Cricket

Mitchell Starc Relishes Rivalry with Virat Kohli Ahead of Border-Gavaskar TrophyAustralian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has expressed his excitement for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he will once again face off against Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli. The two cricketing giants have engaged in numerous intense battles over the years, and Starc relishes the opportunity to test his skills against Kohli."I enjoy my battles with Virat Kohli, it's because we've played a lot of cricket against one another," Starc told Star Sports. "I always have some good battles. I've managed to get him out once or twice and he's no doubt scored a fair few runs against me so it's always a good contest and one we both enjoy."The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins on November 22 in Perth, will be the fifth consecutive series between India and Australia. India has emerged victorious in the previous four encounters, including triumphs on Australian soil in 2018-19 and 2020-21.Starc acknowledges India's dominance in recent years but remains confident in Australia's ability to challenge them. "India has been playing really well in the last few years, especially in their home conditions," he said. "But we're confident in our team and we know that if we play to our potential, we can beat anyone."The rivalry between Starc and Kohli is one of the most captivating in international cricket. Both players are known for their fierce competitiveness and unwavering determination. Starc's ability to generate pace and swing with the new ball makes him a formidable opponent, while Kohli's exceptional batting skills and leadership qualities have established him as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be another thrilling chapter in the Starc-Kohli rivalry. With both players in top form, fans can expect a series filled with high-quality cricket and intense battles.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to undergo a potential overhaul in its retention rules ahead of the 2025 season. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to officially announce any changes, media reports suggest that franchises are still negotiating the number of retentions allowed.Amidst the uncertainty, one thing remains clear: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is determined to retain the services of legendary wicket-keeper batter Mahendra Singh Dhoni, regardless of the number of retentions granted. According to Cricbuzz, CSK is willing to retain Dhoni even if he is placed in the "uncapped" category, a move that would significantly reduce his salary cap hit.Dhoni has been an integral part of CSK since the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Under his leadership, the franchise has won five IPL titles. Despite stepping down as captain in 2024, Dhoni remains a vital cog in the team's success.Meanwhile, Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has praised the transformative impact of former India captain Virat Kohli on Test cricket in the country. Ponting believes that Kohli's aggressive approach and belief in his team's ability to win overseas have inspired a new generation of Indian batters.Ponting also lauded the contributions of former head coach Rahul Dravid, who guided India to the T20 World Cup title in 2022. Dravid's tenure saw India continue to excel in Test cricket, with memorable victories in challenging conditions abroad.Under Kohli's captaincy, India became the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia. His absence during the 2020-21 series due to the birth of his daughter did not deter the team, which rallied under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane to secure a historic 2-1 series victory.

India's impending Test series against Bangladesh presents a historic opportunity for the team to surpass its losses in the format for the first time ever. With 178 wins and 178 defeats in 579 Tests, a victory in Chennai would mark a significant milestone.The shift in India's Test fortunes can be traced back to the leadership of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Dhoni's tenure as captain saw a marked improvement in India's overseas performance, while Kohli's reign ushered in an era of dominance with a focus on pace bowling.Kohli's decision to prioritize fast bowlers, alongside former coach Ravi Shastri, transformed India's Test aspirations. The emergence of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ishant Sharma as a formidable pace trio gave India the edge in conditions that were once considered unfavorable.Under Kohli's captaincy, India achieved its first Test series win on Australian soil, a testament to the impact of his pace-bowling strategy. His win percentage of 58.82% may fall short of Rohit Sharma's current 62.5%, but his contribution to India's Test resurgence cannot be overstated.While Rohit Sharma's brief tenure as captain has yielded impressive results, it is the legacy of Dhoni and Kohli that has laid the foundation for India's current success in Test cricket. The upcoming series against Bangladesh offers an opportunity to further cement India's dominance and etch their name in the annals of Test history.

Australia's veteran spinner Nathan Lyon has identified the three Indian batsmen he believes will pose the greatest threat in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy series. The series will kick off with the first Test in Perth on November 22, followed by the second Test in Adelaide from December 6, the third Test in Brisbane from December 14, the fourth Test (Boxing Day Test) in Melbourne from December 26, and the fifth and final Test in Sydney from January 3.According to Lyon, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant are the top three batsmen to watch out for in the series against Australia. Lyon acknowledged that facing the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Ravindra Jadeja, who will follow the trio, will be a significant challenge for the Australian team.In an interview with Star Sports, Lyon said: "Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant are probably going to be the three really big ones. But then you've still got Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Jadeja, and who else will come out—another five, I'm not sure."Lyon emphasized the formidable nature of the Indian lineup. "But it's a pretty amazing line-up they've got, so it's going to be a massive challenge. As I said, if we, as a bowling group, are good enough for long periods, hopefully, we can challenge their defense," he said.The Indian team will embark on a challenging tour of Australia for a five-match Test series, commencing in November. Lyon's comments highlight the respect he has for the Indian batting lineup and the challenges that Australia will face in the upcoming series.

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia promises an enthralling battle between two of the modern era's greatest batters: Virat Kohli and Steve Smith. Both players are renowned for their exceptional skills and dominance in the Test format.Glenn Maxwell, the Australian all-rounder, believes that the head-to-head contest between Kohli and Smith will be a pivotal factor in determining the outcome of the series. "One of those two is going to make a lot of runs, if not both of them," Maxwell said. "It is going to be pretty exciting to watch the two of the finest players of our generation go head-to-head."Smith, with 9,685 runs in 109 Tests, boasts an impressive average of 56.97. He has scored 32 centuries and 41 fifties, with a highest score of 239. Kohli, on the other hand, has amassed 8,848 runs in 113 Tests, averaging 49.15. He has 29 centuries and 30 fifties, with a highest score of 254.Kohli's Test record in Australia is particularly impressive. In 13 Tests, he has scored 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08, including six centuries and four fifties. Smith, too, has a strong record in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having scored 1,887 runs in 18 matches at an average of 65.06.Beyond their individual brilliance, Kohli and Smith share a mutual respect and camaraderie. During the 2019 World Cup, Kohli intervened to stop the crowd from booing Smith over the "Sandpaper Gate" saga. Smith later expressed his gratitude for Kohli's gesture.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will feature five Tests, with the first match scheduled for November 22 in Perth. The second Test will be a day-night affair at Adelaide Oval, followed by matches at The Gabba, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the Sydney Cricket Ground.The series promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world's best teams, with the individual battle between Kohli and Smith adding an extra layer of excitement.

Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad: The Future of Indian Cricket Post-Kohli and RohitAs the legendary duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma approach the twilight of their illustrious careers, Indian cricket fans are eagerly looking towards the next generation of stars to carry the torch. Veteran leg-spinner Piyush Chawla believes that Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad possess the talent and potential to fill the void left by the departing greats.Chawla, who has shared the dressing room with both Kohli and Rohit, recently expressed his admiration for Gill and Gaikwad on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast. He hailed Gill's exceptional technique as a key factor in his success. "Shubman Gill—because of his technique. Whenever one goes through poor form, a batter who is technically strong can come out of it. Any batter who has a good technique cannot stay out of form for too long," Chawla said.Gill, 25, has already established himself as a vital cog in the Indian batting lineup. With 25 Tests, 47 ODIs, and 21 T20Is under his belt, he has amassed over 4,400 international runs, including 11 centuries. His ability to adapt to different formats and conditions has made him a reliable performer for India.While Gaikwad, 27, has faced some setbacks due to injuries and selection issues, Chawla remains confident in his abilities. "It [getting dropped or injured] is part and parcel of the game. It will keep happening. But, whenever he has got the opportunity, he has looked different. For me, these two players (Gill and Gaikwad) are special," Chawla added.Gaikwad has shown glimpses of his brilliance in the limited opportunities he has received. In six ODIs and 23 T20Is, he has scored over 750 runs, including a T20I century. His aggressive batting style and ability to clear the boundary with ease make him a valuable asset to any team.With Kohli and Rohit nearing retirement, the onus will fall on Gill and Gaikwad to lead the Indian batting charge in the years to come. Their talent, determination, and experience make them the ideal candidates to carry the legacy of their illustrious predecessors.

Gautam Gambhir's Bollywood Movie Titles for Indian CricketersDuring a lighthearted segment at the Delhi Premier League T20, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir showcased his playful side by assigning Bollywood movie titles to Indian cricketers, including Virat Kohli.Gambhir's choices were both amusing and insightful. For Kohli, he selected "Shahenshah" (Emperor), a fitting title for the Indian captain's dominance on the field. Yuvraj Singh was dubbed "Badshah," while Gambhir humorously referred to himself as the "Angry Young Man."Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary batsman, was aptly named "Dabang," while Jasprit Bumrah, the pace sensation, earned the title "Khiladi." Gambhir emphasized that Bumrah's title was "more important than all these," highlighting his exceptional skills. Rahul Dravid, known for his precision and dependability, was recognized as "Mr. Perfectionist."Surprisingly, Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni's names were absent from the segment, leaving cricket enthusiasts curious.Gambhir's playful assignment of movie titles not only provided entertainment but also shed light on his relationship with Virat Kohli. In his first press conference as head coach, Gambhir clarified that he and Kohli are "on the same page" regarding their shared goal of making India proud.As India prepares for their upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, all eyes are on Virat Kohli's much-anticipated return to the Test squad. Kohli's inclusion, along with Rishabh Pant's return after nearly 20 months, adds experience and strength to India's arsenal as they aim to start the two-match series on a high note.

Nathan Lyon, the seasoned Australian spin wizard, has identified Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant as the pivotal Indian wickets to capture in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.Lyon, speaking to Star Sports, acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by India's batting lineup. "Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant are probably going to be the three really big ones," he said. "But then you have still got Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and who else will come out--another five, I am not sure. But it is a pretty amazing line-up they have got, so it is going to be a massive challenge."Lyon emphasized the importance of sustained bowling pressure to overcome India's formidable batting. "As I said, if we, as a bowling group, are good enough for long periods, hopefully, we can challenge their defense," he said.Kohli, India's batting mainstay, has a remarkable record in Australia, having amassed 1,352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08. Sharma, the Indian captain, has also performed well in Australia, scoring 408 runs in seven Tests at an average of 31.38. Pant, the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter, has been in scintillating form in Australia, scoring 624 runs in seven matches at an average of over 62.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, commencing on November 22 in Perth, promises to be a fiercely contested affair. Lyon, with his impressive record against India, will be a key figure in Australia's bowling attack. The series will feature four Tests, including a day-night Test in Adelaide and the traditional Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket legend, continues to etch his name in the annals of the sport, surpassing yet another milestone held by the iconic Sachin Tendulkar. On September 11, 2023, Kohli led India to a resounding 228-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup encounter at Colombo (RPS), breaking Tendulkar's record for the most ODI runs against Pakistan.Kohli and KL Rahul forged a formidable partnership of 233 runs, propelling India to a mammoth 356/2. Kohli remained unbeaten on 122*, reaching the milestone of 13,000 ODI runs in just 267 innings, a feat that Tendulkar had achieved in 321 innings. This marked Kohli's 47th ODI century and his 77th international hundred.Pakistan's batsmen struggled to cope with India's bowling attack, managing only 128 runs in reply. Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav shone with an exceptional performance, taking five wickets for just 25 runs.Kohli's record-breaking innings and India's emphatic victory over Pakistan have further cemented his status as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. He is now within striking distance of several other records held by Tendulkar, including the most ODI runs and centuries.Kohli's relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to perform under pressure have made him a role model for aspiring cricketers worldwide. His achievements serve as a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering determination.