The Indian men's cricket team has moved on from the Virat Kohli-Ravi Shastri era. After Shastri's tenure ended with the T20 World Cup, Rahul Dravid took over and is now serving as the head coach till the 2023 ODI World Cup. On the other hand, BCCI recently sacked Kohli as the ODI captain, appointing Rohit Sharma as the new limited-overs skipper.

Ahead of India's tour-opener versus South Africa in Centurion, on December 26, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has made a big claim on the partnership of Kohli-Dravid, who are the captain-coach in the Test format for the national side.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harbhajan-singh-retires-draws-curtains-to-glorious-23-year-long-international-career-439548">Harbhajan Singh retires, draws curtains to glorious 23-year-long international career</a>

By now, all the cricket fans are well aware of the rusty relations between Kohli and the BCCI post the ODI captaincy switch. After being sacked as the ODI skipper, the 33-year-old Kohli contradicted from BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly's claims, who had earlier stated that he had advised the former to continue as the T20I captain. Kohli also revealed that he had no prior communication with the national selectors before his sacking. Hence, the Indian Test captain's relations with Ganguly has gone down. In 2017, he had a fallout with then head coach Anil Kumble as well. Hence, Kaneria feels his relations with Dravid might also not be good in the long run.

"It's been two years, Virat has not made any century, so he needs to focus on his game. Speaking against legends like Sourav Ganguly and anyone else is not going to help him," Kaneria told IANS in an interview.

He further asserted, "Virat had problems with Anil Kumble, now he has problems with Ganguly. Kumble and Ganguly have proved themselves; they are the real ambassadors of the game. Virat is speaking against Ganguly who has changed Indian cricket and then MS Dhoni took it forward. Now Virat's 90-minute jibe is really not needed at this time."

"He is struggling to make runs in Tests and T20s. And as a captain, he has not won any ICC trophy, so everything is going against him. And now this blame game, I don't think this is going to help him as well as Indian cricket," Kaneria further explained.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-shastri-were-controlling-indian-cricket-ex-india-pacer-on-dhonis-appointment-as-mentor-for-t20-wc-439500">Kohli, Shastri were controlling Indian cricket: Ex-India pacer on Dhoni's appointment as mentor for T20 WC</a>

Kaneria added, "As far as Rohit Sharma is concerned, he's been an outstanding ambassador of the game; he has won five IPL trophies. His captaincy is impeccable; his camaraderie with Rahul Dravid is amazing. I don't think Virat Kohli's relation with Dravid will be good in the long run. Virat had a problem with Anil Kumble as well. Both Kumble and Dravid are coming from South India and they have big status in cricket. I played against both of them, and I know what kind of intellectuals they are."

It will be interesting to see how the relation&nbsp;between Kohli and Dravid will pan out going forward. At present, the Dravid-Kohli-led Indian team is gearing up for the three-match Test series opener versus Dean Elgar-led South Africa, in Centurion, on Sunday (December 26).

The Indian men's cricket team has moved on from the Virat Kohli-Ravi Shastri era. After Shastri's tenure ended with the T20 World Cup, Rahul Dravid took over and is now serving as the head coach till the 2023 ODI World Cup.

The Indian men's cricket team has moved on from the Virat Kohli-Ravi Shastri era. After Shastri's tenure ended with the T20 World Cup, Rahul Dravid took over and is now serving as the head coach till the 2023 ODI World Cup. On the other hand, BCCI recently sacked Kohli as the ODI captain, appointing Rohit Sharma as the new limited-overs skipper. Ahead of India's tour-opener versus South Africa in Centurion, on December 26, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has made a big claim on the partnership of Kohli-Dravid, who are the captain-coach in the Test format for the national side. ALSO READ | Harbhajan Singh retires, draws curtains to glorious 23-year-long international career By now, all the cricket fans are well aware of the rusty relations between Kohli and the BCCI post the ODI captaincy switch. After being sacked as the ODI skipper, the 33-year-old Kohli contradicted from BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly's claims, who had earlier stated that he had advised the former to continue as the T20I captain. Kohli also revealed that he had no prior communication with the national selectors before his sacking. Hence, the Indian Test captain's relations with Ganguly has gone down. In 2017, he had a fallout with then head coach Anil Kumble as well. Hence, Kaneria feels his relations with Dravid might also not be good in the long run. "It's been two years, Virat has not made any century, so he needs to focus on his game. Speaking against legends like Sourav Ganguly and anyone else is not going to help him," Kaneria told IANS in an interview. He further asserted, "Virat had problems with Anil Kumble, now he has problems with Ganguly. Kumble and Ganguly have proved themselves; they are the real ambassadors of the game. Virat is speaking against Ganguly who has changed Indian cricket and then MS Dhoni took it forward. Now Virat's 90-minute jibe is really not needed at this time." "He is struggling to make runs in Tests and T20s. And as a captain, he has not won any ICC trophy, so everything is going against him. And now this blame game, I don't think this is going to help him as well as Indian cricket," Kaneria further explained. ALSO READ | Kohli, Shastri were controlling Indian cricket: Ex-India pacer on Dhoni's appointment as mentor for T20 WC Kaneria added, "As far as Rohit Sharma is concerned, he's been an outstanding ambassador of the game; he has won five IPL trophies. His captaincy is impeccable; his camaraderie with Rahul Dravid is amazing. I don't think Virat Kohli's relation with Dravid will be good in the long run. Virat had a problem with Anil Kumble as well. Both Kumble and Dravid are coming from South India and they have big status in cricket. I played against both of them, and I know what kind of intellectuals they are." It will be interesting to see how the relation between Kohli and Dravid will pan out going forward. At present, the Dravid-Kohli-led Indian team is gearing up for the three-match Test series opener versus Dean Elgar-led South Africa, in Centurion, on Sunday (December 26).

Don't think Virat Kohli's relation with Rahul Dravid will be good in long run, predicts Danish Kaneria

Team India's veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has announced his international retirement on Friday (December 24). The 41-year-old has had a stellar run at the highest level and finally decided to call it quits, drawing curtains to a glorious 23-year-long career in international cricket.

Harbhajan tweeted saying, "All good things come to an end and today as I bid adieu to the game that has given me everything in life, I would like to thank everyone who made this 23-year-long journey beautiful and memorable. 
My heartfelt thank you Grateful"

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-shastri-were-controlling-indian-cricket-ex-india-pacer-on-dhonis-appointment-as-mentor-for-t20-wc-439500">Kohli, Shastri were controlling Indian cricket: Ex-India pacer on Dhoni's appointment as mentor for T20 WC</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
All good things come to an end and today as I bid adieu to the game that has given me everything in life, I would like to thank everyone who made this 23-year-long journey beautiful and memorable. 
My heartfelt thank you Grateful .<a href="https://t.co/iD6WHU46MU">https://t.co/iD6WHU46MU</a>
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1474302128311062533?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/once-virat-kohli-said-shastri-reacts-to-rohit-sharmas-appointment-as-indias-limited-overs-captain-439523">'Once Virat Kohli said....' - Shastri reacts to Rohit Sharma's appointment as India's limited-overs captain</a>

Harbhajan shared a video along with his tweet and explained, "My journey from the streets of Jalandhar to the Indian team has been spectacular. I have never had the sort of motivation that I did when I was wearing the India jersey. But there comes a time when you have to take the tough decisions and move ahead. I have been willing to make an announcement for the past few years and have been waiting to share this moment with you.

Today, I am announcing my retirement from all forms of the game. Though informally, I had taken retirement before but couldn't announce it. I have not been playing active cricket for a while but due to commitments with KKR, I have wanted to stay with them. I had already decided to retire. Like every other cricketer, I wanted to say goodbye to this game in the Indian jersy but fate probably had something else in mind.

Whichever team I have played for, I have tried to help them finish at the top, be it Indian team, KKR, MI, CSK or the county sides."

Harbhajan ended as India's fourth-highest wicket-taker in Tests (417), also being the first-ever Indian to claim a hat-trick in the longest form of the game. In the white-ball formats, he accounted for 269 ODI and 25 T20I scalps. He was part of the national side's memorable 2007 T20 World Cup win and 2011 ODI World Cup triumph. He also played an integral role in India achieving the No. 1 rank for the first time in Test cricket in late 2009, under MS Dhoni's leadership.&nbsp;

Harbhajan also ended with 4 IPL trophies, playing for Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Overall, he featured in 163 IPL matches, ending with 150 wickets (fifth overall).

Team India's veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has announced his international retirement on Friday (December 24). The 41-year-old has had a stellar run at the highest level and finally decided to call it quits, drawing curtains to a glorious 23-year-long career in international cricket.

Team India's veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has announced his international retirement on Friday (December 24). The 41-year-old has had a stellar run at the highest level and finally decided to call it quits, drawing curtains to a glorious 23-year-long career in international cricket. Harbhajan tweeted saying, "All good things come to an end and today as I bid adieu to the game that has given me everything in life, I would like to thank everyone who made this 23-year-long journey beautiful and memorable. My heartfelt thank you Grateful" ALSO READ | Kohli, Shastri were controlling Indian cricket: Ex-India pacer on Dhoni's appointment as mentor for T20 WC All good things come to an end and today as I bid adieu to the game that has given me everything in life, I would like to thank everyone who made this 23-year-long journey beautiful and memorable. My heartfelt thank you Grateful .https://t.co/iD6WHU46MU — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 24, 2021 × ALSO READ | 'Once Virat Kohli said....' - Shastri reacts to Rohit Sharma's appointment as India's limited-overs captain Harbhajan shared a video along with his tweet and explained, "My journey from the streets of Jalandhar to the Indian team has been spectacular. I have never had the sort of motivation that I did when I was wearing the India jersey. But there comes a time when you have to take the tough decisions and move ahead. I have been willing to make an announcement for the past few years and have been waiting to share this moment with you. Today, I am announcing my retirement from all forms of the game. Though informally, I had taken retirement before but couldn't announce it. I have not been playing active cricket for a while but due to commitments with KKR, I have wanted to stay with them. I had already decided to retire. Like every other cricketer, I wanted to say goodbye to this game in the Indian jersy but fate probably had something else in mind. Whichever team I have played for, I have tried to help them finish at the top, be it Indian team, KKR, MI, CSK or the county sides." Harbhajan ended as India's fourth-highest wicket-taker in Tests (417), also being the first-ever Indian to claim a hat-trick in the longest form of the game. In the white-ball formats, he accounted for 269 ODI and 25 T20I scalps. He was part of the national side's memorable 2007 T20 World Cup win and 2011 ODI World Cup triumph. He also played an integral role in India achieving the No. 1 rank for the first time in Test cricket in late 2009, under MS Dhoni's leadership. Harbhajan also ended with 4 IPL trophies, playing for Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Overall, he featured in 163 IPL matches, ending with 150 wickets (fifth overall).

Harbhajan Singh retires, draws curtains to glorious 23-year-long international career

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said it has reinstated the accreditation of India's National Dope Testing Laboratory, which had been suspended since August 2019.

The facility in New Delhi was initially suspended for up to six months for not conforming to international standards, with that suspension being extended twice.

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The first extension came in February 2020 due to "outstanding non-conformities", taking effect in July 2020. The suspension was extended for another six months in January 2021, as COVID-19 affected WADA`s ability to conduct an on-site assessment of the lab.

The decision to reinstate accreditation was taken following a remote assessment in September this year and allows the lab to resume anti-doping activities, including urine and blood tests, WADA said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nhl-says-wont-send-players-for-beijing-games-after-regular-season-disrupted-due-to-surge-in-covid-19-cases-439109">NHL says won't send players for Beijing Games after regular season disrupted due to surge in COVID-19 cases</a>

"WADA is pleased to confirm that the New Delhi Laboratory's accreditation has been reinstated after what has been an extended process due to complications related to COVID-19," WADA President Witold Banka said in a statement on Thursday.

"We will continue to work closely with them to ensure that the Laboratory continues to operate to the high standards required by WADA."

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said it has reinstated the accreditation of India's National Dope Testing Laboratory, which had been suspended since August 2019.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said it has reinstated the accreditation of India's National Dope Testing Laboratory, which had been suspended since August 2019. The facility in New Delhi was initially suspended for up to six months for not conforming to international standards, with that suspension being extended twice. ALSO READ: FIFA names 18 Indian referees, including four women, to its International list for 2022 The first extension came in February 2020 due to "outstanding non-conformities", taking effect in July 2020. The suspension was extended for another six months in January 2021, as COVID-19 affected WADA`s ability to conduct an on-site assessment of the lab. The decision to reinstate accreditation was taken following a remote assessment in September this year and allows the lab to resume anti-doping activities, including urine and blood tests, WADA said. ALSO READ: NHL says won't send players for Beijing Games after regular season disrupted due to surge in COVID-19 cases "WADA is pleased to confirm that the New Delhi Laboratory's accreditation has been reinstated after what has been an extended process due to complications related to COVID-19," WADA President Witold Banka said in a statement on Thursday. "We will continue to work closely with them to ensure that the Laboratory continues to operate to the high standards required by WADA."

WADA restores India's National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) accreditation

Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick said the club had to ensure its players were vaccinated following a COVID-19 outbreak that led to the postponement of their last two Premier League games.

"At the club ... we have to encourage players to behave in a disciplined way with regards to contact, we also need to make sure we have most of the players vaccinated," Rangnick told reporters.

"As far as I'm aware, we have a high record of vaccinated players here in our club."

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United last played in a 1-0 win over Norwich City on Dec. 11 and their fixtures against Brighton &amp; Hove Albion and Brentford could not go ahead after a string of COVID-19 cases left them with just 11 fit players, three of which were goalkeepers.

They now have nearly their full squad available for a trip to Newcastle United on Monday.

"The past two weeks show that even if you are being vaccinated two or three times, you can still be catching the virus, especially the new virus (Omicron)," the German said.

"You are not being protected but at least you are being protected from severe symptoms.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-v-leeds-wolves-v-watford-games-postponed-amid-rise-in-covid-19-cases-439343">Premier League: Liverpool v Leeds, Wolves v Watford games postponed amid rise in COVID-19 cases</a>

"And as far as I know, most of our players who were tested positive, at least they had very, very weak symptoms and they didn`t suffer from that."

United trail leaders Manchester City by 17 points but have played two games fewer.

Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick said the club had to ensure its players were vaccinated following a COVID-19 outbreak that led to the postponement of their last two Premier League games.

Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick said the club had to ensure its players were vaccinated following a COVID-19 outbreak that led to the postponement of their last two Premier League games. "At the club ... we have to encourage players to behave in a disciplined way with regards to contact, we also need to make sure we have most of the players vaccinated," Rangnick told reporters. "As far as I'm aware, we have a high record of vaccinated players here in our club." ALSO READ: ISL 2021-22: Hyderabad FC held by SC East Bengal in 1-1 draw United last played in a 1-0 win over Norwich City on Dec. 11 and their fixtures against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford could not go ahead after a string of COVID-19 cases left them with just 11 fit players, three of which were goalkeepers. They now have nearly their full squad available for a trip to Newcastle United on Monday. "The past two weeks show that even if you are being vaccinated two or three times, you can still be catching the virus, especially the new virus (Omicron)," the German said. "You are not being protected but at least you are being protected from severe symptoms. ALSO READ: Premier League: Liverpool v Leeds, Wolves v Watford games postponed amid rise in COVID-19 cases "And as far as I know, most of our players who were tested positive, at least they had very, very weak symptoms and they didn`t suffer from that." United trail leaders Manchester City by 17 points but have played two games fewer.

'Need to make sure the players are vaccinated', says Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick

Former Indian team head coach Ravi Shastri has reacted to the number of developments that have taken place in the senior men's cricket team post the end of his tenure. Post his exit, he has been succeeded by Rahul Dravid whereas Virat Kohli recently got removed as the ODI captain, with Rohit Sharma replacing him as the limited-overs skipper.

For the unversed, Rohit had already succeeded Kohli as the T20I captain post the World Cup in the UAE. In mid-September, the 33-year-old Kohli had revealed that the mega event in the UAE will be his last assignment as the T20I skipper. Thus, Shastri has opened up on Rohit taking over as the white-ball captain and the ODI captaincy row, created due to contrasting statements from Kohli and BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/my-job-isnt-to-butter-everyones-toast-ravi-shastri-recalls-his-praise-for-kuldeep-which-crushed-r-ashwin-439515">My job isn't to butter everyone’s toast: Ravi Shastri recalls his praise for Kuldeep which 'crushed' R Ashwin</a>

Shastri told the Indian Express, "Once Virat said he didn't want to lead T20s, it opened for Rohit. He should be the white-ball captain. Rohit Sharma is the T20 captain now. He should be the white-ball captain."

On Ganguly and the ODI captaincy saga, the former all-rounder opined, "I see no residue. Just events and you react to those events. That aside, we are cricketers. Both of us know the game. That does not mean we will agree on everything. Interacted with Ganguly many times. With good communication, the Indian team situation can be handled better."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-shastri-were-controlling-indian-cricket-ex-india-pacer-on-dhonis-appointment-as-mentor-for-t20-wc-439500">Kohli, Shastri were controlling Indian cricket: Ex-India pacer on Dhoni's appointment as mentor for T20 WC</a>

At present, Kohli-led Indian Test team is in South Africa for the three-match series versus the Dean Elgar-led Proteas. After winning back-to-back Test series in Australia and gaining an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom, early this year, India will look to win their maiden series in the African nation.&nbsp;

Former Indian team head coach Ravi Shastri has reacted to the number of developments that have taken place in the senior men's cricket team post the end of his tenure.

Former Indian team head coach Ravi Shastri has reacted to the number of developments that have taken place in the senior men's cricket team post the end of his tenure. Post his exit, he has been succeeded by Rahul Dravid whereas Virat Kohli recently got removed as the ODI captain, with Rohit Sharma replacing him as the limited-overs skipper. For the unversed, Rohit had already succeeded Kohli as the T20I captain post the World Cup in the UAE. In mid-September, the 33-year-old Kohli had revealed that the mega event in the UAE will be his last assignment as the T20I skipper. Thus, Shastri has opened up on Rohit taking over as the white-ball captain and the ODI captaincy row, created due to contrasting statements from Kohli and BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly. ALSO READ | My job isn't to butter everyone’s toast: Ravi Shastri recalls his praise for Kuldeep which 'crushed' R Ashwin Shastri told the Indian Express, "Once Virat said he didn't want to lead T20s, it opened for Rohit. He should be the white-ball captain. Rohit Sharma is the T20 captain now. He should be the white-ball captain." On Ganguly and the ODI captaincy saga, the former all-rounder opined, "I see no residue. Just events and you react to those events. That aside, we are cricketers. Both of us know the game. That does not mean we will agree on everything. Interacted with Ganguly many times. With good communication, the Indian team situation can be handled better." ALSO READ | Kohli, Shastri were controlling Indian cricket: Ex-India pacer on Dhoni's appointment as mentor for T20 WC At present, Kohli-led Indian Test team is in South Africa for the three-match series versus the Dean Elgar-led Proteas. After winning back-to-back Test series in Australia and gaining an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom, early this year, India will look to win their maiden series in the African nation.

'Once Virat Kohli said....' - Shastri reacts to Rohit Sharma's appointment as India's limited-overs captain

India beat Australia in the four Tests during their 2018/19 tour Down Under to win their first-ever series in whites in Aussies' backyard. During the series, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Mayank Agarwal, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah led the charge for India's historic win whereas the likes of Ishant Sharma, Captain Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav also played their parts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Back then, Ashwin accounted for six scalps in the series opener in Adelaide before injury ruled him out of action for the remainder of the Tests. Kuldeep featured in the last Test, in Sydney, and returned with a five-fer to earn words of praise from then head coach Ravi Shastri. At that time, Shastri labelled Kuldeep as India's best 'overseas spinner'.

Ashwin recalled Shastri's words, which 'absolutely crushed' him while he watched the proceedings from the sidelines due to injury concerns.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/difficult-to-maintain-former-indian-cricketers-react-to-r-ashwins-remark-on-ravi-shastri-438965">'Difficult to maintain....' - Former Indian cricketers react to R Ashwin's remark on Ravi Shastri</a>

Ashwin recently reacted to Shastri's remark and told in an interview with The&nbsp;Cricket Monthly, "I hold Ravi bhai in high esteem. We all do. In that moment, though, I felt crushed. Absolutely crushed. We all talk about how important it is to enjoy your team-mates' success. And I was happy for Kuldeep. I have not been able to get a five-for but he has a five-for in Australia. I know how big it is. Even when I have bowled well [at other times], I haven't ended up with a five-for. So I am genuinely happy for him. And it's an extremely happy occasion, to win in Australia."

"But if I have to come and partake in his happiness, and the success of the team, I must feel like I belong there. If I feel like I am being thrown under the bus, how am I supposed to get up and come for a party to enjoy the team's or team-mate's success? I went back to my room and then I spoke to my wife. And my children were there. So we were able to, you know, shrug it off, and I still made it to the party, because, end of the day, we had won a massive series," he added.

Now, Shastri has reacted to Ashwin's statements and told the Indian Express, "Ashwin did not play the Test in Sydney and Kuldeep bowled well. So it's fair I give Kuldeep a chance. If that hurt Ashwin, I am very happy. It made him do something different. My job is not to butter everyone’s toast. My job is to state facts without agenda."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/felt-crushed-r-ashwin-recalls-ravi-shastris-huge-praise-for-kuldeep-yadav-during-2018-19-australia-tour-438692">Felt crushed: R Ashwin recalls Ravi Shastri's huge praise for Kuldeep Yadav during 2018-19 Australia tour</a>

Ashwin, however, played a bigger role in India's second successive Test series win in Australia during the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. He returned with 11 wickets in 3 Tests to end as India's second-highest wicket-taker in their historic 2-1 series triumph over Tim Paine &amp; Co. Injury, however, ruled him out of action for the series finale at The Gabba, Brisbane.&nbsp;

At present, Ashwin-starrer Team India is gearing up for the series opener of the three Tests versus South Africa, which gets underway on December 26 in Centurion.

India beat Australia in the four Tests during their 2018/19 tour Down Under to win their first-ever series in whites in Aussies' backyard. During the series, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Mayank Agarwal, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah led the charge for India's historic win whereas the likes of Ishant Sharma, Captain Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav also played their parts.

India beat Australia in the four Tests during their 2018/19 tour Down Under to win their first-ever series in whites in Aussies' backyard. During the series, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Mayank Agarwal, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah led the charge for India's historic win whereas the likes of Ishant Sharma, Captain Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav also played their parts. Back then, Ashwin accounted for six scalps in the series opener in Adelaide before injury ruled him out of action for the remainder of the Tests. Kuldeep featured in the last Test, in Sydney, and returned with a five-fer to earn words of praise from then head coach Ravi Shastri. At that time, Shastri labelled Kuldeep as India's best 'overseas spinner'. Ashwin recalled Shastri's words, which 'absolutely crushed' him while he watched the proceedings from the sidelines due to injury concerns. ALSO READ | 'Difficult to maintain....' - Former Indian cricketers react to R Ashwin's remark on Ravi Shastri Ashwin recently reacted to Shastri's remark and told in an interview with The Cricket Monthly, "I hold Ravi bhai in high esteem. We all do. In that moment, though, I felt crushed. Absolutely crushed. We all talk about how important it is to enjoy your team-mates' success. And I was happy for Kuldeep. I have not been able to get a five-for but he has a five-for in Australia. I know how big it is. Even when I have bowled well [at other times], I haven't ended up with a five-for. So I am genuinely happy for him. And it's an extremely happy occasion, to win in Australia." "But if I have to come and partake in his happiness, and the success of the team, I must feel like I belong there. If I feel like I am being thrown under the bus, how am I supposed to get up and come for a party to enjoy the team's or team-mate's success? I went back to my room and then I spoke to my wife. And my children were there. So we were able to, you know, shrug it off, and I still made it to the party, because, end of the day, we had won a massive series," he added. Now, Shastri has reacted to Ashwin's statements and told the Indian Express, "Ashwin did not play the Test in Sydney and Kuldeep bowled well. So it's fair I give Kuldeep a chance. If that hurt Ashwin, I am very happy. It made him do something different. My job is not to butter everyone’s toast. My job is to state facts without agenda." ALSO READ | Felt crushed: R Ashwin recalls Ravi Shastri's huge praise for Kuldeep Yadav during 2018-19 Australia tour Ashwin, however, played a bigger role in India's second successive Test series win in Australia during the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. He returned with 11 wickets in 3 Tests to end as India's second-highest wicket-taker in their historic 2-1 series triumph over Tim Paine & Co. Injury, however, ruled him out of action for the series finale at The Gabba, Brisbane. At present, Ashwin-starrer Team India is gearing up for the series opener of the three Tests versus South Africa, which gets underway on December 26 in Centurion.

My job isn't to butter everyone’s toast: Ravi Shastri recalls his praise for Kuldeep which 'crushed' R Ashwin

The mega auction for the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is keenly awaited. After the eight existing franchises shared their list of retained players on November 30, the two new IPL teams in the form of Lucknow and Ahmedabad will get a chance to pick three players each -- among the non-retained list of players -- before the action moves to the mega auction. As per latest reports, the IPL 2022 mega auction is set to be held in the garden city, i.e. Bengaluru on February 7 and 8.&nbsp;

"Unless the COVID-19 situation worsens, we will have the IPL mega auction in India. The two-day event will be held on February 7 and 8 and like other years, we plan to hold it in Bengaluru. Preparations are underway," a senior BCCI official told the news agency PTI.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-mega-auction-likely-dates-revealed-set-to-be-a-two-day-affair-438406">IPL 2022 mega auction likely dates revealed, set to be a two-day affair</a>

This time around, several top players are set to go under the hammer as the eight existing IPL franchises will look to revamp whereas the two new teams will build their respective line-ups after wisely choosing three players each prior to the mega auction. The likes of KL Rahul, Rashid Khan, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, David Warner, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jonny Bairstow, Faf du Plessis, Dwayne Bravo, Sam Curran, Pandya brothers and many others have not been retained. Hence, all eyes will be on them before as well as during the auction.&nbsp;

For the unversed, the auction was supposed to be held in early January, 2022. However, it has been delayed due to lack of clarity regarding the Ahmedabad franchise's future ever since the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI initiated an inquiry on CVC Capital Partners' association with betting firms. On the other hand, the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group-owned Lucknow franchise are on a signing spree at the moment. They have already signed Andy Flower as the head coach, Gautam Gambhir as the team mentor and named Vijay Dahiya as the assistant coach recently.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-virat-kohli-shadab-khan-names-star-indian-opener-and-david-warner-as-toughest-batter-to-bowl-at-439078">Not Virat Kohli! Shadab Khan names star Indian opener and David Warner as 'toughest batter to bowl' at</a>

With plenty of action in the shortest format in the run-up to the mega auction, in form of BBL, Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament, etc., there will be several&nbsp;options for all the ten IPL teams in the star-studded event which is likely to be held in Bengaluru.

The mega auction for the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is keenly awaited. After the eight existing franchises shared their list of retained players on November 30, the two new IPL teams in the form of Lucknow and Ahmedabad will get a chance to pick three players each -- among the non-retained list of players -- before the action moves to the mega auction.

The mega auction for the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is keenly awaited. After the eight existing franchises shared their list of retained players on November 30, the two new IPL teams in the form of Lucknow and Ahmedabad will get a chance to pick three players each -- among the non-retained list of players -- before the action moves to the mega auction. As per latest reports, the IPL 2022 mega auction is set to be held in the garden city, i.e. Bengaluru on February 7 and 8. "Unless the COVID-19 situation worsens, we will have the IPL mega auction in India. The two-day event will be held on February 7 and 8 and like other years, we plan to hold it in Bengaluru. Preparations are underway," a senior BCCI official told the news agency PTI. ALSO READ | IPL 2022 mega auction likely dates revealed, set to be a two-day affair This time around, several top players are set to go under the hammer as the eight existing IPL franchises will look to revamp whereas the two new teams will build their respective line-ups after wisely choosing three players each prior to the mega auction. The likes of KL Rahul, Rashid Khan, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, David Warner, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jonny Bairstow, Faf du Plessis, Dwayne Bravo, Sam Curran, Pandya brothers and many others have not been retained. Hence, all eyes will be on them before as well as during the auction. For the unversed, the auction was supposed to be held in early January, 2022. However, it has been delayed due to lack of clarity regarding the Ahmedabad franchise's future ever since the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI initiated an inquiry on CVC Capital Partners' association with betting firms. On the other hand, the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group-owned Lucknow franchise are on a signing spree at the moment. They have already signed Andy Flower as the head coach, Gautam Gambhir as the team mentor and named Vijay Dahiya as the assistant coach recently. ALSO READ | Not Virat Kohli! Shadab Khan names star Indian opener and David Warner as 'toughest batter to bowl' at With plenty of action in the shortest format in the run-up to the mega auction, in form of BBL, Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament, etc., there will be several options for all the ten IPL teams in the star-studded event which is likely to be held in Bengaluru.

Countdown begins! IPL 2022 mega auction likely to be held on Feb 7 and 8 in Bengaluru: Report

Riding on Harnoor Singh's fantastic century, India thrashed UAE by 154 runs in their opening U-19 Asia Cup match here on Thursday.

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A solid show with the bat 💪 
A fine display with the ball 👍 
 
India U19 commence their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U19AsiaCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U19AsiaCup</a> campaign with a thumping 154-run win over UAE U19. 👏 👏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvUAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvUAE</a> 
 
📷:ACC <a href="https://t.co/0LyHpPU0tu">pic.twitter.com/0LyHpPU0tu</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1474005621565362181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Put in to bat, India posted a fighting total of 282/5 in 50 overs, courtesy of Harnoor's 120 off 130 balls. Apart from him, skipper Yash Dhull (63 off 68) and Rajvardhan Hangargekar (48 not out off 23) made valuable contributions with the bat.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-a-quality-indian-team-allan-donald-recalls-virat-kohlis-words-from-2018-ahead-of-centurion-test-439348">This is a quality Indian team: Allan Donald recalls Virat Kohli's words from 2018 ahead of Centurion Test</a> 
 
Alishan Sharafu (2/44) was the most successful bowler for UAE as they used as many as nine bowling options at the ICC Academy Ground.

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Harnoor Singh wins the Player of the Match award as India U19 seal a win against UAE U19. 👏 👍 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvUAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvUAE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ACC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ACC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U19AsiaCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U19AsiaCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoysInBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoysInBlue</a> 
 
📸 📸: ACC <a href="https://t.co/YGXMDwAMJa">pic.twitter.com/YGXMDwAMJa</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1474011944080199687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In reply, host UAE were bundled out for 128/10 in 34.3 overs. Kai Smith (45 off 70) was the top-scorer for them. Rajvardhan Hangargekar (3/24) took three wickets for India while Garv Sangwan (2/39), Vicky Oswal (2/7) and Kaushal Tamble (2/16) took two each. 
 
India will now play against arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday. The tournament is being played ahead of the U-19 World Cup in the West Indies next month.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sa-1st-test-pant-aims-to-break-mentor-dhonis-unique-record-in-series-opener-in-centurion-439363">India vs SA, 1st Test: Pant aims to break mentor Dhoni's unique record in series opener in Centurion</a> 
 
Brief scores: India 282/5 in 50 overs (Harnoor Singh 120 off 130, Yash Dhull 63 off 68; Alishan Sharafu 2/44) beat UAE (128-10 in 34.3 overs (Kai Smith 45 off 70; Rajvardhan Hangargekar 3/24, Vicky Oswal 2/7) by 154 runs

Riding on Harnoor Singh's fantastic century, India thrashed UAE by 154 runs in their opening U-19 Asia Cup match here on Thursday. A solid show with the bat 💪 A fine display with the ball 👍 India U19 commence their #U19AsiaCup campaign with a thumping 154-run win over UAE U19.

Riding on Harnoor Singh's fantastic century, India thrashed UAE by 154 runs in their opening U-19 Asia Cup match here on Thursday. A solid show with the bat 💪 A fine display with the ball 👍 India U19 commence their #U19AsiaCup campaign with a thumping 154-run win over UAE U19. 👏 👏 #INDvUAE 📷:ACC pic.twitter.com/0LyHpPU0tu — BCCI (@BCCI) December 23, 2021 × Put in to bat, India posted a fighting total of 282/5 in 50 overs, courtesy of Harnoor's 120 off 130 balls. Apart from him, skipper Yash Dhull (63 off 68) and Rajvardhan Hangargekar (48 not out off 23) made valuable contributions with the bat. ALSO READ | This is a quality Indian team: Allan Donald recalls Virat Kohli's words from 2018 ahead of Centurion Test Alishan Sharafu (2/44) was the most successful bowler for UAE as they used as many as nine bowling options at the ICC Academy Ground. Harnoor Singh wins the Player of the Match award as India U19 seal a win against UAE U19. 👏 👍 #INDvUAE #ACC #U19AsiaCup #BoysInBlue 📸 📸: ACC pic.twitter.com/YGXMDwAMJa — BCCI (@BCCI) December 23, 2021 × In reply, host UAE were bundled out for 128/10 in 34.3 overs. Kai Smith (45 off 70) was the top-scorer for them. Rajvardhan Hangargekar (3/24) took three wickets for India while Garv Sangwan (2/39), Vicky Oswal (2/7) and Kaushal Tamble (2/16) took two each. India will now play against arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday. The tournament is being played ahead of the U-19 World Cup in the West Indies next month. ALSO READ | India vs SA, 1st Test: Pant aims to break mentor Dhoni's unique record in series opener in Centurion Brief scores: India 282/5 in 50 overs (Harnoor Singh 120 off 130, Yash Dhull 63 off 68; Alishan Sharafu 2/44) beat UAE (128-10 in 34.3 overs (Kai Smith 45 off 70; Rajvardhan Hangargekar 3/24, Vicky Oswal 2/7) by 154 runs

U-19 Asia Cup: Harnoor Singh's century helps India open campaign with 154-run win over UAE

Former men's tennis world number one Andy&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;has been handed a wild card invitation for the Australian Open, organisers announced on Thursday praising him for his "fighting spirit".

The 34-year-old is ranked a lowly 134 as he battles to recover consistently good form after persistent injury problems.

However, towards the end of last season he recorded two top-10 triumphs over Wimbledon semi-finalist Hubert Hurkacz and Italy's Jannik Sinner.

He showed some form too in beating compatriot Dan Evans and another former world number one Rafael Nadal in an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi last week.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/organizing-for-2022-has-been-10-times-harder-than-2021-says-australian-open-boss-craig-tiley-439225">Organizing for 2022 has been 10 times harder than 2021, says Australian Open boss Craig Tiley</a>

"Five-time finalist @andy_murray is awarded a main draw wildcard," tweeted Craig Tiley the CEO of the Australian Open.

"Andy is renowned for his fighting spirit, passion and love of the game and I'm delighted to welcome him back to Melbourne in January.

"We can't wait to see you at #AO2022."

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Five-time finalist <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andy_murray</a> is awarded a main draw wildcard. 
 
“Andy is renowned for his fighting spirit, passion and love of the game and I’m delighted to welcome him back to Melbourne in January.” - <a href="https://twitter.com/CraigTiley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CraigTiley</a> 
 
We can’t wait to see you at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2022</a>, Andy 💪💙<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/pJpBy4qXQT">pic.twitter.com/pJpBy4qXQT</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1473972127820705793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-reporter-posts-fresh-unverified-footage-of-tennis-star-peng-shuai-online-watch-438150">Chinese reporter posts fresh unverified footage of Tennis star Peng Shuai online- WATCH</a>

Murray&nbsp;has three Grand Slam titles to his name -- winning Wimbledon twice in 2013 and 2016 and the 2016 US Open -- but the Australian Open has eluded him despite reaching the final five times.

The Australian Open runs from January 17 to 30.

Former men's tennis world number one Andy Murray has been handed a wild card invitation for the Australian Open, organisers announced on Thursday praising him for his "fighting spirit".

Former men's tennis world number one Andy Murray has been handed a wild card invitation for the Australian Open, organisers announced on Thursday praising him for his "fighting spirit". The 34-year-old is ranked a lowly 134 as he battles to recover consistently good form after persistent injury problems. However, towards the end of last season he recorded two top-10 triumphs over Wimbledon semi-finalist Hubert Hurkacz and Italy's Jannik Sinner. He showed some form too in beating compatriot Dan Evans and another former world number one Rafael Nadal in an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi last week. ALSO READ: Organizing for 2022 has been 10 times harder than 2021, says Australian Open boss Craig Tiley "Five-time finalist @andy_murray is awarded a main draw wildcard," tweeted Craig Tiley the CEO of the Australian Open. "Andy is renowned for his fighting spirit, passion and love of the game and I'm delighted to welcome him back to Melbourne in January. "We can't wait to see you at #AO2022." Five-time finalist @andy_murray is awarded a main draw wildcard. “Andy is renowned for his fighting spirit, passion and love of the game and I’m delighted to welcome him back to Melbourne in January.” - @CraigTiley We can’t wait to see you at #AO2022, Andy 💪💙#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/pJpBy4qXQT — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 23, 2021 × ALSO READ: Chinese reporter posts fresh unverified footage of Tennis star Peng Shuai online- WATCH Murray has three Grand Slam titles to his name -- winning Wimbledon twice in 2013 and 2016 and the 2016 US Open -- but the Australian Open has eluded him despite reaching the final five times. The Australian Open runs from January 17 to 30.

Five-time Australian Open finalist Andy Murray handed wild card entry

India's former head coach Ravi Shastri has lavished huge praise on Test captain Virat Kohli ahead of the national side's three-match series opener versus South Africa, which gets underway on December 26 in Centurion. The No. 1 ranked side have been exceptional while being on the road under Ravi Shastri and will look to carry on in similar stead under Rahul Dravid's coaching.&nbsp;

During Shastri's tenure, Kohli-led India become a daunting line-up while playing away from home. Under the former Indian all-rounder, India won two series in a row in Australia and gained an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom (held early this year) and demolished Sri Lanka and West Indies in their own backyard. Shastri has credited Kohli as a leader and has backed Team India to scale new heights in the African nation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sa-1st-test-pant-aims-to-break-mentor-dhonis-unique-record-in-series-opener-in-centurion-439363">India vs SA, 1st Test: Pant aims to break mentor Dhoni's unique record in series opener in Centurion</a>

Shastri while speaking in an interview to Star Sports told "There couldn't have been a better time for team India to prove their mettle. Virat has been an impeccable leader and has got a talented team to go along with it. South Africa remains an unconquered bastion."

"Remember, the Proteas are no pushovers in their own backyard, but we have got the firepower and the arsenal to match that. As always, Team India will always have my backing," Shastri mentioned.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-a-quality-indian-team-allan-donald-recalls-virat-kohlis-words-from-2018-ahead-of-centurion-test-439348">This is a quality Indian team: Allan Donald recalls Virat Kohli's words from 2018 ahead of Centurion Test</a>

India have a strong chance to win their first-ever Test series on South African soil with the Proteas not having superstar batters in their line-up whereas India's pace attack is one of the best at present. During their last Test series in SA in early 2018, Kohli &amp; Co. were competitive throughout the three Tests but lost 2-1. It will be interesting to see what the scoreline will be this time around.

The last two Tests will be played in Johannesburg&nbsp;and Cape Town before the action moves to the three ODIs, starting from mid-January 2022.

India's former head coach Ravi Shastri has lavished huge praise on Test captain Virat Kohli ahead of the national side's three-match series opener versus South Africa, which gets underway on December 26 in Centurion.

India's former head coach Ravi Shastri has lavished huge praise on Test captain Virat Kohli ahead of the national side's three-match series opener versus South Africa, which gets underway on December 26 in Centurion. The No. 1 ranked side have been exceptional while being on the road under Ravi Shastri and will look to carry on in similar stead under Rahul Dravid's coaching. During Shastri's tenure, Kohli-led India become a daunting line-up while playing away from home. Under the former Indian all-rounder, India won two series in a row in Australia and gained an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom (held early this year) and demolished Sri Lanka and West Indies in their own backyard. Shastri has credited Kohli as a leader and has backed Team India to scale new heights in the African nation. ALSO READ | India vs SA, 1st Test: Pant aims to break mentor Dhoni's unique record in series opener in Centurion Shastri while speaking in an interview to Star Sports told "There couldn't have been a better time for team India to prove their mettle. Virat has been an impeccable leader and has got a talented team to go along with it. South Africa remains an unconquered bastion." "Remember, the Proteas are no pushovers in their own backyard, but we have got the firepower and the arsenal to match that. As always, Team India will always have my backing," Shastri mentioned. ALSO READ | This is a quality Indian team: Allan Donald recalls Virat Kohli's words from 2018 ahead of Centurion Test India have a strong chance to win their first-ever Test series on South African soil with the Proteas not having superstar batters in their line-up whereas India's pace attack is one of the best at present. During their last Test series in SA in early 2018, Kohli & Co. were competitive throughout the three Tests but lost 2-1. It will be interesting to see what the scoreline will be this time around. The last two Tests will be played in Johannesburg and Cape Town before the action moves to the three ODIs, starting from mid-January 2022.

'Virat Kohli has been an impeccable leader' - Ravi Shastri praises Indian Test captain ahead of SA series

Fast bowler Duanne Olivier is likely to return to South Africa's line-up when the host team faces visitors India in the opening of a three-match Test series at Centurion Park beginning on Sunday in the second cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.

Olivier will reinforce a home seam attack that is missing injured Anrich Nortje and will play his first Test since 2019, after he chose county cricket in England over South Africa, despite substantial success in the five-day format.

Olivier stormed into the Test scene four years ago, taking 48 wickets in 10 Tests at an average of less than 20, but then signed a Kolpak deal with English county Yorkshire, thereby halting his South African cricket career.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-a-quality-indian-team-allan-donald-recalls-virat-kohlis-words-from-2018-ahead-of-centurion-test-439348">This is a quality Indian team: Allan Donald recalls Virat Kohli's words from 2018 ahead of Centurion Test</a>

The series is set to be a war of pace attacks on lively wickets, particularly in the first two tests on the Highveld, and Olivier's comeback is therefore apt.

After coming home when the Kolpak system was dismantled as a result of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, Olivier displayed exceptional form and finished the local four-day championship as the leading wicket-taker.

"I want our best opportunity to win matches and series, and in order for that to happen, you need to make tough calls, for instance bringing people back,"&nbsp;South Africa captain Dean Elgar told reporters when asked if Olivier should be allowed to return.

"I was very keen to have him back, I’m happy and excited knowing what he can do on the field. There's no bad feelings about what's happened in the past."&nbsp;

South Africa has often&nbsp;relied on fast bowlers on hot home pitches to win, but they are also aware that India has built a powerful pace attack that has earned them international success in recent years.

"India has been an immensely improved bowling lineup, especially playing away from home. We`re very mindful of what we`re going to be up against," Elgar said.

India have maintained a low profile in their bio-secure bubble in Johannesburg since their arrival, but batsman Cheteshwar Pujara feels this is their greatest opportunity ever to win a Test series in South Africa.

ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/seamers-are-our-strength-they-give-india-hope-of-first-series-win-in-south-africa-says-cheteshwar-pujara-438022">&nbsp;Seamers are our strength, they give India hope of first series win in South Africa, says Cheteshwar Pujara</a>

"Our fast bowlers have been the difference between the sides overall when we have played abroad. If you look at the Australia and England series, we have done exceptionally well as a bowling unit," Pujara stated on the website of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

"Our fast bowlers are our strength (in South Africa) and I hope they can utilise the conditions and give us 20 wickets in each test match."

India just concluded a home series triumph over New Zealand, while South Africa has not played Test cricket since a series victory in the West Indies in June.

Fast bowler Duanne Olivier is likely to return to South Africa's line-up when the host team faces visitors India in the opening of a three-match Test series at Centurion Park beginning on Sunday in the second cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.

Fast bowler Duanne Olivier is likely to return to South Africa's line-up when the host team faces visitors India in the opening of a three-match Test series at Centurion Park beginning on Sunday in the second cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. Olivier will reinforce a home seam attack that is missing injured Anrich Nortje and will play his first Test since 2019, after he chose county cricket in England over South Africa, despite substantial success in the five-day format. Olivier stormed into the Test scene four years ago, taking 48 wickets in 10 Tests at an average of less than 20, but then signed a Kolpak deal with English county Yorkshire, thereby halting his South African cricket career. ALSO READ: This is a quality Indian team: Allan Donald recalls Virat Kohli's words from 2018 ahead of Centurion Test The series is set to be a war of pace attacks on lively wickets, particularly in the first two tests on the Highveld, and Olivier's comeback is therefore apt. After coming home when the Kolpak system was dismantled as a result of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, Olivier displayed exceptional form and finished the local four-day championship as the leading wicket-taker. "I want our best opportunity to win matches and series, and in order for that to happen, you need to make tough calls, for instance bringing people back," South Africa captain Dean Elgar told reporters when asked if Olivier should be allowed to return. "I was very keen to have him back, I’m happy and excited knowing what he can do on the field. There's no bad feelings about what's happened in the past." South Africa has often relied on fast bowlers on hot home pitches to win, but they are also aware that India has built a powerful pace attack that has earned them international success in recent years. "India has been an immensely improved bowling lineup, especially playing away from home. We`re very mindful of what we`re going to be up against," Elgar said. India have maintained a low profile in their bio-secure bubble in Johannesburg since their arrival, but batsman Cheteshwar Pujara feels this is their greatest opportunity ever to win a Test series in South Africa. ALSO READ: Seamers are our strength, they give India hope of first series win in South Africa, says Cheteshwar Pujara "Our fast bowlers have been the difference between the sides overall when we have played abroad. If you look at the Australia and England series, we have done exceptionally well as a bowling unit," Pujara stated on the website of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. "Our fast bowlers are our strength (in South Africa) and I hope they can utilise the conditions and give us 20 wickets in each test match." India just concluded a home series triumph over New Zealand, while South Africa has not played Test cricket since a series victory in the West Indies in June.

South African captain Dean Elgar rejoices after Duanne Olivier replaces Anrich Nortje for India Tests

Rishabh Pant has made a name for himself&nbsp;ever since he broke into the scene in IPL 2016. He entered&nbsp;the highest level with a T20I debut in early 2017. However, he made his Test debut in mid-2018 and has become a regular across formats following his memorable comeback in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.&nbsp;

Pant is now gearing up for India's upcoming three-match Test series versus South Africa, which will get underway on December 26 in Centurion. Ahead of the series opener, the 24-year-old has a chance to go past his mentor and former Indian captain MS Dhoni to become the quickest to effect 100 Test dismissals among Indian keepers.&nbsp;

At present, Pant has 97 dismissals up his sleeves and is three away from completing a century. If he gets there during the course of the three Tests, he will also become the quickest to 100 Test dismissals among Indians. At present, the list is spearheaded by Dhoni.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-a-quality-indian-team-allan-donald-recalls-virat-kohlis-words-from-2018-ahead-of-centurion-test-439348">This is a quality Indian team: Allan Donald recalls Virat Kohli's words from 2018 ahead of Centurion Test</a>

Quickest Indian to 100 Test dismissals as wicketkeeper

MS Dhoni - 36 
Wriddhiman Saha - 37 
Kiron More - 39 
Nayan Mongia - 41 
Syed Kirmani - 42

Pant, on the other hand, will be playing his 26th Test when he takes the field in the series opener in Centurion. Hence, he is set to become the quickest to the feat with only three dismissals away.&nbsp;

India's tour of South Africa comprises three Tests and will be followed by equal number of ODIs, in the African nation. The No. 1 ranked Virat Kohli-led Indian team have a chance to win their first-ever Test series in South Africa and will leave no stone unturned to create history.&nbsp;

Rishabh Pant has made a name for himself ever since he broke into the scene in IPL 2016. He entered the highest level with a T20I debut in early 2017. However, he made his Test debut in mid-2018 and has become a regular across formats following his memorable comeback in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

Rishabh Pant has made a name for himself ever since he broke into the scene in IPL 2016. He entered the highest level with a T20I debut in early 2017. However, he made his Test debut in mid-2018 and has become a regular across formats following his memorable comeback in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Pant is now gearing up for India's upcoming three-match Test series versus South Africa, which will get underway on December 26 in Centurion. Ahead of the series opener, the 24-year-old has a chance to go past his mentor and former Indian captain MS Dhoni to become the quickest to effect 100 Test dismissals among Indian keepers. At present, Pant has 97 dismissals up his sleeves and is three away from completing a century. If he gets there during the course of the three Tests, he will also become the quickest to 100 Test dismissals among Indians. At present, the list is spearheaded by Dhoni. ALSO READ | This is a quality Indian team: Allan Donald recalls Virat Kohli's words from 2018 ahead of Centurion Test Quickest Indian to 100 Test dismissals as wicketkeeper MS Dhoni - 36 Wriddhiman Saha - 37 Kiron More - 39 Nayan Mongia - 41 Syed Kirmani - 42 Pant, on the other hand, will be playing his 26th Test when he takes the field in the series opener in Centurion. Hence, he is set to become the quickest to the feat with only three dismissals away. India's tour of South Africa comprises three Tests and will be followed by equal number of ODIs, in the African nation. The No. 1 ranked Virat Kohli-led Indian team have a chance to win their first-ever Test series in South Africa and will leave no stone unturned to create history.

India vs SA, 1st Test: Pant aims to break mentor Dhoni's unique record in series opener in Centurion

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