There was always more to just Rohit Sharma’s random Test retirement announcement sometime during IPL 2025. While it was always on the cards, considering how everything shaped up in the lead-up to that, Rohit’s former teammate and now a broadcaster, Irfan Pathan, has dropped a bombshell in the latest revelation. Barring Rohit’s poor form with the bat leading up to India’s away tour of Australia last winter, his decision to sit out of the final Test at the SCG and his infamous interview with Star Sports during the Sydney Test were where it all started.<h3>What happened in that interview? &nbsp;</h3>Star Sports presenter Jatin Sapru was hosting a mid-inning show from the ground, with Pathan joining him as the expert. Rohit joined them soon after for a quick interview, detailing why he sat out of the final Test. While many assumed that the selectors had dropped him for his horrible form on that tour, Rohit cleared the air, admitting that he decided to sit himself out (for the same reason), mentioning he wanted to prioritise the team benefit first.&nbsp; &nbsp;Although that did help him garner some social media attention, the Indian Team failed to take any advantage of the playing XI as they lost the match inside three days and surrendered the BGT for the first time in a decade.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sanju-samson-ipl-trade-deal-desperate-rajasthan-royals-approach-other-teams-after-csk-reject-first-offer-1755158026437">Sanju Samson IPL Trade Deal: Desperate Rajasthan Royals approach other teams after CSK reject first offer</a> &nbsp;Struggling with form in red-ball cricket, Rohit’s numbers were sending worrying signs to him and the team heading into the Australian tour. Across eight Tests played in the home season, Rohit scored just 164 runs, including just one fifty. Even on the tour Down Under, Rohit managed 31 runs across five innings (three Tests), averaging just over six – the lowest by a visiting captain in Australia (min. five innings).&nbsp; &nbsp;Speaking on Lallantop, a video clip of which they shared on their social media handles on Wednesday (Aug 13), Pathan is on record saying, “Rohit Sharma is an amazing player in white-ball cricket, but his average in Test cricket that year was 6, so we said that if he was not the captain, he would not have had a place in the team, and this is true,” he said. &nbsp;Moreover, Pathan didn’t mince his words in admitting that, knowing how bad a form Rohit was in that series, which eventually cost India a chance to complete a hat-trick of series wins Down Under, he was among those who claimed that had Rohit not been the captain, he would not have made the playing XI. &nbsp;"People say that we supported Rohit Sharma more than necessary. Of course, when someone comes to interview on your broadcasting channel, you will not misbehave with them, right? You have invited him, so you will behave politely. When Rohit came to interview, we were, of course, polite, and we had to show that because he was our guest. So that was connected and said we were supporting him, but it was we who said...we had said that he should keep fighting, but that said, he should not have had a place in the playing XI. If he was not the captain of the team, he would have been dropped," Pathan continued.&nbsp;

Struggling with form in red-ball cricket, Rohit’s numbers were sending worrying signs to him and the team heading into the Australian tour.

There was always more to just Rohit Sharma’s random Test retirement announcement sometime during IPL 2025. While it was always on the cards, considering how everything shaped up in the lead-up to that, Rohit’s former teammate and now a broadcaster, Irfan Pathan, has dropped a bombshell in the latest revelation. Barring Rohit’s poor form with the bat leading up to India’s away tour of Australia last winter, his decision to sit out of the final Test at the SCG and his infamous interview with Star Sports during the Sydney Test were where it all started. What happened in that interview? Star Sports presenter Jatin Sapru was hosting a mid-inning show from the ground, with Pathan joining him as the expert. Rohit joined them soon after for a quick interview, detailing why he sat out of the final Test. While many assumed that the selectors had dropped him for his horrible form on that tour, Rohit cleared the air, admitting that he decided to sit himself out (for the same reason), mentioning he wanted to prioritise the team benefit first. Although that did help him garner some social media attention, the Indian Team failed to take any advantage of the playing XI as they lost the match inside three days and surrendered the BGT for the first time in a decade. Also read | Sanju Samson IPL Trade Deal: Desperate Rajasthan Royals approach other teams after CSK reject first offer Struggling with form in red-ball cricket, Rohit’s numbers were sending worrying signs to him and the team heading into the Australian tour. Across eight Tests played in the home season, Rohit scored just 164 runs, including just one fifty. Even on the tour Down Under, Rohit managed 31 runs across five innings (three Tests), averaging just over six – the lowest by a visiting captain in Australia (min. five innings). Speaking on Lallantop, a video clip of which they shared on their social media handles on Wednesday (Aug 13), Pathan is on record saying, “Rohit Sharma is an amazing player in white-ball cricket, but his average in Test cricket that year was 6, so we said that if he was not the captain, he would not have had a place in the team, and this is true,” he said. Moreover, Pathan didn’t mince his words in admitting that, knowing how bad a form Rohit was in that series, which eventually cost India a chance to complete a hat-trick of series wins Down Under, he was among those who claimed that had Rohit not been the captain, he would not have made the playing XI. "People say that we supported Rohit Sharma more than necessary. Of course, when someone comes to interview on your broadcasting channel, you will not misbehave with them, right? You have invited him, so you will behave politely. When Rohit came to interview, we were, of course, polite, and we had to show that because he was our guest. So that was connected and said we were supporting him, but it was we who said...we had said that he should keep fighting, but that said, he should not have had a place in the playing XI. If he was not the captain of the team, he would have been dropped," Pathan continued.

Struggling with form in red-ball cricket, Rohit’s numbers were sending worrying signs to him and the team heading into the Australian tour.

‘If he was not the captain…’ Irfan Pathan admits ex-players were compelled to support Rohit Sharma during BGT

Everyone fears facing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jasprit-bumrah" rel="dofollow">Jasprit Bumrah</a>, even the mighty Aussies. The ace Indian quick is perhaps the greatest pacer produced in India, and if former Australia gloveman Adam Gilchrist&rsquo;s words are to be believed, he is the greatest ever to grace the game. Though it could sound too big a remark for this generational talent, if a three-time World Cup winner suggests, so be it.
Bumrah has returned from the back injury he sustained during the fifth Test Down Under (against Australia at the SCG) and continues to make merry for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mumbai-indians" rel="dofollow">Mumbai Indians</a> in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a>. His comeback triggered MI&rsquo;s winning run following a shallow start to the season, as they sit in the top position with 14 points from 11 contested matches thus far, including winning their past six games.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-better-than-mcgrath-marshall-gilchrist-showers-highest-praise-on-all-time-great-jasprit-bumrah-mumbai-indians-9025045" rel="dofollow">Better than McGrath, Marshall? Gilchrist showers highest praise on &lsquo;all-time great' Jasprit Bumrah</a>
Although he&rsquo;s been making headlines since his return to the cash-rich league this time, having picked 11 wickets in seven innings, and including becoming MI&rsquo;s highest wicket-taker, the Indian seamer&nbsp;was all over the news before pulling out due to a back spasm on the Australian tour.
<h2>Bumrah bossed Oz</h2>
Against Australia during BGT 2024/25, Bumrah was the highest wicket-taker, picking 32 wickets in five Tests, seven more than the second-best in Australia captain Pat Cummins (25) while playing an inning less.
His tally was record-breaking on several counts, as he became the first Indian seamer to pick beyond 30 wickets on a tour Down Under; he also had the record for the most wickets picked up by an Indian bowler on Australian soil.
Bumrah returned with a six-wicket haul, two five-fors and a four-wicket haul this time, creating terror in the minds of the Aussie batters.&nbsp;
Speaking on the same lines, Gilchrist believes that never before has an Indian quick traumatised the Aussies the way Bumrah does.&nbsp;
"A seamer from India, consistently throughout, particularly the series that we just saw in the summer, back home in the Australian summer, no, I don't think so," Gilchrist replies when asked whether Australians were intimidated and afraid of a bowler from India like they were against Jasprit Bumrah before.
Cannot stop praising Bumrah, Gilchrist continued, "We just sat and watched in awe at close range, commentating on that series and again, I know it's a different format, but he is the best all-format bowler; that's nothing to argue there," the former wicketkeeper-batter said.
Meanwhile, Bumrah would be crucial to India&rsquo;s chances on their next away tour of England later this year, including five Tests, starting June 20.&nbsp;

Bumrah returned with a six-wicket haul, two five-fors and a four-wicket haul in the last BGT, creating terror in the minds of the Aussie batters. Sports, Cricket

Everyone fears facing Jasprit Bumrah, even the mighty Aussies. The ace Indian quick is perhaps the greatest pacer produced in India, and if former Australia gloveman Adam Gilchrist’s words are to be believed, he is the greatest ever to grace the game. Though it could sound too big a remark for this generational talent, if a three-time World Cup winner suggests, so be it. Bumrah has returned from the back injury he sustained during the fifth Test Down Under (against Australia at the SCG) and continues to make merry for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025. His comeback triggered MI’s winning run following a shallow start to the season, as they sit in the top position with 14 points from 11 contested matches thus far, including winning their past six games. Also read | Better than McGrath, Marshall? Gilchrist showers highest praise on ‘all-time great' Jasprit Bumrah Although he’s been making headlines since his return to the cash-rich league this time, having picked 11 wickets in seven innings, and including becoming MI’s highest wicket-taker, the Indian seamer was all over the news before pulling out due to a back spasm on the Australian tour. Bumrah bossed Oz Against Australia during BGT 2024/25, Bumrah was the highest wicket-taker, picking 32 wickets in five Tests, seven more than the second-best in Australia captain Pat Cummins (25) while playing an inning less. His tally was record-breaking on several counts, as he became the first Indian seamer to pick beyond 30 wickets on a tour Down Under; he also had the record for the most wickets picked up by an Indian bowler on Australian soil. Bumrah returned with a six-wicket haul, two five-fors and a four-wicket haul this time, creating terror in the minds of the Aussie batters. Speaking on the same lines, Gilchrist believes that never before has an Indian quick traumatised the Aussies the way Bumrah does. "A seamer from India, consistently throughout, particularly the series that we just saw in the summer, back home in the Australian summer, no, I don't think so," Gilchrist replies when asked whether Australians were intimidated and afraid of a bowler from India like they were against Jasprit Bumrah before. Cannot stop praising Bumrah, Gilchrist continued, "We just sat and watched in awe at close range, commentating on that series and again, I know it's a different format, but he is the best all-format bowler; that's nothing to argue there," the former wicketkeeper-batter said. Meanwhile, Bumrah would be crucial to India’s chances on their next away tour of England later this year, including five Tests, starting June 20.

Australians fear Bumrah; no Indian bowler intimidated us like he does: Ex-Aussie great

Rishabh Pant is fearless and plays the most unusual cricketing shots but still has the best defence in the world, his former India teammate Ravichandran Ashwin reckons. The gloveman had a below-par Test series against Australia Down Under, scoring 255 runs in nine innings at 28.33, but showed glimpses of his past performances, with a quick-fire fifty in the final Test at the SCG.
Reflecting on Pant&rsquo;s outing on his third Australian tour, Ashwin, who announced his international retirement midway through the series, said the left-handed batter needs to make little amends to his game, and upon mastering that art, he can score hundreds for fun in each outing.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/indian-quick-varun-aaron-announces-retirement-from-all-representative-cricket-8607588" rel="dofollow">Indian quick Varun Aaron hangs boots from all representative cricket</a>
Ashwin said the team needs to tell him what he must do in the middle, adding that although he failed to score runs and guide his team home against Australia this time, Pant is yet to realise his full potential.
&ldquo;We have to tell him properly what he has to do if he has to bat solid or bat with intent. He hasn't scored a lot of runs, but he didn't play like someone without runs. He has a lot of time on his hands. Rishabh Pant is yet to realise his fullest potential,&rdquo; Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.&nbsp;
&ldquo;He has all the shots -- reverse sweep, slog sweep, everything -- but the problem is that all these shots are high-risk shots. With his defence, he will surely score runs every game if he faces 200 balls.&nbsp;
"The point is finding that middle game. If he combines all of it, he will score 100 runs every game. He has to find that middle game," Ashwin continued.
<h2>Ashwin recalls Pant&rsquo;s SCG heroics</h2>
Among Pant&rsquo;s few hundreds Down Under, one came at the SCG in 2019, when he slammed a stunning 159, guiding India home. That, however, was a thing of the past, but what remained with him this time was his grit to take on the mighty Aussies, which impressed Ashwin.&nbsp;
Although the recently-retired cricketer lauded his second-inning knock (61 off 33 balls), Ashwin said people shouldn&rsquo;t forget his first-inning heroics, where he suffered several blows to his body.
&ldquo;I have always grown up hearing that you have fight it out. In Sydney, he played two different knocks in one single game. He got hit everywhere and scored a 40, it will be the least spoken innings of Rishabh Pant. It is very unfair.
"In the second innings, he scored a swashbuckling fifty, earning him a lot of praise. Everyone forgot that first inning and praised him for the second knock," Ashwin noted.&nbsp;
<h3>Pant has to fight out in Tests</h3>
Having watched Pant grow as a cricketer since his Test debut, Ashwin said the India gloveman has the best defence in world cricket and shall be acknowledged.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We must realise that Rishabh Pant rarely gets out playing a defence. He's got one of the best defences in world cricket. Defence has become a challenging aspect, he has the best defence with a soft hand.&nbsp;
"I have bowled to him a lot in the nets, he's not gotten out, he doesn't get an edge, he doesn't get LBW, he has the best defence. I have tried telling it to him. One opinion about Rishabh was that he plays a lot of shots, he has to fight it out in Test cricket," Ashwin added.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: Reflecting on Pant’s outing in BGT 2024-25, Ashwin said he needs to make little amends to his game, and upon mastering that art, Pant can score hundreds for fun.

Rishabh Pant is fearless and plays the most unusual cricketing shots but still has the best defence in the world, his former India teammate Ravichandran Ashwin reckons. The gloveman had a below-par Test series against Australia Down Under, scoring 255 runs in nine innings at 28.33, but showed glimpses of his past performances, with a quick-fire fifty in the final Test at the SCG. Reflecting on Pant’s outing on his third Australian tour, Ashwin, who announced his international retirement midway through the series, said the left-handed batter needs to make little amends to his game, and upon mastering that art, he can score hundreds for fun in each outing. Also read | Indian quick Varun Aaron hangs boots from all representative cricket Ashwin said the team needs to tell him what he must do in the middle, adding that although he failed to score runs and guide his team home against Australia this time, Pant is yet to realise his full potential. “We have to tell him properly what he has to do if he has to bat solid or bat with intent. He hasn't scored a lot of runs, but he didn't play like someone without runs. He has a lot of time on his hands. Rishabh Pant is yet to realise his fullest potential,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “He has all the shots -- reverse sweep, slog sweep, everything -- but the problem is that all these shots are high-risk shots. With his defence, he will surely score runs every game if he faces 200 balls. "The point is finding that middle game. If he combines all of it, he will score 100 runs every game. He has to find that middle game," Ashwin continued. Ashwin recalls Pant’s SCG heroics Among Pant’s few hundreds Down Under, one came at the SCG in 2019, when he slammed a stunning 159, guiding India home. That, however, was a thing of the past, but what remained with him this time was his grit to take on the mighty Aussies, which impressed Ashwin. Although the recently-retired cricketer lauded his second-inning knock (61 off 33 balls), Ashwin said people shouldn’t forget his first-inning heroics, where he suffered several blows to his body. “I have always grown up hearing that you have fight it out. In Sydney, he played two different knocks in one single game. He got hit everywhere and scored a 40, it will be the least spoken innings of Rishabh Pant. It is very unfair. "In the second innings, he scored a swashbuckling fifty, earning him a lot of praise. Everyone forgot that first inning and praised him for the second knock," Ashwin noted. Pant has to fight out in Tests Having watched Pant grow as a cricketer since his Test debut, Ashwin said the India gloveman has the best defence in world cricket and shall be acknowledged. “We must realise that Rishabh Pant rarely gets out playing a defence. He's got one of the best defences in world cricket. Defence has become a challenging aspect, he has the best defence with a soft hand. "I have bowled to him a lot in the nets, he's not gotten out, he doesn't get an edge, he doesn't get LBW, he has the best defence. I have tried telling it to him. One opinion about Rishabh was that he plays a lot of shots, he has to fight it out in Test cricket," Ashwin added. (With inputs from agencies)

‘He doesn’t get beaten, he has the best defence,’ Ashwin lauds Pant

Australian opener Sam Konstas revealed his surprise chat with Virat Kohli post the duo's fiery exchange in the fourth and penultimate Test, of the just-concluded 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), at the MCG, Melbourne. Konstas made his debut in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and smashed a brilliant 60 in his maiden outing. During his knock, he was involved in a heated exchange with Kohli, who shouldered him between overs. Post the BGT, Konstas spoke about his chat with Kohli after the MCG Test.
<h2>'I've idolised him from a young age and he's a legend of the game'</h2>
"I had a little chat after the game telling him that I idolise him, and it's obviously a huge honour playing against him," Konstas told News Corp. "He just had that presence about him...[and] he was very down to earth. A lovely person, just wishing me all the best. I've idolised him from a young age and he's a legend of the game."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/konstas-and-bumrah-fight-scg-sam-konstas-acknowledges-fault-in-fight-with-jasprit-bumrah-at-scg-8599369" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Aussie Sam Konstas acknowledges 'my fault' in riling up Bumrah at SCG</a>
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<div class="recommended__story">"He was very kind and wished me all the best. He even said he hoped I did well if I got selected for the Sri Lanka series. My whole family loves Virat, and he has been my idol from a young age. He&rsquo;s truly a legend of the game."</div>
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<div class="recommended__story">Konstas even had a heated argument with Jasprit Bumrah during the fifth and final Test of the series, at the SCG, Sydney. While the right-hander, who is deemed to be David Warner's replacement at the top, returned with scores of 60, 8, 23 and 22, the 19-year-old impressed many with his self-confidence and ability to take on bowlers and even not back down from verbal duels with big players.&nbsp;</div>
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<div class="recommended__story">Pat Cummins-led Australia beat India 3-1 in the just-concluded BGT edition to regain the elusive trophy for the first time since 2017. Before this, Australia won the BGT in the 2014-15 edition at home. With the series win, they have also confirmed a spot in the WTC 2025 final, where they will meet South Africa at Lord's on June 11.</div>
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Cricket, Sports | 'He was very...', Sam Konstas reveals surprise chat with 'legend' Virat Kohli after Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 edition 

Australian opener Sam Konstas revealed his surprise chat with Virat Kohli post the duo's fiery exchange in the fourth and penultimate Test, of the just-concluded 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), at the MCG, Melbourne. Konstas made his debut in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and smashed a brilliant 60 in his maiden outing. During his knock, he was involved in a heated exchange with Kohli, who shouldered him between overs. Post the BGT, Konstas spoke about his chat with Kohli after the MCG Test. 'I've idolised him from a young age and he's a legend of the game' "I had a little chat after the game telling him that I idolise him, and it's obviously a huge honour playing against him," Konstas told News Corp. "He just had that presence about him...[and] he was very down to earth. A lovely person, just wishing me all the best. I've idolised him from a young age and he's a legend of the game." Also read: Aussie Sam Konstas acknowledges 'my fault' in riling up Bumrah at SCG "He was very kind and wished me all the best. He even said he hoped I did well if I got selected for the Sri Lanka series. My whole family loves Virat, and he has been my idol from a young age. He’s truly a legend of the game." Konstas even had a heated argument with Jasprit Bumrah during the fifth and final Test of the series, at the SCG, Sydney. While the right-hander, who is deemed to be David Warner's replacement at the top, returned with scores of 60, 8, 23 and 22, the 19-year-old impressed many with his self-confidence and ability to take on bowlers and even not back down from verbal duels with big players. Pat Cummins-led Australia beat India 3-1 in the just-concluded BGT edition to regain the elusive trophy for the first time since 2017. Before this, Australia won the BGT in the 2014-15 edition at home. With the series win, they have also confirmed a spot in the WTC 2025 final, where they will meet South Africa at Lord's on June 11.

Sam Konstas reveals surprise chat with 'legend' Virat Kohli after BGT

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed his surprise at the Indian team management for their handling of Mohammed Shami's injury, stressing that the pacer should have been with the squad for the just-concluded 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) versus Australia. In Shami's absence, India lost the series 1-3, and the bowling workload fell completely on Jasprit Bumrah. While Bumrah ended with most wickets (32), he lacked support from the other end on most occasions.
Shami has not played an international game since the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Since then, he has been out of action due to ankle and knee concerns. While he returned to domestic cricket just ahead of the Australia tour, knee issues again did not permit him to not join the squad for the latter part of the series. Shastri, however, stated that he was 'very surprised with the communication going on' and would've added Shami to the squad had he been the coach.
<h2>'I was very surprised with the communication going on in the media'</h2>
Shastri told ICC, "To be honest, I was very surprised with the communication going on in the media as to what exactly happened to Mohammed Shami. I would have kept him part of the team and made sure that his rehabilitation was done with the team."
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/if-the-numbers-ricky-ponting-on-whether-border-gavaskar-trophy-has-surpassed-ashes-popularity-8598045" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'If the numbers....': Ponting on whether Border-Gavaskar Trophy has surpassed Ashes popularity</a>
"But I would have brought him with the team, kept him, monitored him with the best of the physios and best of the advice even from international physios who are in Australia and seeing how he went. But I would have kept him in the mix."
Before the Australia tour, Rohit&nbsp;emphasised the importance of ensuring Shami was 100 per cent fit to avoid the risk of further injuries. While the cautious approach was understandable, it did cost India in the BGT as Bumrah was the lone warrior with the ball (claiming 32 scalps). Although Mohammed Siraj improved during the last few Tests, the experience of Shami was surely missed by the visitors Down Under.
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Cricket, Sports, Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: 'Very surprised', Ravi Shastri slams Indian team management's handling of Mohammed Shami's injury after pacer misses entire series.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed his surprise at the Indian team management for their handling of Mohammed Shami's injury, stressing that the pacer should have been with the squad for the just-concluded 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) versus Australia. In Shami's absence, India lost the series 1-3, and the bowling workload fell completely on Jasprit Bumrah. While Bumrah ended with most wickets (32), he lacked support from the other end on most occasions. Shami has not played an international game since the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Since then, he has been out of action due to ankle and knee concerns. While he returned to domestic cricket just ahead of the Australia tour, knee issues again did not permit him to not join the squad for the latter part of the series. Shastri, however, stated that he was 'very surprised with the communication going on' and would've added Shami to the squad had he been the coach. 'I was very surprised with the communication going on in the media' Shastri told ICC, "To be honest, I was very surprised with the communication going on in the media as to what exactly happened to Mohammed Shami. I would have kept him part of the team and made sure that his rehabilitation was done with the team." Also read: 'If the numbers....': Ponting on whether Border-Gavaskar Trophy has surpassed Ashes popularity "But I would have brought him with the team, kept him, monitored him with the best of the physios and best of the advice even from international physios who are in Australia and seeing how he went. But I would have kept him in the mix." Before the Australia tour, Rohit emphasised the importance of ensuring Shami was 100 per cent fit to avoid the risk of further injuries. While the cautious approach was understandable, it did cost India in the BGT as Bumrah was the lone warrior with the ball (claiming 32 scalps). Although Mohammed Siraj improved during the last few Tests, the experience of Shami was surely missed by the visitors Down Under.

BGT: 'Very surprised', Ravi Shastri slams Indian team management's handling of Mohammed Shami's injury

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan lauded Nitish Kumar Reddy post his success in the just-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 edition, in Australia. On Sunday (Jan 5), India lost the fifth and final Test versus Australia, at the SCG, Sydney, on Day 3, to concede the series 3-1. While Jasprit Bumrah had a terrific run with the ball, taking 32 wickets, the most in this edition, Nitish Reddy was one of the very few Indian batters who made a mark Down Under.
Reddy ended with three 40-plus scores, one 38 and a brilliant 114, in the fourth and penultimate Test at the MCG, Melbourne, to leave a mark in his maiden Test series. Thus, Pathan lavished huge praise on the batting all-rounder.&nbsp;
<h2>'India have got a terrific player'</h2>
"You have got an excellent prospect. It's not easy at all for any batter to make his debut in Australia. We might show his century, but he was batting very well before that, he was reaching the 40-run mark regularly," Irfan told Star Sports.
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"However, when he scored a century, all of us started to feel that we got a player who could bat not at No. 8 or No. 7 but at No. 6. If he can consistently bat at No. 6, I feel he has that potential, India have got a terrific player, who can solve the combination to a large extent," he added.
Reddy, the medium-pacer, also accounted for five wickets in as many Tests in the 2024-25 BGT edition.&nbsp;
India are out of the race to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2025, following a 1-3 series loss to Australia. Australia and South Africa will meet in the WTC final, to be held at Lord's in mid-June.
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Cricket, Sports | Nitish Reddy could be a consistent No 6 for India: Irfan Pathan lauds youngster after success in 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan lauded Nitish Kumar Reddy post his success in the just-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 edition, in Australia. On Sunday (Jan 5), India lost the fifth and final Test versus Australia, at the SCG, Sydney, on Day 3, to concede the series 3-1. While Jasprit Bumrah had a terrific run with the ball, taking 32 wickets, the most in this edition, Nitish Reddy was one of the very few Indian batters who made a mark Down Under. Reddy ended with three 40-plus scores, one 38 and a brilliant 114, in the fourth and penultimate Test at the MCG, Melbourne, to leave a mark in his maiden Test series. Thus, Pathan lavished huge praise on the batting all-rounder. 'India have got a terrific player' "You have got an excellent prospect. It's not easy at all for any batter to make his debut in Australia. We might show his century, but he was batting very well before that, he was reaching the 40-run mark regularly," Irfan told Star Sports. Also read: BGT: 'It's crazy when...', Manjrekar criticises India's team selection after series loss vs Australia "However, when he scored a century, all of us started to feel that we got a player who could bat not at No. 8 or No. 7 but at No. 6. If he can consistently bat at No. 6, I feel he has that potential, India have got a terrific player, who can solve the combination to a large extent," he added. Reddy, the medium-pacer, also accounted for five wickets in as many Tests in the 2024-25 BGT edition. India are out of the race to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2025, following a 1-3 series loss to Australia. Australia and South Africa will meet in the WTC final, to be held at Lord's in mid-June.

Nitish Reddy could be a consistent No 6 for India: Pathan lauds youngster after BGT success

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar slammed India's team selection after their 1-3 Test series loss to Australia on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test at the SCG, Sydney on Sunday (Jan 5). India lost the five-match Test series and conceded the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) for the first time since 2017. Manjrekar, thus, criticised the team combination for India during the marquee series, especially pointing out Washington Sundar's inclusion in the XI for the series finale in Sydney.
<h2>'India didn't have a single player who was played because of his second skill'</h2>
"It's crazy when you think of an important place in that Indian Test XI in a marquee series. Barring that fifty, Washington Sundar hasn't contributed with the bat much. I think he's a highly talented bowler. But, he has a place when the pitch is turning overseas. And with Jadeja already there, Nitish Kumar Reddy as well, plus Washington Sundar as well. I thought his selection was a blunder on a pitch like this," Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/border-gavaskar-trophy-2024-25-truth-is-we-are-just-white-ball-bullies-former-player-slams-india-after-test-series-loss-vs-australia-8595455" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT: 'Truth is we are just white-ball bullies,' Former player SLAMS India after Test series loss vs Australia</a>
"The last two tours to Australia, India didn't have a single player who was played because of his second skill. They always focused on his main skill and that was good enough to get him into the side. The other skill was a bonus. Here, I thought India went the England way, when England was not winning," he further added.
Talking about Sundar, the left-arm spinner&mdash;who had a great run in India's forgettable Test series versus New Zealand at home&mdash;he ended with three wickets, bowling only 37 overs in the series (playing three Tests). He returned with 114 runs with the bat, including a handy fifty in the fourth and penultimate Test at the MCG, Melbourne.
India will now shift their focus on the 2025 Champions Trophy, which kicks off next month in Pakistan and the UAE. Their next Test assignment is in July in England, comprising five Tests.
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Cricket, Sports | Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Sanjay Manjrekar lashed out at India's team selection after their 1-3 series loss versus Australia on Sunday (Jan 5). 

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar slammed India's team selection after their 1-3 Test series loss to Australia on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test at the SCG, Sydney on Sunday (Jan 5). India lost the five-match Test series and conceded the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) for the first time since 2017. Manjrekar, thus, criticised the team combination for India during the marquee series, especially pointing out Washington Sundar's inclusion in the XI for the series finale in Sydney. 'India didn't have a single player who was played because of his second skill' "It's crazy when you think of an important place in that Indian Test XI in a marquee series. Barring that fifty, Washington Sundar hasn't contributed with the bat much. I think he's a highly talented bowler. But, he has a place when the pitch is turning overseas. And with Jadeja already there, Nitish Kumar Reddy as well, plus Washington Sundar as well. I thought his selection was a blunder on a pitch like this," Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo. Also read: BGT: 'Truth is we are just white-ball bullies,' Former player SLAMS India after Test series loss vs Australia "The last two tours to Australia, India didn't have a single player who was played because of his second skill. They always focused on his main skill and that was good enough to get him into the side. The other skill was a bonus. Here, I thought India went the England way, when England was not winning," he further added. Talking about Sundar, the left-arm spinner—who had a great run in India's forgettable Test series versus New Zealand at home—he ended with three wickets, bowling only 37 overs in the series (playing three Tests). He returned with 114 runs with the bat, including a handy fifty in the fourth and penultimate Test at the MCG, Melbourne. India will now shift their focus on the 2025 Champions Trophy, which kicks off next month in Pakistan and the UAE. Their next Test assignment is in July in England, comprising five Tests.

BGT: 'It's crazy when...', Manjrekar criticises India's team selection after series loss vs Australia

Former Indian player Mohammed Kaif slammed the national side following their 1-3 Test series loss to Australia on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test at the SCG, Sydney, on Sunday (Jan 5). Setting a 162-run target for the hosts, India suffered a six-wicket loss to concede a 3-1 lead to Pat Cummins &amp; Co. and lose the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) for the first time since 2017. Kaif regarded the team as 'white-ball bullies' and lashed out at them for missing domestic cricket.
<h2>'If we have to win WTC, then players will have to play domestic cricket'</h2>
Kaif said in a video posted on his social media page, "On 23rd February India will earn a lot of praise by beating Pakistan (in Champions Trophy) and everyone will say we are a champion team in white-ball cricket. But if India want to team the World Test Championship then we will have to make a Test match team, will have to learn to play on seaming tracks. The truth is that we are just white-ball bullies. We are lagging too far behind. If we have to win WTC, then players will have to play domestic cricket on turning tracks, will have to practice on seaming tracks, otherwise we will not be able to win."
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Kaif added, "India lost 1-3, and I think this is a wake-up call, because now we have to pay our attention towards Test cricket. It's not just Gautam Gambhir who is at fault. All players get the chance to play Ranji Trophy, but it gets tiresome for the players and they prefer rest over playing Ranji Trophy. They don't play Ranji Trophy, they don't play practice matches then how will they become better players? It's tough to play on turning tracks in India and tougher to play on seaming tracks in Australia and South Africa. So if you don't practice well, WTC will keep eluding you. What has happened, it has happened for the good and now Team India needs to work hard in Test cricket."
In the last 10 Tests, India have lost six and won only three (with two against Bangladesh at home). Rohit Sharma-led side were whitewashed by New Zealand in a three-match series at home before conceding the BGT to Australia.
At present, their focus will shift to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 edition, which kicks off next month in Pakistan and the UAE. India's next Test assignment is a five-match Test series versus England in England. It will be interesting to see what all changes India makes in the red-ball side by then.
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Cricket, Sports | Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: 'Truth is we are just white-ball bullies,' Former player SLAMS India after Test series loss vs Australia 

Former Indian player Mohammed Kaif slammed the national side following their 1-3 Test series loss to Australia on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test at the SCG, Sydney, on Sunday (Jan 5). Setting a 162-run target for the hosts, India suffered a six-wicket loss to concede a 3-1 lead to Pat Cummins & Co. and lose the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) for the first time since 2017. Kaif regarded the team as 'white-ball bullies' and lashed out at them for missing domestic cricket. 'If we have to win WTC, then players will have to play domestic cricket' Kaif said in a video posted on his social media page, "On 23rd February India will earn a lot of praise by beating Pakistan (in Champions Trophy) and everyone will say we are a champion team in white-ball cricket. But if India want to team the World Test Championship then we will have to make a Test match team, will have to learn to play on seaming tracks. The truth is that we are just white-ball bullies. We are lagging too far behind. If we have to win WTC, then players will have to play domestic cricket on turning tracks, will have to practice on seaming tracks, otherwise we will not be able to win." Also read: Jasprit Bumrah to be Rohit’s deputy in Champions Trophy 2025 – Report Kaif added, "India lost 1-3, and I think this is a wake-up call, because now we have to pay our attention towards Test cricket. It's not just Gautam Gambhir who is at fault. All players get the chance to play Ranji Trophy, but it gets tiresome for the players and they prefer rest over playing Ranji Trophy. They don't play Ranji Trophy, they don't play practice matches then how will they become better players? It's tough to play on turning tracks in India and tougher to play on seaming tracks in Australia and South Africa. So if you don't practice well, WTC will keep eluding you. What has happened, it has happened for the good and now Team India needs to work hard in Test cricket." In the last 10 Tests, India have lost six and won only three (with two against Bangladesh at home). Rohit Sharma-led side were whitewashed by New Zealand in a three-match series at home before conceding the BGT to Australia. At present, their focus will shift to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 edition, which kicks off next month in Pakistan and the UAE. India's next Test assignment is a five-match Test series versus England in England. It will be interesting to see what all changes India makes in the red-ball side by then.

BGT: 'Truth is we are just white-ball bullies,' Former player SLAMS India after Test series loss vs Australia

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir was impressed with the wicket on offer in the just concluded New Year&rsquo;s Test in Sydney, which Australia won by six wickets inside three days. Even though India conceded the BGT for the first time since 2017 and the chance to qualify for the WTC Final 2025, Gambhir voiced for such wickets in Tests, saying it keeps the format alive and exciting.
Speaking to the media after the conclusion of the fifth and final match of the series, Gambhir said the SCG track had something for everyone, adding there was enough for both bowlers and batters to extract purchase. &nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/jasprit-bumrah-news-india-vs-australia-5th-test-never-met-anyone-so-arrogant-says-aussie-usman-khawaja-about-india-pacer-8593869" rel="dofollow">'Never met anyone so arrogant,' Aussie Usman Khawaja on Jasprit Bumrah</a>
"It's been some really nice wickets (overall in the series). It's good for Test cricket. There was enough for the bowlers and enough for batters as well. This is how Test cricket needs to be played, (on) result-oriented wickets. We talk a lot about turning pitches back home. This was as spicy as what we get back home," Gambhir said at the post-match presser in Sydney.&nbsp;
<h2>SCG surface &lsquo;not ideal&rsquo;</h2>
However, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar had contrasting views on the track, which saw 15 wickets fall on day two of the decisive fifth Test.&nbsp; Surprised with the amount of grass on it on day one, Gavaskar opined such pitches lead to the game ending quickly, labelling it &lsquo;not ideal&rsquo; for the five-day format.
"When I saw the pitch, I did say the cows could have gone and grazed on it," Sunil Gavaskar said on ABC Radio. "This is not the pitch you want because you want it to go to the fourth or fifth day. Former players who've played here were so surprised. If 15 wickets fell a day in India, there would be hell.&rdquo;
"Everything boils down to the temperament and how much you want to play out those tough moments. Test cricket is all about playing out the sessions; seeing off a (good) spell. That's one issue we need to look at, how we can convert those 40s into big hundreds and set the game for our bowlers,&rdquo; the veteran batter added.
Meanwhile, India and Australia made changes to their playing XI for the series decider. While regular Indian captain Rohit Sharma opted out from the&nbsp;final match due to poor form, with Shubman Gill replacing him, Australia sat Mitchell Marsh while handing a debut Test cap to lanky all-rounder Beau Webster.
The newcomer had a memorable outing, scoring his maiden international fifty in the first innings and later hitting the winning runs for his team, remaining unbeaten on 39. Besides, he also returned with one wicket, enough to help Australia reclaim the BGT after ten years.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: Even though India conceded the BGT for the first time since 2017, Gambhir voiced for such wickets in Tests, saying it keeps the format alive and exciting.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir was impressed with the wicket on offer in the just concluded New Year’s Test in Sydney, which Australia won by six wickets inside three days. Even though India conceded the BGT for the first time since 2017 and the chance to qualify for the WTC Final 2025, Gambhir voiced for such wickets in Tests, saying it keeps the format alive and exciting. Speaking to the media after the conclusion of the fifth and final match of the series, Gambhir said the SCG track had something for everyone, adding there was enough for both bowlers and batters to extract purchase. Also read | 'Never met anyone so arrogant,' Aussie Usman Khawaja on Jasprit Bumrah "It's been some really nice wickets (overall in the series). It's good for Test cricket. There was enough for the bowlers and enough for batters as well. This is how Test cricket needs to be played, (on) result-oriented wickets. We talk a lot about turning pitches back home. This was as spicy as what we get back home," Gambhir said at the post-match presser in Sydney. SCG surface ‘not ideal’ However, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar had contrasting views on the track, which saw 15 wickets fall on day two of the decisive fifth Test. Surprised with the amount of grass on it on day one, Gavaskar opined such pitches lead to the game ending quickly, labelling it ‘not ideal’ for the five-day format. "When I saw the pitch, I did say the cows could have gone and grazed on it," Sunil Gavaskar said on ABC Radio. "This is not the pitch you want because you want it to go to the fourth or fifth day. Former players who've played here were so surprised. If 15 wickets fell a day in India, there would be hell.” "Everything boils down to the temperament and how much you want to play out those tough moments. Test cricket is all about playing out the sessions; seeing off a (good) spell. That's one issue we need to look at, how we can convert those 40s into big hundreds and set the game for our bowlers,” the veteran batter added. Meanwhile, India and Australia made changes to their playing XI for the series decider. While regular Indian captain Rohit Sharma opted out from the final match due to poor form, with Shubman Gill replacing him, Australia sat Mitchell Marsh while handing a debut Test cap to lanky all-rounder Beau Webster. The newcomer had a memorable outing, scoring his maiden international fifty in the first innings and later hitting the winning runs for his team, remaining unbeaten on 39. Besides, he also returned with one wicket, enough to help Australia reclaim the BGT after ten years. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT - 'Spicy' SCG wicket impresses Gambhir, says ‘it’s good for Tests’

Virat Kohli loves playing in and against Australia. Over the years, he has scored tons of runs Down Under, including several match-winning hundreds. Even though he has been a thorn in the flesh of the Aussies, the crowd loves him dearly, and so does the media. Meanwhile, known for engaging with the opposition players and fans with his antics, Kohli teased the SCG crowd with the infamous &lsquo;sandpaper&rsquo; gesture on day three.
India got all out on 157 early on the third day, giving Australia a target of 162. With Jasprit Bumrah out with a back spasm, Kohli put on the captain&rsquo;s hat, trying to help India defend a modest total on a spicy SCG track.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-we-dont-know-cricket-we-just-speak-sunil-gavaskar-livid-with-indias-performance-down-under-8592966" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;We don&rsquo;t know cricket...,&rsquo; Gavaskar livid with India&rsquo;s poor BGT show</a>
Midway through Australia&rsquo;s run chase, Kohli, standing in the slip cordon alongside keeper Rishabh Pant, teased the loud Australian crowd by putting his hands in his pockets, showing it's empty.&nbsp;
For those unaware of what this gesture meant, Cameron Bancroft, an out-of-favour Australian opener, did the same when he was found guilty of carrying and using a sandpaper to change the ball's condition during the infamous Newlands Test against South Africa in 2018. Though that incident involving now-retired David Warner and Test veteran Steve Smith led to a controversy, with all three facing severe punishments, Kohli imitated the same actions during the day.
<h3>Watch Video &ndash;&nbsp;</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5ji0ncv-dphonlxf-5o2mhvpl">
"What is that about?"<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/HwNZXhKW1S">pic.twitter.com/HwNZXhKW1S</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875718379253706767?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Kohli&rsquo;s poor run with the bat</h2>
Virat scored his first Test hundred since June 2023 during the second innings of the Perth Test, hitting an unbeaten 100, but failed to contribute enough in any of the eight innings he batted in, scoring just 90 in those. Even at the venues he averages the most, Kohli looked like a pale shadow of himself.&nbsp;
Besides, what worried the Indian fans throughout was Kohli&rsquo;s manner of dismissals across innings&mdash;identical, to say the least. His knack for flirting with the fifth and sixth stump line cost him and India in this five-match series, with Virat getting out caught behind on almost all occasions.
Even in the just concluded SCG Test, which Australia won by six wickets, Virat surrendered to pacer Scott Boland, getting out caught in the slips.
<h2>Australia qualify for WTC Final 2025</h2>
After beating India in the home Test series for the first time in a decade, Australia reclaimed the coveted BGT and sealed their direct qualification in the WTC Final 2025. Australia will face South Africa in the summit clash in June (11-15) at Lord&rsquo;s.&nbsp;

Sports, cricket: Known for engaging with the opposition players and fans with his antics, Kohli teased the SCG crowd with the infamous ‘sandpaper’ gesture on day three.

Virat Kohli loves playing in and against Australia. Over the years, he has scored tons of runs Down Under, including several match-winning hundreds. Even though he has been a thorn in the flesh of the Aussies, the crowd loves him dearly, and so does the media. Meanwhile, known for engaging with the opposition players and fans with his antics, Kohli teased the SCG crowd with the infamous ‘sandpaper’ gesture on day three. India got all out on 157 early on the third day, giving Australia a target of 162. With Jasprit Bumrah out with a back spasm, Kohli put on the captain’s hat, trying to help India defend a modest total on a spicy SCG track. Also read | ‘We don’t know cricket...,’ Gavaskar livid with India’s poor BGT show Midway through Australia’s run chase, Kohli, standing in the slip cordon alongside keeper Rishabh Pant, teased the loud Australian crowd by putting his hands in his pockets, showing it's empty. For those unaware of what this gesture meant, Cameron Bancroft, an out-of-favour Australian opener, did the same when he was found guilty of carrying and using a sandpaper to change the ball's condition during the infamous Newlands Test against South Africa in 2018. Though that incident involving now-retired David Warner and Test veteran Steve Smith led to a controversy, with all three facing severe punishments, Kohli imitated the same actions during the day. Watch Video – "What is that about?"#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/HwNZXhKW1S — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2025 Kohli’s poor run with the bat Virat scored his first Test hundred since June 2023 during the second innings of the Perth Test, hitting an unbeaten 100, but failed to contribute enough in any of the eight innings he batted in, scoring just 90 in those. Even at the venues he averages the most, Kohli looked like a pale shadow of himself. Besides, what worried the Indian fans throughout was Kohli’s manner of dismissals across innings—identical, to say the least. His knack for flirting with the fifth and sixth stump line cost him and India in this five-match series, with Virat getting out caught behind on almost all occasions. Even in the just concluded SCG Test, which Australia won by six wickets, Virat surrendered to pacer Scott Boland, getting out caught in the slips. Australia qualify for WTC Final 2025 After beating India in the home Test series for the first time in a decade, Australia reclaimed the coveted BGT and sealed their direct qualification in the WTC Final 2025. Australia will face South Africa in the summit clash in June (11-15) at Lord’s.

BGT: Kohli teases Australian crowd with ‘sandpaper’ gesture during SCG Test - Watch

Sunil Gavaskar was livid by Team India&rsquo;s performance against Australia in the just-concluded BGT Down Under. India lost the decisive Sydney Test by six wickets, conceding the series, the coveted trophy and the chance to qualify for the WTC Final 2025. Speaking to the host broadcaster following the third day&rsquo;s play at the SCG, Gavaskar sounded disappointed with the series result (3-1 to Australia), showing no interest in suggesting anything to Team India.
When asked about his thoughts on India&rsquo;s performance across all five Tests, Gavaskar - known for speaking his heart out, for which he even faced social media wrath earlier, said, "Who are we? We don't know cricket. We just speak just for the sake of TV and get money, don't listen to us, we're nothing. Listen from one ear, remove from another."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-frustrated-jasprit-bumrah-takes-positives-from-series-defeat-against-australia-8592640" rel="dofollow">BGT - Frustrated Bumrah takes positives from series defeat Down Under</a>
His comments reflect how the Indian team failed to play as per the match situation, having gone past the 200-run mark only thrice in nine innings. Even in the final Test at the SCG, India got all out on 181 in the first innings before Aussie quick Scott Boland bagged a six-wicket haul in the second to dismiss India on 157.&nbsp;
The 162-run target never bothered the Aussies enough, even though they lost three quick wickets before lunch during the chase. Usman Khawaja roared back to form with 41, while Travis Head (34*) and debutant Beau Webster (39*) completed the chase as Australia won the match by six wickets.
<h2>No Sunny G at presentation</h2>
In a shocking turn of events, Sunil Gavaskar, one of the two people on whose names the series is named, wasn&rsquo;t present at the presentation ceremony, while former Australia captain Allan Border was there, handing over the medals and trophy to the players.&nbsp;
Gavaskar was watching the presentation ceremony from a distance.
When asked about his absence from the stage, Gavaskar said, "I certainly would have loved to have been there for the presentation. After all, it is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and it is about Australia and India.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I mean, I am here on the ground. To me, it should not matter that Australia won when it comes to the presentation. They played better cricket so they won. That&rsquo;s fine. Just because I am an Indian (I did not present the trophy). I would have been happy to present the trophy with my good friend Allan Border,&rdquo; Gavaskar said, as quoted by Code Sports.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: Gavaskar's comments reflect how the Indian team failed to play as per the match situation, having gone past the 200-run mark only thrice in nine innings.

Sunil Gavaskar was livid by Team India’s performance against Australia in the just-concluded BGT Down Under. India lost the decisive Sydney Test by six wickets, conceding the series, the coveted trophy and the chance to qualify for the WTC Final 2025. Speaking to the host broadcaster following the third day’s play at the SCG, Gavaskar sounded disappointed with the series result (3-1 to Australia), showing no interest in suggesting anything to Team India. When asked about his thoughts on India’s performance across all five Tests, Gavaskar - known for speaking his heart out, for which he even faced social media wrath earlier, said, "Who are we? We don't know cricket. We just speak just for the sake of TV and get money, don't listen to us, we're nothing. Listen from one ear, remove from another." Also read | BGT - Frustrated Bumrah takes positives from series defeat Down Under His comments reflect how the Indian team failed to play as per the match situation, having gone past the 200-run mark only thrice in nine innings. Even in the final Test at the SCG, India got all out on 181 in the first innings before Aussie quick Scott Boland bagged a six-wicket haul in the second to dismiss India on 157. The 162-run target never bothered the Aussies enough, even though they lost three quick wickets before lunch during the chase. Usman Khawaja roared back to form with 41, while Travis Head (34*) and debutant Beau Webster (39*) completed the chase as Australia won the match by six wickets. No Sunny G at presentation In a shocking turn of events, Sunil Gavaskar, one of the two people on whose names the series is named, wasn’t present at the presentation ceremony, while former Australia captain Allan Border was there, handing over the medals and trophy to the players. Gavaskar was watching the presentation ceremony from a distance. When asked about his absence from the stage, Gavaskar said, "I certainly would have loved to have been there for the presentation. After all, it is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and it is about Australia and India. “I mean, I am here on the ground. To me, it should not matter that Australia won when it comes to the presentation. They played better cricket so they won. That’s fine. Just because I am an Indian (I did not present the trophy). I would have been happy to present the trophy with my good friend Allan Border,” Gavaskar said, as quoted by Code Sports. (With inputs from agencies)

‘We don’t know cricket...,’ Gavaskar livid with India’s poor BGT show

Stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah said it was frustrating that he missed the crunch finale to their Test series against Australia Sunday, but said he was buoyed by what he saw from India.<o:p></o:p>
The star quick bowler suffered a back niggle during the fifth Test in Sydney on Saturday and went for scans, ultimately forced to watch from the sidelines as Australia chased 162 to win. He was the standout bowler, taking 32 wickets at 13.02 to be named player-of-the series, and his absence was a major blow to the team's hopes of retaining the Border-Gavaskar trophy.<o:p></o:p>
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-i-would-like-everyone-to-play-domestic-cricket-coach-gautam-gambhir-reflects-on-indias-second-test-series-loss-on-trot-8592547" rel="dofollow">BGT &ndash; &lsquo;I would like everyone to play domestic cricket,&rsquo; coach Gautam Gambhir reflects on India&rsquo;s series loss</a>
"A little frustrating but sometimes you have to respect your body. You can't fight your body," he said after the six-wicket loss and 3-1 series defeat. "A little disappointing that I probably missed out on the spiciest wicket of the series but that's the way it is.<o:p></o:p>
"I felt a bit of discomfort during my second spell in the first innings."<o:p></o:p>
India coach Gautam Gambhir said it was too early to assess the extent of the injury.<o:p></o:p>
"Not at the moment, the medical team is working on it," he said, while praising his strike bowler. "Absolutely outstanding," he said of Bumrah. "I can't say more than that. He led the attack really well, bowled a lot of overs and whenever he went out to bowl he did a fabulous job.<o:p></o:p>
"But he was being helped a lot from the other end. There's been a lot of other contributions as well."<o:p></o:p>
Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna led the attack on Sunday and while they did well, it was not enough.<o:p></o:p>
<h2>'A lot of talent'<o:p></o:p></h2>
Despite the defeat, India will take plenty of positives from the five Tests, with young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal further cementing his position in the side.<o:p></o:p>
All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy impressed in his debut series, as did Washington Sundar, while Rishabh Pant proved once again why he is one of the most exciting players in the game.<o:p></o:p>
"They've gained a lot of experience, they'll go from strength to strength," said Bumrah, captaining the side after the out-of-form Rohit Sharma "rested". "We've shown that we have a lot of talent in our group. A lot of the youngsters are keen, they're disappointed that we haven't won but they'll take learnings from this experience."<o:p></o:p>
Gambhir agreed there had been "a lot of positives".<o:p></o:p>
"It's been really tough, they weren't the results we were expecting in these last three Test matches, but that is what sport is all about," he said. "All I can expect from the dressing room is to keep fighting, that's all we can do ... we all play for results and it hasn't gone our way, it's as simple as it can be."<o:p></o:p>
Reflecting on letting the series, and the decisive fifth Test, slip away, Bumrah added: "Lots of ifs and buts because the whole series was well fought.<o:p></o:p>
"Today as well. We were in the game. It was not like it was totally one-sided.<o:p></o:p>
"This is how Test series go in the nervy moments, whichever team holds their nerve for the longest time and sticks together will win the series.<o:p></o:p>
"It was a well fought series, a lot of good learnings for us ... being in the game for longer, creating pressure and sometimes absorbing pressure when the wickets are difficult and sometimes playing to the situation."
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sports, cricket: Bumrah was the standout bowler, taking 32 wickets at 13.02, and his absence was a major blow to the team's hopes of retaining the Border-Gavaskar trophy.

Stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah said it was frustrating that he missed the crunch finale to their Test series against Australia Sunday, but said he was buoyed by what he saw from India. The star quick bowler suffered a back niggle during the fifth Test in Sydney on Saturday and went for scans, ultimately forced to watch from the sidelines as Australia chased 162 to win. He was the standout bowler, taking 32 wickets at 13.02 to be named player-of-the series, and his absence was a major blow to the team's hopes of retaining the Border-Gavaskar trophy. Also read | BGT – ‘I would like everyone to play domestic cricket,’ coach Gautam Gambhir reflects on India’s series loss "A little frustrating but sometimes you have to respect your body. You can't fight your body," he said after the six-wicket loss and 3-1 series defeat. "A little disappointing that I probably missed out on the spiciest wicket of the series but that's the way it is. "I felt a bit of discomfort during my second spell in the first innings." India coach Gautam Gambhir said it was too early to assess the extent of the injury. "Not at the moment, the medical team is working on it," he said, while praising his strike bowler. "Absolutely outstanding," he said of Bumrah. "I can't say more than that. He led the attack really well, bowled a lot of overs and whenever he went out to bowl he did a fabulous job. "But he was being helped a lot from the other end. There's been a lot of other contributions as well." Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna led the attack on Sunday and while they did well, it was not enough. 'A lot of talent' Despite the defeat, India will take plenty of positives from the five Tests, with young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal further cementing his position in the side. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy impressed in his debut series, as did Washington Sundar, while Rishabh Pant proved once again why he is one of the most exciting players in the game. "They've gained a lot of experience, they'll go from strength to strength," said Bumrah, captaining the side after the out-of-form Rohit Sharma "rested". "We've shown that we have a lot of talent in our group. A lot of the youngsters are keen, they're disappointed that we haven't won but they'll take learnings from this experience." Gambhir agreed there had been "a lot of positives". "It's been really tough, they weren't the results we were expecting in these last three Test matches, but that is what sport is all about," he said. "All I can expect from the dressing room is to keep fighting, that's all we can do ... we all play for results and it hasn't gone our way, it's as simple as it can be." Reflecting on letting the series, and the decisive fifth Test, slip away, Bumrah added: "Lots of ifs and buts because the whole series was well fought. "Today as well. We were in the game. It was not like it was totally one-sided. "This is how Test series go in the nervy moments, whichever team holds their nerve for the longest time and sticks together will win the series. "It was a well fought series, a lot of good learnings for us ... being in the game for longer, creating pressure and sometimes absorbing pressure when the wickets are difficult and sometimes playing to the situation." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

BGT - Frustrated Bumrah takes positives from series defeat Down Under

Head coach Gautam Gambhir didn&rsquo;t mince his words in admitting that everyone must play domestic cricket to improve their red-ball game after Team India lost the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. Australia won the decisive SCG Test by six wickets, clinching their first series win over India in this format in ten years and qualifying for their second-straight WTC Final. Meanwhile, it was India&rsquo;s second Test series loss under Gambhir, having suffered a shocking series whitewash against New Zealand at home earlier.
Gambhir attended the final presser at the SCG, reflecting on Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s decision to opt out of the XI for the final Test and what the future holds for the batting duo following BGT 2024-25.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/australia-captain-pat-cummins-rates-bgt-2024-25-his-favourite-test-series-says-lived-up-to-all-hype-8592442" rel="dofollow">Aussie captain Pat Cummins rates BGT 2024-25 his favourite Test series</a>
Rohit and Virat had a below-par series against Australia, perhaps their last Down Under. While the regular skipper looked out of element since his return to the XI in the second Test, scoring just 31 runs in three games, averaging 6.20, Kohli managed 190 runs across nine innings, including a hundred at the Optus Stadium.
Such was the impact of their dry run that India crossed the 200-run-mark just thrice across nine innings on this tour. Although Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul and Nitish Kumar Reddy displayed individual brilliance at some point during the series, the others failed to provide any assistance, mounting pressure on the bowlers to compensate.
<h2>Gambhir on Kohli, Rohit&rsquo;s Test future</h2>
Given India will next tour England for five Tests in June, all eyes will be on the batting duo, with Gambhir denying commenting on anyone&rsquo;s future, adding it&rsquo;s up to the players.&nbsp;
"I can't talk about the future of any player. It's up to them as well. But yes, what I can say is that they still have the hunger, they still have the passion. They're tough people, and hopefully, they can continue to take Indian cricket forward. But ultimately, as we all know, that whatever they plan, they will plan for the best interest of Indian cricket," Gambhir said at the post-match presser in Sydney.
"My job is to be honest with everyone. It's not like I prioritize only a few players. But my job is to see every player on the same page, whether he's debuting or whoever played 100 Test Matches. Have to be fair to everyone," the head coach continued.&nbsp;
Besides, Gautam also said those available for the second season of Ranji Trophy, starting later this month, should play.&nbsp;
"I would always like everyone to play domestic cricket if they're available. If you've the commitment to play red-ball cricket then play domestic," Gambhir noted.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Team India will host England for three T20Is and as many ODIs starting January 22, with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 being their next major assignment.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: Head coach Gautam Gambhir attended the final presser at the SCG, reflecting on Rohit Sharma’s decision to opt out from the XI for the final Test.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir didn’t mince his words in admitting that everyone must play domestic cricket to improve their red-ball game after Team India lost the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. Australia won the decisive SCG Test by six wickets, clinching their first series win over India in this format in ten years and qualifying for their second-straight WTC Final. Meanwhile, it was India’s second Test series loss under Gambhir, having suffered a shocking series whitewash against New Zealand at home earlier. Gambhir attended the final presser at the SCG, reflecting on Rohit Sharma’s decision to opt out of the XI for the final Test and what the future holds for the batting duo following BGT 2024-25. Also read | Aussie captain Pat Cummins rates BGT 2024-25 his favourite Test series Rohit and Virat had a below-par series against Australia, perhaps their last Down Under. While the regular skipper looked out of element since his return to the XI in the second Test, scoring just 31 runs in three games, averaging 6.20, Kohli managed 190 runs across nine innings, including a hundred at the Optus Stadium. Such was the impact of their dry run that India crossed the 200-run-mark just thrice across nine innings on this tour. Although Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul and Nitish Kumar Reddy displayed individual brilliance at some point during the series, the others failed to provide any assistance, mounting pressure on the bowlers to compensate. Gambhir on Kohli, Rohit’s Test future Given India will next tour England for five Tests in June, all eyes will be on the batting duo, with Gambhir denying commenting on anyone’s future, adding it’s up to the players. "I can't talk about the future of any player. It's up to them as well. But yes, what I can say is that they still have the hunger, they still have the passion. They're tough people, and hopefully, they can continue to take Indian cricket forward. But ultimately, as we all know, that whatever they plan, they will plan for the best interest of Indian cricket," Gambhir said at the post-match presser in Sydney. "My job is to be honest with everyone. It's not like I prioritize only a few players. But my job is to see every player on the same page, whether he's debuting or whoever played 100 Test Matches. Have to be fair to everyone," the head coach continued. Besides, Gautam also said those available for the second season of Ranji Trophy, starting later this month, should play. "I would always like everyone to play domestic cricket if they're available. If you've the commitment to play red-ball cricket then play domestic," Gambhir noted. Meanwhile, Team India will host England for three T20Is and as many ODIs starting January 22, with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 being their next major assignment. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT – ‘I would like everyone to play domestic cricket,’ coach Gautam Gambhir reflects on India’s series loss

Australian captain Pat Cummins knows how to walk the talk. After suffering defeat in the series opener in Perth, Cummins commented that Australia is still ranked the number one Test side in the world and going down at the Optus Stadium will not change that. Well, he proved it all over again, as he did before against India during the previous WTC Final and the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Cummins had never won a Test series against India before, nor did several players picked in the squad for this marquee series. Though they began with a loss, the hosts picked themselves up and marched towards realising their dream of beating India and qualifying for their second-straight WTC Final 2025.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/australia-beat-india-in-sydney-test-to-win-bgt-after-ten-years-qualify-for-wtc-final-2025-8592251" rel="dofollow">BGT - Australia qualify for WTC Final 2025 after beating India at SCG</a>
Australia brought in Scott Boland for the second Test in Adelaide, a wonder move that saw them winning the Pink-Ball Test by ten wickets. After rain forced a draw at the Gabba, Australia won the next two at the MCG and SCG, respectively, to clinch the BGT for the first time in ten years and qualify for the WTC Final 2025.
&ldquo;Unreal! It is one that a few of us didn't have. The boys have had their eye on it, and it has lived up to the hype,&rdquo; Cummins said at the post-match presentation in Sydney. &ldquo;Some success along the way is always nice. It has been such a special group. We feel so privileged to have achieved what we have. Really proud. We are also having the best times of our lives,&rdquo; he continued.
<h2>Superstar Pat!</h2>
Cummins picked 25 wickets across five matches against India, the second-most after the Player of the Series Jasprit Bumrah (32), and scored 159 runs.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5j55acs-znmyszv4-zzphj4j8">
What a pearler from Pat Cummins to knock over Washington Sundar! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeliveredWithSpeed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeliveredWithSpeed</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/NBN_Australia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBN_Australia</a> <a href="https://t.co/MCs7wTp78M">pic.twitter.com/MCs7wTp78M</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875695568938324190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
He led from the front and felt no shame in acknowledging his performance, adding it was one of his favourite Test series.&nbsp;
&ldquo;(I am) Pretty happy with how I played throughout the series. It will go down as one of my favourite series. The fans have made this series. MCG was great, and three sellouts in Sydney. It is such a special day in the calendar. It is something I grew up with. We are celebrating such a great cause,&rdquo; the captain noted.
Meanwhile, Australia will now travel to Sri Lanka for two Tests starting January 29; although that series is also part of the current WTC cycle, its result will have no impact on the standings, as Australia has locked their place in a summit clash against South Africa, a marquee match scheduled for June (11-15) at Lord&rsquo;s.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: After the Perth Test loss, Cummins said Australia is still ranked the number one Test side in the world and going down at the Optus Stadium will not change that.

Australian captain Pat Cummins knows how to walk the talk. After suffering defeat in the series opener in Perth, Cummins commented that Australia is still ranked the number one Test side in the world and going down at the Optus Stadium will not change that. Well, he proved it all over again, as he did before against India during the previous WTC Final and the 2023 ODI World Cup. Cummins had never won a Test series against India before, nor did several players picked in the squad for this marquee series. Though they began with a loss, the hosts picked themselves up and marched towards realising their dream of beating India and qualifying for their second-straight WTC Final 2025. Also read | BGT - Australia qualify for WTC Final 2025 after beating India at SCG Australia brought in Scott Boland for the second Test in Adelaide, a wonder move that saw them winning the Pink-Ball Test by ten wickets. After rain forced a draw at the Gabba, Australia won the next two at the MCG and SCG, respectively, to clinch the BGT for the first time in ten years and qualify for the WTC Final 2025. “Unreal! It is one that a few of us didn't have. The boys have had their eye on it, and it has lived up to the hype,” Cummins said at the post-match presentation in Sydney. “Some success along the way is always nice. It has been such a special group. We feel so privileged to have achieved what we have. Really proud. We are also having the best times of our lives,” he continued. Superstar Pat! Cummins picked 25 wickets across five matches against India, the second-most after the Player of the Series Jasprit Bumrah (32), and scored 159 runs. What a pearler from Pat Cummins to knock over Washington Sundar! #AUSvIND | #DeliveredWithSpeed | @NBN_Australia pic.twitter.com/MCs7wTp78M — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2025 He led from the front and felt no shame in acknowledging his performance, adding it was one of his favourite Test series. “(I am) Pretty happy with how I played throughout the series. It will go down as one of my favourite series. The fans have made this series. MCG was great, and three sellouts in Sydney. It is such a special day in the calendar. It is something I grew up with. We are celebrating such a great cause,” the captain noted. Meanwhile, Australia will now travel to Sri Lanka for two Tests starting January 29; although that series is also part of the current WTC cycle, its result will have no impact on the standings, as Australia has locked their place in a summit clash against South Africa, a marquee match scheduled for June (11-15) at Lord’s. (With inputs from agencies)

Aussie captain Pat Cummins rates BGT 2024-25 his favourite Test series

Australia has reclaimed the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) for the first time in ten years after beating India in the decisive fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) by six wickets on Sunday (Jan 5). Beau Webster and Travis Head completed the run chase inside the second session on day three to hand the hosts their first series win over India since 2014/15.
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Beau Webster finishes it off and Australia claims the Border-Gavaskar Trophy! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayOfTheDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayOfTheDay</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/fl5tmIMPPd">pic.twitter.com/fl5tmIMPPd</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875746279625462180?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
While India won the first Test in Perth, they lost the next in Adelaide by ten wickets before Australia clinched the last two (the Boxing Day Test at the MCG and Sydney&rsquo;s New Year&rsquo;s Test) to win back the BGT.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bgt-202425-rohit-should-play-in-ranji-trophy-says-sunil-gavaskar-as-india-captain-struggles-with-bat-8591953" rel="dofollow">BGT 2024/25: 'Rohit should play in Ranji Trophy,' says Sunil Gavaskar as India captain struggles with bat</a>
India missed their stand-in captain, Jasprit Bumrah, on day three as they failed to defend 162 on a spicy SCG surface. Bumrah was out with a back spasm, playing no role since completing eight overs on the second day before heading for a medical checkup. Though he batted in India&rsquo;s second innings, Virat Kohli, who wore the captain&rsquo;s hat in his absence, used just four bowlers, mainly the two pacers, in the fourth innings.
For his unparalleled performance in this series, where he returned with 32 wickets &ndash; the most by an Indian bowler in a single edition Down Under, Bumrah won the Player of the Series award.
However, with Australia winning the BGT 2024-25, they sealed the WTC Final 2025 qualification and will face South Africa in the summit clash at the Lord&rsquo;s in June (11-15).
<h2>Australia bag SCG Test</h2>
The hosts entered the final match of the series with a stunning 185-run win in the Boxing Day Test at the iconic MCG. Beaming confidently, Australia made just one change to their winning XI, replacing underfire Mitchell Marsh with debutant Beau Webster.&nbsp;
On the other hand, India made some shocking calls, with Shubman Gill roped in place of regular captain Rohit Sharma, who &lsquo;opted out&rsquo; due to poor form, while Prasidh Krishna replaced injured Akash Deep. That move, however, did no good to India, as Gill failed to cross the 20-run mark across both innings, with others continuing their horror run with the bat.
In Rohit&rsquo;s absence, the entire onus fell on star batter Kohli, who collected just 23 runs (17, 6) in two outings, ending the series with 190 runs in nine innings, averaging 23.75.
Meanwhile, India had their chances in the second innings when Rishabh Pant was at the crease, but the wickets fell like the pack of cards following his dismissal on 61 off 33 balls. Scott Boland, roped in as injured Josh Hazlewood&rsquo;s replacement, took ten wickets across two innings, including six for 45 in the second. He won the Player of the Match award for his performance.
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This one was for Scott Boland's fifth! And it didn't take long for him to get his sixth either. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilestoneMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilestoneMoment</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/3NkgSYmOaN">pic.twitter.com/3NkgSYmOaN</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875698026884251975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
Bumrah&rsquo;s absence in the second innings cost India big time, as despite picking three wickets inside the first session, the visitors failed to put Australia under pressure and conceded the Test, the series and the golden chance to qualify for their third-straight WTC Final.&nbsp;

Sports, cricket: Australia beat India by six wickets in the final Test at the SCG to claim the BGT. With this win, they also qualified for the WTC Final 2025. 

Australia has reclaimed the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) for the first time in ten years after beating India in the decisive fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) by six wickets on Sunday (Jan 5). Beau Webster and Travis Head completed the run chase inside the second session on day three to hand the hosts their first series win over India since 2014/15. Beau Webster finishes it off and Australia claims the Border-Gavaskar Trophy! #AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/fl5tmIMPPd — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2025 While India won the first Test in Perth, they lost the next in Adelaide by ten wickets before Australia clinched the last two (the Boxing Day Test at the MCG and Sydney’s New Year’s Test) to win back the BGT. Also read | BGT 2024/25: 'Rohit should play in Ranji Trophy,' says Sunil Gavaskar as India captain struggles with bat India missed their stand-in captain, Jasprit Bumrah, on day three as they failed to defend 162 on a spicy SCG surface. Bumrah was out with a back spasm, playing no role since completing eight overs on the second day before heading for a medical checkup. Though he batted in India’s second innings, Virat Kohli, who wore the captain’s hat in his absence, used just four bowlers, mainly the two pacers, in the fourth innings. For his unparalleled performance in this series, where he returned with 32 wickets – the most by an Indian bowler in a single edition Down Under, Bumrah won the Player of the Series award. However, with Australia winning the BGT 2024-25, they sealed the WTC Final 2025 qualification and will face South Africa in the summit clash at the Lord’s in June (11-15). Australia bag SCG Test The hosts entered the final match of the series with a stunning 185-run win in the Boxing Day Test at the iconic MCG. Beaming confidently, Australia made just one change to their winning XI, replacing underfire Mitchell Marsh with debutant Beau Webster. On the other hand, India made some shocking calls, with Shubman Gill roped in place of regular captain Rohit Sharma, who ‘opted out’ due to poor form, while Prasidh Krishna replaced injured Akash Deep. That move, however, did no good to India, as Gill failed to cross the 20-run mark across both innings, with others continuing their horror run with the bat. In Rohit’s absence, the entire onus fell on star batter Kohli, who collected just 23 runs (17, 6) in two outings, ending the series with 190 runs in nine innings, averaging 23.75. Meanwhile, India had their chances in the second innings when Rishabh Pant was at the crease, but the wickets fell like the pack of cards following his dismissal on 61 off 33 balls. Scott Boland, roped in as injured Josh Hazlewood’s replacement, took ten wickets across two innings, including six for 45 in the second. He won the Player of the Match award for his performance. This one was for Scott Boland's fifth! And it didn't take long for him to get his sixth either. #AUSvIND | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/3NkgSYmOaN — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2025 Bumrah’s absence in the second innings cost India big time, as despite picking three wickets inside the first session, the visitors failed to put Australia under pressure and conceded the Test, the series and the golden chance to qualify for their third-straight WTC Final.

BGT - Australia qualify for WTC Final 2025 after beating India at SCG

A total of 15 wickets fell on day two of the ongoing BGT Test in Sydney, and Sunil Gavaskar wasn&rsquo;t having any of it. The former India captain tore into the lush green SCG pitch, where seamers across both camps enjoyed success. While Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna picked three wickets each for India, Scott Boland impressed everyone with four wickets thus far in the second innings.
Speaking on an exciting day of cricket, which leaves the game well-poised, Gavaskar came down hard on how the media reacted to the second day&rsquo;s play, mentioning that had 15 wickets fallen on a day during a Test in India, everyone would have lost their minds, including the Australians and Englishmen.
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Jasprit Bumrah strikes early on Day Two, dismissing the in-form Marnus Labuschagne. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/jDHO6Si0W7">pic.twitter.com/jDHO6Si0W7</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875329166406467618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-scg-test-hangs-in-balance-after-rishabh-pants-whirlwind-knock-on-day-2-8590387" rel="dofollow">BGT: SCG Test hangs in balance after Pant&rsquo;s whirlwind knock on day 2</a>
&ldquo;Former (Australian and English cricketers are) all the time talking about Indian pitches and conditions. We are not moaners; we are not whiners. You will never find us complaining. But 15 wickets in a day in India; man, there would be hell,&rdquo; Gavaskar said during a chat with ABC Sport following day two play in Sydney.
Referring to Glenn McGrath&rsquo;s comments on the SCG pitch before the game even began, who said he&rsquo;d never seen so much grass in Sydney, Gavaskar pointed out how no one would ever see anyone from the Indian camp and broadcasters complaining about the surface, knowing how tough it is to win outside of Asia .
<h2>Great day for pacers</h2>
Batters struggled on day two, even the best of them. While Aussie debutant Beau Webster scored his maiden Test fifty, hitting 57, Rishabh Pant made headlines for his whirlwind knock of 61 off 33 balls, including four fours and six sixes.&nbsp;
However, bowlers were the ones who made merry on this track. Boland struck gold up front for the hosts, removing both openers and Virat Kohli off wicket-taking balls, while Shubman Gill&rsquo;s dismissal had more to do with his mistake.
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The Scott Boland show is delivering at the SCG! He's got Virat Kohli now. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/12xG5IWL2j">pic.twitter.com/12xG5IWL2j</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875415306694164522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
Pant got a good wider one from captain Cummins, while Boland&rsquo;s brilliance accounted for Nitish Kumar Reddy for his third single-digit score since his maiden Test hundred.
"If 15 wickets fell [on one day] in India, all hell would have broken loose. We had Glenn McGrath saying he'd never seen so much grass. Did you hear any former India cricketer moan about the pitch?" Gavaskar said. "When we go out and play cricket, we will toughen it out. And if we are beaten, we are beaten. Overseas, it's very difficult to beat home teams.
"I did say that when we saw the pitch yesterday, the cows could have gone and grazed on it.
"This is not the ideal Test match pitch that you want because you want it to go into a fourth and fifth day. Unless there is rain, I don't see us being here on day four,&rdquo; he continued.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, as things stand, India is 141 for six, leading by 145 runs, with three days of cricket remaining.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Speaking on an exciting day of cricket, which leaves the game well-poised, Gavaskar slammed how the media reacted to the second day’s play. 

A total of 15 wickets fell on day two of the ongoing BGT Test in Sydney, and Sunil Gavaskar wasn’t having any of it. The former India captain tore into the lush green SCG pitch, where seamers across both camps enjoyed success. While Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna picked three wickets each for India, Scott Boland impressed everyone with four wickets thus far in the second innings. Speaking on an exciting day of cricket, which leaves the game well-poised, Gavaskar came down hard on how the media reacted to the second day’s play, mentioning that had 15 wickets fallen on a day during a Test in India, everyone would have lost their minds, including the Australians and Englishmen. Jasprit Bumrah strikes early on Day Two, dismissing the in-form Marnus Labuschagne. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/jDHO6Si0W7 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 Also read | BGT: SCG Test hangs in balance after Pant’s whirlwind knock on day 2 “Former (Australian and English cricketers are) all the time talking about Indian pitches and conditions. We are not moaners; we are not whiners. You will never find us complaining. But 15 wickets in a day in India; man, there would be hell,” Gavaskar said during a chat with ABC Sport following day two play in Sydney. Referring to Glenn McGrath’s comments on the SCG pitch before the game even began, who said he’d never seen so much grass in Sydney, Gavaskar pointed out how no one would ever see anyone from the Indian camp and broadcasters complaining about the surface, knowing how tough it is to win outside of Asia . Great day for pacers Batters struggled on day two, even the best of them. While Aussie debutant Beau Webster scored his maiden Test fifty, hitting 57, Rishabh Pant made headlines for his whirlwind knock of 61 off 33 balls, including four fours and six sixes. However, bowlers were the ones who made merry on this track. Boland struck gold up front for the hosts, removing both openers and Virat Kohli off wicket-taking balls, while Shubman Gill’s dismissal had more to do with his mistake. The Scott Boland show is delivering at the SCG! He's got Virat Kohli now. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/12xG5IWL2j — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2025 Pant got a good wider one from captain Cummins, while Boland’s brilliance accounted for Nitish Kumar Reddy for his third single-digit score since his maiden Test hundred. "If 15 wickets fell [on one day] in India, all hell would have broken loose. We had Glenn McGrath saying he'd never seen so much grass. Did you hear any former India cricketer moan about the pitch?" Gavaskar said. "When we go out and play cricket, we will toughen it out. And if we are beaten, we are beaten. Overseas, it's very difficult to beat home teams. "I did say that when we saw the pitch yesterday, the cows could have gone and grazed on it. "This is not the ideal Test match pitch that you want because you want it to go into a fourth and fifth day. Unless there is rain, I don't see us being here on day four,” he continued. Meanwhile, as things stand, India is 141 for six, leading by 145 runs, with three days of cricket remaining. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT - ‘We are not moaners…,’ Gavaskar tears into SCG pitch after 15 wickets fall on day 2

Rishabh Pant made headlines for his second-fastest Test fifty against Australia on day two of the fifth BGT Test against Australia in Sydney. Pant hit a 29-ball half-century during India&rsquo;s second innings at the SCG - his quickest Down Under, helping the visitors recover from early blows inflicted by Aussie quick Scott Boland. India ended day two on 141 for six, with a lead of 145.
A total of 15 wickets fell on day two of the decisive SCG Test, three of each came to the Indian duo of Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, and Australia&rsquo;s Scott Boland bagged four across several spells in India&rsquo;s second innings.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-rishabh-pant-hits-second-fastest-test-fifty-for-india-at-scg-watch-8590298" rel="dofollow">BGT: Rishabh Pant hits second fastest Test fifty for India at SCG &ndash; WATCH</a>
Day two began with all eyeballs on Jasprit Bumrah and Aussie rookie opener Sam Konstas, with the Indian quick dominating him throughout. Bumrah removed Marnus Labuschagne on four before Siraj accounted for Konstas and Travis Head in the same over, putting Australia&rsquo;s back against the wall.&nbsp;
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Jasprit Bumrah strikes early on Day Two, dismissing the in-form Marnus Labuschagne. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/jDHO6Si0W7">pic.twitter.com/jDHO6Si0W7</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875329166406467618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
Steve Smith and debutant Beau Webster tried saving the sinking ship but Australia lost Smith shortly before lunch on day two. Though Webster completed his maiden Test fifty in the second session, the wickets kept tumbling at the other end, with Krishna impressing everyone with his tight lines.&nbsp;
However, the stand-in captain, Bumrah, left the SCG amid an injury scare by then, mounting worry on the Indian fans and the team management. With no Rohit and Bumrah, Virat Kohli took over the captain&rsquo;s hat, helping seamers wrap up Australia&rsquo;s innings on 181, four shy of India&rsquo;s first-inning total.
<h2>Pant entertains SCG&nbsp;</h2>
Before Pant&rsquo;s entertaining knock cheered everyone up, Yashasvi Jaiswal did the same by smashing four fours to Mitchell Starc in the first over of India&rsquo;s second innings. He looked dangerous until captain Pat Cummins introduced Boland to the attack, only for the domestic giant to remove both openers with peaches.&nbsp;
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Scott Boland with a peach to get KL Rahul! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayOfTheDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayOfTheDay</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/Cu1qhVVvWQ">pic.twitter.com/Cu1qhVVvWQ</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875407050198446253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
He got rid of Virat, caught in the slip a few overs later, ending King Kohli&rsquo;s mediocre run Down Under this time.
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The Scott Boland show is delivering at the SCG! He's got Virat Kohli now. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/12xG5IWL2j">pic.twitter.com/12xG5IWL2j</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875415306694164522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h3>Entered Rishabh Pant!</h3>
The left-handed batter upped the ante, hitting his second-quickest Test fifty, his fastest in this part of the world, entertaining the Sydney crowd.
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FIFTY IN JUST 29 BALLS - THE SECOND FASTEST BY AN INDIAN IN TESTS! 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a> played a game-changing innings at the SCG! 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvINDOnStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvINDOnStar</a> 👉 5th Test, Day 2 | LIVE NOW! | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ToughestRivalry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ToughestRivalry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BorderGavaskarTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BorderGavaskarTrophy</a> <a href="https://t.co/yGaTGAlDxv">pic.twitter.com/yGaTGAlDxv</a>
&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1875428068011184142?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
Cummins ended his brief stay at the crease before Boland returned to pick Nitish Kumar Reddy (on six) for his third successive single-digit score since his maiden Test ton at MCG.&nbsp;
Australia dropped Ravindra Jadeja close to stumps on day one but still managed to have an edge over the Indians.&nbsp;

Cricket, Sports: 15 wickets fell on day two of the SCG Test, with India's Prasidh Krishna and Australia's Scott Boland picking three and four wickets, respectively.

Rishabh Pant made headlines for his second-fastest Test fifty against Australia on day two of the fifth BGT Test against Australia in Sydney. Pant hit a 29-ball half-century during India’s second innings at the SCG - his quickest Down Under, helping the visitors recover from early blows inflicted by Aussie quick Scott Boland. India ended day two on 141 for six, with a lead of 145. A total of 15 wickets fell on day two of the decisive SCG Test, three of each came to the Indian duo of Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, and Australia’s Scott Boland bagged four across several spells in India’s second innings. Also read | BGT: Rishabh Pant hits second fastest Test fifty for India at SCG – WATCH Day two began with all eyeballs on Jasprit Bumrah and Aussie rookie opener Sam Konstas, with the Indian quick dominating him throughout. Bumrah removed Marnus Labuschagne on four before Siraj accounted for Konstas and Travis Head in the same over, putting Australia’s back against the wall. Jasprit Bumrah strikes early on Day Two, dismissing the in-form Marnus Labuschagne. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/jDHO6Si0W7 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 Steve Smith and debutant Beau Webster tried saving the sinking ship but Australia lost Smith shortly before lunch on day two. Though Webster completed his maiden Test fifty in the second session, the wickets kept tumbling at the other end, with Krishna impressing everyone with his tight lines. However, the stand-in captain, Bumrah, left the SCG amid an injury scare by then, mounting worry on the Indian fans and the team management. With no Rohit and Bumrah, Virat Kohli took over the captain’s hat, helping seamers wrap up Australia’s innings on 181, four shy of India’s first-inning total. Pant entertains SCG Before Pant’s entertaining knock cheered everyone up, Yashasvi Jaiswal did the same by smashing four fours to Mitchell Starc in the first over of India’s second innings. He looked dangerous until captain Pat Cummins introduced Boland to the attack, only for the domestic giant to remove both openers with peaches. Scott Boland with a peach to get KL Rahul! #AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/Cu1qhVVvWQ — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2025 He got rid of Virat, caught in the slip a few overs later, ending King Kohli’s mediocre run Down Under this time. The Scott Boland show is delivering at the SCG! He's got Virat Kohli now. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/12xG5IWL2j — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2025 Entered Rishabh Pant! The left-handed batter upped the ante, hitting his second-quickest Test fifty, his fastest in this part of the world, entertaining the Sydney crowd. FIFTY IN JUST 29 BALLS - THE SECOND FASTEST BY AN INDIAN IN TESTS! 🙌@RishabhPant17 played a game-changing innings at the SCG! 🔥#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 5th Test, Day 2 | LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/yGaTGAlDxv — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 4, 2025 Cummins ended his brief stay at the crease before Boland returned to pick Nitish Kumar Reddy (on six) for his third successive single-digit score since his maiden Test ton at MCG. Australia dropped Ravindra Jadeja close to stumps on day one but still managed to have an edge over the Indians.

BGT: SCG Test hangs in balance after Pant’s whirlwind knock on day 2

Rishabh Pant scored the second-fastest fifty for an Indian in Tests during their second innings against Australia on day two of the SCG Test. Walking into bat after Virat Kohli&rsquo;s dismissal on six, Pant whacked Scott Boland for a first-ball six at deep mid-on, cheering up the record crowd present. With six fours and four sixes, two of which came off successive deliveries against Mitchell Starc, Pant completed his quickest Test fifty Down Under in 29 balls.<o:p></o:p>
Pant came in with a purpose and achieved it with his whirlwind knock, upsetting the Aussies and bringing joy to the countless Indian fans watching worldwide. Known for his non-textbook yet aggressive style of cricket, Pant&rsquo;s punt worked in the second innings, as he cleared boundaries for fun.<o:p></o:p>
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-this-is-not-a-retirement-decision-rohit-sharma-breaks-silence-on-scg-test-omission-8590113" rel="dofollow">BGT: &lsquo;This is not a retirement decision,&rsquo; Rohit Sharma breaks silence on SCG Test omission</a>
Taking on each bowler, Pant first attacked Boland, who picked the first three wickets, including removing the openers and star batter Kohli, before hammering debutant Beau Webster for successive fours. He upped the run rate with his counterattack, which he&rsquo;s most famous for, before entering history books with his second-fastest Test fifty.<o:p></o:p>
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In Rishabh Pant's 33-ball, 61-run innings: 🔥 6 fours 🔥 4 sixes And here's every one of those boundaries <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/Hc3Sx66DSr">pic.twitter.com/Hc3Sx66DSr</a>
&mdash; 7Cricket (@7Cricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/7Cricket/status/1875429778020516221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
The moment came during Starc&rsquo;s return spell when Pant smashed him for two massive sixes on the on-side, completing his fifty and leaving behind a massive impact. His knock switched the momentum towards India as their lead crossed 130 at the time of his wicket.<o:p></o:p>
Pant&rsquo;s magic couldn&rsquo;t stay for long as Aussie captain Pat Cummins dismissed him caught behind in his first over after lunch on 61. By then, India had lost five wickets, including that of Shubman Gill, Rohit&rsquo;s replacement, who played another silly shot to gift his wicket.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Boland on top</h2>
Boland has been India&rsquo;s nemesis since his inclusion in the side for the second Test as Josh Hazlewood&rsquo;s replacement. Brought back for the Boxing Day Test, Boland played a crucial role in helping Australia beat India at the MCG for the first time since 2011, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
He, however, continued his golden form in the series decider in Sydney, picking four wickets in the first and as many thus far in the second, including getting rid of Nitish Kumar Reddy on four - his third single-digit score since his maiden Test ton at the &lsquo;G&rsquo;.
Just at the stroke of stumps on day two, Australia dropped Ravindra Jadeja in the slips, with India&rsquo;s scorecard 141/6, leading by 145 runs.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: With six fours and four sixes, two of which came off successive deliveries against Mitchell Starc, Pant completed his quickest Test fifty Down Under in 29 balls.

Rishabh Pant scored the second-fastest fifty for an Indian in Tests during their second innings against Australia on day two of the SCG Test. Walking into bat after Virat Kohli’s dismissal on six, Pant whacked Scott Boland for a first-ball six at deep mid-on, cheering up the record crowd present. With six fours and four sixes, two of which came off successive deliveries against Mitchell Starc, Pant completed his quickest Test fifty Down Under in 29 balls. Pant came in with a purpose and achieved it with his whirlwind knock, upsetting the Aussies and bringing joy to the countless Indian fans watching worldwide. Known for his non-textbook yet aggressive style of cricket, Pant’s punt worked in the second innings, as he cleared boundaries for fun. Also read | BGT: ‘This is not a retirement decision,’ Rohit Sharma breaks silence on SCG Test omission Taking on each bowler, Pant first attacked Boland, who picked the first three wickets, including removing the openers and star batter Kohli, before hammering debutant Beau Webster for successive fours. He upped the run rate with his counterattack, which he’s most famous for, before entering history books with his second-fastest Test fifty. In Rishabh Pant's 33-ball, 61-run innings: 🔥 6 fours 🔥 4 sixes And here's every one of those boundaries #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Hc3Sx66DSr — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 4, 2025 The moment came during Starc’s return spell when Pant smashed him for two massive sixes on the on-side, completing his fifty and leaving behind a massive impact. His knock switched the momentum towards India as their lead crossed 130 at the time of his wicket. Pant’s magic couldn’t stay for long as Aussie captain Pat Cummins dismissed him caught behind in his first over after lunch on 61. By then, India had lost five wickets, including that of Shubman Gill, Rohit’s replacement, who played another silly shot to gift his wicket. Boland on top Boland has been India’s nemesis since his inclusion in the side for the second Test as Josh Hazlewood’s replacement. Brought back for the Boxing Day Test, Boland played a crucial role in helping Australia beat India at the MCG for the first time since 2011, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. He, however, continued his golden form in the series decider in Sydney, picking four wickets in the first and as many thus far in the second, including getting rid of Nitish Kumar Reddy on four - his third single-digit score since his maiden Test ton at the ‘G’. Just at the stroke of stumps on day two, Australia dropped Ravindra Jadeja in the slips, with India’s scorecard 141/6, leading by 145 runs. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Rishabh Pant hits second fastest Test fifty for India at SCG – WATCH

Rohit Sharma broke his silence on his omission from playing XI for the fifth BGT Test against Australia. Having &lsquo;opted out&rsquo;, as the official word used by the stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah during the coin toss, Rohit revealed he sat out of the side due to poor form, a decision that doesn't foreshadow his Test retirement.
Speaking to the host broadcaster for the first time since his exclusion from the playing XI for this decisive Test, Rohit said he realised he hadn&rsquo;t done justice to his selection owing to a series of poor scores in the lead-up to this match.
As a result, he decided to willingly step aside, allowing young Shubman Gill to take his chance and help India square series.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-jasprit-bumrah-leaves-scg-amid-injury-scare-post-lunch-on-day-2-watch-8589779" rel="dofollow">BGT: Bumrah leaves SCG amid injury scare post lunch on day 2 &ndash; WATCH</a>
Reacting to reports of his potential Test retirement announcement with the conclusion of this Test, the regular Indian skipper said, "This decision is not a retirement decision, nor am I going to take myself out of the game.&rdquo;
Explaining his decision, Rohit said he played this game enough to know that it might take longer than expected for him to return to form.
The veteran Indian cricketer added that those with a microphone, pen or laptop cannot take a call on his career, adding he believes that things can change quickly for him.&nbsp;
"I sat out of this match because runs are not coming off my bat. There is no guarantee runs won't come five or two months down the line. I have seen a lot in cricket that life changes every second, every minute, every day.
"I have confidence in me that things can change, but at the same time, I have to be realistic as well. So life won't change by what people with a mic, pen or laptop write or say. They can't decide when we should retire when we should sit out, when we should captain. I am a sensible man, a mature man, father of two kids. So I know what I need in life."
<h2>Rohit on when he made this decision</h2>
Rohit missed the series opener in Perth for personal reasons - the only Test India won thus far in the series under Bumrah&rsquo;s captaincy.
He re-linked with the Indian Team midway into the first Test and played all three matches since. Though India lost two and drew one of those matches, conceding the lead and the chance to sail through into the WTC Final, Rohit&rsquo;s form with the bat worried everyone, casting doubts over his selection.
Rohit said he decided to opt out of the playing XI upon landing in Sydney.
"I made this decision after coming here [to Sydney]," Rohit said.&nbsp;
"We had only two days between the matches. On New Year's, I didn't want to have this chat with the selector and the coach. But it was in my mind that I am trying my best, but I am not getting the runs. I have to accept it and have to get myself out of the way.
"The chat that I had with the coach and the selector was very simple: my bat is not scoring runs, I am not in form, this is an important match, and we need players who are in form. As it is, the boys are not in great form. So, I had this simple thought in my mind: we can't carry out-of-form players,&rdquo; the Indian captain noted.
Meanwhile, Rohit&rsquo;s replacement, Gill, scored 20 and 13 across two innings at the SCG.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket | Sports: Rohit said those with a microphone, pen or laptop cannot take a call on his career, adding he believes that things can change quickly for him. 

Rohit Sharma broke his silence on his omission from playing XI for the fifth BGT Test against Australia. Having ‘opted out’, as the official word used by the stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah during the coin toss, Rohit revealed he sat out of the side due to poor form, a decision that doesn't foreshadow his Test retirement. Speaking to the host broadcaster for the first time since his exclusion from the playing XI for this decisive Test, Rohit said he realised he hadn’t done justice to his selection owing to a series of poor scores in the lead-up to this match. As a result, he decided to willingly step aside, allowing young Shubman Gill to take his chance and help India square series. Also read | BGT: Bumrah leaves SCG amid injury scare post lunch on day 2 – WATCH Reacting to reports of his potential Test retirement announcement with the conclusion of this Test, the regular Indian skipper said, "This decision is not a retirement decision, nor am I going to take myself out of the game.” Explaining his decision, Rohit said he played this game enough to know that it might take longer than expected for him to return to form. The veteran Indian cricketer added that those with a microphone, pen or laptop cannot take a call on his career, adding he believes that things can change quickly for him. "I sat out of this match because runs are not coming off my bat. There is no guarantee runs won't come five or two months down the line. I have seen a lot in cricket that life changes every second, every minute, every day. "I have confidence in me that things can change, but at the same time, I have to be realistic as well. So life won't change by what people with a mic, pen or laptop write or say. They can't decide when we should retire when we should sit out, when we should captain. I am a sensible man, a mature man, father of two kids. So I know what I need in life." Rohit on when he made this decision Rohit missed the series opener in Perth for personal reasons - the only Test India won thus far in the series under Bumrah’s captaincy. He re-linked with the Indian Team midway into the first Test and played all three matches since. Though India lost two and drew one of those matches, conceding the lead and the chance to sail through into the WTC Final, Rohit’s form with the bat worried everyone, casting doubts over his selection. Rohit said he decided to opt out of the playing XI upon landing in Sydney. "I made this decision after coming here [to Sydney]," Rohit said. "We had only two days between the matches. On New Year's, I didn't want to have this chat with the selector and the coach. But it was in my mind that I am trying my best, but I am not getting the runs. I have to accept it and have to get myself out of the way. "The chat that I had with the coach and the selector was very simple: my bat is not scoring runs, I am not in form, this is an important match, and we need players who are in form. As it is, the boys are not in great form. So, I had this simple thought in my mind: we can't carry out-of-form players,” the Indian captain noted. Meanwhile, Rohit’s replacement, Gill, scored 20 and 13 across two innings at the SCG. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: ‘This is not a retirement decision’ - Rohit Sharma breaks silence on SCG Test omission

Jasprit Bumrah left the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for scans amid an injury scare just after lunch on day two of the fifth BGT Test against Australia. Bumrah bowled one over post lunch and walked off the ground with BCCI&rsquo;s integrity manager Anshuman Upadhyay, later seen boarding a car.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5hou5jf-k5l0aunz-6g8ukyy4">
Jasprit Bumrah has left the SCG: <a href="https://t.co/0nmjl6Qp2a">https://t.co/0nmjl6Qp2a</a> <a href="https://t.co/oQaygWRMyc">pic.twitter.com/oQaygWRMyc</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875380898561974447?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
Team India&rsquo;s stand-in captain is playing his fifth straight Test in this series and might have pulled a muscle. Though he never looked uncomfortable walking off the venue, the board has yet to release an official statement on his injury status.
Also read | <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-in-australia/jasprit-bumrah-leaves-the-sydney-cricket-ground-with-team-doctor/articleshow/116930962.cms" rel="dofollow">SA vs PAK: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma tons put South Africa in strong position</a>
Bumrah picked just one wicket in Australia&rsquo;s first innings, removing Marnus Labuschagne for four early on day two. Though he shared a heated moment with Aussie newcomer Sam Konstas late on day one, leading to Usman Khawaja&rsquo;s dismissal on the next ball, Bumrah kept the rookie batter quiet the next day with tight lines.
Bumrah bowled a four-over spell earlier, removing Marnus and taking his tally to 32 in just one series Down Under &ndash; going past late Bishan Singh Bedi&rsquo;s longstanding record of 31 wickets in 1977/78. Later, the premier seamer returned to bowl another three-over spell and just one after lunch before walking off the ground for a checkup.
<h2>India wrap up Australia on 181</h2>
India won the first two sessions on the second day of the decisive Sydney Test, picking nine Australian wickets. They began proceedings with Labuschagne&rsquo;s wicket before Mohammed Siraj struck gold, picking Konstas and Travis Head in the same over. Though Konstas never looked comfortable on the surface, which offered everything for the seamers, Head departed for another single-digit score in three innings.
With Australia losing four wickets inside 40 runs, the pressure mounted on the veteran Steve Smith and debutant Beau Webster to bail the team out of trouble. The pair did well in achieving their target but lost Smith to Prasidh Krishna shortly before lunch.
Webster completed his maiden international fifty in the next session but failed to get any support from the other end.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5houuy8-iyjfauh7-9vvxh5qd">
50 on debut! What a moment for Beau Webster. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilestoneMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilestoneMoment</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/iehudbVjTd">pic.twitter.com/iehudbVjTd</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875381710956724581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
The wickets kept tumbling, with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Krishna doing the damage.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5hov27a-gwt5l0ya-8aojvlhq">
Prasidh Krishna pulverises Alex Carey's middle stump! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeliveredWithSpeed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeliveredWithSpeed</a> | NBN Australia <a href="https://t.co/IVwz6wzrsd">pic.twitter.com/IVwz6wzrsd</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875376344684499384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
Australia lost nine wickets for 166, with Siraj returning to pick the final one in Scott Boland, dismissing Australia on 181 in their first innings.
<h3>Jaiswal smashes four fours to Starc</h3>
Young Yashasvi Jaiswal showed no signs of compliance as he whacked Mitchell Starc for four fours off his first over, all on the offside, giving India a brilliant start.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Even in Bumrah's absence, the Indian pace attack made the most of the conditions, dismissing Australia for 181, four short of India's first-inning total. 

Jasprit Bumrah left the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for scans amid an injury scare just after lunch on day two of the fifth BGT Test against Australia. Bumrah bowled one over post lunch and walked off the ground with BCCI’s integrity manager Anshuman Upadhyay, later seen boarding a car. Jasprit Bumrah has left the SCG: https://t.co/0nmjl6Qp2a pic.twitter.com/oQaygWRMyc — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2025 Team India’s stand-in captain is playing his fifth straight Test in this series and might have pulled a muscle. Though he never looked uncomfortable walking off the venue, the board has yet to release an official statement on his injury status. Also read | SA vs PAK: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma tons put South Africa in strong position Bumrah picked just one wicket in Australia’s first innings, removing Marnus Labuschagne for four early on day two. Though he shared a heated moment with Aussie newcomer Sam Konstas late on day one, leading to Usman Khawaja’s dismissal on the next ball, Bumrah kept the rookie batter quiet the next day with tight lines. Bumrah bowled a four-over spell earlier, removing Marnus and taking his tally to 32 in just one series Down Under – going past late Bishan Singh Bedi’s longstanding record of 31 wickets in 1977/78. Later, the premier seamer returned to bowl another three-over spell and just one after lunch before walking off the ground for a checkup. India wrap up Australia on 181 India won the first two sessions on the second day of the decisive Sydney Test, picking nine Australian wickets. They began proceedings with Labuschagne’s wicket before Mohammed Siraj struck gold, picking Konstas and Travis Head in the same over. Though Konstas never looked comfortable on the surface, which offered everything for the seamers, Head departed for another single-digit score in three innings. With Australia losing four wickets inside 40 runs, the pressure mounted on the veteran Steve Smith and debutant Beau Webster to bail the team out of trouble. The pair did well in achieving their target but lost Smith to Prasidh Krishna shortly before lunch. Webster completed his maiden international fifty in the next session but failed to get any support from the other end. 50 on debut! What a moment for Beau Webster. #AUSvIND | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/iehudbVjTd — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2025 The wickets kept tumbling, with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Krishna doing the damage. Prasidh Krishna pulverises Alex Carey's middle stump! #AUSvIND | #DeliveredWithSpeed | NBN Australia pic.twitter.com/IVwz6wzrsd — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2025 Australia lost nine wickets for 166, with Siraj returning to pick the final one in Scott Boland, dismissing Australia on 181 in their first innings. Jaiswal smashes four fours to Starc Young Yashasvi Jaiswal showed no signs of compliance as he whacked Mitchell Starc for four fours off his first over, all on the offside, giving India a brilliant start. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Bumrah leaves SCG amid injury scare post lunch on day 2 – WATCH

Rohit Sharma surprised one and all by 'opting to rest' for the fifth and final Test between India and Australia, of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), at the SCG, Sydney on Friday (Jan 3). On Day 1 of the series finale, Jasprit Bumrah walked out for the toss as he revealed that out-of-form Rohit has opted out of the contest. After the day's play, Rishabh Pant opined on Rohit's call.&nbsp;
<h2>'It was an emotional decision....'</h2>
"I think definitely it was an emotional decision because he has been captain for a long time. We see him as a leader of the team. But, there are some decisions in which you are not involved with. And it's a management call. I was not part of that conversation. So can't explain anything more than that," Pant told the reporters after the stumps on Day 1 of the SCG Test.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/scg-test-rishabh-pant-suffers-series-of-blows-on-day-1-of-bgt-2024-25-series-finale-watch-video-8587828" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">SCG Test: Rishabh Pant suffers series of blows on Day 1 of series finale - Watch</a>
At the toss, Bumrah, who replaced Rohit as captain, stated, "Our captain has shown leadership by opting to rest in this game. That shows there's a lot of unity in this team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest we are looking to do that."
India made two changes to their playing XI, from the MCG Test, with Rohit and Akash making space for Shubman Gill and Prasidh Krishna, respectively.&nbsp;
Rohit's absence from the pre-match presser, on Thursday (Jan 2), raised speculations of his participation in the SCG Test match. Hitman has had a torrid run in Tests in 2024, averaging 24.50, and has scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the ongoing BGT in Australia. His decision to rest has led to many former cricketers claiming that Rohit has played his last Test and will retire from the format very soon.
For Bumrah-led India, they opted to bat first in the Sydney Test and were bundled out for 185 with Pant top-scoring with 40. At stumps, Australia lost Usman Khawaja as they are 9/1, trailing by 176 runs.
Australia lead the five-match Test series 2-1 and will look for a win to regain the BGT for the first time since 2014/15.
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Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: 'Dropping himself was emotional call, can't...,' Rishabh Pant on Rohit Sharma opting out of SCG Test in Sydney 

Rohit Sharma surprised one and all by 'opting to rest' for the fifth and final Test between India and Australia, of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), at the SCG, Sydney on Friday (Jan 3). On Day 1 of the series finale, Jasprit Bumrah walked out for the toss as he revealed that out-of-form Rohit has opted out of the contest. After the day's play, Rishabh Pant opined on Rohit's call. 'It was an emotional decision....' "I think definitely it was an emotional decision because he has been captain for a long time. We see him as a leader of the team. But, there are some decisions in which you are not involved with. And it's a management call. I was not part of that conversation. So can't explain anything more than that," Pant told the reporters after the stumps on Day 1 of the SCG Test. Also read: SCG Test: Rishabh Pant suffers series of blows on Day 1 of series finale - Watch At the toss, Bumrah, who replaced Rohit as captain, stated, "Our captain has shown leadership by opting to rest in this game. That shows there's a lot of unity in this team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest we are looking to do that." India made two changes to their playing XI, from the MCG Test, with Rohit and Akash making space for Shubman Gill and Prasidh Krishna, respectively. Rohit's absence from the pre-match presser, on Thursday (Jan 2), raised speculations of his participation in the SCG Test match. Hitman has had a torrid run in Tests in 2024, averaging 24.50, and has scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the ongoing BGT in Australia. His decision to rest has led to many former cricketers claiming that Rohit has played his last Test and will retire from the format very soon. For Bumrah-led India, they opted to bat first in the Sydney Test and were bundled out for 185 with Pant top-scoring with 40. At stumps, Australia lost Usman Khawaja as they are 9/1, trailing by 176 runs. Australia lead the five-match Test series 2-1 and will look for a win to regain the BGT for the first time since 2014/15.

BGT: 'Dropping himself was emotional call...,' Pant on Rohit opting out of SCG Test

India had a tough day on&nbsp; of the SCG Test, in Sydney, versus Australia on Friday (Jan 3). Opting to bat first, in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series finale, Jasprit Bumrah-led visitors got bundled out for 185 with Rishabh Pant top-scoring with 40. During his stay in the middle, Pant suffered a series of body blows as he made a hard-fought 40 (98).&nbsp;
Here is the video of Pant taking body blows on Day 1 of the Sydney Test:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5gj6wl9-a4eezbtc-szfq93b0">
Rishabh Pant took a number of heavy hits to the body.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/TdyJ1qhm9C">pic.twitter.com/TdyJ1qhm9C</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875019635822559412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-jasprit-bumrah-stares-down-sam-konstas-as-duo-involved-in-heated-moment-on-day-1-of-scg-test-watch-8587643" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bumrah stares down Konstas as duo involved in heated exchange on Day 1 of SCG Test - Watch</a>
The left-hander came out to bat at No. 5, after Shubman Gill fell for 20 with India reeling at 57-3. Pant stitched a 15-run stand with Virat Kohli, who once again edged one outside off-stump to depart for 17. The keeper-batter then stitched a vital 48-run sixth-wicket stand with Ravindra Jadeja (26) before falling for 40. He smashed a six and three fours during his stay, showing resistance in the middle but failed to capitalise on his start.&nbsp;
After Scott Boland's 4-fer dismissed India for 185, the visitors reduced Australia to 9 for 1 at stumps. Earlier in the day, Bumrah walked out for the toss as Rohit Sharma 'opted to rest' amid his poor run of form.
Pat Cummins-led Australia lead the five-match series 2-1 after a win in the fourth and penultimate Test at the MCG, Melbourne.

Cricket, Sports | SCG Test: Indian batter Rishabh Pant suffered several blows on Day 1 of series finale in Sydney - Watch viral video 

India had a tough day on of the SCG Test, in Sydney, versus Australia on Friday (Jan 3). Opting to bat first, in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series finale, Jasprit Bumrah-led visitors got bundled out for 185 with Rishabh Pant top-scoring with 40. During his stay in the middle, Pant suffered a series of body blows as he made a hard-fought 40 (98). Here is the video of Pant taking body blows on Day 1 of the Sydney Test: Rishabh Pant took a number of heavy hits to the body.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/TdyJ1qhm9C — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 Also read: Bumrah stares down Konstas as duo involved in heated exchange on Day 1 of SCG Test - Watch The left-hander came out to bat at No. 5, after Shubman Gill fell for 20 with India reeling at 57-3. Pant stitched a 15-run stand with Virat Kohli, who once again edged one outside off-stump to depart for 17. The keeper-batter then stitched a vital 48-run sixth-wicket stand with Ravindra Jadeja (26) before falling for 40. He smashed a six and three fours during his stay, showing resistance in the middle but failed to capitalise on his start. After Scott Boland's 4-fer dismissed India for 185, the visitors reduced Australia to 9 for 1 at stumps. Earlier in the day, Bumrah walked out for the toss as Rohit Sharma 'opted to rest' amid his poor run of form. Pat Cummins-led Australia lead the five-match series 2-1 after a win in the fourth and penultimate Test at the MCG, Melbourne.

SCG Test: Rishabh Pant suffers several blows on Day 1 of series finale - Watch

Day 1 of the SCG Test between India and Australia saw Jasprit Bumrah-led visitors bundle out for 185, after opting to bat first, before they reduced the Aussies to 9/1 at stumps. While the Indian batters continued to fail, Bumrah -- who replaced Rohit Sharma as captain after Hitman 'opted to rest' -- struck to remove Usman Khawaja on the last ball of the day's play. After the wicket, Bumrah had a stare down with Aussie opener Sam Konstas.
Just before Khawaja's fall, the left-hander was taking ample time to face the delivery; in a bid to ensure no additional overs to be possible. This irked Bumrah while non-striker Konstas defended Khawaja's act. The duo got involved in an animated chat before Bumrah completed his over, dismissing Khawaja. After the wicket, the in-form pacer had a stare down with Konstas as play ended on a cliffhanger at the SCG, Sydney.
<h2>Here is the video:</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5gfyvw6-gqdkp69h-m9jfkygr">
Fiery scenes in the final over at the SCG! How's that for a finish to Day One 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/BAAjrFKvnQ">pic.twitter.com/BAAjrFKvnQ</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875076874495201743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/scg-test-day-1-late-drama-highlights-another-shabby-outing-for-india-in-bgt-8587579" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">SCG Test, Day 1: Late drama highlights another shabby outing for India in BGT</a>
Talking more about Day 1 of the fifth and final Test, of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between the two heavyweights, India opted to bat first as regular skipper Rohit opted out of the game. His poor form forced him to take the big call as speculations remain that he is set to retire from Tests after the series.
India rode on Rishabh Pant's 40 and some valuable contributions from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Bumrah to only manage 185. From Australia, Scott Boland returned with figures of 4 for 31 to dismiss India for a paltry score.
However, the visitors ended the day on a high with hopes of a comeback on Day 2 of the series finale. The series is led by Australia, 2-1, after a 184-run win in the fourth and penultimate Test at the MCG, Melbourne.

Cricket, Sports | BGT 2024-25: Jasprit Bumrah stares down Sam Konstas as duo involved in heated exchange on Day 1 of SCG Test - Watch video 

Day 1 of the SCG Test between India and Australia saw Jasprit Bumrah-led visitors bundle out for 185, after opting to bat first, before they reduced the Aussies to 9/1 at stumps. While the Indian batters continued to fail, Bumrah -- who replaced Rohit Sharma as captain after Hitman 'opted to rest' -- struck to remove Usman Khawaja on the last ball of the day's play. After the wicket, Bumrah had a stare down with Aussie opener Sam Konstas. Just before Khawaja's fall, the left-hander was taking ample time to face the delivery; in a bid to ensure no additional overs to be possible. This irked Bumrah while non-striker Konstas defended Khawaja's act. The duo got involved in an animated chat before Bumrah completed his over, dismissing Khawaja. After the wicket, the in-form pacer had a stare down with Konstas as play ended on a cliffhanger at the SCG, Sydney. Here is the video: Fiery scenes in the final over at the SCG! How's that for a finish to Day One 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/BAAjrFKvnQ — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 Also read: SCG Test, Day 1: Late drama highlights another shabby outing for India in BGT Talking more about Day 1 of the fifth and final Test, of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between the two heavyweights, India opted to bat first as regular skipper Rohit opted out of the game. His poor form forced him to take the big call as speculations remain that he is set to retire from Tests after the series. India rode on Rishabh Pant's 40 and some valuable contributions from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Bumrah to only manage 185. From Australia, Scott Boland returned with figures of 4 for 31 to dismiss India for a paltry score. However, the visitors ended the day on a high with hopes of a comeback on Day 2 of the series finale. The series is led by Australia, 2-1, after a 184-run win in the fourth and penultimate Test at the MCG, Melbourne.

Bumrah stares down Konstas as duo involved in heated exchange on Day 1 of SCG Test - Watch

Team India suffered a similar fate while batting first on day one of the fifth and final Test in Sydney but ended with Usman Khawaja&rsquo;s wicket. Batting first after winning the toss, India scored a paltry 185 in the first innings, with Rishabh Pant among runs (40). Scott Boland continued an impressive run with four wickets, but what unfolded between Sam Konstas and the stand-in Indian skipper Jasprit Bumrah was day one&rsquo;s highlight.
Day one began with the shocking news of regular Indian skipper Rohit Sharma opting out of the series decider, with Bumrah donning the captain&rsquo;s hat for the second time this series.
While India made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in seamer Prasidh Krishna for injured Akash Deep and replacing Rohit with Shubman Gill, Australia brought in the debutant Beau Webster for underfiring Mitchell Marsh.
Australia made most of the conditions, removing both openers &ndash; Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul inside the first eight overs.
However, the moment of the first hour came when Virat Kohli edged one to the slip cordon only for Steve Smith to grab it and later scoop it off the ground for the gully fielder to complete the catch, which, later, got adjudged not out.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5ggpvbh-6ftehsc0-uyxr21bc">
"100%. No denying it whatsoever." Steve Smith weighs in on whether he got his hand underneath the ball in the biggest moment of the morning. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/bqIy8iGIRm">pic.twitter.com/bqIy8iGIRm</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1874994592967176496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
Although Kohli survived a first-ball dismissal, he fell prey to Boland&rsquo;s peach after lunch, getting out caught in the slips.&nbsp;
Pant and Ravindra Jadeja tried saving India&rsquo;s grace and even managed to do it slightly, but Boland&rsquo;s dual strike later put their backs against the wall.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5ggq5yk-gq5a0nod-p5h8nggx">
Scott Boland picked up his 50th Test wicket... and nearly had a hat-trick too! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilestoneMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilestoneMoment</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/M5PTfgJnL0">pic.twitter.com/M5PTfgJnL0</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875062567976014109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
Boland picked Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy (0), with Mitchell Starc and Captain Cummins wrapping up the tail soon after.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/shocking-rohit-sharmas-name-missing-from-official-team-sheet-for-scg-test-in-bgt-8587521" rel="dofollow">SHOCKING! Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s name missing from official team sheet for SCG Test</a>
For the nth time in the series, India got all out under 200, mostly after batting first, a worrying sign for the team already undergoing some tough times both on and off the field. Even with a youngster replacing low-on-form Rohit, India failed to put a decent total on the board, putting pressure on the bowling unit to compensate.
<h2>&lsquo;Drama at SCG&rsquo;</h2>
Sam Konstas began proceedings with a four off the first ball of Bumrah, cheering the crowd up.
However, what happened just at the stroke of stumps made headlines.&nbsp;Standing at the non-striker end, Konstas interrupted Bumrah (before the final ball of the day) while having a go at the Indian seamer. Both shared a few words before the on-field umpire separated the two.&nbsp;
That moment riled up Bumrah, who picked Khawaja, caught in the slips on just two.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5ggqudb-hta5738m-d7ktzezk">
Fiery scenes in the final over at the SCG! How's that for a finish to Day One 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/BAAjrFKvnQ">pic.twitter.com/BAAjrFKvnQ</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875076874495201743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
Australia ended day one of the fifth Test on 9/1, trailing by 175 runs.&nbsp;

Cricket, Sports: Australia trail by 176 runs at stumps on day one, losing Khawaja on the last ball of the day. Konstas and Bumrah shared some words a ball before his wicket.

Team India suffered a similar fate while batting first on day one of the fifth and final Test in Sydney but ended with Usman Khawaja’s wicket. Batting first after winning the toss, India scored a paltry 185 in the first innings, with Rishabh Pant among runs (40). Scott Boland continued an impressive run with four wickets, but what unfolded between Sam Konstas and the stand-in Indian skipper Jasprit Bumrah was day one’s highlight. Day one began with the shocking news of regular Indian skipper Rohit Sharma opting out of the series decider, with Bumrah donning the captain’s hat for the second time this series. While India made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in seamer Prasidh Krishna for injured Akash Deep and replacing Rohit with Shubman Gill, Australia brought in the debutant Beau Webster for underfiring Mitchell Marsh. Australia made most of the conditions, removing both openers – Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul inside the first eight overs. However, the moment of the first hour came when Virat Kohli edged one to the slip cordon only for Steve Smith to grab it and later scoop it off the ground for the gully fielder to complete the catch, which, later, got adjudged not out. "100%. No denying it whatsoever." Steve Smith weighs in on whether he got his hand underneath the ball in the biggest moment of the morning. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/bqIy8iGIRm — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 Although Kohli survived a first-ball dismissal, he fell prey to Boland’s peach after lunch, getting out caught in the slips. Pant and Ravindra Jadeja tried saving India’s grace and even managed to do it slightly, but Boland’s dual strike later put their backs against the wall. Scott Boland picked up his 50th Test wicket... and nearly had a hat-trick too! #AUSvIND | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/M5PTfgJnL0 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 Boland picked Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy (0), with Mitchell Starc and Captain Cummins wrapping up the tail soon after. Also read | SHOCKING! Rohit Sharma’s name missing from official team sheet for SCG Test For the nth time in the series, India got all out under 200, mostly after batting first, a worrying sign for the team already undergoing some tough times both on and off the field. Even with a youngster replacing low-on-form Rohit, India failed to put a decent total on the board, putting pressure on the bowling unit to compensate. ‘Drama at SCG’ Sam Konstas began proceedings with a four off the first ball of Bumrah, cheering the crowd up. However, what happened just at the stroke of stumps made headlines. Standing at the non-striker end, Konstas interrupted Bumrah (before the final ball of the day) while having a go at the Indian seamer. Both shared a few words before the on-field umpire separated the two. That moment riled up Bumrah, who picked Khawaja, caught in the slips on just two. Fiery scenes in the final over at the SCG! How's that for a finish to Day One 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/BAAjrFKvnQ — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 Australia ended day one of the fifth Test on 9/1, trailing by 175 runs.

SCG Test, Day 1: Late drama highlights another shabby outing for India in BGT

A tour Down Under makes or breaks a player&rsquo;s career. Though plenty benefited from regular outings in this ongoing five-match series, a few faced the wrath of poor form, including the Indian captain Rohit Sharma. The veteran batter is said to have &lsquo;opted out&rsquo; from the fifth and final Test in Sydney, but what baffled everyone was his name missing from the official team sheet for the series decider.
Even though the names of the reserve players were mentioned on the team sheet, Rohit&rsquo;s was missing, raising speculations of him cutting ties with the longest format.
Ahead of the fifth Test at the iconic SCG, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and not Rohit, attended the pre-game presser.
Upon being asked about Rohit&rsquo;s chances of retaining his place despite horrible form, Gambhir remained tight-lipped.
Instead, he gave an unconvincing reply, saying the final XI would be decided after looking at the pitch.
That fuelled speculations of Rohit not making it to the XI for the series decider, which, with the stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah walking out with the captain&rsquo;s blazer on during the coin toss, became a reality.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-the-captain-of-a-country-does-not-opt-out-hes-dropped-mark-taylor-on-rohit-sharmas-absence-from-scg-test-8587288" rel="dofollow">BGT - 'He's dropped but...,' Taylor on Rohit&rsquo;s absence from SCG Test</a>
Bumrah revealed Rohit &lsquo;opted out&rsquo; of the fifth Test considering his form, for which he called him a &lsquo;true leader&rsquo;.
"Obviously, our captain [Rohit Sharma] has shown his leadership as well. He's opted to rest in this game. So, that shows that there's a lot of unity in our team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest, we're looking to do that," Bumrah said at the toss.
<h2>&lsquo;No Rohit on team sheet&rsquo;</h2>
Never before in Indian cricket did a serving captain bench himself.
A captain&rsquo;s name missing from the team sheet never happened either, though seamer Akash Deep&rsquo;s name was also not there (he's out of the SCG tie with an injury).
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Rohit Sharma hasn&rsquo;t stepped out with the rest of the squad &amp; his name no longer appears in the squad list either. A different meaning to &ldquo;opted to rest&rdquo; perhaps <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusvInd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusvInd</a> <a href="https://t.co/yRb203Rmni">pic.twitter.com/yRb203Rmni</a>
&mdash; Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) <a href="https://twitter.com/beastieboy07/status/1874960422065119303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
Should Rohit decide to call time on his Test career, he would become the second Indian player after ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to retire from Tests during the BGT 2024-25.&nbsp; Ashwin announced his shock decision to step aside after the third Test at the Gabba, which ended in a draw.
<h2>India is in shambles, again</h2>
The Indian Team failed to live up to the hype, getting out under 200 for the nth time in this series. Batting first after winning the toss, India got all out on 185, with Rishabh Pant being the highest scorer (40).&nbsp;
Scott Boland picked four wickets for Australia, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Pant and Nitish Reddy.&nbsp;
At stumps on day one, the hosts lost opener Usman Khawaja, with their scorecard reading 9/1 in three overs.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

BGT | Rohit Sharma retirment talk | Should Rohit decide to call time on his Test career, he would become the second Indian player after ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to retire from Tests during the BGT 2024-25.

A tour Down Under makes or breaks a player’s career. Though plenty benefited from regular outings in this ongoing five-match series, a few faced the wrath of poor form, including the Indian captain Rohit Sharma. The veteran batter is said to have ‘opted out’ from the fifth and final Test in Sydney, but what baffled everyone was his name missing from the official team sheet for the series decider. Even though the names of the reserve players were mentioned on the team sheet, Rohit’s was missing, raising speculations of him cutting ties with the longest format. Ahead of the fifth Test at the iconic SCG, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and not Rohit, attended the pre-game presser. Upon being asked about Rohit’s chances of retaining his place despite horrible form, Gambhir remained tight-lipped. Instead, he gave an unconvincing reply, saying the final XI would be decided after looking at the pitch. That fuelled speculations of Rohit not making it to the XI for the series decider, which, with the stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah walking out with the captain’s blazer on during the coin toss, became a reality. Also read | BGT - 'He's dropped but...,' Taylor on Rohit’s absence from SCG Test Bumrah revealed Rohit ‘opted out’ of the fifth Test considering his form, for which he called him a ‘true leader’. "Obviously, our captain [Rohit Sharma] has shown his leadership as well. He's opted to rest in this game. So, that shows that there's a lot of unity in our team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest, we're looking to do that," Bumrah said at the toss. ‘No Rohit on team sheet’ Never before in Indian cricket did a serving captain bench himself. A captain’s name missing from the team sheet never happened either, though seamer Akash Deep’s name was also not there (he's out of the SCG tie with an injury). Rohit Sharma hasn’t stepped out with the rest of the squad & his name no longer appears in the squad list either. A different meaning to “opted to rest” perhaps #AusvInd pic.twitter.com/yRb203Rmni — Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 2, 2025 Should Rohit decide to call time on his Test career, he would become the second Indian player after ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to retire from Tests during the BGT 2024-25. Ashwin announced his shock decision to step aside after the third Test at the Gabba, which ended in a draw. India is in shambles, again The Indian Team failed to live up to the hype, getting out under 200 for the nth time in this series. Batting first after winning the toss, India got all out on 185, with Rishabh Pant being the highest scorer (40). Scott Boland picked four wickets for Australia, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Pant and Nitish Reddy. At stumps on day one, the hosts lost opener Usman Khawaja, with their scorecard reading 9/1 in three overs. (With inputs from agencies)

SHOCKING! Rohit Sharma’s name missing from official team sheet for SCG Test

Rohit Sharma opted out of the fifth and final Test, of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), between India and Australia, which got underway at the SCG, Sydney, on Friday (Jan 3). The Indian captain was 'rested' amid criticism for his poor form in the series Down Under. With Hitman opting out, former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar made a bold claim, saying 'he has played his last Test'.
<h2>'To me, it looks that the Melbourne Test would be Rohit Sharma's last'</h2>
Gavaskar said on Star Sports, "I think what it probably means is that India don't qualify for the World Test Championship final. To me, it looks that the Melbourne Test would be Rohit Sharma's last game. The new cycle of the World Test Championship will start from the England series, so they will look to have somebody who will be available for 2027 final. Whether India gets to the final or not is another matter, but I think that's what the selection committee will do. Therefore maybe we've probably seen Rohit Sharma for the last time in Test cricket."
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<div class="recommended__story">Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ravi-shastri-expects-rested-rohit-sharma-to-take-call-on-test-career-post-bgt-final-at-scg-8587014" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT: Shastri expects Rohit to take call on Test career after SCG game</a></div>
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"At the end of the day he's also part of the selection committee. What happens in Indian cricket is there is a selection committee which chooses the squad to go to travel overseas. Then when you come overseas, the captain, the coach, and I think if there's one selector, they generally form the selection committee. I believe the chairman of the selection committee, Ajit Agarar here in town, so he would have been part of the call that was taken. Maybe some of the senior players in the team would have been asked," Gavaskar further added.
Rohit has had a poor run in the five-match series in Australia.
He missed the BGT 2024-25 series opener, which India won in Perth under vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah.
Since he came back, things went downhill for the visitors. Rohit was criticised for his captaincy calls and scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the series. In 2024, he ended with 619 runs in Tests, at an average of 24.76.&nbsp;
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri also opined on Rohit.
He said on Star Sports, "If there was a home season coming up, he might have thought of carrying on, but I think he might just pull the plug at the end of this Test. He's not getting younger, he's 38 years of age. It's not that India don't have youngsters, there are some very, very good players in the wings, and it's time to build. It's a tough decision, but there's a time for everything."
In 67 Tests, Rohit has 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 with 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries under his belt.
Talking about the ongoing BGT, Bumrah is leading India in the series finale with the visitors trailing 2-1 with a need of a win to end the series at 2-2.
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Cricket | Sports | Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Rohit Sharma has played his last Test in Melbourne - Sunil Gavaskar's BOLD claim during Day 1 of SCG encounter 

Rohit Sharma opted out of the fifth and final Test, of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), between India and Australia, which got underway at the SCG, Sydney, on Friday (Jan 3). The Indian captain was 'rested' amid criticism for his poor form in the series Down Under. With Hitman opting out, former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar made a bold claim, saying 'he has played his last Test'. 'To me, it looks that the Melbourne Test would be Rohit Sharma's last' Gavaskar said on Star Sports, "I think what it probably means is that India don't qualify for the World Test Championship final. To me, it looks that the Melbourne Test would be Rohit Sharma's last game. The new cycle of the World Test Championship will start from the England series, so they will look to have somebody who will be available for 2027 final. Whether India gets to the final or not is another matter, but I think that's what the selection committee will do. Therefore maybe we've probably seen Rohit Sharma for the last time in Test cricket." Also read: BGT: Shastri expects Rohit to take call on Test career after SCG game "At the end of the day he's also part of the selection committee. What happens in Indian cricket is there is a selection committee which chooses the squad to go to travel overseas. Then when you come overseas, the captain, the coach, and I think if there's one selector, they generally form the selection committee. I believe the chairman of the selection committee, Ajit Agarar here in town, so he would have been part of the call that was taken. Maybe some of the senior players in the team would have been asked," Gavaskar further added. Rohit has had a poor run in the five-match series in Australia. He missed the BGT 2024-25 series opener, which India won in Perth under vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah. Since he came back, things went downhill for the visitors. Rohit was criticised for his captaincy calls and scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the series. In 2024, he ended with 619 runs in Tests, at an average of 24.76. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri also opined on Rohit. He said on Star Sports, "If there was a home season coming up, he might have thought of carrying on, but I think he might just pull the plug at the end of this Test. He's not getting younger, he's 38 years of age. It's not that India don't have youngsters, there are some very, very good players in the wings, and it's time to build. It's a tough decision, but there's a time for everything." In 67 Tests, Rohit has 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 with 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries under his belt. Talking about the ongoing BGT, Bumrah is leading India in the series finale with the visitors trailing 2-1 with a need of a win to end the series at 2-2.

BGT: Rohit Sharma has played his last Test in Melbourne - Sunil Gavaskar's BOLD claim

Former Australia captain Mark Taylor doesn&rsquo;t feel that Rohit Sharma is &lsquo;rested&rsquo; from the series decider at the SCG, something the stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah revealed at the coin toss, instead claimed that the management dropped him from the playing XI.
Before the start of the fifth and final BGT Test on January 3, several media reports had indicated Rohit&rsquo;s exclusion from the Sydney tie, which became a reality on the game day.
Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir attended the pre-game presser on Thursday (Dec 2), remaining tight-lipped on Rohit&rsquo;s selection stance following the dressing room leak drama.
When asked if Rohit will be part of the playing XI for the SCG Test, Gautam said the management will finalise the team after looking at the pitch ahead of day one and that everything is fine between the two.
&ldquo;Everything is fine with Rohit and I don&rsquo;t think it&rsquo;s (the captain&rsquo;s presence at the press conference) anything traditional. The head coach is here and that should be fine,&rdquo; Gambhir told the media ahead of the SCG Test.
That, however, fuelled the speculations of Rohit nearing the end of his Test career, with Bumrah walking towards the pitch with the captain&rsquo;s blazer on day one, asserted it.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ravi-shastri-expects-rested-rohit-sharma-to-take-call-on-test-career-post-bgt-final-at-scg-8587014" rel="dofollow">BGT: Shastri expects Rohit to take call on Test career after SCG game</a>
Speaking on the same lines on the sidelines of the ongoing Test, Taylor said the captain never opts out, at least when the series is on the line, adding Rohit is dropped but not forever.
&ldquo;The bottom line is, the captain of a country does not opt out for the final test match, the final deciding test match of a series,&rdquo; Mark Taylor said on Triple M, as quoted by the Indian Express. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s... no doubt, he&rsquo;s been dropped. And I don&rsquo;t know why they just don&rsquo;t say he&rsquo;s been dropped.
&ldquo;It doesn&rsquo;t mean he&rsquo;s dropped forever. It means he&rsquo;s missing this test match because he&rsquo;s been out of form.&nbsp;
&ldquo;That&rsquo;s not a crime. That&rsquo;s unfortunately professional sport, and that&rsquo;s what&rsquo;s happened,&rdquo; Taylor continued.
Watch Video -
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Rohit Sharma has... chosen to rest? 🤔 Mark Taylor: "He's been dropped and I don't know why they don't just say he's been dropped."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/SHfHCuJwcn">pic.twitter.com/SHfHCuJwcn</a>
&mdash; Triple M Cricket (@triplemcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/triplemcricket/status/1874965839436497115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Bumrah lauds Rohit for being a &lsquo;leader&rsquo;</h2>
Rohit&rsquo;s form has put him under scrutiny in the Test side.
Having missed the BGT opener in Perth due to personal reasons, Rohit returned to the side for the second Test in Adelaide, but in the middle order.
That move did no good to either Rohit or the team, as India conceded the 1-0 lead with a 10-wicket loss in the Pink-Ball Test.
While regular interruptions forced a draw in the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, India lost the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, trailing by 1-2 in the five-match series. This was India's first loss at MCG in a test against Australia since 2011.
Rohit, who opened at the &lsquo;G&rsquo;, failed miserably with the bat, scoring less than 10 across two outings.&nbsp;
However, knowing he hasn&rsquo;t justified his place in the team, Rohit opted out of the SCG Test, a move the stand-in skipper Bumrah lauds Rohit for.
"Obviously, our captain [Rohit Sharma] has shown his leadership as well. He's opted to rest in this game. So, that shows that there's a lot of unity in our team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest, we're looking to do that," Bumrah said at the toss.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Before the fifth and final BGT Test on January 3, several media reports predicted Rohit’s exclusion from the Sydney tie, which became a reality on the game day.

Former Australia captain Mark Taylor doesn’t feel that Rohit Sharma is ‘rested’ from the series decider at the SCG, something the stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah revealed at the coin toss, instead claimed that the management dropped him from the playing XI. Before the start of the fifth and final BGT Test on January 3, several media reports had indicated Rohit’s exclusion from the Sydney tie, which became a reality on the game day. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir attended the pre-game presser on Thursday (Dec 2), remaining tight-lipped on Rohit’s selection stance following the dressing room leak drama. When asked if Rohit will be part of the playing XI for the SCG Test, Gautam said the management will finalise the team after looking at the pitch ahead of day one and that everything is fine between the two. “Everything is fine with Rohit and I don’t think it’s (the captain’s presence at the press conference) anything traditional. The head coach is here and that should be fine,” Gambhir told the media ahead of the SCG Test. That, however, fuelled the speculations of Rohit nearing the end of his Test career, with Bumrah walking towards the pitch with the captain’s blazer on day one, asserted it. Also read | BGT: Shastri expects Rohit to take call on Test career after SCG game Speaking on the same lines on the sidelines of the ongoing Test, Taylor said the captain never opts out, at least when the series is on the line, adding Rohit is dropped but not forever. “The bottom line is, the captain of a country does not opt out for the final test match, the final deciding test match of a series,” Mark Taylor said on Triple M, as quoted by the Indian Express. “He’s... no doubt, he’s been dropped. And I don’t know why they just don’t say he’s been dropped. “It doesn’t mean he’s dropped forever. It means he’s missing this test match because he’s been out of form. “That’s not a crime. That’s unfortunately professional sport, and that’s what’s happened,” Taylor continued. Watch Video - Rohit Sharma has... chosen to rest? 🤔 Mark Taylor: "He's been dropped and I don't know why they don't just say he's been dropped."#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/SHfHCuJwcn — Triple M Cricket (@triplemcricket) January 2, 2025 Bumrah lauds Rohit for being a ‘leader’ Rohit’s form has put him under scrutiny in the Test side. Having missed the BGT opener in Perth due to personal reasons, Rohit returned to the side for the second Test in Adelaide, but in the middle order. That move did no good to either Rohit or the team, as India conceded the 1-0 lead with a 10-wicket loss in the Pink-Ball Test. While regular interruptions forced a draw in the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, India lost the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, trailing by 1-2 in the five-match series. This was India's first loss at MCG in a test against Australia since 2011. Rohit, who opened at the ‘G’, failed miserably with the bat, scoring less than 10 across two outings. However, knowing he hasn’t justified his place in the team, Rohit opted out of the SCG Test, a move the stand-in skipper Bumrah lauds Rohit for. "Obviously, our captain [Rohit Sharma] has shown his leadership as well. He's opted to rest in this game. So, that shows that there's a lot of unity in our team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest, we're looking to do that," Bumrah said at the toss. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT - 'He's dropped but...,' Taylor on Rohit’s absence from SCG Test

Former India coach Ravi Shastri said Friday he expected skipper Rohit Sharma to "pull the plug" on his red-ball career after being left out of the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney. The 37-year-old opener has had a poor series and the writing was on the wall when he failed to show up for India's eve-of-match press conference.<o:p></o:p>
Coach Gautam Gambhir instead fronted the media and declined to throw his support behind him.<o:p></o:p>
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-rohit-sharma-less-india-lose-virat-kohli-early-as-top-order-struggle-continues-in-scg-test-8586979" rel="dofollow">BGT: Rohit-less India struggle at SCG; lose 4 wickets early on day 1</a>
Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah insisted at the coin toss on Friday that Rohit had &lsquo;opted to rest&rsquo; for the good of the team rather than being forced out. But Shastri suspects it is the end of Rohit's 67-Test career, predicting a retirement announcement after the game.<o:p></o:p>
"It still is a brave call for a captain to own up and say, 'I'm prepared to take the bench in this game,'" Shastri said while commentating on Fox Sports. "If there was a home season coming up he might've thought of carrying on, but I think he might just pull the plug at the end of this Test.<o:p></o:p>
"It's not that India don't have youngsters. There are very, very good players in the wings and it's time to build.<o:p></o:p>
"Tough decisions, but there is a time for everything."<o:p></o:p>
Rohit quit T20 international cricket last year after lifting the World Cup, but is yet to call time on his ODI career.<o:p></o:p>
He missed the first Test in Perth for the birth of his second child and has not looked fully engaged since, failing to get past 10 runs in any of his five innings.<o:p></o:p>
His recent form comes on the back of a similarly poor return during India's 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand during October-November.<o:p></o:p>
"Our captain has shown his leadership, he's opted to rest in this game," Bumrah said at the toss. "So, that shows there's a lot of unity in our team, there's no selfishness, whatever is in the team's best interest, we are looking to do that."<o:p></o:p>
Should Rohit call it quits, it would be the second retirement of the tour with off-spinning great Ravichandran Ashwin heading home after the third Test at the Gabba.<o:p></o:p>
Ashwin was not selected for Brisbane, which appeared to be the final straw for the 38-year-old.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Rohit Sharma missed the first Test in Perth for the birth of his second child and has not looked fully engaged since, failing to get past 10 runs in any of his five innings.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri said Friday he expected skipper Rohit Sharma to "pull the plug" on his red-ball career after being left out of the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney. The 37-year-old opener has had a poor series and the writing was on the wall when he failed to show up for India's eve-of-match press conference. Coach Gautam Gambhir instead fronted the media and declined to throw his support behind him. Also read | BGT: Rohit-less India struggle at SCG; lose 4 wickets early on day 1 Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah insisted at the coin toss on Friday that Rohit had ‘opted to rest’ for the good of the team rather than being forced out. But Shastri suspects it is the end of Rohit's 67-Test career, predicting a retirement announcement after the game. "It still is a brave call for a captain to own up and say, 'I'm prepared to take the bench in this game,'" Shastri said while commentating on Fox Sports. "If there was a home season coming up he might've thought of carrying on, but I think he might just pull the plug at the end of this Test. "It's not that India don't have youngsters. There are very, very good players in the wings and it's time to build. "Tough decisions, but there is a time for everything." Rohit quit T20 international cricket last year after lifting the World Cup, but is yet to call time on his ODI career. He missed the first Test in Perth for the birth of his second child and has not looked fully engaged since, failing to get past 10 runs in any of his five innings. His recent form comes on the back of a similarly poor return during India's 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand during October-November. "Our captain has shown his leadership, he's opted to rest in this game," Bumrah said at the toss. "So, that shows there's a lot of unity in our team, there's no selfishness, whatever is in the team's best interest, we are looking to do that." Should Rohit call it quits, it would be the second retirement of the tour with off-spinning great Ravichandran Ashwin heading home after the third Test at the Gabba. Ashwin was not selected for Brisbane, which appeared to be the final straw for the 38-year-old. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

BGT: Shastri expects Rohit to take call on Test career after SCG game

Rohit Sharma opted out of the Sydney Test as ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah captained India in the BGT finale, deciding to bat first after winning the toss. Bumrah walking down for the toss cleared the air on Rohit&rsquo;s absence from the last match of the series following days of drama surrounding dressing room leaks. However, the story remained the same in 2025, as India&rsquo;s top order struggled, with four players back in the hut, including star batter Virat Kohli, caught in the second slip.
Shubman Gill returned to the side replacing Rohit but failed to leave any mark, getting out on the last ball before lunch on day one to Nathan Lyon.
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Nathan Lyon gets a wicket on the last ball before lunch 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/B5nfTtBvem">pic.twitter.com/B5nfTtBvem</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1874993122607788258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
Earlier, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal &ndash; the two openers made mediocre starts, with Mitchell Starc accounting for Rahul, caught at the square leg for just four. Seamer Scott Boland removed in-form Jaiswal a couple of overs later on 10. India&rsquo;s scorecard read 17 for two at that stage.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/border-gavaskar-trophy-bgt-gautam-gambhir-reacts-to-reports-of-indian-dressing-room-leaks-ahead-of-scg-test-says-this-8584659" rel="dofollow">BGT: Gautam Gambhir reacts to reports of Indian dressing room leaks, says THIS</a>
That, however, could have been 17 for three the next ball had the third umpire overturned the on-field decision on Virat Kohli.&nbsp;
The Indian batter edged one to Steve Smith in the second slip (on his first ball), only for him to try to grab it by putting his hands underneath and later scooping it in the air for the gully to jump in and complete the catch. Though it looked out with the naked eye, the decision was referred to the third umpire, Joel Wilson, who, with less evidence going against Kohli, adjudged it not out.
Smith stood his ground, admitting to claim the catch cleanly and showing no dissent against the umpire&rsquo;s decision.&nbsp;
<h3>Watch Video &ndash;</h3>
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"100%. No denying it whatsoever." Steve Smith weighs in on whether he got his hand underneath the ball in the biggest moment of the morning. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/bqIy8iGIRm">pic.twitter.com/bqIy8iGIRm</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1874994592967176496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Kohli out in the slips</h2>
Kohli has been a pale shadow of himself since his Perth hundred in the BGT opener, more so for getting out similarly across almost all innings. Even in the final Test of the series, where the onus was on him in Rohit&rsquo;s absence, Kohli edged one to the second slip off Boland for the debutant Beau Webster to collect a sensational catch.
The left-handed pair of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja copped a few blows, with the Australian attack continuing to pile pressure. All bowlers, including spinner Lyon, looked effective early on day one.
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Rishabh Pant took a number of heavy hits to the body.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/TdyJ1qhm9C">pic.twitter.com/TdyJ1qhm9C</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875019635822559412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
India is 107/4 at tea on day one.&nbsp;&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

BGT test series at SCG: The story remained the same in 2025, as India's top-order struggled early on day one of the SCG Test, including star batter Virat Kohli, who got out on 17. 

Rohit Sharma opted out of the Sydney Test as ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah captained India in the BGT finale, deciding to bat first after winning the toss. Bumrah walking down for the toss cleared the air on Rohit’s absence from the last match of the series following days of drama surrounding dressing room leaks. However, the story remained the same in 2025, as India’s top order struggled, with four players back in the hut, including star batter Virat Kohli, caught in the second slip. Shubman Gill returned to the side replacing Rohit but failed to leave any mark, getting out on the last ball before lunch on day one to Nathan Lyon. Nathan Lyon gets a wicket on the last ball before lunch 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/B5nfTtBvem — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 Earlier, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal – the two openers made mediocre starts, with Mitchell Starc accounting for Rahul, caught at the square leg for just four. Seamer Scott Boland removed in-form Jaiswal a couple of overs later on 10. India’s scorecard read 17 for two at that stage. Also read | BGT: Gautam Gambhir reacts to reports of Indian dressing room leaks, says THIS That, however, could have been 17 for three the next ball had the third umpire overturned the on-field decision on Virat Kohli. The Indian batter edged one to Steve Smith in the second slip (on his first ball), only for him to try to grab it by putting his hands underneath and later scooping it in the air for the gully to jump in and complete the catch. Though it looked out with the naked eye, the decision was referred to the third umpire, Joel Wilson, who, with less evidence going against Kohli, adjudged it not out. Smith stood his ground, admitting to claim the catch cleanly and showing no dissent against the umpire’s decision. Watch Video – "100%. No denying it whatsoever." Steve Smith weighs in on whether he got his hand underneath the ball in the biggest moment of the morning. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/bqIy8iGIRm — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 Kohli out in the slips Kohli has been a pale shadow of himself since his Perth hundred in the BGT opener, more so for getting out similarly across almost all innings. Even in the final Test of the series, where the onus was on him in Rohit’s absence, Kohli edged one to the second slip off Boland for the debutant Beau Webster to collect a sensational catch. The left-handed pair of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja copped a few blows, with the Australian attack continuing to pile pressure. All bowlers, including spinner Lyon, looked effective early on day one. Rishabh Pant took a number of heavy hits to the body.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/TdyJ1qhm9C — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 India is 107/4 at tea on day one. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Rohit-less India struggle at SCG; lose 4 wickets early on day 1

Ahead of the India-Australia SCG Test, in Sydney, reports of rift in the Indian camp started doing the rounds. It was said that coach Gautam Gambhir slammed the players after India conceded an unassailable 2-1 lead to Australia in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) and lashed out at them for playing their natural game and not adapting to match situations. In addition, it claimed that captain Rohit Sharma and Gambhir are not on the same page on team selection.
Prior to the SCG Test, head coach Gambhir attended the pre-match presser and slammed all such reports, saying they are just rumours and 'not the truth'.
<h2>'I don't think I need to answer any reports'</h2>
Gambhir stated, "Those are just reports. That's not the truth. I don't think I need to answer any reports. There were some honest words, that is what I can say. Honesty is very important. Honesty is extremely important if you want to go and achieve great things."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/border-gavaskar-trophy-2024-25-will-rohit-sharma-play-the-scg-test-in-sydney-gautam-gambhir-reacts-8584208" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">SCG Test: Will Rohit Sharma play the series finale? Gautam Gambhir reacts</a>
The former Indian opener also reaffirmed the need for unity within the squad, saying, "Team first. It's a team game, and everyone understands this. Debates between a player and a coach should stay between them. Any conversations in the dressing room should stay in the dressing room."
There have been reports of Rohit likely to sit out of the India XI for the Sydney Test, due to his poor run with the bat in the ongoing series in Australia. However, Gambhir remained non-committal to the team combination for the series finale Down Under, with India needing a win for a 2-2 scoreline.
India won the series opener, in Perth, but lost the day-night Test, in Adelaide, and the Boxing Day encounter, at the MCG in Melbourne, whereas the third Test, in Brisbane, ended in a draw.

Cricket, Sports | Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Gautam Gambhir reacts to reports of Indian dressing room leaks ahead of SCG Test, says THIS

Ahead of the India-Australia SCG Test, in Sydney, reports of rift in the Indian camp started doing the rounds. It was said that coach Gautam Gambhir slammed the players after India conceded an unassailable 2-1 lead to Australia in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) and lashed out at them for playing their natural game and not adapting to match situations. In addition, it claimed that captain Rohit Sharma and Gambhir are not on the same page on team selection. Prior to the SCG Test, head coach Gambhir attended the pre-match presser and slammed all such reports, saying they are just rumours and 'not the truth'. 'I don't think I need to answer any reports' Gambhir stated, "Those are just reports. That's not the truth. I don't think I need to answer any reports. There were some honest words, that is what I can say. Honesty is very important. Honesty is extremely important if you want to go and achieve great things." Also read: SCG Test: Will Rohit Sharma play the series finale? Gautam Gambhir reacts The former Indian opener also reaffirmed the need for unity within the squad, saying, "Team first. It's a team game, and everyone understands this. Debates between a player and a coach should stay between them. Any conversations in the dressing room should stay in the dressing room." There have been reports of Rohit likely to sit out of the India XI for the Sydney Test, due to his poor run with the bat in the ongoing series in Australia. However, Gambhir remained non-committal to the team combination for the series finale Down Under, with India needing a win for a 2-2 scoreline. India won the series opener, in Perth, but lost the day-night Test, in Adelaide, and the Boxing Day encounter, at the MCG in Melbourne, whereas the third Test, in Brisbane, ended in a draw.

BGT: Gautam Gambhir reacts to reports of Indian dressing room leaks, says THIS

Australia announced their playing XI for the fifth and final Test versus India, at the SCG in Sydney, on Thursday (Jan 2). Ahead of the New Year's Test, which is also the series decider of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Mitchell Starc has been declared fit whereas debutant Beau Webster replaces a struggling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh.
Speaking to the press ahead of the SCG Test, Australia skipper Pat Cummins revealed that it was the selectors' call to drop Marsh, who has fared poorly with both bat and ball in the five-match series in Australia. He said, "Mitchy (Marsh) obviously hasn't quite got the runs, and perhaps wickets this series. So we felt like it was time for a freshen up and Beau's been great," Cummins said.
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"It's a shame for Mitchy, because we know how much he brings to the team, but feel like now it's a good week for Beau to get a chance," he added.
Webster has done remarkably well in the domestic circuit. He ended as the highest scorer in the Shield last season with 938 runs and during a recent one-day match against Western Australia, the all-rounder claimed six wickets for 17 runs.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gautam-gambhirs-position-as-head-coach-not-safe-after-india-close-2024-with-mcg-defeat-report-8583356" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Gautam Gambhir's position as head coach not safe after India close 2024 with MCG defeat: Report</a>
Regarding Starc, the wily pacer battled pain and bowled in the second innings of the fourth and penultimate Test, at the MCG, Melbourne, sending down 16 overs without any compromise on pace. With him fit, the hosts will be confident of ending the series with a 3-1 scoreline.
Australia beat India by 184 runs in the Boxing Day Test, in Melbourne, to take an unassailable 2-1 lead. They now aim to regain the BGT for the first time since 2014-15 with a win in Sydney.
Australia XI for New Year's Test vs India
Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.

Cricket, Sports | Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Mitchell Starc declared fit, Mitchell Marsh dropped as Australia name playing XI for Sydney Test versus India

Australia announced their playing XI for the fifth and final Test versus India, at the SCG in Sydney, on Thursday (Jan 2). Ahead of the New Year's Test, which is also the series decider of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Mitchell Starc has been declared fit whereas debutant Beau Webster replaces a struggling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. Speaking to the press ahead of the SCG Test, Australia skipper Pat Cummins revealed that it was the selectors' call to drop Marsh, who has fared poorly with both bat and ball in the five-match series in Australia. He said, "Mitchy (Marsh) obviously hasn't quite got the runs, and perhaps wickets this series. So we felt like it was time for a freshen up and Beau's been great," Cummins said. "It's a shame for Mitchy, because we know how much he brings to the team, but feel like now it's a good week for Beau to get a chance," he added. Webster has done remarkably well in the domestic circuit. He ended as the highest scorer in the Shield last season with 938 runs and during a recent one-day match against Western Australia, the all-rounder claimed six wickets for 17 runs. Also read: Gautam Gambhir's position as head coach not safe after India close 2024 with MCG defeat: Report Regarding Starc, the wily pacer battled pain and bowled in the second innings of the fourth and penultimate Test, at the MCG, Melbourne, sending down 16 overs without any compromise on pace. With him fit, the hosts will be confident of ending the series with a 3-1 scoreline. Australia beat India by 184 runs in the Boxing Day Test, in Melbourne, to take an unassailable 2-1 lead. They now aim to regain the BGT for the first time since 2014-15 with a win in Sydney. Australia XI for New Year's Test vs India Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.

BGT: Mitchell Starc declared fit, debutant replaces Mitchell Marsh as Australia name playing XI for SCG Test

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