Cricket

India's dominance at home, built on the performances of Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rohit Sharma, has come to an abrupt end with New Zealand's historic 3-0 Test series victory. This defeat has raised concerns about the future of these aging heroes, who have been instrumental in India's success over the years.Kohli, Rohit, Ashwin, and Jadeja have been the backbone of India's Test team, leading them to two World Test Championship finals and a 12-year winning streak in home Test series. However, their recent performances have raised questions about their ability to continue at the highest level.In the recent series against New Zealand, Kohli struggled to score runs, accumulating just 93 runs at an average of 15.50. Rohit's performance was also disappointing, with 91 runs in 3 Tests at an average of 15.17. Ashwin's bowling was inconsistent, allowing the New Zealand batsmen to score freely. Jadeja, while still a crucial part of the team, has seen his economy rate rise in recent matches.The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia will be a crucial test for these senior players. If they fail to perform, it could signal the end of an era for Indian cricket.

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.

Virat Kohli's reckless run-out on Day 1 of the third Test against New Zealand has raised concerns among cricket experts. The former Indian captain, who has been struggling for form, threw his wicket away just minutes before stumps, leaving his team in a precarious position.Mohammad Kaif, a former India cricketer, expressed his dismay at Kohli's recent performances. "Virat Kohli in this series has been clean bowled to a full toss and now this error of judgment to be run out. This needs to change if India needs to reach the WTC final," Kaif tweeted.Anil Kumble, another former India great, echoed Kaif's sentiments. "You can't have this repeatedly happening in every game, so it's more than a concern at the moment," Kumble said. "Nobody expected the run-out. This was certainly not something that you expect of Virat Kohli getting run out in the last over or last few minutes of a day's play."Kohli's struggles in Test cricket have been evident in recent years. In 2024, he has scored only 249 runs in six Tests, with just one fifty. However, in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship, he has been more consistent, scoring 560 runs in nine Tests, including a century and three fifties.Despite his recent struggles, Kohli remains one of the most experienced and respected batsmen in the world. However, his form has become a major concern for India, who are aiming to reach the final of the World Test Championship.Kohli's run-out has also raised questions about his mental state. The former India captain has been under immense pressure in recent months, both on and off the field. His wife, Anushka Sharma, recently gave birth to their second child, and Kohli has been juggling his personal and professional commitments.It remains to be seen how Kohli will respond to the criticism and pressure. However, one thing is for sure: India need their star batsman to rediscover his form if they are to achieve their goals in the World Test Championship.

Ravindra Jadeja's exceptional bowling performance in the third and final Test against New Zealand at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history. The all-rounder claimed five wickets in both innings, completing a remarkable 10-wicket haul (10/120) and becoming only the second Indian to achieve this feat against the Kiwis.Jadeja's first-innings five-fer gave India a crucial early advantage, dismissing New Zealand for a mere 162 runs. His relentless pressure continued in the second innings, as he picked up another five wickets to dismantle the opposition's batting lineup. This is the first time in his career that Jadeja has taken a five-wicket haul in both innings of a Test match.Jadeja's performance is a testament to his exceptional skill and consistency. He has now joined an elite group of Indian bowlers with multiple 10-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Here's the updated list:1. Anil Kumble – 82. R. Ashwin – 8*3. Harbhajan Singh – 54. Ravindra Jadeja – 3*5. Kapil Dev – 26. Irfan Pathan – 2Jadeja's second-innings performance maintained relentless pressure on the New Zealand lineup, forcing them to follow-on. India eventually won the match by an innings and 266 runs, completing a 3-0 series sweep.Jadeja's 10-wicket haul is a fitting tribute to his all-round abilities. He has emerged as one of the most valuable players in the Indian team, contributing with both bat and ball. His performance in this series has further cemented his status as one of the world's leading all-rounders.

Will Young's gritty half-century proved crucial as New Zealand set India a challenging target of 147 runs to win on day three of the third and final Test in Indore.Young, who scored 51 off 100 balls, was the penultimate wicket to fall on day two as the hosts dismissed New Zealand for 174 in their second innings early on Sunday. Ajaz Patel and Matt Henry could add only three runs to New Zealand's total this morning, having resumed at the overnight score of 171/9. Ravindra Jadeja completed another five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5/45.New Zealand have already won the three-match series, having defeated India in the first two Tests in Kanpur and Mumbai. However, India will be determined to avoid a whitewash and will fancy their chances of chasing down the target on a pitch that has offered assistance to both batters and bowlers.India's openers, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, will be key to their chances of victory. Gill has been in excellent form throughout the series, while Sharma is due for a big score. The middle order, led by Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, will also need to contribute if India are to reach their target.New Zealand's bowlers will be looking to make early inroads into the Indian batting lineup. Tim Southee and Trent Boult are both capable of taking wickets with the new ball, while Ajaz Patel and Michael Bracewell will provide control through the middle overs.The match is evenly poised heading into the final day, with both teams having a chance of victory. India will be confident of chasing down the target, but New Zealand will be determined to finish the series on a high note.

India's hopes of salvaging a win in the third and final Test against New Zealand hinge on the shoulders of their senior batters, particularly Virat Kohli. The Wankhede pitch has proven to be a spinner's paradise, with 24 of the 29 wickets falling to tweakers so far.New Zealand, who were bowled out for 171 in their first innings, hold a slender lead of 143 runs. India will likely chase around 150-160 when play resumes on Sunday.Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin have been India's standout performers with the ball, taking seven wickets between them. However, New Zealand's spin attack, led by Ajaz Patel, poses a significant threat.Kohli has endured a difficult series, but his experience and class could prove invaluable in a tense, low-scoring contest. The former Indian captain has struggled for consistency, but he has the ability to produce match-winning performances when it matters most.India's younger batters, such as Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, have shown promise, but they may struggle against New Zealand's spin-heavy attack. Senior players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma will need to handle the pressure and guide India to victory.For Kohli, this match represents an opportunity to redeem himself and gain valuable form ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. A match-winning innings would not only give India a consolation win but also provide the veteran batter a much-needed confidence boost.With New Zealand having spun their way to victories in Bengaluru and Pune, India will need Kohli to dig deep and navigate a challenging pitch to prevent a rare series whitewash at home. The stage is set for a classic fourth-innings battle, and Kohli's experience could make all the difference.

Rohit Sharma, India's captain, has faced criticism for his recent batting performances in Test matches. Despite leading India to victory in the ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup, Rohit's Test form has been a cause for concern.In the recent Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, Rohit failed to score a century and reached double figures only once. His dismissals have often been through clean bowling, a sign of vulnerability to early swing and seam movement.As India's captain and a senior batsman, Rohit faces pressure to perform and lead by example. However, this pressure can make it challenging to play with a free-flowing style, especially in high-stakes tournaments.Rohit's poor form has raised questions about his suitability as Test captain. Some critics have called for a change in leadership, while others believe that Rohit deserves more time to prove himself.With India's upcoming tour of Australia approaching, Rohit has one more chance to prove his worth as a Test batsman. A victory in the third Test against New Zealand would save India from a clean sweep at home and provide some respite for Rohit.However, the knives will be out Down Under, where India will face a formidable Australian team. Rohit's batting form will be crucial to India's chances of success in Australia.

Captain Pat Cummins has downplayed the significance of the "bat off" for the final spot in Australia's Test team, but acknowledges its value as a "final piece of information." The four contenders for the vacant opening spot, Marcus Harris, Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas, and Cameron Bancroft, have been showcasing their skills in the Australia A game against India A.While McSweeney has emerged as the standout performer, Cummins emphasizes that the Australia A games are not the sole determinant for selection. He notes that some players have limited Shield cricket experience, while others have played for over a decade. The quartet is expected to get another chance to impress in the second four-day game at the MCG.Cummins is not concerned about making a late decision, as the current selection panel and leadership group prioritize giving players certainty. He believes that whoever is selected will have gained valuable experience and be well-prepared for the pressure of a Test debut.Regarding the batting order, Cummins suggests that Marnus Labuschagne could potentially open the batting to accommodate McSweeney at No. 3, his usual position in first-class cricket. However, he emphasizes that the batting order will be determined based on the overall functionality of the team.Cummins feels physically refreshed after skipping the UK tour to focus on training. He explains that he opted out of a Shield game to prioritize gym work and build up his fitness. He believes the ODIs against Pakistan will provide him with a good lead-in to the first Test.It remains uncertain whether Cummins will play all three ODIs against Pakistan. He has confirmed his participation in the first two, but may miss the final game in Perth to avoid unnecessary travel. If he does miss the Perth match, Australia will need to find a captain, with Mitchell Marsh unavailable due to paternity leave.

Ajaz Patel, New Zealand's premier spinner, has rediscovered his form in the ongoing Test series against India. After a disappointing start to the series, Patel has emerged as a key figure for the Black Caps, claiming 5/103 in the first innings of the third Test in Mumbai.Patel's performance in Mumbai was a reminder of his heroics at the same venue in 2021, where he became only the third bowler in Test history to take all 10 wickets in an innings. His latest five-wicket haul has helped New Zealand restrict India to a manageable total of 263, giving them a glimmer of hope in the series.Patel's resurgence has been a welcome boost for New Zealand, who have struggled to contain India's batting lineup in the first two Tests. The left-arm spinner has credited his improved performance to a change in mindset and a renewed focus on his strengths."I've been working hard on my game and trying to stay positive," Patel said after the day's play. "I knew that if I kept putting in the effort, the wickets would eventually come."Patel's performance has also been praised by his teammates, who have hailed his resilience and determination."Ajaz is a world-class spinner," said New Zealand captain Tim Southee. "He's shown great character to bounce back from a tough start to the series. His wickets today were crucial for us."With the series still in the balance, Patel will be looking to continue his good form in the remaining two Tests. If he can maintain his current level of performance, he could play a pivotal role in helping New Zealand salvage a draw or even an unlikely victory.