Steve Waugh is confident Virat Kohli will overcome his form slump, emphasizing that great players find ways to rectify issues. He also discusses the unpredictability of the upcoming India-Pakistan match, the importance of having interests outside cricket, and the continued relevance of ODIs. Waugh identifies India, New Zealand, Australia, and England as strong contenders for the Champions Trophy semifinals.
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India is set to host the Women's ODI World Cup in September, with matches to be held in multiple cities including Vizag and Guwahati. Additionally, India will face South Africa in a Test series and a subsequent ODI and T20I series in November. The Duleep Trophy will return to a zonal format for 2025-26.
Rohit Sharma's struggles continued in the Brisbane Test, falling for just 10 runs, and his brief stay included a mix-up with KL Rahul. Rahul (84) and Ravindra Jadeja then built a crucial partnership. Rain interrupted play with India at 180/6, still trailing by 265 runs. The five-Test series stands at 1-1.
Australia's top-order struggles continue as they drop struggling opener Nathan McSweeney and call up 19-year-old Sam Konstas for the Boxing Day Test. Konstas, who boasts impressive Sheffield Shield form, offers a different approach against India's bowling attack. Despite retaining Usman Khawaja, the Aussies seek a spark after openers have averaged a dismal 22 since David Warner's retirement.
Ajinkya Rahane, initially almost unsold, now leads Kolkata Knight Riders as captain after a remarkable performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament. Despite being relieved from his captaincy at Rajasthan Royals, Rahane is confident and ready, with KKR aiming to defend their title.
Sam Konstas impressed during the Boxing Day Test with his explosive batting and energetic fielding. His 65-ball 60 and adventurous shots against Jasprit Bumrah earned him praise from Steve Smith, who called him 'mad.' Konstas's lively on-field behavior and confidence in his debut performance promise a bright future in cricket.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed Pakistan's readiness to host the Champions Trophy, with venues in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi prepared on schedule. Despite some renovation delays, facilities for teams and media are upgraded. The tournament starts on February 19.
Sam Konstas, Australia's young opener, was dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah in the second innings of his Test career on Day 4 of the fourth Test in Melbourne. Australia managed to dismiss the Indian side for 369, taking a 105-run lead. Nitish Kumar Reddy was the last wicket to fall for India, scoring 114. Indian bowlers began their innings with discipline.
Venkatesh Iyer hit a rapid 60 off 29 balls, leading Kolkata Knight Riders to an 80-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens. KKR posted 200/6, bolstered by Iyer's 91-run stand with Rinku Singh. Vaibhav Arora and Varun Chakravarthy took three wickets each as SRH crumbled to 120 all out.
Shubman Gill, back at the Gabba where he shone in India's 2021 series win, exudes confidence ahead of the third Test. The series is tied 1-1, and India aims for a big first-innings total with the red ball after two sub-par batting performances in Adelaide. Captain Rohit Sharma, returning after missing the first Test, skipped Friday's optional training.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday introduced strict guidelines to enforce discipline, unity, and professionalism among Indian cricket players, following recent failures in Australia. Measures include mandatory domestic match participation, travel guidelines, baggage limits, restrictions on personal staff, and commitment to official duties, with adherence ensuring eligibility and avoiding disciplinary action.