<p>The former Australian batter and a very good player of spin bowling, Michael Hussey has urged the struggling Aussies to pull off a Rohit Sharma on how to tackle spin in the remaining two Tests. Australia has conceded the Border-Gavaskar series within six days this time, having lost the first two Tests inside three days each. Such is the despair that of the 40 wickets that had fallen across all four innings, 32 of those have gone to the India spinners.</p>

<p>Looking dejected against the Indian spin trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin and Axar Patel - who is even yet to shine with the ball, Australia will be keen on finding the right answers to remain the contest.</p>

<p>Hussey, who had his share of ups and downs against spin bowling on the sub-continent tracks in the past, advised if Australians could only learn by observing how Rohit had batted so far in the series, they could actually benefit themselves and can avoid the whitewash, which would further dent their chances of directly qualifying for the WTC finals.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-what-future-holds-for-chennai-super-kings-after-ms-dhoni-leaves-who-will-take-forward-his-legacy-565804">Explained: What future holds for Chennai Super Kings after Dhoni? Who will take forward his legacy?</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is currently the leading run-getter in the series (183) having scored a match-winning hundred (120) in the first innings of the Nagpur Test. To put this in perspective, no other batter scored a hundred while Axar and Jadeja have come close with 84 and 70, respectively.</p>

<p>“Obviously, the Australians can take a leaf out of Rohit Sharma’s book and have a look at the way he has batted so far. The way Rohit has gone about his job is certainly a good way to tackle spin and score runs in such conditions. The Indian batsmen have grown up playing on such pitches and so are more used to them. But it’s not really possible to bat exactly like how he (Rohit) has been doing. For instance, I couldn’t bat like Matthew Hayden," said Hussey, as quoted by the Telegraph.</p>

<p>During the second match in Delhi, especially in the second innings, most of the Aussie batters got out playing the sweep shot. Commenting on the same, Hussey said instead of playing just one pre-decided shot, every player must concentrate on playing as per their strengths and that is where the result will come from.</p>

<p>“So, the focus of the Australian batsmen should be on gauging how best each one of them can score runs. Each one has a different method of batting. So, some should look to hit the boundaries and be more aggressive, while some should look to play the anchor role. Batsmen need to focus on their strengths and the strokes that yield them runs instead of everyone trying one particular shot,” Hussey said.</p>

<p>The third Test will start in Indore from March 1st.</p>


The former Australian batter and a very good player of spin bowling, Michael Hussey has urged the struggling Aussies to pull off a Rohit Sharma on how to tackle spin in the remaining two Tests.

The former Australian batter and a very good player of spin bowling, Michael Hussey has urged the struggling Aussies to pull off a Rohit Sharma on how to tackle spin in the remaining two Tests. Australia has conceded the Border-Gavaskar series within six days this time, having lost the first two Tests inside three days each. Such is the despair that of the 40 wickets that had fallen across all four innings, 32 of those have gone to the India spinners. Looking dejected against the Indian spin trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin and Axar Patel - who is even yet to shine with the ball, Australia will be keen on finding the right answers to remain the contest. Hussey, who had his share of ups and downs against spin bowling on the sub-continent tracks in the past, advised if Australians could only learn by observing how Rohit had batted so far in the series, they could actually benefit themselves and can avoid the whitewash, which would further dent their chances of directly qualifying for the WTC finals. ALSO READ: Explained: What future holds for Chennai Super Kings after Dhoni? Who will take forward his legacy? Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is currently the leading run-getter in the series (183) having scored a match-winning hundred (120) in the first innings of the Nagpur Test. To put this in perspective, no other batter scored a hundred while Axar and Jadeja have come close with 84 and 70, respectively. “Obviously, the Australians can take a leaf out of Rohit Sharma’s book and have a look at the way he has batted so far. The way Rohit has gone about his job is certainly a good way to tackle spin and score runs in such conditions. The Indian batsmen have grown up playing on such pitches and so are more used to them. But it’s not really possible to bat exactly like how he (Rohit) has been doing. For instance, I couldn’t bat like Matthew Hayden," said Hussey, as quoted by the Telegraph. During the second match in Delhi, especially in the second innings, most of the Aussie batters got out playing the sweep shot. Commenting on the same, Hussey said instead of playing just one pre-decided shot, every player must concentrate on playing as per their strengths and that is where the result will come from. “So, the focus of the Australian batsmen should be on gauging how best each one of them can score runs. Each one has a different method of batting. So, some should look to hit the boundaries and be more aggressive, while some should look to play the anchor role. Batsmen need to focus on their strengths and the strokes that yield them runs instead of everyone trying one particular shot,” Hussey said. The third Test will start in Indore from March 1st.

Michael Hussey urges Australia to take a leaf out of Rohit Sharma's book on how to tackle spin

<p>The 2023 Asia Cup has been much talked about. While Pakistan will host the 50-over continental tournament, the venue isn't finalised as India have made it clear that they won't travel to their neighbouring country due to the strained political relations between both sides. A final decision on the venue is likely to be out by March but Pakistan will remain the host for sure.</p>

<p>Ever since the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah revealed, in late 2022, that Team India won't get government clearance to go to Pakistan for the tournament, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have not taken things lightly. The then PCB chief Ramiz Raja had revealed that Pakistan will boycott the 2023 ODI World Cup, in India, if the Men in Blue pull out of Asia Cup. Now, Kamran Akmal -- the veteran keeper-batter -- has joined the bandwagon and backed Ramiz's claims.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-anjum-chopra-consoles-an-emotional-harmanpreet-kaur-after-indias-t20-world-cup-exit-565493">WATCH: Anjum Chopra consoles an emotional Harmanpreet Kaur after India's T20 World Cup exit</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking on the Nadir Ali podcast, Kamran said that Pakistan also have respect and they shouldn't travel to their neighbouring country if India doesn't turn up for the Asia Cup.</p>

<p>"If India do not agree to come for the Asia Cup, we should not go to India to play the 2023 World Cup there. Hamaari bhi respect hai (We are also well respected). We have been world champions too, have topped rankings in all formats and have won the Champions Trophy too. This is between two governments; until they are on the same page, the teams won't go with each other. We have to see how long it goes," Kamran said.</p>

<p>India and Pakistan's senior men's team had last met during the 2022 T20 World Cup, in Australia, where Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. beat Babar Azam-led Men in Green by five wickets.</p>


The 2023 Asia Cup has been much talked about. While Pakistan will host the 50-over continental tournament, the venue isn't finalised as India have made it clear that they won't travel to their neighbouring country due to the strained political relations between both sides.

The 2023 Asia Cup has been much talked about. While Pakistan will host the 50-over continental tournament, the venue isn't finalised as India have made it clear that they won't travel to their neighbouring country due to the strained political relations between both sides. A final decision on the venue is likely to be out by March but Pakistan will remain the host for sure. Ever since the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah revealed, in late 2022, that Team India won't get government clearance to go to Pakistan for the tournament, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have not taken things lightly. The then PCB chief Ramiz Raja had revealed that Pakistan will boycott the 2023 ODI World Cup, in India, if the Men in Blue pull out of Asia Cup. Now, Kamran Akmal -- the veteran keeper-batter -- has joined the bandwagon and backed Ramiz's claims. Also Read: WATCH: Anjum Chopra consoles an emotional Harmanpreet Kaur after India's T20 World Cup exit Speaking on the Nadir Ali podcast, Kamran said that Pakistan also have respect and they shouldn't travel to their neighbouring country if India doesn't turn up for the Asia Cup. "If India do not agree to come for the Asia Cup, we should not go to India to play the 2023 World Cup there. Hamaari bhi respect hai (We are also well respected). We have been world champions too, have topped rankings in all formats and have won the Champions Trophy too. This is between two governments; until they are on the same page, the teams won't go with each other. We have to see how long it goes," Kamran said. India and Pakistan's senior men's team had last met during the 2022 T20 World Cup, in Australia, where Rohit Sharma & Co. beat Babar Azam-led Men in Green by five wickets.

We are also well respected: Kamran Akmal in favour of Pak boycotting ODI WC if Ind pull out of Asia Cup

<p>Rohit Sharma-led India has gained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy versus Pat Cummins-led Australia. After winning the series opener, in Nagpur, by innings and 132 runs, India defeated Australia in the second Test, in the national capital, by six wickets and are favourites to win the remaining two games as well. Ahead of the third and penultimate Test, to be held in Indore, former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh feels the home side will whitewash the Aussies and slammed Cummins &amp; Co.</p>

<p>Speaking on Sports Tak, Harbhajan opined that the current Aussie team looks like a pale shadow of its former self and slammed them for creating so much confusion in their preparations. A lot was expected of the No. 1 ranked Aussie side but they are certainly on the mat with a chance to lose the series 4-0. Bhajji added that had it been a ten-match series, India would have still won 10-0.</p>

<p id="5">“Australia practised against Ravichandran Ashwin’s duplicate, but I feel the Australian team itself is a duplicate one. Their mindset is such that they are only focusing on negative things," said the legendary spinner Harbhajan.</p>

<p id="6">Bhajji asserted, "They created so much confusion that they lost the game even before the first ball was bowled. It doesn’t seem like they have done any preparation for this tour. Looking at their performance, I think the only thing they practised was getting out."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/can-we-leave-kl-rahul-alone-harbhajan-singh-backs-under-fire-indian-opener-amid-severe-criticism-564582">'Can we leave KL Rahul alone?': Harbhajan Singh backs under-fire Indian opener amid severe criticism</a></strong></p>

<p id="8">Harbhajan further added, "I do not doubt that India will win 4-0. Even if it was a 10-match series, India would beat Australia 10-0 because this Australian team doesn’t have any firepower. If there is something on the pitch, they throw their wickets from the dressing room itself."</p>

<p>Australia will hope to put up a much better performance in the third and penultimate Test of the four-match series. India, on the other hand, will aim to win the Indore Test to secure a place in the WTC final and go for a 4-0 whitewash.</p>


Rohit Sharma-led India has gained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy versus Pat Cummins-led Australia. After winning the series opener, in Nagpur, by innings and 132 runs, India defeated Australia in the second Test, in the national capital, by six wickets and are favourites to win the remaining two games as well.

Rohit Sharma-led India has gained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy versus Pat Cummins-led Australia. After winning the series opener, in Nagpur, by innings and 132 runs, India defeated Australia in the second Test, in the national capital, by six wickets and are favourites to win the remaining two games as well. Ahead of the third and penultimate Test, to be held in Indore, former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh feels the home side will whitewash the Aussies and slammed Cummins & Co. Speaking on Sports Tak, Harbhajan opined that the current Aussie team looks like a pale shadow of its former self and slammed them for creating so much confusion in their preparations. A lot was expected of the No. 1 ranked Aussie side but they are certainly on the mat with a chance to lose the series 4-0. Bhajji added that had it been a ten-match series, India would have still won 10-0. “Australia practised against Ravichandran Ashwin’s duplicate, but I feel the Australian team itself is a duplicate one. Their mindset is such that they are only focusing on negative things," said the legendary spinner Harbhajan. Bhajji asserted, "They created so much confusion that they lost the game even before the first ball was bowled. It doesn’t seem like they have done any preparation for this tour. Looking at their performance, I think the only thing they practised was getting out." Also Read: 'Can we leave KL Rahul alone?': Harbhajan Singh backs under-fire Indian opener amid severe criticism Harbhajan further added, "I do not doubt that India will win 4-0. Even if it was a 10-match series, India would beat Australia 10-0 because this Australian team doesn’t have any firepower. If there is something on the pitch, they throw their wickets from the dressing room itself." Australia will hope to put up a much better performance in the third and penultimate Test of the four-match series. India, on the other hand, will aim to win the Indore Test to secure a place in the WTC final and go for a 4-0 whitewash.

If it were a 10-match series, Ind would've won 10-0: Harbhajan slams Cummins & Co., says hosts will win '4-0'

<p>Former Indian captain Kapil Dev isn't pleased with current skipper Rohit Sharma's fitness standards. Ahead of the third and penultimate Test between India and Australia, in Indore, in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022/23, the 1983 World-Cup winning captain Kapil opined that while Rohit is a great captain and player, it is a shame that Hitman doesn't look fit on TV. Further, he cited Virat Kohli's fitness and urged Rohit to get in shape by taking inspiration from his teammate.</p>

<p>Speaking on an ABP show, Kapil said, "It is very important (to be fit). More so for a captain. It's a shame if you are not fit. Rohit needs to put some hard work on it. He is a great batter but when you talk about his fitness, he looks a bit overweight, at least on TV. Yes, it's different when you look at someone on TV and then in real life. But from whatever I see, Rohit is a great player and a great captain, but he needs to get fit," the former Indian captain further asserted.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/big-blow-to-india-harmanpreet-uncertain-pooja-vastrakar-ruled-out-of-t20-wc-semi-final-tie-vs-australia-565086">Big blow to India! Harmanpreet uncertain, Pooja Vastrakar ruled out of T20 WC semi-final tie vs Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>He added, "Look at Virat, whenever you see him, you say, 'that's some fitness!" This isn't the first time that Rohit has been slammed for his fitness. In the last few years, he has missed plenty of games across formats due to hamstring injury or other issues. However, Hitman hasn't spoken at length on this issue and is focused on taking India to the ICC World Test Championship final (WTC), to be held in early June at The Oval, London.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit-led India currently have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and will storm into the final with another win. So far, Rohit has been the leading run-scorer in the four-match Test series with 183 runs in three outings, including a majestic 120 in the series opener.</p>

<p>India take on Australia in the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, on March 01.</p>


Former Indian captain Kapil Dev isn't pleased with current skipper Rohit Sharma's fitness standards. Ahead of the third and penultimate Test between India and Australia, in Indore, in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022/23, the 1983 World-Cup winning captain Kapil opined that while Rohit is a great captain and player, it is a shame that Hitman doesn't look fit on TV.

Former Indian captain Kapil Dev isn't pleased with current skipper Rohit Sharma's fitness standards. Ahead of the third and penultimate Test between India and Australia, in Indore, in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022/23, the 1983 World-Cup winning captain Kapil opined that while Rohit is a great captain and player, it is a shame that Hitman doesn't look fit on TV. Further, he cited Virat Kohli's fitness and urged Rohit to get in shape by taking inspiration from his teammate. Speaking on an ABP show, Kapil said, "It is very important (to be fit). More so for a captain. It's a shame if you are not fit. Rohit needs to put some hard work on it. He is a great batter but when you talk about his fitness, he looks a bit overweight, at least on TV. Yes, it's different when you look at someone on TV and then in real life. But from whatever I see, Rohit is a great player and a great captain, but he needs to get fit," the former Indian captain further asserted. Also Read: Big blow to India! Harmanpreet uncertain, Pooja Vastrakar ruled out of T20 WC semi-final tie vs Australia He added, "Look at Virat, whenever you see him, you say, 'that's some fitness!" This isn't the first time that Rohit has been slammed for his fitness. In the last few years, he has missed plenty of games across formats due to hamstring injury or other issues. However, Hitman hasn't spoken at length on this issue and is focused on taking India to the ICC World Test Championship final (WTC), to be held in early June at The Oval, London. Rohit-led India currently have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and will storm into the final with another win. So far, Rohit has been the leading run-scorer in the four-match Test series with 183 runs in three outings, including a majestic 120 in the series opener. India take on Australia in the third and penultimate Test, in Indore, on March 01.

BGT 2022/23: 'It's a shame if you are not fit' - Kapil Dev urges Rohit Sharma to get in shape

<p>On Monday (February 20), Harmanpreet Kaur achieved a huge feat when India locked horns with Ireland in their last group stage match of the Women's T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa. When skipper Harman came out for the coin toss, she became the first male or female player to&nbsp;play 150 T20I matches. The swashbuckling right-hander had surpassed Rohit Sharma (148), the senior Indian men's captain, in the overall list of most T20I matches played by a player during India's previous encounter, versus England, before moving past him to create history.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Most T20I matches played by a player<br />
Harmanpreet Kaur - 150</strong><br />
Rohit Sharma - 148<br />
Suzie Bates - 143</p>

<p>Harmanpreet made her T20I debut in&nbsp;2009, against England, during the inaugural edition of the Women's T20 WC. Since then, she has featured in 150 games scoring 3,006 runs at an average of 27.83, including a solitary hundred. In the list of most runs in Women's T20Is, she features in the fourth spot. Under her, India reached the semi-finals of the 2018 edition and played the final of the 2020 edition in Australia, where the hosts won by a comprehensive margin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During her 20-ball 13-run-knock in the India-Ireland contest, at the&nbsp;St George's Park, Gqeberha,&nbsp;Harmanpreet also became&nbsp;the first Indian woman to score 3,000 runs in the format. She will be eager to end the match by leading India to an easy win and confirm themselves a spot in the semi-finals.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/prithvi-shaw-attack-accused-woman-and-3-others-sent-to-14-day-judicial-custody-563934"><strong>Prithvi Shaw attack: Accused woman and 3 others sent to 14-day judicial custody</strong></a></p>

<p>At the coin toss, skipper Harmanpreet said, "We are going to bat first. Looks a hard and dry surface. Many of us haven't got that many runs, we need to express ourselves. Devika is playing in place of Radha. It (playing 150 T20I games) means a lot, I got an emotional message from my team-mates. Thanks to BCCI and ICC, we are able to play so many games."</p>

<p>After opting to bat first versus the Irish line-up, India rode on Smriti Mandhana's 87 to post 155 for 5 in 20 overs. Will it be enough? Only time will tell...</p>


On Monday (February 20), Harmanpreet Kaur achieved a huge feat when India locked horns with Ireland in their last group stage match of the Women's T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa.

On Monday (February 20), Harmanpreet Kaur achieved a huge feat when India locked horns with Ireland in their last group stage match of the Women's T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa. When skipper Harman came out for the coin toss, she became the first male or female player to play 150 T20I matches. The swashbuckling right-hander had surpassed Rohit Sharma (148), the senior Indian men's captain, in the overall list of most T20I matches played by a player during India's previous encounter, versus England, before moving past him to create history. Most T20I matches played by a player Harmanpreet Kaur - 150 Rohit Sharma - 148 Suzie Bates - 143 Harmanpreet made her T20I debut in 2009, against England, during the inaugural edition of the Women's T20 WC. Since then, she has featured in 150 games scoring 3,006 runs at an average of 27.83, including a solitary hundred. In the list of most runs in Women's T20Is, she features in the fourth spot. Under her, India reached the semi-finals of the 2018 edition and played the final of the 2020 edition in Australia, where the hosts won by a comprehensive margin. During her 20-ball 13-run-knock in the India-Ireland contest, at the St George's Park, Gqeberha, Harmanpreet also became the first Indian woman to score 3,000 runs in the format. She will be eager to end the match by leading India to an easy win and confirm themselves a spot in the semi-finals. Also Read: Prithvi Shaw attack: Accused woman and 3 others sent to 14-day judicial custody At the coin toss, skipper Harmanpreet said, "We are going to bat first. Looks a hard and dry surface. Many of us haven't got that many runs, we need to express ourselves. Devika is playing in place of Radha. It (playing 150 T20I games) means a lot, I got an emotional message from my team-mates. Thanks to BCCI and ICC, we are able to play so many games." After opting to bat first versus the Irish line-up, India rode on Smriti Mandhana's 87 to post 155 for 5 in 20 overs. Will it be enough? Only time will tell...

IND-W vs IRE-W, T20 WC: Harmanpreet Kaur achieves huge feat, becomes first player to feature in 150 T20Is

<p>India thrashed Australia by six wickets on Day 3 of the second Test, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, to go 2-0 up in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While Australia did put up a better show in the Test match, till the first innings, they fell flat in their second essay and gave a paltry 114-run target to Team India. In reply, Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. chased down the score with six wickets to spare and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The likes of Rohit, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Md Shami have been India's top-performers so far but opener KL Rahul has been struggling for runs. The 30-year-old&nbsp;has only managed 198 runs in the last 12 innings. In the ongoing Test series, Rahul has a&nbsp;total of 38 runs in three innings and has looked completely out of form. Thus, many have slammed the Indian batter and former pacer Venkatesh Prasad has been quite vocal in his criticism of Rahul. He has time and again vented out his frustration with Rahul struggling for runs. Amid severe criticism, both captain Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid have backed the underfire opener.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the Delhi Test win, Dravid told Star Sports, "I&nbsp;think he (Rahul) needs to trust his processes. This is just a phase, he has been one of our most successful overseas openers. He’s got centuries in South Africa and England, we’ll continue to back him. I believe he has the quality and class to come out of this."</p>

<p>Now, Prasad broke the notion of Rahul having a good overseas record and shared a series of tweets -- also comprising the opener's ordinary away numbers. He wrote, "There is a view that KL Rahul has an outstanding overseas Test record. But stats speak otherwise. He has a test avg of 30 overseas in 56 innings. He has scored 6 overseas centuries but followed it up with a string of low scores that’s why averaging 30. Let’s look at a few others. Shikhar Dhawan has the best overseas average amongst recent openers. Avg of nearly 40 with 5 100’s. Though he too hasn’t been consistent in Test but had Outstanding centuries in SL and NZ, plus a much better home record."</p>

<p>Further, Prasad added, "Mayank Agarwal after the brilliant start in Aust did struggle in away test matches. But he has by far the best home record. Avg of nearly 70 in 13 innings,2 double 100’s &amp; a 150 on a Wankhede pitch where everyone else struggled. Great against spin &amp; had a prolific domestic season. Shubhman Gill has had a brief international career and in 14 overseas innings averages 37, with his 91 at Gabba amongst the best overseas 4th innings and has been in outstanding form," he added in a long thread on Monday, February 20.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There is a view that KL Rahul has an outstanding overseas Test record. But stats speak otherwise. He has a test avg of 30 overseas in 56 innings. He has scored 6 overseas centuries but followed it up with a string of low scores that’s why averaging 30. Let’s look at a few others <a href="https://t.co/MAvHM01TcY">pic.twitter.com/MAvHM01TcY</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1627528809720483840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shikhar Dhawan has the best overseas average amongst recent openers. Avg of nearly 40 with 5 100’s. Though he too hasn’t been consistent in Test but had Outstanding centuries in SL and NZ, plus a much better home record. <a href="https://t.co/rH94R0a3A0">pic.twitter.com/rH94R0a3A0</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1627529402614706176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mayank Agarwal after the brilliant start in Aust did struggle in away test matches.But he has by far the best home record. Avg of nearly 70 in 13 innings,2 double 100’s &amp; a 150 on a Wankhede pitch where everyone else struggled. Great against spin &amp; had a prolific domestic season <a href="https://t.co/EJOsZEbOCP">pic.twitter.com/EJOsZEbOCP</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1627530331862745089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And if overseas performance is a criteria, Ajinkya Rahane despite being out of form and also inconsistent before being dropped had obe of the best overseas Test record, averaging over 40 overseas in 50 test matches. Was out of form and dropped … <a href="https://t.co/2Uj5YZe9Cr">pic.twitter.com/2Uj5YZe9Cr</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1627532250714898434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">But with KL being retained for the remaining 2 test matches, if he is picked in the playing 11, Indore is his best chance of coming back to form and silencing critics like me. Else needs to play county cricket, perform well and make a comeback in the Test side.</p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1627535177118527488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-revealed-why-kl-rahul-has-been-axed-as-indias-vice-captain-for-remaining-tests-563823">IND vs AUS: Revealed! Why KL Rahul has been axed as India's vice-captain for remaining Tests</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking about Rahul's Test career, the right-hander has&nbsp;2,642 runs in 47 Tests at an average of&nbsp;33.44 with 7 hundreds. He has two hundreds in England and one each in India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, West Indies and Australia. At home, he averages 40.13 but it goes down drastically in away Tests (30.69).</p>

<p>At the post-match press conference of the Delhi Test, captain Rohit indicated that Rahul will be given a longer rope. "Lately, there has been a lot of talk about Rahul’s batting. As team management, we always look at the potential of any individual, not just KL. I have been asked this in the past about a lot of players. If a guy has potential, he will get that extended run,” Sharma said.</p>

<p>Rahul has lost his vice-captaincy post for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Hence, he will be desperate for a big knock in the remainder of the Australia Tests.&nbsp;</p>


India thrashed Australia by six wickets on Day 3 of the second Test, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, to go 2-0 up in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While Australia did put up a better show in the Test match, till the first innings, they fell flat in their second essay and gave a paltry 114-run target to Team India.

India thrashed Australia by six wickets on Day 3 of the second Test, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, to go 2-0 up in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While Australia did put up a better show in the Test match, till the first innings, they fell flat in their second essay and gave a paltry 114-run target to Team India. In reply, Rohit Sharma & Co. chased down the score with six wickets to spare and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the process. The likes of Rohit, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Md Shami have been India's top-performers so far but opener KL Rahul has been struggling for runs. The 30-year-old has only managed 198 runs in the last 12 innings. In the ongoing Test series, Rahul has a total of 38 runs in three innings and has looked completely out of form. Thus, many have slammed the Indian batter and former pacer Venkatesh Prasad has been quite vocal in his criticism of Rahul. He has time and again vented out his frustration with Rahul struggling for runs. Amid severe criticism, both captain Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid have backed the underfire opener. After the Delhi Test win, Dravid told Star Sports, "I think he (Rahul) needs to trust his processes. This is just a phase, he has been one of our most successful overseas openers. He’s got centuries in South Africa and England, we’ll continue to back him. I believe he has the quality and class to come out of this." Now, Prasad broke the notion of Rahul having a good overseas record and shared a series of tweets -- also comprising the opener's ordinary away numbers. He wrote, "There is a view that KL Rahul has an outstanding overseas Test record. But stats speak otherwise. He has a test avg of 30 overseas in 56 innings. He has scored 6 overseas centuries but followed it up with a string of low scores that’s why averaging 30. Let’s look at a few others. Shikhar Dhawan has the best overseas average amongst recent openers. Avg of nearly 40 with 5 100’s. Though he too hasn’t been consistent in Test but had Outstanding centuries in SL and NZ, plus a much better home record." Further, Prasad added, "Mayank Agarwal after the brilliant start in Aust did struggle in away test matches. But he has by far the best home record. Avg of nearly 70 in 13 innings,2 double 100’s & a 150 on a Wankhede pitch where everyone else struggled. Great against spin & had a prolific domestic season. Shubhman Gill has had a brief international career and in 14 overseas innings averages 37, with his 91 at Gabba amongst the best overseas 4th innings and has been in outstanding form," he added in a long thread on Monday, February 20. There is a view that KL Rahul has an outstanding overseas Test record. But stats speak otherwise. He has a test avg of 30 overseas in 56 innings. He has scored 6 overseas centuries but followed it up with a string of low scores that’s why averaging 30. Let’s look at a few others pic.twitter.com/MAvHM01TcY — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 20, 2023 × Shikhar Dhawan has the best overseas average amongst recent openers. Avg of nearly 40 with 5 100’s. Though he too hasn’t been consistent in Test but had Outstanding centuries in SL and NZ, plus a much better home record. pic.twitter.com/rH94R0a3A0 — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 20, 2023 × Mayank Agarwal after the brilliant start in Aust did struggle in away test matches.But he has by far the best home record. Avg of nearly 70 in 13 innings,2 double 100’s & a 150 on a Wankhede pitch where everyone else struggled. Great against spin & had a prolific domestic season pic.twitter.com/EJOsZEbOCP — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 20, 2023 × And if overseas performance is a criteria, Ajinkya Rahane despite being out of form and also inconsistent before being dropped had obe of the best overseas Test record, averaging over 40 overseas in 50 test matches. Was out of form and dropped … pic.twitter.com/2Uj5YZe9Cr — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 20, 2023 × But with KL being retained for the remaining 2 test matches, if he is picked in the playing 11, Indore is his best chance of coming back to form and silencing critics like me. Else needs to play county cricket, perform well and make a comeback in the Test side. — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 20, 2023 × Also Read: IND vs AUS: Revealed! Why KL Rahul has been axed as India's vice-captain for remaining Tests Speaking about Rahul's Test career, the right-hander has 2,642 runs in 47 Tests at an average of 33.44 with 7 hundreds. He has two hundreds in England and one each in India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, West Indies and Australia. At home, he averages 40.13 but it goes down drastically in away Tests (30.69). At the post-match press conference of the Delhi Test, captain Rohit indicated that Rahul will be given a longer rope. "Lately, there has been a lot of talk about Rahul’s batting. As team management, we always look at the potential of any individual, not just KL. I have been asked this in the past about a lot of players. If a guy has potential, he will get that extended run,” Sharma said. Rahul has lost his vice-captaincy post for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Hence, he will be desperate for a big knock in the remainder of the Australia Tests.

Venkatesh Prasad once again slams KL Rahul, hits back at 'he has great overseas Test record' claims

<p>India defeated Australia on Day 3 of the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi on Sunday (February 19). The day kicked off with Australia being well-placed at 61 for 1, with an overall lead of 62 runs, but fell flat on the third day after being dismissed for a paltry 113. Ravindra Jadeja (7 for 42) wreaked havoc with the red cherry before Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. chased down a target of 114 with six wickets in hand. With the win, India have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and BCCI later named an unchanged squad for the last two Tests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, there was one big update. Indian opener KL Rahul was axed as the vice-captain amid his form concerns. It is to be noted that the stylish right-hander has only managed 198 runs in the last 12 innings. In the ongoing Test series versus the Baggy Greens, he has a&nbsp;total of 38 runs in three innings and has looked completely out of sorts. Thus, it is believed that he paid a price for his poor run of form and has been sacked as Rohit's deputy.&nbsp;As per a report by The Indian Express, the management has sought to unburden Rahul from the leadership role.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-pat-cummins-to-fly-home-mid-way-into-india-series-set-to-return-ahead-of-indore-test-563777">IND vs AUS: Pat Cummins to fly home mid-way into India series, set to return ahead of Indore Test</a></strong></p>

<p>It is to be noted that Rahul has served as Rohit's deputy ever since Hitman became India's full-time captain in early 2022. He led the national side in three Tests, six ODIs and one T20I in 2022 and served as India's white-ball vice-captain before losing the post to Hardik Pandya last month. Hence, he is now completely out of the leadership group and will have to step up with the bat to regain the vice-captaincy post, at least,&nbsp;in whites.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid his poor run of form, Rahul still has the support of captain Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid. After the Delhi Test, Rohit told in the post-match press conference, "Lately, there has been a lot of talk about Rahul’s batting. As team management, we always look at the potential of any individual, not just KL. I have been asked this in the past about a lot of players. If a guy has potential, he will get that extended run."</p>

<p>On the other hand, Dravid told Star Sports, "I&nbsp;think he (Rahul) needs to trust his processes. This is just a phase, he has been one of our most successful overseas openers. He’s got centuries in South Africa and England, we’ll continue to back him. I believe he has the quality and class to come out of this."</p>


India defeated Australia on Day 3 of the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi on Sunday (February 19). The day kicked off with Australia being well-placed at 61 for 1, with an overall lead of 62 runs, but fell flat on the third day after being dismissed for a paltry 113.

India defeated Australia on Day 3 of the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi on Sunday (February 19). The day kicked off with Australia being well-placed at 61 for 1, with an overall lead of 62 runs, but fell flat on the third day after being dismissed for a paltry 113. Ravindra Jadeja (7 for 42) wreaked havoc with the red cherry before Rohit Sharma & Co. chased down a target of 114 with six wickets in hand. With the win, India have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and BCCI later named an unchanged squad for the last two Tests. However, there was one big update. Indian opener KL Rahul was axed as the vice-captain amid his form concerns. It is to be noted that the stylish right-hander has only managed 198 runs in the last 12 innings. In the ongoing Test series versus the Baggy Greens, he has a total of 38 runs in three innings and has looked completely out of sorts. Thus, it is believed that he paid a price for his poor run of form and has been sacked as Rohit's deputy. As per a report by The Indian Express, the management has sought to unburden Rahul from the leadership role. Also Read: IND vs AUS: Pat Cummins to fly home mid-way into India series, set to return ahead of Indore Test It is to be noted that Rahul has served as Rohit's deputy ever since Hitman became India's full-time captain in early 2022. He led the national side in three Tests, six ODIs and one T20I in 2022 and served as India's white-ball vice-captain before losing the post to Hardik Pandya last month. Hence, he is now completely out of the leadership group and will have to step up with the bat to regain the vice-captaincy post, at least, in whites. Amid his poor run of form, Rahul still has the support of captain Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid. After the Delhi Test, Rohit told in the post-match press conference, "Lately, there has been a lot of talk about Rahul’s batting. As team management, we always look at the potential of any individual, not just KL. I have been asked this in the past about a lot of players. If a guy has potential, he will get that extended run." On the other hand, Dravid told Star Sports, "I think he (Rahul) needs to trust his processes. This is just a phase, he has been one of our most successful overseas openers. He’s got centuries in South Africa and England, we’ll continue to back him. I believe he has the quality and class to come out of this."

IND vs AUS: Revealed! Why KL Rahul has been axed as India's vice-captain for remaining Tests

<p>Rohit Sharma-led India gained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, on Sunday (February 19), with a six-wicket win on Day 3 of the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi. With this win, India have strengthened their chances of reaching the ICC World Test Championship final and look set to whitewash the Aussies in the four-match series with Pat Cummins &amp; Co. being clueless in front of the Indian spin trio.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After losing the Nagpur Test by an innings and 132 runs, Australia did put up a better show in the first innings of the Delhi Test. They managed 263 in their first essay and dismissed India for 262, gaining one-run lead, but fell flat in their second innings with their batters playing the sweep shots on a&nbsp;track which kept low, with Jadeja-Ashwin troubling them with spin. After the game, former Pakistan captain and PCB chairman Ramiz Raja feels 'Australia are not prepared' and went on to add that 'it is nearly impossible to beat Team India in India.'</p>

<p>"The Australians used to finish games against sub-continent teams in Perth or Brisbane. The tables have turned," Ramiz Raja said in his YouTube show. "It shows that Australia are not prepared, especially when it comes to playing good Test cricket in India. It's nearly impossible to beat Team India in India. An ordinary performance against spin. Nine wickets were dismissed in one session. Jadeja produced an excellent bowling performance," Raja added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-revealed-why-kl-rahul-has-been-axed-as-indias-vice-captain-for-remaining-tests-563823">IND vs AUS: Revealed! Why KL Rahul has been axed as India's vice-captain for remaining Tests</a></strong></p>

<p>India will be eager to go for a 4-0 whitewash versus the Aussies and storm their way into the WTC final. As of now, it looks certain that both sides will lock horns in the summit clash, to be held in early June at The Oval, London.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>India’s Test squad for third and fourth Test against Australia: </strong>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.</p>


Rohit Sharma-led India gained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, on Sunday (February 19), with a six-wicket win on Day 3 of the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi.

Rohit Sharma-led India gained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, on Sunday (February 19), with a six-wicket win on Day 3 of the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi. With this win, India have strengthened their chances of reaching the ICC World Test Championship final and look set to whitewash the Aussies in the four-match series with Pat Cummins & Co. being clueless in front of the Indian spin trio. After losing the Nagpur Test by an innings and 132 runs, Australia did put up a better show in the first innings of the Delhi Test. They managed 263 in their first essay and dismissed India for 262, gaining one-run lead, but fell flat in their second innings with their batters playing the sweep shots on a track which kept low, with Jadeja-Ashwin troubling them with spin. After the game, former Pakistan captain and PCB chairman Ramiz Raja feels 'Australia are not prepared' and went on to add that 'it is nearly impossible to beat Team India in India.' "The Australians used to finish games against sub-continent teams in Perth or Brisbane. The tables have turned," Ramiz Raja said in his YouTube show. "It shows that Australia are not prepared, especially when it comes to playing good Test cricket in India. It's nearly impossible to beat Team India in India. An ordinary performance against spin. Nine wickets were dismissed in one session. Jadeja produced an excellent bowling performance," Raja added. Also Read: IND vs AUS: Revealed! Why KL Rahul has been axed as India's vice-captain for remaining Tests India will be eager to go for a 4-0 whitewash versus the Aussies and storm their way into the WTC final. As of now, it looks certain that both sides will lock horns in the summit clash, to be held in early June at The Oval, London. India’s Test squad for 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.

BGT 2022/23: Beating India at home is almost impossible, says Ramiz Raja after Rohit & Co. take 2-0 lead

<p>Indian openers have had contrasting outings so far in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series. While the India captain Rohit Sharma hit a stunning hundred in the first innings of the Nagpur Test in addition to scoring 32 and 31 in&nbsp;both innings in Delhi, KL Rahul failed in his three outings – scoring 20, 17 and 1. Amid facing criticism from all across for his lean patch, Indian team head coach Rahul Dravid has come in favour of struggling KL Rahul. Speaking to the media after the end of the second Test that India won by six wickets, Dravid backed the Indian opener saying it’s just about time before he clicks at the top of the order.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, following the end of the first Test in Nagpur, former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad didn’t hold back while criticizing KL Rahul, saying to an extent that the team management is picking players out of favouritism and not on merit. After Rahul’s failure in the second Test, Prasad went after him again, asking the management to drop him and play in-form Shubman Gill instead.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And the torrid run continues. More to do with rigidity of the management to persist with a player who just hasn’t looked the part. No top order batsman in atleast last 20 years of Indian cricket has played these many tests with such a low average. His inclusion is …. <a href="https://t.co/WLe720nYNJ">https://t.co/WLe720nYNJ</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1626867054463832064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>However, Dravid looked unfazed with all the criticism coming Rahul’s way and showed support towards him by saying, “Sometime when things are not going for you, these things happen. But on another day when it starts happening, he has got the class and quality.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/heres-how-can-india-qualify-for-the-finals-of-2023-world-test-championship-have-a-look-at-latest-standings-563628">Here's how can India qualify for the finals of 2023 World Test Championship; have a look at latest standings</a></p>

<p><strong>Rohit has dressing room’s respect</strong></p>

<p>Highly impressed with how Rohit has led the team so far and how he fared with the bat in two Tests, Dravid said Rohit has been brilliant. He added that the Mumbai batter is man of few words, and that he cares about the dressing room pretty much. The veteran Dravid also said&nbsp;India must feel lucky to have a captain like Rohit Sharma.</p>

<p>"I think he has been brilliant. He has the respect of the dressing room. He is one of those guys who has been there a long time. The kind of person who doesn’t speak a lot, but when he does, they all listen. He deeply cares a lot about the dressing room and the players. We are very lucky to have Rohit take over the leadership from someone like Virat," team India’s head coach said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, after Chetan Sharma got ousted as the BCCI chief selector following a sting operation on him by Zee Media, the board is yet to assign the head of the selection committee that will name the squad for the remaining two Tests. It is to be seen now what futures holds for KL Rahul.</p>

<p>The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar series will begin on March 1st at the Holkar stadium in Indore.</p>


Indian openers have had contrasting outings so far in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series. While the India captain Rohit Sharma hit a stunning hundred in the first innings of the Nagpur Test in addition to scoring 32 and 31 in both innings in Delhi, KL Rahul failed in his three outings – scoring 20, 17 and 1.

Indian openers have had contrasting outings so far in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series. While the India captain Rohit Sharma hit a stunning hundred in the first innings of the Nagpur Test in addition to scoring 32 and 31 in both innings in Delhi, KL Rahul failed in his three outings – scoring 20, 17 and 1. Amid facing criticism from all across for his lean patch, Indian team head coach Rahul Dravid has come in favour of struggling KL Rahul. Speaking to the media after the end of the second Test that India won by six wickets, Dravid backed the Indian opener saying it’s just about time before he clicks at the top of the order. Meanwhile, following the end of the first Test in Nagpur, former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad didn’t hold back while criticizing KL Rahul, saying to an extent that the team management is picking players out of favouritism and not on merit. After Rahul’s failure in the second Test, Prasad went after him again, asking the management to drop him and play in-form Shubman Gill instead. And the torrid run continues. More to do with rigidity of the management to persist with a player who just hasn’t looked the part. No top order batsman in atleast last 20 years of Indian cricket has played these many tests with such a low average. His inclusion is …. https://t.co/WLe720nYNJ — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 18, 2023 × However, Dravid looked unfazed with all the criticism coming Rahul’s way and showed support towards him by saying, “Sometime when things are not going for you, these things happen. But on another day when it starts happening, he has got the class and quality.” ALSO READ: Here's how can India qualify for the finals of 2023 World Test Championship; have a look at latest standings Rohit has dressing room’s respect Highly impressed with how Rohit has led the team so far and how he fared with the bat in two Tests, Dravid said Rohit has been brilliant. He added that the Mumbai batter is man of few words, and that he cares about the dressing room pretty much. The veteran Dravid also said India must feel lucky to have a captain like Rohit Sharma. "I think he has been brilliant. He has the respect of the dressing room. He is one of those guys who has been there a long time. The kind of person who doesn’t speak a lot, but when he does, they all listen. He deeply cares a lot about the dressing room and the players. We are very lucky to have Rohit take over the leadership from someone like Virat," team India’s head coach said. Meanwhile, after Chetan Sharma got ousted as the BCCI chief selector following a sting operation on him by Zee Media, the board is yet to assign the head of the selection committee that will name the squad for the remaining two Tests. It is to be seen now what futures holds for KL Rahul. The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar series will begin on March 1st at the Holkar stadium in Indore.

Rahul Dravid backs KL Rahul despite lean patch; says Rohit has dressing room's respect following 2nd Test win

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidkAwTVCZCBWl5" /><meta charset="utf-8" /><strong>MI 2023 IPL full schedule:&nbsp;</strong>Mumbai Indians (MI) will be playing its first match of the IPL season 2023 on April 2 against the Royal Challengers Banglore (RCB), as per IPL 2023 schedule released by BCCI on Friday, February 17. The five-time champion Mumbai Indians, led by Rohit Sharma, had a miserable season last year, when it finished in the last position in the league stage matches. The team will be hoping to get the momentum back as its squad this year looks all decked-up! Mumbai Indians is placed in the group A of IPL 2023, along with other IPL teams including Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here is the MI 2023 full schedule; with fixture, date, time and venue of all matches of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023</strong></p>

<p>Match 1: April 2, 2023 - Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians, Bengaluru (7:30PM IST)</p>

<p>Match 2: April 8, 2023 - Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai (7:30PM IST)</p>

<p>Match 3: April 11, 2023 - Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians, Delhi (7:30PM IST)</p>

<p>Match 4: April 16, 2023 - Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai (3:30PM IST)</p>

<p>Match 5: April 18, 2023 - Sunrisers Hyderabad v Mumbai Indians, Hyderabad (7:30PM IST)</p>

<p>Match 6: April 22, 2023 - Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings, Mumbai (7:30PM IST)</p>

<p>Match 7: April 25, 2023 - Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians, Ahmedabad (7:30PM IST)</p>

<p>Match 8: April 30, 2023 - Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai (7:30PM IST)</p>

<p>Match 9: May 3, 2023 - Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians, Mohali (7:30PM IST)</p>

<p>Match 10: May 6, 2023 - Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians, Chennai (3:30PM IST)</p>

<p>Match 11: May 9, 2023 - Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai (7:30PM IST)</p>

<p>Match 12: May 12, 2023 - Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans, Mumbai (7:30PM IST)</p>

<p>Match 13: May 16, 2023 - Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians, Lucknow (7:30PM IST)</p>

<p>Match 14: May 21, 2023 - Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai (3:30PM IST)</p>

<h2><strong>Mumbai Indians (MI) full squad for IPL 2023</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Rohit Sharma (c)</strong>, Tim David, Ramandeep Singh, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Jofra Archer, Jasprit Bumrah, Arjun Tendulkar, Arshad Khan, Kumar Kartikeya, Hrithik Shokeen, Jason Behrendorff, Akash Madhwal, Cameron Green, Jhye Richardson, Piyush Chawla, Duan Jansen, Vishnu Vinod, Shams Mulani, Nehal Wadhera, Raghav Goyal.</p>

<h2><strong>Captain of Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2023</strong></h2>

<p>Rohit Sharma, one of the most successful captains of the IPL history, will be leading Mumbai Indians this year as well. He has been leading the team since 2013 after replacing Australian legendary player Ricky Ponting.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>When will Mumbai Indians play its first match of IPL 2023?</strong></p>

<p>Mumbai Indians will play its first match of IPL 2023 on April 2 against RCB.</p>

<p><strong>Where will Mumbai Indians’ first match of IPL 2023 be played?</strong></p>

<p>Mumbai Indians’ first match of IPL 2023 will be played in Bengaluru.</p>

<p><strong>Who will be Mumbai Indians’ captain during IPL 2023?</strong></p>

<p>Rohit Sharma will lead the Mumbai Indians camp during IPL 2023.</p>

<p><strong>When will the final match of IPL 2023 be played?</strong></p>

<p>The final match of IPL 2023 will be played on May 28.</p>


MI 2023 IPL full schedule: Mumbai Indians (MI) will be playing its first match of the IPL season 2023 on April 2 against the Royal Challengers Banglore (RCB), as per IPL 2023 schedule released by BCCI on Friday, February 17.

MI 2023 IPL full schedule: Mumbai Indians (MI) will be playing its first match of the IPL season 2023 on April 2 against the Royal Challengers Banglore (RCB), as per IPL 2023 schedule released by BCCI on Friday, February 17. The five-time champion Mumbai Indians, led by Rohit Sharma, had a miserable season last year, when it finished in the last position in the league stage matches. The team will be hoping to get the momentum back as its squad this year looks all decked-up! Mumbai Indians is placed in the group A of IPL 2023, along with other IPL teams including Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants. Here is the MI 2023 full schedule; with fixture, date, time and venue of all matches of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023 Match 1: April 2, 2023 - Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians, Bengaluru (7:30PM IST) Match 2: April 8, 2023 - Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai (7:30PM IST) Match 3: April 11, 2023 - Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians, Delhi (7:30PM IST) Match 4: April 16, 2023 - Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai (3:30PM IST) Match 5: April 18, 2023 - Sunrisers Hyderabad v Mumbai Indians, Hyderabad (7:30PM IST) Match 6: April 22, 2023 - Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings, Mumbai (7:30PM IST) Match 7: April 25, 2023 - Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians, Ahmedabad (7:30PM IST) Match 8: April 30, 2023 - Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai (7:30PM IST) Match 9: May 3, 2023 - Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians, Mohali (7:30PM IST) Match 10: May 6, 2023 - Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians, Chennai (3:30PM IST) Match 11: May 9, 2023 - Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai (7:30PM IST) Match 12: May 12, 2023 - Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans, Mumbai (7:30PM IST) Match 13: May 16, 2023 - Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians, Lucknow (7:30PM IST) Match 14: May 21, 2023 - Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai (3:30PM IST) Mumbai Indians (MI) full squad for IPL 2023 Rohit Sharma (c), Tim David, Ramandeep Singh, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Jofra Archer, Jasprit Bumrah, Arjun Tendulkar, Arshad Khan, Kumar Kartikeya, Hrithik Shokeen, Jason Behrendorff, Akash Madhwal, Cameron Green, Jhye Richardson, Piyush Chawla, Duan Jansen, Vishnu Vinod, Shams Mulani, Nehal Wadhera, Raghav Goyal. Captain of Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2023 Rohit Sharma, one of the most successful captains of the IPL history, will be leading Mumbai Indians this year as well. He has been leading the team since 2013 after replacing Australian legendary player Ricky Ponting. When will Mumbai Indians play its first match of IPL 2023? Mumbai Indians will play its first match of IPL 2023 on April 2 against RCB. Where will Mumbai Indians’ first match of IPL 2023 be played? Mumbai Indians’ first match of IPL 2023 will be played in Bengaluru. Who will be Mumbai Indians’ captain during IPL 2023? Rohit Sharma will lead the Mumbai Indians camp during IPL 2023. When will the final match of IPL 2023 be played? The final match of IPL 2023 will be played on May 28.

MI 2023 IPL full schedule: Check Mumbai Indians fixture, date, time, venues, captain & full squad

<p>On Tuesday (February 14), all hell broke loose after explosive revelations were out from Chetan Sharma sting operation. The BCCI chief selector spoke at length about Virat Kohli vs Sourav Ganguly rift, alleged rift rumours between Kohli-Rohit Sharma, talked about doping in Indian cricket and many more. His revelations have gone viral with many having plenty to say about the chief selector's claims, in the sting operation carried out by Zee News.</p>

<p>The former Indian cricketer revealed how Kohli felt it was former BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly behind his ODI captaincy sacking, rubbished rumours of rift between Rohit and Kohli, spoke at length on how players are desperate to hold on to their respective spots and play despite not being fully fit. After such explosive comments, social media platforms have been flooded with several reactions, including memes. <strong>Here are some memes on the entire Chetan Sharma sting operation:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Behind the scene of the Chetan Sharma sting operation. <a href="https://t.co/VSQKBxWRfT">pic.twitter.com/VSQKBxWRfT</a></p>
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarziCricketer/status/1625537763864092672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Someone, right now. 😆 <a href="https://t.co/BlQlfQtRjl">pic.twitter.com/BlQlfQtRjl</a></p>
— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) <a href="https://twitter.com/KShriniwasRao/status/1625526403126145025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BCCI and Chetan Sharma politics exposed.<br />
<br />
Fans -<a href="https://t.co/CECEQuK9eH">pic.twitter.com/CECEQuK9eH</a></p>
— Pratham. (@75thHundredWhen) <a href="https://twitter.com/75thHundredWhen/status/1625524728583815168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">P.O.V according to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChetanSharma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChetanSharma</a> : <a href="https://t.co/0OSRlxhFgS">pic.twitter.com/0OSRlxhFgS</a></p>
— Valdimiputin ( Parody account) (@valdimiputin) <a href="https://twitter.com/valdimiputin/status/1625702369202692101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-virat-kohli-tried-to-defame-sourav-ganguly-in-the-media-but-it-backfired-says-chetan-sharma-561986">Exclusive: Virat Kohli tried to defame Sourav Ganguly in the media but it backfired, says Chetan Sharma</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>CLAIMS MADE BY CHETAN SHARMA</strong></p>

<p><strong>On Kohli vs Ganguly</strong></p>

<p>When a player grows in stature, he starts thinking that he was become very big, bigger than the board even. Then he starts thinking that nobody can stand against him. Without him, the cricket will stop. But has that ever happened? Many big players came and went, but cricket is still there; it remains the same. He wanted to confront the then-BCCI president.&nbsp;I was present in the selection meeting. Kohli was clearly told by the BCCI president to re-think his decision to quit the T20I captaincy. We all told him to reconsider his decision. But he lied to the media when he said that he got no such suggestion from anyone in the board.</p>

<p>He was addressing the media ahead of the South Africa tour. He unnecessarily brought up the issue of what transpired in the selection committee.</p>

<p><strong>On Kohli vs Rohit alleged rift</strong></p>

<p>There are no rifts between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, they support each other. Both are like Amitabh and Dharmendra.</p>

<p><strong>Do players hide their injuries to play?</strong></p>

<p>Maybe 10-15% do that and they ask us to let them play but medical science does not let them. Players obviously want to play; they do not want to miss any matches. In case of [Jaspreet] Bumrah, he wasn't even able to bend down so what could he do? There are only handful of such cases, however some of them, they just take injections on their own and they say they are fine.</p>

<p>Thus, Chetan Sharma's claims have become a huge talking point in the cricket fraternity. A strict action is expected by the BCCI in the coming few days. At present, the Rohit Sharma-led senior men's team is gearing up for the second Test versus Australia, in New Delhi, after winning the series opener, in Nagpur, by an innings and 132 runs.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-kohli-vs-ganguly-battle-of-2021-why-was-virat-removed-as-odi-captain-562130/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


On Tuesday (February 14), all hell broke loose after explosive revelations were out from Chetan Sharma sting operation. The BCCI chief selector spoke at length about Virat Kohli vs Sourav Ganguly rift, alleged rift rumours between Kohli-Rohit Sharma, talked about doping in Indian cricket and many more.

On Tuesday (February 14), all hell broke loose after explosive revelations were out from Chetan Sharma sting operation. The BCCI chief selector spoke at length about Virat Kohli vs Sourav Ganguly rift, alleged rift rumours between Kohli-Rohit Sharma, talked about doping in Indian cricket and many more. His revelations have gone viral with many having plenty to say about the chief selector's claims, in the sting operation carried out by Zee News. The former Indian cricketer revealed how Kohli felt it was former BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly behind his ODI captaincy sacking, rubbished rumours of rift between Rohit and Kohli, spoke at length on how players are desperate to hold on to their respective spots and play despite not being fully fit. After such explosive comments, social media platforms have been flooded with several reactions, including memes. Here are some memes on the entire Chetan Sharma sting operation: Behind the scene of the Chetan Sharma sting operation. pic.twitter.com/VSQKBxWRfT — Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) February 14, 2023 × Someone, right now. 😆 pic.twitter.com/BlQlfQtRjl — KSR (@KShriniwasRao) February 14, 2023 × BCCI and Chetan Sharma politics exposed. Fans -pic.twitter.com/CECEQuK9eH — Pratham. (@75thHundredWhen) February 14, 2023 × P.O.V according to #ChetanSharma : pic.twitter.com/0OSRlxhFgS — Valdimiputin ( Parody account) (@valdimiputin) February 15, 2023 × Also Read: Exclusive: Virat Kohli tried to defame Sourav Ganguly in the media but it backfired, says Chetan Sharma CLAIMS MADE BY CHETAN SHARMA On Kohli vs Ganguly When a player grows in stature, he starts thinking that he was become very big, bigger than the board even. Then he starts thinking that nobody can stand against him. Without him, the cricket will stop. But has that ever happened? Many big players came and went, but cricket is still there; it remains the same. He wanted to confront the then-BCCI president. I was present in the selection meeting. Kohli was clearly told by the BCCI president to re-think his decision to quit the T20I captaincy. We all told him to reconsider his decision. But he lied to the media when he said that he got no such suggestion from anyone in the board. He was addressing the media ahead of the South Africa tour. He unnecessarily brought up the issue of what transpired in the selection committee. On Kohli vs Rohit alleged rift There are no rifts between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, they support each other. Both are like Amitabh and Dharmendra. Do players hide their injuries to play? Maybe 10-15% do that and they ask us to let them play but medical science does not let them. Players obviously want to play; they do not want to miss any matches. In case of [Jaspreet] Bumrah, he wasn't even able to bend down so what could he do? There are only handful of such cases, however some of them, they just take injections on their own and they say they are fine. Thus, Chetan Sharma's claims have become a huge talking point in the cricket fraternity. A strict action is expected by the BCCI in the coming few days. At present, the Rohit Sharma-led senior men's team is gearing up for the second Test versus Australia, in New Delhi, after winning the series opener, in Nagpur, by an innings and 132 runs. ×

Chetan Sharma quits as BCCI chief selector: Memes galore after staggering revelations in TV sting operation

<p>On Friday (February 17), Chetan Sharma resigned as the BCCI chief selector. After Zee media's TV sting operation, where the former cricketer spoke at length on many controversial topics in Indian cricket, many predicted his sacking but the chief selector&nbsp;resigned himself, which was accepted by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the TV sting operation, Chetan opened up on Virat Kohli's ODI sacking, how his relationship declined with then BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly, Kohli-Rohit Sharma's alleged rift rumours, and made a&nbsp;stunning claim that Indian players take injections to play with injuries. In addition, he mentioned the likes of Hardik Pandya, Rohit and a few others are in constant touch with him and visit his house. All this wasn't well received and Chetan paid the price for it. After his resignation, a BCCI official revealed that he had lost the trust of head coach Rahul Dravid, and captains Rohit and Hardik and it wasn't possible for him to&nbsp;sit across them in future meetings.</p>

<p>"Coach Rahul Dravid, captains Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have completely lost faith in him. He couldn't possibly have sat across the table from them for selection committee meetings as he had lost all respect. He paid the price for being a big mouth," a BCCI source told the news agency Press Trust of India.</p>

<section>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chetan-sharma-zee-media-tv-sting-former-cricketer-resigns-as-bcci-chief-selector-562930">Chetan Sharma Zee Media TV sting: Former cricketer resigns as BCCI chief selector</a></strong></p>

<p>It is to be noted that Chetan was appointed as BCCI chief selector in December 2020. He spearheaded the team selection for India's 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cup campaigns, where the Men in Blue bowed out in the Super 12 and the semi-finals respectively. He was sacked as the chief selector post last year's T20 WC campaign but was reappointed last month before the sting operation eventually led to his ouster.&nbsp;</p>
</section>


On Friday (February 17), Chetan Sharma resigned as the BCCI chief selector. After Zee media's TV sting operation, where the former cricketer spoke at length on many controversial topics in Indian cricket, many predicted his sacking but the chief selector resigned himself, which was accepted by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.

On Friday (February 17), Chetan Sharma resigned as the BCCI chief selector. After Zee media's TV sting operation, where the former cricketer spoke at length on many controversial topics in Indian cricket, many predicted his sacking but the chief selector resigned himself, which was accepted by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. In the TV sting operation, Chetan opened up on Virat Kohli's ODI sacking, how his relationship declined with then BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly, Kohli-Rohit Sharma's alleged rift rumours, and made a stunning claim that Indian players take injections to play with injuries. In addition, he mentioned the likes of Hardik Pandya, Rohit and a few others are in constant touch with him and visit his house. All this wasn't well received and Chetan paid the price for it. After his resignation, a BCCI official revealed that he had lost the trust of head coach Rahul Dravid, and captains Rohit and Hardik and it wasn't possible for him to sit across them in future meetings. "Coach Rahul Dravid, captains Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have completely lost faith in him. He couldn't possibly have sat across the table from them for selection committee meetings as he had lost all respect. He paid the price for being a big mouth," a BCCI source told the news agency Press Trust of India. Also Read: Chetan Sharma Zee Media TV sting: Former cricketer resigns as BCCI chief selector It is to be noted that Chetan was appointed as BCCI chief selector in December 2020. He spearheaded the team selection for India's 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cup campaigns, where the Men in Blue bowed out in the Super 12 and the semi-finals respectively. He was sacked as the chief selector post last year's T20 WC campaign but was reappointed last month before the sting operation eventually led to his ouster.

Dravid, Rohit & Hardik lost faith: BCCI official says Chetan Sharma paid price for being a 'big mouth'

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) versus Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) row has been much-talked about with regard to the Asia Cup 2023 edition. This year's continental tournament, to be held in the 50-over format, was scheduled to be played in Pakistan but BCCI have refused to send Team India to their neighbouring country. In the recently-held Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Bahrain, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah revealed that they will not get government clearance to send the national side to Pakistan -- due to Indo-Pak's strained political relations -- and urged other boards to understand their situation.</p>

<p>While BCCI have made its stance clear, PCB have also threatened to boycott the 2023 ODI World Cup -- to be held in India -- later this year. In all likelihood, the BCCI-PCB row won't end anytime soon and it has become a huge talking point. The continental tournament is likely to be held in a different country, but PCB will remain the hosts, and a final call on the venue will be taken next month. Before that, former Pakistan all-rounder and captain Shahid Afridi reacted to the whole controversy and feels even ICC won't be able to do anything if BCCI remain firm on not sending India to Pakistan.</p>

<p>Speaking on&nbsp;<em>Samaa TV</em>, Afridi said, "If anyone is unable to stand on his own feet and then the decision to make such strong calls is not easy. They have to look at plenty of things. India agar aankhe dikha raha hain (If India is threatening), or taking such strong stance, then they have made themselves that strong, hence they are being able to talk like this, otherwise they wouldn’t have the courage. At the end it’s making yourself strong and then take decisions."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thought-something-positive-would-come-out-babar-azam-on-his-this-too-shall-pass-tweet-for-virat-kohli-562215">Thought something positive would come out: Babar Azam on his 'this too shall pass' tweet for Virat Kohli</a></strong></p>

<p>Afridi further opined, "I have no idea, will India visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup? Will we boycott the ODI World Cup in India? But we need to take a stand at some point or the other. In this case ICC’s role becomes crucial, they should come forward, but let me say it even ICC won’t be able to do anything in front of BCCI."</p>

<p>It remains to be seen where the Asia Cup will be held this year. In 2022, Sri Lanka remained the host while the tournament was shifted to the UAE where the Islanders won the championship, beating Pakistan by 22 runs in the final.&nbsp;</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) versus Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) row has been much-talked about with regard to the Asia Cup 2023 edition. This year's continental tournament, to be held in the 50-over format, was scheduled to be played in Pakistan but BCCI have refused to send Team India to their neighbouring country.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) versus Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) row has been much-talked about with regard to the Asia Cup 2023 edition. This year's continental tournament, to be held in the 50-over format, was scheduled to be played in Pakistan but BCCI have refused to send Team India to their neighbouring country. In the recently-held Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Bahrain, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah revealed that they will not get government clearance to send the national side to Pakistan -- due to Indo-Pak's strained political relations -- and urged other boards to understand their situation. While BCCI have made its stance clear, PCB have also threatened to boycott the 2023 ODI World Cup -- to be held in India -- later this year. In all likelihood, the BCCI-PCB row won't end anytime soon and it has become a huge talking point. The continental tournament is likely to be held in a different country, but PCB will remain the hosts, and a final call on the venue will be taken next month. Before that, former Pakistan all-rounder and captain Shahid Afridi reacted to the whole controversy and feels even ICC won't be able to do anything if BCCI remain firm on not sending India to Pakistan. Speaking on Samaa TV, Afridi said, "If anyone is unable to stand on his own feet and then the decision to make such strong calls is not easy. They have to look at plenty of things. India agar aankhe dikha raha hain (If India is threatening), or taking such strong stance, then they have made themselves that strong, hence they are being able to talk like this, otherwise they wouldn’t have the courage. At the end it’s making yourself strong and then take decisions." Also Read: Thought something positive would come out: Babar Azam on his 'this too shall pass' tweet for Virat Kohli Afridi further opined, "I have no idea, will India visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup? Will we boycott the ODI World Cup in India? But we need to take a stand at some point or the other. In this case ICC’s role becomes crucial, they should come forward, but let me say it even ICC won’t be able to do anything in front of BCCI." It remains to be seen where the Asia Cup will be held this year. In 2022, Sri Lanka remained the host while the tournament was shifted to the UAE where the Islanders won the championship, beating Pakistan by 22 runs in the final.

'ICC won’t be able to do anything': Afridi reacts to BCCI's refusal to send India to Pakistan for Asia Cup

<p>Ahead of the second Test versus Australia, in New Delhi, Rohit Sharma-led India have created history. India displaced Australia to become the No. 1 ranked side in ICC Test Rankings and have also become the No. 1 team across formats. This is the first time that the Indian cricket team has&nbsp;topped the rankings across formats at the same time; making Rohit the first Indian captain to achieve the feat. India have been the No. 1 ranked side in T20Is for quite some time whereas they topped the ODI rankings following a 3-0 whitewash over New Zealand in the home series, in January. After their big win in the four-match Test series opener versus Australia&nbsp;by an innings and 132 runs, India have now topped the Test rankings to become No. 1 in all forms of the game.</p>

<p><strong>In Tests, here's the top-five teams:</strong></p>

<p><strong>INDIA - 115 rating points</strong><br />
Australia - 111 rating points<br />
England - 106 rating points<br />
New Zealand - 100 rating points<br />
South Africa - 85 rating points</p>

<p><strong>Top-five ODI sides:</strong></p>

<p><strong>INDIA - 114 rating points</strong><br />
Australia - 112 rating points<br />
New Zealand - 111 rating points<br />
England - 111 rating points<br />
Pakistan - 106 rating points</p>

<p><strong>In T20Is:</strong></p>

<p><strong>India - 267 rating points</strong><br />
England - 266 rating points<br />
Pakistan - 258 rating points<br />
South Africa - 256 rating points<br />
New Zealand - 252 rating points</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thought-something-positive-would-come-out-babar-azam-on-his-this-too-shall-pass-tweet-for-virat-kohli-562215">Thought something positive would come out: Babar Azam on his 'this too shall pass' tweet for Virat Kohli</a></strong></p>

<p>Among the players, R Ashwin jumped to the second spot in ICC Rankings for bowlers in Tests after his eight wicket haul in the Nagpur Test. The list is led by Australia captain Pat Cummins. Meanwhile, captain Rohit Sharma was rewarded for his majestic 120 in the first Test and moved from the 10th to the 8th spot in&nbsp;the Men's Test Batting Rankings. India will have to win the upcoming second Test versus Australia, in the national capital, to hold on to the top spot in Tests and strengthen their chances of making it to the ICC World Test Championship final -- for the second time in a row -- which will be held in June.</p>

<p>The second Test gets underway on February 17.</p>


Ahead of the second Test versus Australia, in New Delhi, Rohit Sharma-led India have created history. India displaced Australia to become the No. 1 ranked side in ICC Test Rankings and have also become the No.

Ahead of the second Test versus Australia, in New Delhi, Rohit Sharma-led India have created history. India displaced Australia to become the No. 1 ranked side in ICC Test Rankings and have also become the No. 1 team across formats. This is the first time that the Indian cricket team has topped the rankings across formats at the same time; making Rohit the first Indian captain to achieve the feat. India have been the No. 1 ranked side in T20Is for quite some time whereas they topped the ODI rankings following a 3-0 whitewash over New Zealand in the home series, in January. After their big win in the four-match Test series opener versus Australia by an innings and 132 runs, India have now topped the Test rankings to become No. 1 in all forms of the game. In Tests, here's the top-five teams: INDIA - 115 rating points Australia - 111 rating points England - 106 rating points New Zealand - 100 rating points South Africa - 85 rating points Top-five ODI sides: INDIA - 114 rating points Australia - 112 rating points New Zealand - 111 rating points England - 111 rating points Pakistan - 106 rating points In T20Is: India - 267 rating points England - 266 rating points Pakistan - 258 rating points South Africa - 256 rating points New Zealand - 252 rating points Also Read: Thought something positive would come out: Babar Azam on his 'this too shall pass' tweet for Virat Kohli Among the players, R Ashwin jumped to the second spot in ICC Rankings for bowlers in Tests after his eight wicket haul in the Nagpur Test. The list is led by Australia captain Pat Cummins. Meanwhile, captain Rohit Sharma was rewarded for his majestic 120 in the first Test and moved from the 10th to the 8th spot in the Men's Test Batting Rankings. India will have to win the upcoming second Test versus Australia, in the national capital, to hold on to the top spot in Tests and strengthen their chances of making it to the ICC World Test Championship final -- for the second time in a row -- which will be held in June. The second Test gets underway on February 17.

MASSIVE FEAT! Rohit Sharma-led India become No. 1 across formats, dethrone Australia in Tests

<p>In a sensational sting operation done by the Zee Media on BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma, a lot of shocking revelations came forward including the doping scandal going on in Indian cricket, and what actually happened between Sourav Ganguly and the former Indian captain Virat Kohli. While there were several other interesting stuff too on which he spoke, Chetan finally broke his silence on the alleged rift between the current all-format skipper Rohit Sharma and Kohli.</p>

<p>Since the time Kohli took over as the captain, the Indian fans were divided into two sections – Rohit fans and Kohli fans. Although no concrete evidence ever came across that proved&nbsp;that there is&nbsp;rift among the two – there were little instances happening every now and then that kept this talk alive.</p>

<p>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-bcci-chief-selector-chetan-sharma-exposes-doping-scam-in-indian-cricket-561993">EXCLUSIVE: In big expose, BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma talks of 'doping' in Indian cricket</a></p>

<p>Revealing what was the actual&nbsp;ground reality&nbsp;– Sharma said while there is an ego clash for sure, there isn’t a rift on the other hand. Citing examples of Bollywood stars in Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, who were great superstars back then, Chetan said this is what it is between Rohit and Virat. Chetan added saying that both have had each other’s back and supported throughout and&nbsp;all these talks about the rift are the speculations done by the media only.</p>

<p>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-virat-kohli-tried-to-defame-sourav-ganguly-in-the-media-but-it-backfired-says-chetan-sharma-561986">Exclusive: Virat Kohli tried to defame Sourav Ganguly in the media but it backfired, says Chetan Sharma</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, both Rohit and Virat are stalwarts of Indian cricket having achieved super records across formats for the Men in Blue. While Virat is regarded as the greatest batter of this generation by a distance, this game’s followers doesn’t shy away from calling Rohit as the cleanest hitter of the cricketing ball.</p>

<p><strong>Doping scam in Indian cricket?</strong></p>

<p>During Chetan Sharma sting operation, the current chief selector had also revealed that around 80-85% players in the team take injections to fake fitness just to get selected in the team. So much so that even some of the star players have personal doctors outside of the cricket board who provide them with such injections to fulfil the purpose.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONWorldBreaking?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONWorldBreaking</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GameOver?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GameOver</a> | "They (players) take injections and it is almost impossible to detect": Chetan Sharma (<a href="https://twitter.com/chetans1987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chetans1987</a>), Chairman, Selection Committee, <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a>, on fake fitness certificates issued to players of the Indian cricket team<br />
<br />
LIVE TV: <a href="https://t.co/iSR65rNilR">https://t.co/iSR65rNilR</a> <a href="https://t.co/vYr3ubjcAq">pic.twitter.com/vYr3ubjcAq</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1625501002718932994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In a sensational sting operation done by the Zee Media on BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma, a lot of shocking revelations came forward including the doping scandal going on in Indian cricket, and what actually happened between Sourav Ganguly and the former Indian captain Virat Kohli.

In a sensational sting operation done by the Zee Media on BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma, a lot of shocking revelations came forward including the doping scandal going on in Indian cricket, and what actually happened between Sourav Ganguly and the former Indian captain Virat Kohli. While there were several other interesting stuff too on which he spoke, Chetan finally broke his silence on the alleged rift between the current all-format skipper Rohit Sharma and Kohli. Since the time Kohli took over as the captain, the Indian fans were divided into two sections – Rohit fans and Kohli fans. Although no concrete evidence ever came across that proved that there is rift among the two – there were little instances happening every now and then that kept this talk alive. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: In big expose, BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma talks of 'doping' in Indian cricket Revealing what was the actual ground reality – Sharma said while there is an ego clash for sure, there isn’t a rift on the other hand. Citing examples of Bollywood stars in Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, who were great superstars back then, Chetan said this is what it is between Rohit and Virat. Chetan added saying that both have had each other’s back and supported throughout and all these talks about the rift are the speculations done by the media only. ALSO READ: Exclusive: Virat Kohli tried to defame Sourav Ganguly in the media but it backfired, says Chetan Sharma Meanwhile, both Rohit and Virat are stalwarts of Indian cricket having achieved super records across formats for the Men in Blue. While Virat is regarded as the greatest batter of this generation by a distance, this game’s followers doesn’t shy away from calling Rohit as the cleanest hitter of the cricketing ball. Doping scam in Indian cricket? During Chetan Sharma sting operation, the current chief selector had also revealed that around 80-85% players in the team take injections to fake fitness just to get selected in the team. So much so that even some of the star players have personal doctors outside of the cricket board who provide them with such injections to fulfil the purpose. #WIONWorldBreaking#GameOver | "They (players) take injections and it is almost impossible to detect": Chetan Sharma (@chetans1987), Chairman, Selection Committee, @BCCI, on fake fitness certificates issued to players of the Indian cricket team LIVE TV: https://t.co/iSR65rNilR pic.twitter.com/vYr3ubjcAq — WION (@WIONews) February 14, 2023 ×

Chetan Sharma sting operation: BCCI chief selector breaks silence on Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli rift

<p>Former Aussie captain Ian Chappell has lauded Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and feels his promotion as a Test opener has helped him save his red-ball career. Chappell spoke highly in favour of Hitman after his masterclass 120 (212) during India's big win over Pat Cummins-led Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 opener in Nagpur. Under Rohit, India dismissed Australia for 177, after being asked to bowl first, and rode on the skipper's century to post 400 before the Indian spinners -- R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja -- combined to rattle the Aussies for a paltry 91 in their second essay; leading India to an innings and 132-run win.</p>

<p>Chappell wrote in his coloumn on Mid-Day, "The move to open in Test cricket saved Rohit's career. He looked like he might waste his enormous skill down the order but batting above Virat Kohli has prevented him being overawed by the ex-captain's popularity. Captaincy has also played a big part in Rohit's revival; the discipline required to lead a team has added another level to his batting."</p>

<p>Rohit was asked to open in Tests after the 2019 ODI World Cup. He slammed back-to-back tons in his first Test as an opener, versus South Africa, and also ended the three-match home series with his maiden double ton in the format. Since then, he has been India's Mr. Consistent in the format and has carried his form in the India-Australia home series.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-world-cricket-hasnt-seen-ex-pakistan-spinner-reserves-high-praise-for-ravindra-jadeja-561406">IND vs AUS | 'World cricket hasn't seen....': Ex-Pakistan spinner reserves high praise for Ravindra Jadeja</a></strong></p>

<p>Chappell further lauded Rohit for his classy knock on a tough surface in Nagpur. He said, "The state of the pitch was put into perspective by the Indian captain Rohit Sharma. He played a masterful innings that displayed confidence in his own defence, his wide stroke range on a turning - but not impossible pitch - and his ironclad discipline."</p>

<p>"Not only did Rohit reveal a wide range of shots, he also frustrated the Australian bowlers with the way he only played them when the time was right. He showed all players, home and touring, how to play on Indian pitches, and his example was flawlessly followed by the much improved Ravindra Jadeja," the Aussie veteran wrote.</p>

<p>Rohit-led India are now gearing up for the second Test of the BGT, to be held in the national capital commencing on February 17. India will aim for a 2-0 scoreline in the second Test and extend their dominance in the high-profile series.</p>


Former Aussie captain Ian Chappell has lauded Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and feels his promotion as a Test opener has helped him save his red-ball career. Chappell spoke highly in favour of Hitman after his masterclass 120 (212) during India's big win over Pat Cummins-led Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 opener in Nagpur.

Former Aussie captain Ian Chappell has lauded Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and feels his promotion as a Test opener has helped him save his red-ball career. Chappell spoke highly in favour of Hitman after his masterclass 120 (212) during India's big win over Pat Cummins-led Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 opener in Nagpur. Under Rohit, India dismissed Australia for 177, after being asked to bowl first, and rode on the skipper's century to post 400 before the Indian spinners -- R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja -- combined to rattle the Aussies for a paltry 91 in their second essay; leading India to an innings and 132-run win. Chappell wrote in his coloumn on Mid-Day, "The move to open in Test cricket saved Rohit's career. He looked like he might waste his enormous skill down the order but batting above Virat Kohli has prevented him being overawed by the ex-captain's popularity. Captaincy has also played a big part in Rohit's revival; the discipline required to lead a team has added another level to his batting." Rohit was asked to open in Tests after the 2019 ODI World Cup. He slammed back-to-back tons in his first Test as an opener, versus South Africa, and also ended the three-match home series with his maiden double ton in the format. Since then, he has been India's Mr. Consistent in the format and has carried his form in the India-Australia home series. Also Read: IND vs AUS | 'World cricket hasn't seen....': Ex-Pakistan spinner reserves high praise for Ravindra Jadeja Chappell further lauded Rohit for his classy knock on a tough surface in Nagpur. He said, "The state of the pitch was put into perspective by the Indian captain Rohit Sharma. He played a masterful innings that displayed confidence in his own defence, his wide stroke range on a turning - but not impossible pitch - and his ironclad discipline." "Not only did Rohit reveal a wide range of shots, he also frustrated the Australian bowlers with the way he only played them when the time was right. He showed all players, home and touring, how to play on Indian pitches, and his example was flawlessly followed by the much improved Ravindra Jadeja," the Aussie veteran wrote. Rohit-led India are now gearing up for the second Test of the BGT, to be held in the national capital commencing on February 17. India will aim for a 2-0 scoreline in the second Test and extend their dominance in the high-profile series.

IND vs AUS, BGT: Rohit Sharma's promotion as opener saved his Test career, feels Aussie legend Ian Chappell

<p>Indian captain Rohit Sharma is&nbsp;aging&nbsp;like a wine – especially in Tests. Despite being one of the best white-ball players for years now, Rohit became a mainstay in the longer format some time back only. Tipped to be the next big thing during his&nbsp;heydays, Rohit did fulfil that promise after becoming a full-time opener in ODIs and T20Is a decade back. However, his turn-around in Tests came after he became the captain, and he hasn’t looked back since. During the first Test against Australia in Nagpur, he created history by becoming the first Indian captain to hit hundreds across all formats.</p>

<p>Mark Waugh, the former Aussie great, had some wonderful words for the India batter. Following Rohit’s superb knock&nbsp;where he laid the foundation for a big total in the first innings, Waugh said Rohit was an underachiever in Tests before, but has evolved to be a great all-format batter now – calling him a match-winner in Tests. In his recent interaction on Star Sports, Waugh said,</p>

<p>"He (Rohit) has had an interesting Test career, hasn't he? In the early bit of his career, he was an underachiever of sorts. He needed to work on his discipline. But he has always had a touch of class, he has always had time like all the great players. He has a very simple technique. He has always been a match-winner in white-ball cricket, but he is a match-winner in Test cricket now."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/selectors-thinking-about-benching-david-warner-in-second-test-travis-head-could-replace-him-reports-561148">Selectors thinking about benching David Warner in second Test, Travis Head could replace him: Reports</a></p>

<p>The ever-gracious Mark Waugh also complimented Rohit saying he always had the class but with time has also gained the discipline he required to be among the greats. Adding that Rohit has done well overseas also, Waugh said he can change gears in Tests as per the situation, and with the wide range of shots he has, the India captain will always remain a threat to the opposition.</p>

<p>"He has got the discipline; he has got the range of shots. It's all about the mental game now. He is a class player, in all conditions. He plays well overseas; he has got a perfect game for Indian conditions. He has got the range, he watches the ball so closely, and he has got great hands. He reads the game well, he can go up the gear and down the gear, according to the situation," the former Aussie legend told Star Sports.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, even before the start of the Nagpur Test there was a lot of talk about the pitch – to which Rohit during the presser had said the onus should remain on playing good cricket instead of worrying about the surface. He well did the same as he was the highest run-scorer with 120 runs.</p>

<p>The second of the four-match Test series will start on February 17th in Delhi.</p>


Indian captain Rohit Sharma is aging like a wine – especially in Tests. Despite being one of the best white-ball players for years now, Rohit became a mainstay in the longer format some time back only.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is aging like a wine – especially in Tests. Despite being one of the best white-ball players for years now, Rohit became a mainstay in the longer format some time back only. Tipped to be the next big thing during his heydays, Rohit did fulfil that promise after becoming a full-time opener in ODIs and T20Is a decade back. However, his turn-around in Tests came after he became the captain, and he hasn’t looked back since. During the first Test against Australia in Nagpur, he created history by becoming the first Indian captain to hit hundreds across all formats. Mark Waugh, the former Aussie great, had some wonderful words for the India batter. Following Rohit’s superb knock where he laid the foundation for a big total in the first innings, Waugh said Rohit was an underachiever in Tests before, but has evolved to be a great all-format batter now – calling him a match-winner in Tests. In his recent interaction on Star Sports, Waugh said, "He (Rohit) has had an interesting Test career, hasn't he? In the early bit of his career, he was an underachiever of sorts. He needed to work on his discipline. But he has always had a touch of class, he has always had time like all the great players. He has a very simple technique. He has always been a match-winner in white-ball cricket, but he is a match-winner in Test cricket now." ALSO READ: Selectors thinking about benching David Warner in second Test, Travis Head could replace him: Reports The ever-gracious Mark Waugh also complimented Rohit saying he always had the class but with time has also gained the discipline he required to be among the greats. Adding that Rohit has done well overseas also, Waugh said he can change gears in Tests as per the situation, and with the wide range of shots he has, the India captain will always remain a threat to the opposition. "He has got the discipline; he has got the range of shots. It's all about the mental game now. He is a class player, in all conditions. He plays well overseas; he has got a perfect game for Indian conditions. He has got the range, he watches the ball so closely, and he has got great hands. He reads the game well, he can go up the gear and down the gear, according to the situation," the former Aussie legend told Star Sports. Meanwhile, even before the start of the Nagpur Test there was a lot of talk about the pitch – to which Rohit during the presser had said the onus should remain on playing good cricket instead of worrying about the surface. He well did the same as he was the highest run-scorer with 120 runs. The second of the four-match Test series will start on February 17th in Delhi.

'Underachiever then, match-winner now' - Mark Waugh praises India star following Nagpur heroics

<p>India had another memorable day in the first Test versus Australia, in Nagpur. After commencing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 edition in style by folding Pat Cummins &amp; Co. for 177 on Day 1, on Thursday (February 09), Rohit Sharma-led India rode on skipper's 120, Ravindra Jadeja's 66 not out and Axar Patel's 52* to reach 321 for 7; leading by 144 runs.</p>

<p>Rohit resumed the day's play at 56 and went on to slam a sublime 212-ball 120, laced with 15 fours and two sixes. He showed grit, determination and class during his knock but could have&nbsp;missed out on reaching his ninth Test hundred when he had a terrible mix-up with his predecessor Virat Kohli for the fourth-wicket stand. The incident took place during the 48th over, bowled by Nathan Lyon.</p>

<p>Kohli nudged a delivery to mid-wicket and began to run before realising there is no run on offer. By then, Rohit had come halfway down when he turned and dived to save himself. Hitman was lucky that the throw wasn't a direct hit otherwise he would've made the long walk back to the pavillion. As Rohit survived, Kohli apologised to him to which the Indian captain had a heartfelt reaction. <strong>Here's the video:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-virat-kohli-gets-dismissed-for-cheap-after-lunch-break-on-day-2-of-1st-test-watch-560594">IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli gets dismissed for cheap after lunch break on Day 2 of 1st Test - Watch</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/Kw0jMSDg6A">pic.twitter.com/Kw0jMSDg6A</a></p>
— Nitin Varshney (@NitinVa15588475) <a href="https://twitter.com/NitinVa15588475/status/1623937670425767936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Kohli-Rohit only added 16 runs for the fourth wicket before the former Indian captain departed for 12. He was caught behind off debutant Todd Murphy, on a delivery which kept low and was on the legside, but Rohit carried on and became the first Indian skipper to score a hundred in all formats of the game; fourth overall.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Courtesy of Rohit's ton and fifties from all-rounders Jadeja and Axar, India are in a strong position in the first Test in Nagpur. They will look to dictate terms on Day 3 by stretching the lead beyond the 200-run mark and go for the kill versus the Aussies on a tricky surface.</p>


India had another memorable day in the first Test versus Australia, in Nagpur. After commencing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 edition in style by folding Pat Cummins & Co.

India had another memorable day in the first Test versus Australia, in Nagpur. After commencing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 edition in style by folding Pat Cummins & Co. for 177 on Day 1, on Thursday (February 09), Rohit Sharma-led India rode on skipper's 120, Ravindra Jadeja's 66 not out and Axar Patel's 52* to reach 321 for 7; leading by 144 runs. Rohit resumed the day's play at 56 and went on to slam a sublime 212-ball 120, laced with 15 fours and two sixes. He showed grit, determination and class during his knock but could have missed out on reaching his ninth Test hundred when he had a terrible mix-up with his predecessor Virat Kohli for the fourth-wicket stand. The incident took place during the 48th over, bowled by Nathan Lyon. Kohli nudged a delivery to mid-wicket and began to run before realising there is no run on offer. By then, Rohit had come halfway down when he turned and dived to save himself. Hitman was lucky that the throw wasn't a direct hit otherwise he would've made the long walk back to the pavillion. As Rohit survived, Kohli apologised to him to which the Indian captain had a heartfelt reaction. Here's the video: Also Read: IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli gets dismissed for cheap after lunch break on Day 2 of 1st Test - Watch pic.twitter.com/Kw0jMSDg6A — Nitin Varshney (@NitinVa15588475) February 10, 2023 × Kohli-Rohit only added 16 runs for the fourth wicket before the former Indian captain departed for 12. He was caught behind off debutant Todd Murphy, on a delivery which kept low and was on the legside, but Rohit carried on and became the first Indian skipper to score a hundred in all formats of the game; fourth overall. Courtesy of Rohit's ton and fifties from all-rounders Jadeja and Axar, India are in a strong position in the first Test in Nagpur. They will look to dictate terms on Day 3 by stretching the lead beyond the 200-run mark and go for the kill versus the Aussies on a tricky surface.

1st Test: Virat Kohli apologises to Rohit Sharma after terrible mix-up almost ends Hitman's inning - watch

<p>India beat Australia by and innings and 132 runs in the first Test in Nagpur inside three days. Australia were trailing by 223 runs in the second innings and folded for&nbsp;mere 91 runs. Twitter went off the charts after home team's massive win which they got minutes before the tea on day 3. Former players including Sachin Tendulkar, Venkatesh Prasad, Wasim Jaffer among others tweeted word of joy as India took 1-0 lead in the four-match Border-Gavaskar trophy. Here are some of the tweets:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Loved the way India prepared for this series and this is called proper domination. Rohit leading from the front with a brilliant 💯. Jaddu and Axar putting in memorable all-round performances and all the bowlers showing their skills. Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> ,Great start to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BGT2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BGT2023</a> <a href="https://t.co/zGupQNVJWF">pic.twitter.com/zGupQNVJWF</a></p>
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/1624330093215752195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">That was outstanding performance by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> loved the way our bowler Bowling today. Specially professor <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> 😉<br />
Done &amp; Dusted with in 32 overs.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BGT2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BGT2023</a> <a href="https://t.co/TNWav4Jpm4">pic.twitter.com/TNWav4Jpm4</a></p>
— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) <a href="https://twitter.com/munafpa99881129/status/1624333478904090624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Never judge a pitch until both teams have batted on it. If both teams struggle, it's the pitch. If just one team struggles, it's the skills. Well played Team India 🇮🇳 👏🏽 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/b7QgZXlCXU">pic.twitter.com/b7QgZXlCXU</a></p>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1624330281988812800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India were 5 down even before we got the lead, and now we are ahead by 223 runs. Speaks a lot about our batting depth and contributions by our lower order. Well done <a href="https://twitter.com/akshar2026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@akshar2026</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/MdShami11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MdShami11</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/XMYA5IifxS">pic.twitter.com/XMYA5IifxS</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1624300704751038467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A dominating Test win. Jadeja the shining star with bat and ball. Rohit showing his class with a magnificent 100, Ashwin demonstrating why Aussies are so worried about him and Axar Patel showing good all round skills and not to forget Shami. Happy unit , Team India . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/xEszU6DKCq">pic.twitter.com/xEszU6DKCq</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1624336862776274946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India dominated the Test from the start to finish.<br />
Terrific start to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BorderGavaskarTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BorderGavaskarTrophy</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/iGhQtfgQM4">pic.twitter.com/iGhQtfgQM4</a></p>
— DK (@DineshKarthik) <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik/status/1624335410825691136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Could be wrong, but I can’t help thinking Aus have overthought things and got sucked into the pre-match pitch talk, much of that coming from Aus, ironically. That aside, their weaknesses against spin have been thoroughly exposed by Jadeja and Ashwin. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BGT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BGT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a></p>
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) <a href="https://twitter.com/melindafarrell/status/1624319308498173953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>India's off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin led the charge with a five-wicket haul as Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami chipped in with two wickets apiece. Axar Patel also got one wicket to add to his significant 84 with the bat in India's first innings. Steve Smith was Australia's highest scorer in the second innings, scoring unbeaten 25 off 51 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Read More:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashwin-credits-batting-unit-for-nagpur-test-win-calls-indian-bowling-attack-unparalleled-in-home-conditions-560923">Ashwin credits batting unit for Nagpur Test win, calls Indian bowling attack 'unparalleled' in home conditions</a></p>

<p>Australia never looked in comforting position while batting and were five down at team score of 52 runs in just 18th over. It was just a formality after that as rest of the wickets fell for just 40 odd runs. Earlier, India started their day at 321/7 with Jadeja and Axar Patel resuming India's innings.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-dharamsala-unlikely-to-host-third-test-bcci-to-take-final-call-following-inspection-560852">IND vs AUS: Dharamsala unlikely to host third Test, BCCI to take final call following ground inspection</a></p>

<p>Jadeja scored 70 and was the first Indian wicket to fall at the team score of 328 but fast bowler Mohammed Shami's cameo of 37 runs in a 52-run partnership with Axar took the team total to 380. Axar was the last Indian wicket to fall at an individual score of 84. The next Test between India and Australia starts February 17 in Delhi.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


India beat Australia by and innings and 132 runs in the first Test in Nagpur inside three days. Australia were trailing by 223 runs in the second innings and folded for mere 91 runs.

India beat Australia by and innings and 132 runs in the first Test in Nagpur inside three days. Australia were trailing by 223 runs in the second innings and folded for mere 91 runs. Twitter went off the charts after home team's massive win which they got minutes before the tea on day 3. Former players including Sachin Tendulkar, Venkatesh Prasad, Wasim Jaffer among others tweeted word of joy as India took 1-0 lead in the four-match Border-Gavaskar trophy. Here are some of the tweets: Loved the way India prepared for this series and this is called proper domination. Rohit leading from the front with a brilliant 💯. Jaddu and Axar putting in memorable all-round performances and all the bowlers showing their skills. Congratulations @BCCI ,Great start to #BGT2023 pic.twitter.com/zGupQNVJWF — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) February 11, 2023 × That was outstanding performance by #TeamIndia loved the way our bowler Bowling today. Specially professor @ashwinravi99 😉 Done & Dusted with in 32 overs.#INDvAUS #BGT2023 pic.twitter.com/TNWav4Jpm4 — Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) February 11, 2023 × Never judge a pitch until both teams have batted on it. If both teams struggle, it's the pitch. If just one team struggles, it's the skills. Well played Team India 🇮🇳 👏🏽 #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/b7QgZXlCXU — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 11, 2023 × India were 5 down even before we got the lead, and now we are ahead by 223 runs. Speaks a lot about our batting depth and contributions by our lower order. Well done @akshar2026 & @MdShami11!#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/XMYA5IifxS — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 11, 2023 × A dominating Test win. Jadeja the shining star with bat and ball. Rohit showing his class with a magnificent 100, Ashwin demonstrating why Aussies are so worried about him and Axar Patel showing good all round skills and not to forget Shami. Happy unit , Team India . #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/xEszU6DKCq — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 11, 2023 × India dominated the Test from the start to finish. Terrific start to the #BorderGavaskarTrophy!#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/iGhQtfgQM4 — DK (@DineshKarthik) February 11, 2023 × Could be wrong, but I can’t help thinking Aus have overthought things and got sucked into the pre-match pitch talk, much of that coming from Aus, ironically. That aside, their weaknesses against spin have been thoroughly exposed by Jadeja and Ashwin. #BGT #INDvAUS — Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) February 11, 2023 × India's off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin led the charge with a five-wicket haul as Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami chipped in with two wickets apiece. Axar Patel also got one wicket to add to his significant 84 with the bat in India's first innings. Steve Smith was Australia's highest scorer in the second innings, scoring unbeaten 25 off 51 balls. Read More: Ashwin credits batting unit for Nagpur Test win, calls Indian bowling attack 'unparalleled' in home conditions Australia never looked in comforting position while batting and were five down at team score of 52 runs in just 18th over. It was just a formality after that as rest of the wickets fell for just 40 odd runs. Earlier, India started their day at 321/7 with Jadeja and Axar Patel resuming India's innings. Also Read: IND vs AUS: Dharamsala unlikely to host third Test, BCCI to take final call following ground inspection Jadeja scored 70 and was the first Indian wicket to fall at the team score of 328 but fast bowler Mohammed Shami's cameo of 37 runs in a 52-run partnership with Axar took the team total to 380. Axar was the last Indian wicket to fall at an individual score of 84. The next Test between India and Australia starts February 17 in Delhi. 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, 1st Test: Twitter erupts in joy as India decimate Australia in Nagpur

<p>Team India dominated Day 1 of the Nagpur Test versus Australia on Thursday (February 09). After losing the toss, Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. dominated proceedings as Australia were reduced to 2 for 2 and dismissed for 177 thanks to comeback man Ravindra Jadeja's 5 for 46 and R Ashwin's 3 for 42. In reply, India ended the day's play in a strong position; at 77 for 1 with captain Rohit unbeaten on fifty-plus.</p>

<p>While Jadeja made all the right noise on the opening day, the Indian team management had to go to the match referee to clear the air that the all-rounder was applying pain-relief cream to the index finger of his bowling hand after a video went viral on social media.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-bowling-10-12-hours-ravindra-jadeja-on-his-magnificent-comeback-to-test-cricket-560360">'Was bowling 10-12 hours': Ravindra Jadeja on his magnificent comeback to Test cricket</a></strong></p>

<p>In the video that went viral, Jadeja was seen taking a substance off the back of Mohammed Siraj's palm with his right hand. He then&nbsp;rubbed this substance onto the index finger of his left hand - i.e. his bowling arm - before he got ready to bowl. It is to be noted that at no point&nbsp;was Jadeja seen rubbing anything on the red cherry despite having it in his hands at the time.</p>

<p>After the end of Day 1,&nbsp;Jadeja along with India captain Rohit Sharma and the team manager was made aware of the video clip. Match referee Andy&nbsp;Pycroft just wanted to just inform them about the incident and no charges were laid against Jadeja.</p>


Team India dominated Day 1 of the Nagpur Test versus Australia on Thursday (February 09). After losing the toss, Rohit Sharma & Co. dominated proceedings as Australia were reduced to 2 for 2 and dismissed for 177 thanks to comeback man Ravindra Jadeja's 5 for 46 and R Ashwin's 3 for 42.

Team India dominated Day 1 of the Nagpur Test versus Australia on Thursday (February 09). After losing the toss, Rohit Sharma & Co. dominated proceedings as Australia were reduced to 2 for 2 and dismissed for 177 thanks to comeback man Ravindra Jadeja's 5 for 46 and R Ashwin's 3 for 42. In reply, India ended the day's play in a strong position; at 77 for 1 with captain Rohit unbeaten on fifty-plus. While Jadeja made all the right noise on the opening day, the Indian team management had to go to the match referee to clear the air that the all-rounder was applying pain-relief cream to the index finger of his bowling hand after a video went viral on social media. Also Read: 'Was bowling 10-12 hours': Ravindra Jadeja on his magnificent comeback to Test cricket In the video that went viral, Jadeja was seen taking a substance off the back of Mohammed Siraj's palm with his right hand. He then rubbed this substance onto the index finger of his left hand - i.e. his bowling arm - before he got ready to bowl. It is to be noted that at no point was Jadeja seen rubbing anything on the red cherry despite having it in his hands at the time. After the end of Day 1, Jadeja along with India captain Rohit Sharma and the team manager was made aware of the video clip. Match referee Andy Pycroft just wanted to just inform them about the incident and no charges were laid against Jadeja.

1st Test: Team India clear the air, inform match referee Ravindra Jadeja used pain-relief cream on finger

<p>At the start of the third session on day two of the first test against Australia, India were sitting pretty with a lead of 52 runs and skipper Rohit Sharma batting at 120, alongside Ravindra Jadeja. The pair&nbsp;had added 61 runs by then and we set for more with Australia&nbsp;looking wary of the partnership.</p>

<p>The last session started with the visitors taking the new ball to start off the things and it was Rohit's visiting counterpart Patrick Cummins who decided to have a go with the ball.</p>

<p>The over started with a no-ball as Cummins overstepped but then got back in his groove quickly to produce an edge of the third ball of the over. But alas, Steve Smith at slip had a day to forget as he dropped the chance, albeit a tad difficult one. Rohit, who was batting at 120 at the time, took a couple of the dropped chance.</p>

<p>Patrick Cummins, however, had a different plan as he clean-bowled Rohit the very next ball with an absolute peach off a delivery. Have a look at the dismissal:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A Pat Cummins Jaffa! 🤌 <a href="https://t.co/g5eonl2cAi">pic.twitter.com/g5eonl2cAi</a></p>
— Ritu🌻 (@EntropyPositive) <a href="https://twitter.com/EntropyPositive/status/1623988851818778624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Cummins sent down a full and straight ball on the middle-off line and the new cherry moved ever&nbsp;so slightly to go past Rohit's defence and sent his off stump rolling.</p>

<p>Australia looked to peg India back with the wicket of Srikar Bharat, who fell&nbsp;shortly after Rohit and India were 240/7. Axar Patel, however, stood by Ravindra Jadeja as both southpaws completed their fifties to take India to 321/7 at the end of day's play with the total lead of 144 runs.</p>

<p>Earlier, Todd Murphy, the 22-year-old debutant offie from Australia took three more wickets after dismissing KL Rahul on Day 1. Murphy eventually completed his five-wicket haul with the wicket of Bharat. Apart from that, he took wickets&nbsp;of Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and nightwatchman Ravichandran Ashwin.</p>

<p>Suryakumar Yadav, the debutant from India's side, could not mirror his white-ball form in the test and was dismissed for eight runs off 20 balls by Nathan Lyon off a classic off-spinner's delivery.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


At the start of the third session on day two of the first test against Australia, India were sitting pretty with a lead of 52 runs and skipper Rohit Sharma batting at 120, alongside Ravindra Jadeja.

At the start of the third session on day two of the first test against Australia, India were sitting pretty with a lead of 52 runs and skipper Rohit Sharma batting at 120, alongside Ravindra Jadeja. The pair had added 61 runs by then and we set for more with Australia looking wary of the partnership. The last session started with the visitors taking the new ball to start off the things and it was Rohit's visiting counterpart Patrick Cummins who decided to have a go with the ball. The over started with a no-ball as Cummins overstepped but then got back in his groove quickly to produce an edge of the third ball of the over. But alas, Steve Smith at slip had a day to forget as he dropped the chance, albeit a tad difficult one. Rohit, who was batting at 120 at the time, took a couple of the dropped chance. Patrick Cummins, however, had a different plan as he clean-bowled Rohit the very next ball with an absolute peach off a delivery. Have a look at the dismissal: A Pat Cummins Jaffa! 🤌 pic.twitter.com/g5eonl2cAi — Ritu🌻 (@EntropyPositive) February 10, 2023 × Cummins sent down a full and straight ball on the middle-off line and the new cherry moved ever so slightly to go past Rohit's defence and sent his off stump rolling. Australia looked to peg India back with the wicket of Srikar Bharat, who fell shortly after Rohit and India were 240/7. Axar Patel, however, stood by Ravindra Jadeja as both southpaws completed their fifties to take India to 321/7 at the end of day's play with the total lead of 144 runs. Earlier, Todd Murphy, the 22-year-old debutant offie from Australia took three more wickets after dismissing KL Rahul on Day 1. Murphy eventually completed his five-wicket haul with the wicket of Bharat. Apart from that, he took wickets of Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and nightwatchman Ravichandran Ashwin. Suryakumar Yadav, the debutant from India's side, could not mirror his white-ball form in the test and was dismissed for eight runs off 20 balls by Nathan Lyon off a classic off-spinner's delivery. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ind vs Aus, 1st Test: Pat Cummins bowls a jaffa to send Rohit's off stump cartwheeling - Watch

<p>India are in full control of the first day at the end the second day of Nagpur test against Australia with skipper Rohit Sharma leading from the front with 120.</p>

<p>India were 321-7 at stumps, leading by 144 runs,&nbsp;with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel unbeaten on 66 and 52, respectively. The pair put on an unbeaten stand of 81 for the eighth wicket.</p>

<p>Todd Murphy, the 22-year-old debutant&nbsp;took regular wickets with his off-spin in his attempt to check India's surge but Jadeja kept up the charge following Rohit's dismissal soon after tea. Murphy, nonetheless, ended with a five-for to make the debut remarkable.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-1st-test-rohit-sharma-has-sown-the-seeds-of-fear-in-pat-cumminss-head-feels-ajay-jadeja-560632">IND vs AUS, 1st Test: Rohit Sharma has sown the seeds of fear in Pat Cummins' head, feels Ajay Jadeja</a></strong></p>

<p>Rohit led from the front with his ninth&nbsp;Test&nbsp;century to extend India's dominance after they dismissed Australia for 177 on day one of the four-Test&nbsp;series.</p>

<p>The captain defied the spinners to reach his hundred with a boundary off Murphy in the second session, and took off his helmet to soak in the applause.</p>

<p>He put on a key 61-run sixth-wicket stand with Jadeja, who stood firm after Rohit's departure to register a fifty after his five wickets in the Australian innings.</p>

<p>Jadeja, who has three&nbsp;Test&nbsp;hundreds, did his trademark sword swish with the bat to mark his 18th half-century in the five-day format.</p>

<p>Murphy stood out for the tourists with remarkable control to knock off the stalwarts of Indian cricket including Virat Kohli, caught behind for 12.</p>

<p>Murphy, who claimed KL Rahul as his first&nbsp;Test&nbsp;wicket on Thursday, trapped Ravichandran Ashwin lbw and got Cheteshwar Pujara caught at short fine leg in the first session.</p>

<p>Senior Australia spinner Nathan Lyon spoiled Twenty20 sensation Suryakumar Yadav's&nbsp;Test&nbsp;debut after he bowled the batsman on eight to put India in a spot at 168-5.</p>

<p><strong>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-virat-kohli-gets-dismissed-for-cheap-after-lunch-break-on-day-2-of-1st-test-watch-560594">IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli gets dismissed for cheap after lunch break on Day 2 of 1st Test - Watch</a></strong></p>

<p>But Rohit, who started the day on his overnight 56 and smashed Pat Cummins and Lyon for a six each, and Jadeja soon swung back the momentum with a mix of caution and aggression.</p>

<p>Cummins took the second new ball after tea to send back Rohit bowled, one ball after he was dropped by Steve Smith at second slip.</p>

<p>Murphy soon bagged his fifth as he trapped fellow debutant Srikar Bharat lbw -- a decision that was given not out by the umpire but successfully reviewed by Australia.</p>

<p>Jadeja, who returned from a knee injury with a 5-47 on Thursday, soldiered on with Patel as they frustrated the opposition attack in the final hour of play.</p>

<p>Axar smashed eight boundaries&nbsp;en route to his second&nbsp;Test&nbsp;fifty.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


India are in full control of the first day at the end the second day of Nagpur test against Australia with skipper Rohit Sharma leading from the front with 120. India were 321-7 at stumps, leading by 144 runs, with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel unbeaten on 66 and 52, respectively.

India are in full control of the first day at the end the second day of Nagpur test against Australia with skipper Rohit Sharma leading from the front with 120. India were 321-7 at stumps, leading by 144 runs, with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel unbeaten on 66 and 52, respectively. The pair put on an unbeaten stand of 81 for the eighth wicket. Todd Murphy, the 22-year-old debutant took regular wickets with his off-spin in his attempt to check India's surge but Jadeja kept up the charge following Rohit's dismissal soon after tea. Murphy, nonetheless, ended with a five-for to make the debut remarkable. Also Read: IND vs AUS, 1st Test: Rohit Sharma has sown the seeds of fear in Pat Cummins' head, feels Ajay Jadeja Rohit led from the front with his ninth Test century to extend India's dominance after they dismissed Australia for 177 on day one of the four-Test series. The captain defied the spinners to reach his hundred with a boundary off Murphy in the second session, and took off his helmet to soak in the applause. He put on a key 61-run sixth-wicket stand with Jadeja, who stood firm after Rohit's departure to register a fifty after his five wickets in the Australian innings. Jadeja, who has three Test hundreds, did his trademark sword swish with the bat to mark his 18th half-century in the five-day format. Murphy stood out for the tourists with remarkable control to knock off the stalwarts of Indian cricket including Virat Kohli, caught behind for 12. Murphy, who claimed KL Rahul as his first Test wicket on Thursday, trapped Ravichandran Ashwin lbw and got Cheteshwar Pujara caught at short fine leg in the first session. Senior Australia spinner Nathan Lyon spoiled Twenty20 sensation Suryakumar Yadav's Test debut after he bowled the batsman on eight to put India in a spot at 168-5. Read More: IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli gets dismissed for cheap after lunch break on Day 2 of 1st Test - Watch But Rohit, who started the day on his overnight 56 and smashed Pat Cummins and Lyon for a six each, and Jadeja soon swung back the momentum with a mix of caution and aggression. Cummins took the second new ball after tea to send back Rohit bowled, one ball after he was dropped by Steve Smith at second slip. Murphy soon bagged his fifth as he trapped fellow debutant Srikar Bharat lbw -- a decision that was given not out by the umpire but successfully reviewed by Australia. Jadeja, who returned from a knee injury with a 5-47 on Thursday, soldiered on with Patel as they frustrated the opposition attack in the final hour of play. Axar smashed eight boundaries en route to his second Test fifty. (With inputs from agencies) 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, 1st Test, Day 2: Rohit, Jadeja, Axar ensure India wrests control, Murphy bags five on debut

<p>Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja lavished huge praise on Rohit Sharma and claimed that he&nbsp;has put the seeds of fear in Pat Cummins' head with his batting in the first&nbsp;Test of the Border-Gavaskar trophy, in Nagpur. Rohit took&nbsp;on the Aussie skipper Cummins when India came out to bat in the fag end of Day 1 to shake his confidence and then played his trademark pull shot on Day 2 to force his Australian counterpart to go out of the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Cricbuzz, Jadeja was asked if Rohit had sown the seeds of fear in Cummins' head. To this, the former cricketer agreed&nbsp;and said that the&nbsp;India captain had taken Cummins out of the game on the first day of the Test, with the Aussies already on the back foot after folding for 177, and that six he hit off him on Day 2 showed his dominance.</p>

<p>Jadeja said, "Absolutely. He had sown the seeds of fear in Cummins yesterday and now he has come to take the fruits. He almost took Cummins out of the game yesterday. And today, with that six, he showed dominance."</p>

<p>He hailed Rohit for his stupendous 120 (212) to take India to a dominant position on Day 2 of the opening Test. "Rohit Sharma is always a cool customer. He just goes on his path like an elephant that doesn't look here and there despite the noise around it. The pitch is up and down and we saw Virat Kohli have a reaction to the nature of the pitch. We don't see that from Rohit at all. What we saw today from him was just brilliant."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-rohit-sharma-becomes-1st-indian-skipper-to-score-a-ton-in-all-three-formats-during-nagpur-test-560563">IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma becomes 1st Indian skipper to score a ton in all three formats during Nagpur Test</a></strong></p>

<p>"Yesterday in the evening, he was playing at a different pace. When he came in today, he went at a slow rate which means that Australia bowled well, but Rohit Sharma is in a zone which is important at this time."</p>

<p>"There is no fuss from him at the moment. He is calm and it feels like there is nothing on the pitch. Yeah, the wicket is becoming a slight docile. But seeing Rohit Sharma it feels like there is nothing on the pitch to be worried about. When he is there, his calmness does reflect through," signed off Jadeja.</p>

<p>Rohit slammed his 9th Test ton on Day 2 of the Nagpur Test. While he did dominate Cummins, the latter had the last laugh by dismissing Hitman on a peach of a delivery. After Rohit fell for a sublime 120, India rode on an unbroken eighth-wicket stand between half-centurions Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel to go to stumps at 321 for 7; leading by 144 runs.</p>


Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja lavished huge praise on Rohit Sharma and claimed that he has put the seeds of fear in Pat Cummins' head with his batting in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar trophy, in Nagpur.

Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja lavished huge praise on Rohit Sharma and claimed that he has put the seeds of fear in Pat Cummins' head with his batting in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar trophy, in Nagpur. Rohit took on the Aussie skipper Cummins when India came out to bat in the fag end of Day 1 to shake his confidence and then played his trademark pull shot on Day 2 to force his Australian counterpart to go out of the attack. On Cricbuzz, Jadeja was asked if Rohit had sown the seeds of fear in Cummins' head. To this, the former cricketer agreed and said that the India captain had taken Cummins out of the game on the first day of the Test, with the Aussies already on the back foot after folding for 177, and that six he hit off him on Day 2 showed his dominance. Jadeja said, "Absolutely. He had sown the seeds of fear in Cummins yesterday and now he has come to take the fruits. He almost took Cummins out of the game yesterday. And today, with that six, he showed dominance." He hailed Rohit for his stupendous 120 (212) to take India to a dominant position on Day 2 of the opening Test. "Rohit Sharma is always a cool customer. He just goes on his path like an elephant that doesn't look here and there despite the noise around it. The pitch is up and down and we saw Virat Kohli have a reaction to the nature of the pitch. We don't see that from Rohit at all. What we saw today from him was just brilliant." Also Read: IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma becomes 1st Indian skipper to score a ton in all three formats during Nagpur Test "Yesterday in the evening, he was playing at a different pace. When he came in today, he went at a slow rate which means that Australia bowled well, but Rohit Sharma is in a zone which is important at this time." "There is no fuss from him at the moment. He is calm and it feels like there is nothing on the pitch. Yeah, the wicket is becoming a slight docile. But seeing Rohit Sharma it feels like there is nothing on the pitch to be worried about. When he is there, his calmness does reflect through," signed off Jadeja. Rohit slammed his 9th Test ton on Day 2 of the Nagpur Test. While he did dominate Cummins, the latter had the last laugh by dismissing Hitman on a peach of a delivery. After Rohit fell for a sublime 120, India rode on an unbroken eighth-wicket stand between half-centurions Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel to go to stumps at 321 for 7; leading by 144 runs.

IND vs AUS, 1st Test: Rohit Sharma has sown the seeds of fear in Pat Cummins' head, feels Ajay Jadeja

<p>Virat Kohli's torrid run in Tests continued on Day 2 of the Nagpur Test between India and Australia. After India lost R Ashwin and Cheteshwar Pujara in the morning session, Kohli came out to bat at No. 5 and added 16 runs with skipper Rohit Sharma when lunch break took place with India 151-3. On the first ball after lunch, debutant Todd Murphy dismissed him to prolong his barren run in whites.</p>

<p>Talking about the delivery (in the 52nd over), it was short and down the leg side as Kohli tried to flick it but found an edge and was caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey. <strong>Here's the video of Kohli's dismissal:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💥Murphy strikes on very first ball after Lunch.<br />
<br />
💥Virat Kohli goes for 12(26).<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViratKohli%F0%93%83%B5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViratKohli𓃵</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Murphy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Murphy</a> <a href="https://t.co/0HybX8TBAa">https://t.co/0HybX8TBAa</a></p>
— Cricket Fan (@Cr1cket_Fan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cr1cket_Fan/status/1623936593127145472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-rohit-sharma-becomes-1st-indian-skipper-to-score-a-ton-in-all-three-formats-during-nagpur-test-560563"><strong>IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma becomes 1st Indian skipper to score a ton in all three formats during Nagpur Test</strong></a></p>

<p>Thus, it wasn't a wicket-taking delivery but led to Kohli's dismissal. The right-hander was looking good till then but couldn't connect properly on to a ball which kept low and on the leg-side and made the long walk back to the pavillion. Kohli, who has not had a great run in Tests for long, couldn't believe his luck after being out on such an ordinary delivery and passed a sheepish smile while on his way back to the pavillion. His last triple-figure knock in the red-ball format came in late 2019. While he had a solid chance to break his Test-century drought, he fell for a 26-ball 12.</p>

<p>After Kohli's dismissal, Rohit (120) steadied India's ship along with Ravindra Jadeja (who is unbeaten on fifty-plus) with India's lead nearing the 100-run mark.</p>


Virat Kohli's torrid run in Tests continued on Day 2 of the Nagpur Test between India and Australia. After India lost R Ashwin and Cheteshwar Pujara in the morning session, Kohli came out to bat at No.

Virat Kohli's torrid run in Tests continued on Day 2 of the Nagpur Test between India and Australia. After India lost R Ashwin and Cheteshwar Pujara in the morning session, Kohli came out to bat at No. 5 and added 16 runs with skipper Rohit Sharma when lunch break took place with India 151-3. On the first ball after lunch, debutant Todd Murphy dismissed him to prolong his barren run in whites. Talking about the delivery (in the 52nd over), it was short and down the leg side as Kohli tried to flick it but found an edge and was caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Here's the video of Kohli's dismissal: 💥Murphy strikes on very first ball after Lunch. 💥Virat Kohli goes for 12(26).#INDvsAUS #ViratKohli𓃵 #Murphy https://t.co/0HybX8TBAa — Cricket Fan (@Cr1cket_Fan) February 10, 2023 × Also Read: IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma becomes 1st Indian skipper to score a ton in all three formats during Nagpur Test Thus, it wasn't a wicket-taking delivery but led to Kohli's dismissal. The right-hander was looking good till then but couldn't connect properly on to a ball which kept low and on the leg-side and made the long walk back to the pavillion. Kohli, who has not had a great run in Tests for long, couldn't believe his luck after being out on such an ordinary delivery and passed a sheepish smile while on his way back to the pavillion. His last triple-figure knock in the red-ball format came in late 2019. While he had a solid chance to break his Test-century drought, he fell for a 26-ball 12. After Kohli's dismissal, Rohit (120) steadied India's ship along with Ravindra Jadeja (who is unbeaten on fifty-plus) with India's lead nearing the 100-run mark.

IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli gets dismissed for cheap after lunch break on Day 2 of 1st Test - Watch

<p>Rohit Sharma created history on Friday (February 10) during Day 2 of the first Test between India and Australia at the VCA Stadium, Nagpur. After India dismissed Pat Cummins-led Australia for 177, riding on Ravindra Jadeja's 5 for 47, they resumed the second day's play with an aim to take a big lead. While wickets fell at regular intervals, Rohit looked at his fluent best and reached a stunning hundred and achieved a big feat.</p>

<p>By slamming his 9th Test ton, Rohit became the first Indian captain -- fourth overall -- to score a hundred in all three formats. In the overall list, he joined the likes of Sri Lanka's Tillakaratne Dilshan, South Africa's Faf du Plessis and Pakistan's Babar Azam.&nbsp;</p>

<p><b>Hundreds in all three formats as captain</b><br />
Tillakaratne Dilshan<br />
Faf du Plessis<br />
Babar Azam<br />
Rohit Sharma</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-couldve-scored-more-runs-with-harbhajan-on-indian-openers-failure-on-day-1-of-nagpur-test-560531">'KL Rahul could've scored more runs with...': Harbhajan on Indian opener's failure on Day 1 of Nagpur Test</a></strong></p>

<p>This is also Rohit's second successive ton at the highest level. He had slammed 101 in India-New Zealand third and final ODI in Indore on January 24. Overall, it is Hitman's 43rd international century; 12th overall. In addition, this is Rohit's maiden Test century as captain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit's inning has been a standout one by all means. On a pitch where other batters have struggled or failed to convert their starts, he has looked in full control from the word go. At tea break on Day 2, Rohit-Ravindra Jadeja (34*) have so far&nbsp;added 58&nbsp;runs for the sixth-wicket with India well-placed at 226 for 5; leading by 49 runs.</p>


Rohit Sharma created history on Friday (February 10) during Day 2 of the first Test between India and Australia at the VCA Stadium, Nagpur. After India dismissed Pat Cummins-led Australia for 177, riding on Ravindra Jadeja's 5 for 47, they resumed the second day's play with an aim to take a big lead.

Rohit Sharma created history on Friday (February 10) during Day 2 of the first Test between India and Australia at the VCA Stadium, Nagpur. After India dismissed Pat Cummins-led Australia for 177, riding on Ravindra Jadeja's 5 for 47, they resumed the second day's play with an aim to take a big lead. While wickets fell at regular intervals, Rohit looked at his fluent best and reached a stunning hundred and achieved a big feat. By slamming his 9th Test ton, Rohit became the first Indian captain -- fourth overall -- to score a hundred in all three formats. In the overall list, he joined the likes of Sri Lanka's Tillakaratne Dilshan, South Africa's Faf du Plessis and Pakistan's Babar Azam. Hundreds in all three formats as captain Tillakaratne Dilshan Faf du Plessis Babar Azam Rohit Sharma Also Read: 'KL Rahul could've scored more runs with...': Harbhajan on Indian opener's failure on Day 1 of Nagpur Test This is also Rohit's second successive ton at the highest level. He had slammed 101 in India-New Zealand third and final ODI in Indore on January 24. Overall, it is Hitman's 43rd international century; 12th overall. In addition, this is Rohit's maiden Test century as captain. Rohit's inning has been a standout one by all means. On a pitch where other batters have struggled or failed to convert their starts, he has looked in full control from the word go. At tea break on Day 2, Rohit-Ravindra Jadeja (34*) have so far added 58 runs for the sixth-wicket with India well-placed at 226 for 5; leading by 49 runs.

IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma becomes 1st Indian skipper to score a ton in all three formats during Nagpur Test

<p>Rohit Sharma-led India lost the toss in the Nagpur Test, of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, on Thursday (February 09) but got two early breakthroughs after Australia came out to bat. Mohammed Siraj removed Usman Khawaja, trapping him lbw for 1 whereas Md Shami cleaned bowled David Warner, for identical score, as Indian fans were ecstatic in Nagpur.</p>

<p>Talking about the first wicket, Siraj trapped in-form Khawaja with the ball moving in the air and after pitching on the leg-side, it straightened a bit&nbsp;to trap the left-hander. After the umpire turned down the appeal, skipper Rohit decided to take the decision upstairs. As the review turned out to be successful, Rohit &amp; Co. were on cloud nine. Nonetheless, head coach Rahul Dravid was also all pumped up and his reaction went viral. <strong>Here's the video:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gooood Morning 🔥<br />
<br />
🎥: <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StarSportsIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/bQP3yFEHa1">pic.twitter.com/bQP3yFEHa1</a></p>
— Washington Sundar (@Sundarwashi5) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sundarwashi5/status/1623545878970761216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-you-dont-want-to-play-just-dont-pakistan-great-javed-miandad-clarifies-his-india-can-go-to-hell-remark-560202">If you don’t want to play just don’t: Pakistan great Javed Miandad clarifies his 'India can go to hell' remark</a></strong></p>

<p>After claiming two quick wickets, India created quite a few chances but Marnus Labuschagne-Steve Smith added 74 runs for the third-wicket as Australia went to lunch at 76 for 2. Post lunch, Ravindra Jadeja stuck twice, on successive deliveries, to bring India back into the contest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pat Cummins-led Australia will hope to post anything over 350 in the first innings, however, it won't be easy against the current Indian bowling line-up.</p>


Rohit Sharma-led India lost the toss in the Nagpur Test, of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, on Thursday (February 09) but got two early breakthroughs after Australia came out to bat.

Rohit Sharma-led India lost the toss in the Nagpur Test, of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, on Thursday (February 09) but got two early breakthroughs after Australia came out to bat. Mohammed Siraj removed Usman Khawaja, trapping him lbw for 1 whereas Md Shami cleaned bowled David Warner, for identical score, as Indian fans were ecstatic in Nagpur. Talking about the first wicket, Siraj trapped in-form Khawaja with the ball moving in the air and after pitching on the leg-side, it straightened a bit to trap the left-hander. After the umpire turned down the appeal, skipper Rohit decided to take the decision upstairs. As the review turned out to be successful, Rohit & Co. were on cloud nine. Nonetheless, head coach Rahul Dravid was also all pumped up and his reaction went viral. Here's the video: Gooood Morning 🔥 🎥: @StarSportsIndia pic.twitter.com/bQP3yFEHa1 — Washington Sundar (@Sundarwashi5) February 9, 2023 × Also Read: If you don’t want to play just don’t: Pakistan great Javed Miandad clarifies his 'India can go to hell' remark After claiming two quick wickets, India created quite a few chances but Marnus Labuschagne-Steve Smith added 74 runs for the third-wicket as Australia went to lunch at 76 for 2. Post lunch, Ravindra Jadeja stuck twice, on successive deliveries, to bring India back into the contest. Pat Cummins-led Australia will hope to post anything over 350 in the first innings, however, it won't be easy against the current Indian bowling line-up.

WATCH: Rahul Dravid all fired up after Rohit Sharma & Co. get early breakthrough in Nagpur Test

<p>India had a perfect start to the opening day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy edition on Thursday (February 09). Being asked to bowl first in the first Test, in Nagpur, Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. were off to a flier versus Pat Cummins-led Australia, reducing them to 2 for 2, and soon dismissed them for 177 with Ravindra Jadeja (5 for 47) and R Ashwin (3 for 42) shining with the ball.</p>

<p>In reply, India started off on a strong note with the bat with captain Rohit leading the charge whereas his deputy and opening partner KL Rahul played cautiously. The duo had stitched an impressive 76-run-opening stand and looked set to close the day's play with their stand being unbroken. However, Rahul was once again dismissed for cheap -- after a dismal run in the Bangladesh Tests in December 2022 -- with a soft dismissal leading to his long walk back to the pavillion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul gave a simple catch to debutant spinner Todd Murphy to give Australia their first breakthrough. After his dismissal, Rohit was dejected and reacted strongly. <strong>Here's the video:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/prgOrmh276">pic.twitter.com/prgOrmh276</a></p>
— Anna 24GhanteChaukanna (@Anna24GhanteCh2) <a href="https://twitter.com/Anna24GhanteCh2/status/1623650647806722049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-r-ashwin-creates-history-becomes-second-indian-bowler-to-claim-450-test-scalps-560305">IND vs AUS: R Ashwin creates history, becomes second Indian bowler to claim 450 Test scalps</a></strong></p>

<p>While only few deliveries were left for Day 1 to end, Rohit-led India would've been much more content with their opening pair battling the final moments. However, Rahul's departure led to Ashwin being promoted, as a nightwatchman, to negate the final over of the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit-Ashwin batted the final six balls with ease and ended day's play with India in a strong position; being 77 for 1 and trailing Australia's 177 by only 100 runs. With nine wickets in hand, the home side will look to bat for long and take a sizeable lead to dictate terms in the match.</p>


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

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

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

<p>Suggestions are pouring in from all corners for Rohit Sharma and team India management on whom to pick and whom to drop for the first Test against Australia in Nagpur starting on Thursday. While a few of the former names related to Indian cricket suggested going ahead with in-form Shubman Gill to fill the middle-order slot, others including former PCB chief Ramiz Raja want to see Suryakumar Yadav making his Test debut.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was after England's Bazball show during the Test series against Pakistan last year where they whitewashed them at their home, Ramiz was sacked as the PCB chief. Having faced the wrath of attacking cricket recently only, Ramiz knows what it does to an opposition. Suggesting India to deploy the same approach against the Aussies at home, Raja said the hosts&nbsp;must bring in those players who play quick, and Surya is surely one of them.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-rankings-suryakumar-yadav-retains-top-spot-as-t20i-batter-pandya-jumps-to-2nd-spot-in-all-rounders-list-560026">ICC Rankings: Suryakumar Yadav retains top spot as T20I batter, Pandya jumps to 2nd place in all-rounders list</a></p>

<p>Having said that, Ramiz added by playing attacking cricket India could put Australia under pressure early in the game, citing example of how England did it against Pakistan and were successful.</p>

<p>"India should play Suryakumar Yadav. He will generate pace with the bat. They have named a lot of T20 players in their squad for the first two Tests, which is good because action is what gets a thumbs-up from everyone in Test cricket these days. We saw how England scored 350-400 runs in a single day against Pakistan. The more pace you generate, the more pressure you can create. India have a great opportunity to create pressure," Ramiz Raja said on his YouTube channel.</p>

<p>He further said that Rohit Sharma's captaincy will be tested throughout the series as Aussies are the toughest competitor and they will keep fighting until the end. The former&nbsp; Pakistan cricketer added that barring thinking about picking the right XI for each game, Rohit must also have a full-proof strategy on how to decimate the opposition.</p>

<p>"Rohit Sharma's captaincy will be put to the test, there is no doubt about that. There isn't going to be a single session in the first Test where Australia won't fight hard. There won't be any flat sessions. The strategy needs to be full-proof and so does the selection. There also needs to be clarity over the conditions they want to trump Australia," he added.</p>

<p>As both Rohit and Australian captain Pat Cummins remained mum about their final playing XI for the first Test, it will be exciting to who all makes the cut in the end.</p>


Suggestions are pouring in from all corners for Rohit Sharma and team India management on whom to pick and whom to drop for the first Test against Australia in Nagpur starting on Thursday.

Suggestions are pouring in from all corners for Rohit Sharma and team India management on whom to pick and whom to drop for the first Test against Australia in Nagpur starting on Thursday. While a few of the former names related to Indian cricket suggested going ahead with in-form Shubman Gill to fill the middle-order slot, others including former PCB chief Ramiz Raja want to see Suryakumar Yadav making his Test debut. It was after England's Bazball show during the Test series against Pakistan last year where they whitewashed them at their home, Ramiz was sacked as the PCB chief. Having faced the wrath of attacking cricket recently only, Ramiz knows what it does to an opposition. Suggesting India to deploy the same approach against the Aussies at home, Raja said the hosts must bring in those players who play quick, and Surya is surely one of them. ALSO READ: ICC Rankings: Suryakumar Yadav retains top spot as T20I batter, Pandya jumps to 2nd place in all-rounders list Having said that, Ramiz added by playing attacking cricket India could put Australia under pressure early in the game, citing example of how England did it against Pakistan and were successful. "India should play Suryakumar Yadav. He will generate pace with the bat. They have named a lot of T20 players in their squad for the first two Tests, which is good because action is what gets a thumbs-up from everyone in Test cricket these days. We saw how England scored 350-400 runs in a single day against Pakistan. The more pace you generate, the more pressure you can create. India have a great opportunity to create pressure," Ramiz Raja said on his YouTube channel. He further said that Rohit Sharma's captaincy will be tested throughout the series as Aussies are the toughest competitor and they will keep fighting until the end. The former Pakistan cricketer added that barring thinking about picking the right XI for each game, Rohit must also have a full-proof strategy on how to decimate the opposition. "Rohit Sharma's captaincy will be put to the test, there is no doubt about that. There isn't going to be a single session in the first Test where Australia won't fight hard. There won't be any flat sessions. The strategy needs to be full-proof and so does the selection. There also needs to be clarity over the conditions they want to trump Australia," he added. As both Rohit and Australian captain Pat Cummins remained mum about their final playing XI for the first Test, it will be exciting to who all makes the cut in the end.

Ramiz Raja suggests India to deploy attacking approach against Australia, urges them to play THIS player

<p>A lot has already been said and predicted about India's best XI for the first Test against Australia in Nagpur. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain while addressing the presser spoke on the India's possible XI and even responded to negative criticism surrounding Test match wickets in India, especially the one prepared for the 1st Test - that is accused of being 'doctored' for getting unfair home advantage. Rohit also confirmed that it is only after assessing the surface and the conditions, a call on the final XI will be made.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the first home Test&nbsp;in this season, Rohit said with almost everyone performing at the same time it becomes a tad difficult to pick and drop someone on the same grounds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's going to be a tough one. We know a lot of guys are in good form, that's a good sign for the team. You have selection issues and it says a lot about the guys performing. That's quite crucial from the team's perspective, what we have to do is go to each venue, see the pitch and pick the best eleven. We have been doing that in the past and we will be doing that going forward," Rohit said at the presser in Nagpur.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/battle-of-aces-marnus-labuschagne-ready-for-round-2-against-ravichandran-ashwin-559944">Battle of Aces - Marnus Labuschagne ready for round 2 against Ravichandran Ashwin</a></p>

<p>The veteran batter also revealed that the team selection will be done purely on the basis of conditions, and that everyone in the camp is made aware of this.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Message to the boys is very clear. We are ready to play horses for courses. Whichever pitch, whoever we need, we have to bring them in. As simple as that. That is something we have spoken to the guys. We will have to assess conditions and see who are the right guys, so we are quite open with all options," the captain added.</p>

<p>Without spilling beans on what India's final XI would look like, Rohit heaped some praises on the talented duo of Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, both of who are fighting for that one place in the middle order. Talking about the young Gill, Rohit said his recent exploits cannot be overlooked while Surya being such a rockstar in T20 format brings a lot to the table.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They bring different things to the table for us. Gill we all know has been in supreme form in the last three to four months. Lots of big hundreds as well. Surya has shown in T20s what he is capable of and what sort of game he can bring to Test cricket as well. Both are quality options for us and we haven't yet decided who will play among the two guys, keep in mind all aspects of the game. I will not give you guys anything today," Rohit added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharing his thoughts on the pitch critics - mainly from Australia, Rohit said the focus should remain on playing good cricket and not on how the pitch will play.</p>

<p>"I just feel, focus is on playing the game. Last series we played here, a lot was spoken about pitches and all 22 are quality cricketers and not bothered about how much it is turning, how much it is seaming and all that," Rohit said.</p>


A lot has already been said and predicted about India's best XI for the first Test against Australia in Nagpur. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain while addressing the presser spoke on the India's possible XI and even responded to negative criticism surrounding Test match wickets in India, especially the one prepared for the 1st Test - that is accused of being 'doctored' for getting unfair home advantage.

A lot has already been said and predicted about India's best XI for the first Test against Australia in Nagpur. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain while addressing the presser spoke on the India's possible XI and even responded to negative criticism surrounding Test match wickets in India, especially the one prepared for the 1st Test - that is accused of being 'doctored' for getting unfair home advantage. Rohit also confirmed that it is only after assessing the surface and the conditions, a call on the final XI will be made. Ahead of the first home Test in this season, Rohit said with almost everyone performing at the same time it becomes a tad difficult to pick and drop someone on the same grounds. "It's going to be a tough one. We know a lot of guys are in good form, that's a good sign for the team. You have selection issues and it says a lot about the guys performing. That's quite crucial from the team's perspective, what we have to do is go to each venue, see the pitch and pick the best eleven. We have been doing that in the past and we will be doing that going forward," Rohit said at the presser in Nagpur. ALSO READ: Battle of Aces - Marnus Labuschagne ready for round 2 against Ravichandran Ashwin The veteran batter also revealed that the team selection will be done purely on the basis of conditions, and that everyone in the camp is made aware of this. "Message to the boys is very clear. We are ready to play horses for courses. Whichever pitch, whoever we need, we have to bring them in. As simple as that. That is something we have spoken to the guys. We will have to assess conditions and see who are the right guys, so we are quite open with all options," the captain added. Without spilling beans on what India's final XI would look like, Rohit heaped some praises on the talented duo of Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, both of who are fighting for that one place in the middle order. Talking about the young Gill, Rohit said his recent exploits cannot be overlooked while Surya being such a rockstar in T20 format brings a lot to the table. "They bring different things to the table for us. Gill we all know has been in supreme form in the last three to four months. Lots of big hundreds as well. Surya has shown in T20s what he is capable of and what sort of game he can bring to Test cricket as well. Both are quality options for us and we haven't yet decided who will play among the two guys, keep in mind all aspects of the game. I will not give you guys anything today," Rohit added. Sharing his thoughts on the pitch critics - mainly from Australia, Rohit said the focus should remain on playing good cricket and not on how the pitch will play. "I just feel, focus is on playing the game. Last series we played here, a lot was spoken about pitches and all 22 are quality cricketers and not bothered about how much it is turning, how much it is seaming and all that," Rohit said.

'It's going to be tough one': Rohit Sharma on picking 'right guy for right game' during Australia series

<p>Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are in the twilight of their respective careers. Over the years, the two superstars of Indian cricket have entertained fans. Their camaraderie have been cherished by their fans but a lot was said and written about their alleged rift after the 2019 ODI World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While many brushed aside all these rumours, India's former fielding coach R Sridhar -- who was part of India's support staff during Kohli vs Rohit saga -- opened up regarding this and made a big revelation. Sridhar confirmed that things did go down between the two, due to a lot of bad press and things written on social media, but recalled how then head coach Ravi Shastri addressed the matter and put an end to Rohit-Kohli's strained relation before it reached a crescendo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After the 2019 World Cup, there was a lot of bad press about what allegedly happened in the dressing room during our campaign and following our loss to New Zealand in the semifinal. We were informed that there was a Rohit camp and a Virat camp, that someone had unfollowed another on social media – stuff that could be unsettling if you allowed it to fester," Sridhar wrote in 'Coaching Beyond'.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-is-technically-better-than-virat-kohli-pakistan-pacer-makes-big-claim-558751">Rohit Sharma is technically better than Virat Kohli: Pakistan pacer makes BIG claim</a></strong></p>

<p>"We landed in the United States (US) some 10 days after the World Cup for a T20 series against West Indies in Lauderhill. One of the first things Ravi did on arrival was to call Virat and Rohit to his room and impress upon them that for Indian cricket to be healthy, they needed to be on the same page.<em> 'Whatever happened on social media, that's all fine, but you two are the most senior cricketers so this must stop,'</em> Ravi said in his typical non-nonsense manner. '<em>I want you to put all this behind and get together for us to move forward</em>'".</p>

<p>"You could see that things started to get better after that. Ravi's action was swift, simple and decisive. It was just getting both the guys together, sitting them down and making them talk. Ravi didn't waste any time in doing so. That he felt encouraged to call the white-ball captain and his deputy to clearly state his mind is indicative of the kind of atmosphere we had facilitated. That Virat and Rohit saw reason in Ravi's stance and immediately got down to business was the ultimate tribute to our culture 'one for all, all for one, but team above all'," added Sridhar.</p>

<p>Following the 2019 World Cup, India ended their tour of West Indies without losing a single game and were at their dominant best at home, versus South Africa and Bangladesh. Kohli-Rohit-starrer India whitewashed hosts New Zealand in a five-match T20I series in early 2020 before Covid-19 pandemic struck. After cricket resumed post a long break due to the virus, India reached the inaugural WTC final in 2021. Later that year, Kohli made way for Rohit as the T20I captain before the latter succeeded him to eventually become India's full-time captain in early 2022.</p>

<p>At present, both Kohli and Rohit are gearing up for India's home Test series opener versus Australia, in Nagpur, on February 09.</p>


Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are in the twilight of their respective careers. Over the years, the two superstars of Indian cricket have entertained fans. Their camaraderie have been cherished by their fans but a lot was said and written about their alleged rift after the 2019 ODI World Cup.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are in the twilight of their respective careers. Over the years, the two superstars of Indian cricket have entertained fans. Their camaraderie have been cherished by their fans but a lot was said and written about their alleged rift after the 2019 ODI World Cup. While many brushed aside all these rumours, India's former fielding coach R Sridhar -- who was part of India's support staff during Kohli vs Rohit saga -- opened up regarding this and made a big revelation. Sridhar confirmed that things did go down between the two, due to a lot of bad press and things written on social media, but recalled how then head coach Ravi Shastri addressed the matter and put an end to Rohit-Kohli's strained relation before it reached a crescendo. "After the 2019 World Cup, there was a lot of bad press about what allegedly happened in the dressing room during our campaign and following our loss to New Zealand in the semifinal. We were informed that there was a Rohit camp and a Virat camp, that someone had unfollowed another on social media – stuff that could be unsettling if you allowed it to fester," Sridhar wrote in 'Coaching Beyond'. Also Read: Rohit Sharma is technically better than Virat Kohli: Pakistan pacer makes BIG claim "We landed in the United States (US) some 10 days after the World Cup for a T20 series against West Indies in Lauderhill. One of the first things Ravi did on arrival was to call Virat and Rohit to his room and impress upon them that for Indian cricket to be healthy, they needed to be on the same page. 'Whatever happened on social media, that's all fine, but you two are the most senior cricketers so this must stop,' Ravi said in his typical non-nonsense manner. 'I want you to put all this behind and get together for us to move forward'". "You could see that things started to get better after that. Ravi's action was swift, simple and decisive. It was just getting both the guys together, sitting them down and making them talk. Ravi didn't waste any time in doing so. That he felt encouraged to call the white-ball captain and his deputy to clearly state his mind is indicative of the kind of atmosphere we had facilitated. That Virat and Rohit saw reason in Ravi's stance and immediately got down to business was the ultimate tribute to our culture 'one for all, all for one, but team above all'," added Sridhar. Following the 2019 World Cup, India ended their tour of West Indies without losing a single game and were at their dominant best at home, versus South Africa and Bangladesh. Kohli-Rohit-starrer India whitewashed hosts New Zealand in a five-match T20I series in early 2020 before Covid-19 pandemic struck. After cricket resumed post a long break due to the virus, India reached the inaugural WTC final in 2021. Later that year, Kohli made way for Rohit as the T20I captain before the latter succeeded him to eventually become India's full-time captain in early 2022. At present, both Kohli and Rohit are gearing up for India's home Test series opener versus Australia, in Nagpur, on February 09.

'You two are most senior cricketers so...': R Sridhar recalls how Ravi Shastri handled Kohli vs Rohit saga

<p>Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain the batting superstars of India. Being in the twilight of their respective careers, Kohli and Rohit have entertained Indian cricket fans over the years and are aiming to bring glory to the country in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle and this year's ODI World Cup on home soil.</p>

<p>Over the years, comparisons have always taken place between Rohit and Kohli. While it is a never-ending debate, one that will not have a&nbsp;clear winner, Pakistan pacer Sohail Khan joined the bandwagon and picked his choice between the two superstars. Sohail feels 'Rohit is technically better than Kohli'.</p>

<p>Speaking on a show, Sohail said, "Virat Kohli is a great batter, but Rohit Sharma is even better than Kohli. Rohit is technically better, he plays late and has a lot of time. Rohit ruled world cricket for 10-12 years."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Virat Kohli is a great batter, but Rohit Sharma is even better than Kohli. Rohit is technically better, he plays late and has a lot of time. Rohit ruled world cricket for 10-12 years," Pakistan bowler Sohail Khan.</p>
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/_FaridKhan/status/1620944886739652608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-rohit-sharma-but-virat-kohli-may-play-2024-t20-world-cup-predicts-former-indian-opener-558549">Not Rohit Sharma but Virat Kohli may play 2024 T20 World Cup, predicts former Indian opener</a></strong></p>

<p>Sohail also opened up on his heated exchange with Kohli when India and Pakistan squared off in the 2015 ODI World Cup (eventually won by India).&nbsp;Sohail recalled the whole episode on the Nadir Ali Podcast. He revealed what Kohli told him when he came out to bat.&nbsp;"Aap cricket mein abhi aaye hain. And itni baatein karte ho (You've just arrived and you speak so much)." To this, Sohail said, "I was a Test cricketer back then. I had played Test matches in 2006-07. Then in between, I endured a troubled knee which forced me out of action. I said 'Beta jab tu Under-19 khel raha tha na, tera baap Test cricketer tha' (Son, when you were playing Under-19 for India, your father [referring to himself] was a Test player). That's how I said it."</p>

<p>Sohail recalled that then captains MS Dhoni and Misbah-ul-Haq had to intervene as the situation went out of hand and both were separated from each other. Sohail last played for Pakistan in 2017 whereas Kohli is gearing up for Rohit-led India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy series opener versus Australia, in Nagpur, on February 09.</p>


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

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

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

rohit-sharma

Rohit Sharma, News on Rohit Sharma, stories on Rohit Sharma, articles on Rohit Sharma, Rohit Sharma stories at Wion, Rohit Sharma news, Rohit Sharma latest news

rohit sharma