India, trailing 2-1 in the Test series, face a challenging task against Australia to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The final match begins on January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where India have a poor record, winning only once since 1947.
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India skipper Rohit Sharma defended the decision to include five spinners in their Champions Trophy squad. He emphasized the value of having three spinning all-rounders, highlighting their versatility and ability to contribute both batting and bowling, as the tournament returns after an eight-year hiatus.
Washington Sundar praised Nitish Kumar Reddy's impressive maiden century in the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Reddy's composed 100 off 171 balls helped India avoid a follow-on and featured a popular celebration tribute. Sundar highlighted the team's clarity on their responsibilities and commended Reddy's skill and temperament during the crucial 127-run partnership.
Jasprit Bumrah's impressive 21 wickets in three Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests have drawn significant praise, with former Australian coach Justin Langer comparing him to legendary Wasim Akram. Bumrah's two five-wicket hauls have troubled Australian openers, making him a key player in the series tied at 1-1.
KL Rahul's resilient 84 in the third Test against Australia highlighted his defensive approach as key to success on the challenging tour. Focusing on respecting bowlers early on, leaving deliveries, and tightening his defense during the initial overs, Rahul believes this strategy allows batsmen to capitalize later.
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar anticipates Indian captain Rohit Sharma to adopt a conservative approach in the upcoming ODI series against England, aiming to regain his form. Bangar highlights the potential of Yashasvi Jaiswal as a backup player, favouring Shubman Gill alongside Sharma and Kohli as the top three.
Cricket West Indies has announced significant captaincy changes, with Kraigg Brathwaite stepping down as Test captain and Shai Hope taking over the T20I role from Rovman Powell. These changes aim to prepare the team for upcoming international competitions, including the ICC World Test Championship cycle and T20 World Cup.
Riyan Parag's debut as captain for Rajasthan Royals saw his team lose two consecutive matches in IPL 2025. Parag has already become the first player from Assam to lead an IPL team. Regular captain Sanju Samson is expected to return on April 5. Despite his efforts, the Royals recorded significant defeats against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Former Pakistan skipper Younis Khan has been appointed as Afghanistan cricket team's mentor for the 2025 Champions Trophy, beginning February 19. The high-stakes tournament, with 15 matches held across Pakistan and Dubai, will see eight teams competing. Naseeb Khan, Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO, expressed confidence in Younis' expertise given the conditions.
Rishabh Pant's return to Ranji Trophy for Delhi after nearly eight years ended with a brief stay at the crease, scoring just 1 run. Saurashtra's Dharmendrasinh Jadeja dismissed Pant. The match also featured a memorable moment when a supporter touched Pant's feet. Delhi collapsed at 188 runs, with Saurashtra's Ravindra Jadeja taking five wickets.
New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra emphasizes the necessity of adapting to Dubai's unique pitch conditions for the Champions Trophy final against India. Despite New Zealand's limited experience on this pitch, Ravindra remains optimistic about their preparation and aims to deliver a stronger performance than in their previous encounter with India.