Team India engaged in a lively fielding drill in Brisbane before the crucial third Test against Australia. Players were divided into groups, aiming to knock down targets within a limited number of balls. Captain Rohit Sharma missed a target, while Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli added to the spirited session with their inputs and banter.
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Sunil Gavaskar lauded KL Rahul's batting technique, comparing it to Murali Vijay's, particularly his adeptness at leaving deliveries outside off-stump. Rahul top-scored for India with 84 in challenging conditions against Australia, showcasing patience and precise shot selection reminiscent of Vijay's style. Though dropped early, his innings proved crucial, helping India avoid the follow-on.
Chennai Super Kings have appointed former Indian all-rounder Sridharan Sriram as their assistant bowling coach for the upcoming IPL season. With experience coaching the Australian national team and Bangladesh's squads, Sriram will guide CSK's spin bowling lineup, featuring R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. CSK aims to improve after missing the playoffs last season.
Ben Stokes, England's Test captain, underwent surgery for a hamstring tear sustained during the third Test against New Zealand in Hamilton. The injury, sustained while fielding, requires three months of recovery. Stokes will miss upcoming matches but aims to recover before the home series against India.
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.
Chennai Super Kings’ skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad is eagerly anticipating the clash with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, especially with Virat Kohli posing a noteworthy challenge. Gaikwad appreciates Kohli's consistent high-level performance which makes every match against RCB highly anticipated. The match's significance is amplified by CSK's strong spin attack, looking to exploit RCB’s vulnerabilities at Chepauk.
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.
Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, who was part of the Indian squad in Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has suffered a hairline fracture on his right hand’s middle finger, sidelining him from the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches. Easwaran, known for his consistent performances in India A teams, sustained the injury during a club match.
Bangladesh secured a resounding 3-0 T20I series sweep against the West Indies with an 80-run victory in the final match. Jaker Ali's explosive 72 not out, featuring six sixes, propelled Bangladesh to 189/7. A controversial run-out decision that was overturned proved pivotal. The West Indies crumbled for 109, with Rishad Hossain taking three wickets.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald praised Rishabh Pant's adaptability with the bat during the fifth Test at SCG. Pant showcased contrasting approaches in two innings, impressing McDonald with his strategic play. The SCG pitch offered a fair contest between bat and ball, deviating from its usual batting-friendly nature, making the match thrilling and competitive.
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.