career trajectory.Cheteshwar Pujara (2018-19 and 2020-21):Pujara was the cornerstone of India's historic first series win in Australia. His marathon knocks, including three centuries, blunted Australia's attack and helped India achieve a landmark 2-1 victory. In the 2020-21 tour, he again played a key role with three half-centuries.Virat Kohli (2011-12 and 2013-14):In 2011-12, a young Virat Kohli stood tall amidst India's 4-0 whitewash, scoring his maiden Test hundred in Adelaide. By the 2013-14 series, he had evolved into a leader and batting maestro, leading India with intent and scoring 692 runs at 86.50.Rishabh Pant (2018-19 and 2020-21):Pant impressed on his first tour to Australia with 350 runs, including a brilliant 159* at the SCG. In 2020-21, he became a phenomenon. His heroic 97 in Sydney saved a Test, while his unbeaten 89 in Brisbane helped India pull off an incredible heist.Mohammed Siraj & Shubman Gill (2020-21):Siraj, shouldering the pace attack amid injuries, took 13 wickets, including a five-wicket haul in Brisbane. Shubman Gill, making his Test debut, scored 259 runs at 51.80. Their contributions were crucial in India's 2-1 triumph.These players have not only showcased their talent but also inspired future generations of Indian cricketers to conquer the challenges of Australian tours.

Sachin Tendulkar's Unwavering Resilience: A Tale of Courage and DeterminationFormer Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly recently shared an inspiring anecdote about the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, highlighting his extraordinary resilience and unwavering determination.During the 2003 World Cup, India, led by Ganguly, reached the final against Australia. Tendulkar, known as the "Master Blaster," emerged as the tournament's highest run-scorer with an impressive 673 runs.In a recent event, Ganguly was asked to name a living person he most admires. Without hesitation, he named Tendulkar. Ganguly then recounted an incident that showcased Tendulkar's remarkable toughness."I have seen him close and I have seen him get hit in the rib cage by Shoaib Akhtar," Ganguly revealed. "He did not make any noise, got runs, and the next morning, he had a double fracture."Ganguly's account left fans awestruck. Tendulkar's ability to endure pain and continue playing despite a serious injury is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game."I heard a sound and I went on to ask him, 'Are you okay?' He said, 'Yeah, fine.' Next morning, he had two fractures but he scored runs for India," Ganguly added.Tendulkar's resilience extended beyond physical injuries. In 2003, he was wrongly given out leg-before-wicket (LBW) by umpire Steve Bucknor in a crucial match against Australia. Despite the setback, Tendulkar remained focused and continued to perform at the highest level.Tendulkar's unwavering determination and ability to overcome adversity have made him an inspiration to countless cricket fans around the world. His legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time is not only due to his exceptional batting skills but also his indomitable spirit and unwavering resilience.

As India embark on a highly anticipated five-match Test series against Australia, star batter Virat Kohli stands on the cusp of etching his name into the annals of cricket history. The former India captain, who endured a disappointing home Test series against New Zealand, will be eager to make amends and shatter several records during the tour.Kohli, who has amassed 1,352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08 in Australia, needs just 458 more to surpass batting legend Sachin Tendulkar as India's all-time leading run scorer in Tests Down Under. Tendulkar, who toured Australia for the final time during the 2011-12 series, accumulated 1809 runs in 20 away Tests against the Aussies, averaging an impressive 53.20.Kohli is also the joint leader in terms of centuries scored by an Indian batter in Australia, alongside Tendulkar. Both players have notched up six Test centuries on Australian soil. The upcoming series presents Kohli with an opportunity to break this record and establish himself as the most prolific Indian century-maker in Australia.In the lead-up to the first Test, Kohli has dominated headlines in Australian media. Opposition players have heaped praise on the former India captain, but all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has injected a touch of humor into the build-up. Marsh joked that he plans to shoulder charge Kohli whenever he reaches 30 runs.Meanwhile, pacer Mitchell Starc, who played alongside Kohli for two seasons in the IPL with Royal Challengers Bangalore, has indicated that he has no intention of engaging in sledging with the talismanic batter. Starc believes that the focus should be on the cricket and enjoying the contest.Kohli's quest for records and his ability to rise to the occasion against formidable opponents will be closely watched throughout the series. If he can overcome the challenges posed by Australia's formidable bowling attack and achieve his goals, he will further cement his status as one of the greatest batters of all time.

The legendary bond between Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. Despite their contrasting personalities, these two icons shared a deep respect for each other's skills and contributions to the team.Ganguly, the former Indian captain, often credited Tendulkar as a calming influence and a constant support during his tenure. When faced with challenges, Sachin stood by him, providing both moral and tactical support. Similarly, Ganguly acknowledged Sachin's strategic insights, referring to him as the "team's think tank."Their camaraderie extended beyond the field, as they often faced off against the fiery Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar in high-octane matches. Tendulkar and Ganguly, with their contrasting styles, neutralized Akhtar's threat by rotating the strike and counter-attacking. Their left-right combination forced Akhtar to adjust his line and length constantly, reducing his effectiveness.In a viral video, Ganguly expressed his admiration for Tendulkar, recalling an incident where Sachin suffered a double fracture in his rib cage after being hit by Akhtar. Despite the pain, Tendulkar continued to bat, showcasing his unwavering determination.Akhtar, too, has repeatedly expressed admiration for both Sachin and Sourav, calling them two of the best players of his era. He described Sachin as "calm and calculating," while Ganguly was "gritty and gutsy," praising both as challenging opponents for different reasons.The battles between Sachin, Sourav, and Shoaib represent the golden era of India-Pakistan cricket, marked by intensity, skill, and mutual respect. These encounters were more than just cricket-they were a spectacle of sportsmanship and passion, making them unforgettable for fans.Tendulkar and Ganguly's partnership defined an era of Indian cricket where the team started believing in its ability to dominate globally. Their friendship and on-field success continue to inspire young cricketers worldwide, serving as a testament to the power of teamwork and mutual respect.

Sachin Tendulkar's Social Media Post Reignites Controversy over Steve Bucknor's Controversial DecisionsLegendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar's recent social media post has sparked a storm among fans, reigniting the debate over former umpire Steve Bucknor's controversial decisions against the batting maestro.Bucknor, known for his deliberate decision-making style, earned the nickname "Slow Death" during his illustrious career. However, his reputation was tarnished by two high-profile blunders involving Tendulkar, one at the Gabba in 2003 and the other at Eden Gardens in 2005.In the 2003 Test between India and Australia, Bucknor controversially gave Tendulkar out LBW off Jason Gillespie, despite replays showing the ball would have gone over the stumps. This error denied Tendulkar a chance to continue his innings and sparked widespread outrage among fans.The second incident occurred in 2005 during a Test against Pakistan at Eden Gardens. Tendulkar was given out caught behind off Abdul Razzaq, despite no contact with the ball. The delivery, which swung away from Tendulkar, ended a promising innings and shifted the match's momentum.Tendulkar's recent social media post, featuring an image of three trees resembling big wickets, asked fans to guess which umpire made the stumps feel this big. The post quickly went viral, with fans flooding the comments section with replies naming Bucknor.The decisions made by Bucknor during those two crucial matches have remained significant moments of debate in cricket history, cementing his legacy for his contentious decisions. Despite being regarded as one of the best umpires of his time, Bucknor's errors against Tendulkar have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Former Indian cricketer WV Raman has sparked a debate within the cricket community by suggesting that legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar be appointed as a batting consultant for Team India ahead of the 2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Raman believes that Tendulkar's expertise could prove invaluable in helping India prepare for the crucial series against Australia.With the second Test of the BGT still several months away, Raman argues that there is ample time for Tendulkar to make a significant impact. He points out that the involvement of consultants has become increasingly common in modern cricket, and that Tendulkar's experience and knowledge would be a valuable asset to the Indian team.The BGT holds immense significance for India, as it falls at a pivotal moment in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 cycle. Australia and India currently occupy the top two spots in the WTC standings, but India's recent 3-0 loss to New Zealand has dented their chances of reaching the finals. A strong showing against Australia could reignite their WTC campaign.For veteran batter Virat Kohli, the BGT represents a critical juncture. Kohli's recent performances have been under scrutiny, particularly his struggles with spin in the New Zealand series and his absence from the domestic Duleep Trophy. The series could offer him a chance to silence critics, and the support of Tendulkar might help both Kohli and other players refine their batting approaches against Australia's formidable bowling lineup.The Indian team has already begun training at the WACA in Perth, under heavy security and privacy measures, to ensure a focused practice environment. If Tendulkar joins as a consultant, it could serve as a significant morale boost for the squad, given his extensive experience in Australian conditions.Raman's suggestion has generated mixed reactions from the cricket fraternity. Some experts believe that Tendulkar's involvement could be beneficial, while others argue that the team should focus on developing its own coaching staff. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to appoint Tendulkar as a consultant rests with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Virat Kohli, India's star batter and former captain, recently shared an amusing anecdote from his early days in the Indian cricket team, involving his first encounter with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.The story, now viral in a video, took place in 2008, when Kohli was part of the Indian team that played against England in a series just before the tragic 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Kohli had previously played for India, but this was the first time he had the opportunity to meet and play alongside Tendulkar, who had missed the earlier tour of Sri Lanka.Kohli revealed that some of his teammates had planned a prank on him, although Tendulkar was not part of it. "He [Tendulkar] was not involved. We were playing against England in India before the Taj incident [Mumbai attack] in 2008. I have played for India before but Sachin paaji was not there in Sri Lanka. He had taken a rest, and I got an opportunity to be a member of the squad. And the only thing I was looking forward to in the next series was to play with him," Kohli said with a smile."So, the first time I met him and this happened, main toh pairon me gir gaya, maine kaha karna padta hoga. Toh woh piche hat rahe,'yeh kya kar raha he tu?'. Main unko bhi nahi bol pa raha hoon ki paaji bola gaya hai karna padta hai yahaan pe. Main kar raha hoon."Kohli went on to reveal the masterminds behind the prank, pointing out that Irfan Pathan and Munaf Patel were the key culprits, with Munaf enthusiastically encouraging him from the background. "Then he gave all these guys a little bit..I think Irfan bhai was there...ofcourse Munaf Patel. He [Munaf] used to be the one cheering from behind ki karo karo with his unique voice. So, unhone sabne mereko fasaya," Kohli laughed, reminiscing about the moment.The light-hearted prank was a memorable introduction for Kohli to the dressing room dynamics of the Indian cricket team.

India's humiliating 3-0 Test series whitewash at home against New Zealand has raised serious concerns about the team's preparation and approach. This is the first time India has suffered a clean sweep in a Test series of three or more matches on home soil.Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has slammed the team for its dismal performance, particularly the batters' inability to counter the New Zealand spinners. Gavaskar believes that the Indian team was not adequately prepared for the series and cited Sachin Tendulkar's meticulous preparation for an important series in 1998 as an example.In 1998, India was set to face Australia in a home Test series. Gavaskar revealed how Tendulkar prepared himself during warm-up games for Mumbai against Australia to counter Shane Warne during the Test matches."That's the reason why Sachin Tendulkar was Sachin Tendulkar. He was so fiercely proud of what he could do and what he wanted to do for the team," Gavaskar said. "He asked Laxman Sivaramakrishnan to come and go around the wicket, create a rough around that area so that he could practice that slog sweep and the inside out shot against Shane Warne."Gavaskar emphasized the importance of such preparation, stating that it is essential for players to be ready for the challenges they will face in international cricket. He believes that the Indian team's lack of preparation contributed to their poor performance against New Zealand."So, I think that is the kind of preparation that everybody needs to do. If you don't do it then with the gaps that are there will always be that little body speed and back speed situation, which takes a long time to get back," Gavaskar said.The Indian team's performance in the Test series against New Zealand has raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. The team's batters have struggled against spin bowling, and their bowlers have been unable to take wickets consistently.The Indian team will need to address these issues if they want to regain their status as one of the top Test teams in the world. They will have a chance to do so in their upcoming Test series against Australia, which begins on February 9.

India's humiliating 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Former Indian cricketers have expressed their dismay and called for introspection.Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Harbhajan Singh have urged the team management to stop "needless experimentation" in the Test format and start playing on better pitches. They believe that the team's poor performance against spin is a major concern.Tendulkar highlighted the lack of match practice and poor shot selection as possible reasons for the debacle. He praised Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill for their fighting performances.Sehwag criticized the team's skill against spin and questioned the need for unnecessary experimentation in Test cricket. He congratulated New Zealand for their historic victory.Harbhajan Singh emphasized the need for better pitches, stating that turning tracks make every batsman look ordinary. He believes that teams don't need legendary spinners to take wickets on such surfaces.Irfan Pathan pointed out the lack of red-ball cricket for senior Indian batters as a contributing factor. He also raised concerns about the quality of domestic cricket pitches.Sanjay Manjrekar believes that India's long phase of rank turners is coming to an end.Overseas reactions included Michael Vaughan's observation that Indian batters now struggle against spin like most teams. Ian Bishop praised New Zealand's remarkable turnaround after their whitewash in Sri Lanka.Lasith Malinga hailed New Zealand's historic win, while Mitchell McClenaghan called it arguably their best ever. Mickey Arthur pointed out that India will have a point to prove in their upcoming tour of Australia.