KL Rahul Favored Over Shubman Gill for India's Opening Role in Rohit Sharma's Absence

KL Rahul Favored Over Shubman Gill for India’s Opening Role in Rohit Sharma’s Absence

With India’s Test captain Rohit Sharma likely to miss the first one or two matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the team is faced with the task of finding a suitable replacement. While Jasprit Bumrah is the frontrunner for the captaincy role, the search for an opening batter is still ongoing.

Shubman Gill is a strong contender for the opening spot, but former Indian cricket legend Anil Kumble believes KL Rahul is a more versatile choice. Kumble praised Gill’s talent and skills, but emphasized the need for a batter who can adapt to different roles, like Rahul.

“Rahul has played for India in various roles, from opening the batting to acting as a finisher at No. 6,” Kumble said. “In the past, Cheteshwar Pujara has also batted at the top of the order when India needed someone to hold one end together. Rahul can do the same.”

Kumble highlighted the importance of having a batter who can control the first session and see off the new ball. “The Kookaburra Ball after the first 25 hours is best to bat between the 30th and 60th overs,” he explained. “Rahul and Pujara have consistently done this throughout their careers, ensuring that the team is safe and the middle-order batters can come in later and score runs.”

While Gill is a talented young player, Kumble believes Rahul’s experience and versatility make him a better choice to replace Rohit Sharma in the first Test. Rahul’s ability to adapt to different roles and his proven track record at the top of the order make him a valuable asset to the Indian team.

Australia Eyes Bumrah Neutralization for Border-Gavaskar Trophy Triumph

Australia Eyes Bumrah Neutralization for Border-Gavaskar Trophy Triumph

Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, has emphasized the importance of neutralizing India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, in order to secure victory in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Cummins acknowledged Bumrah’s exceptional bowling skills and recognized that silencing him would significantly enhance Australia’s chances of winning the series.

Cummins also expressed confidence in Australia’s ability to draw inspiration from their recent triumphs in the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup finals against India. He believes that these victories will provide a psychological edge for the Australian team.

Despite India’s dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy over the past decade, Cummins remains optimistic about Australia’s prospects. He highlighted the absence of Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s former No. 3 batter, as a potential advantage for Australia. Cummins described Pujara as a “real Test cricketer” whose stoic resistance had been a formidable challenge in previous encounters.

Cummins also acknowledged the growing rivalry between India and Australia, comparing it to the iconic Ashes series. He noted that the expansion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to a five-Test format further intensifies the competition.

Cummins praised India’s reputation for winning away from home, recognizing their exceptional ability to adapt to different conditions. He emphasized that defeating India in their own backyard would be a significant achievement for Australia.

KL Rahul Ideal Opener for India in Australia, Says Anil Kumble

KL Rahul Ideal Opener for India in Australia, Says Anil Kumble

Former India captain Anil Kumble has opined that KL Rahul should open the batting for India in the first Test of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia if Rohit Sharma is unavailable due to personal reasons. Kumble believes that Rahul’s adaptability and experience make him the ideal candidate for the role, while Shubman Gill should continue to excel at the No. 3 position.

Kumble suggests that Yashasvi Jaiswal could partner Rahul at the top of the order, maintaining a balanced batting lineup. He emphasizes Gill’s versatility and ability to adapt to different batting positions, including his successful stint as an opener in the past.

Kumble acknowledges that Gill’s batting style differs from traditional No. 3 stalwarts like Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara, but believes that his dynamic strokeplay and adaptability could provide India with an edge in challenging Australian conditions.

The former India head coach notes that the No. 3 batsman often faces the new ball and must control the first session of play. He believes that Gill has the ability to fulfill this role effectively, ensuring that the middle-order batsmen can come in later and score runs comfortably.

Kumble emphasizes that Gill may need to adjust his approach based on the conditions in Australia, but he has the ability to do so. He believes that India can benefit from Gill’s adaptability and versatility in the upcoming series.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Poised for Success in Australia, Says Anil Kumble

Yashasvi Jaiswal Poised for Success in Australia, Says Anil Kumble

India’s legendary spinner Anil Kumble has expressed his confidence in young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ability to excel in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Kumble believes that Jaiswal’s versatility and adaptability will serve him well on the challenging Australian pitches.

Jaiswal has been a consistent performer in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle, showcasing his ability to adjust his tactics based on the conditions and opposition. In the recent home series against Bangladesh, he displayed his versatility by playing cautiously in the first Test, where the conditions favored the fast bowlers, and then switching to his naturally aggressive style in the second game.

Kumble believes that Jaiswal’s aggressive approach will be an asset in Australia, where India has won two consecutive series. He also highlighted the psychological advantage that the Indian team has going into the series, having won the previous two encounters against Australia.

“This Indian team is heading to Australia with two back-to-back series wins over them, which is a great confidence booster for a youngster,” Kumble said. “When other teams tour Australia, they often do so with some hesitation because of past failures. But for this Indian side, coming off two series wins against Australia, the situation is much more comfortable.”

Kumble emphasized the importance of Jaiswal’s technique and hunger for runs, which he believes will be key to his success in Australia. He also noted that Jaiswal’s ability to learn and adapt quickly will be crucial in navigating the challenges of playing in different conditions.

Overall, Kumble is optimistic about Jaiswal’s prospects in Australia and believes that he has the potential to make a significant contribution to India’s success in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India's Middle-Order Puzzle: KL Rahul vs. Sarfaraz Khan for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

India’s Middle-Order Puzzle: KL Rahul vs. Sarfaraz Khan for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Team India’s preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia are in full swing, with the team set to face New Zealand in a three-match Test series starting on October 16. The series against New Zealand will serve as a crucial test for India, as they aim to resolve the middle-order puzzle and fine-tune their strategy ahead of the highly anticipated clash with Australia.

One of the key questions surrounding India’s middle order is the selection between KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan. Rahul, a seasoned campaigner with 52 Tests under his belt, has been preferred over Khan in recent matches. However, Khan’s impressive debut series against England, where he scored three fifties, has raised questions about Rahul’s place in the team.

Rahul’s experience and familiarity with Australian conditions could give him an edge over Khan. Rahul has played in two previous Border-Gavaskar series, scoring a century in Sydney in 2014-15. However, his performance in the 2018-19 tour was less impressive, averaging only 11.40 in three Tests.

On the other hand, Khan’s recent form has been exceptional. In the series against England, he scored 153 runs in three innings, including a century in the second Test. His ability to play spin effectively could be a valuable asset for India in the upcoming series against Australia.

The opening Test against New Zealand will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which has been a happy hunting ground for Rahul. In two previous Tests at the venue, he has scored 195 runs at an average of 65.00. A strong performance against New Zealand could bolster Rahul’s case for a place in the middle order for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Ultimately, the decision between Rahul and Khan will depend on the team management’s assessment of their current form and suitability for the conditions in Australia. With the series against New Zealand providing a crucial opportunity to test both players, India will be hoping for a clear indication of who will be their preferred choice for the middle order in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Mitchell Starc Lauds Gautam Gambhir's Tactical Brilliance

Mitchell Starc Lauds Gautam Gambhir’s Tactical Brilliance

Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has heaped praise on India coach Gautam Gambhir, describing him as a brilliant strategist who prioritizes the team’s needs and seeks to gain an edge through tactical adjustments. Starc’s admiration stems from his experience working with Gambhir as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year.

Under Gambhir’s guidance, KKR enjoyed a dominant season, culminating in their first IPL title in a decade. Starc was impressed by Gambhir’s ability to analyze opponents and devise strategies to exploit their weaknesses. “He’s always thinking about the opponent and how to get them out as a bowling attack or how to score runs as a batting attack,” Starc said.

Gambhir’s focus extends beyond individual players, emphasizing the importance of team cohesion and identifying subtle adjustments that can provide an advantage. “It’s not just individual players, it’s always about the team focus and how to get on top of little things that he might see in techniques or in a field placement or anything like that,” Starc added.

KKR acquired Starc for a record-breaking Rs 24.75 crore, making him the most expensive buy in IPL history. Despite a modest league stage performance, Starc proved his worth with match-winning spells in the knockout rounds. “The nine weeks that I spent with him were fantastic. In a T20 setup, I know that he’s got some good things,” Starc said.

However, the two will find themselves on opposite sides when Australia hosts India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting in Perth next month. Starc acknowledged that Gambhir’s tactical acumen will pose a significant challenge for the Australian team.

Kohli vs Starc: Rivalry Renewed in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Kohli vs Starc: Rivalry Renewed in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Starc: A Rivalry Renewed in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with one of the key battles being the clash between Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli and Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc.

In their 19 Test innings together, Kohli has dominated Starc, dismissing him once and scoring numerous runs against him. However, Starc remains unfazed and relishes the challenge of facing the Indian star.

“I enjoy my battles with Virat Kohli,” Starc said. “We’ve played a lot of cricket against one another, and 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.”

Starc also praised India’s new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, for his tactical acumen and team-oriented approach.

“He’s a fantastic thinker of the game,” Starc said of Gambhir. “He’s always thinking about the opponent and how to get them out as a bowling attack or how to score runs as a batting attack. It’s not just individual players; it’s always about the team focus.”

Gambhir’s leadership will be crucial for India as they aim to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on home soil. The series begins on November 22 in Perth, and Starc believes Gambhir’s influence will be evident.

“The nine weeks that I spent with him were fantastic,” Starc said. “In a T20 setup, I know that he’s got some good things.”

With Kohli and Starc set to face off once again, and Gambhir guiding India’s fortunes, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be an unforgettable cricketing experience.

Cummins Prioritizes Test Cricket, Weighs IPL Future Amid New Rules

Cummins Prioritizes Test Cricket, Weighs IPL Future Amid New Rules

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has emphasized that representing his country in Test cricket remains his top priority, while acknowledging the need to balance his commitments with the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Cummins, who led Sunrisers Hyderabad to the IPL 2024 final, is aware of the new IPL rules that could impact his future participation in the tournament. Under the revised regulations, overseas players who do not register for the player auction in a particular season become ineligible to participate in the following year’s auction. Additionally, players who make themselves unavailable after being picked at the auction face a two-season ban.

“I’ll work out in the next little bit what this season looks like. There’s a bit of a tweak in the rules, but I don’t know whether that would have affected me in the past, I’ve never pulled out after the auction. But it is one more factor to consider with the IPL,” Cummins told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Despite the potential implications, Cummins remains steadfast in his commitment to Test cricket. “Test cricket is the absolute No.1 priority, world cups are right up there, and then I think you use them as your tent poles and work out what else makes sense around that,” he said.

Cummins acknowledged the demanding nature of the international cricket calendar and the need to prioritize his commitments. “The calendar is never going to get any less busy, and I’m not going to get any younger, so these things have always been considerations, and moving forward will become even more so. But needless to say, playing cricket for Australia, particularly Test matches, is my number one job and priority,” he added.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, Cummins expects a fiercely contested series. “The couple of home series I’ve played against India there’s always an element of attrition to them. The last series came down to the last session at the Gabba on the last day of the last Test match,” he said.

“That’s a good thing to keep in mind; it is a long series, and it might be tightly held until the last game, so you’ve got to manage your resources throughout,” the Australia captain added.

Cameron Green's Injury Opens Door for Cameron Bancroft's Test Recall

Cameron Green’s Injury Opens Door for Cameron Bancroft’s Test Recall

Cameron Green’s injury has cast a shadow over Australia’s preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. The all-rounder’s absence could pave the way for Cameron Bancroft’s Test recall, according to former skipper Mark Taylor.

Green has been ruled out of the five-match series due to a stress fracture in his lower back. The 25-year-old has a history of back injuries, having suffered four stress fractures in the past. However, he had been clear of any issues since 2019.

Green’s absence will force Australia to reshuffle their batting order. Taylor believes that Steve Smith will move back to his preferred number four spot, leaving the opening position vacant.

“I’d love to see a right-handed opening batsman get the opportunity,” Taylor said. “And to me at the moment … I would have Bancroft penciled in alongside (Usman) Khawaja.”

Bancroft has been in impressive form in the Sheffield Shield, topping the run-scoring charts for the past two years. He has also served a nine-month ban for his role in the 2018 ball-tampering incident.

Taylor also suggested that young opener Sam Konstas could be included in the Test squad. Konstas has scored back-to-back centuries against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series will begin on November 22 in Perth. Australia will be looking to retain the trophy after winning the previous edition in 2020-21.

Rohit Sharma Prepares for New Zealand Tests, Quips on Six-Hitting Request

Rohit Sharma Prepares for New Zealand Tests, Quips on Six-Hitting Request

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has begun preparations for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, starting October 18. Rohit, who recently led India to a 2-0 Test series sweep over Bangladesh, was seen hitting the nets on Friday.

In a hilarious interaction, Rohit responded to a question about whether he would start his practice session with a six. “Pagal hogaya hai kya? (Are you mad or what?)” Rohit quipped, leaving fans in splits.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce the Indian squad for the New Zealand series. However, reports suggest that Rohit may miss one of the first two Tests in Australia due to personal reasons.

The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will commence on November 22 with the first Test at Perth. The second Test will be a day-night affair at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18.

The traditional Boxing Day Test will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The series will conclude with the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.

Rohit’s participation in the Australia series remains uncertain, with the BCCI yet to issue an official statement on his status.

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