Cricket

Rishabh Pant, the former captain of the Delhi Capitals, has refuted claims that his non-retention by the franchise was financially motivated. In response to a video featuring former India batter Sunil Gavaskar's comments on the IPL retentions, Pant clarified that money was not a factor in his departure."My retention wasn't about the money for sure that I can say," Pant tweeted.Gavaskar had speculated that Pant's non-retention may have stemmed from a disagreement over fees. However, Pant's response suggests that other factors were at play.The Delhi Capitals released Pant ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, which will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on November 24 and 25. The franchise opted to retain Axar Patel, Prithvi Shaw, and Anrich Nortje.Pant's release has sparked speculation about his future in the IPL. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented young players in the league, and his availability in the auction could attract interest from multiple franchises.The Delhi Capitals have not publicly commented on the reasons behind Pant's non-retention. However, it is believed that the franchise was looking to reduce its salary cap and rebuild its squad.Pant's departure from the Delhi Capitals marks the end of an era for the franchise. He was appointed captain in 2021 and led the team to the IPL final in 2022.It remains to be seen where Pant will play in the IPL 2025 season. However, his talent and experience make him a valuable asset for any franchise.

India's Test captaincy conundrum has taken center stage ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener against Australia. With Rohit Sharma's availability uncertain due to the birth of his child, Jasprit Bumrah is poised to lead the team in Perth. However, former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Harbhajan Singh have expressed contrasting views on Bumrah's potential tenure as captain.Gavaskar advocates for Bumrah to helm the team throughout the series, arguing that continuity and stability are crucial. However, Harbhajan raises concerns about the potential for chaos if India wins under Bumrah's leadership. He believes that fans would clamor for Bumrah to remain as captain, while a loss would trigger calls for Rohit's return.Harbhajan emphasizes the fickle nature of public opinion, stating that "we change sides very quickly." He suggests that a single captain for the entire series would be preferable, as it would eliminate the potential for confusion and instability.Despite his reservations, Harbhajan acknowledges Bumrah's leadership qualities. He believes that Bumrah has the ability to lead the team effectively, but cautions against making any hasty decisions based on short-term results.The debate over India's Test captaincy is likely to continue until Rohit's availability is confirmed. In the meantime, Bumrah's performance as captain in the Perth Test will be closely scrutinized, with the potential to shape the team's leadership dynamics for the remainder of the series.

Virat Kohli, India's batting mainstay, has endured a lean patch in recent Test matches, averaging a mere 22.72 in six games this year. However, legendary Sunil Gavaskar believes that Kohli will bounce back with a vengeance in the upcoming Test series in Australia.Kohli has a remarkable track record in Australia, averaging an impressive 54.08. Gavaskar believes that this familiarity will give Kohli an edge against the formidable Australian bowling attack. "He's consistently performed at Adelaide, so it's a familiar ground for him," Gavaskar said. "And before Adelaide, it's Perth, where he played one of the finest Test centuries in 2018-19."Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar anticipates that Australia will target Kohli's off-stump line in the early stages of the series. "They'll start with that line outside the off stump and gauge what his mindset is," Manjrekar said. "Australia might also try to cramp him for room and attack his body since he likes to get forward."Manjrekar also highlighted the effectiveness of New Zealand's strategy of bowling on the middle stump to Kohli. "If he's focused on balls outside off stump, bowlers like Josh Hazlewood might target that typical Vernon Philander line on middle stump," he said.Despite the challenges, Gavaskar remains confident in Kohli's ability to overcome adversity. "Because he hasn't got runs against New Zealand, he'll be very, very hungry," Gavaskar said. "If he gets off to a good start, he will get big runs."Kohli's return to form will be crucial for India's chances of success in Australia. The team will need their star batter to lead the charge against a bowling attack that includes Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon.

Shreyas Iyer's IPL Future: Gavaskar Predicts KKR or Delhi Capitals ReunionShreyas Iyer's release by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has sparked speculation about his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite leading KKR to the title in 2022, Iyer was released ahead of the 2023 season due to a back injury.Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has proposed an intriguing idea for Iyer's future in the IPL. Gavaskar believes that KKR will attempt to reacquire Iyer, similar to his earlier prediction regarding Rishabh Pant. However, he cautions that negotiations over the fee could lead to a disagreement.KKR's limited purse of Rs 51 crore and lack of a Right to Match (RTM) card put them in a challenging position ahead of the auction. "When KKR won last year (IPL 2024), Shreyas Iyer was the captain. As I said earlier for Rishabh Pant as well, at times, there could be a disagreement on the fees," Gavaskar said on Star Sports' show 'Game Plan'.Iyer has set his base price at Rs 2 crore. His performance last season was impressive, amassing 351 runs in 14 innings at an average of 39, with a strike rate of 146.86.Gavaskar suggests that Delhi Capitals will also be interested in Iyer, as they will need a new captain if Rishabh Pant is not part of the team. "Delhi will want him because they will also need to find a captain if Rishabh Pant isn't in their team. So I feel Delhi will definitely try to use the RTM card or bring Rishabh Pant back into their team at the auction," he said.Ultimately, Iyer's future in the IPL will depend on the strategies of KKR and Delhi Capitals at the auction. If KKR is willing to pay a premium for his services, he could return to the franchise that he led to glory. However, if Delhi Capitals sees him as a suitable replacement for Pant, they could make a strong bid for his services.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, named after Australian cricket legend Allan Border and Indian batting icon Sunil Gavaskar, is set to ignite a fierce rivalry between the two cricketing giants. With less than a week to go before the series opener in Perth, anticipation is reaching fever pitch.India, having triumphed in their last two Test tours of Australia, will be aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive series victory Down Under. This five-Test series marks the first time since 1991-92 that the two nations will face off in a five-match Test series.Ahead of the series, Gavaskar shared a humorous anecdote about his long-standing rivalry with Border. When asked if their intensity had diminished despite their post-retirement friendship, Gavaskar quipped, "Well, because he's got me out, that's the problem. He's got me out. I never got a chance to bowl to him. If I got a chance to bowl to him and get him out, it might have been different."Gavaskar's playful response stems from Border's three career Test wickets against India, one of which was Gavaskar himself. The former Indian captain revealed that Border still teases him about the dismissal, which occurred in 1979."So you know, I am reminded of it every time I bump into him. He comes and says, 'Hello Bunny, how are you?' What do I say to that?" Gavaskar said.As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy gets underway, all eyes will be on Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli, who is currently facing a significant form slump. However, Kohli's impressive record in Australia, with 3,426 runs at an average of 56.16, including 11 centuries and 19 fifties, suggests that he could be a key player for India.The series promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world's top cricketing nations. The rivalry between India and Australia has always been intense, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is sure to add another chapter to this storied history.

India's Test captain Rohit Sharma faces a crucial decision as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) approaches in Australia. With the birth of his second child imminent, Rohit has remained in India and is likely to miss the opening Test in Perth.Rohit's recent red-ball form has been underwhelming, with a string of low scores in his last 10 innings against New Zealand and Bangladesh. Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has advised Rohit to exercise caution against Australia's formidable pace attack, led by Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood."At the start, he can be troubled by Mitchell Starc's lengths and lines," Gavaskar said. "He needs to get the shot-selection right. That's not just for Rohit Sharma, but for any batter."Gavaskar emphasized the importance of restraint on Australian pitches, despite their reputation for being batter-friendly. "Australian pitches are good for batters, and they use the Kookaburra ball. It doesn't swing or seam much after the first 15 overs...If you show some restraint in the first session, then you can score runs," he said.Regarding Rohit's availability for the series opener, head coach Gautam Gambhir has stated that there is no clarity yet. Rohit continues to train in Mumbai, and his participation in the Perth Test will be determined closer to the match.If Rohit misses the opening Test, India will have to rely on vice-captain KL Rahul or Shubman Gill to lead the batting charge. Rahul has been in impressive form in recent Tests, while Gill has shown promise in his limited opportunities.The BGT is a prestigious series between India and Australia, and Rohit's absence would be a significant blow to the Indian team. However, with a talented squad at his disposal, head coach Rahul Dravid will be confident of defending India's title.

Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar believes that Virat Kohli has the experience and ability to overcome his recent batting struggles and perform well in the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia.Kohli has been in poor form with the bat, scoring just 93 runs in six innings during India's recent 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand at home. However, Gavaskar is confident that Kohli will turn things around, especially considering his exceptional record in Australia."Yes, I do [believe he will turn things around]," Gavaskar said in an interview with Star Sports. "That's because he hasn't got runs against New Zealand. He'll be very, very hungry."Kohli has a strong record in Australia, having scored 1352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08. He has also scored six centuries and four fifties Down Under."Even in that Adelaide Test match, where in the second innings we got out for 36, in the first innings, Kohli had got 70 plus if I recall correctly," Gavaskar said. "So, all the times he has played in Adelaide, he has got runs."Gavaskar suggested that if Kohli can survive the initial few balls of his innings and calm his nerves, he will be able to score big runs."Before Adelaide, it's Perth. He got one of the finest centuries at Perth in 2018-19. Terrific, terrific 100," Gavaskar said. "So, when you have got runs under your belt on certain grounds, you just feel a little bit confident."The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series kicks off on November 22 with the first Test in Perth. The second Test, a day-night affair, is scheduled from December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval. The third Test will take place at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18.The traditional Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground is set for December 26 to 30, followed by the fifth and final Test at Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, named after Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar and Australian icon Allan Border, has become a defining rivalry in Test cricket. Since its inception in 1996, the series has witnessed epic battles and shaped the careers of countless cricketers.One of the most memorable moments in the series was the 2001 Kolkata Test, where VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid rescued India from the brink of defeat with a record-breaking partnership. Virat Kohli has also etched his name in the annals of the rivalry with his heroic performances on Australian soil.India has emerged victorious in the last two Test series in Australia, and they are now eyeing a historic third consecutive win Down Under. The rivalry between Gavaskar and Border has added an extra layer of intrigue to the series. Despite their close friendship, Gavaskar humorously recalls how Border's dismissal of him still haunts him.Border, who became the second batsman after Gavaskar to reach 10,000 Test runs, has always been a thorn in India's side. In 20 Test matches against India, he claimed four wickets, including Gavaskar's.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has not only produced thrilling cricket but has also fostered a deep respect between the two cricketing nations. It remains one of the most anticipated and fiercely contested series in the world, promising more unforgettable moments in the years to come.

The Indian cricket team has commenced its rigorous training in Australia in preparation for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against the hosts. The five-match series, starting on November 22, holds immense significance as a 4-0 victory would automatically qualify India for the World Test Championship final.However, the absence of captain Rohit Sharma has raised concerns. While there has been no official communication regarding the reason for his absence, coach Rahul Dravid has expressed hope that Sharma will join the team soon.Meanwhile, a photo posted by Rohit Sharma's PR team on Wednesday showed the Indian team training in Mumbai. The image has sparked speculation about Sharma's availability for the first Test.According to a report in the Times of India, Sharma is currently prioritizing his family as his wife is expecting their second child. "He is doing what any father would at this stage, which is to stay with his wife and family," a source was quoted as saying.Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has suggested that Jasprit Bumrah, the designated vice-captain, should lead the team if Sharma misses the first Test. However, former Australian captain Aaron Finch has disagreed with Gavaskar's statement, emphasizing the importance of supporting Sharma during this personal time.The Indian team's preparations have been hampered by injuries to key players. Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami are all recovering from injuries and their availability for the series remains uncertain.Despite these challenges, India will be determined to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which they won in 2020-21. The team boasts a strong batting lineup led by Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Rishabh Pant. The bowling attack, if fit, will be spearheaded by Bumrah, Shami, and Jadeja.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of the most prestigious rivalries in Test cricket. India has won the last three series against Australia, including a 2-1 victory in Australia in 2018-19.