<p>India cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma suffered an injury scare during practice ahead of the Boxing Day Test - the fourth of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series. Rohit was seen wearing a knee brace on the sidelines of the net session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).</p>

<p>Rohit can be seen ice-packing the left knee in a photo doing rounds on social media platform X. Have a look at the picture below:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">During the practice session, Rohit Sharma was hit on the knee and KL Rahul on the right hand. <a href="https://t.co/iod1uPYD6U">pic.twitter.com/iod1uPYD6U</a></p>
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vipintiwari952/status/1870640159106171167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The skipper anyway is dealing with a loss of form and the pressure on him would be immense going into the fourth Test of the series with the World Test Championship (WTC) final on the line.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/hope-that-you-will-continue-india-pm-narendra-modi-writes-heartfelt-letter-to-ravi-ashwin-on-retirement-785920">'Hope that you will continue...,' Indian PM Narendra Modi writes heartfelt letter to R Ashwin on retirement</a></p>

<p>Rohit decided to bat in the middle order after KL Rahul did well in the first BGT Test in Perth as the opener during which Rohit was absent due to his second child's birth.</p>

<p>The skipper's form, however, has been a cause of concern long before the Australia tour. In the five Tests he played before the BGT, Rohit scored only 133 runs in 10 innings at an average of 13.33 with a highest of 52. It is to be noted that all those five Tests were played at home.</p>

<p>Rahul, on the other hand, has been doing a fine job as an opener in Australia. The batter has scored 235 runs in six innings - the highest for India in the series so far and second highest overall behind Travis Head's 409.</p>

<p>Rahul has scored those runs at an average of 47 with two fifties and a highest of 84, which he hit in Brisbane, helping India draw the rain-affected Test.</p>

<p>The five-Test series currently stands equal at 1-1 with one more Test to go after Boxing Day Test. India won the first Test of the series before losing the second, while the third Test ended in a draw.</p>


India cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma suffered an injury scare during practice ahead of the Boxing Day Test - the fourth of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series.

India cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma suffered an injury scare during practice ahead of the Boxing Day Test - the fourth of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series. Rohit was seen wearing a knee brace on the sidelines of the net session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Rohit can be seen ice-packing the left knee in a photo doing rounds on social media platform X. Have a look at the picture below: During the practice session, Rohit Sharma was hit on the knee and KL Rahul on the right hand. pic.twitter.com/iod1uPYD6U — Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) December 22, 2024 × The skipper anyway is dealing with a loss of form and the pressure on him would be immense going into the fourth Test of the series with the World Test Championship (WTC) final on the line. Also Read: 'Hope that you will continue...,' Indian PM Narendra Modi writes heartfelt letter to R Ashwin on retirement Rohit decided to bat in the middle order after KL Rahul did well in the first BGT Test in Perth as the opener during which Rohit was absent due to his second child's birth. The skipper's form, however, has been a cause of concern long before the Australia tour. In the five Tests he played before the BGT, Rohit scored only 133 runs in 10 innings at an average of 13.33 with a highest of 52. It is to be noted that all those five Tests were played at home. Rahul, on the other hand, has been doing a fine job as an opener in Australia. The batter has scored 235 runs in six innings - the highest for India in the series so far and second highest overall behind Travis Head's 409. Rahul has scored those runs at an average of 47 with two fifties and a highest of 84, which he hit in Brisbane, helping India draw the rain-affected Test. The five-Test series currently stands equal at 1-1 with one more Test to go after Boxing Day Test. India won the first Test of the series before losing the second, while the third Test ended in a draw.

BGT 2024-25: India skipper Rohit Sharma suffers injury scare ahead of Boxing Day Test

<p><span class="region">New Delhi, India</span>
<p>Team India finally ended their barren run of 17 years to win their second T20 World Cup after they beat South Africa in the final on 29 June 2024. Defending 177, India beat South Africa by seven runs to win a last-over thriller in Barbados. The Men in Blue also ended their 11-year wait for an ICC trophy having last won the Champions Trophy in 2013. Virat Kohli was the star of the match having scored 76 runs in the final while Indian bowlers deserved credit having pulled off a master class with the ball in the death overs.</p></p>
<h2><strong>India win last-over thriller</strong></h2>
<p>Tasked to defend 177, South Africa were in the driver’s seat until the last three overs when they needed 27 runs to win from 28 balls. However, a show of class with the ball and then in the field saw India pull off a great win. Suryakumar Yadav’s catch of David Miller in the final over was also decisive. India restricted South Africa to 169/8 in 20 overs and won the T20 World Cup for the first time since 2007.</p>
<p>South Africa got off to a poor start in their innings having lost Reeza Hendricks (4) and Aiden Markram (4) in the opening three overs. However, the Proteas then recovered well Tristan Stubbs (31) and Klaasen stitching a partnership of 58 runs for the third wicket. Despite Stubbs’ wicket, Klaasen continued his onslaught with the ball to help South Africa take the driver’s seat. His innings consisted of 5 sixes and 2 fours and he scored 52 off 27 deliveries in his innings.</p>
<p>However, Klaasen’s wicket on the first ball of the 17th over completely changed the course of the match with further wickets of Marco Jansen (2) and Miller (21) adding to India’s win.</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/explained-the-complex-and-strained-cricketing-ties-between-india-and-pakistan-785829">Explained: The complex and strained cricketing ties between India and Pakistan</a></strong></p>
<h2><strong>Virat Kohli comes good with the bat</strong></h2>
<p>Batting first, like South Africa, India also suffered blows at the start of the innings with skipper Rohit Sharma (9), Rishabh Pant (0) and Suryakumar Yadav (3) all getting out in the powerplay. India were 34/3 at one stage, however, they recovered well after Virat and Axar Patel helped the 2007 champions recover. Virat scored 76 off 59 while Axar was unfortunate to get run out on 47 off 31 when was caught napping by Quinton de Kock.</p>
<p>Shivam Dube also played a valuable innings of 27 runs off 16 balls which helped India post 176/7 in their 20 overs. Keshav Maharaj (23/2) and Anrich Nortje (26/2) were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa in the final.</p>
<p>The victory also meant India became the third team after West Indies and England to win the T20 World Cup on multiple occasions.</p>


Defending 177, India beat South Africa by seven runs to win a last-over thriller in Barbados. The Men in Blue also ended their 11-year wait for an ICC trophy having last won the Champions Trophy in 2013. Virat Kohli was the star of the match having scored 76 runs in the final while Indian bowlers deserved credit having pulled off a master class with the ball in the death overs.



New Delhi, India Team India finally ended their barren run of 17 years to win their second T20 World Cup after they beat South Africa in the final on 29 June 2024. Defending 177, India beat South Africa by seven runs to win a last-over thriller in Barbados. The Men in Blue also ended their 11-year wait for an ICC trophy having last won the Champions Trophy in 2013. Virat Kohli was the star of the match having scored 76 runs in the final while Indian bowlers deserved credit having pulled off a master class with the ball in the death overs. India win last-over thriller Tasked to defend 177, South Africa were in the driver’s seat until the last three overs when they needed 27 runs to win from 28 balls. However, a show of class with the ball and then in the field saw India pull off a great win. Suryakumar Yadav’s catch of David Miller in the final over was also decisive. India restricted South Africa to 169/8 in 20 overs and won the T20 World Cup for the first time since 2007. South Africa got off to a poor start in their innings having lost Reeza Hendricks (4) and Aiden Markram (4) in the opening three overs. However, the Proteas then recovered well Tristan Stubbs (31) and Klaasen stitching a partnership of 58 runs for the third wicket. Despite Stubbs’ wicket, Klaasen continued his onslaught with the ball to help South Africa take the driver’s seat. His innings consisted of 5 sixes and 2 fours and he scored 52 off 27 deliveries in his innings. However, Klaasen’s wicket on the first ball of the 17th over completely changed the course of the match with further wickets of Marco Jansen (2) and Miller (21) adding to India’s win. ALSO READ | Explained: The complex and strained cricketing ties between India and Pakistan Virat Kohli comes good with the bat Batting first, like South Africa, India also suffered blows at the start of the innings with skipper Rohit Sharma (9), Rishabh Pant (0) and Suryakumar Yadav (3) all getting out in the powerplay. India were 34/3 at one stage, however, they recovered well after Virat and Axar Patel helped the 2007 champions recover. Virat scored 76 off 59 while Axar was unfortunate to get run out on 47 off 31 when was caught napping by Quinton de Kock. Shivam Dube also played a valuable innings of 27 runs off 16 balls which helped India post 176/7 in their 20 overs. Keshav Maharaj (23/2) and Anrich Nortje (26/2) were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa in the final. The victory also meant India became the third team after West Indies and England to win the T20 World Cup on multiple occasions.

Rewind 2024: Rohit Sharma's Team India ends 17-year T20 World Cup drought in West Indies

<p>Team India finally ended their barren run of 17 years to win their second T20 World Cup after they beat South Africa in the final on 29 June 2024. Defending 177, India beat South Africa by seven&nbsp;runs&nbsp;to win a last-over thriller in Barbados. The Men in Blue also ended their 11-year wait for an ICC trophy having last won the Champions Trophy in 2013. Virat Kohli was the star of the match having scored 76 runs in the final while Indian bowlers deserved credit having pulled off a master class with the ball in the death overs.</p>

<h2><strong>India win last-over thriller</strong></h2>

<p>Tasked to defend 177, South Africa were in the driver’s seat until the last three overs when they needed 27 runs to win from 28 balls. However, a show of class with the ball and then in the field saw India pull off a great win. Suryakumar Yadav’s catch of David Miller in the final over was also decisive. India restricted South Africa to 169/8 in 20 overs and won the T20 World Cup for the first time since 2007.</p>

<p>South Africa got off to a poor start in their innings having lost Reeza Hendricks (4) and Aiden Markram (4) in the opening three overs. However, the Proteas then recovered well Tristan Stubbs (31) and Klaasen stitching a partnership of 58 runs for the third wicket. Despite Stubbs’ wicket, Klaasen continued his onslaught with the ball to help South Africa take the driver’s seat. His innings consisted of 5 sixes and 2 fours and he scored 52 off 27 deliveries in his innings.</p>

<p>However, Klaasen’s wicket on the first ball of the 17th over completely changed the course of the match with further wickets of Marco Jansen (2) and Miller (21) adding to India’s win.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/explained-the-complex-and-strained-cricketing-ties-between-india-and-pakistan-785829">Explained: The complex and strained cricketing ties between India and Pakistan</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Virat Kohli comes good with the bat</strong></h2>

<p>Batting first, like South Africa, India also suffered blows at the start of the innings with skipper Rohit Sharma (9), Rishabh Pant (0) and Suryakumar Yadav (3) all getting out in the powerplay. India were 34/3 at one stage, however, they recovered well after Virat and Axar Patel helped the 2007 champions recover. Virat scored 76 off 59 while Axar was unfortunate to get run out on 47 off 31 when was caught napping by Quinton de Kock.</p>

<p>Shivam Dube also played a valuable innings of 27 runs off 16 balls which helped India post 176/7 in their 20 overs. Keshav Maharaj (23/2) and Anrich Nortje (26/2) were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa in the final.</p>

<p>The victory also meant India became the third team after West Indies and England to win the T20 World Cup on multiple occasions.</p>


Team India finally ended their barren run of 17 years to win their second T20 World Cup after they beat South Africa in the final on 29 June 2024. Defending 177, India beat South Africa by seven runs to win a last-over thriller in Barbados.

Team India finally ended their barren run of 17 years to win their second T20 World Cup after they beat South Africa in the final on 29 June 2024. Defending 177, India beat South Africa by seven runs to win a last-over thriller in Barbados. The Men in Blue also ended their 11-year wait for an ICC trophy having last won the Champions Trophy in 2013. Virat Kohli was the star of the match having scored 76 runs in the final while Indian bowlers deserved credit having pulled off a master class with the ball in the death overs. India win last-over thriller Tasked to defend 177, South Africa were in the driver’s seat until the last three overs when they needed 27 runs to win from 28 balls. However, a show of class with the ball and then in the field saw India pull off a great win. Suryakumar Yadav’s catch of David Miller in the final over was also decisive. India restricted South Africa to 169/8 in 20 overs and won the T20 World Cup for the first time since 2007. South Africa got off to a poor start in their innings having lost Reeza Hendricks (4) and Aiden Markram (4) in the opening three overs. However, the Proteas then recovered well Tristan Stubbs (31) and Klaasen stitching a partnership of 58 runs for the third wicket. Despite Stubbs’ wicket, Klaasen continued his onslaught with the ball to help South Africa take the driver’s seat. His innings consisted of 5 sixes and 2 fours and he scored 52 off 27 deliveries in his innings. However, Klaasen’s wicket on the first ball of the 17th over completely changed the course of the match with further wickets of Marco Jansen (2) and Miller (21) adding to India’s win. ALSO READ | Explained: The complex and strained cricketing ties between India and Pakistan Virat Kohli comes good with the bat Batting first, like South Africa, India also suffered blows at the start of the innings with skipper Rohit Sharma (9), Rishabh Pant (0) and Suryakumar Yadav (3) all getting out in the powerplay. India were 34/3 at one stage, however, they recovered well after Virat and Axar Patel helped the 2007 champions recover. Virat scored 76 off 59 while Axar was unfortunate to get run out on 47 off 31 when was caught napping by Quinton de Kock. Shivam Dube also played a valuable innings of 27 runs off 16 balls which helped India post 176/7 in their 20 overs. Keshav Maharaj (23/2) and Anrich Nortje (26/2) were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa in the final. The victory also meant India became the third team after West Indies and England to win the T20 World Cup on multiple occasions.

<p><span class="region">New Delhi, India</span>
<p>India skipper Rohit Sharma is going through a rough patch in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series and batting at number 6 hasn't helped the cause either. Rohit has scored only 19 runs in three innings he has played in the BGT series with 10 being the highest score.</p></p>
<p>After his dismissal in Brisbane's first innings, veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara explained how changing the batting position may have put a doubt in Rohit's mind.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-indias-greatest-fast-bowler-aussies-in-awe-of-jasprit-bumrah-785154">'India's greatest fast bowler,' Aussies in awe of Jasprit Bumrah</a></p>
<p>“He has been opening the innings, now he's batting at number 6. That is for the team, but I still feel that when you are so much used to opening the innings and when you have to wait, then you put yourself in that doubt. I mean, it doesn't help you when you're opening innings and you suddenly start batting at number 6. So that you don't get that momentum either,” Pujara said while talking on Star Sports.</p>
<p>Rohit decided to bat in the middle order after KL Rahul did well in the first BGT Test in Perth as the opener during which Rohit was absent due to his second child's birth.</p>
<p>The skipper's form, however, has been a cause of concern long before the Australia tour. In the five Tests he played before the BGT, Rohit scored only 133 runs in 10 innings at an average of 13.33 with a highest of 52. It is to be noted that all those five Tests were played at home.</p>
<p>Rahul, on the other hand, has been doing a fine job as an opener in Australia. The batter has scored 235 runs in six innings - the highest for India in the series so far and second highest overall behind Travis Head's 409.</p>
<p>Rahul has scored those runs at an average of 47 with two fifties and a highest of 84, which he hit in Brisbane, helping India draw the rain-affected Test.</p>


Rohit decided to bat in the middle order after KL Rahul did well in the first BGT Test in Perth as the opener during which Rohit was absent due to his second child's birth.



New Delhi, India India skipper Rohit Sharma is going through a rough patch in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series and batting at number 6 hasn't helped the cause either. Rohit has scored only 19 runs in three innings he has played in the BGT series with 10 being the highest score. After his dismissal in Brisbane's first innings, veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara explained how changing the batting position may have put a doubt in Rohit's mind. Also Read: 'India's greatest fast bowler,' Aussies in awe of Jasprit Bumrah “He has been opening the innings, now he's batting at number 6. That is for the team, but I still feel that when you are so much used to opening the innings and when you have to wait, then you put yourself in that doubt. I mean, it doesn't help you when you're opening innings and you suddenly start batting at number 6. So that you don't get that momentum either,” Pujara said while talking on Star Sports. Rohit decided to bat in the middle order after KL Rahul did well in the first BGT Test in Perth as the opener during which Rohit was absent due to his second child's birth. The skipper's form, however, has been a cause of concern long before the Australia tour. In the five Tests he played before the BGT, Rohit scored only 133 runs in 10 innings at an average of 13.33 with a highest of 52. It is to be noted that all those five Tests were played at home. Rahul, on the other hand, has been doing a fine job as an opener in Australia. The batter has scored 235 runs in six innings - the highest for India in the series so far and second highest overall behind Travis Head's 409. Rahul has scored those runs at an average of 47 with two fifties and a highest of 84, which he hit in Brisbane, helping India draw the rain-affected Test.

BGT 2024-25: 'It doesn't help...,' Cheteshwar Pujara reveals reason behind Rohit's struggles at number 6

<p><span class="region">Brisbane, Australia</span>
<p>India skipper Rohit Sharma revealed that off spinner Ravi Ashwin understood the thinking of the team which prompted him to announce his retirement from internationals. Ashwin bid adieu to international cricket after the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test ended in a draw on Wednesday (Dec 18).</p></p>
<p>"He understands what the team is thinking. He understands what kind of combinations we are thinking of. When we came here as well, we were not sure about which spinner was going to play. We just wanted to assess and see what kind of conditions we get in front of us, But yeah, when I arrived in Perth, this was a chat we had, and I somehow convinced him to stay for that pink ball Test," Rohit said at the post match press conference.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-it-doesnt-help-cheteshwar-pujara-reveals-reason-behind-rohits-struggles-at-number-6-785179">'It doesn't help...,' Cheteshwar Pujara reveals reason behind Rohit's struggles at number 6</a></p>
<p>"It just happened so that if you know where he felt that, 'if I'm not needed right now in the series, I'm better off. Saying goodbye to the game, but obviously, we've not been to Melbourne yet, so we don't know what sort of conditions we expect there and what sort of combination, but just keeping Ash in particularly in mind, giving him that respect that this if this is what he thinks, we should allow him to think that way and we should all stand by," he added.</p>
<p>Ashwin retired as India second highest wicket-taker in international cricket. The offie took 765 in Tests (537), ODIs (157) and T20Is (72) combined, second only to Anil Kumble's 953.</p>
<p>In Tests also, Ashwin is the second highest wicket-taker for India behind Kumble's 619. His 37 Test five-for are joint second most in the history along with Shane Warne and behind only Muthiah Muralidaran's 67.</p>
<p>In the ongoing BGT, Ashwin played in the second Test in Adelaide under the lights and returned with figures of 1/53 in India's 10-wicket loss.</p>


Ashwin retired as India second highest wicket-taker in international cricket. The offie took 765 in Tests (537), ODIs (157) and T20Is (72) combined, second only to Anil Kumble's 953.



Brisbane, Australia India skipper Rohit Sharma revealed that off spinner Ravi Ashwin understood the thinking of the team which prompted him to announce his retirement from internationals. Ashwin bid adieu to international cricket after the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test ended in a draw on Wednesday (Dec 18). "He understands what the team is thinking. He understands what kind of combinations we are thinking of. When we came here as well, we were not sure about which spinner was going to play. We just wanted to assess and see what kind of conditions we get in front of us, But yeah, when I arrived in Perth, this was a chat we had, and I somehow convinced him to stay for that pink ball Test," Rohit said at the post match press conference. Also Read: 'It doesn't help...,' Cheteshwar Pujara reveals reason behind Rohit's struggles at number 6 "It just happened so that if you know where he felt that, 'if I'm not needed right now in the series, I'm better off. Saying goodbye to the game, but obviously, we've not been to Melbourne yet, so we don't know what sort of conditions we expect there and what sort of combination, but just keeping Ash in particularly in mind, giving him that respect that this if this is what he thinks, we should allow him to think that way and we should all stand by," he added. Ashwin retired as India second highest wicket-taker in international cricket. The offie took 765 in Tests (537), ODIs (157) and T20Is (72) combined, second only to Anil Kumble's 953. In Tests also, Ashwin is the second highest wicket-taker for India behind Kumble's 619. His 37 Test five-for are joint second most in the history along with Shane Warne and behind only Muthiah Muralidaran's 67. In the ongoing BGT, Ashwin played in the second Test in Adelaide under the lights and returned with figures of 1/53 in India's 10-wicket loss.

BGT 2024-25: 'He understands team's thinking,' says skipper Rohit Sharma on Ravi Ashwin's retirement

<p>India skipper Rohit Sharma is going through a rough patch in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series and batting at number 6 hasn't helped the cause either. Rohit has scored only 19 runs in three innings he has played in the BGT series with 10 being the highest score.</p>

<p>After his dismissal in Brisbane's first innings, veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara explained how changing the batting position may have put a doubt in Rohit's mind.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-indias-greatest-fast-bowler-aussies-in-awe-of-jasprit-bumrah-785154">'India's greatest fast bowler,' Aussies in awe of Jasprit Bumrah</a></p>

<p>“He has been opening the innings, now he's batting at number 6. That is for the team, but I still feel that when you are so much used to opening the innings and when you have to wait, then you put yourself in that doubt. I mean, it doesn't help you when you're opening innings and you suddenly start batting at number 6. So that you don't get that momentum either,” Pujara said while talking on Star Sports.</p>

<p>Rohit decided to bat in the middle order after KL Rahul did well in the first BGT Test in Perth as the opener during which Rohit was absent due to his second child's birth.</p>

<p>The skipper's form, however, has been a cause of concern long before the Australia tour. In the five Tests he played before the BGT, Rohit scored only 133 runs in 10 innings at an average of 13.33 with a highest of 52. It is to be noted that all those five Tests were played at home.</p>

<p>Rahul, on the other hand, has been doing a fine job as an opener in Australia. The batter has scored 235 runs in six innings - the highest for India in the series so far and second highest overall behind Travis Head's 409.</p>

<p>Rahul has scored those runs at an average of 47 with two fifties and a highest of 84, which he hit in Brisbane, helping India draw the rain-affected Test.</p>


India skipper Rohit Sharma is going through a rough patch in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series and batting at number 6 hasn't helped the cause either.

India skipper Rohit Sharma is going through a rough patch in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series and batting at number 6 hasn't helped the cause either. Rohit has scored only 19 runs in three innings he has played in the BGT series with 10 being the highest score. After his dismissal in Brisbane's first innings, veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara explained how changing the batting position may have put a doubt in Rohit's mind. Also Read: 'India's greatest fast bowler,' Aussies in awe of Jasprit Bumrah “He has been opening the innings, now he's batting at number 6. That is for the team, but I still feel that when you are so much used to opening the innings and when you have to wait, then you put yourself in that doubt. I mean, it doesn't help you when you're opening innings and you suddenly start batting at number 6. So that you don't get that momentum either,” Pujara said while talking on Star Sports. Rohit decided to bat in the middle order after KL Rahul did well in the first BGT Test in Perth as the opener during which Rohit was absent due to his second child's birth. The skipper's form, however, has been a cause of concern long before the Australia tour. In the five Tests he played before the BGT, Rohit scored only 133 runs in 10 innings at an average of 13.33 with a highest of 52. It is to be noted that all those five Tests were played at home. Rahul, on the other hand, has been doing a fine job as an opener in Australia. The batter has scored 235 runs in six innings - the highest for India in the series so far and second highest overall behind Travis Head's 409. Rahul has scored those runs at an average of 47 with two fifties and a highest of 84, which he hit in Brisbane, helping India draw the rain-affected Test.

<p>India skipper Rohit Sharma revealed that off spinner Ravi Ashwin understood the thinking of the team which prompted him to announce his retirement from internationals. Ashwin bid adieu to international cricket after the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test ended in a draw on Wednesday (Dec 18).</p>

<p>"He understands what the team is thinking. He understands what kind of combinations we are thinking of. When we came here as well, we were not sure about which spinner was going to play. We just wanted to assess and see what kind of conditions we get in front of us, But yeah, when I arrived in Perth, this was a chat we had, and I somehow convinced him to stay for that pink ball Test," Rohit said at the post match press conference.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-it-doesnt-help-cheteshwar-pujara-reveals-reason-behind-rohits-struggles-at-number-6-785179">'It doesn't help...,' Cheteshwar Pujara reveals reason behind Rohit's struggles at number 6</a></p>

<p>"It just happened so that if you know where he felt that, 'if I'm not needed right now in the series, I'm better off. Saying goodbye to the game, but obviously, we've not been to Melbourne yet, so we don't know what sort of conditions we expect there and what sort of combination, but just keeping Ash in particularly in mind, giving him that respect that this if this is what he thinks, we should allow him to think that way and we should all stand by," he added.</p>

<p>Ashwin retired as India second highest wicket-taker in international cricket. The offie took 765 in Tests (537), ODIs (157) and T20Is (72) combined, second only to Anil Kumble's 953.</p>

<p>In Tests also, Ashwin is the second highest wicket-taker for India behind Kumble's 619. His 37 Test five-for are joint second most in the history along with Shane Warne and behind only Muthiah Muralidaran's 67.</p>

<p>In the ongoing BGT, Ashwin played in the second Test in Adelaide under the lights and returned with&nbsp;figures of 1/53 in India's 10-wicket loss.</p>


India skipper Rohit Sharma revealed that off spinner Ravi Ashwin understood the thinking of the team which prompted him to announce his retirement from internationals.

India skipper Rohit Sharma revealed that off spinner Ravi Ashwin understood the thinking of the team which prompted him to announce his retirement from internationals. Ashwin bid adieu to international cricket after the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test ended in a draw on Wednesday (Dec 18). "He understands what the team is thinking. He understands what kind of combinations we are thinking of. When we came here as well, we were not sure about which spinner was going to play. We just wanted to assess and see what kind of conditions we get in front of us, But yeah, when I arrived in Perth, this was a chat we had, and I somehow convinced him to stay for that pink ball Test," Rohit said at the post match press conference. Also Read: 'It doesn't help...,' Cheteshwar Pujara reveals reason behind Rohit's struggles at number 6 "It just happened so that if you know where he felt that, 'if I'm not needed right now in the series, I'm better off. Saying goodbye to the game, but obviously, we've not been to Melbourne yet, so we don't know what sort of conditions we expect there and what sort of combination, but just keeping Ash in particularly in mind, giving him that respect that this if this is what he thinks, we should allow him to think that way and we should all stand by," he added. Ashwin retired as India second highest wicket-taker in international cricket. The offie took 765 in Tests (537), ODIs (157) and T20Is (72) combined, second only to Anil Kumble's 953. In Tests also, Ashwin is the second highest wicket-taker for India behind Kumble's 619. His 37 Test five-for are joint second most in the history along with Shane Warne and behind only Muthiah Muralidaran's 67. In the ongoing BGT, Ashwin played in the second Test in Adelaide under the lights and returned with figures of 1/53 in India's 10-wicket loss.

<p><span class="region">Gabba, Brisbane</span>
<p>Mohammed Shami has resumed bowling but remains uncertain of a Test call-up for the remainder of the BGT Down Under. Following the third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, which ended in a draw, all thanks to countless and continuous rain interruptions throughout, India captain Rohit Sharma broke his silence on Shami’s potential return to the side for the remaining two matches at the MCG and SCG, respectively.</p></p>
<p>Rohit said the ball is in the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, formerly the National Cricket Academy (NCA) court, to clarify his fitness concerns. Although Shami returned last month for Bengal playing the Ranji Trophy and has since played several games across formats, including in SMAT, Rohit said there were complaints about his knee causing concerns, which restricts him from considering his India call-up.</p>
<p>The right-arm seamer is also picked in the Bengal squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting December 21.</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/he-could-have-said-i-am-sunil-gavaskar-critical-of-r-ashwins-sudden-international-retirement-784947">He could have said, 'I am....': Sunil Gavaskar critical of R Ashwin's sudden international retirement</a></strong></p>
<p>"About Shami, I think it's high time somebody from NCA talks about him, where he is rehabbing. Those guys are the ones who need to come up and give us some kind of update,” Rohit said at the post-match presser in Brisbane. </p>
<h2>Fit Shami better than risking his return</h2>
<p>The Indian skipper said he knows that Shami has returned to playing domestic cricket back home following an extended hiatus but remains cautious of a possible recurrence of an injury, which remains a bigger concern to Shami’s future than he re-linking with the Indian Team in Australia and help them complete the three-peat. </p>
<p>"I understand he's playing a lot of cricket back home, but there have been some complaints about his knee as well. So, look, the last thing you want is the player coming here and then pulling out in the middle of the game. You know what happens when that kind of thing happens."</p>
<p>"So, there is no way we want to take that chance unless we are like, not 100%, 200% sure, we're not going to take any risk. But yeah, like I said in the last press conference, the door is open if those guys at the NCA feel that he is okay to go and recover and play, we'll be happy to have him,” Rohit continued.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, as things stand, the BCCI’s medical team is yet to clear Shami of any discomfort, something even Rohit picked upon following the Pink-Ball Test in Adelaide.</p>
<p>Though Shami’s comeback looks unlikely given three Tests against Australia are already over, he could be handy for the ODI side in the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for the February-March window. </p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The right-arm seamer is also picked in the Bengal squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting December 21.



Gabba, Brisbane Mohammed Shami has resumed bowling but remains uncertain of a Test call-up for the remainder of the BGT Down Under. Following the third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, which ended in a draw, all thanks to countless and continuous rain interruptions throughout, India captain Rohit Sharma broke his silence on Shami’s potential return to the side for the remaining two matches at the MCG and SCG, respectively. Rohit said the ball is in the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, formerly the National Cricket Academy (NCA) court, to clarify his fitness concerns. Although Shami returned last month for Bengal playing the Ranji Trophy and has since played several games across formats, including in SMAT, Rohit said there were complaints about his knee causing concerns, which restricts him from considering his India call-up. The right-arm seamer is also picked in the Bengal squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting December 21. ALSO READ: He could have said, 'I am....': Sunil Gavaskar critical of R Ashwin's sudden international retirement "About Shami, I think it's high time somebody from NCA talks about him, where he is rehabbing. Those guys are the ones who need to come up and give us some kind of update,” Rohit said at the post-match presser in Brisbane. Fit Shami better than risking his return The Indian skipper said he knows that Shami has returned to playing domestic cricket back home following an extended hiatus but remains cautious of a possible recurrence of an injury, which remains a bigger concern to Shami’s future than he re-linking with the Indian Team in Australia and help them complete the three-peat. "I understand he's playing a lot of cricket back home, but there have been some complaints about his knee as well. So, look, the last thing you want is the player coming here and then pulling out in the middle of the game. You know what happens when that kind of thing happens." "So, there is no way we want to take that chance unless we are like, not 100%, 200% sure, we're not going to take any risk. But yeah, like I said in the last press conference, the door is open if those guys at the NCA feel that he is okay to go and recover and play, we'll be happy to have him,” Rohit continued. Meanwhile, as things stand, the BCCI’s medical team is yet to clear Shami of any discomfort, something even Rohit picked upon following the Pink-Ball Test in Adelaide. Though Shami’s comeback looks unlikely given three Tests against Australia are already over, he could be handy for the ODI side in the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for the February-March window. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Rohit Sharma unwilling to push for Mohammed Shami’s Test call-up amid fitness concerns

<p><span class="region">Brisbane, Australia</span>
<p>India’s legendary all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin called time on his illustrious career on Wednesday (Dec 18) as he took the cricketing fraternity by surprise. Ashwin, having represented India in 106 Test matches announced his retirement after the Gabba Test match between India and Australia ended in a draw. After the match skipper, Rohit Sharma opened on the insights into Ashwin’s retirement plans saying he came to know about the decision after landing in Perth.</p></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">????? ??? ?????? ?</p>
<p>A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation ??</p>
<p>The ace spinner and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>'s invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket.</p>
<p>Congratulations on a legendary career, <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/swSwcP3QXA">pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA</a></p>
<p>— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1869258427987562621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Rohit shares insights on Ashwin</strong></h2>
<p>"Heard about R Ashwin’s retirement when I came to Perth. He understands what the team is thinking, combinations what the team is thinking. I convinced him to stay for the pink-ball Test," said Rohit at the post-match press conference.</p>
<p>The 2011 World Cup winner retired with a tally of 537 Test wickets in 106 matches while also scoring 3503 runs. He scored six hundreds in the format and was India’s most reliable all-rounder for over a decade. In the ODI format, Ashwin represented India in 116 matches and scalped 156 wickets while in the T20Is he has 72 wickets in 65 matches.</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/mitchell-santner-takes-over-as-new-white-ball-captain-of-new-zealand-784862">Mitchell Santner takes over as new white-ball captain of New Zealand</a></strong></p>
<p>He goes down as one of the legends of Indian cricket and at the time of retirement is the second most successful Test bowler for the nation. Only Anil Kumble with 619 scalped more wickets than Ashwin in the red-ball format. Overall, he is the seventh most successful bowler in Test format, underlining his name as one of the best in the world.</p>
<p>As things stand, Ashwin will return to India on Thursday (Dec 19), leaving big shoes to fill in the side. His presence in the Indian team during the home series will be felt as the majority of his success came on home turf. He scalped 383 wickets on home turf making him one of the successful bowlers in the sub-continent conditions.</p>


Ravichandran Ashwin, having represented India in 106 Test matches announced his retirement after the Gabba Test match between India and Australia ended in a draw. After the match skipper, Rohit Sharma opened on the insights into Ashwin’s retirement plans saying he came to know about the decision after landing in Perth.



Brisbane, Australia India’s legendary all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin called time on his illustrious career on Wednesday (Dec 18) as he took the cricketing fraternity by surprise. Ashwin, having represented India in 106 Test matches announced his retirement after the Gabba Test match between India and Australia ended in a draw. After the match skipper, Rohit Sharma opened on the insights into Ashwin’s retirement plans saying he came to know about the decision after landing in Perth. ????? ??? ?????? ? A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation ?? The ace spinner and #TeamIndia's invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket. Congratulations on a legendary career, @ashwinravi99 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA — BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024 × Rohit shares insights on Ashwin "Heard about R Ashwin’s retirement when I came to Perth. He understands what the team is thinking, combinations what the team is thinking. I convinced him to stay for the pink-ball Test," said Rohit at the post-match press conference. The 2011 World Cup winner retired with a tally of 537 Test wickets in 106 matches while also scoring 3503 runs. He scored six hundreds in the format and was India’s most reliable all-rounder for over a decade. In the ODI format, Ashwin represented India in 116 matches and scalped 156 wickets while in the T20Is he has 72 wickets in 65 matches. ALSO READ | Mitchell Santner takes over as new white-ball captain of New Zealand He goes down as one of the legends of Indian cricket and at the time of retirement is the second most successful Test bowler for the nation. Only Anil Kumble with 619 scalped more wickets than Ashwin in the red-ball format. Overall, he is the seventh most successful bowler in Test format, underlining his name as one of the best in the world. As things stand, Ashwin will return to India on Thursday (Dec 19), leaving big shoes to fill in the side. His presence in the Indian team during the home series will be felt as the majority of his success came on home turf. He scalped 383 wickets on home turf making him one of the successful bowlers in the sub-continent conditions.

Rohit Sharma shares insights on R Ashwin's retirement plans, says 'I convinced him to stay for pink-ball Test'

<p>Mohammed Shami has resumed bowling but remains uncertain of a Test call-up for the remainder of the BGT Down Under. Following the third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, which ended in a draw, all thanks to countless and continuous rain interruptions throughout, India captain Rohit Sharma broke his silence on Shami’s potential return to the side for the remaining two matches at the MCG and SCG, respectively.</p>

<p>Rohit said the ball is in the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, formerly the National Cricket Academy (NCA) court, to clarify his fitness concerns. Although Shami returned last month for Bengal playing the Ranji Trophy and has since played several games across formats, including in SMAT, Rohit said there were complaints about his knee causing concerns, which restricts him from considering his India call-up.</p>

<p>The right-arm seamer is also picked in the Bengal squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting December 21.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/he-could-have-said-i-am-sunil-gavaskar-critical-of-r-ashwins-sudden-international-retirement-784947">He could have said, 'I am....': Sunil Gavaskar critical of R Ashwin's sudden international retirement</a></strong></p>

<p>"About Shami, I think it's high time somebody from NCA talks about him, where he is rehabbing. Those guys are the ones who need to come up and give us some kind of update,” Rohit said at the post-match presser in Brisbane.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Fit Shami better than risking his return</h2>

<p>The Indian skipper said he knows that Shami has returned to playing domestic cricket back home following an extended hiatus but remains cautious of a possible recurrence of an injury, which remains a bigger concern to Shami’s future than he re-linking with the Indian Team in Australia and help them complete the three-peat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I understand he's playing a lot of cricket back home, but there have been some complaints about his knee as well. So, look, the last thing you want is the player coming here and then pulling out in the middle of the game. You know what happens when that kind of thing happens."</p>

<p>"So, there is no way we want to take that chance unless we are like, not 100%, 200% sure, we're not going to take any risk. But yeah, like I said in the last press conference, the door is open if those guys at the NCA feel that he is okay to go and recover and play, we'll be happy to have him,” Rohit continued.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, as things stand, the BCCI’s medical team is yet to clear Shami of any discomfort, something even Rohit picked upon following the Pink-Ball Test in Adelaide.</p>

<p>Though Shami’s comeback looks unlikely given three Tests against Australia are already over, he could be handy for the ODI side in the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for the February-March window.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Mohammed Shami has resumed bowling but remains uncertain of a Test call-up for the remainder of the BGT Down Under. Following the third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, which ended in a draw, all thanks to countless and continuous rain interruptions throughout, India captain Rohit Sharma broke his silence on Shami’s potential return to the side for the remaining two matches at the MCG and SCG, respectively.

Mohammed Shami has resumed bowling but remains uncertain of a Test call-up for the remainder of the BGT Down Under. Following the third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, which ended in a draw, all thanks to countless and continuous rain interruptions throughout, India captain Rohit Sharma broke his silence on Shami’s potential return to the side for the remaining two matches at the MCG and SCG, respectively. Rohit said the ball is in the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, formerly the National Cricket Academy (NCA) court, to clarify his fitness concerns. Although Shami returned last month for Bengal playing the Ranji Trophy and has since played several games across formats, including in SMAT, Rohit said there were complaints about his knee causing concerns, which restricts him from considering his India call-up. The right-arm seamer is also picked in the Bengal squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting December 21. ALSO READ: He could have said, 'I am....': Sunil Gavaskar critical of R Ashwin's sudden international retirement "About Shami, I think it's high time somebody from NCA talks about him, where he is rehabbing. Those guys are the ones who need to come up and give us some kind of update,” Rohit said at the post-match presser in Brisbane. Fit Shami better than risking his return The Indian skipper said he knows that Shami has returned to playing domestic cricket back home following an extended hiatus but remains cautious of a possible recurrence of an injury, which remains a bigger concern to Shami’s future than he re-linking with the Indian Team in Australia and help them complete the three-peat. "I understand he's playing a lot of cricket back home, but there have been some complaints about his knee as well. So, look, the last thing you want is the player coming here and then pulling out in the middle of the game. You know what happens when that kind of thing happens." "So, there is no way we want to take that chance unless we are like, not 100%, 200% sure, we're not going to take any risk. But yeah, like I said in the last press conference, the door is open if those guys at the NCA feel that he is okay to go and recover and play, we'll be happy to have him,” Rohit continued. Meanwhile, as things stand, the BCCI’s medical team is yet to clear Shami of any discomfort, something even Rohit picked upon following the Pink-Ball Test in Adelaide. Though Shami’s comeback looks unlikely given three Tests against Australia are already over, he could be handy for the ODI side in the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for the February-March window. (With inputs from agencies)

<p>India’s legendary all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin called time on his illustrious career on Wednesday (Dec 18) as he took the cricketing fraternity by surprise. Ashwin, having represented India in 106 Test matches announced his retirement after the Gabba Test match between India and Australia ended in a draw. After the match skipper, Rohit Sharma opened on the insights into Ashwin’s retirement plans saying he came to know about the decision after landing in Perth.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙞𝙣 🫡<br />
<br />
A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation 👏👏<br />
<br />
The ace spinner and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>'s invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket.<br />
<br />
Congratulations on a legendary career, <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/swSwcP3QXA">pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1869258427987562621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Rohit shares insights on Ashwin</strong></h2>

<p>"Heard about R Ashwin’s retirement when I came to Perth. He understands what the team is thinking, combinations what the team is thinking. I convinced him to stay for the pink-ball Test," said Rohit at the post-match press conference.</p>

<p>The 2011 World Cup winner retired with a tally of 537 Test wickets in 106 matches while also scoring 3503 runs. He scored six hundreds in the format and was India’s most reliable all-rounder for over a decade. In the ODI format, Ashwin represented India in 116 matches and scalped 156 wickets while in the T20Is he has 72 wickets in 65 matches.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/mitchell-santner-takes-over-as-new-white-ball-captain-of-new-zealand-784862">Mitchell Santner takes over as new white-ball captain of New Zealand</a></strong></p>

<p>He goes down as one of the legends of Indian cricket and at the time of retirement is the second most successful Test bowler for the nation. Only Anil Kumble with 619 scalped more wickets than Ashwin in the red-ball format. Overall, he is the seventh most successful bowler in Test format, underlining his name as one of the best in the world.</p>

<p>As things stand, Ashwin will return to India on Thursday (Dec 19), leaving big shoes to fill in the side. His presence in the Indian team during the home series will be felt as the majority of his success came on home turf. He scalped 383 wickets on home turf making him one of the successful bowlers in the sub-continent conditions.</p>


India’s legendary all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin called time on his illustrious career on Wednesday (Dec 18) as he took the cricketing fraternity by surprise. Ashwin, having represented India in 106 Test matches announced his retirement after the Gabba Test match between India and Australia ended in a draw.

India’s legendary all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin called time on his illustrious career on Wednesday (Dec 18) as he took the cricketing fraternity by surprise. Ashwin, having represented India in 106 Test matches announced his retirement after the Gabba Test match between India and Australia ended in a draw. After the match skipper, Rohit Sharma opened on the insights into Ashwin’s retirement plans saying he came to know about the decision after landing in Perth. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙞𝙣 🫡 A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation 👏👏 The ace spinner and #TeamIndia's invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket. Congratulations on a legendary career, @ashwinravi99 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA — BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024 × Rohit shares insights on Ashwin "Heard about R Ashwin’s retirement when I came to Perth. He understands what the team is thinking, combinations what the team is thinking. I convinced him to stay for the pink-ball Test," said Rohit at the post-match press conference. The 2011 World Cup winner retired with a tally of 537 Test wickets in 106 matches while also scoring 3503 runs. He scored six hundreds in the format and was India’s most reliable all-rounder for over a decade. In the ODI format, Ashwin represented India in 116 matches and scalped 156 wickets while in the T20Is he has 72 wickets in 65 matches. ALSO READ | Mitchell Santner takes over as new white-ball captain of New Zealand He goes down as one of the legends of Indian cricket and at the time of retirement is the second most successful Test bowler for the nation. Only Anil Kumble with 619 scalped more wickets than Ashwin in the red-ball format. Overall, he is the seventh most successful bowler in Test format, underlining his name as one of the best in the world. As things stand, Ashwin will return to India on Thursday (Dec 19), leaving big shoes to fill in the side. His presence in the Indian team during the home series will be felt as the majority of his success came on home turf. He scalped 383 wickets on home turf making him one of the successful bowlers in the sub-continent conditions.

<p><span class="region">New Delhi, India </span>
<p>Indian captain Rohit Sharma is struggling for runs in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 edition in Australia. After missing the series opener, in Perth, Rohit walked into the playing XI but hasn't managed to create any impact with the bat, demoting himself to No. 6 (owing to KL Rahul's success as an opener). He has had scores of 3, 6 and 10 and, hence, fingers are being pointed at him. Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara decoded Hitman's failures and feels with him not opening the innings, it has caused the lean patch.</p></p>
<p>Speaking on Rohit's dismissal (10) on Day 4 of the rain-marred Gabba Test, in Brisbane, on Tuesday (Dec 17), Pujara said on Star Sports, "It wasn't a length where you can drive. We have seen that even a fuller-length ball, it's hard to drive. He, kind of tried to punch that ball. He should have defended that ball, and allowed the ball to come to him rather than going for that ball. And I think the tough part is he hasn't been, amongst runs, and, that's where the pressure is."</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/gabba-test-indian-batters-falter-as-australia-in-drivers-seat-despite-rain-playing-havoc-on-day-3-784332">BGT, Gabba Test: Indian batters falter again, Australia in driver's seat despite rain playing havoc on Day 3</a></strong></p>
<h2>'Doesn't help you when you're opening innings and suddenly start batting at No. 6'</h2>
<p>Pujara added, "He has been opening the innings (since 2019), now he's batting at number 6. That is for the team, but I still feel that when you are so much used to opening the innings and when you have to wait, then you put yourself in that doubt. I mean, it doesn't help you when you're opening innings and you suddenly start batting at number 6. So that you don't get that momentum either."</p>
<p>At present, the Rohit-led Indian team has negated the follow-on threat on Day 4 of the Gabba Test in Brisbane after Australia posted 445. At stumps on the fourth day, India are 252-9, trailing by 193 runs.</p>
<p>The five-match Test series is currently tied at 1-1. Captain Rohit will be desperate to make a strong mark with the bat in the remainder of the series.</p>


Gabba Test: Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara feels Rohit Sharma not opening the innings is a major reason behind his poor form in the ongoing BGT 2024/25 edition.



New Delhi, India Indian captain Rohit Sharma is struggling for runs in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 edition in Australia. After missing the series opener, in Perth, Rohit walked into the playing XI but hasn't managed to create any impact with the bat, demoting himself to No. 6 (owing to KL Rahul's success as an opener). He has had scores of 3, 6 and 10 and, hence, fingers are being pointed at him. Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara decoded Hitman's failures and feels with him not opening the innings, it has caused the lean patch. Speaking on Rohit's dismissal (10) on Day 4 of the rain-marred Gabba Test, in Brisbane, on Tuesday (Dec 17), Pujara said on Star Sports, "It wasn't a length where you can drive. We have seen that even a fuller-length ball, it's hard to drive. He, kind of tried to punch that ball. He should have defended that ball, and allowed the ball to come to him rather than going for that ball. And I think the tough part is he hasn't been, amongst runs, and, that's where the pressure is." Also read: BGT, Gabba Test: Indian batters falter again, Australia in driver's seat despite rain playing havoc on Day 3 'Doesn't help you when you're opening innings and suddenly start batting at No. 6' Pujara added, "He has been opening the innings (since 2019), now he's batting at number 6. That is for the team, but I still feel that when you are so much used to opening the innings and when you have to wait, then you put yourself in that doubt. I mean, it doesn't help you when you're opening innings and you suddenly start batting at number 6. So that you don't get that momentum either." At present, the Rohit-led Indian team has negated the follow-on threat on Day 4 of the Gabba Test in Brisbane after Australia posted 445. At stumps on the fourth day, India are 252-9, trailing by 193 runs. The five-match Test series is currently tied at 1-1. Captain Rohit will be desperate to make a strong mark with the bat in the remainder of the series.

Gabba Test: 'Rohit not opening, major reason behind his poor form,' Pujara decodes Hitman's failures in BGT

<p>Rohit Sharma looks clueless about his batting, captaincy and Test future. On day two of the third BGT Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, his tactics and field changes raised eyebrows in the commentary box and on the internet, with the fans and former cricketers coming hard on the Indian skipper. Ex-Aussie batter Simon Katich even called his captaincy ‘dumb’.</p>

<p>Just after lunch on day two, Siraj and Bumrah tried the short-ball tactic against Head, knowing his knack for falling prey to it. Though Rohit did have a third man in the position for one of Siraj's overs, he removed it in his next after Siraj failed to bowl him to the plan. That move, however, gave Head the leverage to play an overhead shot for a boundary, only for Katich to bash Rohit for his mediocre tactics.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-gabba-test-travis-head-rocks-india-with-another-hundred-after-pace-duo-escaped-injury-scare-784084">BGT, Gabba Test: Travis Head rocks India with another hundred after pace duo escaped injury scare</a></strong></p>

<p>“He had a fielder for that shot &amp; then he moved them to 2 leg-side fielders. Now, with that boundary, Rohit has moved the fielder over there again.&nbsp;The horse has just bolted,” Katich said of Rohit’s field change during Siraj’s over after lunch.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here –</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"That is dumb. Dumb cricket!"<br />
<br />
Simon Katich didn't miss Siraj and India for this delivery that Travis Head ramped to the boundary...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/tvGRG2CfIK">pic.twitter.com/tvGRG2CfIK</a></p>
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/7Cricket/status/1868148658417365050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Head hits hundred at Gabba</h2>

<p>Travis Head has been a thorn in Team India’s flesh for over a year. Since costing them the WTC Final 2025 with a stunning hundred, Head broke a billion hearts with a decisive and match-winning 137 against the hosts in the 2023 ODI World Cup Final. Though his magnificent 89 against Rohit’s team in this year’s T20 World Cup in the Americas went in vain, his one in the second Test in Adelaide in the ongoing BGT didn’t.</p>

<p>Thanks to his 140 in the Pink-Ball Test, Australia won the second game, levelling the five-match series 1-1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, coming to the Gabba, Head slammed another one, his second of the series and ninth overall in Tests, to put Australia on the front foot.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">HE'S DONE IT AGAIN!<br />
<br />
Travis Head brings up another hundred ⭐️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayOfTheDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayOfTheDay</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/10yBuL883X">pic.twitter.com/10yBuL883X</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1868159132416483776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rohit’s lack of application as a captain seemed to cost India in Brisbane, as the partnership for the fourth wicket crossed 200 between Smith and Head.</p>

<p>Here is how social media reacted to Rohit’s captaincy in the Gabba Test -</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If you are still defending Rohit Sharma's clueless &amp; defensive captaincy, then you are just making a fool out of yourself. He's just not meant for this job, he needs to accept it and resign immediately after this test irrespective of the outcome of this match</p>
— Pallavi (@Pallavi_paul21) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pallavi_paul21/status/1868152509941837847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rohit Sharma is just shameless to not give up the captaincy. Can’t score runs. Can’t set fields. Can’t put pressure. Lost 3 Tests at home. Losing here too.</p>
— Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/GabbbarSingh/status/1868160435255730535?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">*Rohit Sharma trying to have a good day*<br />
<br />
Travis Head everytime: <a href="https://t.co/KQGz5RfNGM">pic.twitter.com/KQGz5RfNGM</a></p>
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) <a href="https://twitter.com/sagarcasm/status/1868157690238947381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After this ultra-defensive, no-plans, and putting everything on the bowlers in the BGT series, I find it difficult to envision Rohit Sharma continuing as the Test captain. &amp; I know I’ll get flak for this. <a href="https://t.co/0bOSP5ZkIS">pic.twitter.com/0bOSP5ZkIS</a></p>
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vipintiwari952/status/1868151893270339980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Don't even feel like tweeting the same thing over and over again. Rohit sharma's defensive tactics have ruined the test cricket for me. I think it's time to take a break till he captains.</p>
— Archer (@poserarcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/poserarcher/status/1868165229873659915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rohit Sharma is on the verge of losing 5th consecutive tests. We need to start a serious discussion on his captaincy now and also sack Gambhir for the betterment of indian cricket.</p>
— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) <a href="https://twitter.com/div_yumm/status/1868156859321844049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hey Travis,all your last 3 Innings at Gabba ended in a Duck. You must be feeling the pressure.<br />
<br />
Head- Pressure? What Pressure? The Captain of the bowling team is Rohit Sharma 💀 <a href="https://t.co/EtuLtiVlzk">pic.twitter.com/EtuLtiVlzk</a></p>
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) <a href="https://twitter.com/academy_dinda/status/1868145311560167472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Rohit Sharma looks clueless about his batting, captaincy and Test future. On day two of the third BGT Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, his tactics and field changes raised eyebrows in the commentary box and on the internet, with the fans and former cricketers coming hard on the Indian skipper.

Rohit Sharma looks clueless about his batting, captaincy and Test future. On day two of the third BGT Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, his tactics and field changes raised eyebrows in the commentary box and on the internet, with the fans and former cricketers coming hard on the Indian skipper. Ex-Aussie batter Simon Katich even called his captaincy ‘dumb’. Just after lunch on day two, Siraj and Bumrah tried the short-ball tactic against Head, knowing his knack for falling prey to it. Though Rohit did have a third man in the position for one of Siraj's overs, he removed it in his next after Siraj failed to bowl him to the plan. That move, however, gave Head the leverage to play an overhead shot for a boundary, only for Katich to bash Rohit for his mediocre tactics. ALSO READ: BGT, Gabba Test: Travis Head rocks India with another hundred after pace duo escaped injury scare “He had a fielder for that shot & then he moved them to 2 leg-side fielders. Now, with that boundary, Rohit has moved the fielder over there again. The horse has just bolted,” Katich said of Rohit’s field change during Siraj’s over after lunch. Watch the video here – "That is dumb. Dumb cricket!" Simon Katich didn't miss Siraj and India for this delivery that Travis Head ramped to the boundary...#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/tvGRG2CfIK — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 15, 2024 × Head hits hundred at Gabba Travis Head has been a thorn in Team India’s flesh for over a year. Since costing them the WTC Final 2025 with a stunning hundred, Head broke a billion hearts with a decisive and match-winning 137 against the hosts in the 2023 ODI World Cup Final. Though his magnificent 89 against Rohit’s team in this year’s T20 World Cup in the Americas went in vain, his one in the second Test in Adelaide in the ongoing BGT didn’t. Thanks to his 140 in the Pink-Ball Test, Australia won the second game, levelling the five-match series 1-1. Meanwhile, coming to the Gabba, Head slammed another one, his second of the series and ninth overall in Tests, to put Australia on the front foot. HE'S DONE IT AGAIN! Travis Head brings up another hundred ⭐️#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/10yBuL883X — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 15, 2024 × Rohit’s lack of application as a captain seemed to cost India in Brisbane, as the partnership for the fourth wicket crossed 200 between Smith and Head. Here is how social media reacted to Rohit’s captaincy in the Gabba Test - If you are still defending Rohit Sharma's clueless & defensive captaincy, then you are just making a fool out of yourself. He's just not meant for this job, he needs to accept it and resign immediately after this test irrespective of the outcome of this match — Pallavi (@Pallavi_paul21) December 15, 2024 × Rohit Sharma is just shameless to not give up the captaincy. Can’t score runs. Can’t set fields. Can’t put pressure. Lost 3 Tests at home. Losing here too. — Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) December 15, 2024 × *Rohit Sharma trying to have a good day* Travis Head everytime: pic.twitter.com/KQGz5RfNGM — Sagar (@sagarcasm) December 15, 2024 × After this ultra-defensive, no-plans, and putting everything on the bowlers in the BGT series, I find it difficult to envision Rohit Sharma continuing as the Test captain. & I know I’ll get flak for this. pic.twitter.com/0bOSP5ZkIS — Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) December 15, 2024 × Don't even feel like tweeting the same thing over and over again. Rohit sharma's defensive tactics have ruined the test cricket for me. I think it's time to take a break till he captains. — Archer (@poserarcher) December 15, 2024 × Rohit Sharma is on the verge of losing 5th consecutive tests. We need to start a serious discussion on his captaincy now and also sack Gambhir for the betterment of indian cricket. — Div🦁 (@div_yumm) December 15, 2024 × Hey Travis,all your last 3 Innings at Gabba ended in a Duck. You must be feeling the pressure. Head- Pressure? What Pressure? The Captain of the bowling team is Rohit Sharma 💀 pic.twitter.com/EtuLtiVlzk — Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) December 15, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: ‘Dumb cricket’- Simon Katich tears into Rohit Sharma’s clueless captaincy as Head hits hundred at Gabba

<p>Indian captain Rohit Sharma is struggling for runs in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 edition in Australia. After missing the series opener, in Perth, Rohit walked into the playing XI but hasn't managed to create any impact with the bat, demoting himself to No. 6 (owing to KL Rahul's success as an opener). He has had scores of 3, 6 and 10 and, hence, fingers are being pointed at him. Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara decoded Hitman's failures and feels with him not opening the innings, it has caused the lean patch.</p>

<p>Speaking on Rohit's dismissal (10) on Day 4 of the rain-marred Gabba Test, in Brisbane, on Tuesday (Dec 17), Pujara said on Star Sports, "It wasn't a length where you can drive. We have seen that even a fuller-length ball, it's hard to drive. He, kind of tried to punch that ball. He should have defended that ball, and allowed the ball to come to him rather than going for that ball. And I think the tough part is he hasn't been, amongst runs, and, that's where the pressure is."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/gabba-test-indian-batters-falter-as-australia-in-drivers-seat-despite-rain-playing-havoc-on-day-3-784332">BGT, Gabba Test: Indian batters falter again, Australia in driver's seat despite rain playing havoc on Day 3</a></strong></p>

<h2>'Doesn't help you when you're opening innings and suddenly start batting at No. 6'</h2>

<p>Pujara added, "He has been opening the innings (since 2019), now he's batting at number 6. That is for the team, but I still feel that when you are so much used to opening the innings and when you have to wait, then you put yourself in that doubt. I mean, it doesn't help you when you're opening innings and you suddenly start batting at number 6. So that you don't get that momentum either."</p>

<p>At present, the Rohit-led Indian team has negated the follow-on threat on Day 4 of the Gabba Test in Brisbane after Australia posted 445. At stumps on the fourth day, India are 252-9, trailing by 193 runs.</p>

<p>The five-match Test series is currently tied at 1-1. Captain Rohit will be desperate to make a strong mark with the bat in the remainder of the series.</p>


Indian captain Rohit Sharma is struggling for runs in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 edition in Australia. After missing the series opener, in Perth, Rohit walked into the playing XI but hasn't managed to create any impact with the bat, demoting himself to No.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is struggling for runs in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 edition in Australia. After missing the series opener, in Perth, Rohit walked into the playing XI but hasn't managed to create any impact with the bat, demoting himself to No. 6 (owing to KL Rahul's success as an opener). He has had scores of 3, 6 and 10 and, hence, fingers are being pointed at him. Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara decoded Hitman's failures and feels with him not opening the innings, it has caused the lean patch. Speaking on Rohit's dismissal (10) on Day 4 of the rain-marred Gabba Test, in Brisbane, on Tuesday (Dec 17), Pujara said on Star Sports, "It wasn't a length where you can drive. We have seen that even a fuller-length ball, it's hard to drive. He, kind of tried to punch that ball. He should have defended that ball, and allowed the ball to come to him rather than going for that ball. And I think the tough part is he hasn't been, amongst runs, and, that's where the pressure is." Also read: BGT, Gabba Test: Indian batters falter again, Australia in driver's seat despite rain playing havoc on Day 3 'Doesn't help you when you're opening innings and suddenly start batting at No. 6' Pujara added, "He has been opening the innings (since 2019), now he's batting at number 6. That is for the team, but I still feel that when you are so much used to opening the innings and when you have to wait, then you put yourself in that doubt. I mean, it doesn't help you when you're opening innings and you suddenly start batting at number 6. So that you don't get that momentum either." At present, the Rohit-led Indian team has negated the follow-on threat on Day 4 of the Gabba Test in Brisbane after Australia posted 445. At stumps on the fourth day, India are 252-9, trailing by 193 runs. The five-match Test series is currently tied at 1-1. Captain Rohit will be desperate to make a strong mark with the bat in the remainder of the series.

<p><span class="region">Gabba, Brisbane</span>
<p>Rohit Sharma looks clueless about his batting, captaincy and Test future. On day two of the third BGT Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, his tactics and field changes raised eyebrows in the commentary box and on the internet, with the fans and former cricketers coming hard on the Indian skipper. Ex-Aussie batter Simon Katich even called his captaincy ‘dumb’.</p></p>
<p>Just after lunch on day two, Siraj and Bumrah tried the short-ball tactic against Head, knowing his knack for falling prey to it. Though Rohit did have a third man in the position for one of Siraj's overs, he removed it in his next after Siraj failed to bowl him to the plan. That move, however, gave Head the leverage to play an overhead shot for a boundary, only for Katich to bash Rohit for his mediocre tactics.</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-gabba-test-travis-head-rocks-india-with-another-hundred-after-pace-duo-escaped-injury-scare-784084">BGT, Gabba Test: Travis Head rocks India with another hundred after pace duo escaped injury scare</a></strong></p>
<p>“He had a fielder for that shot &amp; then he moved them to 2 leg-side fielders. Now, with that boundary, Rohit has moved the fielder over there again. The horse has just bolted,” Katich said of Rohit’s field change during Siraj’s over after lunch.</p>
<p><strong>Watch the video here –</strong></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"That is dumb. Dumb cricket!"</p>
<p>Simon Katich didn't miss Siraj and India for this delivery that Travis Head ramped to the boundary...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/tvGRG2CfIK">pic.twitter.com/tvGRG2CfIK</a></p>
<p>— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/7Cricket/status/1868148658417365050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<h2>Head hits hundred at Gabba</h2>
<p>Travis Head has been a thorn in Team India’s flesh for over a year. Since costing them the WTC Final 2025 with a stunning hundred, Head broke a billion hearts with a decisive and match-winning 137 against the hosts in the 2023 ODI World Cup Final. Though his magnificent 89 against Rohit’s team in this year’s T20 World Cup in the Americas went in vain, his one in the second Test in Adelaide in the ongoing BGT didn’t.</p>
<p>Thanks to his 140 in the Pink-Ball Test, Australia won the second game, levelling the five-match series 1-1. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, coming to the Gabba, Head slammed another one, his second of the series and ninth overall in Tests, to put Australia on the front foot. </p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">HE'S DONE IT AGAIN!</p>
<p>Travis Head brings up another hundred ⭐️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayOfTheDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayOfTheDay</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/10yBuL883X">pic.twitter.com/10yBuL883X</a></p>
<p>— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1868159132416483776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Rohit’s lack of application as a captain seemed to cost India in Brisbane, as the partnership for the fourth wicket crossed 200 between Smith and Head.</p>
<p>Here is how social media reacted to Rohit’s captaincy in the Gabba Test -</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If you are still defending Rohit Sharma's clueless &amp; defensive captaincy, then you are just making a fool out of yourself. He's just not meant for this job, he needs to accept it and resign immediately after this test irrespective of the outcome of this match</p>
<p>— Pallavi (@Pallavi_paul21) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pallavi_paul21/status/1868152509941837847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rohit Sharma is just shameless to not give up the captaincy. Can’t score runs. Can’t set fields. Can’t put pressure. Lost 3 Tests at home. Losing here too.</p>
<p>— Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/GabbbarSingh/status/1868160435255730535?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">*Rohit Sharma trying to have a good day*</p>
<p>Travis Head everytime: <a href="https://t.co/KQGz5RfNGM">pic.twitter.com/KQGz5RfNGM</a></p>
<p>— Sagar (@sagarcasm) <a href="https://twitter.com/sagarcasm/status/1868157690238947381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After this ultra-defensive, no-plans, and putting everything on the bowlers in the BGT series, I find it difficult to envision Rohit Sharma continuing as the Test captain. &amp; I know I’ll get flak for this. <a href="https://t.co/0bOSP5ZkIS">pic.twitter.com/0bOSP5ZkIS</a></p>
<p>— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vipintiwari952/status/1868151893270339980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Don't even feel like tweeting the same thing over and over again. Rohit sharma's defensive tactics have ruined the test cricket for me. I think it's time to take a break till he captains.</p>
<p>— Archer (@poserarcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/poserarcher/status/1868165229873659915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rohit Sharma is on the verge of losing 5th consecutive tests. We need to start a serious discussion on his captaincy now and also sack Gambhir for the betterment of indian cricket.</p>
<p>— Div? (@div_yumm) <a href="https://twitter.com/div_yumm/status/1868156859321844049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hey Travis,all your last 3 Innings at Gabba ended in a Duck. You must be feeling the pressure.</p>
<p>Head- Pressure? What Pressure? The Captain of the bowling team is Rohit Sharma ? <a href="https://t.co/EtuLtiVlzk">pic.twitter.com/EtuLtiVlzk</a></p>
<p>— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) <a href="https://twitter.com/academy_dinda/status/1868145311560167472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On day two of the third BGT Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, his tactics and field changes raised eyebrows in the commentary box and on the internet, with the fans and former cricketers coming hard on the Indian skipper.



Gabba, Brisbane Rohit Sharma looks clueless about his batting, captaincy and Test future. On day two of the third BGT Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, his tactics and field changes raised eyebrows in the commentary box and on the internet, with the fans and former cricketers coming hard on the Indian skipper. Ex-Aussie batter Simon Katich even called his captaincy ‘dumb’. Just after lunch on day two, Siraj and Bumrah tried the short-ball tactic against Head, knowing his knack for falling prey to it. Though Rohit did have a third man in the position for one of Siraj's overs, he removed it in his next after Siraj failed to bowl him to the plan. That move, however, gave Head the leverage to play an overhead shot for a boundary, only for Katich to bash Rohit for his mediocre tactics. ALSO READ: BGT, Gabba Test: Travis Head rocks India with another hundred after pace duo escaped injury scare “He had a fielder for that shot & then he moved them to 2 leg-side fielders. Now, with that boundary, Rohit has moved the fielder over there again. The horse has just bolted,” Katich said of Rohit’s field change during Siraj’s over after lunch. Watch the video here – "That is dumb. Dumb cricket!" Simon Katich didn't miss Siraj and India for this delivery that Travis Head ramped to the boundary...#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/tvGRG2CfIK — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 15, 2024 × Head hits hundred at Gabba Travis Head has been a thorn in Team India’s flesh for over a year. Since costing them the WTC Final 2025 with a stunning hundred, Head broke a billion hearts with a decisive and match-winning 137 against the hosts in the 2023 ODI World Cup Final. Though his magnificent 89 against Rohit’s team in this year’s T20 World Cup in the Americas went in vain, his one in the second Test in Adelaide in the ongoing BGT didn’t. Thanks to his 140 in the Pink-Ball Test, Australia won the second game, levelling the five-match series 1-1. Meanwhile, coming to the Gabba, Head slammed another one, his second of the series and ninth overall in Tests, to put Australia on the front foot. HE'S DONE IT AGAIN! Travis Head brings up another hundred ⭐️#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/10yBuL883X — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 15, 2024 × Rohit’s lack of application as a captain seemed to cost India in Brisbane, as the partnership for the fourth wicket crossed 200 between Smith and Head. Here is how social media reacted to Rohit’s captaincy in the Gabba Test - If you are still defending Rohit Sharma's clueless & defensive captaincy, then you are just making a fool out of yourself. He's just not meant for this job, he needs to accept it and resign immediately after this test irrespective of the outcome of this match — Pallavi (@Pallavi_paul21) December 15, 2024 × Rohit Sharma is just shameless to not give up the captaincy. Can’t score runs. Can’t set fields. Can’t put pressure. Lost 3 Tests at home. Losing here too. — Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) December 15, 2024 × *Rohit Sharma trying to have a good day* Travis Head everytime: pic.twitter.com/KQGz5RfNGM — Sagar (@sagarcasm) December 15, 2024 × After this ultra-defensive, no-plans, and putting everything on the bowlers in the BGT series, I find it difficult to envision Rohit Sharma continuing as the Test captain. & I know I’ll get flak for this. pic.twitter.com/0bOSP5ZkIS — Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) December 15, 2024 × Don't even feel like tweeting the same thing over and over again. Rohit sharma's defensive tactics have ruined the test cricket for me. I think it's time to take a break till he captains. — Archer (@poserarcher) December 15, 2024 × Rohit Sharma is on the verge of losing 5th consecutive tests. We need to start a serious discussion on his captaincy now and also sack Gambhir for the betterment of indian cricket. — Div? (@div_yumm) December 15, 2024 × Hey Travis,all your last 3 Innings at Gabba ended in a Duck. You must be feeling the pressure. Head- Pressure? What Pressure? The Captain of the bowling team is Rohit Sharma ? pic.twitter.com/EtuLtiVlzk — Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) December 15, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: ‘Dumb cricket’ Simon Katich tears into Rohit Sharma’s clueless captaincy as Head hits hundred at Gabba

<p>Team India has locked in their openers for the third Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane starting December 14, while the skipper Rohit Sharma’s batting position has also been sealed, per the latest reports. After India drew first blood in this marquee five-match series with the win in Perth by 295 runs, they suffered an embarrassing 10-wicket loss in the second Test under the lights in Adelaide.</p>

<p>Following defeat&nbsp;in the Pink-Ball Test, several pundits and ex-cricketers shared contrasting views on India's batting order and failure. India conceded the lead within three days at the Adelaide Oval. With the scores level heading into Brisbane, reports of the team management locking KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers are doing rounds.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-gabba-test-bcci-needs-robust-selectors-to-take-tough-calls-greg-chappell-on-kohli-rohits-test-future-783378">BGT, Gabba Test - BCCI needs robust selectors to take tough calls: Greg Chappell on Kohli, Rohit’s Test future</a></strong></p>

<p>This left-right combination did wonders for India in the series opener in Perth in Rohit Sharma’s absence, who missed the first Test due to personal reasons. Though both suffered Down Under blues in the first innings, they stitched a 202-run stand for the opening partnership, with Jaiswal completing his maiden Test hundred in Australia, hitting a superb 161.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the next game, both failed to replicate their Perth heroics, with Rohit failing miserably across both innings in his return game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, per the first practice session in Brisbane on Thursday (Dec 12), both openers hit the nets first before Rohit walked in earlier than the last time, replacing Rahul. KL returned for another batting session later. Considering India is unlikely to change their playing XI for the third time, barring injury concerns (if any), the batting order might look the same.</p>

<h2>Kohli, Bumrah take charge</h2>

<p>Another highlight of Team India’s first training session in Brisbane was Virat Kohli’s animated pep talk before the proceedings began. He assembled everyone and pumped them up before hitting the nets for an extended session. Virat also kept talking with batting coach Ryan ten Doeschate about working on the rising deliveries that troubled him twice in two matches.</p>

<p>On the other hand, pace leader Jasprit Bumrah led the charge, sharing inputs with newcomer Nitish Kumar Reddy on navigating his weight in the right direction, extracting more pace out of it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mohammed Siraj, who made headlines for his send-off to Travis Head during the Adelaide Test, also spent time with Team India’s video analyst Hari and bowling coach Morne Morkel, working on his release point to get more swing.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Team India has locked in their openers for the third Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane starting December 14, while the skipper Rohit Sharma’s batting position has also been sealed, per the latest reports.

Team India has locked in their openers for the third Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane starting December 14, while the skipper Rohit Sharma’s batting position has also been sealed, per the latest reports. After India drew first blood in this marquee five-match series with the win in Perth by 295 runs, they suffered an embarrassing 10-wicket loss in the second Test under the lights in Adelaide. Following defeat in the Pink-Ball Test, several pundits and ex-cricketers shared contrasting views on India's batting order and failure. India conceded the lead within three days at the Adelaide Oval. With the scores level heading into Brisbane, reports of the team management locking KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers are doing rounds. ALSO READ: BGT, Gabba Test - BCCI needs robust selectors to take tough calls: Greg Chappell on Kohli, Rohit’s Test future This left-right combination did wonders for India in the series opener in Perth in Rohit Sharma’s absence, who missed the first Test due to personal reasons. Though both suffered Down Under blues in the first innings, they stitched a 202-run stand for the opening partnership, with Jaiswal completing his maiden Test hundred in Australia, hitting a superb 161. In the next game, both failed to replicate their Perth heroics, with Rohit failing miserably across both innings in his return game. However, per the first practice session in Brisbane on Thursday (Dec 12), both openers hit the nets first before Rohit walked in earlier than the last time, replacing Rahul. KL returned for another batting session later. Considering India is unlikely to change their playing XI for the third time, barring injury concerns (if any), the batting order might look the same. Kohli, Bumrah take charge Another highlight of Team India’s first training session in Brisbane was Virat Kohli’s animated pep talk before the proceedings began. He assembled everyone and pumped them up before hitting the nets for an extended session. Virat also kept talking with batting coach Ryan ten Doeschate about working on the rising deliveries that troubled him twice in two matches. On the other hand, pace leader Jasprit Bumrah led the charge, sharing inputs with newcomer Nitish Kumar Reddy on navigating his weight in the right direction, extracting more pace out of it. Mohammed Siraj, who made headlines for his send-off to Travis Head during the Adelaide Test, also spent time with Team India’s video analyst Hari and bowling coach Morne Morkel, working on his release point to get more swing. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: India lock openers for Gabba Test, Rohit Sharma to continue batting at 6 – Report

<p>After India suffered an embarrassing 10-wicket defeat against Australia in the second BGT Test in Adelaide, several former players and pundits came down hard on the visiting camp, mainly veteran duo of Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma, for their poor outing in the Pink-Ball Test. While Kohli got out chasing the fifth stump line in the second innings, Rohit never looked in his element across both, playing at number six in his return game.</p>

<p>The Indian captain missed the series opener in Perth for personal reasons and linked up with the BGT-bound squad midway through the first Test. Though he played the warm-up match against Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, getting out cheaply, his demotion in the batting order to adjust KL Rahul at the top, who did wonders at the Optus Stadium, hurt Rohit and India massively in Adelaide.</p>

<p>As the star players failed to deliver under the lights, India conceded the 1-0 lead, with the scores tied heading into the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane starting December 14.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/icc-chairman-jay-shah-arrives-in-brisbane-to-attend-the-2032-olympics-meet-783369">ICC chairman Jay Shah arrives in Brisbane to attend the 2032 Olympics meet</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, former India coach and Australia great Greg Chapell expressed his views on the Test future of these two stalwarts. Backing them to continue playing for as long as they wish, adding they deserve to take a call on their future whenever they want, Chappell argued if Virat and Rohit’s form is hurting India, the Indian Board must have robust selectors to take tougher calls for the betterment of their cricket.</p>

<p>“You know yourself whether you’re at your peak or not. But they obviously love playing the game. They want to play it as long as they can, and they have every reason, every right to want to go as long as they can. That’s why you need good, robust selection policies and selection panels to make those tough decisions,” Chappell said, as quoted by the Hindustan Times. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“It’s not up to the players necessarily to make those decisions. They might want to make that decision. But it’s a well-paid job. Who’s going to walk away from it? Someone else has to make that decision. That’s why you need robust selection panels and policies,” he continued.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>‘Tough to take those calls’</h2>

<p>Pressing on how important it is for the selectors, the players and the board to be on the same page, with a mutual interest being the improvement and winning series and titles for the team, Chappell said it’s never easy to chat with ‘Big Boys’ of any team about their futures.</p>

<p>“It’s very tough. You’ve got to pick the right people to be selectors, the ones that are prepared to have those tough conversations. They can be. Depends on the relationships between the various people in the room. But we all go through it, everyone that plays at that level.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“You’ll have your ups and downs as a player. With good players, you prefer to give them a game too many than a game too few. So, it’s always tough to get that balance right.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Everyone goes through it; every team goes through it. No cricket team is ever a finished article. You’re always looking at ways that you might improve it. So, you’re constantly bringing players in, bringing players out. But when you get the superstars, you want them to go as long as they possibly can. So, occasionally you might let them go a bit too long,” Chappell noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After India suffered an embarrassing 10-wicket defeat against Australia in the second BGT Test in Adelaide, several former players and pundits came down hard on the visiting camp, mainly veteran duo of Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma, for their poor outing in the Pink-Ball Test.

After India suffered an embarrassing 10-wicket defeat against Australia in the second BGT Test in Adelaide, several former players and pundits came down hard on the visiting camp, mainly veteran duo of Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma, for their poor outing in the Pink-Ball Test. While Kohli got out chasing the fifth stump line in the second innings, Rohit never looked in his element across both, playing at number six in his return game. The Indian captain missed the series opener in Perth for personal reasons and linked up with the BGT-bound squad midway through the first Test. Though he played the warm-up match against Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, getting out cheaply, his demotion in the batting order to adjust KL Rahul at the top, who did wonders at the Optus Stadium, hurt Rohit and India massively in Adelaide. As the star players failed to deliver under the lights, India conceded the 1-0 lead, with the scores tied heading into the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane starting December 14. ALSO READ: ICC chairman Jay Shah arrives in Brisbane to attend the 2032 Olympics meet Meanwhile, former India coach and Australia great Greg Chapell expressed his views on the Test future of these two stalwarts. Backing them to continue playing for as long as they wish, adding they deserve to take a call on their future whenever they want, Chappell argued if Virat and Rohit’s form is hurting India, the Indian Board must have robust selectors to take tougher calls for the betterment of their cricket. “You know yourself whether you’re at your peak or not. But they obviously love playing the game. They want to play it as long as they can, and they have every reason, every right to want to go as long as they can. That’s why you need good, robust selection policies and selection panels to make those tough decisions,” Chappell said, as quoted by the Hindustan Times. “It’s not up to the players necessarily to make those decisions. They might want to make that decision. But it’s a well-paid job. Who’s going to walk away from it? Someone else has to make that decision. That’s why you need robust selection panels and policies,” he continued. ‘Tough to take those calls’ Pressing on how important it is for the selectors, the players and the board to be on the same page, with a mutual interest being the improvement and winning series and titles for the team, Chappell said it’s never easy to chat with ‘Big Boys’ of any team about their futures. “It’s very tough. You’ve got to pick the right people to be selectors, the ones that are prepared to have those tough conversations. They can be. Depends on the relationships between the various people in the room. But we all go through it, everyone that plays at that level. “You’ll have your ups and downs as a player. With good players, you prefer to give them a game too many than a game too few. So, it’s always tough to get that balance right. “Everyone goes through it; every team goes through it. No cricket team is ever a finished article. You’re always looking at ways that you might improve it. So, you’re constantly bringing players in, bringing players out. But when you get the superstars, you want them to go as long as they possibly can. So, occasionally you might let them go a bit too long,” Chappell noted. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT, Gabba Test - BCCI needs robust selectors to take tough calls: Greg Chappell on Kohli, Rohit’s Test future

<p>India lost the second Test, in Adelaide, to Australia by ten wickets as the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) is now levelled at 1-1. While India looked clueless in the pink-ball contest, despite a big win in the series opener in Perth, captain Rohit Sharma made heads turn with his decision-making. He was blamed for being defensive as it allowed Australia to take a&nbsp;sizeable 157-run lead, after India bundled out for 180, whereas his decision to bat at No. 6 surprised many. The opener demoted himself down the order to not disturb the opening pair of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who flourished in Perth.</p>

<p>However, the move didn't pay dividends as Rohit and the opening pair failed. Many former cricketers believe Hitman should go back to opening the innings, which he has been doing since late 2019, however, veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara explained why Rohit batting down the order is ideal.</p>

<p>In the build-up to the third Test, in Brisbane, Pujara told ESPNCricinfo, "He has not scored a lot of runs against New Zealand and did not start well in Australia, so there is a bit of pressure on him to perform. But someone like him who knows his game will have to be more positive and work a bit more on his footwork. If he has a slightly bigger stride, it will help him.&nbsp;The stump line has been troubling him a lot. He has been getting out bowled and LBW, which is a bit of a concern for him. That's the line he will have to work on in the nets because in the balls outside off stump, he is looking more comfortable. I think he should continue to bat at No. 6."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-do-not-hold-back-one-bit-shastri-shares-advice-for-md-siraj-after-heated-exchange-with-travis-head-782966">BGT: 'Do not hold back one bit,' Shastri shares advice for Md Siraj after heated exchange with Travis Head</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>'I think he should continue to bat at No.6. We are looking at India's future'</strong></h2>

<p>Pujara added, "We are looking at India's future, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. They batted really well in the 1st Test match, Shubman also is likely to bat at No.3. We should think about the long term and that's why I think that Rohit should continue to bat at No. 6."</p>

<p>Rahul and Jaiswal recorded the highest opening stand for India in Tests in Australia (201) during the Perth Test. Hence, they are likely to continue as openers for the remainder of the series. However, it will be interesting to see if Rohit regains form at No. 6, where he batted for a long time before cementing his spot as an opener since Sep 2019.</p>


India lost the second Test, in Adelaide, to Australia by ten wickets as the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) is now levelled at 1-1. While India looked clueless in the pink-ball contest, despite a big win in the series opener in Perth, captain Rohit Sharma made heads turn with his decision-making.

India lost the second Test, in Adelaide, to Australia by ten wickets as the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) is now levelled at 1-1. While India looked clueless in the pink-ball contest, despite a big win in the series opener in Perth, captain Rohit Sharma made heads turn with his decision-making. He was blamed for being defensive as it allowed Australia to take a sizeable 157-run lead, after India bundled out for 180, whereas his decision to bat at No. 6 surprised many. The opener demoted himself down the order to not disturb the opening pair of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who flourished in Perth. However, the move didn't pay dividends as Rohit and the opening pair failed. Many former cricketers believe Hitman should go back to opening the innings, which he has been doing since late 2019, however, veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara explained why Rohit batting down the order is ideal. In the build-up to the third Test, in Brisbane, Pujara told ESPNCricinfo, "He has not scored a lot of runs against New Zealand and did not start well in Australia, so there is a bit of pressure on him to perform. But someone like him who knows his game will have to be more positive and work a bit more on his footwork. If he has a slightly bigger stride, it will help him. The stump line has been troubling him a lot. He has been getting out bowled and LBW, which is a bit of a concern for him. That's the line he will have to work on in the nets because in the balls outside off stump, he is looking more comfortable. I think he should continue to bat at No. 6." Also read: BGT: 'Do not hold back one bit,' Shastri shares advice for Md Siraj after heated exchange with Travis Head 'I think he should continue to bat at No.6. We are looking at India's future' Pujara added, "We are looking at India's future, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. They batted really well in the 1st Test match, Shubman also is likely to bat at No.3. We should think about the long term and that's why I think that Rohit should continue to bat at No. 6." Rahul and Jaiswal recorded the highest opening stand for India in Tests in Australia (201) during the Perth Test. Hence, they are likely to continue as openers for the remainder of the series. However, it will be interesting to see if Rohit regains form at No. 6, where he batted for a long time before cementing his spot as an opener since Sep 2019.

BGT: Cheteshwar Pujara explains why Rohit Sharma should continue to bat at No. 6 as Brisbane Test nears

<p>England's Harry Brook replaced countryman Joe Root to become the new No. 1 batter in the latest ICC Test Rankings for batters. On the updated list released on Wednesday (Dec 11), Brook was rewarded for his sensational run in his side's ongoing three-match Test series versus New Zealand, in New Zealand. The right-hander has impressed with scores of 171, 123 and 55 to take the numero uno position. Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant are the only two Indian batters in the top ten.</p>

<p><strong>Here is the updated list:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>ICC Test Rankings For Batters</strong></p>

<p>1. Harry Brook - 898 rating points<br />
2. Joe Root - 897 rating points<br />
3. Kane Williamson - 812 rating points<br />
4. Yashasvi Jaiswal - 811 rating points<br />
5. Travis Head - 781 rating points<br />
6. Kamindu Mendis - 759 rating points<br />
7. Temba Bavuma - 753 rating points<br />
8. Darly Mitchell - 729 rating points<br />
9. Rishabh Pant - 724 rating points<br />
10. Saud Shakeel - 724 rating points</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Australia's Travis Head also returned to the top 10 following his match-winning 140-run knock versus India in the recently-held Adelaide Test.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-tour-of-england-2025-ticket-demand-for-second-test-in-edgbaston-sets-new-record-783196">India tour of England 2025: Ticket demand for second Test in Edgbaston sets new record</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Indian batters in Top 35</strong></p>

<p>Yashasvi Jaiswal (No. 4)<br />
Rishabh Pant (No. 9)<br />
Shubman Gill (No. 17)<br />
Virat Kohli (No. 20)<br />
Rohit Sharma (No. 31)</p>

<p>The likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have suffered massive drops following the second Test between India and Australia, at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide. In the second Test, of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), Rohit returned with scores of 3 for 6 to drop five places. Kohli, who scored a ton in the series opener in Perth, flopped in the pink-ball contest and, as a result, suffered a drop of six places.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about the bowlers, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah remains at the top. There is only one change in the top five with R Ashwin being replaced by Australian skipper Pat Cummins at the No. 4 spot. Cummins ended the Adelaide Test with a five-fer in the second innings.</p>

<p><strong>ICC Test Rankings For Bowlers</strong></p>

<p>1. Jasprit Bumrah - 890 rating points<br />
2. Kagiso Rabada - 856 rating points<br />
3. Josh Hazlewood - 851 rating points<br />
4. Pat Cummins - 816 rating points<br />
5. R Ashwin - 797 rating points<br />
6. Ravindra Jadeja - 786 rating points<br />
7. Nathan Lyon - 779 rating points<br />
8. Prabath Jayasuriya - 768 rating points<br />
9. Matt Henry - 764 rating points<br />
10. Noman Ali - 759 rating points</p>


England's Harry Brook replaced countryman Joe Root to become the new No. 1 batter in the latest ICC Test Rankings for batters. On the updated list released on Wednesday (Dec 11), Brook was rewarded for his sensational run in his side's ongoing three-match Test series versus New Zealand, in New Zealand.

England's Harry Brook replaced countryman Joe Root to become the new No. 1 batter in the latest ICC Test Rankings for batters. On the updated list released on Wednesday (Dec 11), Brook was rewarded for his sensational run in his side's ongoing three-match Test series versus New Zealand, in New Zealand. The right-hander has impressed with scores of 171, 123 and 55 to take the numero uno position. Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant are the only two Indian batters in the top ten. Here is the updated list: ICC Test Rankings For Batters 1. Harry Brook - 898 rating points 2. Joe Root - 897 rating points 3. Kane Williamson - 812 rating points 4. Yashasvi Jaiswal - 811 rating points 5. Travis Head - 781 rating points 6. Kamindu Mendis - 759 rating points 7. Temba Bavuma - 753 rating points 8. Darly Mitchell - 729 rating points 9. Rishabh Pant - 724 rating points 10. Saud Shakeel - 724 rating points Meanwhile, Australia's Travis Head also returned to the top 10 following his match-winning 140-run knock versus India in the recently-held Adelaide Test. Also read: India tour of England 2025: Ticket demand for second Test in Edgbaston sets new record Indian batters in Top 35 Yashasvi Jaiswal (No. 4) Rishabh Pant (No. 9) Shubman Gill (No. 17) Virat Kohli (No. 20) Rohit Sharma (No. 31) The likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have suffered massive drops following the second Test between India and Australia, at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide. In the second Test, of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), Rohit returned with scores of 3 for 6 to drop five places. Kohli, who scored a ton in the series opener in Perth, flopped in the pink-ball contest and, as a result, suffered a drop of six places. Talking about the bowlers, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah remains at the top. There is only one change in the top five with R Ashwin being replaced by Australian skipper Pat Cummins at the No. 4 spot. Cummins ended the Adelaide Test with a five-fer in the second innings. ICC Test Rankings For Bowlers 1. Jasprit Bumrah - 890 rating points 2. Kagiso Rabada - 856 rating points 3. Josh Hazlewood - 851 rating points 4. Pat Cummins - 816 rating points 5. R Ashwin - 797 rating points 6. Ravindra Jadeja - 786 rating points 7. Nathan Lyon - 779 rating points 8. Prabath Jayasuriya - 768 rating points 9. Matt Henry - 764 rating points 10. Noman Ali - 759 rating points

ICC Test Rankings: Harry Brook replaces Joe Root to become No. 1, Virat and Rohit suffer massive drops

<p>Images taken by a NASA Mars orbiter indicate that a missing European space probe dispatched to Mars on a trial run had crashed and exploded on the Red Planet on Friday.</p>

<p>Confirming Europe&#39;s second failed attempt to reach the planet, the mission said they lost contact with the Schiaparelli probe 50 seconds before its scheduled touchdown.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tiny disc-shaped lander was part of the Russian-European ExoMars programme to search for evidence of life on the Red Planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The European Space Agency said&nbsp;the image contained a white spot, believed to be the lander&#39;s parachute spread out on the crash site. The black spot is &quot;larger than it would have been if Schiaparelli was in one piece&quot;, flight director Michel Denis told AFP. &quot;It is smashed.&quot;</p>

<p>The ESA said the lander&#39;s speed-breaking retro-rocket boosters appeared to have switched off prematurely. &quot;Estimates are that Schiaparelli dropped from a height of between two and four kilometres, therefore impacting at a considerable speed, greater than 300 kilometres (186 miles) per hour,&quot; it said in a statement. &quot;It is also possible that the lander exploded on impact as its thruster propellant tanks were likely still full.&quot;</p>

<p>The agency insisted the problems encountered by Schiaparelli were part of the trial-run and would inform the rover design. Its mothership Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) had entered Mars&#39; orbit as planned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pair comprised phase one of a project dubbed ExoMars through which Europe and Russia seek to join the United States in operating a successful rover on Mars. It agency said it would also seek additional funding from European governments for ExMars, due to be launched in 2020.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Images taken by a NASA Mars orbiter indicate that a missing European space probe dispatched to Mars on a trial run had crashed and exploded on the Red Planet on Friday.

Images taken by a NASA Mars orbiter indicate that a missing European space probe dispatched to Mars on a trial run had crashed and exploded on the Red Planet on Friday. Confirming Europe's second failed attempt to reach the planet, the mission said they lost contact with the Schiaparelli probe 50 seconds before its scheduled touchdown. The tiny disc-shaped lander was part of the Russian-European ExoMars programme to search for evidence of life on the Red Planet. The European Space Agency said the image contained a white spot, believed to be the lander's parachute spread out on the crash site. The black spot is "larger than it would have been if Schiaparelli was in one piece", flight director Michel Denis told AFP. "It is smashed." The ESA said the lander's speed-breaking retro-rocket boosters appeared to have switched off prematurely. "Estimates are that Schiaparelli dropped from a height of between two and four kilometres, therefore impacting at a considerable speed, greater than 300 kilometres (186 miles) per hour," it said in a statement. "It is also possible that the lander exploded on impact as its thruster propellant tanks were likely still full." The agency insisted the problems encountered by Schiaparelli were part of the trial-run and would inform the rover design. Its mothership Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) had entered Mars' orbit as planned. The pair comprised phase one of a project dubbed ExoMars through which Europe and Russia seek to join the United States in operating a successful rover on Mars. It agency said it would also seek additional funding from European governments for ExMars, due to be launched in 2020. (WION with inputs from agencies)

BGT 2024/25: Harbhajan Singh backs Rohit Sharma at No. 6, suggests two changes for Brisbane Test

<p>Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra blamed Rohit Sharma for India's 10-wicket loss to Australia in the second Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), held at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide. On Day 3 on Sunday (Dec 8), India lost the second Test as Pat Cummins &amp; Co levelled the five-match series 1-1.</p>

<p>Shortly after the loss, Chopra rued Rohit's defensive captaincy, especially for under bowling vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah in a crucial part of the first innings, for the visitors' heavy defeat.</p>

<p>Chopra pointed out Rohit's mistake from Day 2, on Saturday (Dec 7), when he gave only a four-over spell to Bumrah in the morning session, allowing Australia to post 337 in response to India's 180.</p>

<p>"Jasprit Bumrah had bowled a four-over spell and had already picked up a wicket in that. So why did he bowl only four overs, and didn't bowl after that at all? He didn't bowl in the entire session. So you are 100 percent right when you say you missed a trick in captaincy. Rohit's captaincy - let's call a spade a spade. We saw defensive captaincy. He allowed the match to drift," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.</p>

<p>Bumrah bowled only a handful of deliveries to Travis Head when he came out to bat. As a result,&nbsp;he scored a majestic 141-ball 140 and propelled his side's lead to 157.</p>

<p>It proved to be the turning point of the second Test as India never staged a comeback. In the second essay, India fell flat and managed only 175, setting a 19-run target to lose heavily.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-siraj-head-may-face-repercussions-for-adelaide-brawl-as-iccs-disciplinary-hearing-looms-report-782572">BGT: Siraj, Head may face repercussions for Adelaide brawl as ICC’s disciplinary hearing looms - Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Chopra further added pressure on Rohit, reminding him of losing three successive Tests at home (versus New Zealand in October). Even the Perth Test win came under Bumrah with Rohit unavailable due to paternity leave.</p>

<p>Chopra added, "He wasn't the captain in the Perth match. So that win doesn't count for him. If we leave the last century, it's Dhoni, Kohli and Rohit, and the biggest concerning thing, which might not be with anyone else, is three consecutive losses at home. The captaincy has been a little lacklustre."</p>

<p>Rohit has lots riding on his shoulders. In 2024, he averages a poor&nbsp;27.13 in whites and has now lost four Test matches in a row as captain. Will he lead India's bounce back in the third Test, in Brisbane?</p>

<p>Only time will tell.</p>


Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra blamed Rohit Sharma for India's 10-wicket loss to Australia in the second Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), held at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide.

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra blamed Rohit Sharma for India's 10-wicket loss to Australia in the second Test of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), held at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide. On Day 3 on Sunday (Dec 8), India lost the second Test as Pat Cummins & Co levelled the five-match series 1-1. Shortly after the loss, Chopra rued Rohit's defensive captaincy, especially for under bowling vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah in a crucial part of the first innings, for the visitors' heavy defeat. Chopra pointed out Rohit's mistake from Day 2, on Saturday (Dec 7), when he gave only a four-over spell to Bumrah in the morning session, allowing Australia to post 337 in response to India's 180. "Jasprit Bumrah had bowled a four-over spell and had already picked up a wicket in that. So why did he bowl only four overs, and didn't bowl after that at all? He didn't bowl in the entire session. So you are 100 percent right when you say you missed a trick in captaincy. Rohit's captaincy - let's call a spade a spade. We saw defensive captaincy. He allowed the match to drift," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. Bumrah bowled only a handful of deliveries to Travis Head when he came out to bat. As a result, he scored a majestic 141-ball 140 and propelled his side's lead to 157. It proved to be the turning point of the second Test as India never staged a comeback. In the second essay, India fell flat and managed only 175, setting a 19-run target to lose heavily. Also read: BGT: Siraj, Head may face repercussions for Adelaide brawl as ICC’s disciplinary hearing looms - Report Chopra further added pressure on Rohit, reminding him of losing three successive Tests at home (versus New Zealand in October). Even the Perth Test win came under Bumrah with Rohit unavailable due to paternity leave. Chopra added, "He wasn't the captain in the Perth match. So that win doesn't count for him. If we leave the last century, it's Dhoni, Kohli and Rohit, and the biggest concerning thing, which might not be with anyone else, is three consecutive losses at home. The captaincy has been a little lacklustre." Rohit has lots riding on his shoulders. In 2024, he averages a poor 27.13 in whites and has now lost four Test matches in a row as captain. Will he lead India's bounce back in the third Test, in Brisbane? Only time will tell.

BGT: 'We saw defensive captaincy,' former Indian opener slams Rohit Sharma after India's Adelaide Test loss

<p>Former India skipper Kapil Dev has said that it's too early for talks of Jasprit Bumrah replacing Rohit Sharma as the Test skipper. The comments were made in response to a question after India lost the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test under Rohit after winning the first one under Bumrah.</p>

<p>"I think it is too early to talk about that. With one performance, you can't say he is one of the best, and with one bad performance, you can't say he doesn't deserve that. Let the player play a lot of cricket. There will be ups and downs. Then you will judge how he reacts during difficult time," Kapil told reporters on Monday (Dec. 9) during an event, reported news agency ANI.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-with-every-smat-game-mohammed-shami-gets-inch-closer-to-much-needed-test-return-for-india-782745">With every SMAT game, Mohammed Shami gets an inch closer to much-needed Test return for India</a></p>

<p>Rohit is facing a lot of heat for not just captaincy but batting as well. Before losing the Adelaide Test, India also lost a three-Test series 0-3 against New Zealand at home with Rohit at command.</p>

<p>Rohit has played in four of India's last five matches but has managed just 100 runs in eight innings with a best of 52 in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand at home.</p>

<p>Batting in Australia, Rohit has managed to score only 417 runs in 16 innings at an average of 27.80 and the highest score of 63 not out.</p>

<p>Overall, India's failure with the bat is becoming more and more evident, with the team not being able to cross the 200-run mark in the first innings of the four&nbsp;previous Tests they have played. Out of those four games, two were at home against New Zealand.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Australia have equalled the five-Test series 1-1 with the 10-wicket win in the day-night Adelaide Test. They had lost the first game in Perth by 295 runs. The third match of the series is scheduled to be played from December 14 at the iconic Gabba Stadium in Brisbane.</p>


Former India skipper Kapil Dev has said that it's too early for talks of Jasprit Bumrah replacing Rohit Sharma as the Test skipper. The comments were made in response to a question after India lost the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test under Rohit after winning the first one under Bumrah.

Former India skipper Kapil Dev has said that it's too early for talks of Jasprit Bumrah replacing Rohit Sharma as the Test skipper. The comments were made in response to a question after India lost the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test under Rohit after winning the first one under Bumrah. "I think it is too early to talk about that. With one performance, you can't say he is one of the best, and with one bad performance, you can't say he doesn't deserve that. Let the player play a lot of cricket. There will be ups and downs. Then you will judge how he reacts during difficult time," Kapil told reporters on Monday (Dec. 9) during an event, reported news agency ANI. Also Read: With every SMAT game, Mohammed Shami gets an inch closer to much-needed Test return for India Rohit is facing a lot of heat for not just captaincy but batting as well. Before losing the Adelaide Test, India also lost a three-Test series 0-3 against New Zealand at home with Rohit at command. Rohit has played in four of India's last five matches but has managed just 100 runs in eight innings with a best of 52 in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand at home. Batting in Australia, Rohit has managed to score only 417 runs in 16 innings at an average of 27.80 and the highest score of 63 not out. Overall, India's failure with the bat is becoming more and more evident, with the team not being able to cross the 200-run mark in the first innings of the four previous Tests they have played. Out of those four games, two were at home against New Zealand. Meanwhile, Australia have equalled the five-Test series 1-1 with the 10-wicket win in the day-night Adelaide Test. They had lost the first game in Perth by 295 runs. The third match of the series is scheduled to be played from December 14 at the iconic Gabba Stadium in Brisbane.

BGT 2024-25: 'Doesn't deserve...,' Kapil Dev on Jasprit Bumrah replacing Rohit Sharma as India Test skipper

<p>Former India coach Ravi Shastri wants skipper Rohit Sharma to be back at opening the batting after the loss in second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test. Rohit, who didn't play first Test, batted at number 6 in the Adelaide Test while KL Rahul opened the innings.</p>

<p>The skipper, however, failed in both innings in the middle order and managed just nine runs in the match while Rahul failed at the top, scoring 44 runs across both innings as India went on to lose the match by 10 wickets.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-rohit-hints-at-mohammed-shamis-addition-to-test-squad-after-adelaide-mauling-says-door-very-much-open-782429">Rohit hints at Mohammed Shami's addition to Test squad after Adelaide mauling, says 'door very much open'</a></p>

<p>“I would like to see Rohit Sharma back at the top of the order. Pat Cummins made a statement by leading from the front in this Test match, by body language, and by his aggression. Rohit Sharma has to be back at the top. I think that’s where he’s the best,” said Shastri while commentating during the match.</p>

<p>In Australia, India have failed to cross 200 three times in four innings - further showing their struggle with the bat. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made his debut in Perth Test, has been the top scorer for India in all those three innings where they failed to touch 200.</p>

<p>India's failure with the bat is becoming more and more evident with the team not able to cross 200-run mark in first innings of the four of the previous Tests they have played. Out of those four games two were at home against New Zealand.</p>

<p>Rohit played in four of those five matches but has managed just 100 runs in eight innings with a best of 52 in second innings of first Test against New Zealand at home.</p>

<p>Batting in Australia, Rohit has managed to score only 417 runs in 16 innings at an average of 27.80 and the highest score of 63 not out.</p>

<p>With three more matches left in the series which is level at 1-1, India would hope for its skipper to come back into form sooner than later. The third match, meanwhile, is scheduled to be played at the iconic Gabba stadium in Brisbane from December 14.</p>


Former India coach Ravi Shastri wants skipper Rohit Sharma to be back at opening the batting after the loss in second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test. Rohit, who didn't play first Test, batted at number 6 in the Adelaide Test while KL Rahul opened the innings.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri wants skipper Rohit Sharma to be back at opening the batting after the loss in second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test. Rohit, who didn't play first Test, batted at number 6 in the Adelaide Test while KL Rahul opened the innings. The skipper, however, failed in both innings in the middle order and managed just nine runs in the match while Rahul failed at the top, scoring 44 runs across both innings as India went on to lose the match by 10 wickets. Also Read: Rohit hints at Mohammed Shami's addition to Test squad after Adelaide mauling, says 'door very much open' “I would like to see Rohit Sharma back at the top of the order. Pat Cummins made a statement by leading from the front in this Test match, by body language, and by his aggression. Rohit Sharma has to be back at the top. I think that’s where he’s the best,” said Shastri while commentating during the match. In Australia, India have failed to cross 200 three times in four innings - further showing their struggle with the bat. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made his debut in Perth Test, has been the top scorer for India in all those three innings where they failed to touch 200. India's failure with the bat is becoming more and more evident with the team not able to cross 200-run mark in first innings of the four of the previous Tests they have played. Out of those four games two were at home against New Zealand. Rohit played in four of those five matches but has managed just 100 runs in eight innings with a best of 52 in second innings of first Test against New Zealand at home. Batting in Australia, Rohit has managed to score only 417 runs in 16 innings at an average of 27.80 and the highest score of 63 not out. With three more matches left in the series which is level at 1-1, India would hope for its skipper to come back into form sooner than later. The third match, meanwhile, is scheduled to be played at the iconic Gabba stadium in Brisbane from December 14.

BGT 2024-25: 'Would like to see...,' Former India coach Ravi Shastri on Rohit Sharma after Adelaide loss

<p>India skipper Rohit Sharma lamented team's performance with the bat after a crushing 10-wicket loss in second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test on Sunday (Dec 8). India lost the match two hours into the third day of the Test after scoring only 180 and 175 across two innings in the day-night Adelaide match.</p>

<p>"When you come to Australia, I feel the best chance of winning a Test match is by putting runs on the board," he said after the loss.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-slips-to-3rd-spot-in-wtc-final-rankings-after-adelaide-loss-australia-returns-to-top-782405">India slips to 3rd spot in WTC Final rankings after Adelaide loss; Australia returns to top</a></p>

<p>"We were 30-40 runs short with the bat in the first innings. And then there were opportunities when Australia were batting and we failed to take those chances [Travis Head was dropped on 78; he made 140]. And obviously when you miss those chances, it is never easy and it's not going to be easy. The opposition will always make you pay for it and that's what happened. And then in the second innings as well, we thought the conditions were better. Again, we were not good enough with the bat," added Rohit.</p>

<p>India's failure with the bat is becoming more and more evident with the team not able to cross 200-run mark in first innings of the four of the previous Tests they have played. Out of those four games two were at home against New Zealand.</p>

<p>In Australia, India have failed to cross 200 three times in four innings - further showing their struggle with the bat. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made his debut in Perth Test, has been the top scorer for India in all those three innings where they failed to touch 200.</p>

<p>After the loss, the five-Test series stands equal at 1-1 with the third match scheduled to be played at the iconic Gabba stadium in Brisbane from December 14.</p>


India skipper Rohit Sharma lamented team's performance with the bat after a crushing 10-wicket loss in second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test on Sunday (Dec 8).

India skipper Rohit Sharma lamented team's performance with the bat after a crushing 10-wicket loss in second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test on Sunday (Dec 8). India lost the match two hours into the third day of the Test after scoring only 180 and 175 across two innings in the day-night Adelaide match. "When you come to Australia, I feel the best chance of winning a Test match is by putting runs on the board," he said after the loss. Also Read: India slips to 3rd spot in WTC Final rankings after Adelaide loss; Australia returns to top "We were 30-40 runs short with the bat in the first innings. And then there were opportunities when Australia were batting and we failed to take those chances [Travis Head was dropped on 78; he made 140]. And obviously when you miss those chances, it is never easy and it's not going to be easy. The opposition will always make you pay for it and that's what happened. And then in the second innings as well, we thought the conditions were better. Again, we were not good enough with the bat," added Rohit. India's failure with the bat is becoming more and more evident with the team not able to cross 200-run mark in first innings of the four of the previous Tests they have played. Out of those four games two were at home against New Zealand. In Australia, India have failed to cross 200 three times in four innings - further showing their struggle with the bat. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made his debut in Perth Test, has been the top scorer for India in all those three innings where they failed to touch 200. After the loss, the five-Test series stands equal at 1-1 with the third match scheduled to be played at the iconic Gabba stadium in Brisbane from December 14.

BGT 2024-25: 'That's what happened...,' India skipper Rohit Sharma points out reason for Adelaide loss

<p>India Test captain Rohit Sharma addressed rumours of ace seamer Mohammed Shami linking up with the BGT-bound squad any time during the remainder of the series. Rohit expressed concerns about Shami's fitness, adding that the team would welcome him with open arms should he get clearance from the NCA.</p>

<p>Shami was out of action for around one year following an ankle injury during the 2023 home ODI World Cup. He returned to competitive cricket last month, playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, and is currently plying his trade for his state Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though Shami declared himself 100% match-fit ahead of the BGT during a promotional event, a last-minute lapse in his rehab forced the selectors to drop him from the marquee Tests Down Under.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-slips-to-3rd-spot-in-wtc-final-rankings-after-adelaide-loss-australia-returns-to-top-782405">India slips to 3rd spot in WTC Final rankings after Adelaide loss; Australia returns to top</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking to the media after the end of the second Test in Adelaide, which the hosts won by 10 wickets, Rohit shed light on Shami’s potential return to the Test side with three matches remaining.</p>

<p>"We are just monitoring him because while playing Syed Mushtaq Ali, he got some swelling in his knee, which hampers his preparation to come and play a Test match. We want to be very careful, we don't want to bring him here, he pulls up sore or something happens.</p>

<p>"We want to be more than 100% sure with him because it has been a long time. We don't want to put pressure on him to come here and do the job for the team. There are some professionals monitoring, we will take a call based on what those guys feel. They are the ones watching him every game, how he pulls up after the game, after bowling four overs, standing for 20 overs. But the door is open for him to come and play anytime,” Rohit said of Shami in Adelaide.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Shami closing in on complete fitness</h2>

<p>Shami is back in the domestic circuit but hasn’t hit the right notes yet. Since picking seven wickets against Madhya Pradesh in his first competitive game on his return, the right-arm seamer has featured in seven SMAT matches, returning with eight wickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though there is no official confirmation on Shami’s return, should he stay fit and suffer no setback on his road to recovery, he could soon be on the flight to Australia.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India Test captain Rohit Sharma addressed rumours of ace seamer Mohammed Shami linking up with the BGT-bound squad any time during the remainder of the series. Rohit expressed concerns about Shami's fitness, adding that the team would welcome him with open arms should he get clearance from the NCA.

India Test captain Rohit Sharma addressed rumours of ace seamer Mohammed Shami linking up with the BGT-bound squad any time during the remainder of the series. Rohit expressed concerns about Shami's fitness, adding that the team would welcome him with open arms should he get clearance from the NCA. Shami was out of action for around one year following an ankle injury during the 2023 home ODI World Cup. He returned to competitive cricket last month, playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, and is currently plying his trade for his state Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Though Shami declared himself 100% match-fit ahead of the BGT during a promotional event, a last-minute lapse in his rehab forced the selectors to drop him from the marquee Tests Down Under. ALSO READ: India slips to 3rd spot in WTC Final rankings after Adelaide loss; Australia returns to top Speaking to the media after the end of the second Test in Adelaide, which the hosts won by 10 wickets, Rohit shed light on Shami’s potential return to the Test side with three matches remaining. "We are just monitoring him because while playing Syed Mushtaq Ali, he got some swelling in his knee, which hampers his preparation to come and play a Test match. We want to be very careful, we don't want to bring him here, he pulls up sore or something happens. "We want to be more than 100% sure with him because it has been a long time. We don't want to put pressure on him to come here and do the job for the team. There are some professionals monitoring, we will take a call based on what those guys feel. They are the ones watching him every game, how he pulls up after the game, after bowling four overs, standing for 20 overs. But the door is open for him to come and play anytime,” Rohit said of Shami in Adelaide. Shami closing in on complete fitness Shami is back in the domestic circuit but hasn’t hit the right notes yet. Since picking seven wickets against Madhya Pradesh in his first competitive game on his return, the right-arm seamer has featured in seven SMAT matches, returning with eight wickets. Though there is no official confirmation on Shami’s return, should he stay fit and suffer no setback on his road to recovery, he could soon be on the flight to Australia. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Rohit hints at Mohammed Shami's addition to Test squad after Adelaide mauling, says 'door very much open'

<p>Australia scripted a stunning comeback in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy by winning the second Test in Adelaide by 10 wickets and levelling the marquee five-match series 1-1. The Aussie openers took just 3.2&nbsp;overs to complete the 19-run chase and win the game inside three days. For the hosts, Captain Pat Cummins returned with a five-for in the second innings, while Mitchell Starc made headlines for his career-best spell in the first.</p>

<p>India began day three on 128 for five, trailing behind by 29 runs, with Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy at the crease. Given their penchant to score runs, the Indian fans hoped for a positive start; however, Starc had different plans.</p>

<p>The left-arm quick removed Pant on the last ball of his first over on 28 before Cummins picked three wickets, including Nitish Reddy - India’s highest scorer in both innings, completing his five-for.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The rare caught-at-fly-slip!<br />
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Pat Cummins raises the pink ball with his fifth wicket! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilestoneMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilestoneMoment</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/kVKBdW346Q">pic.twitter.com/kVKBdW346Q</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1865624743912628598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, all eyes were on Mohammed Siraj, who shared a light moment with Travis Head following what unfolded on day two, with the crowd and commentators applauding their sportsman spirit.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just a couple of mates clarifying things...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/XzcInyAKLK">pic.twitter.com/XzcInyAKLK</a></p>
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/7Cricket/status/1865624462701252755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Scott Boland picked the final wicket of Siraj to wrap India’s innings on 175, with Australia needing a mere 19 to win the game and level the series.</p>

<h2>Australia on top from ball one</h2>

<p>After going down in the BGT opener in Perth, Australia needed a miraculous start to pull them up from that embarrassment at the Optus Stadium. Starc’s first-ball wicket (of Yashasvi Jaiswal) did that. Australia pulled the trigger from the word go and never looked back.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Like how the Oz folded India inside two sessions on day one in Perth, they did the same in the second Test with the pink ball, reducing the visitors to 180 in their first innings. Starc returned with 6/48, his best Test bowling figures.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-travis-head-lieddidnt-say-well-bowled-siraj-speaks-up-on-send-off-row-782388">BGT: Travis Head lied...didn't say 'well-bowled' - Siraj speaks up on send-off row</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Australian batters performed&nbsp;better this time, weathering the Jasprit Bumrah storm late on day one under the lights.</p>

<p>Although the India seamer picked three wickets, including two early on day two, he failed to break Head’s marvellous run with the bat at his home ground, who scored a stunning 140 off 141 to see Australia walk away with a 157-run lead.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gottim! First over of the day and Starc strikes <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/6GUmKA4ujO">pic.twitter.com/6GUmKA4ujO</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1865608981693026669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Later in the day, the Aussie quicks made light work of India’s batting order, sending everyone packing, including last game’s heroes Jaiswal and Virat Kohli. Captain Rohit Sharma, who decided to bat at number six in his return game, failed miserably with the bat, getting on single digits across both innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India and Australia will square off in the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane starting December 14.&nbsp;</p>


Australia scripted a stunning comeback in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy by winning the second Test in Adelaide by 10 wickets and levelling the marquee five-match series 1-1.

Australia scripted a stunning comeback in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy by winning the second Test in Adelaide by 10 wickets and levelling the marquee five-match series 1-1. The Aussie openers took just 3.2 overs to complete the 19-run chase and win the game inside three days. For the hosts, Captain Pat Cummins returned with a five-for in the second innings, while Mitchell Starc made headlines for his career-best spell in the first. India began day three on 128 for five, trailing behind by 29 runs, with Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy at the crease. Given their penchant to score runs, the Indian fans hoped for a positive start; however, Starc had different plans. The left-arm quick removed Pant on the last ball of his first over on 28 before Cummins picked three wickets, including Nitish Reddy - India’s highest scorer in both innings, completing his five-for. The rare caught-at-fly-slip! Pat Cummins raises the pink ball with his fifth wicket! #AUSvIND | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/kVKBdW346Q — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 8, 2024 × Meanwhile, all eyes were on Mohammed Siraj, who shared a light moment with Travis Head following what unfolded on day two, with the crowd and commentators applauding their sportsman spirit. Just a couple of mates clarifying things...#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/XzcInyAKLK — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 8, 2024 × Scott Boland picked the final wicket of Siraj to wrap India’s innings on 175, with Australia needing a mere 19 to win the game and level the series. Australia on top from ball one After going down in the BGT opener in Perth, Australia needed a miraculous start to pull them up from that embarrassment at the Optus Stadium. Starc’s first-ball wicket (of Yashasvi Jaiswal) did that. Australia pulled the trigger from the word go and never looked back. Like how the Oz folded India inside two sessions on day one in Perth, they did the same in the second Test with the pink ball, reducing the visitors to 180 in their first innings. Starc returned with 6/48, his best Test bowling figures. ALSO READ: BGT: Travis Head lied...didn't say 'well-bowled' - Siraj speaks up on send-off row Meanwhile, Australian batters performed better this time, weathering the Jasprit Bumrah storm late on day one under the lights. Although the India seamer picked three wickets, including two early on day two, he failed to break Head’s marvellous run with the bat at his home ground, who scored a stunning 140 off 141 to see Australia walk away with a 157-run lead. Gottim! First over of the day and Starc strikes #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/6GUmKA4ujO — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 8, 2024 × Later in the day, the Aussie quicks made light work of India’s batting order, sending everyone packing, including last game’s heroes Jaiswal and Virat Kohli. Captain Rohit Sharma, who decided to bat at number six in his return game, failed miserably with the bat, getting on single digits across both innings. India and Australia will square off in the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane starting December 14.

BGT, Pink-Ball Test: Australia level series in Adelaide after Cummins, Starc heroics

<p>India batters Shubman Gill and skipper Rohit Sharma lost their wickets on two extremely unplayable balls on Day 2 (Dec 7) of the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test in the second innings. Gill was cleaned up by a full ball of Mitchell Stars while Rohit was bowled by a beauty bowled by Pat Cummins under the lights in Adelaide.</p>

<p>Rohit, who was batting down the order, was tentatively poking a ball on the off stump when a Cummins delivery left his bat ever so little and hit the top of his off stump.</p>

<p>Gill was batting nicely on 28 off 29 balls when Starc sent a searing full ball which took 'banana swing' before crashing onto Gill's middle stumps. <strong>Have a look at the video below:</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Also Watch:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-watch-mitchell-marsh-walks-off-without-edging-the-ball-and-umpire-gives-out-on-day-2-782272">Mitchell Marsh walks off without edging the ball and umpire gives out on day 2</a></p>

<p>Australia had India on ropes by the end of the day's play as the visitors were five down for 128 runs and are still trailing by 29 runs. India made a horrible start in their second innings, losing KL Rahul in the third over at a team score of 12.</p>

<p>Yashasvi Jaiswal was the next to go after adding 30 runs for the second wicket with Gill. Scott Boland sent Jaiswal back before doing the same with Virat Kohli about 24 runs later.</p>

<p>Pant, meanwhile, came out all guns blazing and added quickfire 20 runs with Gill for the fourth wicket before Australia took two quick wickets to seize the advantage on Saturday.</p>

<p>Earlier, Australia started the day with the overnight score of 81 and reached hundred without losing any further wickets. Steve Smith was the first wicket of the day when he was caught behind off Bumrah's bowling. Marnus Labuschagne then reached his 50 off 114 balls before being dismissed by Nitish Kumar Reddy.</p>

<p>Australia went into the dinner at 191/4 with Travis Head already past his 50. Australia gained momentum in the second session, thanks to Head's 140 before being bowled out for 337 shortly after tea and took a 157-run lead in the first innings.</p>


India batters Shubman Gill and skipper Rohit Sharma lost their wickets on two extremely unplayable balls on Day 2 (Dec 7) of the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test in the second innings.

India batters Shubman Gill and skipper Rohit Sharma lost their wickets on two extremely unplayable balls on Day 2 (Dec 7) of the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test in the second innings. Gill was cleaned up by a full ball of Mitchell Stars while Rohit was bowled by a beauty bowled by Pat Cummins under the lights in Adelaide. Rohit, who was batting down the order, was tentatively poking a ball on the off stump when a Cummins delivery left his bat ever so little and hit the top of his off stump. Gill was batting nicely on 28 off 29 balls when Starc sent a searing full ball which took 'banana swing' before crashing onto Gill's middle stumps. Have a look at the video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) × Also Watch: Mitchell Marsh walks off without edging the ball and umpire gives out on day 2 Australia had India on ropes by the end of the day's play as the visitors were five down for 128 runs and are still trailing by 29 runs. India made a horrible start in their second innings, losing KL Rahul in the third over at a team score of 12. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the next to go after adding 30 runs for the second wicket with Gill. Scott Boland sent Jaiswal back before doing the same with Virat Kohli about 24 runs later. Pant, meanwhile, came out all guns blazing and added quickfire 20 runs with Gill for the fourth wicket before Australia took two quick wickets to seize the advantage on Saturday. Earlier, Australia started the day with the overnight score of 81 and reached hundred without losing any further wickets. Steve Smith was the first wicket of the day when he was caught behind off Bumrah's bowling. Marnus Labuschagne then reached his 50 off 114 balls before being dismissed by Nitish Kumar Reddy. Australia went into the dinner at 191/4 with Travis Head already past his 50. Australia gained momentum in the second session, thanks to Head's 140 before being bowled out for 337 shortly after tea and took a 157-run lead in the first innings.

BGT 2024-25: WATCH | Rohit bowled by Pat Cummins BEAUTY, Gill castled by Starc 'BANANA SWING'

<p>Cricket greats Sunil Gavaskar and Ricky Ponting shared contrasting views over Rohit Sharma’s demotion in the batting order in the ongoing Pink-Ball Test against Australia in Adelaide. While the former India captain backed&nbsp;Rohit’s call to play at six, arguing there was no need to break Rahul-Jaiswal's stand at the top after what they did in Perth, Ponting disagrees, saying Rohit could end up batting at number six for the rest of his Test career, something, given his age, doesn’t fit well for him and the team.</p>

<p>Rohit missed the BGT opener in Perth for personal reasons, later re-linking with the Indian Team midway into the first Test. With him back in the side as the captain and batter for the second Test, Rohit sacrificed his opening slot for KL Rahul, who enjoyed his marathon partnership (202) with young Jaiswal in the second innings in Perth, laying the foundation for a massive lead, which eventually helped India draw first blood in the series.</p>

<p>In Adelaide, Rahul opened and scored a gritty 37 off 67 balls, second-highest after Nitish Reddy’s 42, while Rohit, batting at six, where he averages the most in Tests outside of the top two, was dismissed cheaply for just three.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-202425-jasprit-bumrah-stuns-steve-smith-yet-again-as-rishabh-pant-clutches-brilliant-catch-watch-782197">BGT 2024/25: Jasprit Bumrah stuns Steve Smith yet again as Rishabh Pant clutches brilliant catch - WATCH</a></strong></p>

<p>Like how India got folded on 150 in the first innings in Perth, they suffered a similar fate here at the Adelaide Oval, getting all out on 180 inside the first two sessions on day one.</p>

<p>“The previous Test, you have a 200-run partnership between Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. You don't want to break that, they have that momentum and confidence. Besides, Rohit Sharma hasn't played any serious cricket for more than a month, the last time he played for India was November 3, we are at December 6,” Gavaskar said, as quoted by Hindustan Times.</p>

<p>“Clearly, it was required that he would be able to see what was happening, the pink ball isn't easy to play, India hasn't played a pink-ball test in maybe 2-3 years, so dropping himself down the order was, to me, a correct move,” the former India great added.</p>

<h2>Punter disagrees with Sunny</h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the former Australia captain Ricky Ponting disagreed with Gavaskar, saying regardless of how well Rahul played in Perth, Rohit should have never compromised on his batting position and should have opened instead of demoting himself to number six.</p>

<p>“I actually disagree with what Sunny (Gavaskar) said. I feel he should've come back in the side and open the batting. KL Rahul has been a fringe player around this team for a number of years. Yes, he got his chance and he played in Perth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“But what it seems to be now is that Rohit Sharma is going to spend the rest of his career down the order Because KL Rahul has played well, Shubman Gill looked good in the first innings, so he looks certain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The only spot for Rohit Sharma in the side now is no.6 and that might be where he stays for the rest of his career,” Ponting explained.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ponting, however, revealed that Rohit's decision to come back and bat at number six knowing his record against Australia Down Under hasn’t been impressive surprised him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He is a class player, although his record isn't that good against Australia. I think he has only made one century against Australia. The captain coming back in, and batting in the middle, was a bit of an eye-opener, but those are the decisions that a captain has to make,” Ponting noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Cricket greats Sunil Gavaskar and Ricky Ponting shared contrasting views over Rohit Sharma’s demotion in the batting order in the ongoing Pink-Ball Test against Australia in Adelaide.

Cricket greats Sunil Gavaskar and Ricky Ponting shared contrasting views over Rohit Sharma’s demotion in the batting order in the ongoing Pink-Ball Test against Australia in Adelaide. While the former India captain backed Rohit’s call to play at six, arguing there was no need to break Rahul-Jaiswal's stand at the top after what they did in Perth, Ponting disagrees, saying Rohit could end up batting at number six for the rest of his Test career, something, given his age, doesn’t fit well for him and the team. Rohit missed the BGT opener in Perth for personal reasons, later re-linking with the Indian Team midway into the first Test. With him back in the side as the captain and batter for the second Test, Rohit sacrificed his opening slot for KL Rahul, who enjoyed his marathon partnership (202) with young Jaiswal in the second innings in Perth, laying the foundation for a massive lead, which eventually helped India draw first blood in the series. In Adelaide, Rahul opened and scored a gritty 37 off 67 balls, second-highest after Nitish Reddy’s 42, while Rohit, batting at six, where he averages the most in Tests outside of the top two, was dismissed cheaply for just three. ALSO READ: BGT 2024/25: Jasprit Bumrah stuns Steve Smith yet again as Rishabh Pant clutches brilliant catch - WATCH Like how India got folded on 150 in the first innings in Perth, they suffered a similar fate here at the Adelaide Oval, getting all out on 180 inside the first two sessions on day one. “The previous Test, you have a 200-run partnership between Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. You don't want to break that, they have that momentum and confidence. Besides, Rohit Sharma hasn't played any serious cricket for more than a month, the last time he played for India was November 3, we are at December 6,” Gavaskar said, as quoted by Hindustan Times. “Clearly, it was required that he would be able to see what was happening, the pink ball isn't easy to play, India hasn't played a pink-ball test in maybe 2-3 years, so dropping himself down the order was, to me, a correct move,” the former India great added. Punter disagrees with Sunny Meanwhile, the former Australia captain Ricky Ponting disagreed with Gavaskar, saying regardless of how well Rahul played in Perth, Rohit should have never compromised on his batting position and should have opened instead of demoting himself to number six. “I actually disagree with what Sunny (Gavaskar) said. I feel he should've come back in the side and open the batting. KL Rahul has been a fringe player around this team for a number of years. Yes, he got his chance and he played in Perth. “But what it seems to be now is that Rohit Sharma is going to spend the rest of his career down the order Because KL Rahul has played well, Shubman Gill looked good in the first innings, so he looks certain. “The only spot for Rohit Sharma in the side now is no.6 and that might be where he stays for the rest of his career,” Ponting explained. Ponting, however, revealed that Rohit's decision to come back and bat at number six knowing his record against Australia Down Under hasn’t been impressive surprised him. “He is a class player, although his record isn't that good against Australia. I think he has only made one century against Australia. The captain coming back in, and batting in the middle, was a bit of an eye-opener, but those are the decisions that a captain has to make,” Ponting noted. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Gavaskar, Ponting share contrasting thoughts over Rohit Sharma’s demotion in batting order in Adelaide

<p>India skipper Rohit Sharma returned to lead the side in the pink-ball Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia on Friday (Dec 6) after missing the opening contest in Perth. Rohit sat out of the Perth Test due to paternity leave and will return to play in the middle-order after KL Rahul’s heroics at the top. Notably, Shubman Gill and Ravichandran Ashwin were also back in the Playing XI after missing out in the Perth Test.</p>

<h2><strong>Rohit back in Team India</strong></h2>

<p>Having skipped the record-breaking win in Perth, Rohit was one of three changes to the Indian side as he returned to lead the side. The Indian skipper has an important role to play in the side with India chasing a place in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) which will be held at Lord’s. With Rahul impressing in the second innings of the opening contest, Rohit will drop to the middle-order in the Test format for the first time since 2018.</p>

<p>This change meant Jasprit Bumrah was dropped to deputy captaincy duties after leading India to a famous win, while Dhruv Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal, and Washington Sundar were axed from the Playing XI.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-that-doesnt-happen-in-australia-i-know-it-happens-in-india-ryan-harris-rubbishes-faction-reports-781796">BGT: 'That doesn’t happen in Australia; I know it happens in India’ – Ryan Harris rubbishes faction reports</a></strong></p>

<p>Australia on the other hand had confirmed their Playing XI on Thursday as Josh Hazlewood made way for Scott Boland. He was the only change in the squad as the hosts continue to go with three frontline seamers partnered by Nathan Lyon in the spin department.</p>

<p><strong>Teams:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Australia (Playing XI):</strong> Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland</p>

<p><strong>India (Playing XI):</strong> Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Rohit Sharma(c), Nitish Reddy, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj</p>


India skipper Rohit Sharma returned to lead the side in the pink-ball Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia on Friday (Dec 6) after missing the opening contest in Perth.

India skipper Rohit Sharma returned to lead the side in the pink-ball Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia on Friday (Dec 6) after missing the opening contest in Perth. Rohit sat out of the Perth Test due to paternity leave and will return to play in the middle-order after KL Rahul’s heroics at the top. Notably, Shubman Gill and Ravichandran Ashwin were also back in the Playing XI after missing out in the Perth Test. Rohit back in Team India Having skipped the record-breaking win in Perth, Rohit was one of three changes to the Indian side as he returned to lead the side. The Indian skipper has an important role to play in the side with India chasing a place in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) which will be held at Lord’s. With Rahul impressing in the second innings of the opening contest, Rohit will drop to the middle-order in the Test format for the first time since 2018. This change meant Jasprit Bumrah was dropped to deputy captaincy duties after leading India to a famous win, while Dhruv Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal, and Washington Sundar were axed from the Playing XI. ALSO READ | BGT: 'That doesn’t happen in Australia; I know it happens in India’ – Ryan Harris rubbishes faction reports Australia on the other hand had confirmed their Playing XI on Thursday as Josh Hazlewood made way for Scott Boland. He was the only change in the squad as the hosts continue to go with three frontline seamers partnered by Nathan Lyon in the spin department. Teams: Australia (Playing XI): Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Rohit Sharma(c), Nitish Reddy, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

BGT 2024/25: Rohit Sharma returns to lead Team India in Adelaide; Ravi Ashwin, Shubman Gill back in Playing XI

<p>Ahead of the second Test versus Australia, i.e. a day-night contest&nbsp;in Adelaide, Indian captain Rohit Sharma, on Thursday (Dec. 5), gave an unmissable reply when reminded about India's 36 all-out, during their last pink-ball contest in Australia (also held at the same venue). When asked about the horrors of the Adelaide contest, Rohit told a reporter, in the pre-match press conference, that 'every day is a fresh day' and India is not dwelling on the past.</p>

<p>India's last day-night Test in Australia took place in late 2020, in Adelaide. It saw the Virat Kohli-led India get dismissed for 36 in their second essay, after taking a 53-run lead, to lose by eight wickets. To date, India have the unwanted record of the lowest team total in ICC World Test Championship (WTC) history following their shambolic performance in&nbsp;Adelaide. Thus, when Rohit was reminded of the same, he gave an epic response.</p>

<p>At the presser, Hitman said, "Since we started playing we were taught that every day is a fresh day, even if you're batting on 90 or 99, you come to bat the next day, you start on zero. Fresh day brings fresh challenges, the bowlers come with a different mindset, and the batters come with a different mindset. It's a general message that we've been giving for so many years that what has happened, just focus on what lies ahead of us."</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-rohit-sharma-confirms-kl-rahul-as-opener-for-adelaide-test-reveals-his-batting-slot-781671">BGT 2024-25: Rohit Sharma confirms KL Rahul as opener for Adelaide Test, reveals his batting slot</a></strong></p>

<p>Rohit also added that his side is 'mentally strong' to adapt to the challenges of pink ball. Notably, India have played only a handful of Tests under light, compared to Pat Cummins' Australia. Citing India's memorable comeback in the ongoing BGT opener, in Perth, he said, "We are mentally strong and for us, adaptation is not a problem. For us, it is simple that we try to give our best in difficult situations. You will not get easy things at the highest level of cricket. Even in Perth, we did not have all of our players. Everybody kept their head down and played their part and the result was in our favour. We have to look at this Test match in the same way. If all XI play their role, the result might be in our favour."</p>

<p>India lead the five-match Test series 1-0 following an emphatic come-from-behind win in the series opener in Perth. Being all-out for 150 on the opening day, India still managed a whopping 295-run win.</p>

<p>The second Test&nbsp;kicks off on Friday (Dec. 6).</p>


Ahead of the second Test versus Australia, i.e. a day-night contest in Adelaide, Indian captain Rohit Sharma, on Thursday (Dec. 5), gave an unmissable reply when reminded about India's 36 all-out, during their last pink-ball contest in Australia (also held at the same venue).

Ahead of the second Test versus Australia, i.e. a day-night contest in Adelaide, Indian captain Rohit Sharma, on Thursday (Dec. 5), gave an unmissable reply when reminded about India's 36 all-out, during their last pink-ball contest in Australia (also held at the same venue). When asked about the horrors of the Adelaide contest, Rohit told a reporter, in the pre-match press conference, that 'every day is a fresh day' and India is not dwelling on the past. India's last day-night Test in Australia took place in late 2020, in Adelaide. It saw the Virat Kohli-led India get dismissed for 36 in their second essay, after taking a 53-run lead, to lose by eight wickets. To date, India have the unwanted record of the lowest team total in ICC World Test Championship (WTC) history following their shambolic performance in Adelaide. Thus, when Rohit was reminded of the same, he gave an epic response. At the presser, Hitman said, "Since we started playing we were taught that every day is a fresh day, even if you're batting on 90 or 99, you come to bat the next day, you start on zero. Fresh day brings fresh challenges, the bowlers come with a different mindset, and the batters come with a different mindset. It's a general message that we've been giving for so many years that what has happened, just focus on what lies ahead of us." Also read: BGT 2024-25: Rohit Sharma confirms KL Rahul as opener for Adelaide Test, reveals his batting slot Rohit also added that his side is 'mentally strong' to adapt to the challenges of pink ball. Notably, India have played only a handful of Tests under light, compared to Pat Cummins' Australia. Citing India's memorable comeback in the ongoing BGT opener, in Perth, he said, "We are mentally strong and for us, adaptation is not a problem. For us, it is simple that we try to give our best in difficult situations. You will not get easy things at the highest level of cricket. Even in Perth, we did not have all of our players. Everybody kept their head down and played their part and the result was in our favour. We have to look at this Test match in the same way. If all XI play their role, the result might be in our favour." India lead the five-match Test series 1-0 following an emphatic come-from-behind win in the series opener in Perth. Being all-out for 150 on the opening day, India still managed a whopping 295-run win. The second Test kicks off on Friday (Dec. 6).

Adelaide Test: Rohit Sharma gives UNMISSABLE reply on 36 all-out reminder ahead of pink-ball contest

<p>Ahead of the second Test between India and Australia, in Adelaide, Indian captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that KL Rahul will continue as an opener. India lead the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 1-0 following a stunning 295-run win over Pat Cummins-led hosts. Rahul was one of the top performers for India, along with stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli, as he scored a vital 77 and stitched an impressive 201-run opening stand with Jaiswal (becoming the first Indian opening pair to stitch a 200-run stand in Australia). Seeing his form at the top, Rohit has sacrificed his opening slot and revealed that he will bat in the middle.</p>

<p>In the pre-match press conference, Rohit said, on Thursday (Dec 5), "Yeah, he will be opening the batting. I will bat somewhere in the middle."</p>

<p>Since he has opened in Tests, Rohit has played 42 games, scoring nearly 3,000 runs at an average of 44 with 9 hundreds.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/sunny-is-throwing-finch-hits-back-at-gavaskar-for-australia-are-panicking-remark-ahead-of-adelaide-test-781648">Sunny is throwing...: Finch hits back at Gavaskar for 'Australia are panicking' remark ahead of Adelaide Test</a></strong></p>

<p>Rohit further opined, "And how I came to the decision of batting down the order is clearly we want results, we want success, and those two guys at the top... just looking at this one Test match, they batted brilliantly. I was at home with my newborn in my arms, and I was watching how KL batted. It was brilliant to watch. I felt that there's no need to change that now. Maybe in the future, things will be different. I don't know."</p>

<p>He mentioned, "So based on what has happened and what KL Rahul has shown outside of India, he probably deserves that place at this point in time. It is something that has brought us success in the first Test. You have that one big partnership with Jaiswal on the other side, and you know, it probably won us the Test match. When you come here, in a place like Perth, and you get 500 runs or so, it’s such a massive tick in the box.</p>

<p>"So I don't see why we need to change that. What I saw from the outside looked brilliant, and there was no need to change anything. It was actually pretty simple for me. Personally, not easy. But for the team, it made a lot of sense," Rohit added.</p>

<p>Rohit missed the BGT series opener due to paternity leave. In his absence, Bumrah led the charge as India recovered from being 150 all-out on Day 1 of the Perth Test to take a slender 46-run lead and then ride on Jaiswal's 161, Rahul's 77 and Kohli's 100* to setup a mammoth 534-run target. In reply, Australia folded for 238 in the final innings, losing by 285 runs.</p>


Ahead of the second Test between India and Australia, in Adelaide, Indian captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that KL Rahul will continue as an opener. India lead the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 1-0 following a stunning 295-run win over Pat Cummins-led hosts.

Ahead of the second Test between India and Australia, in Adelaide, Indian captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that KL Rahul will continue as an opener. India lead the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 1-0 following a stunning 295-run win over Pat Cummins-led hosts. Rahul was one of the top performers for India, along with stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli, as he scored a vital 77 and stitched an impressive 201-run opening stand with Jaiswal (becoming the first Indian opening pair to stitch a 200-run stand in Australia). Seeing his form at the top, Rohit has sacrificed his opening slot and revealed that he will bat in the middle. In the pre-match press conference, Rohit said, on Thursday (Dec 5), "Yeah, he will be opening the batting. I will bat somewhere in the middle." Since he has opened in Tests, Rohit has played 42 games, scoring nearly 3,000 runs at an average of 44 with 9 hundreds. Also read: Sunny is throwing...: Finch hits back at Gavaskar for 'Australia are panicking' remark ahead of Adelaide Test Rohit further opined, "And how I came to the decision of batting down the order is clearly we want results, we want success, and those two guys at the top... just looking at this one Test match, they batted brilliantly. I was at home with my newborn in my arms, and I was watching how KL batted. It was brilliant to watch. I felt that there's no need to change that now. Maybe in the future, things will be different. I don't know." He mentioned, "So based on what has happened and what KL Rahul has shown outside of India, he probably deserves that place at this point in time. It is something that has brought us success in the first Test. You have that one big partnership with Jaiswal on the other side, and you know, it probably won us the Test match. When you come here, in a place like Perth, and you get 500 runs or so, it’s such a massive tick in the box. "So I don't see why we need to change that. What I saw from the outside looked brilliant, and there was no need to change anything. It was actually pretty simple for me. Personally, not easy. But for the team, it made a lot of sense," Rohit added. Rohit missed the BGT series opener due to paternity leave. In his absence, Bumrah led the charge as India recovered from being 150 all-out on Day 1 of the Perth Test to take a slender 46-run lead and then ride on Jaiswal's 161, Rahul's 77 and Kohli's 100* to setup a mammoth 534-run target. In reply, Australia folded for 238 in the final innings, losing by 285 runs.

BGT 2024-25: Rohit Sharma confirms KL Rahul as opener for Adelaide Test, reveals his batting slot

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