Rishabh Pant: Master of Sledging in India-Australia Rivalry

Rishabh Pant: Master of Sledging in India-Australia Rivalry

Sledging: A Fiery Element in the India-Australia Test Rivalry

Sledging, the art of verbal jousting on the cricket field, has become an integral part of the intense rivalry between India and Australia. While Australian teams have traditionally been known for their aggressive sledging tactics, India has gradually embraced this aspect of the game, particularly under the leadership of Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli.

In recent years, India has not only triumphed in their last two tours Down Under but has also matched the Australians in the art of sledging. Rishabh Pant, in particular, has emerged as a master of behind-the-wickets banter, often targeting Australian batters with his witty remarks.

In a recent video shared by Star Sports, Australian players unanimously named Pant as the Indian player who sledges and banters the most. Pant, however, clarified that he does not engage in sledging with any specific purpose but simply enjoys the banter.

The upcoming five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy, beginning on November 22 in Perth, promises to be another fiery encounter between these two cricketing giants. India’s recent Test series win against Bangladesh has solidified their position atop the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, with a points percentage of 74.24.

If India manages to defeat New Zealand 3-0 at home, they will secure their place in the WTC final at Lord’s in June 2025 before even heading to Australia. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will then become a contest of pride, with the world’s No. 1 team aiming to retain the series.

Australia Prepares for India's Dominance in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australia Prepares for India’s Dominance in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australia Braces for India’s Dominance in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australian cricket star Steve Smith has acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by India. In a recent Star Sports promo, Smith expressed his respect for India’s dominance, stating, “We know they are very difficult to beat.”

The upcoming five-match Test series, beginning on November 22, marks the first such encounter between Australia and India since the 1991/92 season. Australian skipper Pat Cummins is determined to make amends after losing to India in two consecutive series at home. “We have not been successful in the last two series here in Australia. So it’s been a long time, hopefully time to make amends,” Cummins said.

Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon echoed Smith’s sentiments, praising the Indian squad. “I’ve always said throughout my whole career I wanna compete against the best. When you look through the whole Indian line-up. The whole squad is absolutely superstars wherever you look in. You want to compete and challenge yourself against them and can’t wait to have the Indian guys out here,” Lyon said.

India’s recent Test series win against Bangladesh has solidified their position atop the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. With eight wins, two losses, and one draw, India has amassed 98 points and a points percentage of 74.24. If India defeats New Zealand 3-0 at home, they will secure their place in the WTC final at Lord’s in June 2025 before even heading to Australia.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will thus be a contest of pride, with the world’s No. 1 team aiming to retain the series. Australia, on the other hand, is determined to break India’s dominance and prove their mettle on foreign soil.

Harbhajan Singh: Kohli's Legacy as Captain Beyond ICC Trophies

Harbhajan Singh: Kohli’s Legacy as Captain Beyond ICC Trophies

Virat Kohli’s tenure as India’s captain across all formats ended without an ICC trophy, but former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that doesn’t diminish his legacy as a leader.

Speaking to ‘Sports Yaari,’ Harbhajan emphasized that Kohli instilled a fighting spirit and a belief in taking on challenges head-on. He cited the heroic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia in 2020-21 as an example.

Despite Kohli’s absence for the final three Tests due to the birth of his child, the team’s determination to chase down daunting targets and never give up was evident. Harbhajan attributed this mindset to Kohli’s influence.

“The fire that he ignited in the team, like it may be a target of 400 in the fourth innings of a Test, we’ll go for the chase, we won’t panic. If we go down, we do it while chasing,” Harbhajan said.

He highlighted the performances of Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant in the fourth Test at the Gabba, where India chased down over 300 to clinch the series.

“That determination to fight till the end, which Shubman and Rishabh showed to win that Test in Gabba. It was because the way the team’s thinking changed,” Harbhajan concluded.

While Kohli may not have led India to an ICC trophy, Harbhajan believes his legacy as a captain lies in the fire and belief he instilled in the team, which continues to reap benefits today.

India-Australia Rivalry Transforms into Respect, Says Virat Kohli

India-Australia Rivalry Transforms into Respect, Says Virat Kohli

India-Australia Rivalry Evolves into Respect, Says Virat Kohli

The intense rivalry between India and Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has undergone a significant transformation over the years, according to batting maestro Virat Kohli. Initially characterized by fierce competition and heated exchanges, the relationship has shifted towards mutual respect, particularly after India’s consecutive Test series victories in Australia.

Kohli, who has been at the forefront of this rivalry, believes that both teams have developed a deeper understanding and admiration for each other’s abilities. “It was quite intense at the beginning, but I think since the time we had won two Test series in Australia, the rivalry has turned into respect,” Kohli said in a Star Sports promo for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“We are not taken lightly now as a Test team. The respect looks quite visible when you play against Australia since we have beaten them for back-to-back series wins at their own backyard,” he added.

The upcoming five-match Test series, which begins on November 22, will be the first between the two teams since 1991/92. It will be a crucial test for India, who currently sit atop the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.

A 3-0 series win against New Zealand at home would secure India’s place in the WTC final, scheduled for Lord’s in June 2025. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will then become a matter of pride for the world’s No. 1 team.

Kohli’s comments reflect the changing dynamics of the India-Australia rivalry. While the intensity and competitiveness remain, there is now a greater sense of respect and camaraderie between the two teams. This evolution is a testament to the growth of both teams and the enduring legacy of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Mohammed Shami Set to Return for New Zealand Tests, Targets Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Mohammed Shami Set to Return for New Zealand Tests, Targets Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Mohammed Shami, India’s premier fast bowler, is poised to make a much-anticipated return to action in the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand. Shami has been sidelined since the World Cup final last year due to an ankle injury that required surgery.

After undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Shami has been training diligently at the BCCI’s newly inaugurated Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Sources within the BCCI have indicated that Shami’s recovery is progressing well, and he is likely to be match-ready for the New Zealand series.

The 30-year-old seamer is eager to prove his fitness and regain his place in the Indian team. He has dismissed rumors that he will miss the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia later this year, stating that he is working hard to recover and has not been ruled out by the BCCI.

Shami’s return will be a significant boost for India, who have missed his experience and skill in the bowling attack. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace makes him a formidable threat to opposition batsmen.

The New Zealand series will provide Shami with an opportunity to demonstrate his fitness and form ahead of the crucial Australia tour. If he performs well, he is likely to be included in the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where India will aim to retain the trophy they won in 2018-19.

Shami’s return to action is a positive sign for Indian cricket. His experience and skill will be invaluable as the team prepares for a challenging schedule in the coming months.

Australian Cricketers Reveal Their Most Annoying and Amusing Indian Opponents

Australian Cricketers Reveal Their Most Annoying and Amusing Indian Opponents

As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, Australian cricketers have revealed their thoughts on who they find the most annoying or amusing from Team India.

Steve Smith, the prolific Australian batter, singled out Ravindra Jadeja as the player who annoys him the most on the field. “He’s a very good player,” Smith explained. “He always finds a way to get in the battle, whether it’s scoring runs, taking wickets, or making a great catch. It can be a bit annoying at times, but he’s a very good player.”

Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s pace bowler, echoed Smith’s sentiments, saying, “Probably Jadeja again.”

Jadeja’s impressive record against Australia supports these assessments. In 17 Tests, he has scored 570 runs at an average of 28.50 and taken 89 wickets.

Marnus Labuschagne, another Australian batter, found someone else amusing from the Indian side. “The one I always find the most amusing is Rishabh Pant,” Labuschagne said. “He’s always funny, a great laugh, and plays the game in the right spirit.”

Pant has a fine record in Australia, scoring 624 runs in seven matches at an average of over 62.

Travis Head pointed to India’s high-energy batsman Virat Kohli, adding, “I think a lot of people would say Virat, just because of how good he is. He’s always getting runs, and his high energy is always there. He’s always into you.”

Kohli’s Test record in Australia is prolific, scoring 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08 in 13 Tests.

Nathan Lyon, Australia’s spinner, humorously commented, “I get triggered by all Indian players.”

The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on November 22, with the first Test at Perth. The series promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams fielding talented and experienced players.

India-Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Individual Battles to Spice Up Contest

India-Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Individual Battles to Spice Up Contest

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with individual battles adding spice to the contest. India, currently atop the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, will face Australia, ranked second, in a five-Test series that could determine their qualification for the WTC final at Lord’s next year.

Australian captain Pat Cummins anticipates a captivating duel with Indian opener Shubman Gill, while Mitchell Starc has singled out Virat Kohli as his preferred Indian opponent. Starc, who was punished by Rohit Sharma in the T20 World Cup, relishes the challenge of facing Kohli, stating, “I’ve managed to get him out once or twice and he has no doubt scored a fair few runs against me. So it’s always a good contest and one we both enjoy.”

On the Indian side, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has emerged as a formidable threat, drawing praise from Travis Head and Steven Smith. Head described Ashwin as “all over you all the time,” while Smith acknowledged his exceptional skill and longevity.

Marnus Labuschagne, Australia’s batting mainstay, is eager to face Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, with whom he shares a history from their academy days. Labuschagne expressed admiration for Siraj’s passion and love for the game.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will commence with the first Test in Perth on November 22, setting the stage for a series of intense individual battles that will undoubtedly shape the outcome of the contest.

India vs Australia Test Series: Yuvraj Predicts 3-2 Win for India

India vs Australia Test Series: Yuvraj Predicts 3-2 Win for India

India’s upcoming five-match Test series against Australia, commencing on November 22, has sparked anticipation and predictions from cricket experts. The Rohit Sharma-led Indian team aims to continue its winning streak in Australia, having triumphed in the last two Border-Gavaskar Trophy series on Australian soil.

Former cricketer Yuvraj Singh, in a recent podcast appearance, expressed optimism about India’s chances, predicting a 3-2 series victory. He highlighted the team’s remarkable comeback in the previous Test tour, where they overcame a humiliating 36-run collapse in the second innings to secure a 2-1 series win.

Yuvraj emphasized the importance of preparation and unity within the Indian team. He praised their performance in the last two tours, noting that beating Australia in Australia is akin to winning a World Cup.

Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Vaughan and Australian legend Adam Gilchrist predicted a 3-1 and 3-2 series victory for Australia, respectively. Vaughan cited the home advantage and Australia’s strong team, while Gilchrist acknowledged India’s recent success in Australia.

Yuvraj’s prediction sparked a humorous exchange with Vaughan, who suggested claiming a “moral victory” if India falls short. Yuvraj responded with a confident “We will take it.”

Yuvraj also recalled India’s historic comeback in the previous Test tour, highlighting the team’s resilience and match-winning abilities. He believes that the current generation of Indian players has the potential to repeat that success if they prepare well and remain united.

The upcoming Test series promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world’s top cricket teams. India will aim to extend its dominance in Australia, while the hosts will seek to regain their home ground advantage. The outcome of the series will have significant implications for both teams’ rankings and will be closely watched by cricket fans worldwide.

Maxwell: Australia's Border-Gavaskar Success Hinges on Neutralizing Ashwin, Jadeja

Maxwell: Australia’s Border-Gavaskar Success Hinges on Neutralizing Ashwin, Jadeja

Australia’s success in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy hinges on their ability to neutralize the formidable Indian spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, according to all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. India has emerged victorious in their last two tours of Australia, becoming the only Asian nation to conquer the Aussies in a Test series on their home turf.

Maxwell, who has not featured in Australia’s Test team since 2017, believes that Ashwin and Jadeja have consistently played a pivotal role in India’s triumphs. “Over a long period of time, those two have always been the ones we’ve faced consistently, and the battles we’ve had with them have often dictated the outcome of the game,” Maxwell said.

The Ashwin-Jadeja combination has amassed an astonishing 821 wickets in 330 innings, including 50 five-wicket hauls. Maxwell emphasized that Australia must nullify their impact to improve their chances of success. “If we play well against those two, we’ll generally find ourselves in a better position compared to when they’ve had a field day and run through us,” he said.

Maxwell also lauded the development of Jasprit Bumrah, who has emerged as a world-class bowler across all formats. “To see him evolve from a young, untapped talent to what he is now—the probably best bowler across all three formats—is a pretty amazing story,” Maxwell remarked.

India vs Australia Test Series: Vaughan Predicts 3-1 Win for Hosts

India vs Australia Test Series: Vaughan Predicts 3-1 Win for Hosts

The upcoming India vs Australia Test series is highly anticipated, with former England captain Michael Vaughan predicting a 3-1 victory for the hosts. The five-match series, scheduled to commence on November 22 in Australia, is considered the pinnacle of Test cricket.

India has dominated the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in recent years, retaining it for the last four series, including two victories in Australia. However, Vaughan believes the Aussies have a strong chance of reclaiming the trophy this time around.

Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist also predicts a 3-2 win for his home team, while former India batting star Yuvraj Singh foresees a 3-2 victory for India.

The series will feature matches in Perth, Adelaide (pink-ball Test), Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. India has won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 10 times, while Australia has claimed it on 5 occasions. Australia’s last Test series win against India came in 2014-15, while their last series victory in India was in 2004-05.

The upcoming series promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world’s top Test teams. India will be looking to continue their dominance, while Australia will be eager to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

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