Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has urged Nitish Kumar Reddy to step up as he gears up for a potential debut in the Perth Test starting on Friday (Nov 22). The encounter&nbsp;will be the first of the five Border-Gavaskar Trophy contests as India struggle with a series of name absentees. According to Shastri, Nitish will have to imitate Shardul Thakur who was an unsung hero in India’s Test series win Down Under in 2020-21.

<h2>Shastri urges Nitish to step up</h2>

"Nitish Reddy will have to do a job like Shardul Thakur did as the fourth seamer," Shastri told the International Cricket Council. "He can bat a bit, give the bowlers a little bit of respite so that they can bowl in short spellsâ€æand be someone who will have to be good for those eight to 10 overs that he bowls."

In what was Shardul’s first competitive red-ball match on foreign soil, he scored 67 runs in the first innings and backed that with seven wickets in the match in the historic Gabba Test. While Rishabh Pant stole the headlines for taking India home under Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy, Shardul’s efforts with bat and ball were the big difference-maker for the visitors.

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With key names like Rohit Sharma (paternity leave) and Shubman Gill (thumb injury) missing, Nitish is expected to get his debut in the red-ball format. He has already represented India in the T20I series against Bangladesh in October and will look to make an instant impact during the upcoming BGT.

<h2>Border-Gavaskar Trophy (India-Australia series) Schedule</h2>

1st Test: 22nd November to 26th November, Perth

2nd Test: 6th December to 10th December, Adelaide

3rd Test: 14th December to 18th December, Brisbane

4th Test: 26th December to 30th December, Melbourne

5th Test: 3rd January to 7th January, Sydney

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has urged Nitish Kumar Reddy to step up as he gears up for a potential debut in the Perth Test starting on Friday (Nov 22). The encounter will be the first of the five Border-Gavaskar Trophy contests as India struggle with a series of name absentees.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has urged Nitish Kumar Reddy to step up as he gears up for a potential debut in the Perth Test starting on Friday (Nov 22). The encounter will be the first of the five Border-Gavaskar Trophy contests as India struggle with a series of name absentees. According to Shastri, Nitish will have to imitate Shardul Thakur who was an unsung hero in India’s Test series win Down Under in 2020-21. Shastri urges Nitish to step up "Nitish Reddy will have to do a job like Shardul Thakur did as the fourth seamer," Shastri told the International Cricket Council. "He can bat a bit, give the bowlers a little bit of respite so that they can bowl in short spellsâ€æand be someone who will have to be good for those eight to 10 overs that he bowls." In what was Shardul’s first competitive red-ball match on foreign soil, he scored 67 runs in the first innings and backed that with seven wickets in the match in the historic Gabba Test. While Rishabh Pant stole the headlines for taking India home under Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy, Shardul’s efforts with bat and ball were the big difference-maker for the visitors. ALSO READ | Rafael Nadal bids farewell to illustrious career after Spain's Davis Cup exit against Netherlands With key names like Rohit Sharma (paternity leave) and Shubman Gill (thumb injury) missing, Nitish is expected to get his debut in the red-ball format. He has already represented India in the T20I series against Bangladesh in October and will look to make an instant impact during the upcoming BGT. Border-Gavaskar Trophy (India-Australia series) Schedule 1st Test: 22nd November to 26th November, Perth 2nd Test: 6th December to 10th December, Adelaide 3rd Test: 14th December to 18th December, Brisbane 4th Test: 26th December to 30th December, Melbourne 5th Test: 3rd January to 7th January, Sydney

BGT 2024/25: Former coach Ravi Shastri urges Nitish Reddy to step up in potential Perth Test debut

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has said that the home series whitewash against New Zealand will be playing on India batters' mind when they take on Australia in the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test in Perth from November 22. The series loss against New Zealand was India's first ever whitewash at home.

“It's playing on their mind, confidence-wise. You can't go to the negatives. Think about the positives," Shastri said on ICC Review podcast.

“Think about what you did in Australia last time around and take it ahead from there. Put what happened behind you. These are different conditions. And some of the tracks in Australia when you get in are probably the best to bat, So I think it will be totally different, the conditions when they get out there,” he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-202425-gavaskar-feels-out-of-form-virat-kohli-will-be-very-very-hungry-for-runs-in-marquee-series-777043">BGT 2024/25: Gavaskar feels out-of-form Virat Kohli will be 'very, very hungry' for runs in marquee series</a>

It is to be noted that India haven't lost a Test series against Australia since 2014. The two sides have played four Test series since then, two in India and two in Australia, and India have managed to win all four of them. Shastri was the team's coach during both their series victories in Australia.

India, however, have a lot to ponder ahead of the first Test as they will be without regular skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.

Rohit is away after the recent birth of his second child and will be available from the second Test, while Gill was injured during practice and is not expected to play in Perth. In Rohit's absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side.

After Perth, India play the day-night second Test in Adelaide from December 6-10. The third Test will be played at the Gabba in Brisbane from December 14-18 before the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26-30. The last and final Test will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 3-7.&nbsp;

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has said that the home series whitewash against New Zealand will be playing on India batters' mind when they take on Australia in the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test in Perth from November 22.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has said that the home series whitewash against New Zealand will be playing on India batters' mind when they take on Australia in the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test in Perth from November 22. The series loss against New Zealand was India's first ever whitewash at home. “It's playing on their mind, confidence-wise. You can't go to the negatives. Think about the positives," Shastri said on ICC Review podcast. “Think about what you did in Australia last time around and take it ahead from there. Put what happened behind you. These are different conditions. And some of the tracks in Australia when you get in are probably the best to bat, So I think it will be totally different, the conditions when they get out there,” he added. Also Read: BGT 2024/25: Gavaskar feels out-of-form Virat Kohli will be 'very, very hungry' for runs in marquee series It is to be noted that India haven't lost a Test series against Australia since 2014. The two sides have played four Test series since then, two in India and two in Australia, and India have managed to win all four of them. Shastri was the team's coach during both their series victories in Australia. India, however, have a lot to ponder ahead of the first Test as they will be without regular skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Rohit is away after the recent birth of his second child and will be available from the second Test, while Gill was injured during practice and is not expected to play in Perth. In Rohit's absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side. After Perth, India play the day-night second Test in Adelaide from December 6-10. The third Test will be played at the Gabba in Brisbane from December 14-18 before the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26-30. The last and final Test will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 3-7.

BGT 2024-25: Ravi Shastri wants India batters to 'think about' last Australia tour's performance in Perth

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has picked three pacers and two all-rounders in his India playing XI for the first Test against Australia in Perth starting November 22. With regular captain Rohit Sharma’s availability status for the first game remaining&nbsp;unclear, the selectors and team management are looking to put KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran in his place, but Shastri, under whom India won Down Under twice, differs.

Rahul, Easwaran and spare keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel were part of the India-A XI for the second unofficial Test against Australia-A, with both openers failing miserably across two outings. Easwaran too was not among runs in the first game. Jurel, however, was the only silver lining among the BGT-bound batters at the MCG, scoring twin fifties and pressing his case for a spot in the playing XI.&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, Rahul&nbsp;suffered an elbow injury on day one of the WACA simulation game, retiring hurt and playing no further part in the game. Though that comes as a scare for the touring team, who would need a specialist to play at the top alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shastri has thrown a new name in the mix, a player already part of the playing XI.

"It's horses for courses in many ways. Most of the team will pick themselves, but there'll be one or two cases where you might have to just go and dig deep and go with gut feeling," Shastri said while speaking on ‘The ICC Review’.

"You can push Shubman (Gill) back up the order, and he has opened in the past in Australia. Otherwise, you'll have to then make an alternative. Easwaran hasn't done that well (for India-A in Australia). But it's how he's batting in the nets, how Rahul is batting in the nets. But that Shubman Gill option is also there,” Shastri said of Jaiswal’s new opening partner in Tests.

<h2>Rahul down to number three</h2>

Ahead of departing for Australia, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media in Mumbai, shedding light on who could replace Rohit at the top for the Perth Test should he remain unavailable for selection. Hinting at it could be KL Rahul, Gautam said players like Rahul can bat anywhere in the lineup, something Shastri agrees on.&nbsp;

He said regardless of his form, KL has performed in Australia before and with his feet moving nicely, he can take up that number three slot.&nbsp;

"Sometimes runs are not important, but if a player is moving well, and if the feet are moving nicely, and you try and understand his (KL Rahul) game, and you realize if he has the game for those conditions if he has the right kind of shots for those kinds of pitches. These are the things you've got to look at when you start picking a side overseas," he said.&nbsp;

"I would be watching them like a hawk in the nets, the batters and the bowlers because for me as a bowler, rhythm is important. And as a batter, again, tempo and rhythm is important,” Shastri continued.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Shastri’s India XI for the Perth Test reads –&nbsp;

Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja/Washington Sundar, Nitish Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj

(With inputs from agencies)

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has picked three pacers and two all-rounders in his India playing XI for the first Test against Australia in Perth starting November 22.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has picked three pacers and two all-rounders in his India playing XI for the first Test against Australia in Perth starting November 22. With regular captain Rohit Sharma’s availability status for the first game remaining unclear, the selectors and team management are looking to put KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran in his place, but Shastri, under whom India won Down Under twice, differs. Rahul, Easwaran and spare keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel were part of the India-A XI for the second unofficial Test against Australia-A, with both openers failing miserably across two outings. Easwaran too was not among runs in the first game. Jurel, however, was the only silver lining among the BGT-bound batters at the MCG, scoring twin fifties and pressing his case for a spot in the playing XI. ALSO READ: SA v IND, 4th T20I: Female fan inconsolable after Samson's six hits her face, batter apologises - WATCH Meanwhile, Rahul suffered an elbow injury on day one of the WACA simulation game, retiring hurt and playing no further part in the game. Though that comes as a scare for the touring team, who would need a specialist to play at the top alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shastri has thrown a new name in the mix, a player already part of the playing XI. "It's horses for courses in many ways. Most of the team will pick themselves, but there'll be one or two cases where you might have to just go and dig deep and go with gut feeling," Shastri said while speaking on ‘The ICC Review’. "You can push Shubman (Gill) back up the order, and he has opened in the past in Australia. Otherwise, you'll have to then make an alternative. Easwaran hasn't done that well (for India-A in Australia). But it's how he's batting in the nets, how Rahul is batting in the nets. But that Shubman Gill option is also there,” Shastri said of Jaiswal’s new opening partner in Tests. Rahul down to number three Ahead of departing for Australia, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media in Mumbai, shedding light on who could replace Rohit at the top for the Perth Test should he remain unavailable for selection. Hinting at it could be KL Rahul, Gautam said players like Rahul can bat anywhere in the lineup, something Shastri agrees on. He said regardless of his form, KL has performed in Australia before and with his feet moving nicely, he can take up that number three slot. "Sometimes runs are not important, but if a player is moving well, and if the feet are moving nicely, and you try and understand his (KL Rahul) game, and you realize if he has the game for those conditions if he has the right kind of shots for those kinds of pitches. These are the things you've got to look at when you start picking a side overseas," he said. "I would be watching them like a hawk in the nets, the batters and the bowlers because for me as a bowler, rhythm is important. And as a batter, again, tempo and rhythm is important,” Shastri continued. Meanwhile, Shastri’s India XI for the Perth Test reads – Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja/Washington Sundar, Nitish Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Ravi Shastri picks three seamers, two all-rounders in India’s XI for Perth Test against Australia

Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his gratitude to Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri for revamping his Test career by promoting him as an opener&nbsp;in late 2019. During the Kohli-Shastri era, the former captain and head coach insisted Rohit try his hand as an opener (following his tremendous white-ball success). The move paid dividends as it has revived Hitman's red-ball career. Till 2018, the right-hander played only 27 Tests and amassed&nbsp; 1,585 runs with three hundreds and 10 fifties. He wasn't even a regular in the Test line-up, but it all changed since his elevation at the top. Since becoming a permanent opener, Rohit has added 2,594 runs to his overall tally, including nine centuries and seven half-centuries.

<h2>'It felt like a second birth in Test cricket. I knew I had to grab this opportunity'</h2>

Speaking on Jatin Sapru's YouTube channel, Rohit&nbsp;acknowledged the impact of Kohli-Shastri and said, "In the second innings, I was very grateful to Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli for giving me the opportunity to bat up the order. It wasn’t an easy decision to promote me in Tests. They trusted me. They asked me to play one practice match, which I did. I got out on the very first ball, but I realized that I didn’t have any other choice. It felt like a second birth in Test cricket. I knew I had to grab this opportunity, whether it meant opening, batting at No. 5 or 6, or even lower down the order."

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Rohit further opined, "My response to them (Kohli and Shastri) was clear: I’ll play my natural game and won’t take the pressure of trying to survive. I’m going to play freely. If the ball is there, whether it’s the first ball of the Test or not, I’m going to hit it. They gave me the freedom to do what I wanted." He added, "Ravi Bhai was very eager for me to open in Tests for a long time. He told me in 2015 that I should consider it as an option. He wanted me to open, but the decision wasn’t in my hands."

<h2>India whitewash Bangladesh</h2>

On Tuesday (Oct 1), Rohit-led India beat Bangladesh by seven wickets to win the second and final Test in Kanpur, inflicting a 2-0 whitewash. Rohit was hailed for his aggressive captaincy as he pushed his side to go for a win despite the second and third day's play being washed out due to rain and wet outfield. Put in to bat first, Bangladesh ended a rain-marred opening day at 107-3. Play finally resumed on Day 4 and India bundled out the Bangla Tigers for 233 with a good bowling show.

In reply, Rohit asked his batters to go aggressive and aim for a lead. He himself started his inning with two big sixes. Riding on Yashasvi Jaiswal's 72 and KL Rahul's 68,&nbsp;India declared at 285-9, scoring more than eight runs an over, to lead by 52 and asked Bangladesh to bat again. At stumps on Day 4, the&nbsp;Najmul Shanto-led visitors were reeling at 26-2 and eventually got dismissed for 146 on the final day, on Tuesday, to&nbsp;set up&nbsp;a paltry 95-run target.&nbsp;

Rohit-led India chased down the target soon after lunch on the final day to win the series 2-0. Hitman's proactive and aggressive captaincy earned huge&nbsp;praises.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his gratitude to Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri for revamping his Test career by promoting him as an opener in late 2019. During the Kohli-Shastri era, the former captain and head coach insisted Rohit try his hand as an opener (following his tremendous white-ball success).

Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his gratitude to Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri for revamping his Test career by promoting him as an opener in late 2019. During the Kohli-Shastri era, the former captain and head coach insisted Rohit try his hand as an opener (following his tremendous white-ball success). The move paid dividends as it has revived Hitman's red-ball career. Till 2018, the right-hander played only 27 Tests and amassed 1,585 runs with three hundreds and 10 fifties. He wasn't even a regular in the Test line-up, but it all changed since his elevation at the top. Since becoming a permanent opener, Rohit has added 2,594 runs to his overall tally, including nine centuries and seven half-centuries. 'It felt like a second birth in Test cricket. I knew I had to grab this opportunity' Speaking on Jatin Sapru's YouTube channel, Rohit acknowledged the impact of Kohli-Shastri and said, "In the second innings, I was very grateful to Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli for giving me the opportunity to bat up the order. It wasn’t an easy decision to promote me in Tests. They trusted me. They asked me to play one practice match, which I did. I got out on the very first ball, but I realized that I didn’t have any other choice. It felt like a second birth in Test cricket. I knew I had to grab this opportunity, whether it meant opening, batting at No. 5 or 6, or even lower down the order." Also read: Blow to India before Australia tour! Md Shami's comeback hit by swollen knee during rehab - Report Rohit further opined, "My response to them (Kohli and Shastri) was clear: I’ll play my natural game and won’t take the pressure of trying to survive. I’m going to play freely. If the ball is there, whether it’s the first ball of the Test or not, I’m going to hit it. They gave me the freedom to do what I wanted." He added, "Ravi Bhai was very eager for me to open in Tests for a long time. He told me in 2015 that I should consider it as an option. He wanted me to open, but the decision wasn’t in my hands." India whitewash Bangladesh On Tuesday (Oct 1), Rohit-led India beat Bangladesh by seven wickets to win the second and final Test in Kanpur, inflicting a 2-0 whitewash. Rohit was hailed for his aggressive captaincy as he pushed his side to go for a win despite the second and third day's play being washed out due to rain and wet outfield. Put in to bat first, Bangladesh ended a rain-marred opening day at 107-3. Play finally resumed on Day 4 and India bundled out the Bangla Tigers for 233 with a good bowling show. In reply, Rohit asked his batters to go aggressive and aim for a lead. He himself started his inning with two big sixes. Riding on Yashasvi Jaiswal's 72 and KL Rahul's 68, India declared at 285-9, scoring more than eight runs an over, to lead by 52 and asked Bangladesh to bat again. At stumps on Day 4, the Najmul Shanto-led visitors were reeling at 26-2 and eventually got dismissed for 146 on the final day, on Tuesday, to set up a paltry 95-run target. Rohit-led India chased down the target soon after lunch on the final day to win the series 2-0. Hitman's proactive and aggressive captaincy earned huge praises.

Kohli, Shastri ensured my second birth in Tests: Rohit Sharma expresses gratitude for red-ball resurgence

India star batter Virat Kohli's rut of form continued in the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai after he got dismissed for 17 runs in second innings on Friday (Sep 20). Kohli got out to right arm off spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz and former India coach Ravi Shastri pointed out what can help the batter.

"He has [gotten out to spinners] especially in the last 2-3 years. But he has scored a lot of runs too. What you want to see him do more is use his feet. Get to the pitch of the ball, probably employ the sweep. You’ve got to move with the times, don’t be afraid to go over the top when the field is up. You could try and do things to unsettle the spinners rather than allowing him to keep bowling at you. It’s what he did a lot when he scored a lot of runs," Shastri said while commentating on air post Kohli's dismissal.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-ban-1st-test-yashasvi-jaiswal-becomes-first-india-test-batter-to-reach-this-milestone-760614">IND vs BAN, 1st Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal becomes first India Test batter to reach THIS milestone</a>

It is to be noted that the Indian batter was out for&nbsp;six runs in the first innings while chasing an expensive cover drive off pacer Hasan Mahmud.

Shastri also pointed out that pitches have not been easy in India to score runs in the recent times and sometimes the batters have been unlucky with the dismissals as well.

"Also some of the tracks that India have played on. It’s not been easy. Plus I know a few dismissals where like Shubman Gill in the first innings, he’s gotten caught down leg wide. Funny dismissals. He’ll be aware of it. That’s for sure. There is no batter who doesn’t remember. Obviously you find a method of finding a solution. Find out what works for you and stick with that," added Shastri.

India started day 3 on a positive note with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant continuing from where they had left on day 2. The duo had added unbeaten 138 runs for the fourth wicket with India being 205/3 and a total lead of 432 at lunch.

India star batter Virat Kohli's rut of form continued in the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai after he got dismissed for 17 runs in second innings on Friday (Sep 20).

India star batter Virat Kohli's rut of form continued in the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai after he got dismissed for 17 runs in second innings on Friday (Sep 20). Kohli got out to right arm off spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz and former India coach Ravi Shastri pointed out what can help the batter. "He has [gotten out to spinners] especially in the last 2-3 years. But he has scored a lot of runs too. What you want to see him do more is use his feet. Get to the pitch of the ball, probably employ the sweep. You’ve got to move with the times, don’t be afraid to go over the top when the field is up. You could try and do things to unsettle the spinners rather than allowing him to keep bowling at you. It’s what he did a lot when he scored a lot of runs," Shastri said while commentating on air post Kohli's dismissal. Also Read: IND vs BAN, 1st Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal becomes first India Test batter to reach THIS milestone It is to be noted that the Indian batter was out for six runs in the first innings while chasing an expensive cover drive off pacer Hasan Mahmud. Shastri also pointed out that pitches have not been easy in India to score runs in the recent times and sometimes the batters have been unlucky with the dismissals as well. "Also some of the tracks that India have played on. It’s not been easy. Plus I know a few dismissals where like Shubman Gill in the first innings, he’s gotten caught down leg wide. Funny dismissals. He’ll be aware of it. That’s for sure. There is no batter who doesn’t remember. Obviously you find a method of finding a solution. Find out what works for you and stick with that," added Shastri. India started day 3 on a positive note with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant continuing from where they had left on day 2. The duo had added unbeaten 138 runs for the fourth wicket with India being 205/3 and a total lead of 432 at lunch.

IND vs BAN, 1st Test: 'Don’t be afraid...,' Ravi Shastri to India batter Virat Kohli after another low score

India and Australia will lock horns in a five-match Test series, later this year, in Australia. The forthcoming 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is keenly awaited as it will be the first time since the 1991-92 season that the two heavyweights will square off in a five-match Test series. Recently, former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting made a bold early prediction, calling for the Pat Cummins-led side's 3-1 win. However, former India head coach Ravi Shastri responded to Ponting's remark and backed India to win their third successive Test series on Australian soil.

<h2>'REMEMBER, INDIA HAVE BEATEN AUSTRALIA TWICE, IT WILL BE A HAT-TRICK'</h2>

Shastri said on the ICC Review Show, "The Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia over five Test matches is going to be a humdinger. Remember, India have beaten Australia twice on the last two tours and Australia have not had a hand on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in almost a decade and that's the reason why everyone will be waiting for these two heavyweights of Test match cricket over the last five to eight years to go head-to-head."

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Shastri, under whom India won their maiden Test series in Australia in 2018/19 and replicated the same in 2020/21, further opined, "It is going to be one heck of a series and India have every chance of making it a hat-trick because they've got their bowlers fit and if they can bat well, they can tickle (beat) Australia once again."

The former Indian all-rounder is wary of Australia being desperate to settle scores with India. In this regard, Shastri stated, "We know what Australia will be wanting (revenge). They will be thirsty, they'd be looking to go at the throats of the Indians because they’ve been beaten there (in Australia) twice. The attack is pretty much the same. One of the greatest fast bowling attacks – [one of the greatest] all-round attacks when you add Nathan Lyon there – in a long, long time. And one of the best in the history of the game. They'll be looking for those 20 wickets, game after game to help Australia win the series."

He added, "It's going to be India's batting against the Australian fast bowlers. And of course, the Indian bowling attack is going to be something everyone will be waiting to see. With (Jasprit) Bumrah fit, (Mohammed) Shami fit, you've got Mohammed Siraj there. You've got the likes of (Ravichandran) Ashwin and (Ravindra) Jadeja and some very good bench strength as well."

India have not lost the BG Trophy since the 2017 edition. In addition, they won the last two Test series on Australian soil. Hence, Aussies won't rule out India by any means and come hard at them.

India and Australia will lock horns in a five-match Test series, later this year, in Australia. The forthcoming 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is keenly awaited as it will be the first time since the 1991-92 season that the two heavyweights will square off in a five-match Test series.

India and Australia will lock horns in a five-match Test series, later this year, in Australia. The forthcoming 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is keenly awaited as it will be the first time since the 1991-92 season that the two heavyweights will square off in a five-match Test series. Recently, former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting made a bold early prediction, calling for the Pat Cummins-led side's 3-1 win. However, former India head coach Ravi Shastri responded to Ponting's remark and backed India to win their third successive Test series on Australian soil. 'REMEMBER, INDIA HAVE BEATEN AUSTRALIA TWICE, IT WILL BE A HAT-TRICK' Shastri said on the ICC Review Show, "The Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia over five Test matches is going to be a humdinger. Remember, India have beaten Australia twice on the last two tours and Australia have not had a hand on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in almost a decade and that's the reason why everyone will be waiting for these two heavyweights of Test match cricket over the last five to eight years to go head-to-head." Also read: BGT 2024-25: '3-1 to...,' Ricky Ponting makes BRAVE early prediction for India vs Australia five Tests Shastri, under whom India won their maiden Test series in Australia in 2018/19 and replicated the same in 2020/21, further opined, "It is going to be one heck of a series and India have every chance of making it a hat-trick because they've got their bowlers fit and if they can bat well, they can tickle (beat) Australia once again." The former Indian all-rounder is wary of Australia being desperate to settle scores with India. In this regard, Shastri stated, "We know what Australia will be wanting (revenge). They will be thirsty, they'd be looking to go at the throats of the Indians because they’ve been beaten there (in Australia) twice. The attack is pretty much the same. One of the greatest fast bowling attacks – [one of the greatest] all-round attacks when you add Nathan Lyon there – in a long, long time. And one of the best in the history of the game. They'll be looking for those 20 wickets, game after game to help Australia win the series." He added, "It's going to be India's batting against the Australian fast bowlers. And of course, the Indian bowling attack is going to be something everyone will be waiting to see. With (Jasprit) Bumrah fit, (Mohammed) Shami fit, you've got Mohammed Siraj there. You've got the likes of (Ravichandran) Ashwin and (Ravindra) Jadeja and some very good bench strength as well." India have not lost the BG Trophy since the 2017 edition. In addition, they won the last two Test series on Australian soil. Hence, Aussies won't rule out India by any means and come hard at them.

BGT 2024/25: Shastri responds to Ponting's 'Australia will win 3-1' remark, backs India to complete hat-trick

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has praised Jasprit Burmah’s ability to work on the ball as he compared the pacer to legendary bowlers like Shane Warne and Wasim Akram. Speaking to the ICC Review show, Shastri reckons, Bumrah can control the ball according to his will. The legendary bowler recently helped India win their second T20 World Cup in the West Indies after the Men in Blue beat South Africa in the final.

<h2>Shastri is full of praise for Bumrah</h2>

“He just showed the world what it takes and you know, it's not often in your career when you have a ball in your hand and you say, do this and the ball does that,” Shastri said on ICC review.

“Very few have done it, I thought Wasim [Akram] and Waqar [Younis] had it in their prime when they played white-ball cricket. Shane Warne had it where he could literally tell the ball, go there, pitch there, hit leg stump. People who are on top of the game have that ability. I think Bumrah had that in this World Cup,” he added.

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Bumrah has been rested in the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka as part of the workload management. He is not part of the ongoing series where both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returned to the side for the ODI leg. He has struggled with injuries in recent times and wants to be available for the important series for India in the future.

Bumrah is likely to return for the Bangladesh series in September and will be the side’s lead bowler in the five-match Test series against Australia. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will start in November and will be targeted by Bumrah. He only returned to the Test set-up during India’s tour of South Africa in December having missed more than a year in the red-ball format.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has praised Jasprit Burmah’s ability to work on the ball as he compared the pacer to legendary bowlers like Shane Warne and Wasim Akram.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has praised Jasprit Burmah’s ability to work on the ball as he compared the pacer to legendary bowlers like Shane Warne and Wasim Akram. Speaking to the ICC Review show, Shastri reckons, Bumrah can control the ball according to his will. The legendary bowler recently helped India win their second T20 World Cup in the West Indies after the Men in Blue beat South Africa in the final. Shastri is full of praise for Bumrah “He just showed the world what it takes and you know, it's not often in your career when you have a ball in your hand and you say, do this and the ball does that,” Shastri said on ICC review. “Very few have done it, I thought Wasim [Akram] and Waqar [Younis] had it in their prime when they played white-ball cricket. Shane Warne had it where he could literally tell the ball, go there, pitch there, hit leg stump. People who are on top of the game have that ability. I think Bumrah had that in this World Cup,” he added. ALSO READ | Olympics 2024: India shooter Manu Bhaker reveals THIS IS WHY she lost on third medal at Paris Games Bumrah has been rested in the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka as part of the workload management. He is not part of the ongoing series where both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returned to the side for the ODI leg. He has struggled with injuries in recent times and wants to be available for the important series for India in the future. Bumrah is likely to return for the Bangladesh series in September and will be the side’s lead bowler in the five-match Test series against Australia. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will start in November and will be targeted by Bumrah. He only returned to the Test set-up during India’s tour of South Africa in December having missed more than a year in the red-ball format.

Ravi Shastri compliments Jasprit Bumrah's ball control ability, says 'very few have done it'

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri opened up on Hardik Pandya's injury concerns. Hardik served as India's white-ball vice-captain since early 2023. Post Rohit Sharma's T20I retirement, after India's 2024 T20 World Cup win, it was expected that he would take over as T20I skipper. Nonetheless, new head coach Gautam Gambhir -- who took over from&nbsp; Rahul Dravid -- and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar named Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain. Moreover, Hardik isn't part of India's three ODIs versus hosts Sri Lanka and will leave the tour midway, after the ongoing three-match T20I series in the Island nation (citing personal reasons). Shastri, thus, opined on Hardik's ODI future, saying that he will have to prove his fitness by bowling more overs consistently else it will be tough for him to retain his place.

Talking to host Sanjana Ganesan in a recent show, Shastri said, "I think (it's) very important that he continues to play. I believe match fitness is very important. So whatever T20I cricket there is, he should play as much as he can. And if he feels strong and fit, then obviously he comes into the side for the one-day game as well."

He further opined, "But then again, the bowling becomes important. If you have someone coming and bowling just three overs in where you have to bowl 10 in a one-day game, then the balance of the side takes a hit. If you can bowl consistently eight to 10 overs every game and then bat the way he does, I think he'll play in one-day cricket as well."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-beat-sri-lanka-in-rain-curtailed-second-t20i-to-take-unassailable-lead-in-series-745063">India beat Sri Lanka in rain-curtailed second T20I to take unassailable lead in series</a>

Shastri added, "So I think it's up to him really, more than anything else. He understands his body better than anyone. And I'm sure, this will inspire him, especially with the way he did in the World Cup, the way he performed at the right times for India and the World Cup, so that should really get him going. He shouldn't need any motivation to get his fitness right at the top there."

Hardik was last seen in action in ODIs during the home World Cup, last year. He got injured during India's fourth encounter, versus Bangladesh in Pune. Before his injury, the all-rounder was bowling regularly, up to 7-8 overs, if not his full quota. Given that there is so much said and written about his fitness at present, the 30-year-old will be desperate to play both the white-ball formats and silence his critics by bowling maximum overs (especially in ODIs).

Currently, Hardik is involved in the three T20Is between India and Sri Lanka in Pallekele, with Surya-led Men in Blue having an unassailable 2-0 lead after a seven-wicket win in the second encounter on Sunday (July 28).

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri opened up on Hardik Pandya's injury concerns. Hardik served as India's white-ball vice-captain since early 2023. Post Rohit Sharma's T20I retirement, after India's 2024 T20 World Cup win, it was expected that he would take over as T20I skipper.

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri opened up on Hardik Pandya's injury concerns. Hardik served as India's white-ball vice-captain since early 2023. Post Rohit Sharma's T20I retirement, after India's 2024 T20 World Cup win, it was expected that he would take over as T20I skipper. Nonetheless, new head coach Gautam Gambhir -- who took over from Rahul Dravid -- and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar named Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain. Moreover, Hardik isn't part of India's three ODIs versus hosts Sri Lanka and will leave the tour midway, after the ongoing three-match T20I series in the Island nation (citing personal reasons). Shastri, thus, opined on Hardik's ODI future, saying that he will have to prove his fitness by bowling more overs consistently else it will be tough for him to retain his place. Talking to host Sanjana Ganesan in a recent show, Shastri said, "I think (it's) very important that he continues to play. I believe match fitness is very important. So whatever T20I cricket there is, he should play as much as he can. And if he feels strong and fit, then obviously he comes into the side for the one-day game as well." He further opined, "But then again, the bowling becomes important. If you have someone coming and bowling just three overs in where you have to bowl 10 in a one-day game, then the balance of the side takes a hit. If you can bowl consistently eight to 10 overs every game and then bat the way he does, I think he'll play in one-day cricket as well." Also read: India beat Sri Lanka in rain-curtailed second T20I to take unassailable lead in series Shastri added, "So I think it's up to him really, more than anything else. He understands his body better than anyone. And I'm sure, this will inspire him, especially with the way he did in the World Cup, the way he performed at the right times for India and the World Cup, so that should really get him going. He shouldn't need any motivation to get his fitness right at the top there." Hardik was last seen in action in ODIs during the home World Cup, last year. He got injured during India's fourth encounter, versus Bangladesh in Pune. Before his injury, the all-rounder was bowling regularly, up to 7-8 overs, if not his full quota. Given that there is so much said and written about his fitness at present, the 30-year-old will be desperate to play both the white-ball formats and silence his critics by bowling maximum overs (especially in ODIs). Currently, Hardik is involved in the three T20Is between India and Sri Lanka in Pallekele, with Surya-led Men in Blue having an unassailable 2-0 lead after a seven-wicket win in the second encounter on Sunday (July 28).

'If you're bowling just...': Ravi Shastri shares take on injury-prone Hardik Pandya's ODI future

Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as Team India’s new head coach is refreshing for Indian cricket, feels former coach and veteran Ravi Shastri. Replacing Rahul Dravid for the top position, Gambhir, whom Shastri calls a no-nonsense guy, will have plenty riding on his shoulders; however, with the mature team at the helm and having worked or played with most players, the ‘young’ coach Gambhir can make the most of this chance, Shastri believes.

Shastri backed Gautam to bring fresh ideas and instil confidence into the side as the busy international calendar looms. With the away Sri Lanka tour being Gambhir’s first assignment as India's head coach, the former two-time World Cup winner will lead the team in the home season, beginning with the Bangladesh series in early September.&nbsp;

Although Gautam hasn’t coached any domestic or international team before, he guided his former IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders, to their third title this season as a mentor.

“He's contemporary; he just had a great season in the IPL,” Shastri said of Gambhir on the ICC Review.&nbsp;“I think he's the right age where he's young, he'll come with fresh ideas. He knows most of the players, especially in the white-ball format, having been part of teams in the IPL. So I think it's refreshing.

“And we know with Gautam, he's a no-nonsense guy. He'll have his ideas as well. And the good thing for him is he's got a mature team. He's got a settled team, a mature team. I think even though you might think you're mature, you might benefit from some fresh ideas. So I think it'll be interesting times,” Shastri continued.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Player management becomes a key for coach’</h2>

Having been in Gautam’s shoes before, Shastri knows and understands what a head coach brings to the table.&nbsp;

Ravi said it would be interesting to see how he manages his players and different squads with all the tools available.&nbsp;

"Obviously, player management becomes the key as a coach," Shastri said.

"So it'll be interesting to see how he goes. I think he's got the tools, he's got the goods for the job, and he's got the experience," he further said.

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However, Shastri believes Gautam’s biggest test will be to understand the players, temperament and personalities and help work on them to get the most out of them as cricketers.

"It's a question of just understanding his players as quickly as possible," Shastri said.&nbsp;

"What their strengths are, what kind of human beings they are, and what kind of temperaments do they have. What are their personalities? A lot goes behind the scenes to understand a human being.

"I think that will be his most important task, which I think, again should not be a problem because he's contemporary. He's seen these guys from the outside, he's dealt with a lot of guys who might have played with KKR as well and for Lucknow [Super Giants] when he was there.

"And he's been around the circuit, the moment he finished cricket - and that was not too long ago - and he still is around, plays a lot of the legends cricket as well,” Shastri added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Team India's tour of Sri Lanka begins with the first of the three T20Is on Saturday (July 27) in Pallekele. Three ODIs will follow, starting August 1 in Colombo.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as Team India’s new head coach is refreshing for Indian cricket, feels former coach and veteran Ravi Shastri. Replacing Rahul Dravid for the top position, Gambhir, whom Shastri calls a no-nonsense guy, will have plenty riding on his shoulders; however, with the mature team at the helm and having worked or played with most players, the ‘young’ coach Gambhir can make the most of this chance, Shastri believes.

Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as Team India’s new head coach is refreshing for Indian cricket, feels former coach and veteran Ravi Shastri. Replacing Rahul Dravid for the top position, Gambhir, whom Shastri calls a no-nonsense guy, will have plenty riding on his shoulders; however, with the mature team at the helm and having worked or played with most players, the ‘young’ coach Gambhir can make the most of this chance, Shastri believes. Shastri backed Gautam to bring fresh ideas and instil confidence into the side as the busy international calendar looms. With the away Sri Lanka tour being Gambhir’s first assignment as India's head coach, the former two-time World Cup winner will lead the team in the home season, beginning with the Bangladesh series in early September. Although Gautam hasn’t coached any domestic or international team before, he guided his former IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders, to their third title this season as a mentor. “He's contemporary; he just had a great season in the IPL,” Shastri said of Gambhir on the ICC Review. “I think he's the right age where he's young, he'll come with fresh ideas. He knows most of the players, especially in the white-ball format, having been part of teams in the IPL. So I think it's refreshing. “And we know with Gautam, he's a no-nonsense guy. He'll have his ideas as well. And the good thing for him is he's got a mature team. He's got a settled team, a mature team. I think even though you might think you're mature, you might benefit from some fresh ideas. So I think it'll be interesting times,” Shastri continued. ‘Player management becomes a key for coach’ Having been in Gautam’s shoes before, Shastri knows and understands what a head coach brings to the table. Ravi said it would be interesting to see how he manages his players and different squads with all the tools available. "Obviously, player management becomes the key as a coach," Shastri said. "So it'll be interesting to see how he goes. I think he's got the tools, he's got the goods for the job, and he's got the experience," he further said. ALSO READ: India vs Bangladesh, Women's Asia Cup 2024: When and where to watch Ind vs Ban semifinal match? However, Shastri believes Gautam’s biggest test will be to understand the players, temperament and personalities and help work on them to get the most out of them as cricketers. "It's a question of just understanding his players as quickly as possible," Shastri said. "What their strengths are, what kind of human beings they are, and what kind of temperaments do they have. What are their personalities? A lot goes behind the scenes to understand a human being. "I think that will be his most important task, which I think, again should not be a problem because he's contemporary. He's seen these guys from the outside, he's dealt with a lot of guys who might have played with KKR as well and for Lucknow [Super Giants] when he was there. "And he's been around the circuit, the moment he finished cricket - and that was not too long ago - and he still is around, plays a lot of the legends cricket as well,” Shastri added. Meanwhile, Team India's tour of Sri Lanka begins with the first of the three T20Is on Saturday (July 27) in Pallekele. Three ODIs will follow, starting August 1 in Colombo. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Gambhir’s a no-nonsense guy’ – Ravi Shastri calls new India coach appointment ‘refreshing’

Mohammed Shami is one of India’s best all-format bowlers and perhaps the most successful in the 50-over World Cups. However, despite star performances across the past two editions (2019 and 2023), wherein he picked 38 wickets in just 11 matches, including several five-fors and a seven-wicket haul in the semis last year, Shami questioned Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri's tactics during the 2019 edition.

Recalling the decisions made by the captain and the coach during the 2019 World Cup in England, Shami said despite picking a hat-trick (against Afghanistan) and ten more wickets in the remaining three games that he played, he got dropped from the playing XI from the final league game (against Sri Lanka) and subsequently against New Zealand (in the semis), which India lost and got knocked out of the tournament.

Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube show, ‘Unplugged,’ Shami sounded clueless about management’s call over his selection in the XI.

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Meanwhile, much like last year when he got a chance after the first four matches, Shami suffered the same fate during the 2019 edition, wherein he got picked for the first time during the mid-tournament.

“In 2019, I did not play the first 4-5 games. In the next game, I took a hat-trick, then picked up a five-wicket haul and then four wickets in the next game. A similar happened in 2023. I did not play in the first few games and then picked a fifer, then four wickets and then a five-wicket haul again,” Shami said during the show.

“The one thing I keep wondering is every team needs players who can perform well. I took 13 wickets in three matches. What more do you expect from me? I neither have questions nor do I have answers. I can only prove myself when I get the opportunity.&nbsp;

“You gave me a chance, and I took 13 wickets in three matches. Then we lost to New Zealand. I played four matches overall and picked 14 wickets. In 2023, I picked 24 wickets in seven matches,” the India ace seamer added.

<h2>Shami prepares for comeback</h2>

Out with an ankle injury he suffered during the 2023 World Cup, seamer Shami aims to return to the cricket field during the upcoming home season, starting with Bangladesh Tests in September.&nbsp;

As Team India gets ready for a new season under Gautam Gambhir, who replaced Rahul Dravid as the new head coach, Shami will eye a spot in the XI across formats, preparing for the five Tests Down Under starting November and the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan early next year.

(With inputs from agencies)

Mohammed Shami is one of India’s best all-format bowlers and perhaps the most successful in the 50-over World Cups. However, despite star performances across the past two editions (2019 and 2023), wherein he picked 38 wickets in just 11 matches, including several five-fors and a seven-wicket haul in the semis last year, Shami questioned Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri's tactics during the 2019 edition.

Mohammed Shami is one of India’s best all-format bowlers and perhaps the most successful in the 50-over World Cups. However, despite star performances across the past two editions (2019 and 2023), wherein he picked 38 wickets in just 11 matches, including several five-fors and a seven-wicket haul in the semis last year, Shami questioned Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri's tactics during the 2019 edition. Recalling the decisions made by the captain and the coach during the 2019 World Cup in England, Shami said despite picking a hat-trick (against Afghanistan) and ten more wickets in the remaining three games that he played, he got dropped from the playing XI from the final league game (against Sri Lanka) and subsequently against New Zealand (in the semis), which India lost and got knocked out of the tournament. Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube show, ‘Unplugged,’ Shami sounded clueless about management’s call over his selection in the XI. ALSO READ: Women's Asia Cup 2024: Deepti Sharma, Smriti Mandhana lead India's charge as Women in Blue hammer Pakistan Meanwhile, much like last year when he got a chance after the first four matches, Shami suffered the same fate during the 2019 edition, wherein he got picked for the first time during the mid-tournament. “In 2019, I did not play the first 4-5 games. In the next game, I took a hat-trick, then picked up a five-wicket haul and then four wickets in the next game. A similar happened in 2023. I did not play in the first few games and then picked a fifer, then four wickets and then a five-wicket haul again,” Shami said during the show. “The one thing I keep wondering is every team needs players who can perform well. I took 13 wickets in three matches. What more do you expect from me? I neither have questions nor do I have answers. I can only prove myself when I get the opportunity. “You gave me a chance, and I took 13 wickets in three matches. Then we lost to New Zealand. I played four matches overall and picked 14 wickets. In 2023, I picked 24 wickets in seven matches,” the India ace seamer added. Shami prepares for comeback Out with an ankle injury he suffered during the 2023 World Cup, seamer Shami aims to return to the cricket field during the upcoming home season, starting with Bangladesh Tests in September. As Team India gets ready for a new season under Gautam Gambhir, who replaced Rahul Dravid as the new head coach, Shami will eye a spot in the XI across formats, preparing for the five Tests Down Under starting November and the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan early next year. (With inputs from agencies)

Shami questions Kohli-Shastri tactics in 2019 World Cup; sounds clueless over snub from XI despite performance

Jasprit Bumrah needs no introduction.

The ace seamer is perhaps the best India has ever produced, with his exploits across formats a testament to his success at all levels. Former India coach Ravi Shastri lately revealed that under his tenure in 2019, when India had toured the West Indies, Bumrah received ‘the ultimate compliment’.

Two former West Indies pacers, Sir Curtly Ambrose and Sir Andy Roberts, met Bumrah on the sidelines of a Test match (in Antigua), saying the India fast bowler could open the bowling during their era for what he brings to the table.&nbsp;

To provide reference to this, West Indies dominated cricket for nearly four decades (1960-00), with their bowling department that once had the quartet of Marshall, Garner, Croft and Holding, making headlines all across. Although West Indies had countless other seamers to traumatise any batting unit, a handful were considered deadly, including Roberts and Ambrose.

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Speaking to Star Sports, Shastri revealed following Bumrah’s performance in the two Tests, where he picked 13 wickets, including a hat-trick, Ambrose and Roberts walked up to him to compliment him.

"The ultimate compliment for Jasprit Bumrah came in 2019. When I was coach here, and we were playing a Test series, and he dismantled the West Indies in 2-and-a-half or three days in the two Test matches. And Andy Roberts walked up to him in Antigua. Andy and Curtly (Ambrose) together. Andy walked up to him and said 'You, young man could have taken the new ball in our era’," Shastri said.

"You will not get a bigger compliment than that. Roberts was the leader of the pack that had Marshall, Garner, Croft, and Holding. No better compliment than that for Jasprit Bumrah. That was in 2019, he has come along leaps and bounds since then," Shastri continued.&nbsp;

<h2>Bumrah guides India to 2nd T20 WC title</h2>

With Jasprit Bumrah at the helm of things, the Indian Team won their second T20 World Cup in the Americas, beating South Africa by seven runs in the final in Barbados. The ace seamer was India’s second-highest wicket-taker (15 wickets) in the tournament, but regarding impacting a game’s result on his own, he was heads and shoulders ahead of everyone.&nbsp;

In the grand finale, he picked two wickets (both clean bowled), with Marco Jansen’s wicket being the game-changer.

On Thursday (July 4), Bumrah, alongside the Indian Team, returned home to a grand welcome, which included a meeting with PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi, followed by an open-bus victory parade (near Marine Drive) and felicitation at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Jasprit Bumrah needs no introduction. The ace seamer is perhaps the best India has ever produced, with his exploits across formats a testament to his success at all levels.

Jasprit Bumrah needs no introduction. The ace seamer is perhaps the best India has ever produced, with his exploits across formats a testament to his success at all levels. Former India coach Ravi Shastri lately revealed that under his tenure in 2019, when India had toured the West Indies, Bumrah received ‘the ultimate compliment’. Two former West Indies pacers, Sir Curtly Ambrose and Sir Andy Roberts, met Bumrah on the sidelines of a Test match (in Antigua), saying the India fast bowler could open the bowling during their era for what he brings to the table. To provide reference to this, West Indies dominated cricket for nearly four decades (1960-00), with their bowling department that once had the quartet of Marshall, Garner, Croft and Holding, making headlines all across. Although West Indies had countless other seamers to traumatise any batting unit, a handful were considered deadly, including Roberts and Ambrose. ALSO READ: How mother’s love made Rohit Sharma blush upon arrival in Mumbai – WATCH Speaking to Star Sports, Shastri revealed following Bumrah’s performance in the two Tests, where he picked 13 wickets, including a hat-trick, Ambrose and Roberts walked up to him to compliment him. "The ultimate compliment for Jasprit Bumrah came in 2019. When I was coach here, and we were playing a Test series, and he dismantled the West Indies in 2-and-a-half or three days in the two Test matches. And Andy Roberts walked up to him in Antigua. Andy and Curtly (Ambrose) together. Andy walked up to him and said 'You, young man could have taken the new ball in our era’," Shastri said. "You will not get a bigger compliment than that. Roberts was the leader of the pack that had Marshall, Garner, Croft, and Holding. No better compliment than that for Jasprit Bumrah. That was in 2019, he has come along leaps and bounds since then," Shastri continued. Bumrah guides India to 2nd T20 WC title With Jasprit Bumrah at the helm of things, the Indian Team won their second T20 World Cup in the Americas, beating South Africa by seven runs in the final in Barbados. The ace seamer was India’s second-highest wicket-taker (15 wickets) in the tournament, but regarding impacting a game’s result on his own, he was heads and shoulders ahead of everyone. In the grand finale, he picked two wickets (both clean bowled), with Marco Jansen’s wicket being the game-changer. On Thursday (July 4), Bumrah, alongside the Indian Team, returned home to a grand welcome, which included a meeting with PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi, followed by an open-bus victory parade (near Marine Drive) and felicitation at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. (With inputs from agencies)

Jasprit Bumrah got ‘the ultimate compliment’ under my tenure, reveals Ravi Shastri

Former India coach Ravi Shastri recalled reacting to Rishabh Pant’s horrific road accident news in December 2022, saying he had tears in his eyes when hearing about it for the first time. Pant suffered multiple injuries in a road accident on New Year’s Eve two years ago when his car crashed into the roadside dividers on the Delhi-Dehradun highway. The crash's impact was so much that the car rolled over two or three times before catching fire. Luckily, the onlookers could break the car’s glass and pull Pant out before it was too late.

Attending the team’s dressing-room-talk-session after India’s close win over Pakistan in New York, Shastri gave the best fielding award to Pant for his handy contributions, including picking three catches and scoring a gritty 42.&nbsp;

While praising Pant for his match-winning performance against the arch-rivals, Shastri rolled back the clock, recalling his first reaction to Pant’s accident news that shook the cricket world.

When the fielding coach, T Dilip, introduced Shastri to the dressing to present this award, Ravi pointed towards Pant and said, “I had tears in my eyes when I read about his accident.”

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📽️ 𝘿𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙢 𝘽𝙏𝙎 
 
All smiles after a special win in New York 😃 
 
🎙️ 'In the fielding medal 🏅 corner', guess who made his way to present the award 😎 - By <a href="https://twitter.com/RajalArora?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RajalArora</a> 
 
WATCH 🎥🔽 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvPAK</a>
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Shastri said when he first looked at Pant in the hospital, it was even worse for him to watch.

Applauding his will to return to the cricket field after more than one year and perform how he did in the first two matches, Ravi said it was so heartwarming.

“It was even worse when I saw him in the hospital. For him to come back from there and be back in the A zone and playing one of the biggest games India vs Pakistan was so heartwarming.”&nbsp;

<h2>‘You’re an inspiration for millions’</h2>

Ravi said the way Pant returned to his best with the gloves and bat is an inspiration for millions worldwide. Everyone’s aware of Rishabh’s game and what he brings to the table and looking at how he performed in this marquee clash, he deserves loud claps, said Shastri.

“Your batting, everybody knew what you are capable of, the X factor you have, but your wicketkeeping and the range of movement that you have got so quickly back after the operation is a tribute to how much you have worked hard.

“Not just for yourself, it’s an inspiration to millions around the globe that from adversity from the jaws of death you can snatch a win as well. Well done, fantastic keep up the good work and keep going,” Shastri added.&nbsp;

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Things we love to see 👉 Spidey Pant receiving the fielding medal from Ravi Shastri 💙 <a href="https://t.co/RF9veDqd0P">pic.twitter.com/RF9veDqd0P</a>
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India sits in the top position with four points in two matches and next faces the co-host USA on Wednesday (June 12) at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York.&nbsp;

Former India coach Ravi Shastri recalled reacting to Rishabh Pant’s horrific road accident news in December 2022, saying he had tears in his eyes when hearing about it for the first time.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri recalled reacting to Rishabh Pant’s horrific road accident news in December 2022, saying he had tears in his eyes when hearing about it for the first time. Pant suffered multiple injuries in a road accident on New Year’s Eve two years ago when his car crashed into the roadside dividers on the Delhi-Dehradun highway. The crash's impact was so much that the car rolled over two or three times before catching fire. Luckily, the onlookers could break the car’s glass and pull Pant out before it was too late. Attending the team’s dressing-room-talk-session after India’s close win over Pakistan in New York, Shastri gave the best fielding award to Pant for his handy contributions, including picking three catches and scoring a gritty 42. While praising Pant for his match-winning performance against the arch-rivals, Shastri rolled back the clock, recalling his first reaction to Pant’s accident news that shook the cricket world. When the fielding coach, T Dilip, introduced Shastri to the dressing to present this award, Ravi pointed towards Pant and said, “I had tears in my eyes when I read about his accident.” 📽️ 𝘿𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙢 𝘽𝙏𝙎 All smiles after a special win in New York 😃 🎙️ 'In the fielding medal 🏅 corner', guess who made his way to present the award 😎 - By @RajalArora WATCH 🎥🔽 #T20WorldCup | #TeamIndia | #INDvPAK — BCCI (@BCCI) June 10, 2024 × ALSO READ: Pakistan bowler Naseem Shah in tears after India snatch win from jaws of defeat in New York – Watch Shastri said when he first looked at Pant in the hospital, it was even worse for him to watch. Applauding his will to return to the cricket field after more than one year and perform how he did in the first two matches, Ravi said it was so heartwarming. “It was even worse when I saw him in the hospital. For him to come back from there and be back in the A zone and playing one of the biggest games India vs Pakistan was so heartwarming.” ‘You’re an inspiration for millions’ Ravi said the way Pant returned to his best with the gloves and bat is an inspiration for millions worldwide. Everyone’s aware of Rishabh’s game and what he brings to the table and looking at how he performed in this marquee clash, he deserves loud claps, said Shastri. “Your batting, everybody knew what you are capable of, the X factor you have, but your wicketkeeping and the range of movement that you have got so quickly back after the operation is a tribute to how much you have worked hard. “Not just for yourself, it’s an inspiration to millions around the globe that from adversity from the jaws of death you can snatch a win as well. Well done, fantastic keep up the good work and keep going,” Shastri added. Things we love to see 👉 Spidey Pant receiving the fielding medal from Ravi Shastri 💙 pic.twitter.com/RF9veDqd0P — Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) June 10, 2024 × India sits in the top position with four points in two matches and next faces the co-host USA on Wednesday (June 12) at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York.

‘I had tears in my eyes’ – Ravi Shastri recalls reacting to Rishabh Pant’s 'horrific road accident'

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has backed the idea of the Impact Player rule as he thinks fans and players should evolve according to the new trend. The Impact Player rule, first introduced in the IPL&nbsp;2023, has added a new dimension to T20 cricket as teams have the flexibility to play an extra batter or an extra bowler according to the need of the hour. While it is still under consideration for future IPL tournaments, Shastri has come out&nbsp;in support of&nbsp;the game-changing rule.&nbsp;

<h2>Shastri backs Impact Player&nbsp;rule</h2>

"The Impact Player [rule] is good. You have to evolve with the times," Shastri told R Ashwin on his YouTube channel. "You know, it happens in other sports as well. It's got tighter finishes.&nbsp;You have to evolve with the times&nbsp;and&nbsp;I think it's&nbsp;a good rule.&nbsp;You saw the number of tight finishes we had in last year's IPL. So, you know, it has made a big difference."

The Impact Player rule has had its own&nbsp;critics&nbsp;while few have also bought into the idea of using it at the international level. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah has hinted that the Impact Player rule is not yet&nbsp;adopted completely&nbsp;by the IPL and will&nbsp;be reviewed&nbsp;in a meeting with the stakeholders.&nbsp;

"You know&nbsp;when&nbsp;any new rule comes in, there will be…people will try and justify why that's not right," Shastri said. "But in&nbsp;time&nbsp;when you see the scores - 200 and 190 - and&nbsp;then&nbsp;like you&nbsp;mentioned&nbsp;individuals grabbing that opportunity and making the most of it, people will start re-looking at how they think about it."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/cricket-ireland-confirms-historic-pakistan-tour-in-2025-to-play-in-test-and-limited-overs-series-721216">Cricket Ireland confirms historic Pakistan tour in 2025; to play in Test and limited-overs series</a>

<h2>What is the Impact Player Rule?</h2>

A team can&nbsp;make changes to&nbsp;its Playing XI once the match has started by permanently substituting a player. The player coming on will be the Impact Player&nbsp;who&nbsp;will be able to bat and bowl and&nbsp;will&nbsp;participate in the rest of the match. The team batting first would often bring a bowling Impact Player&nbsp;in place&nbsp;of a batter, which gives additional force to the bowling.&nbsp;

Vice versa, the&nbsp;team bowling first would bring a batting Impact Player&nbsp;in place&nbsp;of a bowler to strengthen their batting order. This season, players like Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Jos Buttler and many others have come in as Impact Player for their respective sides in IPL 2024.&nbsp;

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has backed the idea of the Impact Player rule as he thinks fans and players should evolve according to the new trend. The Impact Player rule, first introduced in the IPL 2023, has added a new dimension to T20 cricket as teams have the flexibility to play an extra batter or an extra bowler according to the need of the hour.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has backed the idea of the Impact Player rule as he thinks fans and players should evolve according to the new trend. The Impact Player rule, first introduced in the IPL 2023, has added a new dimension to T20 cricket as teams have the flexibility to play an extra batter or an extra bowler according to the need of the hour. While it is still under consideration for future IPL tournaments, Shastri has come out in support of the game-changing rule. Shastri backs Impact Player rule "The Impact Player [rule] is good. You have to evolve with the times," Shastri told R Ashwin on his YouTube channel. "You know, it happens in other sports as well. It's got tighter finishes. You have to evolve with the times and I think it's a good rule. You saw the number of tight finishes we had in last year's IPL. So, you know, it has made a big difference." The Impact Player rule has had its own critics while few have also bought into the idea of using it at the international level. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah has hinted that the Impact Player rule is not yet adopted completely by the IPL and will be reviewed in a meeting with the stakeholders. "You know when any new rule comes in, there will be…people will try and justify why that's not right," Shastri said. "But in time when you see the scores - 200 and 190 - and then like you mentioned individuals grabbing that opportunity and making the most of it, people will start re-looking at how they think about it." ALSO READ | Cricket Ireland confirms historic Pakistan tour in 2025; to play in Test and limited-overs series What is the Impact Player Rule? A team can make changes to its Playing XI once the match has started by permanently substituting a player. The player coming on will be the Impact Player who will be able to bat and bowl and will participate in the rest of the match. The team batting first would often bring a bowling Impact Player in place of a batter, which gives additional force to the bowling. Vice versa, the team bowling first would bring a batting Impact Player in place of a bowler to strengthen their batting order. This season, players like Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Jos Buttler and many others have come in as Impact Player for their respective sides in IPL 2024.

'You have to evolve with the times': Ravi Shastri backs Impact Player rule in IPL

Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shashtri has opined that the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season will be the last time we see MS Dhoni take the field, especially after the latter handed over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad.&nbsp;

The decision to pass on the captaincy armband was announced on the eve of&nbsp;CSK's opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), earlier this month, which took the fans by surprise.&nbsp;

"This is MS Dhoni's last season okay, very clear. You know depends how his body copes with everything, whether he plays the whole season or doesn't play the whole season, only time will tell," Shastri told the host broadcaster.&nbsp;

Asked to decode why Dhoni had given up on captaincy, Shastri said he wanted to ease the process for Gaikwad.&nbsp;

"But what he has done is that he said, I don't want to give the job to Ruturaj halfway through the tournament. Be in the hot seat from the outside, I am watching from the back, if he needs some help I'm there to help him out but I think as compared to the year when Jadeja was captain, MS will take more and more of the backseat and probably contribute just in a little way between the drinks break or something like that," Shastri added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2024-ruturaj-gaikwad-replaces-ms-dhoni-as-chennai-super-kings-captain-702645">Also read |&nbsp;IPL 2024: MS Dhoni steps down as CSK captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad announced as replacement</a>

<h2>What did CSK announce?</h2>

Akin to the way MS Dhoni has made such announcements in the past, CSK released a statement and informed about the change in guard.&nbsp;

"MS Dhoni has handed over Chennai Super Kings’ captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the start of TATA IPL 2024," CSK said in an official statement.

"Ruturaj has been an integral part of Chennai Super Kings since 2019 and has played 52 matches in IPL during this period. The team looks forward to the upcoming season," it added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2024-ruturaj-gaikwad-replaces-ms-dhoni-as-chennai-super-kings-captain-702645">Also read |&nbsp;IPL 2024: MS Dhoni steps down as CSK captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad announced as replacement</a>

Dhoni guided CSK to a record-equalling fifth title last season despite suffering from a wobbly knee throughout the tournament. At the time, many wondered if it would be the last swansong for him but the former Indian captain said he would return the next year.&nbsp;

CSK squad for IPL 2024:&nbsp;MS Dhoni, Devon Conway, Avanish Rao Aravelly, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shaik Rasheed, Ajinkya Rahane, Sameer Rizvi, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner, Ajay Mandal, Nishant Sindhu, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Mustafizur Rahman, Mukesh Choudhary

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shashtri has opined that the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season will be the last time we see MS Dhoni take the field, especially after the latter handed over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shashtri has opined that the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season will be the last time we see MS Dhoni take the field, especially after the latter handed over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. The decision to pass on the captaincy armband was announced on the eve of CSK's opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), earlier this month, which took the fans by surprise. "This is MS Dhoni's last season okay, very clear. You know depends how his body copes with everything, whether he plays the whole season or doesn't play the whole season, only time will tell," Shastri told the host broadcaster. Asked to decode why Dhoni had given up on captaincy, Shastri said he wanted to ease the process for Gaikwad. "But what he has done is that he said, I don't want to give the job to Ruturaj halfway through the tournament. Be in the hot seat from the outside, I am watching from the back, if he needs some help I'm there to help him out but I think as compared to the year when Jadeja was captain, MS will take more and more of the backseat and probably contribute just in a little way between the drinks break or something like that," Shastri added. Also read | IPL 2024: MS Dhoni steps down as CSK captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad announced as replacement What did CSK announce? Akin to the way MS Dhoni has made such announcements in the past, CSK released a statement and informed about the change in guard. "MS Dhoni has handed over Chennai Super Kings’ captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the start of TATA IPL 2024," CSK said in an official statement. "Ruturaj has been an integral part of Chennai Super Kings since 2019 and has played 52 matches in IPL during this period. The team looks forward to the upcoming season," it added. Also read | IPL 2024: MS Dhoni steps down as CSK captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad announced as replacement Dhoni guided CSK to a record-equalling fifth title last season despite suffering from a wobbly knee throughout the tournament. At the time, many wondered if it would be the last swansong for him but the former Indian captain said he would return the next year. CSK squad for IPL 2024: MS Dhoni, Devon Conway, Avanish Rao Aravelly, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shaik Rasheed, Ajinkya Rahane, Sameer Rizvi, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner, Ajay Mandal, Nishant Sindhu, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Mustafizur Rahman, Mukesh Choudhary (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2024: ‘This is his last season,’ Ravi Shastri on MS Dhoni’s IPL future

Former India coach Ravi Shastri recalled ringing ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah early during his international career to talk about him making his Test debut. Even before Bumrah got introduced to red-ball cricket, the fans worldwide labelled him as a ‘white-ball specialist’ for what he brought to the table with his Yorkers in the shortest format.

With that said, Shastri claims he believed in Bumrah’s ability to break into the Test side and wreak havoc in this format for years to come, which, to not everyone’s surprise considering his x-factor, Bumrah did.&nbsp;

After the speedster&nbsp;had made early inroads as the emerging white-ball star, the right-handed pacer made his Test debut against South Africa in 2018, only to break the narrative among his fans around his format preference. In those three matches, Bumrah returned with 14 wickets at 25.21.

“I remember my first call to him, it was in Kolkata,” Shastri said during his recent chat with ‘The Times’.&nbsp;

“I asked him would he be interested in Test cricket. He said that would be the biggest day of his life.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/building-trust-and-confidence-is-paramount-rohit-sharma-on-his-success-mantra-as-captain-688902">Building trust and confidence is paramount: Rohit Sharma on his success mantra as captain</a>

"He was labelled as a white-ball cricketer without asking him. But I knew. I wanted to see how hungry he was. I told him to get ready, be prepared. I told him I was going to unleash him in South Africa," Shastri said.

Backing Bumrah to further cement his legacy as one of Test cricket’s greatest players, Shastri noted, “They will always remember your numbers in Test cricket.”&nbsp;

<h2>Bumrah on top after Vizag heroics</h2>

Jasprit Bumrah is now the number one Test bowler in the world following his latest exploits during the ongoing Test series against England. After India went down in the first Test in Hyderabad despite winning most sessions, at least until day three, they needed a superhuman effort from someone to puncture England’s Bazball approach and make a comeback. Bumrah was that player in the next Test in Vizag.

Following Yashasvi Jaiswal’s maiden Test double ton, it was Bumrah’s turn to make headlines, and he did it by picking a six-wicket haul. His delivery to dismiss Ollie Pope made headlines all over.&nbsp;

Even in the second innings, Bumrah returned with three wickets, picking nine in total, helping India win the game by 106 runs.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri recalled ringing ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah early during his international career to talk about him making his Test debut. Even before Bumrah got introduced to red-ball cricket, the fans worldwide labelled him as a ‘white-ball specialist’ for what he brought to the table with his Yorkers in the shortest format.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri recalled ringing ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah early during his international career to talk about him making his Test debut. Even before Bumrah got introduced to red-ball cricket, the fans worldwide labelled him as a ‘white-ball specialist’ for what he brought to the table with his Yorkers in the shortest format. With that said, Shastri claims he believed in Bumrah’s ability to break into the Test side and wreak havoc in this format for years to come, which, to not everyone’s surprise considering his x-factor, Bumrah did. After the speedster had made early inroads as the emerging white-ball star, the right-handed pacer made his Test debut against South Africa in 2018, only to break the narrative among his fans around his format preference. In those three matches, Bumrah returned with 14 wickets at 25.21. “I remember my first call to him, it was in Kolkata,” Shastri said during his recent chat with ‘The Times’. “I asked him would he be interested in Test cricket. He said that would be the biggest day of his life. ALSO READ: Building trust and confidence is paramount: Rohit Sharma on his success mantra as captain "He was labelled as a white-ball cricketer without asking him. But I knew. I wanted to see how hungry he was. I told him to get ready, be prepared. I told him I was going to unleash him in South Africa," Shastri said. Backing Bumrah to further cement his legacy as one of Test cricket’s greatest players, Shastri noted, “They will always remember your numbers in Test cricket.” Bumrah on top after Vizag heroics Jasprit Bumrah is now the number one Test bowler in the world following his latest exploits during the ongoing Test series against England. After India went down in the first Test in Hyderabad despite winning most sessions, at least until day three, they needed a superhuman effort from someone to puncture England’s Bazball approach and make a comeback. Bumrah was that player in the next Test in Vizag. Following Yashasvi Jaiswal’s maiden Test double ton, it was Bumrah’s turn to make headlines, and he did it by picking a six-wicket haul. His delivery to dismiss Ollie Pope made headlines all over. Even in the second innings, Bumrah returned with three wickets, picking nine in total, helping India win the game by 106 runs.

‘I will unleash you in South Africa’: Ravi Shastri recalls ringing Jasprit Bumrah for ‘Test call-up’

Ravi Shastri, India's 1983 World Cup-winning member, and the former national head coach, is set to&nbsp;receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award in the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) Awards, slated to take place in Hyderabad on Tuesday (Jan 23). With this, the former all-rounder will join his ex-teammates Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Syed Kirmani, and Kris Srikkanth amongst others in receiving the CK Nayudu Award for lifetime achievement.&nbsp;

Shastri, a veteran of 80 Tests and 150 ODIs, has been a committed servant of Indian cricket since his playing days. After fulfilling various roles for the team, he then served as team manager and head coach post-retirement. To date, he&nbsp;remains one of the most popular voices among&nbsp;commentators. Moreover, Indian opener Shubman Gill will also bag the men's cricketer honour for his outstanding run across formats in 2023.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/icc-t20i-of-year-2023-four-indians-make-cut-with-suryakumar-as-skipper-no-players-from-australia-pakistan-682557">ICC T20I Team of Year 2023: Four Indians in squad with Suryakumar as skipper; no players from Aus, Pak</a>

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The right-handed Gill ended 2023 with a whopping 2,154 runs in international cricket. He was last year's leading run-getter. He hit seven&nbsp;hundreds, including an ODI double hundred and a maiden T20I ton.

Apart from the lifetime achievement award, the Polly Umrigar Award for best men's international cricketer, the best international cricketer in women's cricket for India, best umpire and best domestic side awards are also likely to be announced&nbsp;in a&nbsp;star-studded event.&nbsp;

Notably, the BCCI awards ceremony returns after a long gap. It was last held in 2019, in the pre-Covid era, when Jasprit Bumrah bagged the men's cricketer honour. It is being held in Hyderabad as both India and England are in the city for the first of the five-match Test series, which gets underway on Jan 25 (Thursday).&nbsp;

Thus,&nbsp;both India and England&nbsp;Test sides&nbsp;are expected to attend the ceremony. It will also&nbsp;be&nbsp;graced by former cricketers from across the country.

Ravi Shastri, India's 1983 World Cup-winning member, and the former national head coach, is set to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award in the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) Awards, slated to take place in Hyderabad on Tuesday (Jan 23).

Ravi Shastri, India's 1983 World Cup-winning member, and the former national head coach, is set to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award in the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) Awards, slated to take place in Hyderabad on Tuesday (Jan 23). With this, the former all-rounder will join his ex-teammates Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Syed Kirmani, and Kris Srikkanth amongst others in receiving the CK Nayudu Award for lifetime achievement. Shastri, a veteran of 80 Tests and 150 ODIs, has been a committed servant of Indian cricket since his playing days. After fulfilling various roles for the team, he then served as team manager and head coach post-retirement. To date, he remains one of the most popular voices among commentators. Moreover, Indian opener Shubman Gill will also bag the men's cricketer honour for his outstanding run across formats in 2023. Also read: ICC T20I Team of Year 2023: Four Indians in squad with Suryakumar as skipper; no players from Aus, Pak × The right-handed Gill ended 2023 with a whopping 2,154 runs in international cricket. He was last year's leading run-getter. He hit seven hundreds, including an ODI double hundred and a maiden T20I ton. Apart from the lifetime achievement award, the Polly Umrigar Award for best men's international cricketer, the best international cricketer in women's cricket for India, best umpire and best domestic side awards are also likely to be announced in a star-studded event. Notably, the BCCI awards ceremony returns after a long gap. It was last held in 2019, in the pre-Covid era, when Jasprit Bumrah bagged the men's cricketer honour. It is being held in Hyderabad as both India and England are in the city for the first of the five-match Test series, which gets underway on Jan 25 (Thursday). Thus, both India and England Test sides are expected to attend the ceremony. It will also be graced by former cricketers from across the country.

BCCI Awards: Ex-coach Ravi Shastri to receive lifetime achievement award, Gill to bag men's cricketer honour

Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri was conferred the prestigious&nbsp;Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI Awards 2024 in Hyderabad on Tuesday (Jan 23). The ex-Indian men's cricket team head coach got a tad emotional after receiving the honour.&nbsp;

Quizzed by the presenter about his greatest moment in the field as a cricketer, broadcaster and coach, Shastri gave an emotionally charged response reminiscing several of his treasured&nbsp;memories.&nbsp; &nbsp;

"It is a special evening for me. I think picking one would be difficult. But I will just go very quickly. You showed one that the 1985 final vs Pakistan was special in Melbourne. 1983 when India won the World Cup," said Shastri.&nbsp;

"But in commentary, 2007 when they won the T20 World Cup and 2011 when MS hit that ball for six. Two back-to-back wins in Australia. But the icing on the cake was the last day at the Gabba when Rishabh Pant took us past the finishing line," he added.

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𝘿𝙊 𝙉𝙊𝙏 𝙈𝙄𝙎𝙎! 
 
Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award winner <a href="https://twitter.com/RaviShastriOfc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RaviShastriOfc</a> speaks about his "icing on the cake" moment 😃👌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NamanAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NamanAwards</a> <a href="https://t.co/H1Ztd7SzkN">pic.twitter.com/H1Ztd7SzkN</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1749806137384620258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Having been written off by the entire cricketing world after the Adelaide Test where India folded on the paltry score of 36, Shastri's team rose from the ashes and managed to win the series with the fitting climax coming in Australia's fortress aka 'The Gabba'.&nbsp;

As a player, Shastri's career spanned from 1981 to 1992 during which he received 80 and 150 caps in the Tests and ODIs respectively. After retirement, Shastri became one of the most popular commentators on the circuit, calling some of the biggest, epochal moments in cricketing history.&nbsp;

Notably,&nbsp;the BCCI awards ceremony returned&nbsp;after a long hiatus. It was last held in 2019 which meant BCCI awarded prizes for three calendar years.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/icc-t20i-of-year-2023-four-indians-make-cut-with-suryakumar-as-skipper-no-players-from-australia-pakistan-682557">ICC T20I Team of Year 2023: Four Indians in squad with Suryakumar as skipper; no players from Aus, Pak</a>

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<h2>BCCI Awards 2024 winners list</h2>

Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award - Men: Farokh Engineer, Ravi Shastri 
 
Polly Umrigar Award - Best International Cricketer - Men: Mohammad Shami (2019-20), Ravichandran Ashwin (2020-21), Jasprit Bumrah (2021-22), Shubman Gill (2022-23)

Best International Debut - Men: Mayank Agarwal (2019-20), Axar Patel (2020-21), Shreyas Iyer (2021-22), Yashaswi Jaiswal (2022-23)

Best International Debut - Women: Priya Punia (2019-20), Shafali Verma (2020-21), Sabbhineni Meghana (2021-22), Amanjot Kaur (2022-23)

Best International Cricketer - Women: Deepti Sharma (2019-20, 2022-23), Smriti Mandhana (2020-21, 2021-22)

Dilip Sardesai Award - Most Runs in Test Cricket: Yashasvi Jaiswal (2022-23)

Dilip Sardesai Award - Highest Wickets in Test Cricket: Ravichandran Ashwin (2022-23)

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri was conferred the prestigious Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI Awards 2024 in Hyderabad on Tuesday (Jan 23).

Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri was conferred the prestigious Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI Awards 2024 in Hyderabad on Tuesday (Jan 23). The ex-Indian men's cricket team head coach got a tad emotional after receiving the honour. Quizzed by the presenter about his greatest moment in the field as a cricketer, broadcaster and coach, Shastri gave an emotionally charged response reminiscing several of his treasured memories. "It is a special evening for me. I think picking one would be difficult. But I will just go very quickly. You showed one that the 1985 final vs Pakistan was special in Melbourne. 1983 when India won the World Cup," said Shastri. "But in commentary, 2007 when they won the T20 World Cup and 2011 when MS hit that ball for six. Two back-to-back wins in Australia. But the icing on the cake was the last day at the Gabba when Rishabh Pant took us past the finishing line," he added. 𝘿𝙊 𝙉𝙊𝙏 𝙈𝙄𝙎𝙎! Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award winner @RaviShastriOfc speaks about his "icing on the cake" moment 😃👌#NamanAwards pic.twitter.com/H1Ztd7SzkN — BCCI (@BCCI) January 23, 2024 × Having been written off by the entire cricketing world after the Adelaide Test where India folded on the paltry score of 36, Shastri's team rose from the ashes and managed to win the series with the fitting climax coming in Australia's fortress aka 'The Gabba'. As a player, Shastri's career spanned from 1981 to 1992 during which he received 80 and 150 caps in the Tests and ODIs respectively. After retirement, Shastri became one of the most popular commentators on the circuit, calling some of the biggest, epochal moments in cricketing history. Notably, the BCCI awards ceremony returned after a long hiatus. It was last held in 2019 which meant BCCI awarded prizes for three calendar years. Also read: ICC T20I Team of Year 2023: Four Indians in squad with Suryakumar as skipper; no players from Aus, Pak BCCI Awards 2024 winners list Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award - Men: Farokh Engineer, Ravi Shastri Polly Umrigar Award - Best International Cricketer - Men: Mohammad Shami (2019-20), Ravichandran Ashwin (2020-21), Jasprit Bumrah (2021-22), Shubman Gill (2022-23) Best International Debut - Men: Mayank Agarwal (2019-20), Axar Patel (2020-21), Shreyas Iyer (2021-22), Yashaswi Jaiswal (2022-23) Best International Debut - Women: Priya Punia (2019-20), Shafali Verma (2020-21), Sabbhineni Meghana (2021-22), Amanjot Kaur (2022-23) Best International Cricketer - Women: Deepti Sharma (2019-20, 2022-23), Smriti Mandhana (2020-21, 2021-22) Dilip Sardesai Award - Most Runs in Test Cricket: Yashasvi Jaiswal (2022-23) Dilip Sardesai Award - Highest Wickets in Test Cricket: Ravichandran Ashwin (2022-23) (With inputs from agencies)

‘That last day at Gabba’: Ravi Shastri’s emotional response after receiving BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award

India completed a maiden Test win at the Newlands in Cape Town inside two days to level the two-match series 1-1. Beating South Africa by seven wickets in the shortest contested Test in history, India claimed the top spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings. However, despite the result going in India’s favour, the scheduling irked the former coach, Ravi Shastri, who bashed it while doing commentary on day two.

Chasing 79 in the second session on day two, India lost three wickets but chased the target inside 12 overs. While doing Hindi commentary for Star, Shastri came down hard on the out-of-place two-match Test series, saying, if&nbsp;moving forward, any board invites India for just two Tests, the BCCI must reject it straightaway as it leads anyone nowhere.

With South Africa winning the first Test by an innings and 32 runs and India claiming a win in the next, the series ended in a draw. Instead, had it been a three-match series, both teams would have had a chance to go for the series win.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/updated-wtc-202325-standings-india-claim-top-spot-after-historic-win-in-cape-town-vs-south-africa-676596">Updated WTC 2023/25 standings: India claim top spot after historic win in Cape Town vs South Africa</a>

“After watching this Test series, the Indian cricket establishment should make sure to never play just two Tests,” Shastri said.

“If some country invites you for a two-Test series, say, ‘We won’t go’. Two-Test match series are a waste of time. It’s neither here nor there. The focus should be on either playing T20Is and Test matches or ODIs and Test matches. They could have easily played 3 T20Is and 3 Tests [on this tour],” he added.

<h2>No pre-tour practice hurt India this time</h2>

With India opting to send an A-Team for the shadow unofficial two-match series instead of playing a warm-up game, Shastri noted that all concerned parties should be on the same page on providing the best players and pitches for the practice matches so that the visiting team can get good practice.&nbsp;

“It should be a conversation between boards: ‘If we are coming for three Tests, we need a four-day game, but against a strong team',” Shastri said. “And this request can be made. When both boards are fixing the itinerary [for a series], they can discuss this.

“This should be reciprocal – ‘When you come touring, we’ll give you a strong team for a four-day game. Be it a Board President’s XI, or whatever, we’ll give you a talented, young team. Similarly, when we tour and ask for a game, we should get good players for that game.’

“This board-to-board [conversation] can happen. After all, every board wants India to tour. Because they know that is where their sustenance lies. When India tours, they earn cash. So, at least give us a proper first-class game. Then we’ll tour,” the former India coach added.

India completed a maiden Test win at the Newlands in Cape Town inside two days to level the two-match series 1-1. Beating South Africa by seven wickets in the shortest contested Test in history, India claimed the top spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings.

India completed a maiden Test win at the Newlands in Cape Town inside two days to level the two-match series 1-1. Beating South Africa by seven wickets in the shortest contested Test in history, India claimed the top spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings. However, despite the result going in India’s favour, the scheduling irked the former coach, Ravi Shastri, who bashed it while doing commentary on day two. Chasing 79 in the second session on day two, India lost three wickets but chased the target inside 12 overs. While doing Hindi commentary for Star, Shastri came down hard on the out-of-place two-match Test series, saying, if moving forward, any board invites India for just two Tests, the BCCI must reject it straightaway as it leads anyone nowhere. With South Africa winning the first Test by an innings and 32 runs and India claiming a win in the next, the series ended in a draw. Instead, had it been a three-match series, both teams would have had a chance to go for the series win. ALSO READ: Updated WTC 2023/25 standings: India claim top spot after historic win in Cape Town vs South Africa “After watching this Test series, the Indian cricket establishment should make sure to never play just two Tests,” Shastri said. “If some country invites you for a two-Test series, say, ‘We won’t go’. Two-Test match series are a waste of time. It’s neither here nor there. The focus should be on either playing T20Is and Test matches or ODIs and Test matches. They could have easily played 3 T20Is and 3 Tests [on this tour],” he added. No pre-tour practice hurt India this time With India opting to send an A-Team for the shadow unofficial two-match series instead of playing a warm-up game, Shastri noted that all concerned parties should be on the same page on providing the best players and pitches for the practice matches so that the visiting team can get good practice. “It should be a conversation between boards: ‘If we are coming for three Tests, we need a four-day game, but against a strong team',” Shastri said. “And this request can be made. When both boards are fixing the itinerary [for a series], they can discuss this. “This should be reciprocal – ‘When you come touring, we’ll give you a strong team for a four-day game. Be it a Board President’s XI, or whatever, we’ll give you a talented, young team. Similarly, when we tour and ask for a game, we should get good players for that game.’ “This board-to-board [conversation] can happen. After all, every board wants India to tour. Because they know that is where their sustenance lies. When India tours, they earn cash. So, at least give us a proper first-class game. Then we’ll tour,” the former India coach added.

SA v IND: 'Two-Test series is waste of time' - Angry Ravi Shastri bashes scheduling

Former legends Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar couldn’t help but laud KL Rahul for his knock on day one of the Centurion Test.

After India lost three wickets under 30 inside the first ten overs, most fans feared the same outcome the team has suffered in SENA countries in such situations. That, however, was far from reality as the crisis man KL Rahul weathered the storm and held his innings and India’s position together on day one at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.

Having returned from a leg injury (he suffered during the IPL this year), KL has been India’s best bet in the middle overs since. From scoring a hundred&nbsp;during the home World Cup to standing tall against a potent attack on foreign soil in Tests, Rahul has delivered at every stage.&nbsp;

Right after lunch on day one of the Boxing Day Test, when India lost two settled batters - Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, to Rabada, Rahul bailed the team out with his different approach, something even former legends took note of and hailed.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-ind-1st-test-herschelle-gibbs-takes-massive-dig-at-temba-bavuma-terms-him-unfit-and-overweight-673832">SA vs IND 1st Test: Herschelle Gibbs takes massive dig at Temba Bavuma, terms him ‘unfit and overweight’</a>

“He has made batting look easy. When you look at his footwork and the balance, it was pretty amazing. The knock also shows that the number is right for him in Test match cricket. I think he will get a lot of runs for India in the middle order,” Shastri said during the commentary on day one.

<h2>‘We are seeing a different KL Rahul’</h2>

Meanwhile, Gavaskar said, much like everyone, he was aware of Rahul’s potential. The former opener talked highly of the India batter returning from a lengthy layoff and delivering everything he has been asked to.

Gavaskar added, that KL’s fifty on day one on such a tricky Centurion track is as good as a century.

“We’ve known about his talent for such a long time, but we are getting to see it in the last eight, nine months, ever since he’s come back from this horrific injury that he had in the IPL, it’s a different Rahul. It’s a Rahul that we have been yearning to see for such a long time and such a delight to see. I said it in commentary as well that this half-century to me, is as good as a century,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.

India lost eight wickets on day one of the Centurion Test (on 208), with KL Rahul top-scoring 70* (105), while Virat and Iyer contributed with 38 and 31, respectively. Kagiso Rabada was the standout bowler for the Proteas, picking five wickets thus far.&nbsp;

Former legends Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar couldn’t help but laud KL Rahul for his knock on day one of the Centurion Test. After India lost three wickets under 30 inside the first ten overs, most fans feared the same outcome the team has suffered in SENA countries in such situations.

Former legends Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar couldn’t help but laud KL Rahul for his knock on day one of the Centurion Test. After India lost three wickets under 30 inside the first ten overs, most fans feared the same outcome the team has suffered in SENA countries in such situations. That, however, was far from reality as the crisis man KL Rahul weathered the storm and held his innings and India’s position together on day one at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Having returned from a leg injury (he suffered during the IPL this year), KL has been India’s best bet in the middle overs since. From scoring a hundred during the home World Cup to standing tall against a potent attack on foreign soil in Tests, Rahul has delivered at every stage. Right after lunch on day one of the Boxing Day Test, when India lost two settled batters - Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, to Rabada, Rahul bailed the team out with his different approach, something even former legends took note of and hailed. ALSO READ: SA vs IND 1st Test: Herschelle Gibbs takes massive dig at Temba Bavuma, terms him ‘unfit and overweight’ “He has made batting look easy. When you look at his footwork and the balance, it was pretty amazing. The knock also shows that the number is right for him in Test match cricket. I think he will get a lot of runs for India in the middle order,” Shastri said during the commentary on day one. ‘We are seeing a different KL Rahul’ Meanwhile, Gavaskar said, much like everyone, he was aware of Rahul’s potential. The former opener talked highly of the India batter returning from a lengthy layoff and delivering everything he has been asked to. Gavaskar added, that KL’s fifty on day one on such a tricky Centurion track is as good as a century. “We’ve known about his talent for such a long time, but we are getting to see it in the last eight, nine months, ever since he’s come back from this horrific injury that he had in the IPL, it’s a different Rahul. It’s a Rahul that we have been yearning to see for such a long time and such a delight to see. I said it in commentary as well that this half-century to me, is as good as a century,” Gavaskar told Star Sports. India lost eight wickets on day one of the Centurion Test (on 208), with KL Rahul top-scoring 70* (105), while Virat and Iyer contributed with 38 and 31, respectively. Kagiso Rabada was the standout bowler for the Proteas, picking five wickets thus far.

SA v IND: 'It's a different Rahul' - Shastri, Gavaskar laud India batter after his day 1 heroics

Virat Kohli’s record-breaking 50th ODI hundred in the World Cup semis against New Zealand made headlines in every cricketing country. From the great David Beckham to Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar himself, everyone present at the venue acknowledged Kohli’s magical feat. Ravi Shastri, former India coach, also lauded his match-winning hundred, saying Virat is not far from breaking Sachin’s 100 international hundreds record.

Kohli completed his 50th ODI century on Sunday – becoming the player with the most hundreds in this format. Though his age could come in between him and his desire to end up with the most international tons to his name, Virat’s agility, fitness and ability to run doubles defy that narrative, an example of which was on display during the first semi-final in Mumbai.

Having coached and watched him play from close quarters, Shastri backs the King of One-Day cricket to eventually go past Sachin on the hundreds tally and assert himself as the ‘Greatest of all Time’.&nbsp;

"Who would have thought when Sachin Tendulkar got 100 hundreds that anyone would come close? And, he's got 80; 80 international hundreds, 50 of them in the one-day game, which makes him the highest. Unreal," said Shastri during The ICC Review.

"Nothing's impossible because such players, when they start reeling off hundreds, then they score them pretty quickly. In his next 10 innings, you might see another five hundreds,” the former India coach added.

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Remaining in awe of Kohli’s fitness levels, separating him from the rest, Shastri said, considering he plays all three formats and can continue doing that for the next three to four years is a commendable thought.

"You have three formats of the game, and he's part of all those formats. To think that he still has three or four years of cricket ahead of him is simply mind-boggling." Shastri added. "I think his composure, his body language, his calmness at the crease (in this WC). I have seen him come out in previous World Cups where he's like a cat on a hot tin roof."

<h2>Ability to complete doubles helps him release pressure</h2>

Based on timing and ability to find gaps at will outside of knowing when and how to complete doubles from an almost impossible situation, Kohli has more to his batting than just piling up runs.&nbsp;

“One of the features of his batting has been his running between the wickets. The fact that he doesn't have to hit boundaries and sixes, he can run hard between the wickets because of his physical fitness.

"That takes the pressure off him. Even when he's not getting the boundaries, he's still rotating the strike. He always has that uncanny ability of making it up towards the back end of the innings," Shastri added.

Meanwhile, on the back of an unbeaten run in this tournament, India has reached the finals, scheduled on Sunday in Ahmedabad.

Virat Kohli’s record-breaking 50th ODI hundred in the World Cup semis against New Zealand made headlines in every cricketing country. From the great David Beckham to Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar himself, everyone present at the venue acknowledged Kohli’s magical feat.

Virat Kohli’s record-breaking 50th ODI hundred in the World Cup semis against New Zealand made headlines in every cricketing country. From the great David Beckham to Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar himself, everyone present at the venue acknowledged Kohli’s magical feat. Ravi Shastri, former India coach, also lauded his match-winning hundred, saying Virat is not far from breaking Sachin’s 100 international hundreds record. Kohli completed his 50th ODI century on Sunday – becoming the player with the most hundreds in this format. Though his age could come in between him and his desire to end up with the most international tons to his name, Virat’s agility, fitness and ability to run doubles defy that narrative, an example of which was on display during the first semi-final in Mumbai. Having coached and watched him play from close quarters, Shastri backs the King of One-Day cricket to eventually go past Sachin on the hundreds tally and assert himself as the ‘Greatest of all Time’. "Who would have thought when Sachin Tendulkar got 100 hundreds that anyone would come close? And, he's got 80; 80 international hundreds, 50 of them in the one-day game, which makes him the highest. Unreal," said Shastri during The ICC Review. "Nothing's impossible because such players, when they start reeling off hundreds, then they score them pretty quickly. In his next 10 innings, you might see another five hundreds,” the former India coach added. ALSO READ: Jos Buttler pens heartfelt note on failed World Cup title defence, vows to reflect on disappointing campaign Remaining in awe of Kohli’s fitness levels, separating him from the rest, Shastri said, considering he plays all three formats and can continue doing that for the next three to four years is a commendable thought. "You have three formats of the game, and he's part of all those formats. To think that he still has three or four years of cricket ahead of him is simply mind-boggling." Shastri added. "I think his composure, his body language, his calmness at the crease (in this WC). I have seen him come out in previous World Cups where he's like a cat on a hot tin roof." Ability to complete doubles helps him release pressure Based on timing and ability to find gaps at will outside of knowing when and how to complete doubles from an almost impossible situation, Kohli has more to his batting than just piling up runs. “One of the features of his batting has been his running between the wickets. The fact that he doesn't have to hit boundaries and sixes, he can run hard between the wickets because of his physical fitness. "That takes the pressure off him. Even when he's not getting the boundaries, he's still rotating the strike. He always has that uncanny ability of making it up towards the back end of the innings," Shastri added. Meanwhile, on the back of an unbeaten run in this tournament, India has reached the finals, scheduled on Sunday in Ahmedabad.

In his next 10 innings, he will score 5 hundreds: Shastri backs Kohli to break Sachin’s 100 centuries record

Former India player Ravi Shastri brutally trolled defending champions England after they lost their fifth game in the ODI World Cup 2023, leaving them at the bottom of the points table. England lost to India by 100 runs on October 29 in Lucknow despite restricting the hosts for a modest 229 in 50 overs.

"England should be devastated – spectators, supporters. Because the first match which they lost, 17 overs were left in the game when New Zealand beat them. Against South Africa, they got all out in 20 overs. That game ended early. Then they were all out in 30 overs against Sri Lanka, where SL chased the target and finished the match in 25 overs. Today, they had lost 8 wickets inside 32 overs. You call yourselves World Champions? It means, if they aren't sad over their performance, who will?," Shastri said while commentating during the game.

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The loss leaves not only England's title defence in tatters but also their chances to qualify for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy as well. The ICC has said that the top seven teams on the points table of the ODI World Cup 2023 will qualify for the eight-team event along with the host Pakistan.

Currently, England are at the bottom of the points table and Shastri duly reminded them of the fact.

"From here on, England will have to play for pride. The reason I am saying that is because right now they are at the bottom of the points table. And in the Champions Trophy which takes place in 2025, only the top 8 teams of the World Cup can qualify. So if England remain in the bottom two, imagine a team like them not playing an ICC tournament as big as the CT would be a huge blow," added Shastri.

England, however, can try to come up on the points table with three more matches left for them.

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Former India player Ravi Shastri brutally trolled defending champions England after they lost their fifth game in the ODI World Cup 2023, leaving them at the bottom of the points table.

Former India player Ravi Shastri brutally trolled defending champions England after they lost their fifth game in the ODI World Cup 2023, leaving them at the bottom of the points table. England lost to India by 100 runs on October 29 in Lucknow despite restricting the hosts for a modest 229 in 50 overs. "England should be devastated – spectators, supporters. Because the first match which they lost, 17 overs were left in the game when New Zealand beat them. Against South Africa, they got all out in 20 overs. That game ended early. Then they were all out in 30 overs against Sri Lanka, where SL chased the target and finished the match in 25 overs. Today, they had lost 8 wickets inside 32 overs. You call yourselves World Champions? It means, if they aren't sad over their performance, who will?," Shastri said while commentating during the game. Also WATCH: Mohammed Shami all over CLUELESS Ben Stokes before taking his wicket The loss leaves not only England's title defence in tatters but also their chances to qualify for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy as well. The ICC has said that the top seven teams on the points table of the ODI World Cup 2023 will qualify for the eight-team event along with the host Pakistan. Currently, England are at the bottom of the points table and Shastri duly reminded them of the fact. "From here on, England will have to play for pride. The reason I am saying that is because right now they are at the bottom of the points table. And in the Champions Trophy which takes place in 2025, only the top 8 teams of the World Cup can qualify. So if England remain in the bottom two, imagine a team like them not playing an ICC tournament as big as the CT would be a huge blow," added Shastri. England, however, can try to come up on the points table with three more matches left for them. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

ODI World Cup 2023: 'England should...,' Ravi Shastri brutally TROLLS 2019 winners after loss vs India

Former Indian men's cricket team coach Ravi Shastri has said he wouldn't mind if India went down against New Zealand in their group-stage&nbsp;World Cup encounter. Shastri recalled the advice of&nbsp;MS Dhoni from the 2011 World Cup campaign where the legendary Indian captain said it was "good to lose a game in the league stage".

Shastri made the comments while speaking to the host broadcasters as India attempted to avenge the agonising 2019 World Cup semifinal&nbsp;loss.&nbsp;

"In 2011 India lost one game. And that was a league game to New Zealand, but they went on to win the World Cup. I remember MS Dhoni when he was the captain said once, 'You know, sometimes in the league format (in World Cup), it's good to lose one game, you know, because you know, you don't want to be suddenly caught in a semi-final or final where you want everything and then you get the shivers,'" said Shastri.&nbsp;

India have a rather terrible record against New Zealand in the World Cups. The men-in-blue have failed to win a&nbsp;game in the quadrennial tournament against the Kiwis since 2003. Despite having won two World Cup titles during this period, the Blackcaps have had the wood over India.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-head-to-head-world-cup-2023-india-vs-new-zealand-pitch-report-weather-update-live-streaming-649623">Also read | IND vs NZ Head-to-head: World Cup 2023- India vs New Zealand pitch report, weather update, live streaming</a>

<h2>India opt to field</h2>

Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss in Dharamsala and opted to field with Suryakumar Yadav, and Mohammed Shami replacing Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur in the playing XI. Quizzed upon why he opted to chase, Sharma said the dew was a factor and that chasing teams would have an advantage.&nbsp;

India started the powerplay extremely well with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj keeping the Kiwi batters in check. As of the last update, Devon Conway and Will Young had departed with Siraj and Shami picking the wickets respectively. However, Rachin Ravindra and Devon Mitchell had stepped up and stitched a little partnership.&nbsp;

Playing XIs:&nbsp;

India:&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c &amp; wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

(With inputs from agencies)

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Former Indian men's cricket team coach Ravi Shastri has said he wouldn't mind if India went down against New Zealand in their group-stage World Cup encounter. Shastri recalled the advice of MS Dhoni from the 2011 World Cup campaign where the legendary Indian captain said it was "good to lose a game in the league stage".

Former Indian men's cricket team coach Ravi Shastri has said he wouldn't mind if India went down against New Zealand in their group-stage World Cup encounter. Shastri recalled the advice of MS Dhoni from the 2011 World Cup campaign where the legendary Indian captain said it was "good to lose a game in the league stage". Shastri made the comments while speaking to the host broadcasters as India attempted to avenge the agonising 2019 World Cup semifinal loss. "In 2011 India lost one game. And that was a league game to New Zealand, but they went on to win the World Cup. I remember MS Dhoni when he was the captain said once, 'You know, sometimes in the league format (in World Cup), it's good to lose one game, you know, because you know, you don't want to be suddenly caught in a semi-final or final where you want everything and then you get the shivers,'" said Shastri. India have a rather terrible record against New Zealand in the World Cups. The men-in-blue have failed to win a game in the quadrennial tournament against the Kiwis since 2003. Despite having won two World Cup titles during this period, the Blackcaps have had the wood over India. Also read | IND vs NZ Head-to-head: World Cup 2023- India vs New Zealand pitch report, weather update, live streaming India opt to field Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss in Dharamsala and opted to field with Suryakumar Yadav, and Mohammed Shami replacing Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur in the playing XI. Quizzed upon why he opted to chase, Sharma said the dew was a factor and that chasing teams would have an advantage. India started the powerplay extremely well with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj keeping the Kiwi batters in check. As of the last update, Devon Conway and Will Young had departed with Siraj and Shami picking the wickets respectively. However, Rachin Ravindra and Devon Mitchell had stepped up and stitched a little partnership. Playing XIs: India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c & wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World Cup 2023, NZ vs IND: 'Better to lose...', Ravi Shastri recalls MS Dhoni's advice

Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi failed to bring his A-game against India in the marquee World Cup clash in Ahmedabad the other night. The left-arm seamer has troubled top-order batters, including Rohit, with his steamy in-swingers before but couldn’t deliver on the big day. Former India legend Ravi Shastri tore into his performance, bashing him up-side-and-down.

Afridi was wayward with his line and length, let alone troubling the batters with his stock deliveries. From Shubman Gill to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, everyone hammered him.&nbsp;

With Pakistan already defending a below-par total of 192 on a batting paradise at the Narendra Modi Stadium, their bowlers needed to deliver from ball one, which was not the case. Instead, the Indian batters had put their backs against the wall with superb knocks.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-count-my-slower-ball-as-a-spinners-slower-ball-bumrah-on-winning-man-of-the-match-award-against-pakistan-646887">I count my slower ball as a spinner’s slower ball: Bumrah on winning Man of the Match award against Pakistan</a>

In the absence of Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali got an extended run in the XI, proving a tad expensive despite picking Kohli’s wicket.&nbsp;

While speaking with the host broadcaster Star Sports after India’s seven-wicket win, Shastri bashed Shaheen for a failed show when his team needed him the most, saying he is no Wasim Akram and there’s nothing too special about him.

"When Naseem Shah is not playing, and this is the quality of spin... Shaheen Shah Afridi is no Wasim Akram. He is a good bowler with the new ball and can pick wickets, but there is nothing special about him. He is only a decent bowler. He's no big deal. You have to accept the truth," Shastri told Star Sports.

<h2>‘Shaheen should’ve taken a leaf out of Bumrah’s book’</h2>

Jasprit Bumrah was the protagonist of India’s bowling in Ahmedabad, picking two for 19 in seven overs, including a maiden, earning himself a Player of the Match award. Though others also chipped in with timely wickets, Bumrah’s slower delivery to dismiss Rizwan on 49 was the talking point of the game.

Noting that Afridi bowled his usual lengths and didn’t think of taking a leaf out of Bumrah’s book on how to dismiss well-settled batters on this pitch, Shastri’s old mate and legend Sunil Gavaskar slammed him, saying,&nbsp;

“Clearly Pakistan did not learn anything because it was only towards the end when Shaheen bowled that cutter that got Rohit out. We would have thought that they would bowl the cutter even with the new ball. It is not written anywhere that the new ball has to be bowled at a certain pace. You can change it, but nothing of those sorts was seen from the Pakistan bowlers," mentioned Gavaskar.

Meanwhile, with three wins in as many games, India is sitting at the top of the points table with a better NRR ahead of New Zealand.&nbsp;

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Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi failed to bring his A-game against India in the marquee World Cup clash in Ahmedabad the other night. The left-arm seamer has troubled top-order batters, including Rohit, with his steamy in-swingers before but couldn’t deliver on the big day.

Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi failed to bring his A-game against India in the marquee World Cup clash in Ahmedabad the other night. The left-arm seamer has troubled top-order batters, including Rohit, with his steamy in-swingers before but couldn’t deliver on the big day. Former India legend Ravi Shastri tore into his performance, bashing him up-side-and-down. Afridi was wayward with his line and length, let alone troubling the batters with his stock deliveries. From Shubman Gill to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, everyone hammered him. With Pakistan already defending a below-par total of 192 on a batting paradise at the Narendra Modi Stadium, their bowlers needed to deliver from ball one, which was not the case. Instead, the Indian batters had put their backs against the wall with superb knocks. ALSO READ: I count my slower ball as a spinner’s slower ball: Bumrah on winning Man of the Match award against Pakistan In the absence of Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali got an extended run in the XI, proving a tad expensive despite picking Kohli’s wicket. While speaking with the host broadcaster Star Sports after India’s seven-wicket win, Shastri bashed Shaheen for a failed show when his team needed him the most, saying he is no Wasim Akram and there’s nothing too special about him. "When Naseem Shah is not playing, and this is the quality of spin... Shaheen Shah Afridi is no Wasim Akram. He is a good bowler with the new ball and can pick wickets, but there is nothing special about him. He is only a decent bowler. He's no big deal. You have to accept the truth," Shastri told Star Sports. ‘Shaheen should’ve taken a leaf out of Bumrah’s book’ Jasprit Bumrah was the protagonist of India’s bowling in Ahmedabad, picking two for 19 in seven overs, including a maiden, earning himself a Player of the Match award. Though others also chipped in with timely wickets, Bumrah’s slower delivery to dismiss Rizwan on 49 was the talking point of the game. Noting that Afridi bowled his usual lengths and didn’t think of taking a leaf out of Bumrah’s book on how to dismiss well-settled batters on this pitch, Shastri’s old mate and legend Sunil Gavaskar slammed him, saying, “Clearly Pakistan did not learn anything because it was only towards the end when Shaheen bowled that cutter that got Rohit out. We would have thought that they would bowl the cutter even with the new ball. It is not written anywhere that the new ball has to be bowled at a certain pace. You can change it, but nothing of those sorts was seen from the Pakistan bowlers," mentioned Gavaskar. Meanwhile, with three wins in as many games, India is sitting at the top of the points table with a better NRR ahead of New Zealand. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World Cup: He is good but nothing special about him: Ravi Shastri slams Shaheen Afridi following India bashing

India captain and opener Rohit Sharma slammed several records with his match-winning 131 against Afghanistan on Thursday in World Cup 2023. While he became the batter with the most sixes in international cricket, surpassing West Indian veteran Chris Gayle, Rohit also edged past legendary Sachin Tendulkar on the list of the batters with the most CWC hundreds (seven and counting). Hailing the Hitman, as most of Rohit’s fans call him, Ravi Shastri praised him.

Talking highly of the right-handed batter, Shastri said achieving what Rohit has done in three Cricket World Cups fewer than the great Sachin, is a huge achievement.

"Seven hundreds across eight years in World Cup cricket is a fabulous achievement. It's not easy to have that hunger and come back. Even Sachin Tendulkar needed 6 World Cups. And this guy, in 3 World Cups in a span of eight years has got seven centuries," Shastri said while speaking to the host broadcaster.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2023-india-pakistan-land-in-ahmedabad-ahead-of-marquee-clash-receive-warm-welcome-watch-645949">World Cup 2023: India, Pakistan land in Ahmedabad ahead of marquee clash, receive warm welcome – WATCH</a>

He added with the form that Rohit finds himself in, he can add a few more to his tally in this edition of the World Cup.

"It's a lot and he is not finished yet. There are a lot of games left in the tournament, and as an opening batter, early doze in the tournament with more league matches coming, if you start getting hundreds, then there is every chance you might add two or three," Shastri added.

<h2>‘His bat flow against pace and spin makes him deadly'</h2>

There aren’t many batters in world cricket who hit the ball with the sweet timing and placement the way Rohit does, with most pundits echoing the same thoughts every time. With his incredible ability to play the pace and spin with the same bat flow, Rohit stands out as one of the best openers in the modern-day game.

Speaking on the same lines, Shastri said, “There is one word you associate with Rohit Sharma which you cannot use with too many other players. When in full flight, he is unhurried in whatever he does. Even where there is intent and he is chipping down the track, he is in no hurry. The flow of the bat is the same – against pace and spin. He has got natural timing and power.

"It's a deadly combination. When you have these two, you make even the biggest grounds in the world look small,” he added.

While Rohit found form, India peaked at the right time, winning their opening two CWC clashes.&nbsp;

The host team will next face arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday (Oct 14) in Ahmedabad.

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India captain and opener Rohit Sharma slammed several records with his match-winning 131 against Afghanistan on Thursday in World Cup 2023. While he became the batter with the most sixes in international cricket, surpassing West Indian veteran Chris Gayle, Rohit also edged past legendary Sachin Tendulkar on the list of the batters with the most CWC hundreds (seven and counting).

India captain and opener Rohit Sharma slammed several records with his match-winning 131 against Afghanistan on Thursday in World Cup 2023. While he became the batter with the most sixes in international cricket, surpassing West Indian veteran Chris Gayle, Rohit also edged past legendary Sachin Tendulkar on the list of the batters with the most CWC hundreds (seven and counting). Hailing the Hitman, as most of Rohit’s fans call him, Ravi Shastri praised him. Talking highly of the right-handed batter, Shastri said achieving what Rohit has done in three Cricket World Cups fewer than the great Sachin, is a huge achievement. "Seven hundreds across eight years in World Cup cricket is a fabulous achievement. It's not easy to have that hunger and come back. Even Sachin Tendulkar needed 6 World Cups. And this guy, in 3 World Cups in a span of eight years has got seven centuries," Shastri said while speaking to the host broadcaster. ALSO READ: World Cup 2023: India, Pakistan land in Ahmedabad ahead of marquee clash, receive warm welcome – WATCH He added with the form that Rohit finds himself in, he can add a few more to his tally in this edition of the World Cup. "It's a lot and he is not finished yet. There are a lot of games left in the tournament, and as an opening batter, early doze in the tournament with more league matches coming, if you start getting hundreds, then there is every chance you might add two or three," Shastri added. ‘His bat flow against pace and spin makes him deadly' There aren’t many batters in world cricket who hit the ball with the sweet timing and placement the way Rohit does, with most pundits echoing the same thoughts every time. With his incredible ability to play the pace and spin with the same bat flow, Rohit stands out as one of the best openers in the modern-day game. Speaking on the same lines, Shastri said, “There is one word you associate with Rohit Sharma which you cannot use with too many other players. When in full flight, he is unhurried in whatever he does. Even where there is intent and he is chipping down the track, he is in no hurry. The flow of the bat is the same – against pace and spin. He has got natural timing and power. "It's a deadly combination. When you have these two, you make even the biggest grounds in the world look small,” he added. While Rohit found form, India peaked at the right time, winning their opening two CWC clashes. The host team will next face arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday (Oct 14) in Ahmedabad. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

He’s not finished yet: Ravi Shastri on Rohit Sharma scoring more hundreds in World Cup 2023

Former Indian men's cricket team coach believes Steve Smith is all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's bunny after the left-arm orthodox spinner outfoxed the Australian batter during the World Cup match in Chennai on Sunday (October 8).&nbsp;

Opting to bat first, Australia had a wretched start to the proceedings as opener Mitchell Marsh departed for nought.&nbsp;Afterwards, David Warner and Smith stitched a partnership and handled things sensibly. However,&nbsp;Jadeja bowled a beauty to get Smith and the wheels came off for Australia after that.&nbsp;

“Dream dismissal and he has dismissed him 10 to 12 times. He (Smith) is his bunny. It is not that easy to play such a delivery because of the speed at which he bowls. As a batter, you don't know which ball is going to turn and which ball will go straight,” Shastri told host broadcaster Star Sports.

The former Indian cricketer added that even Jadeja himself didn't know which ball would turn or not. The Chennai pitch assisted the spinners plenty and the left-armer made full use of it.&nbsp;

“He (Jadeja) himself said in the interview that he doesn't know which ball will turn and which will go straight. If he doesn't know, how will the batter know? So he plays inside the line at times and outside the line on other occasions,” added Shastri.

“If he plays outside, he becomes leg-before and if he plays inside, it hits the stumps, just like it happened with Smith. It's not easy as he will trouble anyone. If he gets a surface like this, he becomes the most difficult bowler because his every ball does not turn,” said Shastri.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2023-india-brave-initial-blues-to-stave-off-australia-challenge-win-by-6-wickets-644201">Also read |&nbsp;World Cup 2023: India brave initial blues to stave off Australia challenge, win by 6 wickets</a>

From 110/2, the five-time World champions slipped to 199 all out, primarily due to Jadeja's excellent spell in the middle overs. He accounted for three Australian scalps and could've had more if the fielders had accepted the offerings made by the batters.&nbsp;

<h2>India's World Cup campaign&nbsp;</h2>

With Axar Patel out of the World Cup, India are heavily reliant on Jadeja to perform the all-rounder duties. While Jadeja has started off admirably with the ball, experts believe he will have to pick form with the bat as India get deeper into the World Cup campaign.&nbsp;

India will face Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on October 11 before squaring up against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Narendra Modi International Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Former Indian men's cricket team coach believes Steve Smith is all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's bunny after the left-arm orthodox spinner outfoxed the Australian batter during the World Cup match in Chennai on Sunday (October 8).

Former Indian men's cricket team coach believes Steve Smith is all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's bunny after the left-arm orthodox spinner outfoxed the Australian batter during the World Cup match in Chennai on Sunday (October 8). Opting to bat first, Australia had a wretched start to the proceedings as opener Mitchell Marsh departed for nought. Afterwards, David Warner and Smith stitched a partnership and handled things sensibly. However, Jadeja bowled a beauty to get Smith and the wheels came off for Australia after that. “Dream dismissal and he has dismissed him 10 to 12 times. He (Smith) is his bunny. It is not that easy to play such a delivery because of the speed at which he bowls. As a batter, you don't know which ball is going to turn and which ball will go straight,” Shastri told host broadcaster Star Sports. The former Indian cricketer added that even Jadeja himself didn't know which ball would turn or not. The Chennai pitch assisted the spinners plenty and the left-armer made full use of it. “He (Jadeja) himself said in the interview that he doesn't know which ball will turn and which will go straight. If he doesn't know, how will the batter know? So he plays inside the line at times and outside the line on other occasions,” added Shastri. “If he plays outside, he becomes leg-before and if he plays inside, it hits the stumps, just like it happened with Smith. It's not easy as he will trouble anyone. If he gets a surface like this, he becomes the most difficult bowler because his every ball does not turn,” said Shastri. Also read | World Cup 2023: India brave initial blues to stave off Australia challenge, win by 6 wickets From 110/2, the five-time World champions slipped to 199 all out, primarily due to Jadeja's excellent spell in the middle overs. He accounted for three Australian scalps and could've had more if the fielders had accepted the offerings made by the batters. India's World Cup campaign With Axar Patel out of the World Cup, India are heavily reliant on Jadeja to perform the all-rounder duties. While Jadeja has started off admirably with the ball, experts believe he will have to pick form with the bat as India get deeper into the World Cup campaign. India will face Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on October 11 before squaring up against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Narendra Modi International Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World Cup 2023: Ravi Shastri names Australian batter as Jadeja's bunny after Chennai win

The Asia Cup 2023 edition has been a huge letdown for cricket fans across the globe. The continental tournament kicked off on August 30 in Multan, Pakistan before the action shifted completely to Colombo, Sri Lanka for the Super Four round. While the multi-nation event is being held to help the participating teams prepare for the upcoming ODI World Cup, which starts early next month, but a lot of games have been interrupted due to persistent rain in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

During the Super Four game between India and Pakistan, which has been pushed to the reserve day on Monday (September 10) due to rain and wet outfield, former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri opined on why Dubai was not considered as host for the Asia Cup.

It is to be noted that Dubai was also in talks to become joint-hosts or the sole host but got ruled out eventually. Shastri has backed the decision as he feels the hot and humid conditions in Dubai would have 'finished' players before the ODI World Cup in India, in October-November.

<h2>'Dubai is so hot… for a 50-over game, these players would have been finished'</h2>

Shastri said on the Cricket Live Show on Star Sports, "If you actually see at this moment in time, there is rain everywhere. You know, there was talk about that it could have been played in Dubai. Dubai is so hot… for a 50-over game, these players would have been finished. It's unforeseen circumstances, it’s a calamity that can happen naturally. You look at Bangladesh, northern India, Mumbai, the coastline of India… there is rain everywhere."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-indias-chances-of-qualifying-for-final-look-bleak-as-rain-to-play-spoilsport-in-sri-lanka-tie-634867">Asia Cup: India's chances of qualifying for final look bleak as rain to play spoilsport in Sri Lanka tie</a>

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram backed Shastri's views and added, "I know it’s frustrating for the players and the fans back home in India, Pakistan and worldwide as well but this thing you cannot control. A lot of people are criticising a lot of people regarding the Asia Cup but this decision has been made. There is no point criticising now, nothing can happen. A lot of people say it should have been played in Pakistan. We can discuss this topic but it's not our job."

At present, the India-Pakistan Super Four face-off has resumed in Colombo on Monday evening. India are aiming for a big score after a fine start from openers Rohit Sharma (56) and Shubman Gill (58) after Babar Azam-led Pakistan opted to bowl first on Sunday (September 10).

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The Asia Cup 2023 edition has been a huge letdown for cricket fans across the globe. The continental tournament kicked off on August 30 in Multan, Pakistan before the action shifted completely to Colombo, Sri Lanka for the Super Four round.

The Asia Cup 2023 edition has been a huge letdown for cricket fans across the globe. The continental tournament kicked off on August 30 in Multan, Pakistan before the action shifted completely to Colombo, Sri Lanka for the Super Four round. While the multi-nation event is being held to help the participating teams prepare for the upcoming ODI World Cup, which starts early next month, but a lot of games have been interrupted due to persistent rain in Sri Lanka. During the Super Four game between India and Pakistan, which has been pushed to the reserve day on Monday (September 10) due to rain and wet outfield, former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri opined on why Dubai was not considered as host for the Asia Cup. It is to be noted that Dubai was also in talks to become joint-hosts or the sole host but got ruled out eventually. Shastri has backed the decision as he feels the hot and humid conditions in Dubai would have 'finished' players before the ODI World Cup in India, in October-November. 'Dubai is so hot… for a 50-over game, these players would have been finished' Shastri said on the Cricket Live Show on Star Sports, "If you actually see at this moment in time, there is rain everywhere. You know, there was talk about that it could have been played in Dubai. Dubai is so hot… for a 50-over game, these players would have been finished. It's unforeseen circumstances, it’s a calamity that can happen naturally. You look at Bangladesh, northern India, Mumbai, the coastline of India… there is rain everywhere." Also read: Asia Cup: India's chances of qualifying for final look bleak as rain to play spoilsport in Sri Lanka tie Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram backed Shastri's views and added, "I know it’s frustrating for the players and the fans back home in India, Pakistan and worldwide as well but this thing you cannot control. A lot of people are criticising a lot of people regarding the Asia Cup but this decision has been made. There is no point criticising now, nothing can happen. A lot of people say it should have been played in Pakistan. We can discuss this topic but it's not our job." At present, the India-Pakistan Super Four face-off has resumed in Colombo on Monday evening. India are aiming for a big score after a fine start from openers Rohit Sharma (56) and Shubman Gill (58) after Babar Azam-led Pakistan opted to bowl first on Sunday (September 10). WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ravi Shastri explains why Dubai was deprived of hosting Asia Cup despite persistent rain in Sri Lanka

Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri slammed Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. for their sloppy fielding effort in their last group stage match versus Nepal, in Kandy, during the Asia Cup 2023 edition on Monday (September 04). After their tournament-opener versus Pakistan ended with rain having the final say&nbsp;on September 02 (Saturday), India faced Nepal for the first time ever during the final game of Group A. While India won by ten wickets&nbsp;in a rain-marred contest, their bowlers were stretched for a considerable period with India's fielding being below-par.

Thus, during the match, Shastri -- the former cricketer who is part of the commentary panel in Asia Cup 2023 -- criticised India as they dropped three easy catches at the beginning of the game and remained sloppy with overthrows and misfields.&nbsp;

<h2>'It took those three catches to wake them up'</h2>

"The approach, at the very beginning, those catches going down. The body language seemed flat. It took those three catches to wake them up. By that time their openers were going well, Jadeja came and stemmed the rot," Shastri said on Star Sports.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-hambantota-might-replace-colombo-as-venue-for-super-four-games-amid-rain-threat-632452">Asia Cup: Hambantota might replace Colombo as venue for Super Four games amid rain threat</a>

The likes of Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli, and Ishan Kishan dropped easy catches in the initial overs after India asked Nepal to bat first. As a result, Nepal openers Aasif Sheikh (58) and Kushal Bhurtel (38) stitched an impressive 66-run opening stand. While Ravindra Jadeja (3 for 38) and Shardul Thakur dented Nepal's progress and reduced them to 144 for 6, their lower order propelled them to 230 all-out in 48.2 overs.

Shastri further opined, "Put in to bat which had a little bit of moisture and had something for the fast bowlers, I think Nepal did an outstanding job. They will take that score. They went after the bowling. They hit those sixes. Immediately 50 was on the board and the confidence was rubbed off on the middle-order and the lower order. This showed in the last five overs that showed there. It's great." He added, "From Nepal's point of view, just think of the crowd that came here. The first time the Indian crowd has been outnumbered."

Eventually, India got a revised target of 145 in 23 overs and chased it down without dropping much sweat courtesy of captain Rohit's unbeaten 74 and Shubman Gill giving him good support with a fine 67 not out. India have managed to enter the Super Four -- where they will open their campaign versus Pakistan on September 10 -- but they have their task cut out in the field.&nbsp;

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Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri slammed Rohit Sharma & Co. for their sloppy fielding effort in their last group stage match versus Nepal, in Kandy, during the Asia Cup 2023 edition on Monday (September 04).

Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri slammed Rohit Sharma & Co. for their sloppy fielding effort in their last group stage match versus Nepal, in Kandy, during the Asia Cup 2023 edition on Monday (September 04). After their tournament-opener versus Pakistan ended with rain having the final say on September 02 (Saturday), India faced Nepal for the first time ever during the final game of Group A. While India won by ten wickets in a rain-marred contest, their bowlers were stretched for a considerable period with India's fielding being below-par. Thus, during the match, Shastri -- the former cricketer who is part of the commentary panel in Asia Cup 2023 -- criticised India as they dropped three easy catches at the beginning of the game and remained sloppy with overthrows and misfields. 'It took those three catches to wake them up' "The approach, at the very beginning, those catches going down. The body language seemed flat. It took those three catches to wake them up. By that time their openers were going well, Jadeja came and stemmed the rot," Shastri said on Star Sports. Also read: Asia Cup: Hambantota might replace Colombo as venue for Super Four games amid rain threat The likes of Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli, and Ishan Kishan dropped easy catches in the initial overs after India asked Nepal to bat first. As a result, Nepal openers Aasif Sheikh (58) and Kushal Bhurtel (38) stitched an impressive 66-run opening stand. While Ravindra Jadeja (3 for 38) and Shardul Thakur dented Nepal's progress and reduced them to 144 for 6, their lower order propelled them to 230 all-out in 48.2 overs. Shastri further opined, "Put in to bat which had a little bit of moisture and had something for the fast bowlers, I think Nepal did an outstanding job. They will take that score. They went after the bowling. They hit those sixes. Immediately 50 was on the board and the confidence was rubbed off on the middle-order and the lower order. This showed in the last five overs that showed there. It's great." He added, "From Nepal's point of view, just think of the crowd that came here. The first time the Indian crowd has been outnumbered." Eventually, India got a revised target of 145 in 23 overs and chased it down without dropping much sweat courtesy of captain Rohit's unbeaten 74 and Shubman Gill giving him good support with a fine 67 not out. India have managed to enter the Super Four -- where they will open their campaign versus Pakistan on September 10 -- but they have their task cut out in the field. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The body language seemed flat: Ravi Shastri slams Team India for sloppy fielding vs Nepal in Asia Cup tie

The BCCI selectors, headed by Ajit Agarkar, announced India's 17-man squad for the Asia Cup on Monday (August 23). The continental tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Sri Lanka and Pakistan, is set to commence on August 30 whereas India will kick off their campaign on September 02 when they take on Pakistan in Pallekele in the Island nation. The competition will be an ideal dress rehearsal for the upcoming ODI World Cup&nbsp;which gets underway in India on October 05.

With regard to the 50-over ICC event, Rohit Sharma-led India are preparing hard and will closely monitor the progress of their middle and lower order as there still remain&nbsp;a lot of issues for the No. 4 spot. Shreyas Iyer, who is a top contender for the No. 4 spot, is set to feature in the continental tournament after a long injury layoff -- in early February. In his absence, India have tried plenty of backups such as Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav, however, no one cemented the spot (as a backup for Iyer) despite Samson's decent faring.&nbsp;

Moreover, KL Rahul -- who bats at No. 5 -- is also coming back to international cricket after a long time (since his hip injury IPL 2023's latter stages). Thus, India still have lots to do to fix their middle order before the World Cup commences. In this regard, former India head coach Ravi Shastri backed Virat Kohli to drop down to No. 4.&nbsp;

Shastri told Star Sports channel, "If Virat has to bat at four, he will bat at four in the interest of the side. You know, there were times I thought of it." He added that&nbsp;during the 2019 World Cup, he considered changing Kohli's place "just to break that top heavy line-up".

Shastri revealed, "You know, because if we lose two or three at the top, we are gone and it was proved. If you look at Virat Kohli's record, he is good enough at number four."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kris-srikkanth-lashes-out-at-agarkar-led-bcci-selectors-for-including-kl-rahul-in-indias-asia-cup-squad-628252">Kris Srikkanth lashes out at Agarkar-led BCCI selectors for including KL Rahul in India's Asia Cup squad</a>

<h2>'In 2007 World Cup, Dravid and Chappell sent Tendulkar at No. 4 that became a huge controversy'</h2>

Now, former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has shared his take on whether Kohli should bat at No. 4 in the upcoming World Cup. In a segment with Tom Moody, on Star Sports, Manjrekar said, "The more and more you talk about other options like Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli seems to get relegated. He has sort of become the scapegoat in the sense that you bat him at No. 4 and all your problems are solved."

"There is also a cultural issue in Indian cricket. In 2007 World Cup when the team management of Rahul Dravid and Greg Chappell sent Tendulkar at No. 4 instead of opening because they had people like Virender Sehwag and others at the top of the order. But that became a huge controversy. So it is really up to Kohli, an iconic player, on whether he wants to bat at No.4. It seems like a perfectly simple solution, but it concerns Kohli," he added. 
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The BCCI selectors, headed by Ajit Agarkar, announced India's 17-man squad for the Asia Cup on Monday (August 23). The continental tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Sri Lanka and Pakistan, is set to commence on August 30 whereas India will kick off their campaign on September 02 when they take on Pakistan in Pallekele in the Island nation.

The BCCI selectors, headed by Ajit Agarkar, announced India's 17-man squad for the Asia Cup on Monday (August 23). The continental tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Sri Lanka and Pakistan, is set to commence on August 30 whereas India will kick off their campaign on September 02 when they take on Pakistan in Pallekele in the Island nation. The competition will be an ideal dress rehearsal for the upcoming ODI World Cup which gets underway in India on October 05. With regard to the 50-over ICC event, Rohit Sharma-led India are preparing hard and will closely monitor the progress of their middle and lower order as there still remain a lot of issues for the No. 4 spot. Shreyas Iyer, who is a top contender for the No. 4 spot, is set to feature in the continental tournament after a long injury layoff -- in early February. In his absence, India have tried plenty of backups such as Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav, however, no one cemented the spot (as a backup for Iyer) despite Samson's decent faring. Moreover, KL Rahul -- who bats at No. 5 -- is also coming back to international cricket after a long time (since his hip injury IPL 2023's latter stages). Thus, India still have lots to do to fix their middle order before the World Cup commences. In this regard, former India head coach Ravi Shastri backed Virat Kohli to drop down to No. 4. Shastri told Star Sports channel, "If Virat has to bat at four, he will bat at four in the interest of the side. You know, there were times I thought of it." He added that during the 2019 World Cup, he considered changing Kohli's place "just to break that top heavy line-up". Shastri revealed, "You know, because if we lose two or three at the top, we are gone and it was proved. If you look at Virat Kohli's record, he is good enough at number four." Also read: Kris Srikkanth lashes out at Agarkar-led BCCI selectors for including KL Rahul in India's Asia Cup squad 'In 2007 World Cup, Dravid and Chappell sent Tendulkar at No. 4 that became a huge controversy' Now, former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has shared his take on whether Kohli should bat at No. 4 in the upcoming World Cup. In a segment with Tom Moody, on Star Sports, Manjrekar said, "The more and more you talk about other options like Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli seems to get relegated. He has sort of become the scapegoat in the sense that you bat him at No. 4 and all your problems are solved." "There is also a cultural issue in Indian cricket. In 2007 World Cup when the team management of Rahul Dravid and Greg Chappell sent Tendulkar at No. 4 instead of opening because they had people like Virender Sehwag and others at the top of the order. But that became a huge controversy. So it is really up to Kohli, an iconic player, on whether he wants to bat at No.4. It seems like a perfectly simple solution, but it concerns Kohli," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

He has become the scapegoat: Sanjay Manjrekar reacts to Ravi Shastri's 'Virat Kohli can bat at No. 4' remark

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has urged big-name players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in utility roles as they prepare for the ODI World Cup. The Indian team is currently finding it tough to tackle the number four spot as they enter a crucial period, while the team struggles with injuries of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. According to Shastri, no player in the team owns a fixed position and should be prepared for a utility role.

<h2>Shastri on utility role</h2>

"Ishan Kishan should bat right at the top of the order. Rohit as a captain is vastly experienced. He can go in at three. he can go at four. This is where you have to see the player's frame of mind. How will Shubman Gill feel if asked to bat at No.3 or No.4 as opposed to batting at the top? No one owns a position. If Virat has to bat at four, he will bat at four for the team," Shastri said on Star Sports.

The Indian team has been struggling to find a permanent solution to the team’s number four position problem which has seen them experimenting in recent times. The management will hope to see Shreyas Iyer back as a natural fit for number four, helping Virat start at number three. However, if that is not the case, players like Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav are there waiting in the wings.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-2023-caroline-wozniacki-john-isner-handed-wildcards-venus-williams-to-make-record-24th-appearance-626186">US Open 2023: Caroline Wozniacki, John Isner handed wildcards; Venus Williams to make record 24th appearance</a>

"There were times when I thought of it even in the previous two World Cups. I might have discussed that with MSK of him batting at four, just to break that top-heavy line-up. If we lost two or three at the top, we were gone. And it was proved so just for breaking that, you need experience," Shastri added.

The Indian team squad for the Asia Cup 2023 will be announced soon as they get ready for the build-up to the World Cup. The selectors are optimistic about the selection of Iyer and Rahul as they await their medical reports. The Indian team will start their Asia Cup 2023 campaign against Pakistan on Sunday, September 3, and will meet Nepal in the other group game.

&nbsp;

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Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has urged big-name players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in utility roles as they prepare for the ODI World Cup.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has urged big-name players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in utility roles as they prepare for the ODI World Cup. The Indian team is currently finding it tough to tackle the number four spot as they enter a crucial period, while the team struggles with injuries of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. According to Shastri, no player in the team owns a fixed position and should be prepared for a utility role. Shastri on utility role "Ishan Kishan should bat right at the top of the order. Rohit as a captain is vastly experienced. He can go in at three. he can go at four. This is where you have to see the player's frame of mind. How will Shubman Gill feel if asked to bat at No.3 or No.4 as opposed to batting at the top? No one owns a position. If Virat has to bat at four, he will bat at four for the team," Shastri said on Star Sports. The Indian team has been struggling to find a permanent solution to the team’s number four position problem which has seen them experimenting in recent times. The management will hope to see Shreyas Iyer back as a natural fit for number four, helping Virat start at number three. However, if that is not the case, players like Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav are there waiting in the wings. ALSO READ | US Open 2023: Caroline Wozniacki, John Isner handed wildcards; Venus Williams to make record 24th appearance "There were times when I thought of it even in the previous two World Cups. I might have discussed that with MSK of him batting at four, just to break that top-heavy line-up. If we lost two or three at the top, we were gone. And it was proved so just for breaking that, you need experience," Shastri added. The Indian team squad for the Asia Cup 2023 will be announced soon as they get ready for the build-up to the World Cup. The selectors are optimistic about the selection of Iyer and Rahul as they await their medical reports. The Indian team will start their Asia Cup 2023 campaign against Pakistan on Sunday, September 3, and will meet Nepal in the other group game. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

CWC 2023: Ravi Shastri urges big names like Rohit, Virat to play utility role, says 'no one owns a position'

Former India head player and coach Ravi Shastri has backed 'seasoned captain' Rohit Sharma ahead of the two-time winners' campaign in the much-awaited ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition. The mega event will be entirely hosted by India in October-November, with defending champions England taking on New Zealand in the tournament opener on October 05. Team India will open their campaign versus five-time winners Australia in Chennai on October 08. They will face arch-rivals Pakistan on October 14 in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

<h2>'Come CWC 2023, Rohit will up the ante'</h2>

Shastri said while speaking on Star Sports, “I think he is a seasoned captain. Come the World Cup, he will up the ante. Bilaterals are one thing. When it comes to big tournaments, you switch on in a different manner. He knows the nucleus of the players. It is about him ensuring that everyone in that batting lineup knows that they don't own batting positions."

"You've got to be flexible with your batting ladder. No matter who the name of the player is. You do not own positions. You got to have flexibility. That is paramount, and use the right guys against the right oppositions,” Shastri further asserted.

Under Rohit, India will start as one of the favourites for the coveted title despite their mixed run across formats in recent times. Rohit-led India fell flat in Asia Cup 2022 (held in T20I format), bowed out of the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in Australia, lost ODIs to Bangladesh (in the Bangla Tigers' den), 50-over home series to the Aussies and also came second in the WTC final (losing to Pat Cummins &amp; Co.). India, under Hardik Pandya, also conceded their first-ever T20I series when they recently lost to West Indies.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-wouldve-been-100-per-cent-prepared-for-cwc-23-had-kohli-remained-captain-feels-ex-pak-captain-626368">India would've been 100 per cent prepared for CWC '23 had Kohli remained captain, feels ex-Pak captain</a>

In addition, the former head coach believes that the India think tank has a group of 18-20 players that have been shortlisted for the home ODI WC. "The think tank would have thought about a group of 18 or 20 players at least four or five months before the World Cup and then given opportunities to each one of them, kept an eye on the injuries too, you know, whichever players who were part of the mix who got injuries and just come back, and then pick the right guys,” Shastri added.

India will look to end their ICC title drought since 2013 when they turn up for the 50-over showpiece event at home. Thus, Rohit has a litmus test to lead India to the mega title after a long time.

At present, Jasprit Bumrah is set to lead a second-stringed Indian team in Dublin, Ireland for a three-match T20I series which kicks off on Friday (August 18). It will mark Bumrah's international return since September 2022.

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Former India head player and coach Ravi Shastri has backed 'seasoned captain' Rohit Sharma ahead of the two-time winners' campaign in the much-awaited ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition.

Former India head player and coach Ravi Shastri has backed 'seasoned captain' Rohit Sharma ahead of the two-time winners' campaign in the much-awaited ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition. The mega event will be entirely hosted by India in October-November, with defending champions England taking on New Zealand in the tournament opener on October 05. Team India will open their campaign versus five-time winners Australia in Chennai on October 08. They will face arch-rivals Pakistan on October 14 in Ahmedabad. 'Come CWC 2023, Rohit will up the ante' Shastri said while speaking on Star Sports, “I think he is a seasoned captain. Come the World Cup, he will up the ante. Bilaterals are one thing. When it comes to big tournaments, you switch on in a different manner. He knows the nucleus of the players. It is about him ensuring that everyone in that batting lineup knows that they don't own batting positions." "You've got to be flexible with your batting ladder. No matter who the name of the player is. You do not own positions. You got to have flexibility. That is paramount, and use the right guys against the right oppositions,” Shastri further asserted. Under Rohit, India will start as one of the favourites for the coveted title despite their mixed run across formats in recent times. Rohit-led India fell flat in Asia Cup 2022 (held in T20I format), bowed out of the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in Australia, lost ODIs to Bangladesh (in the Bangla Tigers' den), 50-over home series to the Aussies and also came second in the WTC final (losing to Pat Cummins & Co.). India, under Hardik Pandya, also conceded their first-ever T20I series when they recently lost to West Indies. Also Read: India would've been 100 per cent prepared for CWC '23 had Kohli remained captain, feels ex-Pak captain In addition, the former head coach believes that the India think tank has a group of 18-20 players that have been shortlisted for the home ODI WC. "The think tank would have thought about a group of 18 or 20 players at least four or five months before the World Cup and then given opportunities to each one of them, kept an eye on the injuries too, you know, whichever players who were part of the mix who got injuries and just come back, and then pick the right guys,” Shastri added. India will look to end their ICC title drought since 2013 when they turn up for the 50-over showpiece event at home. Thus, Rohit has a litmus test to lead India to the mega title after a long time. At present, Jasprit Bumrah is set to lead a second-stringed Indian team in Dublin, Ireland for a three-match T20I series which kicks off on Friday (August 18). It will mark Bumrah's international return since September 2022. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Come ODI World Cup, he will up the ante: Shastri reposes faith on captain Rohit Sharma ahead of mega event

With less than two months left for the ODI World Cup&nbsp;in India in October-November, India is still figuring out how to fix their middle order. The No. 4 spot remains a huge cause of concern for Team India in recent years. They were sweating hard on finalising a No. 4 prior to the 2019 World Cup as well, and Shreyas Iyer's injury has once again put Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. in a spot of bother.

India are currently awaiting the fitness report of KL Rahul and Iyer, two of their middle-order batters, ahead of their Asia Cup squad announcement. If they are fit, the two&nbsp;will solve India's middle-order crisis going into the home World Cup. If not, India have some tough calls to make. Amid all this, former India coach Ravi Shastri admitted that he wanted Kohli to bat at No. 4 during the last World Cup, held in England and Wales.

Discussing India's squad for the upcoming ICC event, Shastri revealed on Star Sports' Selection Day,&nbsp;"If Virat has to bat at four, he will bat at four in the interest of the side. You know, there were times I thought of it. Even in the previous two World Cups, when I was coach in 2019, I thought I might have discussed that with MSK as well of him batting at four just to break that top heavy line up."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-india-captain-virat-kohli-rubbishes-reports-of-building-cricket-pitch-in-alibaug-farmhouse-625900">Former India captain Virat Kohli rubbishes reports of building cricket pitch in Alibaug farmhouse</a>

"You know, because if we lost two or three at the top, we were gone and it was proved so just for reaching that the experience. And if you look at Virat Kohli's record, he is good enough at number four,"&nbsp;Shastri added.

Under Kohli, India reached the semi-finals of the 2019 edition, losing to eventual runners-up New Zealand by 18 runs in chase of 240.

India have been a top-heavy side for a long time, especially since Rohit and Kohli's rise in the format. Till MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Kedar Jadhav's presence, India did not feel a void in the middle and lower-order but same hasn't been the case since their departures. Injuries to Iyer and Rahul have also not helped India's cause.

At present, India is gearing up for the 50-over Asia Cup, co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which commences on August 30. It will serve as a dress rehearsal for the home ODI WC. Before the continental tournament, Jasprit Bumrah will lead a second-stringed Indian team in three T20I versus hosts Ireland, starting on August 18.

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With less than two months left for the ODI World Cup in India in October-November, India is still figuring out how to fix their middle order. The No. 4 spot remains a huge cause of concern for Team India in recent years.

With less than two months left for the ODI World Cup in India in October-November, India is still figuring out how to fix their middle order. The No. 4 spot remains a huge cause of concern for Team India in recent years. They were sweating hard on finalising a No. 4 prior to the 2019 World Cup as well, and Shreyas Iyer's injury has once again put Rohit Sharma & Co. in a spot of bother. India are currently awaiting the fitness report of KL Rahul and Iyer, two of their middle-order batters, ahead of their Asia Cup squad announcement. If they are fit, the two will solve India's middle-order crisis going into the home World Cup. If not, India have some tough calls to make. Amid all this, former India coach Ravi Shastri admitted that he wanted Kohli to bat at No. 4 during the last World Cup, held in England and Wales. Discussing India's squad for the upcoming ICC event, Shastri revealed on Star Sports' Selection Day, "If Virat has to bat at four, he will bat at four in the interest of the side. You know, there were times I thought of it. Even in the previous two World Cups, when I was coach in 2019, I thought I might have discussed that with MSK as well of him batting at four just to break that top heavy line up." Also read: Former India captain Virat Kohli rubbishes reports of building cricket pitch in Alibaug farmhouse "You know, because if we lost two or three at the top, we were gone and it was proved so just for reaching that the experience. And if you look at Virat Kohli's record, he is good enough at number four," Shastri added. Under Kohli, India reached the semi-finals of the 2019 edition, losing to eventual runners-up New Zealand by 18 runs in chase of 240. India have been a top-heavy side for a long time, especially since Rohit and Kohli's rise in the format. Till MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Kedar Jadhav's presence, India did not feel a void in the middle and lower-order but same hasn't been the case since their departures. Injuries to Iyer and Rahul have also not helped India's cause. At present, India is gearing up for the 50-over Asia Cup, co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which commences on August 30. It will serve as a dress rehearsal for the home ODI WC. Before the continental tournament, Jasprit Bumrah will lead a second-stringed Indian team in three T20I versus hosts Ireland, starting on August 18. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wanted Virat Kohli to bat at No. 4 during CWC '19, reveals former India coach Ravi Shastri

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