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Category: Cricket

India's Test Woes Continue with 0-3 Whitewash Against New Zealand

India’s Test Woes Continue with 0-3 Whitewash Against New Zealand

By November 5, 2024 0

India’s Test woes continued as they suffered a humiliating 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand. The Rohit Sharma-led side’s batting woes were exposed once again, with their struggles against spin bowling becoming a major concern.

Former cricketers and fans alike have called for the return of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane to the national side. Both players have enjoyed success in Australia, and their experience and solidity could provide much-needed stability to the Indian batting line-up.

Pujara has scored 602 runs in his last 20 innings before being dropped, averaging 33.4 with four fifties and a hundred. Rahane, on the other hand, has amassed 808 runs in his last 20 innings, averaging 42.5 with nine fifties and a hundred.

In contrast, Rohit Sharma has scored 550 runs in his last 20 innings, averaging 28.9 with two fifties and two hundreds. Virat Kohli has scored 823 runs in his last 20 innings, but his average drops below 29 if his 186-run knock is removed.

Former India captain Sachin Tendulkar has called for introspection and urged the team management to stop “needless experimentation” in the Test format. He also emphasized the need for better pitches.

Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh echoed Tendulkar’s sentiments, calling for a review of the team’s performance and a focus on playing on more challenging surfaces.

India’s defeat marks the first time they have been whitewashed 0-3 at home. The loss has raised serious questions about the team’s preparation, shot selection, and match practice.

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Rohit Sharma's Test Future Uncertain, India Needs to Prepare for Replacement

Rohit Sharma’s Test Future Uncertain, India Needs to Prepare for Replacement

By November 5, 2024 0

Rohit Sharma’s Test Future in Doubt, India Needs to Prepare for Replacement

Former Indian captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has raised concerns about Rohit Sharma’s future in Test cricket, suggesting that the veteran opener may retire from the format if India performs poorly in the upcoming five-Test series in Australia.

Sharma, who recently announced his retirement from Twenty20 internationals, has been in poor form in Tests, averaging just 26.67 in his last 10 innings. He has also acknowledged his lack of leadership during India’s recent 0-3 home Test thumping by New Zealand.

“You have to start thinking ahead. If Rohit Sharma doesn’t do well, I think he himself will retire from test cricket, for all you know,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel. “He’ll play ODIs only. He has already left T20I cricket. We have to keep in mind that he’s also ageing.”

Sharma, 37, has amassed 4,270 runs in 87 Tests at an average of 42.27, but his recent performances have raised questions about his ability to continue at the highest level.

Srikkanth praised Sharma for acknowledging his mistakes in a press conference after the New Zealand series. “Hats off to Rohit for accepting the fact that he played badly throughout the series and captained badly. That’s a great thing,” Srikkanth added. “That’s the first move of a player to get back to rhythm. Accepting your fault is very important. That’s a very important quality of a human being.”

India may be without Sharma for the first Test in Perth beginning on November 22 due to personal reasons. The team needs to win four of their five Tests in Australia to qualify for the World Test Championship final for the third time in a row next year.

Srikkanth believes that India needs to start preparing for Sharma’s potential retirement by identifying a suitable replacement. “We have to start thinking about who will replace Rohit Sharma,” he said. “We have to start looking at the younger players and give them a chance.”

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Shami's Comeback Stalled by Fresh Injury, Border-Gavaskar Series in Jeopardy

Shami’s Comeback Stalled by Fresh Injury, Border-Gavaskar Series in Jeopardy

By November 5, 2024 0

Mohammed Shami’s Comeback Delayed by Fresh Injury, Casting Doubt on Border-Gavaskar Series Participation

India’s premier fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, has suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. According to reliable sources, Shami has developed a side strain injury, further delaying his return to competitive cricket.

Shami, who has been sidelined for nearly a year due to a knee injury, was not included in the Bengal squad for the next two rounds of the Ranji Trophy. The experienced pacer had previously expressed his readiness to return to action after recovering from his knee injury. However, his name was conspicuously absent when India announced a 15-man squad for the Test series against Australia.

“I had been bowling with half a run-up on and off since I can’t put too much stress on my body. So we decided that I would bowl properly, and I gave my 100%,” Shami had said at a promotional event last month.

Despite bowling at full tilt in the nets during India’s recent Test series against New Zealand, Shami’s side strain injury has raised concerns about his fitness for the Australia tour. India captain Rohit Sharma had previously stated that the team did not want to risk an “undercooked Shami” in Australia.

Shami’s last competitive appearance came in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November 2022. His absence from the Border-Gavaskar series would be a significant blow to India’s bowling attack, which is already missing Jasprit Bumrah due to a back injury.

The extent of Shami’s side strain injury and the timeline for his recovery remain unclear. However, the fresh setback casts doubt on his ability to regain full fitness in time for the Australia tour, which begins in February 2023.

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India Sends Rahul, Jurel to Australia Early Amid Batting Concerns

India Sends Rahul, Jurel to Australia Early Amid Batting Concerns

By November 5, 2024 0

India’s Test team has come under intense scrutiny following their disappointing loss to New Zealand in the recently concluded home series. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia looming, the team management has taken a bold decision to send star batters KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel to Australia early.

The move has raised eyebrows, as it suggests a lack of confidence in the current batting lineup. Former India opener Aakash Chopra expressed his concerns, stating that the decision to send Rahul and Jurel early indicates “a lot of concern over India’s batting.”

Chopra questioned the timing of the team selection, suggesting that it may have been premature to name the squad before the New Zealand series. He pointed out that Sai Sudharsan, who impressed in Australia with his batting, could have been included in the team.

However, Chopra acknowledged that Rahul and Jurel have not had enough game time in India and that sending them to Australia could provide them with an opportunity to find form and score runs. He also expressed his preference for Rahul over Sarfaraz Khan, despite Khan’s impressive century against New Zealand.

“If you ask me to choose between Rahul and Sarfaraz for the Australia tour, I will pick the former though the latter has scored 150 against New Zealand,” Chopra said. “And even between Jurel and Sarfaraz, I might still be tempted with the former.”

India’s tour of Australia will begin on November 22 with a five-match Test series. The team will be desperate to win at least four matches to qualify for the World Test Championship final next year. The early arrival of Rahul and Jurel is a sign of the team’s determination to address their batting concerns and put up a strong challenge in Australia.

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KKR's Communication Blunders: Starc and Iyer Left in the Dark

KKR’s Communication Blunders: Starc and Iyer Left in the Dark

By November 5, 2024 0

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, have come under fire for their lack of communication with star players Mitchell Starc and Shreyas Iyer. Despite submitting their list of retained players to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), KKR has yet to reach out to Starc, who was a key contributor to their title victory in 2024.

Starc, who was acquired for a hefty Rs 24.75 crore in the mini-auction in December 2023, expressed his surprise at the lack of contact from KKR. “I still haven’t heard from them (KKR),” he told Australia’s The Daily Telegraph.

KKR’s silence towards Starc is not an isolated incident. The franchise also had minimal communication with captain Shreyas Iyer before the IPL retentions deadline. As reported by TimesofIndia.com, KKR had their first chat with Iyer just three days before the deadline, despite his impressive leadership in their third IPL triumph.

Sources suggest that Iyer was seeking a high retainer fee, but KKR failed to engage in timely discussions. Instead, the franchise prioritized Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, who were retained for Rs 12 crore each. Rinku Singh was the top retention at Rs 13 crore, while uncapped players Harshit Rana and Ramandeep Singh were retained for Rs 4 crore each.

KKR CEO Venky Mysore has maintained that the franchise has “engaged in conversations” with all players, but the latest revelations by Starc and Iyer contradict this claim. Mysore’s decision to block TimesofIndia.com on WhatsApp further raises questions about KKR’s transparency.

Shreyas Iyer will now enter the IPL mega auction and is expected to attract significant interest from other franchises seeking a leadership role. KKR’s lack of communication and apparent lack of interest in retaining key players has raised concerns about the franchise’s long-term prospects.

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Pakistan's Short-Ball Strategy May Falter at Batting-Friendly Adelaide Oval

Pakistan’s Short-Ball Strategy May Falter at Batting-Friendly Adelaide Oval

By November 5, 2024 0

Pakistan’s audacious short-ball strategy on the fast and bouncy MCG pitch nearly pulled off a remarkable upset in the first ODI against Australia. However, experts believe that the tactic may not be as effective at the Adelaide Oval, known for its batting-friendly conditions.

Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Haris Rauf, unleashed a barrage of short-pitched deliveries that rattled Australia’s top order. Rauf’s fiery spell, which included the dismissals of Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell, had the pro-Pakistan crowd on their feet.

Despite the success of the short-ball approach, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins remained composed and guided his team to a two-wicket victory. However, the tactic is unlikely to be as effective at the Adelaide Oval, which has shorter square boundaries and a reputation for being a haven for batters.

“Pakistan’s tactics [in Melbourne] bowling pretty short,” said Australia opener Matt Short. “But I think they may have to change that a little bit at this ground with the shorter square boundaries which are the complete opposite to the ‘G. It’s always a nice ground to bat on.”

Short, who is vying to replace David Warner as Australia’s permanent ODI opener, is eager to return to his home ground, where he has excelled for the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL. “It’s going to feel quite comfortable down there opening the batting, that’s for sure,” said Short. “It’s my favourite ground in the world to play at.”

Despite a disappointing start to the series, Short remains confident in his ability to cement his spot in the team. “I came into this series with high aspirations to try to cement my spot in the team,” said Short. “I’m going to go out there and keep trying to be positive and play aggressive cricket. It should pay off at some stage.”

With Travis Head on paternity leave, Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk have formed a new opening duo. While Fraser-McGurk’s aggressive style may complement Short’s more measured approach, Australia’s coaching staff is encouraging both players to play their natural game.

“The coaching staff give us both the licence to be free and play our shots,” said Short. “Batting with Travis Head as well, if he goes [off] then I let him go and I do my thing.”

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Kohli and Sharma's Future in Doubt as India Faces Test Team Overhaul

Kohli and Sharma’s Future in Doubt as India Faces Test Team Overhaul

By November 5, 2024 0

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of India’s most celebrated cricketers, are approaching the twilight of their careers. As they enter their mid-30s, questions are being raised about their continued presence in the national team.

Following India’s recent Test series loss to New Zealand, former captain Sunil Gavaskar has called for introspection regarding the team management’s approach to the senior duo. Gavaskar believes that if Kohli and Sharma fail to perform in the upcoming series against Australia, the pressure for a team overhaul will intensify.

“It’s ticking for everybody,” Gavaskar said. “But because they are in their 30s, mid-30s, it will be tougher for them than the guys in the early 20s or early 30s.”

Gavaskar acknowledged that Kohli and Sharma have been through a rare period of poor form, but emphasized that their performance in Australia will be crucial. “What we are going to see in Australia is really going to be interesting,” he said. “What we are going to see in Australia will determine the future of the Test team.”

Gavaskar also believes that the early announcement of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad was not a mistake. He argued that the selection committee had already considered potential replacements and included them in the team.

“I don’t think that there would have been too many changes,” Gavaskar said. “I don’t think, you know, announcing the team earlier was was an issue at all.”

The upcoming series against Australia will be a defining moment for Kohli and Sharma. If they fail to perform, the calls for a new-look Indian team will only grow louder. The future of the Test team hangs in the balance, and the performances of its two most experienced players will play a pivotal role in shaping its destiny.

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Rishabh Pant's Fearless Batting Draws Praise from New Zealand Spinner Ajaz Patel

Rishabh Pant’s Fearless Batting Draws Praise from New Zealand Spinner Ajaz Patel

By November 5, 2024 0

In the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand, India’s performance was largely underwhelming. However, wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant emerged as a beacon of hope, showcasing his fearless batting style. Despite the Indian team’s struggles, Pant’s solo efforts kept India in contention for a consolation win in the third and final Test at the Wankhede stadium.

Pant’s valiant performance did not go unnoticed, earning him praise from both Indian and New Zealand cricketing circles. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel acknowledged the fear that Pant instilled in the opposition. “When Rishabh Pant is in the crease, everyone is scared,” Patel stated.

Patel revealed that the New Zealand team had specifically targeted Pant, recognizing his ability to play fearlessly and dictate the game. “He doesn’t fear when in the middle. He plays his game, no matter what. His philosophy is till the time you are on the crease, you do what you want to, if you get out, no problem,” Patel said.

Patel also commented on India’s upcoming tour of Australia, where the two teams will face off in a five-match Test series. He emphasized the importance of self-belief and a positive mindset for India to succeed Down Under. “Conditions in Australia would be different. If you take this series into Australia, there would not be any benefit. You need to start with a new mindset. You have the some of the best players, some of whom have even played in Australia. There would be pressure but wins and losses are part of the game,” Patel said.

“The important thing is to keep the trust and belief alive. You need to learn to focus on what’s next in line and move on from what has happened,” he added.

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Rajasthan Royals Retain Sanju Samson as Captain, Seek Stability with Core Players

Rajasthan Royals Retain Sanju Samson as Captain, Seek Stability with Core Players

By November 5, 2024 0

Rajasthan Royals’ head coach Rahul Dravid has revealed that captain Sanju Samson played a pivotal role in the franchise’s retention strategy for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Samson, who is the team’s captain and wicketkeeper-batter, was the first pick of the franchise in the retentions, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma.

Dravid explained the rationale behind retaining Samson as the No. 1 pick: “Sanju Samson is our batsman, wicketkeeper, and captain. He has been the captain of this team for many years. So, it was a no-brainer for us to retain him as he will be our captain in the future too. He was a top retainer pick for us and he was very involved in our decision process as well.”

The former Indian batter emphasized the importance of retaining core players for stability: “There is definitely a stability when you retain six players. We could only retain six players, but if we could have done more, we would have retained more for sure. We believe that the players we have retained are deserving. Of course, you have less money when you go to the auction, but there is a certain stability that you have blocked in some areas and then you can see how you have to make the whole team.”

Dravid praised Samson’s role in the retention decisions: “Sanju Samson played a big role in the retention, and it was difficult for him as well. As a captain, he has built a lot of relationships with the players. He has had a lot of balanced views about this. He has taken the trouble to understand the dynamics of it, the pros and cons of this. So, I would like to praise him for discussing this with us. It was not an easy decision for us either.”

Regarding expectations for the upcoming season and the auction table, Dravid stated: “For the next season, the expectation will be that we qualify and win. It’s been many years since Rajasthan has won a title. So, our effort will be to win, but we also understand that there are very good teams in IPL. The rules of the RTM have also changed a bit, so we will definitely get to see something different in this auction. In the auction, you have to do some preparation and planning, but there you have to show some flexibility. We have built a foundation for us, we have created a base, we have retained a core, we will take this forward and fill it and make a good squad.”

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Boland Eyes Rahul Challenge as Test Batting Auditions Continue

Boland Eyes Rahul Challenge as Test Batting Auditions Continue

By November 5, 2024 0

The upcoming four-day A-team encounter at the MCG will once again be a crucial stage for Australian batters vying for the vacant spot in the Test side. However, the arrival of Indian Test squad member KL Rahul has added an intriguing subplot to the match.

Rahul, who played the first Test against New Zealand before being dropped, has joined India A to gain match practice ahead of the first Test in Perth. Despite averaging just 20.77 in Australia from five Tests, Rahul could be in contention if Rohit Sharma misses the game due to personal reasons.

Australian quick bowler Scott Boland is eager to make an impression against Rahul, having previously bowled to him in a Test over in India. Boland believes that Rahul is a world-class player but is confident that Australia can get on top of him.

“He’s a world-class player but someone I think we can get on top of pretty early and hopefully stay on top of him for the majority of the summer,” Boland said.

Boland also cautioned against reading too much into India’s 3-0 loss against New Zealand, noting the different conditions in Australia.

“There’s so much more bounce here, more seam,” Boland said. “The way they’ll structure their team will be completely different to what you see over in India.”

While the majority of India’s Test squad will not have a full game in Australia before the first Test, Rohit Sharma explained that the team opted for match simulation instead of a practice match to allow batters and bowlers more time in the middle.

Boland is expected to be the reserve quick in the Test squad and is likely to feature at some point, given the belief that the durability of the “big three” bowlers last season was an outlier.

Boland has been working his way back from injury and is eager to make an impact.

“It felt like a long six months between games,” he said. “Remember being out on the ground in the Shield game and was just really happy to be back playing cricket.”

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