Ravi Shastri praises the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series as proof that Test cricket is thriving. Shastri emphasizes the need for a two-tier system to ensure the best teams compete regularly, maintaining the excitement and significance of the five-day format, especially after record-breaking attendance figures for the India-Australia Melbourne Test.
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Harbhajan Singh comments on the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, emphasizing the impact it could have on India’s performance in the Champions Trophy. Despite this setback, he believes India remains a favorite due to experienced players like Shami and Kuldeep, along with the batting form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
England have decided to play against Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy match in Lahore on February 26, despite calls for a boycott from over 160 British politicians. The ECB believes that a coordinated international approach will be more effective and wants to support ordinary Afghans who gain enjoyment from watching their national team.
Rachin Ravindra shines for New Zealand with a crucial century in the Champions Trophy, showcased his calm approach under pressure. His ability to handle spin, highlighted by his performance in India, will be tested against India's spin-heavy attack in the upcoming match in Dubai. Coach Sriram Krishnamurthy praises Rachin's resilience and mental strength post-injury.
At the BCCI's annual Naman Awards, Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana were honored as the best international cricketers. Legendary Sachin Tendulkar was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. In total, 26 awards were distributed, recognizing excellence in both men's and women's cricket across various categories.
Tilak Varma moved to second place among T20 batters and could potentially overtake Travis Head for the top spot with good performances in the next matches. Varun Chakravarthy jumped to fifth among bowlers after a strong showing against England. Adil Rashid regained the No.1 spot among T20I bowlers following three economical performances against India.
Mumbai Indians successfully chased 151 runs to defeat UP Warriorz by six wickets in the Women's Premier League. Amelia Kerr's fifer and Hayley Matthews' 68 runs were pivotal. Mumbai's win placed them second with eight points. Kerr and Matthews' performances highlighted the match, alongside Nat Sciver-Brunt's key 37 runs, propelling Mumbai's strong finish.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders secured their second win in ILT20 Season 3 with a 37-run victory over Gulf Giants. Michael Pepper’s half-century and strong bowling contributed to the win, overshadowing Aayan Afzal Khan’s 4/16 for the Giants. The Knight Riders’ solid start and strategic play were crucial, while the Giants' batting struggle was evident.
Sunil Gavaskar criticises Virat Kohli's shoulder bump with Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG as 'simply not cricket.' Gavaskar suggests that Kohli's reaction to Australian fans' booing increased pressure on his teammates and contributed to his inconsistent performance throughout the series. Kohli’s on-field antics were coupled with his struggles in form. After scoring an unbeaten century in Perth, he failed to maintain consistency throughout the series.
The Sports Ministry debunked claims of converting cricket players into baseball players to win medals at international events. Baseball, unrecognised by the ministry, was never discussed at Mission Olympic Cell meetings. A BCCI official noted the impracticality of such a switch, given cricket's lucrative paths like IPL and T20 leagues, while baseball lacks governmental support.
Rishabh Pant reflects on his match-winning 89 at the Gabba in 2021, a pivotal moment in India's series victory. Returning to the same venue after recovering from a car accident, Pant discusses his positive mindset, calculated aggression, and the challenges of wicketkeeping. He emphasizes playing percentage cricket and adapting his game plan to the bowlers.