Cricket’s scheduling is cramped, and the former India coach Ravi Shastri seconds that. Shastri feels given the volume of cricket, none of the star players will continue playing all formats - mainly pointing towards two Indian stalwarts – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – whom he feels might give up one format, sooner than later.

Following two-time World Cup-winner with England Ben Stokes’ retirement from ODIs last year due to similar reasons, cricket’s tight&nbsp;scheduling is talked about a lot more. Speaking on the same to Sports Today recently, Shastri said he is aware of such a scenario and shared his thoughts on what could be its repercussions.

He said considering both Virat and&nbsp;Rohit are aging, and with too much of cricket played everywhere, it will not be sustainable for them or for most players for that matter, to continue playing in all three formats. Citing examples of how last year two Indian teams were playing at a same time in two separate continents, Shastri said this is how it is going be in times to come.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-2nd-odi-steve-smith-takes-a-blinder-to-remove-hardik-pandya-watch-video-573585">IND vs AUS, 2nd ODI: Steve Smith takes a blinder to remove Hardik Pandya - WATCH VIDEO</a>

"I think not just with Virat and Rohit. It will be the case with a lot of players. There's too much cricket. The volume of cricket is so much. For all you know, India might be playing a Test series somewhere, but a T20 tournament might be going on somewhere else with an Indian team. Many times when I was a coach, we were in one country; India was in another country playing Sri Lanka or someone proper. So it is going to happen,” Shastri told Sports Today in a recent conversation.

He added considering what format needs to be given importance in the particular year, most top players must be playing that first.

You will have to see what is important that year, and accordingly, get the players primarily focused in playing those games." Ravi said. "So, if there is a World Cup coming of 50-over cricket coming, emphasis must be on 50-over cricket. If the emphasis on T20s, then decide who your nucleus of 15-18 players are," the former coach added.

Meanwhile, Rohit and Virat are currently involved in the white-ball series against Australia and will feature in the IPL 2023 after this. Following that, they play the WTC final against the Aussies, starting June 7th in London. Later this year, India will two major tournaments – 2023 Asia Cup and the home World Cup.

Cricket’s scheduling is cramped, and the former India coach Ravi Shastri seconds that. Shastri feels given the volume of cricket, none of the star players will continue playing all formats - mainly pointing towards two Indian stalwarts – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – whom he feels might give up one format, sooner than later.

Cricket’s scheduling is cramped, and the former India coach Ravi Shastri seconds that. Shastri feels given the volume of cricket, none of the star players will continue playing all formats - mainly pointing towards two Indian stalwarts – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – whom he feels might give up one format, sooner than later. Following two-time World Cup-winner with England Ben Stokes’ retirement from ODIs last year due to similar reasons, cricket’s tight scheduling is talked about a lot more. Speaking on the same to Sports Today recently, Shastri said he is aware of such a scenario and shared his thoughts on what could be its repercussions. He said considering both Virat and Rohit are aging, and with too much of cricket played everywhere, it will not be sustainable for them or for most players for that matter, to continue playing in all three formats. Citing examples of how last year two Indian teams were playing at a same time in two separate continents, Shastri said this is how it is going be in times to come. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS, 2nd ODI: Steve Smith takes a blinder to remove Hardik Pandya - WATCH VIDEO "I think not just with Virat and Rohit. It will be the case with a lot of players. There's too much cricket. The volume of cricket is so much. For all you know, India might be playing a Test series somewhere, but a T20 tournament might be going on somewhere else with an Indian team. Many times when I was a coach, we were in one country; India was in another country playing Sri Lanka or someone proper. So it is going to happen,” Shastri told Sports Today in a recent conversation. He added considering what format needs to be given importance in the particular year, most top players must be playing that first. You will have to see what is important that year, and accordingly, get the players primarily focused in playing those games." Ravi said. "So, if there is a World Cup coming of 50-over cricket coming, emphasis must be on 50-over cricket. If the emphasis on T20s, then decide who your nucleus of 15-18 players are," the former coach added. Meanwhile, Rohit and Virat are currently involved in the white-ball series against Australia and will feature in the IPL 2023 after this. Following that, they play the WTC final against the Aussies, starting June 7th in London. Later this year, India will two major tournaments – 2023 Asia Cup and the home World Cup.

Due to volume of cricket Virat, Rohit among others might give up one format, feels former India coach

Former India great Sachin Tendulkar, while speaking at a program, has suggested that India should pick their squad as per the conditions for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia.

The WTC Final will be played in England from June 7-11 and the English conditions are known to be supportive to fast bowlers unlike India's spin-conducive pitches. Sachin, keeping the conditions in mind, said one has to understand the condition and pick the squad accordingly.

“In Test cricket, you will have to understand conditions for the next five days and pick the squad accordingly. We have played well and we have a good team, a balanced team. It would be slightly challenging for a captain to have extra spinners in the team to get the balance right. I am only thinking from India’s point of view, let Australians do what they want to do. We stand a very good chance,” he said at India Today Conclave.

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-2nd-odi-horror-for-suryakumar-yadav-as-mitchell-starc-again-traps-him-lbw-on-first-ball-watch-573564">Ind vs Aus, 2nd ODI: HORROR for Suryakumar Yadav as Mitchell Starc again traps him LBW on first ball</a>

India, who are in the WTC final for the second consecutive time, would be wary of English pitches after losing the first time against New Zealand.

India, however, will be without their frontline pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who has been ruled out of the game itself after undergoing back surgery. In Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur and Umran Malik, India do posses enough firepower in the bowling department though.

The worries although don't end here for India as their star wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant is also recuperating after a freak car accident is unlikely to play a part in the WTC Final.

Former India players Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar, however, want out of favour batsman KL Rahul to handle the dual responsibilities of wicket-keeper and batsman instead of Pant's replacement KS Bharat who recently did the duty behind the wickets in the Border-Gavaskar trophy.

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Former India great Sachin Tendulkar, while speaking at a program, has suggested that India should pick their squad as per the conditions for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia.

Former India great Sachin Tendulkar, while speaking at a program, has suggested that India should pick their squad as per the conditions for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. The WTC Final will be played in England from June 7-11 and the English conditions are known to be supportive to fast bowlers unlike India's spin-conducive pitches. Sachin, keeping the conditions in mind, said one has to understand the condition and pick the squad accordingly. “In Test cricket, you will have to understand conditions for the next five days and pick the squad accordingly. We have played well and we have a good team, a balanced team. It would be slightly challenging for a captain to have extra spinners in the team to get the balance right. I am only thinking from India’s point of view, let Australians do what they want to do. We stand a very good chance,” he said at India Today Conclave. Also Watch: Ind vs Aus, 2nd ODI: HORROR for Suryakumar Yadav as Mitchell Starc again traps him LBW on first ball India, who are in the WTC final for the second consecutive time, would be wary of English pitches after losing the first time against New Zealand. India, however, will be without their frontline pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who has been ruled out of the game itself after undergoing back surgery. In Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur and Umran Malik, India do posses enough firepower in the bowling department though. The worries although don't end here for India as their star wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant is also recuperating after a freak car accident is unlikely to play a part in the WTC Final. Former India players Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar, however, want out of favour batsman KL Rahul to handle the dual responsibilities of wicket-keeper and batsman instead of Pant's replacement KS Bharat who recently did the duty behind the wickets in the Border-Gavaskar trophy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WTC Final, 2023: Sachin Tendulkar shares his views on selecting playing XI against Australia

With Team India in full confidence going into the second ODI against Australia on Sunday, March 19 the likes of Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma will be geared up as they return to their happy hunting ground. The contest on Sunday in Visakhapatnam will see both Rohit and Virat take on the Aussies while they will look to better their already impressive record. The Indian team will have a golden opportunity to seal the series as they took a 1-0 lead on Friday.&nbsp;

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1⃣ Brilliant catch 
2⃣ Wickets 
4⃣5⃣* Runs 
 
For his superb all-round performance, <a href="https://twitter.com/imjadeja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imjadeja</a> bags the Player of the Match award as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> beat Australia in the first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> ODI 🙌 🙌 
 
Scorecard ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/BAvv2E8K6h">https://t.co/BAvv2E8K6h</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mastercardindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mastercardindia</a> <a href="https://t.co/xaPDmpRX0p">pic.twitter.com/xaPDmpRX0p</a>
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<h3>What is Rohit, Virat's record in Vizag?</h3>

Both Virat and Rohit are India's highest scorers at the Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam and will look to make another impression Sunday. In six innings at the venue, Virat has scored 556 runs including three hundreds, while he was once dismissed on 99. In October 2018 against West Indies, Virat scored an unbeaten knock of 157 runs which consisted of 13 fours and 4 sixes.&nbsp;

Virat also scored 118 against Australia in October 2010 while he played a 117-run knock against West Indies on 2nd December 2011.&nbsp;

On the flip side, Rohit has scored 342 runs in six innings at the venue with a best of 159. Rohit played the innings against West Indies in December 2019 where he scored 17 fours and 5 sixes. In the same match, Virat was out for a golden duck while KL Rahul and Rohit put together an opening of 227 runs.&nbsp;

Rohit also has two fifties at the venue with scores of an unbeaten 90 against West Indies and 70 against New Zealand.&nbsp;

<h3>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravi-shastri-picks-a-new-face-to-keep-wickets-in-wtc-final-against-australia-573318">Ravi Shastri picks a new face to keep wickets in WTC final against Australia</a></h3>

<h3>India ready to clinch the series</h3>

After KL Rahul's superb unbeaten 75-run knock at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India beat the Aussies by 1-0 and will now look to win the series. The Men in Blue will welcome back skipper Rohit, who was missing from the first ODI while Ishan Kishan is expected to make way. Ravindra Jadeja was also in impressive form as he scalped two wickets and scored unbeaten 45 runs.&nbsp;

The second ODI will start at 1:30 PM IST on Sunday with the toss taking place at 1:00 PM.

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With Team India in full confidence going into the second ODI against Australia on Sunday, March 19 the likes of Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma will be geared up as they return to their happy hunting ground.

With Team India in full confidence going into the second ODI against Australia on Sunday, March 19 the likes of Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma will be geared up as they return to their happy hunting ground. The contest on Sunday in Visakhapatnam will see both Rohit and Virat take on the Aussies while they will look to better their already impressive record. The Indian team will have a golden opportunity to seal the series as they took a 1-0 lead on Friday. 1⃣ Brilliant catch 2⃣ Wickets 4⃣5⃣* Runs For his superb all-round performance, @imjadeja bags the Player of the Match award as #TeamIndia beat Australia in the first #INDvAUS ODI 🙌 🙌 Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/BAvv2E8K6h @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/xaPDmpRX0p — BCCI (@BCCI) March 17, 2023 × What is Rohit, Virat's record in Vizag? Both Virat and Rohit are India's highest scorers at the Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam and will look to make another impression Sunday. In six innings at the venue, Virat has scored 556 runs including three hundreds, while he was once dismissed on 99. In October 2018 against West Indies, Virat scored an unbeaten knock of 157 runs which consisted of 13 fours and 4 sixes. Virat also scored 118 against Australia in October 2010 while he played a 117-run knock against West Indies on 2nd December 2011. On the flip side, Rohit has scored 342 runs in six innings at the venue with a best of 159. Rohit played the innings against West Indies in December 2019 where he scored 17 fours and 5 sixes. In the same match, Virat was out for a golden duck while KL Rahul and Rohit put together an opening of 227 runs. Rohit also has two fifties at the venue with scores of an unbeaten 90 against West Indies and 70 against New Zealand. ALSO READ | Ravi Shastri picks a new face to keep wickets in WTC final against Australia India ready to clinch the series After KL Rahul's superb unbeaten 75-run knock at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India beat the Aussies by 1-0 and will now look to win the series. The Men in Blue will welcome back skipper Rohit, who was missing from the first ODI while Ishan Kishan is expected to make way. Ravindra Jadeja was also in impressive form as he scalped two wickets and scored unbeaten 45 runs. The second ODI will start at 1:30 PM IST on Sunday with the toss taking place at 1:00 PM. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IND vs AUS 2nd ODI: Why Vizag is happy hunting ground for Rohit, Virat as India get ready to clinch series?

The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition is set to kick off on March 31 with the defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) up against MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK), at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in&nbsp;Ahmedabad. The forthcoming edition is keenly awaited with the ten teams set to fight it out for the marquee title.&nbsp;

The upcoming season will see its 1000th match, which will be held between CSK and five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. The iconic match will be held on May 06.&nbsp;

Over the years, CSK-MI face-offs have made heads turn and two of the most successful sides will square off with each other in a landmark match of the mega event. Hence, it will be a mouth-watering clash at the iconic stadium.&nbsp;

It is to be noted that the 1000th IPL game will see CSK lock horns with MI for the second time in the season. MI will host their longtime rivals at the Wankhede Stadium on April 08.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-can-be-a-former-csk-star-suresh-raina-reveals-the-biggest-advice-he-received-from-ms-dhoni-572641">'You can be a...': Former CSK star Suresh Raina reveals the biggest advice he received from MS Dhoni</a>

Talking about Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai, they have won the championship on five occasions (IPL 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020). CSK, on the other hand, have lifted the coveted title on four occasions (IPL 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021).&nbsp;

Both sides ended at the bottom, with MI finishing at the tenth spot, in IPL 2022, and hence will be eager to bounce back in style this time around.&nbsp;

IPL 2023 will feature 70 matches in the group stage followed by the playoffs and the final. The summit clash will take place on May 28.

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The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition is set to kick off on March 31 with the defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) up against MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK), at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition is set to kick off on March 31 with the defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) up against MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK), at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. The forthcoming edition is keenly awaited with the ten teams set to fight it out for the marquee title. The upcoming season will see its 1000th match, which will be held between CSK and five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. The iconic match will be held on May 06. Over the years, CSK-MI face-offs have made heads turn and two of the most successful sides will square off with each other in a landmark match of the mega event. Hence, it will be a mouth-watering clash at the iconic stadium. It is to be noted that the 1000th IPL game will see CSK lock horns with MI for the second time in the season. MI will host their longtime rivals at the Wankhede Stadium on April 08. Also read: 'You can be a...': Former CSK star Suresh Raina reveals the biggest advice he received from MS Dhoni Talking about Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai, they have won the championship on five occasions (IPL 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020). CSK, on the other hand, have lifted the coveted title on four occasions (IPL 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021). Both sides ended at the bottom, with MI finishing at the tenth spot, in IPL 2022, and hence will be eager to bounce back in style this time around. IPL 2023 will feature 70 matches in the group stage followed by the playoffs and the final. The summit clash will take place on May 28. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

IPL 2023: ARCH-RIVALS to face-off in HISTORIC TIE! CSK to host MI in 1000th game of mega event

Things have not gone according to the plan for India’s star batter Ishan Kishan after he was dismissed for just three runs in the opening ODI of the three-match series on Friday, March 17. India chasing 189 at the Wankhede Stadium got off to the worse possible start after Ishan has to return to the pavilion in just the second over of the innings, which has now raised a debate about whether he makes it to the Playing XI in the next match?

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Innings Break!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> bowlers put up a fine show here at the Wankhede Stadium as Australia are all out for 188 runs in 35.4 overs. 
 
Three wickets apiece for Shami and Siraj. 
 
Scorecard - <a href="https://t.co/8mvcwAvYkJ">https://t.co/8mvcwAvYkJ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mastercardindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mastercardindia</a> <a href="https://t.co/S1HkPEPyGl">pic.twitter.com/S1HkPEPyGl</a>
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<h3>Is it end of the road for Ishan?</h3>

The 24-year-old is one of the inform batters for India recently that saw him score 210 against Bangladesh in December 2022. However, with competition for places, Ishan and to make way for Shubman Gill in the January ODI series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand where the latter grabbed his chance with a double ton.

Since then the left-handed batter has been playing second fiddle to both regular skipper Rohit Sharma and Gill while KL Rahul has been used as a middle-order batter due to increased competition. However, he was given an opportunity to impress in the first ODI against Australia in Mumbai after skipper Rohit was not available due to personal reasons. However, Ishan failed to make the most of his opportunity and was dismissed for just three runs.

<h3>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sachin-tendulkar-underlines-the-reason-why-odis-are-getting-monotonous-and-boring-comes-up-with-a-solution-572946">Sachin Tendulkar underlines the reason why ODIs are getting monotonous and boring, comes up with a solution</a></h3>

<h3>What next for Ishan?</h3>

As things stand, with skipper Rohit likely to return in the second ODI in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, Ishan is the most likely option to sit out. He is likely to make way for Rohit in a direct swap which could also mean that he will miss the rest of the series and will warm the bench instead. Gill on the flip side retains the faith of the team management and will play unless and until there is any injury or illness issue.

<h3>What happened in the contest?</h3>

KL Rahul’s composed 75-run knock helped Team India end their 12-year winless run in ODIs at the Wankhede Stadium after they beat Australia by five wickets on Friday, March 17. The win saw India take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series while also securing India’s first ODI win at the venue since beating England in October 2011. Asked to chase 189, the Indian team had initial struggles but an unbeaten 108-run stand between Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja (45 unbeaten) for the sixth wicket helped India draw the first blood.

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Things have not gone according to the plan for India’s star batter Ishan Kishan after he was dismissed for just three runs in the opening ODI of the three-match series on Friday, March 17.

Things have not gone according to the plan for India’s star batter Ishan Kishan after he was dismissed for just three runs in the opening ODI of the three-match series on Friday, March 17. India chasing 189 at the Wankhede Stadium got off to the worse possible start after Ishan has to return to the pavilion in just the second over of the innings, which has now raised a debate about whether he makes it to the Playing XI in the next match? Innings Break!#TeamIndia bowlers put up a fine show here at the Wankhede Stadium as Australia are all out for 188 runs in 35.4 overs. Three wickets apiece for Shami and Siraj. Scorecard - https://t.co/8mvcwAvYkJ #INDvAUS @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/S1HkPEPyGl — BCCI (@BCCI) March 17, 2023 × Is it end of the road for Ishan? The 24-year-old is one of the inform batters for India recently that saw him score 210 against Bangladesh in December 2022. However, with competition for places, Ishan and to make way for Shubman Gill in the January ODI series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand where the latter grabbed his chance with a double ton. Since then the left-handed batter has been playing second fiddle to both regular skipper Rohit Sharma and Gill while KL Rahul has been used as a middle-order batter due to increased competition. However, he was given an opportunity to impress in the first ODI against Australia in Mumbai after skipper Rohit was not available due to personal reasons. However, Ishan failed to make the most of his opportunity and was dismissed for just three runs. ALSO READ | Sachin Tendulkar underlines the reason why ODIs are getting monotonous and boring, comes up with a solution What next for Ishan? As things stand, with skipper Rohit likely to return in the second ODI in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, Ishan is the most likely option to sit out. He is likely to make way for Rohit in a direct swap which could also mean that he will miss the rest of the series and will warm the bench instead. Gill on the flip side retains the faith of the team management and will play unless and until there is any injury or illness issue. What happened in the contest? KL Rahul’s composed 75-run knock helped Team India end their 12-year winless run in ODIs at the Wankhede Stadium after they beat Australia by five wickets on Friday, March 17. The win saw India take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series while also securing India’s first ODI win at the venue since beating England in October 2011. Asked to chase 189, the Indian team had initial struggles but an unbeaten 108-run stand between Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja (45 unbeaten) for the sixth wicket helped India draw the first blood. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IND vs AUS ODI Series: Is it end of the road for Ishan Kishan as star batter fails in Rohit Sharma's absence?

Batting great Sachin Tendulkar feels India will have a chance to win the World Test Championship final against Australia in England later this year. Having missed out on winning it on the previous occasion against New Zealand a couple of years back, India will want to change that equation this time.

Speaking exclusively at the India Today Conclave, Sachin said India have played well and have a balanced team this time too. But they have to be wary of outside factors like overhead conditions before picking the right XI for the one-off final.

“We have played well and we have a good team, a balanced team. In those conditions, you have to see the overhead conditions and then also, the forecast comes into play. In Test cricket, you will have to understand conditions for the next five days and pick the squad accordingly,” Sachin said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sachin-tendulkar-underlines-the-reason-why-odis-are-getting-monotonous-and-boring-comes-up-with-a-solution-572946">Sachin Tendulkar underlines the reason why ODIs are getting monotonous and boring, comes up with a solution</a>

Even during the 2021 WTC final against New Zealand, India played two spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin - and instead compromised on a batter in Hanuma Vihari, which eventually cost them as they lost the match by eight wickets. Commenting on the same, Sachin said for Rohit, it would challenging to fit in both the spinners in the XI, looking at their recent exploits.

“It would be slightly challenging for a captain to have extra spinners in the team to get the balance right. I am only thinking from India’s point of view, let Australians do what they want to do. We stand a very good chance,” the Master Blaster added.

Meanwhile, Australia was the first team to qualify for the WTC finals after beating India in the third Test in Indore by nine wickets. For India to qualify, they had to beat Australia in the final Test else they needed New Zealand to either win one of the two Tests or at least play a draw against Sri Lanka. Much to the delight of the Indian cricket fans, the second scenario happened as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka in the first Test by two wickets.

The 2023 WTC final will now take place at the Oval in London on June 7th.

Batting great Sachin Tendulkar feels India will have a chance to win the World Test Championship final against Australia in England later this year. Having missed out on winning it on the previous occasion against New Zealand a couple of years back, India will want to change that equation this time.

Batting great Sachin Tendulkar feels India will have a chance to win the World Test Championship final against Australia in England later this year. Having missed out on winning it on the previous occasion against New Zealand a couple of years back, India will want to change that equation this time. Speaking exclusively at the India Today Conclave, Sachin said India have played well and have a balanced team this time too. But they have to be wary of outside factors like overhead conditions before picking the right XI for the one-off final. “We have played well and we have a good team, a balanced team. In those conditions, you have to see the overhead conditions and then also, the forecast comes into play. In Test cricket, you will have to understand conditions for the next five days and pick the squad accordingly,” Sachin said. ALSO READ: Sachin Tendulkar underlines the reason why ODIs are getting monotonous and boring, comes up with a solution Even during the 2021 WTC final against New Zealand, India played two spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin - and instead compromised on a batter in Hanuma Vihari, which eventually cost them as they lost the match by eight wickets. Commenting on the same, Sachin said for Rohit, it would challenging to fit in both the spinners in the XI, looking at their recent exploits. “It would be slightly challenging for a captain to have extra spinners in the team to get the balance right. I am only thinking from India’s point of view, let Australians do what they want to do. We stand a very good chance,” the Master Blaster added. Meanwhile, Australia was the first team to qualify for the WTC finals after beating India in the third Test in Indore by nine wickets. For India to qualify, they had to beat Australia in the final Test else they needed New Zealand to either win one of the two Tests or at least play a draw against Sri Lanka. Much to the delight of the Indian cricket fans, the second scenario happened as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka in the first Test by two wickets. The 2023 WTC final will now take place at the Oval in London on June 7th.

Balancing the spinners in XI for WTC final would be challenging for Rohit Sharma, feels Sachin Tendulkar

The 2023 ICC ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held in India later this year and former India batsman Sunil Gavaskar says that India will have a change of captaincy after the marquee event.&nbsp;

The ex-India opener, while talking to Star Sports, has predicted that all-rounder Hardik Pandya will succeed Rohit Sharma as the next skipper.

"What you see with Hardik Pandya as a captain is a sense of comfort with the rest of the team. Maybe, it’s the way he handles the players, puts his arm around the players. He just seems to give the players a sense of comfort. That’s so important to give a player a sense of comfort so that he can go and play his natural game. I think he encourages them, which is a wonderful sign," said Gavaskar.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-shows-dancing-skills-with-norwegian-group-quick-style-572135">WATCH: Virat Kohli shows DANCING skills with Norwegian group Quick Style</a>

While Rohit Sharma is set to lead the Indian side in the World Cup, Hardik Pandya will lead India in the first ODI against Australia in Mumbai on March 17. Rohit will be back to lead the side in the next two matches of the three-match series on March 19 and 22 in Vishakhapatnam and Chennai, respectively.

Hardik has impressed everyone with his captaincy after he led the IPL side Gujarat Titans to victory in their maiden season in 2022 and subsequently led India in a few limited-overs matches.

"I have been very impressed with his captaincy at the T20 level for the Gujarat Titans and for India when he is captaining the T20 side. I do believe that if he wins the first game in Mumbai, then you can almost stamp him as the India captain once the World Cup is over in 2023,' added Gavaskar.

Notably, Rohit had taken over the white-ball captaincy from Virat Kohli in December 2021 and took over as the red-ball captain in 2022 after Kohli quit following a seven-year long stint.

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The 2023 ICC ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held in India later this year and former India batsman Sunil Gavaskar says that India will have a change of captaincy after the marquee event.

The 2023 ICC ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held in India later this year and former India batsman Sunil Gavaskar says that India will have a change of captaincy after the marquee event. The ex-India opener, while talking to Star Sports, has predicted that all-rounder Hardik Pandya will succeed Rohit Sharma as the next skipper. "What you see with Hardik Pandya as a captain is a sense of comfort with the rest of the team. Maybe, it’s the way he handles the players, puts his arm around the players. He just seems to give the players a sense of comfort. That’s so important to give a player a sense of comfort so that he can go and play his natural game. I think he encourages them, which is a wonderful sign," said Gavaskar. Also Read: WATCH: Virat Kohli shows DANCING skills with Norwegian group Quick Style While Rohit Sharma is set to lead the Indian side in the World Cup, Hardik Pandya will lead India in the first ODI against Australia in Mumbai on March 17. Rohit will be back to lead the side in the next two matches of the three-match series on March 19 and 22 in Vishakhapatnam and Chennai, respectively. Hardik has impressed everyone with his captaincy after he led the IPL side Gujarat Titans to victory in their maiden season in 2022 and subsequently led India in a few limited-overs matches. "I have been very impressed with his captaincy at the T20 level for the Gujarat Titans and for India when he is captaining the T20 side. I do believe that if he wins the first game in Mumbai, then you can almost stamp him as the India captain once the World Cup is over in 2023,' added Gavaskar. Notably, Rohit had taken over the white-ball captaincy from Virat Kohli in December 2021 and took over as the red-ball captain in 2022 after Kohli quit following a seven-year long stint. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ex-India opener Sunil Gavaskar picks THIS star player to replace Rohit as ODI captain after 2023 World Cup

The Border-Gavaskar series is over with India winning it 2-1 after the last Test in Ahmedabad ended in a draw. Australia was in strong position on a batting paradise, amassing 480 runs in the first innings. India too replied in the same manner as they scored 571/9 with right-hand batsman Shreyas Iyer not coming out to bat.

Iyer was taken to hospital on day four of the final Test for scans after complaining of back issues. The batsman had missed the first Test in Nagpur due to back injury as well before coming back in the side for the second Test in Delhi.&nbsp;

Skipper Rohit Sharma, at the post-match presentation of Ahmedabad Test, spoke about Iyer's injury.&nbsp;

"Poor guy. It just was such an unfortunate incident. He had to wait all day to bat and then when the day got over, the issue he had with his back, recurred. He was sent to the hospital to take scans. I don't know the exact report of the scans, but he does not seem to be doing that well," said the skipper.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ex-india-opener-sunil-gavaskar-picks-this-star-player-to-replace-rohit-as-odi-captain-after-2023-world-cup-572154">Ex-India opener Sunil Gavaskar picks THIS star player to replace Rohit as ODI captain after 2023 World Cup</a>

Rohit further said that he doesn't know how long the batsman will take to recover.

"Obviously, that’s why he's not present here, so we don't know the exact status of how long he will take to recover or when he will be back. When it happened, it did not look that great. I hope he recovers quickly and comes back and plays again," he added.

Due to the injury, Iyer has been sidelined from the upcoming ODI series against Australia as well. The three-match ODI series is set to begin from March 17 in Mumbai with next two matches scheduled in Vishakhapatnam and Chennai on March 19 and 22, respectively.

Iyer is also likely to be unavailable for the first few matches for his IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders as report by media outlet PTI says that he is set to be out for a prolonged period of time.

&nbsp;

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The Border-Gavaskar series is over with India winning it 2-1 after the last Test in Ahmedabad ended in a draw. Australia was in strong position on a batting paradise, amassing 480 runs in the first innings.

The Border-Gavaskar series is over with India winning it 2-1 after the last Test in Ahmedabad ended in a draw. Australia was in strong position on a batting paradise, amassing 480 runs in the first innings. India too replied in the same manner as they scored 571/9 with right-hand batsman Shreyas Iyer not coming out to bat. Iyer was taken to hospital on day four of the final Test for scans after complaining of back issues. The batsman had missed the first Test in Nagpur due to back injury as well before coming back in the side for the second Test in Delhi. Skipper Rohit Sharma, at the post-match presentation of Ahmedabad Test, spoke about Iyer's injury. "Poor guy. It just was such an unfortunate incident. He had to wait all day to bat and then when the day got over, the issue he had with his back, recurred. He was sent to the hospital to take scans. I don't know the exact report of the scans, but he does not seem to be doing that well," said the skipper. Also Read: Ex-India opener Sunil Gavaskar picks THIS star player to replace Rohit as ODI captain after 2023 World Cup Rohit further said that he doesn't know how long the batsman will take to recover. "Obviously, that’s why he's not present here, so we don't know the exact status of how long he will take to recover or when he will be back. When it happened, it did not look that great. I hope he recovers quickly and comes back and plays again," he added. Due to the injury, Iyer has been sidelined from the upcoming ODI series against Australia as well. The three-match ODI series is set to begin from March 17 in Mumbai with next two matches scheduled in Vishakhapatnam and Chennai on March 19 and 22, respectively. Iyer is also likely to be unavailable for the first few matches for his IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders as report by media outlet PTI says that he is set to be out for a prolonged period of time. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India captain Rohit Sharma opens up on Shreyas Iyer's back injury

Australia's Steve Smith, who acted as the stand-in captain for the last two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar series, has given a subdued warning to India, against whom the Aussies will play in the World Test Championship (WTC) final in England in June.

Speaking after the Ahmedabad Test at the press conference, Smith said, "There's usually reasonable bounce and pace for an English wicket. It's probably as close as you get to Australia potentially in terms of pace and bounce. So yeah, it's going to be a great Test match and the guys are looking forward to it."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/to-who-ever-stole-england-test-captain-ben-stokes-loses-his-cool-after-unfortunate-incident-see-post-571793">'To who ever stole...': England Test captain Ben Stokes loses cool after an unfortunate incident - see post</a>

The match will be played at the Oval and Smith said that it wears on as the game progresses but is a great place to play cricket.

"You know, the Oval, the wicket there can take some spin at times, particularly as the game wears on. So could be interesting in terms of what what sort of wicket we get. But, you know, it's a great place to play cricket."

Australia made into the WTC final with surety after winning the Indore Test, the third of the four-match Border-Gavaskar series, by nine wickets. India, who had won the first Two Tests of the series in Nagpur and Delhi, respectively, made into the final only after New Zealand beat Sri Lanka in a thrilling Test match on the last ball by two wickets.

India had to win the Border-Gavaskar trophy with a 3-0 or 3-1 margin to stay independent of the outcome of Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Test.&nbsp;

The fourth Test in Ahmedabad, however, was headed for a draw soon after the first session on the final day. After scoring 480 runs in the first innings, Australia conceded a 91-run lead after India scored 571/9.

Australia, however, didn't give any early wickets to India in the second innings and the match was called a draw with the visitors being at 175/2 in the third session.

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Australia's Steve Smith, who acted as the stand-in captain for the last two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar series, has given a subdued warning to India, against whom the Aussies will play in the World Test Championship (WTC) final in England in June.

Australia's Steve Smith, who acted as the stand-in captain for the last two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar series, has given a subdued warning to India, against whom the Aussies will play in the World Test Championship (WTC) final in England in June. Speaking after the Ahmedabad Test at the press conference, Smith said, "There's usually reasonable bounce and pace for an English wicket. It's probably as close as you get to Australia potentially in terms of pace and bounce. So yeah, it's going to be a great Test match and the guys are looking forward to it." Also Read: 'To who ever stole...': England Test captain Ben Stokes loses cool after an unfortunate incident - see post The match will be played at the Oval and Smith said that it wears on as the game progresses but is a great place to play cricket. "You know, the Oval, the wicket there can take some spin at times, particularly as the game wears on. So could be interesting in terms of what what sort of wicket we get. But, you know, it's a great place to play cricket." Australia made into the WTC final with surety after winning the Indore Test, the third of the four-match Border-Gavaskar series, by nine wickets. India, who had won the first Two Tests of the series in Nagpur and Delhi, respectively, made into the final only after New Zealand beat Sri Lanka in a thrilling Test match on the last ball by two wickets. India had to win the Border-Gavaskar trophy with a 3-0 or 3-1 margin to stay independent of the outcome of Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Test. The fourth Test in Ahmedabad, however, was headed for a draw soon after the first session on the final day. After scoring 480 runs in the first innings, Australia conceded a 91-run lead after India scored 571/9. Australia, however, didn't give any early wickets to India in the second innings and the match was called a draw with the visitors being at 175/2 in the third session. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Looking forward to...': Australia's Steve Smith issues warning to India ahead of WTC 2023 final at the Oval

Following the result on day five of the fourth Test in Ahmedabad, India sealed the remaining spot in the World Test Championship final and will now face Australia in the summit clash at the Oval in London on June 7th. The Indian captain Rohit Sharma while stressing the importance of doing well against Australia on a neutral ground, said winning in the UK is critical for the team given what they achieved on their road to the final.

Speaking to the media in the post-match presser on Monday, Rohit said the workload management going forward would be the key considering India will play the final right after the end of IPL 2023.&nbsp;

When asked if this would pose any problem in preparation for the WTC final, India’s all-format skipper said no – adding because since most of the teams would be out by the time the playoffs will begin, so those players who will be available can leave for the UK earlier and get acclimatised to the conditions there.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/long-may-it-continue-india-coach-rahul-dravid-praises-this-exciting-young-player-after-australia-tests-571608">'Long may it continue...': India coach Rahul Dravid praises THIS exciting young player after Australia Tests</a>

"I don't think it will be a huge problem but yeah, look I believe in preparation and preparations will be key for us come the finals. Around 21st May, there will be six teams who will possibly be out of IPL playoffs contention and so whichever players are available, we will try and find time to get them to the UK early as possible and get some time and we will monitor as much as possible," Rohit said.

Putting a clear rod map ahead as to how the management will deal with players workload, Rohit added they would be sending some Duke Balls to the bowlers as well for them to practice and find their rhythm.

He further said all these factors are critical for them to do well in the finale as winning the WTC would be on their mind having lost it the previously against New Zealand.

"Look, I think it's quite critical for us, we're going to keep in constant touch with all players who are going to play that final and monitor their workload and see what's happening with them," Rohit said.&nbsp;

"In fact, we are sending some Dukes Balls to all fast bowlers and see if they get some time to bowl with that, but again it all depends on individuals, guys who will be part of finals are not the guys who have not played in UK and may be one or two guys here and there and rest all of us have played in that part of the world," the right-handed batter added.

Following the result on day five of the fourth Test in Ahmedabad, India sealed the remaining spot in the World Test Championship final and will now face Australia in the summit clash at the Oval in London on June 7th.

Following the result on day five of the fourth Test in Ahmedabad, India sealed the remaining spot in the World Test Championship final and will now face Australia in the summit clash at the Oval in London on June 7th. The Indian captain Rohit Sharma while stressing the importance of doing well against Australia on a neutral ground, said winning in the UK is critical for the team given what they achieved on their road to the final. Speaking to the media in the post-match presser on Monday, Rohit said the workload management going forward would be the key considering India will play the final right after the end of IPL 2023. When asked if this would pose any problem in preparation for the WTC final, India’s all-format skipper said no – adding because since most of the teams would be out by the time the playoffs will begin, so those players who will be available can leave for the UK earlier and get acclimatised to the conditions there. ALSO READ: 'Long may it continue...': India coach Rahul Dravid praises THIS exciting young player after Australia Tests "I don't think it will be a huge problem but yeah, look I believe in preparation and preparations will be key for us come the finals. Around 21st May, there will be six teams who will possibly be out of IPL playoffs contention and so whichever players are available, we will try and find time to get them to the UK early as possible and get some time and we will monitor as much as possible," Rohit said. Putting a clear rod map ahead as to how the management will deal with players workload, Rohit added they would be sending some Duke Balls to the bowlers as well for them to practice and find their rhythm. He further said all these factors are critical for them to do well in the finale as winning the WTC would be on their mind having lost it the previously against New Zealand. "Look, I think it's quite critical for us, we're going to keep in constant touch with all players who are going to play that final and monitor their workload and see what's happening with them," Rohit said. "In fact, we are sending some Dukes Balls to all fast bowlers and see if they get some time to bowl with that, but again it all depends on individuals, guys who will be part of finals are not the guys who have not played in UK and may be one or two guys here and there and rest all of us have played in that part of the world," the right-handed batter added.

BGT 2023: 'We will send Duke Balls to fast bowlers for them to practice for WTC final,' says Rohit Sharma

Kane Williamson's 27th ton propelled New Zealand to a famous two-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the Christchurch Test on Monday (March 13). With this win, the current Test world champions New Zealand helped India enter the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Thus, the result of the ongoing India-Australia Test is not out of the picture as India have already qualified for the finale. For SL to qualify, they had to whitewash hosts NZ and hope that India does not win the Ahmedabad Test. While India's victory is very much out of the picture, with a tame draw on the cards, the Islanders are now out with a close defeat.&nbsp;

Thus, India will play in the WTC final for the second time in a row. After they missed a golden opportunity to win the inaugural edition in 2021, losing to New Zealand, India will now have another go at the coveted title. Here's when and where will India square off with Pat Cummins &amp; Co. at the WTC finale:&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-ind-aus-to-meet-in-icc-mens-final-for-first-time-after-20-years-heres-what-happened-back-then-571433">WTC final: Ind-Aus to meet in ICC men's final for first time after 20 years! Here's what happened back then -</a>

India vs Australia, WTC Final

Rohit Sharma-led India will meet the Aussies in the WTC summit clash on June 07. The match will be held at The Kennington Oval, London. June 12 will be the reserve day. At the venue, India have played 14 Tests; winning only two and losing five (with seven draws). However, they triumphed over England by 157 runs in their last tie at the venue in 2021.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Australia have played 38 Tests at The Oval, winning seven and losing 17 of them along with 14 draws.

India's last ICC title came in 2013 when they lifted the Champions Trophy in England and Wales under MS Dhoni's leadership. Will Rohit &amp; Co. end their ten-year-long ICC-title drought by winning the WTC final in June? Only time will tell...

Kane Williamson's 27th ton propelled New Zealand to a famous two-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the Christchurch Test on Monday (March 13). With this win, the current Test world champions New Zealand helped India enter the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.

Kane Williamson's 27th ton propelled New Zealand to a famous two-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the Christchurch Test on Monday (March 13). With this win, the current Test world champions New Zealand helped India enter the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Thus, the result of the ongoing India-Australia Test is not out of the picture as India have already qualified for the finale. For SL to qualify, they had to whitewash hosts NZ and hope that India does not win the Ahmedabad Test. While India's victory is very much out of the picture, with a tame draw on the cards, the Islanders are now out with a close defeat. Thus, India will play in the WTC final for the second time in a row. After they missed a golden opportunity to win the inaugural edition in 2021, losing to New Zealand, India will now have another go at the coveted title. Here's when and where will India square off with Pat Cummins & Co. at the WTC finale: Also Read: WTC final: Ind-Aus to meet in ICC men's final for first time after 20 years! Here's what happened back then - India vs Australia, WTC Final Rohit Sharma-led India will meet the Aussies in the WTC summit clash on June 07. The match will be held at The Kennington Oval, London. June 12 will be the reserve day. At the venue, India have played 14 Tests; winning only two and losing five (with seven draws). However, they triumphed over England by 157 runs in their last tie at the venue in 2021. Meanwhile, Australia have played 38 Tests at The Oval, winning seven and losing 17 of them along with 14 draws. India's last ICC title came in 2013 when they lifted the Champions Trophy in England and Wales under MS Dhoni's leadership. Will Rohit & Co. end their ten-year-long ICC-title drought by winning the WTC final in June? Only time will tell...

WTC final: When and where will India lock horns with Australia to end 10-year-long ICC-title drought

New Zealand's thrilling two-wicket win over Sri Lanka, in Christchurch, confirmed India a place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka had to whitewash the hosts in the two-match Test series and pray for India to not win their ongoing Ahmedabad Test versus Australia in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy to topple Rohit Shamra &amp; Co. and join Australia in the WTC summit clash. Nonetheless, Kane Williamson's unbeaten 121, his 27th Test ton, propelled the Tim Southee-led Black Caps to a thrilling two-wicket victory, in pursuit of 285, on the last ball of the first Test on Monday (March 13).

Thus, India have now officially entered the WTC final and will lock horns with Pat Cummins-led Australia for the ICC title on June 07, at The Oval, London. It is to be noted that arch-rivals India and Australia will now lock horns in an ICC men's final for the first time after 20 years. The last time both sides squared off in an ICC finale was during the 2003 ODI World Cup in Johannesburg.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nz-vs-sl-1st-test-williamson-mitchell-take-kiwis-to-thrlling-two-wicket-win-as-india-qualify-for-wtc-final-571406">NZ vs SL, 1st Test: Williamson, Mitchell take Kiwis to thrilling two-wicket win as India qualify for WTC final</a>

Here's what happened in the last ICC men's final between India, Australia

The last time India faced Australia in a men's ICC final was during the 2003 ODI World Cup. Back then, the invincibles Ricky Ponting-led Aussies came into the summit clash without dropping a game. Meanwhile, India started poorly before turning the tides emphatically to reach the summit clash. During the finale, nothing clicked for India despite winning the toss. Ganguly-led India invited Australia to bat first, who rode on Ponting's 140 not out&nbsp;and Damien Martyn's 88* to post a daunting 359 for 2. In reply, India only managed 234 all-out with Virender Sehwag's 82 being the top score.

Indian fans will surely hope for the script to be in Rohit &amp; Co.'s favour this time around.&nbsp;At present, they are involved in the fourth and final Test versus Australia, in Ahmedabad, of the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. They lead the series 2-1.&nbsp;

New Zealand's thrilling two-wicket win over Sri Lanka, in Christchurch, confirmed India a place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka had to whitewash the hosts in the two-match Test series and pray for India to not win their ongoing Ahmedabad Test versus Australia in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy to topple Rohit Shamra & Co.

New Zealand's thrilling two-wicket win over Sri Lanka, in Christchurch, confirmed India a place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka had to whitewash the hosts in the two-match Test series and pray for India to not win their ongoing Ahmedabad Test versus Australia in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy to topple Rohit Shamra & Co. and join Australia in the WTC summit clash. Nonetheless, Kane Williamson's unbeaten 121, his 27th Test ton, propelled the Tim Southee-led Black Caps to a thrilling two-wicket victory, in pursuit of 285, on the last ball of the first Test on Monday (March 13). Thus, India have now officially entered the WTC final and will lock horns with Pat Cummins-led Australia for the ICC title on June 07, at The Oval, London. It is to be noted that arch-rivals India and Australia will now lock horns in an ICC men's final for the first time after 20 years. The last time both sides squared off in an ICC finale was during the 2003 ODI World Cup in Johannesburg. Also Read: NZ vs SL, 1st Test: Williamson, Mitchell take Kiwis to thrilling two-wicket win as India qualify for WTC final Here's what happened in the last ICC men's final between India, Australia The last time India faced Australia in a men's ICC final was during the 2003 ODI World Cup. Back then, the invincibles Ricky Ponting-led Aussies came into the summit clash without dropping a game. Meanwhile, India started poorly before turning the tides emphatically to reach the summit clash. During the finale, nothing clicked for India despite winning the toss. Ganguly-led India invited Australia to bat first, who rode on Ponting's 140 not out and Damien Martyn's 88* to post a daunting 359 for 2. In reply, India only managed 234 all-out with Virender Sehwag's 82 being the top score. Indian fans will surely hope for the script to be in Rohit & Co.'s favour this time around. At present, they are involved in the fourth and final Test versus Australia, in Ahmedabad, of the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. They lead the series 2-1.

WTC final: Ind-Aus to meet in ICC men's finale for first time after 20 years! Here's what happened back then -

Day 2 of the fourth and final Test between India and Australia saw the Steve Smith-led visitors post a challenging 480 on a belter of a surface at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. On the opening day,&nbsp;on Thursday (March 9), Australia opted to bat first and went to stumps at 255 for 4. The second day's play saw the visitors ride on Usman Khawaja's 180 and Cameron Green's 114&nbsp;to post a mammoth 480 before Rohit Sharma-led India went to stumps at 36 for no loss.&nbsp;

During the day's proceedings, Indian bowlers were made to work hard for every wicket. The opening session saw the home side remain wicketless as Khawaja-Green's partnership frustrated them. As a result, Rohit &amp; Co. took a horrendous review on the last ball of the 128th over, bowled by Ravindra Jadeja. The Indian players made an lbw appeal versus Khawaja, who was batting on 160 along with Green on 112, but the replays showed the ball to be miles away from the stumps. Hence, umpire Richard&nbsp;Kettleborough's reaction went viral as he couldn't stop smiling on the poor DRS call from Team India.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-ms-dhoni-turns-back-the-clock-with-magnanimous-sixes-in-csk-practice-session-watch-570632">IPL 2023: MS Dhoni turns back the clock with MAGNANIMOUS sixes in CSK practice session - WATCH</a>

Here's the viral video:

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Eventually, India got rid of centurion Khawaja for 180, trapping him lbw off Axar Patel. Green, on the other hand, fell for 114 after scoring his maiden ton in whites. Some help from their tail-enders saw Australia post a mammoth 480 all-out before Indian openers Rohit (17 not out) and Shubman Gill (unbeaten 18) negated any threat from the Aussie bowlers to take India to 36 for no loss at the end of day's play.&nbsp;

Day 3 will be extremely crucial for Team India, who trail Australia by a whopping 444-run margin. The hosts lead the four-match series 2-1 but need a win in this tie to not only clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also enter the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Australia are already through to the WTC summit clash.

Day 2 of the fourth and final Test between India and Australia saw the Steve Smith-led visitors post a challenging 480 on a belter of a surface at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Day 2 of the fourth and final Test between India and Australia saw the Steve Smith-led visitors post a challenging 480 on a belter of a surface at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. On the opening day, on Thursday (March 9), Australia opted to bat first and went to stumps at 255 for 4. The second day's play saw the visitors ride on Usman Khawaja's 180 and Cameron Green's 114 to post a mammoth 480 before Rohit Sharma-led India went to stumps at 36 for no loss. During the day's proceedings, Indian bowlers were made to work hard for every wicket. The opening session saw the home side remain wicketless as Khawaja-Green's partnership frustrated them. As a result, Rohit & Co. took a horrendous review on the last ball of the 128th over, bowled by Ravindra Jadeja. The Indian players made an lbw appeal versus Khawaja, who was batting on 160 along with Green on 112, but the replays showed the ball to be miles away from the stumps. Hence, umpire Richard Kettleborough's reaction went viral as he couldn't stop smiling on the poor DRS call from Team India. Also read: IPL 2023: MS Dhoni turns back the clock with MAGNANIMOUS sixes in CSK practice session - WATCH Here's the viral video: pic.twitter.com/eMxKD9khgT — Anna 24GhanteChaukanna (@Anna24GhanteCh2) March 10, 2023 × Eventually, India got rid of centurion Khawaja for 180, trapping him lbw off Axar Patel. Green, on the other hand, fell for 114 after scoring his maiden ton in whites. Some help from their tail-enders saw Australia post a mammoth 480 all-out before Indian openers Rohit (17 not out) and Shubman Gill (unbeaten 18) negated any threat from the Aussie bowlers to take India to 36 for no loss at the end of day's play. Day 3 will be extremely crucial for Team India, who trail Australia by a whopping 444-run margin. The hosts lead the four-match series 2-1 but need a win in this tie to not only clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also enter the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Australia are already through to the WTC summit clash.

Watch: India take HORRENDOUS review as umpire's reaction goes viral on Day 2 of 4th Test vs Australia

India struggled to get wickets on Day 2 of the fourth and final Test versus Australia at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Friday (March 10). After the opening day's play ended with the visitors well-placed at 255 for 4, there was more misery for Team India as the unbeaten fifth-wicket stand between centurion Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green continued to pile on runs.&nbsp;

From 170 for 4, Green and Khawaja added 208 runs for the fifth wicket with Day 2's opening session seeing India go wicketless. At lunch break, former India head coach Ravi Shastri stated that since the Ahmedabad Test pitch is a batting-friendly one, this is a big learning curve for skipper Rohit Sharma.

"It's a big learning curve for Rohit Sharma. Tests were getting over in quick time, the game was moving very fast. But this one, it's a good pitch. The wickets are not coming as quickly. That's when you got to get that thinking cap on, marshalling your resources. One thing captaining overseas, and one thing captaining in India on good tracks," Shastri said on-air for Star Sports.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-md-shami-dismisses-peter-handscomb-with-a-peach-of-a-delivery-on-day-1-of-4th-test-570263">WATCH: Md Shami dismisses Peter Handscomb with a peach of a delivery on Day 1 of 4th Test</a>

"He has got all the good skills, but this is the exposure he needs. It's when one partnership comes up, you will be tested," Shastri added. Post the lunch break, Indian bowlers managed to pick wickets at regular intervals. R Ashwin removed Green (114), Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc before Axar removed Khawaja, who fell for a majestic 180.&nbsp;

The Ahmedabad pitch has been the best to bat for in the entire series. India have been made to work hard for every wicket. Their batters&nbsp;will hope to stay for long and reply strongly to Australia's first-innings score, which has already gone past the 400-run mark.

India lead the four-match series 2-1 and have to win to not only clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with a 3-1 scoreline, but also join Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.&nbsp;

India struggled to get wickets on Day 2 of the fourth and final Test versus Australia at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Friday (March 10). After the opening day's play ended with the visitors well-placed at 255 for 4, there was more misery for Team India as the unbeaten fifth-wicket stand between centurion Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green continued to pile on runs.

India struggled to get wickets on Day 2 of the fourth and final Test versus Australia at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Friday (March 10). After the opening day's play ended with the visitors well-placed at 255 for 4, there was more misery for Team India as the unbeaten fifth-wicket stand between centurion Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green continued to pile on runs. From 170 for 4, Green and Khawaja added 208 runs for the fifth wicket with Day 2's opening session seeing India go wicketless. At lunch break, former India head coach Ravi Shastri stated that since the Ahmedabad Test pitch is a batting-friendly one, this is a big learning curve for skipper Rohit Sharma. "It's a big learning curve for Rohit Sharma. Tests were getting over in quick time, the game was moving very fast. But this one, it's a good pitch. The wickets are not coming as quickly. That's when you got to get that thinking cap on, marshalling your resources. One thing captaining overseas, and one thing captaining in India on good tracks," Shastri said on-air for Star Sports. Also read: WATCH: Md Shami dismisses Peter Handscomb with a peach of a delivery on Day 1 of 4th Test "He has got all the good skills, but this is the exposure he needs. It's when one partnership comes up, you will be tested," Shastri added. Post the lunch break, Indian bowlers managed to pick wickets at regular intervals. R Ashwin removed Green (114), Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc before Axar removed Khawaja, who fell for a majestic 180. The Ahmedabad pitch has been the best to bat for in the entire series. India have been made to work hard for every wicket. Their batters will hope to stay for long and reply strongly to Australia's first-innings score, which has already gone past the 400-run mark. India lead the four-match series 2-1 and have to win to not only clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with a 3-1 scoreline, but also join Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.

Ahmedabad Test pitch a big learning curve for Rohit Sharma, says ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri

Day 1 of the fourth and final Test between India and Australia kicked off in the presence of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Thursday (March 09). Before the start of the series decider, both PM Modi and Albanese met the Indian and Australian players, respectively, amid a huge roar from the crowd.&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the video of PM Modi-Anthony Albanese's interaction with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith, respectively. Here's the video of the two dignitaries meeting players from both camps, shared by BCCI's official Twitter handle. The caption read, "A special welcome &amp; special handshakes!

The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and the Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese meet #TeamIndia &amp; Australia respectively."

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The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and The Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese have arrived at the stadium! <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlboMP</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/mastercardindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mastercardindia</a> <a href="https://t.co/5bijT2ENJ5">pic.twitter.com/5bijT2ENJ5</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1633670614979612673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unmissable-rohit-sharma-leads-the-charge-as-team-india-celebrate-holi-in-ahmedabad-watch-569894">UNMISSABLE! Rohit Sharma leads the charge as Team India celebrate Holi in Ahmedabad - Watch</a>

At the coin toss, Smith-led Australia opted to bat first. The stand-in skipper said, "We are going to have a bat, playing with the same team. Looks like a nice surface, does look like a good wicket. The guys performed well last week. We'll wait and see (whether he will lead Australia in India again)."

Meanwhile, Rohit told the broadcasters, "We would have batted first. We know what needs to be done. Siraj is rested and Shami is back. It's always nice to have some time off. We need to regroup as a team, you can reflect on so many things. Not the surface what we saw in the first three Tests, looks a good pitch, I hope it stays the same for all five days."

Playing XIs

India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Srikar Bharat(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav

Australia: Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith(c), Peter Handscomb, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(w), Mitchell Starc, Todd Murphy, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nathan Lyon

India lead the series 2-1 but need to win the final Test to not only clinch the series but also qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Australia have already qualified following their Indore Test victory.

Day 1 of the fourth and final Test between India and Australia kicked off in the presence of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Thursday (March 09).

Day 1 of the fourth and final Test between India and Australia kicked off in the presence of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Thursday (March 09). Before the start of the series decider, both PM Modi and Albanese met the Indian and Australian players, respectively, amid a huge roar from the crowd. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the video of PM Modi-Anthony Albanese's interaction with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith, respectively. Here's the video of the two dignitaries meeting players from both camps, shared by BCCI's official Twitter handle. The caption read, "A special welcome & special handshakes! The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and the Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese meet #TeamIndia & Australia respectively." The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and The Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese have arrived at the stadium! @narendramodi | @PMOIndia | @AlboMP | #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/5bijT2ENJ5 — BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023 × Also read: UNMISSABLE! Rohit Sharma leads the charge as Team India celebrate Holi in Ahmedabad - Watch At the coin toss, Smith-led Australia opted to bat first. The stand-in skipper said, "We are going to have a bat, playing with the same team. Looks like a nice surface, does look like a good wicket. The guys performed well last week. We'll wait and see (whether he will lead Australia in India again)." Meanwhile, Rohit told the broadcasters, "We would have batted first. We know what needs to be done. Siraj is rested and Shami is back. It's always nice to have some time off. We need to regroup as a team, you can reflect on so many things. Not the surface what we saw in the first three Tests, looks a good pitch, I hope it stays the same for all five days." Playing XIs India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Srikar Bharat(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav Australia: Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith(c), Peter Handscomb, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(w), Mitchell Starc, Todd Murphy, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nathan Lyon India lead the series 2-1 but need to win the final Test to not only clinch the series but also qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Australia have already qualified following their Indore Test victory.

WATCH: PM Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese meet Ind-Aus players before 4th Test

India and Australia commenced the fourth and final Test of the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, on Thursday (March 09), at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. After Steve Smith-led Australia opted to bat first at the coin toss, the Aussie openers Travis Head and Usman Khawaja added 61 runs for the first wicket. However, India could have had their first breakthrough in the sixth over had wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat held onto a regulation catch.&nbsp;

The incident took place in the sixth over when Umesh Yadav had the ball in hand. He induced an edge off in-form Head and it went straight to Bharat, who has impressed one and all with his keeping skills in the series. However, the 29-year-old made a mess of a simple catch and dropped it. The cameras soon turned towards skipper Rohit Sharma, who had a blank reaction to the mistake from Bharat. Here's the video:

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Gussa <a href="https://t.co/BIexaLfsm3">pic.twitter.com/BIexaLfsm3</a>
— javed ansari (@javedan00643948) <a href="https://twitter.com/javedan00643948/status/1633687178013474821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cleaned-up-md-shami-rattles-marnus-labuschagnes-stumps-on-day-1-of-ahmedabad-test-watch-570152">CLEANED UP! Md Shami rattles Marnus Labuschagne's stumps on Day 1 of Ahmedabad Test - Watch</a>

In the first session, Australia managed to get to 75 runs and lost Head and Marnus Labuschagne. Head was given a lifeline when he was batting on five and eventually fell for 32. Labuschagne, on the other hand, saw his stumps being rattled by&nbsp;Md Shami but the visitors had opener Usman Khawaja unbeaten during the lunch break. At the time of publishing this report, Khawaja-Smith have managed to keep Indian bowlers at bay post the lunch break and are moving the scoreboard forward.&nbsp;

Australia will aim for anything over 350 in the four-match Test series decider in Ahmedabad. India lead the series 2-1 but need a win to not only clinch the series but also qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) finale, where Australia have already confirmed a spot.

India and Australia commenced the fourth and final Test of the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, on Thursday (March 09), at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad.

India and Australia commenced the fourth and final Test of the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, on Thursday (March 09), at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. After Steve Smith-led Australia opted to bat first at the coin toss, the Aussie openers Travis Head and Usman Khawaja added 61 runs for the first wicket. However, India could have had their first breakthrough in the sixth over had wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat held onto a regulation catch. The incident took place in the sixth over when Umesh Yadav had the ball in hand. He induced an edge off in-form Head and it went straight to Bharat, who has impressed one and all with his keeping skills in the series. However, the 29-year-old made a mess of a simple catch and dropped it. The cameras soon turned towards skipper Rohit Sharma, who had a blank reaction to the mistake from Bharat. Here's the video: Gussa pic.twitter.com/BIexaLfsm3 — javed ansari (@javedan00643948) March 9, 2023 × Also read: CLEANED UP! Md Shami rattles Marnus Labuschagne's stumps on Day 1 of Ahmedabad Test - Watch In the first session, Australia managed to get to 75 runs and lost Head and Marnus Labuschagne. Head was given a lifeline when he was batting on five and eventually fell for 32. Labuschagne, on the other hand, saw his stumps being rattled by Md Shami but the visitors had opener Usman Khawaja unbeaten during the lunch break. At the time of publishing this report, Khawaja-Smith have managed to keep Indian bowlers at bay post the lunch break and are moving the scoreboard forward. Australia will aim for anything over 350 in the four-match Test series decider in Ahmedabad. India lead the series 2-1 but need a win to not only clinch the series but also qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) finale, where Australia have already confirmed a spot.

WATCH: KS Bharat drops a sitter to give a reprieve to Travis Head, Rohit Sharma's blank reaction goes viral

Ahead of the fourth and final Test versus Australia, in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team celebrated Holi, the festival of colours, in Ahmedabad. The fourth and final Test kicks off at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Thursday (March 9) but before that the home side made sure to enjoy the festival in the dressing room, team bus&nbsp;along with support staff and security personnel.

Captain Rohit led the charge in the celebrations as he started applying colour before Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Cheteshwar Pujara and others joined in. Here's the viral video, shared on BCCI's official Twitter handle, where the Indian players were seen celebrating the joyous occasion:

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-4th-test-team-india-goes-full-of-colours-as-players-staff-celebrate-holi-ahead-of-ahmedabad-clash-569661">IND vs AUS 4th Test: Team India goes full of colours as players, staff celebrate Holi ahead of Ahmedabad clash</a>

BCCI captioned the post, "Colours, smiles &amp; more! Do not miss #TeamIndia's Holi celebration in Ahmedabad". Watch video:

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Colours, smiles &amp; more! 🥳 ☺️ 
 
Do not miss <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>’s Holi celebration in Ahmedabad 🎨 <a href="https://t.co/jOAKsxayBA">pic.twitter.com/jOAKsxayBA</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1633351211792633856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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India lead the four-match series, 2-1, but lost the third and penultimate Test in Indore by nine wickets and the series became alive even though India have already taken an unassailable lead. While Australia, who have already qualified for the WTC final, will aim for a memorable 2-2 scoreline, Rohit &amp; Co. will be desperate to win the series 3-1 and get the ticket to enter the WTC summit clash. If India lose or the series finale ends in a draw, they will hope for New Zealand to not lose both their Tests versus visitors Sri Lanka with their series kicking off on Thursday as well, in Christchurch.

Apart from India, Sri Lanka also have a faint chance of entering the WTC final. Nonetheless, Rohit &amp; Co. can put an end to SL's hopes with a win in Ahmedabad.

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&nbsp;

Ahead of the fourth and final Test versus Australia, in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team celebrated Holi, the festival of colours, in Ahmedabad.

Ahead of the fourth and final Test versus Australia, in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team celebrated Holi, the festival of colours, in Ahmedabad. The fourth and final Test kicks off at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Thursday (March 9) but before that the home side made sure to enjoy the festival in the dressing room, team bus along with support staff and security personnel. Captain Rohit led the charge in the celebrations as he started applying colour before Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Cheteshwar Pujara and others joined in. Here's the viral video, shared on BCCI's official Twitter handle, where the Indian players were seen celebrating the joyous occasion: Also read: IND vs AUS 4th Test: Team India goes full of colours as players, staff celebrate Holi ahead of Ahmedabad clash BCCI captioned the post, "Colours, smiles & more! Do not miss #TeamIndia's Holi celebration in Ahmedabad". Watch video: Colours, smiles & more! 🥳 ☺️ Do not miss #TeamIndia’s Holi celebration in Ahmedabad 🎨 pic.twitter.com/jOAKsxayBA — BCCI (@BCCI) March 8, 2023 × India lead the four-match series, 2-1, but lost the third and penultimate Test in Indore by nine wickets and the series became alive even though India have already taken an unassailable lead. While Australia, who have already qualified for the WTC final, will aim for a memorable 2-2 scoreline, Rohit & Co. will be desperate to win the series 3-1 and get the ticket to enter the WTC summit clash. If India lose or the series finale ends in a draw, they will hope for New Zealand to not lose both their Tests versus visitors Sri Lanka with their series kicking off on Thursday as well, in Christchurch. Apart from India, Sri Lanka also have a faint chance of entering the WTC final. Nonetheless, Rohit & Co. can put an end to SL's hopes with a win in Ahmedabad. ×

UNMISSABLE! Rohit Sharma leads the charge as Team India celebrate Holi in Ahmedabad - Watch

India face Australia in the fourth and final Test, of the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. The series decider commences on Thursday morning (March 9) where Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. will aim for a 3-1 series scoreline and also confirm&nbsp;a place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Captain Rohit, on the other hand, is also eyeing to emulate one of Sunil Gavaskar's elite feats.

So far, Rohit has been India's top performer with the bat in the series, which has comprised batting on tough pitches. In the three Tests, the Hitman has scored&nbsp;207 runs and remains the only batter with a hundred (120). He is the leading run-getter of the four-match series. If he scores another ton in the series finale, he will&nbsp;join Sunil Gavaskar and&nbsp;become the only second Indian captain to have&nbsp;more than one hundred&nbsp;in India-Australia home Test matches.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unmissable-rohit-sharma-leads-the-charge-as-team-india-celebrate-holi-in-ahmedabad-watch-569894">UNMISSABLE! Rohit Sharma leads the charge as Team India celebrate Holi in Ahmedabad - Watch</a>

MOST HUNDREDS IN IND v AUS TESTS AT HOME (CAPTAINS)

Sunil Gavaskar - 2 in 6 Tests - 425 runs 
MS Dhoni - 1 in 8 Tests - 643 runs 
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi - 1 in 8 Tests - 490 runs 
Mohammad Azharuddin - 1 in 3 Tests - 311 runs 
Kapil Dev - 1 in 3 Tests - 120 runs 
Rohit Sharma - 1 in 3 Tests - 207 runs*

Gavaskar had a memorable run in the home series versus Australia in 1979. He returned with&nbsp;425 runs in the six-match series, including two tons and an equal number of fifties.

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni has most runs as India captain in India-Australia home Tests.&nbsp;He scored 643 runs, including a double hundred and as many as four&nbsp;half-centuries in eight&nbsp;matches.

Rohit will aim for a daddy hundred and lead India to a memorable series win over Steve Smith &amp; Co. With a win in the final Test, India will also qualify for the WTC final. Australia became the first finalist after their Indore Test victory.

India face Australia in the fourth and final Test, of the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. The series decider commences on Thursday morning (March 9) where Rohit Sharma & Co.

India face Australia in the fourth and final Test, of the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. The series decider commences on Thursday morning (March 9) where Rohit Sharma & Co. will aim for a 3-1 series scoreline and also confirm a place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Captain Rohit, on the other hand, is also eyeing to emulate one of Sunil Gavaskar's elite feats. So far, Rohit has been India's top performer with the bat in the series, which has comprised batting on tough pitches. In the three Tests, the Hitman has scored 207 runs and remains the only batter with a hundred (120). He is the leading run-getter of the four-match series. If he scores another ton in the series finale, he will join Sunil Gavaskar and become the only second Indian captain to have more than one hundred in India-Australia home Test matches. Also read: UNMISSABLE! Rohit Sharma leads the charge as Team India celebrate Holi in Ahmedabad - Watch MOST HUNDREDS IN IND v AUS TESTS AT HOME (CAPTAINS) Sunil Gavaskar - 2 in 6 Tests - 425 runs MS Dhoni - 1 in 8 Tests - 643 runs Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi - 1 in 8 Tests - 490 runs Mohammad Azharuddin - 1 in 3 Tests - 311 runs Kapil Dev - 1 in 3 Tests - 120 runs Rohit Sharma - 1 in 3 Tests - 207 runs* Gavaskar had a memorable run in the home series versus Australia in 1979. He returned with 425 runs in the six-match series, including two tons and an equal number of fifties. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni has most runs as India captain in India-Australia home Tests. He scored 643 runs, including a double hundred and as many as four half-centuries in eight matches. Rohit will aim for a daddy hundred and lead India to a memorable series win over Steve Smith & Co. With a win in the final Test, India will also qualify for the WTC final. Australia became the first finalist after their Indore Test victory.

IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma aims to emulate Sunil Gavaskar’s elite feat in Test series finale at Ahmedabad

India skipper Rohit Sharma has dismissed Ravi Shastri’s assertion of overconfidence and claimed it as ‘absolutely rubbish’ as his side prepares for the final Border-Gavaskar Test in Ahmedabad. India who lost the third Test in Indore by nine wickets were criticised by the former coach who thought that India had a sense of overconfidence in them. India lead the four-match Test series 2-1, but will need a draw in Ahmedabad to claim a spot in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June.

<h3>Rohit takes dig at Shastri</h3>

"Honestly, when you win two games and people on the outside feel that we are overconfident, it's absolutely rubbish, because you want to do your best in all four games,” Rohit said while addressing Shastri’s claims.

Rohit called his side "ruthless" more than arrogant.

"Ravi himself has been in this dressing room, he knows what sort of mindset we have," said Rohit.

Shastri had accused the team of "a little complacency, a little bit of overconfidence".

India lost the previous match by nine wickets on a viciously turning pitch at Indore, but the track at the world's biggest cricket stadium is expected to give the batsmen some respite. Rohit though has had enough of the talk about pitches.

"How challenging the pitches are? How much is it turning? How much is it seaming? We are trying to keep all of that away," said Rohit.

Ace Indian seamer Mohammed Shami is all set to return to the playing XI for the final Test against Australia in Ahmedabad as India eye a slot in the finals of the WTC. Shami was rested for the third Test in Indore as part of the workload management drill by the BCCI and team management for the key players who are in the scheme of things for the 50-over World Cup.

The hosts took a 2-0 lead in the four-match series to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy before losing the third Test in Indore in just over two days.

<h3>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-rohit-sharma-aims-to-emulate-sunil-gavaskars-elite-feat-in-test-series-finale-in-ahmedabad-569904">IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma aims to emulate Sunil Gavaskar's elite feat in Test series finale in Ahmedabad</a></h3>

<h3>India to seal WTC final place?</h3>

India will have a do-or-die contest in hand as they try to seal a place in the final of the WTC. Having retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India will need a clear win to keep their fate in their own hands. The hosts won the opening two contests of the series in Nagpur and Delhi respectively, while they were beaten convincingly in Indore. The win in Indore for the Aussies saw them clinch one place in the WTC final while leaving India, South Africa and Sri Lanka fighting for the other.

India skipper Rohit Sharma has dismissed Ravi Shastri’s assertion of overconfidence and claimed it as ‘absolutely rubbish’ as his side prepares for the final Border-Gavaskar Test in Ahmedabad.

India skipper Rohit Sharma has dismissed Ravi Shastri’s assertion of overconfidence and claimed it as ‘absolutely rubbish’ as his side prepares for the final Border-Gavaskar Test in Ahmedabad. India who lost the third Test in Indore by nine wickets were criticised by the former coach who thought that India had a sense of overconfidence in them. India lead the four-match Test series 2-1, but will need a draw in Ahmedabad to claim a spot in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June. Rohit takes dig at Shastri "Honestly, when you win two games and people on the outside feel that we are overconfident, it's absolutely rubbish, because you want to do your best in all four games,” Rohit said while addressing Shastri’s claims. Rohit called his side "ruthless" more than arrogant. "Ravi himself has been in this dressing room, he knows what sort of mindset we have," said Rohit. Shastri had accused the team of "a little complacency, a little bit of overconfidence". India lost the previous match by nine wickets on a viciously turning pitch at Indore, but the track at the world's biggest cricket stadium is expected to give the batsmen some respite. Rohit though has had enough of the talk about pitches. "How challenging the pitches are? How much is it turning? How much is it seaming? We are trying to keep all of that away," said Rohit. Ace Indian seamer Mohammed Shami is all set to return to the playing XI for the final Test against Australia in Ahmedabad as India eye a slot in the finals of the WTC. Shami was rested for the third Test in Indore as part of the workload management drill by the BCCI and team management for the key players who are in the scheme of things for the 50-over World Cup. The hosts took a 2-0 lead in the four-match series to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy before losing the third Test in Indore in just over two days. ALSO READ | IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma aims to emulate Sunil Gavaskar's elite feat in Test series finale in Ahmedabad India to seal WTC final place? India will have a do-or-die contest in hand as they try to seal a place in the final of the WTC. Having retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India will need a clear win to keep their fate in their own hands. The hosts won the opening two contests of the series in Nagpur and Delhi respectively, while they were beaten convincingly in Indore. The win in Indore for the Aussies saw them clinch one place in the WTC final while leaving India, South Africa and Sri Lanka fighting for the other.

IND vs AUS 4th Test: Rohit Sharma calls Ravi Shastri's 'overconfidence' comment RUBBISH

Axar Patel has had an interesting run in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. So far, Axar has featured in all three Tests for Team India, versus Australia, on home soil. While he has only managed a solitary wicket in five innings, bowling 39 overs, he has led the charge with the bat -- coming with vital contributions down the order in the opening two games -- and is the second-highest run-getter of the 2022/23 BGT.

Axar is only behind skipper Rohit Sharma, who scored a majestic 120 in the series opener in Nagpur, with&nbsp;185 runs in four outings, at 92.50, including two fifties with a best of 84. He remained not-out in both innings in the Indore Test, where India's main batters fell flat versus the Aussie spinners. Nonetheless, there have been&nbsp;a few who have surprisingly called for his omission, to make way for Kuldeep Yadav in the fourth and final Test, in Ahmedabad.

Former Indian stumper and BCCI selector Saba Karim has backed Axar and feels his batting contributions have been one of the&nbsp;main reasons for India having an unassailable 2-1 lead in the four-match series.

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"India should continue playing Axar Patel," Karim said&nbsp;during a discussion on India News Sports. "India have a 2-1 lead in the series because Axar has batted really well. He hasn't had enough opportunities with the ball, as Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, the two prime spinners, have bowled most of the overs."

"He doesn't deserve to sit out. Since Ahmedabad is his home ground, he knows the dimensions of the ground and the conditions very well," added Karim.

Axar will be gearing up to play on his home ground as India host Australia in the series decider, on Thursday (March 09) at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. On debut, the left-arm spinner had taken a memorable 11-fer at the same venue in a day-night Test versus England, in 2021. He will be eager to replicate the same feat and lead India to a series win, and take them to the WTC final.

India need a win in the series finale to emerge on top by a 3-1 margin and also confirm their place in the WTC final. Australia already qualified with their nine-wicket win in the third Test in Indore.

Axar Patel has had an interesting run in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. So far, Axar has featured in all three Tests for Team India, versus Australia, on home soil.

Axar Patel has had an interesting run in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. So far, Axar has featured in all three Tests for Team India, versus Australia, on home soil. While he has only managed a solitary wicket in five innings, bowling 39 overs, he has led the charge with the bat -- coming with vital contributions down the order in the opening two games -- and is the second-highest run-getter of the 2022/23 BGT. Axar is only behind skipper Rohit Sharma, who scored a majestic 120 in the series opener in Nagpur, with 185 runs in four outings, at 92.50, including two fifties with a best of 84. He remained not-out in both innings in the Indore Test, where India's main batters fell flat versus the Aussie spinners. Nonetheless, there have been a few who have surprisingly called for his omission, to make way for Kuldeep Yadav in the fourth and final Test, in Ahmedabad. Former Indian stumper and BCCI selector Saba Karim has backed Axar and feels his batting contributions have been one of the main reasons for India having an unassailable 2-1 lead in the four-match series. Also read: BGT 2022/23: Won't appreciate Test matches finishing in 2.5 days, opines Gautam Gambhir "India should continue playing Axar Patel," Karim said during a discussion on India News Sports. "India have a 2-1 lead in the series because Axar has batted really well. He hasn't had enough opportunities with the ball, as Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, the two prime spinners, have bowled most of the overs." "He doesn't deserve to sit out. Since Ahmedabad is his home ground, he knows the dimensions of the ground and the conditions very well," added Karim. Axar will be gearing up to play on his home ground as India host Australia in the series decider, on Thursday (March 09) at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. On debut, the left-arm spinner had taken a memorable 11-fer at the same venue in a day-night Test versus England, in 2021. He will be eager to replicate the same feat and lead India to a series win, and take them to the WTC final. India need a win in the series finale to emerge on top by a 3-1 margin and also confirm their place in the WTC final. Australia already qualified with their nine-wicket win in the third Test in Indore.

India have a 2-1 lead because of him: Ex-India stumper backs star player ahead of 4th Test

Rohit Sharma-led India lost the Indore Test versus Australia as the visitors kept the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy alive with hosts leading 2-1, ahead of the final match in Ahmedabad. Rohit &amp; Co. received a setback but will be hungry for success in the series decider, which kicks off on March 09 (Thursday), to not only win the series 3-1 but also qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.

With Australia having already qualified for the WTC final, following their win in Indore, they will come hard versus the Indian team. Ahead of the Ahmedabad Test, former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting has urged the Rohit-Rahul Dravid-led Indian team to consider making one big change in their batting line-up if they reach the WTC finale, to be held at The Oval, London on June 07-11.

With conditions being different in England, as compared to the sub-continent, Ponting feels India should go ahead with both out-of-form KL Rahul and Shubman Gill. "With someone like KL Rahul having gone out of this side and Shubman Gill having come in, both these guys have played a bit of Test match cricket, and you could potentially have both of those guys in the same team," Ponting told ICC.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nz-vs-sl-explained-how-sri-lanka-can-play-spoilsport-to-indias-wtc-final-chances-569483">NZ vs SL: EXPLAINED! How Sri Lanka can play spoilsport to India's WTC final chances</a>

"Maybe Shubman could start at the top and KL could potentially move down into the middle order, because he's played cricket in those (English) conditions before, albeit at the top of the order," he added.

Gill replaced Rahul in India's playing XI for the third and penultimate Test in Indore versus Australia. Rahul has been in woeful form in whites, managing only 192 runs in last 12 innings, but his replacement Gill also fell flat in both the innings of the Indore Test match. The young right-hander managed scores of 21 anf 5 as India lost by nine wickets in a low-scoring match.

It will be interesting to see if India go back to Rahul or persist with Gill for the final Test. It is highly unlikely that India will go ahead with both of them in the playing XI for the Ahmedabad Test.

Rohit Sharma-led India lost the Indore Test versus Australia as the visitors kept the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy alive with hosts leading 2-1, ahead of the final match in Ahmedabad.

Rohit Sharma-led India lost the Indore Test versus Australia as the visitors kept the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy alive with hosts leading 2-1, ahead of the final match in Ahmedabad. Rohit & Co. received a setback but will be hungry for success in the series decider, which kicks off on March 09 (Thursday), to not only win the series 3-1 but also qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. With Australia having already qualified for the WTC final, following their win in Indore, they will come hard versus the Indian team. Ahead of the Ahmedabad Test, former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting has urged the Rohit-Rahul Dravid-led Indian team to consider making one big change in their batting line-up if they reach the WTC finale, to be held at The Oval, London on June 07-11. With conditions being different in England, as compared to the sub-continent, Ponting feels India should go ahead with both out-of-form KL Rahul and Shubman Gill. "With someone like KL Rahul having gone out of this side and Shubman Gill having come in, both these guys have played a bit of Test match cricket, and you could potentially have both of those guys in the same team," Ponting told ICC. Also read: NZ vs SL: EXPLAINED! How Sri Lanka can play spoilsport to India's WTC final chances "Maybe Shubman could start at the top and KL could potentially move down into the middle order, because he's played cricket in those (English) conditions before, albeit at the top of the order," he added. Gill replaced Rahul in India's playing XI for the third and penultimate Test in Indore versus Australia. Rahul has been in woeful form in whites, managing only 192 runs in last 12 innings, but his replacement Gill also fell flat in both the innings of the Indore Test match. The young right-hander managed scores of 21 anf 5 as India lost by nine wickets in a low-scoring match. It will be interesting to see if India go back to Rahul or persist with Gill for the final Test. It is highly unlikely that India will go ahead with both of them in the playing XI for the Ahmedabad Test.

Ricky Ponting urges Team India to make a big change in batting order if they enter WTC final

IND vs AUS 4th Test playing XI: The fourth Test match of the 4-match series between India and Australia is scheduled to start from March 9. And with India’s qualification for WTC final at stake, the men in blue are not taking chances with the preparations. Captain Rohit Sharma understands that the key to India’s success in the IND vs AUS 4th Test could be the choice of playing XI.

As per the latest media reports, team India is expected to keep KL Rahul on the bench and include Shubman Gill in the playing XI. As far as India’s bowling attack is concerned, Mohammed Siraj could be asked to take rest before the upcoming IND vs AUS ODI series. Instead, Mohammad Shami could be asked to join the playing XI for the final Test match between India and Australia.

<h2>Playing XI: Inside details before IND vs AUS 4th Test match</h2>

After a crushing defeat to Australia in the third Test, India is looking to change its strategy in order to keep the visitors at bay. Initially, the team was preparing for a lush green pitch to prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, but now they are considering playing on a surface that favours spin.

However, India's batters have struggled against the Australian spinners, with only Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Axar Patel showing the necessary grit. Captain Virat Kohli has had a poor showing in the series so far, while both openers KL Rahul and Shubman Gill have failed to perform.

With a must-win situation, India may consider adding an extra batter to the lineup and sacrificing a pacer. In the previous Test, Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav bowled only 13 overs combined, with the trio of Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Umesh Yadav bowling only 61.1 overs in the entire series.

India's best chance of success in the fourth Test lies in both departments firing in tandem. The team will need to regroup and come up with a new game plan in order to defeat a resurgent Australian team.

<h2>IND vs AUS 4th Test playing XI (tentative)</h2>

India playing XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Shami

Australia playing XI: Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Seve Smith (C), Peter Handscomb, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann

<h2>IND vs AUS 4th Test full squad</h2>

India Squad 4th Test: Rohit Sharma(c), KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Srikar Bharat(w), Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Kuldeep Yadav, Suryakumar Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Umesh Yadav

Australia squad 4th Test: Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Peter Handscomb, Mitchell Starc/Lance Morris, Matt Kuhnemann, Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-loses-3rd-test-match-against-australia-heres-how-india-can-still-qualify-for-wtc-final-match-568035">India loses 3rd Test match against Australia, Here's how India can still qualify for WTC final match</a>

IND vs AUS 4th Test playing XI: The fourth Test match of the 4-match series between India and Australia is scheduled to start from March 9. And with India’s qualification for WTC final at stake, the men in blue are not taking chances with the preparations.

IND vs AUS 4th Test playing XI: The fourth Test match of the 4-match series between India and Australia is scheduled to start from March 9. And with India’s qualification for WTC final at stake, the men in blue are not taking chances with the preparations. Captain Rohit Sharma understands that the key to India’s success in the IND vs AUS 4th Test could be the choice of playing XI. As per the latest media reports, team India is expected to keep KL Rahul on the bench and include Shubman Gill in the playing XI. As far as India’s bowling attack is concerned, Mohammed Siraj could be asked to take rest before the upcoming IND vs AUS ODI series. Instead, Mohammad Shami could be asked to join the playing XI for the final Test match between India and Australia. Playing XI: Inside details before IND vs AUS 4th Test match After a crushing defeat to Australia in the third Test, India is looking to change its strategy in order to keep the visitors at bay. Initially, the team was preparing for a lush green pitch to prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, but now they are considering playing on a surface that favours spin. However, India's batters have struggled against the Australian spinners, with only Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Axar Patel showing the necessary grit. Captain Virat Kohli has had a poor showing in the series so far, while both openers KL Rahul and Shubman Gill have failed to perform. With a must-win situation, India may consider adding an extra batter to the lineup and sacrificing a pacer. In the previous Test, Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav bowled only 13 overs combined, with the trio of Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Umesh Yadav bowling only 61.1 overs in the entire series. India's best chance of success in the fourth Test lies in both departments firing in tandem. The team will need to regroup and come up with a new game plan in order to defeat a resurgent Australian team. IND vs AUS 4th Test playing XI (tentative) India playing XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Shami Australia playing XI: Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Seve Smith (C), Peter Handscomb, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann IND vs AUS 4th Test full squad India Squad 4th Test: Rohit Sharma(c), KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Srikar Bharat(w), Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Kuldeep Yadav, Suryakumar Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Umesh Yadav Australia squad 4th Test: Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Peter Handscomb, Mitchell Starc/Lance Morris, Matt Kuhnemann, Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy Also Read | India loses 3rd Test match against Australia, Here's how India can still qualify for WTC final match

IND vs AUS 4th Test playing XI: Rohit Sharma seals KL Rahul’s fate, check inside details

Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma has backed his team despite facing an embarrassing nine-wicket defeat against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy third Test in Indore while also wanting to continue to play on turning pitches. After the debacle,&nbsp;Rohit was quick to point out the nature of the pitch and insisted his team would want similar pitch in the final Test match in Ahmedabad.

Rohit wants to continue playing on turning pitches

"Honestly speaking, these are the kind of pitches we want to play on," an honest Rohit Sharma admitted after the match on Friday, March 3.&nbsp;

"This is our strength, so when you're playing at your home, you always play to your strength, not worry about what people outside are talking about."

"We want to play to our strength, and that strength is spin bowling and that batting depth. And everyone uses that advantage outside [India], so what's wrong in that? We've got to do that as well, especially when we're getting results. If we were not getting the results, I would think otherwise, but I think we are playing well, we are getting the results that we want," the Indian skipper further added.

Rohit and Co face litmus test in Ahmedabad

Having already retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Indian team still needs a win to guarantee passage to the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) which will take place in June. The embarrassing defeat in Indore saw Australia secure their berth in the final of the WTC while leaving India, Sri Lanka and South Africa to scramble for the other spot.&nbsp;

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While Rohit is India's leading run-scorer in the series with 207, the likes of Virat Kohli (111) and Cheteshwar Pujara (98) have disappointed with the bat.&nbsp;

India will have an opportunity to book their berth in the final of the WTC with a win in Ahmedabad, but anything less than a win will see them hand over the initiative&nbsp;to other teams. The third Test match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium from March 9 while India lead the series 2-1.&nbsp;

Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma has backed his team despite facing an embarrassing nine-wicket defeat against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy third Test in Indore while also wanting to continue to play on turning pitches.

Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma has backed his team despite facing an embarrassing nine-wicket defeat against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy third Test in Indore while also wanting to continue to play on turning pitches. After the debacle, Rohit was quick to point out the nature of the pitch and insisted his team would want similar pitch in the final Test match in Ahmedabad. Rohit wants to continue playing on turning pitches "Honestly speaking, these are the kind of pitches we want to play on," an honest Rohit Sharma admitted after the match on Friday, March 3. "This is our strength, so when you're playing at your home, you always play to your strength, not worry about what people outside are talking about." "We want to play to our strength, and that strength is spin bowling and that batting depth. And everyone uses that advantage outside [India], so what's wrong in that? We've got to do that as well, especially when we're getting results. If we were not getting the results, I would think otherwise, but I think we are playing well, we are getting the results that we want," the Indian skipper further added. Rohit and Co face litmus test in Ahmedabad Having already retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Indian team still needs a win to guarantee passage to the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) which will take place in June. The embarrassing defeat in Indore saw Australia secure their berth in the final of the WTC while leaving India, Sri Lanka and South Africa to scramble for the other spot. ALSO READ | IPL 2023, 27 days to go: CSK begins preparations as MS Dhoni joins the camp; Schedule & live-streaming details While Rohit is India's leading run-scorer in the series with 207, the likes of Virat Kohli (111) and Cheteshwar Pujara (98) have disappointed with the bat. India will have an opportunity to book their berth in the final of the WTC with a win in Ahmedabad, but anything less than a win will see them hand over the initiative to other teams. The third Test match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium from March 9 while India lead the series 2-1.

Rohit Sharma 'wants to continue playing' on turning pitches despite Indore debacle

Australia thumped India by nine wickets on Day 3 of the third and penultimate Test, at the Holkar Stadium, Indore, on Friday (March 03), to keep the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar series alive at 2-1, with the final Test on March 09. Resuming the day's play, Australia needed only 76 runs for a famous win and chased down the target with Travis Head leading the charge (49*). With this win, Australia have also qualified for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The day's play started with R Ashwin getting rid of in-form opener Usman Khawaja. The left-hander failed to open his account and was caught behind by KS Bharat as Ashwin drew the first blood in the opening over. However, from thereon, there was not much to cheer for India as Head-Labuschagne looked confident, bought some time in the middle, and guided the side to a memorable nine-wicket triumph.&nbsp;

Talking about the Test match, Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first. Nothing clicked for India on a pitch that turned fair and square. The likes of Rohit, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja, Shreyas Iyer, etc. all fell flat as&nbsp;Matthew Kuhnemann, playing his second Test, ended with a five-fer (5 for 16). India started with the ball by not being consistent in their line and length and Australia ended the opening day with a 47-run lead, with six wickets in hand.&nbsp;

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Day 2 saw a fightback from India with Jadeja, Umesh Yadav and Ashwin dismissing Australia for 197. However, the Steve Smith-led side managed to take a vital 88-run lead. In their second essay, India once again fell flat and got dismissed for 163 with Nathan Lyon taking 8 for 64 (ending with an 11-wicket haul). By virtue of his match-winning spell, Lyon&nbsp;became the second&nbsp;in the list of most wickets against India (going past Muttiah Muralitharan) and&nbsp;also equalled Richie Benaud's tally of most 5-fers&nbsp;(five) against India on their home soil.

On Friday morning, Australia ended the formalities by chasing a 76-run target and have qualified for the WTC final, to be held in early June at The Oval, London.&nbsp;

Shortest home Tests that ended in a defeat for India 
1135 balls Aus vs Ind Indore 2022/23 * 
1459 balls Eng vs Ind Kanpur 1951/52 
1474 balls WI vs Ind Kolkata 1983/84 
1476 balls Aus vs Ind Mumbai WS 2000/01

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains alive as both teams will now to go Ahmedabad for the series finale. India will aim for a revamp and end the series with a 3-1 scoreline and also enter the WTC final.

Australia thumped India by nine wickets on Day 3 of the third and penultimate Test, at the Holkar Stadium, Indore, on Friday (March 03), to keep the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar series alive at 2-1, with the final Test on March 09.

Australia thumped India by nine wickets on Day 3 of the third and penultimate Test, at the Holkar Stadium, Indore, on Friday (March 03), to keep the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar series alive at 2-1, with the final Test on March 09. Resuming the day's play, Australia needed only 76 runs for a famous win and chased down the target with Travis Head leading the charge (49*). With this win, Australia have also qualified for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. The day's play started with R Ashwin getting rid of in-form opener Usman Khawaja. The left-hander failed to open his account and was caught behind by KS Bharat as Ashwin drew the first blood in the opening over. However, from thereon, there was not much to cheer for India as Head-Labuschagne looked confident, bought some time in the middle, and guided the side to a memorable nine-wicket triumph. Talking about the Test match, Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first. Nothing clicked for India on a pitch that turned fair and square. The likes of Rohit, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja, Shreyas Iyer, etc. all fell flat as Matthew Kuhnemann, playing his second Test, ended with a five-fer (5 for 16). India started with the ball by not being consistent in their line and length and Australia ended the opening day with a 47-run lead, with six wickets in hand. Also read: 'It did not make any sense': Sanjay Manjrekar slams Rohit Sharma's tactics in Indore Test Day 2 saw a fightback from India with Jadeja, Umesh Yadav and Ashwin dismissing Australia for 197. However, the Steve Smith-led side managed to take a vital 88-run lead. In their second essay, India once again fell flat and got dismissed for 163 with Nathan Lyon taking 8 for 64 (ending with an 11-wicket haul). By virtue of his match-winning spell, Lyon became the second in the list of most wickets against India (going past Muttiah Muralitharan) and also equalled Richie Benaud's tally of most 5-fers (five) against India on their home soil. On Friday morning, Australia ended the formalities by chasing a 76-run target and have qualified for the WTC final, to be held in early June at The Oval, London. Shortest home Tests that ended in a defeat for India 1135 balls Aus vs Ind Indore 2022/23 * 1459 balls Eng vs Ind Kanpur 1951/52 1474 balls WI vs Ind Kolkata 1983/84 1476 balls Aus vs Ind Mumbai WS 2000/01 The Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains alive as both teams will now to go Ahmedabad for the series finale. India will aim for a revamp and end the series with a 3-1 scoreline and also enter the WTC final.

Indore Test: Nathan Lyon stars in visitors' famous win to keep series alive; Australia enter WTC final

India have been on the back foot in the third and penultimate Test versus Australia in Indore. They only managed 109 and 163 in the two innings and conceded a vital 88-run lead with Australia making 197 in their first essay. On Day 3, Australia need to chase down a paltry 76-run target to make the four-match Test series scoreline 2-1 with one match to go.

During the entire Test match, a lot has been said and written about India's poor tactics. Former cricketers and experts have questioned Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid-led think tank for not using R Ashwin early on during Day 2's morning session whereas in-form Axar Patel batted below the former in the second essay; running out of partners. In addition, Ravindra Jadeja batted above Shreyas Iyer, at No. 5, which wasn't well received by Sanjay Manjrekar.

Speaking to&nbsp;Star Sports&nbsp;at the end of Day 2, the cricketer-turned-commentator Manjrekar&nbsp;said, "It has just disappointed me in the last and this innings as well that Jadeja came ahead of Shreyas Iyer. You can't be doing that for left-right combination. You've got a proper batter...even if he is a right hander. And Jadeja coming in as a left-hander...I can understand when you have 2-3 left-arm spinners like Bangladesh used to have in the past. Here you have two quality off-spinners bowling. It did not make any sense to me. Iyer has a great feel for spinners so you want him ahead in the line-up. And he has shown his class."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-way-a-spin-bowler-should-come-on-in-sixth-over-matthew-hayden-slams-indore-test-pitch-567978">'No way a spin bowler should come on in sixth over': Matthew Hayden slams Indore Test pitch</a>

The ploy to promote Jadeja fell flat as the No. 1 Test all-rounder 4 and 7 in both the innings. Meanwhile, Iyer ended the Test with scores of 0 and 26. Day 3 started with India defending only a mere 76 and removed in-form Usman Khawaja in a flash. However, Travis Head-Marnus Labuschagne have steadied the ship for the Aussies and taken the side closer to a memorable win in Indore.

India have been on the back foot in the third and penultimate Test versus Australia in Indore. They only managed 109 and 163 in the two innings and conceded a vital 88-run lead with Australia making 197 in their first essay.

India have been on the back foot in the third and penultimate Test versus Australia in Indore. They only managed 109 and 163 in the two innings and conceded a vital 88-run lead with Australia making 197 in their first essay. On Day 3, Australia need to chase down a paltry 76-run target to make the four-match Test series scoreline 2-1 with one match to go. During the entire Test match, a lot has been said and written about India's poor tactics. Former cricketers and experts have questioned Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid-led think tank for not using R Ashwin early on during Day 2's morning session whereas in-form Axar Patel batted below the former in the second essay; running out of partners. In addition, Ravindra Jadeja batted above Shreyas Iyer, at No. 5, which wasn't well received by Sanjay Manjrekar. Speaking to Star Sports at the end of Day 2, the cricketer-turned-commentator Manjrekar said, "It has just disappointed me in the last and this innings as well that Jadeja came ahead of Shreyas Iyer. You can't be doing that for left-right combination. You've got a proper batter...even if he is a right hander. And Jadeja coming in as a left-hander...I can understand when you have 2-3 left-arm spinners like Bangladesh used to have in the past. Here you have two quality off-spinners bowling. It did not make any sense to me. Iyer has a great feel for spinners so you want him ahead in the line-up. And he has shown his class." Also Read: 'No way a spin bowler should come on in sixth over': Matthew Hayden slams Indore Test pitch The ploy to promote Jadeja fell flat as the No. 1 Test all-rounder 4 and 7 in both the innings. Meanwhile, Iyer ended the Test with scores of 0 and 26. Day 3 started with India defending only a mere 76 and removed in-form Usman Khawaja in a flash. However, Travis Head-Marnus Labuschagne have steadied the ship for the Aussies and taken the side closer to a memorable win in Indore.

'It did not make any sense': Sanjay Manjrekar slams Rohit Sharma's tactics in Indore Test

Nathan Lyon is the best overseas spinner to travel to India and achieve so much, reckons Indian captain Rohit Sharma following the Indore Test. For the third time in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series, a Test match ended inside three days as Australia on Friday chased a moderate target of 76 with nine wickets in hand. With this win, they not only avoided the possibility of a series whitewash, but also punched their ticket for the finals of the World Test Championship.

Speaking to the media after the match, Rohit showered praise&nbsp;on Nathan Lyon, who for the second time in his career picked up an eight-wicket haul in an innings in India. During the second innings, Lyon produced the figures of eight for 63, accounting for almost everyone from top to bottom. Already under pressure with a deficit of nearly 100 runs after the end of Australia's first innings, the Indian batters tried taking the attack to the opposition but failed in their attempt big time.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-cricketers-did-not-rohit-sharma-on-ex-players-rant-on-indore-test-pitch-after-indias-defeat-568136">'Former cricketers did not...': Rohit Sharma on ex-players' rant on Indore Test pitch after India's defeat</a>

Starting with the openers Shubman Gill and Rohit, Lyon deceived them with the angle before trapping Ravindra Jadeja right in front of the wickets. He then picked up keeper KS Bharat before getting the fish in Cheteshwar Pujara. It was about time before he ran through the tail and wrapped up India’s second innings on a mere 163.

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🐐<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/P5hVqfk74I">pic.twitter.com/P5hVqfk74I</a>
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Meanwhile, when asked about how he would rate Nathan Lyon following his match-winning spell in Indore, Rohit said,

“Lyon should be at the top in my opinion. I have not played guys like Murali and Warner. Among the current crop he would be my number one overseas bowler to come and play here in India," Rohit Sharma said. "He has got so much consistency in his line and length. When someone is bowling with that accuracy you have to try and do something different to score runs.”

Earlier, it was during the Bengaluru Test in 2017 when Lyon picked up his first eight-wicket haul (8 for 50) against India in India. As of now, with 19 wickets in three Tests, Lyon is second on the list with most wickets in this series while Jadeja sits at the top with 21 scalps to his name.

The marquee four-match series currently stands at 2-1 in favour of India with one match left in Ahmedabad scheduled to begin on March 9th.

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Nathan Lyon is the best overseas spinner to travel to India and achieve so much, reckons Indian captain Rohit Sharma following the Indore Test. For the third time in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series, a Test match ended inside three days as Australia on Friday chased a moderate target of 76 with nine wickets in hand.

Nathan Lyon is the best overseas spinner to travel to India and achieve so much, reckons Indian captain Rohit Sharma following the Indore Test. For the third time in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series, a Test match ended inside three days as Australia on Friday chased a moderate target of 76 with nine wickets in hand. With this win, they not only avoided the possibility of a series whitewash, but also punched their ticket for the finals of the World Test Championship. Speaking to the media after the match, Rohit showered praise on Nathan Lyon, who for the second time in his career picked up an eight-wicket haul in an innings in India. During the second innings, Lyon produced the figures of eight for 63, accounting for almost everyone from top to bottom. Already under pressure with a deficit of nearly 100 runs after the end of Australia's first innings, the Indian batters tried taking the attack to the opposition but failed in their attempt big time. ALSO READ: 'Former cricketers did not...': Rohit Sharma on ex-players' rant on Indore Test pitch after India's defeat Starting with the openers Shubman Gill and Rohit, Lyon deceived them with the angle before trapping Ravindra Jadeja right in front of the wickets. He then picked up keeper KS Bharat before getting the fish in Cheteshwar Pujara. It was about time before he ran through the tail and wrapped up India’s second innings on a mere 163. 🐐#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/P5hVqfk74I — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 2, 2023 × Meanwhile, when asked about how he would rate Nathan Lyon following his match-winning spell in Indore, Rohit said, “Lyon should be at the top in my opinion. I have not played guys like Murali and Warner. Among the current crop he would be my number one overseas bowler to come and play here in India," Rohit Sharma said. "He has got so much consistency in his line and length. When someone is bowling with that accuracy you have to try and do something different to score runs.” Earlier, it was during the Bengaluru Test in 2017 when Lyon picked up his first eight-wicket haul (8 for 50) against India in India. As of now, with 19 wickets in three Tests, Lyon is second on the list with most wickets in this series while Jadeja sits at the top with 21 scalps to his name. The marquee four-match series currently stands at 2-1 in favour of India with one match left in Ahmedabad scheduled to begin on March 9th. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

IND vs AUS: Nathan Lyon is the best overseas spinner I have faced in India, says Rohit Sharma

WTC 2023 Points Table: On Friday (March 03), Australia thrashed India by nine wickets to win the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy to keep the series alive at 2-1.

WTC 2023 Points Table: On Friday (March 03), Australia thrashed India by nine wickets to win the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy to keep the series alive at 2-1. Moreover, Australia also qualified for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, to be held at The Oval, London in early June, with their famous triumph on a turning track at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. Resuming Day 3, Australia started their run-chase, where they needed 76 for a win, and lost Usman Khawaja in the first over. Nonetheless, Travis Head's 49* and Marnus Labuschagne's 28 not out led the Steve Smith-led Aussies to victory, and through to the final of the second cycle of the WTC. The damage was done for India after they only managed 109, opting to bat first on Day 1 on Wednesday (March 01), before conceding a vital 88-run lead to the visitors -- who were all-out for 197 -- on a tough batting pitch tough. In their second essay, Rohit Sharma & Co. fell flat once again with Nathan Lyon taking 8 for 64 (ending with an 11-wicket haul in the match). Being all-out for 163, India gave a paltry 76-run target which the Aussies chased down in style during the first session of Day 3. With this win, Australia have become the first side to enter the WTC final. India have to wait for the final Test, in Ahmedabad and need a win to not depend on other results and meet the Aussies in the summit clash. Sri Lanka is the only other team who can play spoilsport for India and reach the final if they whitewash hosts New Zealand in their forthcoming two-match series. Here's a look at the updated ICC World Test Championship points table after Australia beat India in Indore Test: Also read: Indore Test: Nathan Lyon stars in visitors' famous win to keep series alive; Australia enter WTC final SN TEAM PCT (%) PTS W L D 1 AUSTRALIA 68.52 148 11 3 4 2 INDIA 60.29 123 10 5 2 3 SRI LANKA 53.33 64 5 4 1 4 SOUTH AFRICA 52.38 88 7 6 1 5 ENGLAND 46.97 124 10 8 4 6 PAKISTAN 38.1 64 4 6 4 7 WEST INDIES 37.5 54 4 6 2 8 NEW ZEALAND 27.27 36 2 6 3 9 BANGLADESH 11.11 16 1 10 1 At the post-match presentation, losing captain Rohit said, "We need to keep it simple and follow the plan. When you are playing on challenging pitches, we need to be brave. We allowed their bowlers to bowl on one particular spot. Not taking any credit away from their bowlers. especially Nathan Lyon, he kept challenging us hitting the right lengths. When the bowler is trying to do that, gotta be a little brave which I thought we were not. Things happen like that, but we can take a lot of credit about how we batted in the first 2 games." On the way forward, he opined, "Its all about everyone coming together and chipping in. We want few guys stand up and put their hand up to take the team through. You will falter in your plans and that's what happened in this game, we didn't adapt as well as we would have liked to." The fourth and final Test begins in Ahmedabad on March 09.

WTC points table 2023 ICC World Test Championship ranking after Australia beat India in Indore

Australia defeated India by nine wickets on Day 3 of the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, to keep the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy alive, with the scoreline being 2-1 in hosts' favour. A lot has been said and written about the nature of the pitch on offer at the Holkar Stadium, Indore where the match ended in less than three complete days. After the game, captain Rohit Sharma reacted to all such noises around the Indore pitch.

The likes of Matthew Hayden, Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, Michael Clarke, etc. opined on the pitch ever since the Test commenced on Wednesday (March 01). While 14 wickets fell on the opening day, as many as 16 fell on Day 2. At the post-match presser, Rohit reacted to all such criticism and revealed that&nbsp;it was Indian team's&nbsp;collective decision&nbsp;to play on such surfaces despite being aware of the challenges.&nbsp;

Rohit said, "Former cricketers did not play on pitches like this. So I don't know. Like I said, this is the kind of pitch we wanted to play in and this is our strength. When you play in home, you want to play to your strength and not worry about what people outside are speaking about. And had we not gotten results, we would have thought otherwise."

Hitman pointed out how it is important to laud Nathan Lyon (Player-of-the-Match for his 11-wicket haul including 8 for 64 in India's second innings) and not just talk about the pitch. "This pitch talk is getting too much. Every time we play in India, the focus is only on pitch. Why are people not asking me about Nathan Lyon and how well he bowled? Or, how well Pujara batted in the second innings? Or, how well Usman Khawaja played? Those are the things I can give you a details on, but not on pitch because it is absolutely not necessary,” Rohit added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/updated-icc-world-test-championship-points-table-after-australia-beat-india-in-indore-568058">Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after Australia beat India in Indore</a>

At the post-match presentation, Rohit also highlighted how India should tackle such tough batting surfaces. "We need to keep it simple and follow the plan. When you are playing on challenging pitches, we need to be brave. We allowed their bowlers to bowl on one particular spot. Not taking any credit away from their bowlers. especially Nathan Lyon, he kept challenging us hitting the right lengths. When the bowler is trying to do that, gotta be a little brave which I thought we were not," he said.

The fourth and final Test gets underway in Ahmedabad on March 09. Australia have already qualified for the WTC final whereas India still need a win to not depend on other results and march into the summit clash, to be held in early June in London.

Australia defeated India by nine wickets on Day 3 of the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, to keep the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy alive, with the scoreline being 2-1 in hosts' favour.

Australia defeated India by nine wickets on Day 3 of the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, to keep the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy alive, with the scoreline being 2-1 in hosts' favour. A lot has been said and written about the nature of the pitch on offer at the Holkar Stadium, Indore where the match ended in less than three complete days. After the game, captain Rohit Sharma reacted to all such noises around the Indore pitch. The likes of Matthew Hayden, Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, Michael Clarke, etc. opined on the pitch ever since the Test commenced on Wednesday (March 01). While 14 wickets fell on the opening day, as many as 16 fell on Day 2. At the post-match presser, Rohit reacted to all such criticism and revealed that it was Indian team's collective decision to play on such surfaces despite being aware of the challenges. Rohit said, "Former cricketers did not play on pitches like this. So I don't know. Like I said, this is the kind of pitch we wanted to play in and this is our strength. When you play in home, you want to play to your strength and not worry about what people outside are speaking about. And had we not gotten results, we would have thought otherwise." Hitman pointed out how it is important to laud Nathan Lyon (Player-of-the-Match for his 11-wicket haul including 8 for 64 in India's second innings) and not just talk about the pitch. "This pitch talk is getting too much. Every time we play in India, the focus is only on pitch. Why are people not asking me about Nathan Lyon and how well he bowled? Or, how well Pujara batted in the second innings? Or, how well Usman Khawaja played? Those are the things I can give you a details on, but not on pitch because it is absolutely not necessary,” Rohit added. Also Read: Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after Australia beat India in Indore At the post-match presentation, Rohit also highlighted how India should tackle such tough batting surfaces. "We need to keep it simple and follow the plan. When you are playing on challenging pitches, we need to be brave. We allowed their bowlers to bowl on one particular spot. Not taking any credit away from their bowlers. especially Nathan Lyon, he kept challenging us hitting the right lengths. When the bowler is trying to do that, gotta be a little brave which I thought we were not," he said. The fourth and final Test gets underway in Ahmedabad on March 09. Australia have already qualified for the WTC final whereas India still need a win to not depend on other results and march into the summit clash, to be held in early June in London.

'Former cricketers did not...': Rohit Sharma on ex-players' rant on Indore Test pitch after India's defeat

Indian batters fell flat in both innings of the ongoing third and penultimate Test versus Australia, being held at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. Winning the toss, on Wednesday (March 01), captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat first but India only managed a paltry 109. In reply, Indian bowlers -- led by Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav and R Ashwin -- managed to dismiss the Aussies for 197 but another poor show from the Indian batters, in their second essay, led to the home side bundling out for 163 at stumps on Day 2; setting up a mere 76-run target&nbsp;on Thursday (March 02).

With India starring on the brink of a heavy defeat in Indore, many former cricketers and fans have pointed fingers at Indian batters' flop showing in the entire Test. The likes of Rohit, Virat Kohli, KS Bharat, Ravindra Jadeja, etc. fell flat whereas only Cheteshwar Pujara managed a fighting 59 in the second innings. Talking about Shubman Gill -- who has been in splendid form in white-ball format -- came into the playing XI in place of out-of-form KL Rahul. All eyes were on him but Gill returned with scores of 21 and 5. In the second innings, he danced down the track, off Nathan Lyon (who ended with 8 for 64), but was completely outfoxed by the off-spinner and departed&nbsp;for 5. Many criticised Gill's ploy but former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed the youngster.

“See, the game plan is simple here. You can't survive on this pitch with defence. Pujara was using his feet throughout his innings. If you're thinking that you can wait out for a spell and score runs later, it won't work. Even if you're playing on 70-80 on this pitch, you can get out with just one odd delivery,” Harbhajan said on Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the match.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-steve-smith-pulls-off-a-stunner-to-dismiss-cheteshwar-pujara-on-day-2-of-indore-test-567669">WATCH: Steve Smith pulls off a stunner to dismiss Cheteshwar Pujara on Day 2 of Indore Test</a>

“You have to look out for the opportunity to score runs. You need to see where you can get a four. Shubman wanted to go for a six, and when you consider the pitch condition here, his approach was right because you can't defend on this pitch for long,” Harbhajan further added.

Day 3 will commence on Friday (March 03) with Rohit &amp; Co. defending 76 runs in the final innings. Steve Smith-led Australia are on the cusp of winning the game and keeping the four-match series alive with a 2-1 scoreline.

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&nbsp;

Indian batters fell flat in both innings of the ongoing third and penultimate Test versus Australia, being held at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. Winning the toss, on Wednesday (March 01), captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat first but India only managed a paltry 109.

Indian batters fell flat in both innings of the ongoing third and penultimate Test versus Australia, being held at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. Winning the toss, on Wednesday (March 01), captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat first but India only managed a paltry 109. In reply, Indian bowlers -- led by Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav and R Ashwin -- managed to dismiss the Aussies for 197 but another poor show from the Indian batters, in their second essay, led to the home side bundling out for 163 at stumps on Day 2; setting up a mere 76-run target on Thursday (March 02). With India starring on the brink of a heavy defeat in Indore, many former cricketers and fans have pointed fingers at Indian batters' flop showing in the entire Test. The likes of Rohit, Virat Kohli, KS Bharat, Ravindra Jadeja, etc. fell flat whereas only Cheteshwar Pujara managed a fighting 59 in the second innings. Talking about Shubman Gill -- who has been in splendid form in white-ball format -- came into the playing XI in place of out-of-form KL Rahul. All eyes were on him but Gill returned with scores of 21 and 5. In the second innings, he danced down the track, off Nathan Lyon (who ended with 8 for 64), but was completely outfoxed by the off-spinner and departed for 5. Many criticised Gill's ploy but former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed the youngster. “See, the game plan is simple here. You can't survive on this pitch with defence. Pujara was using his feet throughout his innings. If you're thinking that you can wait out for a spell and score runs later, it won't work. Even if you're playing on 70-80 on this pitch, you can get out with just one odd delivery,” Harbhajan said on Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the match. Also Read: WATCH: Steve Smith pulls off a stunner to dismiss Cheteshwar Pujara on Day 2 of Indore Test “You have to look out for the opportunity to score runs. You need to see where you can get a four. Shubman wanted to go for a six, and when you consider the pitch condition here, his approach was right because you can't defend on this pitch for long,” Harbhajan further added. Day 3 will commence on Friday (March 03) with Rohit & Co. defending 76 runs in the final innings. Steve Smith-led Australia are on the cusp of winning the game and keeping the four-match series alive with a 2-1 scoreline. ×

'His approach was...': Harbhajan defends India's star batter despite poor outings in Indore Test vs Australia

IND vs AUS 3rd Test: On Wednesday (March 01), India locked horns with Australia in the third and penultimate Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. Having an unassailable 2-0 lead, India are very close to finalising a spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.&nbsp;

India have been top-notch in the first two Tests versus Australia -- banking on Rohit Sharma's form, lower-order runs&nbsp;and spinners -- to win the back-to-back games and are just a step away from entering the WTC final, for the second time in a row. Here's what they need to do in the third and penultimate Test to book a slot in the summit clash, to be held at The Oval, London on June 07-11:&nbsp;

India are 2-0 ahead in the series and just need another win in the ongoing Test to cement a place in the WTC final. While India can go through even if they lose the next two encounters (but in such a case, they will have to depend on other results; hoping&nbsp;for Sri Lanka to not win their remaining two Tests), they will confirm a place with a 3-0, 3-1 or 4-0 scoreline. Hence, India already have one&nbsp;foot in the WTC finale.

On the other hand, Pat Cummins-led Australia -- who are the No. 1 ranked side in the purest format -- have so far had a forgettable trip to India. After being 2-0 down, they have a herculean task to end the series with a 2-2 scoreline. A 0-3 or 0-4 scoreline looks likely at this stage. For them to qualify, they can even do so despite being whitewashed by India. In such a scenario, they will have to hope for Sri Lanka to not whitewash the hosts New Zealand in their forthcoming two-match Test series. It is to be noted that Tim Southee &amp; Co. have not lost a home Test series since early 2017.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahuls-removal-as-vice-captain-doesnt-indicate-anything-says-rohit-sharma-ahead-of-ind-aus-3rd-test-566848">KL Rahul's removal as vice-captain doesn't indicate anything, says Rohit Sharma ahead of Ind-Aus 3rd Test</a>

Indore Test, Day 1

At the coin toss on Day 1&nbsp;of the Indore Test, Rohit called it right as India chose to bat first. India made two changes in their playing XI with former vice-captain and woefully out of form KL Rahul being sidelined whereas Md Shami was rested (with Shubman Gill and Umesh Yadav being the replacements, respectively).&nbsp;

At the toss, Rohit said, "We will have a bat first. It is a pretty good dressing room and like you said the morale is high. The guys are confident about their skills which is a good thing moving forward. We have played a lot of cricket (here) but this one (surface) is slightly different. Looks little dry and you have to adapt your skills and be at it all the time. We aren't there yet (WTC final) and we have to come and win this game, we have to try and repeat the things we did in the first two Tests. It is important to stay present. We have made two changes - Gill comes in place of KL. We have rested Shami and Umesh comes in."

Meanwhile, Australia are without regular skipper Cummins, who is in Australia to look after his ailing mother. In his absence, Steve Smith leads the side as they trail 0-2.&nbsp;

Playing XIs:

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith(c), Peter Handscomb, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(w), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Matthew Kuhnemann

India&nbsp;Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Srikar Bharat(w), Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj

After opting to bat first, Rohit-led India are on the back foot currently, having lost half of their side for 45.

How has Team India fared in the second cycle of WTC?&nbsp;

After losing the inaugural WTC final, to New Zealand, in 2021, India have had a decent run in the ongoing second cycle. They started the new cycle with a 2-1 lead over hosts England in the 2021 five-match series, which ended in a 2-2 stalemate a year later, before winning a home series versus the Kiwis 1-0. They lost 1-2 to South Africa during their tour of the African nation in early 2022; prompting&nbsp;Virat Kohli to step down as the red-ball captain.&nbsp;

Rohit took over from there on and while he missed a few games, India went on to beat Sri Lanka 2-0 at home and also whitewash Bangladesh in their own backyard in December 2022.&nbsp;

At present, India are favourites to whitewash the Aussie and storm into the WTC final. Currently, it looks like it will be a mouth-watering India versus Australia finale in the second cycle of the WTC (unless third-positioned Sri Lanka pulls off a surprise in NZ).&nbsp;Will India end their ICC-title drought by winning the second edition of the WTC? Only time will tell...

IND vs AUS 3rd Test: On Wednesday (March 01), India locked horns with Australia in the third and penultimate Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Holkar Stadium, Indore.

IND vs AUS 3rd Test: On Wednesday (March 01), India locked horns with Australia in the third and penultimate Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. Having an unassailable 2-0 lead, India are very close to finalising a spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. India have been top-notch in the first two Tests versus Australia -- banking on Rohit Sharma's form, lower-order runs and spinners -- to win the back-to-back games and are just a step away from entering the WTC final, for the second time in a row. Here's what they need to do in the third and penultimate Test to book a slot in the summit clash, to be held at The Oval, London on June 07-11: India are 2-0 ahead in the series and just need another win in the ongoing Test to cement a place in the WTC final. While India can go through even if they lose the next two encounters (but in such a case, they will have to depend on other results; hoping for Sri Lanka to not win their remaining two Tests), they will confirm a place with a 3-0, 3-1 or 4-0 scoreline. Hence, India already have one foot in the WTC finale. On the other hand, Pat Cummins-led Australia -- who are the No. 1 ranked side in the purest format -- have so far had a forgettable trip to India. After being 2-0 down, they have a herculean task to end the series with a 2-2 scoreline. A 0-3 or 0-4 scoreline looks likely at this stage. For them to qualify, they can even do so despite being whitewashed by India. In such a scenario, they will have to hope for Sri Lanka to not whitewash the hosts New Zealand in their forthcoming two-match Test series. It is to be noted that Tim Southee & Co. have not lost a home Test series since early 2017. Also read: KL Rahul's removal as vice-captain doesn't indicate anything, says Rohit Sharma ahead of Ind-Aus 3rd Test Indore Test, Day 1 At the coin toss on Day 1 of the Indore Test, Rohit called it right as India chose to bat first. India made two changes in their playing XI with former vice-captain and woefully out of form KL Rahul being sidelined whereas Md Shami was rested (with Shubman Gill and Umesh Yadav being the replacements, respectively). At the toss, Rohit said, "We will have a bat first. It is a pretty good dressing room and like you said the morale is high. The guys are confident about their skills which is a good thing moving forward. We have played a lot of cricket (here) but this one (surface) is slightly different. Looks little dry and you have to adapt your skills and be at it all the time. We aren't there yet (WTC final) and we have to come and win this game, we have to try and repeat the things we did in the first two Tests. It is important to stay present. We have made two changes - Gill comes in place of KL. We have rested Shami and Umesh comes in." Meanwhile, Australia are without regular skipper Cummins, who is in Australia to look after his ailing mother. In his absence, Steve Smith leads the side as they trail 0-2. Playing XIs: Australia: Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith(c), Peter Handscomb, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(w), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Matthew Kuhnemann India Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Srikar Bharat(w), Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj After opting to bat first, Rohit-led India are on the back foot currently, having lost half of their side for 45. How has Team India fared in the second cycle of WTC? After losing the inaugural WTC final, to New Zealand, in 2021, India have had a decent run in the ongoing second cycle. They started the new cycle with a 2-1 lead over hosts England in the 2021 five-match series, which ended in a 2-2 stalemate a year later, before winning a home series versus the Kiwis 1-0. They lost 1-2 to South Africa during their tour of the African nation in early 2022; prompting Virat Kohli to step down as the red-ball captain. Rohit took over from there on and while he missed a few games, India went on to beat Sri Lanka 2-0 at home and also whitewash Bangladesh in their own backyard in December 2022. At present, India are favourites to whitewash the Aussie and storm into the WTC final. Currently, it looks like it will be a mouth-watering India versus Australia finale in the second cycle of the WTC (unless third-positioned Sri Lanka pulls off a surprise in NZ). Will India end their ICC-title drought by winning the second edition of the WTC? Only time will tell...

IND vs AUS, Indore Test: EXPLAINED! How Rohit Sharma & Co. can confirm a slot in WTC final

After the second Test between India and Australia, in the national capital, KL Rahul was removed as the vice-captain when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the national side's squad for the final two Tests. Rahul has been in woeful form and has been facing severe criticism from all corners. It is to be noted that Rahul has only 198 runs in the last 12 innings and has only managed 38 runs in the three outings in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home.&nbsp;

Hence, a lot has been said and written about Rahul. Many feel he should be dropped with Shubman Gill being in the form of his life. His sacking as the Test vice-captain has also been highlighted but captain Rohit Sharma stated that his opening partner's removal from the post indicates nothing.&nbsp;

"I said it after the last game also. When we talk about players going through a tough time, anyone with potential will be given enough time to prove himself. Being vice-captain or not being vice-captain doesn't tell you anything. At that point in time, when he was the vice-captain, he was probably the most senior. His removal of the vice-captaincy doesn't indicate anything," Rohit said on Tuesday ahead of the third and penultimate Test, which kicks off on Wednesday (March 01) in Indore.

Also Read:&nbsp;

On being&nbsp;asked about the practice sessions and if Gill's active participation in the nets ahead of the Indore Test means he is set to replace Rahul in the playing XI, Rohit shied away from sharing any details on the team combination.

"As far as Gill and KL are both concerned, that is how they train and practice before any game. Today was an optional training session for the entire group. All 17-18 are in the reckoning. It's not just about Gill and Rahul. But as far as our XI is concerned, we have not finalised it yet. I prefer it to be announced at the toss. Can't count out last-minute injuries and all and we will keep it interesting for you guys as well," Rohit added.

India squad for final two Tests vs Australia

India’s Test squad for the third and fourth Test against Australia: Rohit Sharma (Captain), K L Rahul, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat.

After the second Test between India and Australia, in the national capital, KL Rahul was removed as the vice-captain when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the national side's squad for the final two Tests.

After the second Test between India and Australia, in the national capital, KL Rahul was removed as the vice-captain when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the national side's squad for the final two Tests. Rahul has been in woeful form and has been facing severe criticism from all corners. It is to be noted that Rahul has only 198 runs in the last 12 innings and has only managed 38 runs in the three outings in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home. Hence, a lot has been said and written about Rahul. Many feel he should be dropped with Shubman Gill being in the form of his life. His sacking as the Test vice-captain has also been highlighted but captain Rohit Sharma stated that his opening partner's removal from the post indicates nothing. "I said it after the last game also. When we talk about players going through a tough time, anyone with potential will be given enough time to prove himself. Being vice-captain or not being vice-captain doesn't tell you anything. At that point in time, when he was the vice-captain, he was probably the most senior. His removal of the vice-captaincy doesn't indicate anything," Rohit said on Tuesday ahead of the third and penultimate Test, which kicks off on Wednesday (March 01) in Indore. Also Read: On being asked about the practice sessions and if Gill's active participation in the nets ahead of the Indore Test means he is set to replace Rahul in the playing XI, Rohit shied away from sharing any details on the team combination. "As far as Gill and KL are both concerned, that is how they train and practice before any game. Today was an optional training session for the entire group. All 17-18 are in the reckoning. It's not just about Gill and Rahul. But as far as our XI is concerned, we have not finalised it yet. I prefer it to be announced at the toss. Can't count out last-minute injuries and all and we will keep it interesting for you guys as well," Rohit added. India squad for final two Tests vs Australia India’s Test squad for the third and fourth Test against Australia: Rohit Sharma (Captain), K L Rahul, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat.

KL Rahul's removal as vice-captain doesn't indicate anything, says Rohit Sharma ahead of Ind-Aus 3rd Test

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