<p>MS Dhoni remains a big name in world cricket. The former Indian captain had an illustrious career at the international level, amassing 17,266 runs, scoring 16 tons, claiming 634 catches and 195 stumpings, hitting 359 sixes along with leading India to all three major ICC titles during his captaincy tenure. While the wicketkeeper-batter was known for his calmness, captaincy, keeping and power-hitting skills, he was also known to be an asset behind the stumps; helping bowlers plot the downfall of opposition batters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In this regard, former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha hailed Dhoni and revealed how he made life easier for the bowlers.&nbsp;"I think he used to make things very simple. If you see all the spinners who have played along with him or under him, they used to enjoy his advice. He used to make things very easy for us. As a bowler, you have to think about your own bowling, felding, you have to think about the batsman, you have to think about the conditions," he&nbsp;told&nbsp;<em>Hindustan Times&nbsp;</em>in an interview.</p>

<p>"But he was one who used to take one part out of your system, like the field placement or maybe how the wicket is behaving. These are the things which he would help you out with. That is the reason why it was less of a burden on a bowler, and that is what I enjoyed," Ojha asserted.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-auction-team-india-captain-harmanpreet-kaur-joins-mumbai-indians-for-inr-18-crores-561480">WPL Auction: Team India captain Harmanpreet Kaur joins Mumbai Indians for INR 1.8 crores</a></strong></p>

<p>The 36-year-old Ojha, who represented India in 24 Tests, 18 ODIs, and six T20Is, also revealed that Dhoni's best quality was that he used to ensure that his teammates were not under any pressure.&nbsp; "I think the best part was the way he used to make sure that the pressure doesn't come to us. That is something that really helped me. That is something I make sure that when a young person is playing, I make sure the pressure doesn't mount on him. That is something that really helps you", Ojha added.</p>

<p>Dhoni will next be seen in action in IPL 2023, where he will once again lead the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). It is expected to be his last season in the cash-rich league and will be desperate to guide his side to their fifth title.&nbsp;</p>


MS Dhoni remains a big name in world cricket. The former Indian captain had an illustrious career at the international level, amassing 17,266 runs, scoring 16 tons, claiming 634 catches and 195 stumpings, hitting 359 sixes along with leading India to all three major ICC titles during his captaincy tenure.

MS Dhoni remains a big name in world cricket. The former Indian captain had an illustrious career at the international level, amassing 17,266 runs, scoring 16 tons, claiming 634 catches and 195 stumpings, hitting 359 sixes along with leading India to all three major ICC titles during his captaincy tenure. While the wicketkeeper-batter was known for his calmness, captaincy, keeping and power-hitting skills, he was also known to be an asset behind the stumps; helping bowlers plot the downfall of opposition batters. In this regard, former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha hailed Dhoni and revealed how he made life easier for the bowlers. "I think he used to make things very simple. If you see all the spinners who have played along with him or under him, they used to enjoy his advice. He used to make things very easy for us. As a bowler, you have to think about your own bowling, felding, you have to think about the batsman, you have to think about the conditions," he told Hindustan Times in an interview. "But he was one who used to take one part out of your system, like the field placement or maybe how the wicket is behaving. These are the things which he would help you out with. That is the reason why it was less of a burden on a bowler, and that is what I enjoyed," Ojha asserted. Also Read: WPL Auction: Team India captain Harmanpreet Kaur joins Mumbai Indians for INR 1.8 crores The 36-year-old Ojha, who represented India in 24 Tests, 18 ODIs, and six T20Is, also revealed that Dhoni's best quality was that he used to ensure that his teammates were not under any pressure. "I think the best part was the way he used to make sure that the pressure doesn't come to us. That is something that really helped me. That is something I make sure that when a young person is playing, I make sure the pressure doesn't mount on him. That is something that really helps you", Ojha added. Dhoni will next be seen in action in IPL 2023, where he will once again lead the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). It is expected to be his last season in the cash-rich league and will be desperate to guide his side to their fifth title.

'He used to...': Former Indian spinner on how MS Dhoni helped bowlers from behind the stumps

<p>India had a flawless start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by dominating Day 1 of the Nagpur Test on Thursday (February 09). Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. dismissed Pat Cummins-led Australia for a paltry 177 riding on Ravindra Jadeja's five-fer before the hosts went to stumps at 77 for 1, with captain Rohit unbeaten on fifty-plus.</p>

<p>Rohit and KL Rahul stitched an impressive 76-run opening stand but the latter was dismissed for 20 off debutant Todd Murphy as India lost a wicket before end of day's play. With Rahul failing to touch the 50-run mark in his last eight innings, many were left disappointed with his departure as he missed another opportunity to get a big score.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh feels Rahul should've adopted a more aggressive approach. Speaking on his official Youtube channel, Bhajji said, "KL Rahul would be disappointed as he was taking more time. I believe if he could have kept an attacking approach then he could have scored more. I hope in the second innings if he gets the chance to bat, he will score some runs for his own confidence."</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-test-team-india-clear-the-air-inform-match-referee-ravindra-jadeja-used-pain-relief-cream-on-finger-560499"><strong>1st Test: Team India clear the air, inform match referee Ravindra Jadeja used pain-relief cream on finger</strong></a></p>

<p>Commenting on the match, Harbhajan stated, "I am hoping that India scores 300-350 on this pitch. Captain Rohit Sharma started a great inning (and) is not out with more than 50 runs. If he plays the entire first session then there will be expectations for a century."</p>

<p>"If India scores anywhere near 350 then I doubt Australia will be able to score more than 200 in the second innings. The more you bowl on this pitch, the more it will spin. If it spins then Australia will surrender against India's three spinners," he asserted.</p>

<p>At present, the match is interestingly poised. Australia have chipped in with regular wickets on Day 2, on Friday (February 10), to not let India run away with the game. Rohit's century has taken India to the lead but they have only five wickets in hand. Hence, he needs to bat for long to ensure his side a healthy lead in the contest.</p>


India had a flawless start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by dominating Day 1 of the Nagpur Test on Thursday (February 09). Rohit Sharma & Co. dismissed Pat Cummins-led Australia for a paltry 177 riding on Ravindra Jadeja's five-fer before the hosts went to stumps at 77 for 1, with captain Rohit unbeaten on fifty-plus.

India had a flawless start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by dominating Day 1 of the Nagpur Test on Thursday (February 09). Rohit Sharma & Co. dismissed Pat Cummins-led Australia for a paltry 177 riding on Ravindra Jadeja's five-fer before the hosts went to stumps at 77 for 1, with captain Rohit unbeaten on fifty-plus. Rohit and KL Rahul stitched an impressive 76-run opening stand but the latter was dismissed for 20 off debutant Todd Murphy as India lost a wicket before end of day's play. With Rahul failing to touch the 50-run mark in his last eight innings, many were left disappointed with his departure as he missed another opportunity to get a big score. Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh feels Rahul should've adopted a more aggressive approach. Speaking on his official Youtube channel, Bhajji said, "KL Rahul would be disappointed as he was taking more time. I believe if he could have kept an attacking approach then he could have scored more. I hope in the second innings if he gets the chance to bat, he will score some runs for his own confidence." Also Read: 1st Test: Team India clear the air, inform match referee Ravindra Jadeja used pain-relief cream on finger Commenting on the match, Harbhajan stated, "I am hoping that India scores 300-350 on this pitch. Captain Rohit Sharma started a great inning (and) is not out with more than 50 runs. If he plays the entire first session then there will be expectations for a century." "If India scores anywhere near 350 then I doubt Australia will be able to score more than 200 in the second innings. The more you bowl on this pitch, the more it will spin. If it spins then Australia will surrender against India's three spinners," he asserted. At present, the match is interestingly poised. Australia have chipped in with regular wickets on Day 2, on Friday (February 10), to not let India run away with the game. Rohit's century has taken India to the lead but they have only five wickets in hand. Hence, he needs to bat for long to ensure his side a healthy lead in the contest.

'KL Rahul could've scored more runs with...': Harbhajan on Indian opener's failure on Day 1 of Nagpur Test

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<p>Former Indian cricketer Murali Vijay was not an impressed man after commentator Sanjay Manjrekar made some comments on air. Manjrekar was shocked to find Vijay at the top of the list of the 'best conversion rate for Indian batters in India'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Manjrekar made the comment on air, an exasperated Vijay showed his disappointment and tweeted, 'Surprised wow', whilst tagging the former Indian batter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sanjay Manjrekar was surprised to see Murali Vijay on top of the list of conversion rates and mentioned it in the comms. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/eclG9XHNet">https://t.co/eclG9XHNet</a> <a href="https://t.co/V24BMQkrlA">pic.twitter.com/V24BMQkrlA</a></p>
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/HitmanCricket/status/1623901094610100227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In another tweet, Vijay increased the intensity of the dig by stating, "Some Mumbai ex players can never be appreciative of the south ! #showsomelove #equality #fairplayforall @sanjaymanjrekar @BCCI"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sanjaymanjrekar</a> Surprised wow</p>
— Murali Vijay (@mvj888) <a href="https://twitter.com/mvj888/status/1623898347412279296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Some Mumbai ex players can never be appreciative of the south ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/showsomelove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#showsomelove</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/equality?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#equality</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fairplayforall?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fairplayforall</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sanjaymanjrekar</a><a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a></p>
— Murali Vijay (@mvj888) <a href="https://twitter.com/mvj888/status/1623905280013799424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-1st-test-day-2-rohit-jadeja-axar-ensure-india-wrests-control-murphy-bags-five-on-debut-560653" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Ind vs Aus, 1st Test, Day 2: Rohit, Jadeja, Axar ensure India wrests control, Murphy bags five on debut</strong></a></p>

<p>Ex-Indian leg spinner and commentator Laxman Sivaramakrishnan also came to Vijay's corner and asked Manjrekar the reason for the surprise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Why surprised Sanjay Manjrekar? There was a time when Vijay and Pujara had the highest partnership average for the top order. Interesting comment," Sivaramakrishnan tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the controversy seemingly boiled on the online platforms, Manjrekar sought to diffuse the situation. He&nbsp;brought up the 'conversion stat' once again and this time heaped praise on Vijay.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He (Rohit) is No. 2 now with eight hundreds when it comes to conversion rates at home. It is a good thing that Murali Vijay is in that list because we tend to forget the contributions that people like him make. 12 Test hundreds – nine out of them at home and a brilliant conversion rate right at the top," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/done-with-bcci-out-of-favour-opener-takes-a-dig-at-board-as-he-looks-out-for-opportunities-abroad-552586"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;'Done with BCCI', out-of-favour opener takes a dig at board as he looks out for opportunities abroad</strong></a></p>

<p>At his peak, Vijay was pinned as one of the certainties in the Indian Test XI.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>However, after he fell out of favour with BCCI and the team management following a string of low scores, the Indian side moved past him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Left out without proper communication, Vijay, last month, announced his retirement from international cricket by penning down a 'thank you' note for all those who were part of his journey.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-opener-murali-vijay-retires-from-international-cricket-pays-gratitude-in-thank-you-note-557238"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;India opener Murali Vijay retires from international cricket, pays gratitude in 'Thank You' note</strong></a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Former Indian cricketer Murali Vijay was not an impressed man after commentator Sanjay Manjrekar made some comments on air. Manjrekar was shocked to find Vijay at the top of the list of the 'best conversion rate for Indian batters in India'.

Former Indian cricketer Murali Vijay was not an impressed man after commentator Sanjay Manjrekar made some comments on air. Manjrekar was shocked to find Vijay at the top of the list of the 'best conversion rate for Indian batters in India'. After Manjrekar made the comment on air, an exasperated Vijay showed his disappointment and tweeted, 'Surprised wow', whilst tagging the former Indian batter. Sanjay Manjrekar was surprised to see Murali Vijay on top of the list of conversion rates and mentioned it in the comms. #INDvAUS https://t.co/eclG9XHNet pic.twitter.com/V24BMQkrlA — Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) February 10, 2023 × In another tweet, Vijay increased the intensity of the dig by stating, "Some Mumbai ex players can never be appreciative of the south ! #showsomelove #equality #fairplayforall @sanjaymanjrekar @BCCI" @sanjaymanjrekar Surprised wow — Murali Vijay (@mvj888) February 10, 2023 × Some Mumbai ex players can never be appreciative of the south ! #showsomelove #equality #fairplayforall @sanjaymanjrekar@BCCI — Murali Vijay (@mvj888) February 10, 2023 × Read more: Ind vs Aus, 1st Test, Day 2: Rohit, Jadeja, Axar ensure India wrests control, Murphy bags five on debut Ex-Indian leg spinner and commentator Laxman Sivaramakrishnan also came to Vijay's corner and asked Manjrekar the reason for the surprise. "Why surprised Sanjay Manjrekar? There was a time when Vijay and Pujara had the highest partnership average for the top order. Interesting comment," Sivaramakrishnan tweeted. After the controversy seemingly boiled on the online platforms, Manjrekar sought to diffuse the situation. He brought up the 'conversion stat' once again and this time heaped praise on Vijay. “He (Rohit) is No. 2 now with eight hundreds when it comes to conversion rates at home. It is a good thing that Murali Vijay is in that list because we tend to forget the contributions that people like him make. 12 Test hundreds – nine out of them at home and a brilliant conversion rate right at the top," he said. Read more: 'Done with BCCI', out-of-favour opener takes a dig at board as he looks out for opportunities abroad At his peak, Vijay was pinned as one of the certainties in the Indian Test XI. However, after he fell out of favour with BCCI and the team management following a string of low scores, the Indian side moved past him. Left out without proper communication, Vijay, last month, announced his retirement from international cricket by penning down a 'thank you' note for all those who were part of his journey. Read more: India opener Murali Vijay retires from international cricket, pays gratitude in 'Thank You' note (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

After Murali Vijay slams Sanjay Manjrekar, the latter makes quick amends on air

<p>India had a perfect start to the opening day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy edition on Thursday (February 09). Being asked to bowl first in the first Test, in Nagpur, Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. were off to a flier versus Pat Cummins-led Australia, reducing them to 2 for 2, and soon dismissed them for 177 with Ravindra Jadeja (5 for 47) and R Ashwin (3 for 42) shining with the ball.</p>

<p>In reply, India started off on a strong note with the bat with captain Rohit leading the charge whereas his deputy and opening partner KL Rahul played cautiously. The duo had stitched an impressive 76-run-opening stand and looked set to close the day's play with their stand being unbroken. However, Rahul was once again dismissed for cheap -- after a dismal run in the Bangladesh Tests in December 2022 -- with a soft dismissal leading to his long walk back to the pavillion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul gave a simple catch to debutant spinner Todd Murphy to give Australia their first breakthrough. After his dismissal, Rohit was dejected and reacted strongly. <strong>Here's the video:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/prgOrmh276">pic.twitter.com/prgOrmh276</a></p>
— Anna 24GhanteChaukanna (@Anna24GhanteCh2) <a href="https://twitter.com/Anna24GhanteCh2/status/1623650647806722049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-r-ashwin-creates-history-becomes-second-indian-bowler-to-claim-450-test-scalps-560305">IND vs AUS: R Ashwin creates history, becomes second Indian bowler to claim 450 Test scalps</a></strong></p>

<p>While only few deliveries were left for Day 1 to end, Rohit-led India would've been much more content with their opening pair battling the final moments. However, Rahul's departure led to Ashwin being promoted, as a nightwatchman, to negate the final over of the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit-Ashwin batted the final six balls with ease and ended day's play with India in a strong position; being 77 for 1 and trailing Australia's 177 by only 100 runs. With nine wickets in hand, the home side will look to bat for long and take a sizeable lead to dictate terms in the match.</p>


India had a perfect start to the opening day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy edition on Thursday (February 09). Being asked to bowl first in the first Test, in Nagpur, Rohit Sharma & Co.

India had a perfect start to the opening day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy edition on Thursday (February 09). Being asked to bowl first in the first Test, in Nagpur, Rohit Sharma & Co. were off to a flier versus Pat Cummins-led Australia, reducing them to 2 for 2, and soon dismissed them for 177 with Ravindra Jadeja (5 for 47) and R Ashwin (3 for 42) shining with the ball. In reply, India started off on a strong note with the bat with captain Rohit leading the charge whereas his deputy and opening partner KL Rahul played cautiously. The duo had stitched an impressive 76-run-opening stand and looked set to close the day's play with their stand being unbroken. However, Rahul was once again dismissed for cheap -- after a dismal run in the Bangladesh Tests in December 2022 -- with a soft dismissal leading to his long walk back to the pavillion. Rahul gave a simple catch to debutant spinner Todd Murphy to give Australia their first breakthrough. After his dismissal, Rohit was dejected and reacted strongly. Here's the video: pic.twitter.com/prgOrmh276 — Anna 24GhanteChaukanna (@Anna24GhanteCh2) February 9, 2023 × Also Read: IND vs AUS: R Ashwin creates history, becomes second Indian bowler to claim 450 Test scalps While only few deliveries were left for Day 1 to end, Rohit-led India would've been much more content with their opening pair battling the final moments. However, Rahul's departure led to Ashwin being promoted, as a nightwatchman, to negate the final over of the day. Rohit-Ashwin batted the final six balls with ease and ended day's play with India in a strong position; being 77 for 1 and trailing Australia's 177 by only 100 runs. With nine wickets in hand, the home side will look to bat for long and take a sizeable lead to dictate terms in the match.

WATCH: Rohit Sharma reacts after KL Rahul gets dismissed before stumps on Day 1 of Nagpur Test

<p>Ravi Shastri had a stellar run as Team India's head coach. Under him, India scaled new heights, especially in Test cricket, and even reached the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup. Before he was appointed as the full-time head coach, in mid-2017, Shastri also served as India's team manager (coming into the scene during India's pathetic Test series loss to hosts England) in 2014.</p>

<p>During the 2015 ODI World Cup, Shastri -- along with bowling and fielding coaches Bharat Arun and R Sridhar, respectively -- had joined then coach Duncan Fletcher in the support staff. Back then, Shastri and Sridhar didn't get off to a bright start. Sridhar was the newest in the coaching staff in 2015 when he was slammed by the former Indian all-rounder for not accepting his idea.</p>

<p>In his book 'Coaching Beyond: My Days with the Indian Cricket Team', Sridhar narrated the whole episode,<em> “Ahead of the World Cup, Ravi decided that the players would speak at the team meetings. That at every meeting, the batters would speak of their game plans, how they would approach different situations, what their plans are for each bowler in the opposition. After that, all-rounders Ashwin and Jadeja would hold forth, and at the end, the fast bowlers would express their thoughts. It was a very good system, I felt, because ultimately it was the players who had to perform out in the middle,”</em>&nbsp;he said.</p>

<p>Sridhar revealed, <em>“We had a similar exercise the day before the game against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. That evening, I was at my old friend Noel Carr's place in Melbourne for dinner when I got a call from Arun, asking for my views on this new introduction. I knew I could speak freely to Arun, so I told him, 'It's a great concept, but we should be careful how often we do it. It's a golden goose, we should not kill it. If we do this before every game, its effectiveness will diminish. I feel it's better if we have such sessions before key matches</em>."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-two-are-most-senior-cricketers-so-r-sridhar-recalls-how-ravi-shastri-handled-kohli-vs-rohit-saga-558792">'You two are most senior cricketers so...': R Sridhar recalls how Ravi Shastri handled Kohli vs Rohit saga</a></strong></p>

<p>The ex-fielding coach added how Shastri was on the call and blasted him.&nbsp;<em>"I didn't know, of course, that I was on speaker phone, that Ravi was listening in. I was fairly new to international cricket, and Ravi and I didn't really know each other all that well. Apparently, he wasn't very amused by what he heard. 'Baadi,' he thundered, referring to Arun by his nickname, 'I told you these young coaches have no idea what I am doing. I had told you at the very beginning not to recommend such novice coaches. I was rattled. I knew there was merit in what I had told Arun, but I was unnerved by Ravi's reaction and didn't sleep very well that night."</em></p>

<p>Nonetheless, it all&nbsp;ended well with India hammering South Africa the next day with the fielders doing a fabulous job and, thus, Shastri lauded Sridhar.<em>&nbsp;</em>He added, <em>“The next day, we turned in a brilliant performance in the field, we out-fielded South Africa for the first time. David Miller was run out, AB de Villiers was run out, thanks to great efforts by the fast bowlers, and we took all our catches. Ravi turned to me in the dressing room and said, 'Sri, great job. The way you have worked on the fielders is awesome. I was mighty relieved. He had completely shed his ire of the previous night. And although he had been angry at the time, he did take my suggestion on board. Only when he felt each one had to know the others' game plan before a big game did he have inclusive, extended meetings thereafter."</em></p>

<p>The MS Dhoni-led Indian team didn't have a great run coming into the CWC'15 but went on to win all their group-stage encounters to storm into the semi-finals. In the semis, the then defending champions India bowed out with eventual winners Australia beating them by 95 runs.</p>


Ravi Shastri had a stellar run as Team India's head coach. Under him, India scaled new heights, especially in Test cricket, and even reached the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup.

Ravi Shastri had a stellar run as Team India's head coach. Under him, India scaled new heights, especially in Test cricket, and even reached the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup. Before he was appointed as the full-time head coach, in mid-2017, Shastri also served as India's team manager (coming into the scene during India's pathetic Test series loss to hosts England) in 2014. During the 2015 ODI World Cup, Shastri -- along with bowling and fielding coaches Bharat Arun and R Sridhar, respectively -- had joined then coach Duncan Fletcher in the support staff. Back then, Shastri and Sridhar didn't get off to a bright start. Sridhar was the newest in the coaching staff in 2015 when he was slammed by the former Indian all-rounder for not accepting his idea. In his book 'Coaching Beyond: My Days with the Indian Cricket Team', Sridhar narrated the whole episode, “Ahead of the World Cup, Ravi decided that the players would speak at the team meetings. That at every meeting, the batters would speak of their game plans, how they would approach different situations, what their plans are for each bowler in the opposition. After that, all-rounders Ashwin and Jadeja would hold forth, and at the end, the fast bowlers would express their thoughts. It was a very good system, I felt, because ultimately it was the players who had to perform out in the middle,” he said. Sridhar revealed, “We had a similar exercise the day before the game against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. That evening, I was at my old friend Noel Carr's place in Melbourne for dinner when I got a call from Arun, asking for my views on this new introduction. I knew I could speak freely to Arun, so I told him, 'It's a great concept, but we should be careful how often we do it. It's a golden goose, we should not kill it. If we do this before every game, its effectiveness will diminish. I feel it's better if we have such sessions before key matches." Also Read: 'You two are most senior cricketers so...': R Sridhar recalls how Ravi Shastri handled Kohli vs Rohit saga The ex-fielding coach added how Shastri was on the call and blasted him. "I didn't know, of course, that I was on speaker phone, that Ravi was listening in. I was fairly new to international cricket, and Ravi and I didn't really know each other all that well. Apparently, he wasn't very amused by what he heard. 'Baadi,' he thundered, referring to Arun by his nickname, 'I told you these young coaches have no idea what I am doing. I had told you at the very beginning not to recommend such novice coaches. I was rattled. I knew there was merit in what I had told Arun, but I was unnerved by Ravi's reaction and didn't sleep very well that night." Nonetheless, it all ended well with India hammering South Africa the next day with the fielders doing a fabulous job and, thus, Shastri lauded Sridhar. He added, “The next day, we turned in a brilliant performance in the field, we out-fielded South Africa for the first time. David Miller was run out, AB de Villiers was run out, thanks to great efforts by the fast bowlers, and we took all our catches. Ravi turned to me in the dressing room and said, 'Sri, great job. The way you have worked on the fielders is awesome. I was mighty relieved. He had completely shed his ire of the previous night. And although he had been angry at the time, he did take my suggestion on board. Only when he felt each one had to know the others' game plan before a big game did he have inclusive, extended meetings thereafter." The MS Dhoni-led Indian team didn't have a great run coming into the CWC'15 but went on to win all their group-stage encounters to storm into the semi-finals. In the semis, the then defending champions India bowed out with eventual winners Australia beating them by 95 runs.

'I told you not to recommend such...': R Sridhar recalls how Ravi Shastri blasted him during CWC'15

<p>Making a comeback in&nbsp;the Indian team after a gap of five months, star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja opens up on going ahead with the knee surgery just before the T20 World Cup, and how excited and happy he is to return to playing his favourite format. In a recent video posted by the BCCI on its social media handles, Jadeja was seen sharing his thoughts on the same while preparing for the marquee Border-Gavaskar series, scheduled to begin on February 9th in Nagpur.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Excitement of comeback 👌<br />
Story behind recovery 👍<br />
Happiness to wear <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> jersey once again 😊<br />
<br />
All-rounder <a href="https://twitter.com/imjadeja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imjadeja</a> shares it all as India gear up for the 1⃣st <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> Test 👏 👏 - By <a href="https://twitter.com/RajalArora?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RajalArora</a><br />
<br />
FULL INTERVIEW 🎥 🔽<a href="https://t.co/wLDodmTGQK">https://t.co/wLDodmTGQK</a> <a href="https://t.co/F2XtdSMpTv">pic.twitter.com/F2XtdSMpTv</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1622197612404416516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>It was during the Asia Cup in Dubai last year when Jadeja suffered a knee injury and got ruled out for indefinite time. His absence was felt as India was left wanting for answers in crunch games against top teams at the mega event in Australia. Upon returning to the side following his match-winning performance with the ball in his first competitive game since August last year, Jadeja picked up eight wickets against Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy Group game in January.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/boys-are-looking-good-to-go-says-rahul-dravid-ahead-of-the-nagpur-test-against-australia-558967">Boys are looking good to go, says Rahul Dravid ahead of the Nagpur Test against Australia</a></p>

<p>The 34-year-old revealed he had a choice to go for the surgery after the World Cup too; but only after knowing from the doctors that his chances of playing would drop down significantly if he decides not to go for it immediately, Jadeja changed his mind and went ahead with it.</p>

<p>"I was eagerly waiting to make a comeback and play for India. I had been struggling with my knee for some time, so surgery was needed. I had to take the decision whether to go for the surgery before the World Cup or after. Doctors advised me to do it before the World Cup because chances were less of playing at the World Cup had I not got the surgery done. So, I made up my mind to go for it," Jadeja said in the video released by the BCCI.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Missed you.But soon👕 <a href="https://t.co/L8u252x5qA">pic.twitter.com/L8u252x5qA</a></p>
— Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) <a href="https://twitter.com/imjadeja/status/1614629416797343749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Deemed fit to play now, Jadeja paid gratitude for getting another chance to represent his country in the format he probably loves the most, he said,</p>

<p>"Excited that I'm wearing the Indian jersey after more than five months. I have been blessed that I got a chance again. The (recovery) journey was quite up and down because if you stay away from cricket for five months then it is a little bit frustrating,” he added.</p>

<p>Jadeja was named in India’s star-studded 16-man squad for the first two Tests against Australia and will remain in reckoning for a place in XI alongside Axar Patel.</p>


Making a comeback in the Indian team after a gap of five months, star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja opens up on going ahead with the knee surgery just before the T20 World Cup, and how excited and happy he is to return to playing his favourite format.

Making a comeback in the Indian team after a gap of five months, star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja opens up on going ahead with the knee surgery just before the T20 World Cup, and how excited and happy he is to return to playing his favourite format. In a recent video posted by the BCCI on its social media handles, Jadeja was seen sharing his thoughts on the same while preparing for the marquee Border-Gavaskar series, scheduled to begin on February 9th in Nagpur. Excitement of comeback 👌 Story behind recovery 👍 Happiness to wear #TeamIndia jersey once again 😊 All-rounder @imjadeja shares it all as India gear up for the 1⃣st #INDvAUS Test 👏 👏 - By @RajalArora FULL INTERVIEW 🎥 🔽https://t.co/wLDodmTGQK pic.twitter.com/F2XtdSMpTv — BCCI (@BCCI) February 5, 2023 × It was during the Asia Cup in Dubai last year when Jadeja suffered a knee injury and got ruled out for indefinite time. His absence was felt as India was left wanting for answers in crunch games against top teams at the mega event in Australia. Upon returning to the side following his match-winning performance with the ball in his first competitive game since August last year, Jadeja picked up eight wickets against Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy Group game in January. ALSO READ: Boys are looking good to go, says Rahul Dravid ahead of the Nagpur Test against Australia The 34-year-old revealed he had a choice to go for the surgery after the World Cup too; but only after knowing from the doctors that his chances of playing would drop down significantly if he decides not to go for it immediately, Jadeja changed his mind and went ahead with it. "I was eagerly waiting to make a comeback and play for India. I had been struggling with my knee for some time, so surgery was needed. I had to take the decision whether to go for the surgery before the World Cup or after. Doctors advised me to do it before the World Cup because chances were less of playing at the World Cup had I not got the surgery done. So, I made up my mind to go for it," Jadeja said in the video released by the BCCI. Missed you.But soon👕 pic.twitter.com/L8u252x5qA — Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) January 15, 2023 × Deemed fit to play now, Jadeja paid gratitude for getting another chance to represent his country in the format he probably loves the most, he said, "Excited that I'm wearing the Indian jersey after more than five months. I have been blessed that I got a chance again. The (recovery) journey was quite up and down because if you stay away from cricket for five months then it is a little bit frustrating,” he added. Jadeja was named in India’s star-studded 16-man squad for the first two Tests against Australia and will remain in reckoning for a place in XI alongside Axar Patel.

Returning Ravindra Jadeja is excited to be wearing his favourite Indian jersey after five months

<p>The most-awaited cricketing&nbsp;battle&nbsp;of the year is upon us as it’s time for the 2023 Border-Gavaskar series. With both India and Australia preparing hard for the slated four Tests that will determine the finalists of the 2023 World Test Championship, team India head coach gave some insights on how the hosts are gearing up for the big contest. In his recent interaction with the media, Dravid said the players are looking in good touch in&nbsp;the net sessions while the focus will remain on close-in catches as spinners will play a huge role in deciding the fate of this series.</p>

<p>Talks of the Australian team using the services of an ‘Ashwin-like’ spinner during their pre-series camp scheduled in Bengaluru clearly shows the visiting team doesn’t want to leave a stone untuned in their efforts to reclaim the prize. Whereas, the Indian team is currently training at the VCA Stadium in Civil Lines, Nagpur. Dravid, who is closely following team India’s preparation said to have all the players back is good, and that for some to switch from white-ball format to red was also the need of the hour.</p>

<p>"Everyone looks in really good shape. It's nice to get the Test team together again. We had a lot of white-ball cricket over the last month or so," coach Dravid said in a video posted by the BCCI on Twitter. "Some of those boys, shifting from white-ball to red-ball, it's nice for them to just have that extended period in the nets. The surfaces have been really good as well," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Preps in full swing 👌 👌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> hit the ground running for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> Test series opener in Nagpur 👍 👍 <a href="https://t.co/LwJUGZ5hPp">pic.twitter.com/LwJUGZ5hPp</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1622082602516770819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-enjoy-my-cricketing-battles-with-australia-says-cheteshwar-pujara-ahead-of-2023-border-gavaskar-series-558937">I enjoy my cricketing battles with Australia, says Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of 2023 Border-Gavaskar series</a></p>

<p>With a lot is at stake from both sides, the spin-heavy Indian bowling line-up have some tricks up their sleeves, and for them to be successful they want the close-in fielders to remain attentive and active at the same time. Stressing on having quick hands right beside the batters during the series, head coach said,</p>

<p>"Fielding side of things as well, that has been really important as well. The close-in catching which we think is going to become a really important part of the series. There's a lot of emphasis and focus on close-in catching, slip fielding, things like that when you are on the road all the time and don't get time to build and work on those things," Rahul said.</p>

<p>As everyone from returning KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja to captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli are having longer sessions in nets, Dravid opined that players are looking in good touch and are raring to go.</p>

<p>"It's been really fruitful and the boys are looking good. Hopefully two or three days more into the Test match and then we can take it from there," Dravid added.</p>

<p>The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar series will begin on February 9th in Nagpur while Delhi, Dharamsala and Ahmedabad will host the remaining three Tests.</p>


The most-awaited cricketing battle of the year is upon us as it’s time for the 2023 Border-Gavaskar series. With both India and Australia preparing hard for the slated four Tests that will determine the finalists of the 2023 World Test Championship, team India head coach gave some insights on how the hosts are gearing up for the big contest.

The most-awaited cricketing battle of the year is upon us as it’s time for the 2023 Border-Gavaskar series. With both India and Australia preparing hard for the slated four Tests that will determine the finalists of the 2023 World Test Championship, team India head coach gave some insights on how the hosts are gearing up for the big contest. In his recent interaction with the media, Dravid said the players are looking in good touch in the net sessions while the focus will remain on close-in catches as spinners will play a huge role in deciding the fate of this series. Talks of the Australian team using the services of an ‘Ashwin-like’ spinner during their pre-series camp scheduled in Bengaluru clearly shows the visiting team doesn’t want to leave a stone untuned in their efforts to reclaim the prize. Whereas, the Indian team is currently training at the VCA Stadium in Civil Lines, Nagpur. Dravid, who is closely following team India’s preparation said to have all the players back is good, and that for some to switch from white-ball format to red was also the need of the hour. "Everyone looks in really good shape. It's nice to get the Test team together again. We had a lot of white-ball cricket over the last month or so," coach Dravid said in a video posted by the BCCI on Twitter. "Some of those boys, shifting from white-ball to red-ball, it's nice for them to just have that extended period in the nets. The surfaces have been really good as well," he added. Preps in full swing 👌 👌 #TeamIndia hit the ground running for the #INDvAUS Test series opener in Nagpur 👍 👍 pic.twitter.com/LwJUGZ5hPp — BCCI (@BCCI) February 5, 2023 × ALSO READ: I enjoy my cricketing battles with Australia, says Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of 2023 Border-Gavaskar series With a lot is at stake from both sides, the spin-heavy Indian bowling line-up have some tricks up their sleeves, and for them to be successful they want the close-in fielders to remain attentive and active at the same time. Stressing on having quick hands right beside the batters during the series, head coach said, "Fielding side of things as well, that has been really important as well. The close-in catching which we think is going to become a really important part of the series. There's a lot of emphasis and focus on close-in catching, slip fielding, things like that when you are on the road all the time and don't get time to build and work on those things," Rahul said. As everyone from returning KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja to captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli are having longer sessions in nets, Dravid opined that players are looking in good touch and are raring to go. "It's been really fruitful and the boys are looking good. Hopefully two or three days more into the Test match and then we can take it from there," Dravid added. The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar series will begin on February 9th in Nagpur while Delhi, Dharamsala and Ahmedabad will host the remaining three Tests.

Boys are looking good to go, says Rahul Dravid ahead of the Nagpur Test against Australia

<p>Pakistan's veteran pacer Sohail Khan, who last represented the Men in Green in 2017 and is best known for his five-fer versus India in the 2015 ODI World Cup, has been in the news of late. Sohail had an interaction recently, where he said a number of things about Indian cricketers Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Umran Malik, Gautam Gambhir, etc.</p>

<p>Pakistani cricketers -- especially former players -- often make the headlines for their glaring remarks on Indian cricket. Sohail joined the bandwagon when he recently commented on India's young pacer Umran Malik. Speaking on The Nadir Ali podcast, he said, "I feel this Umran Malik guy is a good bowler. I’ve seen 1-2 matches. He runs fast and has kept other things in check as well. But if you think of fast bowlers with speed in excess of over 150-155 kph, I can count 12-15 players right now who play tape-ball cricket. If you go visit the trails organised by Lahore Qalandars, you’ll find many players."</p>

<p>Sohail added, "Iske (Umran Malik) jaise toh bohot hain. Domestic cricket bhari padi hai hamaari. (Our domestic setup is filled with bowlers like Umran Malik)<em>.</em>&nbsp;When a bowler comes through in our domestic level, he becomes a bonafide bowler. Like Shaheen, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf… these are bowlers who know their stuff. I can give you plenty of names."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/our-domestic-setup-is-filled-with-bowlers-like-umran-malik-says-pakistan-pacer-sohail-khan-558780">Our domestic setup is filled with bowlers like Umran Malik, says Pakistan pacer Sohail Khan</a></strong></p>

<p>Thus, Sohail's statement on Umran -- where he says such raw pacers are in abundance in Pakistan's domestic circuit -- hasn't been well received by many Indian cricket fans. A Twitterati, named Major Gaurav Arya took note of Sohail's comments and schooled him, reminding him of Javed Miandad's ill-comments on Irfan Pathan on the eve of India's historic tour of Pakistan in 2004. <strong>Here's what he tweeted:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><i>"Pakistani cricketer says Umran Malik jaise humare domestic cricket mein bhare pade hain. Javed Miandad said the same about Irfan Pathan. Phir Irfan ne Pakistan mein ja kar Pakistan ki team ka band bajaya tha. Yaar tum log thoda kam bola karo</i>&nbsp;(Pakistan cricketer says there are plenty of bowlers like Umran Malik in our domestic circuit. Javed Miandad had said the same about Irfan Pathan. He then went to Pakistan and proved his worth. Pakistanis should speak less)," the Twitter user wrote.</p>

<p>India's former all-rounder Irfan joined in and gave a befitting reply to Sohail by saying, "<i>Major sahab ese statements de kar inhe attention chahiye. Ignore maariye&nbsp;</i>(Major, they want to get attention by making these statements. Please ignore)."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Major sahab ese statements de kar inhe attention chahiye. Ignore maariye.</p>
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) <a href="https://twitter.com/IrfanPathan/status/1621801437645705222?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Talking about the Twitter user's&nbsp;mention of Miandad's comments on Irfan, it was during India's 2004 tour of Pakistan when the then Pakistani coach brushed aside the pacer's&nbsp;threat. Irfan had a stellar run in India's 2003/04 tour of Australia. However, Miandad played it down whereas Irfan maintained silence and let his performances do the talking. Irfan chipped in with key scalps in India's 3-2 ODI series win whereas ended with 12 wickets, at 28.50, to help Sourav Ganguly &amp; Co. beat Pakistan 2-1 in three Tests.</p>

<p>Speaking of Umran, he made a mark at the highest level during IPL 2022 with 22 scalps; the fourth-most by any. Since then, his stocks have risen. While he missed out on being a part of India's 2022 T20 World Cup squad, he has remained in the scheme of things of India's white-ball setup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, Umran was part of India's 2-1 T20I series win over New Zealand at home. With the ODI World Cup set to be held later this year in India, the 23-year-old will be eager to remain consistent with the ball and be a part of the national squad for the showpiece event.</p>


Pakistan's veteran pacer Sohail Khan, who last represented the Men in Green in 2017 and is best known for his five-fer versus India in the 2015 ODI World Cup, has been in the news of late.

Pakistan's veteran pacer Sohail Khan, who last represented the Men in Green in 2017 and is best known for his five-fer versus India in the 2015 ODI World Cup, has been in the news of late. Sohail had an interaction recently, where he said a number of things about Indian cricketers Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Umran Malik, Gautam Gambhir, etc. Pakistani cricketers -- especially former players -- often make the headlines for their glaring remarks on Indian cricket. Sohail joined the bandwagon when he recently commented on India's young pacer Umran Malik. Speaking on The Nadir Ali podcast, he said, "I feel this Umran Malik guy is a good bowler. I’ve seen 1-2 matches. He runs fast and has kept other things in check as well. But if you think of fast bowlers with speed in excess of over 150-155 kph, I can count 12-15 players right now who play tape-ball cricket. If you go visit the trails organised by Lahore Qalandars, you’ll find many players." Sohail added, "Iske (Umran Malik) jaise toh bohot hain. Domestic cricket bhari padi hai hamaari. (Our domestic setup is filled with bowlers like Umran Malik). When a bowler comes through in our domestic level, he becomes a bonafide bowler. Like Shaheen, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf… these are bowlers who know their stuff. I can give you plenty of names." Also Read: Our domestic setup is filled with bowlers like Umran Malik, says Pakistan pacer Sohail Khan Thus, Sohail's statement on Umran -- where he says such raw pacers are in abundance in Pakistan's domestic circuit -- hasn't been well received by many Indian cricket fans. A Twitterati, named Major Gaurav Arya took note of Sohail's comments and schooled him, reminding him of Javed Miandad's ill-comments on Irfan Pathan on the eve of India's historic tour of Pakistan in 2004. Here's what he tweeted: "Pakistani cricketer says Umran Malik jaise humare domestic cricket mein bhare pade hain. Javed Miandad said the same about Irfan Pathan. Phir Irfan ne Pakistan mein ja kar Pakistan ki team ka band bajaya tha. Yaar tum log thoda kam bola karo (Pakistan cricketer says there are plenty of bowlers like Umran Malik in our domestic circuit. Javed Miandad had said the same about Irfan Pathan. He then went to Pakistan and proved his worth. Pakistanis should speak less)," the Twitter user wrote. India's former all-rounder Irfan joined in and gave a befitting reply to Sohail by saying, "Major sahab ese statements de kar inhe attention chahiye. Ignore maariye (Major, they want to get attention by making these statements. Please ignore)." Major sahab ese statements de kar inhe attention chahiye. Ignore maariye. — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 4, 2023 × Talking about the Twitter user's mention of Miandad's comments on Irfan, it was during India's 2004 tour of Pakistan when the then Pakistani coach brushed aside the pacer's threat. Irfan had a stellar run in India's 2003/04 tour of Australia. However, Miandad played it down whereas Irfan maintained silence and let his performances do the talking. Irfan chipped in with key scalps in India's 3-2 ODI series win whereas ended with 12 wickets, at 28.50, to help Sourav Ganguly & Co. beat Pakistan 2-1 in three Tests. Speaking of Umran, he made a mark at the highest level during IPL 2022 with 22 scalps; the fourth-most by any. Since then, his stocks have risen. While he missed out on being a part of India's 2022 T20 World Cup squad, he has remained in the scheme of things of India's white-ball setup. Recently, Umran was part of India's 2-1 T20I series win over New Zealand at home. With the ODI World Cup set to be held later this year in India, the 23-year-old will be eager to remain consistent with the ball and be a part of the national squad for the showpiece event.

Irfan gives it back to PAK pacer for his 'our domestic setup is filled with bowlers like Umran Malik' remark

<p>Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain the batting superstars of India. Being in the twilight of their respective careers, Kohli and Rohit have entertained Indian cricket fans over the years and are aiming to bring glory to the country in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle and this year's ODI World Cup on home soil.</p>

<p>Over the years, comparisons have always taken place between Rohit and Kohli. While it is a never-ending debate, one that will not have a&nbsp;clear winner, Pakistan pacer Sohail Khan joined the bandwagon and picked his choice between the two superstars. Sohail feels 'Rohit is technically better than Kohli'.</p>

<p>Speaking on a show, Sohail said, "Virat Kohli is a great batter, but Rohit Sharma is even better than Kohli. Rohit is technically better, he plays late and has a lot of time. Rohit ruled world cricket for 10-12 years."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Virat Kohli is a great batter, but Rohit Sharma is even better than Kohli. Rohit is technically better, he plays late and has a lot of time. Rohit ruled world cricket for 10-12 years," Pakistan bowler Sohail Khan.</p>
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/_FaridKhan/status/1620944886739652608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-rohit-sharma-but-virat-kohli-may-play-2024-t20-world-cup-predicts-former-indian-opener-558549">Not Rohit Sharma but Virat Kohli may play 2024 T20 World Cup, predicts former Indian opener</a></strong></p>

<p>Sohail also opened up on his heated exchange with Kohli when India and Pakistan squared off in the 2015 ODI World Cup (eventually won by India).&nbsp;Sohail recalled the whole episode on the Nadir Ali Podcast. He revealed what Kohli told him when he came out to bat.&nbsp;"Aap cricket mein abhi aaye hain. And itni baatein karte ho (You've just arrived and you speak so much)." To this, Sohail said, "I was a Test cricketer back then. I had played Test matches in 2006-07. Then in between, I endured a troubled knee which forced me out of action. I said 'Beta jab tu Under-19 khel raha tha na, tera baap Test cricketer tha' (Son, when you were playing Under-19 for India, your father [referring to himself] was a Test player). That's how I said it."</p>

<p>Sohail recalled that then captains MS Dhoni and Misbah-ul-Haq had to intervene as the situation went out of hand and both were separated from each other. Sohail last played for Pakistan in 2017 whereas Kohli is gearing up for Rohit-led India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy series opener versus Australia, in Nagpur, on February 09.</p>


Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain the batting superstars of India. Being in the twilight of their respective careers, Kohli and Rohit have entertained Indian cricket fans over the years and are aiming to bring glory to the country in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle and this year's ODI World Cup on home soil.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain the batting superstars of India. Being in the twilight of their respective careers, Kohli and Rohit have entertained Indian cricket fans over the years and are aiming to bring glory to the country in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle and this year's ODI World Cup on home soil. Over the years, comparisons have always taken place between Rohit and Kohli. While it is a never-ending debate, one that will not have a clear winner, Pakistan pacer Sohail Khan joined the bandwagon and picked his choice between the two superstars. Sohail feels 'Rohit is technically better than Kohli'. Speaking on a show, Sohail said, "Virat Kohli is a great batter, but Rohit Sharma is even better than Kohli. Rohit is technically better, he plays late and has a lot of time. Rohit ruled world cricket for 10-12 years." "Virat Kohli is a great batter, but Rohit Sharma is even better than Kohli. Rohit is technically better, he plays late and has a lot of time. Rohit ruled world cricket for 10-12 years," Pakistan bowler Sohail Khan. — Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) February 2, 2023 × Also Read: Not Rohit Sharma but Virat Kohli may play 2024 T20 World Cup, predicts former Indian opener Sohail also opened up on his heated exchange with Kohli when India and Pakistan squared off in the 2015 ODI World Cup (eventually won by India). Sohail recalled the whole episode on the Nadir Ali Podcast. He revealed what Kohli told him when he came out to bat. "Aap cricket mein abhi aaye hain. And itni baatein karte ho (You've just arrived and you speak so much)." To this, Sohail said, "I was a Test cricketer back then. I had played Test matches in 2006-07. Then in between, I endured a troubled knee which forced me out of action. I said 'Beta jab tu Under-19 khel raha tha na, tera baap Test cricketer tha' (Son, when you were playing Under-19 for India, your father [referring to himself] was a Test player). That's how I said it." Sohail recalled that then captains MS Dhoni and Misbah-ul-Haq had to intervene as the situation went out of hand and both were separated from each other. Sohail last played for Pakistan in 2017 whereas Kohli is gearing up for Rohit-led India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy series opener versus Australia, in Nagpur, on February 09.

Rohit Sharma is technically better than Virat Kohli: Pakistan pacer makes BIG claim

<p>India have been at their dominant best in the ongoing home leg, where they easily went past Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the white-ball formats. Now, they next opposition is Australia as the Pat Cummins-led tourists will lock horns with Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. in the upcoming edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting on February 09 in Nagpur. The last few editions of the BGT have lived up to expectations, if not exceeded them, and a lot is at stake for both sides in the upcoming Test series, with WTC final spots up for grabs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The last three editions saw India beat Australia -- defeating them twice in a row in their own backyard -- and the hosts will be favourites in familiar conditions but Cummins &amp; Co. have enough firepower to replicate their 2004 heroics in India. Ahead of the series opener, here's a list of Indian captains with most wins in history of Border-Gavaskar Trophy:</p>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td><strong>CAPTAINS</strong></td>
			<td><strong>MATCHES</strong></td>
			<td><strong>WON</strong></td>
			<td><strong>LOST</strong></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MS Dhoni</td>
			<td>13</td>
			<td>8</td>
			<td>4 (1 DRAWN)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Virat Kohli</td>
			<td>10</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>4 (3 DRAWN)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sourav Ganguly</td>
			<td>9</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>3 (3 DRAWN)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ajinkya Rahane</td>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>0 (! DRAWN)</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>In the overall list, Dhoni tops the charts once again with Steve Waugh and Michael Clarke following suit -- with five wins each. Under Waugh, Aussies lost thrice and two Tests ended in a draw whereas Clarke-led Australia lost thrice with no drawn encounters.</p>

<p>Thus, Dhoni tops another captaincy list. While he was known for his white-ball heroics, the former keeper-batter was a force to reckon with in whites as well; amassing 4,876 runs including a double ton versus Australia. Under him, India also topped the ICC Test rankings for the first time in late 2009. Kohli, India's most successful Test captain with 40 wins, follows his predecessor in the list of Indian captains with most wins in the history of BGT.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-can-play-till-40-and-will-be-motivated-to-go-for-100-hundreds-dutch-star-roelef-van-der-merwe-558446">Virat Kohli can play till 40 and will be motivated to go for 100 hundreds: Dutch star Roelef van der Merwe</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Full Schedule of 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India:</strong></p>

<p><strong>February 9-13:&nbsp;</strong>1st Test&nbsp;at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur</p>

<p><strong>February 17-21:&nbsp;</strong>2nd Test&nbsp;at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi</p>

<p><strong>March 01-05:&nbsp;</strong>3rd Test at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala</p>

<p><strong>March 09-13:&nbsp;</strong>4th Test&nbsp;at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad</p>

<p><strong>Squads</strong></p>

<p><strong>India (for first two Tests):</strong>&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul (vc), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Suryakumar Yadav</p>

<p><strong>Australia:</strong>&nbsp;Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Handscomb (wk), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner</p>


India have been at their dominant best in the ongoing home leg, where they easily went past Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the white-ball formats. Now, they next opposition is Australia as the Pat Cummins-led tourists will lock horns with Rohit Sharma & Co.

India have been at their dominant best in the ongoing home leg, where they easily went past Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the white-ball formats. Now, they next opposition is Australia as the Pat Cummins-led tourists will lock horns with Rohit Sharma & Co. in the upcoming edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting on February 09 in Nagpur. The last few editions of the BGT have lived up to expectations, if not exceeded them, and a lot is at stake for both sides in the upcoming Test series, with WTC final spots up for grabs. The last three editions saw India beat Australia -- defeating them twice in a row in their own backyard -- and the hosts will be favourites in familiar conditions but Cummins & Co. have enough firepower to replicate their 2004 heroics in India. Ahead of the series opener, here's a list of Indian captains with most wins in history of Border-Gavaskar Trophy: CAPTAINS MATCHES WON LOST MS Dhoni 13 8 4 (1 DRAWN) Virat Kohli 10 3 4 (3 DRAWN) Sourav Ganguly 9 3 3 (3 DRAWN) Ajinkya Rahane 4 3 0 (! DRAWN) In the overall list, Dhoni tops the charts once again with Steve Waugh and Michael Clarke following suit -- with five wins each. Under Waugh, Aussies lost thrice and two Tests ended in a draw whereas Clarke-led Australia lost thrice with no drawn encounters. Thus, Dhoni tops another captaincy list. While he was known for his white-ball heroics, the former keeper-batter was a force to reckon with in whites as well; amassing 4,876 runs including a double ton versus Australia. Under him, India also topped the ICC Test rankings for the first time in late 2009. Kohli, India's most successful Test captain with 40 wins, follows his predecessor in the list of Indian captains with most wins in the history of BGT. Also read: Virat Kohli can play till 40 and will be motivated to go for 100 hundreds: Dutch star Roelef van der Merwe Full Schedule of 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India: February 9-13: 1st Test at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur February 17-21: 2nd Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi March 01-05: 3rd Test at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala March 09-13: 4th Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad Squads India (for first two Tests): Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul (vc), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Suryakumar Yadav Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Handscomb (wk), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

Not Virat Kohli! Here's which Indian captain has won most Tests in history of Border Gavaskar Trophy

<p>Netherlands' star all-rounder Roelef van der Merwe, who has also represented South Africa in the past, has backed Virat Kohli to keep going at the international level till 40 and has backed him to go for 100 hundreds, breaking Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar's record. Roelef, at 38, has shown his zeal for the game and time and again impressed with his all-round skills. None can forget his memorable catch, to get rid of David Miller, in the Netherlands' shocking win over South Africa in the 2022 T20 World Cup. He is currently the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing inaugural SA20; 14 wickets in 6 matches for SunRisers Eastern Cape and remains a vital batter down the order as well. Many have lauded him for his fitness standards at such an age. Hence, he certainly knows what it takes to remain relevant at the highest level at the latter half of 30s and has backed Kohli -- one of the fittest cricketers --&nbsp;to play for long.</p>

<p>Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the SA20 campaign, Roelef hailed Kohli and told India Today.in,&nbsp;"I think Virat is a great player. Yes, I think he can do that. 100 hundreds, those things will be in the back of his mind. In India, following somebody like Sachin, it's a big deal. I think it will be in the back of his mind. He will be motivated to keep going."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-hardik-pandya-presents-t20i-series-trophy-to-benched-prithvi-shaw-as-video-goes-viral-watch-558224">IND vs NZ: Hardik Pandya presents T20I series trophy to benched Prithvi Shaw as video goes viral - Watch</a></strong></p>

<p>Van der Merwe , has played 16 ODIs and 52 T20Is, also spoke about what keeps him going at 38. "Look, I love playing cricket, I love winning games. I am a very competitive person. It's the urge to win games that keep you going. As I said, I am a very competitive person in everyday life. As long I am winning games, I will keep going. That will keep me motivated."</p>

<p>Van der Merwe remains&nbsp;the few men to represent two national sides in T20 cricket. Given his passion and fitness standards, he will surely be seen in action for a few more years at the highest level. Speaking of Kohli, the 34-year-old is gearing up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, on home soil, as India will host Australia in the four-match Test series opener in Nagpur on February 09.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli moved past his dismal run during the 2022 Asia Cup. Since then, he has slammed four tons -- three in ODIs and a solitary one in T20Is. He will now be desperate to break his Test-century drought, since late 2019 during the Australia series.</p>


Netherlands' star all-rounder Roelef van der Merwe, who has also represented South Africa in the past, has backed Virat Kohli to keep going at the international level till 40 and has backed him to go for 100 hundreds, breaking Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar's record.

Netherlands' star all-rounder Roelef van der Merwe, who has also represented South Africa in the past, has backed Virat Kohli to keep going at the international level till 40 and has backed him to go for 100 hundreds, breaking Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar's record. Roelef, at 38, has shown his zeal for the game and time and again impressed with his all-round skills. None can forget his memorable catch, to get rid of David Miller, in the Netherlands' shocking win over South Africa in the 2022 T20 World Cup. He is currently the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing inaugural SA20; 14 wickets in 6 matches for SunRisers Eastern Cape and remains a vital batter down the order as well. Many have lauded him for his fitness standards at such an age. Hence, he certainly knows what it takes to remain relevant at the highest level at the latter half of 30s and has backed Kohli -- one of the fittest cricketers -- to play for long. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the SA20 campaign, Roelef hailed Kohli and told India Today.in, "I think Virat is a great player. Yes, I think he can do that. 100 hundreds, those things will be in the back of his mind. In India, following somebody like Sachin, it's a big deal. I think it will be in the back of his mind. He will be motivated to keep going." Also read: IND vs NZ: Hardik Pandya presents T20I series trophy to benched Prithvi Shaw as video goes viral - Watch Van der Merwe , has played 16 ODIs and 52 T20Is, also spoke about what keeps him going at 38. "Look, I love playing cricket, I love winning games. I am a very competitive person. It's the urge to win games that keep you going. As I said, I am a very competitive person in everyday life. As long I am winning games, I will keep going. That will keep me motivated." Van der Merwe remains the few men to represent two national sides in T20 cricket. Given his passion and fitness standards, he will surely be seen in action for a few more years at the highest level. Speaking of Kohli, the 34-year-old is gearing up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, on home soil, as India will host Australia in the four-match Test series opener in Nagpur on February 09. Kohli moved past his dismal run during the 2022 Asia Cup. Since then, he has slammed four tons -- three in ODIs and a solitary one in T20Is. He will now be desperate to break his Test-century drought, since late 2019 during the Australia series.

Virat Kohli can play till 40 and will be motivated to go for 100 hundreds: Dutch star Roelef van der Merwe

<p>Hardik Pandya has taken over as the T20I captain amid the absence of Rohit Sharma following the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. Ever since India lost the semi-finals to eventual winners England, Rohit, Virat Kohli and some other seniors have been sidelined from the shortest format with Hardik leading a young side keeping the 2024 T20 WC in mind. Although Hardik hasn't officially replaced Rohit as the T20I captain, he is touted to be the next white-ball skipper with him recently replacing KL Rahul as the limited-overs vice-captain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the added responsibility of captaining the side, the 29-year-old Hardik hasn't bogged down as an all-rounder. In India's recent home T20I series win over New Zealand, Hardik ended as the Player-of-the-Series with five scalps and few important cameos with the bat. While he remains a vital cog for India in white-ball formats, Hardik hasn't played a Test since September 2018. His back injury kept him out of action for long and while he has returned in style, there have been no signs of him coming back to the Test setup anytime soon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thus, Hardik opened up on his Test future following India's T20I series triumph over the Black Caps in Ahmedabad on Wednesday (February 01).&nbsp;Speaking to reporters after the third T20I, he said,&nbsp;"I will come (back) when I feel (it's) the right time to play Test-match cricket." He added, "Right now, I'm going to focus on white-ball cricket, which is important, and if time is right and body is fine, I'll give (the long format) a try."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/just-because-he-has-scored-runs-in-t20is-irfan-on-rahul-vs-gill-debate-ahead-of-india-australia-tests-558559">'Just because he has scored runs in T20Is....': Irfan on Rahul vs Gill debate ahead of India-Australia Tests</a></strong></p>

<p>Hardik was last seen in action in whites during India's tour of England in 2018. He has&nbsp;532 runs along with 17 wickets in the red-ball format. He will next be seen in action for Team India during their three-match ODI series versus Australia right before IPL 2023. For now, Rohit-led India are gearing up for the four-match Test series opener versus the Aussies, in Nagpur, which will get underway on February 09.</p>


Hardik Pandya has taken over as the T20I captain amid the absence of Rohit Sharma following the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. Ever since India lost the semi-finals to eventual winners England, Rohit, Virat Kohli and some other seniors have been sidelined from the shortest format with Hardik leading a young side keeping the 2024 T20 WC in mind.

Hardik Pandya has taken over as the T20I captain amid the absence of Rohit Sharma following the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. Ever since India lost the semi-finals to eventual winners England, Rohit, Virat Kohli and some other seniors have been sidelined from the shortest format with Hardik leading a young side keeping the 2024 T20 WC in mind. Although Hardik hasn't officially replaced Rohit as the T20I captain, he is touted to be the next white-ball skipper with him recently replacing KL Rahul as the limited-overs vice-captain. Despite the added responsibility of captaining the side, the 29-year-old Hardik hasn't bogged down as an all-rounder. In India's recent home T20I series win over New Zealand, Hardik ended as the Player-of-the-Series with five scalps and few important cameos with the bat. While he remains a vital cog for India in white-ball formats, Hardik hasn't played a Test since September 2018. His back injury kept him out of action for long and while he has returned in style, there have been no signs of him coming back to the Test setup anytime soon. Thus, Hardik opened up on his Test future following India's T20I series triumph over the Black Caps in Ahmedabad on Wednesday (February 01). Speaking to reporters after the third T20I, he said, "I will come (back) when I feel (it's) the right time to play Test-match cricket." He added, "Right now, I'm going to focus on white-ball cricket, which is important, and if time is right and body is fine, I'll give (the long format) a try." Also read: 'Just because he has scored runs in T20Is....': Irfan on Rahul vs Gill debate ahead of India-Australia Tests Hardik was last seen in action in whites during India's tour of England in 2018. He has 532 runs along with 17 wickets in the red-ball format. He will next be seen in action for Team India during their three-match ODI series versus Australia right before IPL 2023. For now, Rohit-led India are gearing up for the four-match Test series opener versus the Aussies, in Nagpur, which will get underway on February 09.

'Right now, I'm going to....' - Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya breaks silence on his Test future

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidaTLxF66sJglb" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has responded to Steve Smith's remarks about not playing any tour games ahead of the first Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The off-spinner said it was not a big thing and that&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;was playing mind games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Australia are not playing any tour matches this time. This is not new. Even India avoids tour games when they go on a few overseas tours,"&nbsp;said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Since Team India’s schedule is packed with international games, it is not possible to turn up for practice games with the same intensity."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> have begun their preparations for the Border Gavaskar Trophy ahead of the 1st Test in Nagpur.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/21NlHzLwGA">pic.twitter.com/21NlHzLwGA</a></p>
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<p>Australia are not playing any tour game in their preparation for the series. Instead, the visitors have preferred to hold a four-day training camp at KSCA Stadium in Alur.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith had said, “We got a green wicket in Brabourne and a completely opposite one in the first Test (during the 2017 series). In all fairness, it was a rank turner in Pune.”<br />
<br />
“We might have given them a green track, but nobody plans all these things. However, Australia are known for their mind games and sledges before a series. They love doing that. It’s their style of cricket,” added Ashiwn.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/last-time-they-gave-us-a-green-top-steve-smith-explains-why-australia-is-not-playing-a-tour-game-this-time-557564" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: 'Last time they gave us a green top', Steve Smith explains why Australia is not playing a tour game this time</strong></a></p>

<p>When asked if Australia needed to play a tour match ahead of the gruelling one-month Test series, Smith had replied in negative.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We'll wait and see when we hit the ground. I think we've made the right decision to not play a tour match. Like I said, last time they dished up a green top for us (in a tour game) and we barely faced any spin, so it's kind of irrelevant," Smith told news.com.au.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia will be coming into the series, having lost the previous three iterations of the BGT, with 2018 and 2020 defeats coming in its own backyard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will take some special effort from the Australians if they are to beat India in India. In the last decade, India have only lost two Test matches.</p>

<p>Ironically, Australia beat India in one of those Test matches and it came on a vicious turning Pune pitch.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has responded to Steve Smith's remarks about not playing any tour games ahead of the first Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has responded to Steve Smith's remarks about not playing any tour games ahead of the first Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The off-spinner said it was not a big thing and that Smith was playing mind games. “Australia are not playing any tour matches this time. This is not new. Even India avoids tour games when they go on a few overseas tours," said Ashwin on his YouTube channel. "Since Team India’s schedule is packed with international games, it is not possible to turn up for practice games with the same intensity." #TeamIndia have begun their preparations for the Border Gavaskar Trophy ahead of the 1st Test in Nagpur.#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/21NlHzLwGA — BCCI (@BCCI) February 3, 2023 × Australia are not playing any tour game in their preparation for the series. Instead, the visitors have preferred to hold a four-day training camp at KSCA Stadium in Alur. Smith had said, “We got a green wicket in Brabourne and a completely opposite one in the first Test (during the 2017 series). In all fairness, it was a rank turner in Pune.” “We might have given them a green track, but nobody plans all these things. However, Australia are known for their mind games and sledges before a series. They love doing that. It’s their style of cricket,” added Ashiwn. Read more: 'Last time they gave us a green top', Steve Smith explains why Australia is not playing a tour game this time When asked if Australia needed to play a tour match ahead of the gruelling one-month Test series, Smith had replied in negative. "We'll wait and see when we hit the ground. I think we've made the right decision to not play a tour match. Like I said, last time they dished up a green top for us (in a tour game) and we barely faced any spin, so it's kind of irrelevant," Smith told news.com.au. Australia will be coming into the series, having lost the previous three iterations of the BGT, with 2018 and 2020 defeats coming in its own backyard. It will take some special effort from the Australians if they are to beat India in India. In the last decade, India have only lost two Test matches. Ironically, Australia beat India in one of those Test matches and it came on a vicious turning Pune pitch. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Oz are known for their mind games': R Ashwin responds to Steve Smith's tour match remark

<p>Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has once again made a strange claim, insinuating that India copied Pakistan's bowling attack.&nbsp;“I often feel India took a look at Pakistan and designed their bowling attack the same way," said the ex-cricketer on his YouTube channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Umran Malik has pace just like Haris Rauf, Arshdeep brings the left-arm angle like Shaheen Afridi. Wasim Jr. chips in during the middle-overs and so does Hardik Pandya, both have the same pace as well. Shivam Mavi also plays the role of a supporting bowler,” added Raja.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Raja made the rather anecdotal statement, India has produced a flurry of good fast bowlers over the years.&nbsp;Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are a few of the others that have been around much longer than some of the Pakistani bowlers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is not the first instance when Raja has courted controversy for making statements targeting the Indian team. As the PCB chairman, he had threatened to boycott the 2023 50-over World Cup if India did not come to Pakistan to play in the Asia Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If Pakistan doesn't take part in the World Cup scheduled in India next year, who will watch it? We have a clear stand: If the Indian team comes here then we will go for the World Cup. If they don't come then they can play the World Cup without us," Raja had said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-have-got-ramiz-raja-opens-up-on-continuous-rant-against-india-during-his-tenure-as-pcb-chief-547019"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;"I have got...' - Ramiz Raja opens up on continuous rant against India during his tenure as PCB chief</strong></a></p>

<p>Such a statement from Raja, despite him being the head of a cricketing board did not go down well with BCCI as well as former Pakistani players.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wasim Akram slammed Raja for his statements by referring to him as a kid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He came for six days, now he is back to his original place," said Akram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Najam Sethi [PCB chairman] gave a very sensible answer. It all depends on approval from both governments. You have to talk properly with boards. This is not gully cricket, that if you don’t come, we also will not go to your country. I don’t understand who are these kids, who come and run cricket in Pakistan."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-understand-who-are-these-kids-wasim-akram-takes-a-dig-at-ramiz-raja-555578"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;'Don’t understand who are these kids': Wasim Akram takes a dig at Ramiz Raja</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, shortly after Pakistan were whitewashed in their three-match home Test series versus England, Raja was given the sack as the PCB chairman.</p>

<p>Under his tenure, the team performed horridly in the home conditions and the pitches were criticised heavily for offering nothing to the bowlers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has once again made a strange claim, insinuating that India copied Pakistan's bowling attack. “I often feel India took a look at Pakistan and designed their bowling attack the same way," said the ex-cricketer on his YouTube channel.

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has once again made a strange claim, insinuating that India copied Pakistan's bowling attack. “I often feel India took a look at Pakistan and designed their bowling attack the same way," said the ex-cricketer on his YouTube channel. "Umran Malik has pace just like Haris Rauf, Arshdeep brings the left-arm angle like Shaheen Afridi. Wasim Jr. chips in during the middle-overs and so does Hardik Pandya, both have the same pace as well. Shivam Mavi also plays the role of a supporting bowler,” added Raja. While Raja made the rather anecdotal statement, India has produced a flurry of good fast bowlers over the years. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are a few of the others that have been around much longer than some of the Pakistani bowlers. This is not the first instance when Raja has courted controversy for making statements targeting the Indian team. As the PCB chairman, he had threatened to boycott the 2023 50-over World Cup if India did not come to Pakistan to play in the Asia Cup. “If Pakistan doesn't take part in the World Cup scheduled in India next year, who will watch it? We have a clear stand: If the Indian team comes here then we will go for the World Cup. If they don't come then they can play the World Cup without us," Raja had said. Read more: "I have got...' - Ramiz Raja opens up on continuous rant against India during his tenure as PCB chief Such a statement from Raja, despite him being the head of a cricketing board did not go down well with BCCI as well as former Pakistani players. Wasim Akram slammed Raja for his statements by referring to him as a kid. "He came for six days, now he is back to his original place," said Akram. "Najam Sethi [PCB chairman] gave a very sensible answer. It all depends on approval from both governments. You have to talk properly with boards. This is not gully cricket, that if you don’t come, we also will not go to your country. I don’t understand who are these kids, who come and run cricket in Pakistan." Read more: 'Don’t understand who are these kids': Wasim Akram takes a dig at Ramiz Raja Notably, shortly after Pakistan were whitewashed in their three-match home Test series versus England, Raja was given the sack as the PCB chairman. Under his tenure, the team performed horridly in the home conditions and the pitches were criticised heavily for offering nothing to the bowlers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja claims India 'copied' Pakistan's bowling template

<p>Shubman Gill has had a stellar run in international cricket in the recent past. During India's tour of Bangladesh in late 2022, he struck his maiden Test hundred and went onto slam a hundred in the Sri Lanka home ODIs before becoming the youngest to score a double ton in the 50-over format and recently became only the fifth India to log a ton in all formats with his maiden T20I ton. Having such a flawless run, one expects Gill to feature in India's playing XI for the four-match Test series opener versus Australia, in Nagpur on February 09.</p>

<p>Nonetheless, the competition is tough as India have preferred the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul in Tests. The two were at their best during the England Tests in 2021 and were expected to open together during the Bangladesh series before captain Rohit got injured. With Rahul being his deputy, it will be tough for Gill to replace him. With no Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, either of the two can bat in the middle order as well but the questions remains as to who will open with Rohit. In this regard, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan shared his take.</p>

<p>“Not in all three formats but in two formats. If you talk about Test matches, you have two openers who have scored runs in difficult conditions, scored runs in England and won matches for India there. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma are there, so suddenly because Shubman Gill has scored runs in the T20 format, you cannot ask them to step aside and let him play. You need the stability,” Pathan told&nbsp;<i>Star Sports.</i></p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-rohit-sharma-but-virat-kohli-may-play-2024-t20-world-cup-predicts-former-indian-opener-558549">Not Rohit Sharma but Virat Kohli may play 2024 T20 World Cup, predicts former Indian opener</a></strong></p>

<p>Rohit and Rahul are expected to open the innings with Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill to follow suit. KS Bharat might don the wicketkeeping gloves with Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin and Axar Patel being the spin-bowling all-rounders whereas the likes of Mohammed Shami and Siraj are likely to handle the pace unit.</p>

<p><strong>Squads</strong></p>

<p><strong>India (for first two Tests):</strong>&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul (vc), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Suryakumar Yadav</p>

<p><strong>Australia:</strong>&nbsp;Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Handscomb (wk), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner</p>


Shubman Gill has had a stellar run in international cricket in the recent past. During India's tour of Bangladesh in late 2022, he struck his maiden Test hundred and went onto slam a hundred in the Sri Lanka home ODIs before becoming the youngest to score a double ton in the 50-over format and recently became only the fifth India to log a ton in all formats with his maiden T20I ton.

Shubman Gill has had a stellar run in international cricket in the recent past. During India's tour of Bangladesh in late 2022, he struck his maiden Test hundred and went onto slam a hundred in the Sri Lanka home ODIs before becoming the youngest to score a double ton in the 50-over format and recently became only the fifth India to log a ton in all formats with his maiden T20I ton. Having such a flawless run, one expects Gill to feature in India's playing XI for the four-match Test series opener versus Australia, in Nagpur on February 09. Nonetheless, the competition is tough as India have preferred the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul in Tests. The two were at their best during the England Tests in 2021 and were expected to open together during the Bangladesh series before captain Rohit got injured. With Rahul being his deputy, it will be tough for Gill to replace him. With no Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, either of the two can bat in the middle order as well but the questions remains as to who will open with Rohit. In this regard, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan shared his take. “Not in all three formats but in two formats. If you talk about Test matches, you have two openers who have scored runs in difficult conditions, scored runs in England and won matches for India there. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma are there, so suddenly because Shubman Gill has scored runs in the T20 format, you cannot ask them to step aside and let him play. You need the stability,” Pathan told Star Sports. Also read: Not Rohit Sharma but Virat Kohli may play 2024 T20 World Cup, predicts former Indian opener Rohit and Rahul are expected to open the innings with Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill to follow suit. KS Bharat might don the wicketkeeping gloves with Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin and Axar Patel being the spin-bowling all-rounders whereas the likes of Mohammed Shami and Siraj are likely to handle the pace unit. Squads India (for first two Tests): Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul (vc), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Suryakumar Yadav Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Handscomb (wk), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

'Just because he has scored runs in T20Is....': Irfan on Rahul vs Gill debate ahead of India-Australia Tests

<p>Ever since India lost the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-finals, versus eventual winners England, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have not featured in India's T20I squad. While nothing official has been announced regarding Rohit and Kohli's T20I future, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer recently shared a bold prediction with regard to the two stalwarts of Indian cricket.</p>

<p>Jaffer believes that the 34-year-old Kohli might still have a chance to play in the 2024 T20 World Cup, but insisted that doors for a comeback are more or less closed for Rohit.Speaking after India's recent T20I series win over New Zealand, in Ahmedabad, Jaffer said during an interaction on Pakistan cricket coach Basit Ali's official Youtube channel, “Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were rested seeing the bigger picture, with the Tests against Australia coming up. India can qualify for the WTC final. And rightly so." "(However) Looking at the future, this game is for youngsters. I actually don't see Rohit Sharma playing in the next T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli may play, but Rohit Sharma definitely won't play the next edition. He's already 35. So, looking at the bigger picture, it's important that they are mentally fresh for the Australia series," Jaffer further added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-dont-know-him-pak-pacer-recalls-dhonis-words-to-kohli-during-heated-exchange-in-2015-odi-wc-558499">'You don't know him': PAK pacer recalls Dhoni's words to Kohli during heated exchange in 2015 ODI WC</a></strong></p>

<p>With no Kohli and Rohit in India's T20I setup, India have been led by Hardik Pandya in the shortest format following the 2022 T20 WC in Australia. Under Hardik, India have defeated New Zealand (home and away) and Sri Lanka (home).While he has not been named as the official T20I captain, Hardik is being touted to take over from Rohit and an official announcement can be made later this year.</p>

<p>For now, Rohit, Kohli and other senior players have shifted their focus to the longer formats. The duo will be seen in action in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy where India will lock horns with Australia with the seris opener starting on February 09.</p>


Ever since India lost the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-finals, versus eventual winners England, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have not featured in India's T20I squad. While nothing official has been announced regarding Rohit and Kohli's T20I future, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer recently shared a bold prediction with regard to the two stalwarts of Indian cricket.

Ever since India lost the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-finals, versus eventual winners England, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have not featured in India's T20I squad. While nothing official has been announced regarding Rohit and Kohli's T20I future, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer recently shared a bold prediction with regard to the two stalwarts of Indian cricket. Jaffer believes that the 34-year-old Kohli might still have a chance to play in the 2024 T20 World Cup, but insisted that doors for a comeback are more or less closed for Rohit.Speaking after India's recent T20I series win over New Zealand, in Ahmedabad, Jaffer said during an interaction on Pakistan cricket coach Basit Ali's official Youtube channel, “Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were rested seeing the bigger picture, with the Tests against Australia coming up. India can qualify for the WTC final. And rightly so." "(However) Looking at the future, this game is for youngsters. I actually don't see Rohit Sharma playing in the next T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli may play, but Rohit Sharma definitely won't play the next edition. He's already 35. So, looking at the bigger picture, it's important that they are mentally fresh for the Australia series," Jaffer further added. Also read: 'You don't know him': PAK pacer recalls Dhoni's words to Kohli during heated exchange in 2015 ODI WC With no Kohli and Rohit in India's T20I setup, India have been led by Hardik Pandya in the shortest format following the 2022 T20 WC in Australia. Under Hardik, India have defeated New Zealand (home and away) and Sri Lanka (home).While he has not been named as the official T20I captain, Hardik is being touted to take over from Rohit and an official announcement can be made later this year. For now, Rohit, Kohli and other senior players have shifted their focus to the longer formats. The duo will be seen in action in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy where India will lock horns with Australia with the seris opener starting on February 09.

Not Rohit Sharma but Virat Kohli may play 2024 T20 World Cup, predicts former Indian opener

<p>On Wednesday (February 01), Hardik Pandya-led India thumped New Zealand by a whopping 168&nbsp;runs in the third and final T20I at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad to clinch the series 2-1. After losing the series opener in Ranchi, the Men in Blue won a low-scoring thriller in Lucknow before wrapping up the series without dropping any sweat following Shubman Gill's record-breaking ton. Gill continued his rich vein of form versus the Kiwis -- having already scored a double hundred in the three ODIs -- to score his maiden ton in the format and take India to 234/4. During the NZ run-chase, early wickets and Suryakumar Yadav's stunning catches dented Mitchell Santner &amp; Co.&nbsp;as the fate of the contest was out in no time.</p>

<p>Winning the toss, India opted to bat first with Umran Malik coming in place of Yuvzendra Chahal. Gill's first fifty came off 35 balls and the next off mere 19 deliveries as he created havoc in front of a jam-packed stadium in Ahmedabad. Rahul Tripathi's 22-ball 44 set the tone for the Indian innings and allowed Gill to take some time before he launched onto the poor deliveries. He remained unbeaten on 126, off 63 balls, striking at a whopping 200 along with 12 fours and 7 sixes. He was immaculate against the pacers, with his timely pulls, drives, flicks, etc., as India reached a mammoth total in 20 overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Indians with T20I hundreds</strong></p>

<p>Suresh Raina<br />
Rohit Sharma<br />
KL Rahul<br />
Deepak Hooda<br />
Suryakumar Yadav<br />
Virat Kohli<br />
<strong>Shubman Gill</strong></p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tendulkar-bcci-present-india-u19-womens-team-a-fat-cheque-for-t20-wc-win-before-ind-nz-3rd-t20i-557993">Tendulkar, BCCI present India U19 Women’s team a fat cheque for T20 WC win before IND-NZ 3rd T20I</a></strong></p>

<p>Gill also ended with the highest individual score by an Indian batter in the format (126*) surpassing Kohli's 122* during the 2022 Asia Cup. In addition, he is only the fifth Indian to log a hundred in all three formats of men's cricket.</p>

<p><strong>Indians to score a hundred in all formats:</strong></p>

<p>Suresh Raina<br />
Rohit Sharma<br />
KL Rahul<br />
Virat Kohli<br />
<strong>Shubman Gill</strong></p>

<p>In reply, NZ's run-chase never got going. Hardik removed dangerman Finn Allen with an edge as SKY completed a good catch. Arshdeep Singh joined in and claimed two quick wickets with Hardik and Umran Malik adding to Kiwis' miseries. Surya accounted for another brilliant catch (ending with three overall) in the slip cordon as the match was well and truly over in a flash. The first six overs were set to give a clear indication of how the match will proceed but the visitors were 21 for 5 in less than five overs. Eventually, India finished the formalities with the Black Caps managing only a paltry 66 in 12.1 overs to win by a big margin;&nbsp;their biggest-ever win in the format. Overall,&nbsp;this is the biggest margin of win&nbsp;in a contest held between&nbsp;two full member nations.</p>

<p>With the series win, the Men in Blue maintain their No. 1 position in T20Is. India will now return to the 22-yard cricket strip for the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy, on home soil, starting on February 09.</p>


On Wednesday (February 01), Hardik Pandya-led India thumped New Zealand by a whopping 168 runs in the third and final T20I at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad to clinch the series 2-1.

On Wednesday (February 01), Hardik Pandya-led India thumped New Zealand by a whopping 168 runs in the third and final T20I at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad to clinch the series 2-1. After losing the series opener in Ranchi, the Men in Blue won a low-scoring thriller in Lucknow before wrapping up the series without dropping any sweat following Shubman Gill's record-breaking ton. Gill continued his rich vein of form versus the Kiwis -- having already scored a double hundred in the three ODIs -- to score his maiden ton in the format and take India to 234/4. During the NZ run-chase, early wickets and Suryakumar Yadav's stunning catches dented Mitchell Santner & Co. as the fate of the contest was out in no time. Winning the toss, India opted to bat first with Umran Malik coming in place of Yuvzendra Chahal. Gill's first fifty came off 35 balls and the next off mere 19 deliveries as he created havoc in front of a jam-packed stadium in Ahmedabad. Rahul Tripathi's 22-ball 44 set the tone for the Indian innings and allowed Gill to take some time before he launched onto the poor deliveries. He remained unbeaten on 126, off 63 balls, striking at a whopping 200 along with 12 fours and 7 sixes. He was immaculate against the pacers, with his timely pulls, drives, flicks, etc., as India reached a mammoth total in 20 overs. Indians with T20I hundreds Suresh Raina Rohit Sharma KL Rahul Deepak Hooda Suryakumar Yadav Virat Kohli Shubman Gill Also read: Tendulkar, BCCI present India U19 Women’s team a fat cheque for T20 WC win before IND-NZ 3rd T20I Gill also ended with the highest individual score by an Indian batter in the format (126*) surpassing Kohli's 122* during the 2022 Asia Cup. In addition, he is only the fifth Indian to log a hundred in all three formats of men's cricket. Indians to score a hundred in all formats: Suresh Raina Rohit Sharma KL Rahul Virat Kohli Shubman Gill In reply, NZ's run-chase never got going. Hardik removed dangerman Finn Allen with an edge as SKY completed a good catch. Arshdeep Singh joined in and claimed two quick wickets with Hardik and Umran Malik adding to Kiwis' miseries. Surya accounted for another brilliant catch (ending with three overall) in the slip cordon as the match was well and truly over in a flash. The first six overs were set to give a clear indication of how the match will proceed but the visitors were 21 for 5 in less than five overs. Eventually, India finished the formalities with the Black Caps managing only a paltry 66 in 12.1 overs to win by a big margin; their biggest-ever win in the format. Overall, this is the biggest margin of win in a contest held between two full member nations. With the series win, the Men in Blue maintain their No. 1 position in T20Is. India will now return to the 22-yard cricket strip for the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy, on home soil, starting on February 09.

Shubman Gill's record-breaking hundred takes India to 168-run win over NZ, clinch T20I series 2-1

<p>India and New Zealand locked horns in the three-match T20I series decider on Wednesday (February 01), in Ahmedabad, with the scoreline being 1-1. Opting to bat first, India rode on in-form opener Shubman Gill's 63-ball 126 not out, laced with 12 fours and 7 sixes, to post a mammoth 234 for 4 and dismissed the Kiwis for a paltry 66 in 12.1 overs to win by a humongous 168-run margin at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. Gill slammed his maiden ton in the format. In addition, he registered the highest individual score by an Indian batter in T20Is, surpassing Virat Kohli's 122*. He became the seventh Indian batter to score a T20I hundred and became the fifth among his countrymen to log a ton in all forms of the game.</p>

<p>After his Ahmedabad heroics, Kohli -- who will next be seen in action during the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia on home soil -- took to his official Instagram account to laud Gill. On his Instagram story, the 34-year-old shared Gill's picture and wrote, "Sitara (Star). The future is here."</p>

<p><img alt="Virat Kohli lauds Shubman Gill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b22ded4c-7e7b-4177-abb3-78810d1e9bcd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kohli%20lauds%20Gill.JPG" /></p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shubman-gills-record-breaking-hundred-takes-india-to-168-run-win-over-nz-clinch-t20i-series-2-1-558026">Shubman Gill's record-breaking hundred takes India to 168-run win over NZ, clinch T20I series 2-1</a></strong></p>

<p>Gill stitched an entertaining 80-run second-wicket stand with Rahul Tripathi, who set the platform for his side courtesy his 22-ball 44. He was well supported by Suryakumar Yadav (13-ball 24) and captain Hardik Pandya (17-ball 30) as India piled up a mammoth total and defended it with ease, with Hardik leading the charge (with 4 for 16) along with two-fers from Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Mavi and Umran Malik each.</p>

<p>At the post-match presentation, centurion Gill said, "It feels good when you practice and it pays off. I was backing myself to score big. Didn't happen in the Sri Lanka series, but happy to see it work out now. Everybody has a different technique to hit sixes. Hardik bhai told me to play my game, not do anything extra and he kept backing me. When you represent your country, there is no fatigue. It was my dream to play for India, and I am very fortunate to be part of the team in all three formats."</p>


India and New Zealand locked horns in the three-match T20I series decider on Wednesday (February 01), in Ahmedabad, with the scoreline being 1-1. Opting to bat first, India rode on in-form opener Shubman Gill's 63-ball 126 not out, laced with 12 fours and 7 sixes, to post a mammoth 234 for 4 and dismissed the Kiwis for a paltry 66 in 12.

India and New Zealand locked horns in the three-match T20I series decider on Wednesday (February 01), in Ahmedabad, with the scoreline being 1-1. Opting to bat first, India rode on in-form opener Shubman Gill's 63-ball 126 not out, laced with 12 fours and 7 sixes, to post a mammoth 234 for 4 and dismissed the Kiwis for a paltry 66 in 12.1 overs to win by a humongous 168-run margin at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. Gill slammed his maiden ton in the format. In addition, he registered the highest individual score by an Indian batter in T20Is, surpassing Virat Kohli's 122*. He became the seventh Indian batter to score a T20I hundred and became the fifth among his countrymen to log a ton in all forms of the game. After his Ahmedabad heroics, Kohli -- who will next be seen in action during the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia on home soil -- took to his official Instagram account to laud Gill. On his Instagram story, the 34-year-old shared Gill's picture and wrote, "Sitara (Star). The future is here." Also read: Shubman Gill's record-breaking hundred takes India to 168-run win over NZ, clinch T20I series 2-1 Gill stitched an entertaining 80-run second-wicket stand with Rahul Tripathi, who set the platform for his side courtesy his 22-ball 44. He was well supported by Suryakumar Yadav (13-ball 24) and captain Hardik Pandya (17-ball 30) as India piled up a mammoth total and defended it with ease, with Hardik leading the charge (with 4 for 16) along with two-fers from Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Mavi and Umran Malik each. At the post-match presentation, centurion Gill said, "It feels good when you practice and it pays off. I was backing myself to score big. Didn't happen in the Sri Lanka series, but happy to see it work out now. Everybody has a different technique to hit sixes. Hardik bhai told me to play my game, not do anything extra and he kept backing me. When you represent your country, there is no fatigue. It was my dream to play for India, and I am very fortunate to be part of the team in all three formats."

'The future is here': Virat Kohli lauds Shubman Gill after his 3rd T20I heroics vs New Zealand

<p>Aussie batter Usman Khawaja finally got his visa as he left for India for Pat Cummins &amp; Co.'s upcoming four Tests versus hosts India in the upcoming edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. There was a lot of delay in Khawaja getting his visa but he finally got hold of it and flew for India. The left-handed batter also shared a post on his official Instagram handle as he shared his excitement of travelling to the Asian country for the much-awaited India-Australia Tests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday (February 01), Khawaja took to his official Instagram handle to share a selfie on his flight en route to India. He captioned the post, "India, I'm coming".</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CoI802vPhV6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Usman Khawaja (@usman_khawajy)</a></p>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tendulkar-bcci-present-india-u19-womens-team-a-fat-cheque-for-t20-wc-win-before-ind-nz-3rd-t20i-557993"><strong>Tendulkar, BCCI present India U19 Women’s team a fat cheque for T20 WC win before IND-NZ 3rd T20I</strong></a></p>

<p>Cricket Australia had revealed that its players left in two batches on January 31 and February 1. However, Khawaja couldn't leave with his teammates due to the visa delay -- something which he encountered in 2011 as well for the Champions League and was resolved with government intervention. Talking about the&nbsp;Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which will be the last edition to comprise four Tests, will kickoff on February 9 in Nagpur. The second Test will be held in Delhi (February 17-21) before the action moves to Dharamshala (March 1-5) with Ahmedabad hosting the series finale&nbsp;(March 9-13).</p>

<p>India have won the last three editions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, winning the last two in Australia. Hence, they will be confident of getting past the No. 1 ranked Australian Test line-up.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Australia Test squad for India tour:</strong>&nbsp;Pat Cummins (capt), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.</p>


Aussie batter Usman Khawaja finally got his visa as he left for India for Pat Cummins & Co.'s upcoming four Tests versus hosts India in the upcoming edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Aussie batter Usman Khawaja finally got his visa as he left for India for Pat Cummins & Co.'s upcoming four Tests versus hosts India in the upcoming edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. There was a lot of delay in Khawaja getting his visa but he finally got hold of it and flew for India. The left-handed batter also shared a post on his official Instagram handle as he shared his excitement of travelling to the Asian country for the much-awaited India-Australia Tests. On Wednesday (February 01), Khawaja took to his official Instagram handle to share a selfie on his flight en route to India. He captioned the post, "India, I'm coming". View this post on Instagram A post shared by Usman Khawaja (@usman_khawajy) × Also read: Tendulkar, BCCI present India U19 Women’s team a fat cheque for T20 WC win before IND-NZ 3rd T20I Cricket Australia had revealed that its players left in two batches on January 31 and February 1. However, Khawaja couldn't leave with his teammates due to the visa delay -- something which he encountered in 2011 as well for the Champions League and was resolved with government intervention. Talking about the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which will be the last edition to comprise four Tests, will kickoff on February 9 in Nagpur. The second Test will be held in Delhi (February 17-21) before the action moves to Dharamshala (March 1-5) with Ahmedabad hosting the series finale (March 9-13). India have won the last three editions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, winning the last two in Australia. Hence, they will be confident of getting past the No. 1 ranked Australian Test line-up. Australia Test squad for India tour: Pat Cummins (capt), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: After much delay, Usman Khawaja gets his visa as he leaves for India

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidsIy5MT71bvVT" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>India's newly appointed T20 captain Hardik Pandya is seeking to fill big shoes. After India won the T20I series against New Zealand on Wednesday, Pandya said he was emulating the role of former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the finisher of the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't mind playing the role that somewhere down the line, Mahi used to play. At that time, I was young and hitting all around the park. But since he's gone, all of a sudden, that responsibility is onto me," said Pandya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't mind that. We are getting the results. It's okay if I have to play a little slow."</p>

<p>Pandya, who started off as a bowling allrounder has evolved in his overall gameplay over the years. With T20 cricket being micro analysed by fans and team strategists alike, aggressive intent has become the keyword.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Pandya is not confining himself to the same notions. The 29-year-old said he is willing to slow down and bat for the team, unlike his previous self.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’ve always enjoyed hitting sixes. But that’s life; I’ve to evolve. I’ve believed in partnerships and want to give my batting partner and team some assurance and calmness that I’m there," said Pandya, who incidentally won the Player of the Series award for his performance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I’ve played more games than any of these guys; I’ve learned how to accept and swallow pressure and make sure everything is calm."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-hardik-pandya-presents-t20i-series-trophy-to-benched-prithvi-shaw-as-video-goes-viral-watch-558224" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | IND vs NZ: Hardik Pandya presents T20I series trophy to benched Prithvi Shaw as video goes viral</strong></a></p>

<p>India steamrolled New Zealand in the third and decider T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat. Pandya, after winning the toss, decided to bat first and the decision paid rich dividends.</p>

<p>India, courtesy of a stellar hundred from Shubman Gill and a 30-run cameo from Pandya managed to post a mammoth 234 on the board.</p>

<p>Defending the target, Pandya led from the front yet again and scalped four wickets as the Kiwis could never really get going.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the end, the visitors got skilled for the paltry total of 66 as India won by a massive margin of 168 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-needs-to-go-back-hardik-pandya-has-advice-for-this-bowler-after-loss-against-sri-lanka-549870"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;'He needs to go back...': Hardik Pandya has advice for this bowler after loss against Sri Lanka</strong></a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


India's newly appointed T20 captain Hardik Pandya is seeking to fill big shoes. After India won the T20I series against New Zealand on Wednesday, Pandya said he was emulating the role of former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the finisher of the team.

India's newly appointed T20 captain Hardik Pandya is seeking to fill big shoes. After India won the T20I series against New Zealand on Wednesday, Pandya said he was emulating the role of former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the finisher of the team. "I don't mind playing the role that somewhere down the line, Mahi used to play. At that time, I was young and hitting all around the park. But since he's gone, all of a sudden, that responsibility is onto me," said Pandya. "I don't mind that. We are getting the results. It's okay if I have to play a little slow." Pandya, who started off as a bowling allrounder has evolved in his overall gameplay over the years. With T20 cricket being micro analysed by fans and team strategists alike, aggressive intent has become the keyword. However, Pandya is not confining himself to the same notions. The 29-year-old said he is willing to slow down and bat for the team, unlike his previous self. “I’ve always enjoyed hitting sixes. But that’s life; I’ve to evolve. I’ve believed in partnerships and want to give my batting partner and team some assurance and calmness that I’m there," said Pandya, who incidentally won the Player of the Series award for his performance. "I’ve played more games than any of these guys; I’ve learned how to accept and swallow pressure and make sure everything is calm." WATCH | IND vs NZ: Hardik Pandya presents T20I series trophy to benched Prithvi Shaw as video goes viral India steamrolled New Zealand in the third and decider T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat. Pandya, after winning the toss, decided to bat first and the decision paid rich dividends. India, courtesy of a stellar hundred from Shubman Gill and a 30-run cameo from Pandya managed to post a mammoth 234 on the board. Defending the target, Pandya led from the front yet again and scalped four wickets as the Kiwis could never really get going. In the end, the visitors got skilled for the paltry total of 66 as India won by a massive margin of 168 runs. Read more: 'He needs to go back...': Hardik Pandya has advice for this bowler after loss against Sri Lanka (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Since MS Dhoni's gone...': Hardik Pandya reveals the shoes he is trying to fill

<p>After beating Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the white-ball home series, India will now square off with Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the last edition comprising four Tests. The four Tests between heavyweights India and Australia is keenly awaited by the ardent cricket fans as the three few series have lived up to expectations, if not exceeded them. India have won the last three editions but will have a big task to beat Pat Cummins &amp; Co. and assure themselves a place in the ICC World Test Championship final, to be held in early June.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For India, Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. will be without the services of Jasprit Bumrah -- who might join the team for the last two Tests subject to fitness -- whereas Shreyas Iyer is doubtful for the series opener, on January 09. Australia, on the other hand, have a real chance to win their first red-ball series on Indian soil after 19 years following their dominance at home, versus West Indies and South Africa. Overall, it promises to be a humdinger of a series with plenty of sledging, intense drama and action.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-series-2023-live-streaming-when-where-how-watch-india-vs-australia-series-2023-live-for-free-558187">IND vs AUS series 2023 live streaming: when, where &amp; How Watch India vs Australia series 2023 live for free</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Here's everything you need to know about the India-Australia Test series:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Full Schedule</strong></p>

<p><strong>February 9-13: </strong>1st Test&nbsp;at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur</p>

<p><strong>February 17-21: </strong>2nd Test&nbsp;at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi</p>

<p><strong>March 01-05: </strong>3rd Test at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala</p>

<p><strong>March 09-13: </strong>4th Test&nbsp;at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad</p>

<p><strong>Telecast and streaming details</strong></p>

<p>It is to be noted that all the four Tests will commence at 9:30 AM IST. Hence, there is no day-night Test in the upcoming&nbsp;Border-Gavaskar series. The live&nbsp;telecast will be on Star Sports Network whereas the live streaming will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website as well as JioTV.</p>

<p><strong>Squads</strong></p>

<p><strong>India (for first two Tests):</strong> Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul (vc), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Suryakumar Yadav</p>

<p><strong>Australia:</strong> Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Handscomb (wk), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner</p>


After beating Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the white-ball home series, India will now square off with Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the last edition comprising four Tests.

After beating Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the white-ball home series, India will now square off with Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the last edition comprising four Tests. The four Tests between heavyweights India and Australia is keenly awaited by the ardent cricket fans as the three few series have lived up to expectations, if not exceeded them. India have won the last three editions but will have a big task to beat Pat Cummins & Co. and assure themselves a place in the ICC World Test Championship final, to be held in early June. For India, Rohit Sharma & Co. will be without the services of Jasprit Bumrah -- who might join the team for the last two Tests subject to fitness -- whereas Shreyas Iyer is doubtful for the series opener, on January 09. Australia, on the other hand, have a real chance to win their first red-ball series on Indian soil after 19 years following their dominance at home, versus West Indies and South Africa. Overall, it promises to be a humdinger of a series with plenty of sledging, intense drama and action. Also read: IND vs AUS series 2023 live streaming: when, where & How Watch India vs Australia series 2023 live for free Here's everything you need to know about the India-Australia Test series: Full Schedule February 9-13: 1st Test at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur February 17-21: 2nd Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi March 01-05: 3rd Test at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala March 09-13: 4th Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad Telecast and streaming details It is to be noted that all the four Tests will commence at 9:30 AM IST. Hence, there is no day-night Test in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series. The live telecast will be on Star Sports Network whereas the live streaming will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website as well as JioTV. Squads India (for first two Tests): Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul (vc), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Suryakumar Yadav Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Handscomb (wk), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

India vs Australia, Border-Gavaskar Trophy: From full schedule to streaming details - All you need to know

<p>On Wednesday (February 01), Hardik Pandya-led India locked horns with New Zealand in the third and final T20I with the scoreline being 1-1. Opting to bat first at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad, India rode on Shubman Gill's 63-ball 126 not out and Rahul Tripathi's 22-ball 44 to post a daunting 234 for 4. In reply, the Mitchell Santner-led Black Caps were never in the hunt and only managed a paltry 66 all-out in 12.1 overs to lose by a whopping 168-run margin. With the series win, India maintained their stronghold on the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20I rankings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about the contest, India went into the game with only one change with Umran Malik coming in place of Yuzvendra Chahal. Thus, Prithvi Shaw -- who recently slammed 379 in Ranji Trophy -- remained benched which made heads turn in the cricketing fraternity. India backed Gill and Ishan Kishan, who once again fell flat in the series finale. After the easy win over the Kiwis in the Ahmedabad T20I, skipper Hardik Pandya was presented with the trophy by BCCI President Roger Binny and Secretary Jay Shah. Hardik quickly handed the trophy to benched Shaw, grabbing eyeballs for the out-of-favour player.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here's the video:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Captain <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya93?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hardikpandya93</a> collects the <a href="https://twitter.com/mastercardindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mastercardindia</a> trophy from BCCI president Mr. Roger Binny &amp; BCCI Honorary Secretary Mr. Jay Shah 👏👏<br />
<br />
Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> who clinch the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> T20I series 2️⃣-1️⃣ <a href="https://twitter.com/JayShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JayShah</a> <a href="https://t.co/WLbCE417QU">pic.twitter.com/WLbCE417QU</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1620840587044995072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-suryakumar-yadav-takes-a-stunner-to-get-rid-of-finn-allen-in-ind-nz-3rd-t20i-558138">WATCH: Suryakumar Yadav takes a stunner to get rid of Finn Allen in IND-NZ 3rd T20I</a></strong></p>

<p>Shaw would be disappointed to not get a game under his belt during the NZ series. He will aim for a memorable run in IPL 2023 and make a strong statement to get a longer rope in the T20I setup with the World Cup next year in West Indies and the USA.</p>

<p>At the post-match presentation, a jubilant Hardik reflected on the series win and said, "I don't mind winning (man of the series award), but there were so performances here that were exceptional. This Man of the Series and trophy goes out to the whole support staff, I'm happy for all of them. (On doing things out of the box) Not to be honest, I always play the game like this. I try to read what is required, not have preconceived ideas. In my captaincy, I look to keep it simple and back my gut. I have a simple rule -&nbsp;<i>if I go down, I will go down on my terms.</i>&nbsp;We've spoken about taking challenges. When we played the IPL final, we felt the second innings was more spicy but on this surface today I wanted to make it a normal game because it was a decider. Hence, we batted first. Hopefully, we can continue performing like this."</p>

<p>India will now shift their focus to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, at home, versus Australia which gets underway on February 09.</p>


On Wednesday (February 01), Hardik Pandya-led India locked horns with New Zealand in the third and final T20I with the scoreline being 1-1. Opting to bat first at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad, India rode on Shubman Gill's 63-ball 126 not out and Rahul Tripathi's 22-ball 44 to post a daunting 234 for 4.

On Wednesday (February 01), Hardik Pandya-led India locked horns with New Zealand in the third and final T20I with the scoreline being 1-1. Opting to bat first at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad, India rode on Shubman Gill's 63-ball 126 not out and Rahul Tripathi's 22-ball 44 to post a daunting 234 for 4. In reply, the Mitchell Santner-led Black Caps were never in the hunt and only managed a paltry 66 all-out in 12.1 overs to lose by a whopping 168-run margin. With the series win, India maintained their stronghold on the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20I rankings. Talking about the contest, India went into the game with only one change with Umran Malik coming in place of Yuzvendra Chahal. Thus, Prithvi Shaw -- who recently slammed 379 in Ranji Trophy -- remained benched which made heads turn in the cricketing fraternity. India backed Gill and Ishan Kishan, who once again fell flat in the series finale. After the easy win over the Kiwis in the Ahmedabad T20I, skipper Hardik Pandya was presented with the trophy by BCCI President Roger Binny and Secretary Jay Shah. Hardik quickly handed the trophy to benched Shaw, grabbing eyeballs for the out-of-favour player. Here's the video: Captain @hardikpandya93 collects the @mastercardindia trophy from BCCI president Mr. Roger Binny & BCCI Honorary Secretary Mr. Jay Shah 👏👏 Congratulations to #TeamIndia who clinch the #INDvNZ T20I series 2️⃣-1️⃣ @JayShah pic.twitter.com/WLbCE417QU — BCCI (@BCCI) February 1, 2023 × Also read: WATCH: Suryakumar Yadav takes a stunner to get rid of Finn Allen in IND-NZ 3rd T20I Shaw would be disappointed to not get a game under his belt during the NZ series. He will aim for a memorable run in IPL 2023 and make a strong statement to get a longer rope in the T20I setup with the World Cup next year in West Indies and the USA. At the post-match presentation, a jubilant Hardik reflected on the series win and said, "I don't mind winning (man of the series award), but there were so performances here that were exceptional. This Man of the Series and trophy goes out to the whole support staff, I'm happy for all of them. (On doing things out of the box) Not to be honest, I always play the game like this. I try to read what is required, not have preconceived ideas. In my captaincy, I look to keep it simple and back my gut. I have a simple rule - if I go down, I will go down on my terms. We've spoken about taking challenges. When we played the IPL final, we felt the second innings was more spicy but on this surface today I wanted to make it a normal game because it was a decider. Hence, we batted first. Hopefully, we can continue performing like this." India will now shift their focus to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, at home, versus Australia which gets underway on February 09.

IND vs NZ: Hardik Pandya presents T20I series trophy to benched Prithvi Shaw as video goes viral - Watch

<p>Hardik Pandya-led India didn't put a foot wrong in the third and final T20I versus New Zealand, in Ahmedabad, on Wednesday evening (February 01). With the three-match series levelled at 1-1, India put on a stunning show at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium courtesy of in-form opener Shubman Gill's scintillating 63-ball 126 not out. Riding on his maiden hundred in the format, India posted 234 for 4 and defended the score with NZ were dismissed for a paltry 66 in 12.1 overs, to lose by 168 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While it was Gill who led the charge with the ball, captain Hardik broke the backbone of Kiwis' batting line-up with 4 for 16. However, Suryakumar Yadav also contributed with three stunning catches; including two sharp ones in the slip cordon. As Hardik dismssed dangerman Finn Allen for cheap in the first over, SKY made heads turn as he timed his jump to perfection and held onto a stunning catch. <strong>Here's the video of the catch:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ICYMI - WHAT. A. CATCH 🔥🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> vice-captain <a href="https://twitter.com/surya_14kumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@surya_14kumar</a> takes a stunner to get Finn Allen 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/mastercardindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mastercardindia</a> <a href="https://t.co/WvKQK8V67b">pic.twitter.com/WvKQK8V67b</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1620809302264127488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-future-is-here-virat-kohli-lauds-shubman-gill-after-his-3rd-t20i-heroics-vs-new-zealand-558117">'The future is here': Virat Kohli lauds Shubman Gill after his 3rd T20I heroics vs New Zealand</a></strong></p>

<p>Eventually, Surya ended with three brilliant catches -- dismissing the likes of Allen,&nbsp;Glenn Phillips and stand-in skipper Mitchell Santner. During the Indian innings, he also made a mark with an entertaining 13-ball 24 studded with 1 four and 2 sixes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the post-match presentation, Hardik reflected on his team's big win and said, "&nbsp;I don't mind winning (man of the series award), but there were so performances here that were exceptional. This Man of the Series and trophy goes out to the whole support staff, I'm happy for all of them. (On doing things out of the box) Not to be honest, I always play the game like this. I try to read what is required, not have preconceived ideas. In my captaincy, I look to keep it simple and back my gut. I have a simple rule -&nbsp;<i>if I go down, I will go down on my terms.</i>&nbsp;We've spoken about taking challenges. When we played the IPL final, we felt the second innings was more spicy but on this surface today I wanted to make it a normal game because it was a decider. Hence, we batted first. Hopefully, we can continue performing like this."</p>


Hardik Pandya-led India didn't put a foot wrong in the third and final T20I versus New Zealand, in Ahmedabad, on Wednesday evening (February 01). With the three-match series levelled at 1-1, India put on a stunning show at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium courtesy of in-form opener Shubman Gill's scintillating 63-ball 126 not out.

Hardik Pandya-led India didn't put a foot wrong in the third and final T20I versus New Zealand, in Ahmedabad, on Wednesday evening (February 01). With the three-match series levelled at 1-1, India put on a stunning show at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium courtesy of in-form opener Shubman Gill's scintillating 63-ball 126 not out. Riding on his maiden hundred in the format, India posted 234 for 4 and defended the score with NZ were dismissed for a paltry 66 in 12.1 overs, to lose by 168 runs. While it was Gill who led the charge with the ball, captain Hardik broke the backbone of Kiwis' batting line-up with 4 for 16. However, Suryakumar Yadav also contributed with three stunning catches; including two sharp ones in the slip cordon. As Hardik dismssed dangerman Finn Allen for cheap in the first over, SKY made heads turn as he timed his jump to perfection and held onto a stunning catch. Here's the video of the catch: ICYMI - WHAT. A. CATCH 🔥🔥#TeamIndia vice-captain @surya_14kumar takes a stunner to get Finn Allen 👏#INDvNZ | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/WvKQK8V67b — BCCI (@BCCI) February 1, 2023 × Also read: 'The future is here': Virat Kohli lauds Shubman Gill after his 3rd T20I heroics vs New Zealand Eventually, Surya ended with three brilliant catches -- dismissing the likes of Allen, Glenn Phillips and stand-in skipper Mitchell Santner. During the Indian innings, he also made a mark with an entertaining 13-ball 24 studded with 1 four and 2 sixes. At the post-match presentation, Hardik reflected on his team's big win and said, " I don't mind winning (man of the series award), but there were so performances here that were exceptional. This Man of the Series and trophy goes out to the whole support staff, I'm happy for all of them. (On doing things out of the box) Not to be honest, I always play the game like this. I try to read what is required, not have preconceived ideas. In my captaincy, I look to keep it simple and back my gut. I have a simple rule - if I go down, I will go down on my terms. We've spoken about taking challenges. When we played the IPL final, we felt the second innings was more spicy but on this surface today I wanted to make it a normal game because it was a decider. Hence, we batted first. Hopefully, we can continue performing like this."

WATCH: Suryakumar Yadav takes a stunner to get rid of Finn Allen in IND-NZ 3rd T20I

<p>In what could be a huge blow to the Indian team, star in-form batter Shreyas Iyer is ruled out of the first Test against Australia starting February 9th in Nagpur. Iyer, who missed the ongoing white-ball series against New Zealand owing to the back injury was asked to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehab. As per the latest reports, Iyer has not recovered from the back pain despite taking injections, and has been advised to take rest for two weeks. As a result, he will not join the Indian team for the pre-series camp on February 2nd, and will instead return in reckoning for the second Test subject to his fitness.</p>

<p>“His injury hasn’t healed as expected and he will take two weeks at least to play cricket again. He will certainly not be available for the first Test and his availability for the second Test will be subject to his fitness report,” a BCCI source was quoted saying in the Indian Express.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thinking-about-last-editions-final-still-gives-me-goosebumps-says-harmanpreet-kaur-557587">Thinking about last edition's final still gives me goosebumps, says Harmanpreet Kaur</a></p>

<p>The absence of Iyer could mean a likely Test debut for Suryakumar Yadav, who alongside Ishan Kishan was picked for the first two Tests. However, with both Iyer and Rishabh Pant not being there now, India could field a relatively newer side than the one that played against Bangladesh in December.</p>

<p>What’s the silver lining here is that the star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is now deemed fit and will join the Indian team after a gap of nearly five months. The 34-year-old Jadeja suffered a knee injury during the Asia Cup in Dubai in August-September last year that ruled him out for an extended period.&nbsp;Playing his first competitive match during the Ranji Trophy group game for Saurashtra last month, Jadeja fared well with the ball, picking up eight wickets against Tamil Nadu, including seven in the second innings.</p>

<p>On the other hand, newly-married KL Rahul has even resumed training and will also join the camp on Thursday.</p>

<p>The first Test begins in eight days in Nagpur while Delhi (17-21 Feb), Dharamsala (1-5 Mar) and Ahmedabad (9-13 Mar) will host the remaining Tests.</p>

<p><strong>Here’s India's 16-man squad for the first two Tests –</strong></p>

<p>Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravi Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Suryakumar Yadav.</p>


In what could be a huge blow to the Indian team, star in-form batter Shreyas Iyer is ruled out of the first Test against Australia starting February 9th in Nagpur.

In what could be a huge blow to the Indian team, star in-form batter Shreyas Iyer is ruled out of the first Test against Australia starting February 9th in Nagpur. Iyer, who missed the ongoing white-ball series against New Zealand owing to the back injury was asked to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehab. As per the latest reports, Iyer has not recovered from the back pain despite taking injections, and has been advised to take rest for two weeks. As a result, he will not join the Indian team for the pre-series camp on February 2nd, and will instead return in reckoning for the second Test subject to his fitness. “His injury hasn’t healed as expected and he will take two weeks at least to play cricket again. He will certainly not be available for the first Test and his availability for the second Test will be subject to his fitness report,” a BCCI source was quoted saying in the Indian Express. ALSO READ: Thinking about last edition's final still gives me goosebumps, says Harmanpreet Kaur The absence of Iyer could mean a likely Test debut for Suryakumar Yadav, who alongside Ishan Kishan was picked for the first two Tests. However, with both Iyer and Rishabh Pant not being there now, India could field a relatively newer side than the one that played against Bangladesh in December. What’s the silver lining here is that the star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is now deemed fit and will join the Indian team after a gap of nearly five months. The 34-year-old Jadeja suffered a knee injury during the Asia Cup in Dubai in August-September last year that ruled him out for an extended period. Playing his first competitive match during the Ranji Trophy group game for Saurashtra last month, Jadeja fared well with the ball, picking up eight wickets against Tamil Nadu, including seven in the second innings. On the other hand, newly-married KL Rahul has even resumed training and will also join the camp on Thursday. The first Test begins in eight days in Nagpur while Delhi (17-21 Feb), Dharamsala (1-5 Mar) and Ahmedabad (9-13 Mar) will host the remaining Tests. Here’s India's 16-man squad for the first two Tests – Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravi Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Suryakumar Yadav.

IND vs AUS 2023: Shreyas Iyer ruled out of Nagpur Test due to back injury

<p>Ahead of the commencement of the third and final T20I between India and New Zealand, at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, and BCCI presented the Shafali Verma-led Indian U19 Women's team a fat cheque of INR 5 crores (INR 50 million) for winning the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in South Africa.</p>

<p>On Wednesday evening (February 01), the BCCI took to its official Twitter handle and captioned the post, "𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒! Bharat Ratna Shri&nbsp;@sachin_rt&nbsp; and Office Bearers of BCCI honour the achievements of the World Cup-winning India U19 team and present them with a cheque of INR 5 crore." Here's the viral video of Tendulkar and BCCI office-bearers honouring the achievements of Shafali &amp; Co.:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒!<br />
<br />
Bharat Ratna Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachin_rt</a> and Office Bearers of BCCI honour the achievements of the World Cup-winning India U19 team and present them with a cheque of INR 5 crore. 🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JayShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JayShah</a> <a href="https://t.co/u13tWMPhLQ">pic.twitter.com/u13tWMPhLQ</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1620786135147614208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-ripped-the-team-to-shreds-and-r-sridhar-narrates-unheard-tale-of-ms-dhoni-losing-his-cool-557941">'He ripped the team to shreds and....': R Sridhar narrates unheard tale of MS Dhoni losing his cool</a></strong></p>

<p>Tendulkar gave a motivational speech to the young girls following their achievements. He was quoted as saying during the felicitation ceremony, "By winning this World Cup, you have given a dream to young girls in India, to represent the country."</p>

<p>Tendulkar also opined that&nbsp;the inception of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), to kick off in March, is going to change the landscape of women’s cricket in the country. In this regard, he pointed out, "The beginning of the WPL is going to be the biggest thing. I believe in equality for men and women, and not just in sports. There should be equal opportunity. The entire nation will celebrate and cherish your victory."</p>

<p>Shafali-led India was unbeaten in the group stage before losing to Australia in their opening match of the Super 6. Post that, they enjoyed a three-match winning streak, defeating the likes of Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and England respectively, to win the title. For India,&nbsp;Batter Shweta Sehrawat (297&nbsp;runs: most in the tournament) and leg-spinner Parshavi Chopra (second-highest wicket-taker with 11 scalps) led the charge whereas skipper Shafali also contributed with 172 runs; third-most overall.</p>


Ahead of the commencement of the third and final T20I between India and New Zealand, at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, and BCCI presented the Shafali Verma-led Indian U19 Women's team a fat cheque of INR 5 crores (INR 50 million) for winning the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in South Africa.

Ahead of the commencement of the third and final T20I between India and New Zealand, at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, and BCCI presented the Shafali Verma-led Indian U19 Women's team a fat cheque of INR 5 crores (INR 50 million) for winning the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in South Africa. On Wednesday evening (February 01), the BCCI took to its official Twitter handle and captioned the post, "𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒! Bharat Ratna Shri @sachin_rt and Office Bearers of BCCI honour the achievements of the World Cup-winning India U19 team and present them with a cheque of INR 5 crore." Here's the viral video of Tendulkar and BCCI office-bearers honouring the achievements of Shafali & Co.: 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒! Bharat Ratna Shri @sachin_rt and Office Bearers of BCCI honour the achievements of the World Cup-winning India U19 team and present them with a cheque of INR 5 crore. 🇮🇳 #TeamIndia @JayShah pic.twitter.com/u13tWMPhLQ — BCCI (@BCCI) February 1, 2023 × Also read: 'He ripped the team to shreds and....': R Sridhar narrates unheard tale of MS Dhoni losing his cool Tendulkar gave a motivational speech to the young girls following their achievements. He was quoted as saying during the felicitation ceremony, "By winning this World Cup, you have given a dream to young girls in India, to represent the country." Tendulkar also opined that the inception of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), to kick off in March, is going to change the landscape of women’s cricket in the country. In this regard, he pointed out, "The beginning of the WPL is going to be the biggest thing. I believe in equality for men and women, and not just in sports. There should be equal opportunity. The entire nation will celebrate and cherish your victory." Shafali-led India was unbeaten in the group stage before losing to Australia in their opening match of the Super 6. Post that, they enjoyed a three-match winning streak, defeating the likes of Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and England respectively, to win the title. For India, Batter Shweta Sehrawat (297 runs: most in the tournament) and leg-spinner Parshavi Chopra (second-highest wicket-taker with 11 scalps) led the charge whereas skipper Shafali also contributed with 172 runs; third-most overall.

Tendulkar, BCCI present India U19 Women’s team a fat cheque for T20 WC win before IND-NZ 3rd T20I

<p>Rishabh Pant is currently recovering well post his horrific car accident on December 30, 2022. While he will certainly be out of action for quite some time, the 25-year-old has made a mark in international cricket especially in the post-Covid era. The going hasn't been easy for Pant, who has often been compared to MS Dhoni, pointed out for his keeping skills and ordinary T20I record but the young keeper-batter has weathered all storms to be India's first-choice stumper across formats.</p>

<p>R Sridhar, India's former fielding coach, recently revealed how he was often annoyed by Pant's stubborness. In his book 'Coaching Beyond', Sridhar narrated how he struggled working with Pant initially before the youngster slowly and steadily followed his inputs to hone his keeping skills and improve overall.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There were some inputs he was little reluctant to take. Because he trusted the game that had brought him to this level. Sometimes, I must confess, it drove me nuts, his stubbornness. But getting angry or frustrated wasn't going to help anyone. I had to find a way to get Rishabh to try and do different things, if only for him to figure out if those changes might actually be beneficial to his keeping," Sridhar wrote in his book.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-ripped-the-team-to-shreds-and-r-sridhar-narrates-unheard-tale-of-ms-dhoni-losing-his-cool-557941">'He ripped the team to shreds and....': R Sridhar narrates unheard tale of MS Dhoni losing his cool</a></strong></p>

<p>"We spent a lot of time together at practice, often just him and me and I decided it was time for a little tough love. I stopped giving suggestions and inputs and would ignore his quizzical looks when the ball burst through his hands or he fumbled with his collection. Rishabh has the smarts so it didn't take him long to work out something wasn't quite right," Sridhar asserted.</p>

<p>"After a while he walked up to me and said '<em>Sir, you aren't saying anything. Please tell me what to do</em>. Smiling inwardly, I said '<em>Maybe you should lead with your head and not with your hands'</em>. Satisfied at having got me to shed my silence, he did precisely that. As the head led the way, so did the body and he was more assured in collecting the ball."</p>

<p>At present, the Indian cricket fans are desperately hoping for Pant to recover and return to the Indian team as soon as possible. Given the horrific accident he suffered, it will take time before he returns to the 22-yard cricket strip. He is set to miss IPL 2023 and might also be ruled out of this year's ODI World Cup on home soil.</p>


Rishabh Pant is currently recovering well post his horrific car accident on December 30, 2022. While he will certainly be out of action for quite some time, the 25-year-old has made a mark in international cricket especially in the post-Covid era.

Rishabh Pant is currently recovering well post his horrific car accident on December 30, 2022. While he will certainly be out of action for quite some time, the 25-year-old has made a mark in international cricket especially in the post-Covid era. The going hasn't been easy for Pant, who has often been compared to MS Dhoni, pointed out for his keeping skills and ordinary T20I record but the young keeper-batter has weathered all storms to be India's first-choice stumper across formats. R Sridhar, India's former fielding coach, recently revealed how he was often annoyed by Pant's stubborness. In his book 'Coaching Beyond', Sridhar narrated how he struggled working with Pant initially before the youngster slowly and steadily followed his inputs to hone his keeping skills and improve overall. "There were some inputs he was little reluctant to take. Because he trusted the game that had brought him to this level. Sometimes, I must confess, it drove me nuts, his stubbornness. But getting angry or frustrated wasn't going to help anyone. I had to find a way to get Rishabh to try and do different things, if only for him to figure out if those changes might actually be beneficial to his keeping," Sridhar wrote in his book. Also read: 'He ripped the team to shreds and....': R Sridhar narrates unheard tale of MS Dhoni losing his cool "We spent a lot of time together at practice, often just him and me and I decided it was time for a little tough love. I stopped giving suggestions and inputs and would ignore his quizzical looks when the ball burst through his hands or he fumbled with his collection. Rishabh has the smarts so it didn't take him long to work out something wasn't quite right," Sridhar asserted. "After a while he walked up to me and said 'Sir, you aren't saying anything. Please tell me what to do. Smiling inwardly, I said 'Maybe you should lead with your head and not with your hands'. Satisfied at having got me to shed my silence, he did precisely that. As the head led the way, so did the body and he was more assured in collecting the ball." At present, the Indian cricket fans are desperately hoping for Pant to recover and return to the Indian team as soon as possible. Given the horrific accident he suffered, it will take time before he returns to the 22-yard cricket strip. He is set to miss IPL 2023 and might also be ruled out of this year's ODI World Cup on home soil.

'His stubbornness drove me nuts': R Sridhar reveals his initial struggles working with Rishabh Pant

<p>Following a series of super performances over the past year, India’s Suryakumar Yadav attained the second-highest ratings by a T20I batter ever-recorded with 910 points. In the latest ICC rankings released on Wednesday. Surya continues to remain on the top of the chart for batters in T20Is. During the ongoing series against New Zealand, SKY, as most fans call him, scored a quickfire 47 in the first match that helped him attain that rating. However, with a fighting 26 in the next match that India won, his ratings now dropped down to 908.</p>

<p>For him to attain the best-ever ratings in T20Is, he has to surpass England's David Malan’s rating points of 915 that he achieved in Cape Town in 2020. Being so close to the mark and with one game remining in the ongoing series, who knows if Surya could really surpass that number and create history for himself and India.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nepal-spinner-sandeep-lamichhanes-suspension-revoked-allowed-to-play-under-limitations-prescribed-557915">Nepal spinner Sandeep Lamichhane's suspension revoked, allowed to play under 'limitations prescribed'</a></p>

<p>The right-handed batter reached the number one position in T20Is last year&nbsp;following his successful outing in the T20 World Cup in Australia – where he was the third-highest run-getter with 239 runs to his name and scored at a strike rate of 189.68.</p>

<p>In 2022, Suryakumar became only the second batter after Mohammad Rizwan to score more than 1000 runs in T20Is in a calendar year – as he completed 1164 runs&nbsp;at a mindboggling strike-rate of 187.43. So much so that he even got named as the ICC Men’s T20I Player of the Year for 2022 and was also included in the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year for 2022.</p>

<p>While no other Indian player features on the list of top ten batters or bowlers in T20Is, India's new stand-in captain Hardik Pandya is third on the list for the all-rounders.</p>

<p>As the Men in Blue take on New Zealand in the final T20I at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, all eyes will be on India’s newest T20 hero Suryakumar Yadav.</p>


Following a series of super performances over the past year, India’s Suryakumar Yadav attained the second-highest ratings by a T20I batter ever-recorded with 910 points.

Following a series of super performances over the past year, India’s Suryakumar Yadav attained the second-highest ratings by a T20I batter ever-recorded with 910 points. In the latest ICC rankings released on Wednesday. Surya continues to remain on the top of the chart for batters in T20Is. During the ongoing series against New Zealand, SKY, as most fans call him, scored a quickfire 47 in the first match that helped him attain that rating. However, with a fighting 26 in the next match that India won, his ratings now dropped down to 908. For him to attain the best-ever ratings in T20Is, he has to surpass England's David Malan’s rating points of 915 that he achieved in Cape Town in 2020. Being so close to the mark and with one game remining in the ongoing series, who knows if Surya could really surpass that number and create history for himself and India. ALSO READ: Nepal spinner Sandeep Lamichhane's suspension revoked, allowed to play under 'limitations prescribed' The right-handed batter reached the number one position in T20Is last year following his successful outing in the T20 World Cup in Australia – where he was the third-highest run-getter with 239 runs to his name and scored at a strike rate of 189.68. In 2022, Suryakumar became only the second batter after Mohammad Rizwan to score more than 1000 runs in T20Is in a calendar year – as he completed 1164 runs at a mindboggling strike-rate of 187.43. So much so that he even got named as the ICC Men’s T20I Player of the Year for 2022 and was also included in the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year for 2022. While no other Indian player features on the list of top ten batters or bowlers in T20Is, India's new stand-in captain Hardik Pandya is third on the list for the all-rounders. As the Men in Blue take on New Zealand in the final T20I at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, all eyes will be on India’s newest T20 hero Suryakumar Yadav.

Super Suryakumar Yadav attains second-highest ratings ever for a T20I batter

<p>MS Dhoni served Indian cricket with distinction. During his illustrious career, he amassed 17,266 international runs, slammed 16 tons, accounted for 634 catches and 195 stumpings, and smashed 359 sixes but became a darling of the nation during his captaincy tenure, leading India to all three major ICC titles. While Dhoni was known for his calm demeanour as a leader, there were several occasions when he lost his cool on his teammates.</p>

<p>During the West Indies tour of India in late 2014, Dhoni blasted the Indian players for their shoddy fielding efforts during an ODI at the previously named&nbsp;Ferozshah Kotla Stadium, New Delhi. While India won the game by 48 runs, in defence of 263 for 7, but then skipper Dhoni wasn't pleased with his troops. R Sridhar, India's former fielding coach, recalled the whole incident in his book 'Coaching Beyond'.</p>

<p>"Getting back to my early days with the Indian team... following MS' inputs, we began to get out fielding house in order with the World Cup in mind. We were playing West Indies at the Feroz Shah Kotla in October 2014 - a match we won comfortably but where we were absolutely shoddy on the field. MS was furious at what he perceived to be lack of effort and dipping fitness standards," Sridhar, who became the fielding coach in 2014, said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shaheen-is-very-good-jasprit-bumrah-nowhere-near-him-razzaq-once-again-takes-a-dig-at-india-pacer-557902">Shaheen is very good, Jasprit Bumrah nowhere near him: Razzaq once again takes a dig at India pacer</a></strong></p>

<p>After the match, Dhoni stated, "I feel quite a few things are missing. We have to pull our socks up. We have not played to our potential. This game is a crucial eye opener for us. We are on the winning side, but we could have lost this."</p>

<p>Sridhar revealed that Dhoni didn't mince his words when he joined his teammates in the dressing room and gave them an earful along with an ultimatum. "In the dressing room, he ripped the team to shreds and gave them an ultimatum, making it clear that if they didn't meet certain standards in fielding and fitness, they would not make the World Cup cut, no matter what name they answer to. That showed me the kind of fielding culture he was looking to establish in white-ball cricket," Sridhar added.</p>

<p>Under Dhoni, India focused on remaining calm under pressure, becoming a better fielding unit, and&nbsp;played with several bowling options along with a good batting depth. At present, Dhoni is preparing for IPL 2023 in India, which is likely to get underway in April.</p>


MS Dhoni served Indian cricket with distinction. During his illustrious career, he amassed 17,266 international runs, slammed 16 tons, accounted for 634 catches and 195 stumpings, and smashed 359 sixes but became a darling of the nation during his captaincy tenure, leading India to all three major ICC titles.

MS Dhoni served Indian cricket with distinction. During his illustrious career, he amassed 17,266 international runs, slammed 16 tons, accounted for 634 catches and 195 stumpings, and smashed 359 sixes but became a darling of the nation during his captaincy tenure, leading India to all three major ICC titles. While Dhoni was known for his calm demeanour as a leader, there were several occasions when he lost his cool on his teammates. During the West Indies tour of India in late 2014, Dhoni blasted the Indian players for their shoddy fielding efforts during an ODI at the previously named Ferozshah Kotla Stadium, New Delhi. While India won the game by 48 runs, in defence of 263 for 7, but then skipper Dhoni wasn't pleased with his troops. R Sridhar, India's former fielding coach, recalled the whole incident in his book 'Coaching Beyond'. "Getting back to my early days with the Indian team... following MS' inputs, we began to get out fielding house in order with the World Cup in mind. We were playing West Indies at the Feroz Shah Kotla in October 2014 - a match we won comfortably but where we were absolutely shoddy on the field. MS was furious at what he perceived to be lack of effort and dipping fitness standards," Sridhar, who became the fielding coach in 2014, said. Also read: Shaheen is very good, Jasprit Bumrah nowhere near him: Razzaq once again takes a dig at India pacer After the match, Dhoni stated, "I feel quite a few things are missing. We have to pull our socks up. We have not played to our potential. This game is a crucial eye opener for us. We are on the winning side, but we could have lost this." Sridhar revealed that Dhoni didn't mince his words when he joined his teammates in the dressing room and gave them an earful along with an ultimatum. "In the dressing room, he ripped the team to shreds and gave them an ultimatum, making it clear that if they didn't meet certain standards in fielding and fitness, they would not make the World Cup cut, no matter what name they answer to. That showed me the kind of fielding culture he was looking to establish in white-ball cricket," Sridhar added. Under Dhoni, India focused on remaining calm under pressure, becoming a better fielding unit, and played with several bowling options along with a good batting depth. At present, Dhoni is preparing for IPL 2023 in India, which is likely to get underway in April.

'He ripped the team to shreds and....': R Sridhar narrates unheard tale of MS Dhoni losing his cool

<p>India are gearing up for the third and final T20I versus New Zealand, to be held at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Wednesday (February 01). Ahead of the series finale, with the scoreline being 1-1, former Indian spinner and captain Anil Kumble lavished praise on some young Indian players and mentioned two&nbsp;future superstars.</p>

<p>Having worked closely with pacer Arshdeep Singh, during his sting as Punjab Kings' (PBKS) coach, Kumble lauded the left-arm seamer and reckoned he has a bright future. In his limited international appearances, Arshdeep has taken 39 T20I wickets in 25 matches and was part of Rohit Sharma-led India's Asia Cup and T20 World Cup campaigns.</p>

<p>"Having worked closely with someone like Arshdeep, it’s wonderful to see him grow into what he’s done for India. I would look at Arshdeep as the next superstar bowler coming through," said Kumble on JioCinema.</p>

<p>Among the young batters, India have abundance of talents in the form of Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Prithvi Shaw, Rahul Tripathi and the likes. Kumble, however, picked ODI double centurion Ishan as a superstar in the making.&nbsp;"From a batting perspective, Ishan Kishan is someone who’s been wonderful in the opportunities he’s got. He got a double hundred and he’s someone who I think will be a superstar," Kumble asserted.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-2023-shreyas-iyer-ruled-out-of-nagpur-test-due-to-back-injury-557794">IND vs AUS 2023: Shreyas Iyer ruled out of Nagpur Test due to back injury</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, former Indian stumper Parthiv Patel mentioned two different names. "He's (Umran) quick and bowling well and already played for India. He’s someone who can be a superstar. Batting-wise, having seen Tilak Varma in the last couple of years, I had the opportunity to scout him and see the cricketer he has become. We’ve seen his batting ability, and he has the ability to go on and lead the side. He’s someone who comes across as a leader."</p>

<p>At present, Hardik-led Indian T20I team will be eager to win the three-match series versus the Kiwis before the action moves to the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and visitors Australia, starting on February 09.</p>


India are gearing up for the third and final T20I versus New Zealand, to be held at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Wednesday (February 01). Ahead of the series finale, with the scoreline being 1-1, former Indian spinner and captain Anil Kumble lavished praise on some young Indian players and mentioned two future superstars.

India are gearing up for the third and final T20I versus New Zealand, to be held at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Wednesday (February 01). Ahead of the series finale, with the scoreline being 1-1, former Indian spinner and captain Anil Kumble lavished praise on some young Indian players and mentioned two future superstars. Having worked closely with pacer Arshdeep Singh, during his sting as Punjab Kings' (PBKS) coach, Kumble lauded the left-arm seamer and reckoned he has a bright future. In his limited international appearances, Arshdeep has taken 39 T20I wickets in 25 matches and was part of Rohit Sharma-led India's Asia Cup and T20 World Cup campaigns. "Having worked closely with someone like Arshdeep, it’s wonderful to see him grow into what he’s done for India. I would look at Arshdeep as the next superstar bowler coming through," said Kumble on JioCinema. Among the young batters, India have abundance of talents in the form of Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Prithvi Shaw, Rahul Tripathi and the likes. Kumble, however, picked ODI double centurion Ishan as a superstar in the making. "From a batting perspective, Ishan Kishan is someone who’s been wonderful in the opportunities he’s got. He got a double hundred and he’s someone who I think will be a superstar," Kumble asserted. Also read: IND vs AUS 2023: Shreyas Iyer ruled out of Nagpur Test due to back injury Meanwhile, former Indian stumper Parthiv Patel mentioned two different names. "He's (Umran) quick and bowling well and already played for India. He’s someone who can be a superstar. Batting-wise, having seen Tilak Varma in the last couple of years, I had the opportunity to scout him and see the cricketer he has become. We’ve seen his batting ability, and he has the ability to go on and lead the side. He’s someone who comes across as a leader." At present, Hardik-led Indian T20I team will be eager to win the three-match series versus the Kiwis before the action moves to the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and visitors Australia, starting on February 09.

IND vs NZ: Arshdeep, Gill, Shaw or Ishan? Anil Kumble names two future superstars of Team India

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidD3FrgfLs2I5l" /><meta charset="utf-8" />If reports are to be believed, the pitch curator at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium has got the sack after preparing a horrid pitch that Indian captain Hardik Pandya termed a 'shocker of a wicket'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to an Indian Express report, the sources in the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) confirmed the decision of the curator's sacking.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is being reported that the pitch curator, who goes by the name Surinder, was asked at the eleventh hour by the Indian team management to prepare a new pitch.</p>

<p>While the curator had two black soil pitches ready to go, the request by the top Indian management threw a spanner in the plans as the pitch could not be readied in time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“At the behest of a last-minute request from team management three days prior to the match, the curator had been asked to prepare a fresh pitch made of red soil instead. The new pitch could not be adequately prepared on short notice, and led to even slower conditions," said the publication.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After India just about managed to hold their own in the second T20I to level the series, skipper Pandya did not mince his words in the criticism of the pitch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"To be honest, it was a shocker of a wicket. Both the games we have played so far. I don't mind difficult wickets. I am all up for that, but these two wickets are not made for T20. Somewhere down the line the curators or the grounds that we are going to play in should make sure they prepare the pitches earlier," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Even 120 would have been a winning total here. Dew didn't play much of a role because if you see they were able to spin the ball more than us. It was a shocker of a wicket. The ball was flying for even the fast bowlers."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Grit, determination, and a lot of character 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/lq827ebAHy">pic.twitter.com/lq827ebAHy</a></p>
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7/status/1619750329335316480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-hardik-pandya-slams-lucknow-pitch-calls-it-a-shocker-following-series-leveling-win-557141" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: IND vs NZ: Hardik Pandya slams Lucknow pitch, calls it a 'shocker' following series-leveling win</strong></a></p>

<p>Pandya was also referring to the pitch at the JSCA Stadium, Ranchi, the venue for the first T20I. Batting second, India were expecting the dew to make matters easier for the batters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the ball started turning square during the chase which allowed New Zealand spinners to come into the act and eventually win the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even the visitors were surprised to see the extent of spin they were able to extract out of the pitch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We were surprised with the turn, in the first innings too and we were fortunate to bowling second and the turn was still there," said off-spinner Michael Bracewell.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-one-thought-hardik-pandya-surprised-after-defeat-against-new-zealand-in-first-t20i-556721" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: 'No one thought...': Hardik Pandya surprised after defeat against New Zealand in first T20I</strong></a></p>

<p>With the series levelled at 1-1, the action now moves to Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat where the two teams will face each other on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Formerly known as the 'Motera Stadium', the pitch here is infamous for offering excessive spin to the bowlers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


If reports are to be believed, the pitch curator at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium has got the sack after preparing a horrid pitch that Indian captain Hardik Pandya termed a 'shocker of a wicket'.

If reports are to be believed, the pitch curator at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium has got the sack after preparing a horrid pitch that Indian captain Hardik Pandya termed a 'shocker of a wicket'. According to an Indian Express report, the sources in the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) confirmed the decision of the curator's sacking. It is being reported that the pitch curator, who goes by the name Surinder, was asked at the eleventh hour by the Indian team management to prepare a new pitch. While the curator had two black soil pitches ready to go, the request by the top Indian management threw a spanner in the plans as the pitch could not be readied in time. “At the behest of a last-minute request from team management three days prior to the match, the curator had been asked to prepare a fresh pitch made of red soil instead. The new pitch could not be adequately prepared on short notice, and led to even slower conditions," said the publication. After India just about managed to hold their own in the second T20I to level the series, skipper Pandya did not mince his words in the criticism of the pitch. "To be honest, it was a shocker of a wicket. Both the games we have played so far. I don't mind difficult wickets. I am all up for that, but these two wickets are not made for T20. Somewhere down the line the curators or the grounds that we are going to play in should make sure they prepare the pitches earlier," he said. "Even 120 would have been a winning total here. Dew didn't play much of a role because if you see they were able to spin the ball more than us. It was a shocker of a wicket. The ball was flying for even the fast bowlers." Grit, determination, and a lot of character 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/lq827ebAHy — hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) January 29, 2023 × Read more: IND vs NZ: Hardik Pandya slams Lucknow pitch, calls it a 'shocker' following series-leveling win Pandya was also referring to the pitch at the JSCA Stadium, Ranchi, the venue for the first T20I. Batting second, India were expecting the dew to make matters easier for the batters. However, the ball started turning square during the chase which allowed New Zealand spinners to come into the act and eventually win the match. Even the visitors were surprised to see the extent of spin they were able to extract out of the pitch. "We were surprised with the turn, in the first innings too and we were fortunate to bowling second and the turn was still there," said off-spinner Michael Bracewell. Read more: 'No one thought...': Hardik Pandya surprised after defeat against New Zealand in first T20I With the series levelled at 1-1, the action now moves to Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat where the two teams will face each other on Wednesday. Formerly known as the 'Motera Stadium', the pitch here is infamous for offering excessive spin to the bowlers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Lucknow pitch curator gets the sack for preparing below par wicket: Reports

<p>Out of favour India opener, Murali Vijay on Monday, January 30th announced his retirement from international cricket. He informed everyone about his decision via social media where he penned down a 'thank you' note for all those who were part of his journey. Vijay was a key member of MS Dhoni’s Test side during his early days as an India captain. Even in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Vijay used to play for Chennai Super Kings, with whom he won two IPL titles in 2010 and 2011 in addition to winning the Champions League in 2010. As an Indian player, Vijay played 61 Tests, 17 ODIs and just nine T20Is.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="qme"><a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TNCACricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TNCACricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/ri8CCPzzWK">pic.twitter.com/ri8CCPzzWK</a></p>
— Murali Vijay (@mvj888) <a href="https://twitter.com/mvj888/status/1619984422203449345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Vijay came across as a bright prospect back in 2008 when he made his international debut against Australia in both Tests and ODIs. While he took his own to get into the groove, once he got there – there was no looking&nbsp;back.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shafali-verma-not-content-with-latest-triumph-hungry-for-t20-world-cup-success-with-senior-team-557231">Shafali Verma not content with latest triumph, hungry for T20 World Cup success with senior team</a></p>

<p>Having scored his first Test century against the mighty Aussies in Bengaluru in 2010, Vijay went on to score 11 more. What’s interesting is that out of those 11, most came on the foreign soil and against tougher bowling line-ups. While on paper his Test average is a notch above 38, it doesn’t reflect his true attributes as a Test opener.</p>

<p>Off the various hundreds to his name, the most famous one had come against England in Trent Bridge in 2014 when he scored 146 off 361 balls. At the mecca of cricket in Lord’s during the same series, Vijay played a brilliant hand of 95 in the first innings, helping India clinch the Test victory at the very venue after decades.</p>

<p>An excellent leaver of the cricket ball, the right-handed Vijay found success in Australia too. While his 99 in the second innings of the first Test in Adelaide during the 2014/15 series is tipped to be one of his best, his 144 at the Gabba in Brisbane is rated as one of his bravest.</p>

<p>Despite being so successful at the top of the order in red-ball cricket, Vijay failed to replicate his form in the shorter formats. In the IPL too, he played for a couple of other franchises since leaving Chennai but couldn’t leave much of an impact. While he played his final Test against Australia in 2018 in Perth, his last Ranji Trophy outing came against Karnataka&nbsp;in 2019.</p>


Out of favour India opener, Murali Vijay on Monday, January 30th announced his retirement from international cricket. He informed everyone about his decision via social media where he penned down a 'thank you' note for all those who were part of his journey.

Out of favour India opener, Murali Vijay on Monday, January 30th announced his retirement from international cricket. He informed everyone about his decision via social media where he penned down a 'thank you' note for all those who were part of his journey. Vijay was a key member of MS Dhoni’s Test side during his early days as an India captain. Even in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Vijay used to play for Chennai Super Kings, with whom he won two IPL titles in 2010 and 2011 in addition to winning the Champions League in 2010. As an Indian player, Vijay played 61 Tests, 17 ODIs and just nine T20Is. @BCCI @TNCACricket @IPL @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/ri8CCPzzWK — Murali Vijay (@mvj888) January 30, 2023 × Vijay came across as a bright prospect back in 2008 when he made his international debut against Australia in both Tests and ODIs. While he took his own to get into the groove, once he got there – there was no looking back. ALSO READ: Shafali Verma not content with latest triumph, hungry for T20 World Cup success with senior team Having scored his first Test century against the mighty Aussies in Bengaluru in 2010, Vijay went on to score 11 more. What’s interesting is that out of those 11, most came on the foreign soil and against tougher bowling line-ups. While on paper his Test average is a notch above 38, it doesn’t reflect his true attributes as a Test opener. Off the various hundreds to his name, the most famous one had come against England in Trent Bridge in 2014 when he scored 146 off 361 balls. At the mecca of cricket in Lord’s during the same series, Vijay played a brilliant hand of 95 in the first innings, helping India clinch the Test victory at the very venue after decades. An excellent leaver of the cricket ball, the right-handed Vijay found success in Australia too. While his 99 in the second innings of the first Test in Adelaide during the 2014/15 series is tipped to be one of his best, his 144 at the Gabba in Brisbane is rated as one of his bravest. Despite being so successful at the top of the order in red-ball cricket, Vijay failed to replicate his form in the shorter formats. In the IPL too, he played for a couple of other franchises since leaving Chennai but couldn’t leave much of an impact. While he played his final Test against Australia in 2018 in Perth, his last Ranji Trophy outing came against Karnataka in 2019.

India opener Murali Vijay retires from international cricket, pays gratitude in 'Thank You' note