IND vs AUS: Shubman likely at No. 5; Ashwin, Axar , Jadeja may get nod
Its a series both India and Australia would have loved to go into with their best possible XIs. But that hasnt been the case. Australia have been plagued by injuries to their champion pace duo of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. For India, the situation is a little different, with two top-order slots suddenly opening up because of injuries to Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant.
Rishabh Pant on road to recovery: To sit out and breathe fresh air feels blessed
Rishabh Pant on road to recovery To sit out and breathe fresh air feels blessed
Ishan Kishan or KS Bharat? Who will replace Rishabh Pant? Here's what stats suggest
Ishan Kishan has a higher batting average in the Ranji Trophy, averaging 44.47 runs per innings compared to KS Bharat's 39.24.
Rishabh Pant shares new picture, says 'to sit out and breathe fresh air feels so blessed'
Rishabh Pant has been recovering from injuries he sustained in a car accident on December 30 while going to his home in Uttarakhand's Roorkee.
'To Sit Out and Breathe Fresh Air Feels Blessed': Rishabh Pant Shares Picture of Road to Recovery
The 25-year-old player shared a picture on his social media page as he recovers from the horrendous automobile accident that sidelined the maverick batsman for a prolonged period
'Rishabh Pant Song' resurfaces on social media as team India struggles for a reliable wicket-keeper
Rishab Pant Song Trends Again As Wicketkeeper-Batter Ruled Out Of Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Rishabh Pant is healing from wounds sustained in a car accident in December 2022. For at least the upcoming few months, he is unlikely to return to action.
Rishabh Pant was badly injured in a road accident on December 30 and has undergone multiple surgeries to repair ligament damage in his knee and heel and has been ruled out of the Border Gavaskar Trophy beginning on February 9.
KS Bharat or Ishan Kishan: Who will replace Rishabh Pant in tests against Australia?
Pant averages 43.67 with the bat the highest-ever by an Indian who has kept wickets in at least two Tests. Its considerably higher than all other previous Indian wicketkeepers with over 2,000 Test runs the legendary MS Dhoni (38.09), Farokh Engineer (31.08), Syed Kirmani (27.04).
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: India will miss 'counter attacker' Rishabh Pant, says Ian Chappell
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: India will miss 'counter attacker' Rishabh Pant, says Ian Chappell
New Delhi, Feb 6, With the first Test of the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting in Nagpur on Thursday, former India fielding coach R Sridhar recalled how the then head coach Ravi Shastri and support staff encouraged Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari when they were batting during the third Test of the 2020/21 series at the Sydney Cricket Ground. On day five of the SCG Test, Ashwin and Vihari, despite nursing back and hamstring injuries respectively, shared an unbroken 62-run partnership for the sixth wicket, lasting 42.2 overs, to force an epic draw for India. Equally satisfying, if not more, was what happened on the final day of the Sydney Test in January 2021. We needed to bat out more than 45 overs when Ashwin joined Vihari in the middle at the fall of the fifth wicket. Jadeja was injured and would only bat if desperately needed to do so, and only the pacers were left otherwise, so in effect, this pair was our best and perhaps last bet to salvage a draw. When we arrived at the Sydney Cricket Ground on the final morning, we were two down with 98 overs to negotiate (Rohit and Shubman were dismissed the previous evening). Soon, as we entered the dressing room, one of the locals looking after our requirements bustled across and asked us if we wanted the lunch served at the ground itself, or if we'd rather they sent it across to our hotel. His not-so-subtle message was that we wouldn't last till lunch! I laughed at that well-placed salvo, which was typical Australian, typical of how they come at you, wrote Sridhar in his book 'Coaching Beyond: My Days with the Indian Cricket Team'. Before the staunch resistance by Ashwin and Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant had lifted the Indian spirits with a crucial 148-run partnership off 264 balls. But tension gripped the Indian dressing room when the duo fell in quick succession. Anyway, we were still afloat at lunch, thanks to Pujara and Rishabh. After a grand partnership of 148 that threatened to turn the match on its head, they both got out within 25 runs of each other, leaving Vihari and Ashwin holding the baby. I could sense the tension and nervousness in the very small dressing room at the Sydney Cricket Ground. If we lost the game, we could kiss our chances of making the WTC final goodbye. We could forget about thinking of another series win in Australia. But, sitting beside each other, the members of the support staff told one another that we would not let anyone know how we were feeling. 'Let's keep encouraging these two guys every ball, no matter what happens,' was our mantra. Ravi bought into the idea, and believe me, for the duration of that partnership-nearly-260 deliveries-he would scream his lungs out after every ball, screaming 'shabash' loudly enough each time for all 15 gentlemen in the middle to hear clearly. If the situation weren't so dire, it would have been hilarious, further wrote Sridhar. In that match, Vihari finished unbeaten on 23 off 161 balls while Ashwin was unconquered on 39 off 128 deliveries. Sridhar went on to describe how Shastri had sent a message to the duo through substitute Shardul Thakur. Vihari and Ashwin came in at tea, and while we converged to congratulate and encourage them, a tactical call was also made. Vihari had pulled his hamstring and was not able to play Lyon convincingly because his movements were restricted. He couldn't put in the good, long stride. Ashwin, meanwhile, was being subjected to a bouncer barrage from the quicks. So, it was decided that Ashwin, at home against Lyon, would take on the off-spinner and Vihari would negotiate the three-pronged pace attack. After having stuck to their respective ends of the bargain, for some strange reason, they took a single, which exposed Vihari to Lyon and Ashwin to the fast men. A couple of singles later, the situation was unaltered and Ravi was starting to lose his shirt. He summoned substitute Shardul Thakur and told him, 'Listen to me very carefully and repeat this to them: 'No matter what happens, Vihari will handle the fast bowlers, Ashwin will play Lyon. No singles, no change of ends, period'. Got it?' Shardul smiled coyly and said, 'Yes, sir', and charged to the middle with a bottle of water for Ashwin. After exchanging a few words with the two batters, he ran back in. 'Did you pass on my message?' Ravi growled. 'Yes, sir, of course', Shardul replied. Sridhar then revealed that Shardul had lied to Shastri about his message to the on-field batters. It was only much, much later, after we had pulled the fat out of the fire and escaped with one of the greatest draws, that the real story came out. It seems when Shardul went in, Ashwin asked him what was being said in the dressing room. Shardul replied, 'They are saying many things, but you guys don't worry. You are batting well, just continue doing the same things'. He didn't pass on Ravi's message; instead, he told the batters exactly what they wanted to hear at that time. Perhaps he sized up that passing on the instructions, however, steeped in logic they might be, could disrupt the flow of the batters and the zone they were in, so he passed on a message he thought was the best under the circumstances. Hats off to him! In a direct way, that is linked to the kind of empowerment we gave the players, and which they learnt to use judiciously. He didn't pass on Ravi's message; instead, he told the batters exactly what they wanted to hear at that time. Perhaps he sized up that passing on the instructions, however, steeped in logic they might be, could disrupt the flow of the batters and the zone they were in, so he passed on a message he thought was the best under the circumstances. Also Read: Cricket Tales This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
India really going to miss Rishabh Pant: Ian Chappell
Pant met with a horrific car accident in December last year and is yet to be discharged from the hospital after undergoing multiple surgeries on his knee and heel.
Rishabh Pant's absence will make Australia happy: Chappell
The absence of counter-attacking batter Rishabh Pant in the upcoming four-match Test series will certainly make Australians happy, feels former captain Ian Chappell.
Will India miss Rishabh Pant in Test series vs Aus?
'India are really going to really miss Rishabh Pant. The Australians will be happy.'
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Ian Chappell believes Australia will be delighted to not face Rishabh Pant
India are the current holder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having won the last three series against Australia in 2017, 2018-19 and 2020-21.
With Rishabh Pant ruled out of an indefinite period due to injuries suffered in a horrific car accident, India have to make a choice between two uncapped wicketkeepers in Bharat and Ishan ahead of the first Test against Australia, starting from February 9 in Nagpur. Bharat has been the second keeper in the Test squad for almost three years apart from being a regular fixture in India A matches, while Kishan is more of a like-for-like replacement for Pant. When it comes to the two people out there, Ishan Kishan or KS Bharat, I think what you will have to do is what the pitch is going to play like. I would see if it's going to turn, then I would look for the better keeper and that's a decision the team management will have to make. The better keeper is because guys like (Ravindra) Jadeja, Kuldeep (Yadav), (Ravichandran) Ashwin, Axar (Patel), they will need a good keeper behind the stumps because that will get the confidence going of the keeper as well. That will be a tough choice on who is your better keeper. Whoever he is, he will be my first choice, said Shastri while responding to a question from in a press conference organised by Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While the Indian team management and fans wonder over who will be the wicketkeeper for the hosts' in the first Test and possibly, the whole series, one can't ignore the huge void left by Pant's absence from the team. From 33 Test matches, Pant has amassed 2,271 runs, averaging 43.67 and effected 133 dismissals as a wicketkeeper. Now that's a really tough call. That's how important Rishabh Pant is. He ticks both the boxes like, behind the stumps. Not only has his keeping improved drastically, but he can also get under the skin of the batters. That's one very important thing that he has when he keeps. But as a batsman, he's so dangerous that he can turn a game on its head. In fact, he's played more match winning innings than top five Indian batsmen in the last two-three years when it mattered the most. That's a big blow, added Shastri. Since 2020, Pant has scored the most runs for India in Tests, amassing 1517 runs in 38 innings, averaging 43.3, which swells to 62.4 when facing Australia in the format. In the 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he made 350 runs from four matches, including an unbeaten 159 at Sydney, averaging 58.33 and took 20 catches. In the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pant scored 274 runs from three matches at an average of 68.50 apart from taking eight catches. He had enthralled fans all over the world with his knocks of 97 at Sydney and 89 not out at Brisbane, leading the chase of 328 to secure an unforgettable 2-1 series victory for the second straight time in Australia. India are really going to miss Rishabh Pant and I think where the Australians will be happy with him not being there is in his approach to the game. He's a counter-attacker and speaking as a captain, he scores really quickly and can change the match in one session. Rishabh Pant is that sort of player and he's now one player which Australians don't have to worry about and they will be delighted by that, stated former Australia captain Ian Chappell. Australia and India, currently ranked number one and two respectively in both ICC Men's Test Team Rankings and the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2023 cycle, will meet in a highly-anticipated four-match series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to be held in Nagpur (February 9-13), New Delhi (February 17-21), Dharamshala (March 1-5) and Ahmedabad (March 9-13). Rishabh Pant is that sort of player and he's now one player which Australians don't have to worry about and they will be delighted by that, stated former Australia captain Ian Chappell. Also Read: Cricket Tales nr/cs This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
In Absence Of Rahane, Pant, Bumrah, Pujara's Take On Australia Tests
While Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant aren't fit to participate in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ajinkya Rahane isn't being considered for selection.
Experts back KS Bharat to be India's preferred wicket-keeping option for Tests vs Aus
Cricket The absence of Pant means India must now choose between two uncapped wicketkeeper-batters -- KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan -- for the upcoming Test series against Australia, starting from February 9 in Nagpur. Ians With Rishabh Pant ruled out of cricketing action for an indefinite period, India is without the belligerent left-handed batter who would rescue the side from troubling situations through his counterattacking knocks and have an effective yet cheerful presence while on keeping duties. The absence of Pant means India must now choose between two uncapped wicketkeeper-batters -- KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan -- for the upcoming Test series against Australia, starting from February 9 in Nagpur. Bharat has been an understudy to Saha and then Pant in the Test team since 2019 apart from being a regular in India A side. Kishan kept wickets for the Indian team in this year's white-ball games against New Zealand and Sri Lanka (barring ODIs). He also kept wickets for India A in two unofficial four-day matches on the tour of South Africa in 2021. MSK Prasad, former chairman of the senior men's selection committee, opined Bharat must be given a chance as he has been groomed for the Test spot, especially when keeping wickets in home conditions in mind.You need to have a keeper who can keep wickets well and then who can contribute with the bat in the tried and tested Indian conditions time and again, especially when you have bowlers like Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar. So, I think it's a fair call to start off with KS Bharat and give him some opportunities as for the last two-three years, he's been waiting in the wings for this spot, he said to IANS. Bharat had given an excellent account of his wicket-keeping skills during the Kanpur Test against New Zealand in 2021. Coming in as a substitute keeper due to Wriddhiman Saha having a stiff neck, Bharat took a good low catch to dismiss a well-set Will Young off Ravichandran Ashwin and took a lovely catch of Ross Taylor off Axar Patel. He showed good alertness and athleticism to stump Tom Latham short of his crease off Axar's bowling. Prasad, who played six Tests and 19 ODIs for India, remembers the time when he saw Bharat as an 11-year-old kid while playing for Andhra. As a wicketkeeper, he always had a very good and soft pair of hands, very similar to Wriddhiman Saha. Whenever we used to play Ranji Trophy matches in Visakhapatnam, I used to see this small kid keeping wickets. I ensured he would keep wickets in my nets and since then, I have been seeing him. But it is Bharat's development as a batter which makes Prasad believe he can be a good fit in the Test team. In 86 first-class matches, Bharat has made 4707 runs, averaging 37.95 and holds the distinction of being the first player to score a triple century in the Ranji Trophy as a wicketkeeper, apart from taking 296 catches and effecting 35 stumpings.He's been a very good keeper and subsequently, developed himself as a very good batsman and even got a triple hundred in domestic cricket (308 against Goa in 2015). He has scored quite a few centuries for India A against Australia A, South Africa A. This is exactly what he was groomed for, especially in the Test format. He fits in very well and with opportunities coming his way, it is up to him how he grabs it with both hands. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta thinks Bharat should be the preferred keeper-batter for Tests against Australia while expressing confidence in the abilities of Kishan. To start off with Bharat, as he's been an understudy for a while now. I think Bharat is a good enough batter and Ishan is also a good enough keeper.\I don't think that is what I am thinking of (better keeper v better batter) while deciding because I have confidence in both these guys. One has maybe a little bit of edge in a certain facet. But I don't think that's the deal-breaker for me.\What I feel is important is the plans which have been in place for a good six months, which is KS Bharat in red-ball cricket, who is your second in line after Rishabh, who is not available. If that's the plan, you got to stick with the plan because what's the point of the plan if you don't stick with it, he said to IANS. Prasad feels Kishan, who has amassed 2985 runs in 48 first-class matches and averages 38.76 apart from 99 catches and 11 stumpings, will have to wait for his chance in Tests. Even Ishan has got a good pair of hands and is a very aggressive batter too. But I understand that as far as white-ball cricket is concerned. In domestic red-ball cricket, he even hit 280 or 300 also (273 against Delhi in 2016).\He has to keep waiting for his opportunity, just like how KS Bharat has waited for his opportunities when he's been a deputy to Saha or Pant. There's no doubt that Ishan is a good wicketkeeper-batsman, but he has to wait for his opportunities. Amidst the Bharat-Ishan toss-up, the absence of Pant is unquestionably a big setback to India's plans of continuing its domination in home conditions. Since 2020, Pant has scored the most runs for India in Tests, amassing 1517 runs in 38 innings, averaging 43.3, which swells to 62.4 when facing Australia.Very unfortunate (his absence). We know how important Rishabh Pant is, especially against the Australians, both at home and in Australia. We saw his exploits and heroics; it's a big loss for us from team and country point of view and also, individually from Rishabh's point of view. It's a huge loss, as we know Australians get a little worried about what Rishabh can do in the middle, added Prasad.He's one of the biggest match-winners, at least in this format across the world. I can't think of too many guys who can do what he does in terms of winning games. So, undoubtedly, that's a huge blow, concluded Dasgupta.
Experts Back KS Bharat To Be India's Preferred Wicket-keeping Option For Tests Against Australia
The absence of Pant means India must now choose between two uncapped wicketkeeper-batters -- KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan -- for the upcoming Test series against Australia, starting from February 9 in Nagpur. Bharat has been an understudy to Saha and then Pant in the Test team since 2019 apart from being a regular in India A side. Kishan kept wickets for the Indian team in this year's white-ball games against New Zealand and Sri Lanka (barring ODIs). He also kept wickets for India A in two unofficial four-day matches on the tour of South Africa in 2021. MSK Prasad, former chairman of the senior men's selection committee, opined Bharat must be given a chance as he has been groomed for the Test spot, especially when keeping wickets in home conditions in mind. You need to have a keeper who can keep wickets well and then who can contribute with the bat in the tried and tested Indian conditions time and again, especially when you have bowlers like Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar. So, I think it's a fair call to start off with KS Bharat and give him some opportunities as for the last two-three years, he's been waiting in the wings for this spot, he said to IANS. Bharat had given an excellent account of his wicket-keeping skills during the Kanpur Test against New Zealand in 2021. Coming in as a substitute keeper due to Wriddhiman Saha having a stiff neck, Bharat took a good low catch to dismiss a well-set Will Young off Ravichandran Ashwin and took a lovely catch of Ross Taylor off Axar Patel. He showed good alertness and athleticism to stump Tom Latham short of his crease off Axar's bowling. Prasad, who played six Tests and 19 ODIs for India, remembers the time when he saw Bharat as an 11-year-old kid while playing for Andhra. As a wicketkeeper, he always had a very good and soft pair of hands, very similar to Wriddhiman Saha. Whenever we used to play Ranji Trophy matches in Visakhapatnam, I used to see this small kid keeping wickets. I ensured he would keep wickets in my nets and since then, I have been seeing him. But it is Bharat's development as a batter which makes Prasad believe he can be a good fit in the Test team. In 86 first-class matches, Bharat has made 4707 runs, averaging 37.95 and holds the distinction of being the first player to score a triple century in the Ranji Trophy as a wicketkeeper, apart from taking 296 catches and effecting 35 stumpings. He's been a very good keeper and subsequently, developed himself as a very good batsman and even got a triple hundred in domestic cricket (308 against Goa in 2015). He has scored quite a few centuries for India A against Australia A, South Africa A. This is exactly what he was groomed for, especially in the Test format. He fits in very well and with opportunities coming his way, it is up to him how he grabs it with both hands. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta thinks Bharat should be the preferred keeper-batter for Tests against Australia while expressing confidence in the abilities of Kishan. To start off with Bharat, as he's been an understudy for a while now. I think Bharat is a good enough batter and Ishan is also a good enough keeper. I don't think that is what I am thinking of (better keeper v better batter) while deciding because I have confidence in both these guys. One has maybe a little bit of edge in a certain facet. But I don't think that's the deal-breaker for me. What I feel is important is the plans which have been in place for a good six months, which is KS Bharat in red-ball cricket, who is your second in line after Rishabh, who is not available. If that's the plan, you got to stick with the plan because what's the point of the plan if you don't stick with it, he said to IANS. Prasad feels Kishan, who has amassed 2985 runs in 48 first-class matches and averages 38.76 apart from 99 catches and 11 stumpings, will have to wait for his chance in Tests. Even Ishan has got a good pair of hands and is a very aggressive batter too. But I understand that as far as white-ball cricket is concerned. In domestic red-ball cricket, he even hit 280 or 300 also (273 against Delhi in 2016). He has to keep waiting for his opportunity, just like how KS Bharat has waited for his opportunities when he's been a deputy to Saha or Pant. There's no doubt that Ishan is a good wicketkeeper-batsman, but he has to wait for his opportunities. Amidst the Bharat-Ishan toss-up, the absence of Pant is unquestionably a big setback to India's plans of continuing its domination in home conditions. Since 2020, Pant has scored the most runs for India in Tests, amassing 1517 runs in 38 innings, averaging 43.3, which swells to 62.4 when facing Australia. Very unfortunate (his absence). We know how important Rishabh Pant is, especially against the Australians, both at home and in Australia. We saw his exploits and heroics; it's a big loss for us from team and country point of view and also, individually from Rishabh's point of view. It's a huge loss, as we know Australians get a little worried about what Rishabh can do in the middle, added Prasad. Amidst the Bharat-Ishan toss-up, the absence of Pant is unquestionably a big setback to India's plans of continuing its domination in home conditions. Since 2020, Pant has scored the most runs for India in Tests, amassing 1517 runs in 38 innings, averaging 43.3, which swells to 62.4 when facing Australia. Also Read: Cricket Tales This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Mankading, 'Monkeygate' And Other Memories From A Feisty Rivalry
Here are some of the famous moments from Test matches between the two sides. 'Mankading' came into existence (1947-48): During India's first series in Australia, Vinoo Mankad effected two run-outs in a similar fashion on two different occasions. He first run-out batsman Bill Brown during a match between India and Australia XI. Mankad again ran out the same batsman for backing up during the second Test match in Sydney. The Australian press termed the run-outs as Mankading. Since the incident, the now-controversial style of getting batters run out is popularly known as Mankading all over the world. Vijay Hazare's twin tons (1948): In the fourth Test match of the same series, at Adelaide, where Australia piled up 674. Then, Vijay Hazare scored 116, but India failed to avoid the follow on. Batting again, India were 0/2 in the first over, Hazare had walked out to bat an hour after he had got dismissed and scored 145 (out of 277), becoming the first cricketer to score Test hundreds on consecutive days. Bob Simpson's comeback triumphant (1977-78): Bob Simpson, who had retired from the game in 1968, had been hauled out of retirement to lead the Australian side during India's tour of Australia. After losing the first two Tests, India kept the series alive with comprehensive wins in the third and fourth, but Australia, anchored by Simpson's 100 and 51, won the decider by 47 runs on the sixth day. First Test win on Australian soil (1977): After losing the first Test by innings and four runs, Bedi Singh Bedi-led India finally managed to register their first Test win in the third match of the series, which came against Bob Simpson's side in 1977 at Melbourne. Skipper Bedi and B.S. Chandrasekhar's spin magic bowled out Australia for a paltry 164 in the second innings to win the game by 222 runs, and registered their first victory on Australian soil. Kapil Dev defies pain (1980-81): Australia needed just 143 runs for victory in Melbourne, which was expected to be a cakewalk for the hosts as India was in trouble with Kapil Dev (injured thigh) and Shivlal Yadav (fractured toe) were unavailable, while Dilip Doshi bowled with a fractured ankle. Despite the odds, India reduced Australia to 24/3 by stumps but Australia were still favourites. Pain-killing injections helped Dev recover sufficiently to take to the field next morning and he took 5/28 to bowl out Australia for 83. Epic Australia tour of India (2001): The 2001 Test series is regarded among the finest ever played in the history of the sport. The series where Sourav Ganguly-led side had ended a star-studded Australia's record of 16-Test match winning streak. After losing the series opener, from Harbhajan Singh's hat-trick and VVS Laxman's gritty innings of 281 to an unbelievable 376-run partnership that involved Rahul Dravid - India clinched the second Test match at Eden Gardens, before clinching the Test series in Chennai. Infamous 'Monkeygate' scandal (2008): During India's tour of Australia in 2008, the second Test in Sydney, remained as one of the most controversial in Test cricket history as former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds and India's iconic spinner Harbhajan Singh were involved in the verbal altercations erupting an infamous 'Monkeygate' controversy. The former Australian all-rounder accused legendary spinner Harbhajan of making a racist remark towards Symonds, reportedly having called him a 'monkey'. In the immediate aftermath of the match, Mike Procter, the match referee, ruled that Harbhajan had breached Level 3 of the ICC's Code of Conduct and handed a three-Test ban to the Indian spinner. Warner's tribute to Phil Hughes (2015): David Warner paid homage to Phil Hughes during day one of Australia's fourth Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground - the ground where Hughes died. Warner kissed the ground when he reached 63 not out, the score Hughes was on when he was fatally injured, and went on to hit a century before being caught out by Murali Vijay. First series win in Down Under (2019): The Virat Kohli-led India made history by becoming first Asian team to clinch a series in Australia when they beat hosts 2-1. The visitors defeated the hosts 2-1 after the fourth and final Test in Sydney was called a draw due to adverse weather. Historic win at Gabba (2020-21): Australia's famous stranglehold at Brisbane fortress overcome as Rishabh Pant, Cheteshwar Pujara and Shubhman Gill combine to complete one of India's most remarkable Test and series victories. It was India's first Test victory at the Gabba in their seventh visit since 1947-48, and the first time Australia has been beaten at what was flagged as their 'fortress' since 1988. Set 328 to win on a day-five pitch against one of the best all-round attacks Australia has fielded in modern times, India stormed to a three-wicket win with three overs to spare. Historic win at Gabba (2020-21): Australia's famous stranglehold at Brisbane fortress overcome as Rishabh Pant, Cheteshwar Pujara and Shubhman Gill combine to complete one of India's most remarkable Test and series victories. It was India's first Test victory at the Gabba in their seventh visit since 1947-48, and the first time Australia has been beaten at what was flagged as their 'fortress' since 1988. Also Read: Cricket Tales bc/dpb This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Kuldeep Yadav 2.0 Could Be India's X-factor Against Australia
But a much improved and confident version of the left-arm wrist spinner with his mojo back is now ready to become India's trump card and X-factor against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Test series starting February 9. After a five-wicket haul in Sydney in 2019, then head coach Ravi Shastri had termed Kuldeep as India's No. 1 spinner in overseas conditions, but it didn't translate in him getting regular chances. Overseas conditions were understandable, but the duo of Virat Kohli and Shastri lost faith in his abilities, even on rank turners in India. The UP-born Chinaman continued to be in the shadow of star spinners Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. As far as white ball cricket is concerned, the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Rahul Chahar, Varun Chakravarthy and even young Ravi Bishnoi went ahead of Kuldeep in the pecking order among spinners in India. As expected, Kuldeep was low on confidence, lost his wicket-taking potency and his ordinary outings for KKR in IPL wasn't helping his case either, which was disheartening for his fans. In between, he also underwent a surgery in September 2021 and looked all over the place and was out of contention for an India spot. But as they say, nothing lasts forever, so was Kuldeep's bad patch. Kuldeep reinvented himself with a vigour in his action that helped him get more drift and dip. Under new Indian team management of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, he slowly but steadily came back in the scheme of things. He also found a new IPL team in Delhi Capitals, where he succeeded under the young captain Rishabh Pant. However, after a fruitful IPL 2022, where he picked up 21 wickets in 14 matches, the spinner was once again sidelined due to injury. A hairline fracture in his wrist forced him out of India's T20I series against South Africa in June last year, as well for the white-ball tours of Ireland and England that followed, and even after getting fit, he couldn't make it to India's T20 World Cup squad. The time away from the game helped Kuldeep work on his rhythm, variations and made him come back stronger. Earlier, his action was much more open-chested and his right hand was falling away from the point of target, but now Kuldeep has made the adjustment and his non-bowling arm goes towards the batters, which is helping him get a better trajectory. Kuldeep has also worked on the arm speed, which was a bit slower. His run-up has become smoother and his body is going towards the batsman in the follow-through. As a result, the line of attack he is bowling has got better. According to cricket experts, the improved version of Kuldeep is far more lethal. If he can just figure out whether he should bowl round the stumps or come over the wicket against the left-handers, the spinner can put more pressure on batters and can pick up wickets at any point of time. With all his improvements, Kuldeep bagged the player of the match award for his five-for in the only Test he played in the series in Bangladesh in December last year. However, he didn't find a place in the playing Xi for the second Test, which has been the case with Kuldeep for many years. Leaving that non-selection behind, Kuldeep produced match-winning spells in the ODI series at home against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, and forced his way into the India squad for the first two Tests against Australia, starting in Nagpur next week. Given their track record at home, seniors spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are sure shot starters for India. Left-arm spinner Axar can also contribute well with the bat, so Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid might face the dilemma in picking between him and Kuldeep. No doubt that the runs scored by Axar lower down the order becomes crucial, but Kuldeep can be an X-factor for India. Meanwhile, Australia have roped in Baroda tweaker Maheesh Pithiya, who has a strong resemblance to Ashwin in terms of bowling action, as a strategy to tackle India's star off-spinner. But Kuldeep belongs to a rare breed of spinners, who can trouble the Aussie batters even on a good batting track. He is in red-hot form and the Indian team management should cash in on that opportunity and let Kuldeep play a major part in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Meanwhile, Australia have roped in Baroda tweaker Maheesh Pithiya, who has a strong resemblance to Ashwin in terms of bowling action, as a strategy to tackle India's star off-spinner. Also Read: Cricket Tales ak/arm This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Team India Dogged By Top-order Worries, Absence Of Pant And Bumrah
New Delhi, Feb 4, With India completing its white-ball matches against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, its next assignment in the current home season is the highly anticipated four-match Test series against Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting from February 9. We take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Indian team ahead of a marquee Test series: Strengths Experienced bowlers: When one matches the bowling attacks of Australia and India, then the hosts' bowling attack having an upper hand over the visitors' can be felt, especially when it comes to playing at home. Ravichandran Ashwin has picked up 58 wickets in eight Tests at home since the start of 2020, while Axar Patel has 39 wickets in six matches and Ravindra Jadeja has 15 wickets in only three games he's played due to missing the England series due to an injury. With Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav and Jaydev Unadkat around with their experience of playing in home conditions, this is a sure shot advantageous point for India. Fortress-like home record: Very few teams in the world have a fortress-like record at home which is as good as India's. Ever since they lost to England 2-1 at home in the 2012/13 season, India haven't lost a Test series at home. Moreover, in 50 Tests between these two teams in India, 21 of them have been won by the hosts and since 2004, they haven't lost at home to Australia. Weaknesses Absence of Pant and Bumrah: India will be entering this series without two of their mainstays for the series against Australia -- Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah. While Bumrah is unavailable for the first two games of the series, Pant's absence for an indefinite period will be more felt in the Indian think-tank. Pant's keeping, especially against spinners at home, had significantly improved. His fearlessness with the bat in the middle order had turned the course of Test matches for the Indian team at a crucial juncture. India now have to make a choice between KS Bharat, an understudy to Pant for a long time and Ishan Kishan, who is more in his mould. Top order worries: In the absence of Pant and Shreyas Iyer (his participation for the first Test is unknown), India's top-order will have to take up the responsibility for the scoring and not be dependent on the middle order for bailing them out of trouble, something which had been the case on most occasions. Since the start of 2020, India's top four batters have collectively averaged 31.58. Teams who have a worse average than them are South Africa, Bangladesh and West Indies. In this phase, Australia's top four batters have the best average: 48.83, implying that India's top four batters haven't been as productive as they should have been. Top order worries: In the absence of Pant and Shreyas Iyer (his participation for the first Test is unknown), India's top-order will have to take up the responsibility for the scoring and not be dependent on the middle order for bailing them out of trouble, something which had been the case on most occasions. Also Read: Cricket Tales nr/bg This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Aussies Raring To Avenge 2021 Defeat At India's Hands
Such was the euphoria around India's glorious series triumph in Australia that it was chosen as the Ultimate Test Series of all time in an online poll by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Now with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to begin from February 9, 2023, the excitement around who wins this round is at a high amongst fans from Australia and India, with spots for the WTC final on line. Australia, the current table toppers of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, come into the series after brushing aside West Indies and South Africa at home, which makes chances of their dream of winning a Test series in India after 2004, dubbed as their final frontier, brighter. But this will undoubtedly be a tough challenge for Pat Cummins & Co, as playing a Test series in India is termed as an Everest. Just like the mountain, facing off against an Indian side which is powerful and almost impossible to defeat in home conditions (haven't lost since losing to England 2-1 at home in 2012). Both Australia and India are building up to the series with preparatory camps in Alur, Bengaluru and Nagpur (the venue for the first Test from February 9) respectively. Australia are high on confidence after putting up a strong show with bat and ball at home. But excelling in India is a different story altogether. Their batters have been largely unproven in India, barring Steve Smith, who averages 60 from his 12 innings in the country, including three hundreds and a half-century. David Warner, despite touring India twice before, averages only 24.25, with the highest score of 71. Those numbers pale in comparison to Warner's overall Test average of 46.20, and 58.39 on home soil. Usman Khawaja, the recent Shane Warner Test Player of the Year winner at the Australian Cricket Awards, is yet to play a Test in India despite being member of previous touring parties and his playing experience of India is from a trip with Australia A in 2018 in Bengaluru and Alur. Matt Renshaw, 26, played all the four matches in the 2017 tour of India, scoring two half-centuries at an average of 29. But he has developed and improved as a batter since that tour six years ago. Peter Handscomb is in the touring party after averaging 28.28 last time in India in 2017. Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head and Alex Carey haven't played a Test in India, though Head and Carey were on the Australia A trip to India in 2018. With the ball, captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc (unavailable for first Test), are averaging above 30 in India and have to be better with the new as well as old ball to replicate the success of the trio of Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz in the 2004 series. With spin, they can rely on Nathan Lyon for long spells and make breakthroughs on spin-friendly pitches in India. His support spinners, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Swepson and the uncapped Todd Murphy are unproven in the sub-continent though Swepson the leg-spinner was used in tours of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. India, on the other hand, will feel that playing at home should provide them some comfort. But they also have issues of their own. Rishabh Pant, a dependable figure in Tests with bat and gloves as well as the highest run-scorer of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2021 triumph, is out for an indefinite period after surviving a horrific car accident in December 2022. In his absence, KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan are the wicketkeeping options. While Bharat has been on the periphery for long and is a proven wicketkeeper, Kishan is more in the mould of Pant but hasn't kept wickets in first-class matches of late. Moreover, their top four batters collectively average only 31.45 since 2020 and with uncertainty on Shreyas Iyer's availability for the first Test, the pressure on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara will increase, especially when facing spin. Also, with Shubman Gill in recent fine form, it makes him an ideal candidate to open the batting instead of K.L. Rahul. With Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav and Jaydev Unadkat, India have enough options in the fast-bowling department to cover up for Jasprit Bumrah's absence. In spin, Ravindra Jadeja's return is a welcome move, which strengthens the department featuring Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. Moreover, their top four batters collectively average only 31.45 since 2020 and with uncertainty on Shreyas Iyer's availability for the first Test, the pressure on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara will increase, especially when facing spin. Also, with Shubman Gill in recent fine form, it makes him an ideal candidate to open the batting instead of K.L. Rahul. Also Read: Cricket Tales nr/bg This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
BGT: Hope India dont feel the pinch of Rishabh Pants absence, says Saba Karim
BGT: Hope India dont feel the pinch of Rishabh Pants absence, says Saba Karim
Aus can win, India more vulnerable this time: Chappell
Batting great Greg Chappell believes Australia can win the upcoming high-profile four-match Test series as India are vulnerable this time with injuries to key players like Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah.
India Are Vulnerable At Home...: Greg Chappell Makes Startling Claim
Greg Chappell believes Australia can win the upcoming high-profile four-match Test series as India are vulnerable this time with injuries to key players like Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah
Dinesh Karthik to replace Rishabh Pant for Australia series? RCB star drops major hint on comeback
Karthik remained in and out of the side for 14 years after making his Test debut against Australia in 2004. He last donned the Test cap during the South Africa tour in 2018.
Winning In India Takes Pluck, Planning, Patience And Persistence: Greg Chappell
New Delhi, Feb 4, Former Australia cricketer Greg Chappell believes the Pat Cummins-led side will have to put their best foot forward in terms of talent and experience during the upcoming four-match series against India as succeeding in the country will take a lot of pluck, planning, patience and persistence. Australia and India, currently ranked number one and two respectively in both ICC Men's Test Team Rankings and the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2023 cycle, will meet in a highly-anticipated four-match series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to be held in Nagpur (February 9-13), New Delhi (February 17-21), Dharamshala (March 1-5) and Ahmedabad (March 9-13). India are the current holder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having won the last three series against Australia in 2017, 2018-19 and 2020-21. Australia, on the other hand, are aiming to win a Test series in India after having done so last time in 2004. A tour of the sub-continent challenges an individual in unique ways. The culture, the climate, the food and the cacophony and activity can work against a touring team like no other country. Winning in India takes pluck, planning, patience and persistence. The Australians will have to summon every ounce of their talent and experience during the next month to succeed. India is no longer the mystery it once was. Tours are more regular and the IPL offers valuable exposure, wrote Chappell in his column for The Sydney Morning Herald' on Saturday. Chappell further pointed out that Australia's batters will be hugely tested in the Indian conditions. Though India is a huge challenge, Australia have their own issues to sort out; David Warner is in patchy form and needs to improve his Test record in India; Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey, Travis Head and Cameron Green will be tested against better quality spin than they encountered in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Marcus Labuschagne will be facing his first big test in the subcontinent; and Steve Smith's recent batting tweaks will be examined more keenly than against the West Indies, South Africa and in the BBL. Australia must bat exceedingly well in their first innings if they want to stay in the contest. The game can get away from you very swiftly, otherwise. Tours to India can make or break batting careers. Three good partnerships in each innings are required to build winning scores and in case you think this is easy, let me tell you the Indians will subject the Australians to a relentless, probing examination of all aspects of batting. Despite the batting challenges for Australia, Chappell, who served as India's head coach from 2005-07, still thinks the visitors have a great chance of winning the series if they make use of the old, new ball and get Ashton Agar as a second spin option. Australia can win this series. India are more vulnerable at home than they have been for some time due to injuries to key players like Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja (available for the first two Tests) and Jasprit Bumrah. They will rely heavily on Virat Kohli. Australia must take wickets at regular intervals. Partnerships are the key, so they must prevent India from building them. To win, Australia must get wickets with the new ball. As the ball gets softer, they must bowl frugally and then reverse-swing the old ball. Spin is more of a weapon in India than in Australia. Australia can win this series. India are more vulnerable at home than they have been for some time due to injuries to key players like Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja (available for the first two Tests) and Jasprit Bumrah. They will rely heavily on Virat Kohli. Also Read: Cricket Tales This story has not been edited by Cricketnmore staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
The main thing India will lose from Rishabh Pants absence is an excellent run-rate stemming from his belligerent aggression. No one can replace his desire to dominate bowlers, so the hosts have to rely on their top batsmen not only to perform, but also to maintain a good strike rate
Rishabh Pants Road To Recovery: 4 Post-Surgery Precautions Patients Must Follow
Indian wicketkeeper and batter, Rishabh Pant underwent a successful surgery for the injuries he sustained in a car accident. Reports say that he will be discharged in two weeks.
Rishabh Pant Health Update: , ... , BCCI
Rishabh Pant, Lata Mangeshkar and the eyeball feeding frenzy
We must stop privacy violations of the kind seen in free-for-all video clips of celebrities in distress
Rishabh Pant Health Update: '' ... ,
How is Rishabh Pant now? When can he play again?
Rishabh Pant Undergoes Minor Plastic Surgery On Forehead Day After Car Crash
Rishabh Pant has undergone a minor plastic surgery on forehead. He is currently stable and out of danger, informed DDCA director Shyam Sharma to NDTV. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter met with a horrific accident on Friday morning as he was driving from Delhi to Dehradun in his Mercedes Benz. His car caught fire after it hit a divider. Pant was fortunate enough to come out of the car in time, though he suffered a ligament tear in his right knee and cuts above his forehead.
Rishabh Pant accident: DDCA president assures all help for the cricketer
Rishabh Pant accident: DDCA president assures all help for the cricketer
PM Modi reaches out to Pants mother after Indian wicketkeepers car accident
Narendra Modi, the Honourable Prime Minister of India, reached out to Rishabh Pants family after the Indian wicketkeepers horrifying car accident on the Delhi-Dehradun highway.
Why Rishabh Pant was driving alone from Delhi to Dehradun
Indian cricket team player Rishabh Pant became the victim of a road accident in the early hours of Friday. He suffered serious injuries in the accident but is in a stable condition now.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a heartfelt tribute to his mother Heeraba, who passed away at the age of 100 this morning.
New Video Of Rishabh Pant's Burning Mercedes Emerges
A new video has emerged showing the Mercedes SUV of cricketer Rishabh Pant that caught fire after it rammed a road divider in Uttarakhand's Roorkee. Mr Pant was taken to hospital by locals. The police said he dozed off while driving. Eyewitnesses said the Mercedes SUV was coming in high speed before it hit the road divider in the early hours today, when it was still dark. Mr Pant managed to get out of the SUV after breaking the windshield, the police said.
Rishabh Pant Road Accident: , ... ?
Rishabh Pants accident: For great road safety, India needs a change in mindset
Rishabh Pant car accident in photos: Shocking images of mangled and charred Mercedes
Rishabh Pant car accident in photos: Shocking images of mangled and charred Mercedes
Bloodied Rishabh Pant, flaming Mercedes: Videos of near-fatal accident
Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant suffered injuries to his forehead and leg after his Mercedes car crashed into a road divider on the Delhi-Dehradun highway. Visuals of the accident showed that it was a horrific crash and that the cricketer had a miraculous escape.
Rishabh Pant in Dehradun hospital after terrible car accident, latest updates
Rishabh Pant in near-fatal car accident, admitted with head, back injuries
India star Rishabh Pant has suffered injuries to his forehead and leg after his car collided with a divider on the Delhi-Dehradun highway.
Indian Fans Bank On Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma To Deliver In Semi-final
Indian cricket fans are rooting for a victory over England and are hoping for an India Vs Pakistan final in the ICCT20 World Cup. Fans are also divided on who should get a chance between Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik as wicket-keeper.