Cricket

Team India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, has provided an encouraging update on the fitness of Shubman Gill ahead of the highly anticipated first Test against Australia in Perth, commencing on November 22. Gill sustained a left-hand injury while fielding in the slips during the intra-squad match and was unable to return to the field on the second day.Morkel expressed optimism about Gill's recovery, stating, "Shubman is improving on a day-by-day basis. We will make a decision on the morning of the Test. He played well in the match simulation during the build-up, so fingers crossed."In the simulation match, Gill scored 28 in the first innings before being caught at gully off Navdeep Saini's delivery. He later returned to bat, remaining unbeaten on 42*. The young batter is expected to play a crucial role in the Test series, emulating Cheteshwar Pujara's ability to tire Australian bowlers with a solid defensive approach.In 14 matches batting at number three, Gill has amassed 926 runs at an average of 42.09, with three centuries and three fifties, including a top score of 119*. This year, he has been in excellent form, scoring 806 runs in 19 innings at an average of 47.41, with three centuries and three fifties, his highest score also being 119*.The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia begins on November 22 with the first Test in Perth. The second Test, a day-night match at the Adelaide Oval, is scheduled from December 6 to 10. The third Test will follow at The Gabba in Brisbane, from December 14 to 18.The Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, running from December 26 to 30, will serve as the penultimate game, with the series concluding at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7. This thrilling finale promises a fitting end to the high-stakes series.

India's preparations for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have suffered a setback with the news that opener Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the first Test due to a hairline fracture on his left thumb. The injury occurred during a match simulation in Perth on Saturday, leaving Team India scrambling for a replacement in the playing XI.Former Indian cricketer and 1983 World Cup winner Kirti Azad has suggested that Virat Kohli should be considered as the ideal candidate to fill the void at No. 3 in Gill's absence. Azad believes that Kohli's experience and ability to perform under pressure make him the best choice for the crucial position.However, Kohli's record at No. 3 in Test cricket has been inconsistent. In eight innings at the position since his debut, he has scored just 167 runs at an average of 23.85, with only one fifty to his name. His overall Test performance in 2024 has also been underwhelming, with 250 runs at an average of 22.72 across twelve innings.Despite Kohli's recent struggles, Azad remains confident that he can rediscover his form in Australia. "He likes challenges, though this is a tough one in Australia," Azad said.Other potential candidates to replace Gill at No. 3 include Hanuma Vihari, Shreyas Iyer, and Suryakumar Yadav. Vihari has a solid Test record, averaging 32.61 in 16 matches, while Iyer has impressed in limited-overs cricket and has a first-class average of 52.18. Yadav, on the other hand, is a dynamic batter who has made a name for himself in the Indian Premier League.The Indian team management will have a tough decision to make in selecting Gill's replacement. Kohli's experience and pedigree make him the favorite, but his recent form is a concern. Vihari and Iyer offer more stability, while Yadav brings a touch of flair and unpredictability.

India Intensifies Preparations for Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Morkel Praises SirajWith the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy just around the corner, the Indian cricket team has been engaged in rigorous training sessions to fine-tune their skills. Last week, the team underwent an intense training regimen at the WACA in Perth, Australia.In addition to net practice and drills, the players participated in simulation matches to simulate the challenges they will face in the upcoming series. The training sessions were not without their lighter moments, as bowling coach Morne Morkel was captured on camera showering praise and affection on premier pacer Mohammed Siraj.During a training session, Siraj playfully interrupted a conversation between Morkel and another player. Morkel, recognizing Siraj's presence, immediately engaged him in the discussion. He heaped praise on Siraj's bowling abilities, highlighting his aggressive mindset and leadership qualities."This man (Siraj) is a legend," Morkel exclaimed. "He's got a big heart, aggressive mindset, one of the leaders of the attack, and I am very excited to see how he goes in this tour. Last tour, he was the go-to man in tough situations, and we're excited to see more of that senior role coming out in him on a very important tour."However, the Indian team suffered a setback during practice when top-order batter Shubman Gill sustained a fracture while fielding. Gill has been ruled out of the first Test in Perth. The team received some positive news when injured opener KL Rahul, who had been sidelined with an elbow injury, returned to the nets on Sunday and is expected to play in the first Test.Regular skipper Rohit Sharma will miss the first Test due to a thumb injury but is expected to join the team ahead of the second game in Adelaide.

Team India's Woes Mount as Shubman Gill Suffers Finger InjuryAhead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Team India has been dealt another blow with the injury to star batter Shubman Gill. During a match simulation in Perth on Saturday, Gill sustained a finger injury while fielding in the slips.Sources close to the team have confirmed Gill's injury but have emphasized that it is premature to rule him out of the opening Test in Perth, scheduled to commence on November 22. The medical team is closely monitoring his condition."Yes, Shubman Gill is injured, but it is too early to rule him out of the opening Test. The medical team is keeping a close watch on him," said a well-placed source.This latest injury concern follows the news of KL Rahul being struck by a ball during practice, rendering him unable to continue. Virat Kohli, too, had been hampered by an injury concern but was later cleared after scans revealed no significant issues."Virat Kohli is absolutely fine. He batted in the match simulation without any discomfort and also had a hit in the net after he got out. No concerns there," a source told TimesofIndia.com.The Indian contingent in Perth has been engaged in intense net sessions and match simulations over the past two days. Initially, a practice match was planned, but the management opted for match simulations on the center wicket instead.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a prestigious four-match Test series between India and Australia. The first Test will be played at the Perth Stadium, followed by matches in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.Team India will be hoping for a positive update on Gill's injury as they aim to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which they won in 2018-19.

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull's prediction from 2018 that Shubman Gill would have a more successful career than Prithvi Shaw has proven accurate. Gill's composed 90 in India's first innings of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai has further solidified his position as a key player for India across all formats.Doull's initial observation of Gill's technical superiority over Shaw during the 2018 U19 World Cup has been borne out. While Shaw made a century on Test debut against West Indies in Rajkot later that year, Gill has since established himself as a consistent performer in the longest format.Gill's ability to adapt and make subtle changes to his game has impressed Doull. "He's able to take in information and process that and has the ability to make those subtle changes," Doull said. "Because I think he just wants to score runs."Gill's hunger for big runs, particularly in Test cricket, is evident in his performances. He has surpassed the 800-run mark in Tests in 2024, while Shaw has struggled for form and fitness.Doull believes that Gill, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, represents the future of Indian batting. "He's got a huge role to play in years to come," Doull said. "So to make little improvements in between Test matches, absolute class."Gill's consistent performances have justified Doull's bold prediction from 2018. His technical prowess, adaptability, and hunger for runs have made him a vital cog in India's batting lineup.

Shubman Gill's resilient 90 on Day 2 of the third Test against New Zealand propelled India to a first-innings lead, cementing his position as one of India's most prolific batters in the World Test Championship (WTC).Gill's innings was a beacon of stability amidst the fall of six wickets at the other end. His 146-ball knock, which narrowly missed out on a century, showcased his maturity and composure at the crease. In the process, Gill surpassed former India No. 3 Cheteshwar Pujara's tally of 1,769 runs in the WTC, moving up to fourth place among Indian batters with 1,799 runs.Rohit Sharma remains atop the list with 2,674 runs, followed by Virat Kohli (2,426) and Rishabh Pant (1,933). Gill's rise to the top echelon of Indian batting is a testament to his consistent performances since inheriting the No. 3 position from Pujara in June 2023.Gill and Pant played pivotal roles in India's first-innings total of 263, with Pant's whirlwind 60 off 59 balls providing a much-needed release of pressure. Washington Sundar's valuable 38-run cameo at the end further boosted India's score.With the ball, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja put India in a commanding position heading into Day 3. Ashwin claimed three wickets, while Jadeja picked up four, reducing New Zealand to 171/9 at stumps.New Zealand's lead of 143 runs leaves the Test match poised for a thrilling finish on Day 3. India, desperate to avoid a three-Test series loss at home for the first time since 1983, will be looking to capitalize on their advantage and secure a crucial victory.

Shubman Gill's Dismissal Draws Criticism from Sunil GavaskarIndian cricket prodigy Shubman Gill's dismissal on Day 3 of the third Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai has sparked criticism from legendary commentator Sunil Gavaskar. Gill, who had scored 90 runs in the first innings, was clean bowled by New Zealand's Ajaz Patel after failing to read the ball.Gavaskar, known for his astute cricketing analysis, expressed his disappointment with Gill's dismissal. "How many times have we seen Gill get out leaving the ball? To spinners, to fast bowlers... judgment of which ball to leave, which ball to play is something he will have to work on," Gavaskar said.Gill's dismissal was particularly frustrating as it came at a crucial juncture in the match. India had already lost the series, having suffered defeats in the first two matches. A victory in the Mumbai Test was essential to boost their hopes of making it to the World Test Championship final.However, the top-order batters failed to deliver, with Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Sarfaraz Khan all being dismissed for cheap scores. Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja forged a fine partnership to start India's rescue act, but Jadeja was also dismissed by Patel.At the end of the first session, the onus of guiding India to victory rested on the shoulders of Pant and Washington Sundar. India's hopes of winning the match and salvaging some pride in the series now hang in the balance.

Shubman Gill's resurgence in Test cricket has been a testament to his resilience and adaptability. After a challenging start to the year, where his place in the team was under scrutiny, Gill has rediscovered his form with a string of impressive performances.In the ongoing Test series against New Zealand, Gill has been a key figure in India's batting lineup. His 90-run knock in the first innings of the second Test in Mumbai was a masterclass in patience and determination. Facing a formidable New Zealand spin attack, Gill played with a calm and composed approach, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries.Gill's innings was particularly crucial as it helped India recover from a precarious position. After losing early wickets, Gill and Rishabh Pant forged a 96-run partnership that gave India a slender first-innings lead. Gill's ability to anchor the innings and provide stability was a key factor in India's eventual victory.Speaking after his innings, Gill revealed that he had drawn inspiration from his successful Test series against England earlier this year. "I was trying to just go out there and have another opportunity to bat for the maximum (time) I could and not put pressure on myself by thinking about how many runs I must score," he said.Gill's return to form is a welcome boost for India, who are looking to consolidate their position at the top of the ICC Test rankings. His ability to play spin effectively and his growing maturity as a batsman make him a valuable asset to the team.As India prepares for the third and final Test of the series, Gill will be hoping to continue his impressive run of form and help his team secure a series victory.

India's batting duo of Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill put on a dominant display on the second morning of the Kanpur Test against New Zealand, guiding their team to a strong position at lunch.Resuming on 19 for 1, Pant and Gill added a quickfire 96 runs for the second wicket, bringing India within striking distance of New Zealand's first innings total of 235. Pant was particularly aggressive, scoring his half-century in just 36 balls, the fastest by an Indian against New Zealand.Pant's attacking mindset forced New Zealand to adjust their field placements, but he continued to find the boundaries with ease. He hit two sixes off Ajaz Patel and looked set for a big score before being dismissed lbw for 60 by Ish Sodhi.Gill, who was dropped on 45, played a more cautious innings but still managed to reach 70 off 106 balls at lunch. He and Ravindra Jadeja, who was promoted to maintain the left-right combination, saw India through to the break with a 15-run stand.New Zealand's bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, with Patel and Sodhi being the only ones to take wickets. Patel finished with figures of 2 for 76, while Sodhi claimed 1 for 42.India will be looking to build on their strong start in the afternoon session and take a first-innings lead. New Zealand, on the other hand, will need to find a way to break the partnership between Gill and Jadeja and restrict India's scoring rate.