Cricket

Tours to Australia have consistently been a crucible for Indian cricketers, forging new heroes who rise to the challenge of world-class opposition, unforgiving pitches, and relentless scrutiny. Here are some of the most notable players who have emerged from the fire of Australian tours:Sachin Tendulkar & Javagal Srinath (1991-92):Despite India's 4-0 thrashing, this tour marked the arrival of two legends. Sachin Tendulkar, an 18-year-old prodigy, announced his presence with an unbeaten 148 in Sydney and a brave 114 in Perth. Javagal Srinath, with his pace and bounce, showed the promise that would make him India's pace spearhead.VVS Laxman (1999-2000):Amidst a disappointing series, VVS Laxman crafted one of his finest knocks. His scintillating 167 at the SCG showcased his elegance and dominance against a formidable Australian attack. It was a counter-attacking masterpiece that earned him respect from fans and foes alike.Irfan Pathan (2003-04):At just 19, Irfan Pathan made his debut in Adelaide, dismissing legends like Steve Waugh and Adam Gilchrist with his reverse swing and precision. Despite modest returns, he hinted at his immense potential.Virender Sehwag (2003-04):Known for his audacious strokeplay, Sehwag lit up the MCG with a swashbuckling 195. Though he missed a double ton, his knock left an indelible mark, cementing his reputation as a fearless opener.Ishant Sharma (2007-08):At 19, Ishant Sharma produced a memorable spell at the WACA, tormenting Ricky Ponting with pace, bounce, and accuracy. His fiery spell not only helped India win the Test but also changed his career trajectory.Cheteshwar Pujara (2018-19 and 2020-21):Pujara was the cornerstone of India's historic first series win in Australia. His marathon knocks, including three centuries, blunted Australia's attack and helped India achieve a landmark 2-1 victory. In the 2020-21 tour, he again played a key role with three half-centuries.Virat Kohli (2011-12 and 2013-14):In 2011-12, a young Virat Kohli stood tall amidst India's 4-0 whitewash, scoring his maiden Test hundred in Adelaide. By the 2013-14 series, he had evolved into a leader and batting maestro, leading India with intent and scoring 692 runs at 86.50.Rishabh Pant (2018-19 and 2020-21):Pant impressed on his first tour to Australia with 350 runs, including a brilliant 159* at the SCG. In 2020-21, he became a phenomenon. His heroic 97 in Sydney saved a Test, while his unbeaten 89 in Brisbane helped India pull off an incredible heist.Mohammed Siraj & Shubman Gill (2020-21):Siraj, shouldering the pace attack amid injuries, took 13 wickets, including a five-wicket haul in Brisbane. Shubman Gill, making his Test debut, scored 259 runs at 51.80. Their contributions were crucial in India's 2-1 triumph.These players have not only showcased their talent but also inspired future generations of Indian cricketers to conquer the challenges of Australian tours.

India's cricket team has achieved a remarkable triumph in their T20 International series against South Africa, securing a resounding 3-1 victory. The series win is a testament to the team's resilience and determination, as they faced a formidable opponent on their home turf.Led by stand-in captain V.V.S. Laxman, India showcased their depth and talent throughout the series. Young batters Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson emerged as key contributors, while experienced all-rounder Varun Chakravarty played a pivotal role with his exceptional bowling.In the first match of the series, India set a challenging target of 212 runs, which South Africa failed to chase down. Varma and Samson played crucial knocks of 48 and 63, respectively, while Chakravarty claimed three wickets.The second match saw India suffer a narrow defeat, but they bounced back strongly in the third match. Samson once again starred with a blistering 86 off just 59 deliveries, while Chakravarty continued his impressive form with another three-wicket haul.In the final match of the series, India produced a dominant performance to secure a massive 135-run victory. Varma and Samson continued their impressive run with half-centuries, while Chakravarty and fellow spinner Axar Patel shared seven wickets between them.Laxman hailed the team's performance as "a special effort," praising their spirit and determination. He highlighted the contributions of the young players and the support provided by the non-playing members.Captain Suryakumar Yadav also expressed his delight with the series win, describing it as "special." He credited the team's collective effort and the fearless approach they displayed throughout the series.India's T20I series triumph against South Africa is a significant achievement, demonstrating the team's potential and their ability to compete at the highest level. The victory will provide a much-needed boost of confidence as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia.

India's stand-in head coach V.V.S. Laxman has praised his team's fearless approach in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa. India currently leads the four-match series 2-1, with the final match scheduled to be played later today at the Wanderers.Laxman believes that the team's fearless attitude has been a key factor in their success. "What we have seen in these three matches is the fearless approach of this team," he said during a reception hosted for the Indian team in Johannesburg.Laxman also emphasized the importance of entertaining the fans along with winning matches. "During any tours to any foreign country, we play and try to entertain the crowd. And we always feel that we are playing at home," he said.The Indian team has received tremendous support from the Indian community in South Africa. Laxman acknowledged this support, saying, "The reason for that is all the wonderful fans of the Indian cricket team – the diaspora of India who settled down in various countries but still love the Indian team and the Indian cricketers."Skipper Suryakumar Yadav echoed Laxman's sentiments, saying, "It's always good to meet the Indian community when we come away from home. It makes us feel like we are at home."Indian Consul General Mahesh Kumar highlighted the long-standing cricket relations between India and South Africa, dating back over a century. He expressed hope that the two countries would continue to collaborate in the future.Chairman of Cricket South Africa Pearl Maphoshe made a plea for the Indian squad to return to South Africa in 2025. "We cannot have enough of Indian teams in South Africa. We really love you," he said.

Former Indian cricketer and National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman has lauded Rohit Sharma's leadership qualities, particularly his ability to take ownership of mistakes. Laxman praised Rohit's decision to bat first in the opening Test against New Zealand, despite it backfiring spectacularly.Laxman emphasized the importance of leaders acknowledging their errors and taking responsibility for their decisions. He cited Rohit's post-match press conference, where he admitted to misreading the pitch, as an example of exemplary leadership.Laxman also highlighted the significance of preparation and having a clear roadmap for success. He believes that great leaders are the best performers in their teams, and Rohit has exemplified this with the Indian team. Rohit has instilled a selfless style of play, encouraging his teammates to play with freedom and aggression.Despite India's poor start in the Bengaluru Test, Laxman remains optimistic about a turnaround. He believes that the Indian batters, including Sarfaraz Khan and Virat Kohli, have the ability to contribute significantly. He also expressed confidence in the Indian spinners to make an impact in the fourth innings.Laxman emphasized the importance of trusting one's strengths in pressure situations, as demonstrated by Sarfaraz Khan's unbeaten 70. He believes that the Indian team will approach the remaining innings with a positive mindset and a determination to win.

VVS Laxman Emphasizes Patience and Mental Strength in Injury RehabilitationThe Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) chief, VVS Laxman, has stressed the importance of adhering to rehabilitation protocols and maintaining patience during the recovery process for injured cricketers. Laxman believes that prioritizing the well-being of players is paramount, even if it means extending the rehabilitation timeline.In recent years, several prominent Indian cricketers, including Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Prasidh Krishna, have undergone extensive rehabilitation at the CoE. Laxman highlighted that these players have returned to the field fully fit and with their skills intact, demonstrating the effectiveness of the CoE's approach.Laxman emphasized that players must avoid rushing through the rehabilitation process and instead focus on following the prescribed protocols diligently. He explained that recovery timelines can vary, and it is crucial to be patient and allow the body to heal properly."Having patience to follow the protocols is very, very critical," Laxman said. "We have seen Rishabh Pant's case and we have seen Jassie (Jasprit Bumrah) being here, along with Shreyas, KL, Prasidh...a lot of players. They have really worked hard, showed patience, and were rewarded."Laxman also highlighted the mental challenges associated with rehabilitation. He noted that elite athletes are accustomed to rigorous training and competition, and being confined to a rehabilitation room can be mentally taxing."The challenging part of the rehab is that the entire rehab will probably be for two-three hours in the whole day and the rest of the day they (players) have nothing to do," Laxman said. "Here we are talking about elite sportspersons who actually are busy playing or training six to eight hours, and suddenly they realize that they are confined to the rehab room."To address this, Laxman emphasized the importance of mental strength and resilience. He encouraged players to stay positive and avoid frustration during the rehabilitation process.Laxman also discussed the CoE's injury-prevention program, which aims to minimize the frequency of injuries. He explained that standardized fitness protocols have been implemented across all levels of Indian cricket, from the national team to state teams.Additionally, the CoE has expanded its rehabilitation facilities to domestic players. Through telemedicine and collaborative efforts with state associations, the CoE provides support and guidance to ensure that injured players receive the best possible care.

The Eden Gardens Test of 2001 between India and Australia remains etched in the annals of cricket history as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Indian team. While the match is primarily remembered for the heroics of VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid, the bowling performance of Sachin Tendulkar played a pivotal role in India's historic victory.Australia, riding high on a record-breaking 16-match winning streak, seemed invincible. After enforcing the follow-on, they appeared to be cruising towards another triumph. However, Laxman and Dravid forged a monumental partnership, setting the stage for a thrilling final day.With Australia chasing a daunting target of 384, India needed quick wickets to seize the initiative. Captain Sourav Ganguly turned to Tendulkar, a part-time bowler known for his occasional breakthroughs.Tendulkar, justifying Ganguly's faith, delivered a remarkable spell. He dismissed the dangerous Adam Gilchrist for a duck, trapping him leg before wicket as he attempted a sweep. The in-form Matthew Hayden, another major threat, also fell victim to Tendulkar's leg-spin, going leg before wicket while attempting the same shot.Tendulkar's most significant scalp was that of legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne. With a cunning googly, he trapped Warne plumb in front of the wicket, giving Australia a taste of their own medicine.Tendulkar's bowling figures in the second innings were an impressive 3 wickets for 31 runs in 11 overs. His performance was instrumental in turning the tide in India's favor.India eventually bowled out Australia for 212, winning the match by 171 runs. This victory, considered one of the greatest comebacks in Test cricket history, marked only the third time a team had won after following on.Tendulkar's contribution with the ball, alongside the monumental batting performances of Laxman and Dravid, played a crucial role in breaking Australia's unbeaten streak and changing the momentum of the series, which India eventually won 2-1.

Mohammed Shami's participation in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia remains uncertain, pending a final fitness assessment from the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The Indian pacer has been recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the ODI World Cup last November and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA in Bengaluru.Shami's recovery has progressed well, with the pacer resuming bowling last month. He has gradually increased his workload and has reported no pain, indicating a potential return to competitive cricket. However, the BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, has emphasized that Shami's participation in the Australia series will be contingent on his fitness, as determined by the NCA report.Shami's importance to the Indian team, particularly in Australian conditions, cannot be overstated. In eight Tests down under, he has claimed 31 wickets at an average of 32.16, including two five-wicket hauls. His ability to exploit the Australian pitches makes him a crucial asset for India's hopes of reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on foreign soil.In addition to Shami's fitness update, Shah also confirmed that VVS Laxman will continue as the head of the NCA. Laxman, who took over the role in December 2021, has played a significant role in overseeing the rehabilitation of players like Shami. His current contract expires in September, but he will remain in charge, ensuring continuity at the academy during this crucial period.

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as the Indian cricket team's head coach has sparked mixed reactions. While many experts and fans welcomed the move, former Pakistan cricketer Tanveer Ahmed believes Gambhir did not deserve the role.Gambhir was appointed after Rahul Dravid's tenure ended following India's triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024. The appointment came as a surprise to some, as the names of WV Raman and National Cricket Academy (NCA) chief VVS Laxman were also in contention.Tanveer took to social media to express his disappointment with Gambhir's appointment, calling it a "parchi" case. He argued that Laxman should have been appointed due to his work with the youngsters."VVS Laxman should have become the head coach of the Indian team because he has been with the India B team as coach for a long time. It seems as if Gautam Gambhir's appointment is a 'parchi' case," Tanveer posted on X.However, Gambhir's appointment has been welcomed by many. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar praised Gambhir's leadership qualities and his ability to get the best out of his players."Gautam Gambhir is a proven leader. He has captained India to victory in the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He is also a very good tactician and knows how to get the best out of his players," Gavaskar said.Gambhir has already begun his tenure as head coach, leading the team in their first practice session ahead of the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. The new T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, was also involved in the session.Gambhir was seen giving batting tips to Sanju Samson and had a chat with all-rounder Shivam Dube. The training session focused on running, catching, and one-on-one interactions.

India's T20 World Cup Triumph: A Moment of Redemption for Rahul DravidFormer India cricketer VVS Laxman hailed the heartwarming gesture of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma handing over the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy to Rahul Dravid, a moment that encapsulated the significance of India's victory in Barbados.After a 13-year drought of an ICC World Cup, India's triumph was a cathartic experience for Dravid, who had captained the team in 2007 when they crashed out of the tournament in the West Indies. On the same soil, Dravid turned the nightmare into a day to remember, holding aloft the trophy for the first time in his illustrious career.Laxman praised the emotional outpouring from Dravid, known as "The Wall" for his stoic demeanor. "When he lifted the World Cup, I thought it was a great gesture by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to hand over that trophy, and the way he celebrated lifting that trophy showed how much it meant to each one of them," Laxman said.The victory was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team. Rohit Sharma collapsed to the ground as the last wicket fell, while Hardik Pandya, who defended 16 runs in the final over, was overcome with tears. Rohit kissed Hardik on the cheek, a poignant display of affection and gratitude."Everyone showed their emotions," Laxman observed. "It showed how much it meant to each and every player of that sport. It's not only the playing 11, but even the support staff, the coaching staff, emotions were really high."Laxman also highlighted the significance of the victory for India, which had come close to winning the 50-over World Cup just six months earlier. "It's a special feeling, keeping in mind that we have come close," he said. "The entire country is rejoicing with this result."