Nineteen-year-old Australian opener Sam Konstas is poised for a potential Boxing Day Test debut against India, replacing the struggling Nathan McSweeney. McSweeney's dropping after just three Tests has ignited debate, with some questioning the decision's fairness.
Related news
Sanjay Manjrekar criticizes India's cricket culture of prioritizing iconic players' form over the team's best interests. He highlights the decision to move KL Rahul from the opener position, where he excelled, to accommodate an out-of-form Rohit Sharma. This practice, he argues, often disadvantages the team's overall performance.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape, led by Aiden Markram, aim for a third consecutive SA20 title when the 2025 season gets underway on 9 January. The squad includes first-to-SA20 faces like David Bedingham and Zak Crawley. Key players also feature Richard Gleeson and Roelof van der Merwe. The season kicks off against MI Cape Town, promising intense competition.
The International League T20 is back for its third season with an impressive commentary team and thrilling cricket. The opening ceremony will feature Bollywood stars and hosts Dubai Capitals will face defending champions MI Emirates. Top international stars will participate, making the event a must-watch for cricket fans.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is captivating a massive audience on Star Sports Network. The first two Tests saw a staggering 86 million viewers and 12.8 billion minutes of watch time, significantly surpassing the 2020-21 series. The Adelaide day-night Test alone drew 49 million viewers, a 22% jump from the previous edition.
Batting maestro Virat Kohli highlighted the importance of India's victory over personal achievements after his crucial 84-run knock helped secure a win against Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday. Kohli stressed that team success is paramount and personal milestones occur naturally when the focus remains on winning.
India's hope for a third consecutive series win in Australia faltered as poor batting performances led to a 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Inconsistent displays from both young and senior players, along with ineffective partnerships and inadequate rest for bowlers, were highlighted by former chief selector Sunil Joshi as key factors in the loss.
Yashasvi Jaiswal stunned fans with a sensational diving catch to dismiss Rashid Khan during Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2025 clash against Gujarat Titans. Rashid’s cameo ended at 12 runs as Jaiswal’s athletic effort stole the show. Gujarat, led by Sai Sudharsan’s 82, posted a strong total of 217/6 in Ahmedabad.
Australia faces setbacks as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy due to injuries, with Steve Smith or Travis Head likely to replace Cummins as captain. Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis are also out, leaving the team with significant selection challenges ahead of the tournament starting February 19 in Pakistan.
Sherfane Rutherford's dedication to cricket and relentless training ethos, inspired by watching greats like Virat Kohli, has led to remarkable performances in recent years. His disciplined approach and consistency have made him a valuable player for West Indies and an exciting prospect for the upcoming IPL season with Gujarat Titans.
India's World Test Championship final hopes rest on winning both Tests against Australia. If India splits the series, they need Pakistan to upset South Africa. A Pakistan series win improves India's chances, while a 2-0 Pakistan win guarantees qualification regardless of Sri Lanka's results against Australia.