The Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand in Dubai will feature Australia's Paul Reiffel and England's Richard Illingworth as on-field umpires. Sri Lanka's Ranjan Madugalle will serve as the match referee. India and New Zealand reached the final after defeating Australia and South Africa respectively.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru have had a strong start to this IPL season under new captain Rajat Patidar, securing wins against Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings. They face Gujarat Titans next at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, wary of the Titans' potent bowling and batting line-ups.
England enter the Champions Trophy after a 3-0 series loss to India in ODIs. Former batter Mark Butcher pointed at the squad's inexperience in the 50-over format, attributing it to not playing enough ODIs. With only four wins in 14 matches since the 2023 World Cup, England's players, even seasoned ones, lack the experience compared to their opponents.
Joe Root stresses the necessity of consistency ahead of England's five-Test series against India, beginning June 20. Root, England's top Test run-scorer, is prepared for the challenge and emphasizes the importance of performing consistently well in such major series.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to elect a new secretary and treasurer in a Special General Meeting (SGM) scheduled for January 12th in Mumbai. The positions became vacant after Jay Shah and Ashish Shelar resigned.
Shubman Gill showcased his batting prowess with an impressive 52-ball 46 against Pakistan in Dubai, reminiscent of master balster Sachin Tendulkar's style. After a challenging tour in Australia, Gill has returned to form, hitting a century against Karnataka and excelling in recent matches. He enjoys a successful partnership with Rohit Sharma, providing thrilling performances in ODIs.
Axar Patel's elevation to the No. 5 slot in the Indian cricket team lineup has paid off, as he proved his batting prowess with significant contributions, including a crucial knock of 47 runs in the T20 World Cup final. His performance demonstrates his capability as a batting allrounder, complementing his left-arm spin and reliable fielding skills.
In 2024, the Indian cricket team excelled in T20 internationals, winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup undefeated. India also triumphed in series against Bangladesh and South Africa. Veterans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja retired from T20Is post World Cup win, marking a historic year.
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.
Jasprit Bumrah expressed gratitude upon winning the prestigious ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year award, highlighting India's T20 World Cup victory as his most cherished memory of 2024. Bumrah, who also earned the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year title and a spot in the Test Team of the Year, emphasized that team success remains his top priority.
Australia's Test opener Nathan McSweeney has been dropped from the squad for the fourth Test against India after struggling against Jasprit Bumrah. Teenage prodigy Sam Konstas receives his first call-up. McSweeney, a non-specialist opener, averaged a meager 14.40 in three Tests. His dismissal by Bumrah four times in six innings sealed his fate.