Ricky Ponting Advises Babar Azam to Follow Virat Kohli's Strategy to Regain Form

Ricky Ponting Advises Babar Azam to Follow Virat Kohli’s Strategy to Regain Form

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has urged Pakistan’s Babar Azam to emulate Virat Kohli’s strategy to regain his lost form. Babar, who was rested for the final two Tests against England due to poor form, has struggled to find his rhythm in recent times.

Ponting believes that Babar should consider taking a break from cricket, similar to what Kohli did in 2022. Kohli’s sabbatical helped him rediscover his form and return to his best.

“The biggest challenge is how they get Babar back into their side. They’ve got to find a way to get Babar back into form and back into their (Test) team,” Ponting said in the ICC Review.

“You know, when you look at (Babar’s) numbers, it’s been a bit like the stuff that we were talking about with Virat Kohli earlier on. Sometimes – and I think Virat was on record saying this – that little bit of a break that he had, he took himself away from the game for a while to freshen up and sort out some things that he needed to sort out.”

Ponting added that Babar may need to “get away for a while and stop trying too hard.”

“Lock the kit bag away for a while, and think about something else and then hopefully come back recharged, because we know at his best he’s as good as anyone going around. Hopefully, we get to see that in the back half of his career again,” Ponting said.

Babar has amassed 3,997 runs at an average of 43.92 in 55 Test matches. However, he has not scored a Test half-century in 18 innings since late 2022.

Pakistan won the Test series against England 2-1 under the leadership of Shan Masood. Babar’s return to form will be crucial for Pakistan’s success in upcoming Test matches.

CSK Criticized for Allowing New Zealand Batter to Practice Ahead of India Test Series

CSK Criticized for Allowing New Zealand Batter to Practice Ahead of India Test Series

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has expressed his disapproval of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) allowing New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra to practice at their academy ahead of the Test series against India. Ravindra emerged as the highest run-scorer for New Zealand as the visitors completed a historic 3-0 whitewash in the series.

Uthappa criticized CSK’s decision, stating that the franchise should prioritize the country’s interests over those of its players, especially when it comes to foreign players who will be competing against India. He emphasized that a line should be drawn when the nation’s interests are at stake.

Ravindra, who was part of the CSK squad in IPL 2024, was granted permission to practice at the franchise’s academy to acclimatize to Indian conditions. However, Uthappa believes that this decision was inappropriate, as it potentially gave Ravindra an unfair advantage in the Test series.

Despite his criticism of CSK, Uthappa acknowledged the franchise’s reputation for taking care of its players. However, he stressed that the country’s interests should always come first.

Ravindra, on the other hand, described New Zealand’s 3-0 Test series victory over India as a special and unforgettable experience. He praised the team’s performance and expressed his joy at being part of such a historic achievement.

New Zealand’s victory marked the first time a visiting team had completed a clean sweep in a three-Test series against India. Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel played a crucial role in the victory, taking 6-57 in India’s second innings.

Ricky Ponting Predicts 3-1 Australia Triumph in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Ricky Ponting Predicts 3-1 Australia Triumph in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between India and Australia, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has predicted a 3-1 triumph for the Baggy Greens. Ponting’s prediction stems from India’s recent series defeat to New Zealand and the absence of key pacer Mohammed Shami due to injury.

Ponting believes that Shami’s absence will make it challenging for India to claim the 20 wickets required to win a Test match in Australia. “Taking 20 wickets in a Test match for India is going to be the biggest challenge,” Ponting said. “I think they’ll bat well enough out here with the current group of batters that they’ve got.”

Despite acknowledging that India may sneak in a win at some point in the five-match series, Ponting remains confident in his overall prediction. “I think India will win a Test match somewhere through the five Test matches,” he said. “But I still think now, Australia probably look a bit more settled, a bit more experienced and we know that they’re a very hard team to beat at home.”

Regarding the potential top-scorer in the series, Ponting identified Steve Smith and Rishabh Pant as the frontrunners. He believes that Smith’s move back to No.4 in the batting order increases his chances of success, while Pant’s form and ability to bat in the middle order make him a formidable contender.

Among the bowlers, Ponting backed Josh Hazlewood to top the wickets chart. He cited Hazlewood’s current form and consistency as the reasons for his prediction. “I think Hazlewood out of the Australian quicks, is right at the moment, is probably at the peak of his powers more than the other guys,” Ponting said.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is a crucial ICC World Test Championship series that could determine the potential finalists of the WTC cycle. With Australia and India currently at the top of the table, the outcome of this series will have a significant impact on the race to the final.

Dhruv Jurel's Knock Puts Him in Contention for Perth Test

Dhruv Jurel’s Knock Puts Him in Contention for Perth Test

Dhruv Jurel’s impressive performance in the second unofficial Test against Australia ‘A’ has put him in contention for a spot in India’s playing XI for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Perth.

Jurel, who made his Test debut against England earlier this year, has shown his mettle with a fighting knock of 80 off 186 balls against Australia ‘A’. With Rishabh Pant firmly established as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper, Jurel’s chances of playing as a wicketkeeper are slim. However, his batting prowess could earn him a spot as a specialist batsman.

With captain Rohit Sharma likely to miss the first Test due to injury, KL Rahul is expected to partner Yashasvi Jaiswal as an opener. Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has also been in contention for the opening spot, has failed to impress against Australia ‘A’.

This leaves the middle order as a potential opening for Jurel. Sarfaraz Khan, who has been in and out of the Test team, has not been in the best of form lately. His brittle temperament could also be a concern against the aggressive Australian bowlers.

Jurel, on the other hand, has shown his ability to handle pressure and play long innings. His 90 in the Rajkot Test against England is a testament to his batting skills.

If coach Gautam Gambhir decides to include Jurel in the playing XI, he could replace Sarfaraz Khan in the middle order. Jurel’s experience at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where the first Test will be played, could also be a factor in his favor.

Arshdeep Singh Targets 100-Wicket Milestone in India's T20I Series Against South Africa

Arshdeep Singh Targets 100-Wicket Milestone in India’s T20I Series Against South Africa

Arshdeep Singh Eyes 100-Wicket Milestone as India Prepares for South Africa T20I Series

Indian seamer Arshdeep Singh is poised to make history as India embarks on a four-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series against South Africa. With 87 wickets from 56 matches, Arshdeep is just 13 wickets away from becoming the first Indian to capture 100 wickets in T20Is.

Currently, Yuzvendra Chahal holds the Indian record for most wickets in T20Is, with 96 scalps from 80 matches. However, Arshdeep’s impressive economy rate of 8.28 suggests that he could surpass Chahal’s tally in the upcoming series.

Interestingly, India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya is also on the cusp of reaching the 100-wicket milestone in T20Is. Pandya has claimed 87 wickets in 105 matches, boasting an economy rate of 8.17.

The India-South Africa T20I series will commence on November 8 at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban. The second match will be played at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on November 10, followed by the third match at SuperSport Park in Centurion on November 13. The series will conclude with the fourth T20I at Wanderers Stadium on November 15.

India’s T20I squad for the South Africa series includes:

* Suryakumar Yadav (C)
* Abhishek Sharma
* Sanju Samson (WK)
* Rinku Singh
* Tilak Varma
* Jitesh Sharma (WK)
* Hardik Pandya
* Axar Patel
* Ramandeep Singh
* Varun Chakaravarthy
* Ravi Bishnoi
* Arshdeep Singh
* Vijaykumar Vyshak
* Avesh Khan
* Yash Dayal

Shreyas Iyer's Double Century Sends Message to Selectors, IPL Franchises

Shreyas Iyer’s Double Century Sends Message to Selectors, IPL Franchises

Shreyas Iyer, the former Indian captain, has sent a resounding message to the national selectors and IPL franchises with his blistering double century for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. Iyer, who has been out of the Indian team setup, smashed an unbeaten 233 off just 228 balls against Odisha, following up on his earlier century (142) against Maharashtra.

Iyer’s latest knock came at a crucial time, just ahead of the IPL mega auction scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. His blazing form is sure to catch the attention of franchises, as Iyer, the first captain not to be retained after leading his IPL team to a title, looks to make a fresh impact in the tournament.

Returning to action after a one-match break to rest a shoulder injury, Iyer wasted no time asserting his dominance. His innings was a mix of ruthless aggression and controlled strokeplay, including nine sixes and 24 fours. Iyer formed a colossal 354-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Siddhesh Lad, propelling Mumbai to a commanding 508/4 at the time of his dismissal.

The 29-year-old’s sensational form in the Ranji Trophy serves as a strong statement not only ahead of the IPL auction but also as a reminder to the national selectors amid India’s ongoing batting concerns. His back-to-back centuries highlight his hunger for a return to the Indian squad, particularly after being sidelined from recent series.

Despite being overlooked for India’s T20I series against South Africa and the India A tour to Australia, Iyer has kept his focus, proving his value in domestic cricket. Having lost his place in the national Test side midway through the England series earlier this year, and not featuring in the BCCI’s central contracts list, Iyer has been fighting to regain his form. Though he endured a tough Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup campaign, his resurgence in the Ranji Trophy is evident.

Iyer’s batting partner, Siddhesh Lad, also found redemption, breaking a six-year century drought in First-Class cricket. Together, the pair ensured Mumbai raced to a formidable total, with Iyer playing the aggressor and Lad anchoring the innings.

With his current form, Iyer has not only reminded selectors of his potential for India but also positioned himself as a key contender in the IPL auction, where franchises are likely to be eager to secure his services.

India's Second-Line Stars Aim to Break Through in South Africa T20Is

India’s Second-Line Stars Aim to Break Through in South Africa T20Is

As India embarks on a transitional phase in T20 cricket, a group of promising second-line stars are eager to seize their opportunity in the upcoming four-match series against South Africa. Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma, and Varun Chakravarthy are among those hoping to establish themselves as first-choice players in the format.

Samson, who has impressed as an opener in recent matches, will be keen to solidify his claim for a regular spot at the top of the order. Abhishek Sharma, known for his explosive batting, will aim to showcase his consistency and versatility with both bat and ball. Varma, after a promising start to his T20I career, will be eager to regain his form and prove his worth.

Jitesh Sharma, who has slipped down the pecking order, will be determined to make an impact with his wicketkeeping and batting skills. Chakravarthy, who impressed against Bangladesh, will look to maintain his momentum and establish himself as a reliable spinner.

The series also provides an opportunity for a new-look pace bowling unit, comprising Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Vyshak Vijaykumar, and Yash Dayal, to prove their mettle. While Arshdeep and Avesh have had their moments at the international level, Vijaykumar and Dayal will be eager to translate their domestic and IPL success into the international arena.

Ramandeep Singh, who was retained by Kolkata Knight Riders after a productive IPL season, will be keen to replicate his all-round abilities. The senior players in the side, including skipper Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel, will be hoping for a strong outing to help India bounce back from their recent home series defeat against New Zealand.

South Africa, on the other hand, will be seeking revenge after losing to India in the T20 World Cup final in June. The Proteas will be led by Aiden Markram and will feature a mix of experienced and emerging players.

Rohit Sharma Likely to Miss First Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Rohit Sharma Likely to Miss First Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

India’s Test captain Rohit Sharma is expected to miss the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth due to personal reasons. Speculation suggests that Sharma’s absence stems from the impending birth of his second child.

Former Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has advocated for Sharma to return as a player only if he misses the first Test and rejoins the squad later in the series. Gavaskar believes that vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah should lead the team throughout the series.

However, former Australian captain Aaron Finch disagrees with Gavaskar’s stance. Finch believes that Sharma should retain his captaincy even if he misses the first or second Test due to family commitments. He emphasized the importance of supporting players during such significant life events.

In the previous tour of Australia, then-captain Virat Kohli took paternity leave after the first Test in Adelaide. Ajinkya Rahane led the team to a remarkable turnaround, winning the series 2-1.

India’s goal in this series is to win four Tests to secure a direct berth in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June 2025. The team’s performance in Australia will be crucial in determining their chances of reaching the final.

KL Rahul's Inconsistent Form Continues, Jeopardizing India XI Spot

KL Rahul’s Inconsistent Form Continues, Jeopardizing India XI Spot

KL Rahul’s inconsistent form continues to haunt him as he failed to impress in the opening day of India A’s four-day contest against Australia A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Opening the batting, Rahul was dismissed for a mere four runs, putting his hopes of earning a spot in the India XI for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in jeopardy.

Rahul’s dismissal came at the hands of Scott Boland, who angled the ball into the off stump region and found the edge. The 32-year-old had started strongly, hitting a boundary off his first ball, but his innings was cut short after just seven deliveries.

Michael Neser emerged as the destroyer-in-chief for Australia A, taking 4 wickets for 27 runs in the first innings. Dhruv Jurel top-scored for India A with 80 runs, while Devdutt Padikkal (26) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (16) also contributed. Beau Webster claimed three wickets for the hosts, running through the lower order.

Rahul’s latest single-digit outing is a setback in his bid to seal a spot in the Indian team for the Perth Test, which begins in 15 days. Dropped for the second and third Tests against New Zealand, Rahul needs to make a mark at the MCG to impress selectors, coach Gautam Gambhir, and captain Rohit Sharma.

Inconsistency has been a major concern for Rahul, who has struggled to find his rhythm in recent times. He scored 38 and 68 in the two Bangladesh Tests and had produced 86 runs against England in Hyderabad. His last Test century, 101 runs, came versus South Africa at Centurion.

Prior to that knock, Rahul had gone past the 25-run mark only once in 12 innings. His record in Australia is also not encouraging, with the batter averaging just 20.77 in five Tests.

Despite his struggles, Rahul’s experience and ability to bat at the top of the order or in the middle could still earn him a recall to the Indian team. However, he will need to produce a significant performance in the remaining three days of the match to convince the selectors that he deserves a place in the XI.

New Zealand Skipper Latham Praises India's Quality Despite Historic Sweep

New Zealand Skipper Latham Praises India’s Quality Despite Historic Sweep

New Zealand’s historic 3-0 Test series sweep against India has been met with graciousness from the Indian team, with skipper Tom Latham acknowledging the quality of Rohit Sharma’s side and their ability to bounce back.

Latham, who led the Kiwis to become the first visiting team to whitewash India in a three-match home series, praised the Indian team’s resilience and quality. “Indian cricket in general is really special. We’ve played against them a lot. The guys play with them at the IPL. They were certainly gracious in defeat and they’re still a quality side,” Latham said.

The series victory was particularly sweet for New Zealand, who had suffered a 0-2 defeat against Sri Lanka before landing in India. “When we were in Sri Lanka a few weeks, where things didn’t necessarily go our way, so, I think it makes these times extra special when you’re able to achieve something that hasn’t been achieved before,” Latham said.

Latham also highlighted the challenge that awaits New Zealand in their upcoming three-match series against England, who have adopted an aggressive “Bazball” approach to Test cricket. “I think it’s an exciting one. I guess you look at the Test matches in the past against England, whether it be home or away, they’ve always tended to be reasonably exciting. So, I’m sure this series will be no different,” Latham said.

“They’ve got an attacking brand that they like to play and I’m sure it will be no different in terms of how they like to approach it. So, yeah, we’re looking forward to it. Yeah, it’ll be a great challenge,” he added.

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