Former India cricketers Cheteshwar Pujara and Harbhajan Singh believe Rohit Sharma's return to form is crucial for his captaincy during the ongoing series against Australia. Pujara emphasised the importance of a solid start for Rohit, suggesting he focus on the initial 20-30 runs. Harbhajan concurred, stating a captain's performance significantly influences their decision-making.
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India's top Test players Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant struggled in the Ranji Trophy, scoring a combined total of 12 runs. Ravindra Jadeja was a standout performer with a 5-wicket haul and a quick 38-run innings. The national selectors are concerned with the form of key players, especially ahead of upcoming international commitments.
Hashmatullah Shahidi will captain Afghanistan in their first ICC Champions Trophy, starting February 19. Key players include Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, and Mohammad Nabi. Spinner Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman will miss the tournament. Afghanistan's group matches are against South Africa, England, and Australia.
With Josh Hazlewood out for the rest of the India series due to a calf injury, Australian captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are prepared to shoulder increased bowling responsibilities. The series is currently tied 1-1. Cummins and Starc are expected to play in the remaining Melbourne and Sydney Tests, barring any unforeseen issues.
Shakib Al Hasan has been banned from bowling in domestic and international cricket after failing a second test of his bowling action. Despite this setback, he remains eligible to play as a batsman. Shakib is still in the running for a spot in Bangladesh's Champions Trophy team set to compete against India on February 20.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan is named one of the four event ambassadors for the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan and Dubai, joining Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shane Watson, and Tim Southee. Dhawan and the others will write guest columns and attend matches, sharing insights during the tournament held from February 19 to March 9.
Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon emphasises that Australia's Test team is highly motivated to achieve greatness, targeting a 2-0 series win in Sri Lanka. He acknowledges key milestones yet to be achieved, such as winning the Ashes in England and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India, and highlights the squad mentality and potential within the team.
Pakistan recalled top-order batter Fakhar Zaman for the Champions Trophy, starting February 19, after his recovery from a knee injury. Saim Ayub misses out due to injury Mohammad Rizwan will captain the team, which also features 2017 champions Zaman, Babar Azam, and Faheem Ashraf. Pakistan will play India in Dubai on February 23.
Pretoria Capitals kept their playoff hopes alive in SA20 with a dominant win over Joburg Super Kings, thanks to a brilliant bowling performance led by Migale Pretorius' 3 for 22. Pretoria easily chased down JSK's target of 99, powered by Marques Ackerman's 39, achieving victory in just 12 overs. Pretoria Capitals are now fifth on the points table.
Australia's newest Test player, Sam Konstas, showcased his talent with an impressive debut in the Boxing Day Test, scoring a quick 60. Astrologer Greenstone Lobo predicts Konstas, who displays traits of both Leo and Virgo, has the potential to become a cricketing great, with audacious yet perfected shots, and possibly the best replacement for David Warner as an opener.
While commentating on the India-Australia Test match, Harbhajan Singh praised Jasprit Bumrah's scientific bowling approach after dismissing Usman Khawaja. He contrasted Bumrah's skill with Saeed Ajmal's earlier comments about science in bowling. Bumrah then immediately dismissed Nathan McSweeney, further emphasizing Harbhajan's point about Bumrah's unique bowling prowess.