Cricket

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.

Team India Arrives in Australia for Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Eyes Historic VictoryNEW DELHI: The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy is just around the corner, set to kick off in Perth on November 22. The five-match Test series between India and Australia is one of the most prestigious encounters in international cricket, and the excitement is building as Team India has officially arrived Down Under to begin their preparations.On Thursday, the Indian team took to Instagram to announce their arrival in Australia, sharing a video that showcased both the coaching staff and the players gearing up for the tough series ahead. The video, featuring visuals of India's intense net session, carried a voice-over stating, "There's pace. There's bounce. And there's the age-old rivalry. Australia, we have arrived!"In the clip, India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, bowling coach Morne Morkel, and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate were seen discussing the significance of the series. Nayar remarked on the challenges that Indian cricketers face when touring Australia, calling it "one of the toughest" assignments.Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel described the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as a "showpiece on the international cricket calendar," emphasizing the fierce competition. "It’s going to be teams that won’t give anybody an inch or sniff. It’s going to be hard-fought sessions," Morkel noted.Nayar also revealed that head coach Gautam Gambhir, along with senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, took the time to chat with the younger members of the squad. The discussion focused on the challenges of playing in Australia and how these experiences have shaped the careers of previous Indian players."Gauti bhai had a chat with the boys just before we started, and some of the senior boys too. Rohit, Virat, Ash all having a chat with the guys - how first they came here as a youngster with a lot of seniors around. And how they sort of felt that once you finish the Australia series, you go back a better cricketer," Nayar shared.Ryan ten Doeschate, proud of India's recent success Down Under, said, "It becomes a big part of Indian cricket to come here and do well. It’s a very proud moment that India won twice in the last two series here."The coaching staff expressed their optimism, with Morkel adding, "I am hopeful for the next five Test matches is hard. During the five days of cricket matches we sit after the day's play and you take off your shoes and say that I have given it all."With preparations in full swing, all eyes are now on Perth as India look to continue their winning legacy in Australia. The upcoming series promises to deliver high-intensity cricket as both teams battle for supremacy in one of the sport’s most celebrated rivalries.

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).

Rohit Sharma's Test Participation Uncertain, Trains Rigorously in MumbaiIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's participation in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia remains uncertain. However, the 37-year-old is leaving no stone unturned in his preparations, training diligently in Mumbai while awaiting the birth of his second child.Sharma has been utilizing both Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) facilities and Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) for his training sessions. Sources indicate that he is keen on maximizing his time in India to ensure he is fully prepared for the challenges Down Under.As for his travel to Australia, Sharma will make a decision after the birth of his child. "There is no clarity yet on his departure. It all depends on how things unfold on the personal front," said a source. "He is doing what any father would at this stage, which is to stay with his wife and family. But at the same time, he is ensuring to be well-tuned for the Test series and will be batting at every possible opportunity in Mumbai."The Indian team has already departed for Perth in two batches, with the likes of Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and KL Rahul among those who have arrived in Australia. Coach Gautam Gambhir has confirmed that Bumrah will lead the team in Rohit's absence, while Abhimanyu Easwaran and Rahul are the contenders for the opening slot.The high-profile series gets underway in Perth on November 22 and culminates with the Sydney Test on January 3. The second Test in Adelaide will be a Day-Night fixture, and the visitors will play a two-day game in Canberra before that match.

Virat Kohli, the batting maestro of Team India, has commenced his preparations for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Test series against Australia. Kohli arrived in Perth on Sunday, ahead of his teammates, to kick-start his training regimen at the WACA training pitches.Kohli's early arrival underscores his commitment to acclimatizing to the Australian conditions and fine-tuning his game before the series opener. During Wednesday's training session, he displayed sharp focus and precision, particularly against short-pitched, high-speed deliveries. This preparation is crucial, given Australia's formidable pace attack.Kohli's previous experiences on Perth pitches provide him with both familiarity and a reminder of the challenges ahead. In his 2012 Perth Test debut, he showcased resilience with scores of 44 and 75. His 2018 return to Perth, as captain at Optus Stadium, saw him score a stunning 123, demonstrating his batting prowess against Australia's pace attack.Kohli's early arrival in Perth signals his intent to address the specific challenges posed by Australian pitches, particularly the short-of-length deliveries that they are known for. The first group of Indian players arrived in Perth on Sunday, while the remaining members, except for captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah, joined them on Monday.Rohit's availability for the first Test remains uncertain, as Gambhir stated that a final decision will be made closer to the match date. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Rohit's availability, Kohli's commitment and early preparation set the tone for India's warm-up for what promises to be a fiercely contested Border-Gavaskar series.

KL Rahul's Form Woes Cast Shadow Over India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy PreparationsAs Team India gears up for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, the form of star opener KL Rahul has emerged as a major concern. Rahul's recent struggles have raised questions about his ability to deliver in the challenging conditions Down Under.In the recently concluded home series against New Zealand, Rahul endured a dismal outing, scoring just 12 runs across two innings. His poor form continued in an India A match against Australia A, where he managed only 14 runs in two innings.Rahul's struggles have put him under intense scrutiny, with many experts questioning his place in the Test team. The 30-year-old is one of India's most experienced batters, but his recent performances have left selectors and fans alike worried.With the first Test in Perth just over a week away, Rahul is desperate to rediscover his touch. He was seen working hard in the nets during India's training session at the WACA, alongside fellow openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill.India will be aiming to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which they have won on their last two tours of Australia. However, they will need their key players, including Rahul, to perform at their best if they are to overcome the formidable challenge posed by the Aussies.Rahul's form will be closely monitored in the lead-up to the first Test. If he fails to find his rhythm, India may be forced to consider alternative options at the top of the order.

Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed confidence in the form of star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, despite their recent struggles against spin bowling. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the team's departure for the Test series against Australia, Gambhir dismissed concerns over the duo's form, emphasizing their hunger to perform."I have no concerns over Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's form. The hunger in that dressing room is important for me, and I feel there is a lot of hunger," Gambhir said.Gambhir's defense of Sharma and Kohli comes after the team's humiliating Test series loss against New Zealand at home. Both batters struggled to score runs, leading to criticism from experts and fans alike. However, Gambhir believes that the duo will bounce back in Australia."There are incredible people in the dressing room who have done a great job," Gambhir said. "I am not feeling the heat. It's an honor and privilege to coach the Indian team."Gambhir also addressed the team's options for the opener's slot, with KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran being considered alongside Sharma. He also confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side in the series-opening Perth Test if Sharma is unavailable for personal reasons.The first Test between India and Australia starts in Perth on November 22. Gambhir expressed confidence in the team's ability to perform well, despite the challenges they face."I am not thinking about transition but the five Test matches. Transition or no transition, if that has to happen, will happen, but I see some incredibly tough characters in that dressing room who are hungry to do well," Gambhir said.

Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain and batting mainstay, has been enduring a prolonged slump in form, casting a shadow over Team India's aspirations. In 2024, Kohli has managed only two international half-centuries, with his struggles against spinners becoming increasingly evident.During the recent Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, Kohli's troubles against spin intensified. In the two Tests against Bangladesh, he scored 99 runs at an average of 33.00, with a highest of 47. Against New Zealand, his bat failed to make an impact in six innings, except for one where he scored 70. His overall tally against the Kiwis was a meager 93 runs at an average of 15.50.As India prepares for the first Test in Perth on November 22, Kohli will be desperate to rediscover his form. He has played two Tests in Perth previously, scoring 44 and 75 in 2012 and a magnificent 123 in 2018. That century at the Optus Stadium was his 25th in Tests, making him the second-fastest to reach the milestone after Sir Don Bradman.Kohli's 123 in Perth was a display of batting mastery. He arrived at the crease with India in trouble at 8/2, but played a superb innings to guide his team to a respectable total. His celebration, pointing to his bat and motioning that it would do the talking, became an iconic moment.However, India lost that Test by 146 runs, and Kohli's form has continued to be a concern. With India needing to win four Tests in Australia to qualify directly for the World Test Championships final, Kohli's return to form is crucial.Despite speculation that the Australia tour could be Kohli's last in Tests, the 36-year-old remains focused on rediscovering his red-ball prowess. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to India's chances of success Down Under.

Team India is poised to embark on a historic mission to Australia, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph on foreign soil. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the Indian squad is determined to overcome recent setbacks and secure a berth in the World Test Championship final.Despite a disappointing 3-0 whitewash at home against New Zealand, former India pacer and chief selector Chetan Sharma exudes confidence in the team's ability to excel in Australia. "I am 100 percent sure India will beat Australia in Australia," Sharma declared. "We have always enjoyed when India tour Australia, South Africa, or England. The best part is that we now enter as series-winning contenders whenever we tour overseas."Sharma believes the pressure will be on Australia, not India, as the hosts have been defeated twice in their own backyard by the visiting team. "They must be worried, not us," he said. "Pressure is on Australia, not India. The pressure is on Pat Cummins, not Rohit Sharma."While star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been struggling for form, Sharma remains optimistic about their contributions. "Players like Rohit and Virat are never out of form," he said. "They are never in a lean or bad patch. These words shouldn't be used for them. We are thankful to them. They are still doing it."Sharma also praised young talents Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who have been thriving under the guidance of experienced players like Kohli and Rohit. "Shubman and Yashasvi have impressed me a lot," he said. "They have learned a lot from Virat and Rohit while sharing the field and dressing room with them."The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series will commence with the opening Test in Perth on November 22, followed by a day-night Test at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The series will then move to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test from December 14 to 18, followed by the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The fifth and final Test will be held in Sydney, starting on January 3.