Cricket

Amidst concerns over his form, former India captain Virat Kohli took the field on Friday for a match simulation ahead of the 1st Test against Australia at the Optus Stadium. Just a day after undergoing scans, the legendary batter scored 15 runs in the first innings of the simulation match at the WACA Ground in Perth.According to a report in the Times of India, Kohli batted without any discomfort despite undergoing a scan on Thursday. However, the report couldn't clarify the reason behind Kohli's injury scare."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," the report quoted a source as saying.KL Rahul, who is tipped to open in Perth Test in the absence for captain Rohit Sharma, was hit by a ball in the match simulation and couldn't bat any further. However, the report added that "there are no major concerns there as well".After being dismissed, Kohli also took throwdowns on the sidelines of the simulation match. Not only that, he also came out to bat for the second time in the match, scoring an unbeaten 30 before leaving the field.The Indian batters, in general, struggled against the bowlers in the match simulation. Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Kumar Reddy troubled the Indian batters, including Kohli and Rishabh Pant.While Kohli left the field unbeaten on 30, Pant was castled for the second time in the day.The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia kicks off on November 22, with the first Test at Perth. The second Test, featuring the day-night format, will take place under lights at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. Fans will then turn their attention to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test from December 14 to 18.The traditional Boxing Day Test, scheduled from December 26 to 30 at Melbourne's iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, will mark the series' penultimate stage. The fifth and final Test will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, promising an exciting climax to a highly anticipated series.

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, is set to join the team in Australia for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, according to his childhood coach Mohammed Badruddin. Shami has been out of action for over a year due to an Achilles injury but made a successful return to competitive cricket in Bengal's Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh.Shami's return is a major boost for India, who are looking to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. The veteran pacer has taken 229 wickets in 64 Tests and has been a key member of India's fast-bowling attack in recent years.Former head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Shami's return will strengthen India's pace attack and give them a better chance of winning the series. "If anything, I would have wanted a little more support for Jasprit (Bumrah) in the pace-bowling attack. So the quicker Mohammed Shami gets fit and is on a flight, I think it's better for India," Shastri said.Shami is expected to join the Indian team after the second Test in Adelaide. India need to win four of the five Tests in Australia to have a big shot at sealing their place in a third straight World Test Championship final.Shami has played a pivotal role in India's success in recent years, including their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018/19. He is a proven performer in Australian conditions and his return will be a major boost for India's chances of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

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 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.

Sarfaraz Khan Suffers Injury Scare in Team India's Perth Training SessionIndian batter Sarfaraz Khan has raised concerns after sustaining an injury during Team India's training session in Perth. The incident occurred while Sarfaraz was batting in the nets, preparing for the upcoming first Test against Australia.The 27-year-old was struck on his right elbow, causing him to walk off the field in visible pain. The extent of the injury is yet to be determined, but Sarfaraz's abrupt departure has raised concerns given his recent impressive form.Sarfaraz is a contender to play in the Perth Test at Optus Stadium, with captain Rohit Sharma likely to be absent due to personal reasons. He faces competition for the middle-order spot from experienced batter KL Rahul and promising wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel.Sarfaraz has a solid Test record, having scored 371 runs in six matches at an average of 37.10. He has registered a century, three fifties, and a top score of 150. However, he has yet to play a Test outside India, and the challenge of proving himself on Australia's fast and bouncy pitches awaits him.The Indian team management will be closely monitoring Sarfaraz's condition and hoping that the injury is not serious. His availability for the Perth Test will be crucial, as India aims to start the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series on a positive note.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma is undergoing rigorous training in Mumbai to prepare for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Despite uncertainty surrounding his participation due to family reasons, Rohit is determined to stay match-fit.Sources close to the team reveal that Rohit is training at both the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) facilities and Reliance Corporate Park (RCP). His training regimen includes treadmill sprints, weight training, and outdoor runs. The focus is on honing his skills and conditioning for the challenging series against Australia.Rohit's decision on his travel plans will be made after attending to family matters. Meanwhile, other members of the Indian team have already arrived in Perth. Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Mohammed Siraj traveled in two batches, while former captain Virat Kohli arrived with his family. Jasprit Bumrah joined the team later on Monday.As captain, Rohit faces added pressure following India's recent struggles in Test matches. His own form has also been under scrutiny. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which kicks off on November 22 in Perth, will be a crucial test for Rohit and the Indian team. The series features a day-night Test in Adelaide and concludes in Sydney in early January.

Virat Kohli, the star Indian batter, has been diligently preparing for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia in Perth. A recent video shared by Fox Cricket on Twitter captured Kohli's intense training session, showcasing his unwavering determination ahead of the crucial series.Kohli's presence in Australia has generated immense excitement among fans, who eagerly gathered at the Perth nets to witness their hero in action. The video highlights the lengths fans went to catch a glimpse of the "King," as Fox Cricket aptly described him.Kohli's popularity in Australia has always been evident, with his presence consistently attracting extensive media coverage and high viewership. However, this upcoming series holds immense significance for Kohli, who is facing pressure to regain his best form and secure his place in the Test squad.With younger players emerging and vying for spots in the starting eleven, Kohli's position in the team is under scrutiny. The Australian series presents him with an opportunity to silence critics and prove his worth. Kohli has a history of exceptional performances in Australia, and his supporters are hopeful that he can replicate his past success.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a pivotal moment in Kohli's illustrious career. It is a chance for him to demonstrate his resilience and reaffirm his status as one of the greatest batters of all time. With the eyes of the cricketing world upon him, Kohli is determined to deliver and lead India to victory.

Tilak Varma, the rising star of Indian cricket, expressed his sincere appreciation for captain Suryakumar Yadav after his remarkable century in the third T20I against South Africa. Varma's exceptional knock of 107 not out off 56 balls steered India to an 11-run triumph, securing a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.Varma revealed how Suryakumar, fondly called 'SKY,' generously offered him the No. 3 batting spot for the match, paving the way for Varma's extraordinary performance. "When Suryakumar knocked on my hotel room door and told me I'd bat at No. 3, I was filled with gratitude. He said, ‘Go out there and express yourself. It's a good opportunity.’ I promised him that I wouldn't let him down," Varma said after the match.Staying true to his promise, Varma delivered a spectacular performance, reaching his century in just 51 balls, with his second fifty achieved in a mere 19 balls. His innings was highlighted by seven powerful sixes and eight fours, showcasing his batting prowess, particularly against his former Mumbai Indians teammate Gerald Coetzee, the fastest bowler of the day.Upon reaching his century, Varma acknowledged his captain's gesture by blowing a flying kiss toward the Indian dugout, recognizing the faith entrusted in him. "It was for 'SKY' because he gave me the chance to bat at number three. I love batting at that position, and I wanted to repay the trust he placed in me," he said.Varma's 107-run partnership with young talent Abhishek Sharma, who contributed a crucial half-century, played a pivotal role in India's impressive total of 219/6. Varma, the second-youngest Indian to score a century in T20I history, shared his experiences of battling injuries that led to him missing international tours to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka earlier this year."It was frustrating to miss two series because of finger injuries, but I knew my time would come. I stayed patient, focused on my process, and worked hard. Today, that hard work paid off," Varma said.Recognized for his powerful batting, Varma is also diligently working on his off-spin, aiming to become a valuable all-rounder for the team. "I've worked hard on my bowling. The ball is coming out well, and I want to be seen as an all-rounder who can contribute to the team's success," he added.Varma's century is a testament to his talent and determination. With his exceptional performance, he has cemented his place in the Indian team and has emerged as a future star of Indian cricket.

Jasprit Bumrah to Lead India's Pace Attack in Absence of Mohammed ShamiWith the absence of Mohammed Shami due to injury, the onus of leading India's pace attack in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia falls on Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah, India's vice-captain, played a pivotal role in India's historic Test series triumph in Australia in 2018-19, taking 21 wickets at an average of 17.00.Bumrah's impressive record in Australia, where he has taken 32 wickets in 7 Tests, makes him a key player for India. In the lead-up to the series, Bumrah has been working on his bouncer delivery, which is expected to be a potent weapon against the Australian batters.In a recent practice session at the WACA, Bumrah bowled bouncers at his Indian teammates, giving them a taste of the "chin music" they can expect in Australia. The Indian batters were peppered with short-pitched deliveries, providing them with valuable experience ahead of the series.Bumrah's ability to generate pace and swing, combined with his accuracy, makes him a formidable bowler. He will be crucial to India's chances of winning their third consecutive Test series in Australia.